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W. P. Carey Inc. (WPC)
NYSE:WPC
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Risk Overview Q3, 2024
Risk Distribution
49% Finance & Corporate
33% Legal & Regulatory
9% Production
5% Macro & Political
2% Tech & Innovation
2% Ability to Sell
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
W. P. Carey Inc. Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q3, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 21 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 21 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
43
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
43
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2024
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2024
Number of Risk Changed
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of W. P. Carey Inc. in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 43
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 21/43 (49%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights2 | 4.7%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
The ability of our Board to revoke our REIT election, without stockholder approval, may cause adverse consequences for our stockholders.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Certain provisions of our charter and Maryland law could inhibit changes in control.Certain provisions of our charter and of the Maryland General Corporation Law ("MGCL") may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or impeding a change of control that could provide our stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of our common stock, including:
- to protect against the loss of our REIT status due to concentration of ownership levels, our charter generally limits the ability of a person, to own, actually or constructively, more than 9.8%, in either value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our aggregate outstanding shares of common stock or preferred stock. Our Board, in its sole discretion, may exempt a person from such ownership limits, provided that they obtain such representations, covenants, and undertakings as appropriate to determine that the exemption would not affect our REIT status. Our Board may also increase or decrease the common stock ownership limit and/or the aggregate stock ownership limit, so long as the change would not result in five or fewer persons beneficially owning more than 49.9% in value of our outstanding stock;- "business combination" provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between us and an "interested stockholder" (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock), or an affiliate thereof, for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, and thereafter imposes appraisal rights and supermajority voting requirements on these combinations;- "control share" provisions that provide that holders of "control shares" of our company (defined as outstanding voting shares which, when aggregated with all other shares owned or controlled by the stockholder, entitle the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a "control share acquisition" (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of issued and outstanding "control shares") have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares; and - our charter empowers our Board, without stockholder approval, to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of our stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue, classify any unissued shares of common stock or preferred stock, reclassify any previously classified, but unissued, shares of common stock or preferred stock into one or more classes or series of stock, and issue such shares of stock so classified or reclassified, and our Board may determine the relative rights, preferences, and privileges of any class or series of common stock or preferred stock issued, including terms that could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control transaction.
The MGCL permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by a board of directors prior to the time that the "interested stockholder" becomes an interested stockholder. Our Board has, by resolution, exempted any business combination between us and any person who is an existing, or becomes in the future, an "interested stockholder." Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the supermajority vote requirements will not apply to business combinations between us and any such person. As a result, such person may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interest of our stockholders, without compliance with the supermajority vote requirements and the other provisions of the statute. Additionally, this resolution may be altered, revoked, or repealed in whole or in part at any time and we may opt back into the business combination provisions of the MGCL. If this resolution is revoked or repealed, the statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer. In the case of the control share provisions of the MGCL, we have elected to opt out of these provisions of the MGCL pursuant to a provision in our bylaws. If we amend our bylaws to remove or modify this provision, the control share provisions of the statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.
Additionally, Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL permits our Board, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or our bylaws, to implement certain governance provisions, some of which we do not currently have. Our charter contains a provision opting out of Section 3-803 of the MGCL, which permits a board of directors to be divided into classes pursuant by Board action and without a stockholder-approved charter amendment. This provision can be modified only with a board recommendation and stockholder approval of the charter amendment. If we elect in the future to become subject to any of the remaining provisions of Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL, such an election may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making an acquisition proposal for our company or of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of our company under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price. Our charter, our bylaws, and Maryland law also contain other provisions that may delay, defer, or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 4.7%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain cash dividends.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Because dividends received by foreign stockholders are generally taxable, we may be required to withhold a portion of our distributions to such persons.Ordinary dividends received by foreign stockholders that are not effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30%, unless reduced by an applicable income tax treaty. Additional rules with respect to certain capital gain distributions will apply to foreign stockholders that own more than 10% of our common stock.
Debt & Financing11 | 25.6%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
We may be subject to a limitation on our deductions for business interest expense.Debt & Financing - Risk 2
We use TRSs, which may cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT.To qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we hold our non-qualifying REIT assets and conduct our non-qualifying REIT income activities in or through one or more TRSs. The net income of our TRSs is not required to be distributed to us. Income that is not distributed to us by our domestic TRSs will generally not be subject to the REIT income distribution requirement. However, certain income that is not distributed to us by our foreign TRSs may be deemed distributed to us by operation of certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and generally subject to REIT income distribution requirements. In addition, there may be limitations on our ability to accumulate earnings in our TRSs and the accumulation or reinvestment of significant earnings in our TRSs could result in adverse tax treatment. In particular, if the accumulation of cash in our TRSs causes the fair market value of our TRS interests and certain other non-qualifying assets to exceed 20% of the fair market value of our assets, we would lose tax efficiency and could potentially fail to qualify as a REIT.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Future issuances of debt and equity securities may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.We may issue debt or equity securities or incur additional borrowings in the future. Future issuances of debt securities would increase our interest costs and rank senior to our common stock upon our liquidation, and additional issuances of equity securities would dilute the holdings of our existing common stockholders (and any preferred stock may rank senior to our common stock for the purposes of making distributions), both of which may negatively affect the market price of our common stock. However, our future growth will depend, in part, upon our ability to raise additional capital, including through the issuance of debt and equity securities. Because our decision to issue additional debt or equity securities or incur additional borrowings in the future will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, nature, or success of our future capital raising efforts. Thus, common stockholders bear the risk that our future issuances of debt or equity securities, or our incurrence of additional borrowings, will negatively affect the market price of our common stock.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes and foreign exchange rate changes may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.The interest rate and foreign exchange rate hedge instruments we may use to manage some of our exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange rate volatility involve risk, such as the risk that counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements. Failure to hedge effectively against such interest rate and foreign exchange rate changes may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
Some of our properties are encumbered by mortgage debt, which could adversely affect our cash flow.At December 31, 2023, we had $579.1 million of property-level mortgage debt on a non-recourse basis, which limits our exposure on any property to the amount of equity invested in the property. If we are unable to make our mortgage-related debt payments as required, a lender could foreclose on the property or properties securing its debt. Additionally, lenders for our mortgage loan transactions typically incorporated various covenants and other provisions (including loan to value ratio, debt service coverage ratio, and material adverse changes in the borrower's or tenant's business) that can cause a technical loan default. Accordingly, if the real estate value declines or the tenant defaults, the lender would have the right to foreclose on its security. If any of these events were to occur, it could cause us to lose part or all of our investment, which could reduce the value of our portfolio and revenues available for distribution to our stockholders.
Some of our property-level financing may also require us to make a balloon payment at maturity. Our ability to make such balloon payments may depend upon our ability to refinance the obligation or sell the underlying property. When a balloon payment is due, however, we may be unable to refinance the balloon payment on terms as favorable as the original loan, make the payment with existing cash or cash resources, or sell the property at a price sufficient to cover the payment. Our ability to accomplish these goals will be affected by various factors existing at the relevant time, such as the state of national and regional economies, local real estate conditions, available mortgage or interest rates, availability of credit, our equity in the mortgaged properties, our financial condition, the operating history of the mortgaged properties, and tax laws. A refinancing or sale could affect the rate of return to stockholders and the projected disposition timeline of our assets.
Debt & Financing - Risk 6
A downgrade in our credit ratings could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition as well as the market price of our Senior Unsecured Notes.We plan to manage our operations to maintain investment grade status with a capital structure consistent with our current profile. In September 2022 our rating was upgraded by Moody's to Baa1 and in January 2023 our rating was upgraded by S&P Global Ratings to BBB+, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our current credit ratings. Our credit ratings could change based upon, among other things, our historical and projected business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and prospects. These ratings are subject to ongoing evaluation by credit rating agencies and we cannot provide any assurance that our ratings will not be changed or withdrawn by a rating agency in the future. If any of the credit rating agencies downgrades or lowers our credit rating, or if any credit rating agency indicates that it has placed our rating on a "watch list" for a possible downgrading or lowering, or otherwise indicates that its outlook for our rating is negative, it could have a material adverse effect on our costs and availability of capital, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on us and on our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations (including those under our Senior Unsecured Credit Facility, our Senior Unsecured Notes, or other similar debt securities that we issue) and to pay dividends on our common stock. Furthermore, any such action could negatively impact the market price of our Senior Unsecured Notes.
Debt & Financing - Risk 7
Restrictive covenants in our credit agreement and indentures may limit our ability to expand or fully pursue our business strategies.The credit agreement for our Senior Unsecured Credit Facility and the indentures governing our Senior Unsecured Notes contain financial and operating covenants that, among other things, require us to meet specified financial ratios and may limit our ability to take specific actions, even if we believe them to be in our best interest (e.g., subject to certain exceptions, our ability to consummate a merger, consolidation, or a transfer of all or substantially all of our consolidated assets to another person is restricted). These covenants may restrict our ability to expand or fully pursue our business strategies. Our ability to comply with these and other provisions of our debt agreements may be affected by changes in our operating and financial performance, changes in general business and economic conditions, adverse regulatory developments, or other events beyond our control. The breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under our indebtedness, which could result in the acceleration of the maturity of such indebtedness and potentially other indebtedness. If any of our indebtedness is accelerated prior to maturity, we may not be able to repay such indebtedness or refinance such indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all.
Debt & Financing - Risk 8
Our level of indebtedness could have significant adverse consequences and our cash flow may be insufficient to meet our debt service obligations.Our consolidated indebtedness as of December 31, 2023, was approximately $8.1 billion, representing a consolidated debt to gross assets ratio of approximately 41.6%. This consolidated indebtedness was comprised of (i) $6.0 billion in Senior Unsecured Notes (as defined in Note 12), (ii) $403.8 million outstanding under our Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 12), (iii) $1.1 billion outstanding under our Unsecured Term Loans (as defined in Note 12), and (iv) $579.1 million in non-recourse mortgage loans on various properties. Our level of indebtedness could have significant adverse consequences on our business and operations, including the following:
- it may increase our vulnerability to changes in economic conditions (including increases in interest rates) and limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and/or industry;- we may be at a disadvantage compared to our competitors with comparatively less indebtedness;- we may be unable to hedge our debt, or such hedges may fail or expire, leaving us exposed to potentially volatile interest or currency exchange rates;- any default on our secured indebtedness may lead to foreclosures, creating taxable income that could hinder our ability to meet the REIT distribution requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code; and - we may be unable to refinance our indebtedness or obtain additional financing as needed or on favorable terms.
Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow determines whether we will be able to (i) meet our existing or potential future debt service obligations; (ii) refinance our existing or potential future indebtedness; and (iii) fund our operations, working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures, and other important business uses. Our future cash flow is subject to many factors beyond our control and we cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future sources of cash will be available to us on favorable terms, to meet all of our debt service obligations and fund our other important business uses or liquidity needs. As a result, we may be forced to take other actions to meet those obligations, such as selling properties, raising equity, or delaying capital expenditures, any of which may not be feasible or could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, despite our substantial outstanding indebtedness and the restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness, we may incur significantly more indebtedness in the future, which would exacerbate the risks discussed above.
Debt & Financing - Risk 9
Because certain covenants in our debt instruments may limit our ability to make required REIT distributions, we could be subject to taxation.Our existing debt instruments include, and our future debt instruments may include, covenants that limit our ability to make required REIT distributions. If the limits set forth in these covenants prevent us from satisfying our REIT distribution requirements, we could fail to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a REIT. If the limits set forth in these covenants do not jeopardize our qualification for taxation as a REIT, but prevent us from distributing 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to federal corporate income tax, and potentially a nondeductible excise tax, on the retained amounts.
Debt & Financing - Risk 10
The bankruptcy or insolvency of tenants may cause a reduction in our revenue and an increase in our expenses.We have had, and may in the future have, tenants file for bankruptcy protection. Bankruptcy or insolvency of a tenant could lead to the loss of lease or interest and principal payments, an increase in the carrying cost of the property, and litigation. If one or a series of bankruptcies or insolvencies is significant enough (more likely during a period of economic downturn), it could lead to a reduction in the value of our shares and/or a decrease in our dividend. Under U.S. bankruptcy law, a tenant that is the subject of bankruptcy proceedings has the option of assuming or rejecting any unexpired lease. If the tenant rejects the lease, any resulting claim we have for breach of the lease (excluding collateral securing the claim) will be treated as a general unsecured claim and the maximum claim will be capped. In addition, due to the long-term nature of our leases and, in some cases, terms providing for the repurchase of a property by the tenant, a bankruptcy court could recharacterize a net lease transaction as a secured lending transaction. Insolvency laws outside the United States may be more or less favorable to reorganization or the protection of a debtor's rights as in the United States. In circumstances where the bankruptcy laws of the United States are considered to be more favorable to debtors and/or their reorganization, entities that are not ordinarily perceived as U.S. entities may seek to take advantage of U.S. bankruptcy laws.
High interest rates, inflation and a potential economic downturn may severely affect our tenants' businesses, financial condition and liquidity, leading to an increase in tenant bankruptcy or insolvency. In addition, a portion of our tenants may fail to meet their obligations to us in full (or at all), or may otherwise seek modifications of such obligations. Certain jurisdictions may also enact laws or regulations that impact or alter our ability to collect rent under our existing least terms.
Debt & Financing - Risk 11
Inflation and high interest rates may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.Since 2021, inflation and interest rates have been elevated compared to recent years. Inflation and high interest rates could have an adverse impact on our financial condition. Our leases typically require tenants to pay all property operating expenses and increases in those property-level expenses at our leased properties generally do not affect us. However, increased operating expenses at properties not subject to full triple-net leases could cause us to incur additional operating expenses. Inflation could also impact other costs incurred by the company including general and administrative costs and foreign income taxes. While the vast majority of leases contain rent escalators, including inflation-linked rent escalators, these costs could increase at a rate higher than our rental and other revenue.
High interest rates could also increase the cost of our existing variable-rate debt, new debt obligations entered into in the future and potentially impair our ability to arrange third-party financing, including refinancing maturing debt in part or in full as it comes due. If we are unable to find alternative credit arrangements or other funding in a high interest environment, our business needs may not be adequately met. Certain financial covenants could also be affected as a result of higher operating and debt service costs, which may place restrictions on our liquidity. In the event an increase in our costs is not sufficiently offset by contractual rent increases or increases in other revenue, we may be required to implement measures to conserve cash or preserve liquidity.
Furthermore, tenants and potential tenants of our properties may also be adversely impacted by inflation and high interest rates, which could negatively impact our tenants' ability to pay rent and the demand for our properties.
Corporate Activity and Growth6 | 14.0%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Because we invest in properties located outside the United States, we are exposed to additional risks.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Our portfolio is concentrated in industrial, warehouse and retail properties.We are not required to meet any property-type, tenant or geographic diversification standards. Therefore, our investments may become concentrated by type, tenant or geographic location, which could subject us to significant risks with potentially adverse effects on our investment objectives. For example, following the Spin-Off of 59 of our office assets which closed in November 2023, and the sale of a significant portion of our remaining office portfolio through our Office Sale Program, almost 80% of our ABR as of December 31, 2023 is concentrated in industrial/warehouse and retail assets.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
Our ability to control the management of our net-leased properties is limited, which could impact our ability to make ESG disclosures.The lack of direct control over our net-leased properties due to the fact that tenants or managers are responsible for maintenance and other day-to-day management of the properties also makes it difficult for us to collect property-level environmental metrics and to enforce sustainability initiatives, which may impact our ability to comply with certain ESG disclosure requirements or engage effectively with established ESG frameworks and standards, such as the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmarks, the Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board. If we are unable to successfully collect the data necessary to comply with ESG disclosure requirements, we may be subject to increased regulatory risk; and if such data is incomplete or unfavorable, our relationship with our investor base, our stock price, our ESG ratings and our access to capital may be negatively impacted.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
We may acquire or develop properties or acquire other real estate related companies, and this may create risks.We may acquire or develop properties or acquire other real estate related companies when we believe that an acquisition or development is consistent with our business strategies. We may not succeed in consummating desired acquisitions or in completing developments on time or within budget. When we do pursue a project or acquisition, we may not succeed in leasing newly developed or acquired properties at rents sufficient to cover the costs of acquisition or development and operations. Difficulties in integrating acquisitions may prove costly or time-consuming and could divert management's attention from other activities. Acquisitions or developments in new markets or industries where we do not have the same level of market knowledge may result in poorer than anticipated performance. We may also abandon acquisition or development opportunities that management has begun pursuing and consequently fail to recover expenses already incurred and will have devoted management's time to a matter not consummated. Furthermore, our acquisitions of new properties or companies will expose us to the liabilities of those properties or companies, some of which we may not be aware of at the time of the acquisition. In addition, development of our existing properties presents similar risks.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5
We may not achieve some or all the expected benefits of the Spin-Off and the Office Sale Program.We may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the Spin-Off and the Office Sale Program, or such benefits may be delayed due to a variety of circumstances, not all of which may be under our control. We may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the Spin-Off or the Office Sale Program for a variety of reasons, including, among others: (i) the transactions may not generate the anticipated improvements in our cost of or access to capital; and (ii) we may be subject to unexpected costs related to the Spin-Off, including as a result of our indemnification obligations under the Separation and Distribution Agreement or obligations related to indebtedness associated with the transfer of NLOP assets and any guaranties related thereto. Failure to achieve some or all the benefits expected to result from the Spin-Off and the Office Sale Program, or a delay in realizing such benefits, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 6
We may make investments in asset classes or countries outside of our core investment strategy which may be perceived as complicating our strategy relative to our peers.We may need to expand beyond our current asset class mix to grow our portfolio. As a result, we intend, to the extent that market conditions warrant, to seek to grow our business by increasing our investments in existing businesses, pursuing new investment strategies (including investment opportunities in new asset classes), developing new types of investment structures and products, and expanding into new geographic markets and businesses. Introducing new types of investment structures and products could increase the complexities involved in managing such investments, including to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and terms of the investment. Making investments in assets classes or countries outside of our core investment strategy may also be perceived as complicating our strategy relative to our peers.
Entry into new asset classes or countries may subject us to new laws and regulations with which we are not familiar, or from which we are currently exempt, and may lead to increased litigation and regulatory risk and costs.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 14/43 (33%)Above Sector Average
Regulation3 | 7.0%
Regulation - Risk 1
Because the REIT rules require us to satisfy certain rules on an ongoing basis, our flexibility or ability to pursue otherwise attractive opportunities may be limited.Regulation - Risk 2
Because we are required to satisfy numerous requirements imposed upon REITs, we may be required to borrow funds, sell assets, or raise equity on terms that are not favorable to us.In order to meet the REIT distribution requirements and maintain our qualification and taxation as a REIT, we may need to borrow funds, sell assets, or raise equity, even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for such transactions. If our cash flows are not sufficient to cover our REIT distribution requirements, it could adversely impact our ability to raise short- and long-term debt, sell assets, or offer equity securities in order to fund the distributions required to maintain our qualification and taxation as a REIT. Furthermore, the REIT distribution requirements may increase the financing we need to fund capital expenditures, future growth, and expansion initiatives, which would increase our total leverage.
In addition, if we fail to comply with certain asset tests at the end of any calendar quarter, we must generally correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification. As a result, we may be required to liquidate otherwise attractive investments. These actions may reduce our income and amounts available for distribution to our stockholders.
Regulation - Risk 3
Because the REIT rules limit our ability to receive distributions from TRSs, our ability to fund distribution payments using cash generated through our TRSs may be limited.Our ability to receive distributions from our TRSs is limited by the rules we must comply with in order to maintain our REIT status. In particular, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year as a REIT must be derived from real estate-related sources, which principally includes gross income from the leasing of our properties. Consequently, no more than 25% of our gross income may consist of dividend income from our TRSs and other non-qualifying income types. Thus, our ability to receive distributions from our TRSs is limited and may impact our ability to fund distributions to our stockholders using cash flows from our TRSs. Specifically, if our TRSs become highly profitable, we might be limited in our ability to receive net income from our TRSs in an amount required to fund distributions to our stockholders commensurate with that profitability.
Taxation & Government Incentives9 | 20.9%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
If we fail to make required distributions, we may be subject to federal corporate income tax.Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
If we fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we would be subject to federal income tax at corporate income tax rates and would not be able to deduct distributions to stockholders when computing our taxable income.If, in any taxable year, we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT and are not entitled to relief under the Internal Revenue Code, we will:
- not be allowed a deduction for distributions to stockholders in computing our taxable income;- be subject to federal and state income tax, including a 15% corporate minimum tax on certain corporations and a 1% excise tax on certain stock repurchases by certain corporations, among other changes, on our taxable income at regular corporate rate; and - be barred from qualifying as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year when we were disqualified.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 3
While we believe that we are properly organized as a REIT in accordance with applicable law, we cannot guarantee that the Internal Revenue Service will find that we have qualified as a REIT.We believe that we are organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code beginning with our 2012 taxable year and that our current and anticipated investments and plan of operation will enable us to meet and continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. Investors should be aware, however, that the Internal Revenue Service or any court could take a position different from our own. Given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual determinations, and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances, no assurance can be given that we will qualify as a REIT for any particular year.
Furthermore, our qualification and taxation as a REIT will depend on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership, and other requirements on a continuing basis. Our ability to satisfy the quarterly asset tests under applicable Internal Revenue Code provisions and Treasury Regulations will depend on the fair market values of our assets, some of which are not susceptible to a precise determination. Our compliance with the REIT income and quarterly asset requirements also depends upon our ability to successfully manage the composition of our income and assets on an ongoing basis. While we believe that we will satisfy these tests, we cannot guarantee that this will be the case on a continuing basis. There are limited judicial or administrative interpretations of these provisions. Although we plan to continue to operate in a manner consistent with the REIT qualification rules, we cannot assure you that we will qualify in a given year or remain so qualified.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 4
Because the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code limit our ability to hedge effectively, the cost of our hedging may increase and we may incur tax liabilities.The REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code limit our ability to hedge assets and liabilities that are not incurred to acquire or carry real estate. Generally, income from hedging transactions that have been properly identified for tax purposes (which we enter into to manage interest rate risk with respect to borrowings to acquire or carry real estate assets) and income from certain currency hedging transactions related to our non-U.S. operations, do not constitute "gross income" for purposes of the REIT gross income tests (such a hedging transaction is referred to as a "qualifying hedge"). In addition, if we enter into a qualifying hedge, but dispose of the underlying property (or a portion thereof) or the underlying debt (or a portion thereof) is extinguished, we can enter into a hedge of the original qualifying hedge, and income from the subsequent hedge will also not constitute "gross income" for purposes of the REIT gross income tests. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests. As a result of these rules, we may need to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because our TRSs could be subject to tax on income or gains resulting from such hedges or expose us to greater interest rate risks than we would otherwise want to bear. In addition, losses in any of our TRSs generally will not provide any tax benefit, except for being carried forward for use against future taxable income in the TRSs.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 5
Transactions with our TRSs could cause us to be subject to a 100% penalty tax on certain income or deductions if those transactions are not conducted on an arm's-length basis.The Internal Revenue Code limits the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to its parent REIT to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. The Internal Revenue Code also imposes a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT that are not conducted on an arm's-length basis. We will structure our transactions with our TRSs on terms that we believe are arm's-length to avoid incurring the 100% excise tax described above. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to avoid application of the 100% excise tax.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 6
Even if we continue to qualify as a REIT, certain of our business activities will be subject to corporate level income tax and foreign taxes, which will continue to reduce our cash flows, and we will have potential deferred and contingent tax liabilities.Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain (i) federal, state, local, and foreign taxes on our income and assets; (ii) taxes on any undistributed income and state, local, or foreign income; and (iii) franchise, property, and transfer taxes. In addition, we could be required to pay an excise or penalty tax under certain circumstances in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Internal Revenue Code to maintain qualification for taxation as a REIT, which could be significant in amount.
Any TRS assets and operations would continue to be subject, as applicable, to federal and state corporate income taxes and to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which those assets and operations are located. Any of these taxes would decrease our earnings and our cash available for distributions to stockholders.
We will also be subject to a federal corporate level tax at the highest regular corporate rate (currently 21%) on all or a portion of the gain recognized from a sale of assets formerly held by any C corporation that we acquire on a carry-over basis transaction occurring within a five-year period after we acquire such assets, to the extent the built-in gain based on the fair market value of those assets on the effective date of the REIT election is in excess of our then tax basis. The tax on subsequently sold assets will be based on the fair market value and built-in gain of those assets as of the beginning of our holding period. Gains from the sale of an asset occurring after the specified period will not be subject to this corporate level tax.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 7
Because distributions payable by REITs generally do not qualify for reduced tax rates, the value of our common stock could be adversely affected.Certain distributions payable by domestic or qualified foreign corporations to individuals, trusts, and estates in the United States are currently eligible for federal income tax at a maximum rate of 20% plus the 3.8% Medicare tax on net investment income, if applicable. Distributions payable by REITs, in contrast, are generally not eligible for this reduced rate, unless the distributions are attributable to dividends received by the REIT from other corporations that would otherwise be eligible for the reduced rate. This more favorable tax rate for regular corporate distributions could cause qualified investors to perceive investments in REITs to be less attractive than investments in the stock of corporations that pay distributions, which could adversely affect the value of REIT stocks, including our common stock.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 8
Federal and state income tax laws governing REITs and related interpretations may change at any time, and any such legislative or other actions affecting REITs could have a negative effect on us and our stockholders.Federal and state income tax laws governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws may be amended at any time. Federal, state, and foreign tax laws are under constant review by persons involved in the legislative process, at the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and at various state and foreign tax authorities. Changes to tax laws, regulations, or administrative interpretations, which may be applied retroactively, could adversely affect us or our stockholders. We cannot predict whether, when, in what forms, or with what effective dates, the tax laws, regulations, and administrative interpretations applicable to us or our stockholders may be changed. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that any such change will not significantly affect our ability to qualify for taxation as a REIT or the federal income tax consequences to you or us.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 9
The tax imposed on REITs engaging in "prohibited transactions" may limit our ability to engage in transactions which would be treated as sales for federal income tax purposes.A REIT's net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, unless certain safe harbor exceptions apply. Although we do not intend to hold any properties that would be characterized as held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our business, such characterization is a factual determination and no guarantee can be given that the IRS would agree with our characterization of our properties or that we will always be able to satisfy the available safe harbors.
Environmental / Social2 | 4.7%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
We may be materially adversely affected by laws, regulations or other issues related to climate change as well as by potential physical impacts related to climate change.Environmental / Social - Risk 2
Because we are subject to possible liabilities relating to environmental matters, we could incur unexpected costs and our ability to sell or otherwise dispose of a property may be negatively impacted.We have invested, and may in the future invest, in real properties historically or currently used for industrial, manufacturing, and other commercial purposes, and some of our tenants may handle hazardous or toxic substances, generate hazardous wastes, or discharge regulated pollutants to the environment. Buildings and structures on the properties we purchase may have known or suspected asbestos-containing building materials. We may invest in properties located in countries that have adopted laws or observe environmental management standards that are less stringent than those generally followed in the United States, which may pose a greater risk that releases of hazardous or toxic substances have occurred. We therefore may own properties that have known or potential environmental contamination as a result of historical or ongoing operations, which may expose us to liabilities under environmental laws. Some of these laws could impose the following on us:
- responsibility and liability for the cost of investigation and removal or remediation (including at appropriate disposal facilities) of hazardous or toxic substances in, on, or migrating from our property, generally without regard to our knowledge of, or responsibility for, the presence of these contaminants;- liability for claims by third parties based on damages to natural resources or property, personal injuries, or costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances in, on, or migrating from our property; and - responsibility for managing asbestos-containing building materials and third-party claims for exposure to those materials.
Costs relating to investigation, remediation, or removal of hazardous or toxic substances, or for third-party claims for damages, may be substantial and could exceed any amounts estimated and recorded within our consolidated financial statements. The presence of hazardous or toxic substances at any of our properties, or the failure to properly remediate a contaminated property, could (i) give rise to a lien in favor of the government for costs it may incur to address the contamination or (ii) otherwise adversely affect our ability to sell or lease the property or to borrow using the property as collateral. In addition, environmental liabilities, or costs or operating limitations imposed on a tenant by environmental laws, could affect its ability to make rental payments to us. And although we endeavor to avoid doing so, we may be required, in connection with any future divestitures of property, to provide buyers with indemnifications against potential environmental liabilities.
Production
Total Risks: 4/43 (9%)Below Sector Average
Costs4 | 9.3%
Costs - Risk 1
Because most of our properties are occupied by a single tenant, our success is materially dependent upon the tenant's financial stability.Costs - Risk 2
The value of our real estate is subject to fluctuation.We are subject to all of the general risks associated with the ownership of real estate, which include:
- adverse changes in general or local economic conditions, including changes in interest rates or foreign exchange rates;- changes in the supply of, or demand for, similar or competing properties;- competition for tenants and changes in market rental rates;- the ongoing need for capital improvements;- Federal Reserve short term rate decisions;- the mortgage market and real estate market in the United States;- inability to lease or sell properties upon termination of existing leases, or renewal of leases at lower rental rates;- inability to collect rents from tenants due to financial hardship, including bankruptcy;- changes in tax, real estate, zoning, or environmental laws that adversely impact the value of real estate;- failure to comply with federal, state, and local legal and regulatory requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and fire or life-safety requirements;- changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies;- uninsured property liability, property damage, or casualty losses;- increased operating costs, which may not necessarily be offset by increased rents, including insurance premiums, utilities and real estate taxes, due to inflation and other factors;- exposure to environmental losses and the effects of climate change; and - civil unrest, acts of war, terrorism, acts of God, including earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters (which may result in uninsured losses) and other factors beyond our control.
While the revenues from our leases are not directly dependent upon the value of the real estate owned, significant declines in real estate values could adversely affect us in many ways, including a decline in the residual values of properties at lease expiration, possible lease abandonment by tenants, and a decline in the attractiveness of triple-net lease transactions to potential sellers. We also face the risk that lease revenue will be insufficient to cover all corporate operating expenses and the debt service payments we incur.
Costs - Risk 3
Certain of our leases permit tenants to purchase a property at a predetermined price, which could limit our realization of any appreciation or result in a loss.Under our existing leases, certain tenants have a right to repurchase the properties they lease from us. The purchase price may be a fixed price or it may be based on a formula or the market value at the time of exercise. If a tenant exercises its right to purchase the property and the property's market value has increased beyond that price, we would not be able to fully realize the appreciation on that property. Additionally, if the price at which the tenant can purchase the property is less than our carrying value (e.g., where the purchase price is based on an appraised value), we may incur a loss. In addition, we may also be unable to reinvest proceeds from these dispositions in investments with similar or better investment returns.
Costs - Risk 4
A significant amount of our leases will expire within the next five years and we may have difficulty re-leasing or selling our properties if tenants do not renew their leases.Approximately 21% of our leases, based on our ABR as of December 31, 2023, are due to expire within the next five years. If these leases are not renewed or if the properties cannot be re-leased on terms that yield comparable payments, our lease revenues could be substantially adversely affected. In addition, when attempting to re-lease such properties, we may incur significant costs and the terms of any new or renewed leases will depend on prevailing market conditions at that time. We may also seek to sell such properties and incur losses due to prevailing market conditions. Some of our properties are designed for the particular needs of a tenant; thus, we may be required to renovate or make rent concessions in order to lease the property to another tenant. If we need to sell such properties, we may have difficulty selling it to a third party due to the property's unique design. Real estate investments are generally less liquid than many other financial assets, which may limit our ability to quickly adjust our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions. These and other limitations may adversely affect returns to our stockholders.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 2/43 (5%)Below Sector Average
Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 2.3%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
The direct and indirect impact on us and our tenants from severe weather, flooding, and other effects of climate change, and the economic and reputational impacts of the transition to non-carbon based energy, could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.Capital Markets1 | 2.3%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
We are subject to the volatility of the capital markets, which may impact our ability to deploy capital.Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 1/43 (2%)Below Sector Average
Cyber Security1 | 2.3%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
The occurrence of cyber incidents, or a deficiency in our cyber security, could negatively impact our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information, and/or damage to our business relationships, all of which could negatively impact our financial results.Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 1/43 (2%)Below Sector Average
Competition1 | 2.3%
Competition - Risk 1
We face an increasingly competitive marketplace for investments.See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
- Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
- Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
- Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
- Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
- Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
- Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
- Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
- Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
- Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
- Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
- Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
- Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
- Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
- Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
- Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
- Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
- Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
- Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
- Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
- Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
- Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
- International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
- Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.