Urban Edge Properties

Previous wording

Inflation in the United States accelerated during 2021 and 2022. During 2023, inflation decreased but remained at an elevated level relative to the years preceding 2021, and inflation may increase again in the future. Rising inflation, and any related impacts, including increased prices for consumer goods and higher interest rates and wages, and any fiscal or other policy interventions by the U.S. government in reaction to such events, could negatively impact our results of operations, and could also negatively impact our tenants’ businesses. Most of our leases require tenants to pay their share of operating expenses, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes and insurance, although some larger tenants have capped the amount of these operating expenses they are responsible for under their lease. However, there can be no assurance that our tenants will be able to absorb these expense increases and be able to continue to pay us their portion of operating expenses, capital expenditures and rent. While our leases generally provide for fixed annual rent increases, high levels of inflation will likely outpace our contractual rent increases. As a result, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to pay dividends and distributions to shareholders could be adversely affected over time. The duration and extent of any prolonged periods of inflation, and any related adverse effects on our results of operations and financial condition, remain unknown at this time.

Current wording

Inflation in the United States accelerated during 2021 and 2022. During 2023 and 2024, inflation decreased but remained at an elevated level relative to the years preceding 2021, and inflation may increase again in the future. Rising inflation, and any related impacts, including increased prices for consumer goods and higher interest rates and wages, and any fiscal or other policy interventions by the U.S. government in reaction to such events, could negatively impact our results of operations, and could also negatively impact our tenants’ businesses. Most of our leases require tenants to pay their share of operating expenses, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes and insurance, although some larger tenants have capped the amount of these operating expenses they are responsible for under their lease. However, there can be no assurance that our tenants will be able to absorb these expense increases and be able to continue to pay us their portion of operating expenses, capital expenditures and rent. While our leases generally provide for fixed annual rent increases, high levels of inflation would likely outpace our contractual rent increases. As a result, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to pay dividends and distributions to shareholders could be adversely affected over time. The duration and extent of any prolonged periods of inflation, and any related adverse effects on our results of operations and financial condition, remain unknown at this time.

Previous wording

E-commerce continues to gain popularity and growth in internet sales is likely to continue in the future. E-commerce could result in a downturn in the business of some of our current tenants and could affect the way other current and future tenants lease space. For example, the migration towards e-commerce has led many omnichannel retailers to prune the number and size of their traditional “brick and mortar” locations to increasingly rely on e-commerce and alternative distribution channels. Many tenants also permit merchandise purchased on their websites to be picked up at, or returned to, their physical store locations, which may have the effect of decreasing the reported amount of their in-store sales and the amount of rent we are able to collect from them (particularly with respect to those tenants who pay rent based on a percentage of their in-store sales). We cannot predict with certainty how growth in e-commerce will impact the demand for space at our properties or how much revenue will be generated at traditional store locations in the future. If the shift towards e-commerce causes declines in the “brick and mortar” sales generated by our tenants and/or causes our tenants to reduce the size or number of their retail locations in the future, our cash flow, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

E-commerce is a vital part of our tenants’ business and continues to gain popularity, with growth in internet sales likely to continue in the future. E-commerce could result in a downturn in the business of some of our current tenants and could affect the way other current and future tenants lease space. For example, the migration towards e-commerce has led many omnichannel retailers to prune the number and size of their traditional “brick and mortar” locations to increasingly rely on e-commerce and alternative distribution channels. Many tenants also permit merchandise purchased on their websites to be picked up at, or returned to, their physical store locations, which may have the effect of decreasing the reported amount of their in-store sales and the amount of rent we are able to collect from them (particularly with respect to those tenants who pay rent based on a percentage of their in-store sales). We cannot predict with certainty how growth in e-commerce will impact the demand for space at our properties or how much revenue will be generated at traditional store locations in the future. If the shift towards e-commerce causes declines in the “brick and mortar” sales generated by our tenants and/or causes our tenants to reduce the size or number of their retail locations in the future, our cash flow, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our financial results depend significantly on leasing space in our properties to tenants on economically favorable terms. A majority of our income depends on the ability of our tenants to pay the full amount of rent and other charges due under their leases on a timely basis. Some of our leases provide for the payment, in addition to base rent, of additional rent above the base amount according to a specified percentage of the gross sales generated by the tenants and generally provide for reimbursement of real estate taxes and expenses of operating the property. Economic and/or competitive conditions may impact the success of our tenants’ retail operations and therefore the amount of rent and expense reimbursements we receive from our tenants. While demand for our retail spaces has been strong, there can be no assurance in our ability to maintain our occupancy levels on favorable terms. Any reduction in our tenants’ abilities to pay base rent, percentage rent or other charges on a timely basis will decrease our income, funds available to pay indebtedness and funds available for distribution to shareholders. If a tenant does not pay its rent, we might not be able to enforce our rights as landlord without delays and might incur substantial legal and other costs. During periods of economic adversity, there may be an increase in the number of tenants that cannot pay their rent and an increase in vacancy rates, which could materially and adversely affect our cash flow, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Our financial results depend significantly on leasing space in our properties to tenants on economically favorable terms. A majority of our income depends on the ability of our tenants to pay the full amount of rent and other charges due under their leases on a timely basis. Some of our leases provide for the payment, in addition to base rent, of additional rent above the base amount according to a specified percentage of the gross sales generated by the tenants and generally provide for reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance and expenses of operating the property. Economic and/or competitive conditions may impact the success of our tenants’ retail operations and therefore the amount of rent and expense reimbursements we receive from our tenants. While demand for our retail spaces has been strong, there can be no assurance in our ability to maintain our occupancy levels on favorable terms. Any reduction in our tenants’ abilities to pay base rent, percentage rent or other charges on a timely basis, or at all, will decrease our income, funds available to pay indebtedness and funds available for distribution to shareholders. If a tenant does not pay its rent, we might not be able to enforce our rights as landlord without delays and might incur substantial legal and other costs. During periods of economic adversity, there may be an increase in the number of tenants that cannot pay their rent and an increase in vacancy rates, which could materially and adversely affect our cash flow, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

If our tenants decide not to renew their leases upon their expiration, or if we exercise our right to replace an existing tenant, we may not be able to relet the space on terms comparable to prior leases or at all. Spaces that accounted for approximately 12.8% of physical occupancy were vacant as of December 31, 2023, excluding leases signed but not commenced. In addition, leases accounting for approximately 24% of our annualized base rent for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 are scheduled to expire within the next three years. Even if tenants do renew or we can relet the space, the terms of the renewal or reletting, taking into account among other things, the cost of improvements to the property and leasing commissions, may be less favorable than the terms in the expired leases. In addition, changes in space utilization by our tenants may impact our ability to renew or relet space without the need to incur substantial costs in renovating or redesigning the internal configuration of the relevant property. If we are unable to promptly renew the leases or relet the space at similar rates or if we incur substantial costs in renewing or reletting the space, our cash flow and ability to service debt obligations and pay dividends and other distributions to security holders could be adversely affected.

Current wording

If our tenants decide not to renew their leases upon their expiration, or if we exercise our right to replace an existing tenant, we may not be able to relet the space on terms comparable to prior leases or at all. Spaces that accounted for approximately 11.5% of physical occupancy were vacant as of December 31, 2024, excluding leases signed but not commenced. In addition, leases accounting for approximately 22% of our annualized base rent for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 are scheduled to expire within the next three years. Even if tenants do renew or we can relet the space, the terms of the renewal or reletting, taking into account among other things, the cost of improvements to the property and leasing commissions, may be less favorable than the terms in the expired leases. In addition, changes in space utilization by our tenants may impact our ability to renew or relet space without the need to incur substantial costs in renovating or redesigning the internal configuration of the relevant property. If we are unable to promptly renew the leases or relet the space at similar rates or if we incur substantial costs in renewing or reletting the space, or if we are unable to renew or relet the space at all, our cash flow and ability to service debt obligations and pay dividends and other distributions to security holders could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Because a significant number of our properties are located in the New York metropolitan area, we are particularly susceptible to adverse economic and other developments in that area. Collectively, our New York metropolitan area properties in the aggregate generated approximately 67% of our annualized base rent as of December 31, 2023. Real estate markets are subject to economic downturns, and we cannot predict the economic conditions in the New York metropolitan area in either the short-term or long-term. Poor economic or market conditions in the New York metropolitan area may adversely affect our cash flow, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Because a significant number of our properties are located in the New York metropolitan area, we are particularly susceptible to adverse economic and other developments in that area. Collectively, our New York metropolitan area properties in the aggregate generated approximately 65% of our annualized base rent as of December 31, 2024. Real estate markets are subject to economic downturns, and we cannot predict the economic conditions in the New York metropolitan area in either the short-term or long-term. Poor economic or market conditions in the New York metropolitan area may adversely affect our cash flow, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We may develop or redevelop properties when we believe that doing so is consistent with our business strategy. As of December 31, 2023, we had 23 active redevelopment projects in which we have invested a total of approximately $55.9 million, and based on our current plans and estimates, we anticipate it will cost an additional $112.2 million to complete. We anticipate engaging in additional development and redevelopment activities in the future. In addition to the risks associated with real estate investments in general as described elsewhere, the risks associated with future development and redevelopment activities include:

Current wording

We may develop or redevelop properties when we believe that doing so is consistent with our business strategy. As of December 31, 2024, we had 26 active redevelopment projects in which we have invested a total of approximately $73.1 million, and based on our current plans and estimates, we anticipate it will cost an additional $89.5 million to complete. We anticipate engaging in additional development and redevelopment activities in the future. In addition to the risks associated with real estate investments in general as described elsewhere, the risks associated with future development and redevelopment activities include:

Previous wording

Our financial results depend primarily on leasing space in our properties to tenants on terms favorable to us. Costs associated with operating real estate, such as real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, generally are not reduced even when a property is not fully occupied, rental rates decrease, or other circumstances cause a reduction in income from the property. As a result, cash flow from operations may be reduced if a tenant does not pay its rent or we are unable to rent our properties on favorable terms.

Current wording

Our financial results depend primarily on leasing space in our properties to tenants on terms favorable to us. Costs associated with operating real estate, such as real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, generally are not reduced even when a property is not fully occupied, rental rates decrease, or other circumstances cause a reduction in income from the property. As a result, cash flow from operations may be reduced.

Previous wording

Real estate is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Our properties are individually reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the aggregate projected future cash flows over the anticipated holding period on an undiscounted basis, taking into account the appropriate capitalization rate in determining a future terminal value. An impairment loss is based on the excess of the property’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. Recording an impairment charge results in an immediate reduction in our income in the period in which the charge is taken, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Real estate is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Our properties are individually reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the aggregate projected future cash flows over the anticipated holding period on an undiscounted basis, taking into account the appropriate capitalization rate in determining a future terminal value. An impairment loss is based on the excess of the property’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. Recording an impairment charge results in an immediate reduction in our income in the period in which the charge is taken, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. For example, we recognized such an impairment in the first quarter of 2023 related to an office and retail property located in Brooklyn, NY.

Previous wording

We have historically used moderate levels of leverage and expect to continue to incur indebtedness to support our activities. As of December 31, 2023, our outstanding indebtedness was $1.7 billion, of which$281 million was variable rate indebtedness. If we are unable to obtain debt financing or refinance existing debt upon maturity on terms favorable to us, or at all, our financial condition and results of operations would likely be adversely affected. As of the date of this filing, we have approximately $70.8 million of mortgage debt, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.0%, maturing within the next 12 months related to mortgage loans encumbering two of our properties. We are actively exploring our options to refinance them, however, there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so prior to their maturities or at rates that are favorable to us.

Current wording

We have historically used moderate levels of leverage and expect to continue to incur indebtedness to support our activities. As of December 31, 2024, our outstanding indebtedness was $1.6 billion, of which$100.9 million was variable rate indebtedness. If we are unable to obtain debt financing or refinance existing debt upon maturity on terms favorable to us, or at all, our financial condition and results of operations would likely be adversely affected. As of the date of this filing, we have approximately $23.7 million of mortgage debt, with an interest rate of 4.0%, maturing within the next 12 months related to a mortgage loan encumbering one of our properties. We are actively exploring our options to refinance; however, there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so prior to maturity or at a rate that is favorable to us.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, approximately 16% of our current outstanding debt bore interest at variable rates based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), plus an applicable margin per the respective loan agreements. We are exposed to risks related to a potential rising interest rate environment for our current or any future variable interest rate debt. Interest expense on our variable rate debt at December 31, 2023 would increase by approximately $2.3 million annually for every 100-basis-point increase in interest rates. While we may enter into interest rate hedging transactions with counterparties, there can be no guarantee that the future financial condition of these counterparties will enable them to fulfill their obligations under such agreements.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, approximately 6% of our current outstanding debt bore interest at variable rates based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), plus an applicable margin per the respective loan agreements. We are exposed to risks related to a potential rising interest rate environment for our current or any future variable interest rate debt. Interest expense on our variable rate debt at December 31, 2024, excluding the mortgage loan secured by Plaza at Woodbridge as the loan is hedged with an interest rate cap, would increase by approximately$0.5 million annually for every 100-basis-point increase in interest rates. While we may enter into interest rate hedging transactions with counterparties, there can be no guarantee that the future financial condition of these counterparties will enable them to fulfill their obligations under such agreements.

Previous wording

The mortgages on our properties contain customary covenants such as those that limit our ability, without the prior consent of the lender, to further mortgage the applicable property or to reduce insurance coverage. Our existing revolving credit facility contains, and any debt that we may obtain in the future may contain, customary restrictions, requirements and other limitations on our ability to incur indebtedness, including covenants (i) that limit our ability to incur debt based upon (1) our ratio of total debt to total assets, (2) our ratio of secured debt to total assets, (3) our ratio of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) to interest expense and (4) our ratio of EBITDA to fixed charges, and (ii) that require us to maintain a certain level of unencumbered assets to unsecured debt. Our ability to borrow is subject to compliance with these and other covenants. Failure to comply with our covenants could cause a default under the applicable debt instrument and we may then be required to repay such debt with capital from other sources or to give possession of a secured property to the lender. Under those circumstances, other sources of capital may not be available to us or may be available only on unattractive terms.

Current wording

The mortgages on our properties contain customary covenants such as those that limit our ability, without the prior consent of the lender, to further mortgage the applicable property or to reduce insurance coverage. The Revolving Credit Agreement contains, and any debt that we may obtain in the future may contain, customary restrictions, requirements and other limitations on our ability to incur indebtedness, including covenants (i) that limit our ability to incur debt based upon (1) our ratio of total debt to total assets, (2) our ratio of secured debt to total assets, (3) our ratio of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) to interest expense and (4) our ratio of EBITDA to fixed charges, and (ii) that require us to maintain a certain level of unencumbered assets to unsecured debt. Our ability to borrow is subject to compliance with these and other covenants. Failure to comply with our covenants could cause a default under the applicable debt instrument and we may then be required to repay such debt with capital from other sources or to give possession of a secured property to the lender. Under those circumstances, other sources of capital may not be available to us or may be available only on unattractive terms.

Previous wording

In the event that we default on mortgages in the future, either as a result of ceasing to make debt service payments or failing to meet applicable covenants, the lenders may accelerate the related debt obligations and foreclose and/or take control of the properties that secure their loans. As of December 31, 2023, we had $1.6 billion of secured debt outstanding and 32 of our properties were encumbered by secured debt. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all debt covenants, with the exception of those related to our mortgage on Kingswood Center which has been in default since May 2023. Further, for tax purposes, the foreclosure of a mortgage may result in the recognition of taxable income related to the extinguished debt without us having received any accompanying cash proceeds. As a result, since we are structured as a REIT, we may be required to identify and utilize sources for distributions to our shareholders related to such taxable income in order to avoid incurring corporate tax or to meet the REIT distribution requirements imposed by the Code.

Current wording

In the event that we default on mortgages in the future, either as a result of ceasing to make debt service payments or failing to meet applicable covenants, the lenders may accelerate the related debt obligations and foreclose and/or take control of the properties that secure their loans. As of December 31, 2024, we had $1.6 billion of secured debt outstanding, encumbering 31 of our properties. As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. Further, for tax purposes, the foreclosure of a mortgage may result in the recognition of taxable income related to the extinguished debt without us having received any accompanying cash proceeds. As a result, since we are structured as a REIT, we may be required to identify and utilize sources for distributions to our shareholders related to such taxable income in order to avoid incurring corporate tax or to meet the REIT distribution requirements imposed by the Code.

Previous wording

Our two properties in Puerto Rico made up approximately 8% of our net operating income (“NOI”) for the year ended December 31, 2023. Puerto Rico has faced significant fiscal and economic challenges in previous years, including its government filing for bankruptcy protection in 2017, and continues to face challenges resulting from natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Such events, individually or in the aggregate, can disrupt the local economy and could result in less disposable income for the purchase of goods sold at our properties and the inability of merchants to pay rent and other charges. Any of these events could negatively impact our ability to lease space on terms and conditions we seek and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

Our two properties in Puerto Rico made up approximately 8% of our net operating income (“NOI”) for the year ended December 31, 2024. Puerto Rico has faced significant fiscal and economic challenges in previous years, including its government filing for bankruptcy protection in 2017, and continues to face challenges resulting from natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Such events, individually or in the aggregate, can disrupt the local economy and could result in less disposable income for the purchase of goods sold at our properties and the inability of merchants to pay rent and other charges.

Previous wording

We own properties near the Atlantic Coast and in Puerto Rico which are subject to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and storm surges. We also have two properties in California that could be impacted by earthquakes. As a result, we could become subject to business interruption, significant losses and repair costs, such as those we experienced from Hurricane Maria in 2017, which damaged and caused the temporary closure of our two properties in Puerto Rico. We maintain comprehensive, all-risk property and rental value insurance coverage on our properties, however losses resulting from a natural disaster may be subject to a deductible or not fully covered and such losses could adversely affect our cash flow, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We own properties near the Atlantic Coast and in Puerto Rico which are subject to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and storm surges. We also have two properties in California that could be impacted by earthquakes and wildfires. As a result, we could become subject to business interruption, significant losses and repair costs, such as those we experienced from Hurricane Maria in 2017, which damaged and caused the temporary closure of our two properties in Puerto Rico. We maintain comprehensive, all-risk property and rental value insurance coverage on our properties, however losses resulting from a natural disaster may be subject to a deductible or not fully covered and such losses could adversely affect our cash flow, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Certain of the insurance premiums are charged directly to each of the properties but not all of the cost of such premiums are recovered. We are responsible for deductibles, losses in excess of insurance coverage, and the portion of premiums not reimbursable by tenants at our properties, which could be material.

Current wording

Certain insurance premiums are charged directly to each of the properties but not all of the cost of such premiums are recovered. We are responsible for deductibles, losses in excess of insurance coverage, and the portion of premiums not reimbursable by tenants at our properties, which could be material.

Previous wording

We continue to monitor the state of the insurance market and the scope and costs of available coverage. We cannot anticipate what coverage will be available on commercially reasonable terms in the future and expect premiums across most coverage lines to increase. The incurrence of uninsured losses, costs or uncovered premiums could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in Part II, Item 7. in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8. in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current wording

We continue to monitor the state of the insurance market and the scope and costs of available coverage. Certain premiums have increased significantly and may continue to do so in the future. We cannot anticipate what coverage will be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, and expect premiums across most coverage lines will continue to increase in light of recent events, including hurricanes and flooding in our core markets. The incurrence of uninsured losses, costs or uncovered premiums could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in Part II, Item 7. in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8. in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

Increased scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, customers, employees, and others regarding our environmental, social and governance practices and reporting could cause us to incur additional costs, devote additional resources and expose us to additional risks, which could adversely impact our reputation, customer acquisition and retention, access to capital and employee retention.

Current wording

Increased scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, customers, employees, and others regarding our Corporate Responsibility practices and reporting could cause us to incur additional costs, devote additional resources and expose us to additional risks, which could adversely impact our reputation, customer acquisition and retention, access to capital and employee retention.

Previous wording

Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny related to their ESG practices and reporting. Investors, customers, employees, and other stakeholders have begun to focus increasingly on ESG practices and to place more importance on the implications and social cost of their investments, purchases, and other interactions with companies. With this increased focus and demand, public reporting regarding ESG practices is becoming more broadly expected. If our ESG practices (including the speed of adoption of certain practices) and reporting do not meet investor, tenant, customer, or employee expectations, which continue to evolve, our reputation and tenant retention may be negatively impacted. Our failure, or perceived failure, to meet the standards included in any sustainability disclosure or the expectations of our various stakeholders, could negatively impact our reputation, tenant and employee retention, and access to capital. In 2022, the SEC proposed extensive rules aimed at enhancing and standardizing climate-related disclosures in an effort to foster greater consistency, comparability and reliability of climate-related information among public issuers. The proposal, if adopted, would require public issuers to include prescribed climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports, including information regarding greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks and opportunities and related financial impacts, governance and strategy. Additionally, we may become subject to new compliance requirements and/or new costs or taxes associated with natural resource or energy usage and related emissions (such as a “carbon tax”), which could increase our operating costs. All of these factors could result in additional costs and devoting additional resources to monitor, report and implement various ESG practices.

Current wording

Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny related to their Corporate Responsibility practices and reporting. Investors, customers, employees, and other stakeholders have begun to focus increasingly on Corporate Responsibility practices and to place more importance on the implications and social cost of their investments, purchases, and other interactions with companies. With this increased focus and demand, public reporting regarding Corporate Responsibility practices is becoming more broadly expected. If our Corporate Responsibility practices (including the speed of adoption of certain practices) and reporting do not meet investor, tenant, customer, or employee expectations, which continue to evolve, our reputation and tenant retention may be negatively impacted. Our failure, or perceived failure, to meet the standards included in any sustainability disclosure or the expectations of our various stakeholders, could negatively impact our reputation, tenant and employee retention, and access to capital.

Previous wording

•equity issuances or buybacks by us or the perception that such issuances or buybacks may occur or adverse reaction market reaction to any indebtedness we incur;

Current wording

•equity issuances or buybacks by us or the perception that such issuances or buybacks may occur or adverse market reaction to any indebtedness we incur;