Phillips Edison Company Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 11, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 11, 2025
Extracted filing text, with the paragraph anchors used by the comparison.
See the whole filing, with its images and exhibitsContents
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Phillips Edison & Company, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. ORGANIZATION
Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. (“we,” the “Company,” “PECO,” “our,” or “us”) was formed as a Maryland corporation in October 2009. Substantially all of our business is conducted through Phillips Edison Grocery Center Operating Partnership I, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), a Delaware limited partnership formed in December 2009. We are a limited partner of the Operating Partnership, and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Phillips Edison Grocery Center OP GP I LLC, is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership.
We are a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that invests primarily in omni-channel grocery-anchored neighborhood and community shopping centers that have a mix of creditworthy national, regional, and local retailers that sell necessity-based goods and services in strong demographic markets throughout the United States. In addition to managing our own shopping centers, our third-party investment management business provides comprehensive real estate and asset management services tothree unconsolidated institutional joint ventures, in which we have partial ownership interests, andone private fund (collectively, the “Managed Funds”).
As of December 31, 2024, we wholly-owned 294 real estate properties. Additionally, we owned a 14% interest in Grocery Retail Partners I LLC (“GRP I”), which owned 20 properties, a 20% interest in Necessity Retail Venture LLC (“NRV”), which ownedone property, and a 31% interest in Neighborhood Grocery Catalyst Fund LLC (“NGCF”), which ownedone property.
The basis of presentation of our shares of common stock is described as follows:
Recapitalization—On June 18, 2021, our stockholders approved an amendment to our charter (the “Articles of Amendment”) that effected a change of each share of our common stock outstanding at the time the amendment became effective into one share of a newly created class of Class B common stock (the “Recapitalization”). The Articles of Amendment became effective upon filing with, and acceptance by, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland on July 2, 2021. Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this Form 10-K gives effect to the Recapitalization and references to “shares” and per share metrics refer to our common stock and Class B common stock, collectively. Our Class B common stock automatically converted into our publicly traded common stock on January 18, 2022 (see Note 12). Prior to the conversion, we have presented common stock and Class B common stock as separate classes within our consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of equity. On May 5, 2022, we filed Articles Supplementary to our charter with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation in order to reclassify and designate all of the 350 million authorized shares of our Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share, all of which were unissued at such time, as shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share. We no longer have Class B common stock authorized for issue.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Set forth below is a summary of the significant accounting estimates and policies that management believes are important to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Certain of our accounting estimates are particularly important for an understanding of our financial position and results of operations and require the application of significant judgment by management. For example, significant estimates and assumptions have been made with respect to the useful lives of assets, remaining hold periods of assets, recoverable amounts of receivables, and other fair value measurement assessments required for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. As a result, these estimates are subject to a degree of uncertainty.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of the Operating Partnership and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (over which we exercise financial and operating control). The financial statements of the Operating Partnership are prepared using accounting policies consistent with our accounting policies. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.
Use of Estimates—The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. For example, significant estimates and assumptions have been made with respect to the useful lives of assets; remaining hold periods of assets; recoverable amounts of receivables; initial valuations of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, including goodwill, and related amortization periods of deferred costs and intangibles, particularly with respect to property acquisitions; the valuation and nature of derivatives and their effectiveness as hedges; valuations of contingent consideration; and other fair value measurement assessments required for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Stock Issuance Costs—Stock issuance costs are offset against stock issuance proceeds and capitalized as a component of APIC on the consolidated balance sheets. We had stock issuance costs of approximately $0.9 million, $1.9 million, and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Partially-Owned Entities—If we determine that we are an owner in a variable-interest entity (“VIE”), and we hold a controlling financial interest, then we will consolidate the entity as the primary beneficiary. For a partially-owned entity determined not to be a VIE, we analyze rights held by each partner to determine which would be the consolidating party. We will generally consolidate entities (in the absence of other factors when determining control) when we have over a 50% ownership interest in the entity. We will assess our interests in VIEs on an ongoing basis to determine whether or not we are the primary beneficiary. However, we will also evaluate who controls the entity even in circumstances in which we have greater than a 50% ownership interest. If we do not control the entity due to the lack of decision-making abilities, we will not consolidate the entity. We have determined that the Operating Partnership is considered a VIE. We are the primary beneficiary of the VIE, and our partnership interest is considered a majority voting interest. As such, we have consolidated the Operating Partnership and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Further, as we hold a majority voting interest in the Operating Partnership, we qualify for the exemption from providing certain of the disclosure requirements associated with VIEs.
Additionally, a Section 1031 like-kind exchange (“Section 1031 Exchange”) pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”) entails selling one property and reinvesting the proceeds in one or more properties that are similar in nature, character, or class within 180 days. A reverse Section 1031 Exchange occurs when one or more properties is purchased prior to selling one property to be matched in the like-kind exchange, during which time legal title to the purchased property is held by an intermediary. Because we retain essentially all of the legal and economic benefits and obligations related to the acquisition, we consider the purchased property in a reverse Section 1031 Exchange to be a VIE, and therefore, we will consolidate the entity as the primary beneficiary in these instances.
Noncontrolling Interests—Noncontrolling interests represent the portion of equity that we do not own in the entities we consolidate. We classify noncontrolling interests within permanent equity on our consolidated balance sheets. The amounts of consolidated net earnings attributable to us and to the noncontrolling interests are presented separately on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (“consolidated statements of operations”). For additional information regarding noncontrolling interests, refer to Note 12.
Cash and Cash Equivalents—We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents may include cash and short-term investments. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value and may consist of investments in money market accounts and money market funds. From time to time, the cash and cash equivalent balances at one or more of our financial institutions may exceed the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation coverage.
Restricted Cash—Restricted cash primarily consists of cash restricted for the purpose of facilitating a Section 1031 Exchange, escrowed tenant improvement funds, real estate taxes, capital improvement funds, insurance premiums, and other amounts required to be escrowed pursuant to loan agreements. During 2024 and 2023, we didnot sell any properties as part of facilitating a Section 1031 Exchange that remained open at the end of the year.
Investment in Property and Lease Intangibles—We apply Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805: Business Combinations(“ASC 805”) when evaluating any purchases of real estate. Under this guidance, our real estate acquisition activity is not generally considered a business combination and is instead classified as an asset acquisition. As a result, most acquisition-related costs are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related assets, and there is no recognition of goodwill. None of our real estate acquisitions in 2024 and 2023 met the definition of a business; therefore, we accounted for all as asset acquisitions.
Real estate assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The majority of acquisition-related costs are capitalized and allocated to the various classes of assets acquired. These costs are then depreciated over the estimated useful lives associated with the assets acquired. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives for computing depreciation are generally not to exceed 5-7 years for furniture, fixtures, and equipment,15 years for land improvements, and 30 years for buildings and building improvements. Tenant improvements are amortized over the shorter of the respective lease term or the expected useful life of the asset. Major replacements that extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized, and maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.
We assess the acquisition-date fair values of all tangible assets, identifiable intangibles, and assumed liabilities using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers (e.g., discounted cash flow analysis, sales comparison approach, and replacement cost approach) that utilize appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The fair value of tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant.
The fair values of buildings and improvements are determined on an as-if-vacant basis. The estimated fair value of acquired in-place leases is the cost we would have incurred to lease the properties to the occupancy level of the properties at the date of acquisition. Such estimates include leasing commissions, legal costs, and other direct costs that would be incurred to lease the properties to such occupancy levels. Additionally, we evaluate the time period over which such occupancy levels would be achieved. Such evaluation includes an estimate of the net market-based rental revenues and net operating costs (primarily consisting of real estate taxes, insurance, and utilities) that would be incurred during the lease-up period. Acquired in-place leases as of the date of acquisition are amortized over the remaining lease terms.
Acquired above- and below-market lease values are recorded based on the present value (using discount rates that reflect the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and management’s estimate of the market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases. The capitalized above- and below-market lease values are amortized as adjustments to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases. We also consider fixed-rate renewal options in our calculation of the fair value of below-market leases and the periods over which such leases are amortized. If a tenant has a unilateral option to renew a below-market lease and we determine that the tenant has a financial incentive to exercise such option, we include such option in the calculation of the fair value of such lease and the period over which the lease is amortized.
We estimate the value of tenant origination and absorption costs by considering the estimated carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods, considering current market conditions. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses, and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods.
We estimate the fair value of assumed loans payable based upon indications of then-current market pricing for similar types of debt with similar maturities. Assumed loans payable are initially recorded at their estimated fair value as of the assumption date, and the difference between such estimated fair value and the loan’s outstanding principal balance is amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to interest expense. Our accumulated amortization of above- and below-market debt was $3.1 million and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Real estate assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the individual property may not be recoverable. In such an event, a comparison will be made of the projected operating cash flows of each property on an undiscounted basis to the carrying amount of such property. If deemed unrecoverable on an undiscounted basis, such carrying amount would be adjusted, if necessary, to estimated fair values to reflect impairment in the value of the asset. For additional information regarding real estate asset impairments, refer to our fair value measurement accounting policy below.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles—In the case of an acquisition of a business, after identifying all tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, the excess consideration paid over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired represents goodwill. We allocate goodwill to the respective reporting units in which such goodwill arises. We evaluate goodwill for impairment when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable, or at least annually. Our annual testing date is November 30.
The goodwill impairment evaluation is completed using either a qualitative or quantitative approach. Under a qualitative approach, the impairment review for goodwill consists of an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, including goodwill. If a qualitative approach indicates it is more likely-than-not that the estimated carrying value of a reporting unit (including goodwill) exceeds its fair value, or if we choose to bypass the qualitative approach for any reporting unit, we perform the quantitative approach described below.
When we perform a quantitative test of goodwill for impairment, we compare the carrying value of a reporting unit with its fair value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, we do not consider goodwill to be impaired and no further analysis would be required. If the fair value is determined to be less than its carrying value, the amount of goodwill impairment equals the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
If impairment indicators arise with respect to non-real estate intangible assets with finite useful lives, we evaluate impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, then we estimate the fair value of the asset and compare the estimated fair value to the intangible asset’s carrying value. We recognize the shortfall from carrying value as an impairment loss in the current period.
Estimates of fair value used in our evaluation of goodwill and intangible assets are based upon discounted future cash flow projections, relevant competitor multiples, or other acceptable valuation techniques. These techniques are based, in turn, upon all available evidence including level three inputs (see fair value measurement policy below), such as revenue and expense growth rates, estimates of future cash flows, capitalization rates, discount rates, general economic conditions and trends, or other available market data. Our ability to accurately predict future operating results and cash flows and to estimate and determine fair values impacts the timing and recognition of impairments. While we believe our assumptions are reasonable, changes in these assumptions may have a material impact on our financial results. Based on the results of our analysis, we concluded that goodwill was not impaired for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Held for Sale Assets—We consider assets to be held for sale when management believes that a sale is probable within a year. This generally occurs when a sales contract is executed with no substantive contingencies, and the prospective buyer has significant funds at risk. Assets that are classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no properties classified as held for sale.
Deferred Financing Expenses—Deferred financing expenses are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related financing arrangement, which approximates the effective interest method. Deferred financing expenses related to our term loan facilities and mortgages are in Debt Obligations, Net, while deferred financing expenses related to our revolving credit facility are in Other Assets, Net, on our consolidated balance sheets. The accumulated amortization of deferred financing expenses in Debt Obligations, Net was $13.8 million and $15.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Fair Value Measurement—ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement(“ASC 820”) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 emphasizes that fair value is intended to be a market-based measurement, as opposed to a transaction-specific measurement. Fair value is defined by ASC 820 as the price that would be received at sale for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Depending on the nature of the asset or liability, various techniques and assumptions can be used to estimate the fair value. Assets and liabilities are measured using inputs from three levels of the fair value hierarchy, as follows:
Level 1—Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date. An active market is defined as a market in which transactions for the assets or liabilities occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Level 2—Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active (markets with few transactions), inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
Level 3—Unobservable inputs, only used to the extent that observable inputs are not available, reflect our assumptions about the pricing of an asset or liability.
Considerable judgment is necessary to develop estimated fair values of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we did or could actually realize upon disposition of the financial assets and liabilities previously sold or currently held.
On a quarterly basis, we employ a multi-step approach to assess our real estate assets for possible impairment and record any impairment charges identified. The first step is the identification of potential triggering events, such as significant decreases in occupancy or the presence of large dark or vacant spaces. If we observe any of these indicators for a shopping center, we then perform an additional screen test consisting of a years-to-recover analysis to determine if we will recover the net book value of the property over its remaining economic life based upon net operating income (“NOI”) as forecasted for the current year. In the event that the results of this first step indicate a triggering event for a center, we proceed to the second step, utilizing an undiscounted cash flow model for the center to identify potential impairment. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the net book value of the center as of the balance sheet date, we record an impairment charge based on the fair value determined in the third step. In performing the third step, we utilize market data such as capitalization rates and sales price per square foot on comparable recent real estate transactions to estimate the fair value of the real estate assets. We also utilize expected net sales proceeds to estimate the fair value of any centers that are actively being marketed for sale.
In addition to these procedures, we also review undeveloped or unimproved land parcels that we own for evidence of impairment and record any impairment charges as necessary. Primary impairment triggers for these land parcels are changes to our plans or intentions with regards to such properties, or planned dispositions at prices that are less than the current carrying values.
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures—We account for our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures using the equity method of accounting as we exercise significant influence over, but do not control, these entities. These investments were initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted for contributions made to and distributions received from the joint ventures. Earnings or losses from our investments are recognized in accordance with the terms of the applicable joint venture agreements, generally through a pro rata allocation. Under a pro rata allocation, net income or loss is allocated between the partners in the joint ventures based on their respective stated ownership percentages.
We utilize the cumulative-earnings approach for purposes of determining whether distributions should be classified as either a return on investment, which would be included in operating activities, or a return of investment, which would be included in investing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. Under this approach, distributions are presumed to be returns on investment unless cumulative returns on investment exceed our cumulative equity in earnings. When such an excess occurs, the current-period distribution up to this excess is considered a return of investment and classified as cash flows from investing activities.
On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are indicators, including the operating performance of the underlying real estate and general market conditions, that the value of our investments in our unconsolidated joint ventures may be impaired. An investment’s value is impaired only if management’s estimate of the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value and such difference is deemed to be other-than-temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over its estimated fair value.
Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon a discounted cash flow model for each specific investment that includes all estimated cash inflows and outflows over a specified holding period. Where applicable, any estimated debt premiums, capitalization rates, discount rates, and credit spreads used in these models are based upon rates we believe to be within a reasonable range of current market rates.
For additional information regarding our unconsolidated joint ventures, refer to Note 6.
Leases—We are party to a number of lease agreements, both as a lessor as well as a lessee of various types of assets.
Lessor—The majority of our revenue is lease revenue derived from our real estate assets, which is accounted for under ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). We record lease and lease-related revenue as Rental Income on the consolidated statements of operations in accordance with ASC 842.
We enter into leases primarily as a lessor as part of our real estate operations, and leases represent the majority of our revenue. We lease space in our properties generally in the form of operating leases. Our leases typically provide for reimbursements from tenants for common area maintenance, insurance, and real estate tax expenses. Common area maintenance reimbursements can be fixed, with revenue earned on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, or variable, with revenue recognized as services are performed for which we will be reimbursed.
The lease agreements frequently contain fixed-price renewal options to extend the terms of leases and other terms and conditions as negotiated. In calculating the term of our leases, we consider whether these options are reasonably certain to be exercised. Our determination involves a combination of contract-, asset-, entity-, and market-based factors and involves considerable judgment. We retain substantially all of the risks and benefits of ownership of the real estate assets leased to tenants. Currently, our tenants have no options to purchase at the end of the lease term, although in a small number of leases, a tenant, usually the anchor tenant, may have the right of first refusal to purchase one of our properties if we elect to sell the center.
We evaluate whether a lease is an operating, sales-type, or direct financing lease using the criteria established in ASC 842. Leases will be considered either sales-type or direct financing leases if any of the following criteria are met:
if the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the lessee by the end of the term;
if the lease grants the lessee an option to purchase the underlying asset that is reasonably certain to be exercised;
if the lease term is for the major part of the remaining economic life of the underlying asset; or
if the present value of the sum of the lease payments and any residual value guaranteed by the lessee equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset.
We utilize substantial judgment in determining the fair value of the leased asset, the economic life of the leased asset, and the relevant borrowing rate in performing our lease classification analysis. If none of the criteria listed above are met, the lease is classified as an operating lease. Currently, all of our leases are classified as operating leases, and we expect that the majority, if not all, of our leases will continue to be classified as operating leases based upon our typical lease terms.
We commence revenue recognition on our leases based on a number of factors. In most cases, revenue recognition under a lease begins when the lessee takes possession of or controls the physical use of the leased asset. The determination of when revenue recognition under a lease begins, as well as the nature of the leased asset, is dependent upon our assessment of who is the owner, for accounting purposes, of any related tenant improvements. If we are the owner, for accounting purposes, of the tenant improvements, then the leased asset is the finished space, and revenue recognition begins when the lessee takes possession of the finished space, typically when the improvements are substantially complete.
If we conclude that we are not the owner, for accounting purposes, of the tenant improvements (i.e., the lessee is the owner), then the leased asset is the unimproved space and any tenant allowances funded under the lease are treated as lease incentives, which reduce revenue recognized over the term of the lease. In these circumstances, we begin revenue recognition when the lessee takes possession of the unimproved space to construct their own improvements. We consider a number of different factors in evaluating whether the lessee or we are the owner of the tenant improvements for accounting purposes. These factors include:
whether the lease stipulates how and on what a tenant improvement allowance may be spent;
whether the tenant or landlord retains legal title to the improvements;
the uniqueness of the improvements;
the expected economic life of the tenant improvements relative to the length of the lease; and
who constructs or directs the construction of the improvements.
The majority of our leases provide for fixed rental escalations, and we recognize rental income on a straight-line basis over the term of each lease in such instances. The difference between rental income earned on a straight-line basis and the cash rent due under the provisions of the lease agreements is recorded as deferred rent receivable and is included as a component of Other Assets, Net. Due to the impact of the straight-line adjustments, rental income generally will be greater than the cash collected in the early years and will be less than the cash collected in the later years of a lease.
Reimbursements from tenants for recoverable real estate taxes and operating expenses that are fixed per the terms of the applicable lease agreements are recorded on a straight-line basis, as described above. The majority of our lease agreements with tenants, however, provide for tenant reimbursements that are variable depending upon the applicable expenses incurred. These reimbursements are accrued as revenue in the period in which the applicable expenses are incurred. We make certain assumptions and judgments in estimating the reimbursements at the end of each reporting period. We do not expect the actual results to materially differ from the estimated reimbursements. Both fixed and variable tenant reimbursements are recorded as Rental Income in the consolidated statements of operations. In certain cases, the lease agreement may stipulate that a tenant make a direct payment for real estate taxes to the relevant taxing authorities. In these cases, we do not record any revenue or expense related to these tenant expenditures. Although we expect such cases to be rare, in the event that a direct-paying tenant failed to make their required payment to the taxing authorities, we would potentially be liable for such amounts, although they are not recorded as a liability in our consolidated balance sheets per the requirements of ASC 842. We have made a policy election to exclude amounts collected from customers for all sales tax and other similar taxes from the transaction price in our recognition of lease revenue. We record such taxes on a net basis in our consolidated statements of operations.
Additionally, we record an immaterial amount of variable revenue in the form of percentage rental income. Our policy for percentage rental income is to defer recognition of contingent rental income until the specified target (i.e., breakpoint) that triggers the contingent rental income is achieved.
In some instances, as part of our negotiations, we may offer lease incentives to our tenants. These incentives usually take the form of payments made to or on behalf of the tenant, and such incentives will be deducted from the lease payment and recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the new lease.
We record lease termination income if there is a signed termination agreement, all of the conditions of the agreement have been met, collectibility is reasonably assured, and the tenant is no longer occupying the property. Upon early lease termination, we provide for losses related to unrecovered tenant-specific intangibles and other assets. We record lease termination income as Rental Income in the consolidated statements of operations.
Lease receivables are reviewed continually to determine whether or not it is probable that we will realize substantially all remaining lease payments for each of our tenants (i.e., whether a tenant is deemed to be a credit risk). Additionally, we record a general reserve based on our review of operating lease receivables at a company level to ensure they are properly valued based on analysis of historical bad debt, outstanding balances, and the current economic climate. If we determine it is not probable that we will collect substantially all of the remaining lease payments from a tenant, revenue for that tenant is recorded on a cash basis (“cash-basis tenant”), including any amounts relating to straight-line rent receivables and/or receivables for recoverable expenses. We will resume recording lease income on an accrual basis for cash-basis tenants once we believe the collection of rent for the remaining lease term is probable, which will generally be after a period of regular payments. Under ASC 842, the aforementioned adjustments as well as any reserve for disputed charges are recorded as a reduction of Rental Income on the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the reserve in accounts receivable for uncollectible amounts was $2.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively. Receivables on our consolidated balance sheets exclude amounts removed related to tenants considered to be non-creditworthy, which were $11.2 million and $10.7 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Lessee—We enter into leases as a lessee as part of our real estate operations in the form of ground leases of land for certain properties, and as part of our corporate operations in the form of office space and office equipment leases. Ground leases typically contain one or more options to renew for additional terms and may include options that grant us, as the lessee, the right to terminate the lease, without penalty, in advance of the full lease term. Our office space leases generally have no renewal options. Office equipment leases typically have options to extend the term for a year or less, but contain minimal termination rights. In calculating the term of our leases, we consider whether we are reasonably certain to exercise renewal and/or termination options. Our determination involves a combination of contract-, asset-, entity-, and market-based factors and involves considerable judgment.
Currently, neither our operating leases nor our finance leases have residual value guarantees or other restrictions or covenants, but a small number may contain non-lease components which have been deemed not material and are not separated from the leasing component. We evaluate whether a lease is a finance or operating lease using the criteria established in ASC 842. The criteria we use to determine whether a lease is a finance lease are the same as those we use to determine whether a lease is sales-type lease as a lessor. If none of the finance lease criteria is met, we classify the lease as an operating lease.
We record ROU assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets based upon the terms and conditions of the applicable lease agreement. We use discount rates to calculate the present value of lease payments when determining lease classification and measuring our lease liability. We use the rate implicit in the lease as our discount rate unless that rate cannot be readily determined, in which case we consider various factors, including our incremental secured borrowing rate, in selecting an appropriate discount rate. This requires the application of judgment, and we consider the length of the lease as well as the length and securitization of our outstanding debt agreements in selecting an appropriate rate. Refer to Note 3 for further detail.
Revenue Recognition—In addition to our lease-related revenue, we also earn fee revenues by providing services to the Managed Funds. These fees are accounted for within the scope of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), and are recorded as Fees and Management Income on the consolidated statements of operations. We provide services to the Managed Funds, all of which are considered related parties. These services primarily include asset acquisition and disposition services, asset management, operating and leasing of properties, construction management, and other general and administrative responsibilities. These services are currently provided under various combinations of advisory agreements, property management agreements, and other service agreements (the “Management Agreements”). The wide variety of duties within the Management Agreements makes determining the performance obligations within the contracts a matter of judgment. We have concluded that each of the separately disclosed fee types in the below table represents a separate performance obligation within the Management Agreements.
| Fee | Performance Obligation Satisfied | Form and Timing of Payment | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asset Management | Over time | In cash, monthly | Because each increment of service is distinct, although substantially the same, revenue is recognized at the end of each reporting period based upon invested equity and the applicable rate. |
| Property Management | Over time | In cash, monthly | Because each increment of service is distinct, although substantially the same, revenue is recognized at the end of each reporting period based on a percentage of the properties’ cash receipts. |
| Leasing Commissions | Point in time (upon close of a transaction) | In cash, upon completion | Revenue is recognized in an amount equal to the fees charged by unaffiliated persons rendering comparable services in the same geographic location. |
| Construction Management | Point in time (upon close of a project) | In cash, upon completion | Revenue is recognized in an amount equal to the fees charged by unaffiliated persons rendering comparable services in the same geographic location. |
Due to the nature of the services being provided under our Management Agreements, each performance obligation has a variable component. Therefore, when we determine the transaction price for the contracts, we are required to constrain our estimate to an amount that is not probable of significant revenue reversal. For most of these fee types, such as leasing commissions, compensation only occurs if a transaction takes place and the amount of compensation is dependent upon the terms of the transaction. For our property and asset management fees, due to the large number and broad range of possible consideration amounts, we calculate the amount earned at the end of each reporting period.
Sales or transfers to non-customers of non-financial assets or in substance non-financial assets that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for within the scope of ASC Topic 610-20, Other Income—Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (“ASC 610-20”). Generally, our sales of real estate would be considered a sale of a non-financial asset as defined by ASC 610-20. Under ASC 610-20, if we determine we do not have a controlling financial interest in the entity that holds the asset and the arrangement meets the criteria to be accounted for as a contract, we would derecognize the asset and recognize a gain or loss on the sale of the real estate when control of the underlying asset transfers to the buyer. Further, we may defer a tax gain through a Section 1031 Exchange by purchasing another property within a specified time period. For additional information regarding gain on sale of assets, refer to Note 4.
Share-Based Compensation—We account for equity awards in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, which requires that all share-based payments to employees and non-employee directors be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations over the requisite service period based on their fair value. Prior to our underwritten initial public offering (“underwritten IPO”) in July 2021, fair value was based on the estimated value per share (“EVPS”) of our stock. Subsequent to our underwritten IPO, fair value for certain of our equity awards is based on our Nasdaq closing stock price at the date of the grant. Beginning in 2022, fair value for our performance-based awards is calculated using the Monte Carlo method, which is intended to estimate the fair value of the awards using dividend yields, expected volatilities that are primarily based on available implied data and peer group companies’ historical data, and post-vesting restriction periods.
Share-based compensation expense for all awards is included in General and Administrative and Property Operating in our consolidated statements of operations, which is included in Other Expense, Net. For more information about our stock-based compensation program, see Note 13.
Share Repurchase Program—Shares repurchased pursuant to a share repurchase program are immediately retired upon purchase. Repurchased common stock is reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. Our accounting policy related to share repurchases is to reduce common stock based on the par value of the shares and to reduce capital surplus for the excess of the repurchase price over the par value. In August 2022, our board of directors (the “Board”) approved a share repurchase program of up to $250 million of common stock. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time, and does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or particular number of shares. No share repurchases have been made to date under this program.
Segments—Our principal business is the ownership and operation of community and neighborhood shopping centers. We do not distinguish our principal business, or group our operations, by geography or size for purposes of measuring performance. Accordingly, we have presented our results as a single operating and reportable segment. For more information about our single operating and reportable segment, see Note 17.
Income Taxes—We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the IRC. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains. We intend to continue to adhere to these requirements and to maintain our REIT status. As a REIT, we are entitled to a deduction for some or all of the distributions we pay to our stockholders. Accordingly, we are generally subject to U.S. federal income taxes on any taxable income that is not currently distributed to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes and may not be able to qualify as a REIT until the fifth subsequent taxable year.
Notwithstanding our qualification as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income or properties. In addition, our consolidated financial statements include the operations of wholly-owned subsidiaries that have jointly elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) entities and are subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes at regular corporate tax rates. As a REIT, we may also be subject to certain U.S. federal excise taxes if we engage in certain types of transactions. We recognized federal, state, and local income tax expense of $1.8 million, $0.4 million, and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. We retained a full valuation allowance for our net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2023 and an insignificant valuation allowance at December 31, 2024 for certain state net operating losses that we do not believe will be realized. All income tax amounts are included in Other Expense, Net on our consolidated statements of operations. For more information regarding our income taxes, see Note 10.
Recently Adopted or Issued Accounting Pronouncements—In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”). ASU 2023-07 requires, among other updates, enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker. The ASU also clarifies that entities with a single reportable segment are subject to both new and existing reporting requirements under Topic 280. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and requires retrospective adoption. We adopted this ASU in our consolidated financial statements, which includes the additional disclosures required for our single operating and reportable segment, for the year ended December 31, 2024 and retrospectively for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. See Note 17.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 updates income tax disclosures related to the rate reconciliation and requires disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The ASU also makes several other changes to income tax disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The guidance should be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is permitted. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income — Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses(“ASU 2024-03”). ASU 2024-03 requires disaggregated disclosures in the notes to the financial statements of certain categories of expenses, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, and depreciation and amortization, that are included in expense line items within the statement of operations. This guidance is to be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is permitted. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this guidance on our disclosures.
3. LEASES
Lessor—The majority of our leases are largely similar in that the leased asset is retail space within our properties, and the lease agreements generally contain similar provisions and features, without substantial variations. All of our leases are currently classified as operating leases. Lease income related to our operating leases was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental income related to fixed lease payments(1) | $486,328 | $446,576 | $416,865 |
| Rental income related to variable lease payments(1)(2) | 150,350 | 138,691 | 127,316 |
| Straight-line rent amortization(3) | 8,552 | 9,539 | 11,668 |
| Amortization of lease assets | 6,507 | 5,126 | 4,266 |
| Lease buyout income | 867 | 1,222 | 2,414 |
| Adjustments for collectibility(4) | (5,015) | (3,653) | (1,991) |
| Total rental income | $647,589 | $597,501 | $560,538 |
(1)Includes rental income related to lease payments before assessing for collectibility.
(2)Variable payments are primarily related to tenant recovery income.
(3)Includes revenue adjustments to straight-line rent for tenants considered non-creditworthy.
(4)Includes general reserves as well as adjustments for tenants considered non-creditworthy for which we are recording revenue on a cash basis, per ASC 842.
Approximate future fixed contractual lease payments to be received under non-cancelable operating leases in effect as of December 31, 2024, assuming no new or renegotiated leases or option extensions on lease agreements, and including the impact of rent abatements and tenants who have been moved to the cash basis of accounting for revenue recognition purposes, were as follows (in thousands):
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $496,091 |
| 2026 | 444,932 |
| 2027 | 377,646 |
| 2028 | 303,405 |
| 2029 | 222,726 |
| Thereafter | 555,494 |
| Total | $2,400,294 |
No single tenant comprised 10% or more of our aggregate annualized base rent (“ABR”) as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, our wholly-owned real estate investments in Florida, California, and Texas represented 12.0%,10.7%, and 10.2% of our ABR, respectively. As a result, the geographic concentration of our portfolio makes it particularly susceptible to adverse natural or economic events in the Florida (see “Hurricanes Helene and Milton” and “Hurricane Ian” in Note 4), California, and Texas real estate markets.
Lessee—Lease assets and liabilities, grouped by balance sheet line where they are recorded, consisted of the following as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| Balance Sheet Information | Balance Sheet Location | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROU assets, net - operating leases | Investment in Real Estate | $3,632 | $3,734 |
| ROU assets, net - operating and finance leases | Other Assets, Net | 870 | 1,323 |
| Operating lease liability | Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities | 4,714 | 5,094 |
| Finance lease liability | Debt Obligations, Net | 31 | 308 |
As of December 31, 2024, the weighted-average remaining lease term was approximately 2.3 years for finance leases and 20.1 years for operating leases. The weighted-average discount rate was 5.4% for finance leases and 4.7% for operating leases.
Future undiscounted payments for fixed lease charges by lease type, inclusive of options reasonably certain to be exercised, were as follows as of December 31, 2024 (in thousands):
| Undiscounted | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Operating | Finance |
| 2025 | $441 | $19 |
| 2026 | 381 | 12 |
| 2027 | 378 | 1 |
| 2028 | 376 | — |
| 2029 | 394 | — |
| Thereafter | 5,378 | — |
| Total undiscounted cash flows from leases | 7,348 | 32 |
| Total lease liabilities recorded at present value | 4,714 | 31 |
| Difference between undiscounted cash flows and present value of lease liabilities | $2,634 | $1 |
4. REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY
Acquisitions—The following table summarizes our real estate acquisition activity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (dollars in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of properties acquired | 12 | 11 | 7 |
| Number of outparcels acquired(1)(2) | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Contract price | $294,002 | $278,480 | $280,515 |
| Total price of acquisitions(3) | 296,268 | 270,262 | 282,000 |
(1)Outparcels acquired are adjacent to shopping centers that we own.
(2)During the year ended December 31, 2024, we acquired an outparcel adjacent to a property that is owned by our unconsolidated joint venture, GRP I. Therefore, the outparcel is an addition to our total property count.
(3)Total price of acquisitions includes closing costs less credits and assumed liabilities.
Subsequent to December 31, 2024, we acquiredone property for $19.1 million.
The aggregate purchase price of the assets acquired during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were allocated as follows (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||
| Land and improvements | $85,916 | $80,701 |
| Building and improvements | 198,979 | 180,155 |
| In-place lease assets | 29,052 | 26,690 |
| Above-market lease assets | 2,179 | 2,688 |
| Below-market debt | — | 444 |
| Total assets | 316,126 | 290,678 |
| LIABILITIES | ||
| Debt obligations, net | — | 9,614 |
| Below-market lease liabilities | 19,633 | 10,802 |
| Other liabilities assumed | 225 | — |
| Total liabilities | 19,858 | 20,416 |
| Net assets acquired | $296,268 | $270,262 |
The weighted-average amortization periods for in-place, above-market, and below-market lease intangibles and below-market debt acquired during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in years):
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Acquired in-place leases | 11 | 12 |
| Acquired above-market leases | 8 | 9 |
| Acquired below-market leases | 16 | 18 |
| Assumed below-market debt | — | 2 |
Property Dispositions—The following table summarizes our real estate disposition activity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (dollars in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of properties sold | — | 1 | 4 |
| Number of outparcels sold | — | 2 | 4 |
| Contract price | $— | $6,250 | $53,987 |
| (Payments) proceeds from sale of real estate, net(1)(2)(3) | (17) | 7,208 | 52,019 |
| (Loss) gain on disposal of property, net(2)(3) | (30) | 1,110 | 7,517 |
(1)Total proceeds from sale of real estate, net includes closing costs less credits.
(2)Activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes land acquired from us by local authorities.
(3)We sold no properties during the year ended December 31, 2024, but we recognized a minimal loss on disposal of property due to miscellaneous write-off activity and expenses related to previous and future potential dispositions.
Subsequent to December 31, 2024, we soldone property for $24.9 million. We provided secured financing for this property sale receiving a note receivable of $17.4 million.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton - In late September and early October 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the southeast United States and caused various amounts of damage to our properties located in the region. During 2024, we recorded gross cumulative accelerated depreciation of $1.4 million.
Hurricane Ian - In September 2022, Hurricane Ian struck the southeast United States and caused various amounts of damage to our properties located in the region. During 2022, we recorded gross cumulative accelerated depreciation of $2.7 million for damages sustained to the properties, which was reduced by insurance recoveries of $1.0 million (net of deductibles and self-insurance of $1.7 million) collected in 2023.
5. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Goodwill—During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, we recordedno impairments to goodwill.
Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities—Other intangible assets and liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Gross Amount | Accumulated Amortization | |
| Corporate intangible assets | $6,703 | $(6,356) | $6,686 | $(5,994) |
| In-place leases | 523,209 | (330,372) | 495,525 | (295,957) |
| Above-market leases | 76,359 | (62,895) | 74,446 | (57,964) |
| Below-market lease liabilities | (201,976) | 85,880 | (182,689) | 74,466 |
| Above-market contract(1) | (2,496) | 998 | (2,496) | 499 |
(1)Recorded in Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
Summarized below is the amortization recorded on other intangible assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate intangible assets | $361 | $361 | $364 |
| In-place leases | 35,319 | 34,380 | 36,851 |
| Above-market leases | 5,026 | 5,865 | 6,485 |
| Below-market lease liabilities | (11,613) | (11,044) | (10,809) |
| Above-market contract | (499) | (499) | — |
Estimated future amortization of the respective other intangible assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2024 for each of the next five years is as follows (in thousands):
| Corporate Intangible Assets · In-Place Leases · Above-Market Leases · Below-Market Lease Liabilities · Above-Market Contract | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $328 | $33,516 | $3,903 | $(11,663) | $(499) |
| 2026 | 9 | 28,003 | 2,719 | (10,831) | (499) |
| 2027 | 5 | 24,014 | 1,966 | (10,318) | (499) |
| 2028 | 4 | 19,923 | 1,412 | (9,710) | — |
| 2029 | 2 | 16,938 | 1,000 | (9,109) | — |
6. INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Grocery Retail Partners I and II—In November 2018, a joint venture named GRP I was formed between subsidiaries of our company and The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (“Northwestern Mutual”), with our company holding a 15% ownership interest. The joint venture is set to expireten years after the date of the agreement, unless otherwise extended by the members. In 2019, we assumed a 10% equity interest in Grocery Retail Partners II LLC (“GRP II”) through a merger. In October 2020, GRP I acquired GRP II, resulting in our ownership interest in GRP I being adjusted to approximately 14%.
Necessity Retail Partners—As of December 31, 2024, we owned a 20% equity interest in Necessity Retail Partners (“NRP”). NRP was initially formed in March 2016 pursuant to the terms of a joint venture agreement, as amended, between Phillips Edison Grocery Center REIT II, Inc. and an affiliate of TPG Real Estate and is set to expire in 2025 unless otherwise extended by the members. In May 2022, we sold the final property in the joint venture. With the monetization of the joint venture, we exceeded the targeted return and as such were paid compensation of $0.1 million and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which is recorded in Fees and Management Income on our consolidated statements of operations.
Necessity Retail Venture—In July 2024, through a subsidiary, we entered into a joint venture agreement with an affiliate of Cohen & Steers Income Opportunities REIT, Inc. (“Cohen & Steers”) targeting $300 million in total equity. We contributed $3.2 million for the purchase ofone property at formation of the new joint venture, NRV, in exchange for a 20% ownership interest in NRV. Cohen & Steers acquired an 80% ownership interest in NRV by contributing $12.9 million for the purchase of theone property.
Subsequent to December 31, 2024, NRV acquiredone property for $40.1 million.
Neighborhood Grocery Catalyst Fund LLC—In December 2024, through a subsidiary, we entered into a joint venture agreement with certain other investors, which included LS BDC Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of Lafayette Square USA, Inc. and Northwestern Mutual. We contributed $4.2 million for the purchase ofone property at formation of the new joint venture, NGCF, in exchange for a 31.25% ownership interest in NGCF. The other investors acquired ownership interests in NGCF totaling 68.75% by contributing $9.3 million for the purchase of theone property.
The following table summarizes balances on the consolidated balance sheets related to our unconsolidated joint ventures as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (dollars in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Venture | Ownership Percentage | Number of Shopping Centers | Investment Balance | Ownership Percentage | Number of Shopping Centers | Investment Balance |
| GRP I | 14% | 20 | $22,950 | 14% | 20 | $24,701 |
| NRP | 20% | — | 498 | 20% | — | 519 |
| NRV | 20% | 1 | 3,950 | —% | — | — |
| NGCF | 31% | 1 | 4,326 | —% | — | — |
The following table summarizes the activity on the consolidated statements of operations related to our unconsolidated joint ventures as of December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distributions to PECO After Formation or Assumption | |||
| GRP I | $2,099 | $2,156 | $2,295 |
| NRP | — | 84 | 3,109 |
| NRV | 40 | — | — |
| NGCF | — | — | — |
| Gain (Loss) from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures(1) | |||
| GRP I | $348 | $281 | $246 |
| NRP | (21) | (21) | 1,253 |
| NRV | (47) | — | — |
| NGCF | (9) | — | — |
| Amortization and Write-Off of Basis Differences(1) | |||
| NRP | $— | $— | $219 |
(1)Recorded in Other Expense, Net in the consolidated statements of operations.
7. OTHER ASSETS, NET
The following is a summary of Other Assets, Net outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Other assets, net: | ||
| Deferred leasing commissions and costs | $55,266 | $53,379 |
| Deferred financing expenses(1) | 9,037 | 8,984 |
| Office equipment, including capital lease assets, and other | 26,557 | 24,073 |
| Corporate intangible assets | 6,703 | 6,686 |
| Total depreciable and amortizable assets | 97,563 | 93,122 |
| Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (53,330) | (53,205) |
| Net depreciable and amortizable assets | 44,233 | 39,917 |
| Accounts receivable, net(2) | 46,099 | 44,548 |
| Accounts receivable - affiliates | 1,310 | 803 |
| Deferred rent receivable, net(3) | 71,954 | 62,288 |
| Derivative assets | 4,510 | 12,669 |
| Prepaid expenses and other | 13,071 | 10,745 |
| Investment in third parties(4) | 6,731 | 6,875 |
| Investment in marketable securities | 7,420 | 8,566 |
| Total other assets, net | $195,328 | $186,411 |
(1)Deferred financing expenses per the above table are related to our revolving credit facility, and as such we have elected to classify them as an asset rather than as a contra-liability.
(2)Net of $2.2 million and $1.9 million of general reserves for uncollectible amounts as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Receivables that were removed for tenants considered to be non-creditworthy were $6.8 million and $6.0 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(3)Net of $4.4 million and $4.6 million of receivables removed as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, related to straight-line rent for tenants previously or currently considered to be non-creditworthy.
(4)We recorded an impairment of our investment in a third-party company of $3.0 million in Other Expense, Net on our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 (see Note 15).
8. DEBT OBLIGATIONS
The following is a summary of the outstanding principal balances and interest rates, which includes the effect of derivative financial instruments, for our debt obligations as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (dollars in thousands):
| Interest Rate(1) | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolving credit facility | SOFR + 0.9% | $40,000 | $181,000 |
| Term loans(2) | 3.9% - 5.7% | 584,750 | 964,750 |
| Senior unsecured notes due 2031 | 2.625% | 350,000 | 350,000 |
| Senior unsecured notes due 2034 | 5.750% | 350,000 | — |
| Senior unsecured notes due 2035 | 4.950% | 350,000 | — |
| Secured loan facilities | 3.4% - 3.5% | 395,000 | 395,000 |
| Mortgages | 3.5% - 6.2% | 67,555 | 95,677 |
| Finance lease liability | 31 | 308 | |
| Discount on notes payable | (22,211) | (6,302) | |
| Assumed market debt adjustments, net | 84 | (858) | |
| Deferred financing expenses, net | (5,666) | (10,303) | |
| Total | $2,109,543 | $1,969,272 | |
| Weighted-average interest rate(3) | 4.3% | 4.2% |
(1)Interest rates are as of December 31, 2024.
(2)Our term loans carry an interest rate of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus a spread. While most of the rates are fixed through the use of swaps, a portion of these loans are not subject to a swap, and thus are still indexed to SOFR.
(3)Includes the effects of derivative financial instruments (see Notes 9 and 16).
2024 Debt Activity—In May 2024, we issued $350 million of 5.750% senior notes due 2034 at an issue price of 98.576% in an underwritten offering. The offering resulted in gross proceeds of $345.0 million, which were used to pay down $202 million of our revolving credit facility and $135 million of our $240 million term loan that was set to mature in November 2025.
In September 2024, we issued $350 million of 4.950% senior notes due 2035 at an issue price of 98.458% in an underwritten offering. The offering resulted in gross proceeds of $344.6 million, which were used to pay down $90 million of our revolving credit facility and $140 million of our $240 million term loan that is set to mature in July 2026. Additionally, we paid in full our $105 million term loan that was set to mature in November 2025.
The 2024 senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repaid $28.1 million in mortgage debt.
2023 Debt Activity—In July 2023, we amended three senior unsecured term loans with a total notional amount of $475 million scheduled to mature during 2024. Thethree senior unsecured term loans, as amended, have a total notional amount of $484.8 million. The $161.8 million unsecured term loan is priced based on a leverage grid, which was SOFR plus 1.35% at issuance, and is scheduled to mature in January 2026 extendable withtwo one-year options to 2028. The $158 million and $165 million unsecured term loans are priced based on a leverage grid, which was SOFR plus 1.35% at issuance, and mature in January 2027.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repaid $47.3 million in mortgage debt.
Revolving Credit Facility—As of December 31, 2024, we had an $800 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility with availability of $738.9 million, which was net of outstanding letters of credit. The revolving credit facility was set to mature in January 2026, and we paid a facility fee of 0.25% on the total amount under the facility.
On January 9, 2025, we amended our senior unsecured revolving credit facility. The amendment increases the aggregate borrowing capacity of the facility to $1 billion and extends the maturity date to January 2029, with options to extend the maturity fortwo additionalsix-month periods.
Term Loans—We have four unsecured term loans with maturities ranging from 2026 to 2027. Our term loans have interest rates of SOFR plus interest rate spreads based on our investment grade rating. We have utilized interest rate swaps to fix the rates on the majority of our term loans, with $109.8 million in term loans not fixed through such swaps.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the weighted-average interest rate, including the impact of swaps, on our term loans was 4.6% and 4.7%, respectively.
Secured Debt—Our secured debt includestwo facilities secured by certain properties in our portfolio, mortgage loans secured by individual properties, and finance leases. The interest rates on our secured debt are fixed. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our weighted average interest rate for our secured debt was 3.6% and 3.7%, respectively.
Debt Allocation—The allocation of total debt between fixed-rate and variable-rate as well as between secured and unsecured, excluding market debt adjustments, discount on senior notes, and deferred financing expenses, net, and including the effects of derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, is summarized below (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| As to interest rate(1): | ||
| Fixed-rate debt | $1,987,586 | $1,540,985 |
| Variable-rate debt | 149,750 | 445,750 |
| Total | $2,137,336 | $1,986,735 |
| As to collateralization: | ||
| Unsecured debt | $1,674,750 | $1,495,750 |
| Secured debt | 462,586 | 490,985 |
| Total | $2,137,336 | $1,986,735 |
(1)Fixed-rate debt includes, and variable-rate debt excludes, the portion of such debt that has been hedged by interest rate derivatives. As of December 31, 2024, $475 million in variable rate debt was hedged to a fixed rate for a weighted-average period of 1.3 years (see Notes 9 and 16).
Maturity Schedule—Below is our maturity schedule with the respective principal payment obligations, excluding finance lease liabilities, market debt adjustments, discount on senior notes, and deferred financing expenses, net (in thousands):
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | Thereafter | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured debt(1) | $— | $301,750 | $323,000 | $— | $— | $1,050,000 | $1,674,750 |
| Secured debt | 37,637 | 1,908 | 200,595 | 17,367 | 805 | 204,243 | 462,555 |
| Total | $37,637 | $303,658 | $523,595 | $17,367 | $805 | $1,254,243 | $2,137,305 |
(1)Includes our revolving credit facility, term loans, and senior notes.
9. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives—We are exposed to certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions. We principally manage our exposure to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of our core business activities. We manage economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of our debt funding, and through the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, we enter into interest rate swaps to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. Our derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of our known or expected cash receipts and our known or expected cash payments principally related to our investments and borrowings.
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk—Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for our making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.
The changes in the fair value of derivatives designated, and that qualify, as cash flow hedges are recorded in AOCI and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with certain variable-rate debt. Amounts reported in AOCI related to these derivatives will be reclassified to Interest Expense, Net as interest payments are made on the variable-rate debt. During the next twelve months, we estimate that an additional $3.8 million will be reclassified from AOCI as a decrease to Interest Expense, Net.
In March 2023, we entered into an interest rate swap which has a notional amount of $200 million and swaps SOFR for a fixed rate of approximately 3.36% which became effective in September 2023 and matures in September 2026.
In January 2024, we entered into an interest rate swap which has a notional amount of $150 million and swaps SOFR for a fixed rate of approximately 3.45% which became effective in September 2024 and matures in December 2025.
The following is a summary of our interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (dollars in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Count | 3 | 4 |
| Notional amount | $475,000 | $700,000 |
| Fixed SOFR | 2.8% - 3.4% | 2.1% - 3.4% |
| Maturity date | 2025 - 2026 | 2024 - 2026 |
| Weighted-average term (in years) | 1.3 | 1.5 |
The table below details the nature of the gain and loss recognized on interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amount of gain recognized in Other Comprehensive Income | $8,400 | $8,586 | $46,839 |
| Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from AOCI into Interest Expense, Net | (15,361) | (20,402) | 4,446 |
Credit-risk-related Contingent Features—We have agreements with our derivative counterparties that contain provisions where, if we default, or are capable of being declared in default, on any of our indebtedness, we could also be declared to be in default on our derivative obligations. As of December 31, 2024, there wereno derivatives with a fair value in a net liability position, which would include accrued interest but exclude any adjustment for nonperformance risk related to these agreements.
10. INCOME TAXES
General—We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the IRC. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains. We intend to continue to adhere to these requirements and to maintain our REIT status. As a REIT, we are entitled to a deduction for some or all of the distributions we pay to our stockholders. Accordingly, we are generally subject to U.S. federal income taxes on any taxable income that is not currently distributed to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes and may not be able to qualify as a REIT until the fifth taxable year following the year of disqualification.
Notwithstanding our qualification as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income or properties. In addition, our consolidated financial statements include the operations of certain wholly-owned entities that have jointly elected to be treated as TRS entities and are subject to U.S. federal, state, and local incomes taxes at regular corporate tax rates. As a REIT, we may also be subject to certain U.S. federal excise taxes if we engage in certain types of transactions.
Income tax benefits from uncertain tax positions are recognized in the consolidated financial statements only if we believe it is more likely than not that the uncertain tax position will be sustained based solely on the technical merits of the tax position and consideration of the relevant taxing authority's widely understood administrative practices and precedents. We do not believe that we have any uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The statute of limitations for the federal income tax returns remain open for the 2021 through 2023 tax years. The statute of limitations for state income tax returns remain open in accordance with each state's statute.
Our accounting policy is to classify interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense. We accrued no interest and penalties as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities—Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will be realized based on consideration of available evidence, including future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, the magnitude and timing of future projected taxable income, and tax planning strategies.
We believed, based on available evidence, it was not more likely than not that our net deferred tax asset would be realized in future periods and, therefore, recorded a valuation allowance equal to the net deferred tax asset balance at December 31, 2023. During the second quarter of 2024, we concluded that it was more likely than not that a significant portion of our net deferred tax asset will be realized. We reached this conclusion as certain of our TRS entities reported positive cumulative pre-tax earnings in recent years, and are projected to generate future pre-tax earnings. We released $1.0 million of the valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2024. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 was reduced by an amount equal to the amount of the valuation allowance released during 2024. There was an insignificant valuation allowance remaining at December 31, 2024 for certain state net operating losses that we do not believe will be realized.
The following is a summary of our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Equity compensation | $1,240 | $1,934 |
| Accrued compensation | 1,684 | 1,706 |
| Net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward | 171 | 1,031 |
| Reserves | 383 | 300 |
| Other | 101 | 94 |
| Gross deferred tax asset | 3,579 | 5,065 |
| Less: valuation allowance | (100) | (1,143) |
| Total deferred tax asset | 3,479 | 3,922 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
| Real estate and capitalized salaries | (3,785) | (3,150) |
| Investment in third parties | (643) | (563) |
| Other | (30) | (209) |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (4,458) | (3,922) |
| Net deferred tax liability | $(979) | $— |
Our deferred tax assets and liabilities result from the activities of our TRS entities. As of December 31, 2024, the TRS entities have state NOL carryforwards of approximately $3.2 million, which will expire as determined under each state's statute.
Differences between the net income presented on the consolidated statements of operations and taxable income are primarily related to the differences in the periods over which depreciation and amortization expenses are recognized for financial reporting purposes and tax purposes, the timing of the recognition of rental income for financial reporting purposes and tax purposes, and the timing of the expense recognition of certain ordinary and necessary center repair expenditures.
Distributions—The following table reconciles Net Income Attributable to Stockholders to REIT taxable income before the dividends paid deduction for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net income attributable to stockholders | $62,685 | $56,848 | $48,323 |
| Net (income) loss from TRS entities | (10,298) | (9,768) | 968 |
| Net income attributable to REIT operations | 52,387 | 47,080 | 49,291 |
| Book/tax differences | 59,885 | 54,311 | 47,730 |
| REIT taxable income | 112,272 | 101,391 | 97,021 |
| Less: Capital gains | — | (96) | — |
| REIT taxable income subject to 90% dividend requirement | $112,272 | $101,295 | $97,021 |
Total gross distributions to our stockholders exceeded 100% of REIT taxable income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
The tax characterization of our distributions declared for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common stock: | |||
| Ordinary dividends | 77.4% | 75.9% | 77.4% |
| Non-dividend distributions | 22.6% | 24.0% | 22.6% |
| Capital gain distributions(1) | —% | 0.1% | —% |
| Total distributions per share of common stock | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% |
(1)Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Regulation §1.1061-6(c) and §1061 of the IRC, the One Year Amounts and Three Year Amounts disclosures are both zero with respect to direct and indirect holders of “applicable partnership interests” for us and our subsidiary REIT, Phillips Edison Institutional REIT, LLC for all years presented.
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation—We are involved in various claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve claims for damages. Many of these matters are covered by insurance, although they may nevertheless be subject to deductibles or retentions. Although the ultimate liability for these matters cannot be determined, based upon information currently available, we believe the resolution of such claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Environmental Matters—In connection with the ownership and operation of real estate, we may potentially be liable for costs and damages related to environmental matters. In addition, we may own or acquire certain properties that are subject to environmental remediation. Depending on the nature of the environmental matter, the seller of the property, a tenant of the property, and/or another third party may be responsible for environmental remediation costs related to a property. Additionally, in connection with the purchase of certain properties, the respective sellers and/or tenants may agree to indemnify us against future remediation costs. We also carry environmental liability insurance on our properties that provides limited coverage for any remediation liability and/or pollution liability for third-party bodily injury and/or property damage claims for which we may be liable. We are not currently aware of any environmental matters that we believe are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Captive Insurance—Our captive insurance company, Silver Rock Insurance, Inc. (“Silver Rock”), provides general liability insurance, wind, reinsurance, and other coverage to us and our GRP I joint venture. We capitalize Silver Rock in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Silver Rock establishes annual premiums based on the past loss experience of the insured properties. An independent third party was engaged to perform an actuarial estimate of projected future claims, related deductibles, and projected future expenses necessary to fund associated risk management programs. Premiums paid to Silver Rock may be adjusted based on this estimate, and such premiums may be reimbursed by tenants pursuant to specific lease terms.
As of December 31, 2024, we hadthree letters of credit outstanding totaling approximately $21.1 million to provide security for our obligations under Silver Rock’s insurance and reinsurance contracts.
The following is a summary of the activity in the liability for unpaid losses, which is recorded in Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning balances | $9,410 | $9,607 |
| Incurred (adjustments) related to: | ||
| Current year | 5,504 | 3,369 |
| Prior years | (1,176) | (195) |
| Total incurred | 4,328 | 3,174 |
| Paid related to: | ||
| Current year | 199 | 136 |
| Prior years | 1,440 | 3,235 |
| Total paid | 1,639 | 3,371 |
| Liabilities for unpaid losses as of December 31 | $12,099 | $9,410 |
12. EQUITY
General—The holders of common stock are entitled toone vote per share on all matters voted on by stockholders, including one vote per nominee in the election of the Board. Our charter does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.
At-the-Market Offering (“ATM”)—In February 2022, we entered into a sales agreement relating to the potential sale of shares of common stock pursuant to a continuous offering program, allowing up to $250 million in offerings. During the year ended December 31, 2024, prior to the entry into the new program described below, we issued approximately 46,000 shares of our common stock at a gross weighted average price of $37.05 per share under this ATM program for net proceeds of $1.7 million, after approximately $17,000 in commissions. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we issued 4.2 million shares of our common stock at a gross weighted average price of $35.76 per share under this ATM program for net proceeds of $147.6 million, after approximately $1.5 million in commissions.
In February 2024, we entered into a new sales agreement relating to the potential sale of shares of common stock pursuant to a continuous offering program, which replaced the previous agreement. In accordance with the terms of the sales agreement, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $250 million from time to time through our sales agents, or, if applicable, as forward sellers. During the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, we issued 1.9 million shares of our common stock at a gross weighted average price of $39.23 under this ATM program for net proceeds of $72.1 million, after approximately $0.7 million in commissions. As of December 31, 2024, approximately $177 million of common stock remained available for issuance under the current ATM program.
Class B Common Stock—On June 18, 2021, our stockholders approved the Articles of Amendment that effected the Recapitalization, wherein each share of our common stock outstanding at the time the amendment became effective was converted intoone share of a newly created class of Class B common stock.
Our Class B common stock was identical to our common stock, except that it was not listed on a national securities exchange. Per the terms of the Recapitalization, on January 18, 2022, each share of our Class B common stock automatically converted intoone share of our listed common stock.
On May 5, 2022, we filed Articles Supplementary to our charter with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation in order to reclassify and designate all of the 350 million authorized shares of our Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share, all of which were unissued at such time, as shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share. We no longer have Class B common stock authorized for issue.
Distributions—In 2024, we declared and paid monthly distributions of $0.0975 per common share and OP unit, or $1.17 annualized, for each month beginning January 2024 through August 2024. In September 2024, the Board authorized a 5.1% increase of our monthly distribution rate to $0.1025 per common share and OP unit. We declared and paid monthly distributions of $0.1025 per common share and OP unit, or $1.23 annualized, for each month beginning September 2024 through December 2024. Distributions paid to stockholders and OP unit holders of record subsequent to December 31, 2024 were as follows (dollars in thousands, excluding per share amounts):
| Month | Date of Record | Date Distribution Paid | Monthly Distribution Rate | Cash Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 12/16/2024 | 1/3/2025 | $0.1025 | $14,113 |
| January | 1/15/2025 | 2/4/2025 | 0.1025 | 14,129 |
Convertible Noncontrolling Interests—As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had approximately 13.0 million and 13.8 million outstanding non-voting OP units, respectively. Additionally, certain of our outstanding restricted share and performance share awards will result in the issuance of OP units upon vesting in future periods. These are included in the outstanding unvested award totals disclosed in Note 13.
Under the terms of the Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, OP unit holders may elect to cause the Operating Partnership to redeem their OP units. The Operating Partnership controls the form of the redemption, and may elect to redeem OP units for shares of our common stock, provided that the OP units have been outstanding for at least one year, or for cash. As the form of redemption for OP units is within our control, the OP units outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are classified as Noncontrolling Interests within permanent equity on our consolidated balance sheets.
On January 18, 2022, we issued approximately 1.6 million OP units in full settlement of the earn-out liability (see Note 16).
The table below is a summary of our OP unit activity for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (dollars and shares in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| OP units converted into shares of common stock(1) | 1,053 | 517 |
| Distributions declared on OP units(2) | $16,867 | $16,334 |
(1)OP units convert into shares of our common stock at a 1:1 ratio.
(2)Distributions declared on OP units are included in Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests on the consolidated statements of equity.
Share Repurchase Program—In August 2022, our Board approved a share repurchase program of up to $250 million of common stock. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time, and does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or particular number of shares. No share repurchases have been made to date under this program.
13. COMPENSATION
Employee Long Term Incentive Plan—We issue stock awards that vest based upon the completion of a service period (“service-based awards”) under our 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2020 Incentive Plan”), which became effective in June 2020. Awards to employees are typically granted and vest during the first quarter of each year. Service-based awards typically follow afour-year graded vesting schedule and will vest in the form of common stock or OP units.
We recognize expense for awards with graded vesting under the accelerated recognition method, whereby each vesting is treated as a separate award with expense for each vesting recognized ratably over the requisite service period. We account for forfeitures as they occur. Expense amounts are recorded in General and Administrative or Property Operating on our consolidated statements of operations. Prior to our underwritten IPO, the awards were valued according to the EVPS for our common stock at the date of grant. Subsequent to our underwritten IPO, awards are valued according to the Nasdaq closing stock price at the date of the grant. Holders of unvested service-based awards are entitled to dividend and distribution rights, but are not entitled to voting rights.
Additionally, we issue performance-based awards that are earned based on the achievement of specified performance metrics measured at the end of thethree-year performance period. The maximum number of performance-based awards earned cannot exceed two times the target number. Half of the earned performance-based awards vest when earned at the end of thethree-year performance period and the second half of the earned performance-based awards vestone year later, subject to continued employment.
Beginning in 2022, our Compensation Committee approved a change to our performance-based long-term incentive program such that the performance-based component of awards under the program will be based on a single metric, total shareholder return (“TSR”) relative to the FTSE Nareit Equity Shopping Center Index. Prior to 2022, our performance-based equity grants were based on two separate, equally-weighted performance metrics: (i) three-year average Same-Center NOI growth measured against a peer group of public retail REITs; and (ii) three-year Core Funds From Operations (“FFO”) per share growth measured against the same peer group. Same-Center NOI and Core FFO are both non-GAAP measures.
The fair value of the 2024, 2023, and 2022 performance-based awards on the date of grant was $5.4 million, $6.0 million, and $5.4 million, respectively, using a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value through a risk-neutral premise. The following is a summary of the significant assumptions used to value the performance-based awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022:
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected volatility | 26.0% | 38.0% | 54.0% |
| Dividend yield | 3.40% | 3.20% | 3.25% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 4.35% | 4.63% | 1.52% |
In addition to the single TSR performance metric, a Company absolute TSR modifier will be applied if our three-year absolute TSR percentage at the end of the performance period is negative (the “Absolute TSR Modifier”). Specifically, to the extent that any portion of the award above the target level is earned based on achievement of the relative TSR performance metric at the end of the performance period, but our absolute TSR percentage at the end of the performance period is negative, the portion of the award that is earned at the end of the performance period will be capped at the target amount. The remaining amount of the award that would have been earned based on achievement of the performance metric (the “Contingent Portion”) will become earned and vested if and when our absolute TSR performance is positive measured from the last day of the performance period through the last day of any calendar quarter within five years following the completion of the performance period (when compared to the share value at the beginning of the performance period). In the event that such share value target is not achieved as described above, the Contingent Portion will be forfeited.
Underwritten IPO Grants—In connection with our underwritten IPO in 2021, we issued a total of 0.5 million RSUs, inclusive of 0.3 million OP units, and restricted stock awards in the form of time-based stock compensation awards with expenses included within Other Expense, Net on our consolidated statements of operations. Included in the restricted stock awards were 24,000 RSUs granted to our independent directors. The shares have a grant price of $28.00 per share and, with the exception of one individual whose award was subject to accelerated vesting provisions,50% of the shares vested after 18 months and the remaining 50% vested after 36 months.
Independent Director Stock Plan—The Board approves restricted stock awards pursuant to our 2020 Incentive Plan. The awards are granted to our independent directors as service-based awards. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were approximately 24,000 and 27,000 outstanding unvested awards granted to independent directors, respectively, in connection with the 2020 Incentive Plan.
Share-Based Compensation Award Activity—As of December 31, 2024, the fair value for certain of our equity awards was based on our Nasdaq closing stock price at the date of the grant and the fair value for our 2024, 2023, and 2022 performance-based awards was calculated using the Monte Carlo method, as described above. All share-based compensation awards, regardless of the form of payout upon vesting, are presented in the following table, which summarizes our stock-based award activity (number of units in thousands):
| Restricted Stock Awards(1) | Performance Stock Awards(1) | Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonvested at January 1, 2022 | 837 | 974 | $30.71 |
| Granted | 152 | 344 | 27.41 |
| Vested | (164) | (181) | 32.55 |
| Forfeited | (55) | (1) | 29.04 |
| Nonvested at December 31, 2022 | 770 | 1,136 | 29.60 |
| Granted | 162 | 308 | 27.27 |
| Vested | (393) | (129) | 29.99 |
| Forfeited | (10) | — | 30.75 |
| Nonvested at December 31, 2023 | 529 | 1,315 | 28.89 |
| Granted | 196 | 248 | 27.49 |
| Vested | (327) | (104) | 28.69 |
| Forfeited | (18) | (711) | 32.83 |
| Nonvested at December 31, 2024 | 380 | 748 | $25.87 |
(1)The maximum number of award units that could be issued under all outstanding grants was 1.1 million as of December 31, 2024. The number of award units expected to vest was 0.9 million as of December 31, 2024.
The expense for all stock-based awards during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $10.3 million, $9.4 million, and $14.9 million, respectively. We had $11.8 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to these awards that we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of approximatelytwo years. The fair value at the vesting date for stock-based awards that vested during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $18.0 million.
401(k) Plan—We sponsor a 401(k) plan that provides benefits for qualified employees. Our match of the employee contributions is discretionary and has afive-year vesting schedule. The cash contributions to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 were approximately $1.1 million, $1.1 million, and $1.0 million, respectively. All employees who have attained the age of 21 are eligible to participate starting the first day of the month following their date of hire. Employees are vested immediately with respect to employee contributions.
14. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing Net Income Attributable to Stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur from share equivalent activity.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the earnings per share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numerator: | |||
| Net income attributable to stockholders - basic | $62,685 | $56,848 | $48,323 |
| Net income attributable to convertible OP units(1) | 7,011 | 6,914 | 6,206 |
| Net income - diluted | $69,696 | $63,762 | $54,529 |
| Denominator: | |||
| Weighted-average shares - basic(2) | 122,722 | 118,278 | 115,403 |
| OP units(1) | 13,582 | 14,096 | 14,355 |
| Dilutive restricted stock awards | 517 | 596 | 574 |
| Adjusted weighted-average shares - diluted | 136,821 | 132,970 | 130,332 |
| Earnings per common share: | |||
| Basic and diluted income per share | $0.51 | $0.48 | $0.42 |
(1)OP units include units that are convertible into common stock or cash, at the Operating Partnership’s option. The Operating Partnership income or loss attributable to these OP units, which is included as a component of Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests on the consolidated statements of operations, has been added back in the numerator as these OP units were included in the denominator for all years presented. OP units are allocated income on a consistent basis with the common stockholder and therefore have no dilutive impact to earnings per share of common stock.
(2)Includes 4.4 million weighted-average shares of Class B common stock and 111.0 million weighted-average shares of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2022.
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Revenue—We have entered into agreements with the Managed Funds related to certain advisory, management, and administrative services we provide to their real estate assets in exchange for fees and reimbursement of certain expenses. Summarized below are amounts included in Fees and Management Income. The revenue includes the fees and reimbursements earned by us from the Managed Funds and other revenues that are not in the scope of ASC 606 but are included in this table for the purpose of disclosing all related party revenues during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recurring fees(1) | $4,091 | $3,894 | $3,962 |
| Realized performance income(2) | — | 75 | 2,742 |
| Transactional revenue and reimbursements(3) | 2,809 | 2,249 | 1,605 |
| Insurance premiums(4) | 3,831 | 3,428 | 3,232 |
| Total fees and management income | $10,731 | $9,646 | $11,541 |
(1)Recurring fees include asset management fees and property management fees.
(2)Realized performance income includes fees received related to the achievement of certain performance targets in our NRP joint venture.
(3)Transactional revenue includes items such as leasing commissions and construction management fees.
(4)Insurance premium income includes amounts for reinsurance from third parties not affiliated with us.
Tax Protection Agreement—Through our Operating Partnership, we are currently party to a tax protection agreement (the “2017 TPA”) with certain partners that contributed property to our Operating Partnership on October 4, 2017, among them certain of our executive officers, including Jeffrey S. Edison, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, under which the Operating Partnership agreed to indemnify such partners for tax liabilities that could accrue to them personally related to our potential disposition of certain properties within our portfolio. The 2017 TPA will expire on October 4, 2027. On July 19, 2021, we entered into an additional tax protection agreement (the “2021 TPA”) with certain of our executive officers and board members, including Mr. Edison. The 2021 TPA carries a term offour years and will become effective upon the expiration of the 2017 TPA. As of December 31, 2024, the potential “make-whole amount” on the estimated aggregate amount of built-in gain subject to protection under the agreements is approximately $117.9 million. The protection provided under the terms of the 2021 TPA will expire in 2031. We have not recorded any liability related to the 2017 TPA or the 2021 TPA on our consolidated balance sheets for any periods presented, nor recognized any expense since the inception of the 2017 TPA, owing to the fact that any potential liability under the agreements is controlled by us and we believe we will either (i) continue to own and operate the protected properties or (ii) be able to successfully complete Section 1031 Exchanges (unless there is a change in applicable law) or complete other tax-efficient transactions to avoid any liability under the agreements.
Other Related Party Matters—As of December 31, 2024, we were the limited guarantor of a $174.0 million mortgage loan secured by GRP I properties. Our guaranty for the GRP I debt is limited to being the non-recourse carveout guarantor and the environmental indemnitor. Further, we are also party to an agreement with GRP I in which any potential liability under such guaranty will be apportioned between us and GRP I based on our respective ownership percentage in the joint venture. We had no liability recorded on our consolidated balance sheets for the guaranty as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
As of December 31, 2024, we were also the limited guarantor of a $23.2 million mortgage loan secured by the NRV property. Our guaranty for the NRV debt is limited to being the non-recourse carveout guarantor and the environmental indemnitor. Further, we are also party to an agreement with NRV in which any potential liability under such guaranty will be apportioned between us and NRV based on our respective ownership percentage in the joint venture. We had no liability recorded on our consolidated balance sheets for the guaranty as of December 31, 2024.
In December 2022, we contributed certain assets to a third-party company in exchange for a warrant representing a 15% equity interest in the company, subject to certain conditions. This non-cash investment had a fair market value of $6.8 million, was accounted for as an equity method investment, and was recorded in Other Assets, Net. In connection with the transaction, we entered into a services contract for the use of these assets with the third-party company for a term offive years, with a required minimum annual payment by us of $1.2 million. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we paid service fees of $1.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively, and recorded equity loss of $0.2 million and equity income of $0.1 million, respectively.
During 2021, we made a cash investment of $3.0 million into a third-party company in exchange for preferred shares of their stock. As part of the investment agreement, the third-party company entered into leases attwo of our properties. During 2023, we determined that the investment in the third-party company was fully impaired due to the value of the investment being significantly reduced, which is not deemed to be temporary, indicated by the company’s inability to pay rent. As a result, we recorded impairment expense of $3.0 million in Other Expense, Net on our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 and reserved tenant receivables of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2023 as the company was considered to be non-creditworthy. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the reserved tenant receivables were written off.
PECO Air L.L.C. (“PECO Air”), an entity in which Mr. Edison, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, owns a 50% interest, owns an airplane that we use for business purposes in the course of our operations. We paid approximately $0.9 million, $0.9 million, and $0.9 million to PECO Air for use of its airplane per the terms of our contractual agreements for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
16. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The following describes the methods we use to estimate the fair value of our financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Accounts Receivable, and Accounts Payable—We consider the carrying values of these financial instruments to approximate fair value because of the short period of time between origination of the instruments and their expected realization.
Real Estate Investments—The purchase prices of the investment properties, including related lease intangible assets and liabilities, are allocated at estimated fair value based on Level 3 inputs, such as discount rates, capitalization rates, comparable sales, replacement costs, income and expense growth rates, and current market rents and allowances as determined by management.
Debt Obligations—We estimate the fair value of our revolving credit facility, term loans, secured portfolio of loans, and mortgages by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at rates currently offered for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities by our lenders using Level 3 inputs. The discount rates used approximate current lending rates for loans or groups of loans with similar maturities and credit quality, assuming the debt is outstanding through maturity and considering the debt’s collateral (if applicable). We have utilized market information, as available, or present value techniques to estimate the amounts required to be disclosed. We estimate the fair value of our senior unsecured notes by using quoted prices in active markets, which are considered Level 1 inputs.
The following is a summary of borrowings as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recorded Principal Balance(1) | Fair Value | Recorded Principal Balance(1) | Fair Value | |
| Revolving credit facility | $40,000 | $40,088 | $181,000 | $181,714 |
| Term loans | 580,928 | 587,341 | 956,132 | 970,238 |
| Senior unsecured notes due 2031 | 344,417 | 292,810 | 343,698 | 284,865 |
| Senior unsecured notes due 2034 | 341,919 | 350,735 | — | — |
| Senior unsecured notes due 2035 | 341,453 | 329,280 | — | — |
| Secured portfolio loan facilities | 393,056 | 359,194 | 392,575 | 351,339 |
| Mortgages(2) | 67,770 | 66,883 | 95,867 | 94,966 |
| Total | $2,109,543 | $2,026,331 | $1,969,272 | $1,883,122 |
(1)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, recorded principal balances include: (i) net deferred financing fees of $5.7 million and $10.3 million; (ii) assumed market debt adjustments of $0.1 million and $0.9 million; and (iii) notes payable discounts of $22.2 million and $6.3 million.
(2)Our finance lease liability is included in the mortgages line item, as presented.
Recurring and Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements—Our marketable securities and interest rate swaps are measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, while certain real estate assets and liabilities are measured and recognized at fair value as needed. Fair value measurements that occurred as of and during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
| Recurring | ||||||
| Marketable securities(1) | $7,420 | $— | $— | $8,566 | $— | $— |
| Derivative assets(1)(2) | — | 4,510 | — | — | 12,669 | — |
(1)We record marketable securities and derivative assets in Other Assets, Net on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2)The fair values of the derivative assets exclude associated accrued interest receivable of $0.5 million and $1.7 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Marketable Securities—We estimate the fair value of marketable securities using Level 1 inputs. We utilize unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that we have the ability to access.
Derivative Instruments—As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had interest rate swaps that fixed SOFR on portions of our unsecured term loan facilities.
All interest rate swap agreements are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves.
To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, we incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.
Although we determined that the significant inputs used to value our derivatives fell within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our counterparties and our own credit risk utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and our counterparties. However, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we have assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives. As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Earn-out—As part of our acquisition of Phillips Edison Limited Partnership (“PELP”) in 2017, an earn-out structure was established which gave PELP the opportunity to earn additional OP units based upon the potential achievement of certain performance targets subsequent to the acquisition. On January 11, 2022, we finalized the fair value of the earn-out liability based on our share price and issued approximately 1.6 million OP units in full settlement of the liability with a value of $54.2 million. Changes in the fair value of the earn-out liability were recorded to Other Expense, Net in the consolidated statements of operations. We recordedno expense during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. We recorded expense of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Real Estate Asset Impairment—Our real estate assets are measured and recognized at fair value, less costs to sell for held-for-sale properties, on a nonrecurring basis dependent upon when we determine an impairment has occurred. We impair assets that are under contract at a disposition price that is less than carrying value, or that have other operational impairment indicators. The valuation technique used for the fair value of all impaired real estate assets was the expected net sales proceeds, which we consider to be a Level 2 input in the fair value hierarchy.
We recorded the following expense upon impairment of real estate assets for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impairment of real estate assets | $— | $— | $322 |
17. REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
Our principal business is the ownership and operation of community and neighborhood shopping centers. We conduct our operations solely in the United States, and we do not distinguish our principal business, or group our operations, by geography or size for the purpose of measuring performance. We concluded that we have onlyone operating and reportable segment, Real Estate Properties. Our conclusion was determined on the basis of the way in which our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) regularly reviews internally reported financial information to analyze financial performance, make decisions, and allocate resources at the consolidated level.
Our Real Estate Properties segment derives a majority of its revenue from the lease contracts it enters into as a lessor, which are all in the form of operating leases. Further, our lease contracts typically provide for reimbursements from tenants for common area maintenance, insurance, and real estate tax expense. No single tenant comprised 10% or more of our aggregate ABR for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022. For a detailed discussion of the accounting policies related to our lease revenue, see Note 2.
Our CODM is Mr. Edison, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Our CODM assesses performance, makes decisions, and allocates operating and capital resources of the Real Estate Properties segment by utilizing net income (loss) on a consolidated basis. Our CODM evaluates net income (loss) by monitoring budget versus actual as well as variance analysis to prior periods to analyze the performance of the segment. Information about the net income (loss) of the Real Estate Properties segment that is regularly reviewed by our CODM, including revenue and significant expenses, was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues: | |||
| Rental income | $647,589 | $597,501 | $560,538 |
| Fees and management income | 10,731 | 9,646 | 11,541 |
| Other property income | 3,072 | 2,977 | 3,293 |
| Total revenues | 661,392 | 610,124 | 575,372 |
| Operating Expenses: | |||
| Property operating(1) | 112,633 | 102,303 | 95,359 |
| Real estate taxes | 77,684 | 72,816 | 67,864 |
| Employee-related expenses | 28,013 | 26,870 | 27,170 |
| Other general and administrative expenses(2) | 17,598 | 17,496 | 18,065 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 253,016 | 236,443 | 236,224 |
| Impairment of real estate assets | — | — | 322 |
| Total operating expenses | 488,944 | 455,928 | 445,004 |
| Other: | |||
| Interest expense, net(3) | (96,990) | (84,232) | (71,196) |
| (Loss) gain on disposal of property, net | (30) | 1,110 | 7,517 |
| Other expense, net | (5,732) | (7,312) | (12,160) |
| Net income | $69,696 | $63,762 | $54,529 |
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (7,011) | (6,914) | (6,206) |
| Net income attributable to stockholders | $62,685 | $56,848 | $48,323 |
(1)Property operating is primarily made up of common area maintenance, compensation, insurance, and other costs related to the leasing of our real estate properties. Our CODM is not provided with further disaggregation and uses total property operating expenses to manage the business.
(2)Other general and administrative expenses is primarily made up of professional fees, technology and communication expense, and insurance, taxes, and board costs.
(3)Interest income is not a significant component of Interest Expense, Net.
The measure of segment assets regularly reviewed by our CODM is reported on the consolidated balance sheets as Total Assets.
18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In preparing the audited consolidated financial statements, we have evaluated subsequent events through the date of filing of this report on Form 10-K for recognition and/or disclosure purposes. Based on this evaluation, we have determined that there were no events that have occurred that require recognition or disclosure, other than certain events and transactions that have been disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.