SAUL CENTERS INC

Previous wording

Carefully consider the following risks and all of the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. If any of the events or developments described below were actually to occur, the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

Carefully consider the following risks and all of the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. If any of the events or developments described below were actually to occur, the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

Any reduction in the ability of our retail tenants to pay base rent or percentage rent may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Small business retail tenants and anchor retailers that lease space in the Company’s properties may experience a deterioration in their sales or other revenue, or experience a constraint on the availability of credit necessary to fund operations, which in turn may adversely impact those tenants’ ability to pay contractual base rents and operating expense recoveries. 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 retail tenants. Decreasing sales revenue by retail tenants could adversely impact the Company’s receipt of percentage rents required to be paid by tenants under certain leases.

Current wording

Any reduction in the ability of our retail tenants, particularly our anchor tenants, to pay base rent or percentage rent may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Small business retail tenants and anchor retailers that lease space in the Company’s properties may experience a deterioration in their sales or other revenue, or experience a constraint on the availability of credit necessary to fund operations, which in turn may adversely impact those tenants’ ability to pay contractual base rents and operating expense recoveries. Economic challenges that can adversely affect our retail tenants and anchor retailers include inflation, labor shortages, supply chain constraints, decreasing consumer confidence and discretionary spending, and increasing energy prices and interest rates. 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 retail tenants. Decreasing sales revenue by retail tenants could adversely impact the Company’s receipt of percentage rents required to be paid by tenants under certain leases.

Previous wording

If a tenant or lease guarantor files for bankruptcy, we may not be able to collect all pre-petition amounts owed by that party. In addition, a tenant that files for bankruptcy protection may terminate our lease in which event we would have a general unsecured claim that would likely be for less than the full amount owed to us for the remainder of the lease term, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Historically and from time to time, certain of our tenants experienced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy protection, typically under the United States Bankruptcy Code. If a tenant or lease guarantor files for bankruptcy, we may not be able to collect all pre-petition amounts owed by that party. In addition, a tenant that files for bankruptcy protection may terminate our lease in which event we would have a general unsecured claim that would likely be for less than the full amount owed to us for the remainder of the lease term, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In the event that a tenant with a significant number of leases in our shopping centers files for bankruptcy protection and rejects its leases, we may experience a significant reduction in our revenues and may not be able to collect all pre-petition amounts owed by such tenant.

Previous wording

Our net income could be adversely affected in the event of a downturn in the business, or the bankruptcy or insolvency, of any anchor store or anchor tenant. Our largest shopping center anchor tenant is Giant Food, which accounted for 4.9% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023. The closing of one or more anchor stores prior to the expiration of the lease of that store or the termination of a lease by one or more of a property’s anchor tenants could adversely affect that property and result in lease terminations by, or reductions in rent from, other tenants whose leases may permit termination or rent reduction in those circumstances or whose own operations may suffer as a result. This could reduce our net income.

Current wording

A majority of our shopping center properties are anchored by several major tenants and offer primarily day-to-day necessities and services. Thirty-four of our properties are anchored by a grocery store. Our net income could be adversely affected in the event of a downturn in the business, or the bankruptcy or insolvency, of any anchor store or anchor tenant. Our largest shopping center anchor tenant is Giant Food, which accounted for 4.8% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024. The closing of one or more anchor stores prior to the expiration of the lease of that store or the termination of a lease by one or more of a property’s anchor tenants could adversely affect that property and result in lease terminations by, or reductions in rent from, other tenants whose leases may permit termination or rent reduction in those circumstances or whose own operations may suffer as a result. In the event that we are unable to re-lease space vacated by an anchor tenant, we may incur additional expenses in order to re-model the space to be able to re-lease the space to one or more new anchor tenants. This could reduce our net income.

Previous wording

We derive most of our revenue directly or indirectly from rent received from our office and retail tenants. We are subject to the risks that, upon expiration, leases for space in our properties may not be renewed, the space and other vacant space may not be re-leased, or the terms of renewal or re-lease, including the cost of required renovations or concessions to tenants, may be less favorable than previous lease terms. Constraints on the availability of credit to office and retail tenants, necessary to purchase and install improvements, fixtures and equipment, and fund start-up business expenses, could impact the Company’s ability to procure new office and retail tenants for spaces currently vacant in existing operating properties or properties under development. As a result, our results of operations and our net income could be reduced.

Current wording

We derive most of our revenue directly or indirectly from rent received from our office and retail tenants. We are subject to the risks that, upon expiration, leases for space in our properties may not be renewed, the space and other vacant space may not be re-leased, or the terms of renewal or re-lease, including the cost of required renovations or concessions to tenants, may be less favorable than previous lease terms. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain tenants in any of our properties upon the expiration of their leases. See Item 2. Properties—Lease Expirations of Shopping Center Properties and Lease Expirations of Mixed-Use Properties for additional information regarding the scheduled lease expirations in our portfolio. Constraints on the availability of credit to office and retail tenants, necessary to purchase and install improvements, fixtures and equipment, and fund start-up business expenses, could impact the Company’s ability to procure new office and retail tenants for spaces currently vacant in existing operating properties or properties under development. As a result, our results of operations and our net income could be reduced.

Previous wording

Mr. B. F. Saul II, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, D. Todd Pearson, our President and Chief Operating Officer, Joel A. Friedman, our Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, and Bettina T. Guevara, our Executive Vice President-Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, are officers of certain entities within the Saul Organization, and persons associated with the Saul Organization constitute five of the twelve members of our Board of Directors. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, Mr. B. F. Saul II had the potential to exercise control over 10,814,706 shares of our common stock representing 45.1% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Mr. B. F. Saul II also beneficially owned, as of December 31, 2023, 9,580,408 units of the Operating Partnership. In general, these units are convertible into shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. The ownership limitation set forth in our articles of incorporation is 39.9% in value of our issued and outstanding equity securities (which includes both common and preferred stock). As of December 31, 2023, Mr. B. F. Saul II and members of the Saul Organization owned common stock representing approximately 38.0% in value of all our issued and outstanding equity securities. Members of the Saul Organization are permitted under our articles of incorporation to convert Operating Partnership units into shares of common stock or acquire additional shares of common stock until the Saul Organization’s actual ownership of common stock reaches 39.9% in value of our equity securities. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 854,000 of the 9,580,408 units of the Operating Partnership would have been permitted to convert into additional shares of common stock, and would have resulted in Mr. B. F. Saul II and members of the Saul Organization owning common stock representing approximately 39.9% in value of all our issued and outstanding equity securities.

Current wording

Mr. B. F. Saul II, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, D. Todd Pearson, our President and Chief Operating Officer, Joel A. Friedman, our Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, and Bettina T. Guevara, our Executive Vice President-Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, are officers of certain entities within the Saul Organization, and persons associated with the Saul Organization constitute five of the 12 members of our Board of Directors. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, Mr. B. F. Saul II had the potential to exercise control over 10,852,766 shares of our common stock representing 45.2% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Mr. B. F. Saul II also beneficially owned, as of December 31, 2024, 10,011,903 units of the Operating Partnership. In general, these units are convertible into shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. The ownership limitation set forth in our articles of incorporation with respect to the Saul Organization is 39.9% in value of our issued and outstanding equity securities (which includes both common and preferred stock, but not Operating Partnership units). As of December 31, 2024, Mr. B. F. Saul II and members of the Saul Organization owned common stock representing approximately 38.6% in value of all our issued and outstanding equity securities. Members of the Saul Organization are permitted under our articles of incorporation to convert Operating Partnership units into shares of common stock or acquire additional shares of common stock until the Saul Organization’s actual ownership of common stock reaches 39.9% in value of our equity securities. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 600,000 of the 10,011,903 units of the Operating Partnership would have been permitted to convert into additional shares of common stock, and would have resulted in Mr. B. F. Saul II and members of the Saul Organization owning common stock representing approximately 39.9% in value of all our issued and outstanding equity securities.

Previous wording

As a result of these relationships, officers of the Saul Organization will be in a position to exercise significant influence over our affairs, which influence might not be consistent with the interests of other stockholders. All related party transactions are reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the Audit Committee charter. Except as discussed below, we do not have any additional written policies or procedures for the review, approval or ratification of transactions with related persons.

Current wording

As a result of these relationships, officers of the Saul Organization exercise significant influence over our affairs, which influence might not be consistent with the interests of other stockholders. All related party transactions are reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the Audit Committee charter. Except as discussed below, we do not have any additional written policies or procedures for the review, approval or ratification of transactions with related persons.

Previous wording

Our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President-Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President-Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer are also officers of various entities of the Saul Organization. Although we believe that these officers spend sufficient management time to meet their responsibilities as our officers, the amount of management time devoted to us will depend on our specific circumstances at any given point in time. As a result, in a given period, these officers may spend less than a majority of their management time on our matters. Over extended periods of time, we believe that our Chief Executive Officer will spend less than a majority of his management time on Company matters, while our President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President-Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President-Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer may or may not spend less than a majority of their time on our matters.

Current wording

Our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President-Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President-Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer are also officers of various entities of the Saul Organization. Although we believe that these officers spend management time sufficient to meet their responsibilities as our officers, the amount of management time devoted to us will depend on our specific circumstances at any given point in time. As a result, in a given period, these officers may spend less than a majority of their management time on our matters. Over extended periods of time, we believe that our Chief Executive Officer will spend less than a majority of his management time on Company matters, while our President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President-Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President-Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer may or may not spend less than a majority of their time on our matters.

Previous wording

We will acquire, develop, own and manage shopping center properties and will own and manage other commercial properties, and, subject to certain exclusivity agreements and rights of first refusal to which we are a party, the Saul Organization will continue to develop, acquire, own and manage commercial properties and own land suitable for development as, among other things, shopping centers and other commercial properties. Therefore, conflicts could develop in the allocation of acquisition and development opportunities with respect to commercial properties other than shopping centers and with respect to development sites, as well as potential tenants and other matters, between us and the Saul Organization. The agreement relating to exclusivity and the right of first refusal between us and the Saul Organization generally requires the Saul Organization to conduct its shopping center business exclusively through us and to grant us a right of first refusal to purchase commercial properties and development sites in certain market areas that become available to the Saul Organization. The Saul Organization has granted the right of first refusal to us, acting through our independent directors, in order to minimize potential conflicts with respect to commercial properties and development sites. We and the Saul Organization have entered into this agreement in order to minimize conflicts with respect to shopping centers and certain of our commercial properties. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of related party transactions.

Current wording

We acquire, develop, own and manage shopping center properties and own and manage other commercial properties, and, subject to certain exclusivity agreements and rights of first refusal to which we are a party, the Saul Organization separately develops, acquires, owns and manages commercial properties and owns land suitable for development as, among other things, shopping centers and other commercial properties. Therefore, conflicts could develop in the allocation of acquisition and development opportunities with respect to commercial properties other than shopping centers and with respect to development sites, as well as potential tenants and other matters, between us and the Saul Organization. The agreement relating to exclusivity and the right of first refusal between us and the Saul Organization generally requires the Saul Organization to conduct its shopping center business exclusively through us and to grant us a right of first refusal to purchase commercial properties and development sites in certain market areas that become available to the Saul Organization. See Item 13 for risk factor mitigants. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of related party transactions.

Previous wording

We share with the Saul Organization certain ancillary functions, such as computer and payroll services, benefits administration and in-house legal services. The terms of all sharing arrangements, including payments related thereto, are reviewed periodically by our Audit Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors. Included in our general and administrative expenses or capitalized to specific development projects, for the year ended December 31, 2023, are charges totaling $10.6 million, net, related to such shared services, which included rental payments for the Company’s headquarters lease, which were billed by the Saul Organization. Although we believe that the amounts allocated to us for such shared services represent a fair allocation between us and the Saul Organization, we have not obtained a third party appraisal of the value of these services.

Current wording

We share with the Saul Organization certain ancillary functions, such as computer and payroll services, benefits administration and in-house legal services. Included in our general and administrative expenses or capitalized to specific development projects, for the year ended December 31, 2024, are charges totaling $11.4 million, net, related to such shared services, which included rental payments for the Company’s headquarters lease, which were billed by the Saul Organization. Although we believe that the amounts allocated to us for such shared services represent a fair allocation between us and the Saul Organization, we have not obtained a third party appraisal of the value of these services. See Item 13 for risk factor mitigants.

Previous wording

The B. F. Saul Insurance Agency of Maryland, Inc., a subsidiary of the B. F. Saul Company and a member of the Saul Organization, is a general insurance agency that receives commissions and counter-signature fees in connection with our insurance program. Such commissions and fees amounted to approximately $562,800 for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Current wording

The B. F. Saul Insurance Agency of Maryland, Inc., a subsidiary of the B. F. Saul Company and a member of the Saul Organization, is a general insurance agency that receives commissions and counter-signature fees in connection with our insurance program. Such commissions and fees amounted to approximately $449,300 for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

We sublease space for our corporate headquarters from a member of the Saul Organization, the building of which is owned by another member of the Saul Organization. The lease commenced in March 2002 and expires in February 2027. The Company and the Saul Organization entered into a shared services agreement whereby each party pays a portion of the total rental payments based on a percentage proportionate to the number of employees employed by each party. The Company’s rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $871,300. Although the Company believes that this lease has terms comparable to what would have been obtained from a third-party landlord, it did not seek bid proposals from any independent third parties when entering into its new corporate headquarters lease.

Current wording

We sublease our corporate headquarters from a member of the Saul Organization, the building of which is owned by another member of the Saul Organization. The lease commenced in March 2002 and expires in February 2027. The Company and the Saul Organization entered into a shared services agreement whereby each party pays a portion of the total rental payments based on a percentage proportionate to the number of employees employed by each party. The Company’s rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $847,600. Although the Company believes that this lease has terms comparable to what would have been obtained from a third-party landlord, it did not seek bid proposals from any independent third parties when entering into its new corporate headquarters lease.

Previous wording

Consequently, it is in the interests of the Saul Organization that we continue to hold the contributed portfolio properties, that a portion of our debt remains outstanding or is refinanced and that the Saul Organization guarantees and indemnities remain in place, in order to defer the taxable gain to members of the Saul Organization. Therefore, the Saul Organization may seek to cause us to retain the contributed portfolio properties, and to refrain from reducing our debt or releasing the Saul Organization guarantees and indemnities, even when such action may not be in the interests of some, or a majority, of our stockholders. In order to minimize these conflicts, decisions as to sales of the portfolio properties, or any refinancing, repayment or release of guarantees and indemnities with respect to our debt, will be made by the independent directors.

Current wording

Consequently, it is in the interests of the Saul Organization that we continue to hold the contributed portfolio properties, that a portion of our debt remains outstanding or is refinanced and that the Saul Organization guarantees and indemnities remain in place, in order to defer the taxable gain to members of the Saul Organization. Therefore, the Saul Organization may seek to cause us to retain the contributed portfolio properties, and to refrain from reducing our debt or releasing the Saul Organization guarantees and indemnities, even when such action may not be in the interests of some, or a majority, of our stockholders. See Item 13 for risk factor mitigants.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $1.4 billion of debt outstanding, approximately $1.13 billion of which was fixed-rate debt and approximately $276.0 million of which was variable-rate debt outstanding under our Credit Facility.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $1.55 billion of debt outstanding, approximately $1.37 billion of which was fixed-rate debt and approximately $187.0 million of which was variable-rate debt outstanding under our Credit Facility.

Previous wording

We currently have a general policy of limiting our borrowings to 50% of asset value, i.e., the value of our portfolio, as determined by our Board of Directors by reference to the aggregate annualized cash flow from our portfolio. Our organizational documents contain no limitation on the amount or percentage of indebtedness that we may incur. Therefore, the Board of Directors could alter or eliminate the current limitation on borrowing at any time. If our debt capitalization policy were changed, we could increase our leverage, resulting in an increase in debt service that could adversely affect our operating cash flow and our ability to make expected distributions to stockholders, and in an increased risk of default on our obligations.

Current wording

We currently have a general policy of limiting our borrowings to 50% of asset value, i.e., the value of our portfolio, as determined by our Board of Directors by reference to the aggregate annualized cash flow from our portfolio. However, our organizational documents contain no limitation on the amount or percentage of indebtedness that we may incur. Therefore, the Board of Directors could alter or eliminate the current limitation on borrowing at any time. If our debt capitalization policy were changed, we could increase our leverage, resulting in an increase in debt service that could adversely affect our operating cash flow and our ability to make expected distributions to stockholders, and in an increased risk of default on our obligations.

Previous wording

The properties, as commercial facilities, are required to comply with Title III of the ADA. Investigation of a property may reveal non-compliance with the ADA. The requirements of the ADA, or of other federal, state or local laws, also may change in the future and restrict further renovations of our properties with respect to access for disabled persons. Future compliance with the ADA may require expensive changes to the properties.

Current wording

All of our properties, as commercial facilities, are required to comply with Title III of the ADA. Compliance with the ADA requirements could require removal of access barriers, and non-compliance could result in imposition of fines by the U.S. government or an award of damages to private litigants, or both. Investigation of a property may reveal non-compliance with the ADA. The requirements of the ADA, or of other federal, state or local laws, also may change in the future and restrict further renovations of our properties with respect to access for disabled persons. Future compliance with the ADA may require expensive changes to the properties.

Previous wording

The Code imposes certain limitations on the ownership of the stock of a REIT. For example, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding shares of capital stock may be owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code). To protect our REIT status, our articles of incorporation restrict beneficial and constructive ownership (defined by reference to various Code provisions) to no more than 2.5% in value of our issued and outstanding equity securities by any single stockholder with the exception of members of the Saul Organization, who are restricted to beneficial and constructive ownership of no more than 39.9% in value of our issued and outstanding equity securities.

Current wording

The Code imposes certain limitations on the ownership of the stock of a REIT. For example, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding shares of capital stock may be owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code). To protect our REIT status, our articles of incorporation restrict beneficial and constructive ownership (defined by reference to various Code provisions) to no more than 2.5% in value of our issued and outstanding equity securities by any single stockholder with the exception of the Saul Organization, who are restricted to beneficial and constructive ownership of no more than 39.9% in value of our issued and outstanding equity securities.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, Mr. B. F. Saul II and members of the Saul Organization owned common stock representing approximately 38.0% in value of all our issued and outstanding equity securities. In addition, members of the Saul Organization beneficially owned Operating Partnership units that are, in general, convertible into our common stock on a one-for-one basis. Members of the Saul Organization are permitted under our articles of incorporation to convert Operating Partnership units into shares of common stock or acquire additional shares of common stock until the Saul Organization’s actual ownership of common stock reaches 39.9% in value of our equity securities.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, Mr. B. F. Saul II and members of the Saul Organization owned common stock representing approximately 38.6% in value of all our issued and outstanding equity securities. In addition, members of the Saul Organization beneficially owned Operating Partnership units that are, in general, convertible into our common stock on a one-for-one basis. Members of the Saul Organization are permitted under our articles of incorporation to convert Operating Partnership units into shares of common stock or acquire additional shares of common stock until the Saul Organization’s actual ownership of common stock reaches 39.9% in value of our equity securities.

Previous wording

The outbreak or pandemic of any highly infectious or contagious diseases or other public emergencies, could have a material and adverse effect on or cause disruption to ourbusiness or financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the market value and trading price of our securities.

Current wording

The outbreak or pandemic of any highly infectious or contagious diseases or other public emergencies, could have a material and adverse effect on or cause disruption to our business or financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the market value and trading price of our securities.

Previous wording

Our ability to continue to pay dividends on our common stock at historical rates or to increase our common stock dividend rate will depend on a number of factors, including, among others, the following:

Current wording

Any and all dividends that we pay to stockholders are declared at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors and depend on our actual and projected financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, maintenance of our REIT qualification, and such other matters as the Board of Directors may deem relevant from time to time. Our ability to continue to pay dividends on our common stock at historical rates or to increase our common stock dividend rate will depend on a number of factors, including, among others, the following:

Previous wording

If we do not maintain or increase the dividend rate on our common stock, it could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and other securities. Payment of dividends on our common stock may be subject to payment in full of the dividends on any preferred stock or depositary shares and payment of interest on any debt securities we may offer.

Current wording

Stockholders have no contractual or other legal right to dividends, other than those that have been authorized by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion and declared by the Company. If we do not maintain or increase the dividend rate on our common stock, it could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and other securities. Payment of dividends on our common stock may be subject to payment in full of the dividends on any preferred stock or depositary shares and payment of interest on any debt securities we may offer.