OUTFRONT Media Inc

Previous wording

We derive our revenues from providing advertising space to customers on out-of-home advertising structures and sites. A decline in the economic prospects of advertisers, the economy in general or the economy of any individual geographic market or industry, particularly a market or industry in which we conduct substantial business and derive a significant portion of our revenues, such as the New York and Los Angeles metropolitan areas, and the entertainment, retail and health/medical industries, could alter current or prospective advertisers’ spending priorities. See “Item 1. Business—Our Portfolio of Outdoor Advertising Structures and Sites.” In addition, disasters, acts of terrorism, disease outbreaks and pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), hostilities, wars, political uncertainty, extraordinary weather events (such as hurricanes), power outages, technological changes and shifts in market demographics and transportation patterns (including reductions in foot traffic, roadway traffic, commuting, transit ridership and overall target audiences due to remote work, safety concerns or otherwise) caused by the foregoing or otherwise, could interrupt our ability to build, deploy, and/or display advertising on, advertising structures and sites, and/or lead to a reduction in economic certainty and advertising expenditures. Any reduction in advertising expenditures could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Further, advertising expenditure patterns may be impacted by any of these factors; for example, advertisers’ expenditures may be made with less advance notice and may become difficult to forecast from period to period. We are also experiencing the economic effects of the current heightened levels of inflation on our income and expenses, particularly with respect to our posting, maintenance and other expenses, some of our corporate expenses, and our interest expense. Though we cannot reasonably estimate the full impact of the current heightened levels of inflation on our business, financial condition and results of operations at this time, a portion of these increases may be partially offset by increases in advertising rates on our displays and cost efficiencies. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Current wording

We derive our revenues from providing advertising space to customers on out-of-home advertising structures and sites. A decline in the economic prospects of advertisers, the economy in general or the economy of any individual geographic market or industry, particularly a market or industry in which we conduct substantial business and derive a significant portion of our revenues, such as the New York and Los Angeles metropolitan areas, and the entertainment, retail and health/medical industries, could alter current or prospective advertisers’ spending priorities. See “Item 1. Business—Our Portfolio of Outdoor Advertising Structures and Sites.” In addition, disasters, acts of terrorism, disease outbreaks and pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), hostilities, wars, political uncertainty, changes in governmental fiscal and trade policies (such as tariffs), extraordinary weather events (such as hurricanes and wildfires), power outages, technological changes and shifts in market demographics and transportation patterns (including reductions in foot traffic, roadway traffic, commuting, transit ridership and overall target audiences due to remote work, safety concerns or otherwise) caused by the foregoing or otherwise, could interrupt our ability to build, deploy, and/or display advertising on, advertising structures and sites, and/or lead to a reduction in economic certainty and advertising expenditures. Any reduction in advertising expenditures could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Further, advertising expenditure patterns may be impacted by any of these factors; for example, advertisers’ expenditures may be made with less advance notice and may become difficult to forecast from period to period. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Previous wording

In addition, pandemics could impact the global economy and our business if we (i) experience a complete or partial shutdown of our ability to operate safely and securely, (ii) lose major customers and/or key personnel, (iii) experience significant disruptions (including inflationary price increases) with respect to our manufacturers, suppliers and related logistics that may prevent us from fulfilling our contractual obligations to our counterparties, (iv) fail to satisfy our contractual obligations and/or need to seek relief from our contractual obligations that we may be unable to receive from our counterparties, (v) fail to realize the benefits of any cost savings initiatives such as suspending, deferring and/or reducing capital expenditures and other expenses, (vi) experience impairment charges, (vii) experience a cybersecurity incident, and (viii) have difficulties accessing the capital markets and/or obtaining or incurring debt financing on reasonable pricing or other terms or at all, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Our business is sensitive to a decline in advertising expenditures, general economic conditions and other external events beyond our control,” “—Operating our digital display platform may be more difficult, costly or time consuming than expected and the anticipated benefits may not be fully realized,” and “—The terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to incur debt that we may need to fund initiatives in response to changes in our business, the industries in which we operate, the economy and governmental regulations.”

Current wording

In addition, pandemics could impact the global economy and our business if we (i) experience a complete or partial shutdown of our ability to operate safely and securely, (ii) lose major customers and/or key personnel, (iii) experience significant disruptions (including inflationary or other price increases) with respect to our manufacturers, suppliers and related logistics that may prevent us from fulfilling our contractual obligations to our counterparties, (iv) fail to satisfy our contractual obligations and/or need to seek relief from our contractual obligations that we may be unable to receive from our counterparties, (v) fail to realize the benefits of any cost savings initiatives such as suspending, deferring and/or reducing capital expenditures and other expenses, (vi) experience impairment charges, (vii) experience a cybersecurity incident, and (viii) have difficulties accessing the capital markets and/or obtaining or incurring debt financing on reasonable pricing or other terms or at all, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Our business is sensitive to a decline in advertising expenditures, general economic conditions and other external events beyond our control,” “—Operating our digital display platform may be more difficult, costly or time consuming than expected and the anticipated benefits may not be fully realized,” and “—The terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to incur debt that we may need to fund initiatives in response to changes in our business, the industries in which we operate, the economy and governmental regulations.”

Previous wording

The outdoor advertising industry is subject to governmental regulation and enforcement at the federal, state and local levels in the U.S. and Canada. These regulations have a significant impact on the outdoor advertising industry and our business. See “Part I, Item 1. Business—Regulation.” If there are changes in laws and regulations affecting outdoor advertising at any level of government (including by modification, replacement or invalidation in response to third party legal challenges, or otherwise), if there are changes in the enforcement of regulations or if there are allegations of noncompliance with laws or regulations that we are unable to resolve, our structures and sites could be subject to removal or modification and/or prevailing competitive conditions in our markets could be affected in a variety of ways, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, if we are unable to obtain acceptable arrangements or compensation in circumstances in which our structures and sites are subject to removal or modification, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, governmental regulation and enforcement of advertising displays, especially digital advertising displays, may limit our ability to install new advertising displays, restrict advertising displays to governmentally controlled sites or permit the installation of advertising displays in a manner that could benefit our competitors disproportionately, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, as digital advertising displays are introduced into the market on a large scale, new or revised regulations could impose specific restrictions on the installation or use of digital advertising displays.

Current wording

The outdoor advertising industry is subject to governmental regulation and enforcement at the federal, state and local levels in the U.S. These regulations have a significant impact on the outdoor advertising industry and our business. See “Part I, Item 1. Business—Regulation.” If there are changes in laws and regulations affecting outdoor advertising at any level of government (including by modification, replacement or invalidation in response to third party legal challenges, competitor lobbying efforts or otherwise), if there are changes in the enforcement of regulations or if there are allegations of noncompliance with laws or regulations that we are unable to resolve, our structures and sites could be subject to removal or modification and/or prevailing competitive conditions in our markets could be affected in a variety of ways, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, if we are unable to obtain acceptable arrangements or compensation in circumstances in which our structures and sites are subject to removal or modification, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, governmental regulation and enforcement of advertising displays, especially digital advertising displays, may limit our ability to install new advertising displays, restrict advertising displays to governmentally controlled sites or permit the installation of advertising displays in a manner that could benefit our competitors disproportionately, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, as digital advertising displays are introduced into the market on a large scale, new or revised regulations could impose specific restrictions on the installation or use of digital advertising displays.

Previous wording

Operating our digital display platform for our transit franchise partners in satisfaction of our contractual obligations requires us to incur significant costs, which we may not be able to recover from our customer sales or transit franchise partners. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Any costs currently anticipated may significantly increase if we incur cost overruns due to (i) technical difficulties; (ii) the increased costs of data, digital displays, materials and labor; (iii) suspensions or delays in installation and/or construction caused by us, our subcontractors, our transit franchise partners or due to external events beyond anyone’s control or otherwise; (iv) insurance, bonding and litigation expenses; or (v) other factors beyond our control, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including cash flow timing and negative publicity. We may utilize third-party financing to fund these costs, which could subject the Company to additional costs, liabilities and risks. See —“Despite our substantial indebtedness level, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more indebtedness, including secured indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks to our financial condition described above.” In addition, if we are not able to recover these costs from our customer sales or transit franchise partners, we could suffer impairment charges. For example, in 2023, we suffered impairment charges in connection with our agreements with our transit franchise partners, primarily our agreement with the MTA . See “—We could suffer losses due to impairment in the carrying value of our long-lived assets and goodwill.”

Current wording

Operating our digital display platform for our transit franchise partners in satisfaction of our contractual obligations requires us to incur significant costs, which we may not be able to recover from our customer sales or transit franchise partners. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Any costs currently anticipated may significantly increase if we incur cost overruns due to (i) technical difficulties; (ii) the increased costs of data, digital displays, materials and labor; (iii) suspensions or delays in installation and/or construction caused by us, our subcontractors, our transit franchise partners or due to external events beyond anyone’s control or otherwise; (iv) insurance, bonding, compliance and litigation expenses; or (v) other factors beyond our control, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including cash flow timing and negative publicity. We may utilize third-party financing to fund these costs, which could subject the Company to additional costs, liabilities and risks. See —“Despite our substantial indebtedness level, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more indebtedness, including secured indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks to our financial condition described above.” In addition, if we are not able to recover these costs from our customer sales or transit franchise partners, we could suffer impairment charges. For example, we have previously suffered impairment charges in connection with our agreements with our transit franchise partners, primarily our agreement with the MTA . See “—We could suffer losses due to impairment in the carrying value of our long-lived assets and goodwill.”

Previous wording

Further, we rely on third parties to manufacture, transport and install digital displays, and provide programmatic and direct sale advertising platform technologies for our display inventory, and if we are not able to engage third parties on reasonable pricing or other terms due to insufficient capacity or plant closures of a particular manufacturer, market-wide supply shortages, labor shortages, logistics disruptions, software issues, inflationary price increases or otherwise, or if the third parties that we do engage fail to meet their obligations to us, whether due to external events beyond anyone’s control or otherwise, we may be unable to operate our digital display platform in an effective manner or at all, and may fail to satisfy our contractual obligations, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Further, we rely on third parties to manufacture, transport and install digital displays, and provide programmatic and direct sale advertising platform technologies for our digital display inventory, and if we are not able to engage third parties on reasonable pricing or other terms due to insufficient capacity or plant closures of a particular manufacturer, market-wide supply shortages, labor shortages, logistics disruptions, software issues, inflationary price increases, trade policy changes (such as tariffs) or otherwise, or if the third parties that we do engage fail to meet their obligations to us, whether due to external events beyond anyone’s control or otherwise, we may be unable to operate our digital display platform in an effective manner or at all, and may fail to satisfy our contractual obligations, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

A number of federal, state and local governments in the U.S. and Canada have implemented or initiated taxes (including taxes on revenue from outdoor advertising or for the right to use outdoor advertising assets), fees and registration requirements in an effort to decrease or restrict the number of outdoor advertising structures and sites or raise revenue, or both. For example, a tax was imposed on the outdoor advertising industry in Toronto. These laws may affect prevailing competitive conditions in our markets in a variety of ways, including reducing our expansion opportunities, or increasing or reducing competitive pressure on us from other members of the outdoor advertising industry. See—“We operate in a highly competitive industry.” These efforts may continue, and, if we are unable to compete and/or pass on the cost of these items to our customers, the increased imposition of these measures could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

A number of federal, state and local governments in the U.S. have implemented or initiated taxes (including taxes on revenue from outdoor advertising or for the right to use outdoor advertising assets), fees and registration requirements in an effort to decrease or restrict the number of outdoor advertising structures and sites or raise revenue, or both. These laws may affect prevailing competitive conditions in our markets in a variety of ways, including reducing our expansion opportunities, or increasing or reducing competitive pressure on us from other members of the outdoor advertising industry. See—“We operate in a highly competitive industry.” These efforts may continue, and, if we are unable to compete and/or pass on the cost of these items to our customers, the increased imposition of these measures could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Although federal, state and local government authorities from time to time use the power of eminent domain to remove billboards, U.S. law requires payment of compensation if a government authority compels the removal of a lawful billboard along a primary or interstate highway that was built with federal financial assistance. Additionally, many states require similar compensation (or relocation) with regard to compelled removals of lawful billboards in other locations, although the methodology used to determine such compensation varies by jurisdiction. Some local governments in the U.S. and Canada have attempted to force the removal of billboards after a period of years under a concept called amortization. Under this concept, the governmental body asserts that just compensation has been earned by continued operation of the billboard over a period of time. Thus far, we have generally been able to obtain satisfactory compensation for our billboards purchased or removed as a result of governmental action, although there is no assurance that this will continue to be the case in the future, and, if it does not continue to be the case, there could be an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Although federal, state and local government authorities from time to time use the power of eminent domain to remove billboards, U.S. law requires payment of compensation if a government authority compels the removal of a lawful billboard along a primary or interstate highway that was built with federal financial assistance. Additionally, many states require similar compensation (or relocation) with regard to compelled removals of lawful billboards in other locations, although the methodology used to determine such compensation varies by jurisdiction. Some local governments in the U.S. have attempted to force the removal of billboards after a period of years under a concept called amortization. Under this concept, the governmental body asserts that just compensation has been earned by continued operation of the billboard over a period of time. Thus far, we have generally been able to obtain satisfactory compensation for our billboards purchased or removed as a result of governmental action, although there is no assurance that this will continue to be the case in the future, and, if it does not continue to be the case, there could be an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Restrictions on outdoor advertising of certain products, services or other content are or may be imposed by federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as contracts with municipalities and transit franchise partners. For example, certain classes and types of tobacco products have been effectively banned from outdoor advertising in all of the jurisdictions in which we currently do business. In addition, state and local governments in some cases limit outdoor advertising of alcohol, which represented 3% of our U.S. Media segment revenues in 2023, 3% in 2022 and 4% in 2021. Further, certain municipalities and transit franchise partners limit issue-based outdoor advertising. Content-based restrictions could cause a reduction in our revenues from leasing advertising space on outdoor advertising displays that display such advertisements and a simultaneous increase in the available space on the existing inventory of displays in the outdoor advertising industry, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Restrictions on outdoor advertising of certain products, services or other content are or may be imposed by federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as contracts with municipalities and transit franchise partners. For example, certain classes and types of tobacco products have been effectively banned from outdoor advertising in all of the jurisdictions in which we currently do business. In addition, state and local governments in some cases limit outdoor advertising of alcohol, which represented 3% of our total revenues from our Billboard and Transit segments in 2024, 3% in 2023 and 3% in 2022. Further, certain municipalities and transit franchise partners limit issue-based outdoor advertising. Content-based restrictions could cause a reduction in our revenues from leasing advertising space on outdoor advertising displays that display such advertisements and a simultaneous increase in the available space on the existing inventory of displays in the outdoor advertising industry, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We believe our future success depends on the continued service and skills of our existing management team and other key employees with experience and business relationships within their respective roles, including landlord and customer relationships. The loss of one or more of these key personnel could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations because of their skills, knowledge of the market, years of industry experience and the difficulty of finding qualified replacement personnel. If any of these personnel were to leave and compete with us, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We believe our future success depends on the continued service and skills of our management team and other key employees with experience and business relationships within their respective roles, including landlord and customer relationships. The loss of one or more of these key personnel could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations because of their skills, knowledge of the market, years of industry experience and the difficulty of finding qualified replacement personnel. If any of these personnel were to leave and compete with us, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

A significant portion of our assets are long-lived assets and goodwill. We test our long-lived assets for impairment whenever there is an indication that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If business conditions or other factors cause our results of operations and/or cash flows to decline, we may be required to record a non-cash asset impairment charge. We test goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year and between annual tests if events or circumstances require an interim impairment assessment. A downward revision in the estimated fair value of a reporting unit could result in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge. For example, as a result of the impairment analysis performed during the second quarter of 2023, we determined that the carrying value of our U.S. Transit and Other reporting unit exceeded its fair value and we recorded an impairment charge of $47.6 million. During the second quarter of 2023, we also performed an analysis of the carrying value of our long-lived asset groups within our U.S. Transit and Other reporting unit utilizing undiscounted cash flows compared to the carrying value of the asset groups and determined that they were not fully recoverable. We then compared the fair value of the assets (calculated using a cash flow model) to the carrying value and we recorded an impairment charge of $463.5 million, primarily representing a $443.1 million impairment charge related to our MTA asset group. As a result of our continued expectation of negative aggregate cash flows related to our MTA asset group, we recorded additional impairment charges of $12.1 million in the third quarter of 2023, representing additional MTA equipment deployment cost spending during the third quarter of 2023, and $11.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, $11.0 million of which represents additional MTA equipment deployment cost spending during the fourth quarter of 2023. Any such impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on our reported net income, operating income and our stock price. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies.”

Current wording

A significant portion of our assets are long-lived assets and goodwill. We test our long-lived assets for impairment whenever there is an indication that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If business conditions or other factors cause our results of operations and/or cash flows to decline, we may be required to record a non-cash asset impairment charge. We test goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year and between annual tests if events or circumstances require an interim impairment assessment. A downward revision in the estimated fair value of a reporting unit could result in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge. For example, in 2024 and 2023, we recorded impairment charges related to our MTA asset group and our historical Transit reporting unit. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies.” Any such impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on our reported net income, operating income and our stock price.

Previous wording

As the owner or operator of various real properties and facilities, we must comply with various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the U.S. and Canada. We and our properties are subject to such laws and regulations related to the use, storage, disposal, emission, release and remediation of hazardous and nonhazardous substances and employee health and safety. Historically, with the exception of safety upgrades, we have not incurred significant expenditures to comply with these laws. However, additional laws that may be passed in the future, or a finding of a violation of or liability under existing laws, could require us to make significant expenditures and otherwise limit or restrict some of our operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

As the owner or operator of various real properties and facilities, we must comply with various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the U.S. We and our properties are subject to such laws and regulations related to the use, storage, disposal, emission, release and remediation of hazardous and nonhazardous substances and employee health and safety. Historically, with the exception of safety upgrades, we have not incurred significant expenditures to comply with these laws. However, additional laws that may be passed in the future, or a finding of a violation of or liability under existing laws, could require us to make significant expenditures and otherwise limit or restrict some of our operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Many governments, regulators, investors, employees, customers and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on environmental, social and governance considerations relating to businesses, including climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, human capital and diversity, equity and inclusion. We make statements about our environmental, social and governance goals and initiatives through information provided on our website, press statements and other communications, including our proxy statement. Responding to these environmental, social and governance considerations and implementation of these goals and initiatives involves risks and uncertainties and requires ongoing investments. The success of our goals and initiatives may be impacted by factors that are outside our control. In addition, some stakeholders may disagree with our goals and initiatives and the focus and views of stakeholders may change and evolve over time and vary by the jurisdictions in which we operate. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our goals, further our initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal, state, local or international environmental, social and governance laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and views could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.

Current wording

Many governments, regulators, investors, employees, customers and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on environmental, social and governance considerations relating to businesses, including climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, human capital and diversity, equity and inclusion. We make statements about our environmental, social and governance goals and initiatives through information provided on our website, press statements and other communications, including our proxy statement. Responding to these environmental, social and governance considerations and implementation of these goals and initiatives involves risks and uncertainties and requires ongoing investments. The success of our goals and initiatives may be impacted by factors that are outside our control. In addition, some stakeholders may disagree with our goals and initiatives and the focus and views of stakeholders may change and evolve over time and vary by the jurisdictions in which we operate. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our goals, further our initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal, state or local environmental, social and governance laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and views could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had total indebtedness of approximately $2.8 billion (consisting of the Term Loan, the Notes and the AR Facility with outstanding aggregate principal balances of $600.0 million, $2.1 billion and $65.0 million, respectively), undrawn commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility of $500.0 million, excluding $6.5 million of letters of credit issued against the Revolving Credit Facility, and $85.0 million borrowing capacity remaining under the AR Facility. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had total indebtedness of approximately $2.5 billion (consisting of the Term Loan, the Notes and the AR Facility with outstanding aggregate principal balances of $400.0 million, $2.1 billion and $10.0 million, respectively), undrawn commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility of $500.0 million, excluding $5.5 million of letters of credit issued against the Revolving Credit Facility, and $140.0 million borrowing capacity remaining under the AR Facility. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Previous wording

We and our subsidiaries may incur significant additional indebtedness in the future, including secured indebtedness. Although the Credit Agreement, the indentures governing the Notes and the agreements governing the AR Facility contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and additional liens, these restrictions will be subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and the additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. If we incur any additional indebtedness that ranks equally with the Senior Credit Facilities, the AR Facility and/or the Notes, subject to collateral arrangements, the holders of that debt will be entitled to share ratably with existing holders of our debt in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up of our business. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to existing shareholders. These restrictions also will not prevent us from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face would increase.

Current wording

We and our subsidiaries may incur significant additional indebtedness in the future, including secured indebtedness. Although the Credit Agreement, the indentures governing the Notes and the agreements governing the AR Facility contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and additional liens, these restrictions will be subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and the additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. If we incur any additional indebtedness that ranks equally with the Senior Credit Facilities, the AR Facility and/or the Notes, subject to collateral arrangements, the holders of that debt will be entitled to share ratably with existing holders of our debt in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up of our business. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to existing stockholders. These restrictions also will not prevent us from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face would increase.

Previous wording

Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities and the AR Facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, as we are experiencing with the current heightened levels of inflation, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same, and our net income and cash flows will correspondingly decrease. At our level of indebtedness, as of December 31, 2023, each 1/4% change in interest rates on our variable rate Term Loan and AR Facility would have resulted in a $1.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, change in annual estimated interest expense. Our aggregate annual estimated interest expense will increase if we make any borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. We have, and may in the future, enter into interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce future interest rate volatility. However, we may not elect to maintain such interest rate swaps with respect to any of our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk.

Current wording

31, 2024, the impact of a 1/4% change in interest rates on our AR Facility would be immaterial. Our aggregate annual estimated interest expense will increase if we make any borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. We have, and may in the future, enter into interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce future interest rate volatility. However, we may not elect to maintain such interest rate swaps with respect to any of our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk.

Previous wording

We have, and may in the future, enter into hedging transactions, including without limitation, with respect to interest rate exposure and foreign currency exchange rates and on one or more of our assets or liabilities. The use of hedging transactions involves certain risks, including: (1) the possibility that the market will move in a manner or direction that would have resulted in a gain for us had a hedging transaction not been utilized, in which case our performance would have been better had we not engaged in the hedging transaction; (2) the risk of an imperfect correlation between the risk sought to be hedged and the hedging transaction used; (3) the potential illiquidity for the hedging instrument used, which may make it difficult for us to close out or unwind a hedging transaction; (4) the possibility that our counterparty fails to honor its obligations; and (5) the possibility that we may have to post collateral to enter into hedging transactions, which we may lose if we are unable to honor our obligations. In addition, as a REIT, we have limitations on our income sources, and the hedging strategies available to us will be more limited than those available to companies that are not REITs. See “—Risks Related to Our Corporate and REIT Structure—Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.”

Current wording

We have entered, and may in the future enter, into hedging transactions, including without limitation, with respect to interest rate exposure and foreign currency exchange rates and on one or more of our assets or liabilities. The use of hedging transactions involves certain risks, including: (1) the possibility that the market will move in a manner or direction that would have resulted in a gain for us had a hedging transaction not been utilized, in which case our performance would have been better had we not engaged in the hedging transaction; (2) the risk of an imperfect correlation between the risk sought to be hedged and the hedging transaction used; (3) the potential illiquidity for the hedging instrument used, which may make it difficult for us to close out or unwind a hedging transaction; (4) the possibility that our counterparty fails to honor its obligations; and (5) the possibility that we may have to post collateral to enter into hedging transactions, which we may lose if we are unable to honor our obligations. In addition, as a REIT, we have limitations on our income sources, and the hedging strategies available to us will be more limited than those available to companies that are not REITs. See “—Risks Related to

Previous wording

On April 20, 2020, we issued and sold an aggregate of 400,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (as defined and described in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Equity—Series A Preferred Stock Issuance”). Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to a cumulative dividend accruing at the initial rate of 7.0% per year, payable quarterly in arrears. The Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to our common stock with respect to dividend rights and rights on the distribution of assets on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs. The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of any holder at any time into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $16.00 per share and an initial conversion rate of 62.50 shares of our common stock per share of Series A Preferred Stock, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. On March 1, 2022, 275,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were converted into approximately 17.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock. As of December 31, 2023, the maximum number of shares of common stock that could be required to be issued on conversion of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock was approximately 7.8 million shares. In general, holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock have the right to vote on matters submitted to a vote of the holders of common stock (voting together as one class) on an as-converted basis. In addition, certain actions require the approval of the holders of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock. Further, our REIT distribution requirement may be satisfied by making distributions to our common stockholders, our preferred stockholders (including holders of Series A Preferred Stock) or a combination of our stockholders. See “—REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan.” Circumstances may occur in which the interests of holders of the Series A Preferred Stock could conflict with the interests of our other common stockholders.

Current wording

For example, we previously issued and sold an aggregate of 400,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (as defined and described in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Equity—Series A Preferred Stock Issuance”), which rank senior to our common stock with respect to dividend rights and rights on the distribution of assets on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs. The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of any holder at any time into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $16.00 per share and an initial conversion rate of 62.50 shares of our common stock per share of Series A Preferred Stock, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. As of December 31, 2024, 125,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock remained outstanding and the maximum number of shares of common stock that could be required to be issued on conversion of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock was approximately 7.8 million shares. In general, holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock have the right to vote on matters submitted to a vote of the holders of common stock (voting together as one class) on an as-converted basis. In addition, certain actions require the approval of the holders of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock. Further, our REIT distribution requirement may be satisfied by making distributions to our common stockholders, our preferred stockholders (including holders of Series A Preferred Stock) or a combination of our stockholders. See “—REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan.” Circumstances may occur in which the interests of holders of the Series A Preferred Stock could conflict with the interests of our other common stockholders.

Previous wording

If we fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as a regular corporation and could face a substantial tax liability, which would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

Current wording

If we fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we will be subject to federal, state and local income taxes as a regular corporation and could face a substantial tax liability, which would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

Previous wording

In addition, the rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are continually under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”). Although the IRS has issued a private letter ruling with respect to certain issues relevant to our ability to qualify to be taxed as a REIT, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge our qualification to be taxed as a REIT in the future. Changes to the tax laws or interpretations thereof, or the IRS’s position with respect to our private letter ruling, with or without retroactive application, could materially and negatively affect our ability to qualify to be taxed as a REIT.

Current wording

In addition, the rules dealing with federal income taxation are continually under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”). Although the IRS has issued a private letter ruling with respect to certain issues relevant to our ability to qualify to be taxed as a REIT, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge our qualification to be taxed as a REIT in the future. Changes to the tax laws or interpretations thereof, or the IRS’s position with respect to our private letter ruling, with or without retroactive application, could materially and negatively affect our ability to qualify to be taxed as a REIT.

Previous wording

If we were to fail to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, and dividends paid to our stockholders would not be deductible by us in computing our taxable income. Any resulting corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to holders of our common stock, which in turn could have an adverse impact on the value of our common stock and may require us to incur indebtedness or liquidate certain investments in order to pay such tax liability. Unless we were entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we would also be disqualified from re-electing to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we failed to qualify to be taxed as a REIT.

Current wording

If we were to fail to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to federal, state and local income taxes on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, and dividends paid to our stockholders would not be deductible by us in computing our taxable income. Any resulting corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to holders of our common stock, which in turn could have an adverse impact on the value of our common stock and may require us to incur indebtedness or liquidate certain investments in order to pay such tax liability. Unless we were entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we would also be disqualified from re-electing to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we failed to qualify to be taxed as a REIT.

Previous wording

To maintain REIT status, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains. This distribution requirement may be satisfied by making distributions to our common stockholders, our preferred stockholders (including holders of Series A Preferred Stock) or a combination of our stockholders. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement and qualify for taxation as a REIT but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and including any net capital gains, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our undistributed net taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax if the amount that we actually distribute to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal tax laws.

Current wording

To maintain REIT status, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains. This distribution requirement may be satisfied by making distributions to our common stockholders, our preferred stockholders (including holders of Series A Preferred Stock) or a combination of our stockholders. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement and qualify for taxation as a REIT but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and including any net capital gains, we will be subject to federal, state and local income taxes on our undistributed net taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax if the amount that we actually distribute to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal tax laws.

Previous wording

As a result of the REIT organizational and operational requirements described above, we may not be able to fund future capital needs, including any necessary acquisition financing, solely from operating cash flows. Consequently, we expect to rely on third-party capital market sources for debt or equity financing to fund our business strategy. In addition, we will likely need third-party capital market sources to refinance our indebtedness at or prior to maturity. Turbulence in the U.S. or international financial markets and economies could adversely impact our ability to replace or renew maturing liabilities on a timely basis or access the capital markets to meet liquidity and capital expenditure requirements and may result in adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As such, we may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all. Our access to third-party sources of capital also depends, in part, on:

Current wording

As a result of the REIT organizational and operational requirements described above, we may not be able to fund future capital needs, including any necessary acquisition financing, solely from operating cash flows. Consequently, we expect to rely on third-party capital market sources for debt or equity financing to fund our business strategy. In addition, we will likely need third-party capital market sources to refinance our indebtedness at or prior to maturity. Turbulence in the economy and financial markets could adversely impact our ability to replace or renew maturing liabilities on a timely basis or access the capital markets to meet liquidity and capital expenditure requirements and may result in adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As such, we may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all. Our access to third-party sources of capital also depends, in part, on:

Previous wording

Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. For example, in order to meet the REIT qualification requirements, we may hold some of our assets or conduct certain of our activities through one or more TRSs or other subsidiary corporations that will be subject to foreign, federal, state and local corporate-level income taxes as regular C corporations. In addition, we may incur a 100% excise tax on transactions with a TRS if the transactions are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to holders of our common stock.

Current wording

Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. For example, in order to meet the REIT qualification requirements, we may hold some of our assets or conduct certain of our activities through one or more TRSs or other subsidiary corporations that will be subject to federal, state and local corporate-level income taxes as regular C corporations. In addition, we may incur a 100% excise tax on transactions with a TRS if the transactions are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. Further, if we fail to meet the REIT income tests as a result of receiving non-qualifying income and had reasonable cause for the failure, we would be required to pay a penalty tax to retain our REIT status. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to holders of our common stock.

Previous wording

To remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must ensure that, at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and “real estate assets” (as defined in the Code), including certain mortgage loans and securities. The remainder of our investments (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our total assets (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) can consist of the securities of any one issuer, and no more than 20% of the value of our total assets can be represented by securities of one or more TRSs. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result, we may be required to liquidate or forgo otherwise attractive investments or business opportunities. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to holders of our common stock.

Current wording

To remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT for federal, state and local income tax purposes, we must ensure that, at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and “real estate assets” (as defined in the Code), including certain mortgage loans and securities. The remainder of our investments (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our total assets (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) can consist of the securities of any one issuer, and no more than 20% of the value of our total assets can be represented by securities of one or more TRSs. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result, we may be required to liquidate or forgo otherwise attractive investments or business opportunities. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to holders of our common stock.

Previous wording

In addition to the assets tests set forth above, to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We may be unable to pursue investments or business opportunities (including but not limited to certain product offerings to our customers) that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source-of-income or asset-diversification requirements for qualifying to be taxed as a REIT. Accordingly, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make certain attractive investments, pursue certain business opportunities and/or otherwise adversely affect the manner in which we operate our business.

Current wording

In addition to the assets tests set forth above, to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT for federal, state and local income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We may be unable to pursue investments or business opportunities (including but not limited to certain product offerings to our customers) that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source-of-income or asset-diversification requirements for qualifying to be taxed as a REIT. Accordingly, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make certain attractive investments, hinder our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, and/or otherwise adversely affect the manner in which we operate our business.

Previous wording

The net income of our TRSs is not required to be distributed to us, and income that is not distributed to us generally will not be subject to the REIT income distribution requirement. However, there may be limitations on our ability to accumulate earnings in our TRSs and the accumulation or reinvestment of significant earnings in our TRSs could result in adverse tax treatment. In particular, if the accumulation of cash in our TRSs causes the fair market value of our securities in our TRSs and certain other non-qualifying assets to exceed 20% of the fair market value of our assets, we would fail to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Current wording

The net income of our TRSs is not required to be distributed to us, and income that is not distributed to us generally will not be subject to the REIT income distribution requirement. However, there may be limitations on our ability to accumulate earnings in our TRSs and the accumulation or reinvestment of significant earnings in our TRSs could result in adverse tax treatment. In particular, if the accumulation of cash in our TRSs causes the fair market value of our securities in our TRSs and certain other non-qualifying assets to exceed 20% of the fair market value of our assets, we would fail to remain qualified to be taxed as a REIT for federal, state and local income tax purposes.