Brixmor Property Group Inc

Previous wording

Recent significant increases in inflation and interest rates could adversely affect us and our tenants.

Current wording

Elevated levels of inflation and/or interest rates could adversely affect us and our tenants.

Previous wording

Inflation has significantly increased over the last three years and may continue to be elevated or increase further. The efforts of the Federal Reserve to combat inflation have led to significant increases in interest rates. These increases have resulted in higher operating and incremental borrowing costs for us and our tenants. Although the terms of our leases, the duration of our indebtedness, and our relatively low exposure to floating rate debt have mitigated the direct impact of inflation and interest rate increases, the degree and pace of these changes have had and may continue to have impacts on our business, including as a result of increased financing costs when we refinance our indebtedness, and a potential economic recession, which may lead to higher levels of unemployment and decreases in consumer confidence and/or discretionary spending.

Current wording

Although recent inflationary pressures have begun to abate, inflation may increase in the future, and such increases could lead to the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates. Increases in interest rates could result in higher operating and incremental borrowing costs for us and our tenants. Although the terms of our leases, the duration of our indebtedness, and our relatively low exposure to floating rate debt have historically mitigated the direct impact of inflation and interest rate increases, the degree and pace of these changes have had and may continue to have impacts on our business, including as a result of increased financing costs when we refinance our indebtedness, and a potential economic recession, which may lead to higher levels of unemployment and decreases in consumer confidence and/or discretionary spending.

Previous wording

A future public health crisis could have repercussions across domestic and global economies and financial markets. Government responses to such crises, including quarantines, may force our tenants to temporarily close stores, reduce hours, or significantly limit service which may result in significant economic contractions and a dramatic increase in national unemployment. The direct and indirect impacts of these crises could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.

Current wording

Public health crises can have repercussions across domestic and global economies and financial markets. Government responses to such crises, including quarantines, may force our tenants to temporarily close stores, reduce hours, or significantly limit service and may lead to reduced spending by the retail customer, which may result in significant economic contractions and increases in national unemployment. The direct and indirect impacts of these crises could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.

Previous wording

There are numerous shopping venues, including regional malls, outlet malls, other shopping centers, and e-commerce, which compete with our Portfolio in attracting and retaining retailers. As of December 31, 2023, leases are scheduled to expire in our Portfolio on a total of approximately 9.3% of leased GLA during 2024. We may not be able to renew or promptly re-lease expiring space and even if we do renew or re-lease such space, future rental rates may be lower than current rates and other terms may not be as favorable. In addition, we may be required to incur significant capital expenditures in order to retain existing tenants or attract new tenants. In these situations, our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Current wording

There are numerous shopping venues, including regional malls, outlet malls, other shopping centers, and e-commerce, which compete with our Portfolio in attracting and retaining retailers. As of December 31, 2024, leases are scheduled to expire in our Portfolio on a total of approximately 8.9% of leased GLA during 2025. We may not be able to renew or promptly re-lease expiring space and even if we do renew or re-lease such space, future rental rates may be lower than current rates and other terms may not be as favorable. In addition, we may be required to incur significant capital expenditures in order to retain existing tenants or attract new tenants. In these situations, our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Previous wording

In order to maintain the attractiveness of our Portfolio to retailers and consumers, we actively reinvest in our assets in the form of repositioning and redevelopments projects. In addition to the risks associated with real estate investments in general, as described elsewhere, the risks associated with repositioning and redevelopment projects include: (1) delays or failures in obtaining necessary zoning, occupancy, land use, and other governmental permits; (2) abandonment of projects after expending resources to pursue such opportunities; (3) cost overruns; (4) construction delays; and (5) failure to achieve expected occupancy and/or rent levels within the projected time frame, if at all. If we fail to reinvest in our Portfolio or maintain its attractiveness to retailers and consumers, if our capital improvements are not successful, or if retailers and consumers perceive that shopping at other venues (including e-commerce) is more convenient, cost-effective, or otherwise more compelling, our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Current wording

(2) abandonment of projects after expending resources to pursue such opportunities; (3) cost overruns; (4) construction delays; and (5) failure to achieve expected occupancy and/or rent levels within the projected time frame, if at all. If we fail to reinvest in our Portfolio or maintain its attractiveness to retailers and consumers, if our capital improvements are not successful, or if retailers and consumers perceive that shopping at other venues (including e-commerce) is more convenient, cost-effective, or otherwise more compelling, our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $4.9 billion aggregate principal amount of indebtedness outstanding. Our indebtedness could have important consequences to us. For example, it could (1) require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to principal and interest payments, reducing the cash flow available to fund our business, pay dividends, including those necessary to maintain our REIT qualification, or use for other purposes; (2) increase our vulnerability to an economic downturn or various competitive pressures, as debt payments are not reduced if the economic performance of any property, or the Portfolio as a whole, deteriorates; and (3) limit our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions. Since 2022, interest rates have been significantly higher than in recent years, and as a result we could face increased debt service costs when we refinance our indebtedness in the future. In addition, non-compliance with the terms of our debt agreements could result in the acceleration of a significant amount of indebtedness and could materially impair our ability to borrow unused amounts under existing financing arrangements or to obtain additional financing on favorable terms or at all. Any of these outcomes could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $5.4 billion aggregate principal amount of indebtedness outstanding. Our indebtedness could have important consequences to us. For example, it could (1) require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to principal and interest payments, reducing the cash flow available to fund our business, pay dividends, including those necessary to maintain our REIT qualification, or use for other purposes; (2) increase our vulnerability to an economic downturn or various competitive pressures, as debt payments are not reduced if the economic performance of any property, or the Portfolio as a whole, deteriorates; and (3) limit our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions. We are also subject to risks related to refinancing our indebtedness, including the risk that interest rates on new indebtedness will be significantly higher than the indebtedness being refinanced. In addition, non-compliance with the terms of our debt agreements could result in the acceleration of a significant amount of indebtedness and could materially impair our ability to borrow unused amounts under existing financing arrangements or to obtain additional financing on favorable terms or at all. Any of these outcomes could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.

Previous wording

Since 2022, interest rates have been significantly higher than in recent years. As of December 31, 2023, $500.0 million of borrowings under our Term Loan Facility and $18.5 million of borrowings under our Revolving Facility bear interest at variable rates. In addition, we had $1.23 billion of available liquidity under our Revolving Facility which would bear interest at variable rates upon borrowing. When interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same, and our net income and cash flows correspondingly decrease. In order to partially mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk, we have entered into interest rate swap agreements on $500.0 million of our variable rate debt, which involve the exchange of variable for fixed rate interest payments. Taking into account our current interest rate swap agreements, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would result in a $0.2 million increase in annual interest expense.

Current wording

Since 2022, interest rates have been significantly higher than in recent years. As of December 31, 2024, $500.0 million of borrowings under our Term Loan Facility bear interest at variable rates. In addition, we had $1.25 billion of available liquidity under our Revolving Facility which would bear interest at variable rates upon borrowing. When interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same, and our net income and cash flows correspondingly decrease. In order to partially mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk, we have entered into interest rate swap agreements on $500.0 million of our variable rate debt, which involve the exchange of variable for fixed rate interest payments. Taking into account our current interest rate swap agreements, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would not result in an increase in annual interest expense.

Previous wording

We rely extensively on information technology ("IT") systems to operate and manage our business and process transactions, and as a result, our business is at risk from, and may be impacted by, cybersecurity attacks. These attacks could include attempts to gain unauthorized access to our data and/or computer systems. Attacks may be undertaken by individuals or may be highly organized attempts by very sophisticated organizations. We employ a variety of measures to prevent, detect, and mitigate these threats; however, there is no guarantee that such efforts will be successful in preventing or mitigating a cybersecurity attack. A cybersecurity attack, such as a ransomware attack, could compromise the confidential information, including the personally identifiable information, of our employees, tenants, and vendors, disrupt the proper functioning of our networks, result in misstated financial reports or covenants under various financing agreements, and/or missed reporting deadlines, prevent us from properly monitoring our REIT qualification, result in our inability to maintain the building systems relied upon by our tenants for the efficient use of their leased space, or require significant management attention and resources to remedy any damages that result. A successful attack could also damage our reputation and result in significant remediation costs and potential litigation. Similarly, our tenants rely extensively on IT systems to process transactions and manage their businesses and thus are also at risk from, and may be impacted by, cybersecurity attacks, which could impact their ability to pay rent timely or at all. A cybersecurity attack experienced by us or one of our tenants that results in an interruption in business operations and/or a deterioration in reputation could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows. As of December 31, 2023, we have not had any material incidences involving cybersecurity attacks.

Current wording

We rely extensively on information technology ("IT") systems, including systems through vendors and third parties, to operate and manage our business and process transactions, and as a result, our business is at risk from, and may be impacted by, cybersecurity attacks. These attacks could include attempts to gain unauthorized access to our data and/or IT systems. Attacks may be undertaken by individuals or may be highly organized attempts by very sophisticated organizations. We employ a variety of measures to prevent, detect, and mitigate these threats; however, there is no guarantee that such efforts will be successful in preventing or mitigating a cybersecurity attack. Further, new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence may be more capable at evading these safeguard measures. A cybersecurity attack, such as a ransomware attack, could compromise the confidential information, including the personally identifiable information, of our employees, tenants, and vendors, disrupt the proper functioning of our networks and IT systems, result in misstated financial reports or covenants under various financing agreements, and/or missed reporting deadlines, prevent us from properly monitoring our REIT qualification, result in our inability to maintain the building systems relied upon by our tenants for the efficient use of their leased space, or require significant management attention and resources to remedy any damages that result. A successful attack could also damage our reputation and result in significant remediation costs, regulatory investigations, and potential litigation.

Previous wording

BPG intends to continue to operate so as to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). However, qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which only a limited number of judicial or administrative interpretations exist. Notwithstanding the availability of cure provisions in the Code, BPG could fail to meet various compliance requirements, which could jeopardize its REIT status. Furthermore, new tax legislation, administrative guidance, or court decisions, in each instance potentially with retroactive effect, could make it more difficult or impossible for BPG to qualify as a REIT.

Current wording

BPG intends to continue to operate so as to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). However, qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which only a limited number of judicial or administrative interpretations exist. Notwithstanding the availability of cure provisions in the Code, BPG could fail to meet various compliance requirements, which could jeopardize its REIT status.

Previous wording

The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), the U.S. Treasury Department, and Congress frequently review U.S. federal income tax legislation, regulations, and other guidance. BPG cannot predict whether, when, or to what extent new U.S. federal tax laws, regulations, interpretations, or rulings will be adopted. Any legislative action may prospectively or retroactively modify BPG’s tax treatment and, therefore, may adversely affect taxation of BPG or BPG’s stockholders. Stockholders should consult with their tax advisors with respect to the status of legislative, regulatory, or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in BPG’s stock.

Current wording

The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), the U.S. Treasury Department, and Congress frequently review U.S. federal income tax legislation, regulations, and other guidance. BPG cannot predict whether, when, or to what extent new U.S. federal tax laws, regulations, interpretations, or rulings will be adopted. Any legislative action, including the possibility of major tax legislation, may prospectively or retroactively modify BPG’s tax treatment and, therefore, may adversely affect taxation of BPG or BPG’s stockholders. Stockholders should consult with their tax advisors with respect to the status of legislative, regulatory, or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in BPG’s stock.