Cube_Current_Folio_ARS

Table of Contents

 

CubeSmart_Vert_SS_R

 

 


2018 Annual Report


 


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

CubeSmart_Horiz_SS_R (002)

 

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

CubeSmart_Horiz_SS_R(3)(2)

(NYSE: CUBE)

 

CubeSmart (NYSE: CUBE), headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest owners and operators of self-storage properties in the United States. CubeSmart is organized as a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”). Our stores are designed to offer affordable, easily accessible, and in most locations, climate-controlled storage space for our residential and commercial customers. As of December 31, 2018, we owned 493 stores located in 23 states and the District of Columbia containing an aggregate of approximately 34.6 million rentable square feet. In addition, as of December 31, 2018, we managed 593 stores for third-party owners in 34 states and the District of Columbia containing an aggregate of approximately 38.5 million rentable square feet, bringing the total number of stores we operated to 1,086.

 

In 2018, we continued to deliver on our core strategic objectives of:

 

·

Producing attractive organic growth in an increasingly competitive environment through a sophisticated operating platform;

·

Growing our portfolio of high-quality, well-positioned storage assets concentrated in targeted investment markets with appealing demographic trends and long-term growth prospects; and

·

Maintaining a conservative, unsecured balance sheet that provides an attractive long-term cost of capital and the flexibility to support our external growth objectives.

Our focus on these core strategic objectives resulted in another year of solid growth despite the short-term dilution generated by our value creation pipeline of recently developed assets and competition from new supply in many of our core markets. Funds from operations per share, as adjusted, increased 3.1%, while our conservative payout ratio and operating cash flow growth supported a 6.7% increase in our annualized common dividend.

 

Attractive Organic Growth

 

In a competitive operating environment characterized by high occupancies and increasing levels of new supply, the Company’s strong operating performance in 2018 reflects the quality of our operating platform and the commitment of our teammates. At CubeSmart, we strategically invest in people, training, and technology to better meet our customers’ needs and exceed their expectations by delivering a superior storage experience. In recognition of these efforts, CubeSmart received numerous external awards for outstanding customer service – namely, the Stevie Award for Contact Center of the Year, the People’s Choice Stevie Award for Best Customer Service, and the ISS Best in Business Best Customer Service Award. Our more than 2,800 dedicated teammates serve with passion and exceed expectations to deliver our customer-centric service model every day.

 

We remain committed to building upon our proprietary operating platform, which sets us apart in an industry characterized by broad fragmentation, generic service offerings, and relatively unsophisticated technology solutions. In 2018, we continued to refine our digital marketing platform through strategies to build brand awareness across expanding media channels and attract customers searching for a solution to their storage needs. Additionally, we continued to enhance our revenue management processes by analyzing existing customer data and leveraging sophisticated forecasting and optimization models to set pricing and promotion strategies that attract customers to CubeSmart and maximize the revenue potential from every rental opportunity.

 

A Portfolio of High-Quality, Well-Positioned Storage Assets

 

CubeSmart’s portfolio is concentrated in targeted, high-barrier-to-entry investment markets, including an industry-leading market share in New York City. Our external growth strategy is focused on acquiring existing cash-flowing properties, acquiring recently developed properties that are still in the early stages of lease-up, and entering into selective development or acquisition opportunities with joint-venture partners. In 2018, we acquired or opened for operation 11 properties located in our core markets including New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Houston, Austin, and Los Angeles for a total investment of $319.6 million. Also in 2018, we contributed $14.1 million to a joint venture to acquire 12 recently developed properties and disposed of two non-strategic properties for $17.5 million. Going forward, we expect to selectively invest in additional store acquisitions, new development properties, and joint ventures that generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for the Company.

 

Our third-party management platform has been, and continues to be, an important part of our portfolio growth and strategy. We continue to see significant and growing interest from private owners and developers who recognize the benefit of CubeSmart’s brand, sophisticated operating platform, real-time reporting, and back-office support. During the past year, the number of stores in our third-party management program grew by 31.2%, from 452 at the end of 2017 to 593 at the end of 2018.

 


 

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Importantly, our third-party management platform increases CubeSmart’s scale and market penetration, adds a profitable revenue stream, and serves as an attractive pipeline for future acquisition opportunities. This platform, combined with our deep industry relationships and disciplined investment process, provides us with a significant competitive advantage as we pursue our external growth objectives.

 

A Conservative, Unsecured Balance Sheet

 

We have long communicated our objective of maintaining an unsecured balance sheet that affords significant financing and portfolio management flexibility, while supporting an attractive long-term cost of capital. During 2018, both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed the Company’s credit ratings of Baa2 and BBB, respectively. The Company finished 2018 with debt to total gross assets of 37.9% and a secured debt balance that represented just 2.3% of our total gross asset value.

 

CubeSmart’s financial position remains strong and we have proven access to the full array of capital resources. To support our external growth initiatives in 2018, we prudently utilized our “at-the-market” equity program to sell common shares, raising $131.8 million in net proceeds, and in January 2019, we completed our fifth public offering of unsecured senior notes, raising net proceeds of $345.5 million.  Looking forward, we expect to continue to fund growth in a manner that maintains credit metrics consistent with our investment grade ratings.

 

Corporate Responsibility

 

CubeSmart is dedicated to growing strategically and consciously in a sustainable manner that is beneficial to all of our stakeholders. We proactively pursue environmental and energy-efficient initiatives that positively impact the well-being of our customers, teammates and communities, while also improving our profitability. Our asset management team investigates opportunities to generate solar energy from our rooftops, while our technology team has developed paperless transaction processing to minimize the use of toner and paper. We believe that implementation of sustainable business practices benefits our teammates, shareholders, and the communities in which we operate.

 

Our Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of integrity and a dedication to maintaining good corporate governance practices, as demonstrated by achieving the highest ISS score for Corporate Governance. We are committed to the long-term benefit of our shareholders through the highest ethical standards and upholding our corporate responsibilities. The CubeSmart Code of Business Conduct and Ethics shapes our management, operation, and governance of the Company, supporting and promoting diversity, inclusion, and fairness. Going forward, CubeSmart will continue to maintain our sound corporate governance practices, reduce the environmental impact of our operations, and improve engagement with our teammates, investors, and communities. 

 

Value Creation

 

At CubeSmart, we are committed to enhancing our high-quality portfolio, sophisticated operating platform, and award-winning customer service while maintaining a conservative, unsecured balance sheet. During 2018, we expanded our portfolio in targeted core markets, delivered attractive same-store NOI growth, and received national recognition for our customer service efforts.  Demand for self-storage remains steady and broad-based and we believe our sophisticated operating platform and national portfolio are well positioned to continue to meet the competitive challenges of new supply. We thank you for your interest and support as we remain focused on creating long-term value for all of our stakeholders.

 

 

 

 


 

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

 

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from            to

 

Commission file number 001-32324 (CubeSmart)

Commission file number 000-54462 (CubeSmart, L.P.)

 

CUBESMART

CUBESMART, L.P.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Maryland (CubeSmart)

 

20-1024732 (CubeSmart)

Delaware (CubeSmart, L.P.)

 

34-1837021 (CubeSmart, L.P.)

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

 

(IRS Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

5 Old Lancaster Road

 

19355

Malvern, Pennsylvania

 

(Zip Code)

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (610) 535-5000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Shares, $0.01 par value per share, of CubeSmart

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  Units of General Partnership Interest of CubeSmart, L.P.

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

CubeSmart

Yes ☒ No ☐

CubeSmart, L.P.

Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

CubeSmart

Yes ☐ No ☒

CubeSmart, L.P.

Yes ☐ No ☒

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

CubeSmart

Yes ☒ No ☐

CubeSmart, L.P.

Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

 

CubeSmart

Yes ☒ No ☐

CubeSmart, L.P.

Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

 

CubeSmart

Yes ☒ No ☐

CubeSmart, L.P.

Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

 

 

 

 

 

 

CubeSmart:

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer ☒

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company ☐

Emerging growth company ☐

 

 

CubeSmart, L.P.:

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☒

Smaller reporting company ☐

Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

CubeSmart

CubeSmart, L.P.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

 

 

CubeSmart

Yes ☐ No ☒

CubeSmart, L.P.

Yes ☐ No ☒

 

As of June 29, 2018, the last business day of CubeSmart’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of common shares held by non-affiliates of CubeSmart was $5,988,953,396. As of February 20, 2019, the number of common shares of CubeSmart outstanding was 187,160,187.

 

As of June 29, 2018, the last business day of CubeSmart, L.P.’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the 2,002,248 units of limited partnership (the “OP Units”) held by non-affiliates of CubeSmart, L.P. was $64,512,431 based upon the last reported sale price of $32.22 per share on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2018 of the common shares of CubeSmart, the sole general partner of CubeSmart, L.P. (For this computation, the market value of all OP Units beneficially owned by CubeSmart has been excluded.)

 

Documents incorporated by reference:  Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of CubeSmart to be filed subsequently with the SEC are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 

 

 


 

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

This report combines the annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 of CubeSmart (the “Parent Company” or “CubeSmart”) and CubeSmart, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”). The Parent Company is a Maryland real estate investment trust, or REIT, that owns its assets and conducts its operations through the Operating Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, and subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership. The Parent Company, the Operating Partnership and their consolidated subsidiaries are collectively referred to in this report as the “Company”. In addition, terms such as “we”, “us”, or “our” used in this report may refer to the Company, the Parent Company, and/or the Operating Partnership.

 

The Parent Company is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and, as of December 31, 2018, owned a 99.0% interest in the Operating Partnership. The remaining 1.0% interest consists of common units of limited partnership interest issued by the Operating Partnership to third parties in exchange for contributions of properties to the Operating Partnership. As the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, the Parent Company has full and complete authority over the Operating Partnership’s day-to-day operations and management.

 

Management operates the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership as one enterprise. The management teams of the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership are identical, and their constituents are officers of both the Parent Company and of the Operating Partnership.

 

There are a few differences between the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership, which are reflected in the note disclosures in this report. The Company believes it is important to understand the differences between the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership in the context of how these entities operate as a consolidated enterprise. The Parent Company is a REIT, whose only material asset is its ownership of the partnership interests of the Operating Partnership.  As a result, the Parent Company does not conduct business itself, other than acting as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, issuing public equity from time to time and guaranteeing the debt obligations of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership holds substantially all the assets of the Company and, directly or indirectly, holds the ownership interests in the Company’s real estate ventures. The Operating Partnership conducts the operations of the Company’s business and is structured as a partnership with no publicly traded equity. Except for net proceeds from equity issuances by the Parent Company, which are contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for partnership units, the Operating Partnership generates the capital required by the Company’s business through the Operating Partnership’s operations, by the Operating Partnership’s direct or indirect incurrence of indebtedness or through the issuance of partnership units of the Operating Partnership or equity interests in subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership.

 

The substantive difference between the Parent Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s filings is the fact that the Parent Company is a REIT with public equity, while the Operating Partnership is a partnership with no publicly traded equity. In the financial statements, this difference is primarily reflected in the equity (or capital for the Operating Partnership) section of the consolidated balance sheets and in the consolidated statements of equity (or capital). Apart from the different equity treatment, the consolidated financial statements of the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership are nearly identical.

 

The Company believes that combining the annual reports on Form 10-K of the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership into a single report will:

 

·

facilitate a better understanding by the investors of the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership by enabling them to view the business as a whole in the same manner as management views and operates the business;

·

remove duplicative disclosures and provide a more straightforward presentation in light of the fact that a substantial portion of the disclosure applies to both the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership; and

·

create time and cost efficiencies through the preparation of one combined report instead of two separate reports.

 

In order to highlight the differences between the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership, the separate sections in this report for the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership specifically refer to the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership. In the sections that combine disclosures of the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership, this report refers to such disclosures as those of the Company. Although the Operating Partnership is generally the entity that directly or indirectly enters into contracts and real estate ventures and holds assets and debt, reference to the Company is appropriate because the business is one enterprise and the Parent Company operates the business through the Operating Partnership.

 

As general partner with control of the Operating Partnership, the Parent Company consolidates the Operating Partnership for financial reporting purposes, and the Parent Company does not have significant assets other than its investment in the Operating Partnership. Therefore, the assets and liabilities of the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership are the same on their respective financial

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statements. The separate discussions of the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership in this report should be read in conjunction with each other to understand the results of the Company’s operations on a consolidated basis and how management operates the Company.

 

This report also includes separate Item 9A - Controls and Procedures sections, signature pages and Exhibit 31 and 32 certifications for each of the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership in order to establish that the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Parent Company and the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Operating Partnership have made the requisite certifications and that the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership are compliant with Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and 18 U.S.C. §1350.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. 

 

Business

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A. 

 

Risk Factors

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1B. 

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2. 

 

Properties

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3. 

 

Legal Proceedings

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4. 

 

Mining Safety Disclosures

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

PART II 

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5. 

 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6. 

 

Selected Financial Data

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

Item 7. 

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

35

 

 

 

 

 

Item 7A. 

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

Item 8. 

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

52

 

 

 

 

 

Item 9. 

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

52

 

 

 

 

 

Item 9A. 

 

Controls and Procedures

 

52

 

 

 

 

 

Item 9B. 

 

Other Information

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

PART III 

 

 

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

Item 10. 

 

Trustees, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

Item 11. 

 

Executive Compensation

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

Item 12. 

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

Item 13. 

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Trustee Independence

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

Item 14. 

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

PART IV 

 

 

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

Item 15. 

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

Item 16. 

 

Form 10-K Summary

 

61

 

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PART I

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, or this Report, together with other statements and information publicly disseminated by the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership, contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning the Company’s plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions and other information that is not historical information.  In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “anticipates”, or “intends” or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy.  Such statements are based on assumptions and expectations that may not be realized and are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated.  Although we believe the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, future events and actual results, performance, transactions or achievements, financial and otherwise, may differ materially from the results, performance, transactions or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.  As a result, you should not rely on or construe any forward-looking statements in this Report, or which management or persons acting on their behalf may make orally or in writing from time to time, as predictions of future events or as guarantees of future performance.  We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Report or as of the dates otherwise indicated in such forward-looking statements.  All of our forward-looking statements, including those in this Report, are qualified in their entirety by this statement.

 

There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in or contemplated by this Report.  Any forward-looking statements should be considered in light of the risks and uncertainties referred to in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Report and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

·

adverse changes in the national and local economic, business, real estate and other market conditions;

 

·

the effect of competition from existing and new self-storage properties on our ability to maintain or raise occupancy and rental rates;

 

·

the execution of our business plan;

 

·

reduced availability and increased costs of external sources of capital;

 

·

financing risks, including the risk of over-leverage and the corresponding risk of default on our mortgage and other debt and potential inability to refinance existing indebtedness;

 

·

increases in interest rates and operating costs;

 

·

counterparty non-performance related to the use of derivative financial instruments;

 

·

risks related to our ability to maintain the Parent Company’s qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes;

 

·

failure of acquisitions and developments to close on expected terms, or at all, or to perform as expected;

 

·

increases in taxes, fees, and assessments from state and local jurisdictions;

 

·

the failure of our joint venture partners to fulfill their obligations to us or their pursuit of actions that are inconsistent with our objectives;

 

·

reductions in asset valuations and related impairment charges;

 

·

cyber security breaches or a failure of our networks, systems or technology, which could adversely impact our business, customer and employee relationships;

 

·

changes in real estate and zoning laws or regulations;

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·

risks related to natural disasters or acts of violence, terrorism, or war that affect the markets in which we operate;

 

·

potential environmental and other liabilities;

 

·

uninsured losses;

 

·

other factors affecting the real estate industry generally or the self-storage industry in particular; and

 

·

other risks identified in this Report and, from time to time, in other reports that we file with the SEC or in other documents that we publicly disseminate.

 

Given these uncertainties and the other risks identified elsewhere in this Report, we caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as may be required by securities laws.  Because of the factors referred to above, the future events discussed in or incorporated by reference in this Report may not occur and actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from that anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

 

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

We are a self-administered and self-managed real estate company focused primarily on the ownership, operation, management, acquisition, and development of self-storage properties in the United States.

 

As of December 31, 2018, we owned 493 self-storage properties located in 23 states and in the District of Columbia containing an aggregate of approximately 34.6 million rentable square feet.  As of December 31, 2018, approximately 89.0% of the rentable square footage at our owned stores was leased to approximately 289,500 customers, and no single customer represented a significant concentration of our revenues.  As of December 31, 2018, we owned stores in the District of Columbia and the following 23 states:  Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.  In addition, as of December 31, 2018, we managed 593 stores for third parties (including 151 stores containing an aggregate of approximately 9.0 million net rentable square feet as part of five separate unconsolidated real estate ventures) bringing the total number of stores we owned and/or managed to 1,086.  As of December 31, 2018, we managed stores for third parties in the District of Columbia and the following 34 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

 

Our self-storage properties are designed to offer affordable and easily-accessible storage space for our residential and commercial customers.  Our customers rent storage cubes for their exclusive use, typically on a month-to-month basis. Additionally, some of our stores offer outside storage areas for vehicles and boats.  Our stores are designed to accommodate both residential and commercial customers, with features such as wide aisles and load-bearing capabilities for large truck access.  All of our stores have a storage associate available to assist our customers during business hours, and 287, or approximately 58.2%, of our owned stores have a manager who resides in an apartment at the store.  Our customers can access their storage cubes during business hours, and some of our stores provide customers with 24-hour access through computer-controlled access systems.  Our goal is to provide customers with the highest standard of physical attributes and service in the industry. To that end, 419, or approximately 85.0%, of our owned stores include climate-controlled cubes.

 

The Parent Company was formed in July 2004 as a Maryland REIT.  The Parent Company owns its assets and conducts its business through the Operating Partnership, and its subsidiaries.  The Parent Company controls the Operating Partnership as its sole general partner and, as of December 31, 2018, owned an approximately 99.0% interest in the Operating Partnership.  The Operating Partnership was formed in July 2004 as a Delaware limited partnership and has been engaged in virtually all aspects of the self-storage business, including the development, acquisition, management, ownership, and operation of self-storage properties.

 

Acquisition and Disposition Activity

 

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we owned 493 and 484 stores, respectively, that contained an aggregate of 34.6 million and 33.8 million rentable square feet with occupancy levels of 89.0% and 89.2%, respectively. A complete listing of, and additional information

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about, our stores is included in Item 2 of this Report.  The following is a summary of our 2018, 2017 and 2016 acquisition and disposition activity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

 

    

Number of

    

Purchase / Sale Price

Asset/Portfolio

 

Market

 

Transaction Date

 

Stores

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018 Acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

January 2018

 

1

 

$

12,200

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

May 2018

 

1

 

 

19,000

Metro DC Asset

 

Baltimore / DC

 

July 2018

 

1

 

 

34,200

Nevada Asset

 

Las Vegas

 

September 2018

 

1

 

 

14,350

North Carolina Asset

 

Charlotte

 

September 2018

 

1

 

 

11,000

California Asset

 

Los Angeles

 

October 2018

 

1

 

 

53,250

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

October 2018

 

1

 

 

23,150

California Asset

 

San Diego

 

November 2018

 

1

 

 

19,118

New York Asset

 

New York / Northern NJ

 

November 2018

 

1

 

 

37,000

Illinois Asset

 

Chicago

 

December 2018

 

1

 

 

4,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

$

227,518

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018 Dispositions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arizona Assets

 

Phoenix

 

November 2018

 

2

 

$

17,502

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

$

17,502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017 Acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illinois Asset

 

Chicago

 

April 2017

 

1

 

$

11,200

Maryland Asset

 

Baltimore / DC

 

May 2017

 

1

 

 

18,200

California Asset

 

Sacramento

 

May 2017

 

1

 

 

3,650

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

October 2017

 

1

 

 

4,050

Florida Asset

 

Florida Markets - Other

 

October 2017

 

1

 

 

14,500

Illinois Asset

 

Chicago

 

November 2017

 

1

 

 

11,300

Florida Asset

 

Florida Markets - Other

 

December 2017

 

1

 

 

17,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

$

80,650

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016 Acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metro DC Asset

 

Baltimore / DC

 

January 2016

 

1

 

$

21,000

Texas Assets

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

January 2016

 

2

 

 

24,800

New York Asset

 

New York / Northern NJ

 

January 2016

 

1

 

 

48,500

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

January 2016

 

1

 

 

11,600

Connecticut Asset

 

Connecticut

 

February 2016

 

1

 

 

19,000

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

March 2016

 

1

 

 

11,600

Florida Assets

 

Florida Markets - Other

 

March 2016

 

3

 

 

47,925

Colorado Asset

 

Denver

 

April 2016

 

1

 

 

11,350

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

April 2016

 

1

 

 

11,600

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

May 2016

 

1

 

 

10,100

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

May 2016

 

1

 

 

10,800

Illinois Asset

 

Chicago

 

May 2016

 

1

 

 

12,350

Illinois Asset

 

Chicago

 

May 2016

 

1

 

 

16,000

Massachusetts Asset

 

Massachusetts

 

June 2016

 

1

 

 

14,300

Nevada Assets

 

Las Vegas

 

July 2016

 

2

 

 

23,200

Arizona Asset

 

Phoenix

 

August 2016

 

1

 

 

14,525

Minnesota Asset

 

Minneapolis

 

August 2016

 

1

 

 

15,150

Colorado Asset

 

Denver

 

August 2016

 

1

 

 

15,600

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

September 2016

 

1

 

 

6,100

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

September 2016

 

1

 

 

5,300

Nevada Asset

 

Las Vegas

 

October 2016

 

1

 

 

13,250

North Carolina Asset

 

Charlotte

 

November 2016

 

1

 

 

10,600

Arizona Asset

 

Phoenix

 

November 2016

 

1

 

 

14,000

Nevada Asset

 

Las Vegas

 

December 2016

 

1

 

 

14,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

28

 

$

403,550

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The comparability of our results of operations is affected by the timing of acquisition and disposition activities during the periods reported.  As of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, we owned 493, 484, and 475 self-storage properties and related assets, respectively.  The following table summarizes the change in number of owned stores from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance - January 1

 

484

 

475

 

445

 

Stores acquired

 

 1

 

 —

 

10

 

Stores developed

 

 —

 

 1

 

 1

 

Balance - March 31

 

485

 

476

 

456

 

Stores acquired

 

 1

 

 3

 

 7

 

Stores developed

 

 —

 

 —

 

 1

 

Stores combined (1)

 

 —

 

(1)

 

 —

 

Balance - June 30

 

486

 

478

 

464

 

Stores acquired

 

 3

 

 —

 

 7

 

Stores developed

 

 1

 

 2

 

 —

 

Balance - September 30

 

490

 

480

 

471

 

Stores acquired

 

 5

 

 4

 

 4

 

Stores developed

 

 —

 

 1

 

 —

 

Stores combined (2)

 

 —

 

(1)

 

 —

 

Stores sold

 

(2)

 

 —

 

 —

 

Balance - December 31

 

493

 

484

 

475

 

 

(1)

On May 16, 2017, we acquired a store located in Sacramento, CA for approximately $3.7 million, which is located directly adjacent to an existing wholly-owned store. Given their proximity to each other, the stores have been combined in our store count, as well as for operational and reporting purposes.

 

(2)

On October 2, 2017, we acquired a store located in Keller, TX for approximately $4.1 million, which is located directly adjacent to an existing wholly-owned store. Given their proximity to each other, the stores have been combined in our store count, as well as for operational and reporting purposes.

 

Financing and Investing Activities

 

The following summarizes certain financing and investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2018:

 

·

Store Acquisitions.  During 2018, we acquired ten self-storage properties located throughout the United States, including one store upon completion of construction and the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $227.5 million. In connection with these acquisitions, we allocated a portion of the purchase price paid for each store to the intangible value of in-place leases which aggregated $11.3 million.

 

·

Development Activity.  During 2018, we completed construction and opened for operation one joint venture store located in New York. As of December 31, 2018, we had six joint venture development properties under construction located in New York (3), Massachusetts (2), and New Jersey (1) which are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2020. As of December 31, 2018, we had invested $82.6 million of an expected $160.0 million, related to these six projects.

 

·

Store Dispositions.  On November 28, 2018, we sold two stores in Arizona for an aggregate sales price of approximately $17.5 million. In connection with these sales, we recorded gains that totaled approximately $10.6 million.

 

·

At-The-Market Equity Program.  During 2018, under our at-the-market equity program, we sold a total of 4.3 million common shares at an average sales price of $31.09 per share, resulting in net proceeds for the year under the program of $131.8 million, after deducting offering costs. As of December 31, 2018, 10.5 million common shares remained available for sale under the program. We used the proceeds from the 2018 sales to fund acquisitions of self-storage properties and for general corporate purposes.

 

·

Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures.  During 2018, 191 IV CUBE LLC, an unconsolidated real estate venture in which we own a 20% interest, acquired 12 stores for an aggregate purchase price of $129.4 million, of which we contributed $14.1

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million. The acquired stores were located in Arizona (2), Connecticut (2), Florida (3), Georgia (2), Maryland (1), and Texas (2).

 

Business Strategy

 

Our business strategy consists of several elements:

 

·

Maximize cash flow from our stores — Our operating strategy focuses on maximizing sustainable rents at our stores while achieving and sustaining occupancy targets.  We utilize our operating systems and experienced personnel to manage the balance between rental rates, discounts, and physical occupancy with an objective of maximizing our rental revenue.

 

·

Acquire stores within targeted markets — During 2019, we intend to pursue selective acquisitions in markets that we believe have high barriers to entry, strong demographic fundamentals, and demand for storage in excess of storage capacity.  We believe the self-storage industry will continue to afford us opportunities for growth through acquisitions due to the highly fragmented composition of the industry.  In the past, we have formed joint ventures with unaffiliated third parties, and in the future we may form additional joint ventures to facilitate the funding of future developments or acquisitions.

 

·

Dispose of stores — During 2019, we intend to continue to evaluate opportunities to dispose of assets that have unattractive risk adjusted returns.  We intend to use proceeds from these transactions to fund acquisitions within targeted markets.

 

·

Grow our third-party management business — We intend to pursue additional third-party management opportunities.  We intend to leverage our current platform to take advantage of consolidation in the industry.  We plan to utilize our relationships with third-party owners to help source future acquisitions and other investment opportunities.

 

Investment and Market Selection Process

 

We maintain a disciplined and focused process in the acquisition and development of self-storage properties.  Our investment committee, comprised of four senior officers and led by Christopher P. Marr, our Chief Executive Officer, oversees our investment process.  Our investment process involves six stages — identification, initial due diligence, economic assessment, investment committee approval (and when required, the approval of our Board of Trustees (the “Board”)), final due diligence, and documentation.  Through our investment committee, we intend to focus on the following criteria:

 

·

Targeted markets — Our targeted markets include areas where we currently maintain management that can be extended to additional stores, or where we believe that we can acquire a significant number of stores efficiently and within a short period of time.  We evaluate both the broader market and the immediate area, typically three miles around the store, for its ability to support above-average demographic growth.  We seek to increase our presence primarily in areas that we expect will experience growth, including the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic areas of the United States and areas within Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas, and to enter additional markets should suitable opportunities arise.

 

·

Quality of store — We focus on self-storage properties that have good visibility and are located near retail centers, which typically provide high traffic corridors and are generally located near residential communities and commercial customers.

 

·

Growth potential — We target acquisitions that offer growth potential through increased operating efficiencies and, in some cases, through additional leasing efforts, renovations, or expansions.  In addition to acquiring single stores, we seek to invest in portfolio acquisitions, including those offering significant potential for increased operating efficiency and the ability to spread our fixed costs across a large base of stores.

 

Segment

 

We have one reportable segment: we own, operate, develop, manage, and acquire self-storage properties.

 

Concentration

 

Our self-storage properties are located in major metropolitan areas as well as suburban areas and have numerous customers per store.  No single customer represented a significant concentration of our 2018 revenues. Our stores in Florida, New York, Texas, and California provided approximately 17%, 16%, 10% and 8%, respectively, of our total revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

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Seasonality

 

We typically experience seasonal fluctuations in occupancy levels at our stores, with the levels generally slightly higher during the summer months due to increased moving activity.

 

Financing Strategy

 

We maintain a capital structure that we believe is reasonable and prudent and that will enable us to have ample cash flow to cover debt service and make distributions to our shareholders.  As of December 31, 2018, our debt to total capitalization ratio (determined by dividing the carrying value of our total indebtedness by the sum of (a) the market value of the Parent Company’s outstanding common shares and units of the Operating Partnership held by third parties and (b) the carrying value of our total indebtedness) was approximately 24.4% compared to approximately 23.5% as of December 31, 2017.  Our ratio of debt to the undepreciated cost of our total assets as of December 31, 2018 was approximately 37.9% compared to approximately 38.0% as of December 31, 2017.  We expect to finance additional investments in self-storage properties through the most attractive sources of capital available at the time of the transaction, in a manner consistent with maintaining a strong financial position and future financial flexibility, subject to limitations on incurrence of indebtedness in our unsecured credit facilities and the indenture that governs our unsecured notes.  These capital sources may include existing cash, borrowings under the revolving portion of our credit facility, additional secured or unsecured financings, sales of common or preferred shares of the Parent Company in public offerings or private placements, additional issuances of debt securities, issuances of common or preferred units in our Operating Partnership in exchange for contributed properties, and formations of joint ventures.  We also may sell stores that have unattractive risk adjusted returns and use the sales proceeds to fund other acquisitions.

 

Competition

 

Self-storage properties compete based on a number of factors, including location, rental rates, security, suitability of the store’s design to prospective customers’ needs, and the manner in which the store is operated and marketed.  In particular, the number of competing self-storage properties in a market could have a material effect on our occupancy levels, rental rates, and on the overall operating performance of our stores.  We believe that the primary competition for potential customers of any of our self-storage properties comes from other self-storage providers within a three-mile radius of that store.  We believe our stores are well-positioned within their respective markets, and we emphasize customer service, convenience, security, professionalism, and cleanliness.

 

Our key competitors include local and regional operators as well as the other public self-storage REITs, including Public Storage, Extra Space Storage Inc., and Life Storage, Inc.  These companies, some of which operate significantly more stores than we do and have greater resources than we have, and other entities may be able to accept more risk than we determine is prudent for us, including risks with respect to the geographic proximity of investments and the payment of higher acquisition prices.  This competition may reduce the number of suitable acquisition opportunities available to us, increase the price required to acquire stores, and reduce the demand for self-storage space at our stores.  Nevertheless, we believe that our experience in operating, managing, acquiring, developing, and obtaining financing for self-storage properties should enable us to compete effectively.

 

Government Regulation

 

We are subject to various laws, ordinances and regulations, including regulations relating to lien sale rights and procedures and various federal, state, and local regulations that apply generally to the ownership of real property and the operation of self-storage properties.

 

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and applicable state accessibility act laws (collectively, the “ADA”), all places of public accommodation are required to meet federal requirements related to physical access and use by disabled persons.  A number of other federal, state, and local laws may also impose access and other similar requirements at our stores.  A failure to comply with the ADA or similar state or local requirements could result in the governmental imposition of fines or the award of damages to private litigants affected by the noncompliance.  Although we believe that our stores comply in all material respects with these requirements (or would be eligible for applicable exemptions from material requirements because of adaptive assistance provided), a determination that one or more of our stores or websites is not in compliance with the ADA or similar state or local requirements would result in the incurrence of additional costs associated with bringing them into compliance.

 

Under various federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner or operator of real property may become liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous substances released on or in its property.  These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of such hazardous substances.  The presence of hazardous substances, or the failure to properly remediate such substances, when released, may adversely affect the property owner’s

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ability to sell the real estate or to borrow using the real estate as collateral, and may cause the property owner to incur substantial remediation costs.  In addition to claims for cleanup costs, the presence of hazardous substances on a property could result in a claim by a private party for personal injury or a claim by an adjacent property owner or user for property damage.  We may also become liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous substances stored at the properties by a customer even though storage of hazardous substances would be without our knowledge or approval and in violation of the customer’s storage lease agreement with us.

 

Our practice is to conduct or obtain environmental assessments in connection with the acquisition or development of properties.  Whenever the environmental assessment for one of our stores indicates that a store is impacted by soil or groundwater contamination from prior owners/operators or other sources, we work with our environmental consultants and, where appropriate, state governmental agencies, to ensure that the store is either cleaned up, that no cleanup is necessary because the low level of contamination poses no significant risk to public health or the environment, or that the responsibility for cleanup rests with a third party.  In certain cases, we have purchased environmental liability insurance coverage to indemnify us against claims for contamination or other adverse environmental conditions that may affect a property.

 

We are not aware of any environmental cleanup liability that we believe will have a material adverse effect on us.  We cannot provide assurance, however, that these environmental assessments and investigations have revealed or will reveal all potential environmental liabilities, that no prior owner created any material environmental condition not known to us or the independent consultant or that future events or changes in environmental laws will not result in the imposition of environmental liability on us.

 

We have not received notice from any governmental authority of any material noncompliance, claim, or liability in connection with any of our stores, nor have we been notified of a claim for personal injury or property damage by a private party in connection with any of our stores relating to environmental conditions.

 

We are not aware of any environmental condition with respect to any of our stores that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, and we do not expect that the cost of compliance with environmental regulations will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.  We cannot provide assurance, however, that this will continue to be the case.

 

Insurance

 

We carry comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage, and rental loss insurance covering all of the properties in our portfolio.  We carry environmental insurance coverage on certain stores in our portfolio.  We believe the policy specifications and insured limits are appropriate and adequate given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage, and industry practice.  We do not carry insurance for losses such as loss from riots, war or acts of God, and, in some cases, flood and environmental hazards, because such coverage is either not available or not available at commercially reasonable rates.  Some of our policies, such as those covering losses due to terrorist activities, hurricanes, floods and earthquakes, are insured subject to limitations involving large deductibles or co-payments and policy limits that may not be sufficient to cover losses.  We also carry liability insurance to insure against personal injuries that might be sustained at our stores as well as director and officer liability insurance.

 

Offices

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 5 Old Lancaster Road, Malvern, PA 19355.  Our telephone number is (610) 535-5000.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2018, we employed 2,815 employees, of whom 330 were corporate executive and administrative personnel and 2,485 were property-level personnel.  We believe that our relations with our employees are good.  Our employees are not unionized.

 

Available Information

 

We file registration statements, proxy statements, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, with the SEC.  You may obtain copies of these documents by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.  Our internet website address is www.cubesmart.com.  You also can obtain on our website, free of charge, copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, after we electronically file such reports or amendments with, or furnish them to, the SEC.  Our internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Report.

 

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Also available on our website, free of charge, are copies of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, and the charters for each of the committees of our Board — the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Compensation Committee.  Copies of each of these documents are also available in print free of charge, upon request by any shareholder.  You can obtain copies of these documents by contacting Investor Relations by mail at 5 Old Lancaster Road, Malvern, PA 19355.

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

 

Overview

 

An investment in our securities involves various risks.  Investors should carefully consider the risks set forth below together with other information contained in this Report. These risks are not the only ones that we may face. Additional risks not presently known to us, or that we currently consider immaterial, may also impair our business, financial condition, operating results, and ability to make distributions to our shareholders.

 

Risks Related to our Business and Operations

 

Adverse macroeconomic and business conditions may significantly and negatively affect our rental rates, occupancy levels and therefore our results of operations.

 

We are susceptible to the effects of adverse macro-economic events that can result in higher unemployment, shrinking demand for products, large-scale business failures and tight credit markets.  Our results of operations are sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions that impact consumer spending, including discretionary spending, as well as to increased bad debts due to recessionary pressures.  Adverse economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income, such as employment levels, business conditions, interest rates, tax rates, and fuel and energy costs, could reduce consumer spending or cause consumers to shift their spending to other products and services.  A general reduction in the level of discretionary spending or shifts in consumer discretionary spending could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

 

It is difficult to determine the breadth and duration of economic and financial market disruptions and the many ways in which they may affect our customers and our business in general.  Nonetheless, financial and macroeconomic disruptions could have a significant adverse effect on our sales, profitability, and results of operations.

 

Many states and local jurisdictions are facing severe budgetary problems which may have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.

 

Many states and jurisdictions are facing severe budgetary problems.  Action that may be taken in response to these problems, such as increases in property taxes on commercial properties, changes to sales taxes or other governmental efforts, including mandating medical insurance for employees, could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

 

Our financial performance is dependent upon economic and other conditions of the markets in which our stores are located.

 

We are susceptible to adverse developments in the markets in which we operate, such as business layoffs or downsizing, industry slowdowns, relocations of businesses, changing demographics, and other factors.  Our stores in Florida, New York, Texas, and California accounted for approximately 17%, 16%, 10% and 8%, respectively, of our total 2018 revenues.  As a result of this geographic concentration of our stores, we are particularly susceptible to adverse market conditions in these areas.  Any adverse economic or real estate developments in these markets, or in any of the other markets in which we operate, or any decrease in demand for self-storage space resulting from the local business climate, could adversely affect our rental revenues, which could impair our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and pay distributions to our shareholders.

 

We face risks associated with property acquisitions.

 

We intend to continue to acquire individual and portfolios of self-storage properties. The purchase agreements that we enter into in connection with acquisitions typically contain closing conditions that need to be satisfied before the acquisitions can be consummated. The satisfaction of many of these conditions is outside of our control, and we therefore cannot assure that any of our pending or future acquisitions will be consummated. These conditions include, among other things, satisfactory examination of the title to the properties, the ability to obtain title insurance and customary closing conditions.  Moreover, in the event we are unable to complete pending or future

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acquisitions, we may have incurred significant legal, accounting, and other transaction costs in connection with such acquisitions without realizing the expected benefits.

 

Those acquisitions that we do consummate would increase our size and may potentially alter our capital structure.  Although we believe that future acquisitions that we complete will enhance our financial performance, the success of acquisitions is subject to the risks that:

 

·

acquisitions may fail to perform as expected;

 

·

the actual costs of repositioning or redeveloping acquired properties may be higher than our estimates;

 

·

we may be unable to obtain acquisition financing on favorable terms;

 

·

acquisitions may be located in new markets where we may have limited knowledge and understanding of the local economy, an absence of business relationships in the area or an unfamiliarity with local governmental and permitting procedures; and

 

·

there is only limited recourse, or no recourse, to the former owners of newly acquired properties for unknown or undisclosed liabilities such as the clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination; claims by customers, vendors, or other persons arising on account of actions or omissions of the former owners of the properties; and claims by local governments, adjoining property owners, property owner associations, and easement holders for fees, assessments, or taxes on other property-related changes.  As a result, if a liability were asserted against us based upon ownership of an acquired property, we might be required to pay significant sums to settle it, which could adversely affect our financial results and cash flow.

 

In addition, we often do not obtain third-party appraisals of acquired properties and instead rely on value determinations by our senior management.

 

We will incur costs and will face integration challenges when we acquire additional stores.

 

As we acquire or develop additional self-storage properties and bring additional self-storage properties onto our third party management platform, we will be subject to risks associated with integrating and managing new stores, including customer retention and mortgage default risks. In the case of a large portfolio purchase, we could experience strains in our existing information management capacity. In addition, acquisitions or developments may cause disruptions in our operations and divert management’s attention away from day-to-day operations.  Furthermore, our income may decline because we will be required to depreciate/amortize in future periods costs for acquired real property and intangible assets.  Our failure to successfully integrate any future acquisitions into our portfolio could have an adverse effect on our operating costs and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.

 

The acquisition of new stores that lack operating history with us will make it more difficult to predict revenue potential.

 

We intend to continue to acquire additional stores.  These acquisitions could fail to perform in accordance with expectations.  If we fail to accurately estimate occupancy levels, rental rates, operating costs, or costs of improvements to bring an acquired store up to the standards established for our intended market position, the performance of the store may be below expectations.  Acquired stores may have characteristics or deficiencies affecting their valuation or revenue potential that we have not yet discovered.  We cannot assure that the performance of stores acquired by us will increase or be maintained under our management.

 

Our development activities may be more costly or difficult to complete than we anticipate.

 

We intend to continue to develop self-storage properties where market conditions warrant such investment.  Once made, these investments may not produce results in accordance with our expectations.  Risks associated with development and construction activities include:

 

·

the unavailability of favorable financing sources in the debt and equity markets;

 

·

construction cost overruns, including on account of rising interest rates, diminished availability of materials and labor, and increases in the costs of materials and labor;

 

·

construction delays and failure to achieve target occupancy levels and rental rates, resulting in a lower than projected return on our investment; and

 

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·

complications (including building moratoriums and anti-growth legislation) in obtaining necessary zoning, occupancy, and other governmental permits.

 

We depend on external sources of capital that are outside of our control; the unavailability of capital from external sources could adversely affect our ability to acquire or develop stores, satisfy our debt obligations, and/or make distributions to shareholders.

 

We depend on external sources of capital to fund acquisitions and development, to satisfy our debt obligations and to make distributions to our shareholders required to maintain our status as a REIT, and these sources of capital may not be available on favorable terms, if at all.  Our access to external sources of capital depends on a number of factors, including the market’s perception of our growth potential and our current and potential future earnings and our ability to continue to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.  If we are unable to obtain external sources of capital, we may not be able to acquire or develop properties when strategic opportunities exist, satisfy our debt obligations or make distributions to shareholders that would permit us to qualify as a REIT or avoid paying tax on our REIT taxable income.

 

We may incur impairment charges.

 

We evaluate on a quarterly basis our real estate portfolio for indicators of impairment. Impairment charges reflect management’s judgment of the probability and severity of the decline in the value of real estate assets we own. These charges and provisions may be required in the future as a result of factors beyond our control, including, among other things, changes in the economic environment and market conditions affecting the value of real property assets or natural or man-made disasters. If we are required to take impairment charges, our results of operations will be adversely impacted.

 

Rising operating expenses could reduce our cash flow and funds available for future distributions.

 

Our stores and any other stores we acquire or develop in the future are and will be subject to operating risks common to real estate in general, any or all of which may negatively affect us.  Our stores are subject to increases in operating expenses such as real estate and other taxes, personnel costs including the cost of providing specific medical coverage to our employees, utilities, insurance, administrative expenses, and costs for repairs and maintenance.  If operating expenses increase without a corresponding increase in revenues, our profitability could diminish and limit our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.

 

We cannot assure our ability to pay dividends in the future.

 

Historically, we have paid quarterly distributions to our shareholders, and we intend to continue to pay quarterly dividends and to make distributions to our shareholders in amounts such that all or substantially all of our taxable income in each year, subject to certain adjustments, is distributed.  This, along with other factors, should enable us to continue to qualify for the tax benefits accorded to a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code.  We have not established a minimum dividends payment level, and all future distributions will be made at the discretion of our Board.  Our ability to pay dividends will depend upon, among other factors:

 

·

the operational and financial performance of our stores;

 

·

capital expenditures with respect to existing and newly acquired stores;

 

·

general and administrative costs associated with our operation as a publicly-held REIT;

 

·

maintenance of our REIT status;

 

·

the amount of, and the interest rates on, our debt;

 

·

the absence of significant expenditures relating to environmental and other regulatory matters; and

 

·

other risk factors described in this Report.

 

Certain of these matters are beyond our control and any significant difference between our expectations and actual results could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow and our ability to make distributions to shareholders.

 

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If we are unable to promptly re-let our cubes or if the rates upon such re-letting are significantly lower than expected, our business and results of operations would be adversely affected.

 

We derive revenues principally from rents received from customers who rent cubes at our self-storage properties under month-to-month leases.  Any delay in re-letting cubes as vacancies arise would reduce our revenues and harm our operating results.  In addition, lower than expected rental rates upon re-letting could adversely affect our revenues and impede our growth.

 

Store ownership through joint ventures may limit our ability to act exclusively in our interest.

 

We have in the past co-invested with, and we may continue to co-invest with, third parties through joint ventures.  In any such joint venture, we may not be in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding the stores owned through joint ventures. Investments in joint ventures may, under certain circumstances, involve risks not present when a third party is not involved, including the possibility that joint venture partners might become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of required capital contributions.  Joint venture partners may have business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals and may be in a position to take actions contrary to our policies or objectives.  Such investments also have the potential risk of impasse on strategic decisions, such as a sale, in cases where neither we nor the joint venture partner would have full control over the joint venture. In other circumstances, joint venture partners may have the ability without our agreement to make certain major decisions, including decisions about sales, capital expenditures, and/or financing.  Any disputes that may arise between us and our joint venture partners could result in litigation or arbitration that could increase our expenses and distract our officers and/or Trustees from focusing their time and effort on our business.  In addition, we might in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of our joint venture partners, and the activities of a joint venture could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, even though we do not control the joint venture.

 

We face significant competition for customers and acquisition and development opportunities.

 

Actions by our competitors may decrease or prevent increases of the occupancy and rental rates of our stores.  We compete with numerous developers, owners, and operators of self-storage properties, including other REITs, as well as on-demand storage providers, some of which own or may in the future own stores similar to ours in the same submarkets in which our stores are located and some of which may have greater capital resources.  In addition, due to the relatively low cost of each individual self-storage property, other developers, owners, and operators have the capability to build additional stores that may compete with our stores.

 

If our competitors build new stores that compete with our stores or offer space at rental rates below the rental rates we currently charge our customers, we may lose potential customers, and we may be pressured to reduce our rental rates below those we currently charge in order to retain customers when our customers’ leases expire.  As a result, our financial condition, cash flow, cash available for distribution, market price of our shares, and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be materially adversely affected.  In addition, increased competition for customers may require us to make capital improvements to our stores that we would not have otherwise made.  Any unbudgeted capital improvements we undertake may reduce cash available for distributions to our shareholders.

 

We also face significant competition for acquisitions and development opportunities.  Some of our competitors have greater financial resources than we do and a greater ability to borrow funds to acquire stores.  These competitors may also be willing to accept more risk than we can prudently manage, including risks with respect to the geographic proximity of investments and the payment of higher acquisition prices.  This competition for investments may reduce the number of suitable investment opportunities available to us, may increase acquisition costs and may reduce demand for self-storage space in certain areas where our stores are located and, as a result, adversely affect our operating results.

 

We may become subject to litigation or threatened litigation which may divert management’s time and attention, require us to pay damages and expenses, or restrict the operation of our business.

 

We may become subject to disputes with commercial parties with whom we maintain relationships or other parties with whom we do business.  Any such dispute could result in litigation between us and the other parties.  Whether or not any dispute actually proceeds to litigation, we may be required to devote significant management time and attention to its successful resolution (through litigation, settlement, or otherwise), which would detract from our management’s ability to focus on our business.  Any such resolution could involve the payment of damages or expenses by us, which may be significant.  In addition, any such resolution could involve our agreement with terms that restrict the operation of our business.

 

There are other commercial parties, at both a local and national level, that may assert that our use of our brand names and other intellectual property conflict with their rights to use brand names, internet domains, and other intellectual property that they consider to be

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similar to ours.  Any such commercial dispute and related resolution would involve all of the risks described above, including, in particular, our agreement to restrict the use of our brand name or other intellectual property.

 

We also could be sued for personal injuries and/or property damage occurring on our properties.  We maintain liability insurance with limits that we believe are adequate to provide for the defense and/or payment of any damages arising from such lawsuits.  There can be no assurance that such coverage will cover all costs and expenses from such suits.

 

Legislative actions and changes may cause our general and administrative costs and compliance costs to increase.

 

In order to comply with laws adopted by federal, state or local government or regulatory bodies, we may be required to increase our expenditures and hire additional personnel and additional outside legal, accounting and advisory services, all of which may cause our general and administrative and compliance costs to increase.  Significant workforce-related legislative changes could increase our expenses and adversely affect our operations.  Examples of possible workforce-related legislative changes include changes to an employer's obligation to recognize collective bargaining units, the process by which collective bargaining agreements are negotiated or imposed, minimum wage requirements, and health care and medical and family leave mandates.  In addition, changes in the regulatory environment affecting health care reimbursements, and increased compliance costs related to enforcement of federal and state wage and hour statutes and common law related to overtime, among others, could cause our expenses to increase without an ability to pass through any increased expenses through higher prices. 

 

Potential losses may not be covered by insurance, which could result in the loss of our investment in a property and the future cash flows from the property.

 

We carry comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage, and rental loss insurance covering all of the properties in our portfolio.  We believe the policy specifications and insured limits are appropriate and adequate given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage and industry practice.  We do not carry insurance for losses such as loss from riots, war or acts of God, and, in some cases, flooding and environmental hazards, because such coverage is not available or is not available at commercially reasonable rates.  Some of our policies, such as those covering losses due to terrorism, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, are insured subject to limitations involving large deductibles or co-payments and policy limits that may not be sufficient to cover losses.  If we experience a loss at a store that is uninsured or that exceeds policy limits, we could lose the capital invested in that store as well as the anticipated future cash flows from that store.  Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations, and other factors also might make it impractical or undesirable to use insurance proceeds to replace a store after it has been damaged or destroyed.  In addition, if the damaged stores are subject to recourse indebtedness, we would continue to be liable for the indebtedness, even if these stores were irreparably damaged.

 

Our insurance coverage may not comply with certain loan requirements.

 

Certain of our stores serve as collateral for our mortgage-backed debt, some of which we assumed in connection with our acquisition of stores and requires us to maintain insurance at levels and on terms that are not commercially reasonable in the current insurance environment.  We may be unable to obtain required insurance coverage if the cost and/or availability make it impractical or impossible to comply with debt covenants.  If we cannot comply with a lender’s requirements, the lender could declare a default, which could affect our ability to obtain future financing and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows and our ability to obtain future financing.  In addition, we may be required to self-insure against certain losses or our insurance costs may increase.

 

Potential liability for environmental contamination could result in substantial costs.

 

We are subject to federal, state and local environmental regulations that apply generally to the ownership of real property and the operation of self-storage properties.  If we fail to comply with those laws, we could be subject to significant fines or other governmental sanctions.

 

Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations, an owner or operator of real estate may be required to investigate and clean up hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum product releases at a property and may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred by such parties in connection with contamination.  Such liability may be imposed whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of these hazardous or toxic substances.  The cost of investigation, remediation or removal of such substances may be substantial, and the presence of such substances, or the failure to properly remediate such substances, may adversely affect our ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral.  In addition, in connection with the ownership, operation, and management of properties, we are potentially liable for property damage or injuries to persons and property.

 

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Our practice is to conduct or obtain environmental assessments in connection with the acquisition or development of additional stores.  We carry environmental insurance coverage on certain stores in our portfolio.  We obtain or examine environmental assessments from qualified and reputable environmental consulting firms (and intend to conduct such assessments prior to the acquisition or development of additional stores).  The environmental assessments received to date have not revealed, nor do we have actual knowledge of, any environmental liability that we believe will have a material adverse effect on us.  However, we cannot assure that our environmental assessments have identified or will identify all material environmental conditions, that any prior owner of any property did not create a material environmental condition not actually known to us, or that a material environmental condition does not otherwise exist with respect to any of our properties.

 

Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state accessibility act compliance may require unanticipated expenditures.

 

Under the ADA, all places of public accommodation are required to meet federal requirements related to physical access and use by disabled persons.  A number of other federal, state and local laws may also impose access and other similar requirements at our properties.  A failure to comply with the ADA or similar state or local requirements could result in the governmental imposition of fines or the award of damages to private litigants affected by the noncompliance.  Although we believe that our properties and websites comply in all material respects with these requirements (or would be eligible for applicable exemptions from material requirements because of adaptive assistance provided), a determination that one or more of our properties is not in compliance with the ADA or similar state or local requirements would result in the incurrence of additional costs associated with bringing the properties into compliance.  If we are required to make substantial modifications to comply with the ADA or similar state or local requirements, we may be required to incur significant unanticipated expenditures, which could have an adverse effect on our operating costs and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.

 

Privacy concerns could result in regulatory changes that may harm our business.

 

Personal privacy has become a significant issue in the jurisdictions in which we operate.  Many jurisdictions in which we operate, including California, have imposed restrictions and requirements on the use of personal information by those collecting such information.  The regulatory framework for privacy issues is rapidly evolving and future enactment of more restrictive laws, rules, or regulations and/or future enforcement actions or investigations could have a materially adverse impact on us through increased costs or restrictions on our business.  Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in consent orders or regulatory penalties and significant legal liability, including fines, which could damage our reputation and have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

We face system security risks as we depend upon automated processes and the Internet and we could damage our reputation, incur substantial additional costs and become subject to litigation if our systems are penetrated.

 

We are increasingly dependent upon automated information technology processes and Internet commerce, and many of our new customers come from the telephone or over the Internet.  Moreover, the nature of our business involves the receipt and retention of personal information about our customers.  We also rely extensively on third-party vendors to retain data, process transactions and provide other systems and services.  These systems, and our systems, are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, malware, and other destructive or disruptive security breaches and catastrophic events, such as a natural disaster or a terrorist event or cyber-attack.  In addition, experienced computer programmers and hackers may be able to penetrate our security systems and misappropriate our confidential information, create system disruptions, or cause shutdowns. Such data security breaches as well as system disruptions and shutdowns could result in additional costs to repair or replace such networks or information systems and possible legal liability, including government enforcement actions and private litigation.  In addition, our customers could lose confidence in our ability to protect their personal information, which could cause them to discontinue leasing at our self-storage properties. 

 

If we are unable to attract and retain team members or contract with third parties having the specialized skills or technologies needed to support our systems, implement improvements to our customer-facing technology in a timely manner, allow accurate visibility to product availability when customers are ready to rent, quickly and efficiently fulfill our customers rental and payment methods they demand, or provide a convenient and consistent experience for our customers regardless of the ultimate sales channel, our ability to compete and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Terrorist attacks and other acts of violence or war may adversely impact our performance and may affect the markets on which our securities are traded.

 

Terrorist attacks against our stores, the United States or our interests, may negatively impact our operations and the value of our securities.  Attacks or armed conflicts could negatively impact the demand for self-storage and increase the cost of insurance coverage for

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our stores, which could reduce our profitability and cash flow.  Furthermore, any terrorist attacks or armed conflicts could result in increased volatility in or damage to the United States and worldwide financial markets and economy.

 

Risks Related to the Real Estate Industry

 

Our performance and the value of our self-storage properties are subject to risks associated with our properties and with the real estate industry.

 

Our rental revenues and operating costs and the value of our real estate assets, and consequently the value of our securities, are subject to the risk that if our stores do not generate revenues sufficient to meet our operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, our cash flow and ability to pay distributions to our shareholders will be adversely affected.  Events or conditions beyond our control that may adversely affect our operations or the value of our properties include but are not limited to:

 

·

downturns in the national, regional, and local economic climate;

 

·

local or regional oversupply, increased competition, or reduction in demand for self-storage space;

 

·

vacancies or changes in market rents for self-storage space;

 

·

inability to collect rent from customers;

 

·

increased operating costs, including maintenance, personnel, insurance premiums, and real estate taxes;

 

·

changes in interest rates and availability of financing;

 

·

hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters, civil disturbances, terrorist acts, or acts of war that may result in uninsured or underinsured losses;

 

·

significant expenditures associated with acquisitions and development projects, such as debt service payments, real estate taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs which are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenues from a property;

 

·

costs of complying with changes in laws and governmental regulations, including those governing usage, zoning, the environment, and taxes; and

 

·

the relative illiquidity of real estate investments.

 

In addition, prolonged periods of economic slowdown or recession, rising interest rates, or declining demand for self-storage, or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in a general decline in rental revenues, which could impair our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to make distributions to our shareholders.

 

Rental revenues are significantly influenced by demand for self-storage space generally, and a decrease in such demand would likely have a greater adverse effect on our rental revenues than if we owned a more diversified real estate portfolio.

 

Because our real estate portfolio consists primarily of self-storage properties, we are subject to risks inherent in investments in a single industry.  A decrease in the demand for self-storage space would have a greater adverse effect on our rental revenues than if we owned a more diversified real estate portfolio.  Demand for self-storage space could be adversely affected by weakness in the national, regional, and local economies, changes in supply of, or demand for, similar or competing self-storage properties in an area, and the excess amount of self-storage space in a particular market. To the extent that any of these conditions occur, they are likely to affect market rents for self-storage space, which could cause a decrease in our rental revenue.  Any such decrease could impair our ability to satisfy debt service obligations and make distributions to our shareholders.

 

Because real estate is illiquid, we may not be able to sell properties when appropriate.

 

Real estate property investments generally cannot be sold quickly.  Also, the tax laws applicable to REITs require that we hold our properties for investment, rather than for sale in the ordinary course of business, which may cause us to forgo or defer sales of properties

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that otherwise would be in our best interest.  Therefore, we may not be able to dispose of properties promptly, or on favorable terms, in response to economic or other market conditions, which may adversely affect our financial position.

 

Risks Related to our Qualification and Operation as a REIT

 

Failure to qualify as a REIT would subject us to U.S. federal income tax which would reduce the cash available for distribution to our shareholders.

 

We operate our business to qualify to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.  We have not requested and do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS that we qualify as a REIT, and the statements in this Report are not binding on the IRS or any court.  As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on the income that we distribute currently to our shareholders.  Many of the REIT requirements, however, are highly technical and complex.  The determination that we are a REIT requires an analysis of various factual matters and circumstances that may not be totally within our control.  For example, to qualify as a REIT, at least 95% of our gross income must come from specific passive sources, such as rent, that are itemized in the REIT tax laws.  In addition, to qualify as a REIT, we cannot own specified amounts of debt and equity securities of some issuers.  We also are required to distribute to our shareholders with respect to each year at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains.  The fact that we hold substantially all of our assets through the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries and joint ventures further complicates the application of the REIT requirements for us.  Even a technical or inadvertent mistake could jeopardize our REIT status, and, given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs and the ongoing importance of factual determinations, we cannot provide any assurance that we will continue to qualify as a REIT.  Changes to rules governing REITs were made by legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) and the Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act of 2015, signed into law on December 22, 2017 and December 18, 2015, respectively, and Congress and the IRS might make further changes to the tax laws and regulations, and the courts might issue new rulings that make it more difficult, or impossible, for us to remain qualified as a REIT.  If we fail to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and are able to avail ourselves of one or more of the statutory savings provisions in order to maintain our REIT status, we would nevertheless be required to pay penalty taxes of $50,000 or more for each such failure.

 

If we fail to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, and are unable to avail ourselves of certain savings provisions set forth in the Internal Revenue Code, we would be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates on all of our income.  As a taxable corporation, we would not be allowed to take a deduction for distributions to shareholders in computing our taxable income or pass through long-term capital gains to individual shareholders at favorable rates.  For tax years beginning before January 1, 2018, we also could be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax and possibly increased state and local taxes.  We would not be able to elect to be taxed as a REIT for four years following the year we first failed to qualify unless the IRS were to grant us relief under certain statutory provisions.  If we failed to qualify as a REIT, we would have to pay significant income taxes, which would reduce our net earnings available for investment or distribution to our shareholders.  This likely would have a significant adverse effect on our earnings and likely would adversely affect the value of our securities. In addition, we would no longer be required to pay any distributions to shareholders.

 

Furthermore, we owned a subsidiary REIT (“PSI”) that was liquidated on December 31, 2018. Prior to liquidation, PSI was independently subject to, and was required to comply with, the same REIT requirements that we must satisfy in order to qualify as a REIT, together with all other rules applicable to REITs. If PSI failed to qualify as a REIT during our period of ownership, and certain statutory relief provisions do not apply, as a result of a protective election made jointly by PSI and CubeSmart, PSI will be taxed as a taxable REIT subsidiary. See the section entitled “Taxation of CubeSmart−Requirements for Qualification−Taxable REIT Subsidiaries” in Exhibit 99.1 for more information regarding taxable REIT subsidiaries.

 

Failure of the Operating Partnership (or a subsidiary partnership or joint venture) to be treated as a partnership would have serious adverse consequences to our shareholders.

 

If the IRS were to successfully challenge the tax status of the Operating Partnership or any of its subsidiary partnerships or joint ventures for federal income tax purposes, the Operating Partnership or the affected subsidiary partnership or joint venture would be taxable as a corporation.  In such event, we would cease to qualify as a REIT and the imposition of a corporate tax on the Operating Partnership, a subsidiary partnership, or joint venture would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution from the Operating Partnership to us and ultimately to our shareholders.

 

To maintain our REIT status, we may be forced to borrow funds on a short-term basis during unfavorable market conditions.

 

As a REIT, we are subject to certain distribution requirements, including the requirement to distribute 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains, which may result in our having to make distributions at a disadvantageous time or to borrow funds at unfavorable rates.  Compliance with this requirement may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.

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We will pay some taxes even if we qualify as a REIT, which will reduce the cash available for distribution to our shareholders.

 

Even if we qualify 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 income tax to the extent we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, including capital gains.  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% penalty 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.  We cannot guarantee that sales of our properties would not be prohibited transactions unless we comply with certain statutory safe-harbor provisions.

 

In addition, any net taxable income earned directly by our taxable REIT subsidiaries, or through entities that are disregarded for federal income tax purposes as entities separate from our taxable REIT subsidiaries, will be subject to federal and possibly state corporate income tax.  We have elected to treat some of our subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries, and we may elect to treat other subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future.  In this regard, several provisions of the laws applicable to REITs and their subsidiaries ensure that a taxable REIT subsidiary will be subject to an appropriate level of federal income taxation.  For example, a taxable REIT subsidiary is limited in its ability to deduct certain interest payments made to an affiliated REIT.  In addition, the REIT has to pay a 100% penalty tax on some payments that it receives or on some deductions taken by a taxable REIT subsidiary if the economic arrangements between the REIT, the REIT’s customers, and the taxable REIT subsidiary are not comparable to similar arrangements between unrelated parties.  Finally, some state and local jurisdictions may tax some of our income even though as a REIT we are not subject to federal income tax on that income because not all states and localities follow the federal income tax treatment of REITs.  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 shareholders.

 

We face possible federal, state, and local tax audits.

 

Because we are organized and qualify as a REIT, we are generally not subject to federal income taxes, but are subject to certain state and local taxes.  Certain entities through which we own real estate either have undergone, or are currently undergoing, tax audits.  Although we believe that we have substantial arguments in favor of our positions in the ongoing audits, in some instances there is no controlling precedent or interpretive guidance on the specific point at issue.  Collectively, tax deficiency notices received to date from the jurisdictions conducting the ongoing audits have not been material.  However, there can be no assurance that future audits will not occur with increased frequency or that the ultimate result of such audits will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Legislative or regulatory tax changes related to REITs could materially and adversely affect our business.

 

At any time, the federal income tax laws or regulations governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws or regulations may be changed, possibly with retroactive effect. We cannot predict if or when any new federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, or any amendment to any existing federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, will be adopted, promulgated or become effective or whether any such law, regulation or interpretation may take effect retroactively. We and our shareholders could be adversely affected by any such change in, or any new, federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation.

 

The TCJA made significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules for taxation of individuals and corporations, generally effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. In addition to reducing corporate and non-corporate tax rates, the TCJA made changes to the number of provisions of the Code that may affect the taxation of REITs and their security holders. While the changes in the TCJA generally appear to be favorable with respect to REITs, certain changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws enacted by the TCJA could have a material and adverse effect on us. For example, certain changes in law pursuant to the TCJA could reduce the relative competitive advantage of operating as a REIT as compared with operating as a C corporation, including by:

 

·

reducing the rate of tax applicable to individuals and C corporations, which could reduce the relative attractiveness of the generally single level of taxation on REIT distributions;

·

permitting immediate expensing of capital expenditures, which could likewise reduce the relative attractiveness of the REIT taxation regime; and

·

limiting the deductibility of interest expense, which could increase the distribution requirement of REITs.

 

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Most of the changes applicable to individuals are temporary and apply only to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026. The TCJA made numerous large and small changes to the tax rules that do not affect REITs directly but may affect our shareholders and may indirectly affect us.

 

Moreover, Congressional leaders have recognized that the process of adopting extensive tax legislation in a short amount of time without hearings and substantial time for review is likely to have led to drafting errors, issues needing clarification and unintended consequences that will have to be reviewed in subsequent tax legislation. At this point, although certain additional guidance has been provided by Treasury and the IRS, it is not clear when Congress will address these issues or when the Internal Revenue Service will issue additional administrative guidance on the changes made in the TCJA.

 

Shareholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors with respect to the status of the TCJA and any other regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on investment in our capital stock.

 

Dividends paid by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates provided under current law.

 

Dividends paid by REITs are generally not eligible for the reduced 15% maximum tax rate for dividends paid to individuals (20% for those with taxable income above certain thresholds that are adjusted annually under current law). The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate dividends could cause shareholders who are individuals to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stock of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends to which more favorable rates apply, which could reduce the value of REIT stocks.

 

Legislation modifies the rules applicable to partnership tax audits.

 

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, requires our Operating Partnership and any subsidiary partnership to pay the hypothetical increase in partner-level taxes (including interest and penalties) resulting from an adjustment of partnership tax items on audit or in other tax proceedings, unless the partnership elects an alternative method under which the taxes resulting from the adjustment (and interest and penalties) are assessed at the partner level. Many uncertainties remain as to the application of these rules, including the application of the alternative method to partners that are REITs, and the impact they will have on us. However, it is possible that partnerships in which we invest may be subject to U.S. federal income tax, interest and penalties in the event of a U.S. federal income tax audit as a result of these law changes.

 

Risks Related to our Debt Financings

 

We face risks related to current debt maturities, including refinancing risk.

 

Certain of our mortgages, bank loans, and unsecured debt (including our senior notes) will have significant outstanding balances on their maturity dates, commonly known as “balloon payments.”   We may not have the cash resources available to repay those amounts, and we may have to raise funds for such repayment either through the issuance of equity or debt securities, additional bank borrowings (which may include extension of maturity dates), joint ventures, or asset sales.  Furthermore, we are restricted from incurring certain additional indebtedness and making certain other changes to our capital and debt structure under the terms of the senior notes and the indenture governing the senior notes.

 

There can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance our debt on favorable terms or at all.  To the extent we cannot refinance debt on favorable terms or at all, we may be forced to dispose of properties on disadvantageous terms or pay higher interest rates, either of which would have an adverse impact on our financial performance and ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.

 

As a result of our interest rate hedges, swap agreements and other, similar arrangements, we face counterparty risks.

 

We may be exposed to the potential risk of counterparty default or non-payment with respect to interest rate hedges, swap agreements, floors, caps, and other interest rate hedging contracts that we may enter into from time to time, in which event we could suffer a material loss on the value of those agreements.  Although these agreements may lessen the impact of rising interest rates on us, they also expose us to the risk that other parties to the agreements will not perform or that we cannot enforce the agreements.  There is no assurance that our potential counterparties on these agreements will perform their obligations under such agreements.

 

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Financing our future growth plan or refinancing existing debt maturities could be impacted by negative capital market conditions.

 

From time to time, domestic financial markets experience volatility and uncertainty.  At times in recent years liquidity has tightened in the domestic financial markets, including the investment grade debt and equity capital markets from which we historically sought financing.  Consequently, there is greater uncertainty regarding our ability to access the credit markets in order to attract financing on reasonable terms; there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to issue common or preferred equity securities at a reasonable price.  Our ability to finance new acquisitions and refinance future debt maturities could be adversely impacted by our inability to secure permanent financing on reasonable terms, if at all.

 

The terms and covenants relating to our indebtedness could adversely impact our economic performance.

 

Like other real estate companies that incur debt, we are subject to risks associated with debt financing, such as the insufficiency of cash flow to meet required debt service payment obligations and the inability to refinance outstanding indebtedness at maturity.  If our debt cannot be paid, refinanced, or extended at maturity, we may not be able to make distributions to shareholders at expected levels or at all and may not be able to acquire new stores.  Failure to make distributions to our shareholders could result in our failure to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.  Furthermore, an increase in our interest expense could adversely affect our cash flow and ability to make distributions to shareholders.  If we do not meet our debt service obligations, any stores securing such indebtedness could be foreclosed on, which would have a material adverse effect on our cash flow and ability to make distributions and, depending on the number of stores foreclosed on, could threaten our continued viability.

 

Our Credit Facility (defined below) contains (and any new or amended facility we may enter into from time to time will likely contain) customary affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants that, among other things, require us to comply with certain liquidity and net worth tests.  Our ability to borrow under the Credit Facility is (and any new or amended facility we may enter into from time to time will be) subject to compliance with such financial and other covenants.  In the event that we fail to satisfy these covenants, we would be in default under the Credit Facility and may be required to repay such debt with capital from other sources.  Under such circumstances, other sources of debt or equity capital may not be available to us, or may be available only on unattractive terms.  Moreover, the presence of such covenants in our credit agreements could cause us to operate our business with a view toward compliance with such covenants, which might not produce optimal returns for shareholders.  Similarly, the indenture under which we have issued unsecured senior notes contains customary financial covenants, including limitations on incurrence of additional indebtedness.

 

Increases in interest rates on variable rate indebtedness would increase our interest expense, which could adversely affect our cash flow and ability to make distributions to shareholders.  Rising interest rates could also restrict our ability to refinance existing debt when it matures.  In addition, an increase in interest rates could decrease the amounts that third parties are willing to pay for our assets, thereby limiting our ability to alter our portfolio promptly in relation to economic or other conditions.

 

Our organizational documents contain no limitation on the amount of debt we may incur.  As a result, we may become highly leveraged in the future.

 

Our organizational documents do not limit the amount of indebtedness that we may incur.  We could alter the balance between our total outstanding indebtedness and the value of our assets at any time.  If we become more highly leveraged, then the resulting increase in debt service could adversely affect our ability to make payments on our outstanding indebtedness and to pay our anticipated distributions and/or the distributions required to maintain our REIT status, and could harm our financial condition.

 

Changes in the method of determining LIBOR, or the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate, may adversely affect our financial results.

 

As of December 31, 2018, we had $495.5 million of debt outstanding that was indexed to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced its intention to phase out LIBOR rates by the end of 2021. It is not possible to predict the further effect of the FCA’s announcement, any changes in the methods by which LIBOR is determined, or any other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United Kingdom, the European Union or elsewhere. Such developments may cause LIBOR to perform differently than in the past, or cease to exist. In addition, any other legal or regulatory changes made by the FCA, ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, the European Money Markets Institute (formerly Euribor-EBF), the European Commission or any other successor governance or oversight body, or future changes adopted by such body, in the method by which LIBOR is determined or the transition from LIBOR to a successor benchmark may result in, among other things, a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in LIBOR, a delay in the publication of LIBOR, and changes in the rules or methodologies in LIBOR, which may discourage market participants from continuing to administer or to participate in LIBOR’s determination, and, in certain situations, could result in LIBOR no longer being determined and published. If a published U.S. dollar LIBOR rate is unavailable

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after 2021, the interest rates on our debt which is indexed to LIBOR will be determined using alternative methods, which may result in interest obligations which are more than or do not otherwise correlate over time with the payments that would have been made on such debt if U.S. dollar LIBOR was available in its current form. Further, the same costs and risks that may lead to the unavailability of U.S. dollar LIBOR may make one or more of the alternative methods impossible or impracticable to determine. Any of these proposals or consequences could have a material adverse effect on our financing costs, and as a result, our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

 

Risks Related to our Organization and Structure

 

We are dependent upon our senior management team whose continued service is not guaranteed.

 

Our executive team, including our named executive officers, has extensive self-storage, real estate, and public company experience. Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Legal Officer are parties to the Company’s executive severance plan, however, we cannot provide assurance that any of them will remain in our employment.  The loss of services of one or more members of our senior management team could adversely affect our operations and our future growth.

 

We are dependent upon our on-site personnel to maximize customer satisfaction; any difficulties we encounter in hiring, training, and retaining skilled field personnel may adversely affect our rental revenues.

 

As of December 31, 2018, we had 2,485 property-level personnel involved in the management and operation of our stores.  The customer service, marketing skills, and knowledge of local market demand and competitive dynamics of our store managers are contributing factors to our ability to maximize our rental income and to achieve the highest sustainable rent levels at each of our stores.  We compete with various other companies in attracting and retaining qualified and skilled personnel. Competitive pressures may require that we enhance our pay and benefits package to compete effectively for such personnel.  If there is an increase in these costs or if we fail to attract and retain qualified and skilled personnel, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

 

Certain provisions of Maryland law could inhibit changes in control, which may discourage third parties from conducting a tender offer or seeking other change of control transactions that could involve a premium price for our shares or otherwise benefit our shareholders.

 

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 circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our common shares with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of those shares, including:

 

·

“business combination moratorium/fair price” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between us and an “interested shareholder” (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 shareholder becomes an interested shareholder, and thereafter imposes stringent fair price and super-majority shareholder 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 shareholder, entitle the shareholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing Trustees) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of “control shares” from a party other than the issuer) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our shareholders by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares, and are subject to redemption in certain circumstances.

 

We have opted out of these provisions of Maryland law.  However, our Board may opt to make these provisions applicable to us at any time without shareholder approval.

 

Our Trustees also have the discretion, granted in our bylaws and Maryland law, without shareholder approval to, among other things (1) create a staggered Board, (2) amend our bylaws or repeal individual bylaws in a manner that provides the Board with greater authority, and (3) issue additional equity securities.  Any such action could inhibit or impede a third party from making a proposal to acquire us at a price that could be beneficial to our shareholders.

 

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Our shareholders have limited control to prevent us from making any changes to our investment and financing policies.

 

Our Board has adopted policies with respect to certain activities.  These policies may be amended or revised from time to time at the discretion of our Board without a vote of our shareholders.  This means that our shareholders have limited control over changes in our policies.  Such changes in our policies intended to improve, expand, or diversify our business may not have the anticipated effects and consequently may adversely affect our business and prospects, results of operations, and share price.

 

Our rights and the rights of our shareholders to take action against our Trustees and officers are limited.

 

Maryland law provides that a trustee or officer has no liability in that capacity if he or she performs his or her duties in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in our best interests and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances.  Our declaration of trust and bylaws require us to indemnify our Trustees and officers for actions taken by them in those capacities on our behalf, to the extent permitted by Maryland law.  Accordingly, in the event that actions taken in good faith by any Trustee or officer impede our performance, our shareholders’ ability to recover damages from that Trustee or officer will be limited.

 

Our declaration of trust permits our Board to issue preferred shares with terms that may discourage third parties from conducting a tender offer or seeking other change of control transactions that could involve a premium price for our shares or otherwise benefit our shareholders.

 

Our declaration of trust permits our Board to issue up to 40,000,000 preferred shares, having those preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications, or terms or conditions of redemption as determined by our Board.  In addition, our Board may reclassify any unissued common shares into one or more classes or series of preferred shares.  Thus, our Board could authorize, without shareholder approval, the issuance of preferred shares with terms and conditions that could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction in which holders of some or a majority of our shares might receive a premium for their shares over the then-prevailing market price of our shares. We currently do not expect that the Board would require shareholder approval prior to such a preferred issuance.  In addition, any preferred shares that we issue would rank senior to our common shares with respect to the payment of distributions, in which case we could not pay any distributions on our common shares until full distributions have been paid with respect to such preferred shares.

 

Risks Related to our Securities

 

Additional issuances of equity securities may be dilutive to shareholders.

 

The interests of our shareholders could be diluted if we issue additional equity securities to finance future acquisitions or developments or to repay indebtedness.  Our Board may authorize the issuance of additional equity securities, including preferred shares, without shareholder approval.  Our ability to execute our business strategy depends upon our access to an appropriate blend of debt financing, including unsecured lines of credit and other forms of secured and unsecured debt, and equity financing, including common and preferred equity.

 

Many factors could have an adverse effect on the market value of our securities.

 

A number of factors might adversely affect the price of our securities, many of which are beyond our control.  These factors include:

 

·

increases in market interest rates, relative to the dividend yield on our shares.  If market interest rates go up, prospective purchasers of our securities may require a higher yield.  Higher market interest rates would not, however, result in more funds for us to distribute and, to the contrary, would likely increase our borrowing costs and potentially decrease funds available for distribution.  Thus, higher market interest rates could cause the market price of our equity securities to go down;

 

·

anticipated benefit of an investment in our securities as compared to investment in securities of companies in other industries (including benefits associated with tax treatment of dividends and distributions);

 

·

perception by market professionals of REITs generally and REITs comparable to us in particular;

 

·

level of institutional investor interest in our securities;

 

·

relatively low trading volumes in securities of REITs;

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·

our results of operations and financial condition;

 

·

investor confidence in the stock market generally; and

 

·

additions and departures of key personnel.

 

The market value of our equity securities is based primarily upon the market’s perception of our growth potential and our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions.  Consequently, our equity securities may trade at prices that are higher or lower than our net asset value per equity security.  If our future earnings or cash distributions are less than expected, it is likely that the market price of our equity securities will diminish.

 

The market price of our common shares has been, and may continue to be, particularly volatile, and our shareholders may be unable to resell their shares at a profit.

 

The market price of our common shares has been subject to significant fluctuation and may continue to fluctuate or decline.  Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018, the closing price per share of our common shares has ranged from a high of $33.30 (on March 31, 2016) to a low of $22.94 (on July 10, 2017).  In the past several years, REIT securities have experienced high levels of volatility and significant increases in value from their historic lows.

 

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company.  If our share price is volatile, we may become the target of securities litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources from our business.

 

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

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ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

 

As of December 31, 2018, we owned 493 self-storage properties that contain approximately 34.6 million rentable square feet and are located in 23 states and the District of Columbia.  The following table sets forth summary information regarding our stores by state as of December 31, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

    

    

    

    

Total

    

% of Total

    

    

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

Rentable

 

Rentable

 

Period-end

 

State

 

Stores

 

Cubes

 

Square Feet

 

Square Feet

 

Occupancy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florida

 

80

 

58,210

 

5,972,181

 

17.2

%  

89.4

%  

Texas

 

66

 

39,407

 

4,637,296

 

13.4

%  

88.3

%  

New York

 

47

 

62,686

 

3,576,590

 

10.3

%  

81.3

%  

California

 

42

 

28,596

 

3,052,908

 

8.8

%  

89.1

%  

Illinois

 

42

 

25,271

 

2,695,599

 

7.8

%  

89.7

%  

Arizona

 

31

 

17,608

 

1,893,512

 

5.5

%  

92.3

%  

New Jersey

 

25

 

16,878

 

1,700,724

 

4.9

%  

92.0

%  

Maryland

 

16

 

13,034

 

1,320,367

 

3.8

%  

91.3

%  

Georgia

 

18

 

11,072

 

1,317,737

 

3.8

%  

91.3

%  

Ohio

 

20

 

11,127

 

1,290,003

 

3.7

%  

89.9

%  

Connecticut

 

22

 

10,682

 

1,178,620

 

3.4

%  

91.5

%  

Virginia

 

10

 

7,889

 

788,260

 

2.3

%  

90.5

%  

North Carolina

 

10

 

6,279

 

722,500

 

2.1

%  

87.4

%  

Colorado

 

11

 

6,019

 

697,299

 

2.0

%  

89.2

%  

Massachusetts

 

11

 

7,242

 

668,883

 

1.9

%  

89.5

%  

Nevada

 

 8

 

5,131

 

642,342

 

1.9

%  

93.0

%  

Tennessee

 

 7

 

4,450

 

618,060

 

1.8

%  

90.8

%  

Pennsylvania

 

 9

 

6,034

 

608,866

 

1.8

%  

91.4

%  

Washington D.C.

 

 5

 

5,301

 

410,075

 

1.2

%  

76.9

%  

Utah

 

 4

 

2,306

 

239,398

 

0.7

%  

89.1

%  

Rhode Island

 

 4

 

1,978

 

237,195

 

0.7

%  

91.5

%  

New Mexico

 

 3

 

1,676

 

182,261

 

0.5

%  

92.8

%  

Minnesota

 

 1

 

1,026

 

100,928

 

0.3

%  

93.2

%  

Indiana

 

 1

 

577

 

67,604

 

0.2

%  

93.4

%  

Total/Weighted Average

 

493

 

350,479

 

34,619,208

 

100.0

%  

89.0

%  

 

We have grown by adding stores to our portfolio through acquisitions and development. The tables set forth below show the average occupancy, annual rent per occupied square foot, and total revenues for our stores owned as of December 31, 2018, and for each of the previous three years, grouped by the year during which we first owned or operated the store.

 

Stores by Year Acquired - Average Occupancy 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rentable

 

Average Occupancy

 

Year Acquired (1)

    

# of Stores

    

Square Feet

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015 and earlier

 

443

 

30,419,868

 

92.5

92.6

%  

91.9

2016

 

30

 

2,442,005

 

85.5

79.9

%  

67.8

2017

 

 9

 

763,343

 

45.9

39.1

%  

 —

 

2018

 

11

 

993,992

 

56.7

 —

 

 —

 

All Stores Owned as of December 31, 2018

 

493

 

34,619,208

 

90.5

91.2

%  

90.7

 

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Stores by Year Acquired - Annual Rent Per Occupied Square Foot (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rent per Square Foot

 

Year Acquired (1)

    

# of Stores

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015 and earlier

 

443

 

$

17.52

 

$

16.92

 

$

16.24

 

2016

 

30

 

 

16.14

 

 

15.36

 

 

15.24

 

2017

 

 9

 

 

19.99

 

 

19.11

 

 

 —

 

2018

 

11

 

 

24.76

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

All Stores Owned as of December 31, 2018

 

493

 

$

17.58

 

$

16.84

 

$

16.18

 

 

Stores by Year Acquired - Total Revenues (dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Revenues

 

Year Acquired (1)

    

# of Stores

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015 and earlier

 

443

 

$

522,579

 

$

504,521

 

$

479,029

 

2016

 

30

 

 

35,593

 

 

31,391

 

 

16,005

 

2017

 

 9

 

 

7,563

 

 

2,102

 

 

 —

 

2018

 

11

 

 

4,137

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

All Stores Owned as of December 31, 2018

 

493

 

$

569,872

 

$

538,014

 

$

495,034

 


(1)

Represents the year acquired for those stores we acquired from a third party or the year placed in service for those stores we developed.

 

(2)

Determined by dividing the aggregate rental revenue for each twelve-month period by the average of the month-end occupied square feet for the period.   Rental revenue includes the impact of promotional discounts, which reduce rental income over the promotional period, of $19.9 million, $18.2 million, and $17.4 million for the periods ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

 

As of December 31, 2018, we held common ownership interests ranging from 10% to 50% in four unconsolidated real estate ventures for an aggregate investment balance of $95.8 million. We formed interests in these real estate ventures with unaffiliated third parties to acquire, own, and operate self-storage properties in select markets. As of December 31, 2018, these four unconsolidated real estate ventures owned 129 self-storage properties that contain an aggregate of approximately 7.7 million net rentable square feet. The self-storage properties owned by these four real estate ventures are managed by us and are located in Texas (37), South Carolina (22), Michigan (17), Massachusetts (13), Tennessee (10), Georgia (7), Florida (6), Connecticut (5), North Carolina (5), Arizona (2), Rhode Island (2), Vermont (2), and Maryland (1).

On September 5, 2018, we invested $5.0 million in exchange for 100% of the Class A Preferred Units of Capital Storage Partners, LLC (“Capital Storage”), a newly formed venture that acquired 22 self-storage properties that contain an aggregate of approximately 1.3 million net rentable square feet. The stores owned by Capital Storage are located in Florida (4), Oklahoma (5), and Texas (13). The Class A Preferred Units earn an 11% cumulative dividend prior to any other distributions.

 

Each of these ventures has assets and liabilities that we do not consolidate in our financial statements.

 

We account for our investments in real estate ventures using the equity method when it is determined that we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the venture. See note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further disclosure regarding the assets, liabilities, and operating results of our unconsolidated real estate ventures which we account for using the equity method of accounting.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

We have a capital improvement program that includes office upgrades, adding climate control to selected cubes, construction of parking areas, and other store upgrades.  For 2019, we anticipate spending approximately $5.0 million to $10.0 million associated with these capital expenditures. For 2019, we also anticipate spending approximately $10.0 million to $15.0 million on recurring capital expenditures and approximately $30.0 million to $45.0 million on the development of new self-storage properties. 

 

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ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

To our knowledge, no legal proceedings are pending against us, other than routine actions and administrative proceedings, and other actions not deemed material, and which, in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

ITEM 4.  MINING SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Repurchase of Parent Company Common and Preferred Shares

 

The following table provides information about repurchases of the Parent Company’s common and preferred shares during the three months ended December 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
(1)

    

Average
Price Paid
Per Share

     

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or Programs

    

Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 1 - October 31

 

147

 

$

28.00

 

N/A

 

3,000,000

 

November 1 - November 30

 

37

 

$

30.33

 

N/A

 

3,000,000

 

December 1 - December 31

 

232

 

$

30.67

 

N/A

 

3,000,000

 

Total

 

416

 

$

29.70

 

N/A

 

3,000,000

 

 

(1)

Represents common shares withheld by the Parent Company upon the vesting of restricted shares to cover employee tax obligations.

 

On September 27, 2007, the Parent Company announced that the Board of Trustees approved a share repurchase program for up to 3.0 million of the Parent Company’s outstanding common shares. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Board of Trustees, the program will expire when the number of authorized shares has been repurchased. The Parent Company has made no repurchases under this program to date.

 

Market Information for and Holders of Record of Common Shares

 

As of December 31, 2018, there were approximately 131 registered record holders of the Parent Company’s common shares and 13 holders (other than the Parent Company) of the Operating Partnership’s common units.  These amounts do not include common shares held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of shareholders.  The Parent Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol CUBE.  There is no established trading market for units of the Operating Partnership. 

 

Since our initial quarter as a publicly-traded REIT, we have made regular quarterly distributions to our shareholders.  Distributions to shareholders are usually taxable as ordinary income, although a portion of the distribution may be designated as capital gain or may constitute a tax-free return of capital.  Annually, we provide each of the Parent Company’s common shareholders a statement detailing the tax characterization of dividends paid during the preceding year as ordinary income, capital gain, or return of capital.  The characterization of the Parent Company’s dividends for 2018 consisted of a 78.190% ordinary income distribution, a 13.653% capital gain distribution, and an 8.157% return of capital distribution from earnings and profits.

 

We intend to continue to declare quarterly distributions.  However, we cannot provide any assurance as to the amount or timing of future distributions.  Under our Credit Facility, we are restricted from paying distributions on the Parent Company’s common shares in excess of the greater of (i) 95% of our funds from operations, and (ii) such amount as may be necessary to maintain our REIT status.

 

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To the extent that we make distributions in excess of our earnings and profits, as computed for federal income tax purposes, these distributions will represent a return of capital, rather than a dividend, for federal income tax purposes. Distributions that are treated as a return of capital for federal income tax purposes generally will not be taxable as a dividend to a U.S. shareholder, but will reduce the shareholder’s basis in its shares (but not below zero) and therefore can result in the shareholder having a higher gain upon a subsequent sale of such shares.  Return of capital distributions in excess of a shareholder’s basis generally will be treated as gain from the sale of such shares for federal income tax purposes.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Recent Sales of Operating Partnership Unregistered Equity Securities

 

As previously disclosed, on December 7, 2017, the Operating Partnership entered into an agreement to acquire a self-storage property located in Texas for $12.2 million, and agreed to fund a portion of the acquisition price in the form of common units, designated Class B Units.  On January 31, 2018, the Operating Partnership closed on the acquisition and funded approximately $4.8 million of the acquisition price through the issuance of 168,011 common units.  Following a 13-month lock-up period, the holder may tender the common units for redemption by the Operating Partnership for a cash amount per common unit equal to the market value of an equivalent number of common shares of the Company.  The Company has the right, but not the obligation, to assume and satisfy the redemption obligation of the Operating Partnership by issuing one common share in exchange for each common unit tendered for redemption.  The common units were sold to a single accredited investor unaffiliated with the Company in a private placement transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of such Act.

 

Securities Authorized Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

Other information about our equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference to Part III, Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

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Share Performance Graph

 

The SEC requires us to present a chart comparing the cumulative total shareholder return, assuming reinvestment of dividends, on our common shares with the cumulative total shareholder return of (i) a broad equity index and (ii) a published industry or peer group index. The following chart compares the yearly cumulative total shareholder return for our common shares with the cumulative shareholder return of companies on (i) the S&P 500 Index, (ii) the Russell 2000 Index and (iii) the NAREIT All Equity REIT Index as provided by NAREIT for the period beginning December 31, 2013 and ending December 31, 2018.

 

Picture 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period Ending

 

Index

    

12/31/2013

    

12/31/2014

    

12/31/2015

    

12/31/2016

    

12/31/2017

    

12/31/2018

 

CubeSmart

 

100.00 

 

142.54

 

203.01

 

183.03

 

206.31

 

213.29

 

S&P 500 Index

 

100.00 

 

113.69

 

115.26

 

129.05

 

157.22

 

150.33

 

Russell 2000 Index

 

100.00 

 

104.89

 

100.26

 

121.63

 

139.44

 

124.09

 

NAREIT All Equity REIT Index

 

100.00 

 

128.03

 

131.64

 

143.00

 

155.41

 

149.12

 

 

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

CUBESMART

 

The following table sets forth selected financial and operating data on a historical consolidated basis for the Parent Company.  The selected historical financial data as of and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2018 are derived from the Parent Company’s consolidated financial statements, which financial statements have been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.  The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the report thereon, are included herein.  The selected data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, the related notes, and the independent registered public accounting firm’s report. The other data presented below is not derived from the audited financial statements included herein.

 

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The following data should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto of the Parent Company and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

    

2015

    

2014

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rental income

 

$

517,535

 

$

489,043

 

$

449,601

 

$

392,476

 

$

330,898

 

Other property related income

 

 

60,156

 

 

55,001

 

 

50,255

 

 

45,189

 

 

40,065

 

Property management fee income

 

 

20,253

 

 

14,899

 

 

10,183

 

 

6,856

 

 

6,000

 

Total revenues

 

 

597,944

 

 

558,943

 

 

510,039

 

 

444,521

 

 

376,963

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property operating expenses

 

 

196,866

 

 

181,508

 

 

165,847

 

 

153,172

 

 

132,701

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

143,350

 

 

145,681

 

 

161,865

 

 

151,789

 

 

126,813

 

General and administrative

 

 

37,712

 

 

34,745

 

 

32,823

 

 

28,371

 

 

28,422

 

Acquisition related costs

 

 

 —

 

 

1,294

 

 

6,552

 

 

3,301

 

 

7,484

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

377,928

 

 

363,228

 

 

367,087

 

 

336,633

 

 

295,420

 

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense on loans

 

 

(62,132)

 

 

(56,952)

 

 

(50,399)

 

 

(43,736)

 

 

(46,802)

 

Loan procurement amortization expense

 

 

(2,313)

 

 

(2,638)

 

 

(2,577)

 

 

(2,324)

 

 

(2,190)

 

Equity in losses of real estate ventures

 

 

(865)

 

 

(1,386)

 

 

(2,662)

 

 

(411)

 

 

(6,255)

 

Gains from sale of real estate, net

 

 

10,576

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

17,567

 

 

475

 

Other

 

 

206

 

 

872

 

 

1,062

 

 

(228)

 

 

(405)

 

Total other expense

 

 

(54,528)

 

 

(60,104)

 

 

(54,576)

 

 

(29,132)

 

 

(55,177)

 

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

 

165,488

 

 

135,611

 

 

88,376

 

 

78,756

 

 

26,366

 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

336

 

Total discontinued operations

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

336

 

NET INCOME

 

 

165,488

 

 

135,611

 

 

88,376

 

 

78,756

 

 

26,702

 

NET (INCOME) LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

(1,820)

 

 

(1,593)

 

 

(941)

 

 

(960)

 

 

(307)

 

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

221

 

 

270

 

 

470

 

 

(84)

 

 

(16)

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY

 

 

163,889

 

 

134,288

 

 

87,905

 

 

77,712

 

 

26,379

 

Distribution to preferred shareholders

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(5,045)

 

 

(6,008)

 

 

(6,008)

 

Preferred share redemption charge

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,937)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

$

79,923

 

$

71,704

 

$

20,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.13

 

Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

0.01

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.13

 

Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

0.01

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average basic shares outstanding (1)

 

 

184,653

 

 

180,525

 

 

178,246

 

 

168,640

 

 

149,107

 

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (1)

 

 

185,495

 

 

181,448

 

 

179,533

 

 

170,191

 

 

150,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

$

79,923

 

$

71,704

 

$

20,040

 

Total discontinued operations

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

331

 

Net income

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

$

79,923

 

$

71,704

 

$

20,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

    

2015

    

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storage properties, net

 

$

3,600,968

 

$

3,408,790

 

$

3,326,816

 

$

2,872,983

 

$

2,625,129

 

Total assets

 

 

3,752,972

 

 

3,545,336

 

 

3,475,028

 

 

3,104,164

 

 

2,776,906

 

Unsecured senior notes, net

 

 

1,143,524

 

 

1,142,460

 

 

1,039,076

 

 

741,904

 

 

493,957

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

195,525

 

 

81,700

 

 

43,300

 

 

 —

 

 

78,000

 

Unsecured term loans, net

 

 

299,799

 

 

299,396

 

 

398,749

 

 

398,183

 

 

397,617

 

Mortgage loans and notes payable, net

 

 

108,246

 

 

111,434

 

 

114,618

 

 

111,455

 

 

194,844

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,980,704

 

 

1,855,646

 

 

1,759,384

 

 

1,393,183

 

 

1,277,465

 

Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

55,819

 

 

54,320

 

 

54,407

 

 

66,128

 

 

49,823

 

Total CubeSmart shareholders' equity

 

 

1,709,678

 

 

1,629,134

 

 

1,655,382

 

 

1,643,327

 

 

1,448,026

 

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

6,771

 

 

6,236

 

 

5,855

 

 

1,526

 

 

1,592

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

 

3,752,972

 

 

3,545,336

 

 

3,475,028

 

 

3,104,164

 

 

2,776,906

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of stores

 

 

493

 

 

484

 

 

475

 

 

445

 

 

421

 

Total rentable square feet (in thousands)

 

 

34,619

 

 

33,760

 

 

32,858

 

 

30,361

 

 

28,622

 

Occupancy percentage

 

 

89.0

%  

 

89.2

%  

 

89.7

%  

 

90.2

%  

 

89.1

%  

Cash dividends declared per common share (2)

 

$

1.22

 

$

1.11

 

$

0.90

 

$

0.69

 

$

0.55

 

 

(1)

OP units have been excluded from the earnings per share calculations as the related income or loss is presented in noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership.

 

(2)

We announced full quarterly dividends of $0.13 and $0.484 per common and preferred shares, respectively, on February 25, 2014, May 28, 2014, and August 5, 2014; dividends of $0.16 and $0.484 per common and preferred shares, respectively, on December 16, 2014, February 24, 2015, May 27, 2015, and August 4, 2015; dividends of $0.21 and $0.484 per common and preferred shares, respectively, on December 10, 2015, February 16, 2016, June 1, 2016, and August 2, 2016; dividends of $0.174 per preferred share on September 2, 2016; dividends of $0.27 per common share on December 15, 2016, February 14, 2017, May 31, 2017, and July 25, 2017; dividends of $0.30 per common share on December 14, 2017, February 13, 2018, May 30, 2018, and August 7, 2018; and dividends of $0.32 per common share on December 13, 2018.

 

CUBESMART, L.P.

 

The following table sets forth selected financial and operating data on a historical consolidated basis for the Operating Partnership.  The selected historical financial data as of and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2018 are derived from the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements, which financial statements have been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.  The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the report thereon, are included herein.  The selected data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, the related notes, and the independent registered public accounting firm’s report. The other data presented below is not derived from the audited financial statements included herein.

32


 

Table of Contents

The following data should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto of the Operating Partnership and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

    

2015

    

2014

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per unit data)

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rental income

 

$

517,535

 

$

489,043

 

$

449,601

 

$

392,476

 

$

330,898

 

Other property related income

 

 

60,156

 

 

55,001

 

 

50,255

 

 

45,189

 

 

40,065

 

Property management fee income

 

 

20,253

 

 

14,899

 

 

10,183

 

 

6,856

 

 

6,000

 

Total revenues

 

 

597,944

 

 

558,943

 

 

510,039

 

 

444,521

 

 

376,963

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property operating expenses

 

 

196,866

 

 

181,508

 

 

165,847

 

 

153,172

 

 

132,701

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

143,350

 

 

145,681

 

 

161,865

 

 

151,789

 

 

126,813

 

General and administrative

 

 

37,712

 

 

34,745

 

 

32,823

 

 

28,371

 

 

28,422

 

Acquisition related costs

 

 

 —

 

 

1,294

 

 

6,552

 

 

3,301

 

 

7,484

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

377,928

 

 

363,228

 

 

367,087

 

 

336,633

 

 

295,420

 

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense on loans

 

 

(62,132)

 

 

(56,952)

 

 

(50,399)

 

 

(43,736)

 

 

(46,802)

 

Loan procurement amortization expense

 

 

(2,313)

 

 

(2,638)

 

 

(2,577)

 

 

(2,324)

 

 

(2,190)

 

Equity in losses of real estate ventures

 

 

(865)

 

 

(1,386)

 

 

(2,662)

 

 

(411)

 

 

(6,255)

 

Gains from sale of real estate, net

 

 

10,576

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

17,567

 

 

475

 

Other

 

 

206

 

 

872

 

 

1,062

 

 

(228)

 

 

(405)

 

Total other expense

 

 

(54,528)

 

 

(60,104)

 

 

(54,576)

 

 

(29,132)

 

 

(55,177)

 

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

 

165,488

 

 

135,611

 

 

88,376

 

 

78,756

 

 

26,366

 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

336

 

Total discontinued operations

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

336

 

NET INCOME

 

 

165,488

 

 

135,611

 

 

88,376

 

 

78,756

 

 

26,702

 

NET LOSS (INCOME) ATTRIBUTABLE TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

221

 

 

270

 

 

470

 

 

(84)

 

 

(16)

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CUBESMART L.P.

 

 

165,709

 

 

135,881

 

 

88,846

 

 

78,672

 

 

26,686

 

Operating Partnership interests of third parties

 

 

(1,820)

 

 

(1,593)

 

 

(941)

 

 

(960)

 

 

(307)

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO OPERATING PARTNER

 

 

163,889

 

 

134,288

 

 

87,905

 

 

77,712

 

 

26,379

 

Distribution to preferred unitholders

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(5,045)

 

 

(6,008)

 

 

(6,008)

 

Preferred unit redemption charge

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,937)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON UNITHOLDERS

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

$

79,923

 

$

71,704

 

$

20,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per unit from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.13

 

Basic earnings per unit from discontinued operations attributable to common unitholders

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

0.01

 

Basic earnings per unit attributable to common unitholders

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per unit from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.13

 

Diluted earnings per unit from discontinued operations attributable to common unitholders

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

0.01

 

Diluted earnings per unit attributable to common unitholders

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average basic units outstanding (1)

 

 

184,653

 

 

180,525

 

 

178,246

 

 

168,640

 

 

149,107

 

Weighted-average diluted units outstanding (1)

 

 

185,495

 

 

181,448

 

 

179,533

 

 

170,191

 

 

150,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON UNITHOLDERS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

$

79,923

 

$

71,704

 

$

20,040

 

Total discontinued operations

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

331

 

Net income

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

$

79,923

 

$

71,704

 

$

20,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

    

2015

    

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storage properties, net

 

$

3,600,968

 

$

3,408,790

 

$

3,326,816

 

$

2,872,983

 

$

2,625,129

 

Total assets

 

 

3,752,972

 

 

3,545,336

 

 

3,475,028

 

 

3,104,164

 

 

2,776,906

 

Unsecured senior notes, net

 

 

1,143,524

 

 

1,142,460

 

 

1,039,076

 

 

741,904

 

 

493,957

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

195,525

 

 

81,700

 

 

43,300

 

 

 —

 

 

78,000

 

Unsecured term loans, net

 

 

299,799

 

 

299,396

 

 

398,749

 

 

398,183

 

 

397,617

 

Mortgage loans and notes payable, net

 

 

108,246

 

 

111,434

 

 

114,618

 

 

111,455

 

 

194,844

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,980,704

 

 

1,855,646

 

 

1,759,384

 

 

1,393,183

 

 

1,277,465

 

Operating Partnership interests of third parties

 

 

55,819

 

 

54,320

 

 

54,407

 

 

66,128

 

 

49,823

 

Total CubeSmart L.P. Capital

 

 

1,709,678

 

 

1,629,134

 

 

1,655,382

 

 

1,643,327

 

 

1,448,026

 

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

6,771

 

 

6,236

 

 

5,855

 

 

1,526

 

 

1,592

 

Total liabilities and capital

 

 

3,752,972

 

 

3,545,336

 

 

3,475,028

 

 

3,104,164

 

 

2,776,906

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of stores

 

 

493

 

 

484

 

 

475

 

 

445

 

 

421

 

Total rentable square feet (in thousands)

 

 

34,619

 

 

33,760

 

 

32,858

 

 

30,361

 

 

28,622

 

Occupancy percentage

 

 

89.0

%  

 

89.2

%  

 

89.7

%  

 

90.2

%  

 

89.1

%  

Cash dividends declared per common unit (2)

 

$

1.22

 

$

1.11

 

$

0.90

 

$

0.69

 

$

0.55

 

 

(1)

OP units have been excluded from the earnings per unit calculations as the related income or loss is presented in Operating Partnership interest of third parties.

 

(2)

We announced full quarterly dividends of $0.13 and $0.484 per common and preferred units, respectively, on February 25, 2014, May 28, 2014, and August 5, 2014; dividends of $0.16 and $0.484 per common and preferred units, respectively, on December 16, 2014, February 24, 2015, May 27, 2015, and August 4, 2015; dividends of $0.21 and $0.484 per common and preferred units, respectively, on December 10, 2015, February 16, 2016, June 1, 2016, and August 2, 2016; dividends of $0.174 per preferred unit on September 2, 2016; dividends of $0.27 per common unit on December 15, 2016, February 14, 2017, May 31, 2017, and July 25, 2017; dividends of $0.30 per common unit on December 14, 2017, February 13, 2018, May 30, 2018, and August 7, 2018; and dividends of $0.32 per common share on December 13, 2018.

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ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Report.  Some of the statements we make in this section are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  For a complete discussion of forward-looking statements, see the section in this Report entitled “Forward-Looking Statements”.  Certain risk factors may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the following discussion.  For a discussion of such risk factors, see the section in this Report entitled “Risk Factors”.

 

Overview

 

We are an integrated self-storage real estate company, and as such we have in-house capabilities in the operation, design, development, leasing, management, and acquisition of self-storage properties.  The Parent Company’s operations are conducted solely through the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries.  The Parent Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we owned 493 and 484 self-storage properties, respectively, totaling approximately 34.6 million and 33.8 million rentable square feet, respectively.  As of December 31, 2018, we owned stores in the District of Columbia and the following 23 states:  Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.  In addition, as of December 31, 2018, we managed 593 stores for third parties (including 151 stores containing an aggregate of approximately 9.0 million net rentable square feet as part of five separate unconsolidated real estate ventures), bringing the total number of stores we owned and/or managed to 1,086.  As of December 31, 2018, we managed stores for third parties in the District of Columbia and the following 34 states:  Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

 

We derive revenues principally from rents received from customers who rent cubes at our self-storage properties under month-to-month leases.  Therefore, our operating results depend materially on our ability to retain our existing customers and lease our available self-storage cubes to new customers while maintaining and, where possible, increasing our pricing levels.  In addition, our operating results depend on the ability of our customers to make required rental payments to us.  Our approach to the management and operation of our stores combines centralized marketing, revenue management, and other operational support with local operations teams that provide market-level oversight and control.  We believe this approach allows us to respond quickly and effectively to changes in local market conditions, and to maximize revenues by managing rental rates and occupancy levels.

 

We typically experience seasonal fluctuations in the occupancy levels of our stores, which are generally slightly higher during the summer months due to increased moving activity.

 

Our results of operations may be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions that impact consumer spending, including discretionary spending and moving trends, as well as to increased bad debts due to recessionary pressures.  Adverse economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income, such as employment levels, business conditions, interest rates, tax rates, fuel and energy costs, and other matters could reduce consumer spending or cause consumers to shift their spending to other products and services.  A general reduction in the level of discretionary spending or shifts in consumer discretionary spending could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

 

We continue our focus on maximizing internal growth opportunities and selectively pursuing targeted acquisitions and developments of self-storage properties.

 

We have one reportable segment:  we own, operate, develop, manage, and acquire self-storage properties.

 

Our self-storage properties are located in major metropolitan and suburban areas and have numerous customers per store.  No single customer represents a significant concentration of our revenues.  Our stores in Florida, New York, Texas, and California provided approximately 17%, 16%, 10%, and 8%, respectively, of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Set forth below is a summary of the accounting policies and estimates that management believes are critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.  Certain of the accounting policies used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are particularly important for an understanding of the financial position and results of operations presented in the historical consolidated financial statements included in this Report.  A summary of significant accounting policies is also provided in the

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notes to our consolidated financial statements (see note 2 to the consolidated financial statements).  These policies require the application of judgment and assumptions by management and, as a result, are subject to a degree of uncertainty.  Due to this uncertainty, actual results could differ materially from estimates calculated and utilized by management.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company, and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries.  The portion of these entities not owned by the Company is presented as noncontrolling interests as of and during the periods presented.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

When the Company obtains an economic interest in an entity, the Company evaluates the entity to determine if the entity is deemed a variable interest entity (“VIE”), and if the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, in accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) on the consolidation of VIEs.  When an entity is not deemed to be a VIE, the Company considers the provisions of additional FASB guidance to determine whether a general partner, or the general partners as a group, controls a limited partnership or similar entity when the limited partners have certain rights.  The Company consolidates (i) entities that are VIEs and of which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and (ii) entities that are non-VIEs which the Company controls and in which the limited partners do not have substantive participating rights, or the ability to dissolve the entity or remove the Company without cause.

 

Self-Storage Properties

 

The Company records self-storage properties at cost less accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation on the buildings and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from five to 39 years. Expenditures for significant renovations or improvements that extend the useful life of assets are capitalized.  Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

 

When stores are acquired, the purchase price is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values.  When a portfolio of stores is acquired, the purchase price is allocated to the individual stores based upon an income approach or a cash flow analysis using appropriate risk adjusted capitalization rates, which take into account the relative size, age, and location of the individual store along with current and projected occupancy and rental rate levels or appraised values, if available.  Allocations to the individual assets and liabilities are based upon comparable market sales information for land, buildings and improvements, and estimates of depreciated replacement cost of equipment.

 

In allocating the purchase price for an acquisition, the Company determines whether the acquisition includes intangible assets or liabilities.  The Company allocates a portion of the purchase price to an intangible asset attributable to the value of in-place leases.  This intangible asset is generally amortized to expense over the expected remaining term of the respective leases.  Substantially all of the leases in place at acquired stores are at market rates, as the majority of the leases are month-to-month contracts.  Accordingly, to date no portion of the purchase price has been allocated to above- or below-market lease intangibles.  To date, no intangible asset has been recorded for the value of customer relationships, because the Company does not have any concentrations of significant customers and the average customer turnover is fairly frequent.

 

Long-lived assets classified as “held for use” are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances such as declines in occupancy and operating results indicate that there may be an impairment.  The carrying value of these long-lived assets is compared to the undiscounted future net operating cash flows, plus a terminal value, attributable to the assets to determine if the store’s basis is recoverable.  If a store’s basis is not considered recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent the net carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value.  The impairment loss recognized equals the excess of net carrying value over the related fair value of the asset.  There were no impairment losses recognized in accordance with these procedures during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

 

The Company considers long-lived assets to be “held for sale” upon satisfaction of the following criteria: (a) management commits to a plan to sell a store (or group of stores), (b) the store is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such stores, (c) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the store have been initiated, (d) the sale of the store is probable and transfer of the asset is expected to be completed within one year, (e) the store is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and (f) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.

 

Typically these criteria are all met when the relevant asset is under contract, significant non-refundable deposits have been made by the potential buyer, the assets are immediately available for transfer and there are no contingencies related to the sale that may prevent the

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transaction from closing.  However, each potential transaction is evaluated based on its separate facts and circumstances.  Stores classified as held for sale are reported at the lesser of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Management has determined that all our leases with customers are operating leases.  Rental income is recognized in accordance with the terms of the leases, which generally are month to month.  Property management fee income is recognized monthly as services are performed and in accordance with the terms of the related management agreements.

 

The Company recognizes gains from sale of real estate in accordance with the guidance on transfer of nonfinancial assets. Payments received from purchasers prior to closing are recorded as deposits.  Profit on real estate sold is recognized when a valid contract exists, the collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured and the control of the property has transferred.

 

Noncontrolling Interests

 

Noncontrolling interests are the portion of equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent.  The ownership interests in the subsidiary that are held by owners other than the parent are noncontrolling interests.  In accordance with authoritative guidance issued on noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements, such noncontrolling interests are reported on the consolidated balance sheets within equity/capital, separately from the Parent Company’s equity/capital.  The guidance also requires that noncontrolling interests are adjusted each period so that the carrying value equals the greater of its carrying value based on the accumulation of historical cost or its redemption value.  On the consolidated statements of operations, revenues, expenses, and net income or loss from less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries are reported at the consolidated amounts, including both the amounts attributable to the Parent Company and noncontrolling interests.  Presentation of consolidated equity/capital activity is included for both quarterly and annual financial statements, including beginning balances, activity for the period and ending balances for shareholders’ equity/capital, noncontrolling interests, and total equity/capital.

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

 

The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures under the equity method of accounting when it is determined that the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the venture.  Under the equity method, investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures are recorded initially at cost, as investments in real estate entities, and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings (losses), cash contributions, less distributions and impairments. On a periodic basis, management also assesses whether there are any indicators that the carrying value of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated real estate entities may be other than temporarily impaired. An investment is impaired only if the fair value of the investment, as estimated by management, is less than the carrying value of the investment and the decline is other than temporary. To the extent impairment that is other than temporary has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the fair value of the investment, as estimated by management. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including but not limited to, discounted cash flow models, quoted market values, and third party appraisals. There were no impairment losses related to the Company’s investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures recognized during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Parent Company elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code beginning with the period from October 21, 2004 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2004.  In management’s opinion, the requirements to maintain these elections are being met.  Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been reflected in the consolidated financial statements other than for operations conducted through our taxable REIT subsidiaries.

 

Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of distributions to shareholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due to differences in cost basis, the estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation, and the allocation of net income and loss for financial versus tax reporting purposes.

 

The Parent Company is subject to a 4% federal excise tax if sufficient taxable income is not distributed within prescribed time limits.  The excise tax equals 4% of the annual amount, if any, by which the sum of (a) 85% of the Parent Company’s ordinary income, (b) 95% of the Parent Company’s net capital gains, and (c) 100% of prior year taxable income exceeds cash distributions and certain taxes paid by the Parent Company.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

   In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-12 – Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. The transition guidance provides companies with the option of early adopting the new standard using a modified retrospective transition method in any interim period after issuance of the update, or alternatively requires adoption for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. This adoption method will require the Company to recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the new guidance as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year that the Company adopts the update. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


   In February 2017, as part of the new revenue standard, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05 – Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance, which focuses on recognizing gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets in contracts with non-customers. Specifically, the new guidance defines “in substance nonfinancial asset”, unifies guidance related to partial sales of nonfinancial assets, eliminates rules specifically addressing sales of real estate, removes exceptions to the financial asset derecognition model, and clarifies the accounting for contributions of nonfinancial assets to joint ventures. The new guidance became effective on January 1, 2018 when the Company adopted the new revenue standard. Upon adoption, the majority of the Company’s sale transactions are now treated as dispositions of nonfinancial assets rather than dispositions of a business given the FASB’s recently revised definition of a business (see ASU No. 2017-01 below). Additionally, in partial sale transactions where the Company sells a controlling interest in real estate but retains a noncontrolling interest, the Company will now fully recognize a gain or loss on the fair value measurement of the retained interest as the new guidance eliminates the partial profit recognition model. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01 - Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which changes the definition of a business to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. A framework is provided to evaluate when an input and a substantive process are present.  The new guidance also narrows the definition of outputs, which are defined as the results of inputs and substantive processes that provide goods or services to customers, other revenue, or investment income. The standard became effective on January 1, 2018. Upon adoption of the new guidance, the majority of the Company’s future property acquisitions will now be considered asset acquisitions, resulting in the capitalization of acquisition related costs incurred in connection with these transactions and the allocation of purchase price and acquisition related costs to the assets acquired based on their relative fair values. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18 - Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which requires the statement of cash flows to explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The new guidance also requires entities to reconcile such total to amounts on the balance sheet and disclose the nature of the restrictions. The standard became effective on January 1, 2018 and requires the use of the retrospective transition method. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the update primarily relates to financial statement presentation and disclosures.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 – Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The eight items that the ASU provides classification guidance on include (1) debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, (2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, (3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, (4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, (5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, (6) distributions received from equity method investments, (7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and (8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The standard became effective on January 1, 2018 and requires the use of the retrospective transition method. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the update primarily relates to financial statement presentation and disclosures.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 - Leases (Topic 842), which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either financing or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use

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asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification.  Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2019, the date it became effective for public companies, using the modified retrospective approach. Upon adoption, the Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted within the standard, which among other things, allows for the carryforward of historical lease classification. In addition, the Company elected the practical expedient that allows reporting entities to use hindsight to determine the lease term for existing leases. The Company expects to record lease liabilities of approximately $55.0 million and right-of-use assets of approximately $50.0 million, primarily related to the Company’s ten ground leases in which it serves as lessee.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The new guidance outlines a five-step process for customer contract revenue recognition that focuses on transfer of control as opposed to transfer of risk and rewards. The new guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows from contracts with customers. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which amends ASU No. 2014-09 and is intended to address implementation issues that were raised by stakeholders. ASU No. 2016-12 provides practical expedients on collectability, noncash consideration, presentation of sales tax and contract modifications and completed contracts in transition. Both standards became effective on January 1, 2018. The Company finalized the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 and ASU No. 2016-12 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and adopted the standards using the modified retrospective transition method. The standards did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position or results of operations primarily because most of its revenue is derived from lease contracts, which are excluded from the scope of the new guidance. The Company’s insurance fee revenue, property management fee revenue, and merchandise sale revenue are included in the scope of the new guidance, however, the Company identified similar performance obligations under this standard as compared with deliverables and separate units of account identified under its previous revenue recognition methodology. Accordingly, revenue recognized under the new guidance does not differ materially from revenue recognized under previous guidance and there is no material prior year impact.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following discussion of our results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto.  Historical results set forth in the consolidated statements of operations reflect only the existing stores for each period presented and should not be taken as indicative of future operations.  We consider our same-store portfolio to consist of only those stores owned and operated on a stabilized basis at the beginning and at the end of the applicable years presented. We consider a store to be stabilized once it has achieved an occupancy rate that we believe, based on our assessment of market-specific data, is representative of similar self-storage assets in the applicable market for a full year measured as of the most recent January 1 and has not been significantly damaged by natural disaster or undergone significant renovation.  We believe that same-store results are useful to investors in evaluating our performance because they provide information relating to changes in store-level operating performance without taking into account the effects of acquisitions, developments or dispositions.  As of December 31, 2018, we owned 456 same-store properties and 37 non same-store properties.  All of the non same-store properties were 2017 and 2018 acquisitions, dispositions, developed stores, stores with a significant portion of net rentable square footage taken out of service, or stores that have not yet reached stabilization as defined above.  For analytical presentation, all percentages are calculated using the numbers presented in the financial statements contained in this Report.

 

The comparability of our results of operations is affected by the timing of acquisition and disposition activities during the periods reported.  As of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, we owned 493, 484, and 475 self-storage properties and related assets, respectively. 

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The following table summarizes the change in number of owned stores from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance - January 1

 

484

 

475

 

445

 

Stores acquired

 

 1

 

 —

 

10

 

Stores developed

 

 —

 

 1

 

 1

 

Balance - March 31

 

485

 

476

 

456

 

Stores acquired

 

 1

 

 3

 

 7

 

Stores developed

 

 —

 

 —

 

 1

 

Stores combined (1)

 

 —

 

(1)

 

 —

 

Balance - June 30

 

486

 

478

 

464

 

Stores acquired

 

 3

 

 —

 

 7

 

Stores developed

 

 1

 

 2

 

 —

 

Balance - September 30

 

490

 

480

 

471

 

Stores acquired

 

 5

 

 4

 

 4

 

Stores developed

 

 —

 

 1

 

 —

 

Stores combined (2)

 

 —

 

(1)

 

 —

 

Stores sold

 

(2)

 

 —

 

 —

 

Balance - December 31

 

493

 

484

 

475

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

On May 16, 2017, we acquired a store located in Sacramento, CA for approximately $3.7 million, which is located directly adjacent to an existing wholly-owned store. Given their proximity to each other, the stores have been combined in our store count, as well as for operational and reporting purposes.

 

(2)

On October 2, 2017, we acquired a store located in Keller, TX for approximately $4.1 million, which is located directly adjacent to an existing wholly-owned store. Given their proximity to each other, the stores have been combined in our store count, as well as for operational and reporting purposes.

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Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2018 to the Year Ended December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non Same-Store

 

Other/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same-Store Property Portfolio

 

Properties

 

Eliminations

 

Total Portfolio

 

 

    

 

    

    

 

    

Increase/

    

%  

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

Increase/

    

%  

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rental income

$

483,421

 

$

468,090

 

$

15,331

 

3.3

%  

$

34,114

 

$

20,953

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

517,535

 

$

489,043

 

$

28,492

 

5.8

%  

Other property related income

 

49,888

 

 

48,105

 

 

1,783

 

3.7

%  

 

4,105

 

 

2,669

 

 

6,163

 

 

4,227

 

 

60,156

 

 

55,001

 

 

5,155

 

9.4

%  

Property management fee income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

0.0

%  

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

20,253

 

 

14,899

 

 

20,253

 

 

14,899

 

 

5,354

 

35.9

%  

Total revenues

 

533,309

 

 

516,195

 

 

17,114

 

3.3

%  

 

38,219

 

 

23,622

 

 

26,416

 

 

19,126

 

 

597,944

 

 

558,943

 

 

39,001

 

7.0

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property operating expenses

 

152,442

 

 

147,334

 

 

5,108

 

3.5

%  

 

15,641

 

 

10,616

 

 

28,783

 

 

23,558

 

 

196,866

 

 

181,508

 

 

15,358

 

8.5

%  

NET OPERATING INCOME (LOSS):

 

380,867

 

 

368,861

 

 

12,006

 

3.3

%  

 

22,578

 

 

13,006

 

 

(2,367)

 

 

(4,432)

 

 

401,078

 

 

377,435

 

 

23,643

 

6.3

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store count

 

456

 

 

456

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

37

 

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

493

 

 

484

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total square footage

 

31,434

 

 

31,434

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,185

 

 

2,326

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,619

 

 

33,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period End Occupancy (1)

 

91.2

%  

 

91.5

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

67.0

%  

 

56.1

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

89.0

%  

 

89.2

%  

 

 

 

 

 

Period Average Occupancy (2)

 

92.7

%  

 

92.9

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized annual rent per occupied sq. ft. (3)

$

16.60

 

$

16.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

143,350

 

 

145,681

 

 

(2,331)

 

(1.6)

%  

General and administrative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

37,712

 

 

34,745

 

 

2,967

 

8.5

%  

Acquisition related costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,294

 

 

(1,294)

 

(100.0)

%  

Subtotal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

181,062

 

 

181,720

 

 

(658)

 

(0.4)

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense on loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(62,132)

 

 

(56,952)

 

 

(5,180)

 

(9.1)

%  

Loan procurement amortization expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,313)

 

 

(2,638)

 

 

325

 

12.3

%  

Equity in losses of real estate ventures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(865)

 

 

(1,386)

 

 

521

 

37.6

%  

Gains from sale of real estate, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,576

 

 

 —

 

 

10,576

 

100.0

%  

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

206

 

 

872

 

 

(666)

 

(76.4)

%  

Total other expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(54,528)

 

 

(60,104)

 

 

5,576

 

9.3

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

165,488

 

 

135,611

 

 

29,877

 

22.0

%  

NET (INCOME) LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,820)

 

 

(1,593)

 

 

(227)

 

(14.2)

%  

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

221

 

 

270

 

 

(49)

 

(18.1)

%  

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

$

29,601

 

22.0

%  


(1)

Represents occupancy as of December 31 of the respective year.

(2)

Represents the weighted average occupancy for the period.

(3)

Realized annual rent per occupied square foot is computed by dividing rental income by the weighted average occupied square feet for the period.

 

Revenues

 

Rental income increased from $489.0 million during 2017 to $517.5 million during 2018, an increase of $28.5 million, or 5.8%.  The increase in same-store rental income was primarily due to higher rental rates.  Realized annual rent per square foot on our same-store portfolio increased 3.6% as a result of higher rates for new and existing customers during 2018 as compared to 2017.  The remaining increase is primarily attributable to $13.2 million of additional income from the stores acquired in 2017 and 2018 included in our non same-store portfolio.

 

Other property related income increased from $55.0 million in 2017 to $60.2 million in 2018, an increase of $5.2 million, or 9.4%.  The $1.8 million increase in same-store other property related income is mainly attributable to increased customer insurance participation. The remainder of the increase is attributable to $1.4 million of additional other property related income derived from the stores acquired or opened in 2017 and 2018 included in our non same-store portfolio and $1.9 million resulting primarily from increased customer insurance participation at our managed stores.

 

Property management fee income increased from $14.9 million during 2017 to $20.3 million during 2018, an increase of $5.4 million, or 35.9%.  This increase is attributable to an increase in management fees related to the third-party management business resulting from more stores under management and higher revenue at managed stores (593 stores as of December 31, 2018 compared to 452 stores as of December 31, 2017).

 

Operating Expenses

 

Property operating expenses increased from $181.5 million in 2017 to $196.9 million in 2018, an increase of $15.4 million, or 8.5%. This increase was primarily attributable to a $5.2 million increase in costs associated with the growth in our third-party management program as well as system enhancements, a $5.1 million increase in property operating expenses on the same-store portfolio primarily due to higher property taxes, payroll, and snow removal expenses, and $5.0 million of increased expenses associated with newly acquired or developed stores.

 

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Table of Contents

Depreciation and amortization decreased from $145.7 million in 2017 to $143.4 million in 2018, a decrease of $2.3 million, or 1.6%.  This decrease is primarily attributable to five-year assets acquired as part of the Company’s property acquisitions in 2012 that became fully depreciated during 2017.

 

General and administrative expenses increased from $34.7 million in 2017 to $37.7 million in 2018, an increase of $3.0 million, or 8.5%. The change is primarily attributable to increased professional fees, a charge associated with the settlement of a legal action, and payroll expenses resulting from additional employee headcount to support our growth.

 

Acquisition related costs decreased $1.3 million from the year ended December 31, 2017 to the year ended December 31, 2018 as a result of the Company’s adoption of ASU 2017-01 on January 1, 2018 (see note 2), which now categorizes the majority of our property acquisitions as asset acquisitions, resulting in the capitalization of acquisition related costs.

 

Other (expense) income

 

Interest expense on loans increased from $57.0 million in 2017 to $62.1 million in 2018, an increase of $5.2 million, or 9.1%. The increase is primarily attributable to a higher amount of outstanding debt during 2018 as compared to 2017, and higher interest rates during 2018. The average debt balance increased to $1.7 billion during 2018 as compared to $1.6 billion during 2017 as the result of borrowings to fund a portion of the Company’s acquisition activity.  The weighted average effective interest rate on our outstanding debt increased from 3.79% during 2017 to 3.93% during 2018. 

 

Gains from sale of real estate, net were $10.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, with no comparable gains during the year ended December 31, 2017. These gains are determined on a transactional basis and, accordingly, are not comparable across reporting periods.

42


 

Table of Contents

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2017 to the Year Ended December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non Same-Store

 

Other/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same-Store Property Portfolio

 

Properties

 

Eliminations

 

Total Portfolio

 

 

   

 

    

    

 

    

Increase/

    

%  

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

Increase/

    

%  

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rental income

$

444,290

 

$

424,977

 

$

19,313

 

4.5

%  

$

44,753

 

$

24,624

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

489,043

 

$

449,601

 

$

39,442

 

8.8

Other property related income

 

46,131

 

 

44,689

 

 

1,442

 

3.2

%  

 

4,643

 

 

2,574

 

 

4,227

 

 

2,992

 

 

55,001

 

 

50,255

 

 

4,746

 

9.4

Property management fee income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

0.0

%  

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

14,899

 

 

10,183

 

 

14,899

 

 

10,183

 

 

4,716

 

46.3

Total revenues

 

490,421

 

 

469,666

 

 

20,755

 

4.4

%  

 

49,396

 

 

27,198

 

 

19,126

 

 

13,175

 

 

558,943

 

 

510,039

 

 

48,904

 

9.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property operating expenses

 

139,092

 

 

135,366

 

 

3,726

 

2.8

%  

 

18,858

 

 

11,936

 

 

23,558

 

 

18,545

 

 

181,508

 

 

165,847

 

 

15,661

 

9.4

NET OPERATING INCOME (LOSS):

 

351,329

 

 

334,300

 

 

17,029

 

5.1

%  

 

30,538

 

 

15,262

 

 

(4,432)

 

 

(5,370)

 

 

377,435

 

 

344,192

 

 

33,243

 

9.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store count

 

432

 

 

432

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52

 

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

484

 

 

475

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total square footage

 

29,561

 

 

29,561

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,199

 

 

3,297

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33,760

 

 

32,858

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period End Occupancy (1)

 

91.7

%  

 

91.8

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

71.7

%  

 

71.4

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

89.2

%  

 

89.7

%  

 

 

 

 

 

Period Average Occupancy (2)

 

93.1

%  

 

92.9

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized annual rent per occupied sq. ft. (3)

$

16.15

 

$

15.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

145,681

 

 

161,865

 

 

(16,184)

 

(10.0)

General and administrative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,745

 

 

32,823

 

 

1,922

 

5.9

Acquisition related costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,294

 

 

6,552

 

 

(5,258)

 

(80.3)

Subtotal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

181,720

 

 

201,240

 

 

(19,520)

 

(9.7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense on loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(56,952)

 

 

(50,399)

 

 

(6,553)

 

(13.0)

Loan procurement amortization expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,638)

 

 

(2,577)

 

 

(61)

 

(2.4)

Equity in losses of real estate ventures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,386)

 

 

(2,662)

 

 

1,276

 

47.9

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

872

 

 

1,062

 

 

(190)

 

(17.9)

Total other expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(60,104)

 

 

(54,576)

 

 

(5,528)

 

(10.1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

135,611

 

 

88,376

 

 

47,235

 

53.4

NET (INCOME) LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,593)

 

 

(941)

 

 

(652)

 

(69.3)

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

270

 

 

470

 

 

(200)

 

(42.6)

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

134,288

 

$

87,905

 

$

46,383

 

52.8

Distribution to preferred shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

(5,045)

 

 

5,045

 

100.0

Preferred share redemption charge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,937)

 

 

2,937

 

100.0

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

134,288

 

$

79,923

 

$

54,365

 

68.0


(1)

Represents occupancy as of December 31 of the respective year.

(2)

Represents the weighted average occupancy for the period.

(3)

Realized annual rent per occupied square foot is computed by dividing rental income by the weighted average occupied square feet for the period.

 

Revenues

 

Rental income increased from $449.6 million during 2016 to $489.0 million during 2017, an increase of $39.4 million, or 8.8%.  The increase in same-store rental income was primarily due to an increase in average occupancy of 20 basis points and higher rental rates.  Realized annual rent per square foot on our same-store portfolio increased 4.3% as a result of higher rates for new and existing customers during 2017 as compared to 2016.  The remaining increase is primarily attributable to $20.1 million of additional income from the stores acquired in 2016 and 2017 included in our non same-store portfolio.

 

Other property related income increased from $50.3 million in 2016 to $55.0 million in 2017, an increase of $4.7 million, or 9.4%.  The $1.4 million increase in same-store other property related income is mainly attributable to increased customer insurance participation and higher average occupancy.  The remainder of the increase is attributable to other property related income derived from the stores acquired or opened in 2016 and 2017 included in our non same-store portfolio.

 

Property management fee income increased from $10.2 million during 2016 to $14.9 million during 2017, an increase of $4.7 million, or 46.3%.  This increase is attributable to an increase in management fees related to the third-party management business resulting from more stores under management and higher revenue at managed stores (452 stores as of December 31, 2017 compared to 316 stores as of December 31, 2016).

 

Operating Expenses

 

Property operating expenses increased from $165.8 million in 2016 to $181.5 million in 2017, an increase of $15.7 million, or 9.4%, which is primarily attributable to $7.0 million of increased expenses associated with newly acquired stores, a $3.7 million increase in property operating expenses on the same-store portfolio, primarily due to higher property tax expenses, and $0.9 million related to hurricane damage, net of expected insurance proceeds.

 

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Table of Contents

Depreciation and amortization decreased from $161.9 million in 2016 to $145.7 million in 2017, a decrease of $16.2 million, or 10.0%.  This decrease is primarily attributable to five-year assets acquired as part of the Company’s property acquisitions in 2011 and 2012 that became fully depreciated during 2016 and 2017.

 

General and administrative expenses increased from $32.8 million in 2016 to $34.7 million in 2017, an increase of $1.9 million, or 5.9%. The change is primarily attributable to increased professional fees and payroll expenses resulting from additional employee headcount to support our growth.

 

Acquisition related costs decreased from $6.6 million during 2016 to $1.3 million during 2017, a decrease of $5.3 million, or 80.3%. Acquisition-related costs are non-recurring and fluctuate based on periodic investment activity.

 

Other (expense) income

 

Interest expense on loans increased from $50.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 to $57.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $6.6 million, or 13.0%.  The increase is primarily attributable to a higher amount of outstanding debt during 2017 as compared to 2016, partially offset by lower interest rates during 2017. The average debt balance increased $199.4 million to $1.6 billion during 2017 as compared to $1.4 billion during 2016 as the result of borrowings to fund a portion of the Company’s acquisition activity.  The weighted average effective interest rate on our outstanding debt decreased from 3.82% during 2016 to 3.79% during 2017. 

 

Equity in losses of real estate ventures fluctuated from a loss of $2.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 to a loss of $1.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, a change of $1.3 million, or 47.9%.  The change is mainly driven by our share of the losses attributable to HVP III, a real estate venture in which we own a 10% interest.  The loss incurred in 2016 was primarily the result of amortization expense associated with the in-place lease intangible that was recorded in connection with HVP III’s acquisition of 68 properties during 2015 and 2016. These assets became fully amortized during 2016 and 2017.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

NOI

 

We define net operating income, which we refer to as NOI, as total continuing revenues less continuing property operating expenses.  NOI also can be calculated by adding back to net income (loss): interest expense on loans, loan procurement amortization expense, loan procurement amortization expense — early repayment of debt, acquisition related costs, equity in losses of real estate ventures, other expense, depreciation and amortization expense, general and administrative expense, and deducting from net income (loss): gains from sale of real estate, net, income from discontinued operations, gains from disposition of discontinued operations, other income, gains from remeasurement of investments in real estate ventures and interest income.  NOI is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP.

 

We use NOI as a measure of operating performance at each of our stores, and for all of our stores in the aggregate. NOI should not be considered as a substitute for net income, cash flows provided by operating, investing and financing activities, or other income statement or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

We believe NOI is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because:

 

·

it is one of the primary measures used by our management and our store managers to evaluate the economic productivity of our stores, including our ability to lease our stores, increase pricing and occupancy, and control our property operating expenses;

 

·

it is widely used in the real estate industry and the self-storage industry to measure the performance and value of real estate assets without regard to various items included in net income that do not relate to or are not indicative of operating performance, such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets; and

 

·

it helps our investors to meaningfully compare the results of our operating performance from period to period by removing the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest expense on our outstanding indebtedness) and depreciation of our basis in our assets from our operating results.

 

There are material limitations to using a measure such as NOI, including the difficulty associated with comparing results among more than one company and the inability to analyze certain significant items, including depreciation and interest expense, that directly affect our

44


 

Table of Contents

net income.  We compensate for these limitations by considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently as well as in connection with our analysis of net income.  NOI should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP, such as total revenues and net income.

 

FFO

 

Funds from operations (“FFO”) is a widely used performance measure for real estate companies and is provided here as a supplemental measure of operating performance.  The April 2002 National Policy Bulletin of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, as amended, defines FFO as net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of real estate and related impairment charges, plus real estate depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures.

 

Management uses FFO as a key performance indicator in evaluating the operations of our stores. Given the nature of our business as a real estate owner and operator, we consider FFO a key measure of our operating performance that is not specifically defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  We believe that FFO is useful to management and investors as a starting point in measuring our operational performance because FFO excludes various items included in net income that do not relate to or are not indicative of our operating performance such as gains (or losses) from sales of real estate, gains from remeasurement of investments in real estate ventures, impairments of depreciable assets, and depreciation, which can make periodic and peer analyses of operating performance more difficult. Our computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or real estate companies.

 

FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indication of our performance. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP and is not a measure of liquidity or an indicator of our ability to make cash distributions. We believe that to further understand our performance, FFO should be compared with our reported net income and considered in addition to cash flows computed in accordance with GAAP, as presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

FFO, as adjusted

 

FFO, as adjusted represents FFO as defined above, excluding the effects of acquisition related costs, gains or losses from early extinguishment of debt, and non-recurring items, which we believe are not indicative of the Company’s operating results.  We present FFO, as adjusted because we believe it is a helpful measure in understanding our results of operations insofar as we believe that the items noted above that are included in FFO, but excluded from FFO, as adjusted are not indicative of our ongoing operating results.  We also believe that the analyst community considers our FFO, as adjusted (or similar measures using different terminology) when evaluating us.  Because other REITs or real estate companies may not compute FFO, as adjusted in the same manner as we do, and may use different terminology, our computation of FFO, as adjusted may not be comparable to FFO, as adjusted reported by other REITs or real estate companies.

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The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to FFO and FFO, as adjusted, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to the Company’s common shareholders

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add (deduct):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real property

 

 

140,538

 

 

142,961

Company’s share of unconsolidated real estate ventures

 

 

10,286

 

 

10,243

Gains from sale of real estate, net

 

 

(10,576)

 

 

 —

Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

1,820

 

 

1,593

FFO attributable to common shareholders and OP unitholders

 

$

305,957

 

$

289,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loan procurement amortization expense - early repayment of debt

 

 

 —

 

 

190

Acquisition related costs

 

 

 —

 

 

1,319

Loss related to settlement of legal action (1)

 

 

1,828

 

 

 —

Property damage related to hurricanes, net of expected insurance proceeds (2)

 

 

 —

 

 

874

FFO, as adjusted, attributable to common shareholders and OP unitholders

 

$

307,785

 

$

291,468

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding

 

 

185,495

 

 

181,448

Weighted-average diluted units outstanding

 

 

2,021

 

 

2,150

Weighted-average diluted shares and units outstanding

 

 

187,516

 

 

183,598

 

(1)

Loss related to settlement of legal action for the year ended December 31, 2018, represents a charge related to a preliminary settlement agreement for a class action alleging violations of a state specific deceptive and unfair trade practices act.

 

(2)

Property damage related to hurricanes, net of expected insurance proceeds for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes $0.1 million of storm damage related costs that are included in the Company’s share of equity in losses of real estate ventures.

 

Cash Flows

 

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2018 to the Year Ended December 31, 2017

 

A comparison of cash flow related to operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in):

    

2018

    

2017

    

Change

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

304,335

 

$

291,914

 

$

12,421

 

Investing activities

 

$

(322,259)

 

$

(150,303)

 

$

(171,956)

 

Financing activities

 

$

15,248

 

$

(143,319)

 

$

158,567

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $304.3 million and $291.9 million, respectively, reflecting an increase of $12.4 million.  Our increased cash flow from operating activities is primarily attributable to our 2017 and 2018 acquisitions and increased net operating income levels on the same-store portfolio in the 2018 period as compared to the 2017 period.

 

Cash used in investing activities increased from $150.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $322.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, reflecting an increase of $172.0 million. The change was primarily driven by an increase in cash used for the acquisition of storage properties. Cash used during the year ended December 31, 2018 related to the acquisition of ten stores for an aggregate purchase price of $227.5 million, inclusive of $7.2 million of assumed debt and $4.8 million of OP units issued, while cash used

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during the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the acquisition of seven stores for an aggregate purchase price of $80.7 million, inclusive of $6.2 million of assumed debt and $12.3 million of OP units issued. The change was also driven by an $18.9 million increase in our investment in real estate ventures primarily due to $14.1 million used to fund the acquisition of twelve properties during 2018 by HVP IV and $5.0 million to fund our preferred investment in Capital Storage (see note 2). The remainder of the increase was primarily due to a $17.2 million increase in development costs resulting from the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in a previously consolidated joint venture offset by a $16.4 million increase in proceeds received from the sale of two stores during 2018 with no property sales in the 2017 period.

 

Cash provided by financing activities was $15.2 million in 2018 compared to cash used in financing activities of $143.3 million in 2017, a change of $158.6 million. This change was primarily the result of a $75.4 million net increase in revolving credit facility borrowings and a $102.2 million increase in proceeds received from the issuance of common shares during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. These cash inflows were offset by a $26.4 million increase in cash distributions paid to common shareholders and noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting from the increase in the common dividend per share and number of shares outstanding.

 

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2017 to the Year Ended December 31, 2016

 

A comparison of cash flow related to operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in):

    

2017

    

2016

    

Change

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

291,914

 

$

263,274

 

$

28,640

 

Investing activities

 

$

(150,303)

 

$

(559,288)

 

$

408,985

 

Financing activities

 

$

(143,319)

 

$

219,411

 

$

(362,730)

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $291.9 million and $263.3 million, respectively, reflecting an increase of $28.6 million.  Our increased cash flow from operating activities is primarily attributable to our 2016 and 2017 acquisitions and increased net operating income levels on the same-store portfolio in the 2017 period as compared to the 2016 period.

 

Cash used in investing activities was $150.3 million in 2017 and $559.3 million in 2016, a decrease of $409.0 million driven by a decrease in cash used for acquisitions of self-storage properties.  Cash used during 2017 related to the acquisition of seven stores for an aggregate purchase price of $80.7 million, inclusive of $6.2 million of assumed debt and $12.3 million of OP units issued, while cash used in investing activities during 2016 related to the acquisition of 28 stores for an aggregate purchase price of $403.6 million, inclusive of $6.5 million of assumed debt. The change is also driven by a decrease in cash used for development costs resulting from the acquisition of a development property by a consolidated joint venture for $67.2 million, inclusive of $35.0 million of assumed debt, during 2016.

 

Cash used in financing activities was $143.3 million in 2017 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $219.4 million in 2016, a change of $362.7 million.  The change is primarily a result of $298.5 million of net proceeds from our issuance of unsecured senior notes in August 2016 compared to $103.2 million of net proceeds from our issuance of unsecured senior notes in April 2017. There was also a $106.5 million decrease in proceeds received from the issuance and sale of common shares from 2016 to 2017 and a $100.0 million term loan repayment during April 2017 with no comparable repayment in the prior year.  We also paid $77.6 million to redeem our 7.75% Series A Preferred shares in November 2016 with no similar transaction in 2017. Additionally, cash distributions paid to common shareholders, preferred shareholders, and noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership increased $39.6 million from 2016 to 2017, resulting primarily from the increase in the common dividend per share and number of shares outstanding.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity Overview

 

Our cash flow from operations has historically been one of our primary sources of liquidity used to fund debt service, distributions and capital expenditures.  We derive substantially all of our revenue from customers who lease space from us at our stores and fees earned from managing stores.  Therefore, our ability to generate cash from operations is dependent on the rents that we are able to charge and collect from our customers.  We believe that the properties in which we invest, self-storage properties, are less sensitive than other real

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estate product types to near-term economic downturns.  However, prolonged economic downturns will adversely affect our cash flows from operations.

 

In order to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, the Parent Company is required to distribute at least 90% of REIT taxable income, excluding capital gains, to its shareholders on an annual basis or pay federal income tax.  The nature of our business, coupled with the requirement that we distribute a substantial portion of our income on an annual basis, will cause us to have substantial liquidity needs over both the short term and the long term.

 

Our short-term liquidity needs consist primarily of funds necessary to pay operating expenses associated with our stores, refinancing of certain mortgage indebtedness, interest expense and scheduled principal payments on debt, expected distributions to limited partners and shareholders, capital expenditures, and the development of new stores.  These funding requirements will vary from year to year, in some cases significantly.  In the 2019 fiscal year, we expect recurring capital expenditures to be approximately $10.0 million to $15.0 million, planned capital improvements and store upgrades to be approximately $5.0 million to $10.0 million and costs associated with the development of new stores to be approximately $30.0 million to $45.0 million.  After giving effect to the subsequent repayment of the $200.0 million outstanding indebtedness under the term loan portion of our Credit Facility in January 2019 (see “Recent Developments”), as of December 31, 2018, our remaining scheduled principal payments on debt are approximately $11.7 million in 2019.

 

Our most restrictive financial covenants limit the amount of additional leverage we can add; however, we believe cash flows from operations, access to equity financing, including through our “at-the-market” equity program, and available borrowings under our Credit Facility provide adequate sources of liquidity to enable us to execute our current business plan and remain in compliance with our covenants.

 

Our liquidity needs beyond 2019 consist primarily of contractual obligations which include repayments of indebtedness at maturity, as well as potential discretionary expenditures such as (i) non-recurring capital expenditures; (ii) redevelopment of operating stores; (iii) acquisitions of additional stores; and (iv) development of new stores. We will have to satisfy the portion of our needs not covered by cash flow from operations through additional borrowings, including borrowings under our Credit Facility, sales of common or preferred shares of the Parent Company and common or preferred units of the Operating Partnership and/or cash generated through store dispositions and joint venture transactions.

 

We believe that, as a publicly traded REIT, we will have access to multiple sources of capital to fund our long-term liquidity requirements, including the incurrence of additional debt and the issuance of additional equity.  However, we cannot provide any assurance that this will be the case.  Our ability to incur additional debt will be dependent on a number of factors, including our degree of leverage, the value of our unencumbered assets and borrowing restrictions that may be imposed by lenders.  In addition, dislocation in the United States debt markets may significantly reduce the availability and increase the cost of long-term debt capital, including conventional mortgage financing and commercial mortgage-backed securities financing.  There can be no assurance that such capital will be readily available in the future.  Our ability to access the equity capital markets will be dependent on a number of factors as well, including general market conditions for REITs and market perceptions about us.

 

As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately $3.8 million in available cash and cash equivalents.  In addition, we had approximately $303.8 million of availability for borrowings under our Credit Facility.

 

Unsecured Senior Notes

 

Our unsecured senior notes are summarized as follows (collectively referred to as the “Senior Notes”):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

   December 31, 

    

Effective

 

Issuance

 

Maturity

 

Unsecured Senior Notes

    

2018

    

2017

    

Interest Rate

 

Date

 

Date

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$250M 4.800% Guaranteed Notes due 2022

 

$

250,000

 

$

250,000

 

4.82

%  

 

Jun-12

 

Jul-22

 

$300M 4.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2023 (1)

 

 

300,000

 

 

300,000

 

4.33

%  

 

Various (1)

 

Dec-23

 

$300M 4.000% Guaranteed Notes due 2025 (2)

 

 

300,000

 

 

300,000

 

3.99

%  

 

Various (2)

 

Nov-25

 

$300M 3.125% Guaranteed Notes due 2026

 

 

300,000

 

 

300,000

 

3.18

%  

 

Aug-16

 

Sep-26

 

Principal balance outstanding

 

 

1,150,000

 

 

1,150,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Discount on issuance of unsecured senior notes, net

 

 

(568)

 

 

(617)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Loan procurement costs, net

 

 

(5,908)

 

 

(6,923)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total unsecured senior notes, net

 

$

1,143,524

 

$

1,142,460

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(1)

On April 4, 2017, the Operating Partnership issued $50.0 million of its 4.375% senior notes due 2023, which are part of the same series as the $250.0 million principal amount of the Operating Partnership’s 4.375% senior notes due December 15, 2023 issued on December 17, 2013.  The $50.0 million and $250.0 million tranches were priced at 105.040% and 98.995%, respectively, of the principal amount to yield 3.495% and 4.501%, respectively, to maturity.  The combined weighted-average effective interest rate of the 2023 notes is 4.330%.

 

(2)

On April 4, 2017, the Operating Partnership issued $50.0 million of its 4.000% senior notes due 2025, which are part of the same series as the $250.0 million principal amount of the Operating Partnership’s 4.000% senior notes due November 15, 2025 issued on October 26, 2015.  The $50.0 million and $250.0 million tranches were priced at 101.343% and 99.735%, respectively, of the principal amount to yield 3.811% and 4.032%, respectively, to maturity.  The combined weighted-average effective interest rate of the 2025 notes is 3.994%.

 

The indenture under which the Senior Notes were issued restricts the ability of the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries to incur debt unless the Operating Partnership and its consolidated subsidiaries comply with a leverage ratio not to exceed 60% and an interest coverage ratio of more than 1.5:1 after giving effect to the incurrence of the debt.  The indenture also restricts the ability of the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries to incur secured debt unless the Operating Partnership and its consolidated subsidiaries comply with a secured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 40% after giving effect to the incurrence of the debt.  The indenture also contains other financial and customary covenants, including a covenant not to own unencumbered assets with a value less than 150% of the unsecured indebtedness of the Operating Partnership and its consolidated subsidiaries. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Senior Notes.

 

Revolving Credit Facility and Unsecured Term Loans

 

On December 9, 2011, we entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”), which was subsequently amended on April 5, 2012, June 18, 2013, and April 22, 2015 to provide for, amongst other things, a $500.0 million unsecured revolving facility (the “Revolver”) with a maturity date of April 22, 2020.  Pricing on the Revolver is dependent on our unsecured debt credit ratings. At our current Baa2/BBB level, amounts drawn under the Revolver are priced at 1.25% over LIBOR, inclusive of a facility fee of 0.15%.  As of December 31, 2018, $303.8 million was available for borrowing under the Revolver.  The available balance under the Revolver is reduced by an outstanding letter of credit of $0.7 million.  As of December 31, 2018, we also had a $200.0 million unsecured term loan outstanding under the Credit Facility, which is included in the table below.

   

On June 20, 2011, we entered into an unsecured term loan agreement (the “Term Loan Facility”), which was subsequently amended on June 18, 2013 and August 5, 2014, consisting of a $100.0 million unsecured term loan with a five-year maturity and a $100.0 million unsecured term loan with a seven-year maturity. On April 6, 2017, we used the net proceeds from the issuance of $50.0 million of our 4.375% Senior Notes due 2023 and $50.0 million of our 4.000% Senior Notes due 2025 to repay all of the outstanding indebtedness under our five-year $100.0 million unsecured term loan that was scheduled to mature in June 2018.

 

Our unsecured term loans under the Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility are summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying Value as of:

 

Effective Interest

 

 

 

 

    

  December 31, 

    

Rate as of

 

Maturity

 

Unsecured Term Loans

    

2018

    

2017

    

December 31, 2018 (1)

 

Date

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsecured term loan (2)

 

$

200,000

 

$

200,000

 

3.80

%  

 

Jan-19

 

Term Loan Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsecured term loan

 

 

100,000

 

 

100,000

 

3.65

%  

 

Jan-20

 

Principal balance outstanding

 

 

300,000

 

 

300,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Loan procurement costs, net

 

 

(201)

 

 

(604)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total unsecured term loans, net

 

$

299,799

 

$

299,396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Pricing on the Term Loan Facility and the unsecured term loan under the Credit Facility is dependent on our unsecured debt credit ratings. At our current Baa2/BBB level, amounts drawn under the term loan that matured in January 2019 were priced at 1.30% over LIBOR, while amounts drawn under the term loan scheduled to mature in January 2020 are priced at 1.15% over LIBOR.  As of December 31, 2018, borrowings under the Credit Facility, inclusive of the Revolver, and Term Loan Facility, as amended, had an effective weighted average interest rate of 3.75%.

 

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(2)

On January 31, 2019, we used a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of $350.0 million of 4.375% Senior Notes due 2029 (see “Recent Developments”) to repay all of the outstanding indebtedness under the unsecured term loan portion of the Credit Facility that was scheduled to mature in January 2019. 

 

The Term Loan Facility and the unsecured term loan under the Credit Facility were fully drawn as of December 31, 2018 and no further borrowings may be made under the term loans.  Our ability to borrow under the Revolver is subject to ongoing compliance with certain financial covenants which include:

 

·

Maximum total indebtedness to total asset value of 60.0% at any time;

 

·

Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.50:1.00; and

 

·

Minimum tangible net worth of $821,211,200 plus 75% of net proceeds from equity issuances after June 30, 2010.

 

Further, under the Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility, we are restricted from paying distributions on the Parent Company’s common shares in excess of the greater of (i) 95% of funds from operations, and (ii) such amount as may be necessary to maintain the Parent Company’s REIT status.

 

As of December 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants and we anticipate being in compliance with all of our financial covenants through the terms of the Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility.

 

Issuance of Common Shares

 

We maintain an at-the-market equity program that enables us to offer and sell up to 50.0 million common shares through sales agents pursuant to equity distribution agreements (the “Equity Distribution Agreements”).  Our sales activity under the program for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 is summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

Number of shares sold

 

 

4,291

 

 

1,036

 

 

4,408

Average sales price per share

 

$

31.09

 

$

29.13

 

$

31.25

Net proceeds after deducting offering costs

 

$

131,835

 

$

29,642

 

$

136,120

 

We used proceeds from sales of common shares under the program during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 to fund acquisitions of storage properties and for general corporate purposes.  As of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, 10.5 million common shares, 4.7 million common shares, and 5.8 million common shares, respectively, remained available for issuance under the Equity Distribution Agreements.

 

Redemption of Preferred Shares

 

On November 2, 2016, we completed the redemption of all of our 3,100,000 outstanding shares of 7.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares at a cash redemption price of $25.00 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. The redemption price of $77.5 million was paid by the Company from available cash balances. In connection with the redemption, we recognized a charge of $2.9 million related to excess redemption costs over the original net proceeds.

 

Recent Developments

 

On January 30, 2019, the Operating Partnership issued $350.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes due February 15, 2029 which bear interest at a rate of 4.375% per annum (the “2029 Notes”). The 2029 Notes were priced at 99.356% of the principal amount to yield 4.455% to maturity. Net proceeds from the offering of $345.5 million were used to repay all of the outstanding indebtedness under our $200.0 million unsecured term loan portion of the Credit Facility that was scheduled to mature in January 2019. The remaining proceeds from the offering were used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under the Revolver.

 

 

 

 

 

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Other Material Changes in Financial Position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Selected Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storage properties, net

 

$

3,600,968

 

$

3,408,790

 

$

192,178

 

Other assets, net

 

$

48,763

 

$

34,590

 

$

14,173

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving credit facility

 

$

195,525

 

$

81,700

 

$

113,825

 

 

Storage properties, net of accumulated depreciation, increased $192.2 million primarily as a result of the acquisition of ten storage properties, additions and improvements to storage properties, and development costs incurred during the year.

 

Other assets, net increased $14.2 million primarily due to a $6.4 million net increase in our in-place lease intangibles resulting from the acquisition of nine operating storage properties during the year. The increase is also a result of our $5.0 million investment made in exchange for 100% of the Class A Preferred Units of Capital Storage Partners, LLC, a newly formed venture that acquired 22 storage properties located in Florida (4), Oklahoma (5), and Texas (13) (see note 2).

 

Revolving credit facility increased $113.8 million primarily as a result of borrowings used to fund the acquisition of ten storage properties, additions and improvements to storage properties, and development costs incurred during the year.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table summarizes our known contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

2024 and

 

 

 

Total

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

2023

 

thereafter

 

Mortgage loans and notes payable (1)

 

$

106,146

 

$

11,652

 

$

12,791

 

$

45,057

 

$

923

 

$

31,019

 

$

4,704

 

Revolving credit facility and unsecured term loans (2)

 

 

495,525

 

 

200,000

 

 

295,525

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Unsecured senior notes

 

 

1,150,000

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

250,000

 

 

300,000

 

 

600,000

 

Interest payments

 

 

292,175

 

 

63,387

 

 

53,845

 

 

49,437

 

 

42,719

 

 

35,017

 

 

47,770

 

Ground leases

 

 

131,242

 

 

2,814

 

 

2,887

 

 

2,956

 

 

3,116

 

 

3,090

 

 

116,379

 

Software and service contracts

 

 

164

 

 

134

 

 

30

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Development commitments

 

 

41,561

 

 

36,706

 

 

4,855

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

$

2,216,813

 

$

314,693

 

$

369,933

 

$

97,450

 

$

296,758

 

$

369,126

 

$

768,853

 

 

(1)

Amounts do not include unamortized fair value adjustments for discounts/premiums and loan procurement costs.

 

(2)

On January 31, 2019, we used a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2029 Notes (see “Recent Developments”) to repay all of the $200.0 million of outstanding indebtedness under the unsecured term loan portion of the Credit Facility that was scheduled to mature in January 2019. We expect to satisfy all other contractual obligations owed in 2019 through a combination of cash generated from operations and from draws on the revolving portion of our Credit Facility.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with other unconsolidated entities (other than our co-investment partnerships) or other persons, also known as variable interest entities not previously discussed.

 

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Our future income, cash flows, and fair values relevant to financial instruments depend upon prevailing market interest rates.

 

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Market Risk

 

Our investment policy relating to cash and cash equivalents is to preserve principal and liquidity while maximizing the return through investment of available funds.

 

Effect of Changes in Interest Rates on our Outstanding Debt

 

Our interest rate risk objectives are to limit the impact of interest rate fluctuations on earnings and cash flows and to lower our overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we manage our exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates for a portion of our borrowings through the use of derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps or caps to mitigate our interest rate risk on a related financial instrument or to effectively lock the interest rate on a portion of our variable rate debt.  The analysis below presents the sensitivity of the market value of our financial instruments to selected changes in market interest rates.  The range of changes chosen reflects our view of changes which are reasonably possible over a one-year period.  Market values are the present value of projected future cash flows based on the market interest rates chosen.

 

As of December 31, 2018 our consolidated debt consisted of $1.3 billion of outstanding mortgages and unsecured senior notes that are subject to fixed rates.  Additionally, as of December 31, 2018, there were $195.5 million and $300.0 million of outstanding credit facility and unsecured term loan borrowings, respectively, subject to floating rates.  Changes in market interest rates have different impacts on the fixed and variable rate portions of our debt portfolio.  A change in market interest rates on the fixed portion of the debt portfolio impacts the net financial instrument position, but has no impact on interest incurred or cash flows.  A change in market interest rates on the variable portion of the debt portfolio impacts the interest incurred and cash flows, but does not impact the net financial instrument position.

 

If market interest rates on our variable rate debt increase by 100 basis points, the increase in annual interest expense on our variable rate debt would decrease future earnings and cash flows by approximately $5.0 million a year.  If market rates on our variable rate debt decrease by 100 basis points, the decrease in interest expense on our variable rate debt would increase future earnings and cash flows by approximately $5.0 million a year.

 

If market interest rates increase by 100 basis points, the fair value of our outstanding fixed-rate mortgage debt, unsecured senior notes, and unsecured term loans would decrease by approximately $60.7 million.  If market interest rates decrease by 100 basis points, the fair value of our outstanding fixed-rate mortgage debt, unsecured senior notes, and unsecured term loans would increase by approximately $65.0 million.

 

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Financial statements required by this item appear with an Index to Financial Statements and Schedules, starting on page F-1 of this Report.

 

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Controls and Procedures (Parent Company)

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this Report, the Parent Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act).

 

Based on that evaluation, the Parent Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the Parent Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Parent Company in reports that it files or submits 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

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accumulated and communicated to the Parent Company’s management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There has been no change in the Parent Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during its most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting of the Parent Company is set forth on page F-2 of this Report, and is incorporated herein by reference. The effectiveness of the Parent Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which is included herein.

 

Controls and Procedures (Operating Partnership)

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this Report, the Operating Partnership carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Operating Partnership’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Operating Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act).

 

Based on that evaluation, the Operating Partnership’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the Operating Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Operating Partnership in reports that it files or submits 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 the Operating Partnership’s management, including the Operating Partnership’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There has been no change in the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting of the Operating Partnership is set forth on page F-3 of this Report, and is incorporated herein by reference. The effectiveness of the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which is included herein.

 

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not applicable.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10.  TRUSTEES, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics for all of our employees, officers and trustees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, which is available on our website at www.cubesmart.com.  We intend to disclose any amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of our Code of Ethics on our website within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.

 

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The remaining information required by this item regarding trustees, executive officers and corporate governance is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Parent Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Shareholders Meeting to be held in 2019 (the “Proxy Statement”) under the captions “Proposal 1: Election of Trustees,” “Executive Officers,” “Meetings and Committees of the Board of Trustees,” and “Shareholder Proposals and Nominations for the 2019 Annual Meeting.”  The information required by this item regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Parent Company’s Proxy Statement under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

 

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Parent Company’s Proxy Statement under the captions “Compensation Committee Report,” “Meetings and Committees of the Board of Trustees Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Compensation,” “Severance Plan and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control,” and “Trustee Compensation.”

 

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

Number of securities remaining

 

 

 

Number of securities to

 

Weighted-average

 

available for future issuance under

 

 

 

be issued upon exercise

 

exercise price of

 

equity compensation plans

 

 

 

of outstanding options,

 

outstanding options,

 

(excluding securities

 

Plan Category

 

warrants and rights

    

warrants and rights

    

reflected in column(a))

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders

 

1,659,003

 

$

19.89

(1)

4,517,038

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Total

 

1,659,003

 

$

19.89

 

4,517,038

 

 

(1)

This number reflects the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options and has been calculated exclusive of outstanding restricted unit awards.

 

The information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Parent Company’s Proxy Statement under the caption “Security Ownership of Management” and “Security Ownership of Beneficial Owners.”

 

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND TRUSTEE INDEPENDENCE

 

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Parent Company’s Proxy Statement under the captions “Corporate Governance - Independence of Trustees,” “Policies and Procedures Regarding Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions With Related Persons,” and “Transactions With Related Persons.”

 

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Parent Company’s Proxy Statement under the captions “Audit Committee Matters - Fees Paid to Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “- Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures.”

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) Documents filed as part of this report:

 

1. Financial Statements.

 

The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report.

 

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2. Financial Statement Schedules.

 

The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report.

 

3. Exhibits.

 

The list of exhibits filed with this Report is set forth in response to Item 15(b). The required exhibit index has been filed with the exhibits.

 

(b) Exhibits.  The following documents are filed as exhibits to this report:

 

 

 

 

3.1*

 

Articles of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of CubeSmart, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 28, 2015.

 

 

 

3.2*

 

Articles of Restatement of the Declaration of Trust of CubeSmart, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 28, 2015.

 

 

 

3.3*

 

Articles Supplementary to Declaration of Trust of CubeSmart classifying and designating CubeSmart’s 7.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to CubeSmart’s Form 8-A, filed on October 31, 2011.

 

 

 

3.4*

 

Articles of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of CubeSmart, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 3, 2016.

 

 

 

3.5*

 

Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of CubeSmart, effective September 14, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 16, 2011.

 

 

 

3.6*

 

Certificate of Limited Partnership of U-Store-It, L.P., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to CubeSmart, L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form 10, filed on July 15, 2011.

 

 

 

3.7*

 

Amendment No. 1 to Certificate of Limited Partnership of CubeSmart, L.P., dated September 14, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 16, 2011.

 

 

 

3.8*

 

Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of U-Store-It, L.P. dated as of October 27, 2004, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 2, 2004.

 

 

 

3.9*

 

Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of CubeSmart, L.P. dated as of September 14, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 16, 2011.

 

 

 

3.10*

 

Amendment No. 2 to Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of CubeSmart, L.P. dated as of November 2, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 2, 2011.

 

 

 

3.11*

 

Class C Unit Supplement No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of CubeSmart, L.P. dates as of April 12, 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 18, 2017.

 

 

 

3.12*

 

Articles of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of CubeSmart, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 2, 2017.

 

 

 

3.13*

 

First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of CubeSmart, effective June 1, 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 2, 2017.

 

 

 

4.1*

 

Form of Common Share Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11, filed on October 20, 2004, File No. 333-117848.

 

 

 

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4.2*

 

Form of Certificate for CubeSmart’s 7.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to CubeSmart’s Form 8-A, filed on October 31, 2011.

 

 

 

4.3*

 

Indenture, dated as of September 16, 2011, among CubeSmart, L.P., CubeSmart and U.S. Bank National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed on September 16, 2011.

 

 

 

4.4*

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 26, 2012, among the Company, the Operating Partnership and U.S. Bank National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 26, 2012.

 

 

 

4.5*

 

Form of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 4.80% senior note due July 15, 2022, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 26, 2012.

 

 

 

4.6*

 

Form of CubeSmart Notation of Guarantee, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 26, 2012.

 

 

 

4.7*

 

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 17, 2013, among the Company, the Operating Partnership and U.S. Bank National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 17, 2013.

 

 

 

4.8*

 

Form of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 4.375% senior notes due December 15, 2023, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 17, 2013.

 

 

 

4.9*

 

Form of CubeSmart Notation of Guarantee, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 17, 2013.

 

 

 

4.10*

 

Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 26, 2015, among CubeSmart, CubeSmart, L.P. 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 October 26, 2015.

 

 

 

4.11*

 

Form of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 4.000% senior note due November 15, 2025, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 26, 2015.

 

 

 

4.12*

 

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2016, among CubeSmart, CubeSmart, L.P. and U.S. Bank National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 15, 2016.

 

 

 

4.13*

 

Form of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% senior notes due September 1, 2026, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 15, 2016.

 

 

 

4.14*

 

Form of CubeSmart Guarantee, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 15, 2016.

 

 

 

4.15*

 

Form of $50 million aggregate principal amount of 4.375% senior notes due December 15, 2023, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 5, 2017.

 

 

 

4.16*

 

Form of $50 million aggregate principal amount of 4.000% senior notes due November 15, 2025, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 5, 2017.

 

 

 

4.17*

 

Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 4, 2017, among CubeSmart, CubeSmart, L.P. and U.S. Bank National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 5, 2017.

 

 

 

4.18*

 

Form of $350 million aggregate principal amount of 4.375% senior notes due February 15, 2029, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 30, 2019.

 

 

 

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4.19*

 

Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2019, among CubeSmart, CubeSmart, L.P. and U.S. Bank National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 30, 2019.

 

 

 

10.1*†

 

Indemnification Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2004, by and among U-Store-It Trust, U-Store-It, L.P. and David J. LaRue (substantially identical agreements have been entered into with Christopher P. Marr, Timothy M. Martin, Jeffrey P. Foster, Piero Bussani, Dorothy Dowling, John W. Fain, Marianne M. Keler, John F. Remondi, Jeffrey F. Rogatz, and Deborah R. Salzberg), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 2, 2004.

 

 

 

10.2*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Agreement for Non-Employee Trustees under the U-Store-It Trust 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.83 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed on February 29, 2008.

 

 

 

10.3*†

 

Form of Nonqualified Share Option Agreement under the U-Store-It Trust 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, filed on May 10, 2007.

 

 

 

10.4*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the U-Store-It Trust 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, filed on May 10, 2007.

 

 

 

10.5*†

 

Form of Nonqualified Share Option Agreement under the U-Store-It Trust 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 25, 2008.

 

 

 

10.6*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the U-Store-It Trust 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 25, 2008.

 

 

 

10.7*†

 

U-Store-It Trust Trustees Deferred Compensation Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.78 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on March 2, 2009.

 

 

 

10.8*†

 

U-Store-It Trust Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.79 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on March 2, 2009.

 

 

 

10.9*†

 

U-Store-It Trust Deferred Trustees Plan, effective as of May 31, 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 6, 2005.

 

 

 

10.10*

 

Term Loan Agreement dated as of June 20, 2011 by and among U-Store-It, L.P., as Borrower, U-Store-It Trust, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 23, 2011.

 

 

 

10.11*

 

Credit Agreement dated as of December 9, 2011 by and among CubeSmart, L.P., CubeSmart, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Revolver and Tranche A joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Tranche B sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 14, 2011.

 

 

 

10.12*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2013.

 

 

 

10.13*†

 

Form of Non-Qualified Share Option Agreement under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2013.

 

 

 

10.14*†

 

Form of 2012 Performance-Vested Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 31, 2012.

 

 

 

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10.15*

 

First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2012, by and among CubeSmart, L.P., CubeSmart, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and each of the lenders party to the credit agreement dated December 9, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed on May 7, 2012.

 

 

 

10.16*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (2-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2013.

 

 

 

10.17*†

 

Form of Performance-Vested Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2013.

 

 

 

10.18*

 

Waiver of Ownership Limitation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, filed on May 6, 2013.

 

 

 

10.19*

 

Underwriting Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2019, among CubeSmart, CubeSmart, L.P., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and Jefferies LLC, as representatives of each of the other underwriters named in Exhibit A thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 25, 2019. 

 

 

 

10.20*

 

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of June 18, 2013 by and among CubeSmart, L.P., CubeSmart, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and each of the lenders, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 19, 2013.

 

 

 

10.21*

 

Second Amendment to Term Loan Agreement dated as of June 18, 2013 by and among CubeSmart, L.P., CubeSmart, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and each of the lenders, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 19, 2013.

 

 

 

10.22*†

 

Advisory Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, filed on November 8, 2013.

 

 

 

10.23*†

 

Executive Employment Agreement, entered into as of January 24, 2014 and effective as of January 1, 2014, by and between CubeSmart and Christopher P. Marr, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 28, 2014.

 

 

 

10.24*†

 

Form of Non-Qualified Share Option Agreement for Executive Officers (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.58 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2014.

 

 

 

10.25*†

 

Form of Non-Qualified Share Option Agreement (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.59 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2014.

 

 

 

10.26*†

 

Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Executive Officers (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.60 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2014.

 

 

 

10.27*†

 

Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2014.

 

 

 

10.28*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement for Executive Officers (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.63 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2014.

 

 

 

10.29*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.64 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2014.

 

 

 

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10.30*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement (5-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.65 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2014.

 

 

 

10.31*

 

Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of April 22, 2015, by and among CubeSmart, L.P., CubeSmart, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and each of the lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 27, 2015.

 

 

 

10.32*

 

Fourth Amendment to Term Loan Agreement, dated as of April 22, 2015, by and among CubeSmart, L.P., CubeSmart, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and each of the lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 27, 2015.

 

 

 

10.33*†

 

Amended and Restated CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement, filed on April 14, 2016.

 

 

 

10.34*†

 

First Amendment to Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2016, by and between CubeSmart and Christopher P. Marr, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 30, 2016.

 

 

 

10.35*†

 

CubeSmart Executive Severance Plan, effective January 1, 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 4, 2016.

 

 

 

10.36*†

 

Form of Non-Qualified Share Option Agreement for Executive Officers (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 17, 2017.

 

 

 

10.37*†

 

Form of Non-Qualified Share Option Agreement (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 17, 2017.

 

 

 

10.38*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement for Executive Officers (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 17, 2017.

 

 

 

10.39*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 17, 2017.

 

 

 

10.40*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement (5-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 17, 2017.

 

 

 

10.41*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 17, 2017.

 

 

 

10.42*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 17, 2017.

 

 

 

10.43*†

 

Form of Performance-Vested Restricted Share Award Agreement for Executive Officers (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 17, 2017.

 

 

 

10.44*†

 

Form of Performance-Vested Restricted Share Award Agreement (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 17, 2017.

 

 

 

59


 

Table of Contents

10.45*†

 

Form of Performance-Vested Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 17, 2017.

 

 

 

10.46*†

 

Form of Performance-Vested Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (3-Year Vesting) under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.52 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 17, 2017.

 

 

 

10.47*

 

Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement, dated July 27, 2018, by and among CubeSmart, CubeSmart, L.P. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 27, 2018.

 

 

 

10.48*

 

Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement, dated July 27, 2018, by and among CubeSmart, CubeSmart, L.P. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 27, 2018.

 

 

 

10.49*

 

Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement, dated July 27, 2018, by and among CubeSmart, CubeSmart, L.P. and BMO Capital Markets Corp., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 27, 2018.

 

 

 

10.50*

 

Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement, dated July 27, 2018, by and among CubeSmart, CubeSmart, L.P. and Jeffries LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 27, 2018.

 

 

 

10.51*

 

Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement, dated July 27, 2018, by and among CubeSmart, CubeSmart, L.P. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 27, 2018.

 

 

 

10.52*

 

Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement, dated July 27, 2018, by and among CubeSmart, CubeSmart, L.P. and Barclays Capital Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 27, 2018.

 

 

 

10.53*†

 

Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 3, 2019.

 

 

 

10.54*†

 

Form of Non-Qualified Share Option Agreement under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 3, 2019.

 

 

 

10.55*†

 

Form of Performance-Vested Restricted Share Agreement under the CubeSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective June 1, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 3, 2019.

 

 

 

21.1

 

List of Subsidiaries.

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of KPMG LLP relating to financial statements of CubeSmart.

 

 

 

23.2

 

Consent of KPMG LLP relating to financial statements of CubeSmart, L.P.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of CubeSmart required by Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of CubeSmart required by Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.3

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of CubeSmart, L.P. required by Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

60


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

31.4

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of CubeSmart, L.P. required by Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of CubeSmart pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of CubeSmart, L.P. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

99.1

 

Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.

 

 

 

101

 

The following CubeSmart and CubeSmart, L.P. financial information for the year ended December 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, detailed tagged and filed herewith.

 


 

 

 

*

 

Incorporated herein by reference as above indicated.

 

 

 

 

Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.

 

 

ITEM 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY

 

None.

61


 

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

CUBESMART

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Timothy M. Martin

 

 

Timothy M. Martin

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: February 22, 2019

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Marianne M. Keler

 

Chair of the Board of Trustees

 

February 22, 2019

Marianne M. Keler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Christopher P. Marr

 

Chief Executive Officer and Trustee

 

February 22, 2019

Christopher P. Marr

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Timothy M. Martin

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

February 22, 2019

Timothy M. Martin

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Piero Bussani

 

Trustee

 

February 22, 2019

Piero Bussani

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Dorothy Dowling

 

Trustee

 

February 22, 2019

Dorothy Dowling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John W. Fain

 

Trustee

 

February 22, 2019

John W. Fain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John F. Remondi

 

Trustee

 

February 22, 2019

John F. Remondi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Jeffrey F. Rogatz

 

Trustee

 

February 22, 2019

Jeffrey F. Rogatz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Deborah Ratner Salzberg

 

Trustee

 

February 22, 2019

Deborah Ratner Salzberg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

62


 

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page No.

Consolidated Financial Statements of CUBESMART and CUBESMART, L.P. (the “Company”)

 

 

 

 

 

Management’s Report on CubeSmart Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

 

F-2

 

 

 

Management’s Report on CubeSmart, L.P. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

 

F-3

 

 

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

 

F-4

 

 

 

CubeSmart and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 

 

F-8

 

 

 

CubeSmart and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 

 

F-9

 

 

 

CubeSmart and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 

 

F-10

 

 

 

CubeSmart and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 

 

F-11

 

 

 

CubeSmart and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 

 

F-12

 

 

 

CubeSmart, L.P. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 

 

F-13

 

 

 

CubeSmart, L.P. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 

 

F-14

 

 

 

CubeSmart, L.P. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 

 

F-15

 

 

 

CubeSmart, L.P. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Capital for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 

 

F-16

 

 

 

CubeSmart, L.P. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 

 

F-17

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

 

F-18

 

F-1


 

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON CUBESMART INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Management of CubeSmart (the “REIT”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the REIT’s management is required to assess the effectiveness of the REIT’s internal control over financial reporting as of the end of each fiscal year, and report on the basis of that assessment whether the REIT’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

 

The REIT’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The REIT’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

·

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and the disposition of the assets of the REIT;

 

·

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that the receipts and expenditures of the REIT are being made only in accordance with the authorization of the REIT’s management and its Board of Trustees; and

 

·

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the REIT’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control system can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of an internal control system may vary over time.

 

Under the supervision, and with the participation, of the REIT’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, management conducted a review, evaluation, and assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  In performing its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2018, the REIT’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the COSO framework.

 

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report that appears herein.

 

 

 

 

February 22, 2019

F-2


 

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON CUBESMART, L.P. INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Management of CubeSmart, L.P. (the “Partnership”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Partnership’s management is required to assess the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of the end of each fiscal year, and report on the basis of that assessment whether the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

 

The Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

·

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and the disposition of the assets of the Partnership;

 

·

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that the receipts and expenditures of the Partnership are being made only in accordance with the authorization of the Partnership’s management and its Board of Trustees; and

 

·

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Partnership’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control system can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of an internal control system may vary over time.

 

Under the supervision, and with the participation, of the Partnership’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, management conducted a review, evaluation, and assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In performing its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2018, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the COSO framework.

 

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report that appears herein.

 

 

 

 

 

February 22, 2019

F-3


 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
CubeSmart:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CubeSmart and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 22, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2009.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 22, 2019

F-4


 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Partners of
CubeSmart, L.P.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CubeSmart, L.P. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), capital, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 22, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2009.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 22, 2019

F-5


 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
CubeSmart:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited CubeSmart and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 22, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on CubeSmart Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 22, 2019

F-6


 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Partners of
CubeSmart, L.P.:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited CubeSmart, L.P. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), capital, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 22, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on CubeSmart, L.P. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 22, 2019

F-7


 

 

CUBESMART AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storage properties

 

$

4,463,455

 

$

4,161,715

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(862,487)

 

 

(752,925)

 

Storage properties, net (including VIE assets of $330,986 and $291,496, respectively)

 

 

3,600,968

 

 

3,408,790

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

3,764

 

 

5,268

 

Restricted cash

 

 

2,718

 

 

3,890

 

Loan procurement costs, net of amortization

 

 

963

 

 

1,592

 

Investment in real estate ventures, at equity

 

 

95,796

 

 

91,206

 

Other assets, net

 

 

48,763

 

 

34,590

 

Total assets

 

$

3,752,972

 

$

3,545,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsecured senior notes, net

 

$

1,143,524

 

$

1,142,460

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

195,525

 

 

81,700

 

Unsecured term loans, net

 

 

299,799

 

 

299,396

 

Mortgage loans and notes payable, net

 

 

108,246

 

 

111,434

 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

149,914

 

 

143,344

 

Distributions payable

 

 

60,627

 

 

55,297

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

22,595

 

 

21,529

 

Security deposits

 

 

474

 

 

486

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,980,704

 

 

1,855,646

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

55,819

 

 

54,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares $.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized, 187,145,103 and 182,215,735 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively

 

 

1,871

 

 

1,822

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

2,500,751

 

 

2,356,620

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(1,029)

 

 

 3

 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(791,915)

 

 

(729,311)

 

Total CubeSmart shareholders’ equity

 

 

1,709,678

 

 

1,629,134

 

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

6,771

 

 

6,236

 

Total equity

 

 

1,716,449

 

 

1,635,370

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

3,752,972

 

$

3,545,336

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

F-8


 

 

CUBESMART AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rental income

 

$

517,535

 

$

489,043

 

$

449,601

 

Other property related income

 

 

60,156

 

 

55,001

 

 

50,255

 

Property management fee income

 

 

20,253

 

 

14,899

 

 

10,183

 

Total revenues

 

 

597,944

 

 

558,943

 

 

510,039

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property operating expenses

 

 

196,866

 

 

181,508

 

 

165,847

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

143,350

 

 

145,681

 

 

161,865

 

General and administrative

 

 

37,712

 

 

34,745

 

 

32,823

 

Acquisition related costs

 

 

 —

 

 

1,294

 

 

6,552

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

377,928

 

 

363,228

 

 

367,087

 

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense on loans

 

 

(62,132)

 

 

(56,952)

 

 

(50,399)

 

Loan procurement amortization expense

 

 

(2,313)

 

 

(2,638)

 

 

(2,577)

 

Equity in losses of real estate ventures

 

 

(865)

 

 

(1,386)

 

 

(2,662)

 

Gains from sale of real estate, net

 

 

10,576

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Other

 

 

206

 

 

872

 

 

1,062

 

Total other expense

 

 

(54,528)

 

 

(60,104)

 

 

(54,576)

 

NET INCOME

 

 

165,488

 

 

135,611

 

 

88,376

 

NET (INCOME) LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

(1,820)

 

 

(1,593)

 

 

(941)

 

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

221

 

 

270

 

 

470

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY

 

 

163,889

 

 

134,288

 

 

87,905

 

Distribution to preferred shareholders

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(5,045)

 

Preferred share redemption charge

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,937)

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

$

79,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average basic shares outstanding

 

 

184,653

 

 

180,525

 

 

178,246

 

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding

 

 

185,495

 

 

181,448

 

 

179,533

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

F-9


 

 

CUBESMART AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

165,488

 

$

135,611

 

$

88,376

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps

 

 

(979)

 

 

195

 

 

(1,247)

 

Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on interest rate swaps

 

 

(60)

 

 

1,680

 

 

4,412

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

 

 

(1,039)

 

 

1,875

 

 

3,165

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

164,449

 

 

137,486

 

 

91,541

 

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

(1,814)

 

 

(1,615)

 

 

(978)

 

Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

221

 

 

270

 

 

470

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY

 

$

162,856

 

$

136,141

 

$

91,033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

F-10


 

 

CUBESMART AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interests

 

 

 

Common

 

Preferred

 

Additional

 

Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

 

in the

 

 

 

Shares

 

Shares

 

Paid-in

 

Comprehensive

 

Accumulated

 

Shareholders’

 

Interests in

 

Total

 

Operating

 

 

  

Number

    

Amount

  

Number

    

Amount

  

Capital

  

(Loss) Income

  

Deficit

  

Equity

  

Subsidiaries

  

Equity

  

Partnership

 

 Balance at December 31, 2015

 

174,668

 

$

1,747

 

3,100

 

$

31

 

$

2,231,181

 

$

(4,978)

 

$

(584,654)

 

$

1,643,327

 

$

1,526

 

$

1,644,853

 

$

66,128

 

Contributions from noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,799

 

 

4,799

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common shares, net

 

4,408

 

 

44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

136,077

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

136,121

 

 

 

 

 

136,121

 

 

 

 

Issuance of restricted shares

 

123

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

Issuance of OP Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,500

 

Conversion from units to shares

 

188

 

 

 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,874

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,876

 

 

 

 

 

4,876

 

 

(4,876)

 

Exercise of stock options

 

696

 

 

 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,283

 

 

 

 

 

13,283

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,952

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,952

 

 

 

 

 

1,952

 

 

 

 

Share compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,260

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,260

 

 

 

 

 

1,260

 

 

 

 

Adjustment for noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,388

 

 

7,388

 

 

 

 

 

7,388

 

 

(7,388)

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

87,905

 

 

87,905

 

 

(470)

 

 

87,435

 

 

941

 

Other comprehensive income, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,128

 

 

 

 

 

3,128

 

 

 

 

 

3,128

 

 

37

 

Preferred share distributions ($1.63 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,045)

 

 

(5,045)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,045)

 

 

 

 

Preferred share redemption

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,100)

 

 

(31)

 

 

(74,606)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,937)

 

 

(77,574)

 

 

 

 

 

(77,574)

 

 

 

 

Common share distributions ($0.90 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(161,240)

 

 

(161,240)

 

 

 

 

 

(161,240)

 

 

(1,935)

 

 Balance at December 31, 2016

 

180,083

 

$

1,801

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

2,314,014

 

$

(1,850)

 

$

(658,583)

 

$

1,655,382

 

$

5,855

 

$

1,661,237

 

$

54,407

 

Contributions from noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,058

 

 

1,058

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,626)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,626)

 

 

(407)

 

 

(9,033)

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common shares, net

 

1,036

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,632

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,642

 

 

 

 

 

29,642

 

 

 

 

Issuance of restricted shares

 

106

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

Issuance of OP Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,324

 

Conversion from units to shares

 

594

 

 

 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,706

 

 

 

 

 

15,706

 

 

(15,706)

 

Exercise of stock options

 

397

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,364

 

 

 

 

 

2,364

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,009

 

 

 

 

 

2,009

 

 

 

 

Share compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,531

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,531

 

 

 

 

 

1,531

 

 

 

 

Adjustment for noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,965)

 

 

(3,965)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,965)

 

 

3,965

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

134,288

 

 

134,288

 

 

(270)

 

 

134,018

 

 

1,593

 

Other comprehensive income, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,853

 

 

 

 

 

1,853

 

 

 

 

 

1,853

 

 

22

 

Common share distributions ($1.11 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(201,051)

 

 

(201,051)

 

 

 

 

 

(201,051)

 

 

(2,285)

 

 Balance at December 31, 2017

 

182,216

 

$

1,822

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

2,356,620

 

$

 3

 

$

(729,311)

 

$

1,629,134

 

$

6,236

 

$

1,635,370

 

$

54,320

 

Contributions from noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

925

 

 

925

 

 

 

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(169)

 

 

(169)

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common shares, net

 

4,291

 

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

131,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

131,829

 

 

 

 

 

131,829

 

 

 

 

Issuance of restricted shares

 

86

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Issuance of OP Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,242

 

Conversion from units to shares

 

147

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,403

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,404

 

 

 

 

 

4,404

 

 

(4,404)

 

Exercise of stock options

 

405

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,831

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,835

 

 

 

 

 

3,835

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,570

 

 

 

 

 

2,570

 

 

 

 

Share compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,541

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,541

 

 

 

 

 

1,541

 

 

 

 

Adjustment for noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(299)

 

 

(299)

 

 

 

 

 

(299)

 

 

299

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

163,889

 

 

163,889

 

 

(221)

 

 

163,668

 

 

1,820

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,032)

 

 

405

 

 

(627)

 

 

 

 

 

(627)

 

 

(6)

 

Common share distributions ($1.22 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(226,599)

 

 

(226,599)

 

 

 

 

 

(226,599)

 

 

(2,452)

 

 Balance at December 31, 2018

 

187,145

 

$

1,871

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

2,500,751

 

$

(1,029)

 

$

(791,915)

 

$

1,709,678

 

$

6,771

 

$

1,716,449

 

$

55,819

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

F-11


 

 

CUBESMART AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

165,488

 

$

135,611

 

$

88,376

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

145,663

 

 

148,319

 

 

164,442

 

Equity in losses of real estate ventures

 

 

865

 

 

1,386

 

 

2,662

 

Gains from sale of real estate, net

 

 

(10,576)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Equity compensation expense

 

 

5,572

 

 

5,586

 

 

4,850

 

Accretion of fair market value adjustment of debt

 

 

(735)

 

 

(559)

 

 

(1,138)

 

Changes in other operating accounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

 

(4,937)

 

 

(10,429)

 

 

(5,229)

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

2,653

 

 

10,846

 

 

7,862

 

Other liabilities

 

 

342

 

 

1,154

 

 

1,449

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

304,335

 

$

291,914

 

$

263,274

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions of storage properties

 

 

(214,510)

 

 

(69,629)

 

 

(388,641)

 

Additions and improvements to storage properties

 

 

(27,626)

 

 

(27,378)

 

 

(29,672)

 

Development costs

 

 

(86,002)

 

 

(68,778)

 

 

(136,912)

 

Investment in real estate ventures

 

 

(19,216)

 

 

(301)

 

 

(12,176)

 

Cash distributed from real estate ventures

 

 

8,706

 

 

15,783

 

 

8,113

 

Proceeds from sale of real estate, net

 

 

16,389

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

$

(322,259)

 

$

(150,303)

 

$

(559,288)

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsecured senior notes

 

 

 —

 

 

103,192

 

 

298,512

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

679,535

 

 

628,400

 

 

958,200

 

Principal payments on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

(565,710)

 

 

(590,000)

 

 

(914,900)

 

Unsecured term loans

 

 

 —

 

 

(100,000)

 

 

 —

 

Mortgage loans and notes payable

 

 

(9,816)

 

 

(8,666)

 

 

(37,260)

 

Loan procurement costs

 

 

 —

 

 

(953)

 

 

(2,467)

 

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary

 

 

 —

 

 

(9,033)

 

 

 —

 

Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net

 

 

131,830

 

 

29,643

 

 

136,122

 

Cash paid upon vesting of restricted shares

 

 

(1,461)

 

 

(2,046)

 

 

(1,638)

 

Redemption of preferred shares

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(77,574)

 

Exercise of stock options

 

 

3,835

 

 

2,364

 

 

13,283

 

Contributions from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

925

 

 

1,058

 

 

4,799

 

Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

(169)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Distributions paid to common shareholders

 

 

(221,328)

 

 

(195,006)

 

 

(149,280)

 

Distributions paid to preferred shareholders

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(6,545)

 

Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership

 

 

(2,393)

 

 

(2,272)

 

 

(1,841)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

$

15,248

 

$

(143,319)

 

$

219,411

 

Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

 

(2,676)

 

 

(1,708)

 

 

(76,603)

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year

 

 

9,158

 

 

10,866

 

 

87,469

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year

 

$

6,482

 

$

9,158

 

$

10,866

 

Supplemental Cash Flow and Noncash Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest, net of interest capitalized

 

$

66,829

 

$

63,407

 

$

53,085

 

Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash - acquisition of storage properties

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

(22,019)

 

Accretion of put liability

 

$

24,747

 

$

35,122

 

$

31,426

 

Derivative valuation adjustment

 

$

(633)

 

$

1,875

 

$

3,165

 

Discount on issuance of unsecured senior notes

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

1,488

 

Mortgage loan assumptions

 

$

7,166

 

$

6,201

 

$

41,513

 

Preferred share redemption

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

2,863

 

Issuance of OP units

 

$

6,242

 

$

12,324

 

$

 —

 

Liability for acquisition of storage property

 

$

 —

 

$

1,470

 

$

 —

 

Contribution of storage property to real estate venture

 

$

 —

 

$

9,400

 

$

 —

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

F-12


 

 

CUBESMART, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storage properties

 

$

4,463,455

 

$

4,161,715

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(862,487)

 

 

(752,925)

 

Storage properties, net (including VIE assets of $330,986 and $291,496, respectively)

 

 

3,600,968

 

 

3,408,790

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

3,764

 

 

5,268

 

Restricted cash

 

 

2,718

 

 

3,890

 

Loan procurement costs, net of amortization

 

 

963

 

 

1,592

 

Investment in real estate ventures, at equity

 

 

95,796

 

 

91,206

 

Other assets, net

 

 

48,763

 

 

34,590

 

Total assets

 

$

3,752,972

 

$

3,545,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsecured senior notes, net

 

$

1,143,524

 

$

1,142,460

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

195,525

 

 

81,700

 

Unsecured term loans, net

 

 

299,799

 

 

299,396

 

Mortgage loans and notes payable, net

 

 

108,246

 

 

111,434

 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

149,914

 

 

143,344

 

Distributions payable

 

 

60,627

 

 

55,297

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

22,595

 

 

21,529

 

Security deposits

 

 

474

 

 

486

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,980,704

 

 

1,855,646

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limited Partnership interests of third parties

 

 

55,819

 

 

54,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Partner

 

 

1,710,707

 

 

1,629,131

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(1,029)

 

 

3

 

Total CubeSmart, L.P. capital

 

 

1,709,678

 

 

1,629,134

 

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

6,771

 

 

6,236

 

Total capital

 

 

1,716,449

 

 

1,635,370

 

Total liabilities and capital

 

$

3,752,972

 

$

3,545,336

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

F-13


 

 

CUBESMART, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per common unit data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rental income

 

$

517,535

 

$

489,043

 

$

449,601

 

Other property related income

 

 

60,156

 

 

55,001

 

 

50,255

 

Property management fee income

 

 

20,253

 

 

14,899

 

 

10,183

 

Total revenues

 

 

597,944

 

 

558,943

 

 

510,039

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property operating expenses

 

 

196,866

 

 

181,508

 

 

165,847

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

143,350

 

 

145,681

 

 

161,865

 

General and administrative

 

 

37,712

 

 

34,745

 

 

32,823

 

Acquisition related costs

 

 

 —

 

 

1,294

 

 

6,552

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

377,928

 

 

363,228

 

 

367,087

 

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense on loans

 

 

(62,132)

 

 

(56,952)

 

 

(50,399)

 

Loan procurement amortization expense

 

 

(2,313)

 

 

(2,638)

 

 

(2,577)

 

Equity in losses of real estate ventures

 

 

(865)

 

 

(1,386)

 

 

(2,662)

 

Gains from sale of real estate, net

 

 

10,576

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Other

 

 

206

 

 

872

 

 

1,062

 

Total other expense

 

 

(54,528)

 

 

(60,104)

 

 

(54,576)

 

NET INCOME

 

 

165,488

 

 

135,611

 

 

88,376

 

NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

221

 

 

270

 

 

470

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CUBESMART L.P.

 

 

165,709

 

 

135,881

 

 

88,846

 

Operating Partnership interests of third parties

 

 

(1,820)

 

 

(1,593)

 

 

(941)

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO OPERATING PARTNER

 

 

163,889

 

 

134,288

 

 

87,905

 

Distribution to preferred unitholders

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(5,045)

 

Preferred unit redemption charge

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,937)

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON UNITHOLDERS

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

$

79,923

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

    

    

 

    

 

Basic earnings per unit attributable to common unitholders

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

Diluted earnings per unit attributable to common unitholders

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average basic units outstanding

 

 

184,653

 

 

180,525

 

 

178,246

 

Weighted-average diluted units outstanding

 

 

185,495

 

 

181,448

 

 

179,533

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

F-14


 

 

CUBESMART, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

165,488

 

$

135,611

 

$

88,376

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps

 

 

(979)

 

 

195

 

 

(1,247)

 

Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on interest rate swaps

 

 

(60)

 

 

1,680

 

 

4,412

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

 

 

(1,039)

 

 

1,875

 

 

3,165

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

164,449

 

 

137,486

 

 

91,541

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Operating Partnership interests of third parties

 

 

(1,814)

 

 

(1,615)

 

 

(978)

 

Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

221

 

 

270

 

 

470

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO OPERATING PARTNER

 

$

162,856

 

$

136,141

 

$

91,033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-15


 

 

CUBESMART, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Common OP

 

 

Number of Preferred OP

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other

 

Total

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

 

Operating Partnership

 

 

 

Units

 

 

Units

 

 

Operating

 

Comprehensive

 

CubeSmart L.P.

 

Interest in

 

Total

 

Interests

 

 

  

Outstanding

 

 

Outstanding

 

 

Partner

  

(Loss) Income

 

Capital

 

Subsidiaries

 

Capital

 

of Third Parties

 

 Balance at December 31, 2015

 

174,668

 

 

3,100

 

$

1,648,305

 

$

(4,978)

 

$

1,643,327

 

$

1,526

 

$

1,644,853

 

$

66,128

 

Contributions from noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,799

 

 

4,799

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common OP units, net

 

4,408

 

 

 

 

 

136,121

 

 

 

 

 

136,121

 

 

 

 

 

136,121

 

 

 

 

Issuance of restricted OP units

 

123

 

 

 

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

Issuance of OP Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,500

 

Conversion from OP units to shares

 

188

 

 

 

 

 

4,876

 

 

 

 

 

4,876

 

 

 

 

 

4,876

 

 

(4,876)

 

Exercise of OP unit options

 

696

 

 

 

 

 

13,283

 

 

 

 

 

13,283

 

 

 

 

 

13,283

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted OP units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,952

 

 

 

 

 

1,952

 

 

 

 

 

1,952

 

 

 

 

OP unit compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,260

 

 

 

 

 

1,260

 

 

 

 

 

1,260

 

 

 

 

Adjustment for Operating Partnership interests of third parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,388

 

 

 

 

 

7,388

 

 

 

 

 

7,388

 

 

(7,388)

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

87,905

 

 

 

 

 

87,905

 

 

(470)

 

 

87,435

 

 

941

 

Other comprehensive income, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,128

 

 

3,128

 

 

 

 

 

3,128

 

 

37

 

Preferred OP unit distributions ($1.63 per unit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,045)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,045)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,045)

 

 

 

 

Preferred OP unit redemption

 

 

 

 

(3,100)

 

 

(77,574)

 

 

 

 

 

(77,574)

 

 

 

 

 

(77,574)

 

 

 

 

Common OP unit distributions ($0.90 per unit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(161,240)

 

 

 

 

 

(161,240)

 

 

 

 

 

(161,240)

 

 

(1,935)

 

 Balance at December 31, 2016

 

180,083

 

 

 —

 

$

1,657,232

 

$

(1,850)

 

$

1,655,382

 

$

5,855

 

$

1,661,237

 

$

54,407

 

Contributions from noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,058

 

 

1,058

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,626)

 

 

 

 

 

(8,626)

 

 

(407)

 

 

(9,033)

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common OP units, net

 

1,036

 

 

 

 

 

29,642

 

 

 

 

 

29,642

 

 

 

 

 

29,642

 

 

 

 

Issuance of restricted OP units

 

106

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

Issuance of OP Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,324

 

Conversion from OP units to shares

 

594

 

 

 

 

 

15,706

 

 

 

 

 

15,706

 

 

 

 

 

15,706

 

 

(15,706)

 

Exercise of OP unit options

 

397

 

 

 

 

 

2,364

 

 

 

 

 

2,364

 

 

 

 

 

2,364

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted OP units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,009

 

 

 

 

 

2,009

 

 

 

 

 

2,009

 

 

 

 

OP unit compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,531

 

 

 

 

 

1,531

 

 

 

 

 

1,531

 

 

 

 

Adjustment for Operating Partnership interests of third parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,965)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,965)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,965)

 

 

3,965

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

134,288

 

 

 

 

 

134,288

 

 

(270)

 

 

134,018

 

 

1,593

 

Other comprehensive income, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,853

 

 

1,853

 

 

 

 

 

1,853

 

 

22

 

Common OP unit distributions ($1.11 per unit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(201,051)

 

 

 

 

 

(201,051)

 

 

 

 

 

(201,051)

 

 

(2,285)

 

 Balance at December 31, 2017

 

182,216

 

 

 —

 

$

1,629,131

 

$

 3

 

$

1,629,134

 

$

6,236

 

$

1,635,370

 

$

54,320

 

Contributions from noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

925

 

 

925

 

 

 

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(169)

 

 

(169)

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common OP units, net

 

4,291

 

 

 

 

 

131,829

 

 

 

 

 

131,829

 

 

 

 

 

131,829

 

 

 

 

Issuance of restricted OP units

 

86

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

 

 1

 

 

 

 

Issuance of OP Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,242

 

Conversion from OP units to shares

 

147

 

 

 

 

 

4,404

 

 

 

 

 

4,404

 

 

 

 

 

4,404

 

 

(4,404)

 

Exercise of OP unit options

 

405

 

 

 

 

 

3,835

 

 

 

 

 

3,835

 

 

 

 

 

3,835

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted OP units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,570

 

 

 

 

 

2,570

 

 

 

 

 

2,570

 

 

 

 

OP unit compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,541

 

 

 

 

 

1,541

 

 

 

 

 

1,541

 

 

 

 

Adjustment for Operating Partnership interests of third parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(299)

 

 

 

 

 

(299)

 

 

 

 

 

(299)

 

 

299

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

163,889

 

 

 

 

 

163,889

 

 

(221)

 

 

163,668

 

 

1,820

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

405

 

 

(1,032)

 

 

(627)

 

 

 

 

 

(627)

 

 

(6)

 

Common OP unit distributions ($1.22 per unit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(226,599)

 

 

 

 

 

(226,599)

 

 

 

 

 

(226,599)

 

 

(2,452)

 

 Balance at December 31, 2018

 

187,145

 

 

 —

 

$

1,710,707

 

$

(1,029)

 

$

1,709,678

 

$

6,771

 

$

1,716,449

 

$

55,819

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

F-16


 

 

CUBESMART, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

165,488

 

$

135,611

 

$

88,376

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

145,663

 

 

148,319

 

 

164,442

 

Equity in losses of real estate ventures

 

 

865

 

 

1,386

 

 

2,662

 

Gains from sale of real estate, net

 

 

(10,576)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Equity compensation expense

 

 

5,572

 

 

5,586

 

 

4,850

 

Accretion of fair market value adjustment of debt

 

 

(735)

 

 

(559)

 

 

(1,138)

 

Changes in other operating accounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

 

(4,937)

 

 

(10,429)

 

 

(5,229)

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

2,653

 

 

10,846

 

 

7,862

 

Other liabilities

 

 

342

 

 

1,154

 

 

1,449

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

304,335

 

$

291,914

 

$

263,274

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions of storage properties

 

 

(214,510)

 

 

(69,629)

 

 

(388,641)

 

Additions and improvements to storage properties

 

 

(27,626)

 

 

(27,378)

 

 

(29,672)

 

Development costs

 

 

(86,002)

 

 

(68,778)

 

 

(136,912)

 

Investment in real estate ventures

 

 

(19,216)

 

 

(301)

 

 

(12,176)

 

Cash distributed from real estate ventures

 

 

8,706

 

 

15,783

 

 

8,113

 

Proceeds from sale of real estate, net

 

 

16,389

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

$

(322,259)

 

$

(150,303)

 

$

(559,288)

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsecured senior notes

 

 

 —

 

 

103,192

 

 

298,512

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

679,535

 

 

628,400

 

 

958,200

 

Principal payments on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

(565,710)

 

 

(590,000)

 

 

(914,900)

 

Unsecured term loans

 

 

 —

 

 

(100,000)

 

 

 —

 

Mortgage loans and notes payable

 

 

(9,816)

 

 

(8,666)

 

 

(37,260)

 

Loan procurement costs

 

 

 —

 

 

(953)

 

 

(2,467)

 

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary

 

 

 —

 

 

(9,033)

 

 

 —

 

Proceeds from issuance of common OP units

 

 

131,830

 

 

29,643

 

 

136,122

 

Cash paid upon vesting of restricted OP units

 

 

(1,461)

 

 

(2,046)

 

 

(1,638)

 

Redemption of preferred units

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(77,574)

 

Exercise of OP unit options

 

 

3,835

 

 

2,364

 

 

13,283

 

Contributions from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

925

 

 

1,058

 

 

4,799

 

Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

 

(169)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Distributions paid to common OP unitholders

 

 

(223,721)

 

 

(197,278)

 

 

(151,121)

 

Distributions paid to preferred OP unitholders

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(6,545)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

$

15,248

 

$

(143,319)

 

$

219,411

 

Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

 

(2,676)

 

 

(1,708)

 

 

(76,603)

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year

 

 

9,158

 

 

10,866

 

 

87,469

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year

 

$

6,482

 

$

9,158

 

$

10,866

 

Supplemental Cash Flow and Noncash Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest, net of interest capitalized

 

$

66,829

 

$

63,407

 

$

53,085

 

Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash - acquisition of storage properties

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

(22,019)

 

Accretion of put liability

 

$

24,747

 

$

35,122

 

$

31,426

 

Derivative valuation adjustment

 

$

(633)

 

$

1,875

 

$

3,165

 

Discount on issuance of unsecured senior notes

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

1,488

 

Mortgage loan assumptions

 

$

7,166

 

$

6,201

 

$

41,513

 

Preferred unit redemption

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

2,863

 

Issuance of OP units

 

$

6,242

 

$

12,324

 

$

 —

 

Liability for acquisition of storage property

 

$

 —

 

$

1,470

 

$

 —

 

Contribution of storage property to real estate venture

 

$

 —

 

$

9,400

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

F-17


 

 

CUBESMART AND CUBESMART L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.  ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

CubeSmart (the “Parent Company”) operates as a self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust (“REIT”) with its operations conducted solely through CubeSmart, L.P. and its subsidiaries.  CubeSmart, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), operates through an umbrella partnership structure, with the Parent Company, a Maryland REIT, as its sole general partner.  In the notes to the consolidated financial statements, we use the terms the “Company”, “we”, or “our” to refer to the Parent Company and the Operating Partnership together, unless the context indicates otherwise.  As of December 31, 2018, the Company owned self-storage properties located in 23 states throughout the United States and in the District of Columbia which are presented under one reportable segment: the Company owns, operates, develops, manages, and acquires self-storage properties.

 

As of December 31, 2018, the Parent Company owned approximately 99.0% of the partnership interests (“OP Units”) of the Operating Partnership.  The remaining OP Units, consisting exclusively of limited partner interests, are held by persons who contributed their interests in properties to us in exchange for OP Units.  Under the partnership agreement, these persons have the right to tender their OP Units for redemption to the Operating Partnership at any time following a specified restricted period for cash equal to the fair value of an equivalent number of common shares of the Parent Company.  In lieu of delivering cash, however, the Parent Company, as the Operating Partnership’s general partner, may, at its option, choose to acquire any OP Units so tendered by issuing common shares in exchange for the tendered OP Units.  If the Parent Company so chooses, its common shares will be exchanged for OP Units on a one-for-one basis.  This one-for-one exchange ratio is subject to adjustment to prevent dilution.  With each such exchange or redemption, the Parent Company’s percentage ownership in the Operating Partnership will increase.  In addition, whenever the Parent Company issues common or other classes of its shares, it contributes the net proceeds it receives from the issuance to the Operating Partnership and the Operating Partnership issues to the Parent Company an equal number of OP Units or other partnership interests having preferences and rights that mirror the preferences and rights of the shares issued.  This structure is commonly referred to as an umbrella partnership REIT or “UPREIT”.

 

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company, and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries.  The portion of these entities not owned by the Company is presented as noncontrolling interests as of and during the periods consolidated.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

When the Company obtains an economic interest in an entity, the Company evaluates the entity to determine if the entity is deemed a variable interest entity (“VIE”), and if the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, in accordance with authoritative guidance issued on the consolidation of VIEs. When an entity is not deemed to be a VIE, the Company considers the provisions of additional guidance to determine whether a general partner, or the general partners as a group, controls a limited partnership or similar entity when the limited partners have certain rights. The Company consolidates (i) entities that are VIEs and of which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, and (ii) entities that are non-VIEs which the Company controls and which the limited partners do not have the ability to dissolve or remove the Company without cause nor substantive participating rights.

 

The Company adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-02, Consolidation – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, as of January 1, 2016. The Company evaluated the application of this guidance and concluded that there were no changes to any previous conclusions with respect to consolidation accounting for any of its interests in less than wholly owned joint ventures. However, the Operating Partnership now meets the criteria as a VIE. The Parent Company’s sole significant asset is its investment in the Operating Partnership. As a result, substantially all of the Parent Company’s assets and liabilities represent those assets and liabilities of the Operating Partnership. All of the Parent Company’s debt is an obligation of the Operating Partnership.

 

Noncontrolling Interests

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance regarding noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements which was effective on January 1, 2009.  The guidance states that noncontrolling interests are the portion of equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent.  The ownership interests in the subsidiary that are held by owners other than the parent are noncontrolling interests.  Under the guidance, such noncontrolling interests are reported on the consolidated balance sheets within equity, separately from the Company’s equity.  On the consolidated statements of operations, revenues,

F-18


 

 

expenses, and net income or loss from controlled or consolidated entities that are less than wholly owned are reported at the consolidated amounts, including both the amounts attributable to the Company and noncontrolling interests.  Presentation of consolidated equity activity is included for both quarterly and annual financial statements, including beginning balances, activity for the period, and ending balances for shareholders’ equity, noncontrolling interests and total equity.

 

However, per the FASB issued authoritative guidance on the classification and measurement of redeemable securities, securities that are redeemable for cash or other assets at the option of the holder, not solely within the control of the issuer, must be classified outside of permanent equity.  This would result in certain outside ownership interests being included as redeemable noncontrolling interests outside of permanent equity in the consolidated balance sheets.  The Company makes this determination based on terms in applicable agreements, specifically in relation to redemption provisions.  Additionally, with respect to noncontrolling interests for which the Company has a choice to settle the contract by delivery of its own shares, the Company considered the FASB issued guidance on accounting for derivative financial instruments indexed to, and potentially settled in, a Company’s own stock to evaluate whether the Company controls the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under share settlement of the contract.  The guidance also requires that noncontrolling interests are adjusted each period so that the carrying value equals the greater of its carrying value based on the accumulation of historical cost or its redemption fair value.

 

The consolidated results of the Company include results attributable to units of the Operating Partnership that are not owned by the Company.  These interests were issued in the form of OP units and were a component of the consideration the Company paid to acquire certain self-storage properties.  Limited partners who acquired OP units have the right to require the Operating Partnership to redeem part or all of their OP units for, at the Company’s option, an equivalent number of common shares of the Company or cash based upon the fair value of an equivalent number of common shares of the Company.  However, the operating agreement contains certain circumstances that could result in a net cash settlement outside the control of the Company, as the Company does not have the ability to settle in unregistered shares.  Accordingly, consistent with the guidance discussed above, the Company will continue to record these noncontrolling interests outside of permanent equity in the consolidated balance sheets.  Net income or loss related to these noncontrolling interests is excluded from net income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations.  The Company has adjusted the carrying value of its noncontrolling interests subject to redemption value to the extent applicable.  Based on the Company’s evaluation of the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests, the Operating Partnership reflected these interests at their redemption value as of December 31, 2018, as the estimated redemption value exceeded their carrying value. The Operating Partnership recorded an increase to OP Units owned by third parties and a corresponding decrease to capital of $0.3 million as of December 31, 2018.  Disclosure of such redemption provisions is provided in note 12.

 

Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Although management believes the assumptions and estimates made are reasonable and appropriate, as discussed in the applicable sections throughout these consolidated financial statements, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the Company’s reported results.  The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions and changes in market conditions could impact the Company’s future operating results.

 

Self-Storage Properties

 

Self-storage properties are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.  The cost of self-storage properties reflects their purchase price or development cost.  Acquisition costs are accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-01 - Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which was adopted on January 1, 2018 (see section entitled Recent Accounting Pronouncements”), and are generally capitalized. Costs incurred for the renovation of a store are capitalized to the Company’s investment in that store.  Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred; major replacements and betterments, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.  The costs to develop self-storage properties are capitalized to construction in progress while the project is under development.

 

Purchase Price Allocation

 

When stores are acquired, the purchase price is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values.  When a portfolio of stores is acquired, the purchase price is allocated to the individual stores based upon the fair

F-19


 

 

value determined using an income approach or a cash flow analysis using appropriate risk adjusted capitalization rates, which take into account the relative size, age and location of the individual store along with current and projected occupancy and rental rate levels or appraised values, if available.  Allocations to land, building and improvements, and equipment are recorded based upon their respective fair values as estimated by management.

 

In allocating the purchase price for an acquisition, the Company determines whether the acquisition includes intangible assets or liabilities.  The Company allocates a portion of the purchase price to an intangible asset attributed to the value of in-place leases.  This intangible is generally amortized to expense over the expected remaining term of the respective leases.  Substantially all of the leases in place at acquired stores are at market rates, as the majority of the leases are month-to-month contracts.  Accordingly, to date, no portion of the purchase price has been allocated to above- or below-market lease intangibles.  To date, no intangible asset has been recorded for the value of customer relationships, because the Company does not have any concentrations of significant customers and the average customer turnover is fairly frequent.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

The costs of self-storage properties and improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method based on useful lives ranging from five to 39 years.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment when events and circumstances such as declines in occupancy and operating results indicate that there may be an impairment.  The carrying value of these long-lived assets is compared to the undiscounted future net operating cash flows, plus a terminal value, attributable to the assets to determine if the store’s basis is recoverable.  If a store’s basis is not considered recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent the net carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value.  The impairment loss recognized equals the excess of net carrying value over the related fair value of the asset.

 

Long-Lived Assets Held for Sale

 

We consider long-lived assets to be “held for sale” upon satisfaction of the following criteria: (a) management commits to a plan to sell a store (or group of stores), (b) the store is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such stores, (c) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the store have been initiated, (d) the sale of the store is probable and transfer of the asset is expected to be completed within one year, (e) the store is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and (f) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.

 

Typically these criteria are all met when the relevant asset is under contract, significant non-refundable deposits have been made by the potential buyer, the assets are immediately available for transfer, and there are no contingencies related to the sale that may prevent the transaction from closing.  However, each potential transaction is evaluated based on its separate facts and circumstances.  Stores classified as held for sale are reported at the lesser of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents are highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.  The Company may maintain cash equivalents in financial institutions in excess of insured limits, but believes this risk is mitigated by only investing in or through major financial institutions.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash consists of purchase deposits and cash deposits required for debt service requirements, capital replacement, and expense reserves in connection with the requirements of our loan agreements.

 

Loan Procurement Costs

 

Loan procurement costs related to borrowings were $21.5 million and $21.4 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are reported net of accumulated amortization of $13.4 million and $11.1 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In accordance with ASU No. 2015-03, Loan procurement costs, net are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. If there is not an associated debt liability recorded on the consolidated balance sheets, the costs are recorded as an

F-20


 

 

asset net of accumulated amortization. Loan procurement costs associated with the Company’s revolving credit facility remain in Loan procurement costs, net of amortization on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The costs are amortized over the estimated life of the related debt using the effective interest method and are reported as Loan procurement amortization expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

Other Assets

 

Other assets are comprised of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $3,124 and $1,532

 

$

8,145

 

$

1,716

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

5,672

 

 

5,498

 

Prepaid real estate taxes

 

 

4,406

 

 

3,960

 

Prepaid insurance

 

 

1,479

 

 

2,105

 

Amounts due from affiliates (see note 13)

 

 

10,584

 

 

7,480

 

Assets held in trust related to deferred compensation arrangements

 

 

9,645

 

 

9,393

 

Equity investment recorded at cost (1)

 

 

5,000

 

 

 —

 

Other

 

 

3,832

 

 

4,438

 

Total other assets, net

 

$

48,763

 

$

34,590

 

 

(1)

On September 5, 2018, the Company invested $5.0 million in exchange for 100% of the Class A Preferred Units of Capital Storage Partners, LLC, a newly formed venture that acquired 22 self-storage properties located in Florida (4), Oklahoma (5), and Texas (13). The Class A Preferred Units earn an 11% cumulative dividend prior to any other distributions. The Company’s investment in Capital Storage and the related dividends are included in Other assets, net on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and in Other income on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, respectively.

 

Environmental Costs

 

Our practice is to conduct or obtain environmental assessments in connection with the acquisition or development of additional stores.  Whenever the environmental assessment for one of our stores indicates that a store is impacted by soil or groundwater contamination from prior owners/operators or other sources, we will work with our environmental consultants and where appropriate, state governmental agencies, to ensure that the store is either cleaned up, that no cleanup is necessary because the low level of contamination poses no significant risk to public health or the environment, or that the responsibility for cleanup rests with a third party.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Management has determined that all of our leases are operating leases.  Rental income is recognized in accordance with the terms of the leases, which generally are month to month.  Property management fee income is recognized monthly as services are performed and in accordance with the terms of the related management agreements.

 

The Company recognizes gains from sale of real estate in accordance with the guidance on transfer of nonfinancial assets.  Payments received from purchasers prior to closing are recorded as deposits.  Profit on real estate sold is recognized when a valid contract exists, the collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured and the control of the property has transferred.

 

Advertising and Marketing Costs

 

The Company incurs advertising and marketing costs primarily attributable to internet marketing and other media advertisements.  The Company incurred $10.3 million, $9.7 million, and $9.4 million in advertising and marketing expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which are included in Property operating expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

F-21


 

 

Equity Offering Costs

 

Underwriting discounts and commissions, financial advisory fees and offering costs are reflected as a reduction to additional paid-in capital.  For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized $1.6 million, $0.6 million, and $1.6 million, respectively, of equity offering costs related to the issuance of common shares.

 

Other Property Related Income

 

Other property related income consists of late fees, administrative charges, customer insurance fees, sales of storage supplies, and other ancillary revenues and is recognized in the period that it is earned.

 

Capitalized Interest

 

The Company capitalizes interest incurred that is directly associated with construction activities until the asset is placed into service.  Interest is capitalized to the related asset(s) using the weighted-average rate of the Company’s outstanding debt. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company capitalized $4.4 million, $5.6 million, and $4.6 million, respectively, of interest incurred that is directly associated with construction activities.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company carries all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value.  The Company determines the fair value of derivatives by observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether the derivative has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, the reason for holding it.  The Company’s use of derivative instruments has been limited to cash flow hedges of certain interest rate risks.  The Company had interest rate swap agreements for notional principal amounts aggregating $150.0 million and $100.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, the fair values of which are included in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code since the Company’s commencement of operations in 2004.  In management’s opinion, the requirements to maintain these elections are being met.  Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been reflected in the consolidated financial statements other than for operations conducted through our taxable REIT subsidiaries.

 

Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of distributions to shareholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due to differences in cost basis, the estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation, and the allocation of net income and loss for financial versus tax reporting purposes.  The net tax basis in the Company’s assets was approximately $3.6 billion and $3.4 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Distributions to shareholders are usually taxable as ordinary income, although a portion of the distribution may be designated as capital gain or may constitute a tax-free return of capital.  Annually, the Company provides each of its shareholders a statement detailing the tax characterization of dividends paid during the preceding year as ordinary income, capital gain, or return of capital.  The characterization of the Company’s dividends for 2018 consisted of a 78.190% ordinary income distribution, a 13.653% capital gain distribution, and an 8.157% return of capital distribution from earnings and profits.

 

The Company is subject to a 4% federal excise tax if sufficient taxable income is not distributed within prescribed time limits.  The excise tax equals 4% of the annual amount, if any, by which the sum of (a) 85% of the Company’s ordinary income, (b) 95% of the Company’s net capital gains, and (c) 100% of prior taxable income exceeds cash distributions and certain taxes paid by the Company.  No excise tax was incurred in 2018, 2017, or 2016.

 

Taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to federal and state income taxes.  Our taxable REIT subsidiaries had a net deferred tax asset related to expenses which are deductible for tax purposes in future periods of $1.4 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017.  The TCJA made significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules for taxation of individuals and corporations (including REITs), generally effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.

F-22


 

 

 

Earnings per Share and Unit

 

Basic earnings per share and unit are calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares and restricted shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share and unit is calculated by further adjusting for the dilutive impact of share options, unvested restricted shares and contingently issuable shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method.  Potentially dilutive securities calculated under the treasury stock method were 842,000; 923,000 and 1,287,000 in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

 

Share-Based Payments

 

We apply the fair value method of accounting for contingently issued shares and share options issued under our incentive award plan.  Accordingly, share compensation expense is recorded ratably over the vesting period relating to such contingently issued shares and options.  The Company has recognized compensation expense on a straight-line method over the requisite service period, which is included in general and administrative expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

 

The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures under the equity method of accounting when it is determined that the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the venture.  Under the equity method, investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures are recorded initially at cost, as investments in real estate ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings (losses), cash contributions, less distributions. On a periodic basis, management also assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures may be other than temporarily impaired. An investment is impaired only if the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment and the decline is other than temporary. To the extent impairment that is other than temporary has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the fair value of the investment, as estimated by management.

 

Reclassifications

 

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-15: Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which requires retrospective application for a number of cash flow classification items for which there was diversity in practice. See Recent Accounting Pronouncements below for the specific cash flow areas addressed by the new standard. As a result of adopting the new guidance, $1.6 million and $1.3 million of proceeds received from the settlement of insurance claims during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, have been reclassified from operating activities to investing activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

On January 1, 2018, the Company also adopted ASU No. 2016-18: Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Restricted Cash, which requires restricted cash to be included with cash and cash equivalents as part of the reconciliation of beginning and end of period balances within the consolidated statements of cash flows. As a result of adopting the new guidance, $0.1 million and $4.1 million of restricted cash, which were previously included as operating cash outflows and investing cash inflows within the consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017, respectively, have been removed and are now included in the cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash line items at the beginning and the end of the year. For the year ended December 31, 2016, $0.6 million and $16.1 million of restricted cash, which were previously included as operating cash inflows and investing cash inflows, respectively, have been removed and are now included in the cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash line items at the beginning and the end of the year.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

   In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12 – Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. The transition guidance provides companies with the option of early adopting the new standard using a modified retrospective transition method in any interim period after issuance of the update, or alternatively requires adoption for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. This adoption method will require the Company to recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the new guidance as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year that the Company adopts the update. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


   In February 2017, as part of the new revenue standard, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05 – Other Income – Gains and Losses from the

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Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance, which focuses on recognizing gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets in contracts with non-customers. Specifically, the new guidance defines “in substance nonfinancial asset”, unifies guidance related to partial sales of nonfinancial assets, eliminates rules specifically addressing sales of real estate, removes exceptions to the financial asset derecognition model, and clarifies the accounting for contributions of nonfinancial assets to joint ventures. The new guidance became effective on January 1, 2018 when the Company adopted the new revenue standard. Upon adoption, the majority of the Company’s sale transactions are now treated as dispositions of nonfinancial assets rather than dispositions of a business given the FASB’s recently revised definition of a business (see ASU No. 2017-01 below). Additionally, in partial sale transactions where the Company sells a controlling interest in real estate but retains a noncontrolling interest, the Company will now fully recognize a gain or loss on the fair value measurement of the retained interest as the new guidance eliminates the partial profit recognition model. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01 - Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which changes the definition of a business to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. A framework is provided to evaluate when an input and a substantive process are present.  The new guidance also narrows the definition of outputs, which are defined as the results of inputs and substantive processes that provide goods or services to customers, other revenue, or investment income. The standard became effective on January 1, 2018. Upon adoption of the new guidance, the majority of the Company’s future property acquisitions will now be considered asset acquisitions, resulting in the capitalization of acquisition related costs incurred in connection with these transactions and the allocation of purchase price and acquisition related costs to the assets acquired based on their relative fair values. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18 - Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which requires the statement of cash flows to explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The new guidance also requires entities to reconcile such total to amounts on the balance sheet and disclose the nature of the restrictions. The standard became effective on January 1, 2018 and requires the use of the retrospective transition method. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the update primarily relates to financial statement presentation and disclosures.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 – Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The eight items that the ASU provides classification guidance on include (1) debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, (2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, (3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, (4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, (5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, (6) distributions received from equity method investments, (7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and (8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The standard became effective on January 1, 2018 and requires the use of the retrospective transition method. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the update primarily relates to financial statement presentation and disclosures.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 - Leases (Topic 842), which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either financing or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification.  Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2019, the date it became effective for public companies, using the modified retrospective approach. Upon adoption, the Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted within the standard, which among other things, allows for the carryforward of historical lease classification. In addition, the Company elected the practical expedient that allows reporting entities to use hindsight to determine the lease term for existing leases. The Company expects to record lease liabilities of approximately $55.0 million and right-of-use assets of approximately $50.0 million, primarily related to the Company’s ten ground leases in which it serves as lessee (see note 14).

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The new guidance outlines a five-step process for customer contract revenue recognition that focuses on transfer of control as opposed to transfer of

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risk and rewards. The new guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows from contracts with customers. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which amends ASU No. 2014-09 and is intended to address implementation issues that were raised by stakeholders. ASU No. 2016-12 provides practical expedients on collectability, noncash consideration, presentation of sales tax and contract modifications and completed contracts in transition. Both standards became effective on January 1, 2018. The Company finalized the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 and ASU No. 2016-12 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and adopted the standards using the modified retrospective transition method. The standards did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position or results of operations primarily because most of its revenue is derived from lease contracts, which are excluded from the scope of the new guidance. The Company’s insurance fee revenue, property management fee revenue, and merchandise sale revenue are included in the scope of the new guidance, however, the Company identified similar performance obligations under this standard as compared with deliverables and separate units of account identified under its previous revenue recognition methodology. Accordingly, revenue recognized under the new guidance does not differ materially from revenue recognized under previous guidance and there is no material prior year impact.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company’s stores are located in major metropolitan and rural areas and have numerous customers per store.  No single customer represents a significant concentration of our revenues. The stores in Florida, New York, Texas, and California provided approximately 17%, 16%, 10% and 8%, respectively, of our total revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

3.  STORAGE PROPERTIES

 

The book value of the Company’s real estate assets is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Land

 

$

806,916

 

$

711,140

 

Buildings and improvements

 

 

3,343,173

 

 

3,086,252

 

Equipment

 

 

176,583

 

 

182,958

 

Construction in progress

 

 

136,783

 

 

181,365

 

Storage properties

 

 

4,463,455

 

 

4,161,715

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(862,487)

 

 

(752,925)

 

Storage properties, net

 

$

3,600,968

 

$

3,408,790

 

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The following table summarizes the Company’s acquisition and disposition activity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

 

    

Number of

    

Purchase / Sale Price

 

Asset/Portfolio

 

Market

 

Transaction Date

 

Stores

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018 Acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

January 2018

 

1

 

$

12,200

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

May 2018

 

1

 

 

19,000

 

Metro DC Asset

 

Baltimore / DC

 

July 2018

 

1

 

 

34,200

 

Nevada Asset

 

Las Vegas

 

September 2018

 

1

 

 

14,350

 

North Carolina Asset

 

Charlotte

 

September 2018

 

1

 

 

11,000

 

California Asset

 

Los Angeles

 

October 2018

 

1

 

 

53,250

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

October 2018

 

1

 

 

23,150

 

California Asset

 

San Diego

 

November 2018

 

1

 

 

19,118

 

New York Asset

 

New York / Northern NJ

 

November 2018

 

1

 

 

37,000

 

Illinois Asset

 

Chicago

 

December 2018

 

1

 

 

4,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

$

227,518

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018 Dispositions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arizona Assets

 

Phoenix

 

November 2018

 

2

 

$

17,502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

$

17,502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017 Acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illinois Asset

 

Chicago

 

April 2017

 

1

 

$

11,200

 

Maryland Asset

 

Baltimore / DC

 

May 2017

 

1

 

 

18,200

 

California Asset

 

Sacramento

 

May 2017

 

1

 

 

3,650

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

October 2017

 

1

 

 

4,050

 

Florida Asset

 

Florida Markets - Other

 

October 2017

 

1

 

 

14,500

 

Illinois Asset

 

Chicago

 

November 2017

 

1

 

 

11,300

 

Florida Asset

 

Florida Markets - Other

 

December 2017

 

1

 

 

17,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

$

80,650

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016 Acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metro DC Asset

 

Baltimore / DC

 

January 2016

 

1

 

$

21,000

 

Texas Assets

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

January 2016

 

2

 

 

24,800

 

New York Asset

 

New York / Northern NJ

 

January 2016

 

1

 

 

48,500

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

January 2016

 

1

 

 

11,600

 

Connecticut Asset

 

Connecticut

 

February 2016

 

1

 

 

19,000

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

March 2016

 

1

 

 

11,600

 

Florida Assets

 

Florida Markets - Other

 

March 2016

 

3

 

 

47,925

 

Colorado Asset

 

Denver

 

April 2016

 

1

 

 

11,350

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

April 2016

 

1

 

 

11,600

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

May 2016

 

1

 

 

10,100

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

May 2016

 

1

 

 

10,800

 

Illinois Asset

 

Chicago

 

May 2016

 

1

 

 

12,350

 

Illinois Asset

 

Chicago

 

May 2016

 

1

 

 

16,000

 

Massachusetts Asset

 

Massachusetts

 

June 2016

 

1

 

 

14,300

 

Nevada Assets

 

Las Vegas

 

July 2016

 

2

 

 

23,200

 

Arizona Asset

 

Phoenix

 

August 2016

 

1

 

 

14,525

 

Minnesota Asset

 

Minneapolis

 

August 2016

 

1

 

 

15,150

 

Colorado Asset

 

Denver

 

August 2016

 

1

 

 

15,600

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

September 2016

 

1

 

 

6,100

 

Texas Asset

 

Texas Markets - Major

 

September 2016

 

1

 

 

5,300

 

Nevada Asset

 

Las Vegas

 

October 2016

 

1

 

 

13,250

 

North Carolina Asset

 

Charlotte

 

November 2016

 

1

 

 

10,600

 

Arizona Asset

 

Phoenix

 

November 2016

 

1

 

 

14,000

 

Nevada Asset

 

Las Vegas

 

December 2016

 

1

 

 

14,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28

 

$

403,550

 

 

 

 

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4.  INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

 

2018 Acquisitions

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company acquired ten stores located throughout the United States, including one store upon completion of construction and the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $227.5 million. In connection with these acquisitions, the Company allocated a portion of the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired based on fair value. Intangible assets consist of in-place leases, which aggregated $11.3 million at the time of the acquisitions and prior to any amortization of such amounts. The estimated life of these in-place leases was 12 months, and the amortization expense that was recognized during 2018 was approximately $3.1 million. In connection with one of the acquired stores, the Company assumed a $7.2 million mortgage loan that was immediately repaid by the Company. The remainder of the purchase price was funded with $0.2 million of cash and $4.8 million through the issuance of 168,011 OP Units (see note 12). Following a 13-month lock-up period, the holder may tender the OP Units for redemption by the Operating Partnership for a cash amount per OP Unit equal to the market value of an equivalent number of common shares of the Company. The Company has the right, but not the obligation, to assume and satisfy the redemption obligation of the Operating Partnership by issuing one common share in exchange for each OP Unit tendered for redemption. 

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s revenue and earnings associated with the 2018 acquisitions from the respective acquisition dates, that are included in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Total revenue

 

$

4,089

 

Net loss

 

 

(2,732)

 

 

2018 Dispositions

 

On November 28, 2018, the Company sold two stores in Arizona for an aggregate sales price of approximately $17.5 million. In connection with these sales, the Company recorded gains that totaled approximately $10.6 million.

 

Development

 

As of December 31, 2018, the Company had invested in joint ventures to develop six self-storage properties located in Massachusetts (2) New Jersey (1), and New York (3). Construction for all projects is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2020. As of December 31, 2018, development costs incurred to date for these projects totaled $118.6 million. Total construction costs for these projects are expected to be $162.7 million. These costs are capitalized to construction in progress while the projects are under development and are reflected in Storage properties on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company has completed the construction and opened for operation the following stores since January 1, 2016. The costs associated with the construction of these stores are capitalized to land, building, and improvements as well as equipment and are reflected in Storage properties on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CubeSmart

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

Ownership

 

Total

Store Location

    

Stores

    

Date Opened

 

Interest

 

Construction Costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

Bronx, NY

 

1

 

Q3 2018

 

51%

 

$

92,100

Brooklyn, NY (1)

 

1

 

Q4 2017

 

100%

 

 

49,300

Washington, D.C.

 

1

 

Q3 2017

 

100%

 

 

27,800

New York, NY

 

1

 

Q3 2017

 

90%

 

 

81,200

North Palm Beach, FL

 

1

 

Q1 2017

 

100%

 

 

9,700

Bronx, NY (1) (2)

 

1

 

Q2 2016

 

100%

 

 

32,200

Queens, NY (1)

 

1

 

Q1 2016

 

100%

 

 

31,800

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

$

324,100

 

(1)

These stores were previously owned through three separate consolidated joint ventures, of which the Company owned a 51% interest in each. On April 5, 2016, the noncontrolling member in the venture that owned the Queens, NY store put its 49% interest in the venture to the Company for $12.5 million. On August 12, 2016, the noncontrolling member in the venture that owned the

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Bronx, NY store put its 49% interest in the venture to the Company for $17.0 million. On March 28, 2018, the noncontrolling member in the venture that owned the Brooklyn, NY store put its 49% interest in the venture to the Company for $20.4 million. These amounts are included in Development costs on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

(2)

This store is subject to a ground lease.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company, through a joint venture in which the Company owned a 90% interest and that it previously consolidated, completed the construction and opened for operation a store located in Brooklyn, NY. On June 2, 2017, the Company acquired the noncontrolling member’s 10% interest in the venture for $9.0 million.  Prior to this transaction, the noncontrolling member’s interest was reported in Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries on the consolidated balance sheets. Since the Company retained its controlling interest in the joint venture and the store is now wholly owned, this transaction was accounted for as an equity transaction. The carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest was reduced to zero to reflect the purchase, and the $8.6 million difference between the purchase price paid by the Company and the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest was recorded as an adjustment to equity attributable to the Company.  In conjunction with the Company’s acquisition of the noncontrolling interest, the $9.8 million related party loan extended by the Company to the venture during the construction period was repaid in full.

 

2017 Acquisitions

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company acquired six stores located throughout the United States, including two stores upon completion of construction and the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $69.5 million. In connection with these acquisitions, the Company allocated a portion of the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired based on fair value. Intangible assets consist of in-place leases, which aggregated $3.2 million at the time of the acquisitions and prior to any amortization of such amounts. The estimated life of these in-place leases was 12 months, and the amortization expense that was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $1.7 and $1.5 million, respectively. In connection with one of the acquired stores, the Company assumed mortgage debt that was recorded at a fair value of $6.2 million, which fair value includes an outstanding principal balance totaling $5.9 million and a net premium of $0.3 million to reflect the estimated fair value of the debt at the time of assumption. As part of the acquisition of that same store, the Company issued OP Units that were valued at approximately $12.3 million as consideration for the remainder of the purchase price (see note 12).

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company also acquired a store in Illinois upon completion of construction and the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for $11.2 million. The purchase price was satisfied with $9.7 million of cash and 58,400 newly created Class C OP Units. Each Class C OP Unit had a stated value of $25 and an annual distribution rate of 3% of the stated value. On July 23, 2018, all of the Class C OP Units were exchanged for an aggregate of 46,322 common units of the Operating Partnership. Because the Class C OP Units represented an unconditional obligation that the Company settled by issuing a variable number of its common shares with a monetary value that was known at inception, the Class C OP Units were classified as a liability in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets prior to redemption.

 

2016 Acquisitions

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company acquired 28 stores, including three stores upon completion of construction and the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, located throughout the United States for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $403.6 million. In connection with these acquisitions, the Company allocated a portion of the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired based on fair value. Intangible assets consist of in-place leases, which aggregated $18.8 million at the time of the acquisitions and prior to any amortization of such amounts. The estimated life of these in-place leases was 12 months, and the amortization expense that was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $8.3 million and $10.5 million, respectively. In connection with one of the acquired stores, the Company assumed mortgage debt that was recorded at a fair value of $6.5 million, which fair value includes an outstanding principal balance totaling $6.3 million and a net premium of $0.2 million to reflect the estimated fair value of the debt at the time of assumption.

 

5. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE VENTURES

 

191 IV CUBE LLC (“HVP IV”)

 

On October 16, 2017, the Company acquired a self-storage property located in Texas for $9.4 million, which it then contributed to a newly-formed real estate venture on November 1, 2017. In return for contributing the property to HVP IV, the Company received approximately $7.5 million in cash and a 20% ownership interest in the venture. During the year ended December 31, 2018, HVP IV acquired 12 additional stores located in Arizona (2), Connecticut (2), Florida (3), Georgia (2), Maryland (1), and Texas (2) for an

F-28


 

 

aggregate purchase price of $129.4 million, of which the Company has contributed $14.1 million. On May 16, 2018 and August 15, 2018, HVP IV received $43.7 million and $24.4 million advances, respectively, on its $107.0 million loan facility, which encumbers the first eleven stores that were acquired by the venture. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.70% and matures on May 16, 2021 with options to extend the maturity date through May 16, 2023, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions and payment of the extension fees as stipulated in the loan agreement.

 

CUBE HHF Northeast Venture LLC (“HHFNE”)

 

On December 15, 2016, the Company invested a 10% ownership interest in a newly-formed real estate venture that acquired 13 self-storage properties located in Connecticut (3), Massachusetts (6), Rhode Island (2), and Vermont (2). HHFNE paid $87.5 million for these stores, of which $6.0 million was allocated to the value of the in-place lease intangible. The acquisition was funded primarily through an advance totaling $44.5 million on the venture’s loan facility. The remainder of the purchase price was contributed pro-rata by the Company and its unaffiliated joint venture partner. The Company’s total contribution to HHFNE related to this portfolio acquisition was $3.8 million. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.90% and matures on December 15, 2019 with options to extend the maturity date through December 15, 2021, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions and payment of the extension fees as stipulated in the loan agreement.

 

191 III CUBE LLC (“HVP III”)

 

During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company invested a 10% ownership interest in a newly-formed real estate venture that agreed to acquire a property portfolio comprised of 37 self-storage properties located in Michigan (17), Tennessee (10), Massachusetts (7), and Florida (3). HVP III paid $242.5 million for these 37 stores, of which $18.9 million was allocated to the value of the in-place lease intangible. HVP III acquired 30 of the stores on December 8, 2015 for $193.7 million, one of the stores on January 26, 2016 for $5.7 million, five of the stores on April 21, 2016 for $36.1 million, and one store on June 15, 2016 for $7.0 million. In connection with six of the acquired stores, HVP III assumed mortgage debt that was recorded at a fair value of $25.3 million, which includes an outstanding principal balance totaling $23.7 million and a net premium of $1.6 million to reflect the estimated fair value of the debt at the time of assumption. The remainder of the purchase price was funded through advances totaling $116.0 million on the venture’s $122.0 million loan facility and amounts contributed pro-rata by the Company and its unaffiliated joint venture partner. The Company’s total contribution to HVP III related to this portfolio acquisition was $10.7 million. The loan facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.00% per annum and was originally scheduled to mature on December 7, 2018 with options to extend the maturity date through December 7, 2020, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions and payment of the extension fees as stipulated in the loan agreement.

 

During the first quarter of 2016, HVP III agreed to acquire a portfolio comprised of 31 self-storage properties located in South Carolina (22), Georgia (5), and North Carolina (4) that were previously managed by the Company. HVP III paid $115.5 million for these 31 stores, of which $10.6 million was allocated to the value of the in-place lease intangible. HVP III acquired 30 of the stores on March 30, 2016 for $112.8 million and one of the stores on November 29, 2016 for $2.7 million. In conjunction with the acquisitions, HVP III refinanced its existing loan facility by entering into an increased amended and restated loan facility not to exceed $185.5 million. The acquisitions were funded primarily through advances totaling $63.5 million on the venture’s amended and restated loan facility. The remainder of the purchase price was contributed pro-rata by the Company and its unaffiliated joint venture partner. The Company’s total contribution to HVP III related to this portfolio acquisition was $5.4 million, bringing its total investment in HVP III to $16.1 million as of December 31, 2016. The amended and restated loan facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.00% per annum. The initial maturity date was extended to March 30, 2019 with options to extend through March 30, 2021, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions and payment of the extension fees as stipulated in the amended and restated loan agreement.

 

CUBE HHF Limited Partnership (“HHF”)

 

On December 10, 2013, the Company invested a 50% ownership interest in a newly-formed real estate venture that acquired 35 self-storage properties located in Texas (34) and North Carolina (1). HHF paid $315.7 million for these stores, of which $12.1 million was allocated to the value of the in-place lease intangible. The Company and the unaffiliated joint venture partner each contributed cash equal to 50% of the capital required to fund the acquisition. On May 1, 2014, HHF obtained a $100.0 million loan secured by the 34 self-storage properties located in Texas that are owned by the venture. There is no recourse to the Company, subject to customary exceptions to non-recourse provisions. The loan bears interest at 3.59% per annum and matures on April 30, 2021. This financing completed the planned capital structure of HHF and proceeds (net of closing costs) of $99.2 million were distributed proportionately to the partners. 

 

Based upon the facts and circumstances at formation of HVP IV, HHFNE, HVP III, and HHF (the “Ventures”), the Company determined that the Ventures are not VIEs in accordance with the accounting standard for the consolidation of VIEs. As a result, the Company used the voting interest model under the accounting standard for consolidation in order to determine whether to consolidate the

F-29


 

 

Ventures. Based upon each member's substantive participating rights over the activities of each entity as stipulated in the operating agreements, the Ventures are not consolidated by the Company and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investments in the Ventures are included in Investment in real estate ventures, at equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and the Company’s earnings from its investments in the Ventures are presented in Equity in losses of real estate ventures on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

The amounts reflected in the following table are based on the historical financial information of the Ventures. The following is a summary of the financial position of the Ventures as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storage properties, net

 

$

741,209

 

$

647,668

 

Other assets

 

 

16,042

 

 

8,284

 

Total assets

 

$

757,251

 

$

655,952

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

$

7,911

 

$

6,853

 

Debt

 

 

413,848

 

 

346,475

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CubeSmart

 

 

95,796

 

 

91,206

 

Joint venture partners

 

 

239,696

 

 

211,418

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

757,251

 

$

655,952

 

 

The following is a summary of results of operations of the Ventures for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

90,111

 

$

81,058

 

$

64,931

 

Operating expenses

 

 

37,899

 

 

33,922

 

 

26,150

 

Other expense

 

 

938

 

 

783

 

 

3,750

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

13,311

 

 

11,703

 

 

9,432

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

41,972

 

 

45,086

 

 

53,701

 

Net loss

 

(4,009)

 

(10,436)

 

(28,102)

 

Company’s share of net loss

 

(865)

 

(1,386)

 

(2,662)

 

 

The results of operations above include the periods from November 1, 2017 (date of acquisition) through December 31, 2018 for HVP IV and December 15, 2016 (date of acquisition) through December 31, 2018 for HHFNE.

   

6.  UNSECURED SENIOR NOTES

 

The Company’s unsecured senior notes are summarized as follows (collectively referred to as the “Senior Notes”):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

December 31, 

    

Effective

 

Issuance

 

Maturity

 

Unsecured Senior Notes

    

2018

    

2017

    

Interest Rate

 

Date

 

Date

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$250M 4.800% Guaranteed Notes due 2022

 

$

250,000

 

$

250,000

 

4.82

 

Jun-12

 

Jul-22

 

$300M 4.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2023 (1)

 

 

300,000

 

 

300,000

 

4.33

 

Various (1)

 

Dec-23

 

$300M 4.000% Guaranteed Notes due 2025 (2)

 

 

300,000

 

 

300,000

 

3.99

 

Various (2)

 

Nov-25

 

$300M 3.125% Guaranteed Notes due 2026

 

 

300,000

 

 

300,000

 

3.18

 

Aug-16

 

Sep-26

 

Principal balance outstanding

 

 

1,150,000

 

 

1,150,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Discount on issuance of unsecured senior notes, net

 

 

(568)

 

 

(617)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Loan procurement costs, net

 

 

(5,908)

 

 

(6,923)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total unsecured senior notes, net

 

$

1,143,524

 

$

1,142,460

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-30


 

 

(1)

On April 4, 2017, the Operating Partnership issued $50.0 million of its 4.375% senior notes due 2023, which are part of the same series as the $250.0 million principal amount of the Operating Partnership’s 4.375% senior notes due December 15, 2023 issued on December 17, 2013.  The $50.0 million and $250.0 million tranches were priced at 105.040% and 98.995%, respectively, of the principal amount to yield 3.495% and 4.501%, respectively, to maturity.  The combined weighted-average effective interest rate of the 2023 notes is 4.330%.

 

(2)

On April 4, 2017, the Operating Partnership issued $50.0 million of its 4.000% senior notes due 2025, which are part of the same series as the $250.0 million principal amount of the Operating Partnership’s 4.000% senior notes due November 15, 2025 issued on October 26, 2015.  The $50.0 million and $250.0 million tranches were priced at 101.343% and 99.735%, respectively, of the principal amount to yield 3.811% and 4.032%, respectively, to maturity.  The combined weighted-average effective interest rate of the 2025 notes is 3.994%.

 

The indenture under which the Senior Notes were issued restricts the ability of the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries to incur debt unless the Operating Partnership and its consolidated subsidiaries comply with a leverage ratio not to exceed 60% and an interest coverage ratio of more than 1.5:1 after giving effect to the incurrence of the debt. The indenture also restricts the ability of the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries to incur secured debt unless the Operating Partnership and its consolidated subsidiaries comply with a secured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 40% after giving effect to the incurrence of the debt. The indenture also contains other financial and customary covenants, including a covenant not to own unencumbered assets with a value less than 150% of the unsecured indebtedness of the Operating Partnership and its consolidated subsidiaries. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Senior Notes.

 

7.  REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY AND UNSECURED TERM LOANS

 

On December 9, 2011, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”), which was subsequently amended on April 5, 2012, June 18, 2013, and April 22, 2015 to provide for, amongst other things, a $500.0 million unsecured revolving facility (the “Revolver”) with a maturity date of April 22, 2020.  Pricing on the Revolver is dependent on the Company’s unsecured debt credit ratings. At the Company’s current Baa2/BBB level, amounts drawn under the Revolver are priced at 1.25% over LIBOR, inclusive of a facility fee of 0.15%.  As of December 31, 2018, $303.8 million was available for borrowing under the Revolver.  The available balance under the Revolver is reduced by an outstanding letter of credit of $0.7 million.  As of December 31, 2018, the Company also had a $200.0 million unsecured term loan outstanding under the Credit Facility, which is included in the table below.

   

On June 20, 2011, the Company entered into an unsecured term loan agreement (the “Term Loan Facility”), which was subsequently amended on June 18, 2013 and August 5, 2014, consisting of a $100.0 million unsecured term loan with a five-year maturity and a $100.0 million unsecured term loan with a seven-year maturity. On April 6, 2017, the Company used the net proceeds from the issuance of $50.0 million of its 4.375% Senior Notes due 2023 and $50.0 million of its 4.000% Senior Notes due 2025 to repay all of the outstanding indebtedness under its five-year $100.0 million unsecured term loan that was scheduled to mature in June 2018.

 

The Company’s unsecured term loans under the Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility are summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying Value as of:

 

Effective Interest

 

 

 

 

    

December 31, 

    

Rate as of

 

Maturity

 

Unsecured Term Loans

    

2018

    

2017

    

December 31, 2018 (1)

 

Date

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsecured term loan (2)

 

$

200,000

 

$

200,000

 

3.80

%  

 

Jan-19

 

Term Loan Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsecured term loan

 

 

100,000

 

 

100,000

 

3.65

%  

 

Jan-20

 

Principal balance outstanding

 

 

300,000

 

 

300,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Loan procurement costs, net

 

 

(201)

 

 

(604)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total unsecured term loans, net

 

$

299,799

 

$

299,396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Pricing on the Term Loan Facility and the unsecured term loan under the Credit Facility is dependent on the Company’s unsecured debt credit ratings. At the Company’s current Baa2/BBB level, amounts drawn under the term loan that matured in January 2019 were priced at 1.30% over LIBOR, while amounts drawn under the term loan that is scheduled to mature in January 2020 are priced at 1.15% over LIBOR.  As of December 31, 2018, borrowings under the Credit Facility, inclusive of the Revolver, and Term Loan Facility, as amended, had an effective weighted average interest rate of 3.75%.

 

F-31


 

 

(2)

On January 31, 2019, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of $350.0 million of 4.375% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes” - see note 18) to repay all of the outstanding indebtedness under the unsecured term loan portion of the Credit Facility that was scheduled to mature in January 2019. 

 

The Term Loan Facility and the unsecured term loan under the Credit Facility were fully drawn as of December 31, 2018 and no further borrowings may be made under the term loans.  The Company’s ability to borrow under the Revolver is subject to ongoing compliance with certain financial covenants which include:

 

·

Maximum total indebtedness to total asset value of 60.0% at any time;

 

·

Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.50:1.00; and

 

·

Minimum tangible net worth of $821,211,200 plus 75% of net proceeds from equity issuances after June 30, 2010.

 

Further, under the Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility, the Company is restricted from paying distributions on the Parent Company’s common shares in excess of the greater of (i) 95% of funds from operations, and (ii) such amount as may be necessary to maintain the Parent Company’s REIT status.

 

As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants and it anticipates being in compliance with all of its financial covenants through the terms of the Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility.

 

8.  MORTGAGE LOANS AND NOTES PAYABLE

 

The Company’s mortgage loans and notes payable are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying Value as of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

December 31, 

    

Effective

 

Maturity

 

Mortgage Loans and Notes Payable

    

2018

    

2017

    

Interest Rate

 

Date

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

YSI 33

 

$

9,214

 

$

9,547

 

6.42

%  

 

Jul-19

 

YSI 26

 

 

8,022

 

 

8,228

 

4.56

%  

 

Nov-20

 

YSI 57

 

 

2,816

 

 

2,889

 

4.61

%  

 

Nov-20

 

YSI 55

 

 

22,041

 

 

22,508

 

4.85

%  

 

Jun-21

 

YSI 24

 

 

24,893

 

 

25,700

 

4.64

%  

 

Jun-21

 

YSI 65

 

 

2,363

 

 

2,411

 

3.85

%  

 

Jun-23

 

YSI 66

 

 

31,171

 

 

31,727

 

3.51

%  

 

Jun-23

 

YSI 68

 

 

5,626

 

 

5,786

 

3.78

%  

 

May-24

 

Principal balance outstanding

 

 

106,146

 

 

108,796

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plus: Unamortized fair value adjustment

 

 

2,551

 

 

3,286

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Loan procurement costs, net

 

 

(451)

 

 

(648)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total mortgage loans and notes payable, net

 

$

108,246

 

$

111,434

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s mortgage loans payable were secured by certain of its self-storage properties with net book values of approximately $231.0 million and $236.9 million, respectively. The following table represents the future principal payment requirements on the outstanding mortgage loans and notes payable as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

2019

    

$

11,652

2020

 

 

12,791

2021

 

 

45,057

2022

 

 

923

2023

 

 

31,019

2024 and thereafter

 

 

4,704

Total mortgage payments

 

 

106,146

Plus: Unamortized fair value adjustment

 

 

2,551

Less: Loan procurement costs, net

 

 

(451)

Total mortgage loans and notes payable, net

 

$

108,246

F-32


 

 

 

 

9.  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Unrealized Gains (Losses)

 

 

 

on Interest Rate Swaps

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

 

$

(970)

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

(62)

(1)

Net current-period other comprehensive loss

 

 

(1,032)

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

 

 3

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

 

$

(1,029)

 

 

(1) See note 10 for additional information about the effects of the amounts reclassified.

 

10.  RISK MANAGEMENT AND USE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company’s use of derivative instruments is limited to the utilization of interest rate swap agreements or other instruments to manage interest rate risk exposures and not for speculative purposes. The principal objective of such arrangements is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with the Company’s operating and financial structure, as well as to hedge specific transactions. The counterparties to these arrangements are major financial institutions with which the Company and its subsidiaries may also have other financial relationships. The Company is potentially exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by these counterparties. However, because of the high credit ratings of the counterparties, the Company does not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet these obligations as they come due. The Company does not hedge credit or property value market risks.

 

The Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements that qualify and are designated as cash flow hedges designed to reduce the impact of interest rate changes on its variable rate debt.  Therefore, the interest rate swaps are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, and the related gains or losses are deferred in shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive loss.  These deferred gains and losses are amortized into interest expense during the period or periods in which the related interest payments affect earnings.  However, to the extent that the interest rate swaps are not perfectly effective in offsetting the change in value of the interest payments being hedged, the ineffective portion of these contracts is recognized in earnings immediately.

 

The Company formally assesses, both at inception of a hedge and on an on-going basis, whether each derivative is highly-effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item. If management determines that a derivative is highly-effective as a hedge, then the Company accounts for the derivative using hedge accounting, pursuant to which gains or losses inherent in the derivative do not impact the Company’s results of operations.  If management determines that a derivative is not highly-effective as a hedge or if a derivative ceases to be a highly-effective hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively and will reflect in its statement of operations realized and unrealized gains and losses with respect to the derivative.

 

The following table summarizes the terms and fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hedge

 

Hedge

 

Notional Amount

 

 

 

 

Effective

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Product

    

Type

 

December 31, 2018

    

December 31, 2017

    

Strike

 

Date

    

Maturity

    

December 31, 2018

    

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swap

 

Cash flow (1)

 

$

75,000

 

$

 —

 

2.8015

%  

 

6/28/2019

 

6/28/2029

 

$

(516)

 

$

 —

 

Swap

 

Cash flow (1)

 

 

50,000

 

 

 —

 

2.8030

%  

 

6/28/2019

 

6/28/2029

 

 

(350)

 

 

 —

 

Swap

 

Cash flow (1)

 

 

25,000

 

 

 —

 

2.8020

%  

 

6/28/2019

 

6/28/2029

 

 

(173)

 

 

 —

 

Swap

 

Cash flow (2)

 

 

 —

 

 

40,000

 

2.4590

%  

 

6/20/2011

 

6/20/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

(161)

 

Swap

 

Cash flow (2)

 

 

 —

 

 

40,000

 

2.4725

%  

 

6/20/2011

 

6/20/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

(163)

 

Swap

 

Cash flow (2)

 

 

 —

 

 

20,000

 

2.4750

%  

 

6/20/2011

 

6/20/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

(82)

 

 

 

 

 

$

150,000

 

$

100,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(1,039)

 

$

(406)

 

 

(1)

These interest rate swaps were entered into on December 24, 2018 to protect the Company against adverse fluctuations in interest rates by reducing exposure to variability in cash flows relating to interest payments on a forecasted issuance of long-term debt. On January 24, 2019, in conjunction with the issuance of the 2029 Notes (see note 18), the Company settled these interest rate swaps

F-33


 

 

for $0.8 million. The termination premium will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as an increase to interest expense over the life of the 2029 Notes, which mature on February 15, 2029.

 

(2)

Hedged unsecured variable rate debt by fixing 30-day LIBOR.

 

The Company measures its derivative instruments at fair value and records them in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability.  As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, all derivative instruments were included in Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  The effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt.  The change in unrealized losses on interest rate swaps reflects a reclassification of $0.1 million of unrealized gains from accumulated other comprehensive loss as a decrease to interest expense during 2018.  The Company estimates that $0.1 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense in 2019.

 

11.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Company applies the methods of determining fair value, as described in authoritative guidance, to value its financial assets and liabilities. As defined in the guidance, fair value is based on the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In order to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, the guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described below:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

 

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

 

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs, to the extent possible, as well as considering counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.

 

Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value as of December 31, 2018 are classified in the table below in one of the three categories described above (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap derivative liabilities

 

$

 —

 

$

1,039

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value

 

$

 —

 

$

1,039

 

$

 —

 

 

Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value as of December 31, 2017 are classified in the table below in one of the three categories described above (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap derivative liabilities

 

$

 

$

406

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value

 

$

 —

 

$

406

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value were classified as Level 2 inputs.  For financial liabilities that utilize Level 2 inputs, the Company utilizes both direct and indirect observable price quotes, including LIBOR yield curves, bank price quotes for forward starting swaps, NYMEX futures pricing, and common stock price quotes. Below is a summary of valuation techniques for Level 2 financial liabilities:

 

·

Interest rate swap derivative assets and liabilities — valued using LIBOR yield curves at the reporting date. Counterparties to these contracts are most often highly rated financial institutions, none of which experienced any significant downgrades that

F-34


 

 

would reduce the amount owed by the Company.  Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with the Company’s derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and the counterparties. However, as of the reporting dates, the Company has assessed the significance of the effect of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

The fair values of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their respective carrying values as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.  The aggregate carrying value of the Company’s debt was $1.7 billion and $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt was $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. These estimates were based on a discounted cash flow analysis assuming market interest rates for comparable obligations as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company estimates the fair value of its fixed rate debt and the credit spreads over variable market rates on its variable rate debt by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at estimated market rates or credit spreads consistent with the maturity of the debt obligation with similar credit policies, which is classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Rates and credit spreads take into consideration general market conditions and maturity.

 

12.  NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures

 

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries represent the ownership interests of third parties in the Company’s consolidated joint ventures. The Company has determined that these ventures are variable interest entities, and that the Company is the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the Company consolidates the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the joint ventures in the table below (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date Opened /

 

CubeSmart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

 

 

Estimated

 

Ownership

 

December 31, 2018

 

Consolidated Joint Ventures

    

of Stores

    

Location

    

Opening

 

Interest

 

Total Assets

 

Total Liabilities

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CS SJM E 92nd Street, LLC ("92nd St") (3)

 

1

 

New York, NY

 

Q2 2020 (est.)

 

90%

 

$

3,829

 

$

2,424

 

CS SDP Newtonville, LLC ("Newton") (3)

 

1

 

Newton, MA

 

Q1 2020 (est.)

 

90%

 

 

7,077

 

 

549

 

CS 1158 McDonald Ave, LLC ("McDonald Ave") (1)

 

1

 

Brooklyn, NY

 

Q3 2019 (est.)

 

51%

 

 

30,291

 

 

8,341

 

CS 160 East 22nd St, LLC ("22nd St") (1)

 

1

 

Bayonne, NJ

 

Q1 2019 (est.)

 

51%

 

 

20,947

 

 

12,023

 

CS SDP Waltham, LLC ("Waltham") (3)

 

1

 

Waltham, MA

 

Q1 2019 (est.)

 

90%

 

 

14,764

 

 

9,025

 

2225 46th St, LLC ("46th St") (1)

 

1

 

Queens, NY

 

Q1 2019 (est.)

 

51%

 

 

42,840

 

 

14,876

 

2880 Exterior St, LLC ("Exterior St") (1)

 

1

 

Bronx, NY

 

Q3 2018

 

51%

 

 

88,207

 

 

39,097

 

444 55th Street Holdings, LLC ("55th St") (2)

 

1

 

New York, NY

 

Q3 2017

 

90%

 

 

78,837

 

 

32,998

 

186 Jamaica Avenue, LLC ("Jamaica Ave") (3)

 

1

 

Queens, NY

 

Q4 2015

 

90%

 

 

17,588

 

 

12,497

 

Shirlington Rd, LLC ("SRLLC") (3)

 

1

 

Arlington, VA

 

Q2 2015

 

90%

 

 

15,521

 

 

12,497

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

319,901

 

$

144,327

 

 

(1)

The noncontrolling members of McDonald Ave, 22nd St, 46th St, and Exterior St have the option to put their ownership interest in the ventures to the Company for $10.0 million, $11.5 million, $14.2 million, and $37.8 million, respectively, within the one-year period after construction of each store is substantially complete. Additionally, the Company has a one-year option to call the ownership interest of the noncontrolling members of McDonald Ave, 22nd St, 46th St, and Exterior St for $10.0 million, $11.5 million, $14.2 million, and $37.8 million, respectively, beginning on the second anniversary of the respective store’s construction being substantially complete. The Company is accreting the respective liabilities during the development periods and, as of December 31, 2018, has accrued $6.7  million, $9.8 million, $13.1 million, and $37.8 million related to McDonald Ave, 22nd St, 46th St, and Exterior St, respectively.

 

(2)

In connection with the acquired property, 55th St assumed mortgage debt that was recorded at a fair value of $35.0 million, which fair value includes an outstanding principal balance totaling $32.5 million and a net premium of $2.5 million to reflect the estimated fair value of the debt at the time of assumption. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 4.68%, matures on June 7, 2023, and is fully guaranteed by the Company.

 

(3)

The Company has a related party commitment to these ventures to fund all or a portion of the construction costs. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has funded $1.1 million of a total $6.9 million loan commitment to 92nd St, $0.5 million of a total $12.1 million loan commitment to Newton, $6.8 million of a total $10.8 million loan commitment to Waltham, $12.4 million of a total $12.8 million loan commitment to Jamaica Ave, and $12.4 million of a total $14.6 million loan commitment to SRLLC, which

F-35


 

 

are included in the total liability amounts within the table above. These loans and related interest were eliminated during consolidation.

 

Operating Partnership Ownership

 

The Company follows guidance regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable securities.  Under this guidance, securities that are redeemable for cash or other assets, at the option of the holder and not solely within the control of the issuer, must be classified outside of permanent equity/capital.  This classification results in certain outside ownership interests being included as redeemable noncontrolling interests outside of permanent equity/capital in the consolidated balance sheets.  The Company makes this determination based on terms in applicable agreements, specifically in relation to redemption provisions.

 

Additionally, with respect to redeemable ownership interests in the Operating Partnership held by third parties for which CubeSmart has a choice to settle the redemption by delivery of its own shares, the Operating Partnership considered the guidance regarding accounting for derivative financial instruments indexed to, and potentially settled in, a company’s own shares, to evaluate whether CubeSmart controls the actions or events necessary to presume share settlement. The guidance also requires that noncontrolling interests classified outside of permanent capital be adjusted each period to the greater of the carrying value based on the accumulation of historical cost or the redemption value.

 

Approximately 1.0% of the outstanding OP Units as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were not owned by CubeSmart, the sole general partner.  The interests in the Operating Partnership represented by these OP Units were a component of the consideration that the Operating Partnership paid to acquire certain self-storage properties. The holders of the OP Units are limited partners in the Operating Partnership and have the right to require CubeSmart to redeem all or part of their OP Units for, at the general partner’s option, an equivalent number of common shares of CubeSmart or cash based upon the fair value of an equivalent number of common shares of CubeSmart.  However, the partnership agreement contains certain provisions that could result in a cash settlement outside the control of CubeSmart and the Operating Partnership, as CubeSmart does not have the ability to settle in unregistered shares.  Accordingly, consistent with the guidance, the Operating Partnership records the OP Units owned by third parties outside of permanent capital in the consolidated balance sheets. Net income or loss related to the OP Units owned by third parties is excluded from net income or loss attributable to Operating Partner in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

On January 31, 2018, the Company acquired a store in Texas for $12.2 million and assumed an existing mortgage loan with an outstanding balance of approximately $7.2 million and immediately repaid the loan. In conjunction with the closing, the Company paid $0.2 million in cash and issued 168,011 OP Units, valued at approximately $4.8 million, to pay the remaining consideration.

 

On April 12, 2017, the Company acquired a store in Illinois for $11.2 million. In conjunction with the closing, the Company paid $9.7 million and issued 58,400 Class C OP Units to pay the remaining consideration. On July 23, 2018, all of the 58,400 Class C OP Units were exchanged for an aggregate of 46,322 common units of the Operating Partnership.

 

On May 9, 2017, the Company acquired a store in Maryland for $18.2 million and assumed an existing mortgage loan with an outstanding balance of approximately $5.9 million. In conjunction with the closing, the Company issued 440,160 OP Units, valued at approximately $12.3 million, to pay the remaining consideration.

 

On May 14, 2015, the Company closed on the acquisition of real property that has been developed into a self-storage property in Washington, D.C. In conjunction with the closing, the Company issued 20,408 OP Units, valued at approximately $0.5 million to pay a portion of the consideration. On April 18, 2016, upon completion of certain milestones, the Company issued 61,224 additional OP Units, valued at approximately $1.5 million, to pay the remaining consideration. The store commenced operations during the third quarter of 2017.

 

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, 1,945,570 and 1,878,253 OP Units, respectively, were held by third parties.  The per unit cash redemption amount of the outstanding OP Units was calculated based upon the average of the closing prices of the common shares of CubeSmart on the New York Stock Exchange for the final 10 trading days of the year. Based on the Company’s evaluation of the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests, the Company has reflected these interests at their redemption value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. As of December 31, 2018, the Operating Partnership recorded an increase to OP Units owned by third parties and a corresponding decrease to capital of $0.3 million. As of December 31, 2017, the Operating Partnership recorded an increase to OP Units owned by third parties and a corresponding decrease to capital of $4.0. million. 

 

F-36


 

 

13.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Affiliated Real Estate Investments

 

The Company provides management services to certain joint ventures and other related parties.  Management agreements provide for fee income to the Company based on a percentage of revenues at the managed stores.  Total management fees for unconsolidated real estate ventures or other entities in which the Company held an ownership interest for the years ending December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $4.5 million, $3.8 million and $2.9 million, respectively.

 

The management agreements for certain joint ventures, other related parties and third-party stores provide for the reimbursement to the Company for certain expenses incurred to manage the stores.  These amounts consist of amounts due for management fees, payroll and other store expenses.  The amounts due to the Company were $10.6 million and $7.5 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are included in Other Assets, net on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  Additionally, as discussed in note 12 the Company had outstanding mortgage loans receivable from consolidated joint ventures of $33.2 million and $25.5 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which are eliminated for consolidation purposes.  The Company believes that all of these related-party receivables are fully collectible.

 

The HVP III, HVP IV, and HHFNE operating agreements provide for acquisition fees payable from HVP III, HVP IV, and HHFNE to the Company in an amount equal to 0.5% of the purchase price upon the closing of an acquisition by HVP III, HVP IV, and HHFNE, or any of their subsidiaries and completion of certain measures as defined in the operating agreements. The Company recognized $0.6 million, $0.5 million, and $1.8 million in acquisition fees during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, which are included in Other income on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

14.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Ground Leases

 

The Company currently owns eight operating self-storage properties and two self-storage properties currently under development that are subject to ground leases, and two other operating self-storage properties that have portions of land that are subject to ground leases. The Company recorded ground rent expense of approximately $3.7 million, $3.4 million, and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Total future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable ground leases are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Ground Lease

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

$

2,814

 

2020

 

 

2,887

 

2021

 

 

2,956

 

2022

 

 

3,116

 

2023

 

 

3,090

 

2024 and thereafter

 

 

116,379

 

 

 

$

131,242

 

 

Development Commitments

 

The Company has development agreements for the construction of six new self-storage properties (see note 4), which will require payments of approximately $41.6 million, due in installments upon completion of certain construction milestones, during 2019 and 2020.

 

Litigation

 

The Company is involved in claims from time to time, which arise in the ordinary course of business.  In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, management establishes an accrued liability for litigation when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable.  In such cases, there may be exposure to loss in excess of those amounts accrued.  The estimated loss, if any, is based upon currently available information and is subject to significant judgment, a variety of assumptions, and known and unknown uncertainties.  In the opinion of management, the Company has made adequate provisions for potential liabilities, arising from any such matters, which are included in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. 

F-37


 

 

On January 11, 2019, a preliminary settlement agreement was entered into for a class action alleging violation of a state specific deceptive and unfair trade practices act. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a $1.8 million charge related to this legal action, which is included in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and in General and administrative on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

15.  SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

On June 1, 2016 the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, a share-based employee compensation plan originally approved by shareholders on May 8, 2007 and subsequently amended with shareholder approval on June 2, 2010 (as amended and restated, the “2007 Plan”).  The purpose of the 2007 Plan is to attract and retain highly qualified executive officers, Trustees and key employees and other persons and to motivate such officers, Trustees, key employees, and other persons to serve the Company and its affiliates to expend maximum effort to improve the business results and earnings of the Company, by providing to such persons an opportunity to acquire or increase a direct proprietary interest in the operations and future success of the Company.  To this end, the 2007 Plan provides for the grant of share options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance awards, which may be denominated in cash or shares, included restricted shares and restricted share units, and other share-based awards, including unrestricted common shares or awards denominated or payable in, or valued in whole or part by reference to, common shares.  Any of these awards may, but need not, be made as performance incentives to reward attainment of annual or long-term performance goals.  Share options granted under the 2007 Plan may be non-qualified share options or incentive share options.

 

Upon shareholder approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2007 Plan in June 2016, 4,500,000 additional common shares were made available for award under the 2007 Plan.  As a result, these 4,500,000 additional shares, together with the 991,117 shares that remained available for future awards under the 2007 Plan at the time of the shareholder approval, plus any common shares that are restored to availability upon expiration or forfeiture of outstanding options or restricted share awards, would constitute the “Aggregate Share Reserve”.  As of December 31, 2018: (i)  4,517,038 common shares remained available for future awards under the 2007 Plan; (ii) 449,948 unvested restricted share awards were outstanding under the 2007 Plan; and (iii) 1,659,003 common shares were subject to outstanding options under the 2007 Plan (with the outstanding options having a weighted average exercise price of $19.89 per share and a weighted average term to maturity of 5.52 years).

 

Prior to the June 2016 amendments, the 2007 Plan used a “Fungible Units” methodology for computing the maximum number of common shares available for issuance under the 2007 Plan.  The Fungible Units methodology assigned weighted values to different types of awards under the 2007 Plan without assigning specific numerical limits for different types of awards. As amended in June 2016, the 2007 Plan provides that any common shares made the subject of awards under the 2007 Plan will count against the Aggregate Share Reserve as one (1) unit. The Aggregate Share Reserve and the computation of the number of common shares available for issuance is subject to adjustment upon certain corporate transactions or events, including share splits, reverse share splits and recapitalizations.  The number of shares counted against the Aggregate Share Reserve includes the full number of shares subject to the award, and is not reduced in the event shares are withheld to fund withholding tax obligations, or, in the case of options and share appreciation rights, where shares are applied to pay the exercise price.  If an option or other award granted under the 2007 Plan expires, is forfeited or otherwise terminates, the common shares subject to any portion of the award that expires, is forfeited or that otherwise terminates, as the case may be, again becomes available for issuance under the 2007 Plan.

 

The 2007 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Trustees (the “Compensation Committee”), which is appointed by the Board of Trustees.  The Compensation Committee interprets the 2007 Plan and, subject to its right to delegate authority to grant awards, determines the terms and provisions of option grants and share awards.

 

Subject to adjustment upon certain corporate transactions or events, a participant (other than a non-employee trustee) may not receive awards under the 2007 Plan in any one calendar year covering more than 1,000,000 shares.  Subject to adjustment upon certain corporate transactions or events, a non-employee trustee may not receive awards under the 2007 Plan in any one calendar year covering more than 250,000 shares.

 

Under the 2007 Plan, the Compensation Committee determines the vesting schedule of each share award and option, subject to a one-year minimum vesting requirement, but with permitted acceleration of vesting in the event of a participant’s death or disability, or in the event of a change in control or certain changes in our capital structure.  Notwithstanding the foregoing one-year minimum vesting limitation, up to five percent of the shares subject to the Aggregate Share Reserve may be subject to awards that are not subject to such limitation.  The exercise price for options is equivalent to the fair value of the underlying common shares at the grant date.  The Compensation Committee also determines the term of each option, which shall not exceed 10 years from the grant date.

 

F-38


 

 

On October 19, 2004, the Company’s sole shareholder approved a share-based employee compensation plan, the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”).  The 2004 Plan expired in October 2014.  Prior to its expiration, a total of 3.0 million common shares were reserved for issuance under the 2004 Plan. Subsequent to its expiration, no new equity awards may be granted under the 2004 Plan, and to the extent that options expire unexercised or are terminated, surrendered or canceled, the options and share awards no longer become available for future grants under the 2004 Plan.

 

Share Options

 

The fair values for options granted in 2018, 2017, and 2016 were estimated at the time the options were granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model applying the following weighted average assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumptions:

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

2.5

%  

 

2.2

%  

 

1.8

Expected dividend yield

 

 

3.7

%  

 

3.5

%  

 

2.7

Volatility (1)

 

 

32.00

%  

 

33.00

%  

 

33.00

Weighted average expected life of the options (2)

 

 

6.0

years

 

6.0

years

 

6.0

years

Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted per share

 

$

6.24

 

$

6.12

 

$

7.61

 

 

(1)

Expected volatility is based upon the level of volatility historically experienced.

(2)

Expected life is based upon our expectations of share option recipients’ expected exercise and termination patterns.

 

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options. In addition, option-pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected share price volatility. Volatility for the 2018, 2017 and 2016 grants was based on the trading history of the Company’s shares.

 

In 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Company recognized compensation expense related to options issued to employees and executives of approximately $1.5 million, $1.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, which is included in General and administrative expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. During 2018, 305,805 share options were issued for which the fair value of the options at their respective grant dates was approximately $1.7 million. The share options vest over three years. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $1.7 million of unrecognized option compensation cost related to all grants that will be recorded over the next three years.

F-39


 

 

The table below summarizes the option activity under the 2004 Plan and the 2007 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

    

    

    

 

    

Weighted Average

 

 

 

Number of Shares

 

Weighted Average

 

Remaining

 

 

 

Under Option

 

Strike Price

 

Contractual Term

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

 

2,421,944

 

$

13.07

 

4.08

 

Options granted

 

213,008

 

 

30.32

 

9.07

 

Options exercised

 

(695,262)

 

 

18.69

 

0.29

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

 

1,939,690

 

$

12.94

 

4.85

 

Options granted

 

289,104

 

 

26.30

 

9.07

 

Options exercised

 

(395,621)

 

 

5.98

 

1.14

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

1,833,173

 

$

16.55

 

5.26

 

Options granted

 

305,805

 

 

27.85

 

9.08

 

Options canceled

 

(74,748)

 

 

26.95

 

 —

 

Options exercised

 

(405,227)

 

 

9.47

 

1.98

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

 

1,659,003

 

$

19.89

 

5.52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2018

 

1,659,003

 

$

19.89

 

5.52

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2018

 

1,161,209

 

$

16.58

 

4.25

 

 

As of December 31, 2018, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding, of options that vested or expected to vest, and of options that were exercisable was approximately $14.9 million.  The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was approximately $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Restricted Shares

 

The Company applies the fair value method of accounting for contingently issued shares.  As such, each grant is recognized ratably over the related vesting period.  Approximately 166,000 restricted shares and share units were issued during 2018 for which the fair value of the restricted shares and share units at their respective grant dates was approximately $4.9 million, which vest over three to five years.  During 2017, approximately 166,000 restricted shares and share units were issued for which the fair value of the restricted shares and share units at their respective grant dates was approximately $4.7 million. As of December 31, 2018 the Company had approximately $5.0 million of remaining unrecognized restricted share and share unit compensation costs that will be recognized over the next five years. Restricted share awards are considered to be performance awards and are valued using the share price on the grant date. The compensation expense recognized related to these awards and remaining unrecognized compensation costs are included in the amounts disclosed above.

 

In 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized compensation expense related to restricted shares and share units issued to employees and Trustees of approximately $4.0 million, $4.1 million, and $3.6 million, respectively; these amounts were recorded in general and administrative expense. The following table presents non-vested restricted share and share unit activity during 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Number of Non-

 

 

 

Vested Restricted

 

 

 

Shares and Share Units

 

Non-Vested at January 1, 2018

 

352,462

 

Granted

 

165,551

 

Vested

 

(95,553)

 

Forfeited

 

(39,860)

 

Non-Vested at December 31, 2018

 

382,600

 

 

On January 23, 2018, 66,872 restricted share units were granted to certain executives.  The restricted share units were granted in the form of deferred share units with a market condition, entitling the holders thereof to receive common shares at a future date.  The deferred share units will be awarded based on the Company’s total return to shareholders with respect to a specified peer group consisting of publicly traded REITs over a three-year period.  The fair value of the restricted share units on the grant date was approximately $1.9 million.  The Company used a Monte Carlo simulation analysis to estimate the fair value of the awards.  The restricted share units will cliff vest upon the third anniversary of the effective date, or December 31, 2020.  The compensation expense recognized related to these awards and remaining unrecognized compensation costs are included in the amounts disclosed above.

 

F-40


 

 

On January 23, 2017, 52,426 restricted share units were granted to certain executives.  The restricted share units were granted in the form of deferred share units with a market condition, entitling the holders thereof to receive common shares at a future date.  The deferred share units will be awarded based on the Company’s total return to shareholders with respect to a specified peer group consisting of publicly traded REITs over a three-year period.  The fair value of the restricted share units on the grant date was approximately $1.8 million.  The Company used a Monte Carlo simulation analysis to estimate the fair value of the awards.  The restricted share units will cliff vest upon the third anniversary of the effective date, or December 31, 2019.  The compensation expense recognized related to these awards and remaining unrecognized compensation costs are included in the amounts disclosed above.

 

On January 22, 2016, 37,008 restricted share units were granted to certain executives.  The restricted share units were granted in the form of deferred share units with a market condition, entitling the holders thereof to receive common shares at a future date.  The deferred share units were awarded based on the Company’s total return to shareholders with respect to a specified peer group consisting of publicly traded REITs over a three-year period.  The fair value of the restricted share units on the grant date was approximately $1.6 million.  The Company used a Monte Carlo simulation analysis to estimate the fair value of the awards.  The restricted share units cliff vested upon the third anniversary of the effective date, or December 31, 2018.  The compensation expense recognized related to these awards and remaining unrecognized compensation costs are included in the amounts disclosed above.

 

16.  EARNINGS PER SHARE AND UNIT AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND CAPITAL

 

Earnings per common share and shareholders’ equity

 

The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

 

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

Net income

 

$

165,488

 

$

135,611

 

$

88,376

 

 

Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

 

 

(1,820)

 

 

(1,593)

 

 

(941)

 

 

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

221

 

 

270

 

 

470

 

 

Distributions to preferred shareholders (1)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(5,045)

 

 

Preferred share redemption charge

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,937)

 

 

Net income attributable to the Company’s common shareholders

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

$

79,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

 

 

184,653

 

 

180,525

 

 

178,246

 

 

Share options and restricted share units

 

 

842

 

 

923

 

 

1,287

 

 

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (2)

 

 

185,495

 

 

181,448

 

 

179,533

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-41


 

 

Earnings per common unit and capital

 

The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

 

(Dollars and units in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

    

    

 

Net income

 

$

165,488

 

$

135,611

 

$

88,376

 

 

Operating Partnership interests of third parties

 

 

(1,820)

 

 

(1,593)

 

 

(941)

 

 

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

 

221

 

 

270

 

 

470

 

 

Distribution to preferred unitholders (1)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(5,045)

 

 

Preferred unit redemption charge

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,937)

 

 

Net income attributable to common unitholders

 

$

163,889

 

$

134,288

 

$

79,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average units outstanding

 

 

184,653

 

 

180,525

 

 

178,246

 

 

Unit options and restricted share units

 

 

842

 

 

923

 

 

1,287

 

 

Weighted-average diluted units outstanding (2)

 

 

185,495

 

 

181,448

 

 

179,533

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per unit attributable to common unitholders

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

 

Diluted earnings per unit attributable to common unitholders

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.45

 

 

 

(1)

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company declared cash dividends per preferred share/unit of $1.626 prior to redemption of the preferred shares on November 2, 2016.

 

(2)

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company declared cash dividends per common share/unit of $1.22, $1.11, and $0.90, respectively.

 

The OP units and common units have essentially the same economic characteristics as they share equally in the total net income or loss and distributions of the Operating Partnership.  An Operating Partnership unit may be redeemed for cash, or at the Company’s option, common units on a one-for-one basis.  Outstanding noncontrolling interest units in the Operating Partnership were 1,945,570; 1,878,253 and 2,032,394 as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. There were 187,145,103; 182,215,735 and 180,083,111 common units outstanding as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Common and Preferred Shares

 

On November 2, 2016, the Company redeemed all 3.1 million outstanding shares of 7.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (the “Series A Preferred Shares”) at a cash redemption price of $25.00 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends up to and including the date of redemption of $0.17374 per share. The redemption price of $77.5 million for the redemption of the Series A Preferred Shares was paid by the Company from available cash balances. In connection with the redemption, the Company recognized a charge of $2.9 million related to excess redemption costs over the original net proceeds.

 

The Company maintains an at-the-market equity program that enables it to offer and sell up to 50.0 million common shares through sales agents pursuant to equity distribution agreements (the “Equity Distribution Agreements”).  The Company’s sales activity under the program for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 is summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

Number of shares sold

 

 

4,291

 

 

1,036

 

 

4,408

Average sales price per share

 

$

31.09

 

$

29.13

 

$

31.25

Net proceeds after deducting offering costs

 

$

131,835

 

$

29,642

 

$

136,120

 

The proceeds from the sales conducted during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 were used to fund acquisitions of storage properties and for general corporate purposes.  As of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, 10.5 million common shares, 4.7 million common shares, and 5.8 million common shares, respectively, remained available for issuance under the Equity Distribution Agreements.

 

F-42


 

 

17.  INCOME TAXES

 

Deferred income taxes are established for temporary differences between financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse.  A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided if the Company believes that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.  No valuation allowance was recorded as of December 31, 2018 or 2017.  As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $1.4 million, which are included in Other assets, net on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  The Company believes it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will be realized.

 

18.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On January 30, 2019, the Operating Partnership issued $350.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes due February 15, 2029 which bear interest at a rate of 4.375% per annum (the “2029 Notes”). The 2029 Notes were priced at 99.356% of the principal amount to yield 4.455% to maturity. Net proceeds from the offering of $345.5 million were used to repay all of the outstanding indebtedness under the Company’s $200.0 million unsecured term loan portion of the Credit Facility that was scheduled to mature in January 2019. The remaining proceeds from the offering were used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under the Revolver.

 

 

19.  PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company acquired ten self-storage properties for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $227.5 million (see note 3) and seven stores for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $80.7 million, respectively.

 

The condensed consolidated pro forma financial information set forth below reflects adjustments to the Company’s historical financial data to give effect to each of the acquisitions and related financing activity (including the issuance of common shares) that occurred during 2018 and 2017 as if each had occurred as of January 1, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The unaudited pro forma information presented below does not purport to represent what the Company’s actual results of operations would have been for the periods indicated, nor does it purport to represent the Company’s future results of operations.

 

The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis, the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 based on the assumptions described above:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma revenues

 

$

607,181

 

$

561,244

 

Pro forma net income

 

$

173,510

 

$

129,740

 

Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic - as reported

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.74

 

Diluted - as reported

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.74

 

Basic - as pro forma

 

$

0.93

 

$

0.71

 

Diluted - as pro forma

 

$

0.93

 

$

0.71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.  SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

The following is a summary of quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

 

    

March 31, 

    

June 30, 

    

September 30, 

    

December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

 

2018

 

2018

 

2018

 

Total revenues

 

$

142,877

 

$

147,815

 

$

153,370

 

$

153,882

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

92,464

 

 

92,915

 

 

93,774

 

 

98,775

 

Net income

 

 

34,799

 

 

38,751

 

 

43,302

 

 

48,636

 

Net income attributable to the Company's common shareholders

 

 

34,423

 

 

38,410

 

 

42,900

 

 

48,156

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to the Company's common shareholders

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.23

 

 

0.26

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to the Company's common shareholders

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.23

 

 

0.26

 

F-43


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

 

    

March 31, 

    

June 30, 

    

September 30, 

    

December 31, 

 

 

 

2017

 

2017

 

2017

 

2017

 

Total revenues

 

$

133,037

 

$

138,559

 

$

143,865

 

$

143,482

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

92,646

 

 

91,025

 

 

91,586

 

 

87,971

 

Net income

 

 

25,206

 

 

32,838

 

 

37,709

 

 

39,858

 

Net income attributable to the Company's common shareholders

 

 

24,986

 

 

32,458

 

 

37,297

 

 

39,547

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to the Company's common shareholders

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.18

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.22

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to the Company's common shareholders

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.18

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.22

 

 

The sum of quarterly earnings per share amounts do not necessarily equal the full year amounts.

 

 

 

F-44


 

Table of Contents

CUBESMART

SCHEDULE III

REAL ESTATE AND RELATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2018

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Carrying Amount at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial Cost

 

Costs

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

Buildings

  

Subsequent

  

 

  

Buildings

  

 

  

Accumulated

  

Year

 

 

 

Square

 

 

 

 

 

&

 

to

 

 

 

&

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

Acquired/

 

Description

 

Footage

 

Encumbrances

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Acquisition

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Total

 

(B)

 

Developed

 

Chandler I, AZ

 

47,880

 

 

 

327

 

1,257

 

545

 

327

 

1,625

 

1,952

 

678

 

2005

 

Chandler II, AZ

 

82,915

 

 

 

1,518

 

7,485

 

137

 

1,518

 

7,621

 

9,139

 

1,292

 

2013

 

Gilbert I, AZ

 

57,100

 

 

 

951

 

4,688

 

102

 

951

 

4,791

 

5,742

 

886

 

2013

 

Gilbert II, AZ

 

114,080

 

 

 

1,199

 

11,846

 

167

 

1,199

 

12,013

 

13,212

 

740

 

2016

 

Glendale, AZ

 

56,807

 

 

 

201

 

2,265

 

1,295

 

418

 

2,998

 

3,416

 

1,454

 

1998

 

Green Valley, AZ

 

25,050

 

 

 

298

 

1,153

 

211

 

298

 

1,153

 

1,451

 

477

 

2005

 

Mesa I, AZ

 

52,575

 

 

 

920

 

2,739

 

381

 

921

 

2,674

 

3,595

 

1,136

 

2006

 

Mesa II, AZ

 

45,511

 

 

 

731

 

2,176

 

299

 

731

 

2,145

 

2,876

 

937

 

2006

 

Mesa III, AZ

 

59,524

 

 

 

706

 

2,101

 

454

 

706

 

2,171

 

2,877

 

889

 

2006

 

Peoria, AZ

 

110,810

 

 

 

1,436

 

7,082

 

250

 

1,436

 

7,331

 

8,767

 

841

 

2015

 

Phoenix III, AZ

 

121,880

 

 

 

2,115

 

10,429

 

277

 

2,115

 

10,706

 

12,821

 

1,644

 

2014

 

Phoenix IV, AZ

 

69,710

 

 

 

930

 

12,277

 

102

 

930

 

12,380

 

13,310

 

797

 

2016

 

Queen Creek, AZ

 

94,462

 

 

 

1,159

 

5,716

 

90

 

1,159

 

5,806

 

6,965

 

702

 

2015

 

Scottsdale, AZ

 

79,925

 

 

 

443

 

4,879

 

1,766

 

883

 

5,528

 

6,411

 

2,793

 

1998

 

Surprise , AZ

 

72,475

 

 

 

584

 

3,761

 

122

 

584

 

3,883

 

4,467

 

383

 

2015

 

Tempe I, AZ

 

53,910

 

 

 

749

 

2,159

 

657

 

749

 

2,505

 

3,254

 

941

 

2005

 

Tempe II, AZ

 

68,409

 

 

 

588

 

2,898

 

2,157

 

588

 

5,055

 

5,643

 

999

 

2013

 

Tucson I, AZ

 

59,800

 

 

 

188

 

2,078

 

1,149

 

384

 

2,723

 

3,107

 

1,345

 

1998

 

Tucson II, AZ

 

43,950

 

 

 

188

 

2,078

 

1,136

 

391

 

2,729

 

3,120

 

1,324

 

1998

 

Tucson III, AZ

 

49,820

 

 

 

532

 

2,048

 

307

 

533

 

1,995

 

2,528

 

840

 

2005

 

Tucson IV, AZ

 

48,040

 

 

 

674

 

2,595

 

401

 

675

 

2,575

 

3,250

 

1,075

 

2005

 

Tucson V, AZ

 

45,134

 

 

 

515

 

1,980

 

413

 

515

 

2,037

 

2,552

 

860

 

2005

 

Tucson VI, AZ

 

40,766

 

 

 

440

 

1,692

 

264

 

430

 

1,658

 

2,088

 

707

 

2005

 

Tucson VII, AZ

 

52,663

 

 

 

670

 

2,576

 

394

 

670

 

2,556

 

3,226

 

1,084

 

2005

 

Tucson VIII, AZ

 

46,700

 

 

 

589

 

2,265

 

382

 

589

 

2,296

 

2,885

 

974

 

2005

 

Tucson IX, AZ

 

67,496

 

 

 

724

 

2,786

 

478

 

725

 

2,743

 

3,468

 

1,172

 

2005

 

Tucson X, AZ

 

46,350

 

 

 

424

 

1,633

 

336

 

425

 

1,659

 

2,084

 

691

 

2005

 

Tucson XI, AZ

 

42,700

 

 

 

439

 

1,689

 

427

 

439

 

1,825

 

2,264

 

838

 

2005

 

Tucson XII, AZ

 

42,275

 

 

 

671

 

2,582

 

401

 

672

 

2,554

 

3,226

 

1,055

 

2005

 

Tucson XIII, AZ

 

45,800

 

 

 

587

 

2,258

 

357

 

587

 

2,245

 

2,832

 

971

 

2005

 

Tucson XIV, AZ

 

48,995

 

 

 

707

 

2,721

 

496

 

708

 

2,668

 

3,376

 

1,153

 

2005

 

Benicia, CA

 

74,770

 

 

 

2,392

 

7,028

 

412

 

2,392

 

6,346

 

8,738

 

2,633

 

2005

 

Citrus Heights, CA

 

75,620

 

 

 

1,633

 

4,793

 

245

 

1,634

 

4,261

 

5,895

 

1,862

 

2005

 

Corona, CA

 

95,043

 

 

 

2,107

 

10,385

 

182

 

2,107

 

10,567

 

12,674

 

1,393

 

2014

 

Diamond Bar, CA

 

103,558

 

 

 

2,522

 

7,404

 

328

 

2,524

 

6,621

 

9,145

 

2,850

 

2005

 

Escondido, CA

 

143,645

 

 

 

3,040

 

11,804

 

301

 

3,040

 

9,746

 

12,786

 

3,451

 

2007

 

Fallbrook, CA

 

45,926

 

 

 

133

 

1,492

 

1,881

 

432

 

2,830

 

3,262

 

1,400

 

1997

 

Fremont, CA

 

51,189

 

 

 

1,158

 

5,711

 

172

 

1,158

 

5,884

 

7,042

 

938

 

2014

 

Lancaster, CA

 

60,475

 

 

 

390

 

2,247

 

1,123

 

556

 

2,635

 

3,191

 

1,111

 

2001

 

Long Beach, CA

 

124,541

 

 

 

3,138

 

14,368

 

1,005

 

3,138

 

13,438

 

16,576

 

5,453

 

2006

 

Los Angeles, CA

 

76,178

 

 

 

23,289

 

25,867

 

 8

 

23,289

 

25,876

 

49,165

 

171

 

2018

 

Murrieta, CA

 

49,775

 

 

 

1,883

 

5,532

 

307

 

1,903

 

4,972

 

6,875

 

2,081

 

2005

 

North Highlands, CA

 

57,094

 

 

 

868

 

2,546

 

476

 

868

 

2,561

 

3,429

 

1,114

 

2005

 

Ontario, CA

 

93,540

 

 

 

1,705

 

8,401

 

353

 

1,705

 

8,753

 

10,458

 

1,190

 

2014

 

Orangevale, CA

 

50,542

 

 

 

1,423

 

4,175

 

363

 

1,423

 

3,860

 

5,283

 

1,676

 

2005

 

Pleasanton, CA

 

83,600

 

 

 

2,799

 

8,222

 

360

 

2,799

 

7,339

 

10,138

 

3,034

 

2005

 

Rancho Cordova, CA

 

53,978

 

 

 

1,094

 

3,212

 

406

 

1,095

 

3,073

 

4,168

 

1,309

 

2005

 

Rialto I, CA

 

57,391

 

 

 

899

 

4,118

 

299

 

899

 

3,844

 

4,743

 

1,559

 

2006

 

Rialto II, CA

 

99,783

 

 

 

277

 

3,098

 

1,844

 

672

 

4,145

 

4,817

 

2,152

 

1997

 

Riverside I, CA

 

67,320

 

 

 

1,351

 

6,183

 

640

 

1,351

 

5,991

 

7,342

 

2,443

 

2006

 

Riverside II, CA

 

85,131

 

 

 

1,170

 

5,359

 

492

 

1,170

 

5,047

 

6,217

 

2,059

 

2006

 

Roseville, CA

 

59,944

 

 

 

1,284

 

3,767

 

428

 

1,284

 

3,597

 

4,881

 

1,590

 

2005

 

Sacramento I, CA

 

50,664

 

 

 

1,152

 

3,380

 

405

 

1,152

 

3,223

 

4,375

 

1,377

 

2005

 

Sacramento II, CA

 

111,736

 

 

 

2,085

 

6,750

 

509

 

2,086

 

6,592

 

8,678

 

1,767

 

2005/2017

 

San Bernardino I, CA

 

31,070

 

 

 

51

 

572

 

1,193

 

182

 

1,434

 

1,616

 

703

 

1997

 

San Bernardino II, CA

 

41,546

 

 

 

112

 

1,251

 

1,381

 

306

 

2,088

 

2,394

 

1,021

 

1997

 

San Bernardino III, CA

 

35,416

 

 

 

98

 

1,093

 

1,336

 

242

 

1,931

 

2,173

 

959

 

1997

 

San Bernardino IV, CA

 

83,427

 

 

 

1,872

 

5,391

 

228

 

1,872

 

4,903

 

6,775

 

2,037

 

2005

 

San Bernardino V, CA

 

56,803

 

 

 

783

 

3,583

 

628

 

783

 

3,685

 

4,468

 

1,526

 

2006

 

San Bernardino VII, CA

 

78,704

 

 

 

1,475

 

6,753

 

418

 

1,290

 

6,423

 

7,713

 

2,665

 

2006

 

San Bernardino VIII, CA

 

111,583

 

 

 

1,691

 

7,741

 

615

 

1,692

 

6,404

 

8,096

 

2,725

 

2006

 

San Diego, CA

 

87,483

 

 

 

1,185

 

16,740

 

13

 

1,186

 

16,752

 

17,938

 

85

 

2018

 

San Marcos, CA

 

37,425

 

 

 

775

 

2,288

 

179

 

776

 

2,096

 

2,872

 

907

 

2005

 

Santa Ana, CA

 

63,916

 

 

 

1,223

 

5,600

 

464

 

1,223

 

5,286

 

6,509

 

2,169

 

2006

 

South Sacramento, CA

 

52,390

 

 

 

790

 

2,319

 

425

 

791

 

2,325

 

3,116

 

973

 

2005

 

Spring Valley, CA

 

55,035

 

 

 

1,178

 

5,394

 

879

 

1,178

 

5,529

 

6,707

 

2,277

 

2006

 

Temecula I, CA

 

81,340

 

 

 

660

 

4,735

 

1,025

 

899

 

4,919

 

5,818

 

2,190

 

1998

 

Temecula II, CA

 

84,520

 

 

 

3,080

 

5,839

 

730

 

3,080

 

5,633

 

8,713

 

1,936

 

2007

 

Vista I, CA

 

74,238

 

 

 

711

 

4,076

 

2,353

 

1,118

 

5,094

 

6,212

 

2,197

 

2001

 

Vista II, CA

 

147,723

 

 

 

4,629

 

13,599

 

198

 

4,629

 

11,736

 

16,365

 

4,977

 

2005

 

Walnut, CA

 

50,688

 

 

 

1,578

 

4,635

 

475

 

1,595

 

4,371

 

5,966

 

1,798

 

2005

 

West Sacramento, CA

 

39,765

 

(A)

 

1,222

 

3,590

 

221

 

1,222

 

3,244

 

4,466

 

1,391

 

2005

 

Westminster, CA

 

68,393

 

 

 

1,740

 

5,142

 

382

 

1,743

 

4,637

 

6,380

 

2,042

 

2005

 

Aurora, CO

 

75,717

 

 

 

1,343

 

2,986

 

587

 

1,343

 

3,025

 

4,368

 

1,212

 

2005

 

Centennial, CO

 

62,400

 

 

 

1,281

 

8,958

 

96

 

1,281

 

9,053

 

10,334

 

715

 

2016

 

Colorado Springs I, CO

 

47,975

 

 

 

771

 

1,717

 

412

 

771

 

1,786

 

2,557

 

749

 

2005

 

Colorado Springs II, CO

 

62,400

 

 

 

657

 

2,674

 

272

 

656

 

2,438

 

3,094

 

1,021

 

2006

 

Denver I, CO

 

59,200

 

 

 

673

 

2,741

 

237

 

646

 

2,500

 

3,146

 

1,101

 

2006

 

Denver II, CO

 

74,420

 

 

 

1,430

 

7,053

 

179

 

1,430

 

7,231

 

8,661

 

1,450

 

2012

 

Denver III, CO

 

76,025

 

 

 

1,828

 

12,109

 

74

 

1,828

 

12,183

 

14,011

 

870

 

2016

 

Federal Heights, CO

 

54,770

 

 

 

878

 

1,953

 

342

 

879

 

1,896

 

2,775

 

768

 

2005

 

Golden, CO

 

87,800

 

 

 

1,683

 

3,744

 

572

 

1,684

 

3,644

 

5,328

 

1,495

 

2005

 

Littleton, CO

 

53,490

 

 

 

1,268

 

2,820

 

393

 

1,268

 

2,705

 

3,973

 

1,076

 

2005

 

Northglenn, CO

 

43,102

 

 

 

862

 

1,917

 

513

 

662

 

2,216

 

2,878

 

835

 

2005

 

Bloomfield, CT

 

48,700

 

 

 

78

 

880

 

2,411

 

360

 

2,682

 

3,042

 

1,263

 

1997

 

 

F-45


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Carrying Amount at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial Cost

 

Costs

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Buildings

  

Subsequent

  

 

  

Buildings

  

 

  

Accumulated

  

Year

 

 

 

Square

 

 

 

 

 

&

 

to

 

 

 

&

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

Acquired/

 

Description 

 

Footage

 

Encumbrances

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Acquisition

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Total

 

(B)

 

Developed

 

Branford, CT

 

50,629

 

 

 

217

 

2,433

 

1,627

 

504

 

3,347

 

3,851

 

1,707

 

1995

 

Bristol, CT

 

47,725

 

 

 

1,819

 

3,161

 

186

 

1,819

 

2,882

 

4,701

 

1,311

 

2005

 

East Windsor, CT

 

45,966

 

 

 

744

 

1,294

 

525

 

744

 

1,548

 

2,292

 

744

 

2005

 

Enfield, CT

 

52,875

 

 

 

424

 

2,424

 

463

 

473

 

2,106

 

2,579

 

947

 

2001

 

Gales Ferry, CT

 

54,905

 

 

 

240

 

2,697

 

1,604

 

489

 

3,580

 

4,069

 

1,958

 

1995

 

Manchester I, CT

 

46,925

 

 

 

540

 

3,096

 

515

 

563

 

2,614

 

3,177

 

1,095

 

2002

 

Manchester II, CT

 

52,725

 

 

 

996

 

1,730

 

376

 

996

 

1,798

 

2,794

 

807

 

2005

 

Manchester III, CT

 

60,113

 

 

 

671

 

3,308

 

161

 

671

 

3,469

 

4,140

 

560

 

2014

 

Milford, CT

 

44,885

 

 

 

87

 

1,050

 

1,336

 

274

 

1,892

 

2,166

 

908

 

1996

 

Monroe, CT

 

58,500

 

 

 

2,004

 

3,483

 

709

 

2,004

 

3,507

 

5,511

 

1,691

 

2005

 

Mystic, CT

 

50,850

 

 

 

136

 

1,645

 

2,085

 

410

 

2,965

 

3,375

 

1,500

 

1996

 

Newington I, CT

 

42,420

 

 

 

1,059

 

1,840

 

277

 

1,059

 

1,821

 

2,880

 

832

 

2005

 

Newington II, CT

 

36,140

 

 

 

911

 

1,584

 

294

 

911

 

1,604

 

2,515

 

748

 

2005

 

Norwalk I, CT

 

30,160

 

 

 

646

 

3,187

 

61

 

646

 

3,248

 

3,894

 

675

 

2012

 

Norwalk II, CT

 

77,825

 

 

 

1,171

 

15,422

 

132

 

1,171

 

15,554

 

16,725

 

1,215

 

2016

 

Old Saybrook I, CT

 

87,000

 

 

 

3,092

 

5,374

 

709

 

3,092

 

5,229

 

8,321

 

2,444

 

2005

 

Old Saybrook II, CT

 

26,425

 

 

 

1,135

 

1,973

 

257

 

1,135

 

1,903

 

3,038

 

921

 

2005

 

Shelton, CT

 

78,405

 

 

 

1,613

 

9,032

 

535

 

1,613

 

8,483

 

10,096

 

1,885

 

2011

 

South Windsor, CT

 

72,025

 

 

 

90

 

1,127

 

1,512

 

272

 

2,247

 

2,519

 

1,102

 

1996

 

Stamford, CT

 

28,907

 

 

 

1,941

 

3,374

 

191

 

1,941

 

3,025

 

4,966

 

1,380

 

2005

 

Wilton, CT

 

84,515

 

 

 

2,409

 

12,261

 

747

 

2,421

 

13,069

 

15,490

 

2,777

 

2012

 

Washington I, DC

 

62,685

 

(A)

 

871

 

12,759

 

617

 

894

 

10,653

 

11,547

 

3,680

 

2008

 

Washington II, DC

 

82,552

 

 

 

3,152

 

13,612

 

292

 

3,154

 

12,129

 

15,283

 

2,693

 

2011

 

Washington III, DC

 

78,315

 

 

 

4,469

 

15,438

 

97

 

4,469

 

15,536

 

20,005

 

1,344

 

2016

 

Washington IV, DC

 

72,323

 

 

 

6,359

 

20,417

 

107

 

6,359

 

20,524

 

26,883

 

669

 

2017

 

Washington V, DC

 

114,200

 

 

 

13,908

 

18,770

 

90

 

13,917

 

18,852

 

32,769

 

279

 

2018

 

Boca Raton, FL

 

37,968

 

 

 

529

 

3,054

 

1,651

 

813

 

3,597

 

4,410

 

1,562

 

2001

 

Boynton Beach I, FL

 

61,695

 

 

 

667

 

3,796

 

1,946

 

958

 

4,410

 

5,368

 

1,926

 

2001

 

Boynton Beach II, FL

 

61,514

 

 

 

1,030

 

2,968

 

452

 

1,030

 

2,982

 

4,012

 

1,251

 

2005

 

Boynton Beach III, FL

 

67,393

 

 

 

1,225

 

6,037

 

255

 

1,225

 

6,293

 

7,518

 

929

 

2014

 

Boynton Beach IV, FL

 

76,414

 

 

 

1,455

 

7,171

 

85

 

1,455

 

7,257

 

8,712

 

809

 

2015

 

Bradenton I, FL

 

68,389

 

 

 

1,180

 

3,324

 

280

 

1,180

 

3,082

 

4,262

 

1,313

 

2004

 

Bradenton II, FL

 

88,063

 

 

 

1,931

 

5,561

 

1,148

 

1,931

 

5,597

 

7,528

 

2,403

 

2004

 

Cape Coral I, FL

 

76,857

 

 

 

472

 

2,769

 

2,587

 

830

 

4,033

 

4,863

 

2,111

 

2000

 

Cape Coral II, FL

 

67,955

 

 

 

1,093

 

5,387

 

104

 

1,093

 

5,490

 

6,583

 

725

 

2014

 

Coconut Creek I, FL

 

78,846

 

 

 

1,189

 

5,863

 

188

 

1,189

 

6,050

 

7,239

 

1,231

 

2012

 

Coconut Creek II, FL

 

90,147

 

 

 

1,937

 

9,549

 

192

 

1,937

 

9,741

 

11,678

 

1,538

 

2014

 

Dania Beach, FL

 

180,588

 

 

 

3,584

 

10,324

 

1,709

 

3,584

 

10,495

 

14,079

 

4,460

 

2004

 

Dania, FL

 

58,165

 

 

 

205

 

2,068

 

1,755

 

481

 

3,125

 

3,606

 

1,538

 

1996

 

Davie, FL

 

80,985

 

 

 

1,268

 

7,183

 

1,345

 

1,373

 

6,255

 

7,628

 

2,561

 

2001

 

Deerfield Beach, FL

 

57,230

 

 

 

946

 

2,999

 

2,013

 

1,311

 

4,503

 

5,814

 

2,182

 

1998

 

Delray Beach I, FL

 

67,843

 

 

 

798

 

4,539

 

832

 

883

 

4,085

 

4,968

 

1,824

 

2001

 

Delray Beach II, FL

 

75,710

 

 

 

957

 

4,718

 

267

 

957

 

4,985

 

5,942

 

905

 

2013

 

Delray Beach III, FL

 

94,277

 

 

 

2,086

 

10,286

 

166

 

2,086

 

10,453

 

12,539

 

1,514

 

2014

 

Delray Beach IV, FL

 

97,370

 

 

 

2,208

 

14,384

 

19

 

2,208

 

14,403

 

16,611

 

472

 

2017

 

Ft. Lauderdale I, FL

 

70,043

 

 

 

937

 

3,646

 

2,508

 

1,384

 

5,470

 

6,854

 

2,644

 

1999

 

Ft. Lauderdale II, FL

 

49,662

 

 

 

862

 

4,250

 

89

 

862

 

4,340

 

5,202

 

699

 

2013

 

Ft. Myers I, FL

 

67,534

 

 

 

303

 

3,329

 

983

 

328

 

3,309

 

3,637

 

1,613

 

1999

 

Ft. Myers II, FL

 

83,375

 

 

 

1,030

 

5,080

 

151

 

1,030

 

5,231

 

6,261

 

766

 

2014

 

Ft. Myers III, FL

 

81,554

 

 

 

1,148

 

5,658

 

165

 

1,148

 

5,824

 

6,972

 

849

 

2014

 

Jacksonville I, FL

 

79,735

 

 

 

1,862

 

5,362

 

162

 

1,862

 

4,842

 

6,704

 

1,893

 

2005

 

Jacksonville II, FL

 

64,970

 

 

 

950

 

7,004

 

212

 

950

 

5,668

 

6,618

 

2,007

 

2007

 

Jacksonville III, FL

 

65,830

 

 

 

860

 

7,409

 

1,050

 

1,670

 

6,049

 

7,719

 

2,147

 

2007

 

Jacksonville IV, FL

 

95,525

 

 

 

870

 

8,049

 

1,179

 

1,651

 

7,147

 

8,798

 

2,525

 

2007

 

Jacksonville V, FL

 

82,573

 

 

 

1,220

 

8,210

 

399

 

1,220

 

6,866

 

8,086

 

2,448

 

2007

 

Jacksonville VI, FL

 

67,375

 

 

 

755

 

3,725

 

145

 

755

 

3,869

 

4,624

 

514

 

2014

 

Kendall, FL

 

75,495

 

(A)

 

2,350

 

8,106

 

482

 

2,350

 

6,814

 

9,164

 

2,387

 

2007

 

Lake Worth I, FL

 

158,842

 

 

 

183

 

6,597

 

7,589

 

354

 

10,957

 

11,311

 

5,283

 

1998

 

Lake Worth II, FL

 

86,920

 

 

 

1,552

 

7,654

 

184

 

1,552

 

7,838

 

9,390

 

1,178

 

2014

 

Lake Worth III, FL

 

92,510

 

 

 

957

 

4,716

 

232

 

957

 

4,949

 

5,906

 

589

 

2015

 

Lakeland, FL

 

49,079

 

 

 

81

 

896

 

1,287

 

256

 

1,593

 

1,849

 

794

 

1994

 

Leisure City, FL

 

56,185

 

 

 

409

 

2,018

 

188

 

409

 

2,205

 

2,614

 

461

 

2012

 

Lutz I, FL

 

66,795

 

 

 

901

 

2,478

 

349

 

901

 

2,439

 

3,340

 

1,007

 

2004

 

Lutz II, FL

 

69,232

 

 

 

992

 

2,868

 

403

 

992

 

2,776

 

3,768

 

1,170

 

2004

 

Margate I, FL

 

53,660

 

 

 

161

 

1,763

 

2,318

 

399

 

3,400

 

3,799

 

1,729

 

1996

 

Margate II, FL

 

65,380

 

 

 

132

 

1,473

 

1,979

 

383

 

2,824

 

3,207

 

1,370

 

1996

 

Merritt Island, FL

 

50,201

 

 

 

716

 

2,983

 

700

 

796

 

2,770

 

3,566

 

1,118

 

2002

 

Miami I, FL

 

46,500

 

 

 

179

 

1,999

 

1,862

 

484

 

2,862

 

3,346

 

1,462

 

1996

 

Miami II, FL

 

67,160

 

 

 

253

 

2,544

 

1,677

 

561

 

3,382

 

3,943

 

1,750

 

1996

 

Miami III, FL

 

151,620

 

 

 

4,577

 

13,185

 

888

 

4,577

 

12,248

 

16,825

 

4,931

 

2005

 

Miami IV, FL

 

76,695

 

 

 

1,852

 

10,494

 

948

 

1,963

 

9,881

 

11,844

 

2,447

 

2011

 

Miramar, FL

 

80,130

 

 

 

1,206

 

5,944

 

133

 

1,206

 

6,078

 

7,284

 

1,078

 

2013

 

Naples I, FL

 

48,100

 

 

 

90

 

1,010

 

2,745

 

270

 

3,212

 

3,482

 

1,569

 

1996

 

Naples II, FL

 

65,850

 

 

 

148

 

1,652

 

4,301

 

558

 

5,255

 

5,813

 

2,687

 

1997

 

Naples III, FL

 

80,005

 

 

 

139

 

1,561

 

4,204

 

598

 

4,132

 

4,730

 

2,123

 

1997

 

Naples IV, FL

 

40,625

 

 

 

262

 

2,980

 

667

 

407

 

3,049

 

3,456

 

1,563

 

1998

 

New Smyrna Beach, FL

 

81,454

 

 

 

1,261

 

6,215

 

197

 

1,261

 

6,411

 

7,672

 

860

 

2014

 

North Palm Beach, FL

 

45,825

 

 

 

1,374

 

7,649

 

32

 

1,374

 

7,682

 

9,056

 

492

 

2017

 

Oakland Park, FL

 

63,806

 

 

 

3,007

 

10,145

 

36

 

3,007

 

10,181

 

13,188

 

331

 

2017

 

Ocoee, FL

 

76,150

 

 

 

1,286

 

3,705

 

228

 

1,286

 

3,415

 

4,701

 

1,388

 

2005

 

Orange City, FL

 

59,580

 

 

 

1,191

 

3,209

 

307

 

1,191

 

3,029

 

4,220

 

1,280

 

2004

 

Orlando II, FL

 

63,184

 

 

 

1,589

 

4,576

 

215

 

1,589

 

4,151

 

5,740

 

1,696

 

2005

 

Orlando III, FL

 

101,490

 

 

 

1,209

 

7,768

 

757

 

1,209

 

7,137

 

8,346

 

2,643

 

2006

 

Orlando IV, FL

 

76,601

 

 

 

633

 

3,587

 

190

 

633

 

3,274

 

3,907

 

843

 

2010

 

Orlando V, FL

 

75,377

 

 

 

950

 

4,685

 

139

 

950

 

4,823

 

5,773

 

965

 

2012

 

Orlando VI, FL

 

67,275

 

 

 

640

 

3,154

 

150

 

640

 

3,304

 

3,944

 

447

 

2014

 

Oviedo, FL

 

49,276

 

 

 

440

 

2,824

 

626

 

440

 

2,778

 

3,218

 

1,058

 

2006

 

Palm Coast I, FL

 

47,400

 

 

 

555

 

2,735

 

117

 

555

 

2,852

 

3,407

 

463

 

2014

 

Palm Coast II, FL

 

122,490

 

 

 

1,511

 

7,450

 

419

 

1,511

 

7,870

 

9,381

 

1,262

 

2014

 

Palm Harbor, FL

 

82,685

 

 

 

2,457

 

16,178

 

132

 

2,457

 

16,311

 

18,768

 

1,234

 

2016

 

Pembroke Pines, FL

 

67,321

 

 

 

337

 

3,772

 

2,817

 

953

 

5,442

 

6,395

 

2,797

 

1997

 

Royal Palm Beach II, FL

 

81,178

 

 

 

1,640

 

8,607

 

331

 

1,640

 

7,277

 

8,917

 

2,597

 

2007

 

Sanford I, FL

 

61,810

 

 

 

453

 

2,911

 

237

 

453

 

2,580

 

3,033

 

928

 

2006

 

 

F-46


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Carrying Amount at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial Cost

 

Costs

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Buildings

  

Subsequent

  

 

  

Buildings

  

 

  

Accumulated

  

Year

 

 

 

Square

 

 

 

 

 

&

 

to

 

 

 

&

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

Acquired/

 

Description 

 

Footage

 

Encumbrances

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Acquisition

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Total

 

(B)

 

Developed

 

Sanford II, FL

 

69,875

 

 

 

1,003

 

4,944

 

234

 

1,003

 

5,177

 

6,180

 

701

 

2014

 

Sarasota, FL

 

71,142

 

 

 

333

 

3,656

 

1,510

 

529

 

3,949

 

4,478

 

1,856

 

1999

 

St. Augustine, FL

 

59,725

 

 

 

135

 

1,515

 

3,447

 

383

 

4,358

 

4,741

 

2,260

 

1996

 

St. Petersburg, FL

 

66,025

 

 

 

2,721

 

10,173

 

425

 

2,721

 

10,598

 

13,319

 

810

 

2016

 

Stuart, FL

 

86,736

 

 

 

324

 

3,625

 

3,214

 

685

 

5,852

 

6,537

 

2,977

 

1997

 

SW Ranches, FL

 

64,990

 

 

 

1,390

 

7,598

 

296

 

1,390

 

6,032

 

7,422

 

2,136

 

2007

 

Tampa I, FL

 

83,938

 

 

 

2,670

 

6,249

 

267

 

2,670

 

5,163

 

7,833

 

1,830

 

2007

 

Tampa II, FL

 

74,790

 

 

 

2,291

 

10,262

 

133

 

2,291

 

10,396

 

12,687

 

781

 

2016

 

West Palm Beach I, FL

 

66,831

 

 

 

719

 

3,420

 

1,826

 

835

 

3,998

 

4,833

 

1,715

 

2001

 

West Palm Beach II, FL

 

94,113

 

 

 

2,129

 

8,671

 

488

 

2,129

 

7,854

 

9,983

 

3,393

 

2004

 

West Palm Beach III, FL

 

77,410

 

 

 

804

 

3,962

 

89

 

804

 

4,051

 

4,855

 

788

 

2012

 

West Palm Beach IV, FL

 

102,719

 

 

 

1,499

 

7,392

 

328

 

1,499

 

7,719

 

9,218

 

1,142

 

2014

 

Winter Park, FL

 

54,416

 

 

 

866

 

4,268

 

116

 

866

 

4,384

 

5,250

 

592

 

2014

 

Alpharetta, GA

 

90,501

 

 

 

806

 

4,720

 

1,024

 

917

 

4,046

 

4,963

 

1,737

 

2001

 

Atlanta, GA

 

66,825

 

 

 

822

 

4,053

 

82

 

822

 

4,136

 

4,958

 

841

 

2012

 

Austell, GA

 

83,655

 

 

 

1,635

 

4,711

 

441

 

1,643

 

4,497

 

6,140

 

1,635

 

2006

 

Decatur, GA

 

145,320

 

 

 

616

 

6,776

 

449

 

616

 

6,230

 

6,846

 

3,314

 

1998

 

Duluth, GA

 

70,885

 

 

 

373

 

2,044

 

233

 

373

 

1,952

 

2,325

 

466

 

2011

 

Lawrenceville, GA

 

73,890

 

 

 

546

 

2,903

 

434

 

546

 

2,920

 

3,466

 

717

 

2011

 

Lithia Springs, GA

 

66,750

 

 

 

748

 

5,552

 

133

 

748

 

5,684

 

6,432

 

567

 

2015

 

Norcross I, GA

 

85,320

 

 

 

514

 

2,930

 

986

 

632

 

2,999

 

3,631

 

1,264

 

2001

 

Norcross II, GA

 

52,595

 

 

 

366

 

2,025

 

233

 

366

 

1,973

 

2,339

 

483

 

2011

 

Norcross III, GA

 

46,955

 

 

 

938

 

4,625

 

83

 

938

 

4,709

 

5,647

 

1,028

 

2012

 

Norcross IV, GA

 

57,505

 

 

 

576

 

2,839

 

129

 

576

 

2,968

 

3,544

 

603

 

2012

 

Peachtree City I, GA

 

49,875

 

 

 

435

 

2,532

 

805

 

529

 

2,552

 

3,081

 

1,071

 

2001

 

Peachtree City II, GA

 

59,950

 

 

 

398

 

1,963

 

141

 

398

 

2,104

 

2,502

 

425

 

2012

 

Smyrna, GA

 

57,015

 

 

 

750

 

4,271

 

325

 

750

 

3,478

 

4,228

 

1,511

 

2001

 

Snellville, GA

 

79,950

 

 

 

1,660

 

4,781

 

381

 

1,660

 

4,499

 

6,159

 

1,624

 

2007

 

Suwanee I, GA

 

85,125

 

 

 

1,737

 

5,010

 

349

 

1,737

 

4,657

 

6,394

 

1,684

 

2007

 

Suwanee II, GA

 

80,340

 

 

 

800

 

6,942

 

110

 

622

 

5,847

 

6,469

 

2,087

 

2007

 

Villa Rica, GA

 

65,281

 

 

 

757

 

5,616

 

161

 

757

 

5,776

 

6,533

 

576

 

2015

 

Addison, IL

 

31,575

 

 

 

428

 

3,531

 

503

 

428

 

3,533

 

3,961

 

1,490

 

2004

 

Aurora, IL

 

73,985

 

 

 

644

 

3,652

 

259

 

644

 

3,391

 

4,035

 

1,420

 

2004

 

Bartlett, IL

 

51,395

 

 

 

931

 

2,493

 

313

 

931

 

2,402

 

3,333

 

1,025

 

2004

 

Bellwood, IL

 

86,500

 

 

 

1,012

 

5,768

 

1,148

 

1,012

 

5,178

 

6,190

 

2,156

 

2001

 

Blue Island, IL

 

55,125

 

 

 

633

 

3,120

 

66

 

633

 

3,186

 

3,819

 

386

 

2015

 

Bolingbrook, IL

 

82,575

 

 

 

1,675

 

8,254

 

193

 

1,675

 

8,448

 

10,123

 

1,137

 

2014

 

Chicago I, IL

 

95,795

 

 

 

2,667

 

13,118

 

994

 

2,667

 

14,111

 

16,778

 

1,940

 

2014

 

Chicago II, IL

 

78,835

 

 

 

833

 

4,035

 

81

 

833

 

4,116

 

4,949

 

550

 

2014

 

Chicago III, IL

 

84,990

 

 

 

2,427

 

11,962

 

825

 

2,427

 

12,787

 

15,214

 

1,766

 

2014

 

Chicago IV, IL

 

60,420

 

 

 

1,296

 

6,385

 

120

 

1,296

 

6,506

 

7,802

 

775

 

2015

 

Chicago V, IL

 

51,775

 

 

 

1,044

 

5,144

 

73

 

1,044

 

5,217

 

6,261

 

624

 

2015

 

Chicago VI, IL

 

71,748

 

 

 

1,596

 

9,535

 

55

 

1,596

 

9,590

 

11,186

 

775

 

2016

 

Chicago VII, IL

 

90,947

 

 

 

 —

 

11,191

 

321

 

 —

 

11,512

 

11,512

 

405

 

2017

 

Countryside, IL

 

97,633

 

 

 

2,607

 

12,684

 

214

 

2,607

 

12,899

 

15,506

 

1,724

 

2014

 

Des Plaines, IL

 

69,450

 

 

 

1,564

 

4,327

 

867

 

1,564

 

4,555

 

6,119

 

1,865

 

2004

 

Downers Grove, IL

 

71,625

 

 

 

1,498

 

13,153

 

45

 

1,498

 

13,197

 

14,695

 

1,087

 

2016

 

Elk Grove Village, IL

 

64,104

 

 

 

1,446

 

3,535

 

314

 

1,446

 

3,319

 

4,765

 

1,455

 

2004

 

Evanston, IL

 

57,715

 

 

 

1,103

 

5,440

 

248

 

1,103

 

5,687

 

6,790

 

1,039

 

2013

 

Glenview I, IL

 

100,085

 

 

 

3,740

 

10,367

 

587

 

3,740

 

9,487

 

13,227

 

4,019

 

2004

 

Glenview II, IL

 

30,843

 

 

 

725

 

3,144

 

 1

 

725

 

3,145

 

3,870

 

 9

 

2018

 

Gurnee, IL

 

80,300

 

 

 

1,521

 

5,440

 

411

 

1,521

 

5,081

 

6,602

 

2,162

 

2004

 

Hanover, IL

 

41,190

 

 

 

1,126

 

2,197

 

353

 

1,126

 

2,212

 

3,338

 

939

 

2004

 

Harvey, IL

 

60,090

 

 

 

869

 

3,635

 

494

 

869

 

3,587

 

4,456

 

1,446

 

2004

 

Joliet, IL

 

72,865

 

 

 

547

 

4,704

 

269

 

547

 

4,313

 

4,860

 

1,840

 

2004

 

Kildeer, IL

 

74,463

 

 

 

2,102

 

2,187

 

4,599

 

1,997

 

6,583

 

8,580

 

1,218

 

2004

 

Lombard, IL

 

58,728

 

 

 

1,305

 

3,938

 

992

 

1,305

 

4,325

 

5,630

 

1,833

 

2004

 

Maywood, IL

 

60,225

 

 

 

749

 

3,689

 

49

 

749

 

3,738

 

4,487

 

446

 

2015

 

Mount Prospect, IL

 

65,000

 

 

 

1,701

 

3,114

 

659

 

1,701

 

3,320

 

5,021

 

1,370

 

2004

 

Mundelein, IL

 

44,700

 

 

 

1,498

 

2,782

 

461

 

1,498

 

2,827

 

4,325

 

1,148

 

2004

 

North Chicago, IL

 

53,400

 

 

 

1,073

 

3,006

 

513

 

1,073

 

3,034

 

4,107

 

1,289

 

2004

 

Plainfield I, IL

 

53,900

 

 

 

1,770

 

1,715

 

360

 

1,740

 

1,782

 

3,522

 

728

 

2004

 

Plainfield II, IL

 

51,900

 

 

 

694

 

2,000

 

290

 

694

 

1,958

 

2,652

 

768

 

2005

 

Riverwoods, IL

 

73,915

 

 

 

1,585

 

7,826

 

81

 

1,585

 

7,907

 

9,492

 

473

 

2017

 

Schaumburg, IL

 

31,160

 

 

 

538

 

645

 

266

 

538

 

774

 

1,312

 

317

 

2004

 

Streamwood, IL

 

64,505

 

 

 

1,447

 

1,662

 

547

 

1,447

 

1,898

 

3,345

 

774

 

2004

 

Warrenville, IL

 

48,796

 

 

 

1,066

 

3,072

 

508

 

1,066

 

3,148

 

4,214

 

1,223

 

2005

 

Waukegan, IL

 

79,500

 

 

 

1,198

 

4,363

 

668

 

1,198

 

4,378

 

5,576

 

1,820

 

2004

 

West Chicago, IL

 

48,175

 

 

 

1,071

 

2,249

 

500

 

1,071

 

2,390

 

3,461

 

996

 

2004

 

Westmont, IL

 

53,400

 

 

 

1,155

 

3,873

 

332

 

1,155

 

3,664

 

4,819

 

1,528

 

2004

 

Wheeling I, IL

 

54,210

 

 

 

857

 

3,213

 

508

 

857

 

3,249

 

4,106

 

1,367

 

2004

 

Wheeling II, IL

 

67,825

 

 

 

793

 

3,816

 

559

 

793

 

3,823

 

4,616

 

1,641

 

2004

 

Woodridge, IL

 

50,232

 

 

 

943

 

3,397

 

309

 

943

 

3,231

 

4,174

 

1,354

 

2004

 

Schererville, IN

 

67,604

 

 

 

1,134

 

5,589

 

58

 

1,134

 

5,647

 

6,781

 

827

 

2014

 

Boston I, MA

 

33,286

 

 

 

538

 

3,048

 

282

 

538

 

2,899

 

3,437

 

745

 

2010

 

Boston II, MA

 

60,470

 

 

 

1,516

 

8,628

 

825

 

1,516

 

6,997

 

8,513

 

2,798

 

2002

 

Boston III, MA

 

108,205

 

 

 

3,211

 

15,829

 

706

 

3,211

 

16,535

 

19,746

 

2,234

 

2014

 

Brockton, MA

 

59,446

 

 

 

577

 

4,394

 

1,165

 

577

 

5,559

 

6,136

 

500

 

2015

 

Haverhill, MA

 

60,589

 

 

 

669

 

6,610

 

193

 

669

 

6,803

 

7,472

 

664

 

2015

 

Lawrence, MA

 

34,672

 

 

 

585

 

4,737

 

268

 

585

 

5,005

 

5,590

 

501

 

2015

 

Leominster, MA

 

54,048

 

 

 

90

 

1,519

 

2,664

 

338

 

3,541

 

3,879

 

1,674

 

1998

 

Medford, MA

 

58,685

 

 

 

1,330

 

7,165

 

329

 

1,330

 

6,001

 

7,331

 

1,988

 

2007

 

Stoneham, MA

 

62,200

 

 

 

1,558

 

7,679

 

303

 

1,558

 

7,982

 

9,540

 

1,417

 

2013

 

Tewksbury, MA

 

62,402

 

 

 

1,537

 

7,579

 

279

 

1,537

 

7,857

 

9,394

 

1,163

 

2014

 

Walpole, MA

 

74,880

 

 

 

634

 

13,069

 

336

 

634

 

13,405

 

14,039

 

976

 

2016

 

Annapolis, MD

 

92,332

 

5,626

 

2,643

 

13,938

 

68

 

2,643

 

14,007

 

16,650

 

680

 

2017

 

Baltimore, MD

 

93,750

 

 

 

1,050

 

5,997

 

1,483

 

1,173

 

5,321

 

6,494

 

2,262

 

2001

 

Beltsville, MD

 

63,657

 

 

 

1,277

 

6,295

 

75

 

1,268

 

6,379

 

7,647

 

1,144

 

2013

 

California, MD

 

77,840

 

 

 

1,486

 

4,280

 

353

 

1,486

 

4,018

 

5,504

 

1,668

 

2004

 

Capitol Heights, MD

 

79,500

 

 

 

2,704

 

13,332

 

50

 

2,704

 

13,383

 

16,087

 

1,455

 

2015

 

Clinton, MD

 

84,225

 

 

 

2,182

 

10,757

 

140

 

2,182

 

10,897

 

13,079

 

1,769

 

2013

 

District Heights, MD

 

78,265

 

 

 

1,527

 

8,313

 

557

 

1,527

 

7,744

 

9,271

 

1,836

 

2011

 

Elkridge, MD

 

63,475

 

 

 

1,155

 

5,695

 

209

 

1,120

 

5,939

 

7,059

 

990

 

2013

 

 

F-47


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Carrying Amount at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial Cost

 

Costs

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Buildings

  

Subsequent

  

 

  

Buildings

  

 

  

Accumulated

  

Year

 

 

 

Square

 

 

 

 

 

&

 

to

 

 

 

&

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

Acquired/

 

Description 

 

Footage

 

Encumbrances

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Acquisition

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Total

 

(B)

 

Developed

 

Gaithersburg I, MD

 

87,045

 

 

 

3,124

 

9,000

 

488

 

3,124

 

8,225

 

11,349

 

3,475

 

2005

 

Gaithersburg II, MD

 

74,100

 

 

 

2,383

 

11,750

 

80

 

2,383

 

11,829

 

14,212

 

1,294

 

2015

 

Hyattsville, MD

 

52,830

 

 

 

1,113

 

5,485

 

108

 

1,113

 

5,593

 

6,706

 

1,002

 

2013

 

Laurel, MD

 

162,896

 

 

 

1,409

 

8,035

 

3,919

 

1,928

 

9,091

 

11,019

 

3,893

 

2001

 

Temple Hills I, MD

 

97,270

 

 

 

1,541

 

8,788

 

2,643

 

1,800

 

8,929

 

10,729

 

3,827

 

2001

 

Temple Hills II, MD

 

84,175

 

 

 

2,229

 

10,988

 

64

 

2,229

 

11,052

 

13,281

 

1,732

 

2014

 

Timonium, MD

 

66,717

 

 

 

2,269

 

11,184

 

209

 

2,269

 

11,393

 

13,662

 

1,796

 

2014

 

Upper Marlboro, MD

 

62,290

 

 

 

1,309

 

6,455

 

104

 

1,309

 

6,557

 

7,866

 

1,182

 

2013

 

Bloomington, MN

 

100,928

 

 

 

1,598

 

12,298

 

210

 

1,598

 

12,510

 

14,108

 

808

 

2016

 

Belmont, NC

 

81,850

 

 

 

385

 

2,196

 

963

 

451

 

2,341

 

2,792

 

1,015

 

2001

 

Burlington I, NC

 

109,300

 

 

 

498

 

2,837

 

897

 

498

 

2,917

 

3,415

 

1,325

 

2001

 

Burlington II, NC

 

42,165

 

 

 

320

 

1,829

 

473

 

340

 

1,761

 

2,101

 

765

 

2001

 

Cary, NC

 

111,750

 

 

 

543

 

3,097

 

917

 

543

 

3,316

 

3,859

 

1,464

 

2001

 

Charlotte I, NC

 

69,000

 

 

 

782

 

4,429

 

1,589

 

1,068

 

4,562

 

5,630

 

1,849

 

2002

 

Charlotte II, NC

 

53,706

 

 

 

821

 

8,764

 

58

 

821

 

8,821

 

9,642

 

528

 

2016

 

Charlotte III, NC

 

69,037

 

 

 

1,974

 

8,211

 

83

 

1,974

 

8,293

 

10,267

 

84

 

2018

 

Cornelius, NC

 

59,270

 

 

 

2,424

 

4,991

 

980

 

2,424

 

5,971

 

8,395

 

577

 

2015

 

Pineville, NC

 

77,747

 

 

 

2,490

 

9,169

 

151

 

2,490

 

9,320

 

11,810

 

926

 

2015

 

Raleigh, NC

 

48,675

 

 

 

209

 

2,398

 

464

 

296

 

2,386

 

2,682

 

1,180

 

1998

 

Bordentown, NJ

 

50,550

 

 

 

457

 

2,255

 

173

 

457

 

2,427

 

2,884

 

483

 

2012

 

Brick, NJ

 

51,710

 

 

 

234

 

2,762

 

1,553

 

485

 

3,465

 

3,950

 

1,826

 

1996

 

Cherry Hill I, NJ

 

51,500

 

 

 

222

 

1,260

 

204

 

222

 

1,249

 

1,471

 

316

 

2010

 

Cherry Hill II, NJ

 

65,425

 

 

 

471

 

2,323

 

320

 

471

 

2,643

 

3,114

 

518

 

2012

 

Clifton, NJ

 

105,550

 

 

 

4,346

 

12,520

 

331

 

4,340

 

11,171

 

15,511

 

4,521

 

2005

 

Cranford, NJ

 

91,280

 

 

 

290

 

3,493

 

2,792

 

779

 

5,090

 

5,869

 

2,546

 

1996

 

East Hanover, NJ

 

107,704

 

 

 

504

 

5,763

 

4395

 

1,315

 

8,177

 

9,492

 

4,194

 

1996

 

Egg Harbor I, NJ

 

36,025

 

 

 

104

 

510

 

81

 

104

 

581

 

685

 

145

 

2010

 

Egg Harbor II, NJ

 

70,400

 

 

 

284

 

1,608

 

309

 

284

 

1,695

 

1,979

 

459

 

2010

 

Elizabeth, NJ

 

38,770

 

 

 

751

 

2,164

 

719

 

751

 

2,560

 

3,311

 

1,018

 

2005

 

Fairview, NJ

 

27,876

 

 

 

246

 

2,759

 

617

 

246

 

2,767

 

3,013

 

1,420

 

1997

 

Freehold, NJ

 

81,420

 

 

 

1,086

 

5,355

 

211

 

1,086

 

5,566

 

6,652

 

1,133

 

2012

 

Hamilton, NJ

 

70,550

 

 

 

1,885

 

5,430

 

511

 

1,893

 

5,173

 

7,066

 

1,891

 

2006

 

Hoboken, NJ

 

34,194

 

 

 

1,370

 

3,947

 

972

 

1,370

 

4,285

 

5,655

 

1,776

 

2005

 

Linden, NJ

 

100,425

 

 

 

517

 

6,008

 

2,669

 

1,043

 

7,139

 

8,182

 

3,579

 

1996

 

Lumberton, NJ

 

96,025

 

 

 

987

 

4,864

 

316

 

987

 

5,180

 

6,167

 

1,052

 

2012

 

Morris Township, NJ

 

72,226

 

 

 

500

 

5,602

 

3,100

 

1,072

 

7,054

 

8,126

 

3,499

 

1997

 

Parsippany, NJ

 

84,655

 

 

 

475

 

5,322

 

5,820

 

844

 

9,798

 

10,642

 

3,430

 

1997

 

Rahway, NJ

 

83,121

 

 

 

1,486

 

7,326

 

680

 

1,486

 

8,007

 

9,493

 

1,400

 

2013

 

Randolph, NJ

 

52,565

 

 

 

855

 

4,872

 

1,574

 

1,108

 

4,757

 

5,865

 

1,940

 

2002

 

Ridgefield, NJ

 

67,803

 

 

 

1,810

 

8,925

 

318

 

1,810

 

9,243

 

11,053

 

1,008

 

2015

 

Roseland, NJ

 

53,569

 

 

 

1,844

 

9,759

 

189

 

1,844

 

9,948

 

11,792

 

989

 

2015

 

Sewell, NJ

 

57,826

 

 

 

484

 

2,766

 

1,441

 

706

 

3,129

 

3,835

 

1,362

 

2001

 

Somerset, NJ

 

57,485

 

 

 

1,243

 

6,129

 

587

 

1,243

 

6,716

 

7,959

 

1,286

 

2012

 

Whippany, NJ

 

92,070

 

 

 

2,153

 

10,615

 

653

 

2,153

 

11,268

 

13,421

 

1,945

 

2013

 

Albuquerque I, NM

 

65,927

 

 

 

1,039

 

3,395

 

367

 

1,039

 

3,178

 

4,217

 

1,403

 

2005

 

Albuquerque II, NM

 

58,798

 

 

 

1,163

 

3,801

 

284

 

1,163

 

3,462

 

4,625

 

1,554

 

2005

 

Albuquerque III, NM

 

57,536

 

 

 

664

 

2,171

 

371

 

664

 

2,151

 

2,815

 

967

 

2005

 

Henderson, NV

 

75,150

 

 

 

1,246

 

6,143

 

105

 

1,246

 

6,246

 

7,492

 

839

 

2014

 

Las Vegas I, NV

 

48,732

 

 

 

1,851

 

2,986

 

593

 

1,851

 

3,167

 

5,018

 

1,484

 

2006

 

Las Vegas II, NV

 

48,850

 

 

 

3,354

 

5,411

 

615

 

3,355

 

5,444

 

8,799

 

2,477

 

2006

 

Las Vegas III, NV

 

84,600

 

 

 

1,171

 

10,034

 

113

 

1,171

 

10,148

 

11,319

 

679

 

2016

 

Las Vegas IV, NV

 

90,527

 

 

 

1,116

 

8,575

 

365

 

1,116

 

8,939

 

10,055

 

626

 

2016

 

Las Vegas V, NV

 

107,226

 

 

 

1,460

 

9,560

 

183

 

1,460

 

9,744

 

11,204

 

613

 

2016

 

Las Vegas VI, NV

 

92,732

 

 

 

1,386

 

12,299

 

123

 

1,386

 

12,422

 

13,808

 

699

 

2016

 

Las Vegas VII, NV

 

94,525

 

 

 

1,575

 

11,483

 

146

 

1,575

 

11,630

 

13,205

 

105

 

2018

 

Baldwin, NY

 

61,380

 

 

 

1,559

 

7,685

 

646

 

1,559

 

8,331

 

9,890

 

915

 

2015

 

Bronx I, NY

 

67,864

 

 

 

2,014

 

11,411

 

1,118

 

2,014

 

10,937

 

12,951

 

2,917

 

2010

 

Bronx II, NY

 

99,028

 

 

 

 —

 

28,289

 

1,721

 

 —

 

29,475

 

29,475

 

6,654

 

2011

 

Bronx III, NY

 

105,900

 

 

 

6,459

 

36,180

 

219

 

6,460

 

32,052

 

38,512

 

7,285

 

2011

 

Bronx IV, NY

 

74,580

 

 

 

 —

 

22,074

 

130

 

 —

 

19,549

 

19,549

 

4,461

 

2011

 

Bronx V, NY

 

54,704

 

 

 

 —

 

17,556

 

226

 

 —

 

15,671

 

15,671

 

3,580

 

2011

 

Bronx VI, NY

 

45,970

 

 

 

 —

 

16,803

 

364

 

 —

 

15,136

 

15,136

 

3,452

 

2011

 

Bronx VII, NY

 

78,700

 

8,022

 

 —

 

22,512

 

189

 

 —

 

22,810

 

22,810

 

4,959

 

2012

 

Bronx VIII, NY

 

30,550

 

2,816

 

1,245

 

6,137

 

308

 

1,251

 

6,475

 

7,726

 

1,389

 

2012

 

Bronx IX, NY

 

147,915

 

22,041

 

7,967

 

39,279

 

1,452

 

7,967

 

40,730

 

48,697

 

8,714

 

2012

 

Bronx X, NY

 

159,805

 

24,893

 

9,090

 

44,816

 

537

 

9,090

 

45,353

 

54,443

 

9,298

 

2012

 

Bronx XI, NY

 

46,425

 

 

 

 —

 

17,130

 

344

 

 —

 

17,476

 

17,476

 

2,212

 

2014

 

Bronx XII, NY

 

101,268

 

 

 

 —

 

31,603

 

80

 

 —

 

31,681

 

31,681

 

2,614

 

2016

 

Bronx XIII, NY

 

201,195

 

 

 

19,622

 

68,290

 

 —

 

19,621

 

68,379

 

88,000

 

516

 

2018

 

Brooklyn I, NY

 

57,456

 

 

 

1,795

 

10,172

 

410

 

1,795

 

9,166

 

10,961

 

2,397

 

2010

 

Brooklyn II, NY

 

60,920

 

 

 

1,601

 

9,073

 

497

 

1,601

 

8,251

 

9,852

 

2,198

 

2010

 

Brooklyn III, NY

 

41,610

 

 

 

2,772

 

13,570

 

146

 

2,772

 

13,798

 

16,570

 

3,155

 

2011

 

Brooklyn IV, NY

 

37,560

 

 

 

2,283

 

11,184

 

198

 

2,284

 

11,444

 

13,728

 

2,620

 

2011

 

Brooklyn V, NY

 

47,045

 

 

 

2,374

 

11,636

 

120

 

2,374

 

11,809

 

14,183

 

2,686

 

2011

 

Brooklyn VI, NY

 

74,820

 

 

 

4,210

 

20,638

 

124

 

4,211

 

20,869

 

25,080

 

4,742

 

2011

 

Brooklyn VII, NY

 

72,725

 

 

 

5,604

 

27,452

 

200

 

5,604

 

27,817

 

33,421

 

6,338

 

2011

 

Brooklyn VIII, NY

 

61,525

 

 

 

4,982

 

24,561

 

118

 

4,982

 

24,678

 

29,660

 

3,671

 

2014

 

Brooklyn IX, NY

 

46,980

 

 

 

2,966

 

14,620

 

154

 

2,966

 

14,774

 

17,740

 

2,195

 

2014

 

Brooklyn X, NY

 

55,938

 

 

 

3,739

 

7,703

 

3,118

 

4,885

 

9,674

 

14,559

 

978

 

2015

 

Brooklyn XI, NY

 

110,215

 

 

 

10,093

 

35,385

 

229

 

10,093

 

35,613

 

45,706

 

3,116

 

2016

 

Brooklyn XII, NY

 

131,913

 

 

 

7,249

 

40,230

 

 9

 

7,250

 

40,243

 

47,493

 

1,246

 

2017

 

Flushing, NY

 

64,993

 

 

 

17,177

 

17,356

 

18

 

17,177

 

17,373

 

34,550

 

40

 

2018

 

Holbrook, NY

 

60,377

 

 

 

2,029

 

10,737

 

77

 

2,029

 

10,814

 

12,843

 

1,066

 

2015

 

Jamaica I, NY

 

88,385

 

 

 

2,043

 

11,658

 

2,374

 

2,043

 

11,299

 

13,342

 

4,755

 

2001

 

Jamaica II, NY

 

92,805

 

 

 

5,391

 

26,413

 

397

 

5,391

 

26,953

 

32,344

 

6,132

 

2011

 

Long Island City, NY

 

88,775

 

 

 

5,700

 

28,101

 

46

 

5,700

 

28,147

 

33,847

 

3,655

 

2014

 

New Rochelle I, NY

 

43,596

 

 

 

1,673

 

4,827

 

1,223

 

1,673

 

5,391

 

7,064

 

2,080

 

2005

 

New Rochelle II, NY

 

63,425

 

 

 

3,167

 

2,713

 

452

 

3,762

 

18,999

 

22,761

 

4,146

 

2012

 

New York, NY

 

94,912

 

31,171

 

42,022

 

38,753

 

23

 

42,022

 

38,777

 

80,799

 

1,531

 

2017

 

North Babylon, NY

 

78,350

 

 

 

225

 

2,514

 

4,233

 

568

 

5,595

 

6,163

 

2,775

 

1998

 

Patchogue, NY

 

47,759

 

 

 

1,141

 

5,624

 

61

 

1,141

 

5,685

 

6,826

 

757

 

2014

 

Queens I, NY

 

82,875

 

 

 

5,158

 

12,339

 

1,156

 

5,160

 

13,493

 

18,653

 

1,415

 

2015

 

Queens II, NY

 

90,728

 

 

 

6,208

 

25,815

 

484

 

6,208

 

26,300

 

32,508

 

2,598

 

2016

 

 

F-48


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Carrying Amount at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial Cost

 

Costs

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Buildings

  

Subsequent

  

 

  

Buildings

  

 

  

Accumulated

  

Year

 

 

 

Square

 

 

 

 

 

&

 

to

 

 

 

&

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

Acquired/

 

Description 

 

Footage

 

Encumbrances

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Acquisition

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Total

 

(B)

 

Developed

 

Riverhead, NY

 

38,490

 

 

 

1,068

 

1,149

 

216

 

1,068

 

1,086

 

2,154

 

527

 

2005

 

Southold, NY

 

59,945

 

 

 

2,079

 

2,238

 

350

 

2,079

 

2,184

 

4,263

 

1,035

 

2005

 

Staten Island, NY

 

96,573

 

 

 

1,919

 

9,463

 

870

 

1,919

 

10,334

 

12,253

 

1,790

 

2013

 

Tuckahoe, NY

 

51,358

 

 

 

2,363

 

17,411

 

311

 

2,363

 

11,951

 

14,314

 

2,711

 

2011

 

West Hempstead, NY

 

83,395

 

 

 

2,237

 

11,030

 

245

 

2,237

 

11,273

 

13,510

 

2,254

 

2012

 

White Plains, NY

 

85,874

 

 

 

3,295

 

18,049

 

1,030

 

3,295

 

16,582

 

19,877

 

4,055

 

2011

 

Woodhaven, NY

 

50,665

 

 

 

2,015

 

11,219

 

158

 

2,015

 

10,080

 

12,095

 

2,283

 

2011

 

Wyckoff, NY

 

60,440

 

 

 

1,961

 

11,113

 

351

 

1,961

 

9,980

 

11,941

 

2,546

 

2010

 

Yorktown, NY

 

78,879

 

 

 

2,382

 

11,720

 

216

 

2,382

 

11,949

 

14,331

 

2,728

 

2011

 

Cleveland I, OH

 

46,000

 

 

 

525

 

2,592

 

273

 

524

 

2,515

 

3,039

 

1,097

 

2005

 

Cleveland II, OH

 

58,325

 

 

 

290

 

1,427

 

239

 

289

 

1,413

 

1,702

 

622

 

2005

 

Columbus I, OH

 

71,905

 

 

 

1,234

 

3,151

 

153

 

1,239

 

2,828

 

4,067

 

1,187

 

2006

 

Columbus II, OH

 

36,659

 

 

 

769

 

3,788

 

293

 

769

 

4,081

 

4,850

 

547

 

2014

 

Columbus III, OH

 

51,200

 

 

 

326

 

1,607

 

124

 

326

 

1,732

 

2,058

 

240

 

2014

 

Columbus IV, OH

 

60,950

 

 

 

443

 

2,182

 

106

 

443

 

2,288

 

2,731

 

314

 

2014

 

Columbus V, OH

 

73,325

 

 

 

838

 

4,128

 

139

 

838

 

4,267

 

5,105

 

571

 

2014

 

Columbus VI, OH

 

63,525

 

 

 

701

 

3,454

 

120

 

701

 

3,575

 

4,276

 

480

 

2014

 

Grove City, OH

 

89,290

 

 

 

1,756

 

4,485

 

290

 

1,761

 

4,157

 

5,918

 

1,700

 

2006

 

Hilliard, OH

 

89,290

 

 

 

1,361

 

3,476

 

285

 

1,366

 

3,273

 

4,639

 

1,349

 

2006

 

Lakewood, OH

 

39,332

 

 

 

405

 

854

 

690

 

405

 

1,385

 

1,790

 

1,046

 

1989

 

Lewis Center, OH

 

76,224

 

 

 

1,056

 

5,206

 

146

 

1,056

 

5,351

 

6,407

 

721

 

2014

 

Middleburg Heights, OH

 

93,200

 

 

 

63

 

704

 

2,402

 

332

 

2,436

 

2,768

 

1,151

 

1980

 

North Olmsted I, OH

 

48,672

 

 

 

63

 

704

 

1,591

 

214

 

1,802

 

2,016

 

884

 

1979

 

North Olmsted II, OH

 

47,850

 

 

 

290

 

1,129

 

1,232

 

469

 

2,034

 

2,503

 

1,724

 

1988

 

North Randall, OH

 

80,297

 

 

 

515

 

2,323

 

3,274

 

898

 

3,997

 

4,895

 

1,821

 

1998

 

Reynoldsburg, OH

 

67,245

 

 

 

1,290

 

3,295

 

388

 

1,295

 

3,229

 

4,524

 

1,331

 

2006

 

Strongsville, OH

 

43,683

 

 

 

570

 

3,486

 

430

 

570

 

3,082

 

3,652

 

1,126

 

2007

 

Warrensville Heights, OH

 

90,281

 

 

 

525

 

766

 

3,292

 

935

 

3,443

 

4,378

 

1,612

 

1980

 

Westlake, OH

 

62,750

 

 

 

509

 

2,508

 

264

 

508

 

2,383

 

2,891

 

1,068

 

2005

 

Conshohocken, PA

 

81,285

 

 

 

1,726

 

8,508

 

182

 

1,726

 

8,689

 

10,415

 

1,765

 

2012

 

Exton, PA

 

57,750

 

 

 

541

 

2,668

 

127

 

519

 

2,817

 

3,336

 

573

 

2012

 

Langhorne, PA

 

64,838

 

 

 

1,019

 

5,023

 

360

 

1,019

 

5,383

 

6,402

 

1,083

 

2012

 

Levittown, PA

 

76,130

 

 

 

926

 

5,296

 

1,306

 

926

 

4,881

 

5,807

 

2,100

 

2001

 

Malvern, PA

 

18,820

 

 

 

2,959

 

18,198

 

1,727

 

2,959

 

19,923

 

22,882

 

2,734

 

2013

 

Montgomeryville, PA

 

84,145

 

 

 

975

 

4,809

 

261

 

975

 

5,069

 

6,044

 

1,044

 

2012

 

Norristown, PA

 

61,520

 

 

 

662

 

3,142

 

789

 

638

 

4,061

 

4,699

 

1,007

 

2011

 

Philadelphia I, PA

 

96,099

 

 

 

1,461

 

8,334

 

1,931

 

1,461

 

6,921

 

8,382

 

3,047

 

2001

 

Philadelphia II, PA

 

68,279

 

 

 

1,012

 

4,990

 

167

 

1,012

 

5,157

 

6,169

 

810

 

2014

 

Exeter, RI

 

41,275

 

 

 

547

 

2,697

 

148

 

547

 

2,845

 

3,392

 

387

 

2014

 

Johnston, RI

 

77,275

 

 

 

1,061

 

5,229

 

106

 

1,061

 

5,336

 

6,397

 

715

 

2014

 

Wakefield, RI

 

45,745

 

 

 

823

 

4,058

 

85

 

823

 

4,143

 

4,966

 

546

 

2014

 

Woonsocket, RI

 

72,900

 

 

 

1,049

 

5,172

 

174

 

1,049

 

5,346

 

6,395

 

718

 

2014

 

Antioch, TN

 

75,985

 

 

 

588

 

4,906

 

372

 

588

 

4,510

 

5,098

 

1,887

 

2005

 

Nashville I, TN

 

107,950

 

 

 

405

 

3,379

 

1,056

 

405

 

3,846

 

4,251

 

1,495

 

2005

 

Nashville II, TN

 

83,174

 

 

 

593

 

4,950

 

272

 

593

 

4,527

 

5,120

 

1,910

 

2005

 

Nashville III, TN

 

101,525

 

 

 

416

 

3,469

 

347

 

416

 

3,482

 

3,898

 

1,461

 

2006

 

Nashville IV, TN

 

102,450

 

 

 

992

 

8,274

 

396

 

992

 

7,428

 

8,420

 

3,106

 

2006

 

Nashville V, TN

 

74,560

 

2,363

 

895

 

4,311

 

854

 

895

 

5,165

 

6,060

 

657

 

2015

 

Nashville VI, TN

 

72,416

 

 

 

2,749

 

8,443

 

124

 

2,749

 

8,566

 

11,315

 

847

 

2015

 

Allen, TX

 

62,170

 

 

 

714

 

3,519

 

134

 

714

 

3,653

 

4,367

 

754

 

2012

 

Austin I, TX

 

59,645

 

 

 

2,239

 

2,038

 

278

 

2,239

 

1,967

 

4,206

 

807

 

2005

 

Austin II, TX

 

64,360

 

(A)

 

734

 

3,894

 

419

 

738

 

3,751

 

4,489

 

1,445

 

2006

 

Austin III, TX

 

70,735

 

 

 

1,030

 

5,468

 

358

 

1,035

 

5,167

 

6,202

 

1,962

 

2006

 

Austin IV, TX

 

65,258

 

 

 

862

 

4,250

 

381

 

862

 

4,632

 

5,494

 

716

 

2014

 

Austin V, TX

 

67,850

 

 

 

1,050

 

5,175

 

294

 

1,050

 

5,469

 

6,519

 

757

 

2014

 

Austin VI, TX

 

62,850

 

 

 

1,150

 

5,669

 

327

 

1,150

 

5,996

 

7,146

 

808

 

2014

 

Austin VII, TX

 

71,023

 

 

 

1,429

 

6,263

 

256

 

1,429

 

6,519

 

7,948

 

637

 

2015

 

Austin VIII, TX

 

62,288

 

 

 

2,935

 

7,007

 

63

 

2,935

 

7,071

 

10,006

 

685

 

2016

 

Austin IX, TX

 

78,547

 

 

 

1,321

 

9,643

 

34

 

1,321

 

9,677

 

10,998

 

308

 

2018

 

Bryan, TX

 

60,650

 

 

 

1,394

 

1,268

 

575

 

1,396

 

1,605

 

3,001

 

576

 

2005

 

Carrollton, TX

 

77,780

 

 

 

661

 

3,261

 

140

 

661

 

3,401

 

4,062

 

660

 

2012

 

Cedar Park, TX

 

86,725

 

 

 

3,350

 

7,950

 

380

 

3,350

 

8,331

 

11,681

 

765

 

2016

 

College Station, TX

 

26,550

 

 

 

812

 

740

 

216

 

813

 

769

 

1,582

 

303

 

2005

 

Cypress, TX

 

58,161

 

 

 

360

 

1,773

 

154

 

360

 

1,928

 

2,288

 

409

 

2012

 

Dallas I, TX

 

58,582

 

 

 

2,475

 

2,253

 

489

 

2,475

 

2,264

 

4,739

 

922

 

2005

 

Dallas II, TX

 

77,073

 

 

 

940

 

4,635

 

234

 

940

 

4,869

 

5,809

 

813

 

2013

 

Dallas III, TX

 

83,479

 

 

 

2,608

 

12,857

 

306

 

2,608

 

13,163

 

15,771

 

1,714

 

2014

 

Dallas IV, TX

 

114,750

 

 

 

2,369

 

11,850

 

75

 

2,369

 

11,924

 

14,293

 

1,449

 

2015

 

Dallas V, TX

 

54,510

 

 

 

 —

 

11,604

 

87

 

 —

 

11,692

 

11,692

 

1,285

 

2015

 

Denton, TX

 

60,846

 

 

 

553

 

2,936

 

445

 

569

 

2,886

 

3,455

 

1,017

 

2006

 

Fort Worth I, TX

 

50,416

 

 

 

1,253

 

1,141

 

356

 

1,253

 

1,259

 

2,512

 

495

 

2005

 

Fort Worth II, TX

 

72,900

 

 

 

868

 

4,607

 

399

 

874

 

4,338

 

5,212

 

1,689

 

2006

 

Fort Worth III, TX

 

81,145

 

 

 

1,000

 

4,928

 

186

 

1,000

 

5,115

 

6,115

 

626

 

2015

 

Fort Worth IV, TX

 

78,579

 

 

 

1,274

 

7,693

 

34

 

1,274

 

7,728

 

9,002

 

679

 

2016

 

Frisco I, TX

 

50,904

 

 

 

1,093

 

3,148

 

205

 

1,093

 

2,895

 

3,988

 

1,174

 

2005

 

Frisco II, TX

 

71,839

 

 

 

1,564

 

4,507

 

244

 

1,564

 

4,135

 

5,699

 

1,664

 

2005

 

Frisco III, TX

 

74,665

 

 

 

1,147

 

6,088

 

682

 

1,154

 

5,961

 

7,115

 

2,250

 

2006

 

Frisco IV, TX

 

75,175

 

 

 

719

 

4,072

 

293

 

719

 

3,769

 

4,488

 

985

 

2010

 

Frisco V, TX

 

74,415

 

 

 

1,159

 

5,714

 

145

 

1,159

 

5,858

 

7,017

 

903

 

2014

 

Frisco VI, TX

 

69,176

 

 

 

1,064

 

5,247

 

174

 

1,064

 

5,421

 

6,485

 

738

 

2014

 

Garland I, TX

 

70,100

 

 

 

751

 

3,984

 

628

 

767

 

4,018

 

4,785

 

1,541

 

2006

 

Garland II, TX

 

68,425

 

 

 

862

 

4,578

 

310

 

862

 

4,291

 

5,153

 

1,587

 

2006

 

Grapevine, TX

 

78,769

 

 

 

1,211

 

8,559

 

117

 

1,211

 

8,676

 

9,887

 

755

 

2016

 

Houston III, TX

 

61,590

 

 

 

575

 

524

 

486

 

576

 

898

 

1,474

 

357

 

2005

 

Houston IV, TX

 

43,750

 

 

 

960

 

875

 

704

 

961

 

1,379

 

2,340

 

503

 

2005

 

Houston V, TX

 

124,279

 

 

 

1,153

 

6,122

 

1,804

 

991

 

7,176

 

8,167

 

2,418

 

2006

 

Houston VI, TX

 

54,690

 

 

 

575

 

524

 

5,857

 

983

 

5,060

 

6,043

 

1,212

 

2011

 

Houston VII, TX

 

46,991

 

 

 

681

 

3,355

 

185

 

681

 

3,540

 

4,221

 

785

 

2012

 

Houston VIII, TX

 

54,215

 

 

 

1,294

 

6,377

 

383

 

1,294

 

6,761

 

8,055

 

1,400

 

2012

 

Houston IX, TX

 

51,208

 

 

 

296

 

1,459

 

149

 

296

 

1,608

 

1,904

 

336

 

2012

 

Houston X, TX

 

96,061

 

 

 

5,267

 

12,667

 

10

 

5,267

 

12,677

 

17,944

 

223

 

2018

 

Houston XI, TX

 

80,930

 

 

 

5,618

 

15,330

 

 5

 

5,618

 

15,334

 

20,952

 

104

 

2018

 

Humble, TX

 

70,700

 

 

 

706

 

5,727

 

113

 

706

 

5,840

 

6,546

 

579

 

2015

 

 

F-49


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Carrying Amount at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial Cost

 

Costs

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Buildings

  

Subsequent

  

 

  

Buildings

  

 

  

Accumulated

  

Year

 

 

 

Square

 

 

 

 

 

&

 

to

 

 

 

&

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

Acquired/

 

Description 

 

Footage

 

Encumbrances

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Acquisition

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Total

 

(B)

 

Developed

 

Katy, TX

 

71,308

 

 

 

1,329

 

6,552

 

87

 

1,329

 

6,640

 

7,969

 

1,075

 

2013

 

Keller, TX

 

88,585

 

 

 

1,330

 

7,960

 

329

 

1,331

 

7,673

 

9,004

 

1,831

 

2006/2017

 

Lewisville I, TX

 

67,340

 

 

 

476

 

2,525

 

539

 

492

 

2,627

 

3,119

 

957

 

2006

 

Lewisville II, TX

 

127,659

 

 

 

1,464

 

7,217

 

508

 

1,464

 

7,725

 

9,189

 

1,313

 

2013

 

Lewisville III, TX

 

93,855

 

 

 

1,307

 

15,025

 

204

 

1,307

 

15,229

 

16,536

 

1,242

 

2016

 

Little Elm I, TX

 

60,115

 

 

 

892

 

5,529

 

138

 

892

 

5,668

 

6,560

 

483

 

2016

 

Little Elm II, TX

 

97,136

 

 

 

1,219

 

9,864

 

121

 

1,219

 

9,986

 

11,205

 

830

 

2016

 

Mansfield I, TX

 

63,000

 

 

 

837

 

4,443

 

292

 

843

 

4,152

 

4,995

 

1,614

 

2006

 

Mansfield II, TX

 

57,375

 

 

 

662

 

3,261

 

165

 

662

 

3,426

 

4,088

 

725

 

2012

 

Mansfield III, TX

 

71,000

 

 

 

947

 

4,703

 

183

 

947

 

4,887

 

5,834

 

343

 

2016

 

McKinney I, TX

 

47,020

 

 

 

1,632

 

1,486

 

286

 

1,634

 

1,532

 

3,166

 

604

 

2005

 

McKinney II, TX

 

70,050

 

 

 

855

 

5,076

 

287

 

857

 

4,738

 

5,595

 

1,834

 

2006

 

McKinney III, TX

 

53,650

 

 

 

652

 

3,213

 

73

 

652

 

3,285

 

3,937

 

424

 

2014

 

North Richland Hills, TX

 

57,200

 

 

 

2,252

 

2,049

 

258

 

2,252

 

1,928

 

4,180

 

784

 

2005

 

Pearland, TX

 

72,050

 

 

 

450

 

2,216

 

418

 

450

 

2,635

 

3,085

 

525

 

2012

 

Richmond, TX

 

102,295

 

 

 

1,437

 

7,083

 

171

 

1,437

 

7,254

 

8,691

 

1,174

 

2013

 

Roanoke, TX

 

59,300

 

 

 

1,337

 

1,217

 

238

 

1,337

 

1,229

 

2,566

 

477

 

2005

 

San Antonio I, TX

 

73,579

 

 

 

2,895

 

2,635

 

376

 

2,895

 

2,478

 

5,373

 

1,007

 

2005

 

San Antonio II, TX

 

73,955

 

 

 

1,047

 

5,558

 

288

 

1,052

 

5,153

 

6,205

 

1,890

 

2006

 

San Antonio III, TX

 

71,825

 

 

 

996

 

5,286

 

332

 

996

 

4,896

 

5,892

 

1,779

 

2007

 

San Antonio IV, TX

 

61,500

 

 

 

829

 

3,891

 

156

 

829

 

4,048

 

4,877

 

271

 

2016

 

Spring, TX

 

72,745

 

 

 

580

 

3,081

 

309

 

580

 

2,898

 

3,478

 

1,123

 

2006

 

Murray I, UT

 

60,280

 

 

 

3,847

 

1,017

 

546

 

3,848

 

1,346

 

5,194

 

602

 

2005

 

Murray II, UT

 

70,996

 

 

 

2,147

 

567

 

674

 

2,147

 

1,069

 

3,216

 

416

 

2005

 

Salt Lake City I, UT

 

56,446

 

 

 

2,695

 

712

 

544

 

2,696

 

1,070

 

3,766

 

479

 

2005

 

Salt Lake City II, UT

 

51,676

 

 

 

2,074

 

548

 

416

 

1,937

 

798

 

2,735

 

371

 

2005

 

Alexandria, VA

 

114,100

 

 

 

2,812

 

13,865

 

251

 

2,812

 

14,116

 

16,928

 

2,935

 

2012

 

Arlington, VA

 

96,143

 

 

 

6,836

 

9,843

 

99

 

6,836

 

9,943

 

16,779

 

1,341

 

2015

 

Burke Lake, VA

 

91,467

 

 

 

2,093

 

10,940

 

1,194

 

2,093

 

10,536

 

12,629

 

2,652

 

2011

 

Fairfax, VA

 

73,265

 

 

 

2,276

 

11,220

 

316

 

2,276

 

11,537

 

13,813

 

2,327

 

2012

 

Fredericksburg I, VA

 

69,475

 

 

 

1,680

 

4,840

 

370

 

1,680

 

4,537

 

6,217

 

1,740

 

2005

 

Fredericksburg II, VA

 

61,057

 

 

 

1,757

 

5,062

 

438

 

1,757

 

4,808

 

6,565

 

1,859

 

2005

 

Leesburg, VA

 

85,503

 

 

 

1,746

 

9,894

 

189

 

1,746

 

8,794

 

10,540

 

1,986

 

2011

 

Manassas, VA

 

72,745

 

 

 

860

 

4,872

 

274

 

860

 

4,480

 

5,340

 

1,162

 

2010

 

McLearen, VA

 

69,385

 

 

 

1,482

 

8,400

 

257

 

1,482

 

7,502

 

8,984

 

1,905

 

2010

 

Vienna, VA

 

55,120

 

 

 

2,300

 

11,340

 

173

 

2,300

 

11,513

 

13,813

 

2,320

 

2012

 

Divisional Offices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

398

 

 

 

398

 

398

 

114

 

 

 

 

 

34,619,208

 

 

 

785,736

 

3,267,473

 

310,175

 

806,916

 

3,343,173

 

4,150,089

 

752,750

 

 

 

 

 

(A)

This store is part of the YSI 33 Loan portfolio, with a balance of $9,214 as of December 31, 2018.

(B)

Depreciation on the buildings and improvements is recorded on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from five to 39 years.

 

Activity in storage properties during 2018 and 2017 was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

2016

 

Storage properties*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

4,161,715

 

$

3,998,180

 

$

3,467,032

 

Acquisitions & improvements

 

 

381,182

 

 

247,546

 

 

490,980

 

Fully depreciated assets

 

 

(26,125)

 

 

(53,903)

 

 

(61,232)

 

Dispositions and other

 

 

(8,735)

 

 

(9,179)

 

 

 —

 

Construction in progress, net

 

 

(44,582)

 

 

(20,929)

 

 

101,400

 

Balance at end of year

 

$

4,463,455

 

$

4,161,715

 

$

3,998,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

752,925

 

$

671,364

 

$

594,049

 

Depreciation expense

 

 

138,510

 

 

135,732

 

 

138,547

 

Fully depreciated assets

 

 

(26,125)

 

 

(53,903)

 

 

(61,232)

 

Dispositions and other

 

 

(2,823)

 

 

(268)

 

 

 —

 

Balance at end of year

 

$

862,487

 

$

752,925

 

$

671,364

 

Storage properties, net

 

$

3,600,968

 

$

3,408,790

 

$

3,326,816

 

 

*These amounts include equipment that is housed at the Company’s stores which is excluded from Schedule III above.

 

As of December 31, 2018, the aggregate cost of Storage properties for federal income tax purposes was approximately $4.6 billion.

 

 

 

F-50


 

Table of Contents

Exhibit 21.1

 

 

 

 

Subsidiary

    

Jurisdiction of Organization

101 OLD WINDSOR ROAD, LLC

 

Delaware

1053 CROMWELL AVENUE, LLC

 

Delaware

12250 El Dorado Parkway, LLC

 

Delaware

1575 NORTH BLAIRS BRIDGE ROAD, LLC

 

Delaware

186 Jamaica Ave TRS, LLC

 

Delaware

186 JAMAICA AVE, LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE 2 LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE BORDEAUX SUB, LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE CHATTANOOGA SUB, LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE FL SUB LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE GA SUB  LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE GOODLETTSVILLE I SUB, G.P.

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE GOODLETTSVILLE II SUB, G.P.

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE GRANDVILLE SUB, LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE KNOXVILLE I SUB, G.P.

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE KNOXVILLE II SUB, G.P.

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE KNOXVILLE III SUB, G.P.

 

Delaware

191 III Cube LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE MA SUB LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE MI SUB LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE MURFREESBORO SUB, LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE NC SUB LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE NEW BEDFORD SUB, LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE OLD HICKORY SUB, LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE SC SUB LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE SUB HOLDINGS 1 LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE SUB HOLDINGS 2 LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE SUB HOLDINGS 3 LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE SUB HOLDINGS 4 LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE SUB HOLDINGS 5 LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE SUB HOLDINGS 6 LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE SUB HOLDINGS 7 LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE SUB HOLDINGS 8 LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE TN SUB LLC

 

Delaware

191 III CUBE TRINITY SUB, LLC

 

Delaware

191 IV CUBE LLC

 

Delaware

2225 46TH ST, LLC

 

Delaware

2301 TILLOTSON AVE, LLC

 

Delaware

251 JAMAICA AVE, LLC

 

Delaware

2880 Exterior St, LLC

 

Delaware

2880 EXTERIOR STREET TRS, LLC

 

Delaware

295 E. Ocotillo Road, LLC

 

Delaware

3068 CROPSEY AVENUE, LLC

 

Delaware

3103 N. Decatur Road, LLC

 

Delaware

38300 North Gantzel Road, LLC

 

Delaware

430 1ST AVENUE SOUTH, LLC

 

Delaware

444 55TH STREET HOLDINGS TRS, LLC

 

Delaware

444 55TH STREET HOLDINGS, LLC

 

Delaware

444 55TH STREET VENTURE, LLC

 

Delaware

444 55TH STREET, LLC

 

Delaware

4441 Alma Road, LLC

 

Delaware

5 Old Lancaster Associates, LLC

 

Pennsylvania

5505 Maple Ave, LLC

 

Delaware

7205 Vanderbilt Way, LLC

 

Delaware

 


 

Table of Contents

Subsidiary

    

Jurisdiction of Organization

8552 BAYMEADOWS ROAD, LLC

 

Delaware

9641 Annapolis Road, LLC

 

Delaware

CONSHOHOCKEN GP II, LLC

 

Delaware

CS 1158 MCDONALD AVE, LLC

 

Delaware

CS 160 EAST 22ND ST, LLC

 

Delaware

CS ANNAPOLIS HOLDINGS, LLC

 

Delaware

CS ANNAPOLIS, LLC

 

Delaware

CS CAPITAL INVESTORS, LLC

 

Delaware

CS FLORIDA AVENUE, LLC

 

Delaware

CS SDP EVERETT BORROWER, LLC

 

Delaware

CS SDP Everett, LLC

 

Delaware

CS SDP Newtonville, LLC

 

Delaware

CS SDP WALTHAM BORROWER, LLC

 

Delaware

CS SDP WALTHAM, LLC

 

Delaware

CS SJM E 92ND STREET OWNER, LLC

 

Delaware

CS SJM E 92ND STREET, LLC

 

Delaware

CS SNL NEW YORK AVE, LLC

 

Delaware

CS SNL OPERATING COMPANY, LLC

 

Delaware

CS VENTURE I, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE HHF Limited Partnership

 

Delaware

CUBE HHF NORTHEAST CT, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE HHF NORTHEAST MA, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE HHF NORTHEAST RI, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE HHF NORTHEAST SUB HOLDINGS LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE HHF NORTHEAST TRS, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE HHF NORTHEAST VENTURE LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE HHF NORTHEAST VT, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE HHF TRS, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE III TN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE III TRS 2 LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE III TRS LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE IV TRS LLC

 

Delaware

CUBE VENTURE GP, LLC

 

Delaware

CubeSmart

 

Maryland

CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBESMART BARTOW, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBESMART BOSTON ROAD, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBESMART CLINTON, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBESMART CYPRESS, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBESMART EAST 135TH, LLC

 

Delaware

CubeSmart Management, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBESMART SOUTHERN BLVD, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBESMART SWISS AVE, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBESMART TEMPLE HILLS, LLC

 

Delaware

CUBESMART TIMONIUM BORROWER, LLC

 

Delaware

CubeSmart Timonium, LLC

 

Delaware

CubeSmart TRS, Inc.

 

Ohio

CubeSmart, L.P.

 

Delaware

EAST COAST GP, LLC

 

Delaware

EAST COAST STORAGE PARTNERS, L.P.

 

Delaware

FREEHOLD MT, LLC

 

Delaware

LANGHORNE GP II, LLC

 

Delaware

Lantana Property Owner's Association, Inc.

 

Florida

MONTGOMERYVILLE GP II, LLC

 

Delaware

Old Lancaster Venture, L.P.

 

Pennsylvania

PSI Atlantic Austin TX, LLC

 

Delaware

 


 

Table of Contents

Subsidiary

    

Jurisdiction of Organization

PSI Atlantic Brockton MA, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic Cornelius NC, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic Haverhill MA, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic Holbrook NY, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic Humble TX, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic Lawrence MA, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic Lithia Springs GA, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic Nashville TN, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic NPB FL, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic Pineville NC, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic REIT, Inc.

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic Surprise AZ, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic TRS, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic Villa Rica GA, LLC

 

Delaware

PSI Atlantic Villa Rica Parcel Owner, LLC

 

Delaware

R STREET STORAGE ASSOCIATES, LLC

 

Maryland

SHIRLINGTON RD II, LLC

 

Delaware

SHIRLINGTON RD TRS, LLC

 

Delaware

SHIRLINGTON RD, LLC

 

Delaware

SOMERSET MT, LLC

 

Delaware

STORAGE PARTNERS OF CONSHOHOCKEN, L.P.

 

Delaware

Storage Partners of Freehold II, LLC

 

Delaware

Storage Partners of Langhorne II, LP

 

Delaware

STORAGE PARTNERS OF MONTGOMERYVILLE, L.P.

 

Delaware

STORAGE PARTNERS OF SOMERSET, LLC

 

Delaware

UNITED-HSRE I, L.P.

 

Delaware

U-Store-It Development LLC

 

Delaware

U-Store-It Trust Luxembourg S.ar.l.

 

Luxembourg

Valley Forge Storage Venture, LLC

 

Delaware

Wider Reach, LLC

 

Delaware

YSI HART TRS, INC

 

Delaware

YSI I LLC

 

Delaware

YSI II LLC

 

Delaware

YSI X GP LLC

 

Delaware

YSI X LP

 

Delaware

YSI X LP LLC

 

Delaware

YSI XV LLC

 

Delaware

YSI XX GP LLC

 

Delaware

YSI XX LP

 

Delaware

YSI XX LP LLC

 

Delaware

YSI XXX LLC

 

Delaware

YSI XXXI, LLC

 

Delaware

YSI XXXIII, LLC

 

Delaware

YSI XXXIIIA, LLC

 

Delaware

YSI XXXVII, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 


 

Table of Contents

Exhibit 23.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Trustees of
CubeSmart:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No. 333‑216768) on Form S-3 of CubeSmart and CubeSmart, L.P. and (Nos. 333-211787, 333-167623, 333-143126, 333-143125, 333-143124 and 333-119987) on Form S-8  of CubeSmart of our reports dated February 22, 2019, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of CubeSmart and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”), and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, which reports appear in the December 31, 2018 annual report on Form 10‑K of CubeSmart and CubeSmart, L.P.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 22, 2019

 

 


 

Table of Contents

Exhibit 23.2

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Partners of
CubeSmart, L.P.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No. 333‑216768) on Form S-3 of CubeSmart and CubeSmart, L.P. and (Nos. 333-211787, 333-167623, 333-143126, 333-143125, 333-143124 and 333-119987) on Form S-8  of CubeSmart of our reports dated February 22, 2019, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of CubeSmart, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), capital, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”), and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, which reports appear in the December 31, 2018 annual report on Form 10‑K of CubeSmart and CubeSmart, L.P.

6

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 22, 2019

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Christopher P. Marr, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of CubeSmart;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Trustees (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

/s/ Christopher P. Marr

 

Christopher P. Marr

 

Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 22, 2019

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Timothy M. Martin, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of CubeSmart;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Trustees (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

6

 

 

/s/ Timothy M. Martin

 

Timothy M. Martin

 

Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 22, 2019

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit 31.3

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Christopher P. Marr, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of CubeSmart L.P.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Trustees (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

6

 

 

/s/ Christopher P. Marr

 

Christopher P. Marr

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Date: February 22, 2019

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit 31.4

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Timothy M. Martin, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of CubeSmart L.P.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Trustees (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

/s/ Timothy M. Martin

 

Timothy M. Martin

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

Date: February 22, 2019

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit 32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of

the

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

The undersigned, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of CubeSmart (the “Company”), each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(a) The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “Report”) filed on the date hereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

(b) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

6

 

 

/s/ Christopher P. Marr

 

Christopher P. Marr

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Date: February 22, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Timothy M. Martin

 

Timothy M. Martin

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

Date: February 22, 2019

 

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit 32.2

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of

the

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

The undersigned, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of CubeSmart L.P. (the “Company”), each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(a) The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “Report”) filed on the date hereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

(b) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

6

 

 

/s/ Christopher P. Marr

 

Christopher P. Marr

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Date: February 22, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Timothy M. Martin

 

Timothy M. Martin

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

Date: February 22, 2019

 

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit 99.1

 

MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of common shares and preferred shares of CubeSmart and debt securities of CubeSmart, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), and the qualification and taxation of CubeSmart as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). This discussion reflects changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws made by legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), which was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The TCJA is a far-reaching and complex revision to the U.S. federal income tax laws with disparate and, in some cases, countervailing impacts on different categories of taxpayers and industries, and it is anticipated that it will require subsequent rulemaking in a number of areas.

 

This discussion is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations and does not provide a detailed discussion of any state, local or foreign tax considerations. The discussion does not address all aspects of taxation that may be relevant to particular investors in light of their personal investment or tax circumstances, or to certain types of investors that are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as insurance companies, regulated investment companies, REITs, tax-exempt organizations (except to the limited extent discussed below under “Taxation of Tax-Exempt Shareholders”), financial institutions or broker-dealers, non-U.S. individuals and foreign corporations (except to the limited extent discussed below under “Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders”), an entity treated as a U.S. corporation on account of the inversion rules, and other persons subject to special tax rules. This summary deals only with investors who hold common shares or preferred shares of CubeSmart or debt securities of the Operating Partnership as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. This discussion is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, tax advice.

 

The information in this summary is based on the Code, current, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, the legislative history of the Code, current administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), including its practices and policies as endorsed in private letter rulings, which are not binding on the IRS, and existing court decisions. Future legislation, regulations, administrative interpretations and court decisions could change current law or adversely affect existing interpretations of current law. Any change could apply retroactively. We have not obtained any rulings from the IRS concerning the tax treatment of the matters discussed in this summary. Therefore, it is possible that the IRS could challenge the statements in this summary, which do not bind the IRS or the courts, and that a court could agree with the IRS.

 

We urge you to consult your own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences to you of ownership of common shares or preferred shares of CubeSmart and debt securities of the Operating Partnership, and of CubeSmart’s election to be taxed as a REIT. Specifically, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the federal, state, local, foreign, and other tax consequences of such ownership and election, and regarding potential changes in applicable tax laws.

 

Taxation of CubeSmart

 

Qualification of CubeSmart as a REIT

 

CubeSmart elected to be taxed as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws beginning with its short taxable year ended December 31, 2004. CubeSmart believes that, beginning with such short taxable year, it has been organized and has operated in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code and intends to continue to operate in such a manner. However, there can be no assurance that CubeSmart has qualified or will remain qualified as a REIT.

 

CubeSmart’s continued qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon its ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual annual operating results, certain qualification tests set forth in the U.S. federal income tax laws. Those qualification tests involve the percentage of income that CubeSmart earns from specified sources, the percentage of its assets that falls within specified categories, the diversity of its share ownership, and the percentage of its earnings that CubeSmart distributes. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of CubeSmart’s operations for any particular taxable year will satisfy such requirements. For a discussion of the tax consequences of its failure to qualify as a REIT, see “Requirements for Qualification — Failure to Qualify” below.

 

Pursuant to CubeSmart’s declaration of trust, CubeSmart’s board of trustees has the authority to make any tax elections on its behalf that, in its sole judgment, are in CubeSmart’s best interest. This authority includes the ability to revoke or otherwise terminate CubeSmart’s status as a REIT. CubeSmart’s board of trustees has the authority under its declaration of trust to make these elections without the necessity of obtaining the approval of CubeSmart’s shareholders. In addition, CubeSmart’s board of trustees has the authority to waive any restrictions and limitations contained in its declaration of trust that are intended to preserve CubeSmart’s status as a REIT during any period in which its board of trustees has determined not to pursue or preserve CubeSmart’s status as a REIT.

 

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Taxation of CubeSmart as a REIT

 

The sections of the Code relating to qualification and operation as a REIT, and the U.S. federal income taxation of a REIT, are highly technical and complex. The following discussion sets forth only the material aspects of those sections. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions and the related rules and regulations.

 

If CubeSmart qualifies as a REIT, it generally will not be subject to federal income tax on the taxable income that it distributes to its shareholders. The benefit of that tax treatment is that it avoids the “double taxation,” or taxation at both the corporate and shareholder levels, that generally results from owning shares in a corporation. However, CubeSmart will be subject to federal tax in the following circumstances:

 

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CubeSmart is subject to the corporate federal income tax on any taxable income, including net capital gain that it does not distribute to shareholders during, or within a specified time period after, the calendar year in which the income is earned.

 

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For tax years beginning before January 1, 2018, CubeSmart may be subject to the corporate “alternative minimum tax” on any items of tax preference, including any deductions of net operating losses.

 

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CubeSmart is subject to tax, at the highest corporate rate (35% for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2017 and 21% for tax years beginning after that date), on net income from the sale or other disposition of property acquired through foreclosure (“foreclosure property”) that it holds primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, and other non-qualifying income from foreclosure property.

 

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CubeSmart is subject to a 100% tax on net income from sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, that it holds primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.

 

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If CubeSmart fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, as described below under “Requirements for Qualification — Gross Income Tests,” but nonetheless continues to qualify as a REIT because it meets other requirements, CubeSmart will be subject to a 100% tax on: the greater of the amount by which it fails the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test multiplied, in either case, by a fraction intended to reflect its profitability.

 

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If CubeSmart fails to distribute during a calendar year at least the sum of: (1) 85% of its REIT ordinary income for the year, (2) 95% of its REIT capital gain net income for the year, and (3) any undistributed taxable income required to be distributed from earlier periods, then CubeSmart will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the amount it actually distributed.

 

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If CubeSmart fails any of the asset tests, as described below under “Requirements for Qualification — Asset Tests,” other than certain de minimis failures, but its failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, and it nonetheless maintains its REIT qualification because of specified cure provisions, CubeSmart will pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or 35% (for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2017 and 21% for tax years beginning after that date) of the net income from the nonqualifying assets during the period in which it failed to satisfy the asset tests.

 

The amount of gain on which CubeSmart will pay tax generally is the lesser of the amount of gain that it recognizes at the time of the sale or disposition, and the amount of gain that it would have recognized if it had sold the asset at the time CubeSmart acquired it.

 

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If CubeSmart fails to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification, other than the gross income tests and the asset tests, and such failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, it will be required to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure.

 

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CubeSmart may elect to retain its net long-term capital gain and pay income tax on such gain.

 

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CubeSmart will be subject to a 100% excise tax on transactions with a taxable REIT subsidiary that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis.

 

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If CubeSmart acquires any asset from a C corporation (a corporation that generally is subject to full corporate-level tax) in a transaction in which the adjusted basis of the assets in CubeSmart’s hands is determined by reference to the adjusted tax basis of the asset in the hands of the C corporation, CubeSmart will pay tax at the highest regular corporate rate then applicable (35% for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2017 and 21% for tax years beginning after that date) if it recognizes gain on the sale or disposition of the asset during the 5-year period after it acquires the asset, unless the C corporation elects to treat the assets as if they were sold for their fair market value at the time of CubeSmart’s acquisition.

 

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CubeSmart may be required to pay monetary penalties to the IRS in certain circumstances, including if it fails to meet record-keeping requirements intended to monitor its compliance with rules relating to the composition of a REIT’s shareholders, as described below in “Requirements for Qualification – Organizational Requirements - Recordkeeping Requirements.”

 

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The earnings of CubeSmart’s lower-tier entities, if any, that are subchapter C corporations, including taxable REIT subsidiaries, are subject to federal corporate income tax.

 

In addition, we may be subject to a variety of taxes, including payroll taxes and state, local and foreign income, property and other taxes on our assets and operations. We could also be subject to tax in situations and on transactions not presently contemplated.

 

Requirements for Qualification

 

To qualify as a REIT, CubeSmart must elect to be treated as a REIT, and CubeSmart must meet various (a) organizational requirements, (b) gross income tests, (c) asset tests and (d) annual distribution requirements.

 

Organizational Requirements.  A REIT is a corporation, trust or association that meets each of the following requirements:

 

1) It is managed by one or more trustees or directors;

 

2) Its beneficial ownership is evidenced by transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;

 

3) It would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for Sections 856 through 860 of the Code;

 

4) It is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to special provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws;

 

5) At least 100 persons are beneficial owners of its shares or ownership certificates (determined without reference to any rules of attribution);

 

6) Not more than 50% in value of its outstanding shares or ownership certificates is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals, which the U.S. federal income tax laws define to include certain entities, during the last half of any taxable year;

 

7) It elects to be a REIT, or has made such election for a previous taxable year which has not been revoked or terminated, and satisfies all relevant filing and other administrative requirements established by the IRS that must be met to elect and maintain REIT status;

 

8) It uses a calendar year for U.S. federal income tax purposes and complies with the recordkeeping requirements of the U.S. federal income tax laws; and

 

9) It meets certain other qualifications, tests described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the distribution of its income.

 

CubeSmart must meet requirements 1 through 4, 8 and 9 during its entire taxable year and must meet requirement 5 during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. CubeSmart’s declaration of trust provides for restrictions regarding the ownership and transfer of its shares of beneficial interest that are intended to assist CubeSmart in continuing to satisfy requirements 5 and 6. However, these restrictions may not ensure that CubeSmart will, in all cases, be able to satisfy these requirements.

 

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For purposes of determining share ownership under requirement 6, an “individual” generally includes a supplemental unemployment compensation benefits plan, a private foundation, or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes. An “individual,” however, generally does not include a trust that is a qualified employee pension or profit sharing trust under the U.S. federal income tax laws, and beneficiaries of such a trust will be treated as holding CubeSmart’s shares in proportion to their actuarial interests in the trust for purposes of requirement 6. CubeSmart believes it has issued sufficient shares of beneficial interest with enough diversity of ownership to satisfy requirements 5 and 6 set forth above.

 

Recordkeeping Requirements.  To monitor compliance with the share ownership requirements, CubeSmart is required to maintain records regarding the actual ownership of its shares. To do so, CubeSmart must demand written statements each year from the record holders of certain percentages of its shares in which the record holders are to disclose the actual owners of the shares (the persons required to include in gross income the dividends paid by us). A list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with this demand must be maintained as part of CubeSmart’s records. Failure by CubeSmart to comply with these recordkeeping requirements could subject CubeSmart to monetary penalties. If CubeSmart satisfies these requirements and has no reason to know that requirement 6 is not satisfied, CubeSmart will be deemed to have satisfied such requirement. A shareholder that fails or refuses to comply with the demand is required by Treasury Regulations to submit a statement with its tax return disclosing the actual ownership of the shares and other information.

 

Qualified REIT Subsidiaries. A corporation that is a “qualified REIT subsidiary” is not treated as a corporation separate from its parent REIT. A “qualified REIT subsidiary” is a corporation, all of the capital stock of which is owned by the REIT and that has not elected to be a taxable REIT subsidiary. All assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of a “qualified REIT subsidiary” are treated as assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of the REIT. Thus, in applying the requirements described herein, any “qualified REIT subsidiary” that CubeSmart owns will be ignored, and all assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of such subsidiary will be treated as its assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit.

 

Partnership Subsidiaries. An unincorporated domestic entity, such as a partnership or limited liability company that has a single owner, generally is not treated as an entity separate from its parent for U.S. federal income tax purposes. An unincorporated domestic entity with two or more owners is generally treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, the REIT is treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and as earning its allocable share of the gross income of the partnership for purposes of the applicable REIT qualification tests. Thus, CubeSmart’s proportionate share of the assets, liabilities and items of income of the Operating Partnership and any other partnership, joint venture, or limited liability company that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which CubeSmart acquires an interest, directly or indirectly (“Partnership Subsidiary”), is treated as CubeSmart’s assets and gross income for purposes of applying the various REIT qualification requirements.

 

Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. A REIT is permitted to own up to 100% of the stock of one or more “taxable REIT subsidiaries.” A taxable REIT subsidiary is a corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax, and state and local income tax where applicable, as a regular “C” corporation. The subsidiary and the REIT must jointly elect to treat the subsidiary as a taxable REIT subsidiary. In addition, if a taxable REIT subsidiary owns, directly or indirectly, securities representing 35% or more of the vote or value of a subsidiary corporation, that subsidiary will also be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. Several provisions regarding the arrangements between a REIT and its taxable REIT subsidiaries ensure that a taxable REIT subsidiary will be subject to an appropriate level of U.S. federal income taxation. For example, the taxable REIT subsidiary rules limit the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a taxable REIT subsidiary to its parent REIT. Further, the rules impose a 100% excise tax on transactions between a taxable REIT subsidiary and its parent REIT or the REIT’s tenants that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis, and, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, on income imputed to a taxable REIT subsidiary, for services rendered to or on behalf of CubeSmart, the Operating Partnership, any qualified REIT subsidiary, or a Partnership Subsidiary. CubeSmart may engage in activities indirectly through a taxable REIT subsidiary that would jeopardize its REIT status if CubeSmart engaged in the activities directly. For example, a taxable REIT subsidiary of CubeSmart may provide services to unrelated parties which might produce income that does not qualify under the gross income tests described below. A taxable REIT subsidiary may also engage in other activities that, if conducted by CubeSmart directly, could result in the receipt of non-qualified income or the ownership of non-qualified assets or the imposition of the 100% tax on income from prohibited transactions. See description below under “Requirements for Qualification – Gross Income Tests - Prohibited Transactions.” For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, taxpayers are subject to a limitation on their ability to deduct net business interest generally equal to 30% of adjusted taxable income, subject to certain exceptions. This provision may limit the ability of our taxable REIT subsidiaries to deduct interest, which could increase their taxable income.

 

Gross Income Tests.  CubeSmart must satisfy two gross income tests annually to maintain its qualification as a REIT. First, at least 75% of its gross income for each taxable year must consist of defined types of income that CubeSmart derives, directly or indirectly, from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property or qualified temporary investment income. Qualifying income for purposes of that 75% gross income test generally includes:

 

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rents from real property;

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interest on debt secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property (including certain types of mortgage-backed securities);

 

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for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, interest on mortgage loans secured by both real and personal property if the fair market value of such personal property does not exceed 15% of the total fair market value of all property securing the loans;

 

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dividends or other distributions on, and gain from the sale of, shares in other REITs (excluding dividends from its taxable REIT subsidiaries);

 

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gain from the sale of real estate assets (other than gain from property held primarily for sale to customers), except, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, for gain from a nonqualified publicly offered REIT debt instrument (as defined below);

 

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income and gain derived from foreclosure property; and

 

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income derived from the temporary investment of new capital that is attributable to the issuance of CubeSmart’s shares of beneficial interest or a public offering of its debt with a maturity date of at least five years and that CubeSmart receives during the one-year period beginning on the date on which it receives such new capital.

 

Second, in general, at least 95% of CubeSmart’s gross income for each taxable year must consist of income that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, other types of interest and dividends (including dividends from its taxable REIT subsidiaries), gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, or any combination of these.

 

Gross income from the sale of property that CubeSmart holds primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business is excluded from both the numerator and the denominator in both income tests. See “Prohibited Transactions.” In addition, certain gains from hedging transactions and certain foreign currency gains will be excluded from both the numerator and the denominator for purposes of one or both of the income tests. See “Hedging Transactions” and “Foreign Currency Gain.”

 

Rents from Real Property. Rent that CubeSmart receives from its real property will qualify as “rents from real property,” which is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, only if the following conditions are met:

 

First, the rent must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. Participating rent, however, will qualify as “rents from real property” if it is based on percentages of receipts or sales and the percentages are fixed at the time the leases are entered into, are not renegotiated during the term of the leases in a manner that has the effect of basing percentage rent on income or profits, and conform with normal business practice.

 

Second, CubeSmart must not own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of the stock of any corporate tenant or the assets or net profits of any tenant, referred to as a related party tenant, other than a taxable REIT subsidiary. The constructive ownership rules generally provide that, if 10% or more in value of its shares is owned, directly or indirectly, by or for any person, CubeSmart is considered as owning the stock owned, directly or indirectly, by or for such person. CubeSmart does not own any stock or any assets or net profits of any tenant directly. However, because the constructive ownership rules are broad and it is not possible to monitor continually direct and indirect transfers of its shares, no absolute assurance can be given that such transfers or other events of which CubeSmart has no knowledge will not cause CubeSmart to own constructively 10% or more of a tenant (or a subtenant, in which case only rent attributable to the subtenant is disqualified) other than a taxable REIT subsidiary at some future date.

 

Under an exception to the related-party tenant rule described in the preceding paragraph, rent that CubeSmart receives from a taxable REIT subsidiary will qualify as “rents from real property” as long as (1) at least 90% of the leased space in the property is leased to persons other than taxable REIT subsidiaries and related-party tenants, and (2) the amount paid by the taxable REIT subsidiary to rent space at the property is substantially comparable to rents paid by other tenants of the property for comparable space. The “substantially comparable” requirement must be satisfied when the lease is entered into, when it is extended, and when the lease is modified, if the modification increases the rent paid by the taxable REIT subsidiary. If the requirement that at least 90% of the leased space in the related property is rented to unrelated tenants is met when a lease is entered into, extended, or modified, such requirement will continue to be met as long as there is no increase in the space leased to any taxable REIT subsidiary or related party tenant. Any increased rent attributable to a modification of a lease with a taxable REIT subsidiary in which CubeSmart owns directly or indirectly more than 50% of the voting power or value of the stock (a “controlled taxable REIT subsidiary”) will not be treated as “rents from real property.”

 

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Third, the rent attributable to the personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property must not be greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease. The rent attributable to personal property under a lease is the amount that bears the same ratio to total rent under the lease for the taxable year as the average of the fair market values of the leased personal property at the beginning and at the end of the taxable year bears to the average of the aggregate fair market values of both the real and personal property covered by the lease at the beginning and at the end of such taxable year (the “personal property ratio”). With respect to each of its leases, CubeSmart believes that the personal property ratio generally is less than 15%. Where that is not, or may in the future not be, the case, CubeSmart believes that any income attributable to personal property will not jeopardize its ability to qualify as a REIT. There can be no assurance, however, that the IRS would not challenge CubeSmart’s calculation of a personal property ratio, or that a court would not uphold such assertion. If such a challenge were successfully asserted, CubeSmart could fail to satisfy the 75% or 95% gross income test and thus lose its REIT status.

 

Fourth, CubeSmart cannot furnish or render non-customary services to the tenants of its properties, or manage or operate its properties, other than through an independent contractor who is adequately compensated and from whom CubeSmart does not derive or receive any income. However, CubeSmart need not provide services through an “independent contractor,” but instead may provide services directly to its tenants, if the services are “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not considered to be provided for the tenants’ convenience. In addition, CubeSmart may provide a minimal amount of “non-customary” services to the tenants of a property, other than through an independent contractor, as long as its income from the services does not exceed 1% of its income from the related property.

 

Finally, CubeSmart may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries, which may provide non-customary services to CubeSmart’s tenants without tainting CubeSmart’s rents from the related properties. CubeSmart has not performed, and does not intend to perform, any services other than customary ones for its tenants, other than services provided through independent contractors or taxable REIT subsidiaries.

 

Tenants may be required to pay, in addition to base rent, reimbursements for certain amounts CubeSmart is obligated to pay to third parties (such as a lessee’s proportionate share of a property’s operational or capital expenses), penalties for nonpayment or late payment of rent or additions to rent. These and other similar payments should qualify as “rents from real property.” To the extent they do not, they should be treated as interest that qualifies for the 95% gross income test.

 

If a portion of the rent CubeSmart receives from a property does not qualify as “rents from real property” because the rent attributable to personal property exceeds 15% of the total rent for a taxable year, the portion of the rent attributable to personal property will not be qualifying income for purposes of either the 75% or 95% gross income test. Thus, if rent attributable to personal property, plus any other income that is nonqualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, during a taxable year exceeds 5% of its gross income during the year, CubeSmart would lose its REIT status, unless CubeSmart qualified for certain statutory relief provisions. By contrast, in the following circumstances, none of the rent from a lease of property would qualify as “rents from real property”: (1) the rent is considered based on the income or profits of the tenant; (2) the lessee is a related party tenant or fails to qualify for the exception to the related-party tenant rule for qualifying taxable REIT subsidiaries; or (3) CubeSmart furnishes non-customary services to the tenants of the property, or manages or operates the property, other than through a qualifying independent contractor or a taxable REIT subsidiary. In any of these circumstances, CubeSmart could lose its REIT status, unless CubeSmart qualified for certain statutory relief provisions, because it would be unable to satisfy either the 75% or 95% gross income test.

 

Interest. The term “interest” generally does not include any amount received or accrued, directly or indirectly, if the determination of the amount depends in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term “interest” solely because it is based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. Furthermore, to the extent that interest from a loan that is based on the profit or net cash proceeds from the sale of the property securing the loan constitutes a “shared appreciation provision,” income attributable to such participation feature will be treated as gain from the sale of the secured property.

 

Prohibited Transactions. A REIT will incur a 100% tax on the net income derived from any sale or other disposition of property, other than foreclosure property, that the REIT holds primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. Whether a REIT holds an asset “primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business” depends, however, on the facts and circumstances in effect from time to time, including those related to a particular asset. A safe harbor to the characterization of the sale of property by a REIT as a prohibited transaction and the 100% prohibited transaction tax is available if the following requirements are met:

 

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the REIT has held the property for not less than two years;

 

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the aggregate expenditures made by the REIT, or any partner of the REIT, during the four-year period preceding the date of the sale that are includable in the basis of the property do not exceed 30% of the selling price of the property;

 

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either (1) during the year in question, the REIT did not make more than seven sales of property other than foreclosure property or sales to which Section 1033 of the Code applied, (2) the aggregate adjusted bases of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 10% of the aggregate bases of all of the assets of the REIT at the beginning of the year, (3) the aggregate fair market value of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 10% of the aggregate fair market value of all of the assets of the REIT at the beginning of the year, (4) (i) for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, the aggregate adjusted bases of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 20% of the aggregate bases of all of the assets of the REIT at the beginning of the year and (ii) the average annual percentage of such properties sold by the REIT compared to all the REIT’s assets (measured by adjusted tax bases) in the current and two prior years did not exceed 10%, or (5) (i) the aggregate fair market value of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 20% of the aggregate fair market value of all assets of the REIT at the beginning of the year and (ii) the average annual percentage of such properties sold by the REIT compared to all the REIT’s assets (measured by fair market value) in the current and two prior years did not exceed 10%;

 

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in the case of property not acquired through foreclosure or lease termination, the REIT has held the property for at least two years for the production of rental income; and

 

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if the REIT has made more than seven sales of non-foreclosure property during the taxable year, substantially all of the marketing and development expenditures with respect to the property were made through an independent contractor (or, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, a taxable REIT subsidiary) from whom the REIT derives no income.

 

CubeSmart intends to hold properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing, owning and operating properties, and to make occasional sales of properties as are consistent with its investment objective. CubeSmart cannot assure you, however, that it can comply with the safe-harbor provisions that would prevent the imposition of the 100% tax or that it will avoid owning property that may be characterized as property held “primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business.” The 100% tax does not apply to gains from the sale of property that is held through a taxable REIT subsidiary or other taxable corporation, although such income will be subject to tax in the hands of that corporation at regular corporate tax rates. CubeSmart may, therefore, form or acquire a taxable REIT subsidiary to hold and dispose of those properties it concludes may not fall within the safe-harbor provisions.

 

Foreclosure Property. CubeSmart will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate (35% for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2017 and 21% for tax years beginning after that date) on any net income from foreclosure property, other than income that otherwise would be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. “Foreclosure property” is any real property, including interests in real property, and any personal property incident to such real property:

 

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that is acquired by a REIT as the result of the REIT having bid on such property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced such property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after there was a default or default was imminent on a lease of such property or on indebtedness that such property secured;

 

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for which the related loan or leased property was acquired by the REIT at a time when the default was not imminent or anticipated; and

 

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for which the REIT makes a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property.

 

A REIT will not be considered to have foreclosed on a property where the REIT takes control of the property as a mortgagee-in-possession and cannot receive any profit or sustain any loss except as a creditor of the mortgagor. Property generally ceases to be foreclosure property at the end of the third taxable year following the taxable year in which the REIT acquired the property (or longer if an extension is granted by the Secretary of the Treasury). This period (as extended, if applicable) terminates, and foreclosure property ceases to be foreclosure property, on the first day:

 

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on which a lease is entered into for the property that, by its terms, will give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test, or any amount is received or accrued, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a lease entered into on or after such day that will give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test;

 

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on which any construction takes place on the property, other than completion of a building or, any other improvement, where more than 10% of the construction was completed before default became imminent; or

 

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which is more than 90 days after the day on which the REIT acquired the property and the property is used in a trade or business which is conducted by the REIT, other than through an independent contractor from whom the REIT itself does not derive or receive any income.

 

Any gain from the sale of property for which a foreclosure property election has been made will not be subject to the 100% tax on gains from prohibited transactions described above, even if the property is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. Income and gain from foreclosure property are qualifying income for the 75% and 95% gross income tests.

 

Hedging Transactions. From time to time, CubeSmart enters into hedging transactions with respect to its assets or liabilities. CubeSmart’s hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase such items, and futures and forward contracts. Income and gain from “hedging transactions” will be excluded from gross income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests. A “hedging transaction” means either (1) any transaction entered into in the normal course of its trade or business primarily to manage the risk of interest rate, price changes, or currency fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made, or ordinary obligations incurred or to be incurred, to acquire or carry real estate assets or (2) any transaction entered into primarily to manage the risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain that would be qualifying income under the 75% or 95% gross income test (or any property which generates such income or gain). CubeSmart will be required to clearly identify any such hedging transaction before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into and to satisfy other identification requirements. No assurance can be given that its hedging activities will not give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of either or both of the gross income tests, and will not adversely affect CubeSmart’s ability to satisfy the REIT qualification requirements.

 

Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, if CubeSmart has entered into a hedging transaction described in (1) or (2), and a portion of the hedged indebtedness or property is extinguished or disposed of and, in connection with such extinguishment or disposition, CubeSmart enters into a new clearly identified hedging transaction (a “New Hedge”), income from the applicable hedge and income from the New Hedge (including gain from the disposition of such New Hedge) will not be treated as gross income for purposes of the 95% and 75% gross income tests.

 

Foreign Currency Gain. Certain foreign currency gains will be excluded from gross income for purposes of one or both of the gross income tests. “Real estate foreign exchange gain” will be excluded from gross income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Real estate foreign exchange gain generally includes foreign currency gain attributable to any item of income or gain that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, foreign currency gain attributable to the acquisition or ownership of (or becoming or being the obligor under) obligations secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property and certain foreign currency gain attributable to certain “qualified business units” of a REIT. “Passive foreign exchange gain” will be excluded from gross income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. Passive foreign exchange gain generally includes real estate foreign exchange gain as described above, and also includes foreign currency gain attributable to any item of income or gain that is qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test and foreign currency gain attributable to the acquisition or ownership of (or becoming or being the obligor under) debt obligations. Because passive foreign exchange gain includes real estate foreign exchange gain, real estate foreign exchange gain is excluded from gross income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income test. These exclusions for real estate foreign exchange gain and passive foreign exchange gain do not apply to foreign currency gain derived from dealing, or engaging in substantial and regular trading, in securities. Such gain is treated as nonqualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests.

 

Failure to Satisfy Gross Income Tests. If CubeSmart fails to satisfy one or both of the gross income tests for any taxable year, CubeSmart nevertheless may qualify as a REIT for that year if it qualifies for relief under certain provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws. Those relief provisions will be available if:

 

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CubeSmart’s failure to meet those tests is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect; and

 

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following such failure for any taxable year, a schedule of the sources of its income is filed with the IRS in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

 

CubeSmart cannot predict, however, whether any failure to meet these tests will qualify for the relief provisions. As discussed above in “Taxation of CubeSmart as a REIT,” even if the relief provisions apply, CubeSmart would incur a 100% tax on the gross income attributable to the greater of (1) the amount by which it fails the 75% gross income test, or (2) the excess of 95% of its gross income over the amount of gross income qualifying under the 95% gross income test, multiplied, in either case, by a fraction intended to reflect its profitability.

 

Asset Tests. To maintain its qualification as a REIT, CubeSmart also must satisfy the following asset tests at the end of each quarter of each taxable year.

 

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First, at least 75% of the value of CubeSmart’s total assets must consist of:

 

·

cash or cash items, including certain receivables;

 

·

government securities;

 

·

interests in real property, including leaseholds and options to acquire real property and leaseholds;

 

·

effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015:  (i) personal property leased in connection with real property to the extent that the rents from personal property are treated as “rent from real property” for purposes of the 75% income test, and (ii) debt instruments issued by publicly offered REITs;

 

·

interests in mortgages on real property (including certain mortgage-backed securities) and, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, interests in mortgage loans secured by both real and personal property if the fair market value of such personal property does not exceed 15% of the total fair market value of all property securing the loans;

 

·

stock in other REITs; and

 

·

investments in stock or debt instruments during the one year period following its receipt of new capital that CubeSmart raises through equity offerings or public offerings of debt with at least a five year term.

 

Second, of CubeSmart’s investments not included in the 75% asset class, the value of its interest in any one issuer’s securities may not exceed 5% of the value of its total assets, or the “5% asset test.”

 

Third, of CubeSmart’s investments not included in the 75% asset class, CubeSmart may not own more than 10% of the voting power or value of any one issuer’s outstanding securities, or the “10% vote test” and “10% value test,” respectively.

 

Fourth, not more than 25% (20% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017) of the value of CubeSmart’s assets may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries.

 

Fifth, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, not more than 25% of the value of CubeSmart’s total assets may be represented by “nonqualified publicly offered REIT debt instruments.” “Nonqualified publicly offered REIT debt instruments” are debt instruments issued by publicly offered REITs that are not secured by a mortgage on real property.

 

For purposes of the 5% asset test, the 10% vote test and 10% value test, the term “securities” does not include stock in another REIT, equity or debt securities of a qualified REIT subsidiary or taxable REIT subsidiary, mortgage loans that constitute real estate assets, or equity interests in a partnership. The term “securities,” however, generally includes debt securities issued by a partnership or another REIT, except that for purposes of the 10% value test, the term “securities” does not include:

 

·

Any “straight debt” security, which is defined as a written unconditional promise to pay on demand or on a specified date a sum certain in money if (i) the debt is not convertible, directly or indirectly, into stock, and (ii) the interest rate and interest payment dates are not contingent on profits, the borrower’s discretion, or similar factors. “Straight debt” securities do not include any securities issued by a partnership or a corporation in which CubeSmart or any controlled taxable REIT subsidiary hold non-”straight debt” securities that have an aggregate value of more than 1% of the issuer’s outstanding securities. However, “straight debt” securities include debt subject to the following contingencies: (1) a contingency relating to the time of payment of interest or principal, as long as either (i) there is no change to the effective yield of the debt obligation, other than a change to the annual yield that does not exceed the greater of 0.25% or 5% of the annual yield, or (ii) neither the aggregate issue price nor the aggregate face amount of the issuer’s debt obligations held by CubeSmart exceeds $1 million and no more than 12 months of unaccrued interest on the debt obligations can be required to be prepaid; and (2) a contingency relating to the time or amount of payment upon a default or prepayment of a debt obligation, as long as the contingency is consistent with customary commercial practice.

 

·

Any loan to an individual or an estate.

 

·

Any “section 467 rental agreement,” other than an agreement with a related party tenant.

 

·

Any obligation to pay “rents from real property.”

 

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·

Certain securities issued by governmental entities.

 

·

Any security issued by a REIT.

 

·

Any debt instrument issued by an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which CubeSmart is a partner to the extent of CubeSmart’s proportionate interest in the debt and equity securities of the partnership.

 

·

Any debt instrument issued by an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes not described in the preceding bullet points if at least 75% of the partnership’s gross income, excluding income from prohibited transactions, is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test described above in “Requirements for Qualification — Gross Income Tests.”

 

For purposes of the 10% value test, its proportionate share of the assets of a partnership is its proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership, without regard to the securities described in the last two bullet points above.

 

Failure to Satisfy Asset Tests. CubeSmart will monitor the status of its assets for purposes of the various asset tests and will manage its portfolio in order to comply at all times with such tests. If CubeSmart fails to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a calendar quarter, it would not lose its REIT status if:

 

·

CubeSmart satisfied the asset tests at the end of the preceding calendar quarter; and

 

·

the discrepancy between the value of its assets and the asset test requirements arose from changes in the market values of its assets and was not wholly or partly caused by the acquisition of one or more non-qualifying assets.

 

If the failure to satisfy the asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. CubeSmart intends to maintain adequate records of the value of its assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests, and to take such other action within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance. However, there can be no assurance that such other action will always be successful. If CubeSmart fails to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests within such time period, its status as a REIT would be lost.

 

In the event that, at the end of any calendar quarter, CubeSmart violates the 5% asset test, the 10% vote test or the 10% value test described above, CubeSmart will not lose its REIT status if (i) the failure is de minimis (up to the lesser of 1% of its assets or $10 million) and (ii) CubeSmart disposes of assets or otherwise complies with the asset tests within six months after the last day of the quarter in which it identifies such failure. In the event the failure to meet the asset test is more than de minimis, CubeSmart will not lose its REIT status if (i) the failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, (ii) CubeSmart files a description of each asset causing the failure with the IRS, (iii) CubeSmart disposes of assets or otherwise complies with the asset tests within six months after the last day of the quarter in which CubeSmart identifies the failure, and (iv) CubeSmart pays a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or 35% (for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2017 and 21% for tax years beginning after that date) of the net income from the nonqualifying assets during the period in which it failed to satisfy the asset tests.

 

Annual Distribution Requirements. Each taxable year, CubeSmart must distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends and deemed distributions of retained capital gain, to its shareholders in an aggregate amount not less than the sum of

 

·

90% of its “REIT taxable income,” computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and its net capital gain or loss, and

 

·

90% of its after-tax net income, if any, from foreclosure property, minus

 

·

the sum of certain items of non-cash income.

 

            For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, CubeSmart’s deduction for net business interest expense will generally be limited to 30% of its taxable income, as adjusted for certain items of income, gain, deduction or loss. Any business interest deduction that is disallowed due to this limitation may be carried forward to future taxable years. If CubeSmart is subject to this interest expense limitation, its REIT taxable income for a taxable year may be increased. Taxpayers that conduct certain real estate businesses may elect not to have this interest expense limitation apply to them, provided that they use an alternative depreciation system to depreciate certain property. CubeSmart may be eligible to make this election. If CubeSmart makes this election, although it would not be subject to

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the interest expense limitation described above, its depreciation deductions may be reduced and, as a result, its REIT taxable income for a taxable year may be increased.

 

Generally, CubeSmart must pay such distributions in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if either (a) CubeSmart declares the distribution before it timely files its U.S. federal income tax return for the year and pays the distribution on or before the first regular dividend payment date after such declaration or (b) CubeSmart declares the distribution in October, November, or December of the taxable year, payable to shareholders of record on a specified day in any such month, and CubeSmart actually pays the dividend before the end of January of the following year. In both instances, these distributions relate to its prior taxable year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement.

 

In order for distributions to be counted towards CubeSmart’s distribution requirement, and to provide a tax deduction to CubeSmart, for taxable years ending on or before December 31, 2014, they must not be “preferential dividends.” A dividend is not a preferential dividend if it is pro rata among all outstanding shares within a particular class, and is in accordance with the preferences among the different classes of shares as set forth in CubeSmart’s organizational documents. For all subsequent taxable years, so long as CubeSmart continues to be a “publicly offered REIT,” the preferential dividend rule will not apply.

 

To the extent that CubeSmart distributes at least 90%, but less than 100%, of its net taxable income, CubeSmart will be subject to tax at ordinary corporate tax rates on the retained portion. In addition, CubeSmart may elect to retain, rather than distribute, its net long-term capital gains and pay tax on such gains. In this case, CubeSmart would elect to have its shareholders include their proportionate share of such undistributed long-term capital gains in their income and receive a corresponding credit for their proportionate share of the tax paid by us. CubeSmart’s shareholders would then increase their adjusted basis in their CubeSmart shares by the difference between the amount included in their long-term capital gains and the tax deemed paid with respect to their shares.

 

If CubeSmart fails to distribute during a calendar year, or by the end of January of the following calendar year in the case of distributions with declaration and record dates falling in the last three months of the calendar year, at least the sum of:

 

·

85% of its REIT ordinary income for the year,

 

·

95% of its REIT capital gain income for the year, and

 

·

any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, CubeSmart will incur a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts CubeSmart actually distributed. In calculating the required distribution for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, the amount that CubeSmart is treated as having distributed is not reduced by any amounts not allowable in computing its taxable income for the taxable year and which were not allowable in computing its taxable income for any prior years. If CubeSmart so elects, it will be treated as having distributed any such retained amount for purposes of the 4% nondeductible excise tax described above.

 

It is possible that, from time to time, CubeSmart may experience timing differences between the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses and the inclusion of that income and deduction of such expenses in arriving at its REIT taxable income. For example, because CubeSmart may deduct capital losses only to the extent of its capital gains, its REIT taxable income may exceed its economic income. Further, it is possible that, from time to time, CubeSmart may be allocated a share of net capital gain from a partnership in which CubeSmart owns an interest attributable to the sale of depreciated property that exceeds its allocable share of cash attributable to that sale. Although several types of non-cash income are excluded in determining the annual distribution requirement, CubeSmart will incur corporate income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax with respect to those non-cash income items if CubeSmart does not distribute those items on a current basis. As a result of the foregoing, CubeSmart may have less cash than is necessary to distribute all of its taxable income and thereby avoid corporate income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax imposed on certain undistributed income. In such a situation, CubeSmart may issue additional common or preferred shares, CubeSmart may borrow or may cause the Operating Partnership to arrange for short-term or possibly long-term borrowing to permit the payment of required distributions, or CubeSmart may pay dividends in the form of taxable in-kind distributions of property, including potentially, its shares.

 

Under certain circumstances, CubeSmart may be able to correct a failure to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying “deficiency dividends” to its shareholders in a later year. CubeSmart may include such deficiency dividends in its deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Although CubeSmart may be able to avoid income tax on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, CubeSmart will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction it takes for deficiency dividends.

 

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Failure to Qualify

 

If CubeSmart were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and no relief provision applied, CubeSmart would have the following consequences: CubeSmart would be subject to U.S. federal income tax and, for tax years beginning before January 1, 2018, any applicable alternative minimum tax at regular corporate rates applicable to regular C corporations on its taxable income, determined without reduction for amounts distributed to shareholders. CubeSmart would not be required to make any distributions to shareholders. Unless CubeSmart qualified for relief under specific statutory provisions, it would not be permitted to elect taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which CubeSmart ceased to qualify as a REIT.

 

If CubeSmart fails to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification, other than the gross income tests and the asset tests, CubeSmart could avoid disqualification if its failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect and CubeSmart pays a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure. In addition, there are relief provisions for a failure of the gross income tests and asset tests, as described in “Requirements for Qualification — Gross Income Tests” and “Requirements for Qualification — Asset Tests.” It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances CubeSmart would be entitled to such statutory relief.

 

State and Local Taxes

 

We may be subject to taxation by various states and localities, including those in which we transact business or own property. The state and local tax treatment in such jurisdictions may differ from the U.S. federal income tax treatment described above.

 

Tax Aspects of Investments in the Operating Partnership and Subsidiary Partnerships

 

The following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to CubeSmart’s direct or indirect investment in its Operating Partnership and any subsidiary partnerships or limited liability companies we form or acquire that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, each individually referred to as a “Partnership” and, collectively, as “Partnerships” below. The following discussion does not address state or local tax laws or any federal tax laws other than income tax laws.

 

Classification as Partnerships. CubeSmart is required to include in its income its distributive share of each Partnership’s income and to deduct its distributive share of each Partnership’s losses but only if such Partnership is classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a partnership (or an entity that is disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes if the entity has only one owner or member), rather than as a corporation or an association taxable as a corporation.

 

An organization with at least two owners or members will be classified as a partnership, rather than as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes if it:

 

·

is treated as a partnership under the Treasury regulations relating to entity classification (the “check-the-box regulations”); and

 

·

is not a “publicly traded partnership.”

 

Under the check-the-box regulations, an unincorporated domestic entity with at least two owners or members may elect to be classified either as an association taxable as a corporation or as a partnership. If such an entity does not make an election, it generally will be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We intend that each Partnership will be classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or else a disregarded entity where there are not at least two separate beneficial owners).

 

A publicly traded partnership is a partnership whose interests are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market (or a substantial equivalent). A publicly traded partnership is generally treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but will not be so treated if, for each taxable year beginning after December 31, 1987 in which it was classified as a publicly traded partnership, at least 90% of the partnership’s gross income consisted of specified passive income, including real property rents (which includes rents that would be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, with certain modifications that make it easier for the rents to qualify for the 90% passive income exception), gains from the sale or other disposition of real property, interest, and dividends (the “90% passive income exception”).

 

Treasury regulations provide limited safe harbors from treatment as a publicly traded partnership. Pursuant to one of those safe harbors (the “private placement exclusion”), interests in a partnership will not be treated as readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof if (1) all interests in the partnership were issued in a transaction or transactions that were not required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and (2) the partnership does not have more than 100 partners at any time during the partnership’s taxable year. For the determination of the number of partners in a partnership, a person owning an interest in a partnership, grantor trust, or S corporation that owns an interest in the partnership is treated as a partner in the partnership only if

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(1) substantially all of the value of the owner’s interest in the entity is attributable to the entity’s direct or indirect interest in the partnership and (2) a principal purpose of the use of the entity is to permit the partnership to satisfy the 100-partner limitation. CubeSmart believes that each Partnership should qualify for the private placement exclusion.

 

We have not requested, and do not intend to request, a ruling from the IRS that the Partnerships will be classified as partnerships (or disregarded entities, if the entity has only one owner or member) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If for any reason a Partnership were taxable as a corporation, rather than as a partnership, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, CubeSmart may not be able to qualify as a REIT, unless it qualifies for certain relief provisions. See “Requirements for Qualification — Gross Income Tests” and “Requirements for Qualification — Asset Tests.” In addition, any change in a Partnership’s status for tax purposes might be treated as a taxable event, in which case CubeSmart might incur tax liability without any related cash distribution. See “Requirements for Qualification — Annual Distribution Requirements.” Further, items of income and deduction of such Partnership would not pass through to its partners, and its partners would be treated as shareholders for tax purposes. Consequently, such Partnership would be required to pay income tax at corporate rates on its net income, and distributions to its partners would constitute dividends that would not be deductible in computing such Partnership’s taxable income.

 

Partners, Not the Partnerships, Subject to Tax. A partnership is not a taxable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except that, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, a partnership is liable for paying tax assessed pursuant to an audit adjustment unless the partnership elects to “push out” such audit adjustments to its partners. 

 

CubeSmart will therefore take into account its allocable share of each Partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits for each taxable year of the Partnerships ending with or within CubeSmart’s taxable year, even if CubeSmart receives no distribution from the Partnerships for that year or a distribution less than CubeSmart’s share of taxable income. Similarly, even if CubeSmart receives a distribution, CubeSmart may not be taxed on such distribution if the distribution does not exceed its adjusted tax basis in its interest in the distributing Partnership.

 

Among the deductions that would flow to CubeSmart are the interest deductions of the Operating Partnership and its subsidiary Partnerships.  The TCJA limits a taxpayer’s net interest expense deduction to 30% of the sum of adjusted taxable income, business interest, and certain other amounts. Adjusted taxable income does not include items of income or expense not allocable to a trade or business, business interest or expense, the new deduction for qualified business income, NOLs, and for years prior to 2022, deductions for depreciation, amortization, or depletion. For partnerships, the interest deduction limitation is applied at the partnership level, subject to certain adjustments to the partners for unused deduction limitation at the partnership level.

 

The TCJA allows a real property trade or business to elect out of this interest limitation so long as it uses a 40-year recovery period for nonresidential real property, a 30-year recovery period for residential rental property, and a 20-year recovery period for related improvements. Disallowed interest expense is carried forward indefinitely (subject to special rules for partnerships). The interest deduction limitation applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.

 

For taxpayers that do not use the TCJA’s real property trade or business exception to the business interest deduction limitations, the TCJA maintains the current 39-year and 27.5-year straight line recovery periods for nonresidential real property and residential rental property, respectively, and provides that tenant improvements for such taxpayers are subject to a general 15-year recovery period. Also, the TCJA temporarily allows 100% expensing of certain new or used tangible property through 2022, phasing out at 20% for each following year (with an election available for 50% expensing of such property if placed in service during the first taxable year ending after September 27, 2017). The changes apply, generally, to property acquired after September 27, 2017 and placed in service after September 27, 2017.

 

Partnership Allocations. Although a partnership agreement generally will determine the allocation of income and losses among partners, allocations will be disregarded for tax purposes if they do not comply with the provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws governing partnership allocations. If an allocation is not recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners’ interests in the partnership, which will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item.

 

Tax Allocations With Respect to Contributed Properties. Income, gain, loss, and deduction attributable to (a) appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership or (b) property revalued on the books of a partnership must be allocated in a manner such that each of a contributing partner or the partners at the time of a book revaluation, as applicable, are charged with, or benefit from, respectively, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of such unrealized gain or unrealized loss, referred to as “built-in gain” or “built-in loss,” is generally equal to the difference between the fair market value of the contributed or revalued property at the time of contribution or revaluation and the adjusted tax basis of such property at that time, referred to as a book-tax difference. Such allocations are solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners.

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The U.S. Treasury Department has issued regulations requiring partnerships to use a “reasonable method” for allocating items with respect to which there is a book-tax difference and outlining several reasonable allocation methods. Unless we, as general partner, select a different method, the Operating Partnership will use the traditional method for allocating items with respect to which there is a book-tax difference. Depending upon the method chosen, (1) CubeSmart’s tax depreciation deductions attributable to those properties may be lower than they would have been if the partnership had acquired those properties for cash and (2) in the event of a sale of such properties, CubeSmart could be allocated gain in excess of its corresponding economic or book gain. These allocations may cause CubeSmart to recognize taxable income in excess of cash proceeds received by us, which might adversely affect CubeSmart’s ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements or result in CubeSmart’s shareholders recognizing additional dividend income without an increase in distributions.

 

Depreciation.  Some assets in our Partnerships include appreciated property contributed by its partners. Assets contributed to a Partnership in a tax-free transaction generally retain the same depreciation method and recovery period as they had in the hands of the partner who contributed them to the partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership’s depreciation deductions for such contributed real property are based on the historic tax depreciation schedules for the properties prior to their contribution to the Operating Partnership.

 

Basis in Partnership Interest. CubeSmart’s adjusted tax basis in any partnership interest it owns generally will be:

 

·

the amount of cash and the basis of any other property it contributes to the partnership;

 

·

increased by its allocable share of the partnership’s income (including tax-exempt income) and its allocable share of indebtedness of the partnership; and

 

·

reduced, but not below zero, by its allocable share of the partnership’s loss (excluding any non-deductible items), the amount of cash and the basis of property distributed to CubeSmart, and constructive distributions resulting from a reduction in its share of indebtedness of the partnership.

 

Loss allocated to CubeSmart in excess of its basis in a partnership interest will not be taken into account until CubeSmart again has basis sufficient to absorb the loss. A reduction of CubeSmart’s share of partnership indebtedness will be treated as a constructive cash distribution to CubeSmart, and will reduce its adjusted tax basis in the partnership. Distributions, including constructive distributions, in excess of the basis of CubeSmart’s partnership interest will constitute taxable income to CubeSmart. Such distributions and constructive distributions normally will be characterized as long-term capital gain.

 

Sale of a Partnership’s Property. Generally, any gain realized by a Partnership on the sale of property that is a capital asset held for more than one year will be long-term capital gain, except for any portion of the gain treated as depreciation or cost recovery recapture. Any gain or loss recognized by a Partnership on the disposition of contributed or revalued properties will be allocated first to the partners who contributed the properties or who were partners at the time of revaluation, to the extent of their built-in gain or loss on those properties for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The partners’ built-in gain or loss on contributed or revalued properties is the difference between the partners’ proportionate share of the book value of those properties and the partners’ tax basis allocable to those properties at the time of the contribution or revaluation. Any remaining gain or loss recognized by the Partnership on the disposition of contributed or revalued properties, and any gain or loss recognized by the Partnership on the disposition of other properties, will be allocated among the partners in accordance with their percentage interests in the Partnership.

 

CubeSmart’s share of any Partnership gain from the sale of inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of the Partnership’s trade or business will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction subject to a 100% tax. Income from a prohibited transaction may have an adverse effect on CubeSmart’s ability to satisfy the gross income tests for REIT status. See “Requirements for Qualification — Gross Income Tests.” CubeSmart does not presently intend to acquire or hold, or to allow any Partnership to acquire or hold, any property that is likely to be treated as inventory or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of CubeSmart’s, or the Partnership’s, trade or business.

 

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Partnership Audit Rules. Congress recently revised the rules applicable to federal income tax audits of partnerships (such as the Operating Partnership) and the collection of any tax resulting from any such audits or other tax proceedings, generally for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Under the new rules, a partnership itself may be liable for a tax computed by reference to the hypothetical increase in partner-level taxes (including interest and penalties) resulting from an adjustment of partnership tax items on audit, regardless of changes in the composition of the partners (or their relative ownership) between the year under audit and the year of the adjustment. The new rules also include an elective alternative method under which the additional taxes resulting from the adjustment are assessed against the affected partners, subject to a higher rate of interest than otherwise would apply. Questions remain as to how the new rules will apply, especially with respect to partners that are REITs (such as us), and it is not clear at this time what effect this new legislation will have on us. However, these changes could increase the U.S. federal income tax, interest, and/or penalties otherwise borne by us in the event of a federal income tax audit of the Operating Partnership or one of its subsidiary partnerships.

 

Taxation of Shareholders

 

Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders

 

The term “U.S. shareholder” means a holder of CubeSmart common shares or preferred shares that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is:

 

·

a citizen or individual resident of the United States;

 

·

a corporation (including an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States, any of its states or the District of Columbia;

 

·

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

·

any trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

If a partnership, entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds CubeSmart common shares or preferred shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding CubeSmart common shares or preferred shares, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the consequences of the ownership and disposition of CubeSmart common shares or preferred shares by the partnership.

 

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders on Distributions. As long as CubeSmart qualifies as a REIT, a taxable U.S. shareholder will be required to take into account as ordinary income distributions made out of CubeSmart’s current or accumulated earnings and profits that CubeSmart does not designate as capital gain dividends or retained long-term capital gain. However, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, generally individual shareholders are allowed to deduct 20% of the aggregate amount of ordinary dividends distributed by us, subject to certain limitations. A U.S. shareholder will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations.

 

Dividends paid to a U.S. shareholder generally will not qualify for the preferential tax rate for “qualified dividend income” (currently, a 20% maximum rate, also see the discussion below, “Taxation of Shareholders— Tax Rates Applicable to Individual Shareholders under the TCJA”). Qualified dividend income generally includes dividends paid by domestic C corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations to most noncorporate U.S. shareholders. Because a REIT is not generally subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its REIT taxable income distributed to its shareholders, CubeSmart’s dividends generally will not be eligible for the preferential tax rate on qualified dividend income. As a result, CubeSmart’s ordinary REIT dividends will be taxed at the higher rate applicable to ordinary income. The highest marginal individual income tax rate on ordinary income is 39.6% for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2017 and 37% for tax years beginning after that date (but see the discussion below “Taxation of Shareholders — Tax Rates Applicable to Individual Shareholders under the TCJA” regarding the sunset of the 37% rate). However, the preferential tax rate for qualified dividend income will apply to CubeSmart’s ordinary REIT dividends, if any, that are (i) attributable to dividends received by CubeSmart from non-REIT corporations, such as our taxable REIT subsidiaries, and (ii) attributable to income upon which CubeSmart has paid corporate income tax (e.g., to the extent that CubeSmart distributes less than 100% of CubeSmart’s taxable income). In general, to qualify for the preferential tax rate on qualified dividend income, a U.S. shareholder must hold CubeSmart common shares or preferred shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date on which the common shares or preferred shares become ex-dividend.

 

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With respect to common shares, CubeSmart may distribute taxable dividends that are payable partly in cash and partly in CubeSmart common shares. Taxable U.S. shareholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividends as ordinary income to the extent of CubeSmart’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. However, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, generally individual shareholders are allowed to deduct 20% of the aggregate amount of ordinary dividends distributed by us, subject to certain limitations. 

 

Any distribution CubeSmart declares in October, November, or December of any year that is payable to a U.S. shareholder of record on a specified date in any of those months will be treated as paid by CubeSmart and received by the U.S. shareholder on December 31 of the year, provided CubeSmart actually pays the distribution during January of the following calendar year.

 

Distributions to a U.S. shareholder which CubeSmart designates as capital gain dividends will generally be treated as long-term capital gain, without regard to the period for which the U.S. shareholder has held its common shares or preferred shares. In general, U.S. shareholders will be taxable on long-term capital gains at a current maximum rate of 20% (see the discussion below “Taxation of Shareholders—Tax Rates Applicable to Individual Shareholders under the TCJA”), except that the portion of such gain that is attributable to depreciation recapture will be taxable at the maximum rate of 25%.  A corporate U.S. shareholder, however, may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income.

 

Effective for distributions paid or treated as being paid in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, the aggregate amount of dividends that CubeSmart may designate as “capital gain dividends” or “qualified dividend income” with respect to any taxable year may not exceed the dividends paid by CubeSmart with respect to such taxable year, including dividends that are paid in the following taxable year and treated as having been paid with respect to such taxable year by being (1) declared before CubeSmart timely files its tax return for such taxable year and (2) paid with or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration.

 

CubeSmart may elect to retain and pay income tax on the net long-term capital gain that CubeSmart receives in a taxable year. In that case, a U.S. shareholder would be taxed on its proportionate share of CubeSmart’s undistributed long-term capital gain. The U.S. shareholder would receive a credit or refund for its proportionate share of the tax CubeSmart paid. The U.S. shareholder would increase the basis in its common shares or preferred shares by the amount of its proportionate share of CubeSmart’s undistributed long-term capital gain, minus its share of the tax CubeSmart paid.

 

A U.S. shareholder will not incur tax on a distribution in excess of CubeSmart’s current and accumulated earnings and profits if the distribution does not exceed the adjusted basis of the U.S. shareholder’s common shares or preferred shares. Instead, the distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of the shares, and any amount in excess of both CubeSmart’s current and accumulated earnings and profits and the adjusted basis will be treated as capital gain, long-term capital gain if the shares have been held for more than one year, provided the shares are a capital asset in the hands of the U.S. shareholder.

 

Shareholders may not include in their individual income tax returns any of CubeSmart’s net operating losses or capital losses. Instead, these losses are generally carried over by CubeSmart for potential offset against CubeSmart’s future income (subject to certain limitation for net operating losses arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017). Taxable distributions from CubeSmart and gain from the disposition of common shares or preferred shares will not be treated as passive activity income; and, therefore, shareholders generally will not be able to apply any “passive activity losses,” such as losses from certain types of limited partnerships in which the shareholder is a limited partner, against such income. In addition, taxable distributions from CubeSmart and gain from the disposition of common shares or preferred shares generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitations. Net capital gain from the disposition of our stock or capital gain dividends generally will be excluded from investment income unless the shareholder elects to have the gain taxed at ordinary income rates. CubeSmart will notify shareholders after the close of its taxable year as to the portions of the distributions attributable to that year that constitute ordinary income, return of capital, and capital gain.

 

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders on the Disposition of Common and Preferred Shares

 

In general, a U.S. shareholder who is not a dealer in securities must treat any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of CubeSmart’s common or preferred shares as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. shareholder has held the shares for more than one year, and otherwise as short-term capital gain or loss. In general, a U.S. shareholder will realize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the sum of the fair market value of any property and the amount of cash received in such disposition and the U.S. shareholder’s adjusted tax basis. A U.S. shareholder’s adjusted tax basis generally will equal the U.S. shareholder’s acquisition cost, increased by the excess of net capital gains deemed distributed to the U.S. shareholder less tax deemed paid by it and reduced by any returns of capital. However, a U.S. shareholder must treat any loss upon a sale or exchange of common or preferred shares held by such shareholder for six months or less as a long-term capital loss to the extent of capital gain dividends and any actual or deemed distributions from CubeSmart that such U.S. shareholder treats as long-term capital gain. All or a portion of any loss that a U.S. shareholder realizes

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upon a taxable disposition of common or preferred shares may be disallowed if the U.S. shareholder purchases other common shares or preferred shares within 30 days before or after the disposition.

 

If a U.S. shareholder recognizes a loss upon a subsequent disposition of CubeSmart shares in an amount that exceeds a prescribed threshold, it is possible that the provisions of Treasury regulations involving “reportable transactions” could apply, with a resulting requirement to separately disclose the loss generating transactions to the IRS. While these regulations are directed towards “tax shelters,” they are written broadly, and apply to transactions that would not typically be considered tax shelters. Significant penalties apply for failure to comply with these requirements. You should consult your tax advisor concerning any possible disclosure obligation with respect to the receipt or disposition of CubeSmart shares, or transactions that might be undertaken directly or indirectly by us. Moreover, you should be aware that CubeSmart and other participants in transactions involving CubeSmart (including our advisors) might be subject to disclosure or other requirements pursuant to these regulations.

 

The tax-rate differential between capital gain and ordinary income for non-corporate taxpayers may be significant. A taxpayer generally must hold a capital asset for more than one year for gain or loss derived from its sale or exchange to be treated as long-term capital gain or loss. The highest marginal individual income tax rate is currently 39.6% for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2017 and 37% for tax years beginning after that date (but see the discussion below “Taxation of Shareholders—Tax Rates Applicable to Individual Shareholders under the TCJA” regarding the sunset of the 37% rate). The maximum tax rate on long-term capital gain applicable to U.S. shareholders taxed at individual rates is currently 20%. For additional information, see the discussion below “Taxation of Shareholders—Tax Rates Applicable to Individual Shareholders under the TCJA.” The maximum tax rate on long-term capital gain from the sale or exchange of “section 1250 property” (i.e., generally, depreciable real property) is 25% to the extent the gain would have been treated as ordinary income if the property were “section 1245 property” (i.e., generally, depreciable personal property). CubeSmart generally may designate whether a distribution CubeSmart designates as capital gain dividends (and any retained capital gain that CubeSmart is deemed to distribute) is taxable to non-corporate shareholders at the current20% or 25% rate. The characterization of income as capital gain or ordinary income may affect the deductibility of capital losses. A non-corporate taxpayer may deduct capital losses not offset by capital gains against its ordinary income only up to a maximum of $3,000 annually. A non-corporate taxpayer may carry unused capital losses forward indefinitely. A corporate taxpayer must pay tax on its net capital gain at corporate ordinary-income rates. A corporate taxpayer may deduct capital losses only to the extent of capital gains, with unused losses carried back three years and forward five years.

 

Redemption of Preferred Shares

 

Whenever we redeem any preferred shares, the treatment accorded to any redemption by us for cash (as distinguished from a sale, exchange or other disposition) of our preferred shares to a U.S. shareholder of such preferred shares can only be determined on the basis of the particular facts as to each holder at the time of redemption. In general, a U.S. shareholder of our preferred shares will recognize capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the amount received by the holder of such shares upon the redemption and such holder’s adjusted tax basis in the preferred shares redeemed (provided the preferred shares are held as a capital asset) if such redemption (i) results in a “complete termination” of the holder’s interest in all classes of our shares under Section 302(b)(3) of the Code, or (ii) is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the holder of the preferred shares under Section 302(b)(1) of the Code. In applying these tests, there must be taken into account not only the preferred shares being redeemed, but also such holder’s ownership of other classes and series of our shares and any options (including stock purchase rights) to acquire any of the foregoing. The U.S. shareholder of our preferred shares also must take into account any such securities (including options) which are considered to be owned by such holder by reason of the constructive ownership rules set forth in Sections 318 and 302(c) of the Code.

 

If the U.S. shareholder of preferred shares owns (actually or constructively) none of our voting shares, or owns an insubstantial amount of our voting shares, based upon current law, it is probable that the redemption of preferred shares from such a holder would be considered to be “not essentially equivalent to a dividend.” However, whether a distribution is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” depends on all of the facts and circumstances, and a U.S. shareholder of our preferred shares intending to rely on any of the tests in this or the preceding paragraph at the time of redemption should consult its tax advisor to determine their application to its particular situation. If the redemption does not meet any of the tests under Section 302 of the Code, then the redemption proceeds received from our preferred shares will be treated as a distribution on our shares as described under “Taxation of U.S. Shareholders — Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders — Taxation of U.S. Shareholders on Distributions.” If the redemption of a holder’s preferred shares is taxed as a dividend, the adjusted basis of such holder’s redeemed preferred shares will be transferred to any other shares held by the holder.

 

If the holder owns no other shares, under certain circumstances, such basis may be transferred to a related person, or it may be lost entirely.

 

With respect to a redemption of our preferred shares that is treated as a distribution with respect to our shares, which is not otherwise taxable as a dividend, the IRS has proposed Treasury regulations that would require any basis reduction associated with such a redemption to be applied on a share-by-share basis which could result in taxable gain with respect to some shares, even though the holder’s aggregate basis for the shares would be sufficient to absorb the entire amount of the redemption distribution (in excess of any amount of such distribution treated as a dividend). Additionally, these proposed Treasury regulations would not permit the transfer of basis

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in the redeemed shares of the preferred shares to the remaining shares held (directly or indirectly) by the redeemed holder. Instead, the unrecovered basis in our preferred shares would be treated as a deferred loss to be recognized when certain conditions are satisfied. These proposed Treasury regulations would be effective for transactions that occur after the date the regulations are published as final Treasury regulations. There can, however, be no assurance as to whether, when, and in what particular form such proposed Treasury regulations will ultimately be finalized.

 

Conversion of Our Preferred Shares into Common Shares.

 

Except as provided below, a U.S. shareholder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the conversion of our preferred shares into our common shares. Except as provided below, a U.S. shareholder’s basis and holding period in the common shares received upon conversion generally will be the same as those of the converted preferred shares (but the basis will be reduced by the portion of adjusted tax basis allocated to any fractional common share exchanged for cash). Any common shares received in a conversion that is attributable to accumulated and unpaid dividends on the converted preferred shares will be treated as a distribution on our shares as described above in “Taxation of U.S. Shareholders — Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders — Taxation of U.S. Shareholders on Distributions.” Cash received upon conversion in lieu of a fractional common share generally will be treated as a payment in a taxable exchange for such fractional common share, and gain or loss will be recognized on the receipt of cash in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the adjusted tax basis allocable to the fractional common share deemed exchanged. This gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. shareholder has held the preferred shares for more than one year. See “— Taxation of U.S. Shareholders — Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders — Taxation of U.S. Shareholders on the Disposition of Common and Preferred Shares.” U.S. shareholders should consult with their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of any transaction by which such holder exchanges common shares received on a conversion of preferred shares for cash or other property.

 

Tax Rates Applicable to Individual Shareholders under the TCJA

 

Long-term capital gains (i.e., capital gains with respect to assets held for more than one year) and “qualified dividends” received by an individual generally are subject to federal income tax at a maximum rate of 20%. Short-term capital gains (i.e., capital gains with respect to assets held for one year or less) generally are subject to federal income tax at ordinary income rates. Because we are not generally subject to federal income tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income or capital gains distributed to our shareholders, our dividends generally are not eligible for the 20% maximum tax rate on qualified dividends. Instead, our ordinary dividends generally are taxed at the higher tax rates applicable to ordinary income, the maximum rate of which is 37% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 (the rate was 39.6% for tax years beginning before that date) and before January 1, 2026. However, for taxable years prior to 2026, individual shareholders are generally allowed to deduct 20% of the aggregate amount of ordinary dividends distributed by us, subject to certain limitations, which would reduce the maximum marginal effective tax rate for individuals on the receipt of such ordinary dividends to 29.6%. The 20% maximum tax rate for long-term capital gains and qualified dividends generally applies to:

·

your long-term capital gains, if any, recognized on the disposition of our shares;

·

our distributions designated as long-term capital gain dividends (except to the extent attributable to real estate depreciation, in which case such distributions are subject to a 25% tax rate to such extent);

·

our dividends attributable to dividends received by us from non-REIT corporations, such as taxable REIT subsidiaries; and

·

our dividends to the extent attributable to income upon which we have paid corporate income tax (e.g., to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our taxable income).

 

Medicare Tax on Investment Income

 

Certain U.S. shareholders and U.S. Holders (as defined below) who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds may be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare tax on “net investment income” which includes, among other things, dividends on shares, interest on debt securities and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares or debt securities, subject to certain exceptions. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this legislation on their ownership and disposition of our common shares, preferred shares or debt securities.

 

Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding.

 

CubeSmart will report to its shareholders and to the IRS the amount of distributions CubeSmart pays during each calendar year and the amount of tax it withholds, if any. A shareholder may be subject to backup withholding at a rate of up to 28% (for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2017 and 24% for tax years beginning after that date) with respect to distributions unless the holder:

 

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is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact; or

 

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·

provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.

 

A shareholder who does not provide CubeSmart with its correct taxpayer identification number also may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. In addition, CubeSmart may be required to withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to any shareholders who fail to certify their non-foreign status to CubeSmart. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against the shareholder’s income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

Taxation of Tax-Exempt Shareholders

 

Tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts and annuities, generally are exempt from U.S. federal income taxation. However, they are subject to taxation on their “unrelated business taxable income.” While many investments in real estate generate unrelated business taxable income, the IRS has issued a ruling that dividend distributions from a REIT to an exempt employee pension trust do not constitute unrelated business taxable income so long as the exempt employee pension trust does not otherwise use the shares of the REIT in an unrelated trade or business of the pension trust. Based on that ruling, amounts CubeSmart distributes to tax-exempt shareholders generally should not constitute unrelated business taxable income. However, if a tax-exempt shareholder were to finance its acquisition of common shares or preferred shares with debt, a portion of the income it received from CubeSmart would constitute unrelated business taxable income pursuant to the “debt-financed property” rules. Furthermore, social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified group legal services plans that are exempt from taxation under special provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws are subject to different unrelated business taxable income rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions they receive from CubeSmart as unrelated business taxable income.

 

In certain circumstances, a qualified employee pension or profit-sharing trust that owns more than 10% of CubeSmart’s shares of beneficial interest (by value) must treat a percentage of the dividends it receives from CubeSmart as unrelated business taxable income. Such percentage is equal to the gross income CubeSmart derives from an unrelated trade or business, determined as if CubeSmart were a pension trust, divided by its total gross income for the year in which it pays the dividends. This rule applies to a pension trust holding more than 10% of CubeSmart shares only if:

 

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the percentage of CubeSmart’s dividends which the tax-exempt trust must treat as unrelated business taxable income is at least 5%;

 

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CubeSmart is a “pension-held REIT,” that is, CubeSmart qualifies as a REIT by reason of the modification of the rule requiring that no more than 50% of CubeSmart’s shares of beneficial interest be owned by five or fewer individuals that allows the beneficiaries of the pension trust to be treated as holding CubeSmart’s shares in proportion to their actuarial interests in the pension trust; and

 

·

either: (i) one pension trust owns more than 25% of the value of CubeSmart’s shares of beneficial interest; or (ii) one or more pension trusts each individually holding more than 10% of the value of CubeSmart’s shares of beneficial interest collectively owns more than 50% of the value of CubeSmart’s shares of beneficial interest.

 

Certain restrictions on ownership and transfer of CubeSmart’s shares should generally prevent a tax-exempt entity from owning more than 10% of the value of its shares, or CubeSmart from becoming a pension-held REIT.

 

Tax-exempt U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of CubeSmart shares.

 

Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders

 

The term “non-U.S. shareholder” means a holder of CubeSmart common shares or preferred shares that is not a U.S. shareholder or a partnership (or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes). The rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of non-U.S. shareholders are complex. This section is only a summary of such rules. We urge non-U.S. shareholders to consult their own tax advisors to determine the impact of federal, state, local and foreign income tax laws on ownership of common shares or preferred shares, including any reporting requirements.

 

Taxation of Distributions.  A non-U.S. shareholder that receives a distribution which is not attributable to gain from CubeSmart’s sale or exchange of a “United States real property interest” (“USRPI”) (discussed below) and that CubeSmart does not

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designate a capital gain dividend or retained capital gain will be treated as receiving dividends to the extent that CubeSmart pays such distribution out of CubeSmart’s current or accumulated earnings and profits.

 

A withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the distribution ordinarily will apply unless an applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates the tax. However, a non-U.S. shareholder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates on any distribution treated as effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business, in the same manner as U.S. shareholders are taxed on distributions. A corporate non-U.S. shareholder may, in addition, be subject to the 30% branch profits tax with respect to that distribution. CubeSmart plans to withhold U.S. income tax at the rate of 30% on the gross amount of any distribution paid to a non-U.S. shareholder unless either:

 

·

a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. shareholder files a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) evidencing eligibility for that reduced rate with us; or

 

·

the non-U.S. shareholder files an IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) with CubeSmart claiming that the distribution is effectively connected income.

 

A non-U.S. shareholder will not incur tax on a distribution in excess of CubeSmart’s current and accumulated earnings and profits if the excess portion of such distribution does not exceed the adjusted basis of its common shares or preferred shares. Instead, the excess portion of the distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of such shares. A non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to tax on a distribution that exceeds both CubeSmart’s current and accumulated earnings and profits and the adjusted basis of its shares, if the non-U.S. shareholder otherwise would be subject to tax on gain from the sale or disposition of common shares or preferred shares, as described below. Because CubeSmart generally cannot determine at the time CubeSmart makes a distribution whether the distribution will exceed CubeSmart’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, CubeSmart normally will withhold tax on the entire amount of any distribution at the same rate as CubeSmart would withhold on a dividend. However, a non-U.S. shareholder may obtain a refund of amounts CubeSmart withholds if CubeSmart later determines that a distribution in fact exceeded CubeSmart’s current and accumulated earnings and profits.

 

CubeSmart may be required to withhold 15%  (increased from 10% effective February 17, 2016) of any distribution that exceeds CubeSmart’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Consequently, although CubeSmart intends to withhold at a rate of 30% on the entire amount of any distribution, to the extent CubeSmart does not do so, CubeSmart may withhold at a rate of 15% on any portion of a distribution not subject to withholding at a rate of 30%.

 

For any year in which CubeSmart qualifies as a REIT, except as discussed below (in “Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders—Taxation of Disposition of Shares”) with respect to certain holders owning 10% or less of regularly traded classes of shares, a non-U.S. shareholder will incur tax on distributions attributable to gain from CubeSmart’s sale or exchange of a United States real property interest (a “USRPI”) under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, or “FIRPTA.” A USRPI includes certain interests in real property and shares in United States corporations at least 50% of whose assets consist of interests in real property. Under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. shareholder is taxed on distributions attributable to gain from sales of USRPIs as if the gain were effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. business of the non-U.S. shareholder. A non-U.S. shareholder would be taxed on such a distribution at the normal capital gain rates applicable to U.S. shareholders, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of a nonresident alien individual. A non-U.S. corporate shareholder not entitled to treaty relief or exemption also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax on such a distribution. CubeSmart must withhold 21% of any distribution that CubeSmart could designate as a capital gain dividend. A non-U.S. shareholder may receive a credit against its tax liability for the amount CubeSmart withholds.

 

Effective December 18, 2015, our shares will not be treated as a USRPI when held, directly or indirectly, by a qualified shareholder and, therefore, FIRPTA will not apply to such shares.  However, certain investors in a qualified shareholder that owns more than 10% of our shares (directly or indirectly) that are not themselves qualified shareholders may be subject to FIRPTA withholding.  A “qualified shareholder” is a foreign entity that (1)(i) is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that includes an exchange of information program and the principal class of interests of which is listed and regularly traded on one or more recognized stock exchanges (as defined in such comprehensive income tax treaty), or (ii) is a foreign partnership that is created or organized under foreign law as a limited partnership in a jurisdiction that has an agreement for the exchange of information with respect to taxes with the United States and has a class of limited partnership units which is regularly traded on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq Stock Market and the value of such class of limited partnership units is greater than 50% of the value of all of the partnership units of the foreign partnership, (2) is a qualified collective investment vehicle, and (3) maintains records on the identity of each person who, at any time during the foreign person’s taxable year, holds directly 5% or more of the class of interests described in (1)(i) or (ii).  A “qualified collective investment vehicle” is a foreign person that (x) under the comprehensive income tax treaty described in (1)(i) or (ii) would be eligible for a reduced rate of withholding with respect to dividends paid by a REIT even if such person owned more than 10% of the REIT, (y) is a publicly traded partnership that is a withholding foreign partnership, and would be treated as a United States real property holding corporation if it were a United States corporation, or (z) which is designated as a qualified collective investment vehicle

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by the Secretary of the Treasury and is either (1) fiscally transparent or (2) required to include dividends in its gross income, but is entitled to a deduction for distributions to its equity investors.  Additionally, effective December 18, 2015, qualified foreign pension funds will not be subject to FIRPTA withholding.  The rules concerning qualified shareholders and qualified foreign pension funds are complex and investors who believe they may be qualified shareholders or qualified foreign pension funds should consult with their own tax advisors to find out if these rules are applicable to them. 

 

Distributions attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by CubeSmart of USRPIs are treated as ordinary dividends (not subject to the 21% withholding tax under FIRPTA) if the distribution is made to a non-U.S. shareholder with respect to any class of shares which is “regularly traded” on an established securities market located in the United States and if the non-U.S. shareholder did not own more than 5% of such class of shares at any time during the taxable year.  Such distributions will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax (subject to reduction under applicable treaty) but a non-U.S. shareholder will not be required to report the distribution on a U.S. tax return.  In addition, the branch profits tax will not apply to such distributions.

 

Taxation of Disposition of Shares. A non-U.S. shareholder generally will not incur tax under FIRPTA with respect to gain on a sale of common shares or preferred shares as long as CubeSmart is a “domestically-controlled REIT,” which means that at all times non-U.S. persons hold, directly or indirectly, less than 50% in value of all outstanding CubeSmart shares.

 

CubeSmart cannot assure you that this test will be met. Further, even if CubeSmart is a domestically controlled REIT, pursuant to “wash sale” rules under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. shareholder may incur tax under FIRPTA. The “wash sale” rule applies to the extent such non-U.S. shareholder disposes of CubeSmart shares during the 30-day period preceding a dividend payment, and such non-U.S. shareholder (or a person related to such non-U.S. shareholder) acquires or enters into a contract or option to acquire CubeSmart common shares or preferred shares within 61 days of the 1st day of the 30 day period described above, and any portion of such dividend payment would, but for the disposition, be treated as a USRPI capital gain to such non-U.S. shareholder, then such non-U.S. shareholder shall be treated as having USRPI capital gain in an amount that, but for the disposition, would have been treated as USRPI capital gain.

 

In addition, a non-U.S. shareholder that owns, actually or constructively, 10% or less of the outstanding common shares or preferred shares at all times during a specified testing period will not incur tax under FIRPTA on gain from a sale of such common shares or preferred shares if such shares are “regularly traded” on an established securities market. Because CubeSmart’s common shares and preferred shares are “regularly traded” on an established securities market, CubeSmart expects that a non-U.S. shareholder generally will not incur tax under FIRPTA on gain from a sale of common shares or preferred shares unless it owns or has owned more than 10% of such common shares or preferred shares at any time during the five year period to such sale. Any gain subject to tax under FIRPTA will be treated in the same manner as it would be in the hands of U.S. shareholders, subject to alternative minimum tax, but under a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals, and the purchaser of the shares could be required to withhold 10% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the IRS.

 

A non-U.S. shareholder generally will incur tax on gain not subject to FIRPTA if:

 

·

the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of the non-U.S. shareholder’s U.S. trade or business, in which case the non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. shareholders with respect to the gain; or

 

·

the non-U.S. shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a “tax home” in the United States, in which case the non-U.S. shareholder will incur a 30% tax on capital gains.

 

Redemptions of Our Preferred Shares. Whenever we redeem any preferred shares, the treatment accorded to any redemption by us for cash (as distinguished from a sale, exchange or other disposition) of our preferred shares to a non-U.S. shareholder of such preferred shares can only be determined on the basis of the particular facts as to each holder at the time of redemption. In general, a non-U.S. shareholder of our preferred shares will recognize capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the amount received by the holder of such shares upon the redemption and such holder’s adjusted tax basis in the preferred shares redeemed (provided the preferred shares are held as a capital asset) if such redemption (i) results in a “complete termination” of the holder’s interest in all classes of our shares under Section 302(b)(3) of the Code, or (ii) is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the holder of the preferred shares under Section 302(b)(1) of the Code. In applying these tests, there must be taken into account not only the preferred shares being redeemed, but also such holder’s ownership of other classes and series of our shares and any options (including stock purchase rights) to acquire any of the foregoing. The non-U.S. shareholder of our preferred shares also must take into account any such securities (including options) which are considered to be owned by such holder by reason of the constructive ownership rules set forth in Sections 318 and 302(c) of the Code.

 

If the non-U.S. shareholder of preferred shares owns (actually or constructively) none of our voting shares, or owns an insubstantial amount of our voting shares, based upon current law, it is probable that the redemption of preferred shares from such a holder

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would be considered to be “not essentially equivalent to a dividend.” However, whether a distribution is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” depends on all of the facts and circumstances, and a non-U.S. shareholder of our preferred shares intending to rely on any of the tests in this or the preceding paragraph at the time of redemption should consult its tax advisor to determine their application to its particular situation. If the redemption does not meet any of the tests under Section 302 of the Code, then the redemption proceeds received from our preferred shares will be treated as a distribution on our shares as described under “Taxation of Shareholders — Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders — Taxation of Distributions.”

 

If the redemption of a holder’s preferred shares is taxed as a dividend, the adjusted basis of such holder’s redeemed preferred shares will be transferred to any other shares held by the holder. If the holder owns no other shares, under certain circumstances, such basis may be transferred to a related person, or it may be lost entirely.

 

With respect to a redemption of our preferred shares that is treated as a distribution with respect to our shares, which is not otherwise taxable as a dividend, the IRS has proposed Treasury regulations that would require any basis reduction associated with such a redemption to be applied on a share-by-share basis which could result in taxable gain with respect to some shares, even though the holder’s aggregate basis for the shares would be sufficient to absorb the entire amount of the redemption distribution (in excess of any amount of such distribution treated as a dividend). Additionally, these proposed Treasury regulations would not permit the transfer of basis in the redeemed shares of the preferred shares to the remaining shares held (directly or indirectly) by the redeemed holder. Instead, the unrecovered basis in our preferred shares would be treated as a deferred loss to be recognized when certain conditions are satisfied. These proposed Treasury regulations would be effective for transactions that occur after the date the regulations are published as final Treasury regulations. There can, however, be no assurance as to whether, when, and in what particular form such proposed Treasury regulations will ultimately be finalized.

 

Conversion of Our Preferred Shares into Common Shares. Except as provided below, a non-U.S. shareholder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the conversion of our preferred shares into our common shares, provided our preferred shares do not constitute a USRPI. Even if our preferred shares do constitute a USRPI, provided our common shares also constitute a USRPI, a non-U.S. shareholder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon a conversion of our preferred shares into our common shares provided certain reporting requirements are satisfied. Except as provided below, a non-U.S. shareholder’s basis and holding period in the common shares received upon conversion will be the same as those of the converted preferred shares (but the basis will be reduced by the portion of adjusted tax basis allocated to any fractional common share exchanged for cash). Any common shares received in a conversion that are attributable to accumulated and unpaid dividends on the converted preferred shares will be treated as a distribution on our shares as described under “— Taxation of Shareholders — Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders — Taxation of Distributions.” Cash received upon conversion in lieu of a fractional common share generally will be treated as a payment in a taxable exchange for such fractional common share as described under “— Taxation of Shareholders — Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders — Taxation of Disposition of Shares.” Non-U.S. shareholders should consult with their tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of any transaction by which such holder exchanges common shares received on a conversion of preferred shares for cash or other property.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Applicable to non-U.S. Shareholders

 

CubeSmart must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. shareholder the amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. shareholder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.

 

Payments of dividends or of proceeds from the disposition of shares made to a non-U.S. shareholder may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless such holder establishes an exemption, for example, by properly certifying its non-United States status on a properly completed IRS Form W-8 BEN or W-8BEN-E or another appropriate version of IRS Form W-8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding may apply if either CubeSmart or its paying agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that a non-U.S. shareholder is a United States person.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against the shareholder’s income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

Additional Withholding Requirements under “FATCA”

 

Under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (such Sections commonly referred to as “FATCA”), payments of dividends to a non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to 30% withholding tax if the non-U.S. shareholder fails to provide the withholding agent with documentation sufficient to show that it is compliant with the FATCA or otherwise exempt from withholding under FATCA. Generally, such documentation is provided on an executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable.  If a dividend payment is both subject to withholding under FATCA and subject to withholding tax discussed above, the withholding under FATCA may

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be credited against, and therefore reduce, such other withholding tax. Based upon proposed Treasury regulations, which may be relied upon by taxpayers until the final Treasury regulations are issued, the FATCA withholding that was to be effective on January 1, 2019 with respect to payments of the gross proceeds no longer applies. Non-U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of this legislation in light of their individual circumstances.

 

Legislative or Other Actions Affecting REITs

 

The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department. No assurance can be given as to whether, when, or in what form, the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to CubeSmart and its shareholders may be enacted. Changes to the federal tax laws and interpretations of U.S. federal tax laws could adversely affect an investment in CubeSmart shares.

 

Taxation of Holders of Debt Securities Offered by the Operating Partnership

 

This section describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning the debt securities that the Operating Partnership may offer. This summary is for general information only and is not tax advice. The tax consequences of owning any particular issue of debt securities will be discussed in the applicable prospectus.

 

As used herein, a “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of debt securities of the Operating Partnership, who is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

·

a citizen or individual resident of the United States,

 

·

a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, or any of its states, or the District of Columbia,

 

·

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or

 

·

any trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

If a partnership holds debt securities, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding debt securities of the Operating Partnership, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the consequences of the ownership and disposition of debt securities by the partnership.

 

Pursuant to the TCJA, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 (and for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2018 for instruments issued with original issue discount (“OID”)), an accrual method taxpayer that reports revenues on an applicable financial statement generally must recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes no later than the taxable year in which such income is taken into account as revenue in an applicable financial statement of the taxpayer. To the extent this rule is inconsistent with the rules described in the subsequent discussion, this rule supersedes such discussion. Thus, this rule could potentially require such a taxpayer to recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to the debt securities prior to the time such income would be recognized pursuant to the rules described in the subsequent discussion. It is currently not clear how this rule would apply to debt instruments with OID and market discount. You should consult your tax advisors regarding the potential applicability of these rules to your investment in the debt securities.

 

Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders

 

Interest. The stated interest on debt securities generally will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary income at the time that it is paid or accrued, in accordance with the U.S. Holder’s method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Original Issue Discount. If you own debt securities issued with OID, you will be subject to special tax accounting rules, as described in greater detail below. In that case, you should be aware that you generally must include OID in gross income in advance of the receipt of cash attributable to that income. However, you generally will not be required to include separately in income cash payments received on the debt securities, even if denominated as interest, to the extent those payments do not constitute “qualified stated interest,” as defined below. If we determine that a particular debt security will be an OID debt security, we will disclose that determination in the prospectus relating to those debt securities.

 

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A debt security with an “issue price” that is less than the “stated redemption price at maturity” (the sum of all payments to be made on the debt security other than “qualified stated interest”) generally will be issued with OID if that difference is at least 0.25% of the stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number of complete years to maturity. The “issue price” of each debt security in a particular offering will be the first price at which a substantial amount of that particular offering is sold to the public. The term “qualified stated interest” means stated interest that is unconditionally payable in cash or in property, other than debt instruments of the issuer, and the interest to be paid meets all of the following conditions:

 

·

it is payable at least once per year;

 

·

it is payable over the entire term of the debt security; and

 

·

it is payable at a single fixed rate or, subject to certain conditions, based on one or more interest indices.

 

If we determine that particular debt securities of a series will bear interest that is not qualified stated interest, we will disclose that determination in the prospectus relating to those debt securities.

 

If you own a debt security issued with “de minimis” OID, which is discount that is not OID because it is less than 0.25% of the stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number of complete years to maturity, you generally must include the de minimis OID in income at the time principal payments on the debt securities are made in proportion to the amount paid. Any amount of de minimis OID that you have included in income will be treated as capital gain.

 

Certain of the debt securities may contain provisions permitting them to be redeemed prior to their stated maturity at our option and/or at your option. OID debt securities containing those features may be subject to rules that differ from the general rules discussed herein. If you are considering the purchase of OID debt securities with those features, you should carefully examine the applicable prospectus and should consult your own tax advisor with respect to those features since the tax consequences to you with respect to OID will depend, in part, on the particular terms and features of the debt securities.

 

If you own OID debt securities with a maturity upon issuance of more than one year you generally must include OID in income in advance of the receipt of some or all of the related cash payments using the “constant yield method” described in the following paragraphs. This method takes into account the compounding of interest.

 

The amount of OID that you must include in income if you are the initial United States holder of an OID debt security is the sum of the “daily portions” of OID with respect to the debt security for each day during the taxable year or portion of the taxable year in which you held that debt security (“accrued OID”). The daily portion is determined by allocating to each day in any “accrual period” a pro rata portion of the OID allocable to that accrual period. The “accrual period” for an OID debt security may be of any length and may vary in length over the term of the debt security, provided that each accrual period is no longer than one year and each scheduled payment of principal or interest occurs on the first day or the final day of an accrual period. The amount of OID allocable to any accrual period is an amount equal to the excess, if any, of:

 

·

the debt security’s “adjusted issue price” at the beginning of the accrual period multiplied by its yield to maturity, determined on the basis of compounding at the close of each accrual period and properly adjusted for the length of the accrual period, over

 

·

the aggregate of all qualified stated interest allocable to the accrual period.

 

OID allocable to a final accrual period is the difference between the amount payable at maturity, other than a payment of qualified stated interest, and the adjusted issue price at the beginning of the final accrual period. Special rules will apply for calculating OID for an initial short accrual period. The “adjusted issue price” of a debt security at the beginning of any accrual period is equal to its issue price increased by the accrued OID for each prior accrual period, determined without regard to the amortization of any acquisition or bond premium, as described below, and reduced by any payments made on the debt security (other than qualified stated interest) on or before the first day of the accrual period. Under these rules, you will generally have to include in income increasingly greater amounts of OID in successive accrual periods. We are required to provide information returns stating the amount of OID accrued on debt securities held of record by persons other than corporations and other exempt holders.

 

Floating rate debt securities are subject to special OID rules. In the case of an OID debt security that is a floating rate debt security, both the “yield to maturity” and “qualified stated interest” will be determined solely for purposes of calculating the accrual of OID as though the debt security will bear interest in all periods at a fixed rate generally equal to the rate that would be applicable to

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interest payments on the debt security on its date of issue or, in the case of certain floating rate debt securities, the rate that reflects the yield to maturity that is reasonably expected for the debt security. Additional rules may apply if either:

 

·

the interest on a floating rate debt security is based on more than one interest index; or

 

·

the principal amount of the debt security is indexed in any manner.

 

This discussion does not address the tax rules applicable to debt securities with an indexed principal amount. If you are considering the purchase of floating rate OID debt securities or securities with indexed principal amounts, you should carefully examine the prospectus relating to those debt securities, and should consult your own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of holding and disposing of those debt securities.

 

You may elect to treat all interest on any debt securities as OID and calculate the amount includible in gross income under the constant yield method described above. For purposes of this election, interest includes stated interest, acquisition discount, OID, de minimis OID, market discount, de minimis market discount and unstated interest, as adjusted by any amortizable bond premium or acquisition premium. You must make this election for the taxable year in which you acquired the debt security, and you may not revoke the election without the consent of the IRS. You should consult with your own tax advisor about this election.

 

Market Discount. If you purchase debt securities, other than OID debt securities, after original issuance for an amount that is less than their stated redemption price at maturity, or, in the case of OID debt securities, their adjusted issue price, the amount of the difference will be treated as “market discount” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, unless that difference is less than a specified de minimis amount. Under the market discount rules, you will be required to treat any principal payment on, or any gain on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of, the debt securities as ordinary income to the extent of the market discount that you have not previously included in income and are treated as having accrued on the debt securities at the time of their payment or disposition. In addition, you may be required to defer, until the maturity of the debt securities or their earlier disposition in a taxable transaction, the deduction of all or a portion of the interest expense on any indebtedness attributable to the debt securities. You may elect, on a debt security-by-debt security basis, to deduct the deferred interest expense in a tax year prior to the year of disposition. You should consult your own tax advisor before making this election.

 

Any market discount will be considered to accrue ratably during the period from the date of acquisition to the maturity date of the debt securities, unless you elect to accrue on a constant interest method. You may elect to include market discount in income currently as it accrues, on either a ratable or constant interest method, in which case the rule described above regarding deferral of interest deductions will not apply. Your election to include market discount in income currently, once made, applies to all market discount obligations acquired by you on or after the first taxable year to which your election applies and may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS. You should consult your own tax advisor before making this election.

 

Acquisition Premium and Amortizable Bond Premium. If you purchase OID debt securities for an amount that is greater than their adjusted issue price but equal to or less than the sum of all amounts payable on the debt securities after the purchase date other than payments of qualified stated interest, you will be considered to have purchased those debt securities at an “acquisition premium.” Under the acquisition premium rules, the amount of OID that you must include in gross income with respect to those debt securities for any taxable year will be reduced by the portion of the acquisition premium properly allocable to that year.

 

If you purchase debt securities (including OID debt securities) for an amount in excess of the sum of all amounts payable on those debt securities after the purchase date other than qualified stated interest, you will be considered to have purchased those debt securities at a “premium” and, if they are OID debt securities, you will not be required to include any OID in income. You generally may elect to amortize the premium over the remaining term of those debt securities on a constant yield method as an offset to interest when includible in income under your regular accounting method.

 

In the case of debt securities that provide for alternative payment schedules, bond premium is calculated by assuming that (a) you will exercise or not exercise options in a manner that maximizes your yield, and (b) we will exercise or not exercise options in a manner that minimizes your yield. If you do not elect to amortize bond premium, that premium will decrease the gain or increase the loss you would otherwise recognize on disposition of the debt security. Your election to amortize premium on a constant yield method will also apply to all debt obligations held or subsequently acquired by you on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. You may not revoke the election without the consent of the IRS. You should consult your own tax advisor before making this election.

 

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Sale, Exchange and Retirement of Debt Securities. A U.S. Holder of debt securities will recognize gain or loss upon the sale, exchange, retirement, redemption or other taxable disposition of such debt securities in an amount equal to the difference between:

 

·

the amount of cash and the fair market value of other property received in exchange for such debt securities, other than amounts attributable to accrued but unpaid stated interest, which will be subject to tax as ordinary income to the extent not previously included in income; and

 

·

the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such debt securities.

 

A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a debt security generally will equal the cost of the debt security to such holder (A) increased by the amount of OID or accrued market discount (if any) previously included in income by such holder and (B) decreased by the amount of (1) any payments other than qualified stated interest payments and (2) any amortizable bond premium taken by the holder.

 

Any gain or loss recognized will generally be capital gain or loss, and such capital gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the debt security has been held by the U.S. Holder for more than one year. Long-term capital gain for non-corporate taxpayers is subject to reduced rates of U.S. federal income taxation (currently, a 20% maximum federal rate, also see the discussion above in “Taxation of Shareholders—Tax Rates Applicable to Individual Shareholders under the TCJA” for a more detailed discussion on tax rates for individuals)). The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.

 

If a U.S. Holder recognizes a loss upon a subsequent disposition of debt securities in an amount that exceeds a prescribed threshold, it is possible that the provisions of Treasury regulations involving “reportable transactions” could apply, with a resulting requirement to separately disclose the loss generating transactions to the IRS. While these regulations are directed towards “tax shelters,” they are written broadly, and apply to transactions that would not typically be considered tax shelters. Significant penalties apply for failure to comply with these requirements. You should consult your tax advisor concerning any possible disclosure obligation with respect to the receipt or disposition of debt securities, or transactions that might be undertaken directly or indirectly by us. Moreover, you should be aware that we and other participants in transactions involving us (including our advisors) might be subject to disclosure or other requirements pursuant to these regulations.

 

Medicare Tax on Investment Income

 

Certain U.S. Shareholders and U.S. Holders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds may be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare tax on “net investment income” which includes, among other things, dividends on shares, interest on debt securities and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares or debt securities, subject to certain exceptions. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this legislation on their ownership and disposition of our common shares, preferred shares or debt securities.

 

Taxation of Tax-Exempt Holders of Debt Securities

 

Assuming the debt security is debt for tax purposes, interest income accrued on the debt security should not constitute unrelated business taxable income to a tax-exempt holder. As a result, a tax-exempt holder generally should not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the interest income accruing on debt securities of the Operating Partnership. Similarly, any gain recognized by the tax-exempt holder in connection with a sale of the debt security generally should not be unrelated business taxable income. However, if a tax-exempt holder were to finance its acquisition of the debt security with debt, a portion of the interest income and gain attributable to the debt security would constitute unrelated business taxable income pursuant to the “debt-financed property” rules. Tax-exempt holders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the potential tax consequences of an investment in debt securities of the Operating Partnership.

 

Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Debt Securities

 

The term “non-U.S. Holder” means a holder of debt securities of the Operating Partnership that is not a U.S. Holder or a partnership (or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes). The rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of non-U.S. Holders are complex. This section is only a summary of such rules. We urge non-U.S. Holders to consult their own tax advisors to determine the impact of federal, state, local and foreign income tax laws on ownership of debt securities, including any reporting requirements.

 

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Interest. Interest (including OID) paid to a non-U.S. Holder of debt securities will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax under the “portfolio interest exemption,” provided that:

 

·

interest paid on debt securities is not effectively connected with a non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States;

 

·

the non-U.S. Holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the capital or profits interest in the Operating Partnership;

 

·

the non-U.S. Holder is not

 

·

a controlled foreign corporation with respect to which the Operating Partnership is a “related person” within the meaning of Section 864(d) of the Code; or

 

·

a bank that receives such interest on an extension of credit made pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business; and

 

·

the beneficial owner of debt securities provides a certification, which is generally made on an IRS Form W-8BEN of W-8BEN-E or other applicable form or a suitable substitute form and signed under penalties of perjury, that it is not a United States person.

 

A payment of interest (including OID) to a non-U.S. Holder that does not qualify for the portfolio interest exemption and that is not effectively connected to a United States trade or business will be subject to United States federal withholding tax at a rate of 30%, unless a United States income tax treaty applies to reduce or eliminate withholding.

 

A non-U.S. Holder will generally be subject to tax in the same manner as a U.S. Holder with respect to payments of interest (including OID) if such payments are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the non-U.S. Holder in the United States and, if an applicable tax treaty provides, such gain is attributable to a United States permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. Holder. In some circumstances, such effectively connected income received by a non-U.S. Holder which is a corporation may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% base rate or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate.

 

To claim the benefit of a lower treaty rate or to claim exemption from withholding because the income is effectively connected with a United States trade or business, the non-U.S. Holder must provide a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or IRS Form W-8ECI or other applicable form, or a suitable substitute form, as applicable, prior to the payment of interest. Such certificate must contain, among other information, the name and address of the non-U.S. Holder.

 

Non-U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding applicable income tax treaties, which may provide different rules.

 

Sale or Retirement of Debt Securities. A non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on gain realized on the sale, exchange or redemption of debt securities unless:

 

·

the non-U.S. shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a “tax home” in the United States, in which case the non-U.S. shareholder will incur a 30% tax on capital gains; or

 

·

the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business of the non-U.S. Holder in the United States and, if an applicable tax treaty so provides, such gain is attributable to a United States permanent establishment maintained by such holder.

 

Except to the extent that an applicable tax treaty provides otherwise, a non-U.S. Holder will generally be subject to tax in the same manner as a U.S. Holder with respect to gain realized on the sale, exchange or redemption of debt securities if such gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the non-U.S. Holder in the United States and, if an applicable tax treaty provides, such gain is attributable to a United States permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. Holder. In certain circumstances, a non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation will be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate on such income.

 

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U.S. Federal Estate Tax. Your estate will not be subject to U.S. federal estate tax on the debt securities beneficially owned by you at the time of your death, provided that any payment to you on the debt securities, including OID, would be eligible for exemption from the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax under the “portfolio interest exemption” described above, without regard to the certification requirement.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Applicable to Holders of Debt Securities

 

U.S. Holders

 

Certain U.S. Holders may be subject to information reporting requirements on payments of principal and interest (including OID) on debt securities and payments of the proceeds of the sale, exchange, or redemption of debt securities, and backup withholding, currently imposed at a rate of 28% (for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2017 and 24% for tax years beginning after that date), may apply to such payment if the U.S. Holder:

 

·

fails to furnish an accurate taxpayer identification number, or TIN, to the payor in the manner required;

 

·

is notified by the IRS that it has failed to properly report payments of interest or dividends; or

 

·

under certain circumstances, fails to certify, under penalties of perjury, that it has furnished a correct TIN and that it has not been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding.

 

Non-U.S. Holders

 

A non-U.S. Holder is generally not subject to backup withholding with respect to payments of interest (including OID) on debt securities if it certifies as to its status as a non-U.S. Holder under penalties of perjury or if it otherwise establishes an exemption, provided that neither we nor our paying agent has actual knowledge or reason to know that the non-U.S. Holder is a United States person or that the conditions of any other exemptions are not, in fact, satisfied. Information reporting requirements, however, will apply to payments of interest (including OID) to non-U.S. Holders where such interest is subject to withholding or exempt from United States withholding tax pursuant to a tax treaty. Copies of these information returns may also be made available under the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the non-U.S. Holder resides.

 

The payment of the proceeds from the disposition of debt securities to or through the United States office of any broker, United States or foreign, will be subject to information reporting and possible backup withholding unless the owner certifies as to its non-United States status under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an exemption, provided that the broker does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the non-U.S. Holder is a United States person or that the conditions of any other exemption are not, in fact, satisfied.

 

The payment of the proceeds from the disposition of debt securities to or through a non-United States office of a non-United States broker that is not a “United States related person” generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding. For this purpose, a “United States related person” is:

 

·

a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

·

a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income from all sources for the three-year period ending with the close of its taxable year preceding the payment, or for such part of the period that the broker has been in existence, is derived from activities that are effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business; or

 

·

a foreign partnership that at any time during the partnership’s taxable year is either engaged in the conduct of a trade or business in the United States or of which 50% or more of its income or capital interests are held by United States persons.

 

In the case of the payment of proceeds from the disposition of debt securities to or through a non-United States office of a broker that is either a United States person or a United States related person, the payment may be subject to information reporting unless the broker has documentary evidence in its files that the owner is a non-U.S. Holder and the broker has no knowledge or reason to know to the contrary. Backup withholding will not apply to payments made through foreign offices of a broker that is a United States person or a United States related person, absent actual knowledge that the payee is a United States person.

 

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Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a Holder will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the requisite procedures are followed.

 

Holders of debt securities are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding their qualification for exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for obtaining such an exemption, if applicable.

 

FATCA Withholding

 

Payments of interest to a non-U.S. holder will be subject to a 30% withholding tax if the non-U.S. holder fails to provide the withholding agent with documentation sufficient to show that it is compliant with FATCA. Generally such documentation is provided on an executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable. If interest is subject to the 30% tax under FATCA, it will not be subject to the 30% tax described above under “Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders” and “Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Debt Securities.”  Based upon proposed Treasury regulations, which may be relied upon by taxpayers until the final Treasury regulations are issued, the FATCA withholding that was to be effective on January 1, 2019 with respect to payments of the gross proceeds no longer applies. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation on their investment in common shares or preferred shares of CubeSmart or debt securities of the Operating Partnership.

 

 

 

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

CORPORATE OFFICERS

 

CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marianne M. Keler

 

Christopher P. Marr

 

Transfer Agent

Investor Relations

Chair of the Board

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

American Stock Transfer &

5 Old Lancaster Road

Partner,

 

 

 

Trust Co., LLC

Malvern, PA 19355

Keler & Kershow, PLLC

Timothy M. Martin

 

Operations Center

610.535.5000

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

6201 15th Avenue

 

Christopher P. Marr

 

 

 

Brooklyn, NY 11219

Form 10‑K

President and Chief Executive Officer,

Jeffrey P. Foster

 

877.237.6885

The Annual Report on Form

CubeSmart

 

Senior Vice President and

 

 

10-K filed with the Securities

 

 

Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

 

Stock Listing

and Exchange Commission

Piero Bussani

 

 

 

CubeSmart trades on the

is available to shareholders

General Counsel & Senior Vice President,

 

 

New York Stock Exchange

without charge upon written

ReVantage Corporate Services

 

 

 

under the symbol CUBE

request to:

 

 

 

 

 

Investor Relations

Dorothy Dowling

 

 

 

Annual Meeting

5 Old Lancaster Road

Chief Marketing Officer and

 

 

 

The annual meeting of

Malvern, PA 19355

Senior Vice President of Sales,

 

 

 

shareholders will be held at

610.535.5000

Best Western Hotels and Resorts

 

 

 

5 Old Lancaster Road

 

 

 

 

 

Malvern, PA 19355

Internet

John W. Fain

 

 

 

on May 14, 2019 at 8:00 A.M. ET

Financial statements and

Senior Vice President,

 

 

 

 

other information are

Sales & Marketing (retired),

 

 

 

Corporate Headquarters

available electronically on

UPS Freight

 

 

 

5 Old Lancaster Road

CubeSmart’s web site at

 

 

 

 

Malvern, PA 19355

www.cubesmart.com

John F. Remondi

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer and Director,

 

 

 

 

 

Navient

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey F. Rogatz

 

 

 

 

Managing Director,

 

 

 

 

 

Robert W. Baird & Co.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deborah Ratner Salzberg

 

 

 

 

 

Chair,

 

 

 

 

 

Brookfield Properties DC Region

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CubeSmart submitted to the New York Stock Exchange the certification of the Chief Executive Officer certifying that he is not aware of any violation of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards in effect at the time of the submission of such certificate.

In addition, the Company has filed, as exhibits 31.1, 31.2, 31.3 and 31.4 to the Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2018, the certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding the quality of CubeSmart and CubeSmart L.P.’s public disclosure.

Forward-looking Statements

This Annual Report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are based on assumptions and expectations that may not be realized and are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, future events and actual results, performance, transactions or achievements, financial and otherwise, may differ materially from the results, performance, transactions or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Risk, uncertainties and other factors that might cause such differences, some of which could be material, include but are not limited to: adverse changes in the national and local economic, business, real estate and other market conditions; the effect of competition from existing and new self-storage properties on the Company’s ability to maintain or raise occupancy and rental rates; the execution of the Company’s business plan; reduced availability and increased costs of external sources of capital; financing risks, including the risk of over-leverage and the corresponding risk of default on the Company’s mortgage and other debt and potential inability to refinance existing indebtedness; increases in interest rates and operating costs; counterparty non-performance related to the use of derivative financial instruments; risks related the Company’s ability to maintain its qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes; failure of acquisition and developments to close on expected terms, or at all, or to perform as expected; increases in taxes, fees, and assessments from state and local jurisdictions; the failure of the Company’s joint venture partners to fulfill their obligations to the Company or their pursuit of actions that are inconsistent with the Company’s objectives; reductions in asset valuations and related impairment charges; cyber security breaches or a failure of the Company’s networks, systems or technology, which could adversely impact the Company’s business, customer and employee relationships; changes in real estate and zoning laws or regulations; risks related to natural disasters or acts of violence, terrorism, or war that affect the markets in which the Company operates; potential environmental and other liabilities; uninsured losses; other factors affecting the real estate industry generally or the self-storage industry in particular; and other risks identified in this Annual Report and, from time to time, in other reports that the Company files with the SEC or in other documents that the

 


 

Table of Contents

Company publicly disseminates. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as may be required by securities laws.

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

CubeSmart_Horiz_SS_R SUPP

5 Old Lancaster Road

Malvern, PA 19355

www.cubesmart.com