DRS 1 filename1.htm DRS
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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

As submitted confidentially to the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2023

Registration Statement No. 333-            

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-11

FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

OF SECURITIES OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE COMPANIES

Lineage, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its governing instruments)

46500 Humboldt Drive

Novi, Michigan 48377

(800) 678-7271

(Address, including Zip Code and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

Natalie Matsler

Chief Legal Officer

46500 Humboldt Drive

Novi, Michigan 48377

(800) 678-7271

(Name, Address, including Zip Code and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

Copies to:

 

Julian T.H. Kleindorfer, Esq.

Lewis W. Kneib, Esq.

Latham & Watkins LLP

355 South Grand Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90071-1560

(213) 485-1234

 

Scott C. Chase, Esq.

David H. Roberts, Esq.

Goodwin Procter LLP

100 Northern Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02210

(617) 570-1000

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:

As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: ☐

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, check the following box. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

 

Large accelerated filer ☐      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer ☒      Smaller reporting company  
     Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act ☐

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion, dated             , 2024

                 Shares

 

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Common Stock

Lineage, Inc.

 

 

We are offering                 shares of our common stock. All of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are being sold by us. This is our initial public offering, and no public market currently exists for our common stock. We expect the initial public offering price of our common stock to be between $        and $        per share.

We intend to apply to list our common stock on the                     , under the symbol “LNGE.”

We have elected and believe we have qualified to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2020. To assist us in qualifying as a REIT, our charter prohibits, with certain exceptions, the beneficial or constructive ownership by any person of more than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of our capital stock or more than 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of our common stock. In addition, our charter contains various other restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our common stock and capital stock. See “Description of Our Capital Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” for a description of the ownership and transfer restrictions applicable to our common stock.

After the completion of this offering, affiliates of Bay Grove Capital Group, LLC will continue to own a majority of the voting power of shares of our common stock eligible to vote in the election of our directors. As a result, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of the                     . See “Management—Controlled Company Exception” and “Principal Stockholders.”

 

 

Investing in our common stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 43 for factors you should consider before investing in our common stock.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

    

Per Share

    

Total

 

Initial public offering price

   $        $    

Underwriting discounts(1)

   $        $    

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

   $                            $                        

 

(1)

We refer you to “Underwriters” beginning on page 240 of this prospectus for additional information regarding underwriting compensation.

To the extent that the underwriters sell more than                shares of common stock, the underwriters have the option, exercisable within 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an additional                shares from us at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions.

KKR Capital Markets LLC is acting as our financial advisor in connection with this offering.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of common stock to purchasers on or about                .

 

Morgan Stanley   BofA Securities   Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC   J.P. Morgan   Wells Fargo Securities

Prospectus dated                , 2024


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by us is accurate only as of their respective dates or on the date or dates which are specified in these documents. Our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

We use market data and industry forecasts and projections throughout this prospectus and, in particular, in the sections entitled “Prospectus Summary,” “Market Opportunity” and “Business and Properties.” We have obtained certain of this information from a market study prepared for us in connection with this offering by                , a                . Such information is included in this prospectus in reliance on                 ’s authority as an expert on such matters. Any forecasts prepared by                are based on data (including third party data), models and experience of various professionals and are based on various assumptions, all of which are subject to change without notice. See “Experts.” In addition, we have obtained certain market and industry data from publicly available industry publications. These sources generally state that the information they provide has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but that the accuracy and completeness of the information are not guaranteed. Capacity and market share data provided by the Global Cold Chain Alliance, or GCCA, reflects capacity of companies that report to GCCA. North American GCCA data includes GCCA’s estimate of capacity owned and operated by U.S. customers themselves based on data from U.S. Department of Agriculture surveys (most recently published in January 2022). Global GCCA data also reflects GCCA’s estimate of capacity of companies that do not report to GCCA. The forecasts and projections are based on industry surveys and the preparers’ experience in the industry, and there is no assurance that any of the projected amounts will be achieved. We have not independently verified this information.

Pursuant to SEC guidance, we are omitting any unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes as of September 30, 2023 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (including any related unaudited

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

pro forma financial statements and related notes as of September 30, 2023 and for the year ended December 31, 2022 and nine months ended September 30, 2023) because they relate to historical periods that we believe will not be required to be included in the registration statement at the time of effectiveness. We intend to amend the draft registration statement to include all financial information required by Regulation S-X and the related discussion required by Regulation S-K at the date of such amendment before publicly filing the registration statement.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this prospectus, we use certain non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental performance measures of our business, including NOI, segment NOI, FFO, Core FFO, Adjusted FFO, EBITDA, EBITDAre, Adjusted EBITDA and Net debt. For definitions of these metrics, reconciliations of these metrics to our net loss of $        , $88.7 million and $187.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and a statement of why our management believes the presentation of these metrics provides useful information to investors and any additional purposes for which management uses such metrics, see “Summary Selected Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Certain Terms Used in This Prospectus

Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms and phrases are used throughout this prospectus as described below:

 

   

“average economic occupancy” means the average number of physical pallets on hand and any additional pallet positions otherwise contractually committed and paid for by customers for a given period divided by the approximate number of average physical pallet positions in our warehouses for the applicable period;

 

   

“average physical occupancy” means the average number of physical pallets on hand divided by the approximate number of average physical pallet positions in our warehouses for the applicable period;

 

   

“Bay Grove” means Bay Grove Capital Group, LLC, a private owner-operator investment firm founded by our Co-Founders and Co-Executive Chairmen, Adam Forste and Kevin Marchetti, and, unless the context otherwise requires, its affiliates (excluding BGLH);

 

   

“BGLH” means BG Lineage Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Bay Grove;

 

   

“CMBS” means commercial mortgage-backed securities;

 

   

“Co-Founders” means our Co-Executive Chairmen, Adam Forste and Kevin Marchetti;

 

   

“Core WMS” means Core Warehouse Management Systems;

 

   

“EBITDA” means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization;

 

   

“formation transactions” means the formation transactions described under "Structure and Formation of our Company;”

 

   

“fully diluted basis” means information is presented assuming all outstanding Legacy OP Units, OP units and OPEUs have been exchanged for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis and all equity awards to be issued to our management and members of our board of directors in connection with this offering are outstanding (this definition is not the same as the meaning of “fully diluted” under GAAP);

 

   

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in the United States of America;

 

   

“ICE4 CMBS loan” means our secured senior mortgage debt that had an original principal amount of $2.35 billion;

 

   

“IT” means information technology;

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

   

“KPI” means key performance indicator;

 

   

“Legacy Class A OP Units” means a class of Legacy OP Units that bears special distribution rights;

 

   

“Legacy Class B OP Units” means a class of Legacy OP Units that does not bear special distribution rights;

 

   

“Legacy OP Units” means units of partnership interest in our operating partnership that are equivalent to OP units and that represent rights of legacy investors in our operating partnership;

 

   

“Lineage,” “we,” “our,” “us” and “our company” mean Lineage, Inc., a Maryland corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including our operating partnership;

 

   

“Lineage Holdings” means Lineage Logistics Holdings, LLC;

 

   

“maintenance capital expenditures” means capitalized funds used to maintain assets that will result in an extended useful life;

 

   

“minimum storage guarantees” mean contractual provisions in our agreements with customers that provide us with minimum or fixed storage fees for pallet positions, whether or not a minimum number of pallet positions are physically occupied in a particular period;

 

   

“NOI” means net operating income;

 

   

“OPEUs” means units of Lineage Holdings that are intended to be economically equivalent to, and exchangeable into, OP units;

 

   

“OP units” means common units of partnership interest in our operating partnership;

 

   

“our operating partnership” means Lineage OP, LP, a Maryland limited partnership, through which we will hold substantially all of our assets and conduct our operations;

 

   

“pro forma basis” means information is presented assuming the completion of this offering, the formation transactions and the other adjustments described in our unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus had occurred on December 31, 2023 for purposes of the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet data and on January 1, 2023 for purposes of the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations;

 

   

“REIT” means real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

   

“Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement” means our $4.5 billion revolving credit and term loan agreement;

 

   

“Revolving Credit Facility” means our $2.625 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility pursuant to the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement;

 

   

“same warehouse” means warehouses that were owned, leased or managed for the entirety of two comparable periods and that have reported at least twelve months of consecutive normalized operations prior to January 1 of the prior calendar year;

 

   

“same warehouse NOI” means revenues for the same warehouse population less its cost of operations (excluding any depreciation and amortization, impairment charges and corporate-level general and administrative expenses, corporate-level acquisition, restructuring and other expenses and gain or loss on sale of real estate);

 

   

“segment NOI” means segment net operating income, calculated as a segment’s revenues less its cost of operations (excluding any depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, corporate-level general and administrative expenses and corporate-level acquisition, restructuring and other expenses);

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

   

“Senior Unsecured Notes” means, collectively, our Series A Senior Notes, Series B Senior Note, Series C Senior Notes, Series D Senior Notes, Series E Senior Note, Series F Senior Note, Series G Senior Note, Series H Senior Notes and Series I Senior Notes;

 

   

“stockholders agreement” means the stockholders agreement among us, BGLH, Adam Forste and Kevin Marchetti that we intend to enter into in connection with this offering and the formation transactions;

 

   

“Term Loan” means our $1.875 billion senior unsecured term loan facility pursuant to the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement; and

 

   

“throughput” means the volume of inbound pallets that enter our warehouses plus the volume of outbound pallets that exit our warehouses, divided by two.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

The following summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the section entitled “Risk Factors,” as well as our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. Unless otherwise indicated, the information contained in this prospectus assumes that the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is not exercised.

Our Purpose

We are Lineage, and our purpose is to transform the food supply chain to eliminate waste and help feed the world.

Built with the vision of creating a more sustainable future, we are a leading mission-critical, temperature-controlled infrastructure provider for the storage, handling and movement of food around the world. It is estimated that around one-third of the food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally and 12% of the food produced for human consumption is lost due to a lack of refrigeration. We offer solutions to the complexities of the cold chain—the vital network linking food from farm to fork—through our strategically located network of temperature-controlled warehouses and our end-to-end, technology-enabled platform.

Our Company

We are the world’s largest global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, with a modern and strategically located network of buildings. Our business is competitively positioned to deliver a seamless end-to-end, technology-enabled, customer experience for thousands of customers each with their own unique requirements in the temperature-controlled supply chain. As of December 31, 2022, we operated an interconnected global temperature-controlled warehouse network, comprising over 81.4 million square feet and 2.9 billion cubic feet of capacity across 474 warehouses predominantly located in densely populated critical-distribution markets, with 302 in North America, 87 in Europe and 85 in Asia-Pacific. We have a well-diversified and stable customer base and currently serve more than 10,000 customers that include household names of the largest retailers, manufacturers, processors and food service distributors in the industry. In 2022, no single customer accounted for more than 2.9% of our revenues. In the year ended December 31, 2022, we generated $4.9 billion of revenue, $1.4 billion of NOI and $1.1 billion of Adjusted EBITDA.

We operate our business through two segments:

 

   

Global warehousing, which utilizes our high-quality industrial real estate properties to provide temperature-controlled warehousing storage and services to our customers and represented approximately 84% of our total NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022; and

 

   

Global integrated solutions, which complements warehousing with supply chain services to facilitate the movement of products through the food supply chain to generate cost savings for customers and additional revenue streams for our company and represented approximately 16% of our total NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022.

To augment our leading position in the temperature-controlled warehousing sector, we have invested more than $315 million since the start of 2018 in transformational technology initiatives and established in-house data science, product development and automation teams to deliver enhanced customer value and operational efficiency. We believe that we are an industry leader in technological innovation and that deploying these technologies supports potential strong same-warehouse NOI growth and cash flow generation. Key elements of

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

our technology strategy include integrating acquisitions and development projects onto common information technology systems to enable increased operational standardization and productivity; developing and deploying innovative tools to enhance our operations; employing an in-house data science team to create optimization opportunities; developing patented innovations supporting critical areas of our business; and offering industry-leading automation capabilities.

Our team members are the bedrock of Lineage, and we employ a workforce of over 24,000 team members across 18 countries. We were recognized as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte and the Wall Street Journal in both 2022 and 2023. We are headquartered in Novi, Michigan, and we were listed as one of Michigan’s Top Workplaces in 2022 by The Detroit Free Press. Our focus on our six core values of safe, trust, respect, innovation, bold and servant leadership drives how we lead our company forward every day.

Our History

Our journey began in late 2008 when Adam Forste and Kevin Marchetti acquired Seafreeze, our first cold storage warehouse in Seattle. The strategy and vision behind this investment was simple—build a company to own forever with durable, growing cashflows and the ability to compound capital efficiently.

We have always believed that temperature-controlled warehousing is a sector ripe for long-term investment to build an institutional-quality platform. The driving forces of our temperature-controlled warehousing investment thesis at our founding remain true today:

 

   

temperature-controlled warehousing demand is driven by frozen and refrigerated food, and such demand is growing and naturally resilient across macroeconomic cycles;

 

   

temperature-controlled warehousing is asset-rich and operationally complex, both of which serve as the foundations for building a well-capitalized industry leader; and

 

   

the temperature-controlled warehousing market is fragmented and is likely to benefit from institutional ownership, increased capital investment and large-scale innovation.

We believe that cold storage is an attractive, growing and resilient industry that plays a mission-critical role in the food supply chain. In 2012, after making several more acquisitions, we rebranded our company as Lineage and adopted the Lineage shield as our logo. Lineage’s roots run deep, dating as far back as the founding of New Orleans Cold Storage in 1886. Over the last 15 years, we have welcomed some of the most prestigious and well-respected cold chain companies in the world into the Lineage family through over 110 acquisitions. Most of these companies we acquired were family owned and operated and we have always placed significant value on the legacies of the companies that have become part of the Lineage story. Many of the owners of these companies have become investors in our company and many of the family members and employees of these companies continue to work with us today. The Lineage name reflects the heritage and pedigree of all these companies while the Lineage shield logo is meant to represent our strength and that the sum is greater than our parts.

Today, we are an organization that is still deeply rooted in generations of temperature-controlled warehousing expertise while also pushing the cutting edge of technology and innovation in our sector. When we welcome new companies into our organization, we strive to integrate their best practices, insights and accomplishments into our existing processes to drive value for our customers and stockholders.

Since our founding over fifteen years ago, we have been focused on reducing waste, which creates customer value, drives Lineage’s profitability and often reduces resource consumption broadly with a positive sustainability benefit. We have built a dynamic culture to support doing good while doing well. We are proud of the following key initiatives and accomplishments:

 

   

Assembled a skilled and experienced management team with deep supply chain, technology, real estate and food industry expertise and average tenure with our company of over eight years;

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

   

Executed and integrated over 110 acquisitions across 18 countries since our first acquisition in 2008, earning a reputation as an acquiror of choice in the industry and forming a modern, leading and institutional quality global network of temperature-controlled warehouses;

 

   

Built common information technology systems and implemented best practices to enable operational standardization and productivity;

 

   

Created a profitable, differentiated and highly complementary set of value-added temperature-controlled integrated solutions;

 

   

Established an industry-leading construction pipeline built around customer demand and disciplined, underwriting models designed to seek to deliver accretive risk-adjusted returns;

 

   

Invested more than $315 million since the start of 2018 in transformational technology initiatives and established in-house data science, product development and automation teams to deliver enhanced customer value and operational efficiency;

 

   

Recognized by multiple third parties as a leading industry innovator, including being ranked ninth among the CNBC Disruptor 50 in 2023 and being recognized by Fast Company as one of the 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2019, including being ranked first in the Data Science category;

 

   

Raised over $9.0 billion of equity capital primarily from blue-chip investors since inception with more than $8.5 billion of such capital raised since the start of 2018 (in each case, including equity issued to sellers in connection with acquisitions and reinvestment by our Co-Founders), making Lineage the top private capital raiser in the real estate food supply chain space globally over that period;

 

   

Created a strong balance sheet position that was      % unsecured on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 2023, with a track record of accessing multiple forms of equity and debt capital;

 

   

Delivered NOI growth of     % for 2023 and 28.9% for 2022, same-warehouse NOI growth of     % for 2023 and 12.9% for 2022 and NOI margins of     % for 2023, 29.4% for 2022 and 30.3% for 2021; and

 

   

Converted to a REIT structure commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2020 to maximize tax efficiency.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

The following chart demonstrates our growth since our inception:

LOGO

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Throughout our history as a private company, we have focused on making decisions based on the long-term interests of our company and its stakeholders. As a public company, we intend to continue taking a long-term approach in our journey to build a more efficient, sustainable and resilient food supply chain – all while taking care of our customers, team members and communities and maximizing stockholder value.

Our Global Warehousing Segment

The backbone of our business is our mission-critical network of sophisticated, modern and strategically-located temperature-controlled warehouses.

As of December 31, 2022, our warehousing portfolio encompassed 454 warehouses featuring distribution, port, production and commodity operations across 18 countries and contained approximately 79.1 million square feet, 2.8 billion cubic feet and 9.5 million pallet positions, with a cubic-foot weighted average age of 20 years. We also have the largest automated temperature-controlled portfolio with 80 automated facilities, 24 of which are fully automated and 56 of which are semi-automated. The following table provides summary information regarding the warehouses in our portfolio that we owned, leased, or managed as of, or for the year ended, December 31, 2022, as applicable.

 

Region

   Number of
warehouses
     Cubic feet
(in millions)
     Percentage of
total cubic
feet
    Pallet
positions
(in thousands)
     Average
economic
occupancy
    Revenues
(in millions)
     Segment NOI
(in millions)
 

North America

     282        1,959        69.9     5,916        86.5   $ 2,568      $ 970  

Rest of World

     172        845        30.1       3,595        77.7       865        243  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     454        2,803        100.0     9,511        83.2   $ 3,433      $ 1,213  

 

Note:

Totals may not sum due to rounding. Excludes 20 warehouses in our global integrated solutions segment. We categorize warehouses as part of our global integrated solutions segment if the primary business conducted in those warehouses is within our global integrated solutions segment.

As of December 31, 2022, we owned, leased and managed multiple types of temperature-controlled warehouses across our global network, which we group into four types:

 

   

Distribution. We owned or leased 274 distribution centers with approximately 2.0 billion cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity and 6.4 million pallet positions. Distribution centers are temperature-controlled warehouses near metropolitan, often difficult to replace infill or port locations. Our distribution centers generated $933.6 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing approximately 77% of our NOI.

 

   

Public. We owned or leased 126 public warehouses with approximately 454.6 million cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity and 1.9 million pallet positions. Public warehouses are temperature-controlled warehouses that store products for multiple customers. Our public warehouses generated $131.3 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing approximately 11% of our NOI.

 

   

Production Advantaged. We owned or leased 40 production advantaged warehouses with approximately 284.7 million cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity and 1.1 million pallet positions. Production advantaged warehouses are temperature-controlled warehouses adjacent to or near a customer production facility. Our production advantaged warehouses generated $138.8 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing approximately 11% of our NOI.

 

   

Managed. We managed 14 warehouses on behalf of customers. Managed warehouses are facilities owned or leased by the customer for which we manage the warehouse operations on their behalf. Our managed warehouses generated $10.3 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing approximately 1% of our NOI.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

With our broad network of warehouses, which are strategically located at or close to major metropolitan areas, infill locations, ports and transportation hubs for distribution operations, our portfolio is weighted towards high-population density markets and port locations, with a weighted average population density of approximately 3,000 persons per square mile. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately 53% of our NOI was from our 241 warehouses located near key ports for imports and exports. We believe that our presence in these markets differentiates us as they feature high value real estate that serve as critical nodes in our customers’ supply chains. We believe our network is supportive of high economic occupancy, productive NOI generation and strong growth.

The following maps show the locations of our temperature-controlled warehouses around the world as of December 31, 2022:

 

LOGO

 

(1)

Reflects countries in which our local network of temperature-controlled warehouses is the largest, as measured by cubic feet capacity.

 

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Global Map of Assets with Population Density

 

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(1)

U.S. data per U.S. Census Bureau, ArcGis, public filings and SNL.

(2)

Non-U.S. data per NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) managed by the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Earth Institute, Columbia University.

Our primary business is owning and operating temperature-controlled warehouses around the world. We store frozen and perishable food and other products and provide related warehouse services for our customers. Storage revenues relate to the act of storing products for our customers within our warehouses. Storage revenues can be in the form of storage fees we charge customers for utilization of non-exclusive space or a set amount of reserved space in a warehouse, blast fees we charge customers for utilization of specific ultra-cold spaces within a warehouse designed to rapidly reduce product temperature and rent we charge customers for the lease of warehouse space pursuant to a lease agreement. Warehouse services fees relate to handling and other services required to prepare and move customers’ pallets into, out of and around our facilities. As part of our warehouse services, we offer handling, case picking, order assembly and load consolidation, quality control, re-packaging and government-approved inspections, among other services, for which we charge fees. Across our warehouses,

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

we primarily offer frozen storage temperatures and in many facilities we also offer chill temperatures, which are higher than freezing but lower than ambient. We also manage warehouses for customers on a limited basis.

As of December 31, 2022, the cubic-foot weighted average age of our portfolio was approximately 20 years, which we believe is significantly younger than that of our largest publicly-traded peer and of the broader temperature-controlled industry. In addition, many of our warehouses may perform in a way that is functionally younger than their age given the substantial investments or refurbishments we have made that do not factor into the age calculation in areas such as maintenance, automation, energy efficiency and sustainability. Over the past two years, we have invested over $250 million in recurring maintenance capital and integration expenditures we incur when we acquire new warehouses and over $190 million in repair and maintenance expense across our existing warehouse network because we believe that a more modern and consistently maintained network enhances prospects of winning new customers, retaining existing customers, extending our network’s useful lives and driving more efficient operations, improved profitability and greater cash flow.

Our Global Integrated Solutions Segment

Our global integrated solutions segment provides our customers with solutions to move products through the food supply chain. The majority of our customers’ supply chain costs come from the movement of their products between warehouse nodes, rather than from the cost of warehousing. We believe transportation represents on average more than three times the cost of warehousing as part of our customers’ supply chain expense. Our integrated solutions provide value-added benefit to warehousing customers, helping them to reduce transport costs while enabling us to generate additional revenue on the same product stored.

We operate several critical and value-added temperature-controlled business lines within our global integrated solutions segment, including, among others, transportation, which is the largest area within our global integrated solutions segment, and refrigerated rail car leasing. Within transportation, our core focus areas are multi-vendor less-than-full-truckload consolidation, drayage services to and from ports, over-the-road trucking and freight forwarding. We also provide foodservice distribution in select markets and e-commerce fulfillment services. In 2022, transportation and refrigerated rail car leasing together accounted for approximately 70% of our global integrated solutions segment NOI.

We believe that data-driven visibility into our customers’ warehouse volumes and shipping destinations enables us to provide efficient integrated solutions. These services deepen our customer relationships, allow for an “all services under one roof” experience and promote cross-sale opportunities within our warehouses. As we collaborate with our customers across their supply chains, we seek to reduce waste and redundancy and deliver a more cost efficient and sustainable solutions for them. We offer a comprehensive set of integrated solutions of any temperature-controlled warehousing company, which we believe differentiates us from our competitors, positions us well to win new business, strengthens customer retention and enhances the value of our warehousing business.

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2022, we estimate that approximately 95% of our total NOI was generated by our warehouse customers (based on our global warehousing segment NOI and, as it relates to our global integrated solutions segment NOI, the relative revenue contribution from our warehouse customers who utilize one or more of our integrated solutions and our customers who exclusively utilize our integrated solutions).

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Market Opportunity

We believe temperature-controlled warehousing storage, services and integrated solutions are an essential part of safeguarding the food supply chain, as they provide perishable food producers, distributors, retailers and foodservice providers access to food-grade storage facilities and supply chain services critical for maintaining food safety, while promoting sustainability from farm to table. IBISWorld projects that U.S. cold storage revenue will grow 2.6% annually over the next five years to $9.6 billion in 2028. We also believe that the temperature-controlled warehousing market is large, growing and resilient, driven by the durability of food consumption through macro cycles, stock-keeping unit proliferation, global population growth, rising disposable incomes and shifting consumer preferences towards perishable foods. These factors further increase the need for additional temperature-controlled warehousing capacity to meet current and anticipated future market demand. The market remains fragmented, with the top ten temperature-controlled warehousing operators representing only 22.6% of the global public temperature-controlled warehousing cubic feet capacity. Given the fragmented nature of the market, we believe that large, well-capitalized operators like Lineage are often best positioned to meet the growing demand for cold storage, provide value-added integrated solutions to their customers and differentiate themselves through investments in technology.

 

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Generally steady demand in the food industry creates consistent cold chain demand even during economic downturns has provided our business with strong cash flows even during periods of broader economic stress. As shown in the figure below, the U.S. temperature-controlled warehousing industry has experienced relatively stable revenue growth, even in periods marked by significant turmoil in the global financial markets, commodity shocks, secular shifts in consumer habits and preferences, the global COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing supply chain disruption and periods of significant global inflation.

 

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(1)

Per IBISWorld report.

(2)

2023 GCCA Global Top 25 List (March 2023).

 

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Our Competitive Strengths

We believe we are the premier technology-enabled temperature-controlled warehousing REIT in the world, as evidenced by the following competitive strengths:

We are the global leader in a fragmented industry with meaningful scale and network benefits

We are the largest temperature-controlled warehousing company globally. As measured by cubic feet of storage space, we are nearly twice the size of our next largest competitor both globally and in North America and are larger than our next nine global competitors combined, as reflected in the charts below:

Estimate of Top 10 Global Temperature-Controlled

Companies’ Cubic Feet Capacity and Market Share

 

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Source:

2023 GCCA Global Top 25 List (March 2023), except Lineage figures, which are based on company data as of December 31, 2022, and Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (“Americold”) figures, which are based on public filings of Americold with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as of June 30, 2023. We present data with respect to Americold, as Americold is our largest competitor for whom data is publicly available. Global market share is based on total global capacity from 2020 GCCA Global Cold Storage Capacity Report (August 2020).

(1)

As of December 31, 2022, Lineage owned 9.0% of the investment interests in Emergent Cold LatAm Holdings LLC as well as a right to receive an additional portion of certain profits generated by Emergent Cold LatAm Holdings LLC, which could represent anywhere from zero to 10% of the additional profits generated on invested capital.

 

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Estimate of Top 10 North American Temperature-Controlled

Companies’ Cubic Feet Capacity and Market Share

 

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Source:

2023 GCCA North America Top 25 List (March 2023), except Lineage figures, which are based on company data as of December 31, 2022, and Americold figures, which are based on public filings of Americold with the SEC as of June 30, 2023. North America market share based total North American capacity from 2020 GCCA Global Cold Storage Capacity Report (August 2020).

We are the largest owner and operator of temperature-controlled warehousing capacity in some of the world’s largest developed markets, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Approximately 97% of our global warehousing segment revenues are from countries in which our local network of temperature-controlled warehouses is the largest, as measured by cubic feet of capacity. The interconnected nature of our global warehouse network aligns with the global nature of many of our customers, allowing us to provide warehousing services to many of them across multiple geographies. On average, our top 25 customers utilize 21 facilities, and seven of our top 10 customers use our facilities in multiple countries. Importantly, we believe customers equate the Lineage brand with service, quality and safety around the world, which provides an advantage over local competitors.

We believe that our network and our economies of scale in our business, drives operational leverage and allows us to invest in customer service and technology, which, in turn, attracts more customers. With a larger customer base, we believe that we can leverage our resources more efficiently, supporting strong profitability. Moreover, our growing customer base enables us to gather and analyze vast amounts of data. We believe that this data-driven approach empowers us to continuously refine our operations, improve productivity and lower operating costs, creating a “win-win” scenario for both our customers and Lineage.

We believe that it would be difficult and costly to replace or replicate our network of temperature-controlled facilities given the high and rising value of industrial land, difficulties in obtaining land and zoning entitlements and approvals and the significant and increasing construction costs of temperature-controlled warehouses. As of December 31, 2022, we owned approximately 79% of our global warehousing portfolio as a percentage of square feet, including ground leases and real estate for which we possess bargain purchase options, and we leased or managed 21% of our global warehousing portfolio as a percentage of square feet. We have a deep sales pipeline via the largest existing customer base and sales group in the industry, a recognized and respected brand among customers, the broadest suite of temperature-controlled services through our global integrated solutions segment, our innovative technology, extensive development experience, a broad industry knowledgebase and a flexible balance sheet and favorable cost of capital. In addition, we believe that our skilled and experienced team of over

 

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24,000 team members provide a differentiated service that would be difficult to replicate, as they are trained to operate in a highly-specialized environment while complying with stringent food safety requirements.

Our high quality portfolio is located in highly desirable and strategic locations around the world

Our cubic-foot weighted average facility age is approximately 20 years, which we believe is significantly younger than that of our largest publicly traded peer and of the broader temperature-controlled warehousing industry. Moreover, our portfolio includes 80 fully- and semi-automated warehouses, the most of any cold storage provider in the world, making it the most technologically advanced in our industry. We believe that modern warehouses are more desirable to our customers because of their increased operational efficiency and enhanced ability to meet today’s most sophisticated customer needs relative to older facilities.

We have a robust presence in key metropolitan statistical areas, or MSAs, and ports throughout the United States with a larger number of facilities in such locations relative to our largest competitor, which drives a significantly higher weighted average population density of approximately 3,000 persons per square mile.

We have a particularly strong presence in top-tier U.S. markets, including New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles and Southern California, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, the Bay Area and Northern California, Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. We consider these to be key markets, as we believe they have among the highest industrial real estate values and lowest cap rates in our industry.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately 53% of our NOI was from warehouses located near ports, many of which are in key distribution markets. This solidifies the mission-critical nature of our portfolio in highly desirable locations for imports, exports and local consumption and distribution. We believe our facilities are strategic to our customer base with locations that serve as critical hubs within their supply chains.

Our business is highly diversified across geographies, customers and commodities

Our business profile is highly diversified, which reduces risks to our cash flows from potential headwinds linked to any one facility, market, country, commodity, food consumption channel, geography or customer. We have 474 facilities globally, with no facility accounting for more than 1.2% of revenues during the year ended December 31, 2022.

The following table provides information regarding the temperature-controlled warehouses in our global warehousing segment that we owned, leased or managed in each of the regions in which we operated as of December 31, 2022.

 

Region

  Number of
warehouses
    Cubic Feet
(in millions)
    Percentage
of Cubic
Feet
    Pallet
positions
(in thousands)
    Average
Economic
Utilization
    Average
Physical
Utilization
    Revenue
(in millions)
    NOI
(in millions)
 

North America

    282       1,959       69.9     5,916       86.5     80.7     2,568       970  

Europe

    87       621       22.1     2,624       76.1     75.5     566       150  

Asia Pacific

    85       224       8.0     970       82.1     79.7     299       93  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    454       2,803       100.0     9,511       83.2     79.2     3,433       1,213  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note:

Totals may not sum due to rounding. Excludes 20 warehouses in our global integrated solutions segment. We categorize warehouses as part of our global integrated solutions segment if the primary business conducted in those warehouses is within our global integrated solutions segment.

 

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In addition, our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022 were diversified by commodity type as demonstrated by the graph below:

 

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  Note:

Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

We offer a broad range of warehousing services and integrated solutions around the world for a variety of customers with complex requirements in the food supply chain. As of December 31, 2022, we served more than 10,000 customers across numerous commodity categories. Approximately 29.3% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 came from our top 25 customers.

Our customer base was highly diversified, with no customer accounting for more than 2.9% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022. The following table sets forth our top 15 customers for the year ended December 31, 2022, as a percentage of revenues:

 

Customer

   Percentage
of
Revenue(1)
         Relationship
Length
(years)(3)
     Network Utilization  
  Credit Ratings
(S&P/Moody’s/Fitch)(2)
   Number
of Sites
     Number of
Countries
 

Fruits & Vegetables Company

     2.9   BB+ / Ba2 / -      39        25        5  

Retail Distribution Company

     2.8   AA / Aa2 /AA      30        11        1  

Protein Company

     2.2   BBB- / Baa3 / BBB-      43        81        4  

Protein Company

     1.9   BBB+ / Baa2 / BBB      47        63        3  

Packaged Foods Company

     1.8   BBB / - / BBB      15        9        1  

Packaged Foods Company

     1.8   - / - / -      23        33        8  

Protein Company

     1.5   BBB- / Ba1 / BBB      47        31        2  

Fruits & Vegetables Company

     1.3   - / - / -      34        19        2  

Retail Distribution Company

     1.2   - / - / -      46        5        1  

Retail Distribution Company

     1.2   BBB / Baa1 / BBB      20        16        3  

Protein Company

     1.0   A / A2 / A      42        41        4  

Bakery Company

     1.0   - / - / -      4        3        1  

Retail Distribution Company

     1.0   BBB / Baa2 / -      6        7        1  

Retail Distribution Company

     0.9   A / A2 / -      16        6        1  

Packaged Foods Company

     0.9   BBB / Baa2 / -      32        21        1  
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total/Weighted Average(4)

     23.2        32        28        3  
  

 

 

            

 

 

(1)

Based on total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

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(2)

Represents long-term issuer ratings as of September 30, 2023 and includes ratings of customers’ parent entities that may or may not guarantee such customer’s obligations under its contracts with us.

(3)

Relationship lengths includes periods where a customer was a customer of acquired companies prior to their acquisition.

(4)

Total relationship length, number of sites and number of countries shown as a revenue-weighted average of top 15 customers.

We target dependable customers with strong credit profiles, as evidenced by the fact that over 60% of the revenue generated from our top 25 customers is from companies with at least one investment grade rating at the parent or subsidiary level from Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. Additionally, 88% of our top 25 customers that are publicly-traded or have a publicly-traded parent company also have at least one investment grade rating.

The stability of our business is further supported by long-term contracts with most of our largest customers by revenues in our global warehousing segment. These long-term contracts often include minimum storage guarantees that generate minimum or fixed storage revenues regardless of whether the underlying pallet positions are occupied. As of December 31, 2022, 34.0% of Lineage’s storage revenues were subject to minimum storage guarantees and had an average revenue-weighted term of approximately three years remaining.

Our customer base is loyal, with a weighted average customer relationship, including relationships with legacy companies we acquired, of over 30 years across our current top 25 customers based on revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022. We believe this loyalty is driven by:

 

   

the mission-critical role we play in our customers’ cold chain;

 

   

the expansive and interconnected nature of our warehouse network, with our top 25 customers utilizing on average 21 of our warehouses and seven of our top 10 customers utilizing our services in more than one country;

 

   

the locations of our warehouses and the services we offer, as our customers value location and service to optimize the efficiency of their supply chain, with cost ranking as a lower priority as warehousing services comprise a small percent of their cost of goods sold;

 

   

the comprehensive suite of integrated solutions that we offer to our customers; and

 

   

excellent customer service and innovative technologies.

Through a combination of our vast warehouse network, integrated solutions, innovative technology, and dedicated team of supply chain professionals, we strive to deliver the highest quality of service to our customers, tailored to their specific product and location needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in our long-standing partnerships with some of the world’s largest and most critical food producers and retailers, as well as a reputation as a trusted strategic partner in the food supply chain industry.

Our complementary, value-added global integrated solutions segment drives customer value, retention and growth

In addition to our temperature-controlled warehousing operations, we offer a comprehensive suite of value-added integrated solutions that we believe are highly complementary and valuable to our warehouse customers. These services deepen our customer relationships by providing an “all services under one roof” experience and promoting cross-sell opportunities. Given the majority of our customers’ supply chain costs come from product movement versus storage, this integration provides a value-added benefit to warehousing customers of reducing transport costs while enabling us to generate additional revenue on the same product stored. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we estimate that approximately 95% of our total NOI was generated by our warehouse customers (based on our global warehousing segment NOI and, as it relates to our global integrated solutions segment NOI, the relative revenue contribution from our warehouse customers who utilize one or more

 

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of our integrated solutions and our customers who exclusively utilize our integrated solutions). The importance of these services to our customers and the propensity of these services to generate network benefits is evidenced by the fact that $1.0 billion of our global integrated solutions segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 were from customers that utilized both our warehousing services and integrated solutions.

We believe we can grow our global integrated solutions segment by offering these services to customers who have not yet utilized them, often with minimal incremental capital investments required, and likewise that our integrated solutions offerings can generate customer leads for our global warehousing segment.

Our highly synergistic platform differentiates us from our competitors, supports a strong win rate with new business, enhances customer loyalty and increases the value of our warehousing business.

We believe we are an innovative industry leader driving disruption with differentiated technology

In a traditionally analog, fragmented and family-owned industry, we believe that our innovation and large-scale deployment of cutting-edge technology provides a comprehensive service offering for our customers that enhances our competitive position relative to our peers, while driving industry-leading growth and margins. Since the start of 2018, we have invested more than $315 million into transformational technology initiatives, which include developing and deploying both proprietary operating systems and third-party platforms, an amount we believe is more than any of our industry competitors. In addition, our deliberate and forward-thinking focus has allowed us to create the largest automated portfolio in the industry with 80 fully- and semi-automated facilities backed by innovative proprietary software and an in-house automation team. Due to the increasing demand for automated solutions from our customers, the higher construction cost of automated facilities and the complexity of implementing automated solutions, we expect the growth of automation in our warehouse network to be a key differentiator for Lineage over time.

Some key elements of our technology strategy include the following:

 

   

Establishing a highly integrated platform. We use a standardized and disciplined approach to apply our best practices to integrating acquired companies. This has been a core part of our strategy since our inception. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 90.2% of our global warehousing segment revenue was integrated on our financial reporting tool. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 62.6% of our global warehousing segment revenue flowed through one of our four Core WMS, and we are in the process of growing this percentage across our network. From 2018 through 2022, we converted 88 facilities to Core WMS, including 49 in 2022 alone, demonstrating our strong conversion record and ability to increase the penetration rate quickly. As of December 31, 2022, all of global warehousing segment revenue was reporting on metricsOne, a proprietary operating KPI dashboard that provides enhanced visibility into our operational execution, labor, safety and financial performance.

 

   

Providing a superior customer experience to support growth and retention. We have deployed proprietary operating systems and third-party platforms to improve customer experience and retention. We have developed Lineage Link, a proprietary customer visibility platform that empowers customers to actively manage their inventories, orders, shipments and transportation appointment scheduling across our warehouse network, which seeks to drive incremental NOI through increased efficiencies for customers and Lineage. Through December 31, 2022, Lineage Link had been rolled out across approximately 45% of our network as measured by global warehousing segment revenues, and we are in the process of further growing its penetration. We also use third-party customer experience platforms to more effectively and efficiently manage customer service requests. We believe these technologies will support customer retention as we improve our responsiveness to our customers’ complex and evolving needs.

 

   

Maximizing yield and productivity to support leading NOI growth. We are in the initial phases of deploying proprietary operating systems and third-party platforms to seek to drive NOI yield,

 

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operational productivity and process automation across our warehouse network and thereby drive margin improvement. Our proprietary warehouse execution system, LinOS, aims to maximize our operational productivity by leveraging proprietary and patented algorithms to better match tasks to team members and actively prioritize work within our warehouses. LinOS is currently in its pilot phase in several warehouses, and we see significant opportunity to implement it across our warehouse network over time. In addition, we are implementing a third-party quote-to-cash platform, that automates the processes of quoting, contracting and invoicing, which we believe will lead to more dynamic and standardized implementation of revenue growth initiatives. In addition, our productivity and process automation initiatives are supported by our in-house data science team, which is comprised of more than 40 applied science and product professionals that provide data-driven business intelligence and innovations to maximize operational efficiencies, revenues, profitability, energy efficiency and cash flows. Our innovations have yielded 48 patents issued and 115 patents pending as of December 31, 2022, in such areas as facility design, methods and mechanisms for operating facilities, refrigeration and thermodynamic designs and cold-rated instrumentation.

Our business delivers strong growth and margins

Superior same warehouse growth with strong operating leverage and cash flow

Our strong same-warehouse growth, margins and cash flow are powered by our high-quality assets, operating capabilities, technology and accretive capital deployment. Our same-warehouse NOI growth of    % in 2023 and 12.9% in 2022 compare favorably to that of our largest competitor and publicly traded peer. Likewise, our NOI margins of    % in 2023 and 29.4% in 2022 compare favorably to those of our largest publicly traded competitor, and we had an NOI margin of 30.3% in 2021. In addition, we increased our global same-warehouse storage revenue per economic pallet 10.2% and our same-warehouse services revenue per pallet 15.0% in 2022, in each case, on a constant currency basis.

We believe that our robust same-warehouse growth and margins are a result of the highly strategic locations of our assets, the modernity and density of our warehouse network, our innovative technological tools, our loyal customer base and the strength of our management. Historically, we have driven organic growth in our business through multiple levers, including new business wins, revenue management, implementation of lean operating principles, ongoing integration of acquisitions, implementation of innovative technology and accretive capital deployment into facility-level return-on-investment opportunities such as solar and energy efficiency projects, facility re-racking projects and implementation of enhanced blast freezing technology.

Proven development expertise with significant, global supply of opportunities for greenfield and expansion projects at an attractive return

We believe we are an industry-leading developer of temperature-controlled warehousing capacity through greenfield development and expansions of our existing facilities. Due to our reputation for providing turnkey and innovative solutions and the benefits of participating in our industry-leading warehouse network, customers often choose to partner with us for their largest and most important projects. Our unique approach to automation enables us to provide a truly customizable solution for customers. We have the largest automated portfolio in the sector globally, and we anticipate approximately 60% of total added pallet positions in our facilities under construction as of December 31, 2022 are expected to be fully automated. Our automated facilities may include:

 

   

Design: Lineage data science custom designs warehouse based on customer data and product profiles to optimize efficiency and flexibility

 

   

Construct: Lineage network optimization and IT automation systems teams collaborate with general contractor to ensure spend and progress

 

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Integrate: Lineage’s dedicated integration team selects the best automation equipment, supports installation and controls provisioning

 

   

Operate: LinOS takes over control of the warehouse operations and systems, allowing Lineage to deploy full suite of algorithm backed optimization methods into the warehouse

Our in-house warehouse network optimization team has overseen 34 projects since the start of 2018, with total cost of approximately $1.3 billion, including costs paid by third parties, representing an NOI yield of approximately 11%. The total aggregate cubic feet of these projects is approximately 251 million, which is equivalent to the total warehousing capacity of the fourth largest standalone global temperature-controlled warehousing company. Our development process has taken significant time and cost to establish, and we believe this expertise, together with our robust pipeline of facility expansions and greenfield development, has the ability to drive future growth and ongoing value to our stockholders.

We believe we currently have the most temperature-controlled warehousing capacity under development globally as measured by cubic feet, with eight greenfield development and expansion projects under construction, which when completed are expected to contribute approximately 1.7 million square feet, approximately 74 million cubic feet and approximately 266 thousand pallet positions. Approximately 60% of these pallet positions will be fully automated. These projects have an estimated total cost of approximately $663 million, scheduled completion dates ranging from 2023 to 2024 and a weighted average targeted NOI yield range of approximately 9% to 11%. No assurance can be given that we will complete these projects on the terms currently contemplated, or at all, or that our weighted average targeted NOI yield range will be achieved. In addition to land included in projects under construction, we currently own approximately 1,100 acres of undeveloped land that has the potential to support future additional greenfield development and expansion opportunities, aggregating approximately 17.0 million square feet, approximately 717 million cubic feet and approximately 2.4 million pallet positions based on typical warehouse designs. We estimate that the cost to replace an equivalent amount of buildable land at these locations is over $400 million as of September 30, 2023, based on discussions with brokers, comparable land sales and our internal estimates.

We also have a robust long-term greenfield and development pipeline, which as of December 31, 2022 included 20 projects globally at various phases of research and underwriting, with an estimated cost basis of approximately $1.9 billion and potential contribution of approximately 3.4 million square feet, approximately 223 million cubic feet and approximately 673 thousand pallet positions. The projects in our future long-term pipeline include both projects where we already own the land and projects for which we will need to acquire incremental land. The completion of these projects is subject to customary diligence, internal and third-party approvals and closing conditions. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will complete any of these projects on the terms or by the dates currently contemplated, or at all.

Large pipeline of acquisitions with proven track record of successful integrations and reputation as an acquiror of choice

We have ongoing opportunities to drive accretive growth through strategic acquisitions. The temperature-controlled warehousing sector remains highly fragmented and is generally comprised of many family-owned and independent companies that may lack the capital, technology, customer relationships, development expertise, technical knowledge and management sophistication that we possess. For example, we estimate based on GCCA data that over 100 temperature-controlled warehousing companies operate in the U.S. market alone. In addition, we estimate based on GCCA data that our share of the global public temperature-controlled warehousing capacity is 11.3% and that the share of the 10 largest companies combined is only 22.6%.

We believe we are an acquiror of choice in the industry, as demonstrated by our long history of acquiring leading companies through direct sourcing and long-term relationships with their owners. Our acquisition

 

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strategy targets profitable businesses with strategic, high-quality assets that complement our network and customers’ needs. These businesses often present opportunities for accretive growth capital deployment and revenue and cost synergies. We have extensive experience acquiring cold chain companies of all sizes. To date, former owners of acquired companies have rolled approximately $664 million of equity to become investors in Lineage, while several members of management of acquired companies have stayed on and grown with our company over time. We use a standardized and disciplined approach to apply our best practices honed since our inception to integrating acquired companies. Despite our experience, we continue to learn and when we welcome new companies into our organization, we strive to integrate their best practices, insights and accomplishments into our existing processes to drive value for our customers and stockholders. We aim to empower acquired companies with our industry-leading operating capabilities, technology assets and access to capital, which we believe drive post-acquisition growth. We believe our ability to identify and execute on strategic and accretive acquisitions while enhancing their post-acquisition growth will further enhance our overall growth and returns on equity.

 

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(1)

2023 GCCA Global Top 25 List (March 2023), which are based on company data as of December 31, 2022. Global market share is based on total global capacity from 2020 GCCA Global Cold Storage Capacity Report (August 2020).

(2)

Total addressable market size excludes real estate transactions and capacity owned by other end users.

(3)

Represents total cubic feet for the market excluding Lineage.

 

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Lineage’s operating excellence, capital and tax-efficient REIT structure and capital deployment pipeline have led to a uniquely robust flywheel of growth:

 

LOGO

We have a purpose-driven, experienced, and aligned management team and board of directors that believe robust corporate governance is essential to long-term value creation for all stockholders

Our experienced management team and board of directors have proven backgrounds both inside and outside the temperature-controlled warehousing industry. Since founding Lineage with a single asset in 2008, our Co-Founders and Co-Executive Chairmen have developed a strong operating and capital deployment track record while displaying a commitment to building a durable business. The average tenure of members of our senior management is over eight years. Our management team is led by our Chief Executive Officer, Greg Lehmkuhl, who joined our company in 2015.

Our governance structure, policies and processes are designed to serve the needs of our business, our stockholders and other stakeholders, and to promote a culture of accountability across our company. We believe that fostering a compliant, ethical, accountable and transparent culture requires the full engagement of our board of directors and management. The diversity of our team members’ experiences and backgrounds is core to our innovative culture, and our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI, is highlighted by our establishment of multiple Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, to support and strengthen our team.

Our board of directors provides oversight and guidance on our most important activities and matters, including the direction and performance of our strategy. We believe our directors offer diversity of thought and a range of experiences and expertise that contribute to the ongoing evolution of the company. In 2022, we added two highly experienced independent female directors to our board of directors. As we pursue our purpose and live our values, we remain focused on maintaining robust governance practices and taking measures to continually enhance our approach to governance. To date, we have undertaken an independence analysis of our board of directors and have created focused board committees, including an audit committee and a compensation committee.

Finally, as evidence of the confidence in our management and directors, our current equity holders represent some of the strongest and most sophisticated institutional investors globally. We have raised more than

 

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$9.0 billion of equity capital since inception and more than $8.5 billion since the start of 2018 from these investors over multiple capital raises (in each case, including equity issued to sellers in connection with our acquisitions and reinvestment by our Co-Founders).

We have a strong and flexible balance sheet and we have demonstrated access to debt and equity capital to support growth

As of December 31, 2023, on a pro forma basis, our balance sheet will be de-levered to                    net debt to Adjusted EBITDA,    % of our debt will be unsecured and    % of our debt will be fixed or interest rate hedged and our total liquidity, including cash on hand and available revolver capacity, will be $        billion, supporting our external growth strategy. Additionally, our Revolving Credit Facility provides flexibility in funding our greenfield and expansion development pipeline and future acquisition opportunities, while our owned real estate provides us flexibility to access various financing options that may not be available otherwise and, in turn, allows us to access financing markets with the goal of minimizing our cost of capital. We may also attempt to access property-level secured debt, bank debt and the unsecured bond market, in each case across multiple currencies and geographies, which would provide us with capital-raising flexibility to fund our operations. We will have also increased our unencumbered asset pool to over $        billion on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 2023, which we believe will provide us with the ability to upsize our facilities while maintaining future flexibility once we become a public company. We intend to preserve a flexible capital structure with an investment grade profile. We believe that our balance sheet flexibility and strength will allow us to continue expanding our business and pursue new growth opportunities.

We operate with the purpose to transform the food supply chain to eliminate waste and help feed the world

As we strive to play a key role in shaping the global food chain, we recognize our responsibility to help create a more sustainable, equitable future. Accordingly, we work to strategically integrate sustainability initiatives into the way we do business, working to act in alignment with our core values to guide our policies.

To help tackle food insecurity, we established the Lineage Foundation for Good as a non-profit charity to serve the communities in which we operate. The foundation partners with Feeding America domestically as well as the Global Food Banking Network internationally to redirect surplus food to those in need. In response to COVID-19, we launched our “Share a Meal” Campaign with Feeding America, supporting the organization’s temperature-controlled supply chain needs with our assets and delivered over 102 million meals to American families. As a result of these and other initiatives, we were named a Visionary Partner of Feeding America and a Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards finalist in the Pandemic Response category.

We have also signed The Climate Pledge, committing to achieve net zero carbon emissions across our global operations by 2040. Signing The Climate Pledge demonstrates our commitment to minimize the carbon emissions associated with our daily operations. Through solar installations at our facilities, we had installed capacity of 108 megawatts of solar energy as of December 1, 2022, which places us as the fifth-largest corporate producer in the US, and the second-largest REIT producer, of on-site solar and battery capacity per the 2022 Solar Means Business Report published by the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA). Our goal is to achieve a top-three corporate ranking in the coming years. Having installed 87 megawatts of solar panels at our facilities since 2020, we have completed more on-site solar installations than any other company on the SEIA list during the same period. Our energy efficiency initiatives have resulted in four consecutive awards from the U.S. Department of Energy from 2019 to 2022 for innovations and leadership in flywheeling, blast freezing, energy procurement and hedging and deployment of advanced refrigeration control systems.

We seek to maximize energy efficiency in our warehouses through the application of best practices, the latest technology and alternative energy generation. Our best practices include energy hedging strategies and a

 

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centralized energy and sustainability team that deploys these initiatives across our network to ensure standardization and minimization of energy waste. In addition to our focus on generating alternative sources of energy, the technologies we deploy to optimize energy efficiency include variable frequency drives, refrigeration control systems, rapid close doors, motion sensor technology, LED lighting and “flywheeling,” an innovative process that leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to manage energy load based on predictions of peak demand. As multinational corporations increasingly require supplier adherence to their own sustainability goals, Lineage recognizes its role in global sustainability, and we are continuously refining and improving our processes to reduce energy waste.

Further demonstrating our continued commitment to sustainable business practices, our Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility features a sustainability-linked pricing component, with pricing subject to adjustment based on annual performance targets in areas such as solar energy capacity and female representation in leadership.

Our Business and Growth Strategies

Our objective is to maximize stockholder value by providing efficient and reliable solutions to our customers, expanding our network offering, increasing cash flow from operations and enhancing the value of our business. We intend to pursue our objective through the following strategies, each of which is described more fully below:

 

   

Driving growth by optimizing the core through:

 

   

Leveraging our expansive warehouse network and breadth of services to maximize value and efficiency for our existing and new customers;

 

   

Continued revenue growth coupled with productivity and cost containment measures;

 

   

Realizing synergies from recent acquisitions; and

 

   

Strategic capital deployment to increase the value of our existing network and provide customers more efficient and enhanced solutions.

 

   

Driving growth by expanding network through:

 

   

Greenfield and existing facility expansion initiatives; and

 

   

Capitalizing on strategically attractive and financially accretive acquisition opportunities.

Leveraging our expansive warehouse network and breadth of services to maximize value and efficiency for our existing and new customers.

 

   

Optimizing Warehouse Occupancy. Increases in warehouse physical and economic occupancy generate high flow-through to NOI growth due to operational leverage. We seek to optimize physical occupancy in our existing warehouse network by winning new customers, expanding our business with existing customers and more efficiently matching customer profiles to the best available pallet positions. In addition, we see opportunities to optimize economic occupancy in our existing warehouse network by institutionalizing minimum storage guarantees. We also have the flexibility to lease entire warehouses to customers to operate themselves. We typically adopt this model under multi-year, triple net lease arrangements, when we anticipate that doing so would result in higher NOI than operating the warehouse on behalf of customers. Our occupancy optimization initiatives have increased our economic occupancy from 82.3% in 2021 to 83.2% in 2022.

 

   

Growing Wallet Share of Our Existing Customer Base. We intend to grow our wallet share with our existing customers through two main avenues.

 

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Increase network utilization of existing customers: First, we seek to increase the number of pallet positions, warehouses and services each of our existing customers utilize. We believe the interconnected nature of our global warehouse network aligns with the global nature of many of our customers, allowing us to provide warehousing services to our customers in strategic locations across the globe. On average, our top 25 customers utilize 21 of our warehouses and seven of our top 10 customers use our facilities in multiple countries. Our customers equate the Lineage brand with service, quality and safety around the world, which we believe provides us an advantage over local competitors.

 

   

Increase penetration of customers using full suite of warehouse and integrated solutions: Second, we seek to increase the penetration of integrated solutions within customers who utilize our warehouses. This enables us to generate additional revenues on the same product stored with limited incremental costs and thus generate high returns on capital. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we estimate that approximately 95% of our total NOI was generated by our warehouse customers (based on our global warehousing segment NOI and, as it relates to our global integrated solutions segment NOI, the relative revenue contribution from our warehouse customers who utilize one or more of our integrated solutions and our customers who exclusively utilize our integrated solutions). Our global integrated solutions segment complements our warehousing services and deepens our customer relationships by providing an “all services under one roof” experience while promoting cross-sale opportunities within our warehouse network. We believe that our leading temperature-controlled integrated solutions position us well to increase revenue in our global warehousing segment business compared to our temperature-controlled warehousing peers who may lack comparable integrated solutions.

Continued revenue growth coupled with productivity and cost containment measures.

 

   

Minimum Storage Guarantees. We plan to expand our use of minimum storage guarantees that pay us minimum or fixed storage fees for pallet positions, whether or not a minimum number of pallet positions are physically occupied. We believe that transitioning customer contracts from on-demand, as-utilized structures to minimum storage guarantee structures will drive NOI growth and consistency by maintaining our storage revenues during periods of lower inventories—matching ongoing revenue streams with fixed warehousing costs while allowing customers to reserve space to meet their needs. For the year ended December 31, 2022, 34.0% of our storage revenues were subject to minimum storage guarantees. We believe that implementing revenue guarantees will continue to boost recurring revenue and enhance stability of cash flows, while allowing customers to plan for periods of increased need by reserving capacity and ultimately enabling a better temperature-controlled warehousing experience for our customers.

 

   

Aligning Rates with Cost to Serve. We are deploying technologies such as a third-party quote-to-cash platform to professionalize our revenue management capabilities across our company. We are driving standardization of rates across our warehouse network to ensure that we are adequately compensated for all services performed, as well as seeking to implement standardized billing practices to ensure services performed are billed to customers. Incremental cost to serve charges capturing previously unbilled services are anticipated to support NOI growth as these initiatives are implemented across the warehouse network. In addition, to deliver the best service and most efficient cost to serve, we seek to closely monitor agreed-upon customer profiles in our contracts with customers and making pricing adjustments as necessary to compensate for variances in profile.

 

   

Pricing Initiatives. We employ three main types of customer contracts: warehouse agreements, rate letters and tariff sheets. We also earn rent under lease agreements pursuant to which we lease a portion of a warehouse or an entire warehouse. Warehouse agreements and rate letters generally provide us

 

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with some flexibility to pass on rate increases to customers during the term of the contract. Warehouse agreements and rate letters often also include mechanisms to adjust rates for inflationary cost increases and customer profile changes, while tariff sheets are short-term in nature and can generally be updated upon 30 days advance notice. We are generally able to translate industry-wide rent increases into storage rate increases to customers and our various rate adjustment mechanisms generally allow us to pass on both storage and handling rate increases to customers as necessary to account for inflation in operational costs such as wages, power and warehouse supplies as well. Our pricing initiatives have increased same-warehouse storage revenue per economic pallet from $232.2 in 2021 to $255.9 in 2022 and our same-warehouse services revenue per throughput pallet from $26.7 in 2021 to $30.7 in 2022, in each case, on a constant currency basis.

 

   

Labor Productivity. Labor and benefits represent the largest variable cost of operating a temperature-controlled warehouse. We employ multiple strategies to maximize labor productivity, including: instituting lean operating principles, improving cultural engagement and driving standardized work processes, visual management, problem-solving, just-in-time management and quality processes; optimizing the mix of permanent and temporary team members; shift optimization relative to throughput; and offering engagement activities, leadership training and competitive wage and benefit programs to incentivize longer-term employment. Increased tenure and reduced turnover generally generate increases in productivity and reduced recruiting costs and knock-on benefits in other areas of the warehouse such as reduced maintenance expense and claims. We have made strides in retaining our less-tenured workforce and converting temporary workforce to permanent team members to drive labor productivity while reducing our mix of temporary to permanent team members. Our U.S. network also benefits from low rates of union employment at less than 5% of our U.S. workforce as of September 2023. In addition, we expect our deployment of technology to help us further improve productivity. Our proprietary Lineage Link customer visibility platform reduces the number of customer service representatives required to service our customers and our proprietary LinOS warehouse execution system, currently in its pilot phase in several warehouses, aims to maximize our operational productivity within our warehouses by leveraging proprietary and patented algorithms to better match tasks to team members and prioritize workflows.

 

   

Energy Efficiency. We seek to maximize energy efficiency in our warehouses through the application of best practices, the latest technology and alternative energy generation. Our best practices include energy hedging strategies and a centralized energy and sustainability team that deploys these initiatives across our network to ensure standardization and minimization of energy waste. The technologies we deploy to optimize energy efficiency include variable frequency drives, refrigeration control systems, rapid close doors, motion sensor technology, LED lighting and “flywheeling,” an innovative process that leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to manage energy load based on predictions of peak demand. Our approach to generating alternative sources of energy is primarily through the deployment of on-site solar, battery capacity and linear generators. Our alternative energy approach allows us to monetize carbon credits to offset energy costs. Through solar installations at our facilities, we had installed capacity of 108 megawatts of solar energy as of December 1, 2022.

 

   

Utilizing Our Scale to Drive Operational Leverage. Over the past several years, we have experienced significant growth through acquisitions. The rapid pace of inorganic expansion, coupled with the need for significant integration resources and Core WMS conversions, have resulted in substantial growth in general and administrative expenses. As we integrate our many acquired businesses, we are focused on realizing the benefits of scale and operational leverage by growing NOI faster than general and administrative expenses. In addition, we believe we have opportunities to further eliminate redundant overhead expenses and reduce expenditures on integration resources over time. As we integrate acquired companies, we are also often able to generate synergies in areas such as benefits and insurance, where our corporate programs are often more efficient than those of the acquired companies.

 

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Our general and administrative spend also includes substantial technology investments, which we call transformational technology G&A, such as the development and subsequent deployment of our technology operating systems, including Lineage Link, LinOS and a third-party quote-to-cash platform. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we spent $43.1 million on transformational technology G&A. We believe that these investments will make our operations more efficient and drive incremental NOI growth once fully integrated.

Realizing Synergies from Recent Acquisitions. We have extensive experience acquiring cold chain companies and have successfully executed on over 110 acquisitions since our first acquisition in 2008. Of those, 70 were completed since 2020, and we expect to reap additional benefits as all these acquisitions are integrated into our company. Since inception, we have demonstrated an ability to drive growth from the integration of acquisitions to capture synergies and fuel greater future earnings potential. Our approach to integration is designed to enable operational standardization and productivity that has successfully driven, and we believe will continue to drive, a strong track record of unlocking tremendous value in acquired companies. One example of our ability to successfully integrate and subsequently ramp up a company of significant size onto our platform is our integration of Preferred Freezer, which we acquired for $1.1 billion in 2019. At the time of acquisition, Preferred Freezer was the fourth largest temperature-controlled warehousing company in the world with 41 warehouses comprising 352 million cubic feet worldwide, including a presence in key port-centric geographies new to our warehouse network such as Houston, Miami and New York/New Jersey. Through warehouse occupancy optimization, revenue growth initiatives and execution of a deep greenfield pipeline in key regions, we increased NOI at legacy Preferred Freezer facilities at a 26% CAGR from 2020 through 2022. In addition, we realized additional general and administrative synergies not reflected in NOI growth by transitioning Preferred Freezer’s finance, human resources and payroll systems onto our technology systems while streamlining corporate headcount and consolidating Preferred Freezer’s headquarters into our headquarters in Novi, Michigan. As we continue to integrate acquired companies into Lineage, we expect the benefits of participating in our warehouse network to increase NOI and EBITDA of the acquired companies over time by leveraging our broad and deep customer relationships, applying our management best practices, driving penetration of our suite of integrated solutions and technology offerings, investing growth capital and generating cost efficiencies through our corporate scale and elimination of redundant overhead expenses.

Strategic capital deployment to increase the value of our existing network and provide customers more efficient and enhanced solutions.

 

   

Economic Return Projects. We continually evaluate opportunities to drive organic growth in our business through accretive capital deployment into high economic return on capital opportunities within the existing footprints of our facilities, such as re-racking projects to increase pallet capacity, installation of opportunity chargers, solar projects to improve energy efficiency, and the addition of blast cell capacity. The strategies outlined above as energy efficiency tactics fall into this category of projects as well. In addition, we intend to increase the automation of components within existing conventional facilities. Automation in a conventional warehouse could include the installation of technologies such as layer pickers or the Lineage Eye (which automates the receiving process, including inbound pallet sizing, case counting, SKU and lot determination) or utilization of propriety Lineage algorithms to place a pallet most strategically within the warehouse or build the optimal pallet configuration as dictated by product and transportation constraints. We apply rigorous underwriting standards so that return-on-capital projects serve their intended business objectives and meet our capital return hurdles. In addition to generating incremental revenues and NOI, return-on-capital projects are intended to enhance our facilities’ ability to best serve our customers’ needs with the most advanced and customized solutions available. Our productivity and process automation initiatives are supported by our in-house data science team, which is comprised of more than 40 applied science and product professionals that provide data-driven business intelligence and innovations to maximize operational efficiencies, revenues, profitability, energy efficiency and cash flows. Our innovations have yielded 48 patents issued and 115 patents pending as of December 31, 2022, in such areas as facility

 

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design, methods and mechanisms for operating facilities, refrigeration and thermodynamic designs and cold-rated instrumentation.

 

   

Establishing a Highly Integrated Platform. We diligently seek to integrate previously acquired companies onto common technology systems to standardize operations and increase productivity. We have already largely integrated financial and KPI reporting across our acquired companies, with 90.2% of our global warehousing segment revenues integrated into our financial reporting tool and all of global warehousing segment revenues integrated into our proprietary metricsOne operating KPI dashboard as of December 31, 2022. We are working to increase the number of our warehouses that utilize one of our four Core WMS. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 62.6% of our global warehousing segment revenue flowed through one of our four Core WMS, and we are in the process of growing this percentage across our network. We expect increased penetration of our four Core WMS throughout our network to drive operational productivity, reduce general and administrative expenses and accelerate our ability to deploy digital technology solutions network-wide.

 

   

Providing a Superior Customer Experience to Support Growth and Loyalty. We plan to continue roll out of proprietary operating systems and third-party platforms focused on improving customer experience. Our proprietary Lineage Link platform seeks to drive incremental NOI through cost-to-serve efficiencies. We have also deployed a third-party customer experience platform to manage customer service requests, which we believe will support customer retention as we increase our responsiveness to our customers’ needs. In addition, we believe our industry-leading warehouse network of automated facilities can provide lower cost and more customized solutions to our customers, thereby improving the customer experience and driving customer retention.

Greenfield and existing facility expansion initiatives.

 

   

Strong Track Record Positions Our Development Strategy for Success. Due to our reputation for providing turnkey and innovative solutions and the benefits of participating in our industry-leading warehouse network, customers often choose to partner with us for their largest and most important projects. In addition, we have an established history of executing on development projects, having executed on over 34 projects since the start of 2018, with total cost of approximately $1.3 billion, including costs paid by third parties, representing an NOI yield of approximately 11%. The total aggregate cubic feet of these projects is approximately 251 million, which is equivalent to the total warehousing capacity of the fourth largest standalone global temperature-controlled warehousing company. In addition, we have spent considerable time and investment building an in-house warehouse network optimization team comprised of construction and design expertise. We expect our development expertise will continue to support our robust pipeline of greenfield development and expansion opportunities and drive future growth and ongoing value to our warehouse network.

 

   

Recently Completed Greenfield and Expansion Projects. Since 2021, we have completed 19 greenfield and expansion projects totaling approximately $653 million in costs, aggregating approximately 2.2 million square feet, approximately 140 million cubic feet and approximately 464 thousand pallet positions. As of the date of this prospectus, the weighted average targeted NOI yield range for these projects is approximately 9% to 11%. No assurance can be given that our weighted average targeted NOI yield range will be achieved. For additional information regarding the calculation methodology and assumptions relating to our weighted average targeted NOI yield range for greenfield and expansion projects, please see “Business and Properties—Our Business and Growth Strategies—Greenfield and existing facility expansion initiatives.”

 

   

Transforming the Industry Through Automation. We believe we have industry-leading automation capabilities, including 24 fully automated facilities totaling 384.0 million cubic feet and 56 semi-automated facilities totaling 347.9 million cubic feet as of December 31, 2022, the most of any

 

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temperature-controlled warehousing provider in the world. Our proprietary technology and unique approach to automation enables us to provide customers with truly customizable solutions to address their warehouse needs. We design our developed warehouses and pipeline in-house based on the customer data and profiles, select the best hardware regardless of manufacturer, and drive deployment and optimization across our warehouse network with our in-house team of automation integration experts. We intend to continue our leadership in temperature-controlled warehouse automation through development of next-generation automated warehouses as part of our pipeline. We anticipate approximately 60% of the total added pallet positions of our facilities under construction as of December 31, 2022 will be fully automated. Automated facilities generally produce a lower cost to serve, presenting an attractive solution to our customers and positioning us well to win new business.

 

   

Industry-Leading Pipeline of Greenfield and Expansion Opportunities.

 

   

Under Construction Pipeline. We believe we currently have the most temperature-controlled warehousing capacity under development globally as measured by cubic feet, with eight greenfield development and expansion projects under construction as of the date of this prospectus, which when completed are expected to contribute approximately 1.7 million square feet, approximately 74 million cubic feet and approximately 266 thousand pallet positions. These projects have an estimated total cost of approximately $663 million, of which $360 million had been incurred as of December 31, 2022, and approximately 60% of the total added pallet positions of our facilities under construction as of December 31, 2022 are expected to be fully automated and their scheduled completion dates range from 2023 to 2024. As of the date of this prospectus, the weighted average targeted NOI yield range for these projects is approximately 9% to 11%. No assurance can be given that we will complete any of these projects on the terms currently contemplated, or at all, that the actual cost or completion dates of any of these projects will not exceed our estimates or that the targeted NOI yield range of these projects will be consistent with our current projects.

 

   

Future Long-Term Pipeline. We currently own approximately 1,100 acres of undeveloped land or “Land Bank” in addition to the owned land included in our under-construction pipeline. Our Land Bank has the potential to support future greenfield development and expansion opportunities, aggregating approximately 17.0 million square feet, approximately 717 million cubic feet and approximately 2.4 million pallet positions based on typical warehouse designs. We estimate that the cost to replace an equivalent amount of buildable land at these locations is over $400 million as of September 30, 2023, based on discussions with brokers, comparable land sales and our internal estimates. As the date of this prospectus, we are researching or underwriting a range of greenfield development and expansion opportunities as part of our future long-term pipeline, including 20 projects globally at various phases of research and underwriting, with an estimated cost basis of approximately $1.9 billion and potential contribution of approximately 3.4 million square feet, approximately 223 million cubic feet and approximately 673 thousand pallet positions. The projects in our future long-term pipeline include both projects where we already own the land and projects for which we will need to acquire incremental land. We currently expect that the targeted weighted average NOI yield range of these projects will be generally consistent with our recent projects. We have not commenced construction on any of these potential projects, the completion of which is subject to various factors, including budgeting, diligence, internal and third-party approvals and other factors. No assurance can be given that we will pursue or complete any of these projects on the terms currently contemplated, or at all, that the actual cost or completion dates of any of these projects will not exceed our estimates or that the targeted NOI yield range of these projects will be consistent with our current projects.

 

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Capitalizing on strategically attractive and financially accretive acquisition opportunities.

 

   

Global Temperature-Controlled Warehousing Sector Is Highly Fragmented, Presenting a Continued Growth Opportunity. The temperature-controlled warehousing sector remains highly fragmented and is generally comprised of many family-owned and independent companies that may lack the capital, technology, customer relationships, development expertise, technical knowledge and management sophistication that we possess. For example, we estimate based on GCCA data that over 100 temperature-controlled warehousing companies operate in the U.S. market alone. In addition, we estimate based on GCCA data that our share of the global public temperature-controlled warehousing capacity is 11.3% and that the share of the 10 largest companies combined is only 22.6%. We also believe that there remain substantial whitespace opportunities in geographies such as Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. As a result, we see significant opportunity in continuing to execute on our proven acquisition strategy, which targets profitable businesses with strategic, high-quality assets that complement our warehouse network and customers’ needs. We believe that our ability to identify and execute strategic and accretive acquisitions while enhancing their post-acquisition growth will further enhance our overall growth and returns on equity. In addition to operating businesses, there also remain real estate opportunities to acquire triple-net-leased facilities and execute sale-leaseback transactions with customers and other cold storage operators.

 

   

Status as an Acquiror of Choice Supports a Deep Pipeline of Strong Opportunities. We believe we are an acquiror of choice in the industry, as demonstrated by our long history of executing strategic acquisitions through direct sourcing and long-term relationships with their owners. We have extensive experience acquiring cold chain companies of all sizes, and to date former owners of acquired companies have rolled approximately $664 million of equity to become investors in Lineage, while several members of management of acquired companies have stayed on and grown with our company over time. Over the course of our extensive acquisition history, we have successfully leveraged existing relationships and direct sourcing channels for approximately 65% of the companies we have acquired, with the remainder coming to fruition through successful bidding in advisor-led sale processes. Throughout our history, we have also established trusting relationships and a positive reputation with business owners and advisors in the industry, which we believe will create opportunities for future acquisitions. In addition, we believe we enjoy multiple advantages when participating in sale processes, including our prolific transaction experience and track record of quickly closing transactions and our flexible balance sheet.

 

   

Multiple Levers to Drive Value Creation Post Acquisitions. As described above in our other internal and external growth strategies we are able to drive value creation through multiple levers, including revenue growth, cost efficiencies, deployment of capital and implementation of technology. As acquisitions are added to the Lineage network, the opportunity set for deploying these strategies grows. We have a standardized and disciplined approach to integrating acquired companies while bringing acquired team members into the Lineage family. As we integrate acquired companies, we are often able to seek to drive NOI and EBITDA growth through increased occupancy and optimization of customer mix by leveraging our supply chain engineering expertise, what we believe is a best-in-class sales team and deep long-standing customer relationships, as well as generate cost efficiencies through our corporate scale, operational productivity through implementation of our technology systems and best practices and increased productivity and capacity through deployment of capital into high return opportunities.

 

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Summary Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the matters discussed in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 43 of this prospectus for factors you should consider before investing in our common stock. Some of these risks include:

 

   

Our investments are concentrated in the temperature-controlled warehouse industry, and our business would be materially and adversely affected by an economic downturn in that industry or the market for our customers’ products.

 

   

The temperature-controlled warehouses that comprise our global warehousing business are concentrated in certain geographic areas, some of which are particularly susceptible to adverse local conditions. Our inability to quickly and effectively restore operations following adverse weather or a localized disaster, or economic or other disturbance in a key geography could materially and adversely affect us.

 

   

Global market and economic conditions may materially and adversely affect us.

 

   

Many of our costs, such as operating expenses, interest expense and real estate acquisition and construction costs, could be adversely impacted by periods of heightened inflation.

 

   

Labor shortages, increased turnover and work stoppages have in the past and may in the future continue to disrupt our or our customers’ operations, increase costs and negatively impact our profitability.

 

   

Supply chain disruptions may continue to negatively impact our business.

 

   

We are exposed to risks associated with expansion and development, which could result in returns below expectations and unforeseen costs and liabilities.

 

   

Our integrated solutions business depends on the performance of our global warehousing business.

 

   

Our growth may strain our management and resources, which may have a material adverse effect on us.

 

   

A portion of our future growth depends upon acquisitions and we may be unable to identify, complete and successfully integrate acquisitions, which may impede our growth, and our future acquisitions may not achieve their intended benefits or may disrupt our plans and operations.

 

   

We are dependent on Bay Grove to provide certain services to us pursuant to the transition services agreement, and it may be difficult to replace the services provided under such agreement.

 

   

We may be vulnerable to security breaches or cyber-attacks which could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.

 

   

We depend on IT systems to operate our business, and issues with maintaining, upgrading or implementing these systems, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

   

We are subject to additional risks with respect to our current and potential international operations and properties.

 

   

Power costs may increase or be subject to volatility, which could result in increased costs that we may be unable to recover.

 

   

We depend on key personnel and specialty personnel, and a deterioration of employee relations could harm our business and operating and financial results.

 

   

Upon the listing of our shares on the             , we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of              rules and, as a result, will qualify for, and may rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.

 

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We could incur significant costs under environmental laws relating to the presence and management of asbestos, anhydrous ammonia and other chemicals and underground storage tanks.

 

   

We are currently invested in various joint ventures and may invest in additional joint ventures in the future and face risks stemming from our partial ownership interests in such properties, which could materially and adversely affect the value of any such joint venture investments.

 

   

We have significant indebtedness outstanding, which may expose us to the risk of default under our debt obligations.

 

   

Increases in interest rates could increase the amount of our debt payments.

 

   

Market conditions could adversely affect our ability to refinance existing indebtedness or obtain additional financing for growth on acceptable terms or at all, which could materially and adversely affect us.

 

   

Our Co-Founders will have substantial influence over our business, and our Co-Founders’ interests, and the interests of certain members of our management, may differ from our interests or those of our other stockholders.

 

   

Our charter and bylaws contain provisions that may delay, defer or prevent an acquisition of our common stock or a change in control.

 

   

There can be no assurance that we will be able to make or maintain cash distributions, and certain agreements relating to our indebtedness may, under certain circumstances, limit or eliminate our ability to make distributions to our common stockholders.

 

   

Future redemption obligations may materially and adversely affect the market price of shares of our common stock and may reduce future distributions.

 

   

Failure to qualify as a REIT would cause us to be taxed as a regular C corporation, which would substantially reduce funds available for distributions to stockholders.

Structure and Formation of Our Company

Our Operating Partnership

Following the completion of this offering and the formation transactions, we will be the general partner of our operating partnership. Substantially all of our assets will be held by, and our operations will be conducted through, our operating partnership. We will contribute the net proceeds received by us from this offering to our operating partnership in exchange for OP units. Our interest in our operating partnership will generally entitle us to share in cash distributions from, and in the profits and losses of, our operating partnership in proportion to our percentage ownership. Through our general partner interest in our operating partnership, we will generally have the exclusive power under the partnership agreement to manage and conduct its business and affairs, subject to certain approval and voting rights of the members, which are described more fully below in “Description of the Partnership Agreement of Lineage OP, LP.”

Beginning on and after the date that is 14 months after the issuance of the OP units, each member of our operating partnership will have the right to require our operating partnership to redeem part or all of its OP units (excluding any Legacy OP Units and, for a period of time, certain OP units that were previously held as Legacy OP Units) for cash, based upon the value of an equivalent number of shares of our common stock at the time of the redemption, or, at our election, shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain adjustments and the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock set forth in our charter and described under the section entitled “Description of Our Capital Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.” Such redemption of OP units will increase our percentage ownership interest in our operating partnership and our share

 

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of its cash distributions and profits and losses. For up to three years following the initial closing of this offering (or such shorter period as Bay Grove may determine), holders of Legacy OP Units will be entitled to have their Legacy OP Units reclassified into OP units periodically on a one-for-one basis and thereafter hold such OP units or receive cash pursuant to a sale of their OP units to us (or a combination thereof). BGLH will have the right to require us to conduct offerings of shares of our common stock from time to time to fund our purchases of such OP units. On or at any time before the third anniversary of the initial closing of this offering, as determined by Bay Grove, all Legacy OP Units will be reclassified into OP units on a one-for-one basis. Each purchase of OP units will increase our percentage ownership interest in our operating partnership and our share of its cash distributions and profits and losses. See “Description of the Partnership Agreement of Lineage OP, LP.”

Formation Transactions

Prior to or simultaneously with the completion of this offering, we will engage in formation transactions, which are designed to facilitate this offering. Through the formation transactions, the following have occurred or will occur prior to or concurrently with the completion of this offering.

 

   

Lineage OP, LLC will convert from a Delaware limited liability company to a Maryland limited partnership, change its name to Lineage OP, LP and adopt the Agreement of Limited Partnership pursuant to which, among other things, (i) we will become Lineage OP, LP’s sole general partner, (ii) certain Class A units and corresponding Class C units in Lineage OP, LLC will be reclassified into Legacy Class A OP Units and (iii) all other existing Class A, Class B and Class C units in Lineage OP, LLC will be reclassified into Legacy Class B OP Units.

 

   

LLH MGMT Profits, LLC and LLH MGMT Profits II, LLC, whose equity is held by our officers and employees, will have contributed their interests in Lineage Holdings to our operating partnership in exchange for                OP units.

 

   

We will have terminated a prior operating services agreement between Lineage Holdings and Bay Grove and will have entered into a transition services agreement with Bay Grove for a period of three years.

 

   

We will contribute the net proceeds from this offering to our operating partnership and receive                OP units (or                 OP units if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase up to an additional                shares of our common stock in full), representing a    % ownership interest in the operating partnership (    % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase up to an additional                shares of our common stock in full), with holders of Legacy OP Units and Lineage management holding    % and    % ownership interests in the operating partnership, respectively (    % and    % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase up to an additional                shares of our common stock in full).

 

   

We will redeem our outstanding 12.0% Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Series A preferred stock”) for $630,000 in cash.

 

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Our Structure

The following chart sets forth information about our company, our operating partnership, certain related parties and the ownership interests therein on a pro forma basis. Ownership percentages in our company and our operating partnership are presented assuming that the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is not exercised.

 

LOGO

Benefits to Related Parties

Upon completion of this offering and the formation transactions, Bay Grove and our directors and executive officers will receive material benefits, including the following:

 

   

Bay Grove will hold a continuing right to receive certain special distributions from Legacy Class A OP Units of our operating partnership and from BGLH, our majority stockholder. In addition, Bay Grove will continue to hold    % of the Legacy Class B OP Units of our operating partnership. See “Description of the Partnership Agreement of Lineage OP, LP—            .”

 

   

We will have entered into a transition services agreement with Bay Grove, pursuant to which (1) Bay Grove will provide us with certain transition services supporting capital deployment and mergers and acquisitions activity for three years following the closing of this offering to help us build our full internal capability during that period, and (2) we will pay Bay Grove an annual fee equal to $            . See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Transactions with Bay Grove—Operating Services Agreement” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Transition Services Agreement.”

 

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We will enter into a registration rights agreement with BGLH, pursuant to which we will grant it and certain of its affiliates with certain “demand” registration rights and customary “piggyback” registration rights. We will also enter into one or more registration rights agreements with Mr. Forste and Mr. Marchetti, pursuant to which we will grant them with certain registration rights. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreements.”

 

   

We will have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers providing for the indemnification by us for certain liabilities and expenses incurred as a result of actions brought, or threatened to be brought, against our directors and executive officers in their capacities as such.

 

   

We will have entered into new employment agreements with each of                ,                 ,                  and                 . For a description of the terms of these employment agreements, see “Executive and Director Compensation—2023 Executive Compensation—Narrative to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table—Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements.”

 

   

We will have entered into certain agreements with Messrs. Forste and Marchetti, pursuant to which Messrs. Forste and Marchetti will agree that for a period of three years following the completion of this offering they will not compete with our business.

 

   

We will have settled incentive equity rights of our officers and employees held through LLH MGMT Profits, LLC and LLH MGMT Profits II, LLC, that have accrued prior to the consummation of this offering, for a total of                OP units.

 

   

We will have adopted the Lineage, Inc. and Lineage OP, L.P 202             Incentive Award Plan, or the Equity Incentive Plan, under which we may grant cash and equity incentive awards to eligible service providers in order to attract, motivate and retain the talent for which we compete. See “Executive and Director Compensation—Equity Incentive Plan” for further details.

Distribution Policy

We intend to pay cash distributions to our common stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We intend to make a pro rata distribution with respect to the period commencing upon the completion of this offering and ending on                 , 2024 based on a distribution rate of $         per share of common stock for a full quarter. On an annualized basis, this would be $        per share of common stock, or an annualized distribution rate of approximately    % based on the mid-point of the price range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus. We intend to maintain our initial distribution rate for the 12 months following the completion of this offering unless our results of operations, FFO, Core FFO, Adjusted FFO, EBITDA, EBITDAre or Adjusted EBITDA (in each case, as defined under “Summary Selected Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data—Non-GAAP Financial Measures”), liquidity, cash flows, financial condition or prospects, economic conditions or other factors differ materially from the assumptions used in projecting our initial distribution rate. We intend to make distributions that will enable us to meet the distribution requirements applicable to REITs and to eliminate or minimize our obligation to pay corporate-level income and excise taxes. We do not intend to reduce the expected distribution per share if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised. See “Distribution Policy.”

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Our Common Stock

Our charter, subject to certain exceptions, authorizes our board of directors to take such actions as are necessary or appropriate to allow us to qualify and to preserve our status as a REIT. Furthermore, our charter prohibits, with certain exceptions, the beneficial or constructive ownership by any person of more than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of our capital stock or more than 9.8% (in value or in number of

 

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shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of our common stock. In addition, our charter contains various other restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our common stock and capital stock. Our board of directors, in its sole discretion, may exempt a person, prospectively or retroactively, and subject to such conditions and limitations as our board of directors may deem appropriate, from these ownership limits if certain conditions are satisfied. However, our board of directors may not grant an exemption from these ownership limits if such exemption would cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT. The ownership limits may delay or impede a transaction or a change of control that might be in your best interest. See “Description of Our Capital Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”

Our Tax Status

We have elected and believe we have qualified to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2020. We believe that our organization and operations will allow us to continue to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. 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. See “Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

Corporate Information

We were formed in April 2017. Our principal executive office is located at 46500 Humboldt Drive, Novi, Michigan 48377. Our telephone number is (800) 678-7271.

 

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THE OFFERING

 

Common stock offered by us

                shares (plus up to an additional                 shares of our common stock that we may issue and sell upon the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares).

 

Common stock to be outstanding after this offering

                shares(1)

 

Common stock and OP units to be outstanding after this offering (excluding OP units held directly or indirectly by us) and the formation transactions

                shares of common stock and OP units(1)(2)

 

Use of proceeds

We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $        billion, or $        billion if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated expenses, in each case, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $        per share, which is the mid-point of the price range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus. We intend to use the net proceeds from these offerings to                 . See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Risk factors

Investing in our common stock involves risks. You should carefully read and consider the information set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 43 and other information included in this prospectus before investing in our common stock.

 

Proposed symbol            

“LNGE”

 

(1)

Includes                 shares of our common stock to be issued in this offering. Excludes (i)                shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares and (ii)                shares of our common stock issuable in the future under the Equity Incentive Plan, as more fully described in “Executive and Director Compensation—Equity Incentive Plan.”

(2)

Includes                OP units to be issued in the formation transactions and                OPEUs into which interests held by Bay Grove are to be reclassified in the formation transactions. OPEUs will be exchangeable at Bay Grove’s election for OP units on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, at any time beginning two years after the initial closing date of this offering. OP units, other than Legacy OP Units (until they are reclassified as OP units), are redeemable for cash or, at our election, shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, beginning 14 months after the original issuance of such units.

 

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SUMMARY SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

Set forth below is summary selected consolidated financial and other data presented on (i) a historical basis and (ii) a pro forma basis. Lineage, Inc.’s historical consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and consolidated operating data for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 have been derived from Lineage, Inc.’s audited historical consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical consolidated financial data included below and set forth elsewhere in this prospectus are not necessarily indicative of our future performance, and results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for any full year.

Lineage, Inc.’s unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2023 and unaudited pro forma consolidated operating data for the years ended December 31, 2023 have been derived from Lineage, Inc.’s unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data assume the completion of this offering, the formation transactions and the other adjustments described in our unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements had occurred on December 31, 2023 for purposes of the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet data and on January 1, 2023 for purposes of the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations data. Our unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of what our actual financial position and results of operations would have been as of the date and for the period indicated, nor does it purport to represent our future financial position or results of operations.

You should read the following summary selected historical and pro forma consolidated financial and other data together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Business and Properties” and our historical and pro forma consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
(in millions)    2023
Unaudited
Pro Forma
     2023
Historical
     2022
Historical
    2021
Historical
 

Operating Data:

          

Total revenues

   $                    $                    $ 4,928.3     $ 3,702.0  

Global warehousing segment revenues

           3,432.6       2,655.8  

Net income (loss)

           (88.7     (187.1

NOI(1)

           1,446.6       1,122.2  

Global warehousing segment NOI(2)

           1,213.0       963.1  

Global integrated solutions segment NOI(2)

           233.6       159.1  

 

     As of December 31,  
(in millions)    2023
Unaudited
Pro
Forma
     2023
Historical
     2022
Historical
     2021
Historical
 

Balance Sheet Data:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $                    $                    $ 170.6      $ 209.1  

Total assets

           18,571.8        16,418.5  

Total debt

           8,733.8        7,586.8  

Stockholders’ equity

           5,158.6        4,339.6  

 

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     Year Ended December 31,  
(in millions)    2023
Unaudited
Pro forma
     2023
Historical
     2022
Historical
     2021
Historical
 

Other Data:

           

FFO(1)

   $                    $                    $ 216.3      $ 65.1  

Core FFO(1)

           387.5        324.8  

Adjusted FFO(1)

           543.4        457.1  

EBITDAre(1)

           945.0        647.6  

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

           1,065.9        849.4  

 

(1)

NOI, FFO, Core FFO Adjusted FFO, EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. For definitions of FFO, Core FFO Adjusted FFO, EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDA, reconciliations of these metrics to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, and a statement of why our management believes the presentation of these metrics provides useful information to investors and any additional purposes for which management uses these metrics, see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

(2)

We evaluate the performance of our primary business segments based on their net operating income relative to our overall results of operations. We use the term “segment net operating income” or “segment NOI” to mean a segment’s revenues less its cost of operations (excluding any depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, corporate-level selling, general and administrative expenses and corporate-level acquisition, restructuring and other expenses). We use segment net operating income to evaluate our segments for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing performance in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, ASC, Topic 280, Segment Reporting.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use the following non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental performance measures of our business: NOI, segment NOI, FFO, Core FFO, Adjusted FFO, EBITDA, EBITDAre, Adjusted EBITDA and net debt to pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA.

We calculate NOI as our total revenues less our cost of operations (excluding any depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, corporate-level general and administrative expenses and corporate-level acquisition, restructuring and other expenses). We calculate segment NOI as a segment’s revenues less its cost of operations (excluding any depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, corporate-level general and administrative expenses and corporate-level acquisition, restructuring and other expenses). We use segment NOI to evaluate our segments for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing performance in accordance with FASB ASC, Topic 280, Segment Reporting. We believe NOI and segment NOI are helpful to investors as a supplemental performance measure to net income because it assists both investors and management in understanding the core operations of our business. There is no industry definition of NOI or segment NOI and, as a result, other REITs may calculate NOI or segment NOI, or other similarly-captioned metrics, in a manner

 

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different than we do. The table below reconciles NOI to net income (loss), which is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and sets forth our NOI by segment.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
(in millions)    2023
Pro Forma
     2023
Historical
     2022
Historical
    2021
Historical
 

Net income (loss)

   $                $                $ (88.7   $ (187.1

Adjustments:

          

General and administrative

           387.9       278.8  

Depreciation expense

           479.5       416.1  

Amortization expense

           197.7       187.6  

Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses

           92.7       160.4  

Equity (income) loss, net of tax

           0.2       0.3  

(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions, net

           23.8       34.0  

Interest expense, net

           347.0       259.6  

(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt

           (1.4     4.1  

Other nonoperating (income) expense

           (2.3     (4.5

Income tax expense (benefit)

           10.2       (27.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOI

   $        $        $ 1,446.6     $ 1,122.2  

NOI by segment:

          

Global warehousing segment NOI

   $                $                $ 1,213.0     $ 963.1  

Global integrated solutions segment NOI

           233.6       159.1  

We calculate funds from operations, or FFO, in accordance with the standards established by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT. NAREIT defines FFO as net income or loss determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, excluding extraordinary items as defined under U.S. GAAP and gains or losses from sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets, plus specified non-cash items, such as real estate asset depreciation and amortization, in-place lease intangible amortization, real estate asset impairment and our share of reconciling items for partially owned entities. We believe that FFO is helpful to investors as a supplemental performance measure because it excludes the effect of depreciation, amortization and gains or losses from sales of real estate, all of which are based on historical costs, which implicitly assumes that the value of real estate diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values instead have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, FFO can facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods and among other equity REITs.

We calculate core funds from operations, or Core FFO, as FFO adjusted for the effects of gain or loss on the sale of non-real estate assets, finance lease ROU asset amortization - real estate, non-real estate impairments, acquisition, restructuring and other, other income or expense, loss on debt extinguishment and modifications and the effects of gain or loss on foreign currency exchange. We also adjust for the impact attributable to non-real estate impairments on unconsolidated joint ventures and natural disaster and COVID. We believe that Core FFO is helpful to investors as a supplemental performance measure because it excludes the effects of certain items which can create significant earnings volatility, but which do not directly relate to our core business operations. We believe Core FFO can facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods, while also providing a more meaningful predictor of future earnings potential.

However, because FFO and Core FFO add back real estate depreciation and amortization and do not capture the level of maintenance capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, both of which have material economic impacts on our results from operations, we believe the utility of FFO and Core FFO as a measure of our performance may be limited.

We calculate adjusted funds from operations, or Adjusted FFO, as Core FFO adjusted for the effects of amortization of deferred operating financing costs, amortization of debt discount/premium amortization of above

 

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or below market leases, straight-line net rent, provision or benefit from deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation expense from grants under our equity incentive plans, non-real estate depreciation and amortization, finance lease ROU asset amortization - non-real estate and maintenance capital expenditures. We also adjust for Adjusted FFO attributable to our share of reconciling items of partially owned entities. We believe that Adjusted FFO is helpful to investors as a meaningful supplemental comparative performance measure of our ability to make incremental capital investments in our business and to assess our ability to fund distribution requirements from our operating activities.

FFO, Core FFO and Adjusted FFO are used by management, investors and industry analysts as supplemental measures of operating performance of equity REITs. FFO, Core FFO and Adjusted FFO should be evaluated along with U.S. GAAP net income and net income per diluted share (the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures) in evaluating our operating performance. FFO, Core FFO and Adjusted FFO do not represent net income or cash flows from operating activities in accordance with U.S. GAAP and are not indicative of our results of operations or cash flows from operating activities as disclosed in our consolidated statements of operations included elsewhere in this prospectus. FFO, Core FFO and Adjusted FFO should be considered as supplements, but not alternatives, to our net income or cash flows from operating activities as indicators of our operating performance. Moreover, other REITs may not calculate FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition or may interpret the NAREIT definition differently than we do. Accordingly, our FFO may not be comparable to FFO as calculated by other REITs. In addition, there is no industry definition of Core FFO or Adjusted FFO and, as a result, other REITs may also calculate Core FFO or Adjusted FFO, or other similarly-captioned metrics, in a manner different than we do. The table below reconciles FFO, Core FFO and Adjusted FFO to net income (loss), which is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
(in millions)   2023
Unaudited
Pro forma
     2023
Historical
     2022
Historical
    2021
Historical
 

Net income (loss)

  $        $        $ (88.7   $ (187.1

Adjustments:

         

Real estate related depreciation

          291.5       240.7  

In-place lease intangible amortization

          8.9       8.8  

Net loss (gain) on sale of real estate

          3.9       1.0  

Impairment charges on certain real estate assets

          0.6        

Real estate depreciation, (gain) loss on sale of real estate, and real-estate impairments on unconsolidated JVs

          2.9       3.1  

Allocation of noncontrolling interests

          (2.8     (1.4
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

FFO

  $                    $                    $ 216.3     $ 65.1  

Adjustments:

         

Net (gain) loss on sale of non-real estate assets

          4.8       2.5  

Finance lease ROU asset amortization - real estate

          73.9       77.4  

Non-real estate impairment

                7.1  

Other (income) expense

          (2.3     (4.5

Acquisition, restructuring and other

          72.4       136.9  

Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss

          23.8       34.0  

Loss (gain) on debt extinguishment and modifications

          (1.4     4.1  

Natural disaster and COVID

                1.7  

Allocation related to unconsolidated JVs

                0.5  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Core FFO

  $        $        $ 387.5     $ 324.8  

 

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    Year Ended December 31,  
(in millions)   2023
Unaudited
Pro forma
     2023
Historical
     2022
Historical
    2021
Historical
 

Adjustments:

         

Non-real estate depreciation and amortization

          288.4       263.0  

Finance lease ROU asset amortization - non-real estate

          14.3       13.8  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

          17.8       16.7  

Amortization of debt discount / premium

          (0.8     (0.9

Deferred income taxes expense (benefit)

          (37.4     (66.8

Straight-line net operating rent

          0.2       3.9  

Amortization of above market leases

          2.1       2.3  

Amortization of below market leases

          (1.1     (1.7

Stock-based compensation expense

          16.8       14.6  

Recurring maintenance capital expenditures

          (144.7     (111.8

Allocation related to unconsolidated JVs

          0.4       (0.4

Allocation of noncontrolling interests

          (0.1     (0.4
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted FFO

  $                    $                    $ 543.4     $ 457.1  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

We calculate EBITDA for Real Estate, or EBITDAre, in accordance with the standards established by the Board of Governors of NAREIT, defined as earnings before interest income or expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, net loss or gain on sale of real estate, net of withholding taxes, impairment write-downs on real estate property and adjustment to reflect share of EBITDAre of partially owned entities. EBITDAre is a measure commonly used in our industry, and we present EBITDAre to enhance investor understanding of our operating performance. We believe that EBITDAre provides investors and analysts with a measure of operating results unaffected by differences in capital structures, capital investment cycles and useful life of related assets among otherwise comparable companies.

We also calculate our Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDAre further adjusted for the effects of gain or loss on the sale of non-real estate assets, other income or expense, acquisition, restructuring and other, foreign currency exchange gain or loss, stock-based compensation expense, loss or gain on debt extinguishment and modification, impairment of investments in non-real estate, natural disaster and COVID, and reduction in EBITDAre from partially owned entities. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA provides a measurement of our operations that is meaningful to investors because it excludes the effects of certain items that are otherwise included in EBITDAre but which we do not believe are indicative of our core business operations. EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, and our EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. You should not consider our EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDA as alternatives to net income or cash flows from operating activities determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our calculations of EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, including:

 

   

these measures do not reflect our historical or future cash requirements for maintenance capital expenditures or growth and expansion capital expenditures;

 

   

these measures do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

 

   

these measures do not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our indebtedness;

 

   

these measures do not reflect our tax expense or the cash requirements to pay our taxes; and

 

   

although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future and these measures do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

We use EBITDA, EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDA as measures of our operating performance and not as measures of liquidity. The table below reconciles EBITDA, EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDA to net (loss) income, which is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The table below reconciles EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), which is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
(in millions)    2023
Unaudited
Pro Forma
     2023
Historical
     2022
Historical
    2021
Historical
 

Net income (loss)

   $                    $                    $ (88.7   $ (187.1

Adjustments:

          

Depreciation and amortization

           677.2       603.7  

Interest (income) expense, net

           347.0       259.6  

Income tax provision

           10.2       (27.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

   $        $        $ 945.7     $ 649.1  

Adjustments:

          

Net loss (gain) on sale of real estate

           3.9       1.0  

Impairment write-downs of real estate property

           0.6        

Net loss (gain) on sale of real estate and impairment write-downs of investments in unconsolidated affiliates

                 0.2  

Allocation of EBITDAre of noncontrolling interest

           (5.2     (2.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDAre

   $        $        $ 945.0     $ 647.6  

Adjustments:

          

Net (gain) loss on sale of non-real estate assets

           4.8       2.5  

Other (income) expense

           (2.3     (4.5

Acquisition, restructuring and other

           72.4       136.9  

Interest expense and tax expense from unconsolidated JVs

           3.0       1.0  

Depreciation and amortization from unconsolidated JVs

           3.7       3.9  

Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss

           23.8       34.0  

Stock-based compensation expense

           16.8       14.6  

Loss (gain) on debt extinguishment and modification

           (1.4     4.1  

Natural disaster and COVID

                 1.7  

Impairment of investments in non-real estate

                 7.1  

Impairment write-downs of investments in unconsolidated affiliates

                 0.5  

Allocation adjustments of noncontrolling interests

           0.1        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $                    $                    $ 1,065.9     $ 849.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net debt is a non-GAAP financial measure reflecting our gross debt (defined as total debt plus discount and deferred financing costs), plus discounts, cost and finance lease obligations, less cash and cash equivalents. Pro forma net debt to Adjusted EBITDA is calculated using pro forma net debt divided by pro forma Adjusted EBITDA. We use this ratio to evaluate our capital structure and financial leverage. This ratio is also commonly used in our industry, and we believe it provides investors, lenders and rating agencies a meaningful supplemental measure of our ability to repay and service our debt obligations. Other REITs may also calculate this ratio or other similarly-captioned metrics in a manner different than we do. The table below includes a reconciliation of pro forma net debt to pro forma gross debt, which is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

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     As of December 31, 2023  
(in millions)    Unaudited
Pro Forma
 

Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility

   $    

Term Loan

  

Senior Unsecured Notes

  

Total CMBS

  

Secured mortgage debt

  

Other secured debt

  

Equipment financing

  

Financing lease obligations

  
  

 

 

 

Total debt and debt-like obligations

  

Deferred financing costs

  
  

 

 

 

Gross debt

  

Adjustments:

  

Less: cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

  
  

 

 

 

Net debt

   $    
  

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $                

Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA

     x  

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our common stock involves risks. Before you invest in our common stock, you should carefully consider the risk factors below together with all of the other information included in this prospectus. If any of the risks discussed in this prospectus were to occur, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects and our ability to service our debt and make distributions to our stockholders could be materially and adversely affected (which we refer to collectively as “materially and adversely affecting us” or having “a material adverse effect on us” and comparable phrases), the market price of our common stock could decline significantly and you could lose all or part of your investment in our common stock. Some statements in this prospectus, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section in this prospectus entitled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Risks Related to Our Business and Operations

Our investments are concentrated in the temperature-controlled warehouse industry, and our business would be materially and adversely affected by an economic downturn in that industry or the market for our customers’ products.

Our investments in real estate assets are concentrated in the industrial real estate industry, specifically in temperature-controlled warehouses. This concentration exposes us to the risk of economic downturns in this industry to a greater extent than if our business activities included a more significant portion of other sectors of the real estate market. We are also exposed to fluctuations in the markets for, and production of, the commodities and finished products that we store in our warehouses. For example, the demand for seafood, packaged foods and proteins such as poultry, pork and beef and the production of such products directly impacts the need for temperature-controlled warehouse space to store such products for our customers. Although our customers collectively store a diverse product mix in our temperature-controlled warehouses, declines in production of or demand for their products could cause our customers to reduce their inventory levels at and throughput through our warehouses, which could reduce the storage, handling and other fees payable to us and materially and adversely affect us.

The temperature-controlled warehouses that comprise our global warehousing business are concentrated in certain geographic areas, some of which are particularly susceptible to adverse local conditions. Our inability to quickly and effectively restore operations following adverse weather or a localized disaster, or economic or other disturbance in a key geography could materially and adversely affect us.

Although we own or hold leasehold interests in warehouses across the United States and globally, many of these warehouses are concentrated in a few geographic areas. For example, approximately    % of our owned or leased warehouses are located in                , with approximately    % in                 ,    % in                and    % in                (in each case, on a cubic-foot basis based on information as of December 31, 2023). This geographic concentration could adversely affect our operating performance if conditions become less favorable in any of the states or markets within such states in which we have a concentration of properties. We cannot assure you that any of our markets will grow, not experience adverse developments or that underlying real estate fundamentals will be favorable to owners and operators of service-oriented or experience-based properties. Our operations may also be affected if competing properties are built in our markets. Local conditions may include natural disasters, periods of economic slowdown or recession, regulatory changes, labor shortages or strikes, localized oversupply in warehousing space or reductions in demand for warehousing space, adverse agricultural events, road or rail line closures, disruptions in logistics systems, such as transportation and tracking systems for our customers’ inventory, and power outages.

We also maintain facilities in areas that may be susceptible to natural disasters or other serious disruptions caused by record or sustained high temperatures, fire, earthquakes, or other causes that may spoil, damage or destroy a significant portion of customer inventory. In addition, adverse weather patterns may affect local

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

harvests, which could have an adverse effect on our customers and cause them to reduce their inventory levels at our warehouses, which could in turn materially and adversely affect us. Our inability to quickly and effectively restore operations following adverse weather or a localized disaster, or economic or other disturbance in a key geography could materially and adversely affect us. Although our property insurance typically insures us against such risks, these policies are subject to deductibles and customary exclusions, and there can be no assurance that such potential liability will not exceed the applicable coverage limits under our insurance policies.

Global market and economic conditions may materially and adversely affect us.

Adverse economic conditions such as high unemployment levels, interest rates, tax rates and fuel and energy costs may have an impact on the results of operations and financial conditions. The success of our business will be affected by general economic and market conditions, as well as by changes in laws, currency exchange controls and national and international political, environmental and socio-economic circumstances. Specifically, our business operations are sensitive to the systemic impact of inflation, the availability and cost of credit, declines in the real estate market, increases in fuel, energy and power costs and geopolitical issues. A severe or prolonged economic downturn may adversely impact the general availability of credit to businesses and could lead to a weakening of the U.S. and global economies. While it is difficult to determine the breadth and duration of any unfavorable market or economic conditions and the many ways in which they may affect our customers and our business in general, unfavorable market or economic conditions may result in:

 

   

changes in consumer trends, demand and preferences for products we store in our warehouses;

 

   

customer defaults on their contracts with us;

 

   

reduced demand for our warehouse space, increased vacancies at our warehouses and a reduced ability, or an inability, to retain our customers or acquire new customers;

 

   

reduced demand for the other supply chain services that comprise our integrated solutions business;

 

   

lower rates from, and economic concessions to, our customers;

 

   

increased operating costs, including increased energy, labor and fuel costs, and supply-chain challenges;

 

   

our inability to raise capital on favorable terms, or at all, when desired;

 

   

decreased value of our properties and related impact on our ability to obtain attractive prices on sales or to obtain debt financing; and

 

   

illiquidity and decreased value of our short-term investments and cash deposits.

Any of the foregoing events could result in substantial or total losses to our business in respect of certain properties, which will likely be exacerbated by the terms of our indebtedness.

Many of our costs, such as operating expenses, interest expense and real estate acquisition and construction costs, could be adversely impacted by periods of heightened inflation.

Inflation in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region has risen to levels not experienced in recent decades and we are seeing its impact on various aspects of our business. Certain of our expenses, including, but not limited to, labor costs, utility costs (power in particular), interest expense, property taxes, insurance premiums, equipment repair and replacement, and other operating expenses are subject to inflationary pressures that have and may continue to negatively impact our business and results of operations. While we seek to reduce the impact of inflation by increased operating efficiencies and embedded rate escalation or price increases to our customers to offset increased costs and while regulators’ efforts to reduce inflation have been achieved varying levels of success, there can be no assurance that we will be able to offset future inflationary cost increases in whole or in part, which could adversely impact our profit margins. We may be limited in our ability to obtain

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

reimbursement from customers under existing contracts for any increases in operating expenses such as labor, electricity charges, maintenance costs, taxes, including real estate and income taxes, or other real estate-related costs. Unless we are able to offset any unexpected costs in a timely manner, or at all, with sufficient revenues through new contracts or new customers, increases in these costs would lower our operating margins and could materially and adversely affect us.

Additionally, inflation may have a negative effect on the construction costs necessary to complete our greenfield development and expansion projects, including, but not limited to, costs of construction materials, labor and services from third-party contractors and suppliers. We rely on a number of third-party suppliers and contractors to supply raw materials, skilled labor and services for our construction projects. Notwithstanding our efforts to manage certain increases in the costs of construction materials in our greenfield development and expansion projects through either general budget contingencies built into our overall project construction costs estimates or guaranteed maximum price construction contracts (which stipulate a maximum price for certain construction costs and shift inflation risk to our construction general contractors), no assurance can be given that our budget contingencies would accurately account for potential construction cost increases given the current severity of inflation and variety of contributing factors, or that our general contractors would be able to absorb such increases in costs and complete our construction projects timely, within budget, or at all.

Higher construction costs could adversely impact our investments in real estate assets and expected yields on our greenfield development and expansion projects, which may make otherwise lucrative investment opportunities less profitable to us. Our reliance on a number of third-party suppliers and contractors may also make such investment opportunities unattainable if we are unable to sufficiently fund our projects due to significant cost increases, or are unable to obtain the resources and materials to do so reasonably due to disrupted supply chains. 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 security holders could be adversely affected over time.

In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began, and it has continued and may continue, to raise interest rates in an effort to curb inflation. Our exposure to increases in interest rates in the short term is limited to our variable-rate borrowings, which consist of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, our Term Loan and our CMBS loans. As of December 31, 2023, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the formation transactions, this offering and the use of the net proceeds from this offering, we had $        million of our outstanding consolidated indebtedness that is variable-rate debt. However, the effect of inflation on interest rates could increase our financing costs over time, either through near-term borrowings on our floating-rate lines of credit or refinancing of our existing borrowings that may incur higher interest expenses related to the issuance of new debt. For more information, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Indebtedness—Increases in interest rates could increase the amount of our debt payments.”

In addition, historically, during periods of increasing interest rates, real estate valuations have generally decreased as a result of rising capitalization rates, which tend to be positively correlated with interest rates. Consequently, prolonged periods of higher interest rates may negatively impact the valuation of our portfolio and result in the decline of the quoted trading price of our securities and market capitalization, as well as lower sales proceeds from future dispositions.

Labor shortages, increased turnover and work stoppages have in the past and may in the future continue to disrupt our or our customers’ operations, increase costs and negatively impact our profitability.

We hire our own workforce to handle product in and out of storage for our customers in most of our facilities. Our ability to successfully implement our business strategy depends upon our ability to attract and retain talented people and effectively manage our human capital. The labor markets in the industries in which we operate are competitive, and we have historically experienced some level of ordinary course turnover of employees. A number of factors have had and may continue to have adverse effects on the labor force available

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

to us, including reduced employment pools and shortages in other industries with which we compete for labor, government regulations, which include laws and regulations related to workers’ health and safety, wage and hour practices and immigration. In addition, we seek to optimize our mix of permanent and temporary team members in our facilities, as temporary team members typically result in higher costs and lower efficiency. Labor shortages and increased turnover rates within our team member ranks have led to and could in the future lead to increased costs, such as increased overtime to meet demand, increased time and resources related to training new team members, and increased wage rates to attract and retain team members, and could negatively affect our ability to efficiently operate our facilities or otherwise operate at full capacity. An overall or prolonged labor shortage, lack of skilled labor, inability to maintain a stable mix of permanent to temporary team members, increased turnover and labor cost inflation could have a material adverse impact on us.

Furthermore, certain portions of our operations are subject to collective bargaining agreements. As of December 31, 2023, approximately    % of our team members in the United States were represented by various local labor unions and associations. Internationally, approximately    % (based on team members for whom we are able to ascertain union status) or    % (assuming that the entire    % of our team members for whom we are not able to ascertain union status due to applicable privacy or freedom of association laws are represented by labor unions and associations) of our total team members were represented by various local labor unions and associations. Strikes, slowdowns, lockouts or other industrial disputes could cause us to experience a significant disruption in our operations, as well as increase our operating costs, which could materially and adversely affect us. If a greater percentage of our workforce becomes unionized, or if we fail to re-negotiate our expired or expiring collective bargaining agreements on favorable terms in a timely manner or at all, we could be materially and adversely affected.

In addition, our customers’ operations are subject to labor shortages and disruptions that could continue to negatively impact their production capability, resulting in reduced volume of product for storage. In addition, labor shortages and disruptions impacting the transportation industry may hamper the timely movement of goods into and out of our warehouses. These labor shortages and disruptions could in turn have a material adverse effect on us.

Wage increases driven by competitive pressures or applicable legislation on employee wages and benefits could negatively affect our operating margins and our ability to attract qualified personnel.

Our hourly team members in the United States and internationally are typically paid wage rates above the applicable minimum wage. However, increases in the minimum wage may increase our labor costs if we are to continue paying our hourly team members above the applicable minimum wage. If we are unable to continue paying our hourly team members above the applicable minimum wage or at otherwise competitive wages, we may be unable to hire and retain qualified personnel. For example, beginning in 2020 and through 2023 to date, we saw wage inflation on a global basis at all levels in our organization, which increased labor costs. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, labor and benefits expenses in our global warehousing segment accounted for    %, 37.0% and 37.6% of the segment’s revenues, respectively. Increases in the rates we pay our team members would negatively affect our operating margins unless we are able to increase our income streams in order to pass increased labor costs on to our customers. Our standard contract forms include some rate protection for uncontrollable costs such as labor, or costs associated with regulatory action, however, despite such provisions, we may not be able to fully pass through these increased costs.

Competitive pressures may also require that we enhance our pay and benefits package to compete effectively for such personnel (including costs associated with health insurance coverage or workers’ compensation insurance) or offer retention bonuses. If we fail to attract and retain qualified and skilled personnel, we could be materially and adversely affected.

Supply chain disruptions may continue to negatively impact our business.

Our business has been impacted by ongoing supply chain disruptions, which have impacted, among other things, labor availability, raw material availability, manufacturing and food production, construction materials

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

and transportation, including increased costs, reduced options, and timing delays with respect to the foregoing. Continued disruptions in the supply chain impacting the availability of materials, causing delays in manufacturing and production, including in our customers’ products, shipping delays and other supply chain problems could materially and adversely impact us.

We are exposed to risks associated with expansion and development, which could result in returns below expectations and unforeseen costs and liabilities.

We have engaged and we expect to continue to engage, in expansion and development activities, including greenfield development and expansion projects, with respect to certain of our properties. Expansion and development activities will subject us to certain risks not present in the acquisition of existing properties (the risks of which are described below), including, without limitation, the following:

 

   

our pipeline of expansion and development opportunities is at various stages of discussion and consideration and, based on historical experiences, many of them may not be pursued or completed as contemplated or at all;

 

   

the availability and timing of financing on favorable terms or at all;

 

   

the availability and timely receipt of environmental studies and entitlement, zoning and regulatory approvals, which could result in increased costs and could require us to abandon our activities entirely with respect to any given warehouse for which we are unable to obtain permits or authorizations;

 

   

the cost and timely completion within budget of construction due to increased land, materials, equipment, labor or other costs (including risks beyond our control, such as strikes, uninsurable losses, weather or labor conditions, or material shortages), which could make completion of any given warehouse or the expansion thereof uneconomical, and we may not be able to increase revenues to compensate for the increase in construction costs;

 

   

we may be unable to complete construction of a warehouse or the expansion thereof on schedule due to the availability of labor, equipment or materials or other factors outside of our control, resulting in increased debt service expense and construction costs;

 

   

supply chain disruptions or delays in receiving materials or support from vendors or contractors could impact the timing of stabilization of expansion and development projects;

 

   

the potential that we may expend funds on and devote management time and attention to projects which we do not complete;

 

   

newly developed properties do not have an operating history that would allow objective pricing decisions in determining whether to invest our capital in such properties;

 

   

market conditions may change during the course of development, which may make such development less attractive than at the time it was commenced;

 

   

a completed expansion project or a newly-developed warehouse may fail to achieve, or take longer than anticipated to achieve, expected occupancy rates and may fail to perform as expected;

 

   

we may not be able to successfully integrate expanded or newly-developed properties;

 

   

projects to automate our existing or new warehouses may not perform as expected or achieve the anticipated operational efficiencies; and

 

   

we may not be able to achieve targeted returns and budgeted stabilized returns on invested capital on our expansion and development opportunities due to the risks described above, and an expansion or development may not be profitable and could lose money.

These risks could create substantial unanticipated delays and expenses and, in certain circumstances, prevent the initiation or completion of expansion or development as contemplated or at all, any of which could materially and adversely affect us.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

The actual initial full year stabilized NOI yields from our greenfield development and expansion projects may not be consistent with the targeted NOI yield ranges set forth in this prospectus.

As of the date of this prospectus, we had 19 greenfield development and expansion projects that have been completed since 2021 and eight greenfield development and expansion projects under construction. As a part of our standard development and expansion underwriting process, we analyze the estimated initial full year stabilized NOI yield we expect to derive from each greenfield development project and the estimated incremental initial full year stabilized NOI yield we expect to derive from each expansion project, as applicable, and establish a targeted NOI yield range. We define estimated initial full year stabilized NOI yield as the percentage of the total estimated cost to complete the greenfield development or expansion project represented by the estimated initial full year stabilized NOI from the greenfield development project or the estimated incremental initial full year stabilized NOI from the expansion project. For greenfield development projects, we calculate the estimated initial full year stabilized NOI by subtracting the greenfield development project’s estimated initial full year stabilized operating expenses (before interest expense, income taxes (if any) and depreciation and amortization) from its estimated initial full year stabilized revenue. For expansion projects, we calculate the estimated incremental initial full year stabilized NOI by subtracting the expansion project’s estimated incremental initial full year stabilized operating expenses (before interest expense, income taxes (if any) and depreciation and amortization) from its estimated incremental initial full year stabilized revenue.

We caution you not to place undue reliance on the targeted NOI yield ranges for our greenfield development and expansion projects because they are based solely on our estimates, using data currently available to us in our development and expansion underwriting processes. For our greenfield development and expansion projects under construction, our total cost to complete the project may differ substantially from our estimates due to various factors, including unanticipated expenses, delays in the estimated start and/or completion date and other contingencies. In addition, our actual initial full year stabilized NOI from our greenfield development and expansion projects may differ substantially from our estimates based on numerous other factors, including delays and/or difficulties in leasing or stabilizing the facilities, failure to achieve estimated occupancy and rental rates, inability to collect anticipated revenues, customer bankruptcies and unanticipated expenses at the facilities that we cannot pass on to customers. We can provide no assurance that the actual initial full year stabilized NOI yields from our greenfield development and expansion projects will be consistent with the targeted NOI yield ranges set forth in this prospectus.

Our future greenfield development and expansion activity may not be consistent with the estimates relating to our future long-term pipeline set forth in this prospectus.

As the date of this prospectus, we are researching or underwriting a range of greenfield development and expansion opportunities as part of our future long-term pipeline, including 20 projects globally at various phases of research and underwriting, with an estimated cost basis of approximately $1.9 billion and potential contribution of approximately 3.4 million square feet, approximately 223 million cubic feet and approximately 673 thousand pallet positions. The projects in our future long-term pipeline include both projects where we already own the land and projects for which we will need to acquire incremental land.

We caution you not to place undue reliance on the projections relating to our future long-term pipeline because they are based solely our estimates, using data currently available to us, and our business plans as of the date of this prospectus. Our actual greenfield development and expansion activity may differ substantially from our projections based on numerous factors, including our inability to acquire the necessary incremental land or obtain necessary zoning, land use and other required entitlements, as well as building and other required governmental permits and authorizations, and changes in the entitlement, permitting and authorization processes that may restrict or delay our ability to execute on our future long-term pipeline. Moreover, we may strategically choose not to execute on our future long-term pipeline or be unable to do so as a result of factors beyond our control, including our inability to obtain financing on terms and conditions that we find acceptable, or at all, and fund our development and expansion activities. We can provide no assurance that actual greenfield development

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

and expansion activity and/or any particular project will be consistent with the projections for our future long-term pipeline set forth in this prospectus.

The short-term nature and lack of minimum storage guarantees in many of our customer contracts exposes us to certain risks that could have a material adverse effect on us.

On an annualized basis assuming all 2023 acquisitions occurred as of the beginning of the year, for the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately     % of our storage revenues were generated from agreements with customers that contained minimum storage guarantees. However, despite such guarantees, in the event a customer were to terminate such a contract with us, our remedies are typically limited to the amount of the guarantee.

Our customer contracts that do not contain minimum storage guarantees typically do not require our customers to utilize a minimum number of pallet positions or provide for guaranteed fixed payment obligations from our customers to us. As a result, most of our customers may discontinue or otherwise reduce their use of our warehouses or other services in their discretion at any time which could have a material adverse effect on us. Additionally, we have discrete pricing for our customers based upon their unique profiles. Therefore, a shift in the mix of business types or customers could negatively impact our financial results.

The storage and other fees we generate from customers with month-to-month warehouse rate agreements may be adversely affected by declines in market storage and other fee rates more quickly than with respect to our contracts that contain stated terms. There also can be no assurance that we will be able to retain any customers upon the expiration of their contracts (whether month-to-month warehouse rate agreements or contracts) or leases. If we cannot retain our customers, or if our customers that are not party to contracts with minimum storage guarantees elect not to store goods in our warehouses, we may be unable to find replacement customers on favorable terms or at all or on a timely basis and we may incur significant expenses in obtaining replacement customers and repositioning warehouses to meet their needs. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect us.

Our integrated solutions business depends on the performance of our global warehousing business.

Our integrated solutions business complements our global warehousing services. For example, within transportation, which is the largest area within our integrated solutions business, our core focus areas are multi-vendor less-than-full-truckload consolidation, transportation brokerage and drayage services to and from ports. Because we provide this integrated solutions business to our warehouse customers, the success of our integrated solutions business depends on the performance of our global warehousing business. A reduction in the number of our customers or in our customers’ inventory or throughput levels for any reason could in turn result in reduced demand for our integrated solutions services, which may adversely affect our operations.

Our growth may strain our management and resources, which may have a material adverse effect on us.

We have grown rapidly in recent years, including by expanding our internal resources, undertaking expansion and development projects, making acquisitions, providing expanded service offerings, and entering new markets. Our growth has, and may continue to, place a strain on our management, operational, financial and information systems, and procedures and controls to expand, train and control our employee base. Our need for working capital will increase as our operations grow. There can be no assurance that we will be able to adapt our portfolio management, administrative, accounting, IT and operational systems to support any growth we may experience. Failure to oversee our current portfolio of properties and manage our growth effectively, or to obtain necessary working capital and funds for capital improvements, could have a material adverse effect on us.

A portion of our future growth depends upon acquisitions and we may be unable to identify, complete and successfully integrate acquisitions, which may impede our growth, and our future acquisitions may not achieve their intended benefits or may disrupt our plans and operations.

We have executed on over 110 acquisitions since our first acquisition in 2008, of which 70 were executed in the four years since 2020. Our ability to expand through acquisitions requires us to identify and complete

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

acquisitions that are compatible with our growth strategy and to successfully integrate and operate these newly-acquired companies and/or properties. We continually evaluate acquisition opportunities but cannot guarantee that suitable opportunities currently exist or will exist in the future. Our ability to identify and complete acquisitions of suitable companies and/or properties on favorable terms, or at all, and to successfully integrate and operate them to meet our financial, operational and strategic expectations may be constrained by the following risks, among others:

 

   

we face competition from other real estate investors with significant capital, including REITs and institutional investment funds, which may be able to accept more risk than we can prudently manage, including risks associated with paying higher acquisition prices;

 

   

we face competition from other potential acquirers that may significantly increase the purchase price for a company and/or property we acquire, which could reduce our growth prospects or returns;

 

   

we may incur significant costs and divert management’s attention in connection with evaluating and negotiating potential acquisitions, including ones that we are subsequently unable to complete;

 

   

we may acquire companies or properties that are not accretive to our operating and financial results upon acquisition, and we may be unsuccessful in integrating and operating such companies or properties in accordance with our expectations;

 

   

our cash flow from an acquired company or property may be insufficient to meet our required principal and interest payments with respect to any debt used to finance the acquisition of such company or property;

 

   

we may discover unexpected items, such as unknown liabilities, during our due diligence investigation of a potential acquisition or other customary closing conditions may not be satisfied, causing us to abandon an acquisition opportunity after incurring expenses related thereto;

 

   

we may face opposition from governmental authorities or third parties alleging that potential acquisition transactions are anti-competitive, and as a result, we may have to spend a significant amount of time and expense to respond to related inquiries, or governmental authorities may prohibit the transaction or impose terms or conditions that are unacceptable to us;

 

   

we may fail to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals or other approvals required in connection with any potential acquisition or we may fail to satisfy certain conditions required to complete a transaction in a timely manner;

 

   

we may be required to acquire a company and/or property through one or more of our taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS, entities, but no more than 20% of the value of our gross assets may consist of securities in TRSs, and as a result, compliance with these requirements could limit our ability to complete a transaction;

 

   

we may fail to discover design or construction defects of an acquired property following the completion of an acquisition that may require unforeseen capital expenditures, special report or maintenance expenses;

 

   

we may fail to obtain financing for an acquisition on favorable terms or at all;

 

   

we may be unable to make, or may spend more than budgeted amounts to make, necessary improvements or renovations to acquired properties;

 

   

we may spend more than budgeted amounts to meet customer specifications on a newly-acquired warehouse;

 

   

market conditions may result in higher than expected vacancy rates and lower than expected storage charges, rent or fees from our global warehousing business and lower utilization of and revenue from our integrated solutions business;

 

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engineering, seismic and other reports on which we rely as part of our pre-acquisition due diligence investigations of these properties may be inaccurate or deficient, at least in part because defects may be difficult or impossible to ascertain; or

 

   

we may, without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, acquire properties subject to liabilities, such as liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination, defects of design, construction, title or other problems, claims by employees, customers, vendors or other persons dealing with the former owners of the properties, liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the former owners of the properties.

If any of the foregoing risks were to materialize, they could materially and adversely affect us.

We may be unable to successfully expand our operations into new markets or new lines of business.

If the opportunity arises, we may acquire or develop properties in new markets. In addition to the risks described above relating to our acquisition, expansion and development activities, the acquisition, expansion or development of properties in new markets will subject us to the risks associated with a lack of understanding of the related economy and unfamiliarity with government and permitting procedures. We will also not possess the same level of familiarity with the dynamics and market conditions of any new market that we may enter, which could adversely affect our ability to successfully expand and operate in such market. We may be unable to build a significant market share or achieve a desired return on our investments in new markets. If we are unsuccessful in expanding and operating in new, high-growth markets, it could have a material adverse effect on us.

In addition, from time to time, we may develop, grow and/or acquire new lines of business or offer new services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets for these services are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new services, we may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new services may not be achieved, and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new service. Furthermore, the burden on management and our IT of introducing any new line of business and/or new service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or new services could have a material adverse effect on us.

We are dependent on Bay Grove to provide certain services to us pursuant to the transition services agreement, and it may be difficult to replace the services provided under such agreement.

Historically, we have relied on Bay Grove to provide certain operating, consulting, strategic development and financial services, including advice and assistance concerning operational aspects of Lineage Holdings and its subsidiaries, and we will continue to rely on Bay Grove for transition services supporting capital deployment and mergers and acquisitions activity for three years following the initial closing of this offering pursuant to the transition services agreement that we plan to enter into with Bay Grove in connection with this offering. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Transition Services Agreement.” In addition, it may be difficult for us to replace the services provided by Bay Grove under the transition services agreement, and the terms of any agreements to replace such services may be less favorable to us. Any failure by Bay Grove in the performance of such services, or any failure on our part to successfully transition these services away from Bay Grove by the expiration of the transition services agreement, could materially harm our business and financial performance.

We have no experience operating as a publicly traded REIT.

We have no experience operating as a publicly traded REIT. As a publicly traded REIT, we will be required to develop and implement substantial control systems, policies and procedures in order to maintain our REIT

 

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qualification and satisfy our periodic SEC reporting, SEC compliance and                      listing requirements. We cannot assure you that our management’s past experience will be sufficient to successfully develop and implement these systems, policies and procedures and to operate our company as a publicly traded REIT. Any difficulty we have in operating as a publicly traded REIT in compliance with these requirements could subject us to significant fines, sanctions and other liabilities and jeopardize our status as a REIT or as a public company listed on the                     , which could materially and adversely affect us. See also “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our REIT Status and Other Tax Risks—Failure to qualify as a REIT would cause us to be taxed as a regular C corporation, which would substantially reduce funds available for distributions to stockholders.”

Pandemics or disease outbreaks, and associated responses, may disrupt our business, including among other things, increasing our costs, impacting our supply chain, and impacting demand for cold storage, which could have a material adverse impact on our business.

We face various risks and uncertainties related to public health crises, including:

 

   

supply chain disruptions;

 

   

potential work stoppages, including stoppages due to spread of the disease among our team members or our customers’ work forces or due to shutdowns that may be requested or mandated by governmental authorities;

 

   

labor unrest, including unrest due to risks of disease from working with other team members and outside vendors;

 

   

economic impacts, including increased labor costs, from mitigation and other measures undertaken by us and/or third parties to support and protect our team members or the food supply;

 

   

completing developments on time or an inability of our contractors to perform as a result of spread of disease among team members of our contractors and other construction partners, travel restrictions or due to shutdowns that may be requested or mandated by governmental authorities;

 

   

limiting the ability of our customers to comply with the terms of their contracts with us, including making timely payments to us, due to, among other factors, labor shortages impacting our customers’ ability to manufacture and transport product;

 

   

limiting the ability of our suppliers and partners to comply with the terms of their contracts with us, including in making timely delivery of supplies to us necessary for the operation of our temperature-controlled warehouses;

 

   

long-term volatility in or reduced demand for temperature-controlled warehouse storage and related handling and other warehouse services;

 

   

adverse impact on the value of our real estate; and

 

   

reduced ability to execute our growth strategies, including identifying and completing acquisitions and expanding into new markets.

The extent to which a public health emergency impacts our operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with any degree of confidence, including the scope, severity, duration and geographies of the outbreak, the actions taken or not taken to contain the outbreak or mitigate its impact requested or mandated by governmental authorities or otherwise voluntarily taken or not taken by individuals or businesses, and the direct and indirect economic effects of the illness and containment measures, among others.

We may be vulnerable to security breaches or cyber-attacks which could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.

We rely extensively on information systems to process transactions, operate and manage our business. Our ability to efficiently manage our business depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these systems.

 

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The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber-attack or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. Our IT networks and related systems are essential to the operation of our business and our ability to perform day-to-day operations (including managing and operating our warehouses and our integrated solutions business), and, in some cases, may be critical to the operations of our customers. The failure of our IT systems to perform as anticipated, and the failure to integrate disparate systems effectively or to collect data accurately and consolidate it a useable manner efficiently could adversely affect our business through transaction errors, billing and invoicing errors, processing inefficiencies or errors and loss of sales, receivables, collections and customers, in each case, which could result in reputational damage and have an ongoing adverse effect on our business, results of operation and financial condition.

We recognize the increasing volume of cyber-attacks and employ commercially practical efforts to provide reasonable assurance such attacks are appropriately mitigated. We may be required to expend significant financial resources and management time to protect against or respond to such breaches. Techniques used to breach security change frequently and are generally not recognized until launched against a target, so we may not be able to promptly detect that a security breach or unauthorized access has occurred. We also may not be able to implement security measures in a timely manner or, if and when implemented, we may not be able to determine the extent to which these measures could be circumvented. If an actual or perceived security breach occurs, the market’s perception of our security measures could be harmed and we could lose current and potential tenants, and such a breach could be harmful to our brand and reputation. Any breaches that may occur could expose us to increased risk of lawsuits, material monetary damages, potential violations of applicable privacy and other laws, penalties and fines, harm to our reputation and increases in our security and insurance costs. In the event of a breach resulting in loss of data, such as personally identifiable information or other such data protected by data privacy or other laws, we may be liable for damages, fines and penalties for such losses under applicable regulatory frameworks despite not handling the data. We cannot guarantee that any backup systems, regular data backups, security protocols, network protection mechanisms and other procedures currently in place, or that may be in place in the future, will be adequate to prevent network and service interruption, system failure, damage to one or more of our systems or data loss in the event of a security breach or attack. In addition, our customers rely extensively on computer systems to process transactions and manage their businesses and thus their businesses are also at risk from, and may be impacted by, cybersecurity attacks. An interruption in the business operations of our customers or a deterioration in their reputation resulting from a cybersecurity attack could indirectly impact our business operations. We carry insurance, including cyber insurance, commensurate with the size and nature of our operations; however, there can be no assurance that such potential liability will not exceed the applicable coverage limits under our insurance policies.

However, there can be no assurance that our efforts to maintain the security and integrity of these types of IT networks and related systems will be effective or that attempted security breaches or disruptions would not be successful or damaging. Like other businesses, we have been and expect to continue to be subject to unauthorized access, mishandling or misuse, computer viruses or malware, cyber-attacks and other events of varying degrees. Historically, these events have not significantly affected our operations or business and were not individually or in the aggregate material. While these incidents did not have a material impact on us, there can be no assurance that future incidents will not have a material adverse effect on us.

We depend on IT systems to operate our business, and issues with maintaining, upgrading or implementing these systems, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We rely on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of IT systems to process, transmit and store electronic information in our day-to-day operations. All IT systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from a variety of sources. Our business has grown in size and complexity; this has placed, and will continue to place, significant demands on our IT systems. In connection with this growth, we rely on approximately 80 fully- and semi-automated facilities in a traditionally analog industry. To effectively manage this growth, our information

 

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systems and applications require an ongoing commitment of significant resources to maintain, protect, enhance and upgrade existing systems and develop and implement new systems to keep pace with changing technology and our business needs. Since the start of 2018, we have invested over $315 million into transformational technology initiatives, which include developing and deploying both proprietary operating systems and third-party platforms. This development entails certain risks, including difficulties with changes in business processes that could disrupt our operations, manage our supply chain and aggregate financial and operational data. We may continue to rely on legacy information systems, which may be costly or inefficient, while the implementation of new initiatives may not achieve the anticipated benefits and may divert management’s attention from other operational activities, negatively affect team member morale, or have other unintended consequences. Delays in integration or disruptions to our business from implementation of new or upgraded systems could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results. Additionally, if we are not able to accurately anticipate expenses and capitalized costs related to system upgrades and changes, this may have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.

If the information we rely upon to run our businesses were to be found to be inaccurate or unreliable, if we fail to maintain or protect our IT systems and data integrity effectively, if we fail to develop and implement new or upgraded systems to meet our business needs in a timely manner, or if we fail to anticipate, plan for or manage significant disruptions to these systems, our competitive position could be harmed, we could have operational disruptions, we could lose existing customers, have difficulty preventing, detecting, and controlling fraud, have disputes with customers, have regulatory sanctions or penalties imposed or other legal problems, incur increased operating and administrative expenses, lose revenues as a result of a data privacy breach or theft of intellectual property or suffer other adverse consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Privacy and data security concerns, and data collection and transfer restrictions and related regulations may adversely affect our business.

Many foreign countries and governmental bodies, including the European Union, where we conduct business, have laws and regulations concerning the collection and use of personal data obtained from their residents or by businesses operating within their jurisdiction. These laws and regulations often are more restrictive than those in the United States. Laws and regulations in these jurisdictions apply broadly to the collection, use, storage, disclosure and security of data that identifies or may be used to identify or locate an individual, such as names, email addresses and, in some jurisdictions, IP addresses.

Recently, there has been heightened interest and enforcement focus on data protection regulations and standards both in the United States and abroad. For example, in January 2023, amendments to California’s Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 went into effect, increasing data privacy requirements for our business. We expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws, regulations and industry standards concerning privacy, data protection and information security in the United States, the European Union, and other jurisdictions. In addition, the European Commission adopted a General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), that became fully effective on May 25, 2018, superseding prior European Union data protection legislation, imposing more stringent European Union data protection requirements, and providing for greater penalties for noncompliance. The United Kingdom enacted the Data Protection Act that substantially implements the GDPR. More generally, we cannot yet fully determine the impact these or future laws, regulations and standards may have on our business. Privacy, data protection and information security laws and regulations are often subject to differing interpretations, may be inconsistent among jurisdictions, and may be alleged to be inconsistent with our current or future practices. Additionally, we may be bound by contractual requirements applicable to our collection, use, processing, and disclosure of various types of data, including personal data, and may be bound by, or voluntarily comply with, self-regulatory or other industry standards relating to these matters. These and other requirements could increase our costs, impair our ability to grow our business, or restrict our ability to store and process data or, in some cases, impact our ability to operate our business in some locations and may subject us to liability. Any failure or perceived failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards, and contractual obligations may adversely affect our business.

 

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Further, in view of new or modified foreign laws and regulations, industry standards, contractual obligations and other legal obligations, or any changes in their interpretation, we may find it necessary or desirable to fundamentally change our business activities and practices or to expend significant resources to adapt to these changes. We may be unable to make such changes and modifications in a commercially reasonable manner or at all.

The costs of compliance with and other burdens imposed by laws, regulations and standards may limit the use and adoption of our service and reduce overall demand for it. Failure to comply with applicable data protection regulations or standards may expose us to litigation, fines, sanctions or other penalties, which could damage our reputation and adversely impact our business, results of operation and financial condition. Privacy, information security, and data protection concerns may inhibit market adoption of our business, particularly in certain industries and foreign countries.

If any of the foregoing risks were to materialize, they could materially and adversely affect us.

We are subject to additional risks with respect to our current and potential international operations and properties.

As of December 31, 2023, we owned or had a leasehold interest in                    temperature-controlled warehouses outside the United States. We also intend to strategically grow our portfolio globally through acquisitions of temperature-controlled warehouses in attractive international markets to service demonstrable customer demand where we believe the anticipated risk-adjusted returns are consistent with our investment objectives. However, there can be no assurance that our existing customer relationships will support our international operations in any meaningful way or at all. Our international operations and properties could be affected by factors specific to the laws, regulations and business practices of the jurisdictions in which our warehouses are located. These laws, regulations and business practices expose us to risks that are different than or in addition to those commonly found in the United States. Risks relating to our international operations and properties include:

 

   

changing governmental rules and policies, including changes in land use and zoning laws;

 

   

enactment of laws relating to the international ownership and leasing of real property or mortgages and laws restricting the ability to remove profits earned from activities within a particular country to a person’s or company’s country of origin;

 

   

changes in laws or policies governing foreign trade or investment and use of foreign operations or workers, and any negative sentiments towards multinational companies as a result of any such changes to laws, regulations or policies or due to trends such as political populism and economic nationalism;

 

   

variations in currency exchange rates and the imposition of currency controls;

 

   

adverse market conditions caused by terrorism, civil unrest, natural disasters, infectious disease and changes in international, national or local governmental or economic conditions;

 

   

the willingness of U.S. or international lenders to make mortgage loans in certain countries and changes in the availability, cost and terms of secured and unsecured debt resulting from varying governmental policies, economic conditions or otherwise;

 

   

business disruptions arising from public health crises and outbreaks of communicable diseases;

 

   

the imposition of non-U.S. income and withholding taxes, value added taxes, and other taxes on dividends, interest, capital gains, income, gains, gross sales or other disposition proceeds and changes in real estate and other tax rates and other operating expenses in particular countries, including the potential imposition of adverse or confiscatory taxes;

 

   

general political and economic instability;

 

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geopolitical risks, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine;

 

   

potential liability under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, anticorruption regulations with broad jurisdictional authority;

 

   

our limited experience and expertise in foreign countries relative to our experience and expertise in the United States;

 

   

restrictions on our ability to repatriate earnings generated from our international operations and adverse tax consequences in the applicable jurisdictions, such as double taxation;

 

   

potential liability under, and costs of complying with, more stringent environmental laws or changes in the requirements or interpretation of existing laws, or environmental consequences of less stringent environmental management practices in foreign countries relative to the United States; and

 

   

disruptions to our business or that of our customers and/or our suppliers resulting from trade tensions, tariffs imposed by the U.S. and other governments, actual or threatened modifications to or withdrawals from international trade agreements, treaties, policies, tariffs, quotas or any other trade rules or restrictions.

If any of the foregoing risks were to materialize, they could materially and adversely affect us.

Competition in our markets may increase over time if our competitors open new warehouses or expand their logistics or integrated service offerings that compete with our offerings.

We compete with other owners and operators of temperature-controlled warehouses (including our customers or potential customers who may choose to provide temperature-controlled warehousing in-house), some of which own properties similar to ours in similar geographic locations, as well with as various logistics companies. In recent years, certain of our competitors, including Americold, United States Cold Storage, NewCold, and FreezPak Logistics, have added, through construction, development and acquisition, temperature-controlled warehouses in certain of our markets. In addition, our customers or potential customers may choose to develop new temperature-controlled warehouses, expand their existing temperature-controlled warehouses or upgrade their equipment. As newer warehouses and equipment come onto the market, we may lose existing or potential customers, and we may be pressured to reduce our rent and storage and other fees below those we currently charge in order to retain customers. If we lose one or more customers, we cannot assure you that we would be able to replace those customers on attractive terms or at all. We also may be forced to invest in new construction or reposition existing warehouses at significant costs in order to remain competitive. Increased capital expenditures or the loss of global warehousing segment revenues resulting from lower occupancy or storage rates could have a material adverse effect on us. We may also compete with other logistics providers that are able to offer more attractive services or rates. Such competition may affect our profitability in respect of our integrated solutions services and our intended expansion of such services.

Power costs may increase or be subject to volatility, which could result in increased costs that we may be unable to recover.

Power is a major operating cost for temperature-controlled warehouses, and the price of power varies substantially between the markets in which we operate, depending on the power source and supply and demand factors. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, power costs in our global warehousing segment accounted for    %, 6.4% and 5.9% of the segment’s revenues, respectively.

We have implemented programs across several of our warehouses to reduce overall consumption and to reduce consumption at peak demand periods, when power prices are typically highest. Additionally, we have introduced alternative sources of energy at several of our warehouses through on-site solar and battery capacity and linear generators. However, there can be no assurance that these programs will be effective in reducing our power consumption or cost of power.

 

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We have entered into, or may in the future enter into, fixed price power purchase agreements in certain deregulated markets whereby we contract for the right to purchase an amount of electric capacity at a fixed rate per kilowatt. Typically, these contracts do not obligate us to purchase any minimum amounts but would require negotiation if our capacity requirements were to materially differ from historical usage or exceed the thresholds agreed upon. For example, exceeding these thresholds could have an adverse impact on our incremental power purchase costs if we were to be unable to obtain favorable rates on the incremental purchases.

If the cost of electric power to operate our warehouses increases dramatically or fluctuates widely and we are unable to pass such costs through to customers, we could be materially and adversely affected.

We depend on certain customers for a substantial amount of our global warehousing segment revenues.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, our 25 largest customers in our global warehousing segment contributed approximately    % of our global warehousing segment revenues. As of December 31, 2023, we had                    customers that each accounted for at least 2% of our global warehousing segment revenues. In addition, as of December 31, 2023,                    of our warehouses were predominantly single-customer warehouses. If any of our most significant customers were to discontinue or otherwise reduce their use of our warehouses or other services, which they are generally free to do at any time unless they are party to a contract that includes a minimum storage commitment, we would be materially and adversely affected. While we have contracts with stated terms with certain of our customers, many of our contracts do not obligate our customers to use our warehouses or provide for minimum storage commitments. Moreover, a decrease in demand for certain commodities or products produced by our significant customers and stored in our temperature-controlled warehouses would lower our physical occupancy rates and use of our services, without lowering our fixed costs, which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, any of our significant customers could experience a downturn in their businesses which may weaken their financial condition and liquidity and result in their failure to make timely payments to us or otherwise default under their contracts. Cancellation of, or failure of a significant customer to perform under, a contract could require us to seek replacement customers. However, there can be no assurance that we would be able to find suitable replacements on favorable terms in a timely manner or at all or reposition the warehouses without incurring significant costs. Moreover, a bankruptcy filing by or relating to any of our significant customers could prevent or delay us from collecting pre-bankruptcy obligations. The bankruptcy, insolvency or financial deterioration of our significant customers, could materially and adversely affect us. In addition, some of our significant customers also utilize our integrated solutions, and a loss of such customer as a warehouse customer would also impact our integrated solutions segment, thereby exacerbating the risks described above.

In addition, while some of our warehouses are located in primary markets, others are located in secondary and tertiary markets that are specifically suited to the particular needs of the customer utilizing these warehouses. For example, our production advantaged warehouses typically serve one or a small number of customers. These warehouses are also generally located adjacent to or otherwise in close proximity to customer processing or production facilities and were often build-to-suit at the time of their construction. If customers who utilize this type of warehouse, which may be located in remote areas, relocate their processing or production plants, default or otherwise cease to use our warehouses, then we may be unable to find replacement customers for these warehouses on favorable terms or at all or, if we find replacement customers, we may have to incur significant costs to reposition these warehouses for the replacement customers’ needs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us.

Interest rate and hedging activity exposes us to risks, including the risks that a counterparty will not perform and that the hedge will not yield the economic benefits we anticipate.

As of December 31, 2023, we were a party to                    interest rate hedges, which effectively convert $         million of our variable-rate indebtedness to fixed-rate. In addition, we have entered into certain forward contracts and other hedging arrangements in order to fix power costs for anticipated electricity requirements.

 

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These hedging transactions expose us to certain risks, such as the risk that counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements, and that these arrangements may not be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate and power cost changes. Moreover, there can be no assurance that our hedging arrangements will qualify for hedge accounting or that our hedging activities will have the desired beneficial impact on our results of operations or cash flows. Should we desire to terminate a hedging agreement, there could be significant costs and cash requirements involved to fulfill our obligation under the hedging agreement. Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate and power cost changes could have a material adverse effect on us. When a hedging agreement is required under the terms of a mortgage loan, it is often a condition that the hedge counterparty maintains a specified credit rating. With the current volatility in the financial markets, there is an increased risk that hedge counterparties could have their credit ratings downgraded to a level that would not be acceptable under the loan provisions. If we were unable to renegotiate the credit rating condition with the lender or find an alternative counterparty with an acceptable credit rating, we could be in default under the loan and the lender could seize that property through foreclosure, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

Our business operations outside the United States expose us to losses resulting from currency fluctuations, as the revenues associated with our international operations and properties are typically generated in the local currency of each of the countries in which the properties are located. Fluctuations in exchange rates between these currencies and the U.S. dollar will therefore give rise to non-U.S. currency exposure, which could materially and adversely affect us. We hedge this exposure by incurring operating costs in the same currency as the revenue generated by the related property. We also attempt to mitigate any such effects by entering into currency exchange rate hedging arrangements where it is practical to do so and where such hedging arrangements are available and by structuring debt in local currency. As of December 31, 2023, we were a party to cross currency swaps on certain of our loans, and to interest rate swaps on our variable rate indebtedness. Periodically we enter into foreign currency forward contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates. In addition, we have entered into certain forward contracts and other hedging arrangements in order to fix power costs for anticipated electricity requirements.

These hedging arrangements may bear substantial costs, however, and may not eliminate all related risks. These hedging transactions also expose us to certain risks, such as the risk that counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements, and that these arrangements may not be effective in reducing our exposure to foreign exchange rate, interest rate, and power cost changes. We cannot assure you that our efforts will successfully mitigate our currency risks. Moreover, if we do engage in currency exchange rate hedging activities, any income recognized with respect to these hedges (as well as any foreign currency gain recognized with respect to changes in exchange rates) may not qualify under the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test that we must satisfy annually in order to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. Accordingly, our ability to enter into hedging activities may be limited. In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates used to value a REIT’s foreign assets may be considered changes in the value of the REIT’s assets. These changes may adversely affect our status as a REIT. Further, bank accounts in a foreign currency which are not considered cash or cash equivalents may adversely affect our status as a REIT. See “Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of Our Company.” For more information regarding our currency exposure, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks—Foreign Currency Risk.” Moreover, there can be no assurance that our hedging arrangements will qualify for hedge accounting or that our hedging activities will have the desired beneficial impact on our results of operations or cash flows. Should we desire to terminate a hedging agreement, there could be significant costs and cash requirements involved to fulfill our obligation under the hedging agreement. Failure to hedge effectively against foreign exchange rates, interest rates and power cost changes could have a material adverse effect on us.

We may incur liabilities or harm our reputation as a result of quality-control issues associated with our global warehouse storage business and other services provided by our integrated solutions business.

We store frozen and perishable food and other products and provide food processing, repackaging and other services. Product contamination, spoilage, other adulteration, product tampering or other quality control issues

 

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could occur at any of our facilities or during the transportation of these products, which could cause our customers to lose all or a portion of their inventory. We could be liable for the costs incurred by our customers as a result of the lost inventory, and we also may be subject to liability, which could be material, if any of the frozen and perishable food products we stored, processed, repackaged or transported caused injury, illness or death. The occurrence of any of the foregoing may negatively impact our brand and reputation and otherwise have a material adverse effect on us.

We are subject to risks related to corporate social and environmental responsibility and reputation.

A number of factors influence our reputation and brand value, including how we are perceived by our customers, business partners, investors, team members, other stakeholders and the communities in which we do business. We face increasing scrutiny related to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) activities and disclosures and risk damage to our reputation if we fail to act appropriately and responsibly in ESG matters, including, among others, environmental stewardship, supply chain management, climate change, human rights, diversity, equity and inclusion, workplace ethics and conduct, philanthropic activity and support for the communities we serve and in which we operate. Any damage to our reputation could impact the willingness of our business partners and customers to do business with us, or could negatively impact our team member hiring, engagement and retention, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flows. We could also incur additional costs and devote additional resources to monitoring, reporting, and implementing various ESG practices.

We may be unable to achieve or demonstrate progress on our goal of carbon neutrality for our global operations by calendar 2040.

In 2021, we announced we had signed onto The Climate Pledge and committed to a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by calendar 2040. Achievement of this goal depends on our execution of operational strategies relating to energy efficiency measures, onsite energy generation and storage, and network-wide standards to minimize and eliminate carbon emissions associated with daily operations.

Execution of these strategies, as well as demonstrable progress on and achievement of our calendar 2040 goal, is subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

 

   

our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and achieve the anticipated benefits and associated cost savings of such strategies and actions;

 

   

the availability and cost of, and our ability to acquire, solar-panels, alternative fuel vehicles, alternative fuels, global electrical charging infrastructure and other materials and components, which may not be available at scale;

 

   

unforeseen production, design, operational and technological difficulties;

 

   

the outcome of research efforts and future technology developments, including the ability to scale projects and technologies on a commercially competitive basis such as carbon sequestration and/or other related processes;

 

   

compliance with, and changes or additions to, global and regional regulations, taxes, charges, mandates or requirements relating to greenhouse gas emissions, carbon costs or climate-related goals;

 

   

labor-related regulations and requirements that restrict or prohibit our ability to impose requirements on third parties who provide contracted transportation for our transportation networks;

 

   

adapting products to customer preferences and customer acceptance of sustainable supply chain solutions and potentially increased prices for our services; and the actions of competitors and competitive pressures.

 

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There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully execute our strategies and achieve or demonstrate progress on our calendar 2040 goal of carbon neutrality. Additionally, we may determine that it is in our best interests to prioritize other business, social, governance or sustainable investments and/or initiatives over the achievement of our calendar 2040 goal based on economic, regulatory or social factors, business strategy or other reasons. Failure to achieve or demonstrate progress on our calendar 2040 goal could damage our reputation and customer and other stakeholder relationships. Further, given investors’ and banks’ increased focus related to ESG matters, such a failure could cause large stockholders to reduce their ownership of our common stock and limit our access to financing. Such conditions could materially and adversely affect us, as well as on the market price of our common stock.

Our temperature-controlled warehouse infrastructure and systems may become obsolete or unmarketable and we may not be able to upgrade our equipment cost-effectively or at all.

The infrastructure at our temperature-controlled warehouses and systems may become obsolete or unmarketable due to the development of, or demand for, more advanced equipment or enhanced technologies, including increased automation of our warehouses. Increased automation may entail significant time and start-up costs and lost revenue opportunity, and may not perform as expected. In addition, our IT platform pursuant to which we provide inventory management and other services to our customers may become outdated. When customers demand new equipment or technologies, the cost could be significant and we may not be able to upgrade our warehouses on a cost-effective basis in a timely manner, or at all, due to, among other things, increased expenses to us that cannot be passed on to customers or insufficient resources to fund the necessary capital expenditures. The obsolescence of our infrastructure or our inability to upgrade our warehouses would likely reduce global warehousing segment revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

The transportation services provided by our integrated solutions business are dependent in part on in-house trucking services and in part on third-party truckload carrier and rail services, each of which subjects us to risks.

We use in-house trucking services to provide transportation services to our customers, and any increased severity or frequency of accidents or other claims, delays or disruptions in services or changes in regulations could have a material adverse effect on us.

We use in-house trucking transportation services to provide refrigerated transportation services to certain customers. The potential liability associated with accidents in the trucking industry is severe and occurrences are unpredictable. A material increase in the frequency or severity of accidents or workers’ compensation claims or the unfavorable development of existing claims could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. In the event that accidents occur, we may be unable to obtain desired contractual indemnities, and, although we believe our aggregate insurance limits should be sufficient to cover our historic claims amounts, the commercial trucking industry has experienced a wave of blockbuster or so-called “nuclear” verdicts, including some instances in which juries have awarded hundreds of millions of dollars to those injured in accidents and their families. As a result, our insurance may prove inadequate in certain cases. The occurrence of an event not fully insured or indemnified against or the failure or inability of a customer or insurer to meet its indemnification or insurance obligations could result in substantial losses. Moreover, in connection with any such delays or disruptions, or if customers’ products are damaged or destroyed during transport, we may incur financial obligations or be subject to lawsuits by our customers. Any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, our trucking services are subject to regulation as a motor carrier by the U.S. Department of Transportation, by various state agencies and by similar authorities in our international operations, whose regulations include certain permit requirements of state highway and safety authorities. These regulatory authorities exercise broad powers over our trucking operations. The trucking industry is subject to possible regulatory and legislative changes that may impact our operations and affect the economics of the industry by requiring changes in operating practices or by changing the demand for or the costs of providing trucking services. Some of these possible changes include increasingly stringent fuel emission limits, including potential

 

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limits on carbon emissions, changes in the regulations that govern the amount of time a driver may drive or work in any specific period, classification of independent drivers, “restart” rules, limits on vehicle weight and size and other matters including safety requirements.

We also rely on third-party truckload carriers and rail services to transport customer inventory.

We also act as a transportation broker and depend on third-party truckload carriers and rail services to transport customer inventory. We do not have an exclusive or long-term contractual relationship with third-party trucking or rail service providers, and there can be no assurance that our customers will have uninterrupted or unlimited access to their transportation assets or services. Additionally, we may not be able to renegotiate additional transportation contracts to expand capacity, add additional routes, obtain multiple providers, or obtain services at current cost levels, any of which may limit the availability of services to our customers. Our ability to secure the services of these third parties, or increases in the prices we or our customers must pay to secure such services, is affected by many factors outside our control and failure to secure transportation services, or to obtain such services on desirable terms, may adversely affect us.

Factors outside our control could adversely affect our ability to offer transportation services, which could reduce the confidence our customers have in our ability to provide transportation services and could impair our ability to retain existing customers and/or attract new customers and could otherwise increase operating costs, reduce profits and affect our relationships with our customers. Such factors include increases in the cost of transportation services, including in relation to any increase in fuel costs, the overall attractiveness of transportation service options, changes in the reliability of available transportation options, transportation delays or disruptions, including those caused by weather-related events, labor shortages, supply-chain issues and delays relating to manufacture and delivery of new equipment, equipment failures and national security or other incidents that affect transportation routes or rail lines.

We may be unable to maintain railcar assets on lease at satisfactory lease rates.

The profitability of our railcar leasing business depends on our ability to lease railcars to customers at satisfactory lease rates, to re-lease railcars at satisfactory lease rates upon the expiration and non-renewal of existing leases, and to sell railcars in the secondary market as part of our ordinary course of business. Our ability to accomplish these objectives is dependent upon several factors, including, among others:

 

   

the cost of and demand for leases or ownership of newer or specific-use railcar types;

 

   

the general availability in the market of competing used or new railcars;

 

   

the degree of obsolescence of leased or unleased railcars, including railcars subject to regulatory obsolescence;

 

   

the prevailing market and economic conditions, including the availability of credit, interest rates, and inflation rates;

 

   

the market demand or governmental mandate for refurbishment; and

 

   

the volume and nature of railcar traffic and loadings.

A downturn in the industries in which our lessees operate and decreased demand for railcars could also increase our exposure to re-marketing risk because lessees may demand shorter lease terms or newer railcars, requiring us to re-market leased railcars more frequently. Furthermore, the resale market for previously leased railcars has a limited number of potential buyers. Our inability to re-lease or sell leased or unleased railcars in a timely manner on favorable terms could result in lower lease rates, lower lease utilization percentages, and reduced revenues and operating profit.

Our railcar leasing business is regulated by multiple governmental regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Transportation and the administrative agencies it oversees and industry authorities such as the

 

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Association of American Railroads. All such agencies and authorities promulgate rules, regulations, specifications, or operating standards affecting railcar design, configuration, and mechanics; maintenance; and rail-related safety standards for railroad equipment. Future regulatory changes or the determination that our railcars are not in compliance with applicable requirements, rules, regulations, specifications or standards could result in additional operating expenses, administrative fines or penalties or loss of business that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operations.

In addition, we are exposed to asset risk resulting from ownership of the railcars we lease to customers. Asset risk arises from fluctuations in supply and demand for the leased railcar. We are exposed to the risk that, at the end of the lease term or in the event of early termination, the value of the railcar will be lower than expected, resulting in reduced future lease income over the remaining life of the rail car or a lower sale value. Demand for and the valuation of the rail car is sensitive to shifts in economic and market trends and governmental regulations. Although we regularly monitor the value of the rail cars we own, there is no assurance that the value of these assets will not be adversely impacted by factors outside of our control.

We depend on key personnel and specialty personnel, and a deterioration of employee relations could harm our business and operating and financial results.

Our success following this offering depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of certain key personnel, including our Co-Founders and Co-Executive Chairmen, Adam Forste and Kevin Marchetti, as well as our President and Chief Executive Officer, Greg Lehmkuhl, each of whom would be difficult to replace. If any of our key personnel were to cease employment with us, our operating and financial results could suffer. Further, such a loss could be negatively perceived in the capital markets. We have not obtained and do not expect to obtain key man life insurance on any of our key personnel. Our ability to retain our management group or to attract suitable replacements should any members of our management team leave is dependent on the competitive nature of the employment market. The loss of services from key members of our management team or a limitation of their availability could materially and adversely affect us.

We also believe that our future success, particularly in international markets, will depend in large part upon our ability to hire and retain highly skilled managerial, investment, financing, operational and marketing personnel. The customer service, marketing skills and knowledge of local market demand and competitive dynamics of our employees are contributing factors to our ability to maximize our income and to achieve the highest sustainable storage levels at each of our warehouses. We may be unsuccessful in attracting and retaining such skilled personnel. In addition, our temperature-controlled warehouse business depends on the continued availability of skilled personnel with engineering expertise and experience. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we may be unable to hire and retain such personnel.

We could experience power outages, disruptions in the supply of utilities, outbreak of fire or other calamity or breakdowns of our refrigeration equipment.

Our warehouses are subject to electrical power outages, disruptions in the supply of utilities such as water, outbreak of fire or other calamity and breakdowns of our refrigeration equipment. We attempt to limit exposure to such occasions by conducting regular maintenance and upgrades to our refrigeration equipment, and, in several locations, using backup generators and power supplies, generally at a significantly higher operating cost than we would pay for an equivalent amount of power from a local utility. However, we may not be able to limit our exposure entirely even with these protections in place. Power outages that last beyond our backup and alternative power arrangements and refrigeration equipment breakdowns would harm our customers and our business. During prolonged power outages and refrigeration equipment breakdowns, changes in humidity and temperature could spoil or otherwise contaminate the frozen and perishable food and other products stored by our customers. We could incur financial obligations to, or be subject to lawsuits by, our customers in connection with these occurrences, which may not be covered by insurance. Any loss of services or product damage could reduce the confidence of our customers in our services and could consequently impair our ability to attract and retain

 

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customers. Additionally, in the event of the complete failure of our refrigeration equipment, we would incur significant costs in repairing or replacing our refrigeration equipment, which may not be covered by insurance. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on us.

We hold leasehold interests in                    of our warehouses, and we may be forced to vacate our warehouses if we default on our obligations thereunder and we will be forced to vacate our warehouses if we are unable to renew such leases upon their expiration.

As of December 31, 2023, we held leasehold interests in                    of our warehouses, out of a total of                     of our warehouses. These leases expire (taking into account our extension options) from                 to                    , and have a weighted-average remaining term of                    years. If we default on any of these leases, we may be liable for damages and could lose our leasehold interest in the applicable property, including all improvements. We would incur significant costs if we were forced to vacate any of these leased warehouses due to, among other matters, the high costs of relocating the equipment in our warehouses. If we were forced to vacate any of these leased warehouses, we could lose customers that chose our storage or other services based on our location, which could have a material adverse effect on us. Our landlords could attempt to evict us for reasons beyond our control. Further, we may be unable to maintain good working relationships with our landlords, which could adversely affect our relationship with our customers and could result in the loss of customers. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to renew these leases prior to their expiration dates on favorable terms or at all. If we are unable to renew our lease agreements, we will lose our right to operate these warehouses and be unable to derive revenues from these warehouses and, in the case of ground leases, we forfeit all improvements on the land. We could also lose the customers using these warehouses who are unwilling to relocate to another one of our warehouses, which could have a material adverse effect on us. Furthermore, unless we purchase the underlying fee interests in these properties, as to which no assurance can be given, we will not share in any increase in value of the land or improvements beyond the term of such lease, notwithstanding any capital we have invested in the applicable warehouse, especially warehouses subject to ground leases. Even if we are able to renew these leases, the terms and other costs of renewal may be less favorable than our existing lease arrangements. Failure to sufficiently increase revenues from customers at these warehouses to offset these projected higher costs could have a material adverse effect on us.

We are subject to risks relating to the manufacture and sale of food products for human consumption.

Certain services within our integrated solutions segment constitute the manufacture and sale of food products for human consumption. The manufacture and sale of food products for human consumption involves the risk of injury, illness or death to consumers and we and/or our customers may be subject to product recalls, claims or lawsuits should the consumption of any food products manufactured by us and/or our customers cause injury, illness or death. Injuries may result from product tampering by third parties, product contamination or spoilage, or the presence of foreign objects, chemicals, or other agents in the product. Even if a product liability claim is invalid, unsuccessful or not fully pursued, the claims may be expensive to defend and may generate negative publicity that adversely affects our reputation, operations and overall profitability, or that of its customers. Any insurance coverage maintained by us may be unavailable or insufficient to cover a judgment against us in regard to any of these matters. A judgment awarded in excess of our insurance liability may adversely affect our financial condition and operations. Additionally, a judgment may affect our ability to maintain existing insurance coverage or find replacement coverage, if at all, at a reasonable cost or on acceptable terms; and a judgment may adversely affect our ability to retain or attract our customers.

Our results of operations are affected by certain commodity markets.

Our results of operations are affected by certain commodity markets. Changes in the overall environment affecting any specific commodity can have a significant and potentially negative impact on our results of operation. The commodity markets may be affected by factors such as weather patterns, fluctuations in input prices, trade barriers, international political conflicts, change in consumer preference, disease outbreaks, seasonal

 

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availability, or overall economic conditions. Our concentration of customers in commodity businesses ties our performance to the health of the commodity markets. Any adverse change in the commodity markets may have negative derivative impact on our financial performance.

We face ongoing litigation risks which could result in material liabilities and harm to our business regardless of whether we prevail in any particular matter.

We operate in multiple U.S. and international jurisdictions, with thousands of team members and business counterparts. As such, there is an ongoing risk that we may become involved in legal disputes or litigation with these parties or others. The costs and liabilities with respect to such legal disputes may be material and may exceed our amounts accrued, if any, for such liabilities and costs. In addition, our defense of legal disputes or resulting litigation could result in the diversion of our management’s time and attention from the operation of our business, each of which could impede our ability to achieve our business objectives. Some or all of the amounts we may be required to pay to defend or to satisfy a judgment or settlement of any or all of our disputes and litigation may not be covered by insurance.

Upon the listing of our shares on the             , we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of              rules and, as a result, will qualify for, and may rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.

After completion of this offering, affiliates of Bay Grove will continue to control a majority of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. As a result, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the              corporate governance standards. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power in the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that, within one year of the date of the listing of our common stock:

 

   

a majority of our board of directors consist of independent directors;

 

   

our board of directors have a compensation committee that is comprised entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and

 

   

our board of directors have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is comprised entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities.

Although upon completion of this offering, a majority of our board of directors will consist of independent directors, we may utilize this and other exemptions prior to the time we cease to be a “controlled company.” Accordingly, to the extent and for so long as we utilize these exemptions, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of these corporate governance requirements. Accordingly, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the              corporate governance requirements.

We will incur significantly increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management will be required to devote substantial time and attention to compliance efforts.

We will incur significant legal, accounting, insurance and other expenses as a result of becoming a public company upon the completion of this offering. As a public company with listed equity securities, we will need to comply with new laws, regulations and requirements, including the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, certain corporate governance provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, related regulations of the SEC and requirements of the             , with which we

 

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were not required to comply as a private company. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business, operations and financial statements. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will require our management and independent registered public accounting firm to report annually on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Substantial work on our part will be required to implement appropriate processes, document the system of internal control over key processes, assess their design, remediate any deficiencies identified and test their operation. This process is expected to be both costly and challenging.

These reporting and other obligations will place significant demands on our management and our administrative, operational and accounting resources and will cause us to incur significant expenses. We may need to upgrade our systems or create new systems, implement additional financial and other controls, reporting systems and procedures. If we are unable to accomplish these objectives in a timely and effective fashion, our ability to comply with the financial reporting requirements and other rules that apply to public companies could be impaired.

If we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately determine or disclose our financial results. As a result, our stockholders could lose confidence in our financial results.

Upon completion of this offering, we will become subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and will be required to file reports and other information with the SEC. As a publicly-traded company, we will be required to maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file with, or submit to, the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. They include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed with, or submitted to, the SEC is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Effective disclosure controls and procedures are necessary for us to provide reliable reports, effectively prevent and detect fraud, and to operate successfully as a public company. Designing and implementing effective disclosure controls and procedures is a continuous effort that requires significant resources and devotion of time. We may discover deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures that may be difficult or time consuming to remediate in a timely manner. Any failure to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures or to timely effect any necessary improvements thereto could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations (which could affect the listing of our common stock on the             ). Additionally, ineffective disclosure controls and procedures could also adversely affect our ability to prevent or detect fraud, harm our reputation and cause investors to lose confidence in our reports filed with, or submitted to, the SEC, which would likely have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock.

Our business could be adversely impacted if we have deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting, including as a result of the material weakness identified by management and discussed above.

The design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, including new and revised financial and IT-related controls that we have been designing, implementing and operating, may not prevent all errors, misstatements or misrepresentations. While management will continue to review the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, there can be no guarantee that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in accomplishing all control objectives all of the time. Deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting, including any material weakness which may occur in the future, could result in misstatements of our results of operations, restatements of our financial statements, a decline in our stock price, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

 

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We participate in multiemployer pension plans administered by labor unions. To the extent we withdraw from participation in any of these plans, we could face withdrawal liability from our participation therein.

As of December 31, 2023, we participated in a number of multiemployer pension plans under the terms of collective bargaining agreements with labor unions representing our team members. We contribute to multi-employer plans that cover approximately    % of union team members as of December 31, 2023. We make periodic contributions to these plans pursuant to the terms of our collective bargaining agreements to allow the plans to meet their pension benefit obligations. We have also participated in additional multiemployer pension plans in the past.

In the event that a withdrawal from any of the multiemployer pension plans in which we participate or have participated occurs or should any of the pension plans in which we participate or have participated fail, the documents governing the applicable plan and applicable law could require us to make an additional contribution to the applicable plan in the amount of the unfunded vested benefits allocable to our participation in the plan, and we would have to reflect that as an expense on our Consolidated Statement of Operations and as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our liability for any multiemployer pension plan would depend on the extent of the plan’s funding of vested benefits as of the year in which the withdrawal or failure occurs, and may vary depending on the funded status of the applicable multiemployer pension plan, whether there is a mass withdrawal of all participating employers and whether any other participating employer in the applicable plan withdraws from the plan and is not able to contribute an amount sufficient to fund the unfunded liabilities associated with its participants in the plan. Based on the latest information available from plan administrators, we estimate our share of the aggregate withdrawal liability for such pension plans could have been as much as $        million as of December 31, 2023, of which we estimate that certain of our customers are contractually obligated to make indemnification payments to us for approximately $        million. Multiemployer pension plans that we have previously participated in are also covered by indemnification provisions in our favor. However, there is no guarantee that, to the extent we incurred any such withdrawal liability, we would be successful in obtaining all or any of the indemnification payments therefor.

In the ordinary course of our renegotiation of collective bargaining agreements with labor unions that maintain these plans, we could agree to discontinue participation in one or more plans, and in that event we could face a withdrawal liability. Additionally, we could be treated as withdrawing from a plan if the number of our team members participating in the plan is reduced to a certain degree over certain periods of time.

Some multiemployer pension plans, including ones in which we participate, are reported to have significant underfunded liabilities. Such underfunding could increase the size of our potential withdrawal liability. Additionally, changes to multiemployer pension plan laws and regulations could increase our potential cost of withdrawing from one or more multiemployer pension plans.

Charges for impairment of goodwill or other long-lived assets and declines in real estate valuations could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We regularly monitor the recoverability of our long-lived assets, such as buildings and improvements and machinery and equipment, and evaluate their carrying value for potential impairment, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. We review goodwill on an annual basis to determine if impairment has occurred and review the recoverability of fixed assets and intangible assets, generally on a quarterly basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred or the value of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Examples of indicators of potential impairment of our long-lived assets may include a significant decrease in the market price, an adverse change in how a property is being used, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development, a change in our intended holding period due to our intention to sell an asset, a history of operating losses or a material decline in profitability (of a property or a reporting unit). If such reviews indicate that impairment has occurred, we are

 

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required to record a non-cash impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the long-lived assets in the period the determination is made. The testing of long-lived assets and goodwill for impairment requires the use of estimates based on significant assumptions about our future revenue, profitability, cash flows, fair value of assets and liabilities, weighted average cost of capital, as well as other assumptions. Changes in these estimates, or changes in actual performance compared with these estimates, may affect the fair value of long-lived assets, which could result in an impairment charge.

Geopolitical conflicts, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We have operations or activities in numerous countries and regions outside the United States, including throughout Europe and Asia-Pacific. As a result, our global operations are affected by economic, political and other conditions in the foreign countries in which we do business as well as U.S. laws regulating international trade. Specifically, although we neither have warehouses nor conduct business in Russia or Ukraine, the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine is creating substantial uncertainty about the future impact on the global economy. Countries across the globe are instituting sanctions and other penalties against Russia. The retaliatory measures that have been taken, and could be taken in the future, by the U.S., NATO, and other countries have created global security concerns that could result in broader European military and political conflicts and otherwise have a substantial impact on regional and global economies, any or all of which could adversely affect our business, particularly our European operations.

While the broader consequences are uncertain at this time, the continuation and/or escalation of the Russian and Ukraine conflict, along with any expansion of the conflict to surrounding areas, create a number of risks that could adversely impact our business and results of operations, including:

 

   

increased inflation and significant volatility in commodity prices;

 

   

disruptions to our global technology infrastructure, including through cyberattacks, ransom attacks or cyber-intrusion;

 

   

adverse changes in international trade policies and relations;

 

   

our ability to maintain or increase our prices, including freight in response to rising fuel costs;

 

   

disruptions in global supply chains, specifically within the food supply chain and construction materials;

 

   

increased exposure to foreign currency fluctuations; and

 

   

constraints, volatility or disruption in the credit and capital markets.

To the extent the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine adversely affects our business, it may also have the effect of heightening many other risks disclosed in this prospectus, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. We are continuing to monitor the situation in the Ukraine and globally and assess its potential impact on our business.

General Risks Related to the Real Estate Industry

Our performance and value are subject to economic conditions affecting the real estate market generally, and temperature-controlled warehouses in particular, as well as the broader economy.

Our performance and value depend on the amount of revenues earned, as well as the expenses incurred, in connection with operating our warehouses. If our temperature-controlled warehouses do not generate revenues and operating cash flows sufficient to meet our operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, we could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, there are significant expenditures associated with our real estate (such as real estate taxes, maintenance costs and debt service payments) that generally do not decline when circumstances reduce the revenues from our warehouses. Accordingly, our

 

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expenditures may stay constant, or increase, even if our revenues decline. The real estate market is affected by many factors that are beyond our control, and revenues from, and the value of, our properties may be materially and adversely affected by:

 

   

changes in the national, international or local economic climate;

 

   

availability, cost and terms of financing;

 

   

technological changes, such as expansion of e-commerce, reconfiguration of supply chains, automation, robotics or other technologies;

 

   

the attractiveness of our properties to potential customers;

 

   

inability to collect storage charges, rent and other fees from customers;

 

   

the ongoing need for, and significant expense of, capital improvements and addressing obsolescence in a timely manner, particularly in older structures;

 

   

changes in supply of, or demand for, similar or competing properties in an area;

 

   

customer retention and turnover;

 

   

excess supply in the market area;

 

   

availability of labor and transportation to service our sites;

 

   

financial difficulties, defaults or bankruptcies by our customers;

 

   

changes in operating costs and expenses and a general decrease in real estate property rental rates;

 

   

changes in or increased costs of compliance with governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies, including changes in tax, real estate, environmental and zoning laws, and our potential liability thereunder;

 

   

our ability to provide adequate maintenance and insurance;

 

   

changes in the cost or availability of insurance, including coverage for mold or asbestos;

 

   

unanticipated changes in costs associated with known adverse environmental conditions, newly discovered environmental conditions and retained liabilities for such conditions;

 

   

changes in interest rates or other changes in monetary policy;

 

   

disruptions in the global supply-chain caused by political, regulatory or other factors such as terrorism, political instability and public health crises; and

 

   

civil unrest, acts of war, terrorist attacks and natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods, which may result in uninsured and underinsured losses.

In addition, periods of economic slowdown or recession, rising interest rates or declining demand for real estate, or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in a general decrease in rates or an increased occurrence of defaults under existing contracts, which could materially and adversely affect us. For these and other reasons, we cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve our business objectives.

We could incur significant costs under environmental laws relating to the presence and management of asbestos, anhydrous ammonia and other chemicals and underground storage tanks.

Environmental laws in certain jurisdictions require that owners or operators of buildings containing asbestos properly manage asbestos, adequately inform or train those who may come into contact with asbestos and undertake special precautions, including removal or other abatement, in the event that asbestos is damaged, is decayed, poses a health risk or is disturbed during building renovation or demolition. These laws impose fines

 

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and penalties on building owners or operators who fail to comply with these requirements and may allow third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos and other toxic or hazardous substances. Some of our properties may contain asbestos or asbestos-containing building materials. Asbestos exposure can also cause damage to our customers’ goods stored with us.

Most of our warehouses utilize anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant. Anhydrous ammonia is classified as a hazardous chemical regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or the EPA and similar international agencies. Releases of anhydrous ammonia occur at our warehouses from time to time, which we have historically identified and reported when required, and any number of unplanned events, including severe storms, fires, earthquakes, vandalism, equipment failure, operational errors, accidents, deliberate acts of team members or third parties, and terrorist acts could result in a significant release of anhydrous ammonia that could result in injuries, loss of life, property damage and a significant interruption at affected facilities. Anhydrous ammonia exposure can also cause damage to our customers’ goods stored with us. For example, in 2020, contractors and subcontractors were working on the blast cells at our freezer warehouse in Statesville, North Carolina when an incident occurred triggering the release of anhydrous ammonia at the facility, resulting in the death of a subcontractor and injury to another subcontractor, as well as damage to customers’ goods. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we incurred $1.1 million and $4.0 million, respectively, in various costs related to this matter, including environmental cleanup, settlement of customer claims, facility repairs, legal fees and other miscellaneous costs. Litigation with respect to this incident is ongoing and while we believe we have strong defenses to claims arising from this incident, there can be no assurance that we will prevail on any claim.

Although our warehouses have risk management programs required by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, or OSHA, the EPA and other regulatory agencies in place in the jurisdictions in which we operate, we could incur significant liability in the event of an unanticipated release of anhydrous ammonia from one of our refrigeration systems. Releases could occur at locations or at times when trained personnel may not be available to respond quickly, increasing the risk of injury, loss of life or property damage. Some of our warehouses are not staffed 24 hours a day and, as a result, we may not respond to intentional or accidental events during closed hours as quickly as we could during open hours, which could exacerbate any injuries, loss of life or property damage. We also could incur liability in the event we fail to report such anhydrous ammonia releases in a timely fashion.

Environmental laws and regulations subject us and our customers to liability in connection with the storage, handling and use of anhydrous ammonia and other hazardous substances utilized in our operations. Our warehouses also may have under-floor heating systems, some of which utilize ethylene glycol, petroleum compounds, or other hazardous substances; releases from these systems could potentially contaminate soil and groundwater.

We could incur significant costs related to environmental conditions and liabilities.

The properties we own or have owned in the past may subject us to known and unknown environmental liabilities. Under various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the environment, as a current or former owner or operator of real property, we may be liable for costs and damages resulting from environmental matters, including the presence or discharge of hazardous or toxic substances, waste or petroleum products at, on, in, under or migrating from such property, including costs to investigate or clean up such contamination and liability for personal injury, property damage or harm to natural resources. We may face liability regardless of:

 

   

our knowledge of the contamination;

 

   

the timing of the contamination;

 

   

the cause of the contamination; or

 

   

the party responsible for the contamination of the property.

 

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There may be environmental liabilities associated with our properties of which we are unaware. In addition, some of our properties have been operated for decades and have known or potential environmental impacts. We obtain Phase I environmental site assessments on all properties we finance or acquire. The Phase I environmental site assessments are limited in scope and therefore may not reveal all environmental conditions affecting a property. Therefore, there could be undiscovered environmental liabilities on the properties we own. Many of our properties contain, or may in the past have contained, features that pose environmental risks including underground tanks for the storage of petroleum products and other hazardous substances as well as floor drains and wastewater collection and discharge systems, hazardous materials storage areas and septic systems. All of these features create a potential for the release of petroleum products or other hazardous substances. Some of our properties are adjacent to or near properties that have known environmental impacts or have in the past stored or handled petroleum products or other hazardous substances that could have resulted in environmental impacts to soils or groundwater that could affect our properties. If environmental contamination exists on our properties, we could be subject to strict, joint and/or several liability for the contamination by virtue of our ownership interest. Some of our properties may contain asbestos-containing materials, or ACM. Environmental laws govern the presence, maintenance and removal of ACM and such laws may impose fines, penalties, or other obligations for failure to comply with these requirements or expose us to third-party liability (e.g., liability for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos). Environmental laws also apply to other activities that can occur on a property, such as storage of petroleum products or other hazardous toxic substances, air emissions, water discharges and exposure to lead-based paint. Such laws may impose fines and penalties for violations, and may require permits or other governmental approvals to be obtained for the operation of a business involving such activities.

The known or potential presence of hazardous substances on a property may adversely affect our ability to sell, lease or improve the property or to borrow using the property as collateral. In addition, environmental laws may create liens on contaminated properties in favor of the government for damages and costs it incurs to address such contamination. Moreover, if contamination is discovered on our properties, environmental laws may impose restrictions on the manner in which they may be used or businesses may be operated, and these restrictions may require substantial expenditures.

Our environmental liabilities may include property and natural resources damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs, among other potential environmental liabilities. These costs could be substantial. Although we may obtain insurance for environmental liability for certain properties that are deemed to warrant coverage, our insurance may be insufficient to address any particular environmental situation and we may be unable to continue to obtain insurance for environmental matters, at a reasonable cost or at all, in the future. If our environmental liability insurance is inadequate, we may become subject to material losses for environmental liabilities. Our ability to receive the benefits of any environmental liability insurance policy will depend on the financial stability of our insurance company and the position it takes with respect to our insurance policies. If we were to become subject to significant environmental liabilities, we could be materially and adversely affected.

Moreover, there can be no assurance that (i) future laws, ordinances or regulations will not impose new material environmental obligations or costs, including the potential effects of climate change or new climate change regulations, (ii) we will not incur material liabilities in connection with both known and undiscovered environmental conditions arising out of past activities on our properties or (iii) our properties will not be materially and adversely affected by the operations of customers, by environmental impacts or operations on neighboring properties (such as releases from underground storage tanks), or by the actions of parties unrelated to us.

In the future, our customers may demand lower indirect emissions associated with the storage and transportation of frozen and perishable foods, which could lead customers to seek temperature-controlled storage from our competitors. Further, such demand could require us to implement various processes to reduce emissions from our operations in order to remain competitive, which could materially and adversely affect us.

 

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Risks related to climate change could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Climate change, including the impact of global warming, creates physical and financial risks. Physical risks from climate change include an increase in sea level and changes in weather conditions, such as an increase in storm intensity and severity of weather (e.g., floods, tornados or hurricanes) and extreme temperatures. For example, 65 of our warehouses are in zones subject to what we believe to be a moderate to high risk of flooding. The occurrence of sea level rise or one or more natural disasters, such as floods, tornados, hurricanes, tropical storms, wildfires and earthquakes (whether or not caused by climate change), could cause considerable damage to our warehouses, disrupt our operations and negatively affect our financial performance. Additional risks related to our business and operations as a result of climate change include physical and transition risks such as:

 

   

higher energy costs as a result of extreme weather events, extreme temperatures or increased demand for limited resources;

 

   

utility disruptions or outages due to demand or stress on electrical grids resulting from extreme weather events;

 

   

limited availability of water and higher costs due to limited sources and droughts;

 

   

higher materials cost due limited availability and environmental impacts of extraction and processing of raw materials and production of finished goods;

 

   

lost revenue or increased expense as a result of higher insurance costs, potential uninsured or under insured losses, diminished customer retention stemming from extreme weather events or resource availability constraints;

 

   

reduced storage revenue due to crop damage or failure or to reduced protein production as a result of extreme weather events;

 

   

delays during transit of customers’ products resulting from natural disasters or extreme weather events; and

 

   

spoiled, damaged or destroyed customer inventory as a result of natural disasters or other serious disruptions caused by fire, earthquakes.

In addition, risks associated with new or more stringent laws or regulations or stricter interpretations of existing laws could directly or indirectly affect our customers and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For example, various federal, state and regional laws and regulations have been implemented or are under consideration to mitigate the effects of climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Among other things, “green” building codes may seek to reduce emissions through the imposition of standards for design, construction materials, water and energy usage and efficiency, and waste management. Such codes could require us to make improvements to our properties, increase the cost of maintaining, operating or improving our warehouses, or increase taxes and fees assessed on us.

Climate change regulations could also adversely impact companies with which we do business, which in turn may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results or operations or cash flows. In the future, our customers may demand lower indirect emissions associated with the storage and transportation of frozen and perishable food, which could make our facilities less competitive. Further, such demand could require us to implement various processes to reduce emissions from our operations in order to remain competitive, which could materially and adversely affect us.

Our insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover potential environmental liabilities.

We maintain a portfolio environmental insurance policy that provides coverage for sudden and accidental environmental liabilities, subject to the policy’s coverage conditions, deductibles and limits, for most of our properties. There can be no assurance that future environmental claims will be covered under these policies or

 

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that, if covered, the loss will not exceed policy limits. From time to time, we may acquire properties, or interests in properties, with known adverse environmental conditions where we believe that the environmental liabilities associated with these conditions are quantifiable and that the acquisition will yield an attractive risk-adjusted return. In such an instance, we factor the estimated costs of environmental investigation, cleanup and monitoring into the net cost. Further, in connection with property dispositions, we may agree to remain responsible for, and to bear the cost of, remediating or monitoring certain environmental conditions on the properties. A failure to accurately estimate these costs, or uninsured environmental liabilities, could materially and adversely affect us.

Our properties may contain or develop harmful molds or have other air quality issues, which could lead to financial liability for adverse health effects to our employees or third parties, and costs of remediating the problem.

Our properties may contain or develop harmful molds or suffer from other air quality issues, which could lead to liability for adverse health effects and costs of remediating the problem. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds produce airborne toxins or irritants. Indoor air quality issues can also stem from inadequate ventilation, poor equipment maintenance, chemical contamination from indoor or outdoor sources and other biological contaminants, such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. Indoor exposure to airborne toxins or irritants present above certain levels can cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants at any of our properties could require us to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold or other airborne contaminants from the affected property, to reduce indoor moisture levels, or to upgrade ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality. In addition, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants could expose us to liability from our team members, our customers, associates of our customers and others if property damage or health concerns arise.

Illiquidity of real estate investments, particularly our specialized temperature-controlled warehouses, could significantly impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our business and properties.

Real estate investments are relatively illiquid, and given that our properties are highly specialized temperature-controlled warehouses, including built-in automation, our properties may be more illiquid than other real estate investments. This illiquidity is driven by a number of factors, including the specialized and often customer-specific design of our warehouses, the relatively small number of potential purchasers of temperature-controlled warehouses, the difficulty and expense of repurposing our warehouses and the location of some of our warehouses in secondary or tertiary markets. As a result, we may be unable to complete an exit strategy or quickly sell properties in our portfolio in response to adverse changes in the performance of our properties or in our business generally. We cannot predict whether we will be able to sell any property for the price or on the terms set by us or whether any price or other terms offered by a prospective buyer would be acceptable to us. We also cannot predict the length of time it would take to complete the sale of any such property. Such sales might also require us to expend funds to mitigate or correct defects to the property or make changes or improvements to the property prior to its sale. The ability to sell assets in our portfolio may also be restricted by certain covenants in our credit agreements. Code requirements relating to our status as a REIT may also limit our ability to vary our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions.

We could experience uninsured or under-insured losses relating to our global warehousing business, including our real property, as well as our integrated solutions business.

We carry insurance for the risks arising out of our business and operations, including coverage on all of our properties in an amount that we believe adequately covers any potential casualty losses. However, there are certain losses, including losses from floods, earthquakes, acts of war or riots, that we are not generally insured against or that we are not generally fully insured against because it is not deemed economically feasible or

 

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prudent to do so. In addition, changes in the cost or availability of insurance could expose us to uninsured casualty losses. In the event that any of our properties incurs a casualty loss that is not covered by insurance (in part or at all), the value of our assets will be reduced by the amount of any such uninsured loss, and we could experience a significant loss of capital invested and potential revenues in these properties. Any such losses could materially and adversely affect us. In addition, we may have no source of funding to repair or reconstruct the damaged property, and we cannot assure you that any such sources of funding will be available to us for such purposes in the future on favorable terms or at all.

In the event of a fire, flood or other occurrence involving the loss of or damage to stored products held by us but belonging to others, we may be liable for such loss or damage. Although we have an insurance program in effect, there can be no assurance that such potential liability will not exceed the applicable coverage limits under our insurance policies. A number of our properties are located in areas that are known to be subject to earthquake activity, such as California, Washington, Oregon and New Zealand, or in flood zones, such as 65 facilities in zones subject to what we believe to be a moderate to high risk of flooding, in each case exposing them to increased risk of casualty.

If we or one or more of our customers experiences a loss for which we are liable and that loss is uninsured or exceeds policy limits, we could lose the capital invested in the damaged properties as well as the anticipated future cash flows from those properties. In addition, if the damaged properties are subject to recourse indebtedness, we would continue to be liable for the indebtedness, even if these properties were irreparably damaged.

We are self-insured for workers’ compensation and health insurance under a large deductible program, meaning that we have accrued liabilities in amounts that we consider appropriate to cover losses in these areas. In addition, we maintain excess loss coverage to insure against losses in excess of the reserves that we have established for these claims in amounts that we consider appropriate. However, in the event that our loss experience exceeds our reserves and the limits of our excess loss policies, we could be materially and adversely affected.

Costs of complying with governmental laws and regulations could adversely affect us and our customers.

Our business is highly regulated at the federal, state and local level, as well as regulation outside of the United States in the jurisdictions in which we operate our business. The food industry in all jurisdictions in which we operate is subject to numerous government standards and regulations. While we believe that we are currently in compliance with all applicable government standards and regulations, there can be no assurance that all of our warehouses or our customers’ operations are currently in compliance with, or will be able to comply in the future with, all applicable standards and regulations or that the costs of compliance will not increase in the future.

All real property and the operations conducted on real property are subject to governmental laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. For example, our U.S. warehouses are subject to regulation and inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and our domestic trucking operations are subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. In addition, our international facilities are subject to many local laws and regulations which govern a wide range of matters, including food safety, building, environmental, health and safety, hazardous substances, waste minimization, as well as specific requirements for the storage of meats, dairy products, fish, poultry, agricultural and other products. Any products destined for export must also satisfy applicable export requirements. We are required to comply with applicable economic and trade sanctions and export controls imposed by governments around the world with jurisdiction over the operations of our business. These measures can prohibit or restrict transactions and dealings with certain countries, territories, governments and persons. The failure to comply with such applicable laws and regulations could result in civil or criminal penalties, other remedial measures, and legal expenses, which could have a material and adverse effect on us. Our ability to operate and to satisfy our contractual obligations may be affected

 

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by permitting and compliance obligations arising under such laws and regulations. Some of these laws and regulations could increase our operating costs, result in fines or impose joint and several liability on customers, owners or operators for the costs to investigate or remediate contamination, regardless of fault or whether the acts causing the contamination were legal.

Some of these laws and regulations have been amended so as to require compliance with new or more stringent standards in the future. Compliance with new or more stringent laws or regulations or stricter interpretation of existing laws may require that we or our customers incur material expenditures. In addition, there are various governmental, environmental, fire, health, safety and similar regulations with which we and our customers may be required to comply and which may subject us and our customers to liability in the form of fines or damages for noncompliance. Any material expenditures, fines or damages imposed on our customers or us could directly or indirectly have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, changes in these governmental laws and regulations, or their interpretation by agencies and courts, could occur.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, or the ADA, generally requires that public buildings, including portions of our warehouses, be made accessible to disabled persons. Noncompliance could result in the imposition of fines by the federal government or the award of damages to private litigants. If, under the ADA, we are required to make substantial alterations and capital expenditures in one or more of our warehouses, including the removal of access barriers, it could materially and adversely affect us.

Our U.S. properties are subject to regulation under OSHA, which requires employers to protect team members against many workplace hazards, such as exposure to harmful levels of toxic chemicals, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress and unsanitary conditions. The cost of complying with OSHA and similar laws enacted by other jurisdictions in which we operate is substantial and any failure to comply with these regulations could expose us to penalties and potentially to liabilities to team members who may be injured at our warehouses, any of which could be material. Furthermore, any fines or violations that we face under OSHA could expose us to reputational risk.

We are currently invested in various joint ventures and may invest in additional joint ventures in the future and face risks stemming from our partial ownership interests in such properties, which could materially and adversely affect the value of any such joint venture investments.

Our current and future joint-venture investments involve risks not present in investments in which a third party is not involved, including the possibility that:

 

   

we and a co-venturer or partner may reach an impasse on a major decision that requires the approval of both parties;

 

   

we may not have exclusive control over the development, financing, management and other aspects of the property or joint venture, which may prevent us from taking actions that are in our best interest but opposed by a co-venturer or partner;

 

   

a co-venturer or partner may at any time have economic or business interests or goals that are or may become inconsistent with ours;

 

   

a co-venturer or partner may encounter liquidity or insolvency issues or may become bankrupt, which may mean that we and any other remaining co-venturers or partners generally would remain liable for the joint venture’s liabilities;

 

   

a co-venturer or partner may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions, requests, policies or investment objectives, including our current policy with respect to maintaining our qualification as a REIT under the Code;

 

   

a co-venturer or partner may take actions that subject us to liabilities in excess of, or other than, those contemplated;

 

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in certain circumstances, we may be liable for actions of our co-venturer or partner;

 

   

our joint venture agreements may restrict the transfer of a co-venturer’s or partner’s interest or otherwise restrict our ability to sell the interest when we desire or on advantageous terms;

 

   

our joint venture agreements may contain buy-sell provisions pursuant to which one co-venturer or partner may initiate procedures requiring the other co-venturer or partner to choose between buying the other co-venturer’s or partner’s interest or selling its interest to that co-venturer or partner;

 

   

if a joint venture agreement is terminated or dissolved, we may not continue to own or operate the interests or investments underlying the joint venture relationship or may need to purchase such interests or investments at a premium to the market price to continue ownership; or

 

   

disputes between us and a co-venturer or partner may result in litigation or arbitration that could increase our expenses and prevent our management from focusing their time and attention on our business.

Any of the above could materially and adversely affect the value of our current joint venture investment or any future joint venture investments and potentially have a material adverse effect on us.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

We have significant indebtedness outstanding, which may expose us to the risk of default under our debt obligations.

As of December 31, 2023, we had $         billion of total consolidated indebtedness outstanding, of which $         billion was secured, and borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility of $         million, and as of December 31, 2023, on a pro forma basis, we had $         billion of total consolidated indebtedness outstanding, of which $         billion was secured, and borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility of $         million. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Outstanding Indebtedness.” Total debt payments for the remainder of 2024 and 2025 are $         billion (including $         million of scheduled amortization). We expect to meet these repayment requirements primarily through financing activity or net cash from operating activities. Our organizational documents contain no limitations regarding the maximum level of indebtedness that we may incur or keep outstanding. Payments of principal and interest on borrowings may leave us with insufficient cash resources to meet our cash needs or make the distributions to our common stockholders currently contemplated or necessary to maintain our status as a REIT. Our level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by our debt agreements could have significant adverse consequences, including the following:

 

   

our cash flow may be insufficient to meet our required principal and interest payments;

 

   

cash interest expense and financial covenants relating to our indebtedness may limit or eliminate our ability to make distributions to our common stockholders;

 

   

we may be unable to borrow additional funds as needed or on favorable terms, which could, among other things, adversely affect our ability to capitalize upon investment opportunities or meet operational needs;

 

   

we may be unable to refinance our indebtedness at maturity or the refinancing terms may be less favorable than the terms of our original indebtedness;

 

   

because a portion of our debt bears interest at variable rates, increases in interest rates could increase our interest expense;

 

   

we may be unable to hedge floating rate debt, counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under any hedge agreements we enter into, such agreements may not effectively hedge interest rate fluctuation risk, and, upon the expiration of any hedge agreements we enter into, we would be exposed to then-existing market rates of interest and future interest rate volatility;

 

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we may be forced to dispose of properties, possibly on unfavorable terms or in violation of certain covenants to which we may be subject;

 

   

we may default on our obligations and the lenders or mortgagees may foreclose on our properties or our interests in the entities that own the properties that secure their loans and receive an assignment of rents and leases;

 

   

we may be restricted from accessing some of our excess cash flow after debt service if certain of our customers fail to meet certain financial performance metric thresholds;

 

   

we may violate restrictive covenants in our loan documents, which would entitle the lenders to accelerate our debt obligations; and

 

   

our default under any loan with cross default provisions could result in a default on other indebtedness.

The occurrence of any of these events could materially and adversely affect us. Furthermore, foreclosures could create taxable income without accompanying cash proceeds, which could hinder our ability to meet the REIT distribution requirements imposed by the Code.

Increases in interest rates could increase the amount of our debt payments.

As of December 31, 2023 and on a pro forma basis, we had $                million and $                million, respectively, of our outstanding consolidated indebtedness that is variable-rate debt, and we may continue to incur variable-rate debt in the future. We have entered into interest rate swaps to convert $                 million of this indebtedness to fixed-rate. Interest rates are expected to continue increase. Increases in interest rates may raise our interest costs under any variable-rate debt that is not effectively converted to fixed-rate debt and increase our overall cost of capital, which could materially and adversely affect us, reduce our cash flows and funds from operations, and reduce our ability to use the capital that is being paid in interest in other ways, including to make distributions to our stockholders. Increases in interest rates would also increase our interest expense on future fixed rate borrowings and have the same collateral effects described above. In addition, if we need to repay existing debt during periods of rising interest rates, we could be required to liquidate one or more of our investments in properties at times which may not permit realization of the maximum return on such investments. Interest rate increases may also increase the risk that the counterparties to our swap contracts will default on their obligations, which could further increase our exposure to interest rate increases. Conversely, if interest rates are lower than our swapped fixed rates, we will be required to pay more to service our debt than if we had not entered into the interest rate swaps.

Market conditions could adversely affect our ability to refinance existing indebtedness or obtain additional financing for growth on acceptable terms or at all, which could materially and adversely affect us.

Credit markets have experienced over the past several years, and may continue to experience, significant price volatility, displacement and liquidity disruptions, including the bankruptcy, insolvency or restructuring of certain financial institutions. Such circumstances could materially impact liquidity in the financial markets, making financing terms for borrowers less attractive, and potentially result in the unavailability of various types of debt financing. As a result, we may be unable to obtain debt financing on favorable terms or at all or fully refinance maturing indebtedness with new indebtedness. Reductions in our available borrowing capacity or inability to obtain credit, including the Revolving Credit Facility that we expect to have upon the completion of this offering, when required or when business conditions warrant could materially and adversely affect us.

Our existing indebtedness contains, and any future indebtedness is likely to contain, covenants that restrict our ability to engage in certain activities.

The agreements governing our borrowings contain or are likely to contain financial and other covenants with which we are or will be required to comply and that limit or are likely to limit our ability to operate our

 

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business. These covenants, as well as any additional covenants to which we may be subject in the future because of additional borrowings, could cause us to have to forego investment opportunities, reduce or eliminate distributions to our common stockholders or obtain financing that is more expensive than financing we could obtain if we were not subject to the covenants. In addition, the agreements governing our borrowing may have cross default provisions, which provide that a default under one of our debt financing agreements would lead to a default on all of our debt financing agreements.

The covenants and other restrictions under our debt agreements may affect, among other things, our ability to:

 

   

incur indebtedness;

 

   

create liens on assets;

 

   

cause our subsidiaries to distribute cash to us to fund distributions to stockholders or to otherwise use in our business;

 

   

sell or substitute assets;

 

   

modify certain terms of our leases;

 

   

manage our cash flows; and

 

   

make distributions to equity holders, including our common stockholders.

Additionally, these restrictions may adversely affect our operating and financial flexibility and may limit our ability to respond to changes in our business or competitive environment, all of which may materially and adversely affect us.

Secured indebtedness exposes us to the possibility of foreclosure, which could result in the loss of our investment in certain of our subsidiaries or in a property or group of properties or other assets subject to indebtedness and limits our ability to raise future capital.

We have granted certain of our lenders security interests in certain of our assets, including equity interests in certain of our subsidiaries and in certain of our real property. Incurring secured indebtedness, including mortgage indebtedness, increases our risk of asset and property losses because defaults on indebtedness secured by our assets, including equity interests in certain of our subsidiaries and in certain of our real property, may result in foreclosure actions initiated by lenders and ultimately our loss of the property or other assets securing any loans for which we are in default. Any foreclosure on a mortgaged property or group of properties could have a material adverse effect on the overall value of our portfolio of properties and more generally on us. For tax purposes, a foreclosure of any of our properties would be treated as a sale of the property for a purchase price equal to the outstanding balance of the indebtedness secured by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the indebtedness secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax basis in the property, we would recognize taxable income on foreclosure, but would not receive any cash proceeds, which could materially and adversely affect us. As a result, our substantial secured indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on us.

Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure

Our Co-Founders will have substantial influence over our business, and our Co-Founders’ interests, and the interests of certain members of our management, may differ from our interests or those of our other stockholders.

Immediately after this offering and the formation transactions, Bay Grove and its affiliates, including BGLH, will beneficially own approximately     % of our outstanding common stock and     % of our outstanding OP units (including Legacy OP Units but excluding OP units held directly or indirectly by us). As a result, Bay Grove will have significant influence in the election of our directors, who in turn will elect our executive officers, set our management policies and exercise overall supervision and control over us and our subsidiaries. See

 

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“Description of the Partnership Agreement of Lineage OP, LP—Purpose, Business and Management.” Certain potential transactions may affect Bay Grove differently than other stockholders and it is possible that Bay Grove may have different interests than those other stockholders with respect to such transactions.

The interests of Bay Grove, as well as the interests of other investors in BGLH, may differ from the interests of our other stockholders, and Bay Grove’s significant stockholdings and rights described above may limit other stockholders’ ability to influence corporate matters. In this regard, sales or other dispositions of our properties may have adverse tax implications for Bay Grove, its affiliates and/or other investors in BGLH. In addition, certain additional members of our management have certain equity interests in Bay Grove and its affiliates, including BGLH, that own some of its interest in our business, which cause Bay Grove and BGLH to have interests that differ from our other stockholders. The concentration of ownership and voting power of Bay Grove and its affiliates, including BGLH, may also delay, defer or even prevent an acquisition by a third party or other change of control of our company and may make some transactions more difficult or impossible without the support of Bay Grove, even if such events are in the best interests of our other stockholders. The concentration of voting power in Bay Grove and its affiliates may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. As a result of Bay Grove’s and BGLH’s influence, we may take actions that our other stockholders do not view as beneficial, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and cause the value of your investment in us to decline.

Investors in BGLH engage in a broad spectrum of activities, including investments in real estate. In the ordinary course of their business activities, investors in BGLH may engage in activities where their interests conflict with our interests or those of our stockholders. Our charter will provide that, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, none of Bay Grove, BGLH, their respective affiliates, their respective representatives, their direct or indirect owners or any of our directors or officers that is an employee, affiliate or designee for nomination as a director of Bay Grove will have any duty to refrain from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the same business activities or similar business activities or lines of business in which we operate or directly or indirectly doing business with any of our clients, customers or suppliers. Investors in BGLH also may pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business (provided, however, that any corporate opportunity presented to a person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of us must be presented to us), and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us.

Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited.

Maryland law provides that a director has no liability in the capacity as a director if he or she performs his or her duties in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in our best interests and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. As permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), our charter limits the liability of our directors and officers to us and our stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from:

 

   

actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; or

 

   

a final judgment based upon a finding of active and deliberate dishonesty by the director or officer that was material to the cause of action adjudicated.

In addition, our charter requires us to indemnify our directors and officers for actions taken by them in those capacities and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, and we intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers. As a result, we and our stockholders may have more limited rights against our directors and officers than might otherwise exist under common law. Accordingly, in the event that any of our directors or officers are exculpated from, or indemnified against, liability but whose actions impede our performance, our stockholders’ ability to recover damages from that director or officer will be limited.

 

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Our charter and bylaws contain provisions that may delay, defer or prevent an acquisition of our common stock or a change in control.

Our charter and bylaws contain a number of provisions, the exercise or existence of which could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for our stockholders or otherwise be in their best interests, including the following:

 

   

Our Charter Contains Restrictions on the Ownership and Transfer of Our Stock. In order for us to qualify as a REIT, no more than 50% of the value of outstanding shares of our stock may be owned, beneficially or constructively, by five or fewer individuals at any time during the last half of each taxable year other than the first year for which we elect to be taxed as a REIT. Subject to certain exceptions, our charter prohibits any stockholder from owning beneficially or constructively more than 9.8% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock, or 9.8% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of all classes or series of our stock. We refer to these restrictions collectively as the “ownership limits.” The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause the outstanding stock owned by a group of related individuals or entities to be deemed to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of our outstanding common stock or the outstanding shares of all classes or series of our stock by an individual or entity could cause that individual or entity or another individual or entity to own constructively in excess of the relevant ownership limits. Our charter also prohibits any person from owning shares of our stock that could result in our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT. Any attempt to own or transfer shares of our stock in violation of these restrictions may result in the shares being automatically transferred to a charitable trust or may be void. These ownership limits may prevent a third-party from acquiring control of us if our board of directors does not grant an exemption from the ownership limits, even if our stockholders believe the change in control is in their best interests.

 

   

Our Board of Directors Has the Power to Cause Us to Issue Additional Shares of Our Stock Without Stockholder Approval. Our charter authorizes us to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of common or preferred stock. In addition, our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of our shares of common stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue and classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common or preferred stock and set the preferences, rights and other terms of the classified or reclassified shares. As a result, our board of directors may establish a class or series of shares of common or preferred stock that could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve payment of a premium price for our shares of common stock or that stockholders may otherwise consider to be in their best interests.

Certain provisions of Maryland law may limit the ability of a third-party to acquire control of us.

Certain provisions of the MGCL may have the effect of inhibiting a third-party from acquiring us or of impeding a change of control under circumstances that otherwise could provide our common stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of such shares, including:

 

   

“business combination” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding shares of voting stock or an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding stock of the corporation) or an affiliate of any interested stockholder and us for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, and thereafter imposes two super-majority stockholder voting requirements on these combinations; and

 

   

“control share” provisions that provide that holders of “control shares” of our company (defined as voting shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned or controlled by the

 

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acquirer, would entitle the acquirer to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of issued and outstanding “control shares”) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.

Pursuant to the Maryland Business Combination Act, our board of directors has by resolution exempted from the provisions of the Maryland Business Combination Act business combinations between us and any other person, provided that the business combination is first approved by our board of directors (including a majority of our directors who are not affiliates or associates of such person). Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act any and all acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock. There can be no assurance that these exemptions or resolutions will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.

Additionally, Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL permits our board of directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or bylaws, to implement certain corporate governance provisions, some of which we do not have. In accordance with the MGCL, our charter provides that, without the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by our stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, we may not elect to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 that permits our board of directors to classify itself.

We could increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of stock, classify and reclassify unissued stock and issue stock without stockholder approval.

Our board of directors, without stockholder approval, has the power under our charter to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we are authorized to issue, to authorize us to issue authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock into one or more classes or series of stock and to set the terms of such newly classified or reclassified shares. See “Description of Our Capital Stock—Common Stock” and “—Series A Preferred Stock.” As a result, we may issue one or more classes or series of common stock or preferred stock with preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption that are senior to, or otherwise conflict with, the rights of our common stockholders. Although our board of directors has no such intention at the present time, it could establish a class or series of common stock or preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of such class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.

Termination of the employment agreements with certain members of our senior management team could be costly and prevent a change in control of our company.

The employment agreements with certain members of our senior management team provide that if their employment with us terminates under certain circumstances (including in connection with a change in control of our company), we may be required to pay them significant amounts of severance compensation, thereby making it costly to terminate their employment. Furthermore, these provisions could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control of our company that might involve a premium paid for shares of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

Our board of directors may change our investment and financing policies without stockholder approval, and we may become more highly leveraged, which may increase our risk of default under our debt obligations.

Our investment and financing policies are exclusively determined by our board of directors. Accordingly, our stockholders do not control these policies. Further, our organizational documents do not limit the amount or

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

percentage of indebtedness, funded or otherwise, that we may incur. Although we are not required to maintain a particular leverage ratio, we generally intend to target a level of net debt (which includes recourse and non-recourse borrowings and any outstanding preferred stock issuance less unrestricted cash and cash equivalents) that, over time, is less than six times our Adjusted EBITDA. However, from time to time, our ratio of net debt to our Adjusted EBITDA may exceed six times. Our board of directors may alter or eliminate our current policy on borrowing at any time without stockholder approval. If this policy changed, we could become more highly leveraged, which could result in an increase in our debt service. Higher leverage also increases the risk of default on our obligations. In addition, a change in our investment policies, including the manner in which we allocate our resources across our portfolio or the types of assets in which we seek to invest, may increase our exposure to interest rate risk, real estate market fluctuations and liquidity risk. Changes to our policies with regards to the foregoing could materially and adversely affect us.

Upon the completion of this offering and the formation transactions, we will be a holding company with no direct operations and will rely on funds received from our operating partnership to pay liabilities and distributions to our stockholders.

Upon the completion of this offering and the formation transactions, we will be a holding company and will conduct substantially all of our operations through our operating partnership. We will not have, apart from an interest in our operating partnership, any independent operations. As a result, we will rely on distributions from our operating partnership to pay any distributions we might declare on shares of our common stock. We will also rely on distributions from our operating partnership to meet any of our obligations, including any tax liability on taxable income allocated to us from our operating partnership. In addition, because we will be a holding company, your claims as stockholders will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations (whether or not for borrowed money) of our operating partnership and its subsidiaries. Therefore, in the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, our assets and those of our operating partnership and its subsidiaries will be able to satisfy the claims of our stockholders only after all of our and our operating partnership’s and its subsidiaries’ liabilities and obligations have been paid in full.

In connection with our future acquisition of properties or otherwise, we may issue units of our operating partnership to third parties. Such issuances would reduce our ownership in our operating partnership. Because you will not directly own units of our operating partnership, you will not have any voting rights with respect to any such issuances or other partnership level activities of our operating partnership.

Conflicts of interest exist or could arise in the future with our operating partnership or its partners.

Conflicts of interest exist or could arise in the future as a result of the relationships between us and our affiliates, on the one hand, and our operating partnership or any partner thereof, on the other. Our directors and officers have duties to our company under applicable Maryland law in connection with their direction of the management of our company. At the same time, we, as general partner of our operating partnership, have duties to our operating partnership and to the limited partners under Maryland law in connection with the management of our operating partnership. Under Maryland law, the general partner of a Maryland limited partnership has fiduciary duties of care and loyalty, and an obligation of good faith, to the partnership and its partners. While these duties and obligations cannot be eliminated entirely in the limited partnership agreement, Maryland law permits the parties to a limited partnership agreement to specify certain types or categories of activities that do not violate the general partner’s duty of loyalty and to modify the duty of care and obligation of good faith, so long as such modifications are not unreasonable. These duties as general partner of our operating partnership to the partnership and its partners may come into conflict with the interests of our company. Under the partnership agreement of our operating partnership, the limited partners of our operating partnership will expressly agree that the general partner of our operating partnership is acting for the benefit of the operating partnership, the limited partners of our operating partnership and our stockholders, collectively. The general partner is under no obligation to give priority to the separate interests of the limited partners in deciding whether to cause our operating partnership to take or decline to take any actions. If there is a conflict between the interests of us or our

 

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stockholders, on the one hand, and the interests of the limited partners of our operating partnership, on the other, the partnership agreement of our operating partnership will provide that any action or failure to act by the general partner that gives priority to the separate interests of us or our stockholders that does not result in a violation of the contractual rights of the limited partners of our operating partnership under the partnership agreement will not violate the duties that the general partner owes to our operating partnership and its partners.

Additionally, the partnership agreement of our operating partnership will expressly limit our liability by providing that we and our directors, officers, agents and employees will not be liable or accountable to our operating partnership or its partners for money damages. In addition, our operating partnership will be required to indemnify us, as general partner, our directors, officers and employees, employees of our operating partnership and any other persons whom we, as general partner, may designate from and against any and all claims arising from operations of our operating partnership in which any indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise unless it is established by a final judgment that the act or omission of the indemnitee constituted fraud, intentional harm or gross negligence on the part of the indemnitee, the claim is brought by the indemnitee (other than to enforce the indemnitee’s rights to indemnification or advance of expenses) or the indemnitee is found to be liable to our operating partnership, and then only with respect to each such claim.

No reported decision of a Maryland appellate court has interpreted provisions that are similar to the provisions of the partnership agreement of our operating partnership that modify the fiduciary duties of the general partner of our operating partnership, and we have not obtained an opinion of counsel regarding the enforceability of the provisions of the partnership agreement that purport to waive or modify the fiduciary duties and obligations of the general partner of our operating partnership.

Our bylaws designate any state court of competent jurisdiction in Maryland and the United States District Court located in Maryland, as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders and provide that claims relating to causes of action under the Securities Act may only be brought in federal district courts, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that the stockholders believe is a more favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees.

Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, any state court of competent jurisdiction in Maryland, or, if such state courts do not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court located within the State of Maryland will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (b) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in the MGCL, including, without limitation, (i) any action asserting a claim based on an alleged breach of any duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or to our stockholders or (ii) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors, officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or our charter or bylaws, or (c) any other action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. These choice of forum provisions will not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or any other claim for which federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Furthermore, our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any claim arising under the Securities Act. This provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that the stockholder believes is more favorable for disputes against us or our directors, officers or employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees.

 

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Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of Shares of Our Common Stock

There has been no public market for our common stock prior to this offering and an active trading market for our common stock may not develop following this offering.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock, and there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop or be sustained or that shares of our common stock will be resold at or above the initial public offering price. We intend to apply to have our common stock listed on the            , subject to official notice of issuance. The initial public offering price of our common stock will be determined by agreement among us and the underwriters, but there can be no assurance that our common stock will not trade below the initial public offering price following the completion of this offering. See “Underwriters.” The market value of our common stock could be substantially affected by general market conditions, including the extent to which a secondary market develops for our common stock following the completion of this offering, the extent of institutional investor interest in us, the general reputation of REITs and the attractiveness of their equity securities in comparison to other equity securities (including securities issued by other real estate-based companies), our financial performance and general stock and bond market conditions.

The market price and trading volume of shares of our common stock may be volatile following this offering.

The market price of shares of our common stock may fluctuate. In addition, the trading volume in shares of our common stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. If the market price of shares of our common stock declines significantly, you may be unable to resell your shares of our common stock at or above the public offering price. We cannot assure you that the market price of shares of our common stock will not fluctuate or decline significantly, including a decline below the public offering price, in the future.

Some of the factors that could negatively affect our share price or result in fluctuations in the market price or trading volume of shares of our common stock include:

 

   

actual or anticipated declines in our quarterly operating results or distributions;

 

   

changes in government regulations;

 

   

changes in laws affecting REITs and related tax matters;

 

   

the announcement of new contracts by us or our competitors;

 

   

reductions in our FFO, Core FFO, Adjusted FFO or earnings estimates;

 

   

publication of research reports about us or the real estate industry;

 

   

increases in market interest rates that lead purchasers of shares of our common stock to demand a higher yield;

 

   

future equity issuances, or the perception that they may occur, including issuances of common stock upon exercise or vesting of equity awards or redemption of OP units;

 

   

changes in market valuations of similar companies;

 

   

adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we incur in the future;

 

   

additions or departures of key management personnel;

 

   

actions by institutional stockholders;

 

   

differences between our actual financial and operating results and those expected by investors and analysts;

 

   

changes in analysts’ recommendations or projections;

 

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speculation in the press or investment community; and

 

   

the realization of any of the other risk factors presented in this prospectus.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to make or maintain cash distributions, and certain agreements relating to our indebtedness may, under certain circumstances, limit or eliminate our ability to make distributions to our common stockholders.

We intend to make cash distributions to our stockholders in amounts such that all or substantially all of our taxable income in each year, subject to adjustments, is distributed. Our ability to continue to make distributions in the future may be adversely affected by the risk factors described in this prospectus. There can be no assurance that we will be able to make or maintain distributions and certain agreements relating to our indebtedness may, under certain circumstances, limit or eliminate our ability to make distributions to our common stockholders. There can be no assurance that rents from our properties will increase, or that future acquisitions of real properties or other investments will increase our cash available for distributions to stockholders. In addition, any distributions will be authorized at the sole discretion of our board of directors, and their form, timing and amount, if any, will depend upon a number of factors, including our actual and projected results of operations, FFO, Core FFO Adjusted FFO, EBITDA, EBITDAre, Adjusted EBITDA, liquidity, cash flows and financial condition, the revenue we actually receive from our properties, our operating expenses, our debt service requirements, our capital expenditures, prohibitions and other limitations under our financing arrangements, our REIT taxable income, the annual REIT distribution requirements, applicable law and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant.

If we do not have sufficient cash available for distributions, we may need to fund the shortage out of working capital or borrow to provide funds for such distributions, which would reduce the amount of proceeds available for real estate investments and increase our future interest costs. Our inability to make distributions, or to make distributions at expected levels, could result in a decrease in the market price of our common stock.

We may use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering to make distributions to our stockholders, which would, among other things, reduce our cash available to acquire properties and may reduce the returns on your investment in our common stock.

Prior to the time we have fully invested the net proceeds from this offering, we may fund distributions to our stockholders out of the net proceeds, which would reduce the amount of cash we have available to acquire properties and may reduce the returns on your investment in our common stock. The use of these net proceeds for distributions to stockholders could materially and adversely affect us. In addition, funding distributions from the net proceeds from this offering may constitute a return of capital to our stockholders, which would have the effect of reducing each stockholder’s tax basis in our common stock.

Increases in market interest rates may result in a decrease in the value of shares of our common stock.

One of the factors that will influence the price of shares of our common stock will be the distribution yield on shares of our common stock (as a percentage of the price of shares of our common stock) relative to market interest rates. An increase in market interest rates may lead prospective purchasers of shares of our common stock to expect a higher distribution yield and higher interest rates would likely increase our borrowing costs and potentially decrease funds available for distribution. Thus, higher market interest rates could cause the market price of our common stock to decrease.

Broad market fluctuations could negatively impact the market price of shares of our common stock.

The stock market may experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market price of many companies in industries similar or related to ours and that have been unrelated to these companies’

 

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operating performances. The changes frequently appear to occur without regard to the operating performance of the affected companies. Hence, the price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with us in particular. These broad market fluctuations could reduce the market price of shares of our common stock. Furthermore, our operating results and prospects may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors or may be lower than those of companies with comparable market capitalizations. Either of these factors could lead to a material decline in the market price of our common stock.

This offering is expected to be dilutive to earnings, and there may be future dilution to earnings related to shares of our common stock.

On a pro forma basis, we expect that this offering will have a dilutive effect on our expected earnings per share, FFO per share and Core FFO per share. The actual amount of dilution cannot be determined at this time and will be based upon numerous factors. The market price of shares of our common stock could decline as a result of issuances or sales of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market after this offering or the perception that such issuances or sales could occur. Additionally, future issuances or sales of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock may be at prices below the initial public offering price of the shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus and may result in further dilution in our earnings, FFO per share and Core FFO per share and/or materially and adversely impact the market price of our common stock. See “Dilution.”

Future offerings of debt, which would be senior to shares of our common stock upon liquidation, and/or preferred equity securities that may be senior to shares of our common stock for purposes of distributions or upon liquidation, may materially and adversely affect the market price of shares of our common stock.

In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by making additional offerings of debt or preferred equity securities (or causing our operating partnership to issue debt securities). Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and preferred stock and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive distributions of our available assets prior to our common stockholders. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock and may result in dilution to owners of our common stock. Our stockholders are not entitled to preemptive rights or other protections against dilution. Our preferred stock, if issued, could have a preference on liquidating distributions or a preference on distribution payments that could limit our right to make distributions to our stockholders. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Our stockholders bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our common stock.

Future redemption obligations may materially and adversely affect the market price of shares of our common stock and may reduce future distributions.

Certain continuing investors hold direct or indirect interests in us or our operating partnership with special redemption rights that may allow them to require us or the operating partnership to redeem their shares of our common stock or their Legacy OP Units or OP units for cash at the fair market value (based on the value of our common stock), subject to a minimum price for such shares or units, or, to require us or the operating partnership to pay such continuing investor at the option of the continuing investor, any combination of cash, additional Legacy OP Units, OP units and/or shares of our common stock that equal the excess of the minimum price over the fair market value of the Legacy OP Units, OP units and/or shares of our common stock as of the election date. In the event such continuing investors invoke these special redemption rights, we and/or our operating partnership or its subsidiaries will be obligated to satisfy such redemptions, which will dilute the ownership interest of our common stockholders. Such amounts could be material and could materially and adversely affect the market price of shares of our common stock and reduce future distributions to our stockholders.

 

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Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public markets, or the perception that they might occur, could reduce the price of our common stock and may dilute your voting power and your ownership interest in us.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market following our initial public offering, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and may make it more difficult for you to sell your common stock at a time and price that you deem appropriate. We expect to have outstanding                 shares of our common stock (or                 shares of our common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares).

The shares of our common stock that we are selling in this offering may be resold immediately in the public market unless they are held by “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 of the Securities Act. The common stock and OP units to be issued in the formation transactions will be “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may not be sold in the absence of registration under the Securities Act unless an exemption from registration is available, including the exemptions contained in Rule 144. Bay Grove,                 and                 (as well as our directors, director nominees and officers) have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell or otherwise dispose of any of their common stock or OP units (which may be exchanged for common stock) from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date                 days (or                days, in the case of Bay Grove) after the date of this prospectus, except with the underwriters’ prior written consent. As a result of the registration rights agreement, however, all of these shares of our common stock, including common stock that may be issued in exchange for OP units, may be eligible for future sale without restriction, subject to applicable lock-up arrangements. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement.” Sales of a substantial number of such shares upon expiration of the lock-up agreements, the perception that such sales may occur, or early release of these agreements, could cause the market price of our common stock to fall or make it more difficult for you to sell your common stock at a time and price that you deem appropriate.

In addition, upon completion of this offering, our charter will provide that we may issue up to 500,000,000 shares of common stock and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Moreover, under Maryland law and as will be provided in our charter, a majority of our entire board of directors will have the power to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we are authorized to issue without stockholder approval. Future issuances of shares of our common stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into common stock may dilute the ownership interest of our common stockholders. Because our decision to issue additional equity or convertible or exchangeable securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future issuances. In addition, we are not required to offer any such securities to existing stockholders on a preemptive basis. Therefore, it may not be possible for existing stockholders to participate in such future issuances, which may dilute the existing stockholders’ interests in us.

A lack of research analyst coverage or restrictions on the ability of analysts associated with the co-managers of this offering to publish during certain time periods, including when we report our results of operations, could materially and adversely affect the market price and liquidity of our common stock.

We cannot assure you that research analysts, including those associated with the underwriters of this offering, will initiate or maintain research coverage of us or our common stock. In addition, regulatory rules prohibit research analysts associated with the co-managers of this offering from publishing or otherwise distributing a research report or from making a public appearance regarding us for 15 days prior to and after the expiration, waiver or termination of any lock-up agreement that we or certain of our stockholders have entered into with the underwriters of this offering. Accordingly, it could be the case that research concerning our results of operations or the possible effects on us of significant news or a significant event will not be published or will be published on a delayed basis. A lack of research or the inability of certain research analysts to publish research relating to our results of operations or significant news or a significant event in a timely manner could materially and adversely affect the market price and liquidity of our common stock.

 

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Risks Related to Our REIT Status and Other Tax Risks

Failure to qualify as a REIT would cause us to be taxed as a regular C corporation, which would substantially reduce funds available for distributions to stockholders.

We elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2020. We believe that our organization and method of operation has enabled and will continue to enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, we cannot assure you that we will qualify as such. This is because qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code as to which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations and involves the determination of facts and circumstances not entirely within our control. The complexity of these provisions and of the applicable regulations (as in effect from time to time) of the United States Department of the Treasury under the Code is greater in the case of a REIT, like us, that holds assets through a partnership. Future legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions may significantly change the tax laws or the application of the tax laws with respect to qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes or the federal income tax consequences of such qualification.

In order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of requirements, including requirements regarding the ownership of our stock and the composition of our gross income and assets. Also, a REIT must make distributions to stockholders aggregating annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains.

If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and are unable to obtain relief under certain statutory provisions, we will face material tax consequences that will substantially reduce the funds available for distributions to our stockholders because:

 

   

we would be subject to regular United States federal corporate income tax on our net income for the years we did not qualify for taxation as a REIT (and, for such years, would not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to stockholders in computing our taxable income);

 

   

we could be subject to a federal alternative minimum tax and possibly increased state and local taxes for such periods;

 

   

unless we are entitled to relief under applicable statutory provisions, neither we nor any “successor” company could elect to be taxed as a REIT until the fifth taxable year following the year during which we were disqualified; and

 

   

for five years following re-election of REIT status, upon a taxable disposition of an asset owned as of such re-election, we could be subject to corporate level tax with respect to any built-in gain inherent in such asset at the time of re-election.

As a result of all these factors, our failure to qualify as a REIT could impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital, and it could adversely affect the value of our common stock. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we would no longer be required to make distributions to our stockholders.

Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

Even if we have qualified and continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. In addition, we conduct a significant portion of our U.S. business through TRSs that are regular taxable corporations. Furthermore, our status as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes generally does not reduce non-U.S. taxes on our operations and assets outside of the United States.

 

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Moreover, to the extent that we incur non-U.S. taxes outside of a domestic TRS, we have limited ability to utilize credits against our U.S. federal income tax liabilities for foreign taxes paid or accrued. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distributions to stockholders.

If our operating partnership or any other subsidiary partnership or limited liability company fails to qualify as a partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we could fail to qualify as a REIT and would suffer adverse consequences.

We believe that our operating partnership is organized and will be operated in a manner so as to be treated as a partnership, and not an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a partnership, our operating partnership will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its income. Instead, each of its partners, including us, will be allocated that partner’s share of our operating partnership’s income. No assurance can be provided, however, that the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, will not challenge the status of our operating partnership or any other subsidiary partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest as a partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If the IRS were successful in treating our operating partnership or any such other subsidiary partnership or limited liability company as an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we could fail to meet the gross income tests and certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs and, accordingly, could cease to qualify as a REIT. Also, the failure of our operating partnership or of any such other subsidiary partnership or limited liability company to qualify as a partnership or disregarded entity would cause it to become subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax, which would reduce significantly the amount of its cash available for debt service and for distribution to its partners or members, including us.

Our operating partnership has a carryover tax basis on certain of its assets as a result of certain transactions, and the amount that we have to distribute to stockholders therefore may be higher.

Certain of our operating partnership’s assets were acquired in tax-deferred transactions and have carryover tax bases that are lower than the fair market values of these assets at the time of the acquisition. As a result of this lower aggregate tax basis, our operating partnership will recognize higher taxable gain upon the sale of these assets and our operating partnership will be entitled to lower depreciation deductions on these assets than if it had purchased these assets in taxable transactions at the time of the acquisition. Such lower depreciation deductions and increased gains on sales allocated to us generally will increase the amount of our required distribution under the REIT rules, and will decrease the portion of any distribution that otherwise would have been treated as a “return of capital” distribution.

Our property taxes could increase due to property tax rate changes or reassessment, which could impact our cash flow.

Even if we qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we are required to pay state and local property taxes on certain of our assets. The property taxes on our assets may increase as property tax rates change or as our assets are assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. Therefore, the amount of property taxes we pay in the future may increase substantially from what we have paid in the past. If the property taxes we pay increase, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, per share trading price of our common stock, and ability to satisfy our principal and interest obligations and to make distributions to our stockholders could be adversely affected.

We use TRSs, which may cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT.

To qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we hold, and plan to continue to hold, substantially all of our non-qualifying REIT assets and conduct certain of our non-qualifying REIT income activities in or through one or more TRS entities. A TRS is a corporation other than a REIT in which a REIT

 

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directly or indirectly holds stock, and that has made a joint election with such REIT to be treated as a TRS. A TRS also includes any corporation other than a REIT with respect to which a TRS owns securities possessing more than 35% of the total voting power or value of the outstanding securities of such corporation. Other than some activities relating to lodging and health care facilities, a TRS may generally engage in any business, including the provision of customary or non-customary services to tenants of its parent REIT. A TRS is subject to U.S. federal income tax as a regular C corporation at a current rate of 21%.

The net income of our TRS entities is not required to be distributed to us, and income that is not distributed to us will generally not be subject to the REIT income distribution requirement. However, our TRS entities may pay dividends. Such dividend income should qualify under the 95%, but not the 75%, gross income test. We will monitor the amount of the dividend and other income from our TRS entities and will take actions intended to keep this income, and any other non-qualifying income, within the limitations of the REIT income tests. While we expect these actions will prevent a violation of the REIT income tests, we cannot guarantee that such actions will in all cases prevent such a violation.

Our ownership of TRS entities is subject to limitations that could prevent us from growing the portion of our business that does not qualify for operating through a REIT, and our transactions with our TRS entities could cause us to be subject to a 100% penalty tax on certain income or deductions if those transactions are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis.

No more than 20% of the value of a REIT’s gross assets may consist of interests in TRS entities. We hold a portion of our business that could adversely impact our status as a REIT, if conducted directly by the REIT, through one or more TRS entities. In addition, we may acquire companies and properties through our TRS entities until such companies or properties can be restructured to operate in a REIT compliant manner. Our board of directors will determine in good faith the valuation of our gross assets, including the value of securities in our TRS entities, on a quarterly basis for each relevant testing quarterly. Compliance with this limitation could limit our ability to grow the portion of our business that does not qualify for operating through a REIT. The Code also imposes a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. We will monitor the value of investments in our TRS entities in order to comply with TRS ownership limitations and will structure our transactions with our TRS entities on terms that we believe are arm’s-length to avoid incurring the 100% excise tax described above. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to comply with the TRS ownership limitation or be able to avoid application of the 100% excise tax.

REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plans, including because we may be required to borrow funds to make distributions to stockholders or otherwise depend on external sources of capital to fund such distributions.

We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which is determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction or net capital gain for this purpose) in order to continue to qualify as a REIT. To the extent that we satisfy the distribution requirement 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 corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net long-term capital gain. In that case, if we so elect, a stockholder would be taxed on its proportionate share of our undistributed long-term gain and would receive a credit or refund for its proportionate share of the tax we paid. A stockholder, including a tax-exempt or non-U.S. stockholder, would have to file a U.S. federal income tax return to claim that credit or refund. Furthermore, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we distribute to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under federal tax laws.

We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the REIT requirements of the Code and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax. We may be required to make distributions to our stockholders at times when it would be more advantageous to reinvest cash in our business or when we do not

 

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have funds readily available for distribution. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.

If we do not have other funds available, we could be required to borrow funds on unfavorable terms, sell investments at disadvantageous prices, distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions or capital expenditures or used for the repayment of debt, pay dividends in the form of “taxable stock dividends” or find another alternative source of funds to make distributions sufficient to enable us to distribute enough of our taxable income to satisfy the REIT distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax in a particular year. These alternatives could increase our costs or adversely affect the value of our common stock.

Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forgo otherwise attractive opportunities or liquidate otherwise attractive investments.

To continue to qualify 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 nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to stockholders and the ownership of our stock. As discussed above, we may be required to make distributions to you at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution. Additionally, we may be unable to pursue investments that would be otherwise attractive to us in order to satisfy the requirements for qualifying as a REIT.

At the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our assets must consist of cash, cash items, U.S. government securities and qualified real estate assets, including certain mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities. The remainder of our investment in securities (other than U.S. government securities and qualified real estate assets) 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 assets can consist of the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and qualified real estate assets) and no more than 20% of the value of our gross assets may be represented by securities of one or more TRS entities. Finally, no more than 25% of our assets may consist of debt investments that are issued by “publicly offered REITs” and would not otherwise be treated as qualifying real estate assets. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct such failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter to avoid losing our REIT status and being subject to adverse tax consequences, unless certain relief provisions apply. As a result, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of profit maximization and may require us to liquidate investments from our portfolio, or refrain from making otherwise attractive investments. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to stockholders.

The prohibited transactions tax may limit our ability to engage in transactions, including disposition of assets, which would be treated as sales for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

A REIT’s net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of dealer property, other than foreclosure property. We may be subject to the prohibited transaction tax upon a disposition of real property. Although a safe-harbor exception to prohibited transaction treatment is available, we cannot assure you that we can comply with such safe harbor or that we will avoid owning property that may be characterized as “dealer property” (i.e., held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our trade or business). Consequently, we may choose not to engage in certain sales of real property or may conduct such sales through a TRS.

It may be possible to reduce the impact of the prohibited transaction tax by conducting certain activities through a TRS. However, to the extent that we engage in such activities through a TRS, the income associated with such activities will be subject to a corporate income tax. In addition, the IRS may attempt to ignore or otherwise recast such activities in order to impose a prohibited transaction tax on us, and there can be no assurance that such recast will not be successful.

 

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We may recognize substantial amounts of REIT taxable income, which we would be required to distribute to our stockholders, in a year in which we are not profitable under GAAP or other economic measures.

We may recognize substantial amounts of REIT taxable income in years in which we are not profitable under GAAP or other economic measures as a result of the differences between GAAP and tax accounting methods. For instance, certain of our assets may be marked-to-market for GAAP purposes but not for tax purposes, which could result in losses for GAAP purposes that are not recognized in computing our REIT taxable income. Additionally, we may deduct our capital losses only to the extent of our capital gains in computing our REIT taxable income for a given taxable year. Consequently, we could recognize substantial amounts of REIT taxable income and would be required to distribute such income to you in a year in which we are not profitable under GAAP or other economic measures.

Our qualification as a REIT could be jeopardized as a result of an interest in joint ventures.

We may hold certain limited partner or non-managing member interests in partnerships or limited liability companies that are joint ventures. If a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest takes or expects to take actions that could jeopardize our qualification as a REIT or require us to pay tax, we may be forced to dispose of our interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership or limited liability company could take an action which could cause us to fail a REIT gross income or asset test, and that we would not become aware of such action in time to dispose of our interest in the partnership or limited liability company or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In that case, we could fail to continue to qualify as a REIT unless we are able to qualify for a statutory REIT “savings” provision, which may require us to pay a significant penalty tax to maintain our REIT qualification.

Dividends payable by REITs may be taxed at higher rates.

Dividends payable by REITs may be taxed at higher rates than dividends of non-REIT corporations. The maximum U.S. federal income tax rate for qualified dividends paid by domestic non-REIT corporations to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts or estates is generally 20%. Dividends paid by REITs to such stockholders are generally not eligible for that rate, but under current tax law, such stockholders may deduct up to 20% of ordinary dividends (i.e., dividends not designated as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income) received from a REIT for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026. Although this deduction reduces the effective tax rate applicable to certain dividends paid by REITs, such tax rate may still be higher than the tax rate applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends. This may cause investors to view REIT investments as less attractive than investments in non-REIT corporations, which in turn may adversely affect the value of stock of REITs, including our stock. In addition, the relative attractiveness of real estate in general may be adversely affected by the favorable tax treatment given to corporate dividends, which could negatively affect the value of certain of our assets.

In the event we acquire assets of C corporations (including by merger) in carry-over basis transactions, we may inherit material tax liabilities and other tax attributes from such acquired corporations, and we may be required to distribute earnings and profits.

From time to time, we may acquire assets from C corporations in transactions in which the basis of the corporations’ assets in our hands is determined by reference to the basis of the assets in the hands of the acquired corporations (including in connection with post-acquisition integration transactions), or carry-over basis transactions.

If Lineage, Inc. or one of our REIT subsidiaries acquires any asset from a corporation that is or has been a C corporation in a carry-over basis transaction and Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary subsequently recognizes gain on the disposition of the asset during the five-year period beginning on the date on which Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary acquired the asset, then Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT

 

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subsidiary will be required to pay tax at the regular corporate tax rate on this gain to the extent of the excess of the fair market value of the asset over Lineage, Inc.’s or its applicable REIT subsidiary’s adjusted basis in the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary acquired the asset (the so-called sting tax). The results described in this paragraph with respect to the recognition of gain assume that the C corporation will refrain from making an election to receive different treatment under applicable Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code (the “Treasury Regulations”) on its tax return for the year in which Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary acquires the asset from the C corporation.

Lineage, Inc. acquired a portion of its assets through a contribution by BGLH of the Lineage Logistics business to us in 2020. Treasury Regulations also apply the rules described above to property transferred to us by a partnership, such as BGLH, that directly or indirectly has partners that are C corporations. Under these rules, any gain that would have been allocated directly or indirectly by the transferor partnership to a C corporation partner, if the property had been sold at fair market value on the date of the contribution of the property to us, would be subject to the sting tax. As a result, a sale of a portion of our assets may be subject to the sting tax.

Any such sting taxes Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary pays would reduce the amount available for distribution to our stockholders. The imposition of such tax may require Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary to forgo an otherwise attractive disposition of any assets acquired from a C corporation in a carry-over basis transaction and, as a result, may reduce the liquidity of our portfolio of investments. In addition, in such a carry-over basis transaction, Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary will succeed to any tax liabilities and earnings and profits of the acquired C corporation. To qualify as a REIT, Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary must distribute any non-REIT earnings and profits by the close of the taxable year in which such transaction occurs. Any adjustments to the acquired corporation’s income for taxable years ending on or before the date of the transaction, including as a result of an examination of the corporation’s tax returns by the IRS, could affect the calculation of the corporation’s earnings and profits.

If the IRS were to determine that Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary acquired non-REIT earnings and profits from a corporation that Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary failed to distribute prior to the end of the taxable year in which the carry-over basis transaction occurred, Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary could avoid disqualification as a REIT by paying a “deficiency dividend.” Under these procedures, Lineage, Inc. or its applicable REIT subsidiary generally would be required to (i) pay a statutory interest charge at a specified rate to the IRS on 50% of any such non-REIT earnings and profits and (ii) distribute any such non-REIT earnings and profits (less any interest charge paid to the IRS) to its stockholders within 90 days of the determination. Such a distribution would be in addition to the distribution of REIT taxable income necessary to satisfy the REIT distribution requirement and may require that we borrow funds to make the distribution even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for borrowings. In addition, payment of the statutory interest charge could materially and adversely affect us.

Legislative or regulatory tax changes could adversely affect us or our stockholders.

At any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws or regulations governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws or regulations may be amended. We cannot predict when or if any new U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, or any amendment to any existing U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, will be adopted, promulgated or become effective and any such law, regulation or interpretation may take effect retroactively. Any such change could result in an increase in our, or our stockholders’, tax liability or require changes in the manner in which we operate in order to minimize increases in our tax liability. A shortfall in tax revenues for states and municipalities in which we operate may lead to an increase in the frequency and size of such changes. If such changes occur, we may be required to pay additional taxes on our assets or income or be subject to additional restrictions. These increased tax costs could, among other things, adversely affect our financial condition, the results of operations, and the amount of cash available for the payment of dividends. We and our stockholders could be adversely affected by any such change in, or any new, U.S. federal income tax law, regulation, or administrative interpretation.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In particular, statements pertaining to our business and growth strategies, investment and development activities and trends in our business, contain forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus, the words “estimate,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “seek,” “approximately” or “plan,” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions of management.

Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and we may not be able to realize them. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:

 

   

general business and economic conditions;

 

   

continued volatility and uncertainty in the credit markets and broader financial markets, including potential fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index and changes in foreign currency exchange rates;

 

   

other risks inherent in the real estate business, including customer defaults, potential liability relating to environmental matters, illiquidity of real estate investments, and potential damages from natural disasters;

 

   

the availability of suitable acquisitions and our ability to acquire properties or businesses on favorable terms;

 

   

our success in implementing our business strategy and our ability to identify, underwrite, finance, consummate, integrate and manage diversifying acquisitions or investments;

 

   

our ability to meet budgeted or stabilized returns on our development and expansion projects within expected time frames, or at all;

 

   

our ability to manage our expanded operations, including expansion into new markets or business lines;

 

   

our failure to realize the intended benefits from, or disruptions to our plans and operations or unknown or contingent liabilities related to, our recent and future acquisitions;

 

   

our failure to successfully integrate and operate acquired or developed properties or businesses;

 

   

our ability to renew significant customer contracts;

 

   

the impact of supply chain disruptions, including the impact on labor availability, raw material availability, manufacturing and food production and transportation;

 

   

difficulties managing an international business and acquiring or operating properties in foreign jurisdictions and unfamiliar metropolitan areas;

 

   

changes in political conditions, geopolitical turmoil, political instability, civil disturbances, restrictive governmental actions or nationalization in the countries in which we operate;

 

   

the degree and nature of our competition;

 

   

our failure to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding indebtedness;

 

   

our ability to access debt and equity capital markets;

 

   

continued increases and volatility in interest rates;

 

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increased power, labor or construction costs;

 

   

changes in consumer demand or preferences for products we store in our warehouses;

 

   

decreased storage rates or increased vacancy rates;

 

   

labor shortages or our inability to attract and retain talent;

 

   

changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, government regulation;

 

   

a failure of our information technology systems, systems conversions and integrations, cybersecurity attacks or a breach of our information security systems, networks or processes;

 

   

our failure maintain our status as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

   

changes in local, state, federal and international laws and regulations, including related to taxation, real estate and zoning laws, and increases in real property tax rates;

 

   

the impact of any financial, accounting, legal or regulatory issues or litigation that may affect us; and

 

   

additional factors discussed in the sections entitled “Business and Properties,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this prospectus.

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus. While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events discussed in this prospectus might not occur as described, or at all.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $         billion, or $        billion if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated expenses, in each case, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $        per share, which is the mid-point of the price range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus. We will contribute the net proceeds from this offering to our operating partnership in exchange for OP units.

We expect our operating partnership to use the net proceeds received from us to            .

Pending the permanent use of the net proceeds from these offerings, we intend to invest the net proceeds in interest-bearing, short-term investment-grade securities, money-market accounts or other investments that are consistent with our intention to qualify for taxation as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

 

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DISTRIBUTION POLICY

We intend to make a pro rata distribution with respect to the period commencing upon the completion of this offering and ending on                , 2024, based on a distribution rate of $        per share of common stock for a full quarter. On an annualized basis, this would be $         per share of common stock, or an annualized distribution rate of approximately    % based on the mid-point of the price range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus. We estimate that this initial annual distribution rate will represent approximately    % of our estimated cash available for distribution to stockholders for the 12 months ending December 31, 2024, based on the mid-point of the price range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus. We do not intend to reduce the annualized distribution per share of common stock if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares. Our intended initial annual distribution rate has been established based on our estimate of cash available for distribution for the 12 months ending December 31, 2024, which we have calculated based on adjustments to our pro forma net income for the 12 months ended December 31, 2023. In estimating our cash available for distribution for the 12 months ending December 31, 2024, we have made certain assumptions as reflected in the table and footnotes below.

Our estimate of cash available for distribution does not include the effect of any changes in our working capital resulting from changes in our working capital accounts. In addition, our estimate of cash available for distribution does not include the approximately $        million to $        million of incremental general and administrative expenses expected to be incurred subsequent to the completion of this offering in order to operate as a public company but that are not reflected in our pro forma net income for the 12 months ended December 31, 2023. It also does not reflect the amount of cash estimated to be used for investing activities, financing activities or other activities, other than reductions in interest expense associated with loan amortization. Any such investing and/or financing activities may have a material and adverse effect on our estimate of cash available for distribution. Because we have made the assumptions described herein in estimating cash available for distribution, we do not intend this estimate to be a projection or forecast of our actual results of operations, FFO, Core FFO, Adjusted FFO, EBITDA, EBITDAre, Adjusted EBITDA, liquidity, cash flow or financial condition, and we have estimated cash available for distribution for the sole purpose of determining our estimated initial annual distribution amount. Our estimate of cash available for distribution should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities (computed in accordance with GAAP) or as an indicator of our liquidity or our ability to make distributions. In addition, the methodology upon which we made the adjustments described herein is not necessarily intended to be a basis for determining future distributions.

We believe that our estimate of cash available for distribution constitutes a reasonable basis for setting the initial distribution rate, and we intend to maintain our initial distribution rate for the 12 months following the completion of this offering. However, we cannot assure you that our estimate will prove accurate, our initial distribution rate will be maintained or our board of directors will not change our distribution policy in the future. Any distributions will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors, and their form, timing and amount, if any, will depend upon a number of factors, including our actual and projected results of operations, Core FFO, Adjusted FFO, EBITDA, EBITDAre, Adjusted EBITDA, liquidity, cash flows and financial condition, the revenue we actually receive from our properties, our operating expenses, our debt service requirements, our capital expenditures, prohibitions and other limitations under our financing arrangements, our REIT taxable income, the annual REIT distribution requirements, applicable law, including restrictions on distributions under Maryland law, and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. For more information regarding risk factors that could materially and adversely affect us and our ability to make cash distributions, see “Risk Factors.” If our operations do not generate sufficient cash flow to enable us to pay our intended or required distributions, we may be required either to fund distributions from working capital, borrowings or equity capital or to reduce such distributions. In addition, our charter allows us to issue preferred stock that could have a preference on distributions and could limit our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. Additionally, under certain circumstances, agreements relating to our indebtedness could limit our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

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Federal income tax law requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains, and that it pay tax at the corporate rate to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and including any net capital gains. In addition, a REIT will be required to pay a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which the distributions it makes in a calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of its ordinary income, 95% of its capital gain net income and 100% of its undistributed income from prior years. For more information, see “Federal Income Tax Considerations.” We anticipate that our estimated cash available for distribution will be sufficient to enable us to meet the annual distribution requirements applicable to REITs and to avoid or minimize the imposition of corporate and excise taxes. However, under some circumstances, we may be required to make distributions in excess of cash available for distribution in order to meet these distribution requirements or to avoid or minimize the imposition of tax and we may need to borrow funds to make certain distributions.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our historical cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of December 31, 2023 and our pro forma cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of December 31, 2023 to give effect to this offering, the formation transactions and the other adjustments described in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, based on the mid-point of the price range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus. This table should be read in conjunction with the sections entitled “Use of Proceeds,” “Summary Selected Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Other Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our historical and pro forma consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     As of December 31, 2023  
     Historical      Unaudited
Pro Forma
 
               

(in millions, except share and per share amounts)

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $        $    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Debt:

     

Revolving Credit Facility

   $        $    

Term Loan

     

CMBS

     

Senior Unsecured Notes

     

Secured mortgage debt

     

Other secured debt

     

Total debt

     

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; no shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding, actual; shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding, pro forma

     

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; no shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding, actual;                  shares authorized and                  shares issued and outstanding, pro forma(1)

     

Additional paid in capital

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   $        $    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interest

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $                                $                            
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Pro forma common stock outstanding includes                  shares of our common stock to be issued in this offering. Excludes (i)                  shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares and (ii)                  shares of our common stock issuable in the future under the Equity Incentive Plan, as more fully described in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Equity Incentive Plan.”

 

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DILUTION

Dilution After This Offering

Purchasers of our common stock offered by this prospectus will experience an immediate and substantial dilution of the net tangible book value per share of our common stock from the initial public offering price. Net tangible book value per share represents the amount of total tangible assets less total tangible liabilities, divided by the number of outstanding shares of common stock, assuming the exchange of OP units (including (i)                OP units into which                    Legacy OP Units may be reclassified and (ii)                     OP units issuable upon exchange of                    OPEUs) for shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. As of December 31, 2023, we had a net tangible book value of approximately $        million, or $        per share. After giving effect to the sale of our common stock by us in this offering, the application of the aggregate net proceeds received by us therefrom, completion of the formation transactions and the other adjustments described in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, our pro forma net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023 would have been $        million, or $        per share of common stock (assuming the exchange of OP units for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis). This amount represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $        per share to our continuing investors and an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value of $        per share from the public offering price of $         per share of common stock to our new investors. The following table illustrates this per share dilution.

 

Initial public offering price per share

      $    

Net tangible book value per share as of December 31, 2023, before the formation transactions and this offering

   $       

Net increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to the formation transactions and this offering

   $                 
  

 

 

    

Pro forma net tangible book value per share after the formation transactions and this offering(1)

      $              
     

 

 

 

Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors(2)

      $    
     

 

 

 

 

(1)

The pro forma net tangible book value per share after the formation transactions, this offering and other pro forma adjustments was determined by dividing net tangible book value of approximately $        million by                shares of common stock and OP units to be outstanding after the formation transactions, this offering and other pro forma adjustments, assuming the exchange of OP units (including (i)                OP units into which                Legacy OP Units may be reclassified and (ii)                 OP units issuable upon exchange of                OPEUs) for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis. This excludes the shares that may be issued by us upon exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, the related proceeds and additional common stock reserved for future issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan.

(2)

The dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors was determined by subtracting pro forma net tangible book value per share after the formation transactions, this offering and other pro forma adjustments from the assumed initial public offering price paid by a new investor for our common stock.

Assuming the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock in full, our pro forma net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023 would have been $        million, or $        per share of common stock (assuming the exchange of OP units (including (i)                OP units into which                Legacy OP Units may be reclassified and (ii)                 OP units issuable upon exchange of                OPEUs) for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis). This represents an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value of $        per share of common stock to new investors.

Differences Between New Investors and Continuing Investors

The table below summarizes, as of December 31, 2023, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the formation transactions and this offering, the differences between the number of shares of common stock and OP

 

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units (including (i)                OP units into which                 Legacy OP Units may be reclassified and (ii)                 OP units issuable upon exchange of                OPEUs) held by the continuing investors following the formation transactions and the new investors purchasing shares in this offering, the total consideration paid and the average price per share of common stock or OP unit paid by the continuing investors following the formation transactions and paid in cash by the new investors purchasing shares in this offering (based on the net tangible book value attributable to the continuing investors in the formation transactions).

 

     Common Stock/OP
Units Issued/Granted
    

Pro Forma Net

Tangible Book Value of

Contribution/Cash(1)

    Average
Price
Per
Share
 
     Number      Percentage      Amount      Percentage  
                                   

(in millions, except share and per share data)

  

Continuing investors(2)

                            $                                         $                

New investors and restricted share grants(3)

                                                                       $    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

        100.0    $          100.0   $    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

(1)

Represents pro forma net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023 after giving effect to the formation transactions and this offering.

(2)

Includes                OP units to be issued in connection with the formation transactions and                OPEUs into which interests held by Bay Grove are to be reclassified in connection with the formation transactions.

(3)

Includes (i)                shares of common stock to be sold in this offering and (ii)                OP units to be issued in connection with the formation transactions.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the “Selected Consolidated Historical and Pro Forma Financial and Other Data,” “Business and Properties” and consolidated financial statements and related notes that are included elsewhere in this prospectus. Where appropriate, the following discussion includes the effects of the completion of the formation transactions, this offering and the use of the net proceeds therefrom on a pro forma basis. These effects are reflected in our unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding our expectation for future performance, liquidity and capital resources, that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors,” “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” or in other parts of this prospectus.

Pursuant to SEC guidance, we are omitting any unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes as of September 30, 2023 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (including any related unaudited pro forma financial statements and related notes as of September 30, 2023 and for the year ended December 31, 2022 and nine months ended September 30, 2023) because they relate to historical periods that we believe will not be required to be included in the registration statement at the time of effectiveness. As a result, unless otherwise indicated, we are also omitting any discussion of our financial condition and results of operations as of and for the periods then ended. We intend to amend the draft registration statement to include all financial information required by Regulation S-X and the related discussion required by Regulation S-K at the date of such amendment before publicly filing the registration statement.

Management’s Overview

We are the world’s largest global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, with a modern and strategically located network of buildings. Our business is competitively positioned to deliver a seamless end-to-end, technology-enabled, customer experience for thousands of customers each with their own unique requirements in the temperature-controlled supply chain. As of December 31, 2022, we operated an interconnected global temperature-controlled warehouse network, comprising over 81.4 million square feet and 2.9 billion cubic feet of capacity across 474 warehouses predominantly located in densely populated critical-distribution markets, with 302 in North America, 87 in Europe and 85 in Asia-Pacific. We have a well-diversified and stable customer base and currently serve more than 10,000 customers that include household names of the largest retailers, manufacturers, processors and food service distributors in the industry. In 2022, no single customer accounted for more than 2.9% of our revenues. In the year ended December 31, 2022, we generated $4.9 billion of revenue, $1.4 billion of NOI and $1.1 billion of Adjusted EBITDA.

We view, manage and report on our business through two segments:

 

   

Global warehousing, which utilizes our high-quality industrial real estate properties to provide temperature-controlled warehousing storage and services to our customers; and

 

   

Global integrated solutions, which complements warehousing with supply chain services to facilitate the movement of products through the food supply chain to generate cost savings for customers and additional revenue streams for our company.

Components of Our Results of Operations

Global Warehousing Segment. Our primary business is owning and operating temperature-controlled warehouses.

 

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Revenue. Our global warehousing segment revenues are generated from storing frozen and perishable food and other products and providing related warehouse services for our customers. Storage revenues relate to the act of storing products for our customers within our warehouses. Storage revenues can be in the form of storage fees we charge customers for utilization of space in a warehouse, blast fees we charge customers for utilization of specific ultra-cold spaces within a warehouse designed to rapidly reduce product temperature, and rent we charge customers for the lease of warehouse space pursuant to a lease agreement. Warehouse services fees relate to handling and other services required to prepare and move customers’ pallets into, out of and around the facilities. As part of our warehouse services, we offer handling, case-picking, order assembly and load consolidation, quality control, re-packaging and government-approved storage and inspection, among other services, for which we charge fees.

The majority of our fees are contracted with customers via warehouse agreements, rate letters and tariff sheets. We also earn rent under lease agreements pursuant to which we lease a portion of a warehouse or an entire warehouse. Customer warehouse agreements and rate letters generally contain a profile that projects the type, size and number of pallets the customer expects to store over a period of time within a specified warehouse, as well as the length of time pallets are expected to remain in the warehouse, and may include guaranteed revenues based on specific storage, handling or other parameters. Material changes to a customer profile that increase costs can trigger rate changes. Additionally, warehouse agreements include mechanisms to adjust rates for inflationary pressures, and rate letters are typically revised annually for price adjustments. Our tariff sheets are updated annually, and the agreements are also short-term in nature and can generally be updated upon 30-days’ advance notice. These various rate adjustment mechanisms generally allow us to pass on both storage and handling rate increases to customers as necessary to account for increasing rents and inflation in operational costs such as wages, power and warehouse supplies.

Cost of operations. Our global warehousing segment cost of operations consists primarily of labor, power, other facilities costs and other services costs. Labor comprises the largest component of the cost of operations from our global warehousing segment and consists primarily of employee wages (both direct and indirect) and benefits. Changes in our labor expense are driven by, among other things, changes in headcount, changes in compensation levels and associated performance incentives, the use of third-party labor to support our operations, changes in terms of collective bargaining agreements, changes in customer requirements and associated work content, workforce productivity, labor availability, governmental policies and regulations and variability in costs associated with employer-provided benefits. Our second-largest cost of operations of our global warehousing segment is electrical power utilized in the operation of our temperature-controlled warehouses. As a result, fluctuations in the price of power in the regions where we operate may have a significant effect on our financial results. We may from time to time hedge our exposure to changes in power prices through fixed rate agreements. In addition, to the extent possible and appropriate, we may seek to mitigate or offset the impact of fluctuations in the price of power on our financial results through rate escalations or power surcharge provisions within our agreements with customers. We also look to implement energy saving alternatives to reduce energy consumption, including the installation of solar panels, state of the art refrigeration control systems, LED lighting, thermal energy storage, motion-sensor technology, variable frequency drives for our fans and compressors and rapid open/close doors, which are all environmentally friendly solutions that have the potential to reduce energy consumption (thereby reducing costs) at the warehouses in which they are installed. Additionally, business mix impacts our power expense depending on the temperature zone and type and frequency of freezing required (e.g., blast freezing). Other facilities costs include utilities other than power, insurance, real estate taxes, repairs and maintenance, rent under real property operating leases where applicable, and other related facilities costs. Other services costs include equipment costs, warehouse consumables (e.g., pallets and shrink-wrap), personal protective equipment to maintain the health and safety of our team members, warehouse administration and other related services costs.

Global Integrated Solutions Segment. Our global integrated solutions segment provides our customers with a comprehensive approach to facilitate the movement of products along the supply chain.

 

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Revenues. Our integrated solutions revenues are primarily driven by transportation fees, which may also include fuel and capacity surcharges, to our customers for whom we arrange the transportation of their products. Within transportation, which is the largest component of our global integrated solutions segment, our core focus areas are multi-vendor less-than-full-truckload consolidation, drayage services to and from ports, transportation brokerage and freight forwarding. We also provide rail transportation services and, in select markets, foodservice distribution and e-commerce fulfillment services.

Under our typical multi-vendor less-than-full-truckload consolidation agreements, we earn fees based on the weight, dimensions and density of the customer’s goods and distance that such goods will be shipped. We typically earn flat fees for our drayage services based on the time and mileage required for the round trip. We include fuel surcharges under both our typical multi-vendor less-than-full-truckload consolidation agreements and drayage services agreements, allowing us to pass on increases in the cost of fuel to customers. For transportation brokerage services, we typically earn fees based on the amounts we charge our shipping customers, generating a margin over what we pay in the form of third-party carrier charges. For rail transportation services, we primarily lease temperature-controlled railcars pursuant to long-term full-service leases. We typically earn revenue for our food distribution services on a cost plus or cost sharing basis and our e-commerce fulfillment services on a fully-loaded cost per shipment basis. Similar to our brokerage services, we typically earn fees under our freight forwarding services based on the amounts we charge our shipping customers, generating a margin over what we pay in the form of third-party carrier charges.

Cost of operations. Our global integrated solutions cost of operations consists primarily of third-party carrier charges, which are impacted by factors affecting those carriers, including truck and ocean liner capacity and driver and equipment availability in certain markets. Additionally, in certain markets we employ drivers and operate assets to serve our customers. Costs to operate these assets include wages, fuel, tolls, insurance and maintenance.

Other Consolidated Operating Expenses. We also incur depreciation and amortization expenses, corporate-level general and administrative expenses and corporate-level acquisition, restructuring and other expenses.

Depreciation and amortization. Our depreciation and amortization charges result primarily from the capital-intensive nature of our business. The principal components of depreciation relate to our warehouses, both owned and leased, including buildings and improvements, refrigeration equipment, racking, leasehold improvements, material handling equipment, furniture and fixtures and our computer hardware and software. We also incur depreciation related to owned transportation assets. Amortization relates primarily to intangible assets for customer relationships.

General and administrative expenses. Our corporate-level, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of costs associated with administration of our global warehousing and global integrated solutions segments, including wages and benefits for management, administrative, legal, business development, project management, sales, marketing, engineering, safety and compliance, food optimization, integrated solutions, human resources, finance, accounting, network optimization, data science and information technology personnel, transformational information technology expenses (which include expenses associated with development and deployment of our operating systems), equity incentive plans, communications and data processing, travel, professional fees, credit loss, training, office equipment and supplies. Trends in corporate-level general and administrative expenses are influenced by changes in headcount and compensation levels and achievement of incentive compensation targets.

Acquisition, restructuring and other expenses. Our corporate-level acquisition, restructuring and other expenses consist of costs with a high level of variability from period-to-period and include the following: acquisition and transaction related costs, non-recurring employee expenses, management fees paid to Bay Grove in accordance with the terms of the operating services agreement and other expenses such as losses (gains) on disposition of property, plant and equipment, expenses incurred in anticipation of future planned entity

 

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restructurings, significant one-time expenses and impairments offset by any corresponding insurance proceeds. In connection with this offering, we intend to internalize certain operating, strategic development and financial services that are currently provided by Bay Grove under the operating services agreement. Accordingly, in connection with this offering, we will terminate the operating services agreement, and we will enter into a transition services agreement with Bay Grove to provide certain of these services for a three-year term while we internalize such functions. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Transition Services Agreement.”

Key Factors Affecting Our Business and Financial Results

Recent Trends in Our Global Warehousing Segment

The following are key trends emerging in our global warehousing segment:

 

   

Strategic engagement with customers. We believe that customers are increasingly looking for more bespoke solutions for their supply chain needs, and we have seen customers engaging more deeply with us to support their strategic supply chain initiatives. Our strategic account management team works with our top customers to create a joint roadmap and action plan to optimize each customer’s supply chain needs based on its unique priorities. For example, our strategic account management team may create a plan with a customer based on such customer’s goals to increase volume in a particular region, while transitioning the customer from higher-cost trucking to lower-cost rail transportation in another region. We have seen increased engagement from customers with this approach over the last several years, and we expect this trend to continue as we expand these strategic relationships with our customers.

 

   

Automation. We have industry-leading automation capabilities and intend to continue our leadership in temperature-controlled warehouse automation. We also look to direct our high-case volume customers to our automated or semi-automated facilities because we believe these automated facilities can provide lower cost and more customized solutions to our customers, thereby improving the customer experience and driving customer retention. We are seeing increased demand for automated solutions from our customers. We currently have eight greenfield development and expansion projects under construction, which when completed are expected to contribute approximately 266 thousand pallet positions, approximately 60% of which will be fully automated.

Market Conditions

Our business is impacted by general economic and market conditions, as well as by national and international political, environmental and socio-economic events. Specifically, our business operations are sensitive to the systemic impact of inflation, the availability of labor, the availability and cost of credit, the food supply chain, fuel, energy and power costs, our customers’ production, end-consumer demand for food that requires cold storage and transportation of goods and geopolitical issues.

During the last several years, we have leveraged our assets, customer relationships and management best practices to navigate a volatile macroeconomic period that included inflation, supply chain backlogs and a labor shortage. Significant factors impacting our business have included:

 

   

Inflation and Customer Rate Increases. Beginning in 2021, we saw significant inflationary impacts across our business. Significant inflationary pressure across wages, real estate costs, energy and other operational costs impacted our margins unfavorably in 2021. Following customer rate increases in the second half of 2021 and continuing in 2022 and 2023, our operating results improved significantly. At the same time, we believe that higher food costs are now impacting buying decisions by end users for certain commodities, which in turn affects our customers as they adjust to new levels of demand from the end users. As a result, we have seen lower throughput from our customers, which has impacted

 

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volume across our network. Over the long-term, we believe that end-consumer demand for food will remain consistent with historic levels and that the mission-critical nature of our warehouse network positions us well to pass through certain inflationary cost pressures. In addition, as overall inflation eases, we expect to see relief across throughput and operational cost pressures, and we believe that our customers also expect lower rate increases going forward.

 

   

Occupancy. Following widespread supply chain backlogs during 2021 and early 2022, customers in North America increased production later in 2021 leading to higher inventories by the end of 2022. As a result, we experienced increased physical occupancy in 2023, particularly in North America. In addition, our increased usage of minimum storage guarantees has further driven an increase in economic occupancy. Going forward, we expect physical occupancy may decrease modestly in North America relative to 2023 as production normalizes, which may be partially offset by opportunities for improvement in areas outside North America. At the same time, we expect our increased usage of minimum storage guarantees to mitigate some of the impact to economic occupancy.

 

   

Labor. Beginning with the pandemic and lasting through the beginning of 2023, we have faced headwinds from wage inflation, labor shortages and team member turnover. Internally, over the last several years, we have been focused on strategic initiatives to decrease turnover through higher wages, engagement best practices and training to help retain talent. More recently in 2023, we are seeing retention improve due to these internal retention efforts and to macroeconomic factors, including lower competition for labor, slower wage inflation and decreased turnover globally. As turnover continues to decline, we expect increased productivity due to higher tenure of our team members, reduced recruiting costs and reduced wage pressures.

 

   

Power Supply. Our European operations saw increased power costs in 2022 arising in connection with of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. However, we have generally been able to pass such increased power costs through to our customers, and, accordingly, our global operations to date have not been materially impacted by the ongoing conflict. In addition, we have generally seen power costs decrease during 2023.

Refer to “Risk Factors” in this prospectus for additional information.

Economic Occupancy of Our Warehouses

We define average economic occupancy as the aggregate number of physical pallets on hand and any additional pallet positions otherwise contractually committed and paid for by customers for a given period divided by the approximate number of average physical pallet positions in our warehouse for the applicable period. We estimate the number of contractually committed pallet positions by taking into account the actual pallet commitment specified in each customer’s warehouse agreement and subtracting the physical pallets on hand for that customer. We regard economic occupancy as an important driver of our financial results. We plan to expand our use of minimum storage guarantees that pay us minimum or fixed storage fees for pallet positions whether or not a minimum number of pallet positions are physically occupied. We actively seek to enter into minimum storage guarantees when establishing new customer agreements, renewing existing customer agreements or upon a change in the anticipated profile of our customer. We believe that transitioning customer contracts from on-demand, as-utilized structures to minimum storage guarantee structures will drive NOI growth and consistency by maintaining our storage revenues during periods of lower inventories.

Physical Occupancy of Our Warehouses

We define average physical occupancy as the average number of physical pallets on hand divided by the estimated number of average physical pallet positions in our warehouses for the applicable period. We estimate the number of physical pallet positions by taking into account actual racked space and by estimating unracked space on an as- if- racked basis. We base this estimate on a formula utilizing the total cubic feet of each room within the warehouse that is unracked divided by the volume of an assumed rack space that is consistent with the

 

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characteristics of the relevant warehouse. The number of our pallet positions is reviewed and updated quarterly, taking into account changes in racking configurations and other warehouse attributes. We regard physical occupancy as an important driver of our financial results.

Throughput at Our Warehouses

The level and nature of throughput at our warehouses is an important factor impacting our warehouse services revenues. Throughput refers to the volume of inbound pallets that enter our warehouses plus the volume of outbound pallets that exit our warehouses, divided by two. Higher levels of throughput drive warehouse services revenues in our global warehousing segment, as customers are typically billed transactionally for these services. The nature of throughput may be driven by the expected inventory turns of the underlying product or commodity. Throughput pallets can be influenced both customers’ production as well as shifts in demand preferences. Customers’ production levels, which respond to market conditions, labor availability, supply chain dynamics and consumer preferences, may impact inbound pallets. Similarly, a change in inventory turnover due to shift in consumer demand may impact outbound pallets. We believe that implementing revenue guarantees will continue to boost recurring revenue and enhance stability of cash flows, while allowing customers to plan for periods of increased need by reserving capacity.

Foreign Currency Translation Impact on Our Operations

Our consolidated revenues and expenses are subject to variations caused by the net effect of foreign currency translation on revenues and expenses incurred by our operations outside the United States. Future fluctuations of foreign currency exchange rates and their impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations are inherently uncertain. As a result of the relative size of our international operations, these fluctuations may be material on our results of operations. Our primary currency exposures are to the Euro, Canadian dollar, British pound sterling and Australian dollar. Our revenues and expenses from our international operations are typically denominated in the local currency of the country in which they are derived or incurred. Therefore, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on our results of operations and margins is partially mitigated.

Focus on Our Operational Effectiveness and Cost Structure

We have focused on further enhancing our operational effectiveness and integrating the acquisitions completed over the last several years. We continuously seek to execute on various initiatives aimed at streamlining our business processes and reducing our cost structure, including: integrating acquired businesses and their assets onto common information technology systems within our company; instituting key health, safety, leadership and training programs; implementing standardized operational processes; developing and deploying proprietary and third-party operating systems; and capitalizing on the purchasing power of our network. As we integrate our many acquired businesses, we are focused on realizing the benefits of scale and operational leverage by growing NOI faster than general and administrative expenses. In addition, we believe we have opportunities to eliminate redundant overhead expenses and reduce expenditures on integration resources over time. As we integrate acquired companies, we are also often able to generate synergies in areas such as benefits and insurance, where our corporate programs are often more efficient than those of the acquired businesses.

We employ multiple strategies to maximize labor productivity, including: instituting lean operating principles, improving cultural engagement and driving standardization work processes, visual management, problem-solving, just-in-time management and quality processes; optimizing the mix of permanent and temporary team members; shift optimization relative to throughput; and offering engagement activities, leadership training and competitive wage and benefit programs to incentivize longer-term employment.

We seek to maximize energy efficiency in our warehouses through the application of best practices, the latest technology and alternative energy generation. The technologies we deploy to optimize energy efficiency include variable frequency drives, refrigeration control systems, rapid close doors, motion sensor technology, LED lighting and “flywheeling”—an innovative process that leverages machine learning and artificial

 

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intelligence to manage energy load based on predictions of peak demand. Our approach to generating alternative sources of energy is primarily through the deployment of on-site solar, battery capacity and linear generators. These initiatives have allowed us to reduce our consumption of kilowatt hours, optimize rates and reduce overall energy spend. Our alternative energy approach allows us to monetize carbon credits to offset energy costs and is also supportive of our sustainability strategy.

How We Assess the Performance of Our Business

Segment Net Operating Income or “NOI”

We evaluate the performance of our business segments based on their net operating income relative to our overall results of operations. We use the term “segment net operating income” or “segment NOI” to mean a segment’s revenues less its cost of operations (excluding any depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, corporate-level general and administrative expenses and corporate-level acquisition, restructuring and other expenses). We use segment NOI to evaluate our segments for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing performance in accordance with FASB ASC, Topic 280, Segment Reporting.

We also analyze the “segment NOI margin” for each of our business segments, which we calculate as segment NOI divided by segment revenues.

Same Warehouse Analysis

We define our “same warehouse” population once a year at the beginning of the current calendar year. Our same warehouse population includes properties that were owned, leased or managed for the entirety of two comparable periods and that have reported at least twelve months of consecutive normalized operations prior to January 1 of the prior calendar year. We define “normalized operations” as properties that have been open for operation or lease after development or significant modification, including the expansion of a warehouse footprint or a warehouse rehabilitation subsequent to an event, such as a natural disaster or similar event causing disruption to operations. In addition, our definition of “normalized operations” takes into account changes in the ownership structure (e.g., purchase of a previously leased warehouse would result in a change in the nature of expenditures in the compared periods), which would impact comparability in our global warehousing segment NOI.

Acquired properties will be included in the “same warehouse” population if owned or leased by us as of the first business day of the prior calendar year and still owned by us as of the end of the current reporting period, unless the property is under development. The “same warehouse” pool is also adjusted to remove properties that were sold or entering development subsequent to the beginning of the current calendar year. As such, the “same warehouse” population for the period ended December 31, 2022 includes all properties that we owned at January 1, 2022 which had both been owned and had reached “normalized operations” by January 1, 2022.

We calculate “same warehouse NOI” as revenues for the same warehouse population less its cost of operations (excluding any depreciation and amortization, impairment charges and corporate-level general and administrative expenses, corporate-level acquisition, restructuring and other expenses and gain or loss on sale of real estate). To derive an appropriate measure of period-to-period operating performance, we also calculate our same warehouse NOI on a constant currency basis to remove the effects of foreign currency exchange rate movements by using the comparable prior period exchange rate to translate from local currency into U.S. dollars for both periods. We evaluate the performance of the warehouses we own, lease or manage using a “same warehouse” analysis, and we believe that same warehouse NOI is helpful to investors as a supplemental performance measure because it includes the operating performance from the population of properties that is consistent from period to period and also on a constant currency basis, thereby eliminating the effects of changes in the composition of our warehouse portfolio and currency fluctuations on performance measures.

 

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The following table shows the number of same-store warehouses in our portfolio and the number of warehouses excluded as same-store warehouses for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Total warehouses(1)

     454  

Same warehouse facilities

     285  

Non-same warehouse facilities

     169  

 

(1)

Excludes 20 warehouses in our global integrated solutions segment. We categorize warehouses as part of our global integrated solutions segment if the primary business conducted in those warehouses is within our global integrated solutions segment.

Same warehouse NOI is not a measurement of financial performance under U.S. GAAP. In addition, other companies providing temperature-controlled warehouse storage and handling and other warehouse services may not define same warehouse or calculate same warehouse NOI in a manner consistent with our definition or calculation. Same warehouse NOI should be considered as a supplement, but not as an alternative, to our results calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We provide reconciliations of these measures in the discussions of our comparative results of operations below.

Constant Currency Metrics

As discussed above under “Key Factors Affecting Our Business and Financial Results—Foreign Currency Translation Impact on Our Operations,” our consolidated revenues and expenses are subject to variations outside our control that are caused by the net effect of foreign currency translation on revenues generated and expenses incurred by our operations outside the United States. To provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, we analyze our business performance based on certain constant currency reporting that represents current period results translated into U.S. dollars at the relevant average foreign exchange rates applicable in the comparable prior period. We believe that the presentation of constant currency results provides a measurement of our ongoing operations that is meaningful to investors because it excludes the impact of these foreign currency movements that we cannot control. Constant currency results are not measurements of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, and our constant currency results should be considered as a supplement, but not as an alternative, to our results calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The constant currency performance measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We provide reconciliations of these measures in the discussions of our comparative results of operations below. Our discussion of the drivers of our performance below are based upon U.S. GAAP.

 

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Results of Operations

Comparison of Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

The following table summarizes our NOI for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:

 

     Year ended December 31,     Change  
     2022 actual     2021 actual     Actual  
                    
     (Dollars in millions)        

Net income (loss)

   $ (88.7)     $ (187.1     (52.6 )% 

General and administrative

     387.9       278.8       39.1

Depreciation expense

     479.5       416.1       15.2

Amortization expense

     197.7       187.6       5.4

Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses

     92.7       160.4       (42.2 )% 

Equity (income) loss, net of tax

     0.2       0.3       (33.3 )% 

(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions, net

     23.8       34.0       (30.0 )% 

Interest expense, net

     347.0       259.6       33.7

(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt

     (1.4     4.1       (134.1 )% 

Other nonoperating (income) expense

     (2.3     (4.5     (48.9 )% 

Income tax expense (benefit)

     10.2       (27.1     (137.6 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

NOI

   $ 1,446.6     $ 1,122.2       28.9

Global Warehousing Segment

The following table presents the operating results of our global warehousing segment for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

     Year ended December 31,     Change  
     2022 actual     2022 constant
currency(1)
    2021 actual     Actual     Constant
currency
 
                                
     (Dollars in millions)              

Warehouse storage

   $ 1,795.2     $ 1,849.3     $ 1,398.4       28.4     32.2

Warehouse services

     1,637.4       1,685.8       1,257.4       30.2     34.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total global warehousing segment revenue

   $ 3,432.6     $ 3,535.1     $ 2,655.8       29.2     33.1

Power

   $ 218.8     $ 232.1     $ 155.4       40.8     49.4

Other facilities costs(2)

     353.1       362.8       286.1       23.4     26.8

Labor

     1,271.1       1,307.7       997.9       27.4     31.0

Other services costs(3)

     376.6       390.2       253.3       48.7     54.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total global warehousing segment cost of operations

   $ 2,219.6     $ 2,292.8     $ 1,692.7       31.1     35.5

Global warehousing segment NOI

   $ 1,213.0     $ 1,242.3     $ 963.1       25.9     29.0

Total global warehousing segment NOI margin

     35.3     35.1     36.3     (93 ) bps      (112 ) bps 

Number of warehouse sites

     454         409       11.0     n/a  

Warehouse storage(4)

          

Average economic occupancy(5)

          

Average occupied economic pallets

     7,618       n/a       6,050       25.9     n/a  

Economic occupancy percentage

     83.2     n/a       82.3     85  bps      n/a  

Storage revenue per economic occupied pallet

   $ 235.63     $ 240.47     $ 230.26       2.3     4.4

Average physical occupancy(6)

          

Average physical occupied pallets

     7,251       n/a       5,735       26.4     n/a  

Average physical pallet positions

     9,160       n/a       7,350       10.7     n/a  

Physical occupancy percentage

     79.2     n/a       78.0     114  bps      n/a  

Storage revenue per physical occupied pallet

   $ 247.53     $ 251.38     $ 242.90       1.9     3.5

 

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     Year ended December 31,      Change  
     2022 actual      2022 constant
currency(1)
     2021 actual      Actual      Constant
currency
 
                                    
     (Dollars in millions)                

Warehouse services(4)

              

Throughput pallets (in thousands)

     50,427        n/a        42,840        17.7      n/a  

Warehouse services revenue per throughput pallet

   $ 29.82      $ 30.78      $ 26.59        12.2      15.8

 

(1)

The adjustments from our U.S. GAAP operating results to calculate our operating results on a constant currency basis are the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the comparable prior period.

(2)

Includes real estate rent expense of $82.1 million and $73.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

(3)

Includes non-real estate rent expense (equipment lease and rentals) of $21.4 million and $17.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

(4)

Warehouse storage and warehouse services metrics exclude managed sites.

(5)

Calculated as the aggregate number of physical pallets on hand and any additional pallets otherwise contractually committed for a given period divided by the approximate number of average physical pallet positions in our warehouses for the applicable period.

(6)

Calculated as the average number of physical pallets on hand divided by the approximate number of average physical pallet positions in our warehouses for the applicable period.

Global warehousing segment revenue was $3,432.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $776.8 million, or 29.2%, compared to $2,655.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. On a constant currency basis, our global warehousing segment revenue was $3,535.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $879.3 million, or 33.1%, compared to the prior year. This growth was driven by $305.5 million of growth in our same warehouse pool on a constant currency basis. Additionally, approximately $453.3 million of the increase, on a constant currency basis, was driven by acquisitions completed during 2021 and 2022. Revenue growth was also impacted by our recently completed and in-progress expansion and developments in our non-same warehouse pool, which increased approximately $99.1 million, on a constant currency basis. The foreign currency translation of revenues earned by our foreign operations had a $102.5 million unfavorable impact during the year ended December 31, 2022, which was mainly driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against our foreign subsidiaries’ currencies.

Global warehousing segment cost of operations was $2,219.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $526.9 million, or 31.1%, compared to $1,692.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. On a constant currency basis, our global warehousing segment cost of operations was $2,292.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $600.1 million, or 35.5%, compared to the prior year. The cost of operations for our same warehouse pool increased $184.4 million on a constant currency basis, representing increases across most of our cost categories due to inflationary pressures and some residual operational inefficiencies stemming from COVID. Approximately $333.3 million of the increase, on a constant currency basis, was driven by the additional facilities in the global warehousing segment we acquired in connection with the above-mentioned acquisitions. We also incurred higher costs of $71.1 million related to our recently completed and in progress expansion and development projects.

Global warehousing segment NOI was $1,213.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $249.9 million, or 25.9%, compared to $963.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. On a constant currency basis, global warehousing segment NOI was $1,242.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $279.2 million, or 29.0%, compared to the prior year. The NOI for our same warehouse pool increased $121.2 million on a constant currency basis, attributable to revenue and cost of operations factors previously described. Approximately $22.0 million of the increase, on a constant currency basis, was driven by the additional facilities in the global warehousing segment as a result of the aforementioned acquisitions. Additionally, global warehousing segment NOI was positively impacted by our recently completed and

 

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in-process expansion and development projects in the non-same warehouse pool by $28.0 million as they continue to ramp up prior to stabilization. The foreign currency translation of our results of operations had a $29.3 million unfavorable impact to the global warehousing segment NOI period-over-period.

Same Warehouse Results

We had 285 same warehouses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The following table presents revenues, cost of operations, NOI and margins for our same warehouses with a reconciliation to the total financial metrics of our global warehousing segment for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

 

     Year ended December 31,     Change  
     2022 actual     2022 constant
currency(1)
    2021 actual     Actual     Constant
currency
 
                                
     (Dollars in millions)              

Warehouse storage

   $ 1,246.8     $ 1,272.4     $ 1,118.8       11.4     13.7

Warehouse services

     1,152.9       1,172.0       1,020.2       13.0     14.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total same warehouse revenues

   $ 2,399.7     $ 2,444.4     $ 2,139.0       12.2     14.3

Power

   $ 133.2     $ 139.0     $ 117.5       13.4     18.3

Other facilities costs

     234.8       239.1       217.8       7.8     9.8

Labor

     876.6       891.8       800.4       9.5     11.4

Other services costs

     225.4       229.9       179.8       25.4     27.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total same warehouse cost of operations

   $ 1,470.0     $ 1,499.8     $ 1,315.5       11.7     14.0

Same warehouse NOI

   $ 929.7     $ 944.6     $ 823.5       12.9     14.7

Total same warehouse NOI margin

     38.7     38.6     38.5     25  bps      15  bps 

Number of same warehouse sites

     285         285       n/a       n/a  

Warehouse storage(2)

          

Economic occupancy(3)

          

Average occupied economic pallets

     4,967       n/a       4,801       3.5     n/a  

Economic occupancy percentage

     88.2     n/a       85.8     237  bps      n/a  

Storage revenue per economic occupied pallet

   $ 251.04     $ 255.89     $ 232.18       8.1     10.2

Physical occupancy(4)

          

Average physical occupied pallets

     4,721       n/a       4,524       4.4     n/a  

Average physical pallet positions

     5,632       n/a       5,594       0.7     n/a  

Physical occupancy percentage

     83.8     n/a       80.9     295  bps      n/a  

Storage revenue per physical occupied pallet

   $ 264.10     $ 269.18     $ 246.36       7.2     9.3

Warehouse services(2)

          

Throughput pallets (in thousands)

     33,728       n/a       33,974       (0.7 )%      n/a  

Warehouse services revenue per throughput pallet

   $ 30.35     $ 30.68     $ 26.66       13.8     15.1

 

(1)

The adjustments from our U.S. GAAP operating results to calculate our operating results on a constant currency basis is the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the comparable prior period.

(2)

Warehouse storage and warehouse services metrics exclude managed sites.

(3)

Calculated as the aggregate number of physical pallets on hand and any additional pallets otherwise contractually committed for a given period.

(4)

Calculated as the average number of occupied pallets divided by the estimated number of average physical pallet positions in our warehouses for the applicable period.

 

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Economic occupancy at our same warehouses was 88.2% for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of 237 basis points compared to 85.8% for the year ended December 31, 2021. Our economic occupancy at our same warehouses was 436 basis points higher than our corresponding average physical occupancy of 83.8%. Economic occupancy was higher than the prior year due to increasing amount of volume guarantees and higher physical utilization. Same warehouse storage revenues per economic occupied pallet increased 10.2% period-over-period on a constant currency basis, primarily driven by pricing actions taken to offset inflationary pressures.

Throughput pallets at our same warehouses were 33.7 million pallets for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of 0.7% from 34.0 million pallets for the year ended December 31, 2021. This decrease was the result of lower turns as customers focused on rebuilding inventory. Same warehouse services revenue per throughput pallet increased 15.1% compared to the prior year on a constant currency basis, primarily as a result of pricing actions taken to offset inflationary pressures.

Non-Same Warehouse Results

The following tables present revenues, cost of operations, NOI and margins for our non-same warehouses with a reconciliation to the total financial metrics of our global warehousing segment for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

     Year ended December 31,     Change  
     2022 actual     2022 constant
currency(1)
    2021 actual     Actual     Constant
currency
 
                                
     (Dollars in millions)              

Warehouse storage

   $ 548.4     $ 576.9     $ 279.7       96.1     106.3

Warehouse services

     484.5       513.8       237.1       104.3     116.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total non-same warehouse revenue

   $ 1,032.9     $ 1,090.7     $ 516.8       99.9     111.0

Power

   $ 85.6     $ 93.1     $ 37.9       125.9     145.6

Other facilities costs

     118.3       123.7       68.3       73.2     81.1

Labor

     394.5       416.0       197.5       99.7     110.6

Other services costs

     151.2       160.2       73.5       105.7     118.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total non-same warehouse cost of operations

   $ 749.6     $ 793.0     $ 377.2       98.7     110.2

Non-same warehouse NOI

   $ 283.3     $ 297.7     $ 139.6       102.9     113.3

Total non-same warehouse NOI margin

     27.4     27.3     27.0     40 bps       26 bps  

Number of non-same warehouse sites(2)

     169       n/a       124       36.3     n/a  

Warehouse storage(3)

          

Economic occupancy(4)

          

Average occupied economic pallets

     2,651       n/a       1,250       112.1  

Economic occupancy percentage

     75.1     n/a       71.2     399  bps   

Storage revenue per economic occupied pallet

   $ 206.74     $ 210.49     $ 222.89       (7.2 )%      (5.6 )% 

Physical occupancy(5)

          

Average physical occupied pallets

     2,530       n/a       1,211       108.9  

Average physical pallet positions

     3,528       n/a       1,756       100.9  

Physical occupancy percentage

     71.7     n/a       69.0     276  bps   

Storage revenue per physical occupied pallet

   $ 216.60     $ 220.21     $ 229.99       (5.8 )%      (4.3 )% 

Warehouse services(3)

          

Throughput pallets (in thousands)

     16,699       n/a       8,866       88.3  

Warehouse services revenue per throughput pallet

   $ 28.77     $ 29.77     $ 26.30       9.4     13.2

 

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(1)

The adjustments from our U.S. GAAP operating results to calculate our operating results on a constant currency basis is the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the comparable prior period.

(2)

Refer to our “Same Warehouse Analysis,” which describes the composition of our non-same warehouse pool.

(3)

Warehouse storage and warehouse services metrics exclude managed sites.

(4)

Calculated as the aggregate number of physical pallets on hand and any additional pallets otherwise contractually committed for a given period.

(5)

Calculated as the average number of occupied pallets divided by the estimated number of average physical pallet positions in our warehouses for the applicable period.

Global Integrated Solutions Segment

The following table presents the operating results of our global integrated solutions segment for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

     Year ended December 31,     Change  
     2022 actual     2022 constant
currency(1)
    2021 actual     Actual     Constant
currency
 
                                
     (Dollars in millions)              

Global integrated solutions segment revenues

   $ 1,495.7     $ 1,502.5     $ 1,046.2       43.0     43.6

Global integrated solutions segment cost of operations

     1,262.1       1,261.0       887.1       42.3     42.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Global integrated solutions segment NOI

   $ 233.6     $ 241.5     $ 159.1       46.8     51.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Global integrated solutions segment NOI margin

     15.6     16.1     15.2     41 bps       86 bps  

 

(1)

The adjustments from our U.S. GAAP operating results to calculate our operating results on a constant currency basis are the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the comparable prior period.

Global integrated solutions segment revenues were $1,495.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $449.5 million, or 43.0%, compared to $1,046.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. On a constant currency basis, global integrated solutions segment revenue was $1,502.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $456.3 million, or 43.6%, compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily due to acquisitions in 2022 as well as rising fuel surcharges and higher volumes.

Global integrated solutions segment cost of operations was $1,262.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $375.0 million, or 42.3%, compared to $887.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. On a constant currency basis, global integrated solutions segment cost of operations was $1,261.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $373.9 million, or 42.1%, compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily due to the above mentioned acquisitions and rising fuel costs.

Global integrated solutions segment NOI was $233.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $74.5 million, or 46.8%, compared to $159.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Global integrated solutions segment NOI margin stayed consistent year over year at 15%. On a constant currency basis, global integrated solutions segment NOI was $241.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $82.4 million, or 51.8%, compared to the prior year.

 

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Other Consolidated Operating Expenses

 

     Year ended December 31,      Change  
     2022      2021      %  
                      
     (Dollars in millions)         

Other consolidated operating expense:

        

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 677.2      $ 603.7        12.2

General and administrative

   $ 387.9      $ 278.8        39.1

Acquisition, restructuring and other

   $ 92.7      $ 160.4        (42.2 )% 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense was $677.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $73.5 million, or 12.2%, compared to $603.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to acquisitions, greenfields, and expansions projects, partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign currency translation.

General and administrative. Corporate-level general and administrative expenses were $387.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $109.1 million, or 39.1%, compared to $278.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

The increase in general and administrative expenses was due to growing our global platform in support of our expanding operations. We expect our general and administrative expenses to stabilize and generate operating leverage. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, corporate-level general and administrative expenses were 7.9% and 7.5% of total revenues, respectively.

Acquisition, restructuring and other. Corporate-level acquisition, restructuring and other expenses were $92.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $67.7 million compared to $160.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily related to fewer acquisitions in 2022 compared to 2021. During 2021, we also incurred additional legal fees related to the Statesville matter, as well as impairments of approximately $7 million. For additional information regarding the Statesville matter, see “Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies” to Lineage, Inc.’s audited historical consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Other Income (Expense)

The following table presents other items of income and expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

     Year ended December 31,     Change  
     2022     2021     %  
                    
     (Dollars in millions)        

Other income (expense):

      

Interest (expense), net

   $ (347.0   $ (259.6     33.7

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

     1.4       (4.1     (134.1 )% 

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net

     (23.8     (34.0     (30.0 )% 

Equity income (loss), net of tax

     (0.2     (0.3     (33.3 )% 

Other nonoperating income (expense)

     2.3       4.5       (48.9 )% 

 

n/r=

not relevant

Interest (expense), net. Interest (expense), net was $347.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $87.4 million, or 33.7%, compared to $259.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The average effective interest rate of our outstanding debt increased from 2.2% for the year ended December 31, 2021 to 3.4% for the year ended December 31, 2022 due to higher average borrowings paired with rising interest rates

 

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associated primarily with our credit facilities and CMBS loans. When taking into account income (expense) generated from those hedging instruments, the average effective interest rate of our outstanding debt increased from 2.4% for the year ended December 31, 2021 to 3.0% for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt. Gain (loss) on debt extinguishment was a gain of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to a loss of $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. In 2022, we recognized a gain on the extinguishment of debt related to our CHHS Sub CDE 23—A1 loan and corresponding note receivable. In 2021, we recognized loss on extinguishment of debt primarily related to the repayment of the UK CMBS Facility Agreement. For additional information regarding our debt, see “Note 10, Debt” to Lineage, Inc.’s audited historical consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net. We reported a net foreign currency exchange loss of $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to a net loss of $34.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in foreign currency exchange loss was due to more favorable foreign currency exchange rates driven by the relative strength of the US dollar against foreign currencies that we transact in.

Equity income (loss), net of tax. Income (loss) from equity method investments was $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Other nonoperating income (expense). Other nonoperating income (expense) was $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2022, net income was primarily driven by income of $1.1 million from insurance recoveries associated with damages from Hurricane Ida and income of $0.8 million from market adjustments on our non-consolidated investments. For the year ended December 31, 2021, net income was primarily driven by income of $6.1 million from market adjustments on our non-consolidated investments, partially offset by a $2.5 million loss we recognized from the sale of Latin American subsidiaries.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $10.2 million, which represented an increase of $37.3 million, from an income tax (benefit) of $27.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The tax expense in 2022 was principally created by tax-effect of pre-tax earnings in various jurisdictions, valuation allowance changes, and tax adjustments related to REIT activity. The tax (benefit) in 2021 was principally created by tax-effect of pre-tax earnings and losses in various jurisdictions, valuation allowance changes, tax adjustments related to REIT activity, and uncertain tax positions. Our income taxes are discussed in more detail in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2023, we had $        of cash and cash equivalents and $         available under our Revolving Credit Facility. We currently expect that our principal sources of funding will include:

 

   

current cash balances;

 

   

cash flows from operations;

 

   

our credit facilities; and

 

   

other forms of debt financings and equity offerings.

Our liquidity requirements and capital commitments primarily consist of:

 

   

operating activities and overall working capital;

 

   

capital expenditures;

 

   

development and acquisition activities;

 

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capital contributions;

 

   

debt service obligations; and

 

   

stockholder distributions.

We expect that our funding sources as noted above are adequate and will continue to be adequate to meet our short-term liquidity requirements and capital commitments. We expect to utilize the same sources of capital we will rely on to meet our short-term liquidity requirements to also meet our long-term liquidity requirements, which include funding our operating activities, our debt service obligations and stockholder distributions, and our future development and acquisition activities.

Dividends and Distributions

We are required to distribute 90% of our taxable income (excluding capital gains) on an annual basis in order to continue to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. See “Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of Our Company—Annual Distribution Requirements.” Accordingly, we intend to make, but are not contractually bound to make, regular quarterly distributions to stockholders from cash flows from our operating activities. All such distributions are at the discretion of our board of directors. We consider market factors and our performance in addition to REIT requirements in determining distribution levels. Amounts accumulated for distribution to stockholders are primarily invested in interest-bearing accounts, which are consistent with our intention to maintain REIT status.

As a result of this distribution requirement, we cannot rely on retained earnings to fund our ongoing operations to the same extent that other companies which are not REITs can. We may need to continue to raise capital in the debt and equity markets to fund our working capital needs, as well as potential developments in new or existing properties or acquisitions. In addition, we may be required to use borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, if necessary, to meet REIT distribution requirements and maintain our REIT status.

 

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Outstanding Indebtedness

The following table summarizes our outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2023 on a pro forma and actual basis (in millions):

 

     As of December 31,  
     2023
  Pro Forma  
     2023
  Historical  
 

Fixed rate

   $                    $                

Variable rate—unhedged

     

Variable rate—hedged

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt

     

Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility

     

Term Loan

     

Senior Unsecured Notes

     

Total CMBS

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Secured mortgage debt

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other secured debt

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equipment financing

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financing lease obligations

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt and debt-like obligations

   $        $    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Percent of total debt and debt-like obligations:

     

Fixed rate

     

Variable rate—hedged

     

Variable rate—unhedged

     

Effective interest rate

     

The variable rate debt shown above bears interest at interest rates based on various one-month rates of which SOFR, EURIBOR and CODR are the most significant, depending on the respective agreement governing the debt, including our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan. As of December 31, 2023, our debt had a weighted average term to maturity of approximately                  years, assuming exercise of extension options.

For further information regarding outstanding indebtedness, please see Note 10 and Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement

We have entered into a $4.5 billion revolving credit and term loan agreement (the “Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement”), which provides for (i) a senior unsecured revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $2.625 billion (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and (ii) a senior unsecured term loan facility that permits aggregate borrowings of up to $1.875 billion (the “Term Loan”). As of December 31, 2023, we had $        million outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility, leaving $        million available for future borrowings (net of outstanding standby letters of credit in the amount of $        , which reduce availability), and the Term Loan was fully drawn.

Amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest, at our election, up to either 1.20% over the base rate or 2.20% over an adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“adjusted Term SOFR rate”) with step-downs based on the borrower’s total leverage ratio as defined by the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement. As of December 31, 2023, the Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at 1.60% over the adjusted Term SOFR rate plus 0.10% spread adjustment. The Revolving Credit Facility is scheduled to mature on December 22, 2024, subject to two six-month extension options.

 

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The Term Loan bears interest, at our election, up to either 1.20% over a “base rate” (as defined below) or 2.20% over an adjusted Term SOFR rate with step-downs based on the borrower’s total leverage ratio. The base rate is determined by reference to the highest of (i) the rate of interest established by the administrative agent as its “prime rate,” (ii) 0.50% above the greater of the federal funds effective rate and the overnight bank funding rate, (iii) 1.00% above the adjusted Term SOFR rate for dollar deposits with a one-month term, and (iv) 1.00% per annum. As of December 31, 2023, the Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at 1.60% over the adjusted Term SOFR rate plus 0.10% spread adjustment. The Term Loan is scheduled to mature on December 22, 2025.

The Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan may be voluntarily prepaid in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty. Amounts borrowed under the Term Loan and repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed.

The Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur additional debt, create liens against our assets, make acquisitions, pay dividends or distributions on our stock, merge or consolidate with another entity, and transfer or sell assets. It also contains financial covenants that require us to maintain (i) a total leverage ratio of not more than 60% (or 65% for the four fiscal quarters following a material acquisition), (ii) a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.5:1.0, (iii) a ratio of total unsecured indebtedness to unencumbered asset value of not more than 60% (or 65% for the four fiscal quarters following a material acquisition) and (iv) a ratio of total secured indebtedness to total asset value of not more than 40% (or 45% for the four fiscal quarters following a material acquisition). As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with our covenants under the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement. The Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement contains customary events of default, including defaults in the payment of principal, interest or fees, defaults in compliance with the covenants set forth in the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement and other loan documentation, cross-defaults to certain other indebtedness, and bankruptcy and other insolvency defaults.

Senior Unsecured Notes

The following table provides details of outstanding Senior Unsecured Notes (balances in millions):

 

     Aggregate Principal Amount at
Issuance
            Stated
Interest
Rate(1)
    Balance as of  
     Borrowing
Currency
     USD      Maturity Date     December 31,
2023
     December 31,
2022
 

Series A Senior Notes

   $ 300.0      $ 300.0        August 20, 2026        2.22   $                    $ 300.0  

Series B Senior Notes

   $ 375.0        375.0        August 20, 2028        2.52        375.0  

Series C Senior Notes

   128.0        150.1        August 20, 2026        0.89        136.6  

Series D Senior Notes

   251.0        294.4        August 20, 2031        1.26        268.0  

Series E Senior Notes

   £ 145.0        200.8        August 20, 2026        1.98        174.9  

Series F Senior Notes

   £ 130.0        180.1        August 20, 2028        2.13        156.8  

Series G Senior Notes

   80.0        82.0        August 20, 2027        3.33        85.4  

Series H Senior Notes

   110.0        112.7        August 20, 2029        3.54        117.4  

Series I Senior Notes

   50.0        51.2        August 20, 2032        3.74        53.4  
             

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Senior Unsecured Notes

 

  $        $ 1,667.5  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Interest on our Senior Unsecured Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears.

The Senior Unsecured Notes are the joint and several obligations of Lineage Logistics Holdings, LLC, Lineage Logistics, LLC, certain U.S. subsidiaries that guarantee or otherwise becomes liable, as a borrower or a co-borrower or otherwise, under any of our material debt facilities and, in the case of Senior Unsecured Notes denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, Lineage Treasury Europe B.V. and certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that guarantee or otherwise becomes liable, as a borrower or a co-borrower or otherwise, under any of our material debt facilities. The Senior Unsecured Notes rank pari passu with our other senior unsecure

 

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indebtedness, including the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan, and are subordinated to any of the obligors’ existing and future secured debt, including indebtedness incurred under the CMBS loans.

We may prepay the Senior Unsecured Notes in full or in part, at any time, subject to notice requirements and minimum principal amount requirements, at 100% of the principal amount so prepaid, and the make-whole amount determined for the prepayment date with respect to such principal amount, and accrued interest to the date of prepayment. In the event of certain changes in tax law, Lineage Logistics, LLC or Lineage Treasury Europe B.V. may prepay the Senior Unsecured Notes at 100% of the principal amount so prepaid, and a modified make-whole amount and accrued interest to the date of prepayment. Upon a change of control or becoming subject to sanctions, Lineage Logistics, LLC must offer to prepay the entire unpaid principal amount of the Senior Unsecured Notes and accrued interest to the date of prepayment.

The note purchase agreements governing the Senior Unsecured Notes contain covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur additional debt, create liens against our assets, make acquisitions, pay dividends or distributions on our stock, repurchase our stock, merge or consolidate with another entity, transfer or sell assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, change our line of business, enter into negative pledges and conduct activities that would result in us being subject to sanctions or violating sanctions. The note purchase agreements also require us to maintain a total leverage ratio, unsecured leverage ratio, secured leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio each quarter at the same levels as those set forth in the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with our covenants under the note purchase agreements. The note purchase agreements governing the Senior Unsecured Notes also contain customary events of default, including defaults in the payment of principal, interest or fees, defaults in compliance with the covenants set forth in the note purchase agreements, cross-defaults to certain other indebtedness and bankruptcy and other insolvency defaults.

CMBS

We have entered into five non-recourse commercial mortgage-backed security (“CMBS”) loans which, as of December 31, 2023, had an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $         billion (before unamortized debt discounts) and are secured by properties with an aggregate gross investment value in excess of $        . As of the same date, approximately         of our properties were pledged as collateral for our CMBS loans. The CMBS loans are secured by mortgages on the real property and related assets and, beyond that, are non-recourse to us except for certain non-recourse carveouts that are guaranteed by Lineage Logistics Holdings, LLC. The CMBS loans are not cross-defaulted or cross-collateralized with each other, but they do provide for cross-defaults with certain material agreements like ground leases for properties that are collateral for such loans and the affiliate master leases described below. Our material CMBS loans are further described below. We intend to use a portion of the net proceeds to us from this offering to repay our ICE4 CMBS loan. See “Use of Proceeds.”

ICE4 CMBS Loan

This loan is senior mortgage debt that had an original principal amount of $2,350 billion and was originally secured by 66 of our properties. Lineage WA Columbia RE, LLC and certain of the subsidiaries of Lineage Mezz, LLC constitute the borrowers under this loan. The debt has been divided into seven components that have been securitized. We have released two properties as collateral for this loan, leaving 62 of our properties as collateral for this loan and an outstanding principal balance of $         million as of December 31, 2023.

The loan will mature on May 9, 2024. This loan bears interest at an annual floating rate of term SOFR plus a margin of 1.66%. This loan requires monthly payments of interest only and may be voluntarily prepaid without penalty or premiums, subject to satisfaction of customary prepayment requirements.

This loan is secured by a first priority lien on all of the property owned by the borrowers, all of the reserve accounts established by the loan documents, the rents received by the borrowers under the ICE4 Affiliate Master Lease

 

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(as defined below) and the personal property of the borrowers. The borrowers have leased the properties to Lineage Logistics, LLC, an affiliate of the borrowers, pursuant to a master lease agreement (the “ICE4 Affiliate Master Lease”). Lineage Logistics, LLC has subleased certain of the properties to certain other affiliates of the borrowers.

The loan agreement contains customary events of default, including the non-payment of principal or interest, default in compliance with the covenants contained in the documents evidencing this loan and bankruptcy or other insolvency events. Under our loan agreement we have several borrower covenants, including quarterly and annual financial reporting requirements that are to be provided to the lender and certified by an officer of us. We are required to pay any taxes and other charges levied or assessed or imposed against our properties. We are required to obtain and maintain, in full force, certain insurance policies for ourselves and our properties. We are also required to be in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, except as would not materially adversely affect any of the properties, either individually or in the aggregate. Without lender consent or the satisfaction of specified conditions, we are restricted from any modification of the loan agreement or property releases or substitutions.

All rents and other amounts paid to the borrowers under the ICE4 Affiliate Master Lease must be deposited into an account controlled by the lender. Funds sufficient to pay the following month’s debt service and any other amounts then due and payable to the lender shall be withheld by the lender from such account. If no Cash Sweep Event (as defined below) is continuing, any remaining balance in such account will be delivered to the ICE4 Borrowers. During the continuance of a Cash Sweep Event, which is defined as (a) the occurrence of an event of default under the loan agreement or (b) any bankruptcy action of the borrowers, funds sufficient to pay the following month’s tax, insurance, ground rent and replacement reserve shall be deposited into reserve accounts and the remainder will be held by lender as collateral for this loan. As of December 31, 2023, the remaining balance in such account was being delivered to the borrowers and not to such reserve accounts or to lender as collateral for this loan.

ICE5 CMBS Loan

This loan is senior mortgage debt that had an original principal amount of $1,320 million and was originally secured by 41 of our properties. Certain of our subsidiaries constitute the borrowers under this loan. The debt has been divided into seven components that have been securitized. Of the original loan amount, $133.8 million was initially deposited into an escrow account to be released to the borrowers if additional properties were added as collateral for this loan following the satisfaction of certain conditions. Four of these properties were subsequently added as collateral for this loan and $111.4 million of the escrowed amount was released to the borrowers. The remaining property was not added as collateral for this loan, so the remaining $22.5 million of the escrow amount was repaid to the lender. As of December 31, 2023,                    of our properties were collateral for this loan and the outstanding principal balance was $         million.

The loan will mature on November 9, 2024. The borrowers have an option to extend the maturity date for one year, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. This loan bears interest at an annual floating rate of term SOFR plus a margin of 1.97%. This loan requires monthly payments of interest only and may be voluntarily prepaid without penalty or premiums, subject to satisfaction of customary prepayment requirements.

This loan is secured by a first priority lien on all of the property owned by the borrowers, all of the reserve accounts established by the loan documents, the rents received by the borrowers under the ICE5 Affiliate Master Leases (as defined below) and under leases for the one property that is not subject to any of the ICE5 Affiliate Master Leases (the “Bartlett Property”) and the personal property of the borrowers. The borrowers have leased all of the properties (other than the Bartlett Property) to certain affiliates of the borrowers pursuant to multiple master lease agreements (collectively, the “ICE5 Affiliate Master Leases”). Such affiliate tenants have subleased certain of the properties to certain other affiliates of the borrowers.

The loan agreement contains customary events of default, including the non-payment of principal or interest, default in compliance with the covenants contained in the documents evidencing this loan and

 

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bankruptcy or other insolvency events. Under our loan agreement we have a number of borrower covenants, including quarterly and annual financial reporting requirements that are to be provided to the lender and certified by an officer of us. We are required to pay any taxes and other charges levied or assessed or imposed against our properties. We are required to obtain and maintain, in full force, certain insurance policies for ourselves and our properties. We are also required to be in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, except as would not materially adversely affect any of the properties, either individually or in the aggregate. Without lender consent or the satisfaction of specified conditions, we are restricted from any modification of the loan agreement or property releases or substitutions.

All rents and other amounts paid to the borrowers under the ICE5 Affiliate Master Leases must be deposited into an account controlled by the lender. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Sweep Event (as defined below), all rents and other amounts paid to the borrowers under leases relating to the Bartlett Property must be deposited into such account controlled by lender. Funds sufficient to pay the following month’s debt service and any other amounts then due and payable to the lender shall be withheld by the lender from such account. If no Cash Sweep Event is continuing, any remaining balance in such account will be delivered to the borrowers. During the continuance of a Cash Sweep Event, which is defined as (a) the occurrence of an event of default under the loan agreement or (b) any bankruptcy action of the borrowers, funds sufficient to pay the following month’s tax, insurance, ground rent and replacement reserve shall be deposited into reserve accounts and the remainder will be held by lender as collateral for this loan. As of December 31, 2023, the remaining balance in such account was being delivered to the borrowers and not to such reserve accounts or to lender as collateral for this loan.

Security Interests in Customers’ Products

By operation of law and in accordance with our warehouse customer contracts (other than leases), we typically receive warehouseman’s liens on products held in our warehouses to secure customer payments. Such liens typically permit us to take control of the products and sell them to third parties in order to recover any monies receivable on a delinquent account, but such products may be perishable or otherwise not available to us for re-sale.

Our credit loss expense relating to customer receivables was $        , $4.6 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we maintained allowances for uncollectible balances of approximately $         million, which we believed to be adequate.

Maintenance Capital Expenditures and Repair and Maintenance Expenses

Lineage prides itself on maintaining its facilities, fleet and railcars at a high standard. We regularly update long-range maintenance plans by asset to ensure that our assets maintain the high quality and operational efficiency that our customers expect from us.

Maintenance Capital Expenditures

Maintenance capital expenditures are capitalized funds used to maintain assets that will result in an extended useful life. This includes the cost to purchase and install, repair or construct assets when it results in a useful life longer than one year and the installed cost per asset is over a de minimis threshold. Maintenance capital expenditures are related to both our global warehousing segment and global integrated solutions segment, including information technology, and are all recurring in nature. These expenditures include maintenance performed multiple times over the lifetime of the facility or asset such as replacing or repairing roofs, refrigeration systems, racking, material handling equipment and fleet. These expenditures also include information technology maintenance to existing servers, equipment and software.

 

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The following table sets forth our recurring maintenance capital expenditures for the years ended December 31 2023, 2021 and 2022.

 

    Year ended December 31,  
          2023                  2022                  2021        
                     
    (In millions, except per cubic foot amounts)  

Global warehousing

  $                    $ 106.5      $ 92.9  

Global integrated solutions

       23.9        8.4  

Information technology and other

       15.4        13.3  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Maintenance capital expenditures

  $        $ 145.8      $ 114.6  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Global warehousing maintenance capital expenditures per cubic foot

  $        $        $    

Repair and Maintenance Expenses

Repair and maintenance expenses are incurred when assets need repair or replacement and do not qualify as capital expenditures. If the work does not materially extend the useful life of the asset or the asset value is less than a de minimis threshold, it would be booked as an operating expense under repair and maintenance expenses. Examples include ordinary repairs on roofs, racking, refrigeration and material handling equipment. Project related expenses are excluded.

The following table sets forth our repair and maintenance expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

     Year ended December 31,  
           2023                  2022                  2021        
                      
     (In millions, except per cubic foot amounts)  

Global warehousing

   $                    $ 111.3      $ 80.8  

Global integrated solutions

      $ 46.5      $ 22.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Repair and maintenance expenses

   $        $ 157.8      $ 102.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Global warehousing repair and maintenance expenses per cubic foot

   $        $        $    

Integration Capital Expenditures

Integration capital expenditures are capitalized funds related to integrating acquired assets and businesses. Integration capital expenditures are one-time expenditures exceeding a de minimis threshold. These are typically acquisition-related costs, including maintenance on acquired assets that are beyond their useful life at the time of acquisition, rebranding expenditures and information technology expenditures to standardize system usage across our business, and also include certain non-acquisition-related costs, including safety and compliance projects to comply with any applicable policies, laws or codes such as installation of site security or a new fire suppression system, as well as freon to ammonia conversions.

The following table sets forth our integration capital expenditures for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

     Year ended December 31,  
           2023                  2022                  2021        
                      
     (In millions)  

Global warehousing

   $                $ 32.8      $ 28.0  

Global integrated solutions

        4.1        1.1  

Information technology and other

        14.6        5.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Integration capital expenditures(1)

   $        $ 51.5      $ 34.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

External Growth Capital Expenditures

External growth capital expenditures include acquisitions, greenfield projects and expansion initiatives, information technology platform enhancements and other capital projects which result in an economic return. We divide growth projects into the following categories:

 

   

Acquisitions: The purchase of an external company or facility. Also includes the purchase of the real estate of facilities we currently lease.

 

   

Greenfields and Expansions: Projects either to build a new facility including the purchase of land, or to increase the size of an existing warehouse (as measured by cubic feet). The cost associated with construction and materials are included.

 

   

Energy and Economic Return: Energy return projects are intended to increase energy efficiency by decreasing the amount of kWh or fossil fuels consumed or reducing the cost to procure energy. Common examples include installing new LED technology, installing solar panels at a warehouse and electrification of transportation fleet. Economic return projects require an investment of capital for a future cashflow and/or NOI benefit that is not an acquisition, greenfield, expansion or energy project. Examples include addition of blast cells, racking replacement, re-rack for additional pallet positions, replacing freezer doors, purchasing compressors, buying out leased equipment and purchasing new rail cars.

 

   

Information Technology Transformation: Projects that enhance our information technology, including new systems and software or increased functionality.

The following table sets forth our external growth capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

     Year ended December 31,  
         2023          2022      2021  
                      
     (In millions)  

Warehouse acquisitions, net of cash acquired and adjustments

   $                      1,589.8        2,459.5  

Asset acquisitions

        49.8        217.6  

Greenfield and expansion expenditures

        370.7        349.4  

Energy and economic return initiatives

        219.9        64.4  

Information technology transformation and growth initiatives

        81.4        69.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $        $ 2,311.6      $ 3,160.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 we completed the acquisition of one property and eight properties, respectively. Refer to Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for details of the purchase price allocation for each acquisition.

The greenfield and expansion expenditures of $370.7 million in 2022 relate primarily to projects that remain under construction as of December 31, 2022, in addition to projects that were completed in 2022. The greenfield and expansion expenditures of $349.4 million in 2021 relate primarily to projects that were completed in 2021 or subsequently in 2022, in addition to projects that remain under construction as of December 31, 2022.

Energy and economic return initiatives include $219.9 million and $64.4 million of corporate initiatives and smaller customer driven growth projects incurred during 2022 and 2021, respectively.

In implementing new IT systems globally, we invested $81.4 million and $69.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Historical Cash Flows

The following summary discussion of our cash flows is based on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and is not meant to be an all-inclusive discussion of the changes in our cash flows for the periods presented below.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
           2022               2021      
              
     (In millions)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 500.9     $ 329.9  

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (2,368.8   $ (3,413.5

Net cash provided by financing activities

   $ 1,840.2     $ 3,027.4  

Operating Activities

For the year ended December 31, 2022, our net cash provided by operating activities was $500.9 million, an increase of $171.0 million, or 52%, compared to $329.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to a reduction in net loss adjusted for non-cash items. Within working capital, changes in accounts receivable negatively impacted operating cash flow but were partially offset by favorable changes in accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and deferred revenue.

Investing Activities

For the year ended December 31, 2022, cash used for investing activities was $2,368.8 million. This was primarily driven by $1,589.8 million for business combinations and $49.8 million for a real estate acquisition in Logan Township, New Jersey. We completed several acquisitions in 2022, with the most significant cash investments being in the business combinations of VersaCold, MTC Logistics, Turvo, and Mandai Link Logistics. In addition, we invested $812.9 million in additions to property, plant, and equipment, primarily for growth capital expenditures. This was partially offset by cash proceeds of $92.9 million related to prior year deposits which were utilized in acquisitions which closed in 2022.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, cash used for investing activities was $(3,413.5) million. This was primarily driven by $2,459.5 million for business combinations and $(217.6) million for real estate acquisitions, most significantly in Savannah, Georgia and Elizabeth, New Jersey. We completed several business combinations in 2021, with the most significant cash investments being in the business combinations of Kloosterboer, Claus Sorenson, Kenyon Zero Storage, Joliet Cold Storage and Bolingbrook Cold Storage, Hanson Cold Storage, UTI Holding B.V., and Midwest Refrigerated Services. In addition, we invested $689.1 million in additions to property, plant and equipment, primarily for growth capital expenditures. There was also $96.8 million used for deposits on acquisitions which were pending as of December 31, 2021. This was partially offset by cash proceeds of $45.4 million from the sale of Latin American subsidiaries.

Refer to Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information regarding business combinations and asset acquisitions in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Financing Activities

Our net cash provided by financing activities was $1,840.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash provided by financing activities during 2022 was primarily driven by $944.2 million of capital contributions, $843.2 million net proceeds from long term debt and financing leases, and $313.1 million of net borrowing on revolving credit lines. This was partially offset by outflows of $179.7 million for distributions to stockholders and noncontrolling interests, $55.7 million for partial redemption of convertible redeemable noncontrolling interests, $8.8 million for deferred financing fees, and $8.4 million redemption of stock compensation.

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Our net cash provided by financing activities was $3,027.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Cash provided by financing activities during 2021 consisted of $2,359.5 million of capital contributions, $962.5 million net proceeds from long term debt and financing leases, $237.0 million of net borrowings on revolving credit lines. This was partially offset by outflows of $275.9 million, for redemption of noncontrolling interests, $199.4 million for distributions to stockholders and noncontrolling interests, $39.6 million redemption of stock compensation, and $15.7 million for deferred financing fees.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2022, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Inflation

As discussed in greater detail above, where possible, our warehouse contracts contain provisions designed to mitigate the adverse impact of inflation in operational costs such as wages, power and warehouse supplies, and generally include rate escalation provisions. Additionally, our warehouse contracts typically provide us with the ability to adjust rates for material increases in power, property taxes, property insurance and regulatory imposed costs to the extent such increases are outside the escalation provisions. For our customers on month-to-month warehouse contracts, we generally have the ability to adjust our rates upon 30 days’ advance notice in order to compensate for changes in our costs of providing storage and handling services.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments in certain circumstances that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and contingencies as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be most appropriate and reasonable. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for our significant accounting policies. The following discussion pertains to accounting policies management believes are most critical to the portrayal of our historical financial condition and results of operations and that require a material level of subjectivity or judgement and relate to inherently highly uncertain matters.

Impairment of long-lived assets and finite lived intangible assets

We evaluate long-lived assets and finite lived intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or when the assets are held for sale. Asset groups are evaluated at the level of the smallest identifiable group of assets that generate cash inflows that are largely dependent on the cash inflows from other assets and liabilities. Our asset groups are generally defined as individual facilities or warehouses. Triggering events include material adverse changes in projected revenues or operating performance measures, a pattern of net losses, significant relevant negative industry trends, internal plans to dispose of an asset group, significant deterioration in the condition of the asset, and an identified impairment of related goodwill or other non-amortizable intangible assets.

Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, we assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset and the residual value from the ultimate disposal of the asset exceed the carrying value. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, its fair value is measured relying primarily on a discounted cash flow method. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we reduce the carrying value to fair value and records an impairment loss in earnings. When an impairment loss is

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

recognized for assets to be held and used, the adjusted carrying amounts of those assets are depreciated over their remaining useful life. Impairments of long-lived assets were $        , $0.6 million, and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. There were no impairments of finite lived intangible assets in 2023, 2022, or 2021.

Undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of assets and the residual value are estimated based on the Company’s judgement using industry experience and knowledge of historical transactions and operations. Fair values are estimated using discounting based on the applicable weighted average cost of capital, independent appraisals, quotes, or expected sales prices, as applicable. Changes in market conditions, the economic environment, and other factors can significantly impact these estimates.

Business combinations

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires, among other things, allocation of the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations”. The excess of the fair value of purchase price consideration over the values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is assigned to each reporting unit based upon the relative fair value of the underlying business operations.

When determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to real estate and intangible assets. Significant estimates used in valuing intangible assets acquired in a business combination include, but are not limited to, revenue growth rates, obsolescence, customer attrition rates, operating costs and margins, capital expenditures, tax rates, long-term growth rates and discount rates. The primary valuation technique used is the income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method, the multi excess earnings method, or the with-and-without method.

Significant estimates used in valuing land and buildings and improvements acquired in a business combination include, but are not limited to, the selection of comparable real estate sales, estimates of indirect costs, and entrepreneurial profit, which are added to the replacement cost of the acquired assets in order to estimate their fair market value.

With respect to our 2021 acquisition of Kloosterboer Group B.V. and its subsidiaries, Preference Shares issued in connection with the transaction were measured and recorded at fair value upon initial recognition. The valuation technique used was a combination of the income approach and the Black-Scholes Model. Key assumptions include the timing of a conversion event, expected conversion price, volatility, risk-free rate, expected dividend yield, and a market-based discount rate, which was determined based on our cost of borrowing as of the acquisitions date, including a credit risk adjustment for comparable unsecured debt instruments in the market.

Goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets

The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets annually as of October 1 or when events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not indicate an impairment exists.

Goodwill

We determined our reporting units by identifying components of each operating segment, which are Global Warehousing and Global Integrated Solutions, and assessing these components to determine if they meet the definition of a reporting unit and whether they have similar economic characteristics that would make their aggregation appropriate. In the first quarter of 2023, we identified a change in our reporting structure, which resulted in a change in our reporting units. This represents a change in accounting estimate, for which we accounted for prospectively in 2023, reallocating carrying values of goodwill to the new reporting units using relative fair values.

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Fair values of our reporting units are estimated using a combination of equally weighted income approach and market approach. The income approach is based on discounted future cash flows and requires key assumptions, including the following:

 

   

Future revenue growth: we estimated future growth based on industry forecasts, historical results, and existing long-term contracts.

 

   

Operating costs and profitability: we estimated future operating costs based on industry forecasts, historical results, operational focus of management, and market energy cost projections.

 

   

Capital requirements: we estimated future capital requirements based on current planned expansions, appropriation requests, and projected growth of existing operations included in the estimate of future revenue growth.

 

   

Discount rates: we utilized a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) that considers the cost of capital and cost of debt, with inputs such as risk premiums, relevant comparable public companies’ debt and capital metrics, tax rates, risk-free interest rates, and other assumptions.

The market approach is based on market EBITDA (defines as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) multiples and requires judgement in selection of comparable companies and appropriate multiples.

Goodwill is tested for impairment by assessing qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Qualitative factors assessed include reporting units’ financial performance as compared to budget, macroeconomic conditions, labor and energy cost trends, growth in pricing of our capital raises, and other events and trends impacting fair values of our reporting units. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, or based on management’s judgment, we determine it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test is performed.

In 2023, we utilized the fair values calculated as of the first quarter of 2023 for the allocation of goodwill to assess its goodwill for impairment. We assessed qualitative factors to determine whether events or circumstances indicate that the fair values of its reporting units have deteriorated since the first quarter to the fourth quarter. No such indicators were identified. Carrying value of each reporting unit includes assets and liabilities attributable to its business operations and allocated goodwill. Based on a comparison of the fair values to carrying values, we determined that it was more likely than not the fair values of its reporting units exceeded their carrying values. During the fourth quarter of 2022 and 2021, we tested goodwill for impairment by assessing qualitative factors, concluding that impairment of goodwill was not more likely than not in any of its reporting units and no further quantitative analysis was performed.

Other indefinite lived intangible assets

Intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indefinite lived intangibles are tested at least annually in the fourth quarter at the individual asset level. Qualitative factors assessed include financial performance of the related business as compared to budget, macroeconomic conditions, labor and energy cost trends, and our plans regarding continued use of the intangible asset. If qualitative factors indicate that an impairment is likely, a quantitative test is performed, which consists of a comparison of the fair value of the asset to its carrying value as of the impairment testing date. In 2023, 2022, and 2021, no adverse qualitative factors were identified and determined to be indicative of an impairment.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information regarding applicable new accounting pronouncements.

 

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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

Our future income and cash flows relevant to financial instruments are dependent upon prevalent market interest rates. Market risk refers to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates.

As of December 31, 2023, we had $          million of variable-rate debt under our credit facilities bearing interest at                     , plus a margin of up to      %. We have entered into interest rate swaps to effectively lock in the floating rates on $          of our variable-rate debt at a weighted average rate of      %, including swapping $1.0 billion of borrowings under the Term Loan to fixed interest at 55 bps + 160 bps margin through maturity and capping interest on CMBS debt between 1% and 2%, with $3.5 billion gradually reducing to $1.5 billion by 2025. As a result, the only borrowings that we have exposure to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2023 consist of our borrowings under                  including:                 . As of December 31, 2023, one-month term and daily SOFR was approximately      %, therefore a 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would result in an increase in interest expense to service our variable-rate debt of approximately $         million. A 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would result in a decrease in interest of approximately $          million.

Foreign Currency Risk

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange variability related to investments in and earnings from our foreign subsidiaries, as the revenues and expenses of these subsidiaries are typically generated in the currencies of the countries in which they operate. Foreign currency market risk is the possibility that our results of operations or financial position could be better or worse than planned because of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. When the local currencies in these countries decline relative to our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, our consolidated revenues, NOI margins and net investment in properties and operations outside the United States decrease. The impact of currency fluctuations on our earnings is partially mitigated by the fact that most operating and other expenses are also incurred and paid in the local currency. The impact of devaluation or depreciating currency on an entity depends on the residual effect on the local economy and the ability of an entity to raise prices and/or reduce expenses. Due to our constantly changing currency exposure and the potential substantial volatility of currency exchange rates, we cannot predict the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on our business. As a result, changes in the relation of the currency of our international operations to U.S. dollars may also affect the book value of our assets and the amount of total equity. A hypothetical 10% depreciation in the U.S. dollar relative to the year-end functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries, would have resulted in a reduction in our total equity of approximately $        million as of December 31, 2023.

Gains or losses from translating the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component of equity within our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus.

We enter into foreign currency derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates between the functional currencies of our subsidiaries and the currencies of the underlying cash flows. All derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value.

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES

Overview

We are the world’s largest global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, with a modern and strategically located network of buildings. Our business is competitively positioned to deliver a seamless end-to-end, technology-enabled, customer experience for thousands of customers each with their own unique requirements in the temperature-controlled supply chain. As of December 31, 2022, we operated an interconnected global temperature-controlled warehouse network, comprising over 81.4 million square feet and 2.9 billion cubic feet of capacity across 474 warehouses predominantly located in densely populated critical-distribution markets, with 302 in North America, 87 in Europe and 85 in Asia-Pacific. We have a well-diversified and stable customer base and currently serve more than 10,000 customers that include household names of the largest retailers, manufacturers, processors and food service distributors in the industry. In 2022, no single customer accounted for more than 2.9% of our revenues. In the year ended December 31, 2022, we generated $4.9 billion of revenue, $1.4 billion of NOI and $1.1 billion of Adjusted EBITDA.

Our Business Segments

We view, manage and report on our business through two segments:

 

   

Global warehousing, which utilizes our high-quality industrial real estate properties to provide temperature-controlled warehousing storage and services to our customers and represented approximately 84% of our total NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022; and

 

   

Global integrated solutions, which complements warehousing with supply chain services to facilitate the movement of products through the food supply chain to generate cost savings for customers and additional revenue streams for our company and represented approximately 16% of our total NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Our Global Warehousing Segment

The backbone of our business is our mission-critical network of sophisticated, modern and strategically-located temperature-controlled warehouses.

As of December 31, 2022, our warehousing portfolio encompassed 454 warehouses featuring distribution, port, production and commodity operations across 18 countries and contained approximately 79.1 million square feet, 2.8 billion cubic feet and 9.5 million pallet positions. We also have the largest automated temperature-controlled portfolio with 80 automated facilities, 24 of which are fully automated and 56 of which are semi-automated.

As of December 31, 2022, the cubic-foot weighted average age of our portfolio was approximately 20 years, which we believe is significantly younger than that of our largest publicly-traded peer and of the broader temperature-controlled industry. In addition, many of our warehouses may perform in a way that is functionally younger than their age given the substantial investments or refurbishments we have made that do not factor into the age calculation in areas such as maintenance, automation, energy efficiency and sustainability. Over the past two years, we have invested over $250 million in recurring maintenance capital expenditures and integration expenditures we incur when we acquire new warehouses and over $190 million in repair and maintenance expense, which do not qualify as capital expenditures, across our existing warehouse network because we believe that a more modern and consistently maintained network enhances prospects of winning new customers, retaining existing customers, extending our network’s useful lives and driving more efficient operations, improved profitability and greater cash flow.

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Facilities in Our Global Warehousing Segment

The following table provides information regarding the temperature-controlled warehouses in our global warehousing segment that we owned, leased or managed in each of the regions in which we operated as of December 31, 2022.

 

Region

  Number of
warehouses
    Cubic Feet
(in millions)
    Percentage
of Cubic
Feet
    Pallet
positions
(in thousands)
    Average
Economic
Utilization
    Average
Physical
Utilization
    Revenue
(in millions)
    NOI
(in millions)
 

North America

    282       1,959       69.9     5,916       86.5     80.7     2,568       970  

Europe

    87       621       22.1     2,624       76.1     75.5     566       150  

Asia Pacific

    85       224       8.0     970       82.1     79.7     299       93  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    454       2,803       100.0     9,511       83.2     79.2     3,433       1,213  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note:

Totals may not sum due to rounding. Excludes 20 warehouses in our global integrated solutions segment. We categorize warehouses as part of our global integrated solutions segment if the primary business conducted in those warehouses is within our global integrated solutions segment.

Our Warehouse Types

As of December 31, 2022, we owned, operated, leased and managed multiple types of temperature-controlled warehouses across our global network, which we group into four types:

 

   

Distribution. We owned or leased 274 distribution centers with approximately 2.0 billion cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity and 6.4 million pallet positions. Distribution centers are temperature-controlled warehouses near metropolitan, often difficult to replace infill or port locations. Our distribution centers generated $933.6 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing approximately 77% of our NOI.

 

   

Public. We owned or leased 126 public warehouses with approximately 454.6 million cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity and 1.9 million pallet positions. Public warehouses are temperature-controlled warehouses that store products for multiple customers. Our public warehouses generated $131.3 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing approximately 11% of our NOI.

 

   

Production Advantaged. We owned or leased 40 production advantaged warehouses with approximately 284.7 million cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity and 1.1 million pallet positions. Production advantaged warehouses are temperature-controlled warehouses adjacent to or near a customer production facility. Our production advantaged warehouses generated $138.8 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing approximately 11% of our NOI.

 

   

Managed. We managed 14 warehouses on behalf of customers. Managed warehouses are facilities owned or leased by the customer for which we manage the warehouse operations on their behalf. Our managed warehouses generated $10.3 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing approximately 1% of our NOI.

With our broad network of warehouses, which are strategically located at or close to major metropolitan areas, infill locations, ports and transportation hubs for distribution operations, our portfolio is weighted towards high-population density markets and port locations, with a weighted average population density of approximately 3,000 persons per square mile. We believe our network is supportive of high economic occupancy, productive NOI generation and strong growth.

The following charts set forth information concerning the types of facilities that our customers utilize in our global warehousing segment based on a percentage of our global warehousing segment NOI for the year ended December 31, 2022. Amounts in these charts may not sum due to rounding.

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Geographic Diversification

We believe our geographic diversification provides additional stability through exposure to various markets and balancing different seasonality profiles. As of December 31, 2022, we were present in 18 countries, with the United States comprising 72% of our global warehousing segment revenues, and within the United States, we are present in 36 states, with no state accounting for more than 16.5% of our global warehousing segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, 97% of our global warehousing segment revenue was generated in countries in which we believe our local network of temperature-controlled warehouses is the largest, as measured by cubic feet of capacity. Our portfolio includes locations in top metropolitan statistical areas with high population density, ports with significant global trade, transportation hubs with significant domestic trade and critical food production areas. We believe that this diversification makes our portfolio resilient to local, regional and country-specific impacts such as weather events, labor disputes, currency fluctuations and population shifts.

The following maps show the locations of our temperature-controlled warehouses around the world as of December, 31, 2022.

 

LOGO

 

(1)

Reflects countries in which our local network of temperature-controlled warehouses is the largest, as measured by cubic feet capacity.

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Global Map of Assets with Population Density

 

 

LOGO

 

(1)

U.S. data per U.S. Census Bureau, ArcGis, public filings and SNL.

(2)

Non-U.S. data per NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) managed by the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Earth Institute, Columbia University.

Commodity Diversification

We store a wide variety of frozen and perishable food and other products in our temperature-controlled warehouses, such as seafood, packaged foods, proteins, fruits and vegetables and dairy, at all stages of production from processing of raw materials to assembly of finished products. The diversity of the product mix in our temperature-controlled warehouses helps insulate us from commodity volatility, shifts in consumer preferences and other macro-economic forces. The following table sets forth information concerning the types of commodities that our customers store in our warehouses based on a percentage of our warehouse segment revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Warehousing Segment Revenues by Product Type

(Year Ended December 31, 2022)

 

LOGO

Note: Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Features of our Warehouses

Our warehouses include features intended to meet the “mission-critical” role they serve in the cold chain. Some of our warehouses include customized racking systems that allow for the storage of products on pallets in horizontal rows across vertically stacked levels in an efficient and secure manner. Our racking systems can accommodate a wide array of different customer storage needs. In addition, some of our warehouses also include advanced conveyors and automated pallet putaway and retrieval systems, high volume refrigeration systems, refrigerated docks, specialized fire suppression systems, insulated and heated floors and state-of-the-art temperature-control systems that can implement distinct climate zones within the same warehouse. We believe that our warehouses are well-maintained and in good operating condition.

Occupancy of our Warehouses

Economic and physical occupancy of an individual warehouse is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of warehouse (i.e., distribution, public, production advantaged or managed), specific customer needs in the markets served by the warehouse, timing of harvests or protein production for customers of the warehouse, the existence of leased but unoccupied pallet positions and the adverse effect of weather or market conditions on the customers of the warehouse. On a portfolio-wide basis, economic and physical occupancy rates and warehouse revenues generally peak between mid-September and early December in connection with the holiday season and the peak harvest season in the northern hemisphere. Economic and physical occupancy rates and warehouse revenues on a portfolio-wide basis are generally the lowest during May and June.

Economic and physical occupancy varies across our warehouse portfolio by warehouse and warehouse type because our warehouses are configured to accommodate the individual needs of our customers. We do not believe that a 100% physical occupancy rate is an ideal target for utilization of our warehouses because optimizing pallet throughput and efficient delivery of relevant warehouse services requires a certain amount of free pallet position capacity at all times in order to be able to efficiently place, store and retrieve products from pallet positions, particularly during periods of greatest occupancy or highest volume.

We plan to expand our use of minimum storage guarantees that pay us minimum or fixed storage fees for pallet positions, whether or not a minimum number of pallet positions are physically occupied. We believe that

 

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transitioning customer contracts from on-demand, as-utilized structures to minimum storage guarantee structures will drive NOI growth and consistency by maintaining our storage revenues during periods of lower inventories, while allowing customers to reserve space to meet their needs. For the year ended December 31, 2022, 34.0% of our storage revenues were subject to minimum storage guarantees. We believe that implementing revenue guarantees will continue to boost recurring revenue and enhance stability of cash flows, while allowing customers to plan for periods of increased need by reserving capacity.

The following chart illustrates average economic and physical occupancy in our global warehousing segment for each quarter during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 and (ii) each of the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022.

Average Economic and Physical Occupancy

in Our Global Warehousing Segment

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Physical occupancy for each quarter during the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased primarily due to lower customer production as a result of labor constraints. Physical occupancy for each quarter during the year ended December 31, 2022 increased as labor constraints eased and customer production recovered.

Throughput at our Warehouses

The level and nature of throughput at our warehouses is an important factor impacting our warehouse services revenues. Throughput refers to the volume of inbound pallets that enter our warehouses plus the volume of outbound pallets that exit our warehouses, divided by two. Higher levels of throughput drive warehouse services revenues in our global warehousing segment, as customers are typically billed transactionally for these services. The nature of throughput may be driven by the expected inventory turns of the underlying product or commodity.

Ownership of our Real Estate

Historically, we have owned a significant majority of our warehouses as opposed to leasing those warehouses or entering into warehouse management arrangements with third-party owners. As of December 31, 2022, we owned approximately 79% of our global warehousing portfolio as a percentage of square feet, including ground leases and real estate for which we possess bargain purchase options, and we leased or managed 21% of our global warehousing portfolio as a percentage of square feet. We believe that the ownership

 

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of our warehouses provides us with cost of capital and balance sheet advantages, stemming from the attractive financing options available to real estate owners and the tax advantages of being a REIT. Additionally, in an acquisition, we would have the ability to utilize our “UPREIT” operating partnership structure to provide attractive tax-advantaged consideration (i.e., interests in our operating partnership) to potential sellers. We also believe that consolidation of the ownership and operation of our warehouses significantly enhances the value of our business by allowing us to provide customers with our complementary suite of warehouse services across one integrated and reliable cold chain network. Ownership of our integrated cold chain network enhances our ability to efficiently reposition customers and undertake capital improvements or other modifications on their behalf without the need to obtain third-party approvals that might otherwise be required for leasehold facilities or managed facilities owned by third parties. Our decision to own, rather than lease, a significant majority of our warehouses provides us with better control over the specialized nature of our assets and greater influence over our warehouse locations on a long-term basis, which is crucial to meeting our customers’ “mission-critical” cold chain needs and allows us to enhance our suite of services.

A variety of factors influence our decision whether to own or to lease particular warehouses, including the rules applicable to REITs under the Code, specific customers’ requirements, our existing capacity and supply-demand imbalances, and, in the case of an acquisition of a temperature-controlled warehouse, the existing ownership structure.

Customer Overview

We believe that the average duration of our customer relationships demonstrate their “sticky” nature irrespective of the type of contract given the size and scope of our integrated warehouse network and the nature, quality and breadth of the services we provide. The weighted average length of our relationship with our 25 largest customers in our global warehousing segment exceeds 31 years. The relationship lengths include periods where a customer was a customer of acquired companies prior to their acquisition.

The following table presents summary information on our 15 largest customers, based on total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022:

 

Customer

   Percentage
of
Revenue(1)
         Relationship
Length
(years)(3)
     Network Utilization  
  Credit Ratings
(S&P/Moody’s/Fitch)(2)
   Number
of Sites
     Number of
Countries
 

Fruits & Vegetables Company

     2.9   BB+ / Ba2 / -      39        25        5  

Retail Distribution Company

     2.8   AA / Aa2 /AA      30        11        1  

Protein Company

     2.2   BBB- / Baa3 / BBB-      43        81        4  

Protein Company

     1.9   BBB+ / Baa2 / BBB      47        63        3  

Packaged Foods Company

     1.8   BBB / - / BBB      15        9        1  

Packaged Foods Company

     1.8   - / - / -      23        33        8  

Protein Company

     1.5   BBB- / Ba1 / BBB      47        31        2  

Fruits & Vegetables Company

     1.3   - / - / -      34        19        2  

Retail Distribution Company

     1.2   - / - / -      46        5        1  

Retail Distribution Company

     1.2   BBB / Baa1 / BBB      20        16        3  

Protein Company

     1.0   A / A2 / A      42        41        4  

Bakery Company

     1.0   - / - / -      4        3        1  

Retail Distribution Company

     1.0   BBB / Baa2 / -      6        7        1  

Retail Distribution Company

     0.9   A / A2 / -      16        6        1  

Packaged Foods Company

     0.9   BBB / Baa2 / -      32        21        1  
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total/Weighted Average(4)

     23.2        32        28        3  
  

 

 

            

 

(1)

Based on total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

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(2)

Represents long-term issuer ratings as of September 30, 2023 and includes ratings of customers’ parent entities that may or may not guarantee such customer’s obligations under its contracts with us.

(3)

Relationship lengths includes periods where a customer was a customer of acquired companies prior to their acquisition.

(4)

Total relationship length, number of sites and number of countries shown as a revenue-weighted average of top 15 customers.

Warehouse Storage and Rent

Our global warehousing segment revenues are generated from storing frozen and perishable food and other products and providing related warehouse services for our customers. Storage revenues relate to the act of storing products for our customers within our warehouses. Storage revenues can be in the form of storage fees we charge customers for utilization of non-exclusive space or a set amount of reserved space in a warehouse, blast fees we charge customers for utilization of specific ultra-cold spaces within a warehouse designed to rapidly reduce product temperature and rent we charge customers for the lease of warehouse space pursuant to a lease agreement.

Warehouse Services

We provide warehouse services including, but not limited to:

 

   

receipt, handling and placement of products into the warehouse for storage and preservation;

 

   

retrieval of products from storage upon customer request;

 

   

case-picking, which involves selecting product cases from pallets to build a new pallet;

 

   

building customized pallets and repackaging, as well as labeling services;

 

   

order assembly and load consolidation;

 

   

exporting and importing support services;

 

   

container handling;

 

   

cross-docking, which involves transferring inbound products to outbound trucks utilizing our warehouse docks without storing them in our warehouses; and

 

   

government approved temperature-controlled storage and inspection services.

Nature of Our Customer Contracts in Our Global Warehousing Segment

We utilize one of four types of contracts with our customers for use of space within our warehouses depending upon the individual needs and characteristics of the customer – warehouse agreements, rate letters, tariff sheets and lease agreements. We may have one contract with a customer that covers all of the warehouses where we store products for the customer or, more typically, multiple contracts with the same customer, which may be driven by a variety of factors, such as the geographic location of the products stored by the customer or the type of products stored by the customer or the different business units of a customer.

Warehouse Agreements. Warehouse agreements are intended to specifically outline the parameters of the relationship with the specific customer while incorporating much of our standard commercial business rule framework we seek to apply to all of our contractual relationships. Warehouse agreements are designed to accommodate the individual needs and characteristics of our customers and may include negotiated provisions such as minimum storage guarantees and specified durations. We believe these terms allow our customers access to temperature-controlled warehousing space for their products on a reliable and consistent basis and help us manage and project occupancy and throughput across our warehouse network and generate predictable cash

 

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flows. Our warehouse agreements entered into under this framework may include one or more of the following negotiated features:

 

   

A fixed term, with stated renewal periods. The initial term of our warehouse agreements generally ranges from one to five years for typical customer relationships and 10 to 20 years for build-to-suit warehouses. Renewal periods, in each case, generally range from one to five years.

 

   

Transactional pricing for warehouse services, with the pricing for our storage and warehouse services based on the anticipated profile of our customer outlining the anticipated pallet occupancy of the customer, anticipated throughput of pallets delivered and retrieved annually and expectations regarding the warehouse services to be used by the customer. Many of our warehouse agreements provide us the flexibility to seek equitable rate increases if the actual customer relationship is materially different than that contained in the customer profile.

 

   

Pricing increase mechanisms based on inflationary cost increases and customer profile changes that materially affect our cost structures. These price increase mechanisms may be fixed or tied to relevant market indices, giving us the ability to recover cost increases which are incorporated in the indices, such as wage increases and increases in rent, power, real estate and other costs. Additionally, for customers whose contracts are not explicitly fixed or tied to relevant market indices, we typically negotiate rate increases annually to offset increases in wages, power or similar operating costs.

 

   

A storage fee based on a minimum storage guarantee of the customer, plus additional storage fees based on additional on demand storage used by the customer. Minimum storage guarantees provide us additional clarity around the expected occupancy of our warehouses and give our customers certainty around anticipated storage costs and dependable pallet availability over the term of the agreement.

 

   

A warehouseman’s lien on customer products held in our warehouses as security for payments.

 

   

Requirement that customers pay for services provided under the contract within 30 days or less after being invoiced and permitting us to charge interest for any late payments.

Rate Letters. Rate letters are agreements that typically establish storage fee rates on products stored in our warehouses and rates for warehouse services pursuant to terms set forth on a standardized warehouse receipt and related rate schedule. Rate letters may have terms similar to our warehouse agreements, including minimum storage guarantees, and are typically for a term of one year or less. Our standard terms and conditions afford us favorable, industry-standard contractual protections and are generally not subject to negotiation with customers that enter into rate letters, other than relating to minimum storage guarantees or other commitments. Rate letters generally require our customers to pay for storage in seven to 30-day increments, with the majority of our rate letters in the United States using 30-day increments, beginning when customers’ products are delivered to our warehouses. We generally charge storage fees based on the number of pallets our customers occupy under rate letters; however, like warehouse agreements, our rate letters may provide for minimum storage or other guarantees. Rate letters typically also include mechanisms to adjust rates for inflationary cost increases or customer profile changes.

Tariff Sheets. Similar to rate letters, tariff sheets are agreements that establish storage fee rates on products stored in our warehouses and rates for warehouse services on an as-utilized, on-demand basis, pursuant to terms set forth on a standardized warehouse receipt but that do not require the customer to use our warehouse or for us to reserve space for these customers; however, our tariff sheets in certain jurisdictions may provide for a de minimis minimum monthly payment from a customer to maintain its access to a given warehouse. Tariff sheets are non-negotiable and based on our standard terms and conditions and a tariff rate schedule. Our tariff sheets are updated annually, and the agreements are also short-term in nature and can generally be updated upon 30-days’ advance notice, which provides the flexibility to pass through inflationary cost increases.

Leases. We lease space to certain customers that desire to manage their own temperature-controlled warehousing or carry on processing operations in warehouses adjacent, or in close proximity, to their production

 

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facilities. As of December 31, 2022, we owned                  facilities which were wholly leased to customers with approximately                  million cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity and had separately entered into                  leases with individual warehouse customers to lease a room or space in our other warehouses. Our customer leased warehouses are typically leased to third parties, such as food producers, distributors and retailers, under triple net lease agreements pursuant to which the customer is responsible for all costs incurred for facility maintenance, insurance, taxes, utilities and other services necessary or appropriate for the applicable warehouse and the business conducted at the applicable warehouse. We typically charge our customers that are party to these leases rent based on the square footage leased in our warehouses. Our leases of less than a full facility to individual customers are typically on a “gross” or “modified gross” basis that generally require the landlord to pay for maintenance and repairs of common areas and building systems and hold the tenant responsible for all or certain other costs. We consider the creditworthiness of a potential tenant to be an important consideration in determining whether to engage in a new lease agreement. Credit evaluations may include a general business credit background and/or business reports with respect to a potential tenant prior to entering into a new lease. With respect to any proposed lease of material size, duration, or capital outlay, we may also require, among other things, historical financial statements for review and evaluation.

The following table sets forth a summary schedule of the expirations for any customer contracts featuring minimum storage guarantees, and for leases, in effect as of December 31, 2023 and for the year beginning January 1, 2024 and each of the periods set forth below occurring thereafter. The information set forth in the table assumes no exercise of extension options under these contracts and leases.

 

Contract Expiration Year

   Number
of
Contracts
     Annualized
Committed
Storage
and Rent
Payments

(In millions) (1)
     Percentage
of Global
Warehousing
Segment
Storage and
Rent
Payments
for the

Year
Ended
December 31,
2023
    Annualized
Committed
Storage and

Rent
Payments at

Expiration
(In millions) (2)
 

Month to Month

      $          %     $    

2024

           %    

2025

           %    

2026

           %    

2027

           %    

2028

           %    

2029

           %    

2030

           %    

2031

           %    

2032

           %    

2033 and thereafter

           %    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $                                 $                
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents monthly minimum storage guarantees and lease rental payments under the applicable expiring warehouse agreements, rate letters and leases as of December 31, 2023, plus, without duplication, the weighted average monthly warehouse services payments attributable to these contracts and leases for the year ended December 31, 2023, multiplied by 12.

(2)

Represents annualized monthly minimum storage guarantees and lease rental payments under applicable expiring warehouse agreements, rate letters and leases as of December 31, 2023 based upon the monthly payments attributable thereto in the last month prior to expiration, multiplied by 12.

 

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Our Global Integrated Solutions Segment

Our global integrated solutions segment provides our customers with solutions to move products through the food supply chain. The majority of our customers’ supply chain costs come from the movement of their products between warehouse nodes, rather than from the cost of warehousing. We believe transportation represents on average more than three times the cost of warehousing as part of our customers’ supply chain expense. Our integrated solutions provide value-added benefit to warehousing customers, helping them to reduce transport costs while enabling us to generate additional revenue on the same product stored.

We operate several critical and value-added temperature-controlled business lines within our global integrated solutions segment, including, among others, transportation, which is the largest area within our global integrated solutions segment, and refrigerated rail car leasing. Within transportation, our core focus areas are multi-vendor less-than-full-truckload consolidation, drayage services to and from ports, over-the-road trucking and freight forwarding. We also provide foodservice distribution in select markets and e-commerce fulfillment services. In 2022, transportation and refrigerated rail car leasing together accounted for approximately 70% of global integrated solutions segment NOI.

We believe that data-driven visibility into our customers’ warehouse volumes and shipping destinations enables us to provide efficient integrated solutions. These services deepen our customer relationships, allow for an “all services under one roof” experience and promote cross-sale opportunities within our warehouses. As we collaborate with our customers across their supply chains, we seek to reduce waste and redundancy and deliver a more cost efficient and sustainable solutions for them. We offer a comprehensive set of integrated solutions of any temperature-controlled warehousing company, which we believe differentiates us from our competitors, positions us well to win new business, strengthens customer retention and enhances the value of our warehousing business.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, we estimate that approximately 95% of our total NOI was generated by our warehouse customers (based on our global warehousing segment NOI and, as it relates to our global integrated solutions segment NOI, the relative revenue contribution from our warehouse customers who utilize one or more of our integrated solutions and our customers who exclusively utilize our integrated solutions).

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Our Competitive Strengths

We believe we are the premier technology-enabled temperature-controlled warehousing REIT in the world, as evidenced by the following competitive strengths:

We are the global leader in a fragmented industry with meaningful scale and network benefits

We are the largest temperature-controlled warehousing company globally. As measured by cubic feet of storage space, we are nearly twice the size of our next largest competitor both globally and in North America and are larger than our next nine global competitors combined, as reflected in the charts below:

Estimate of Top 10 Global Temperature-Controlled

Companies’ Cubic Feet Capacity and Market Share

 

LOGO

 

Source:

2023 GCCA Global Top 25 List (March 2023), except Lineage figures, which are based on company data as of December 31, 2022, and Americold figures, which are based on public filings of Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (“Americold”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as of June 30, 2023. We present data with respect to Americold, as Americold is our largest competitor for whom data is publicly available. Global market share is based on total global capacity from 2020 GCCA Global Cold Storage Capacity Report (August 2020).

(1)

As of December 31, 2022, Lineage owned 9.0% of the investment interests in Emergent Cold LatAm Holdings LLC as well as a right to receive an additional portion of certain profits generated by Emergent Cold LatAm Holdings LLC, which could represent anywhere from zero to 10% of the additional profits generated on invested capital.

 

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Estimate of Top 10 North American Temperature-Controlled

Companies’ Cubic Feet Capacity and Market Share

 

LOGO

 

Source:

2023 GCCA North America Top 25 List (March 2023), except Lineage figures, which are based on company data as of December 31, 2022, and Americold figures, which are based on public filings of Americold with the SEC as of June 30, 2023. North America market share based total North American capacity from 2020 GCCA Global Cold Storage Capacity Report (August 2020).

We are the largest owner and operator of temperature-controlled warehousing capacity in some of the world’s largest developed markets, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Approximately 97% of our global warehousing segment revenues are from countries in which our local network of temperature-controlled warehouses is the largest, as measured by cubic feet of capacity. The interconnected nature of our global warehouse network aligns with the global nature of many of our customers, allowing us to provide warehousing services to many of them across multiple geographies. On average, our top 25 customers utilize 21 facilities, and seven of our top 10 customers use our facilities in multiple countries. Importantly, we believe customers equate the Lineage brand with service, quality and safety around the world, which provides an advantage over local competitors.

We believe that our network and our economies of scale in our business, drives operational leverage and allows us to invest in customer service and technology, which, in turn, attracts more customers. With a larger customer base, we believe that we can leverage our resources more efficiently, supporting strong profitability. Moreover, our growing customer base enables us to gather and analyze vast amounts of data. We believe that this data-driven approach empowers us to continuously refine our operations, improve productivity and lower operating costs, creating a “win-win” scenario for both our customers and Lineage.

We believe that it would be difficult and costly to replace or replicate our network of temperature-controlled facilities given the high and rising value of industrial land, difficulties in obtaining land and zoning entitlements and approvals and the significant and increasing construction costs of temperature-controlled warehouses. As of December 31, 2022, we owned approximately 79% of our global warehousing portfolio as a percentage of square feet, including ground leases and real estate for which we possess bargain purchase options, and we leased or managed 21% of our global warehousing portfolio as a percentage of square feet. We have a deep sales pipeline via the largest existing customer base and sales group in the industry, a recognized and respected brand among customers, the broadest suite of temperature-controlled services through our global integrated solutions segment, our innovative technology, extensive development experience, a broad industry knowledgebase and a flexible balance sheet and favorable cost of capital. In addition, we believe that our skilled and experienced team of over 24,000 team members provide a differentiated service that would be difficult to replicate, as they are trained to operate in a highly-specialized environment while complying with stringent food safety requirements.

 

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Our high quality portfolio is located in highly desirable and strategic locations around the world

Our cubic-foot weighted average facility age is approximately 20 years, as weighted by cubic feet, which we believe is significantly younger than that of our largest publicly traded peer and of the broader temperature-controlled warehousing industry. Moreover, our portfolio includes 80 fully- and semi-automated warehouses, the most of any cold storage provider in the world, making it the most technologically advanced in our industry. We believe that modern warehouses are more desirable to our customers because of their increased operational efficiency and enhanced ability to meet today’s most sophisticated customer needs relative to older facilities.

We have a robust presence in key metropolitan statistical areas, or MSAs, and ports throughout the United States with a larger number of facilities in such locations relative to our largest competitor, which drives a significantly higher weighted average population density of approximately 3,000 persons per square mile.

We have a particularly strong presence in top-tier U.S. markets, including New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles and Southern California, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, the Bay Area and Northern California, Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. We consider these to be key markets, as we believe they have among the highest industrial real estate values and lowest cap rates in our industry.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, 77% of our NOI was from distribution centers and approximately 53% of our NOI was from warehouses located near ports, many of which are in the key distribution markets. This solidifies the mission-critical nature of our portfolio in highly desirable locations for imports, exports and local consumption and distribution. We believe our facilities are strategic to our customer base with locations that serve as critical hubs within their supply chains.

Our business is highly diversified across geographies, customers and commodities

Our business profile is highly diversified, which reduces risks to our cash flows from potential headwinds linked to any one facility, market, country, commodity, food consumption channel, geography or customer. We have 474 facilities globally, with no facility accounting for more than 1.2% of revenues during the year ended December 31, 2022.

In addition, our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022 were diversified by commodity type as demonstrated by the graph below:

 

LOGO

Note: Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

We offer a broad range of warehousing services and integrated solutions around the world for a variety of customers with complex requirements in the food supply chain. As of December 31, 2022, we served more than

 

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10,000 customers across numerous commodity categories. Approximately 29.3% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 came from our top 25 customers. Our customer base was highly diversified, with no customer accounting for more than 2.9% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022.

We target dependable customers with strong credit profiles, as evidenced by the fact that over 60% of the revenue generated from our top 25 customers is from companies with at least one investment grade rating at the parent or subsidiary level from Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. Additionally, 88% of our top 25 customers that are publicly-traded or have a publicly-traded parent company also have at least one investment grade rating.

The stability of our business is further supported by long-term contracts with most of our largest customers by revenues in our global warehousing segment. These long-term contracts often include minimum storage guarantees that generate minimum or fixed storage revenues regardless of whether the underlying pallet positions are occupied. As of December 31, 2022, 34.0% of Lineage’s storage revenues were subject to minimum storage guarantees and had an average revenue-weighted term of approximately three years remaining.

Our customer base is loyal, with a weighted average customer relationship, including relationships with legacy companies we acquired, of over 30 years across our current top 25 customers based on revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022. We believe this loyalty is driven by:

 

   

the mission-critical role we play in our customers’ cold chain;

 

   

the expansive and interconnected nature of our warehouse network, with our top 25 customers utilizing on average 21 of our warehouses and seven of our top 10 customers utilizing our services in more than one country;

 

   

the locations of our warehouses and the services we offer, as our customers value location and service to optimize the efficiency of their supply chain, with cost ranking as a lower priority as warehousing services comprise a small percent of their cost of goods sold;

 

   

the comprehensive suite of integrated solutions that we offer to our customers; and

 

   

excellent customer service and innovative technologies.

Through a combination of our vast warehouse network, integrated solutions, innovative technology, and dedicated team of supply chain professionals, we strive to deliver the highest quality of service to our customers, tailored to their specific product and location needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in our long-standing partnerships with some of the world’s largest and most critical food producers and retailers, as well as a reputation as a trusted strategic partner in the food supply chain industry.

Our complementary, value-added global integrated solutions segment drives customer value, retention and growth

In addition to our temperature-controlled warehousing operations, we offer a comprehensive suite of value-added integrated solutions that we believe are highly complementary and valuable to our warehouse customers. These services deepen our customer relationships by providing an “all services under one roof” experience and promoting cross-sell opportunities. Given the majority of our customers’ supply chain costs come from product movement versus storage, this integration provides a value-added benefit to warehousing customers of reducing transport costs while enabling us to generate additional revenue on the same product stored. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we estimate that approximately 95% of our total NOI was generated by our warehouse customers (based on our global warehousing segment NOI and, as it relates to our global integrated solutions segment NOI, the relative revenue contribution from our warehouse customers who utilize one or more of our integrated solutions and our customers who exclusively utilize our integrated solutions). The importance of these services to our customers and the propensity of these services to generate network benefits is evidenced by the fact that $1.0 billion of our global integrated solutions segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 were from customers that utilized both our warehousing services and integrated solutions.

 

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We believe we can grow our global integrated solutions segment by offering these services to customers who have not yet utilized them, often with minimal incremental capital investments required, and likewise that our integrated solutions offerings can generate customer leads for our global warehousing segment.

Our highly synergistic platform differentiates us from our competitors, supports a strong win rate with new business, enhances customer loyalty and increases the value of our warehousing business.

We believe we are an innovative industry leader driving disruption with differentiated technology

In a traditionally analog, fragmented and family-owned industry, we believe that our innovation and large-scale deployment of cutting-edge technology provides a comprehensive service offering for our customers that enhances our competitive position relative to our peers, while driving industry-leading growth and margins. Since the start of 2018, we have invested more than $315 million into transformational technology initiatives, which include developing and deploying both proprietary operating systems and third-party platforms, an amount we believe is more than any of our industry competitors. In addition, our deliberate and forward-thinking focus has allowed us to create the largest automated portfolio in the industry with 80 fully- and semi-automated facilities backed by innovative proprietary software and an in-house automation team. Due to the increasing demand for automated solutions from our customers, the higher construction cost of automated facilities and the complexity of implementing automated solutions, we expect the growth of automation in our warehouse network to be a key differentiator for Lineage over time.

Some key elements of our technology strategy include the following:

 

   

Establishing a highly integrated platform. We use a standardized and disciplined approach to apply our best practices to integrating acquired companies. This has been a core part of our strategy since our inception. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 90.2% of our global warehousing segment revenue was integrated on our financial reporting tool. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 62.6% of our global warehousing segment revenue flowed through one of our four Core WMS, and we are in the process of growing this percentage across our network. From 2018 through 2022, we converted 88 facilities to Core WMS, including 49 in 2022 alone, demonstrating our strong conversion record and ability to increase the penetration rate quickly. As of December 31, 2022, all of global warehousing segment revenue was reporting on metricsOne, a proprietary operating KPI dashboard that provides enhanced visibility into our operational execution, labor, safety and financial performance.

 

   

Providing a superior customer experience to support growth and retention. We have deployed proprietary operating systems and third-party platforms to improve customer experience and retention. We have developed Lineage Link, a proprietary customer visibility platform that empowers customers to actively manage their inventories, orders, shipments and transportation appointment scheduling across our warehouse network, which seeks to drive incremental NOI through increased efficiencies for customers and Lineage. Through December 31, 2022, Lineage Link had been rolled out across approximately 45% of our network as measured by global warehousing segment revenues, and we are in the process of further growing its penetration. We also use third-party customer experience platforms to more effectively and efficiently manage customer service requests. We believe these technologies will support customer retention as we improve our responsiveness to our customers’ complex and evolving needs.

 

   

Maximizing yield and productivity to support leading NOI growth. We are in the initial phases of deploying proprietary operating systems and third-party platforms to seek to drive NOI yield, operational productivity and process automation across our warehouse network and thereby drive margin improvement. Our proprietary warehouse execution system, LinOS, aims to maximize our operational productivity by leveraging proprietary and patented algorithms to better match tasks to team members and actively prioritize work within our warehouses. LinOS is currently in its pilot phase in several warehouses, and we see significant opportunity to implement it across our warehouse network over time. In addition, we are implementing a third-party quote-to-cash platform, that

 

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automates the processes of quoting, contracting and invoicing, which we believe will lead to more dynamic and standardized implementation of revenue growth initiatives. In addition, our productivity and process automation initiatives are supported by our in-house data science team, which is comprised of more than 40 applied science and product professionals that provide data-driven business intelligence and innovations to maximize operational efficiencies, revenues, profitability, energy efficiency and cash flows. Our innovations have yielded 48 patents issued and 115 patents pending as of December 31, 2022, in such areas as facility design, methods and mechanisms for operating facilities, refrigeration and thermodynamic designs and cold-rated instrumentation.

Our business delivers strong growth and margins

Superior same warehouse growth with strong operating leverage and cash flow

Our strong same-warehouse growth, margins and cash flow are powered by our high-quality assets, operating capabilities, technology and accretive capital deployment. Our same-warehouse NOI growth of     % in 2023 and 12.9% in 2022 compare favorably to that of our largest competitor and publicly traded peer. Likewise, our NOI margins of     % in 2023 and 29.4% in 2022 compare favorably to those of our largest publicly traded competitor, and we had an NOI margin of 30.3% in 2021. In addition, we increased our global same-warehouse storage revenue per economic pallet 10.2% and our same-warehouse services revenue per pallet 15.0% in 2022, in each case, on a constant currency basis.

We believe that our robust same-warehouse growth and margins are a result of the highly strategic locations of our assets, the modernity and density of our warehouse network, our innovative technological tools, our loyal customer base and the strength of our management. Historically, we have driven organic growth in our business through multiple levers, including new business wins, revenue management, implementation of lean operating principles, ongoing integration of acquisitions, implementation of innovative technology and accretive capital deployment into facility-level return-on-investment opportunities such as solar and energy efficiency projects, facility re-racking projects and implementation of enhanced blast freezing technology.

Proven development expertise with significant, global supply of opportunities for greenfield and expansion projects at an attractive return

We believe we are an industry-leading developer of temperature-controlled warehousing capacity through greenfield development and expansions of our existing facilities. Due to our reputation for providing turnkey and innovative solutions and the benefits of participating in our industry-leading warehouse network, customers often choose to partner with us for their largest and most important projects. Our unique approach to automation enables us to provide a truly customizable solution for customers. We have the largest automated portfolio in the sector globally, and we anticipate approximately 60% of total pallet positions of our facilities under construction as of December 31, 2022 are expected to be fully automated. Our automated facilities include:

 

   

Design: Lineage data science custom designs warehouse based on customer data and product profiles to optimize efficiency and flexibility

 

   

Construct: Lineage network optimization and IT automation systems teams collaborate with general contractor to ensure spend and progress

 

   

Integrate: Lineage’s dedicated integration team selects the best automation equipment, supports installation and controls provisioning

 

   

Operate: LinOS takes over control of the warehouse operations and systems, allowing Lineage to deploy full suite of algorithm backed optimization methods into the warehouse

Our in-house warehouse network optimization team has overseen 34 projects since the start of 2018, with total cost of approximately $1.3 billion, including costs paid by third parties, representing an NOI yield of approximately 11%. The total aggregate cubic feet of these projects is approximately 251 million, which is

 

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equivalent to the total warehousing capacity of the fourth largest standalone global temperature-controlled warehousing company. Our development process has taken significant time and cost to establish, and we believe this expertise, together with our robust pipeline of facility expansions and greenfield development, has the ability to drive future growth and ongoing value to our stockholders.

We believe we currently have the most temperature-controlled warehousing capacity under development globally as measured by cubic feet, with eight greenfield development and expansion projects under construction, which when completed are expected to contribute approximately 1.7 million square feet, approximately 74 million cubic feet and approximately 266 thousand pallet positions. Approximately 60% of these pallet positions will be fully automated. These projects have an estimated total cost of approximately $663 million, scheduled completion dates ranging from 2023 to 2024 and a weighted average targeted NOI yield range of approximately 9% to 11%. No assurance can be given that we will complete these projects on the terms currently contemplated, or at all, or that our weighted average targeted NOI yield range will be achieved. In addition to land included in projects under construction, we currently own approximately 1,100 acres of undeveloped land that has the potential to support future additional greenfield development and expansion opportunities, aggregating approximately 17.0 million square feet, approximately 717 million cubic feet and approximately 2.4 million pallet positions based on typical warehouse designs. We estimate that the cost to replace an equivalent amount of buildable land at these locations is over $400 million as of September 30, 2023, based on discussions with brokers, comparable land sales and our internal estimates.

We also have a robust long-term greenfield and development pipeline, which as of December 31, 2022 included 20 projects globally at various phases of research and underwriting, with an estimated cost basis of approximately $1.9 billion and potential contribution of approximately 3.4 million square feet, approximately 223 million cubic feet and approximately 673 thousand pallet positions. The projects in our future long-term pipeline include both projects where we already own the land and projects for which we will need to acquire incremental land. The completion of these projects is subject to customary diligence, internal and third-party approvals and closing conditions. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will complete any of these projects on the terms or by the dates currently contemplated, or at all.

Large pipeline of acquisitions with proven track record of successful integrations and reputation as an acquiror of choice

We have ongoing opportunities to drive accretive growth through strategic acquisitions. The temperature-controlled warehousing sector remains highly fragmented and is generally comprised of many family-owned and independent companies that may lack the capital, technology, customer relationships, development expertise, technical knowledge and management sophistication that we possess. For example, we estimate based on GCCA data that over 100 temperature-controlled warehousing companies operate in the U.S. market alone. In addition, we estimate based on GCCA data that our share of the global public temperature-controlled warehousing capacity is 11.3% and that the share of the 10 largest companies combined is only 22.6%.

We believe we are an acquiror of choice in the industry, as demonstrated by our long history of acquiring leading companies through direct sourcing and long-term relationships with their owners. Our acquisition strategy targets profitable businesses with strategic, high-quality assets that complement our network and customers’ needs. These businesses often present opportunities for accretive growth capital deployment and revenue and cost synergies. We have extensive experience acquiring cold chain companies of all sizes. To date, former owners of acquired companies have rolled approximately $664 million of equity to become investors in Lineage, while several members of management of acquired companies have stayed on and grown with our company over time. We use a standardized and disciplined approach to apply our best practices honed since our inception to integrating acquired companies. Despite our experience, we continue to learn and when we welcome new companies into our organization, we strive to integrate their best practices, insights and accomplishments into our existing processes to drive value for our customers and stockholders. We aim to empower acquired companies with our industry-leading operating capabilities, technology assets and access to capital, which we

 

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believe drive post-acquisition growth. We believe our ability to identify and execute on strategic and accretive acquisitions while enhancing their post-acquisition growth will further enhance our overall growth and returns on equity.

 

LOGO

 

(1)

2023 GCCA Global Top 25 List (March 2023), except Lineage figures, which are based on company data as of December 31, 2022. Global market share is based on total global capacity from 2020 GCCA Global Cold Storage Capacity Report (August 2020).

(2)

Total addressable market size excludes real estate transactions and capacity owned by other end users.

(3)

Represents total cubic feet for the market excluding Lineage.

Lineage’s operating excellence, capital and tax-efficient REIT structure and capital deployment pipeline have led to a uniquely robust flywheel of growth:

 

LOGO

 

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We have a purpose-driven, experienced, and aligned management team and board of directors that believe robust corporate governance is essential to long-term value creation for all stockholders

Our experienced management team and board of directors have proven backgrounds both inside and outside the temperature-controlled warehousing industry. Since founding Lineage with a single asset in 2008, our Co-Founders and Co-Executive Chairmen have developed a strong operating and capital deployment track record while displaying a commitment to building a durable business. The average tenure of members of our senior management is over eight years. Our management team is led by our Chief Executive Officer, Greg Lehmkuhl, who joined our company in 2015.

Our governance structure, policies and processes are designed to serve the needs of our business, our stockholders and other stakeholders, and to promote a culture of accountability across our company. We believe that fostering a compliant, ethical, accountable and transparent culture requires the full engagement of our board of directors and management. The diversity of our team members’ experiences and backgrounds is core to our innovative culture, and our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI, is highlighted by our establishment of multiple Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, to support and strengthen our team.

Our board of directors provides oversight and guidance on our most important activities and matters, including the direction and performance of our strategy. We believe our directors offer diversity of thought and a range of experiences and expertise that contribute to the ongoing evolution of our company. In 2022, we added two highly experienced independent female directors to our board of directors. As we pursue our purpose and live our values, we remain focused on maintaining robust governance practices and taking measures to continually enhance our approach to governance. To date, we have undertaken an independence analysis of our board of directors and have created focused board committees, including an audit committee and a compensation committee.

Finally, as evidence of the confidence in our management and directors, our current equity holders represent some of the strongest and most sophisticated institutional investors globally. We have raised more than $9.0 billion of equity capital since inception and more than $8.5 billion since the start of 2018 from these investors over multiple capital raises (in each case, including equity issued to sellers in connection with our acquisitions and reinvestment by our Co-Founders).

We have a strong and flexible balance sheet and we have demonstrated access to debt and equity capital to support growth

As of December 31, 2023, on a pro forma basis, our balance sheet will be de-levered to                  net debt to Adjusted EBITDA,     % of our debt will be unsecured and     % of our debt will be fixed or interest rate hedged and our total liquidity, including cash on hand and available revolver capacity, will be $         billion, supporting our external growth strategy. Additionally, our Revolving Credit Facility provides flexibility in funding our greenfield and expansion development pipeline and future acquisition opportunities, while our owned real estate provides us flexibility to access various financing options that may not be available otherwise and, in turn, allows us to access financing markets with the goal of minimizing our cost of capital. We may also attempt to access property-level secured debt, bank debt and the unsecured bond market, in each case across multiple currencies and geographies, which would provide us with capital-raising flexibility to fund our operations. We will have also increased our unencumbered asset pool to over $         billion on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 2023, which we believe will provide us with the ability to upsize our facilities while maintaining future flexibility once we become a public company. We intend to preserve a flexible capital structure with an investment grade profile. We believe that our balance sheet flexibility and strength will allow us to continue expanding our business and pursue new growth opportunities.

 

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We operate with the purpose to transform the food supply chain to eliminate waste and help feed the world

As we strive to play a key role in shaping the global food chain, we recognize our responsibility to help create a more sustainable, equitable future. Accordingly, we work to strategically integrate sustainability initiatives into the way we do business, working to act in alignment with our core values to guide our policies.

To help tackle food insecurity, we established the Lineage Foundation for Good as a non-profit charity to serve the communities in which we operate. The foundation partners with Feeding America domestically as well as the Global Food Banking Network internationally to redirect surplus food to those in need. In response to COVID-19, we launched our “Share a Meal” Campaign with Feeding America, supporting the organization’s temperature-controlled supply chain needs with our assets and delivered over 102 million meals to American families. As a result of these and other initiatives, we were named a Visionary Partner of Feeding America and a Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards finalist in the Pandemic Response category.

We have also signed The Climate Pledge, committing to achieve net zero carbon emissions across our global operations by 2040. Signing The Climate Pledge demonstrates our commitment to minimize the carbon emissions associated with our daily operations. Through solar installations at our facilities, we had installed capacity of 108 megawatts of solar energy as of December 1, 2022, which places us as the fifth-largest corporate producer in the US, and the second-largest REIT producer, of on-site solar and battery capacity per the 2022 Solar Means Business Report published by the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA). Our goal is to achieve a top-three corporate ranking in the coming years. Having installed 87 megawatts of solar panels at our facilities since 2020, we have completed more on-site solar installations than any other company on the SEIA list during the same period. Our energy efficiency initiatives have resulted in four consecutive awards from the U.S. Department of Energy from 2019 to 2022 for innovations and leadership in flywheeling, blast freezing, energy procurement and hedging and deployment of advanced refrigeration control systems.

We seek to maximize energy efficiency in our warehouses through the application of best practices, the latest technology and alternative energy generation. Our best practices include energy hedging strategies and a centralized energy and sustainability team that deploys these initiatives across our network to ensure standardization and minimization of energy waste. In addition to our focus on generating alternative sources of energy, the technologies we deploy to optimize energy efficiency include variable frequency drives, refrigeration control systems, rapid close doors, motion sensor technology, LED lighting and “flywheeling,” an innovative process that leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to manage energy load based on predictions of peak demand. As multinational corporations increasingly require supplier adherence to their own sustainability goals, Lineage recognizes its role in global sustainability, and we are continuously refining and improving our processes to reduce energy waste.

Further demonstrating our continued commitment to sustainable business practices, our Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility features a sustainability-linked pricing component, with pricing subject to adjustment based on annual performance targets in areas such as solar energy capacity and female representation in leadership.

Our Business and Growth Strategies

Our objective is to maximize stockholder value by providing efficient and reliable solutions to our customers, expanding our network offering, increasing cash flow from operations and enhancing the value of our business. We intend to pursue our objective through the following strategies, each of which is described more fully below:

 

   

Driving growth by optimizing the core through:

 

   

Leveraging our expansive warehouse network and breadth of services to maximize value and efficiency for our existing and new customers;

 

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Continued revenue growth coupled with productivity and cost containment measures;

 

   

Realizing synergies from recent acquisitions; and

 

   

Strategic capital deployment to increase the value of our existing network and provide customers more efficient and enhanced solutions.

 

   

Driving growth by expanding network through:

 

   

Greenfield and existing facility expansion initiatives; and

 

   

Capitalizing on strategically attractive and financially accretive acquisition opportunities.

Leveraging our expansive warehouse network and breadth of services to maximize value and efficiency for our existing and new customers.

 

   

Optimizing Warehouse Occupancy. Increases in warehouse physical and economic occupancy generate high flow-through to NOI growth due to operational leverage. We seek to optimize physical occupancy in our existing warehouse network by winning new customers, expanding our business with existing customers and more efficiently matching customer profiles to the best available pallet positions. In addition, we see opportunities to optimize economic occupancy in our existing warehouse network by institutionalizing minimum storage guarantees. Matching customer profiles to the ideal location includes not only identifying the right warehouse within our network but the right location within the warehouse itself - we utilize methodologies driven by customer data sets to match the fastest moving pallets with the easiest to access locations in the warehouse in a process called pallet slotting and directed put away. We also have the flexibility to lease entire warehouses to customers to operate themselves. We typically adopt this model under multi-year, triple net lease arrangements, when we anticipate that doing so would result in higher NOI than operating the warehouse on behalf of customers. Our occupancy optimization initiatives have increased our economic occupancy from 82.3% in 2021 to 83.2% in 2022.

 

   

Growing Wallet Share of Our Existing Customer Base. We intend to grow our wallet share with our existing customers through two main avenues.

 

   

Increase network utilization of existing customers: First, we seek to increase the number of pallet positions, warehouses and services each of our existing customers utilize. We believe the interconnected nature of our global warehouse network aligns with the global nature of many of our customers, allowing us to provide warehousing services to our customers in strategic locations across the globe. On average, our top 25 customers utilize 21 of our warehouses and seven of our top 10 customers use our facilities in multiple countries. Our customers equate the Lineage brand with service, quality and safety around the world, which we believe provides us an advantage over local competitors.

 

   

Increase penetration of customers using full suite of warehouse and integrated solutions: Second, we seek to increase the penetration of integrated solutions within customers who utilize our warehouses. This enables us to generate additional revenues on the same product stored with limited incremental costs and thus generate high returns on capital. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we estimate that approximately 95% of our total NOI was generated by our warehouse customers (based on our global warehousing segment NOI and, as it relates to our global integrated solutions segment NOI, the relative revenue contribution from our warehouse customers who utilize one or more of our integrated solutions and our customers who exclusively utilize our integrated solutions). Our global integrated solutions segment complements our warehousing services and deepens our customer relationships by providing an “all services under one roof” experience while promoting cross-sale opportunities within our warehouse network. We believe that our leading temperature-controlled integrated solutions position us well to increase revenue in our global warehousing segment business compared to our temperature-controlled warehousing peers who may lack comparable integrated solutions.

 

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Continued revenue growth coupled with productivity and cost containment measures.

 

   

Minimum Storage Guarantees. We plan to expand our use of minimum storage guarantees that pay us minimum or fixed storage fees for pallet positions, whether or not a minimum number of pallet positions are physically occupied. We believe that transitioning customer contracts from on-demand, as-utilized structures to minimum storage guarantee structures will drive NOI growth and consistency by maintaining our storage revenues during periods of lower inventories – matching ongoing revenue streams with fixed warehousing costs while allowing customers to reserve space to meet their needs. For the year ended December 31, 2022, 34.0% of our storage revenues were subject to minimum storage guarantees. We believe that implementing revenue guarantees will continue to boost recurring revenue and enhance stability of cash flows, while allowing customers to plan for periods of increased need by reserving capacity and ultimately enabling a better temperature-controlled warehousing experience for our customers.

 

   

Aligning Rates with Cost to Serve. We are deploying technologies such as a third-party quote-to-cash platform to professionalize our revenue management capabilities across our company. We are driving standardization of rates across our warehouse network to ensure that we are adequately compensated for all services performed, as well as seeking to implement standardized billing practices to ensure services performed are billed to customers. Incremental cost to serve charges capturing previously unbilled services are anticipated to support NOI growth as these initiatives are implemented across the warehouse network. In addition, to deliver the best service and most efficient cost to serve, we seek to closely monitor agreed-upon customer profiles in our contracts with customers and making pricing adjustments as necessary to compensate for variances in profile.

 

   

Pricing Initiatives. We employ three main types of customer contracts: warehouse agreements, rate letters and tariff sheets. We also earn rent under lease agreements pursuant to which we lease a portion of a warehouse or an entire warehouse. Warehouse agreements and rate letters generally provide us with some flexibility to pass on rate increases to customers during the term of the contract. Warehouse agreements and rate letters often also include mechanisms to adjust rates for inflationary cost increases and customer profile changes, while tariff sheets are short-term in nature and can generally be updated upon 30 days advance notice. We are generally able to translate industry-wide rent increases into storage rate increases to customers and our various rate adjustment mechanisms generally allow us to pass on both storage and handling rate increases to customers as necessary to account for inflation in operational costs such as wages, power and warehouse supplies as well. Our pricing initiatives have increased same-warehouse storage revenue per economic pallet from $232.2 in 2021 to $255.9 in 2022 and our same-warehouse services revenue per throughput pallet from $26.7 in 2021 to $30.7 in 2022, in each case, on a constant currency basis.

 

   

Labor Productivity. Labor and benefits represent the largest variable cost of operating a temperature-controlled warehouse. We employ multiple strategies to maximize labor productivity, including: instituting lean operating principles, improving cultural engagement and driving standardized work processes, visual management, problem-solving, just-in-time management and quality processes; optimizing the mix of permanent and temporary team members; shift optimization relative to throughput; and offering engagement activities, leadership training and competitive wage and benefit programs to incentivize longer-term employment. Increased tenure and reduced turnover generally generate increases in productivity and reduced recruiting costs and knock-on benefits in other areas of the warehouse such as reduced maintenance expense and claims. We have made strides in retaining our less-tenured workforce and converting temporary workforce to permanent team members to drive labor productivity while reducing our mix of temporary to permanent team members. Our U.S. network also benefits from low rates of union employment at less than 5% of our U.S. workforce as of September 2023. In addition, we expect our deployment of technology to help us further improve productivity. Our proprietary Lineage Link customer visibility platform reduces the number of customer service representatives required to service our customers and our proprietary LinOS warehouse execution system, currently in its pilot phase in several warehouses, aims to maximize our

 

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operational productivity within our warehouses by leveraging proprietary and patented algorithms to better match tasks to team members and prioritize workflows.

 

   

Energy Efficiency. We seek to maximize energy efficiency in our warehouses through the application of best practices, the latest technology and alternative energy generation. Our best practices include energy hedging strategies and a centralized energy and sustainability team that deploys these initiatives across our network to ensure standardization and minimization of energy waste. The technologies we deploy to optimize energy efficiency include variable frequency drives, refrigeration control systems, rapid close doors, motion sensor technology, LED lighting and “flywheeling,” an innovative process that leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to manage energy load based on predictions of peak demand. Our approach to generating alternative sources of energy is primarily through the deployment of on-site solar, battery capacity and linear generators. Our alternative energy approach allows us to monetize carbon credits to offset energy costs. Through solar installations at our facilities, we had installed capacity of 108 megawatts of solar energy as of December 1, 2022.

 

   

Utilizing Our Scale to Drive Operational Leverage. Over the past several years, we have experienced significant growth through acquisitions. The rapid pace of inorganic expansion, coupled with the need for significant integration resources and Core WMS conversions, have resulted in substantial growth in general and administrative expenses. As we integrate our many acquired businesses, we are focused on realizing the benefits of scale and operational leverage by growing NOI faster than general and administrative expenses. In addition, we believe we have opportunities to further eliminate redundant overhead expenses and reduce expenditures on integration resources over time. As we integrate acquired companies, we are also often able to generate synergies in areas such as benefits and insurance, where our corporate programs are often more efficient than those of the acquired companies. Our general and administrative spend also includes substantial technology investments, which we call transformational technology G&A, such as the development and subsequent deployment of our technology operating systems, including Lineage Link, LinOS and a third-party quote-to-cash platform. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we spent $43.1 million on transformational technology G&A. We believe that these investments will make our operations more efficient and drive incremental NOI growth once fully integrated.

Realizing Synergies from Recent Acquisitions. We have extensive experience acquiring cold chain companies and have successfully executed on over 110 acquisitions since our first acquisition in 2008. Of those, 70 were completed since 2020, and we expect to reap additional benefits as all these acquisitions are integrated into our company. Since inception, we have demonstrated an ability to drive growth from the integration of acquisitions to capture synergies and fuel greater future earnings potential. Our approach to integration is designed to enable operational standardization and productivity that has successfully driven, and we believe will continue to drive, a strong track record of unlocking tremendous value in acquired companies. One example of our ability to successfully integrate and subsequently ramp up a company of significant size onto our platform is our integration of Preferred Freezer, which we acquired for $1.1 billion in 2019. At the time of acquisition, Preferred Freezer was the fourth largest temperature-controlled warehousing company in the world with 41 warehouses comprising 352 million cubic feet worldwide, including a presence in key port-centric geographies new to our warehouse network such as Houston, Miami and New York/New Jersey. Through warehouse occupancy optimization, revenue growth initiatives and execution of a deep greenfield pipeline in key regions, we increased NOI at legacy Preferred Freezer facilities at a 26% CAGR from 2020 through 2022. In addition, we realized additional general and administrative synergies not reflected in NOI growth by transitioning Preferred Freezer’s finance, human resources and payroll systems onto our technology systems while streamlining corporate headcount and consolidating Preferred Freezer’s headquarters into our headquarters in Novi, Michigan. As we continue to integrate acquired companies into Lineage, we expect the benefits of participating in our warehouse network to increase NOI and EBITDA of the acquired companies over time by leveraging our broad and deep customer relationships, applying our management best practices, driving penetration of our suite of integrated solutions and technology offerings, investing growth capital and generating cost efficiencies through our corporate scale and elimination of redundant overhead expenses.

 

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Strategic capital deployment to increase the value of our existing network and provide customers more efficient and enhanced solutions.

 

   

Economic Return Projects. We continually evaluate opportunities to drive organic growth in our business through accretive capital deployment into high economic return on capital opportunities within the existing footprints of our facilities, such as re-racking projects to increase pallet capacity, installation of opportunity chargers, solar projects to improve energy efficiency, and the addition of blast cell capacity. The strategies outlined above as energy efficiency tactics fall into this category of projects as well. In addition, we intend to increase the automation of components within existing conventional facilities. Automation in a conventional warehouse could include the installation of technologies such as layer pickers or the Lineage Eye (which automates the receiving process, including inbound pallet sizing, case counting, SKU and lot determination) or utilization of propriety Lineage algorithms to place a pallet most strategically within the warehouse or build the optimal pallet configuration as dictated by product and transportation constraints. We apply rigorous underwriting standards so that return-on-capital projects serve their intended business objectives and meet our capital return hurdles. In addition to generating incremental revenues and NOI, return-on-capital projects are intended to enhance our facilities’ ability to best serve our customers’ needs with the most advanced and customized solutions available. Our productivity and process automation initiatives are supported by our in-house data science team, which is comprised of more than 40 applied science and product professionals that provide data-driven business intelligence and innovations to maximize operational efficiencies, revenues, profitability, energy efficiency and cash flows. Our innovations have yielded 48 patents issued and 115 patents pending as of December 31, 2022, in such areas as facility design, methods and mechanisms for operating facilities, refrigeration and thermodynamic designs and cold-rated instrumentation.

 

   

Establishing a Highly Integrated Platform. We diligently seek to integrate previously acquired companies onto common technology systems to standardize operations and increase productivity. We have already largely integrated financial and KPI reporting across our acquired companies, with 90.2% of our global warehousing segment revenues integrated into our financial reporting tool and all of global warehousing segment revenues integrated into our proprietary metricsOne operating KPI dashboard as of December 31, 2022. We are working to increase the number of our warehouses that utilize one of our four Core WMS. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 62.6% of our global warehousing segment revenue flowed through one of our four Core WMS, and we are in the process of growing this percentage across our network. We expect increased penetration of our four Core WMS throughout our network to drive operational productivity, reduce general and administrative expenses and accelerate our ability to deploy digital technology solutions network-wide.

 

   

Providing a Superior Customer Experience to Support Growth and Loyalty. We plan to continue roll out of proprietary operating systems and third-party platforms focused on improving customer experience. Our proprietary Lineage Link platform seeks to drive incremental NOI through cost-to-serve efficiencies. We have also deployed a third-party customer experience platform to manage customer service requests, which we believe will support customer retention as we increase our responsiveness to our customers’ needs. In addition, we believe our industry-leading warehouse network of automated facilities can provide lower cost and more customized solutions to our customers, thereby improving the customer experience and driving customer retention.

Greenfield and existing facility expansion initiatives.

 

   

Strong Track Record Positions Our Development Strategy for Success. Due to our reputation for providing turnkey and innovative solutions and the benefits of participating in our industry-leading warehouse network, customers often choose to partner with us for their largest and most important projects. In addition, we have an established history of executing on development projects, having executed on over 34 projects since the start of 2018, with total cost of approximately $1.3 billion,

 

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including costs paid by third parties, representing an NOI yield of approximately 11%. The total aggregate cubic feet of these projects is approximately 251 million, which is equivalent to the total warehousing capacity of the fourth largest standalone global temperature-controlled warehousing company. In addition, we have spent considerable time and investment building an in-house warehouse network optimization team comprised of construction and design expertise. We expect our development expertise will continue to support our robust pipeline of greenfield development and expansion opportunities and drive future growth and ongoing value to our warehouse network.

 

   

Recently Completed Greenfield and Expansion Projects. Since 2021, we have completed 19 greenfield and expansion projects totaling approximately $653 million in costs, aggregating approximately 2.2 million square feet, approximately 140 million cubic feet and approximately 464 thousand pallet positions. As of the date of this prospectus, the weighted average targeted NOI yield range for these projects is approximately 9% to 11%. No assurance can be given that that our weighted average targeted NOI yield range will be achieved. For additional information regarding the calculation methodology and assumptions relating to our weighted average targeted NOI yield range for greenfield and expansion projects, please see “Business and Properties—Our Business and Growth Strategies—Greenfield and existing facility expansion initiatives.”

 

   

Transforming the Industry Through Automation. We believe we have industry-leading automation capabilities, including 24 fully automated facilities totaling 384.0 million cubic feet and 56 semi-automated facilities totaling 347.9 million cubic feet as of December 31, 2022, the most of any temperature-controlled warehousing provider in the world. Our proprietary technology and unique approach to automation enables us to provide customers with truly customizable solutions to address their warehouse needs. We design our developed warehouses and pipeline in-house based on the customer data and profiles, select the best hardware regardless of manufacturer, and drive deployment and optimization across our warehouse network with our in-house team of automation integration experts. We intend to continue our leadership in temperature-controlled warehouse automation through development of next-generation automated warehouses as part of our pipeline. We anticipate approximately 60% of the total added pallet positions of our facilities under construction as of December 31, 2022 will be fully automated. Automated facilities generally produce a lower cost to serve, presenting an attractive solution to our customers and positioning us well to win new business.

 

   

Industry-Leading Pipeline of Greenfield and Expansion Opportunities.

 

   

Under Construction Pipeline. We believe we currently have the most temperature-controlled warehousing capacity under development globally as measured by cubic feet, with eight greenfield development and expansion projects under construction as of the date of this prospectus, which when completed are expected to contribute approximately 1.7 million square feet, approximately 74 million cubic feet and approximately 266 thousand pallet positions. These projects have an estimated total cost of approximately $663 million, of which $360 million had been incurred as of December 31, 2022, and approximately 60% of the total added pallet positions of our facilities under construction as of December 31, 2022 are expected to be fully automated and their scheduled completion dates range from 2023 to 2024. As of the date of this prospectus, the weighted average targeted NOI yield range for these projects is approximately 9% to 11%. No assurance can be given that we will complete any of these projects on the terms currently contemplated, or at all, that the actual cost or completion dates of any of these projects will not exceed our estimates or that the targeted NOI yield range of these projects will be consistent with our current projects.

 

   

Future Long-Term Pipeline. We currently own approximately 1,100 acres of undeveloped land or “Land Bank” in addition to the owned land included in our under-construction pipeline. Our Land Bank has the potential to support future greenfield development and expansion opportunities, aggregating approximately 17.0 million square feet, approximately 717 million cubic feet and approximately 2.4 million pallet positions based on typical warehouse designs. We estimate that the cost to replace an equivalent amount of buildable land at these locations is over $400 million

 

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as of September 30, 2023, based on discussions with brokers, comparable land sales and our internal estimates. As the date of this prospectus, we are researching or underwriting a range of greenfield development and expansion opportunities as part of our future long-term pipeline, including 20 projects globally at various phases of research and underwriting, with an estimated cost basis of approximately $1.9 billion and potential contribution of approximately 3.4 million square feet, approximately 223 million cubic feet and approximately 673 thousand pallet positions. The projects in our future long-term pipeline include both projects where we already own the land and projects for which we will need to acquire incremental land. We currently expect that the targeted weighted average NOI yield range of these projects will be generally consistent with our recent projects. We have not commenced construction on any of these potential projects, the completion of which is subject to various factors, including budgeting, diligence, internal and third-party approvals and other factors. No assurance can be given that we will pursue or complete any of these projects on the terms currently contemplated, or at all, that the actual cost or completion dates of any of these projects will not exceed our estimates or that the targeted NOI yield range of these projects will be consistent with our current projects.

As a part of our standard development and expansion underwriting process, we analyze the estimated initial full year stabilized NOI yield we expect to derive from each greenfield development project and the estimated incremental initial full year stabilized NOI yield we expect to derive from each expansion project, as applicable, and establish a targeted NOI yield range. We define estimated initial full year stabilized NOI yield as the percentage of the total estimated cost to complete the greenfield development or expansion project represented by the estimated initial full year stabilized NOI from the greenfield development project or the estimated incremental initial full year stabilized NOI from the expansion project. For development projects, we calculate the estimated initial full year stabilized NOI by subtracting the greenfield development project’s estimated initial full year stabilized operating expenses (before interest expense, income taxes (if any) and depreciation and amortization) from its estimated initial full year stabilized revenue. For expansion projects, we calculate the estimated incremental initial full year stabilized NOI by subtracting the expansion project’s estimated incremental initial full year stabilized operating expenses (before interest expense, income taxes (if any) and depreciation and amortization) from its estimated incremental initial full year stabilized revenue. Our greenfield development and expansion projects are typically stabilized within 24 to 36 months of completion. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations—The actual initial full year stabilized NOI yields from our greenfield development and expansion projects may not be consistent with the targeted NOI yield range set forth in this prospectus” and “—Our future greenfield development and expansion activity may not be consistent with the estimates for our future long-term pipeline set forth in this prospectus.”

Capitalizing on strategically attractive and financially accretive acquisition opportunities.

 

   

Global Temperature-Controlled Warehousing Sector Is Highly Fragmented, Presenting a Continued Growth Opportunity. The temperature-controlled warehousing sector remains highly fragmented and is generally comprised of many family-owned and independent companies that may lack the capital, technology, customer relationships, development expertise, technical knowledge and management sophistication that we possess. For example, we estimate based on GCCA data that over 100 temperature-controlled warehousing companies operate in the U.S. market alone. In addition, we estimate based on GCCA data that our share of the global public temperature-controlled warehousing capacity is 11.3% and that the share of the 10 largest companies combined is only 22.6%. We also believe that there remain substantial whitespace opportunities in geographies such as Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. As a result, we see significant opportunity in continuing to execute on our proven acquisition strategy, which targets profitable businesses with strategic, high-quality assets that complement our warehouse network and customers’ needs. We believe that our ability to identify and execute strategic and accretive acquisitions while enhancing their post-acquisition growth will further enhance our overall growth and returns on equity. In addition to operating businesses, there also remain

 

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real estate opportunities to acquire triple-net-leased facilities and execute sale-leaseback transactions with customers and other cold storage operators.

 

   

Status as an Acquiror of Choice Supports a Deep Pipeline of Strong Opportunities. We believe we are an acquiror of choice in the industry, as demonstrated by our long history of executing strategic acquisitions through direct sourcing and long-term relationships with their owners. We have extensive experience acquiring cold chain companies of all sizes, and to date former owners of acquired companies have rolled approximately $664 million of equity to become investors in Lineage, while several members of management of acquired companies have stayed on and grown with our company over time. Over the course of our extensive acquisition history, we have successfully leveraged existing relationships and direct sourcing channels for approximately 65% of the companies we have acquired, with the remainder coming to fruition through successful bidding in advisor-led sale processes. Throughout our history, we have also established trusting relationships and a positive reputation with business owners and advisors in the industry, which we believe will create opportunities for future acquisitions. In addition, we believe we enjoy multiple advantages when participating in sale processes, including our prolific transaction experience and track record of quickly closing transactions and our flexible balance sheet.

 

   

Multiple Levers to Drive Value Creation Post Acquisitions. As described above in our other internal and external growth strategies we are able to drive value creation through multiple levers, including revenue growth, cost efficiencies, deployment of capital and implementation of technology. As acquisitions are added to the Lineage network, the opportunity set for deploying these strategies grows. We have a standardized and disciplined approach to integrating acquired companies while bringing acquired team members into the Lineage family. As we integrate acquired companies, we are often able to seek to drive NOI and EBITDA growth through increased occupancy and optimization of customer mix by leveraging our supply chain engineering expertise, what we believe is a best-in-class sales team and deep long-standing customer relationships, as well as generate cost efficiencies through our corporate scale, operational productivity through implementation of our technology systems and best practices and increased productivity and capacity through deployment of capital into high return opportunities.

Information Technology

Our information technology networks and related systems are essential to the operation of our business and our ability to perform day-to-day operations, including managing and operating our warehouses and our integrated solutions business, delivering a smooth customer experience, and processing financial information for internal and external reporting purposes. Furthermore, our ability to effectively manage and maintain our inventory and to receive and ship products to customers on a timely basis depends significantly on the reliability of our WMS. Our transportation management system (“TMS”) is equally crucial to our integrated solutions offerings. Our TMS is integrated to our WMS where appropriate to offer a seamless customer experience. We rely on a combination of proprietary and third-party operating systems to efficiently run our business. In addition to continuous improvements to these applications, we integrate acquisitions and development projects onto these common technology platforms. We are and will continue to invest in implementing common technology platforms across the geographies in which we operate. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 90.2% of our global warehousing segment revenue was integrated on our financial reporting tool, and 62.6% of our global warehousing segment revenue flowed through one of our four Core WMS. As of December 31, 2022, all of global warehousing segment revenue was reporting on metricsOne, a proprietary operating KPI dashboard that provides enhanced visibility into our operational execution, labor, safety, and financial performance.

Our cloud first strategy allows for the most reliable, scalable, and redundant infrastructure, and our critical applications systems are configured to be highly-available. We continue to enhance our security measures to protect our information technology systems and prevent cyber-attacks, system failures or data or information loss.

 

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In addition, since January 1, 2018, we have invested more than $315 million into transformational information technology initiatives which include developing and deploying both proprietary and third-party operating systems. Our innovations have yielded 48 patents issued and 115 patents pending as of December 31, 2022 in such areas as facility design, methods and mechanisms for operating facilities, refrigeration and thermodynamic designs and cold-rated instrumentation. We have developed Lineage Link, a proprietary customer visibility platform that empowers customers to actively manage their inventories, orders, shipments and transportation appointment scheduling across our warehouse network, which seeks to drive incremental NOI through reduced cost-to-serve. As of December 31, 2022, Lineage Link has been rolled out across 45% of our networks as measured by global warehousing segment revenues. We are in the initial phases of deploying proprietary and third-party operating systems to drive yield and productivity across our warehouse network and thereby drive margin improvement. Our proprietary warehouse execution system, LinOS, aims to maximize our operational productivity by leveraging proprietary algorithms to distribute tasks to team members and robots within our warehouses. LinOS is currently in its pilot phase, and we see significant opportunity to implement it across our warehouse network over time.

Seasonality

We are involved in providing services to food producers, distributors and retailers whose businesses, in some cases, are seasonal. On a portfolio-wide basis, economic and physical occupancy rates and warehouse revenues generally peak between mid-September and early December in connection with the holiday season and the peak harvest season in the northern hemisphere. Economic and physical occupancy rates and warehouse revenues on a portfolio-wide basis are generally the lowest during May and June. The diversification of our business across different commodities mitigates, in part, the impact of seasonality as peak demand for various products occurs at different times of the year (for example, demand for ice cream is typically highest in the summer while demand for frozen turkeys usually peaks in the late fall). Our southern hemisphere operations in Australia and New Zealand also help balance the impact of seasonality in our global operations, as their growing and harvesting cycles are complementary to North America and Europe. Each of our warehouses sets its own operating hours based on demand, which is heavily driven by growing seasons and seasonal consumer demand for certain products.

Power Costs

The temperature-controlled warehouse business is power-intensive. Keeping food products refrigerated or frozen requires substantial amounts of power and managing power costs is a priority for us and our customers. Power costs accounted for 6.4% of our total global warehousing segment revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022. We seek to maximize energy efficiency in our warehouses through the application of best practices, the latest technology and alternative energy generation.

 

   

Application of Best Practices: Certain jurisdictions and regions in which we operate, including Texas, Illinois, the Northeast United States, Europe, New Zealand and Australia, have deregulated market-based electricity exchanges. To manage our exposure to volatile power prices, we have entered, and may continue to enter, into arrangements to fix power costs for all or a portion of our anticipated electricity requirements. The durations of these forward contracts are generally one to three years. In addition, we employ a centralized energy and sustainability team that we deploy across our network to promote standardization and minimization of energy waste.

 

   

Modern Technologies: The technologies we deploy to optimize energy efficiency include variable frequency drives, refrigeration control systems, rapid close doors, motion sensor technology, LED lighting and “flywheeling,” an innovative process that leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to manage energy load based on predictions of peak demand. Further, we believe that automated facilities can significantly reduce energy intensity as compared to conventional facilities. Select recent examples within our network indicate reductions of approximately 20% as measured by kWh usage per pallet position in automated facilities relative to conventional facilities in the same metropolitan areas.

 

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Alternative Energy Generation: We are also focused on generating alternative sources of energy through on-site solar, battery storage and linear generators. Our alternative energy approach allows us to buy power at a cheaper cost and monetize carbon credits to offset energy costs and is also supportive of our sustainability strategy. Through solar systems at our facilities, we had installed capacity of 108 megawatts of solar energy as of December 1, 2022.

In addition to maximizing energy efficiency, when appropriate we seek to pass through increases in power costs to our customers.

Commercial Organization

Our relationships with customers, regulators, communities in which we operate and the broader cold chain are essential to our overall purpose to transform the food supply chain to eliminate waste and help feed the world. Our sales, business development and marketing functions are responsible for developing and strengthening those relationships to promote the safe and efficient movement of food products to consumers worldwide.

Our sales and business development teams actively partner with customers to determine best options for optimizing and streamlining their cold chain services. Accordingly, we work across our business to realize opportunities to serve our customers’ extended cold chains. Our sales and business development teams also play a critical role in the development strategy for new warehouses commissioned by customers who seek out our design and build-to-suit expertise, which is supported by our award-winning data science team.

Our commercial team is organized to serve customers by size, segment and solution. Large, multi-national customers are served through our strategic account management team, while our business development team is responsible for new customer acquisition and business expansion. Regional customers are served through a local sales structure that is directly aligned to our operations teams in facility locations, working together to optimize warehouse capacity. We also house product-specific expertise to address the diverse and specialized needs of the numerous commodities we serve.

Our marketing function partners with departments across our company and is organized to include corporate communications, public relations, brand marketing, commercial intelligence and government relations. The primary focus of our marketing team is to grow relationships with new and existing customers as well as promote engagement with Lineage as a trustworthy, innovative and ethical brand. We constantly look to generate awareness and a positive perception of the cold chain as a whole, boosting consumer confidence in how food products move from farm to fork.

Trademarks

The name “Lineage” and the Lineage logo are registered trademarks. We have established considerable goodwill with customers under this brand name and believe its reputation in our industry is a strong competitive advantage.

Regulatory Matters

General

Many laws and governmental regulations are applicable to our properties and changes in these laws and regulations, or interpretation of such laws and regulations by agencies and the courts, occur frequently.

Environmental Matters

Our operations are subject to a wide range of environmental laws and regulations in each of the locations in which we operate, and compliance with these requirements involves expertise, significant capital and operating

 

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costs. Failure to comply with these environmental requirements can result in civil or criminal fines or sanctions, claims for environmental damages, remediation obligations, revocation of permits or restrictions on our operations. Future changes in environmental laws or in the interpretation of those laws, including stricter requirements affecting our operations, could result in increased capital and operating costs, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects and, consequently, amounts available for distribution to our shareholders.

Under various United States federal, state and local environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the entire cost of investigating, removing and remediating hazardous or toxic substances on such property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the contamination. Even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination, each person covered by the environmental laws may be held responsible for the entire clean-up cost.

The presence of hazardous or toxic substances on our properties, or the failure to properly remediate contaminated properties, could give rise to liens in favor of the government for failure to address the contamination, or otherwise adversely affect our ability to sell or lease properties or borrow using our properties as collateral. Environmental laws also may impose restrictions on the manner in which properties may be used or how our businesses may be operated.

Under environmental laws, a property owner or operator is subject to compliance obligations, potential government sanctions for violations or natural resource damages, claims from private parties for cleanup contribution or other environmental damages and investigation and remediation costs. In connection with the acquisition, ownership or operation of our properties, we may be exposed to such costs. The cost of resolving environmental, property damage or personal injury claims, of compliance with environmental regulatory requirements, of paying fines, or meeting new or stricter environmental requirements or of remediating contaminated properties could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects and, consequently, amounts available for distribution to our shareholders.

In the future, our customers may demand lower indirect emissions associated with the storage and transportation of refrigerated and frozen foods, which, if we are unable to meet these demands, could lead customers to seek temperature-controlled storage from our competitors or increase demand for alternatives to refrigerated and frozen foods. Further, such demand could require us to implement various processes to reduce emissions from our operations in order to remain competitive, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects.

Most of our warehouses utilize anhydrous ammonia (NH3) as a refrigerant. Anhydrous ammonia is classified as a hazardous chemical regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a significant release of anhydrous ammonia from one of our properties could result in injuries, loss of life and property damage. Releases of anhydrous ammonia may occur at our warehouses from time to time due to routine maintenance or an unanticipated mechanical failure. Although we cannot predict the extent of our liabilities as a result of these incidents, we expect any related product damage claims to be covered by insurance subject to applicable deductibles. Although our warehouses have risk management programs required by U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the EPA and other regulatory agencies in place, we could incur liability in the event of an unanticipated release of anhydrous ammonia from one of our refrigeration systems. Our warehouses also may have under-floor heating systems, some of which utilize chemicals such as ethylene glycol; releases from these systems could potentially contaminate soil and groundwater.

Nearly all of our properties have been the subject of environmental assessments conducted by environmental consultants. However, many of these assessments are not current and most have not been updated for the purposes of this offering. Most of these assessments have not included soil sampling or subsurface

 

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investigations. Many of our older properties have not had asbestos surveys. In many instances, we have not conducted further investigations of environmental conditions disclosed in these environmental assessments nor can we be assured that these environmental assessments have identified all potential environmental liabilities associated with our properties. Material environmental conditions, liabilities or compliance concerns may arise after the date of the environmental assessments on our properties. Moreover, there can be no assurance that (1) future laws, ordinances or regulations will not impose new material environmental obligations or costs, including with respect to the potential effects of climate change or new climate change regulations, (2) we will not incur material liabilities in connection with known or undiscovered environmental conditions arising out of past activities on our properties or (3) our properties will not be adversely affected by the operations of customers, by environmental impacts or operations on neighboring properties (such as releases from underground storage tanks), or by the actions of parties unrelated to us.

Food Safety Regulations

Most of our warehouses are subject to compliance with federal regulations regarding food safety. Under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, the United States Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, requires us to register all warehouses in which food is stored and further requires us to maintain records of sources and recipients of food for purposes of food recalls. The Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA, was signed into law in January 2011 and significantly expanded the FDA’s authority over food safety, providing the FDA with new tools to proactively ensure the safety of the entire food system, including for example, new hazard analysis and preventive controls requirements, food safety planning, requirements for sanitary transportation of food, increased inspections and mandatory food recalls under certain circumstances. Since the adoption of FSMA, the FDA has issued many new food safety-related final rules, some of which impact our business. The most significant new rule which impacts our business is the Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food rule. This rule requires a food facility to establish a food safety system that includes an analysis of hazards and the implementation of risk-based preventive controls, among other steps. This is in addition to requirements that we satisfy existing Good Manufacturing Practices with respect to the holding of foods, as set forth in FDA regulations. The USDA also grants to some of our warehouses “ID status,” which entitles us to handle products of the USDA. As a result of the regulatory framework from the FDA, the USDA and other local regulatory requirements, we subject our warehouses to annual third-party food safety audits. Our third-party food safety audits are conducted by certified providers, including SAI Global, AIB International, Mérieux Nutrisciences, ASI and NSF, following the one of the following schemes: Good Distribution Practices (GDP) or a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) scheme, such as Safe Quality Foods (SQF) or Brand Recognition through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS) audit programs.

To the extent we fail to comply with existing food safety regulations or contractual obligations, or are required to comply with new regulations or obligations in the future, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects, as well as the amount of funds available for distribution to our shareholders.

Occupational Safety and Health Act

Our properties are subject to regulation under OSHA, which requires employers to provide employees with an environment free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm and includes regulations relating to exposure to toxic chemicals, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress and unsanitary conditions. In addition, due to the amount of anhydrous ammonia stored at some of our facilities, we are also subject to compliance with OSHA’s Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals standard and OSHA’s ongoing National Emphasis Program related to potential releases of highly hazardous chemicals. The cost of complying with OSHA and similar laws enacted by states and other jurisdictions in which we operate can be substantial, and any failure to comply with these regulations could expose us to substantial penalties and potentially to liabilities to employees who may be injured at our warehouses.

 

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International Regulations

Our international facilities are subject to many local laws and regulations which govern a wide range of matters, including food safety, building, environmental, health and safety, hazardous substances and waste minimization, as well as specific requirements for the storage of meat, dairy products, fish, poultry, agricultural and other products. Any products destined for export must also satisfy the applicable export requirements. A failure to comply with, or the cost of complying with, these laws and regulations could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects and, consequently, the amounts available for distribution to our stockholders.

Other Regulations

Our properties are also subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as fire and safety requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the imposition of fines by governmental authorities or awards of damages to private litigants. We believe that our properties are currently in substantial compliance with all such regulatory requirements. However, there can be no assurance that these requirements will not be changed or that new requirements will not be imposed which would require significant unanticipated expenditures by us, which expenditure could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects.

Insurance

We carry insurance for the risks arising out of our business and operations, including coverage on all of our properties in an amount that we believe adequately covers any potential casualty losses. However, there are certain losses that we are not generally insured against or that we are not generally fully insured against because it is not deemed economically feasible or prudent to do so. In addition, changes in the cost or availability of insurance could expose us to uninsured casualty losses. In the event that any of our properties incurs a casualty loss that is not covered by insurance (in part or at all), the value of our assets will be reduced by the amount of any such uninsured loss, and we could experience a significant loss of capital invested and potential revenues in these properties. Any such losses could materially and adversely affect us. In addition, we may have no source of funding to repair or reconstruct the damaged property, and we cannot assure you that any such sources of funding will be available to us for such purposes in the future on favorable terms or at all.

In the event of a fire, flood or other occurrence involving the loss of or damage to stored products held by us but belonging to others, we may be liable for such loss or damage. Although we have an insurance program in effect, there can be no assurance that such potential liability will not exceed the applicable coverage limits under our insurance policies. Limit adequacy is reviewed annually. We have 35 warehouses in moderate to high hazard flood zones in the United States, as well as exposure in territories outside of the United States that are prone to flooding such as the Netherlands, New Zealand and Australia.

If we or one or more of our customers experiences a loss for which we are liable and that loss is uninsured or exceeds policy limits, we could lose the capital invested in the damaged properties as well as the anticipated future cash flows from those properties. In addition, if the damaged properties are subject to recourse indebtedness, we would continue to be liable for the indebtedness, even if these properties were irreparably damaged.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may be party to a variety of legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We are not a party to, nor is any of our property a subject of, any material litigation or legal proceedings or, to the best of our knowledge, any threatened litigation or legal proceedings which, in the opinion of management, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material impact on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects.

 

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Competition

In our global warehousing segment, the principal competitive factors are warehouse location, warehouse and yard size, which represents the square footage of the external area surrounding a loading dock used for truck parking and movement, space availability, warehouse type, design/layout, number of temperature zones, types of service, degree of automation and price. For refrigerated food customers, transportation costs are typically significantly greater than warehousing costs and, accordingly, location and transportation capabilities are major competitive factors. The size of a warehouse is important in part because customers generally prefer to have all of their products needed to serve a given market in a single location and to have the flexibility to increase storage at that single location during seasonal peaks. In areas with direct local competition, customers generally will select a temperature-controlled warehouse based upon service level, price, the quality of the warehouse, the services it offers and their overall network-wide relationship with the warehousing provider. In addition, some food producers and distributors attend to their own warehousing and distribution needs by either building or leasing warehouses, creating a private warehousing market which may compete with the public warehouse industry. Many customers, including those for whom private warehousing is a viable option, will select distribution services based upon service level and price, provided that an appropriate network of related storage facilities is available. Technology offerings and integrated solutions provided are additional and increasingly important bases upon which we compete in the marketplace. In this segment, we compete with Americold in many of our key geographies. In addition, we compete with NewCold in several key geographies including the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. Other than Americold and NewCold, our competition in this segment is primarily composed of local operators which vary by geography. In our largest geography, the United States, we believe our main competitors in addition to Americold and NewCold include US Cold, Interstate Warehousing and FreezPak Logistics. Outside these top operators, the temperature-controlled warehousing industry in the United States is highly fragmented. We believe that other significant competitors in other geographies include Nichirei and Constellation Cold, in addition to Americold, in the Netherlands; Conestoga and Congebec, in addition to Americold, in Canada; and Magnavale in the United Kingdom.

In our global integrated solutions segment, competition is highly fragmented by service offering and geography, and we do not believe that we have a single global competitor across offerings and geographies. In temperature-controlled transportation, the principal competitive factors include service, capacity and rates. We believe we are uniquely positioned by leveraging our temperature-controlled warehousing network and deploying contracting strategies that leverage third-party owner-operators, dedicated third-party fleets, common carriers and our own physical truck assets. In refrigerated rail car leasing, the principal competitive factors include car reliability, car thermal performance, repair and maintenance capabilities and price. In our largest geography, the United States, we believe our main competitors in temperature-controlled transportation include Americold, US Cold and CH Robinson, while in refrigerated rail car leasing we believe that our main competitor is Trinity Rail. Examples of significant local competitors in other geographies include DFDS in the United Kingdom, Wolter Koops in the Netherlands, Primafrio in Spain and Erb Transport and Midland Transport in Canada.

Human Capital Resources

We are committed to creating a work environment that supports the growth and success of our team members. We have employees located throughout the world. As of December 31, 2022, we employed 24,634 people worldwide.

The geographic distribution of our team members as of December 31, 2022 is summarized in the following table:

 

Region

   Number of team members      Percentage of workforce  

North America

     17,197        69.8

Europe

     5,122        20.8

Asia Pacific

     2,315        9.4

Total

     24,634        100.0

 

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As of December 31, 2023, less than 5% of our                          team members in the United States were represented by various local labor unions and associations. Internationally, approximately    % (based on team members for whom we are able to ascertain union status) or    % (assuming that the entire    % of our team members for whom we are not able to ascertain union status due to applicable privacy or freedom of association laws are represented by labor unions and associations) of our total team members were represented by various local labor unions and associations.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The diversity of our team members’ experiences and backgrounds is core to our innovative culture. We are committed to providing a working environment in which all team members, customers and community partners should know they are respected. Where all team members and partners understand that we are striving to identify and eliminate barriers that could prevent the full participation of any individual or group. It is our policy to recruit talent based on skill, knowledge and experience, without discrimination. We are an equal opportunity employer, with all qualified applicants receiving consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, age, sexual orientation or identification, gender, veteran status, political affiliation, physical appearance, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We evaluate compensation equity regularly and address pay disparities as appropriate. We are committed to developing and implementing programs and practices that create a supportive learning environment and encompasses the inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences. We are committed to team member development and training. Our team members are offered regular opportunities to participate in formal and informal personal growth and professional development programs and opportunities.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is highlighted by our establishment of multiple Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, to support and strengthen our team. We anchor our overall approach in our six core values of safe, trust, respect, innovation, bold and servant leadership drives how we develop team members and celebrate wins.

Climate

We have long focused on building value through efficiency, innovation, minimizing harmful impacts and doing good for the communities in which we live and work. We have signed The Climate Pledge, committing to achieve net zero carbon emissions across our global operations by 2040, and demonstrating our commitment to minimize the carbon emissions associated with our daily operations. In addition, in 2023, we issued our inaugural sustainability report.

We have made significant progress on our largest scope 2 emissions through solar installations at our facilities. Through solar installations, we had installed capacity of 108 megawatts of solar energy as of December 1, 2022, which places us as the fifth-largest corporate user in the US, and the second-largest REIT user, of on-site solar and battery capacity per the 2022 Solar Means Business Report published by the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA). Our goal is to achieve a top-three corporate ranking in coming years. Having installed 87 megawatts of solar panels at our facilities since 2020, we have completed more on-site solar installations than any other company on the SEIA list during the same time period. Our energy efficiency initiatives have resulted in four consecutive awards from the U.S. Department of Energy from 2019 to 2022 for innovations and leadership in flywheeling, blast freezing, energy procurement and hedging and deployment of advanced refrigeration control systems.

Philanthropy

We are consistently guided by our purpose: to transform the food supply chain to eliminate waste and help feed the world. This singular phrase governs the culture of Lineage – seeking to do good while doing well. To

 

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tackle food insecurity, we established the Lineage Foundation for Good as a non-profit charity to serve the communities in which we operate. Lineage Foundation for Good is bridging the hunger gap across the world and in our local communities—and everyone is invited to be a part of it. Since 2020, Lineage has donated the equivalent of 312 million meals in partnership with customers donating surplus product, team members donating food to local food banks and unrestricted grants issued to help build capacity at food banks around the globe.

Lineage Foundation for Good partners with Feeding America domestically as well as the Global Food Banking Network internationally to enable redirection of surplus food to those in need. In response to COVID-19, we launched our “Share a Meal” Campaign with Feeding America, supporting the organization’s temperature supply chain needs with our assets and delivering over 102 million meals to American families. As a result of these and other initiatives, we were named a Visionary Partner of Feeding America and a Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards finalist in the Pandemic Response category.

Safety and Wellbeing

At Lineage, “safe” is our first value. The safety of our team members is our number one priority. Our team members receive safety training and conduct emergency response drills throughout the year to equip them with the knowledge and tools that will allow them to conduct their daily tasks safely. Our team members are provided with personal protective equipment appropriate for the performance of their job functions. Lineage has robust safety and compliance policies and programs, and we track safety and compliance metrics throughout the year. Our total global recordable incidence rate (“TIR”) of 4.0 for the year ended December 31, 2022 is approximately 25% better than the industry average of 5.3 for cold warehouses. TIR is a measure of occupational health and safety based on the number of recordable safety incidents reported against the number of hours worked based on the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) record-keeping criteria (injuries per 200,000 hours).

Lineage prioritizes near miss reporting and has a Behavioral Based Safety (BBS) Program throughout the network as well as deploys wearable technology at high-risk operations to monitor and reinforce safe working behaviors by actively addressing observations, as well as providing constructive feedback to address “at risk” behaviors.

Because our most valuable asset is our people, we are constantly looking to give team members the wellbeing support they need with the goal of having a healthier and more engaged workforce. Through our comprehensive health and medical benefits, including our Team Member Assistance programs that offer holistic mental health and other benefits to team members and their families, team members have access to a wide range of care options. We look at wellbeing from a holistic perspective inclusive of physical and mental wellness and prioritize psychological safety in addition to physical safety.

Total Rewards

We provide programs and benefits designed to attract, retain and reward high-performing team members. In addition to salaries or hourly wages, our compensation programs, which are market-based, can include performance incentives for front-line workers, annual bonuses, share-based compensation awards, paid time off, retirement savings programs, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance programs and tuition assistance. To foster a stronger sense of ownership, aid in retention and to align the interests of our team members with our stockholders, we plan to provide restricted stock units to eligible team members through our equity incentive programs.

Business Conduct and Ethics

We believe that a strong culture is the foundation of a strong company. At Lineage, our values define who we are and connect us to one another and to our work. We are striving to be the standard for honest, ethical and

 

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responsible business in the temperature-controlled warehouse industry. To support this commitment, we recently adopted our refreshed Code of Conduct. Our Code of Conduct is available in the languages in which we conduct business and addresses global regulatory topics through three substantive sections: acting respectfully and responsibly in the workplace; working ethically with customers and stakeholders; and supporting our surrounding communities and protecting our planet. Our Code of Conduct includes policy statements on psychological safety, human rights, human trafficking and a statement on our commitment to fair labor practices. We provide calls to action in each topic section as well as learning aids to help bring our Code of Conduct to life. We provide an Ethics Hotline, which allows anonymous reporting where permitted by law and is administered by our corporate compliance & ethics and human resources teams. We take all reports to our Speak Up Resources seriously and evaluate all claims, conduct internal or external investigations as appropriate and implement remediation plans if necessary. Our corporate compliance and ethics committee and audit committee are regularly briefed on reports received and have access to reports made through our Ethics Helpline.

Through our global online learning management platform, we provide code of conduct training in multiple native languages so that our team members understand our expectations and how to apply these standards to their work. We also maintain an anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy that includes mandatory harassment training for team members. We do not tolerate any form of racism, sexism or injustice within our facilities or across our organization.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Our Directors, Director Nominees and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the individuals who will be our directors and executive officers upon the completion of this offering:

 

Name

  

Age

    

Position

Adam Forste

  
 

    

 
  

Co-Executive Chairman

Kevin Marchetti

  
 

    

 
  

Co-Executive Chairman

Greg Lehmkuhl

  
 

    

 
  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Nominee

Rob Crisci

  
 

    

 
  

Chief Financial Officer

     

Director Nominee(1)

     

Director Nominee(1)

     

Director Nominee(1)

     

Director Nominee(1)

     

Director Nominee(1)

 

(1)

These individuals have agreed to become members of our board of directors in connection with this offering. It is expected that each director nominee will become a director immediately upon completion of this offering.

Biographical Summaries of Director Nominees and Executive Officers

Director Nominees

Executive Officers

Adam Forste. Mr. Forste is a Co-Founder of our company and has served as our Co-Executive Chairman since our formation. Mr. Forste is also a co-founder of Bay Grove, our company’s original owner-operator, and has served as a Managing Partner of Bay Grove since 2007. Prior to co-founding Bay Grove, Mr. Forste worked at KKR. Mr. Forste began his career with Morgan Stanley in its investment banking group, both in New York and San Francisco. He serves on the board of directors of the Global Cold Chain Foundation, Emergent Cold LatAm Holdings LLC, Turvo Inc. and ndustrial.io. Mr. Forste is also a Fulbright Fellow and a graduate of Dartmouth College.

We believe that, as a Co-Founder, Mr. Forste’s prior management and board experience, as well has his experience as an investment professional qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.

Kevin Marchetti. Mr. Marchetti is a Co-Founder of our company and has served as our Co-Executive Chairman since our formation. Mr. Marchetti is also a co-founder of Bay Grove, our company’s original owner-operator, and has served as Managing Partner of Bay Grove since 2007. Prior to co-founding Bay Grove, Mr. Marchetti worked at The Yucaipa Companies. Mr. Marchetti began his career with Morgan Stanley in its investment banking group in San Francisco. He currently serves as a Trustee for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and previously served on the board of directors of the Pittsburgh Penguins, The San Francisco Zoological Society and The International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses. Mr. Marchetti is a graduate of Duke University.

We believe that, as a Co-Founder, Mr. Marchetti’s prior management and board experience, as well has his experience as an investment professional qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.

Greg Lehmkuhl. Mr. Lehmkuhl has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since June 2015. Prior to joining Lineage, he served in various executive appointments for Con-Way, Inc. (NYSE: CNW) from

 

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2001 to 2011, including President and Corporate Executive Vice President and held management positions at Menlo Logistics, Delphi Automotive and Penske Logistics. Mr. Lehmkuhl has also served on the board of directors of Agree Realty Corp. (NYSE: ADC) since July 2018. Mr. Lehmkuhl received his Bachelor of Material and Logistics Management from Michigan State University and a M.B.A. from Oakland University.

We believe that Mr. Lehmkuhl’s experience as a director and company executive, including his experience in real estate, corporate governance and business management, qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.

Rob Crisci. Mr. Crisci has served as our Chief Financial Officer since April 2023. Prior to joining Lineage, Mr. Crisci served in various financial and executive leadership positions at Roper Technologies (NYSE: ROP) from April 2013 to February 2023, in which he helped lead the growth of the company’s market capitalization from $12 billion to over $45 billion. He served as Roper’s Chief Financial Officer from May 2017 to February 2023. Mr. Crisci worked at VRA Partners, a boutique investment bank, from 2012 to April 2013 and Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc., which was subsequently acquired by Raymond James Financial Inc., from 2010 to 2012, where he advised on capital raising and merger and acquisitions transactions. He also served as vice president at Devon Value Advisers from 2004 to 2009 where he worked on various engagements including buy and sell side transaction advisory, recapitalizations, and strategic acquisitions. Prior to working at Devon Value Advisors, Mr. Crisci worked as a consultant at Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Crisci currently serves on the board of directors of MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc. He received his A.B. in Economics from Princeton University and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

Corporate Governance Profile

We have structured our corporate governance in a manner we believe closely aligns our interests with those of our stockholders. Notable features of our corporate governance structure include the following:

 

   

our board of directors will not be classified and each of our directors will be subject to election annually, and our charter will provide that we may not elect to be subject to the provision of the MGCL that would permit us to classify our Board, unless we receive prior approval from stockholders;

 

   

we have a lead independent director;

 

   

we have a fully independent audit committee and independent director representation on our compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees immediately at the time of the offering, and our independent directors will meet regularly in executive sessions without the presence of our corporate officers or non-independent directors;

 

   

at least one of our directors qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” by applicable SEC regulations and all members of the audit committee are financially literate in accordance with the                         listing standards;

 

   

we have opted out of the business combination and control share acquisition statutes in the MGCL;

 

   

we will not have a stockholder rights plan, and we will not adopt a stockholder rights plan in the future without (i) the approval of our stockholders or (ii) seeking ratification from our stockholders within 12 months of adoption of the plan if our board of directors determines, in the exercise of its duties under applicable law, that it is in our best interest to adopt a rights plan without the delay of seeking prior stockholder approval;

 

   

we will have adopted a stock ownership policy that requires each non-employee director, the chief executive officer and each other named executive officer to own a certain amount of specified equity interests in our company; and

 

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our bylaws will provide that our stockholders may alter or repeal any provision of our bylaws and adopt new bylaws if any such alteration, repeal or adoption is approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Our directors will stay informed about our business by attending meetings of our board of directors and the committees on which they serve and through supplemental reports and communications.

Controlled Company Exception

After the completion of this offering, affiliates of Bay Grove will continue to beneficially own shares representing more than 50% of the voting power of shares of our common stock eligible to vote in the election of directors. As a result, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the                 corporate governance standards and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance standards, including that: (1) a majority of our board of directors consist of independent directors, (2) our board of directors have a compensation committee that is comprised entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities and (3) our board of directors have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is comprised entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. Accordingly, to the extent and for so long as we utilize these exemptions, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of these corporate governance requirements. In the event that we cease to be a “controlled company” and shares of our common stock continue to be listed on the                 , we will be required to comply with these provisions within the applicable transition periods.

Director Independence

We expect our board of directors to determine that each of                     ,                     and                     is an “independent director” as such term is defined by the applicable rules and regulations of the                .

Board Committees

Upon the completion of this offering, our board of directors will have three standing committees: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. The principal functions of each committee are briefly described below. Additionally, our board of directors may from time to time establish other committees to facilitate the board’s oversight of management of the business and affairs of our company. The charter of each committee will be available on our website at www.onelineage.com upon the completion of this offering. Our website is not part of this prospectus.

Audit Committee

In connection with this offering, our board of directors will adopt an audit committee charter, which will define the audit committee’s principal functions, including oversight related to:

 

   

our accounting and financial reporting processes;

 

   

the integrity of our consolidated financial statements and financial reporting process;

 

   

our systems of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting;

 

   

our compliance with financial, legal and regulatory requirements;

 

   

the evaluation of the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

   

the performance of our internal audit functions; and

 

   

our overall risk exposure and management.

 

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The audit committee will also be responsible for engaging, evaluating, compensating, and overseeing an independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the plans for and results of the audit engagement, approving services that may be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, including audit and non-audit services, reviewing the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm, considering the range of audit and non-audit fees and reviewing the adequacy of our internal accounting controls. The audit committee also will prepare the audit committee report required by SEC regulations to be included in our annual report.

Upon the completion of this offering, our audit committee will be composed of                 ,                  and                 .                  will serve as chair of our audit committee. Our board of directors is expected to determine affirmatively that (i)                  qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as such term has been defined by the SEC in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K and (ii) each member of our audit committee is “financially literate” as that term is defined by                 listing standards and meets the definition for “independence” for the purposes of serving on our audit committee under                 listing standards and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.

Compensation Committee

In connection with this offering, our board of directors will adopt a compensation committee charter, which will define the compensation committee’s principal functions to include:

 

   

assisting the board of directors in developing and evaluating potential candidates for executive officer positions and overseeing the development of executive succession plans;

 

   

annually reviewing and approving our corporate goals and objectives with respect to compensation for executive officers and, at least annually, evaluating each executive officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives to set his or her annual compensation, including salary, bonus and equity and non-equity incentive compensation, subject to approval by the board of directors;

 

   

providing oversight of management’s decisions regarding the performance, evaluation and compensation of other officers;

 

   

reviewing our incentive compensation arrangements to confirm that incentive pay does not encourage unnecessary risk taking and to review and discuss, at least annually, the relationship between risk management policies and practices, business strategy and our executive officers’ compensation;

 

   

reviewing and discussing with management our compensation discussion and analysis required by SEC regulations and recommending to the board of directors that such compensation discussion and analysis be included in our annual report; and

 

   

preparing the compensation committee report to be included in our annual report.

The compensation committee shall have the authority, in its sole discretion, to retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser as it deems appropriate. The committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees consisting of one or more members when it deems appropriate. Upon the completion of this offering, our compensation committee will be composed of                 ,                  and                 .                  will serve as chair of our compensation committee. Our board of directors is expected to determine affirmatively that                  and                  meet the definition for “independence” for the purpose of serving on our compensation committee under applicable rules of the                  and                  meet the definition of a “non-employee director” for the purpose of serving on our compensation committee under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.

 

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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

In connection with this offering, our board of directors will adopt a nominating and corporate governance committee charter, which will define the nominating and corporate governance committee’s principal functions, to include:

 

   

identifying individuals qualified to become members of our board of directors and ensuring that our board of directors has the requisite expertise and its membership consists of persons with sufficiently diverse and independent backgrounds;

 

   

developing, and recommending to the board of directors for its approval, qualifications for director candidates and periodically reviewing these qualifications with the board of directors;

 

   

reviewing the committee structure of the board of directors and recommending directors to serve as members or chairs of each committee of the board of directors;

 

   

reviewing and recommending committee slates annually and recommending additional committee members to fill vacancies as needed consistent with the stockholders agreement;

 

   

developing and recommending to the board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to us and, at least annually, reviewing such guidelines and recommending changes to the board of directors for approval as necessary;

 

   

overseeing the annual self-evaluations of the board of directors and management; and

 

   

reviewing and approving or ratifying any transaction between us and a related person that is required to be disclosed under the rules of the SEC.

Upon the completion of this offering, we will establish a nominating and corporate governance committee comprised of                     ,                      and                     .                      will serve as chair of our nominating and corporate governance committee. Our board of directors is expected to determine affirmatively that                      and                      meet the definition of independence under                  listing standards.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of our executive officers serves, or in the past has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any entity that has one or more executive officers who serve as members of our board of directors or our compensation committee. None of the members of our compensation committee is, or has ever been, an officer or employee of our company.

Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with each of Greg Lehmkuhl and Rob Crisci. For a description of the terms of these employment agreements, see “Executive and Director Compensation—2023 Executive Compensation—Narrative to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table—Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements.”

Director Compensation

Upon the consummation of this offering, we expect that each of our directors, other than Messrs. Forste and Marchetti for the first three years following the initial closing date of this offering, will receive the following as compensation for services as a director:                    .

We anticipate implementing stock ownership guidelines for our directors that will require each director to maintain equity ownership of a number of shares whose value equals                    times his or her base annual cash retainer. The directors will have                    years to comply with this guideline.

 

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Code of Conduct

Our board of directors has adopted a code of conduct that applies to our directors, officers and employees. Among other matters, our code of conduct is designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:

 

   

honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

 

   

full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in our SEC reports and other public communications;

 

   

compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;

 

   

prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to appropriate persons identified in the code;

 

   

accountability for adherence to the code of conduct;

 

   

the protection of the company’s legitimate business interests, including its assets and corporate opportunities; and

 

   

confidentiality of information entrusted to directors, officers and employees by our company and our customers.

Any waiver of the code of conduct for our directors or executive officers must be approved by a majority of our independent directors, and any such waiver shall be promptly disclosed as required by law and              regulations.

Indemnification

We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that will obligate us to indemnify them to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law as discussed under “Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws—Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers.” The indemnification agreements will provide that, if a director or executive officer is a party to, or witness in, or is threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, any proceeding by reason of his or her service as a director, officer, employee or agent of our company or any individual who, while a director or officer of our company and at our request, serves or has served as a director, officer, trustee, member, manager or partner of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of such person’s service in that capacity, we must indemnify the director or executive officer for all expenses and liabilities actually and reasonably incurred by him or her, or on his or her behalf, to the maximum extent permitted under Maryland law, including in any proceeding brought by the director or executive officer to enforce his or her rights under the indemnification agreement, to the extent provided by the agreement. The indemnification agreements will also require us to advance reasonable expenses incurred by the indemnitee within ten days of the receipt by us of a statement from the indemnitee requesting the advance, provided the statement evidences the expenses and is accompanied or preceded by:

 

   

a written affirmation of the indemnitee’s good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification; and

 

   

a written undertaking by the indemnitee or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid if it shall ultimately be established that the standard of conduct has not been met.

The indemnification agreements will also provide for procedures for the determination of entitlement to indemnification, including requiring such determination be made by independent counsel after a change of control of us.

 

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Our charter obligates us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to indemnify and to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (i) any present or former director or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, a proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity or (ii) any individual who, while a director or officer of our company and at our request, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member or manager of another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity, as discussed under “Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws—Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers.” Our charter will also permit us, with the approval of our board of directors, to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of our company or a predecessor of our company.

In addition, our directors and officers may be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement of our operating partnership.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling our company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

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EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

General

In this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we provide an overview and analysis of the compensation awarded to or earned by our named executive officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table below (each, an “NEO”) during 2023, including the elements of our compensation program for NEOs, material compensation decisions made under that program for 2023 and the material factors considered in making those decisions. Our NEOs for the year ended December 31, 2023 are:

 

   

Greg Lehmkuhl, Chief Executive Officer;

 

   

Rob Crisci, Chief Financial Officer;

 

   

             ;

 

   

             ; and

 

   

             .

Mr. Crisci joined our company as its Chief Financial Officer effective April 19, 2023.

Executive Summary

2023 Performance Highlights and Pay for Performance

Our key 2023 operational and financial highlights of our performance will be described in a subsequent amendment to this prospectus.

Compensation Governance and Best Practices

We are committed to having strong governance standards with respect to our compensation programs, procedures and practices. Our key compensation practices will be described in a subsequent amendment to this prospectus.

Stockholder Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

At our first annual meeting of stockholders following the completion of this offering, we expect to ask our stockholders to vote in a non-binding, advisory vote to approve the compensation of our NEOs (the “Say-on-Pay Vote”). Our compensation committee will review the result of this vote, and, depending on the outcome, will consider any necessary changes to our executive compensation program as a result of the vote. At that same annual meeting of stockholders, we also expect to ask our stockholders to vote in a non-binding, advisory vote regarding the frequency in which we will conduct our Say-on-Pay Vote.

Executive Compensation Objectives and Philosophy

The key objectives and design of our executive compensation program will be described in a subsequent amendment to this prospectus.

Determination of Executive Compensation

Role of Compensation Committee

Our compensation committee is responsible for establishing and overseeing our executive compensation programs and annually reviews and determines the compensation to be provided to our Chief Executive Officer and our other NEOs.

 

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In setting executive compensation, the compensation committee considers a number of factors, including the recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer (other than with respect to the Chief Executive Officer’s own compensation), current and past total compensation, competitive market data and analysis provided by the compensation committee’s independent compensation consultant, company performance and each executive’s impact on performance, each executive’s relative scope of responsibility and potential, each executive’s individual performance and demonstrated leadership, and internal equity pay considerations.

Role of Compensation Consultant

In order to design a competitive executive compensation program that will continue to attract top executive talent and reflect our compensation philosophy, our compensation committee has retained Pay Governance as an independent compensation consultant to provide executive compensation advisory services, help evaluate our compensation philosophy and objectives and provide guidance in administering our executive compensation program.

Role of the CEO

At the end of each performance year, our Chief Executive Officer assesses the contributions of each executive officer and recommends to our compensation committee the compensation to be awarded based on numerous factors, for future contributions, leadership abilities, external market competitiveness, internal pay comparisons, retention risk and other factors deemed relevant. The compensation committee considers this information and makes final compensation determinations for our executive officers. Our Chief Executive Officer does not participate in any deliberations regarding his own compensation.

Use of Comparative Market Data

The compensation committee believes that obtaining relevant market data where we compete for talent is important to making determinations about executive compensation. Such information provides a solid reference point for making decisions and very helpful context even though, relative to other companies, there are differences and unique aspects of the Company.

The compensation committee takes into consideration the structure and components of, and the amounts paid under, the executive compensation programs of other, comparable peer companies, as derived from public filings and other sources, when making decisions about the structure and component mix of our executive compensation program. The compensation committee also considers broader industry practices and our competitors for talent.

The external market data reviewed for 2023 included peer group proxy data and broad industry-comparative compensation surveys. The compensation committee reviews the composition of the peer group on an annual basis and considers the following criteria:

 

   

Industries that attract and retain similar talent;

 

   

Global presence and brand recognition;

 

   

Organizational complexity;

 

   

Comparable size based on annual revenue, market capitalization, Adjusted EBITDA and number of team members; and

 

   

High-growth profile.

 

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Based on the above, the following companies were identified as comparable:    

 

Peer

Americold Realty Trust, Inc.

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

Extra Space Storage Inc.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

Kellogg Company

Norfolk Southern Corporation

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

Ryder System, Inc.

Simon Property Group, Inc.

US Foods Holding Corp.

XPO, Inc.

Yum! Brands, Inc.

While the compensation committee does not establish compensation levels solely based on a review of competitive data, it believes such data is a meaningful input to our compensation policies and practices in order to attract and retain qualified executive officers. The compensation committee also considers a number of other factors, including: company performance relative to our stakeholder priorities, each executive’s impact and criticality to our strategy and mission, relative scope of responsibility and potential, individual performance and demonstrated leadership, and internal equity pay considerations.

Elements of Compensation

Pay Mix

In establishing an appropriate mix of fixed and variable pay to reward and retain, the Company considers company-wide and individual performance. The compensation committee balances the importance of meeting our short-term business goals with the need to create shareholder value and drive growth over the long-term. Our compensation framework heavily weights variable compensation to reward achievements against pre-established, quantifiable financial performance objectives and individual strategic performance objectives.

The primary components of our executive compensation program and the purposes of each are set forth below:

 

Pay Component

  

Purpose

Base Salary   

•  To recognize an employee’s immediate contribution to the organization

•  To compensate for assuming a significant level of responsibility

•  To provide financial stability

•  To be market competitive

Short-Term Incentives   

•  To reinforce the optimization of operating results throughout the year

•  To pay for performance and reinforce individual accountability

•  To reinforce the achievement of Lineage’s goals

•  To drive shareholder value

 

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Pay Component

  

Purpose

Long-Term Incentives   

•  To ensure both short and long-term goals of the company are met via compensation elements

•  To build executive stock ownership and shareholder value

•  To hold executives accountable for long-term decisions

•  To reinforce collaboration between key leaders throughout the organization for long-term goals

•  To retain key talent over the long term

•  To share success with stockholders

Benefits   

•  To allow executives to address their basic security needs

•  To be competitive in the markets where we compete for executive talent

•  To avoid materially different approaches to benefit strategy among executive and non-executive populations

•  To be cost effective through shared expense with executives

•  To be tax-effective

Base Salary

The base salaries of our NEOs are an important part of their total compensation package and are intended to reflect their respective positions, duties and responsibilities. Our compensation committee annually reviews and determines the base salaries of our NEOs and evaluates the base salaries of new hires at the time of hire. Our NEOs’ 2023 base salaries were as set forth below:

 

Name

  

2023 Annual Base Salary

 

Greg Lehmkuhl

   $                    

Rob Crisci

   $    
   $    
   $    
   $    

Annual Bonus Program

Our short-term cash incentive plan has been designed to attract and retain key talent and reward executives based on performance against key financial and strategic priorities. Each NEO is eligible to receive an annual performance-based cash bonus based on a specified target annual bonus award amount, expressed as a percentage of the NEO’s base salary. In 2023, each of our NEOs participated in our annual cash incentive bonus program at the following target percentages of base salary:

 

Name

  

Target Bonus as a Percent of
Base Salary

 

Greg Lehmkuhl

         

Rob Crisci

         
         
         
         

Our 2023 annual bonus program for our NEOs will be described in a subsequent amendment to this prospectus.

 

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Equity-Based Long-Term Incentive Awards

We view equity-based compensation as a critical component of our balanced total compensation program. Equity-based compensation creates an ownership culture among our employees that provides an incentive to contribute to the continued growth and development of our business and aligns the interest of executives with those of our stockholders. Our equity-based compensation program for our NEOs will be described in a subsequent amendment to this prospectus.

Employee Benefits and Perquisites

Retirement Savings

We maintain a 401(k) retirement savings plan for our employees, including our NEOs, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. Our NEOs are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan on the same terms as other full-time employees. In 2023, contributions made by participants in the 401(k) plan were matched up to a specified percentage of the employee contributions, and these matching contributions are fully vested when made by the Company. We believe that providing a vehicle for tax-deferred retirement savings though our 401(k) plan, and making fully vested matching contributions, adds to the overall desirability of our executive compensation package and further incentivizes our employees, including our NEOs, in accordance with our compensation policies.

Health and Welfare Plans

All of our full-time employees, including our NEOs, are eligible to participate in our health and welfare plans, including medical, dental and vision benefits, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

Other Perquisites

We provided certain limited perquisites to each of our NEOs in 2023, which will be described in a subsequent amendment to this prospectus.

Severance and Change in Control Arrangements

We have entered into an employment agreement with each of Mr. Lehmkuhl and Mr. Crisci, which provide for severance benefits and payments upon certain terminations of their employment without cause or resignations for good reason. Our compensation committee believes that these types of arrangements are necessary to attract and retain executive talent and are a customary component of executive compensation. The payments and benefits provided under our severance and change in control arrangements are designed to be competitive with market practices. A description of these arrangements, as well as information on the estimated payments and benefits that our NEOs would have been eligible to receive as of December 31, 2023, are set forth in “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

Other Policies and Considerations

Clawback Policy. In light of rules recently issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding clawback policies, we expect to adopt a clawback policy in 2024 to comply with the              adoption of its relevant clawback listing standards.

Stock Ownership Guidelines. In connection with this offering, we expect to adopt stock ownership guidelines that will be applicable to our executive officers, including our NEOs, and to our non-employee directors.

 

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Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The compensation committee takes into account whether components of the compensation for our executive officers will be adversely impacted by the penalty tax imposed by Section 409A of the Code and aims to structure these components to be compliant with or exempt from Section 409A to avoid such potential adverse tax consequences.

Deductibility of Executive Compensation. Section 162(m) of the Code denies a publicly-traded corporation a federal income tax deduction for remuneration in excess of $1 million per year per person paid to executives designated in Section 162(m) of the Code, including, but not limited to, its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and the next three highly compensated executive officers. However, we believe that maintaining the discretion to provide compensation that is non-deductible allows us to provide compensation tailored to the needs of our company and our named executive officers and is an important part of our responsibilities and benefits our stockholders.

Accounting for Share-Based Compensation. We follow Financial Accounting Standard Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, (“ASC Topic 718”), for our share-based compensation awards. ASC Topic 718 requires companies to measure the compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on the grant date “fair value” of these awards.

2023 Executive Compensation

2023 Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our NEOs for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

Name and Principal Position

   Salary
($)
     Bonus
($)
     Stock
Awards
($)
     Option
Awards
($)
     Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
     Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
     All Other
Compensation
($)
     Total
($)
 

Greg Lehmkuhl

                       

President & Chief Executive Officer

                       

Rob Crisci

                       

Chief Financial Officer

                       

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2023

The following table provides supplemental information relating to grants of plan-based awards made during 2023 to help explain information provided above in our Summary Compensation Table. This table presents information regarding all grants of plan-based awards made during 2023.

 

          Estimated Possible Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
    Estimated Possible Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
    All Other
Stock Awards:

Number of
Shares of
Stock or Units
(#)
    Grant Date
Fair Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards

($)
 

Name

  Grant
Date
    Threshold
($)
    Target
($)
    Maximum
($)
    Threshold
(#)
    Target

(#)
    Maximum
(#)
 

Greg Lehmkuhl

                 

Rob Crisci

                 

Narrative to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements (collectively, the “Employment Agreements”) with each of Mr. Lehmkuhl and Mr. Crisci. The material terms of the Employment Agreements will be described in a subsequent amendment to this prospectus.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End Table

The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding unvested incentive equity awards held by our NEOs as of December 31, 2023.

 

     Stock Awards  

Name

   Number of Shares
or Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested

(#)
     Market Value of
Shares or Units
of Stock That
Have Not
Vested

($)(1)
     Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other
Rights That Have
Not Vested

(#)
     Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or Payout
Value of Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights That
Have Not Vested

($)(1)
 

Greg Lehmkuhl

           

Rob Crisci

           

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2023

 

     Option Awards      Stock Awards  

Name

   Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise

(#)
     Value Realized on
Exercise

($)
     Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting

(#)
     Value Realized on
Vesting(1)

($)
 

Greg Lehmkuhl

           

Rob Crisci

           

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table     

We maintain the Lineage Logistics Holdings, LLC Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) for a select group of our highly compensated employees, in which all of our NEOs are eligible to participate. The following table contains information regarding the Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

Name

   Executive
Contributions
in Last Year

($)
   Registrant
Contributions
in Last Year

($)
   Aggregate Earnings in
Last Year

($)
   Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions

($)
   Aggregate Balance
at Last Year End
($)

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

Executive Employment Agreements

Under the Employment Agreements with each of Messrs. Lehmkuhl and Crisci, in the event of a termination of employment by the Company without “cause,” or by the NEO for “good reason” (each, as defined in the applicable Employment Agreement), in each case, the applicable NEO is eligible to receive severance payments and benefits that will be described in a subsequent amendment to this prospectus.

 

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Estimated Potential Payments

The following table summarizes the payments that would be made to our NEOs upon the occurrence of certain qualifying terminations of employment or a change in control, in any case, occurring on December 31, 2023. Amounts shown do not include (i) accrued but unpaid base salary through the date of termination or (ii) other benefits earned or accrued by the NEO during his employment that are available to all salaried employees, such as accrued vacation.

 

Name

  

Benefit

   Termination
Without Cause or
for Good Reason /
Cause (no
Change in
Control)

($)
   Change in Control
(no Termination)
($)
   Termination Without
Cause or for Good
Reason / Cause in
Connection with a
Change in Control

($)

Greg Lehmkuhl

  

Cash

        
  

Equity Acceleration

        
  

Continued Healthcare

        
  

Total

        

Rob Crisci

  

Cash

        
  

Equity Acceleration

        
  

Continued Healthcare

        
  

Total

        
  

Cash

        
  

Equity Acceleration

        
  

Continued Healthcare

        
  

Total

        
  

Cash

        
  

Equity Acceleration

        
  

Continued Healthcare

        
  

Total

        
  

Cash

        
  

Equity Acceleration

        
  

Continued Healthcare

        
  

Total

        

Equity Incentive Plan

At or before the completion of this offering, we intend to adopt the Equity Incentive Plan, under which we may grant cash and equity incentive awards to eligible service providers in order to attract, motivate and retain the talent for which we compete. The Equity Incentive Plan has not been finalized. The material terms of the Equity Incentive Plan will be described in subsequent amendments to this prospectus.

2023 Director Compensation

None of the members of the board of directors of Lineage, Inc. received compensation from the company for their services on our board of directors in 2023. Messrs. Forste and Marchetti received distributions from Bay Grove, BGLH and/or their respective affiliates and/or our affiliates in respect of their direct and indirect ownership interests in such entities and in respect of the services agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.” Such amounts are distributions in respect of Messrs. Forste’s and Marchetti’s equity ownership interests in such entities and are not considered compensation paid by us. In 2023, the amounts of these distributions paid to Messrs. Forste and Marchetti in respect of their ownership interests in such entities totaled $             and $            , respectively.

In connection with this initial public offering, we intend to approve and implement a compensation program that consists of annual retainer fees and long-term equity awards for our non-employee directors. The details of this program have not yet been determined, but compensation under the program will be subject to the annual limits on non-employee director compensation set forth in the Equity Incentive Plan.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Related party transactions are transactions in which we are a participant where the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a member of our board of directors or a director nominee, an executive officer or a holder of more than 5% of our voting securities (or an immediate family member of any of the foregoing) has a direct or indirect material interest. The following is a summary of related party transactions since January 1, 2021, other than compensation arrangements that are described under the sections of this prospectus entitled “Management—Director Compensation” and “Executive and Director Compensation.”

Transactions with BG Lineage Holdings, LLC

BGLH, an entity indirectly controlled by our Co-Executive Chairmen, Adam Forste and Kevin Marchetti, is currently our sole common stockholder and the holder of a majority of our preferred stock. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we distributed $        , $         and $        , respectively, to BGLH.

Messrs. Forste and Marchetti indirectly own Class B units of BGLH entitling them to receive distributions from BGLH in accordance with its operating agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, BGLH distributed $        , $         and $        , respectively, with respect to its Class B units. Messrs. Forste and Marchetti beneficially own              of the Class B units of BGLH.

In addition, BG Cold, LLC (“BG Cold”), an entity indirectly controlled by Messrs. Forste and Marchetti, holds all Class C units in BGLH, which represent special distribution rights entitling BG Cold to receive a specified percentage of distributions on, and proceeds from redemptions and repurchases of, Class A units in BGLH held by other investors in BGLH. In order for BG Cold to receive distributions with respect to its Class C units in BGLH, a Class A unit in BGLH must first receive the return of, plus a specified return on, its invested capital.

Transactions with Lineage OP, LLC

Lineage OP, LLC (“Lineage OP”) is currently a direct subsidiary of, and managed by, our company. Messrs. Forste and Marchetti indirectly own Class B units of Lineage OP entitling them to receive distributions from Lineage OP in accordance with its operating agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, Lineage OP distributed $        , $         and $        , respectively, with respect to its Class B units. Messrs. Forste and Marchetti beneficially own              of the Class B units of Lineage OP.

In addition, prior to the formation transactions, BG Cold holds all Class C units in Lineage OP, which represent special distribution rights entitling BG Cold to receive a specified percentage of distributions on, and proceeds from redemptions and repurchases of, Class A units held by other investors in Lineage OP. In order for BG Cold to receive distributions with respect to its Class C units in Lineage OP, a Class A unit in Lineage OP

must first receive the return of, plus a specified return on, its invested capital. On a quarterly basis, BG Cold has also received a quarterly advance distribution against its future special distribution rights. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, Lineage OP distributed $        , $         and $        , respectively, with respect to its Class C units.

In connection with this offering and the formation transactions, Lineage OP will convert to a limited partnership and remain our operating partnership. As part of the formation transactions, (i) certain Class A units and corresponding Class C units in Lineage OP will be reclassified into Legacy Class A OP Units, each of which will be economically equivalent to one OP unit and (ii) all other existing Class A, Class B and Class C units in Lineage OP will be reclassified into Legacy Class B OP Units, each of which will be economically equivalent to one OP unit. Each Legacy OP Unit will maintain the economic rights of legacy investors to their respective legacy Class A, Class B or Class C units, as applicable. For more information regarding the formation transactions, see “Structure and Formation of Our Company—Formation Transactions.”

 

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Transactions with Lineage Holdings

Lineage Holdings is currently a direct subsidiary of, and managed by, Lineage OP. An affiliate of Bay Grove holds an equity accrual right at Lineage Holdings. Prior to the formation transactions, the equity accrual right at Lineage Holdings accrued quarterly. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, Lineage Holdings made no distributions with respect to the equity accrual right. Lineage Holdings has also used a portion of its funds to reimburse Bay Grove for its expenses. Messrs. Forste and Marchetti beneficially own              of the equity accrual right at Lineage Holdings.

In connection with this offering and the formation transactions, we will amend the operating agreement of Lineage Holdings to reclassify Bay Grove’s profits interest at Lineage Holdings resulting from the equity accrual right into OPEUs. See “Structure and Formation of Our Company—Formation Transactions.”

Transactions with Bay Grove

Expense Reimbursement

Pursuant to the operating agreement of BGLH, the operating agreement of Lineage OP and the services agreement (described below), Bay Grove has received reimbursement of all expenses incurred in the performance of its services to us, BGLH, Lineage OP and/or Lineage Holdings. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, Bay Grove was reimbursed for expenses totaling $        , $         and $        , respectively. Messrs. Forste and Marchetti beneficially own              of the equity of Bay Grove.

Operating Services Agreement

Pursuant to the seventh amended and restated operating services agreement, dated as of August 3, 2020 (the “services agreement”), Bay Grove has provided Lineage Holdings with certain operating, consulting, strategic development and financial services, including advice and assistance concerning operational aspects of Lineage Holdings and its subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, Bay Grove received compensation of $        , $         million and $         million, respectively, pursuant to the services agreement.

In connection with this offering, we will terminate the services agreement and Lineage Holdings will enter into a transition services agreement with Bay Grove to provide transition services supporting capital deployment and mergers and acquisitions activity for three years following the initial closing of this offering to help us build our full internal capability during that period while we internalize such functions. See “—Transition Services Agreement.”

Transition Services Agreement

Upon completion of this offering and the formation transactions, we will enter into a transition services agreement with an affiliate of Bay Grove, pursuant to which Bay Grove will provide us with certain transition services supporting capital deployment and mergers and acquisitions activity for three years following the initial closing of this offering to help us build our full internal capability during that period. We will pay Bay Grove an annual fee equal to $            . We have also agreed to reimburse Bay Grove for its reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses, subject to certain pre-approval requirements. The transition services agreement will automatically terminate three years following the initial closing date of this offering, but is otherwise not terminable by either party prior to expiration of the term other than for “Cause,” which will be triggered only in the event that either Messrs. Forste or Marchetti is convicted of certain felonies and continues to remain active in Bay Grove’s services to our business.

Partnership Agreement

Concurrently with the completion of this offering, we will enter into the partnership agreement for Lineage OP, LP See “Description of the Partnership Agreement of Lineage OP, LP.”

 

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Pursuant to the partnership agreement, members of our operating partnership will have rights beginning 14 months after the issuance of the OP units to require our operating partnership to redeem all or part of their OP units (excluding any Legacy OP Units and, for a period of time, certain OP units that were previously held as Legacy OP Units) for cash equal to the then-current market value of an equal number of shares of our common stock (determined in accordance with and subject to adjustment under the partnership agreement) or, at our election, to exchange their OP units for shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis subject to certain adjustments and the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock set forth in our charter and described under “Description of Our Capital Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”

For up to three years following the initial closing of this offering (or such shorter period as Bay Grove may determine), holders of Legacy OP Units will be entitled to have their Legacy OP Units reclassified into OP units periodically on a one-for-one basis and thereafter hold such OP units or receive cash pursuant to a sale of their OP units to us (or a combination thereof). BGLH will have the right to require us to conduct offerings of shares of our common stock from time to time to fund our purchases of such OP units. On or at any time before the third anniversary of the initial closing of this offering, as determined by Bay Grove, all Legacy OP Units will be reclassified into OP units on a one-for-one basis. Each purchase of OP units will increase our percentage ownership interest in our operating partnership and our share of its cash distributions and profits and losses.

Registration Rights Agreements

We will enter into a registration rights agreement with BGLH, pursuant to which we will grant it and certain of its affiliates with certain “demand” registration rights and customary “piggyback” registration rights. The registration rights agreements will also provide that we will pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and indemnify the registration rights holders against certain liabilities that may arise under the Securities Act.

We will also enter into one or more registration rights agreements with Mr. Forste and Mr. Marchetti, pursuant to which we will grant them with certain registration rights. The registration rights agreements will also provide that we will pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and indemnify the registration rights holders against certain liabilities which may arise under the Securities Act.

Indemnification Agreements

We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers. These agreements will require us to indemnify these individuals to the maximum extent permitted under Maryland law and our charter against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified upon our receipt of certain affirmations and undertakings. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors or executive officers, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable.

There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

Employment Agreements

Effective upon completion of this offering, we will enter into new employment agreements with each of                 ,                 ,                  and                 . For a description of the terms of these employment agreements, see “Executive and Director Compensation—2023 Executive Compensation—Narrative to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table—Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements.”

 

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Covenants Not to Compete

Upon completion of this offering and the formation transactions, we will enter into certain agreements with Messrs. Forste and Marchetti, pursuant to which Messrs. Forste and Marchetti will agree that for a period of three years following the completion of this offering they will not compete with our business.

Equity Incentive Plan

Before the completion of this offering, we intend to adopt the Equity Incentive Plan, under which we may grant cash and equity incentive awards to eligible service providers in order to attract, motivate and retain the talent for which we compete.

In connection with this offering and the formation transactions, we will have settled incentive equity rights of our officers and employees held through LLH MGMT Profits, LLC and LLH MGMT Profits II, LLC, that have accrued prior to the consummation of this offering, for a total of                  OP units.

Executive Tax Loans

On April 6, 2020, Messrs. Forste and Marchetti each received a loan in the amount of $6.4 million from Lineage OP. Each loan bears interest at a per annum rate equal to 0.99%. On each of February 11, 2021, February 18, 2022 and February 11, 2023, Greg Lehmkuhl received loans in an aggregate amount equal to $2.7 million from Lineage Holdings. The loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to 2.57%, 2.57% and 4.47%, respectively. Each of the loans described above will be repaid prior to the completion of this offering.

Statement of Policy Regarding Transactions with Related Persons

Upon completion of this offering, we will adopt a written statement of policy regarding transactions with related persons, which we refer to as our “related person policy.” Our related person policy requires that a “related person” (as defined as in paragraph (a) of Item 404 of Regulation S-K) must promptly disclose to us any “related person transaction” (defined as any transaction that is anticipated would be reportable by us under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K in which we were or are to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest) and all material facts with respect thereto. We will then promptly communicate that information to our board of directors. No related person transaction will be executed without the approval or ratification of our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors. It is our policy that directors interested in a related person transaction will recuse themselves from any vote on a related person transaction in which they have an interest.

 

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STRUCTURE AND FORMATION OF OUR COMPANY

Formation Transactions

Prior to or simultaneously with the completion of this offering, we will engage in formation transactions, which are designed to facilitate this offering. Through the formation transactions, the following have occurred or will occur prior to or concurrently with the completion of this offering.

 

   

Lineage OP, LLC will convert from a Delaware limited liability company to a Maryland limited partnership, change its name to Lineage OP, LP and adopt the Agreement of Limited Partnership pursuant to which, among other things, (i) we will become Lineage OP, LP’s sole general partner, (ii) certain Class A units and corresponding Class C units in Lineage OP, LLC will be reclassified into Legacy Class A OP Units and (iii) all other existing Class A, Class B and Class C units in Lineage OP, LLC will be reclassified into Legacy Class B OP Units.

 

   

LLH MGMT Profits, LLC and LLH MGMT Profits II, LLC, whose equity is held by our officers and employees, will have contributed their interests in Lineage Holdings to our operating partnership in exchange for                  OP units.

 

   

We will have terminated a prior operating services agreement between Lineage Holdings and Bay Grove and will have entered into a transition services agreement with Bay Grove for a period of three years.

 

   

We will contribute the net proceeds from this offering to our operating partnership and receive                  OP units (or                  OP units if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase up to an additional                  shares of our common stock in full), representing a     % ownership interest in the operating partnership (    % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase up to an additional                  shares of our common stock in full), with holders of Legacy OP Units and Lineage management holding     % and    % ownership interests in the operating partnership, respectively (    % and     % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase up to an additional                  shares of our common stock in full).

 

   

We will redeem our outstanding 12.0% Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Series A preferred stock”) for $630,000 in cash.

Consequences of this Offering and the Formation Transactions

Upon completion of this offering and the formation transactions:

 

   

Purchasers of shares of our common stock in this offering will own     % of the outstanding shares of our common stock. If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase up to an additional                  shares of our common stock in full, purchasers of shares of our common stock in this offering will own     % of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

 

   

Bay Grove will own     % of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

 

   

BGLH will own     % of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

 

   

Bay Grove will own     % of the outstanding OP units (including (i)                 OP units into which                 Legacy OP Units owned by Bay Grove may be reclassified and (ii)                 OP units issuable upon exchange of                 OPEUs owned by Bay Grove). If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase up to an additional                 shares of our common stock in full, Bay Grove will own     % of the outstanding OP units (including (i)                 OP units into which                 Legacy OP Units owned by Bay Grove may be reclassified and (ii)                 OP units issuable upon exchange of                 OPEUs owned by Bay Grove).

 

   

We will contribute the net proceeds from this offering to our operating partnership in exchange for                  OP units (or                  OP units if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase up to an

 

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additional                shares of our common stock in full), representing a     % ownership interest in the operating partnership (    % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase up to an additional                  shares of our common stock in full).

 

   

As of December 31, 2023, on a pro forma basis, we had approximately $         billion of indebtedness outstanding.

The following chart sets forth information about our company, our operating partnership, certain related parties and the ownership interests therein on a pro forma basis. Ownership percentages in our company and our operating partnership are presented assuming that the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is not exercised.

 

LOGO

Benefits to Related Parties

Upon completion of this offering and the formation transactions, Bay Grove, our directors and executive officers will receive material benefits, including the following:

 

   

Bay Grove will hold a continuing right to receive certain special distributions from Class A Legacy OP Units of our operating partnership and from BGLH, our majority stockholder. In addition, Bay Grove will continue to hold     % of the Class B Legacy OP Units of our operating partnership. See “Description of the Partnership Agreement of Lineage OP, LP—                    .”

 

   

We will have entered into a transition services agreement with Bay Grove, pursuant to which (1) Bay Grove will provide us with certain transition services supporting capital deployment and mergers and acquisitions activity for three years following the closing of this offering to help us build our full internal capability during that period, and (2) we will pay Bay Grove an annual fee equal to $                . See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Transactions with Bay Grove—Operating

 

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Services Agreement” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Transition Services Agreement.”

 

   

We will enter into a registration rights agreement with BGLH, pursuant to which we will grant it and certain of its affiliates with certain “demand” registration rights and customary “piggyback” registration rights. We will also enter into one or more registration rights agreements with Mr. Forste and Mr. Marchetti, pursuant to which we will grant them with certain registration rights. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreements.”

 

   

We will have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers providing for the indemnification by us for certain liabilities and expenses incurred as a result of actions brought, or threatened to be brought, against our directors and executive officers in their capacities as such.

 

   

We will have entered into new employment agreements with each of                 ,                 ,                  and                 . For a description of the terms of these employment agreements, see “Executive and Director Compensation—2023 Executive Compensation—Narrative to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table—Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements.”

 

   

We will have entered into certain agreements with Messrs. Forste and Marchetti, pursuant to which Messrs. Forste and Marchetti will agree that for a period of three years following the completion of this offering they will not compete with our business.

 

   

We will have settled incentive equity rights of our officers and employees held through LLH MGMT Profits, LLC and LLH MGMT Profits II, LLC, that have accrued prior to the consummation of this offering, for a total of                  OP units.

 

   

We will have adopted the Equity Incentive Plan, under which we may grant cash and equity incentive awards to eligible service providers in order to attract, motivate and retain the talent for which we compete. See “Executive and Director Compensation—Equity Incentive Plan” for further details.

 

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POLICIES WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN ACTIVITIES

The following is a discussion of certain of our investment, financing and other policies. These policies have been determined by our board of directors and, in general, may be amended or revised from time to time by our board of directors without a vote of our stockholders.

Investment Policies

Investments in Real Estate or Interests in Real Estate

We conduct substantially all of our investment activities through our operating partnership and its subsidiaries. Our objective is to maximize stockholder value by generating attractive risk-adjusted returns through owning, managing and growing a diversified portfolio of commercially desirable properties. For a discussion of our properties and our acquisition and other strategic objectives, see “Business and Properties.”

We expect to pursue our objective primarily through the ownership by our operating partnership of our existing properties and other acquired properties and assets. We seek to invest primarily in industrial real estate in the form of temperature-controlled warehouses. Our future investment and development activities are not currently limited to any geographic area or property type or to a specified percentage of our assets. While we may diversify in terms of property locations, size and market, we do not have any limit on the amount or percentage of our assets that may be invested in any one property or any one geographic area. We intend to engage in future investment activities in a manner that is consistent with the maintenance of our status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In addition, we may purchase assets for long-term investment, expand and improve the properties we presently own or other acquired properties, or sell such properties, in whole or in part, when circumstances warrant.

We may also participate with third parties in property ownership, through joint ventures or other types of co-ownership. These types of investments may permit us to own interests in larger assets without unduly reducing our diversification and, therefore, provide us with flexibility in structuring our portfolio. We will not, however, enter into a joint venture or other partnership arrangement to make an investment that would not otherwise meet our investment policies.

Equity investments in acquired properties may be subject to existing mortgage financing and other indebtedness or to new indebtedness that may be incurred in connection with acquiring or refinancing these properties. Debt service on such financing or indebtedness will have a priority over any distributions with respect to our common stock. Investments are also subject to our policy not to be treated as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act.

Securities of or Interests in Persons Primarily Engaged in Real Estate Activities and Other Issuers

Subject to the percentage of ownership limitations and the income and asset tests necessary for REIT qualification, we may invest in securities of other REITs, other entities engaged in real estate activities or securities of other issuers, including for the purpose of exercising control over such entities. We do not intend that our investments in securities will require us to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act, and we would intend to divest such securities before any such registration would be required.

Investments in Other Securities

Other than as described above, we do not intend to invest in any additional securities such as bonds, preferred stocks or common stock.

 

Dispositions

In order to maximize the performance and manage the risks within our portfolio, we intend to selectively dispose of any of our properties that we determine are not suitable for long-term investment purposes based upon

 

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management’s review of our portfolio. We will ensure that such action would be in our best interest and consistent with our intention to continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Financings and Leverage Policy

We anticipate using a number of different sources to finance our acquisitions and operations, including cash flows from operations, asset sales, seller financing, issuance of debt securities, private financings (such as additional bank credit facilities, which may or may not be secured by our assets), property-level mortgage debt, common or preferred equity issuances or any combination of these sources, to the extent available to us, or other sources that may become available from time to time. Any debt that we incur may be recourse or non-recourse and may be secured or unsecured. We also may take advantage of joint venture or other partnering opportunities as such opportunities arise in order to acquire properties that would otherwise be unavailable to us. We may use the proceeds of our borrowings to acquire assets, to refinance existing debt or for general corporate purposes.

Although we are not required to maintain any particular leverage ratio, we intend, when appropriate, to employ prudent amounts of leverage and to use debt as a means of providing additional funds for the acquisition of assets, to refinance existing debt or for general corporate purposes. Our charter and bylaws do not limit the amount of debt that we may incur. Our board of directors has not adopted a policy limiting the total amount of debt that we may incur.

Our board of directors will consider a number of factors in evaluating the amount of debt that we may incur. Our board of directors may from time to time modify its views regarding the appropriate amount of debt financing in light of then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of our properties, general conditions in the market for debt and equity securities, fluctuations in the market price of our common stock, growth and investment opportunities and other factors. Our decision to use leverage in the future to finance our assets will be at our discretion and will not be subject to the approval of our stockholders.

Equity Capital Policies

To the extent that our board of directors determines to obtain additional capital, we may issue debt or equity securities, including senior securities, retain earnings (subject to provisions in the Code requiring distributions of income to maintain REIT qualification) or pursue a combination of these methods.

Existing stockholders will have no preemptive right to common or preferred stock or units issued in any securities offering by us, and any such offering might cause a dilution of a stockholder’s investment in us. Although we have no current plans to do so, we may in the future issue shares of our common stock or units in our operating partnership in connection with acquisitions of property.

We may, under certain circumstances, purchase shares of our common stock or other securities in the open market or in private transactions with our stockholders, provided that those purchases are approved by our board of directors. Our board of directors has no present intention of causing us to repurchase any shares of our common stock or other securities, and any such action would only be taken in conformity with applicable federal and state laws and the applicable requirements for qualification as a REIT.

Code of Conduct

We have adopted a code of conduct that seeks to identify and mitigate conflicts of interest between our employees, directors and officers and our company. However, we cannot assure you that these policies or provisions of law will always be successful in eliminating or minimizing the influence of such conflicts, and if they are not successful, decisions could be made that might fail to reflect fully the interests of stockholders.

 

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Interested Director Transactions

Pursuant to the MGCL, a contract or other transaction between us and a director or between us and any other corporation or other entity in which any of our directors is a director or has a material financial interest is not void or voidable solely because of such common directorship or interest, the presence of such director at the meeting at which the contract or transaction is authorized, approved or ratified or the counting of the director’s vote in favor thereof, if:

 

   

the fact of the common directorship or interest is disclosed or known to our board of directors or a committee of our board, and our board or such committee authorizes, approves or ratifies the contract or transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of disinterested directors, even if the disinterested directors constitute less than a quorum;

 

   

the fact of the common directorship or interest is disclosed or known to our stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is authorized, approved or ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote other than the votes of shares owned of record or beneficially by the interested director or corporation, firm or other entity; or

 

   

the contract or transaction is fair and reasonable to us.

Upon completion of this offering, we will adopt a policy regarding transactions between us, our operating partnership or any of our subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any related persons on the other hand, which we refer to as our “related person policy.” Our related person policy requires that a “related person” (as defined as in paragraph (a) of Item 404 of Regulation S-K) must promptly disclose to us any “related person transaction” (defined as any transaction that is anticipated to be reportable by us under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K in which we were or are to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest) and all material facts with respect thereto. We will then promptly communicate that information to our board of directors. No related person transaction will be executed without the approval or ratification of our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors. Such transaction must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors even if less than a quorum. Where appropriate in the judgment of the disinterested directors, our board of directors may obtain a fairness opinion or engage independent counsel to represent the interests of nonaffiliated securityholders, although our board of directors will have no obligation to do so.

Reporting Policies

We intend to make available to our stockholders our annual reports, including our audited consolidated financial statements. After this offering, we will become subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. Pursuant to those requirements, we will be required to file annual and periodic reports, proxy statements and other information, including audited consolidated financial statements, with the SEC.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF LINEAGE OP, LP

A summary of the material terms and provisions of the Agreement of Limited Partnership of Lineage OP, LP, which we refer to as the “partnership agreement,” is set forth below. This summary is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of Maryland law and the partnership agreement. For more detail, please refer to the partnership agreement itself, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. For purposes of this section, references to “we,” “our,” “us,” “our company” and the “general partner” refer to Lineage, Inc., in our capacity as the general partner or our operating partnership.

General

Upon the completion of this offering and the formation transactions, substantially all of our assets will be held by, and substantially all of our operations will be conducted through, our operating partnership, either directly or through its subsidiaries. The provisions of the partnership agreement described below will be in effect from and after the completion of this offering. We are the general partner of our operating partnership and following the completion of this offering and the formation transactions will directly hold a     % limited partner interest in our operating partnership.

Our operating partnership is also authorized to issue a class of units of partnership interest designated as LTIP Units and additional classes of units of partnership interest. The common units are not listed on any exchange nor are they quoted on any national market system.

Provisions in the partnership agreement may delay or make more difficult unsolicited acquisitions of us or changes in our control. These provisions could discourage third parties from making proposals involving an unsolicited acquisition of us or change of our control, although some stockholders might consider such proposals, if made, desirable. These provisions also make it more difficult for third parties to alter the management structure of our operating partnership without the concurrence of our board of directors. These provisions include, among others:

 

   

redemption rights of limited partners and certain assignees of common units;

 

   

transfer restrictions on common units and other partnership interests;

 

   

a requirement that we may not be removed as the general partner of our operating partnership without our consent;

 

   

our ability in some cases to amend the partnership agreement and to cause our operating partnership to issue preferred partnership interests in our operating partnership with terms that we may determine, in either case, without the approval or consent of any limited partner; and

 

   

the right of the limited partners to consent to certain transfers of our general partnership interest (whether by sale, disposition, statutory merger or consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).

Purpose, Business and Management

Our operating partnership was formed for the purpose of conducting any business, enterprise or activity permitted by or under the Maryland Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, or the Act. Our operating partnership may enter into any partnership, joint venture, business trust arrangement, limited liability company or other similar arrangement and may own interests in any other entity engaged in any business permitted by or under the Act, subject to any consent rights set forth in our partnership agreement.

In general, our board of directors manages the business and affairs of our operating partnership by directing our business and affairs, in our capacity as the sole general partner of our operating partnership. The partnership

 

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agreement provides that we are not liable to our operating partnership or any partner for any action or omission taken in our capacity as general partner, for the debts or liabilities of our operating partnership or for the obligations of our operating partnership under the partnership agreement, except for liability for our fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence, pursuant to any express indemnity we may give to our operating partnership or in connection with a redemption as described in the section entitled “—Redemption Rights of Qualifying Parties.” In addition, the partnership agreement requires our operating partnership to indemnify us, our directors and officers, officers of our operating partnership and any other person designated by us against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and other legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, that relate to the operations of our operating partnership, unless (i) an act or omission of the person was material to the matter giving rise to the action and either was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (ii) in the case of a criminal proceeding, the person had reasonable cause to believe the act or omission was unlawful or (iii) such person actually received an improper personal benefit in violation or breach of any provision of the partnership agreement.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in the partnership agreement and subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of partnership interest, all management powers over the business and affairs of our operating partnership are exclusively vested in us, in our capacity as the sole general partner of our operating partnership. We may not be removed as the general partner of our operating partnership, with or without cause, without our consent, which we may give or withhold in our sole and absolute discretion.

Additional Limited Partners

We may cause our operating partnership to issue additional units in one or more classes or series or other partnership interests and to admit additional limited partners to our operating partnership from time to time, on such terms and conditions and for such capital contributions as we may establish in our sole and absolute discretion, without the approval or consent of any limited partner.

The partnership agreement authorizes our operating partnership to issue common units, LTIP Units and preferred units, and our operating partnership may issue additional partnership interests in one or more additional classes, or one or more series of any of such classes, with such designations, preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption (including, without limitation, terms that may be senior or otherwise entitled to preference over existing units) as we may determine, in our sole and absolute discretion, without the approval of any limited partner or any other person. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, we may specify, as to any such class or series of partnership interest, the allocations of items of partnership income, gain, loss, deduction and credit to each such class or series of partnership interest.

Ability to Engage in Other Businesses; Conflicts of Interest

The partnership agreement provides that we may not conduct any business other than in connection with the ownership, acquisition and disposition of partnership interests, the management of the business and affairs of our operating partnership, our operation as a reporting company with a class (or classes) of securities registered under the Exchange Act, our operations as a REIT, the offering, sale, syndication, private placement or public offering of stock, bonds, securities or other interests, financing or refinancing of any type related to our operating partnership or its assets or activities and such activities as are incidental to those activities discussed above. In general, we must contribute any assets or funds that we acquire to our operating partnership whether as capital contributions, loans or otherwise, as appropriate, in exchange for additional partnership interests. We may, however, in our sole and absolute discretion, from time to time hold or acquire assets in our own name or otherwise other than through our operating partnership so long as we take commercially reasonable measures to ensure that the economic benefits and burdens of such property are otherwise vested in our operating partnership.

 

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Redemption Rights of Qualifying Parties

Beginning 14 months after first acquiring such common units, each limited partner and some assignees of limited partners will have the right, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the partnership agreement, to require our operating partnership to redeem all or a portion of the common units held by such limited partner or assignee in exchange for a cash amount per common unit equal to the value of one share of our common stock, determined in accordance with and subject to adjustment under the partnership agreement. Our operating partnership’s obligation to redeem common units does not arise and is not binding against our operating partnership until the thirty-first business day after we receive the holder’s notice of redemption or, if earlier, the day we notify the holder seeking redemption that we have declined to acquire some or all of the common units tendered for redemption.

For up to three years following the initial closing of this offering (or such shorter period as Bay Grove may determine), holders of Legacy OP Units will be entitled to have their Legacy OP Units reclassified into OP units periodically on a one-for-one basis and thereafter hold such OP units or receive cash pursuant to a sale of their OP units to us (or a combination thereof). BGLH will have the right to require us to conduct offerings of shares of our common stock from time to time to fund our purchases of such OP units. On or at any time before the third anniversary of the initial closing of this offering, as determined by Bay Grove, all Legacy OP Units will be reclassified into OP units on a one-for-one basis. Each purchase of OP units will increase our percentage ownership interest in our operating partnership and our share of its cash distributions and profits and losses.

On or before the close of business on the thirtieth business day after a holder of common units gives notice of redemption to us, we may, in our sole and absolute discretion but subject to the restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our stock set forth in our charter and described in the section entitled “Description of Our Capital Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer,” elect to acquire some or all of the common units tendered for redemption from the tendering party in exchange for shares of our common stock, based on an exchange ratio of one share of common stock for each common unit, subject to adjustment as provided in the partnership agreement. The partnership agreement does not require us to register, qualify or list any shares of common stock issued in exchange for common units with the SEC, with any state securities commissioner, department or agency, under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or with any stock exchange.

Transfers of Partnership Interests

Restrictions on Transfers by Limited Partners. Until the expiration of 14 months after the date on which a limited partner acquires a partnership interest, the limited partner generally may not directly or indirectly transfer all or any portion of such partnership interest without our consent, which we may give or withhold in our sole and absolute discretion, except for certain permitted transfers to certain affiliates, family members and charities, and certain pledges of partnership interests to lending institutions in connection with bona fide loans. After the expiration of such initial holding period, the limited partner will have the right to transfer all or any portion of its partnership interest without our consent to any person that is an “accredited investor,” within meaning set forth in Rule 501 promulgated under the Securities Act, upon ten business days prior notice to us, subject to the satisfaction of conditions specified in the partnership agreement, including minimum transfer requirements and our right of first refusal.

Restrictions on Transfers by the General Partner. Except as described below, any transfer of all or any portion of our interest in our operating partnership, whether by sale, disposition, statutory merger or consolidation, liquidation or otherwise, must be approved by the consent of a majority in interest of the limited partners (excluding us and any limited partner 50% or more of whose equity is owned, directly or indirectly, by us). Subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of partnership interest, we may transfer all (but not less than all) of our general partnership interest without the consent of the limited partners in connection with a permitted termination transaction, which is a merger, consolidation or other combination of our assets with

 

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another entity, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets or a reclassification, recapitalization or change in any outstanding shares of our stock or other outstanding equity interests, if:

 

   

in connection with such event, all of the limited partners will receive or have the right to elect to receive, for each common unit, the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property paid to a holder of one share of our common stock (subject to adjustment in accordance with the partnership agreement) in the transaction and, if a purchase, tender or exchange offer is made and accepted by holders of our common stock in connection with the event, each holder of common units receives, or has the right to elect to receive, the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property that the holder would have received if it had exercised its redemption right and received shares of our common stock in exchange for its common units immediately before the expiration of the purchase, tender or exchange offer and had accepted the purchase, tender or exchange offer; or

 

   

substantially all of the assets of our operating partnership will be owned by a surviving entity (which may be our operating partnership, another limited partnership or a limited liability company) in which the limited partners of our operating partnership holding common units immediately before the event will hold a percentage interest based on the relative fair market value of the net assets of our operating partnership and the other net assets of the surviving entity immediately before the event, which interest will be on terms that are at least as favorable as the terms of the common units in effect immediately before the event and as those applicable to any other limited partners or non-managing members of the surviving entity and will include a right to redeem interests in the surviving entity for the consideration described in the preceding bullet or cash on similar terms as those in effect with respect to the common units immediately before the event, or, if common equity securities of the person controlling the surviving entity are publicly traded, such common equity securities.

We may also transfer all (but not less than all) of our interest in our operating partnership to an affiliate of us without the consent of any limited partner, subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of partnership interest.

In addition, any transferee of our interest in our operating partnership must be admitted as a general partner of our operating partnership, assume, by operation of law or express agreement, all of our obligations as general partner under the partnership agreement, accept all of the terms and conditions of the partnership agreement and execute such instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the transferee’s admission as a general partner.

We may not voluntarily withdraw as the general partner of our operating partnership without the consent of a majority in interest of the limited partners (excluding us and any limited partner 50% or more of whose equity is owned, directly or indirectly, by us) other than upon the transfer of our entire interest in our operating partnership and the admission of our successor as a general partner of our operating partnership.

 

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock, including shares of our common stock into which OP units are exchangeable, immediately following the completion of this offering and the formation transactions for (1) each person who is expected to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of our outstanding common stock, (2) each of our directors, director nominees and named executive officers and (3) all of our directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group. Each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all of the shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by such person, except as otherwise set forth in the notes to the table.

The SEC has defined “beneficial ownership” of a security to mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of voting power and/or investment power over such security. A stockholder is also deemed to be, as of any date, the beneficial owner of all securities that such stockholder has the right to acquire within 60 days after that date through (1) the exercise of any restricted stock unit or other right to acquire shares of common stock and (2) the exchange of OP units (including those OP units issuable upon conversion of OPEUs and OP units resulting from the reclassification of Legacy OP Units) for shares of our common stock upon redemption of outstanding OP units.

Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each named person is c/o Lineage, Inc., 46500 Humboldt Drive, Novi, Michigan 48377. No shares beneficially owned by any executive officer, director or director nominee have been pledged as security.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
     Percentage of
Common
Stock(1)
     Number of
Shares and
OP Units
Beneficially
Owned
     Percentage of
Common
Stock and
OP Units(2)
 

Greater than 5% Stockholders

           

BG Lineage Holdings, LLC(3)

                  

Director, Director Nominees and Named Executive Officers

           

Adam Forste(4)

           

Kevin Marchetti(5)

           

Greg Lehmkuhl

           

Rob Crisci

           

All Director, Director Nominees and Executive Officers as a Group (             persons)

                  

 

*

Represents less than 1.0%.

(1)

Assumes                  shares of our common stock are outstanding immediately following this offering. Does not include rights to acquire shares of our common stock, such as OP Units.

(2)

Assumes                  shares of our common stock and                  OP units (excluding OP units held by us and including (i)                  Legacy OP Units and (ii)                  OPEUs into which interests held by Bay Grove are to be reclassified in the formation transactions) are outstanding immediately following this offering. Further assumes that for purposes of the holder’s ownership, (i) OPEUs have been exchanged for OP units and Legacy OP Units have been reclassified into OP units and, in each case, such OP units have been exchanged for common stock on a one for one basis and (ii) the OP units held by such holder have been exchanged for common stock on a one for one basis. OPEUs will be exchangeable at Bay Grove’s election for OP units on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, at any time beginning two years after the initial closing date of this offering. Holders of OP units have the right beginning 14 months after the issuance of the OP units to require our operating partnership to redeem all or part of their OP units (excluding any Legacy OP Units and, for a period of time, certain OP units that were previously

 

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held as Legacy OP Units) for cash equal to the then-current market value of an equal number of shares of our common stock or, at our election, to exchange their OP units for shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain adjustments and the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our common stock set forth in our charter. For up to three years following the initial closing of this offering (or such shorter period as Bay Grove may determine), holders of Legacy OP Units will be entitled to have their Legacy OP Units reclassified into OP units periodically on a one-for-one basis and thereafter hold such OP units or receive cash pursuant to a sale of their OP units to us (or a combination thereof). BGLH will have the right to require us to conduct offerings of shares of our common stock from time to time to fund our purchases of such OP units. On or at any time before the third anniversary of the initial closing of this offering, as determined by Bay Grove, all Legacy OP Units will be reclassified into OP units on a one-for-one basis. Each purchase of OP units will increase our percentage ownership interest in our operating partnership and our share of its cash distributions and profits and losses.

(3)

Represents shares of our common stock held directly by BGLH. BGLH is managed indirectly by Bay Grove. Bay Grove is managed by a management committee comprised of Adam Forste and Kevin Marchetti, our Co-Executive Chairmen, who share voting and investment power over these shares. Bay Grove and Messrs. Forste and Marchetti may be deemed to beneficially own these shares, but each disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares, except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.

(4)

Represents                 shares of common stock held directly by BGLH,                 Lineage OP Units held directly by BG Cold, LLC,                 OP Units held directly by                 ,                 OP Units held directly by                 ,                 OP Units held directly by                 ,                 OP Units held directly by                 , and                 OPEUs held directly by BG Maverick, LLC. Each of BGLH, BG Cold, LLC and BG Maverick, LLC are directly or indirectly managed by Bay Grove, which is managed by a management committee comprised of Messrs. Forste and Marchetti, who have shared voting and investment control over these securities, and may be deemed to beneficially own the securities beneficially owned by each of these entities. Mr. Forste disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities beneficially owned by each of these entities, except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. See note 3 above.                 ,                 ,                 , and                 , are directly or indirectly managed by Mr. Forste, who has voting and investment control over, and may be deemed to beneficially own, the securities held by these entities.

(5)

Represents                 shares of common stock held directly by BGLH,                 Legacy OP Units held directly by BG Cold, LLC,                 OP Units held directly by                 ,                 OP Units held directly by                 and                 OPEUs held directly by BG Maverick, LLC. Each of BGLH, BG Cold, LLC, and BG Maverick, LLC are directly or indirectly managed by Bay Grove, which is managed by a management committee comprised of Messrs. Forste and Marchetti, who have shared voting and investment control over these securities and may be deemed to beneficially own the securities beneficially owned by each of these entities. Mr. Marchetti disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities beneficially owned by each of these entities, except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. See note 3 above.                 ,                 ,                 , and                 , are directly or indirectly managed by Mr. Marchetti, who has voting and investment control over, and may be deemed to beneficially own, the securities held by these entities.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK

The following summary of the terms of our stock does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our charter and bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and to the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

General

Our charter authorizes us to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“common stock”), and up to 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (“preferred stock”). Our charter authorizes our board of directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire board and without any action on the part of our stockholders, to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock that we are authorized to issue or the number of authorized shares of any class or series of stock. Immediately after completion of this offering,                  shares of common stock and 630 shares of our 12.0% Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Series A preferred stock”) will be issued and outstanding. We intend to redeem all shares of our Series A preferred stock shortly after the completion of this offering so that there will be no shares of our preferred stock issued and outstanding. Under Maryland law, a stockholder generally is not liable for a corporation’s debts or obligations solely as a result of the stockholder’s status as a stockholder.

Common Stock

All of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus will, upon issuance, be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. Subject to the preferential rights, if any, of holders of any other class or series of stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares of stock, holders of our common stock:

 

   

have the right to receive ratably any distributions from funds legally available therefor, when, as and if authorized by our board of directors and declared by us; and

 

   

are entitled to share ratably in the assets of our company legally available for distribution to the holders of our common stock in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

There are generally no redemption, sinking fund, conversion, preemptive or appraisal rights with respect to our common stock.

Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock and except as may otherwise be specified in our charter, each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters on which the stockholders are entitled to vote, including the election of directors. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors. Consequently, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election, and the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors. In uncontested elections, directors are elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast “for” and “against” each director nominee. In contested elections (i.e., where the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected), directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. This means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock can effectively elect all of the directors then standing for election, and the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors.

Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot amend its charter, consolidate, convert, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a statutory share exchange or dissolve unless the action is advised by its board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. A Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for

 

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approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. As permitted by Maryland law, our charter provides that any of these actions may be approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Maryland law also permits a Maryland corporation to transfer all or substantially all of its assets without the approval of its stockholders to an entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the corporation. Because our operating assets may be held by our operating partnership and wholly owned subsidiaries of our operating partnership, these subsidiaries may be able to merge or transfer all or substantially all of their assets without the approval of our stockholders.

Series A Preferred Stock

In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, our stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Accordingly, we previously issued 630 shares of Series A preferred stock to approximately 126 investors. The Series A preferred stock entitles the holders thereof to receive cumulative cash dividends at a rate per annum of 12.0% of the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon. We generally may not declare or pay, or set apart for payment, any dividend or other distribution on any shares of our stock ranking junior to the Series A preferred stock as to dividends, including our common stock, or redeem, repurchase or otherwise make payments on any such shares, unless full, cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock have been declared and paid or set apart for payment for all past dividend periods. The holders of the Series A preferred stock generally have no voting rights except in limited circumstances, including the authorization or issuance of equity securities senior to the Series A preferred stock, certain amendments to the charter related to the rights and preferences or number of shares of Series A preferred stock and any reclassification of the Series A preferred stock. The Series A preferred stock is not convertible into shares of any other class or series of our stock. The Series A preferred stock is senior to all other classes and series of shares of our stock as to dividend and redemption rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution and winding up. Holders of outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock are entitled to a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Upon written notice to each record holder of our Series A preferred stock as to the effective date of redemption, we may redeem the shares of our outstanding Series A preferred stock at our option, in whole or in part, at any time for cash at a redemption price equal to $1,000 per share, for a total of $630,000 for the 630 shares outstanding, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to and including the date fixed for redemption. Shares of the Series A preferred stock that are redeemed shall no longer be deemed outstanding shares and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate. We intend to redeem all 630 outstanding shares of our Series A preferred stock shortly after the completion of this offering so that there will be no shares of our preferred stock issued and outstanding.

Power to Issue Additional Shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock

Our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, classify any unissued shares of our preferred stock and reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock or shares of our preferred stock into other classes or series of stock. Prior to the issuance of classified or reclassified shares of any new class or series, our board of directors must set, subject to the provisions of our charter relating to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series of stock. In addition, our charter authorizes our board of directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire board and without stockholder approval, to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock, or the number of shares of any class or series of stock, that we are authorized to issue. These actions can be taken without stockholder approval, unless stockholder approval is required by applicable law, the terms of any other class or series of our stock or the rules of any stock exchange on which our securities may be listed or traded. Although our board of directors does not currently intend to do so, it could authorize us to issue a class or series that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control of our company that might involve a premium price for our stockholders or otherwise be in their best interests.

 

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Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, our stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of our stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities such as qualified pension plans) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made). To qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy other requirements as well. See “Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of Our Company.”

Our charter contains certain restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our stock. Subject to the exceptions described below, no person or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of our outstanding common stock or 9.8% (in value) of all classes and series of our outstanding stock. We refer to these restrictions, collectively, as the “ownership limits.”

The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of our outstanding common stock or 9.8% of all classes and series of our outstanding stock, or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns our stock could, nevertheless, cause the acquiror or another individual or entity to own our stock in excess of the ownership limits.

Our board of directors may, upon receipt of certain representations and undertakings to the extent required by our board of directors and in its sole discretion, prospectively or retroactively, exempt a person from the ownership limits or establish a different limit on ownership for a person if (a) our board of directors determines the person’s ownership in excess of the ownership limits will not cause five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities such as qualified pension plans) to beneficially own more than 49% in value of our outstanding stock (taking into account the then-current ownership limits and any then-existing exemptions of ownership limits) and (b) our board of directors determines such person does not and will not own, actually or constructively, an interest in a tenant of ours (or a tenant of any entity owned or controlled by us) that would cause us to own, actually or constructively, more than a 9.9% interest (as set forth in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code) in such tenant (or our board of directors determines that revenue derived from such tenant will not affect our ability to qualify as a REIT). As a condition of granting a waiver of the ownership limits or creating an excepted holder limit, our board of directors may, but is not required to, require an opinion of counsel or IRS ruling satisfactory to our board of directors as it may deem necessary or advisable to determine or ensure our status as a REIT.

Our board of directors may, at any time, increase or decrease an ownership limit for one or more persons unless, after giving effect to any increased or decreased ownership limit, five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities such as qualified pension plans) would beneficially own, in the aggregate, more than 49% in value of the aggregate outstanding shares of our stock, cause us to be “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or cause us to otherwise fail to qualify as a REIT. A decreased ownership limit will not apply to any person whose ownership of our stock at the time the ownership limit is decreased exceeds the decreased ownership limit until the person’s ownership of our stock equals or falls below the decreased ownership limit, but any further acquisition of our stock (or increased beneficial ownership or constructive ownership of shares of our stock) by such a person after the decrease in the ownership limit will violate the decreased ownership limit.

In addition to the ownership limits, our charter prohibits:

 

   

any person from beneficially or constructively owning shares of our stock that could result in our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the stockholder’s interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT; and

 

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any person from transferring shares of our stock if the transfer would result in shares of our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons.

Any person who acquires, attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of our stock in a manner that will or may violate any of the foregoing restrictions on transfer and ownership, or any person who would have owned shares of our stock transferred to a charitable trust as described below, must give written notice immediately to us or, in the case of a proposed or attempted transaction, give us at least 15 days prior written notice, and provide us with such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such transfer on our status as a REIT.

Any attempted transfer of shares of our stock that, if effective, would result in our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons will be null and void and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in the shares. Any attempted transfer of our stock that, if effective, would result in a violation of the ownership limits, our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the stockholder’s interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or our otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, will cause the number of shares causing the violation (rounded up to the nearest whole share) to be transferred automatically to one or more trusts for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries, and the proposed transferee will not acquire any rights in the shares. The automatic transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day before the date of the attempted transfer or other event that resulted in the transfer to the trust. If the transfer to the trust as described above does not occur or is not automatically effective, for any reason, to prevent a violation of the applicable restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, then the attempted transfer which, if effective, would have resulted in a violation of the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock will be null and void.

Shares of our stock held in the trust will be issued and outstanding shares. The proposed transferee will not benefit economically from ownership of any shares of our stock held in the trust and will have no rights to dividends or other distributions and no rights to vote or other rights attributable to the shares of our stock held in the trust. The proposed transferee will have no claim, cause of action, or any other recourse whatsoever against the purported transferor of such shares of our stock. The trustee of the trust will exercise all voting rights and receive all dividends and other distributions with respect to shares held in the trust for the exclusive benefit of the charitable beneficiary of the trust. Any dividend or other distribution paid before we discover that the shares have been transferred to a trust as described above must be repaid by the recipient to the trustee upon demand by us. Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the trust, the trustee will have the authority to rescind as void any vote cast by a proposed transferee before our discovery that the shares have been transferred to the trust and to recast the vote in accordance with the desires of the trustee (acting for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary). However, if we have already taken irreversible corporate action, then the trustee may not rescind and recast the vote.

Within 20 days of receiving notice from us of a transfer of shares to the trust, the trustee must sell the shares to a person, designated by the trustee, that could own the shares without violating the ownership limits or the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock contained in our charter. After the sale of the shares, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares transferred to the trust will terminate and the trustee must distribute to the proposed transferee an amount equal to the lesser of:

 

   

the price paid by the proposed transferee for the shares (or, if the proposed transferee did not give value in connection with the event that resulted in the transfer to the trust (e.g., a gift, devise or other such transaction), the market price of the shares on the day of the event that resulted in the transfer of such shares to the trust); and

 

   

the price per share received by the trustee (net of any commissions and other expenses) from the sale or other disposition of the shares.

The trustee may reduce the amount payable to the proposed transferee by the amount of any dividends or other distributions that we paid to the proposed transferee and that is owed by the proposed transferee to the

 

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trustee as described above. The trustee must distribute any remaining funds held by the trust with respect to the shares to the charitable beneficiary. If the shares are sold by the proposed transferee before we discover that they have been transferred to the trust, the shares will be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the trust and the proposed transferee must pay to the trustee, upon demand, if any, the amount that the proposed transferee received in excess of the amount that the proposed transferee would have received had the shares been sold by the trustee.

Shares of our stock held in the trust will be deemed to be offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of:

 

   

the price per share in the transaction that resulted in the transfer to the trust (or, if the event that resulted in the shares being transferred to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares at market price, the market price of the shares on the day of the event causing the shares to be held in the trust); and

 

   

the market price on the date we, or our designee, accept the offer.

We will reduce the amount so payable by the amount of any dividends or other distributions that we paid to the proposed transferee and that is owed by the proposed transferee to the trustee as described above, and we will pay such amount to the trustee for distribution to the charitable beneficiary of the trust. We have the right to accept the offer until the trustee has otherwise sold the shares of our stock held in the trust. Upon a sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold will terminate and the trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the proposed transferee.

Every owner of at least five percent (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder) of the outstanding shares of any class or series of our stock, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, must give us written notice stating the person’s name and address, the number of shares of each class and series of our stock that the person beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which the shares are held. Each such owner also must provide us with any additional information that we request in order to determine the effect, if any, of the person’s beneficial ownership on our status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limits. In addition, any person or entity that is a beneficial owner or constructive owner of shares of our stock and any person or entity (including the stockholder of record) who is holding shares of our stock for a beneficial owner or constructive owner must, on request, disclose to us in writing such information as we may request in order to determine our status as a REIT or to comply, or determine our compliance, with the requirements of any governmental or taxing authority and to ensure compliance with the ownership limits.

Any certificates representing shares of our stock will bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.

These restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT or that compliance with any or all of these restrictions is no longer required in order for us to qualify as a REIT.

These restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of us that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our shares of our common stock will be                     .

 

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CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS

The following summary of certain provisions of Maryland law and of our charter and bylaws does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to Maryland law, including the MGCL, and our charter and bylaws. Copies of our charter and bylaws are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Our Board of Directors

Our charter and bylaws provide that the number of our directors may be established only by our board of directors but may not be fewer than the minimum number required under the MGCL, which is one, nor, unless our bylaws are amended, more than fifteen. For so long as the stockholders agreement remains in effect, our bylaws require that, in order for an individual to qualify to be nominated or to serve as a director of our company, the individual must have been nominated in accordance with the stockholders agreement, including the requirement that we must nominate a certain number of directors designated by BGLH and Messrs. Forste and Marchetti from time to time, as described under “Management—                    .” Our charter provides that, at such time as we become eligible to elect to be subject to Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL and subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of preferred stock, any vacancy on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any individual elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which such vacancy occurred and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.

Pursuant to our charter and bylaws, each member of our board of directors is elected by our stockholders to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. Holders of our common stock have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. In uncontested elections, directors are elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast “for” and “against” each director nominee. In contested elections (i.e., where the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected), directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. This means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock can effectively elect all of the directors then standing for election, and the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors.

Removal of Directors

Our charter provides that, subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of preferred stock, a director may be removed only for “cause,” and then only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, except that, for so long as the stockholders agreement remains in effect, no director who is nominated by BGLH, Mr. Forste or Mr. Marchetti may be removed without the consent of the applicable party. For this purpose, “cause” means, with respect to any particular director, conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that such director caused demonstrable, material harm to us through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty. These provisions, when coupled with the exclusive power of our board of directors to fill vacancies on our board of directors, generally precludes stockholders from removing incumbent directors except for “cause” and filling the vacancies created by such removal with their own nominees.

Business Combinations

Under the MGCL, certain “business combinations” (including a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock or an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time during the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the then-

 

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outstanding stock of the corporation) or an affiliate of such an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must generally be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:

 

   

80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation; and

 

   

two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation, other than shares of stock held by the interested stockholder with whom (or with whose affiliate) the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder,

unless, among other conditions, the corporation’s common stockholders receive a minimum price (as defined in the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. A person is not an interested stockholder under the statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. A corporation’s board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board of directors.

Pursuant to the MGCL, our board of directors has by resolution exempted business combinations between us and any other person, provided that the business combination is first approved by our board of directors (including a majority of our directors who are not affiliates or associates of such person). Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the supermajority vote requirements will not apply to a business combination approved by our board of directors, including a majority of our directors who are not affiliates or associates of the person party to the business combination. As a result, any such persons may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interests of our stockholders, without compliance with the supermajority vote requirements and the other provisions of the statute. We cannot assure you that our board of directors will not amend or repeal this resolution in the future.

Control Share Acquisitions

The MGCL provides that holders of “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting rights with respect to such shares except to the extent approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares of stock owned by the acquiror, an officer of the corporation or an employee of the corporation who is also a director of the corporation are excluded from shares of stock entitled to vote on the matter.

“Control shares” are voting shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other such shares of stock owned by the acquiror, or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:

 

   

one-tenth or more but less than one-third;

 

   

one-third or more but less than a majority; or

 

   

a majority or more of all voting power.

Control shares do not include shares of stock that the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval or shares acquired directly from the corporation. A “control share acquisition” means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses and making an “acquiring person statement” as described

 

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in the MGCL), may compel the board of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares of stock. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.

If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an “acquiring person statement” as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously been approved). Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or, if a meeting of stockholders is held at which the voting rights of such shares of stock are considered and not approved, as of the date of such meeting. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders’ meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares of stock entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares of stock as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.

The control share acquisition statute does not apply to (i) shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or statutory share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (ii) acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.

Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock. This provision may be amended or eliminated at any time in the future by our board of directors.

Subtitle 8

Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any or all of five provisions of the MGCL that provide, respectively, for:

 

   

a classified board;

 

   

a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director;

 

   

a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the board of directors;

 

   

a requirement that a vacancy on the board of directors be filled only by a vote of the remaining directors in office and for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies; and

 

   

a majority requirement for the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders.

Our charter provides that, at such time as we become eligible to make a Subtitle 8 election, we elect to be subject to the provisions of Subtitle 8 relating to the filling of vacancies on our board of directors. Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we will also (i) vest in our board the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships and (ii) require, unless called by our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President or our board of directors, the written request of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting to call a special meeting. We have not elected to be subject to any of the other provision of Subtitle 8, including the provisions that would permit us to classify our board of directors without stockholder approval. Moreover, our charter provides that, without the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by our stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, we may not elect to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 that permits our board of directors to classify itself.

Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

respectively, as well as the provisions in our charter and bylaws, as applicable, on removal of directors and the filling of director vacancies under Subtitle 8 and the restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of stock, together with the advance notice and stockholder-requested special meeting provisions of our bylaws, alone or in combination, could serve to delay, deter or prevent a transaction or a change in our control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interests.

Amendments to Our Charter and Bylaws

Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot amend its charter unless declared advisable by a majority of the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser percentage, but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, is set forth in the charter. As permitted by Maryland law, our charter provides that, except for those amendments permitted to be made without stockholder approval under the MGCL or by specific provision in our charter, amendments to our charter must be declared advisable by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Our board of directors has the power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our bylaws and to make new bylaws. In addition, the stockholders may alter or repeal any provision of our bylaws and adopt new bylaws with the approval by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. In addition, so long as required pursuant to the stockholders agreement, certain amendments to the bylaws related to the qualification of certain individuals to serve on the board of directors and committees of the board of directors, must be approved by BGLH and Messrs. Forste and Marchetti.

Meetings of Stockholders

Pursuant to our bylaws, an annual meeting of our stockholders for the purpose of the election of directors and the transaction of any business will be held on a date and at the time and place set by our board of directors. In addition, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President or our board of directors may call a special meeting of our stockholders. A special meeting of our stockholders to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of our stockholders must also be called by our secretary upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at the meeting and containing the information required by our bylaws.

Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business

Our bylaws provide that nominations of individuals for election to our board of directors and proposals of other business to be considered by stockholders at any annual meeting of our stockholders may be made only (i) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of our board of directors or (iii) by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record at the record date set by the board of directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, at the time of giving of notice by the stockholder as provided for in our bylaws and at the time of the meeting (and any postponement or adjustment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on such other business and who has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in our bylaws. Stockholders generally must provide notice to our secretary not before the 150th day or after 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 120th day before the first anniversary of the date of our proxy statement for the solicitation of proxies for the election of directors at the preceding year’s annual meeting, provided, that for notice of any nomination or other business to be properly brought before the first annual meeting of our stockholders convened after the closing of this offering of our common stock or if the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered not earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific time, on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.

 

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Only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before a special meeting of our stockholders. Nominations of individuals for election to our board of directors at a special meeting of stockholders may be made only (i) by or at the direction of our board of directors or (ii) provided that the meeting has been called in accordance with our bylaws for the purpose of electing directors, by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record at the record date set by the board of directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, at the time of giving of the notice required by our bylaws and at the time of the meeting (and any postponement or adjustment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the advance notice provisions set forth in our bylaws. Stockholders generally must provide notice to our secretary not before the 120th day before such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 90th day before the special meeting or the tenth day after public announcement of the date of the special meeting.

No Stockholder Rights Plan

We do not have a stockholder rights plan, and we will not adopt a stockholder rights plan in the future without (a) the approval of our stockholders or (b) seeking ratification from our stockholders within 12 months of adoption of the plan if the board of directors determines, in the exercise of its duties under applicable law, that it is in our best interests to adopt a rights plan without the delay of seeking prior stockholder approval.

Exclusive Forum

Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, any state court of competent jurisdiction in Maryland, or, if such state courts do not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court located within the State of Maryland will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (b) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in the MGCL, including, without limitation, (i) any action asserting a claim based on an alleged breach of any duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or to our stockholders or (ii) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors, officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or our charter or bylaws, or (c) any other action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. These choice of forum provisions will not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or any other claim for which federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Furthermore, our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any claim arising under the Securities Act. Although our bylaws will contain the choice of forum provisions described above, it is possible that a court could rule that such provisions are inapplicable for a particular claim or action or that such provisions are unenforceable. For example, under the Securities Act, federal courts have concurrent jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act, and investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. In addition, the exclusive forum provisions described above do not apply to any actions brought under the Exchange Act.

Although we believe these provisions will benefit us by limiting costly and time-consuming litigation in multiple forums and by providing increased consistency in the application of applicable law, these exclusive forum provisions may limit the ability of our stockholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate

 

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dishonesty that is established by a final judgment and that is material to the cause of action. Our charter contains a provision that eliminates the liability of our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

The MGCL requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:

 

   

the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;

 

   

the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or

 

   

in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.

Under the MGCL, we may not indemnify a director or officer in a suit by us or in our right in which the director or officer was adjudged liable to us or in a suit in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.

In addition, the MGCL permits us to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon our receipt of:

 

   

a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by us; and

 

   

a written undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by us if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer did not meet the standard of conduct.

Our charter requires us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:

 

   

any present or former director or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, a proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity; or

 

   

any individual who, while a director or officer of our company and at our request, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member or manager of another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity.

Our charter also permits us, with the approval of our board of directors, to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of our company or a predecessor of our company.

In addition, our directors and officers may be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement of our operating partnership. See “Description of the Partnership Agreement of Lineage OP, LP.”

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, officers or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Indemnification Agreements

We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers as described in “Management—Indemnification Agreements.”

REIT Qualification

Our charter provides that our board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without approval of our stockholders, if the board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to attempt to, or continue to, qualify as a REIT.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

General

Upon the completion of this offering, we expect to have outstanding                 shares of our common stock (                shares if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full). In addition, a total of                shares of our common stock are issuable upon exchange of OP units that we expect to be outstanding upon completion of this offering.

Of these shares, the                shares of our common stock sold in this offering (                shares of our common stock if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full) will be freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, subject to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock set forth in our charter.

There is currently no public market for our common stock. Trading of our common stock on the                  is expected to commence following the pricing of this offering. No assurance can be given as to (1) the likelihood that an active market for common stock will develop, (2) the liquidity of any such market, (3) the ability of the stockholders to sell their shares or (4) the prices that stockholders may obtain for any of their shares. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of shares, or the availability of shares for future sale, will have on the market price prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock (including shares of our common stock issued upon the exchange of OP units), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of Shares of Our Common Stock.”

For a description of certain restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of our common stock held by certain of our stockholders, see “Description of Our Capital Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”

Rule 144

After giving effect to this offering, we expect that                shares of our outstanding common stock will be “restricted” securities under the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may not be sold in the absence of registration under the Securities Act unless an exemption from registration is available, including the exemption provided by Rule 144.

In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, a person who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of ours at any time during the three months preceding a sale and who has beneficially owned shares considered to be restricted securities under Rule 144 for at least six months would be entitled to sell those shares, subject only to the availability of current public information about us. A non-affiliated person who has beneficially owned shares considered to be restricted securities under Rule 144 for at least one year would be entitled to sell those shares without regard to the provisions of Rule 144.

An affiliate of ours who has beneficially owned shares of our common stock for at least six months would be entitled to sell, within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

 

   

1% of the shares of our common stock then outstanding, which we expect will equal approximately                shares immediately after this offering (                shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares); or

 

   

the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the                  during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC;

provided, in each case, that we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least 90 days before the sale and have filed all required reports during that time period. Such sales by affiliates must also comply with the manner of sale, current public information and notice provisions of Rule 144.

 

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Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.

Rule 701

Generally, an employee, officer, director or qualified consultant of ours who purchased shares of our common stock before the effective date of the registration statement relating to this prospectus, or who holds options as of that date, pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract may rely on the resale provisions of Rule 701 under the Securities Act. Under Rule 701, these persons who are not our affiliates may generally sell those securities, commencing 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement, without having to comply with the current public information and minimum holding period requirements of Rule 144. These persons who are our affiliates may generally sell those securities under Rule 701, commencing 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement, without having to comply with Rule 144’s minimum holding period restriction.

Lock-up Agreements

In addition to the limits placed on the sale of our common stock by operation of Rule 144, Rule 701 and other provisions of the Securities Act, we, our directors, director nominees and executive officers and entities controlled by our Co-Founders holding substantially all of the shares of our common stock and OP units outstanding immediately prior to this offering have agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer or encumber, or enter into any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into shares of our common stock (including OP units) owned by them at the completion of this offering and the formation transactions or thereafter acquired by them for a period of             days after the date of this prospectus, subject to specified exceptions, without the prior consent of the representatives of the underwriters in this offering. See “Underwriters.”

The representatives of the underwriters in this offering have advised us that they have no present intent or arrangement to release any shares subject to a lock-up and will consider the release of any shares subject to a lock-up on a case-by-case basis. Upon a request to release any shares subject to a lock-up, the representatives on behalf of the underwriters in this offering will consider the particular circumstances surrounding the request, including, but not limited to, the length of time before the lock-up expires, the number of shares requested to be released, the reasons for the request, the possible impact on the market for our common stock and whether the holder of our shares requesting the release is an officer, director or other affiliate of ours.

 

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FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations regarding our election to be taxed as a REIT and this offering of our common stock. For purposes of this discussion, references to “we,” “our” and “us” mean only Lineage, Inc. and do not include any of its subsidiaries, except as otherwise indicated. This summary is for general information only and is not tax advice. The information in this summary is based on:

 

   

the Code;

 

   

current, temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations;

 

   

the legislative history of the Code;

 

   

administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS; and

 

   

court decisions;

in each case, as of the date of this prospectus. In addition, the administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS include its practices and policies as expressed in private letter rulings that are not binding on the IRS except with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings. The sections of the Code and the corresponding Treasury Regulations that relate to qualification and taxation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. The following discussion sets forth certain material aspects of the sections of the Code that govern the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its stockholders. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions, Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof. Potential tax reforms may result in significant changes to the rules governing U.S. federal income taxation. New legislation, Treasury Regulations, administrative interpretations and practices and/or court decisions may significantly and adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of such qualification, or the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in us, including those described in this discussion. Moreover, the law relating to the tax treatment of other entities, or an investment in other entities, could change, making an investment in such other entities more attractive relative to an investment in a REIT. Any such changes could apply retroactively to transactions preceding the date of the change. Except as discussed herein, we have not requested, and do not plan to request, any rulings from the IRS that we qualify as a REIT, and the statements in this prospectus are not binding on the IRS or any court. Thus, we can provide no assurance that the tax considerations contained in this discussion will not be challenged by the IRS or will be sustained by a court if challenged by the IRS. This summary does not discuss any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences, or any tax consequences arising under any U.S. federal tax laws other than U.S. federal income tax laws, associated with the purchase, ownership or disposition of our common stock, or our election to be taxed as a REIT.

You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of:

 

   

the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock, including the U.S. federal, state, local, non-U.S. and other tax consequences;

 

   

our election to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and

 

   

potential changes in applicable tax laws.

Taxation of Our Company

General. We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2020. We believe that we have been organized and have operated in a manner that has allowed us to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code commencing with such taxable year, and we intend to continue to be organized and operate in this manner. However, qualification and taxation as a

 

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REIT depend upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code, including through actual operating results, asset composition, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that we have been organized and have operated, or will continue to be organized and operate, in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT. See “—Failure to Qualify” for potential tax consequences if we fail to qualify as a REIT.

Latham & Watkins LLP has acted as our tax counsel in connection with this offering of our common stock and our election to be taxed as a REIT. Latham & Watkins LLP will render an opinion to us, as of the date of this prospectus, to the effect that, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2020, we have been organized and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and our proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. It must be emphasized that this opinion will be based on various assumptions and representations as to factual matters, including representations made by us in a factual certificate provided by one or more of our officers. In addition, this opinion will be based upon our factual representations set forth in this prospectus. Moreover, our qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code, which are discussed below, including through actual operating results, asset composition, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership, the results of which have not been and will not be reviewed by Latham & Watkins LLP. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that our actual results of operations for any particular taxable year have satisfied or will satisfy those requirements. Further, the anticipated U.S. federal income tax treatment described herein may be changed, perhaps retroactively, by legislative, administrative or judicial action at any time. Latham & Watkins LLP has no obligation to update its opinion subsequent to the date of such opinion.

Provided we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be required to pay U.S. federal corporate income taxes on our REIT taxable income that is currently distributed to our stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the “double taxation” that ordinarily results from investment in a C corporation. A C corporation is a corporation that generally is required to pay tax at the corporate level. Double taxation means taxation once at the corporate level when income is earned and once again at the stockholder level when the income is distributed. We will, however, be required to pay U.S. federal income tax as follows:

 

   

First, we will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on any undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed capital gain.

 

   

Second, if we have (1) net income from the sale or other disposition of “foreclosure property” held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or (2) other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on this income. To the extent that income from foreclosure property is otherwise qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, this tax is not applicable. Subject to certain other requirements, foreclosure property generally is defined as property we acquired through foreclosure or after a default on a loan secured by the property or a lease of the property.

 

   

Third, we will be required to pay a 100% tax on any net income from prohibited transactions. Prohibited transactions are, in general, sales or other taxable dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.

 

   

Fourth, if we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, as described below, but have otherwise maintained our qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements are met, we will be required to pay a tax equal to (1) the greater of (A) the amount by which we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test and (B) the amount by which we fail to satisfy the 95% gross income test, multiplied by (2) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.

 

   

Fifth, if we fail to satisfy any of the asset tests (other than a de minimis failure of the 5% or 10% asset tests), as described below, due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, and we nonetheless

 

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maintain our REIT qualification because of specified cure provisions, we will be required to pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets that caused us to fail such test.

 

   

Sixth, if we fail to satisfy any provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT (other than a violation of the gross income tests or certain violations of the asset tests, as described below) and the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, we may retain our REIT qualification but we will be required to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure.

 

   

Seventh, we will be required to pay a 4% excise tax to the extent we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (1) 85% of our ordinary income for the year, (2) 95% of our capital gain net income for the year, and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods.

 

   

Eighth, if we acquire any asset from a corporation that is or has been a C corporation in a transaction in which our tax basis in the asset is less than the fair market value of the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset, and we subsequently recognize gain on the disposition of the asset during the five-year period beginning on the date on which we acquired the asset, then we generally will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on this gain to the extent of the excess of (1) the fair market value of the asset over (2) our adjusted tax basis in the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset (the so-called sting tax). The results described in the foregoing portion of this paragraph with respect to the recognition of gain assume that the C corporation will refrain from making an election to receive different treatment under applicable Treasury Regulations on its tax return for the year in which we acquire the asset from the C corporation. Treasury Regulations also apply the rules described above to property transferred to us by a partnership, such as BGLH, that directly or indirectly has partners that are C corporations. Under these rules, any gain that would have been allocated directly or indirectly by the transferor partnership to a C corporation partner, if the property had been sold at fair market value on the date of the contribution of the property to us, would be subject to the sting tax. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, any gain from the sale of property we acquired in an exchange under Section 1031 (a like-kind exchange) or Section 1033 (an involuntary conversion) of the Code generally is excluded from the application of this sting tax.

 

   

Ninth, our subsidiaries that are C corporations and are not qualified REIT subsidiaries, including our TRS entities described below, generally will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on their earnings.

 

   

Tenth, we will be required to pay a 100% tax on any “redetermined rents,” “redetermined deductions,” “excess interest” or “redetermined TRS service income,” as described below under “—Penalty Tax.” In general, redetermined rents are rents from real property that are overstated as a result of services furnished to any of our tenants by a TRS of ours. Redetermined deductions and excess interest generally represent amounts that are deducted by a TRS of ours for amounts paid to us that are in excess of the amounts that would have been deducted based on arm’s length negotiations. Redetermined TRS service income generally represents income of a TRS that is understated as a result of services provided to us or on our behalf.

 

   

Eleventh, we may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net capital gain. In that case, a stockholder would include its proportionate share of our undistributed capital gain (to the extent we make a timely designation of such gain to the stockholder) in its income, would be deemed to have paid the tax that we paid on such gain, and would be allowed a credit for its proportionate share of the tax deemed to have been paid, and an adjustment would be made to increase the tax basis of the stockholder in our common stock.

 

   

Twelfth, if we fail to comply with the requirement to send annual letters to our stockholders holding at least a certain percentage of our stock, as determined under applicable Treasury Regulations, requesting information regarding the actual ownership of our stock, and the failure is not due to

 

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reasonable cause or is due to willful neglect, we will be subject to a $25,000 penalty, or if the failure is intentional, a $50,000 penalty.

We and our subsidiaries may be subject to a variety of taxes other than U.S. federal income tax, including payroll taxes and state and local income, property and other taxes on our assets and operations.

We may own properties in other countries, which may impose taxes on our operations within their jurisdictions. We seek to structure our activities to minimize our non-U.S. tax liability. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to eliminate our non-U.S. tax liability or reduce it to a specified level. Furthermore, as a REIT, both we and our stockholders will derive little or no benefit from foreign tax credits arising from those non-U.S. taxes.

Requirements for Qualification as a REIT. The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:

 

  (1)  

that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;

 

  (2)  

that issues transferable shares or transferable certificates to evidence its beneficial ownership;

 

  (3)  

that would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for Sections 856 through 860 of the Code;

 

  (4)  

that is not a financial institution or an insurance company within the meaning of certain provisions of the Code;

 

  (5)  

that is beneficially owned by 100 or more persons;

 

  (6)  

not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals, including certain specified entities, during the last half of each taxable year; and

 

  (7)  

that meets other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distributions.

The Code provides that conditions (1) to (4), inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. Conditions (5) and (6) do not apply until after the first taxable year for which an election is made to be taxed as a REIT. For purposes of condition (6), the term “individual” includes a supplemental unemployment compensation benefit plan, a private foundation or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes, but generally does not include a qualified pension plan or profit sharing trust.

We believe that we have been organized and have operated in a manner that has allowed us, and will continue to allow us, to satisfy conditions (1) through (7), inclusive, during the relevant time periods. In addition, our charter provides for restrictions regarding ownership and transfer of our shares that are intended to assist us in continuing to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. A description of the share ownership and transfer restrictions relating to our common stock is contained in the discussion in this prospectus under the heading “Description of Our Capital Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.” These restrictions, however, do not ensure that we have previously satisfied, and may not ensure that we will, in all cases, be able to continue to satisfy, the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. If we fail to satisfy these share ownership requirements, then except as provided in the next sentence, our status as a REIT will terminate. If, however, we comply with the rules contained in applicable Treasury Regulations that require us to ascertain the actual ownership of our shares and we do not know, or would not have known through the exercise of reasonable diligence, that we failed to meet the requirement described in condition (6) above, we will be treated as having met this requirement. See “—Failure to Qualify.”

In addition, we may not maintain our status as a REIT unless our taxable year is the calendar year. We have and will continue to have a calendar taxable year.

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Ownership of Interests in Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies and Qualified REIT Subsidiaries. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership (for purposes of this discussion, references to “partnership” include a limited liability company treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and references to “partner” include a member in such a limited liability company), Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership based on its interest in partnership capital, subject to special rules relating to the 10% asset test described below. Also, the REIT will be deemed to be entitled to its proportionate share of the income of that entity. The assets and gross income of the partnership retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of Section 856 of the Code, including satisfying the gross income tests and the asset tests. Thus, our pro rata share of the assets and items of income of our operating partnership, including our operating partnership’s share of these items of any partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which it owns an interest, is treated as our assets and items of income for purposes of applying the requirements described in this discussion, including the gross income and asset tests described below. A brief summary of the rules governing the U.S. federal income taxation of partnerships is set forth below in “—Tax Aspects of Our Operating Partnership, the Subsidiary Partnerships and the Limited Liability Companies.”

We have control of our operating partnership and the subsidiary partnerships and intend to operate them in a manner consistent with the requirements for our qualification as a REIT. If we become a limited partner or non-managing member in any partnership and such entity takes or expects to take actions that could jeopardize our status as a REIT or require us to pay tax, we may be forced to dispose of our interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership could take an action which could cause us to fail a gross income or asset test, and that we would not become aware of such action in time to dispose of our interest in the partnership or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In such a case, we could fail to qualify as a REIT unless we were entitled to relief, as described below.

We may from time to time own and operate certain properties through wholly-owned subsidiaries that we intend to be treated as “qualified REIT subsidiaries” under the Code. A corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) will qualify as our qualified REIT subsidiary if we own 100% of the corporation’s outstanding stock and do not elect with the subsidiary to treat it as a TRS, as described below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not treated as a separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the parent REIT for all purposes under the Code, including all REIT qualification tests. Thus, in applying the U.S. federal income tax requirements described in this discussion, any qualified REIT subsidiaries we own are ignored, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of such corporations are treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not subject to U.S. federal income tax, and our ownership of the stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary will not violate the restrictions on ownership of securities, as described below under “—Asset Tests.”

Ownership of Interests in TRS Entities. We and our operating partnership own interests in companies that have elected, together with us, to be treated as our TRS entities, and we may acquire securities in additional TRS entities in the future. A TRS is a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) other than a REIT in which a REIT directly or indirectly holds stock, and that has made a joint election with such REIT to be treated as a TRS. If a TRS owns more than 35% of the total voting power or value of the outstanding securities of another corporation, such other corporation will also be treated as a TRS. Other than some activities relating to lodging and health care facilities, a TRS may generally engage in any business, including the provision of customary or non-customary services to tenants of its parent REIT. A TRS is subject to U.S. federal income tax as a regular C corporation. A REIT is not treated as holding the assets of a TRS or as receiving any income that the TRS earns. Rather, the stock issued by the TRS is an asset in the hands of the REIT, and the REIT generally recognizes as income the dividends, if any, that it receives from the TRS. A REIT’s ownership of securities of a TRS is not subject to the 5% or 10% asset test described below. See “—Asset Tests.” Taxpayers are subject to a limitation on their ability to deduct net business interest generally

 

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equal to 30% of adjusted taxable income, subject to certain exceptions. See “—Annual Distribution Requirements.” While not certain, this provision may limit the ability of our TRS entities to deduct interest, which could increase their taxable income.

Ownership of Interests in Subsidiary REITs. We may own and may acquire direct or indirect interests in one or more entities that have elected or will elect to be taxed as REITs under the Code (each, a “Subsidiary REIT”). A Subsidiary REIT is subject to the various REIT qualification requirements and other limitations described herein that are applicable to us. If a Subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, then (i) that Subsidiary REIT would become subject to U.S. federal income tax and (ii) the Subsidiary REIT’s failure to qualify could have an adverse effect on our ability to comply with the REIT income and asset tests, and thus could impair our ability to qualify as a REIT unless we could avail ourselves of certain relief provisions.

Income Tests. We must satisfy two gross income requirements annually to maintain our qualification as a REIT. First, in each taxable year we must derive directly or indirectly at least 75% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain hedging transactions and certain foreign currency gains) from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including “rents from real property,” dividends from other REITs and, in certain circumstances, interest, or certain types of temporary investments. Second, in each taxable year we must derive at least 95% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain hedging transactions and certain foreign currency gains) from the real property investments described above or dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, or from any combination of the foregoing. For these purposes, the term “interest” generally does not include any amount received or accrued, directly or indirectly, if the determination of all or some of the amount depends in any way on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term “interest” solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales.

Rents we receive from a tenant will qualify as “rents from real property” for the purpose of satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if all of the following conditions are met:

 

   

The amount of rent is not based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount we receive or accrue generally will not be excluded from the term “rents from real property” solely because it is based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales or if it is based on the net income of a tenant which derives substantially all of its income with respect to such property from subleasing of substantially all of such property, to the extent that the rents paid by the subtenant would qualify as rents from real property if we earned such amounts directly;

 

   

Neither we nor an actual or constructive owner of 10% or more of our capital stock actually or constructively owns 10% or more of the interests in the assets or net profits of a non-corporate tenant, or, if the tenant is a corporation, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote or 10% or more of the total value of all classes of stock of the tenant. Rents we receive from such a tenant that is a TRS of ours, however, will not be excluded from the definition of “rents from real property” as a result of this condition if at least 90% of the space at the property to which the rents relate is leased to third parties, and the rents paid by the TRS are substantially comparable to rents paid by our other tenants for comparable space. Whether rents paid by a TRS are substantially comparable to rents paid by other tenants is determined at the time the lease with the TRS is entered into, extended, or modified, if such modification increases the rents due under such lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, if a lease with a “controlled taxable REIT subsidiary” is modified and such modification results in an increase in the rents payable by such TRS, any such increase will not qualify as “rents from real property.” For purposes of this rule, a “controlled taxable REIT subsidiary” is a TRS in which the parent REIT owns stock possessing more than 50% of the voting power or more than 50% of the total value of the outstanding stock of such TRS;

 

   

Rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is not greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease. If this condition is not met, then the portion of the

 

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rent attributable to personal property will not qualify as “rents from real property.” To the extent that rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, exceeds 15% of the total rent received under the lease, we may transfer a portion of such personal property to a TRS; and

 

   

We generally may not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to our tenants, subject to a 1% de minimis exception and except as provided below. We may, however, perform services that are “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered “rendered to the occupant” of the property. Examples of these services include the provision of light, heat, or other utilities, trash removal and general maintenance of common areas. In addition, we may employ an independent contractor from whom we derive no revenue to provide customary services to our tenants, or a TRS (which may be wholly or partially owned by us) to provide both customary and non-customary services to our tenants, without causing the rent we receive from those tenants to fail to qualify as “rents from real property.”

Substantially all of the rental income that we receive and anticipate receiving in the future is derived from providing space to customers in our operating partnership’s temperature-controlled storage facilities and certain customary services such as freezing and handling (which, in some cases, may be provided through an independent contractor or a TRS). Any management, trucking, and logistics operations and non-customary services will be carried out by subsidiaries that will elect to be treated as TRS entities. We have received a private letter ruling from the IRS substantially to the effect that, if certain conditions are met, (1) amounts we receive for providing space in temperature-controlled warehouses will constitute rents from real property for purposes of the gross income tests and (2) the provision of certain services, including transportation, and other supply-chain services to customers by a TRS will not cause otherwise qualifying amounts received by us from customers for providing space in temperature-controlled warehouses to be nonqualified for purposes of the gross income tests. Our ability to rely on this ruling will depend on the continuing accuracy of the facts and representations made to the IRS in connection with such ruling.

We generally do not intend, and, as the general partner of our operating partnership, we do not intend to permit our operating partnership, to take actions we believe will cause us to fail to satisfy the rental conditions described above or that would prevent us from being able to rely on the private letter ruling received from the IRS. However, we may intentionally fail to satisfy some of these conditions to the extent we determine, based on the advice of our tax counsel, that the failure will not jeopardize our tax status as a REIT. In addition, with respect to the limitation on the rental of personal property, we generally have not obtained appraisals of the real property and personal property leased to tenants. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not disagree with our determinations of value.

From time to time, we may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Our hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and forward contracts. Income from a hedging transaction, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction, that is clearly identified as a hedging transaction as specified in the Code will not constitute gross income under, and thus will be exempt from, the 75% and 95% gross income tests. The term “hedging transaction,” as used above, generally means (A) any transaction we enter into in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of (1) interest rate changes or fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made by us to acquire or carry real estate assets, or (2) currency fluctuations with respect to an item of qualifying income under the 75% or 95% gross income test or any property which generates such income and (B) new transactions entered into to hedge the income or loss from prior hedging transactions, where the property or indebtedness which was the subject of the prior hedging transaction was extinguished or disposed of. To the extent that we do not properly identify such transactions as hedges or we hedge with other types of financial instruments, the income from those transactions is not likely to be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our status as a REIT.

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

We have investments in several entities located outside the United States and from time to time may invest in additional entities or properties located outside the United States, through a TRS or otherwise. These acquisitions could cause us to incur foreign currency gains or losses. Any foreign currency gains, to the extent attributable to specified items of qualifying income or gain, or specified qualifying assets, however, generally will not constitute gross income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, and therefore will be excluded from these tests.

To the extent our TRS entities pay dividends or interest, our allocable share of such dividend or interest income will qualify under the 95%, but not the 75%, gross income test (except that our allocable share of such interest would also qualify under the 75% gross income test to the extent the interest is paid on a loan that is adequately secured by real property). Under rules applicable to our non-U.S. TRS entities, we may be required to include certain earnings from such non-U.S. TRS entities in our gross income (whether or not such earnings are distributed to us) for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, and our allocable share of such earnings will qualify under the 95%, but not the 75%, gross income test.

We will monitor the amount of the dividend and other income from our TRS entities and will take actions intended to keep this income, and any other nonqualifying income, within the limitations of the gross income tests. Although we expect these actions will be sufficient to prevent a violation of the gross income tests, we cannot guarantee that such actions will in all cases prevent such a violation.

If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for the year if we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. We generally may make use of the relief provisions if:

 

   

following our identification of the failure to meet the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we file a schedule with the IRS setting forth each item of our gross income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for such taxable year in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be issued; and

 

   

our failure to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect.

It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. For example, if we fail to satisfy the gross income tests because nonqualifying income that we intentionally accrue or receive exceeds the limits on nonqualifying income, the IRS could conclude that our failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause. If these relief provisions do not apply to a particular set of circumstances, we will not qualify as a REIT. See “—Failure to Qualify” below. As discussed above in “—General,” even if these relief provisions apply, and we retain our status as a REIT, a tax would be imposed with respect to our nonqualifying income. We may not always be able to comply with the gross income tests for REIT qualification despite periodic monitoring of our income.

Prohibited Transaction Income. Any gain that we realize on the sale of property (other than any foreclosure property) held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, including our share of any such gain realized by our operating partnership, either directly or through its subsidiary partnerships, will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax, unless certain safe harbor exceptions apply. This prohibited transaction income may also adversely affect our ability to satisfy the gross income tests for qualification as a REIT. Under existing law, whether property is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. As the general partner of our operating partnership, we intend to cause our operating partnership to hold its properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning its properties and to make occasional sales of the properties as are consistent with our investment objectives. We do not intend, and do not intend to permit our operating partnership or its subsidiary partnerships, to enter into any sales that are prohibited transactions. However, the IRS may successfully contend that some or all of the sales made by our

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

operating partnership or its subsidiary partnerships are prohibited transactions. We would be required to pay the 100% penalty tax on our allocable share of the gains resulting from any such sales. The 100% penalty tax will not apply to gains from the sale of assets that are held through a TRS, but such income will be subject to regular U.S. federal corporate income tax.

Penalty Tax. Any redetermined rents, redetermined deductions, excess interest or redetermined TRS service income we generate will be subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, redetermined rents are rents from real property that are overstated as a result of any services furnished to any of our tenants by a TRS of ours, redetermined deductions and excess interest represent any amounts that are deducted by a TRS of ours for amounts paid to us that are in excess of the amounts that would have been deducted based on arm’s length negotiations, and redetermined TRS service income is income of a TRS that is understated as a result of services provided to us or on our behalf. Rents we receive will not constitute redetermined rents if they qualify for certain safe harbor provisions contained in the Code.

We do not believe we have been, and do not expect to be, subject to this penalty tax, although any rental or service arrangements we enter into from time to time may not satisfy the safe-harbor provisions referenced above. These determinations are inherently factual, and the IRS has broad discretion to assert that amounts paid between related parties should be reallocated to clearly reflect their respective incomes. If the IRS successfully made such an assertion, we would be required to pay a 100% penalty tax on any overstated rents paid to us, or any excess deductions or understated income of our TRS entities.

Asset Tests. At the close of each calendar quarter of our taxable year, we must also satisfy certain tests relating to the nature and diversification of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by real estate assets, cash, cash items and U.S. government securities. For purposes of this test, the term “real estate assets” generally means real property (including interests in real property and interests in mortgages on real property or on both real property and, to a limited extent, personal property), shares (or transferable certificates of beneficial interest) in other REITs, any stock or debt instrument attributable to the investment of the proceeds of a stock offering or a public offering of debt with a term of at least five years (but only for the one-year period beginning on the date the REIT receives such proceeds), debt instruments of publicly offered REITs, and personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property for which the rent attributable to personal property is not greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease.

Second, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by securities (including securities of TRS entities), other than those securities includable in the 75% asset test.

Third, of the investments included in the 25% asset class, and except for certain investments in other REITs, our qualified REIT subsidiaries and TRS entities, the value of any one issuer’s securities may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets, and we may not own more than 10% of the total vote or value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. Certain types of securities we may own are disregarded as securities solely for purposes of the 10% value test, including, but not limited to, securities satisfying the “straight debt” safe harbor, securities issued by a partnership that itself would satisfy the 75% income test if it were a REIT, any loan to an individual or an estate, any obligation to pay rents from real property and any security issued by a REIT. In addition, solely for purposes of the 10% value test, the determination of our interest in the assets of a partnership in which we own an interest will be based on our proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership, excluding for this purpose certain securities described in the Code. From time to time we may own securities (including debt securities) of issuers that do not qualify as a REIT, a qualified REIT subsidiary or a TRS. We intend that our ownership of any such securities will be structured in a manner that allows us to comply with the asset tests described above.

Fourth, not more than 20% of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more TRS entities. We indirectly own interests in one or more companies that have elected, together with us, to be treated as our TRS entities, and we may acquire securities in additional TRS entities in the future. So long as

 

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each of these companies qualifies as a TRS of ours, we will not be subject to the 5% asset test, the 10% voting limitation or the 10% value limitation with respect to our ownership of the securities of such companies. We hold a portion of our business that could adversely impact our status as a REIT, if conducted directly by the REIT, through one or more TRS entities. We believe that the aggregate value of our TRS entities has not exceeded, and in the future will not exceed, 20% of the aggregate value of our gross assets. We generally do not obtain independent appraisals to support these conclusions. In addition, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not disagree with our determinations of value.

Fifth, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by debt instruments of publicly offered REITs to the extent those debt instruments would not be real estate assets but for the inclusion of debt instruments of publicly offered REITs in the meaning of real estate assets, as described above (e.g., a debt instrument issued by a publicly offered REIT that is not secured by a mortgage on real property).

The asset tests must be satisfied at the close of each calendar quarter of our taxable year in which we (directly or through any partnership or qualified REIT subsidiary) acquire securities in the applicable issuer, and also at the close of each calendar quarter in which we increase our ownership of securities of such issuer (including as a result of an increase in our interest in any partnership that owns such securities). For example, our indirect ownership of securities of each issuer will increase as a result of our capital contributions to our operating partnership or as limited partners exercise any redemption/exchange rights. Also, after initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If we fail to satisfy an asset test because we acquire securities or other property during a quarter (including as a result of an increase in our interest in any partnership), we may cure this failure by disposing of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We believe that we have maintained, and we intend to maintain, adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests. If we fail to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests within the 30-day cure period, we would cease to qualify as a REIT unless we are eligible for certain relief provisions discussed below.

Certain relief provisions may be available to us if we discover a failure to satisfy the asset tests described above after the 30-day cure period. Under these provisions, we will be deemed to have met the 5% and 10% asset tests if the value of our nonqualifying assets (i) does not exceed the lesser of (a) 1% of the total value of our assets at the end of the applicable quarter or (b) $10,000,000, and (ii) we dispose of the nonqualifying assets or otherwise satisfy such tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury Regulations to be issued. For violations of any of the asset tests due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and that are, in the case of the 5% and 10% asset tests, in excess of the de minimis exception described above, we may avoid disqualification as a REIT after the 30-day cure period by taking steps including (i) the disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets, or the taking of other actions, which allow us to meet the asset tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury Regulations to be issued, (ii) paying a tax equal to the greater of (a) $50,000 or (b) the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets, and (iii) disclosing certain information to the IRS.

Although we believe we have satisfied the asset tests described above and plan to take steps to ensure that we satisfy such tests for any quarter with respect to which retesting is to occur, there can be no assurance that we will always be successful, or will not require a reduction in our operating partnership’s overall interest in an issuer (including in a TRS). If we fail to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests in a timely manner, and the relief provisions described above are not available, we would cease to qualify as a REIT.

Annual Distribution Requirements. To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders each year in an amount at least equal to the sum of:

 

   

90% of our REIT taxable income; and

 

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90% of our after-tax net income, if any, from foreclosure property; minus

 

   

the excess of the sum of certain items of non-cash income over 5% of our REIT taxable income.

For these purposes, our REIT taxable income is computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain. In addition, for purposes of this test, non-cash income generally means income attributable to leveled stepped rents, original issue discount, cancellation of indebtedness, or a like-kind exchange that is later determined to be taxable.

In addition, our REIT taxable income will be reduced by any taxes we are required to pay on any gain we recognize from the disposition of any asset we acquired from a corporation that is or has been a C corporation in a transaction in which our tax basis in the asset is less than the fair market value of the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset, within the five-year period following our acquisition of such asset, as described above under “—General.”

Except as provided below, a taxpayer’s deduction for net business interest expense will generally be limited to 30% of its taxable income, as adjusted for certain items of income, gain, deduction or loss. Any business interest deduction that is disallowed due to this limitation may be carried forward to future taxable years, subject to special rules applicable to partnerships. If we or any of our subsidiary partnerships (including our operating partnership) are subject to this interest expense limitation, our REIT taxable income for a taxable year may be increased. Taxpayers that conduct certain real estate businesses may elect not to have this interest expense limitation apply to them, provided that they use an alternative depreciation system to depreciate certain property. We believe that we or any of our subsidiary partnerships that are subject to this interest expense limitation will be eligible to make this election. If such election is made, although we or such subsidiary partnership, as applicable, would not be subject to the interest expense limitation described above, depreciation deductions may be reduced and, as a result, our REIT taxable income for a taxable year may be increased.

We generally must pay, or be treated as paying, the distributions described above in the taxable year to which they relate. At our election, a distribution will be treated as paid in a taxable year if it is declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration, provided such payment is made during the 12-month period following the close of such year. These distributions are treated as received by our stockholders in the year in which they are paid. This is so even though these distributions relate to the prior year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement.

In order to be taken into account for purposes of our distribution requirement, except as provided below, the amount distributed must not be preferential—i.e., every stockholder of the class of stock to which a distribution is made must be treated the same as every other stockholder of that class, and no class of stock may be treated other than according to its dividend rights as a class. This preferential dividend limitation will not apply to distributions made by us, provided we qualify as a “publicly offered REIT.” We believe that, upon completion of this offering of our common stock, we will become, and expect we will continue to be, a publicly offered REIT. However, Subsidiary REITs we may own from time to time may not be publicly offered REITs. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain, or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our REIT taxable income, as adjusted, we will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on the undistributed amount. We believe that we have made, and we intend to continue to make, timely distributions sufficient to satisfy these annual distribution requirements and to minimize our corporate tax obligations. In this regard, the partnership agreement of our operating partnership authorizes us, as the general partner of our operating partnership, to take such steps as may be necessary to cause our operating partnership to distribute to its partners an amount sufficient to permit us to meet these distribution requirements and to minimize our corporate tax obligation.

We expect that our REIT taxable income will be less than our cash flow because of depreciation and other non-cash charges included in computing REIT taxable income. Accordingly, we anticipate that we generally will

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

have sufficient cash or liquid assets to enable us to satisfy the distribution requirements described above. However, from time to time, we may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet these distribution requirements due to timing differences between the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses, and the inclusion of income and deduction of expenses in determining our taxable income. In addition, we may decide to retain our cash, rather than distribute it, in order to repay debt or for other reasons. If these timing differences occur, we may borrow funds to pay dividends or pay dividends in the form of taxable stock distributions in order to meet the distribution requirements, while preserving our cash.

Under some circumstances, we may be able to rectify an inadvertent failure to meet the 90% distribution requirement for a year by paying “deficiency dividends” to our stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. In that case, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, subject to the 4% excise tax described below. However, we will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction claimed for deficiency dividends. While the payment of a deficiency dividend will apply to a prior year for purposes of our REIT distribution requirements, it will be treated as an additional distribution to our stockholders in the year such dividend is paid. In addition, if a dividend we have paid is treated as a preferential dividend, in lieu of treating the dividend as not counting toward satisfying the 90% distribution requirement, the IRS may provide a remedy to cure such failure if the IRS determines that such failure is (or is of a type that is) inadvertent or due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect.

Furthermore, we will be required to pay a 4% excise tax to the extent we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of 85% of our ordinary income for such year, 95% of our capital gain net income for the year and any undistributed taxable income from prior periods. Any ordinary income and net capital gain on which U.S. federal corporate income tax is imposed for any year is treated as an amount distributed during that year for purposes of calculating this excise tax.

For purposes of the 90% distribution requirement and excise tax described above, dividends declared during the last three months of the calendar year, payable to stockholders of record on a specified date during such period and paid during January of the following year, will be treated as paid by us and received by our stockholders on December 31 of the year in which they are declared.

Like-Kind Exchanges. We may dispose of real property that is not held primarily for sale in transactions intended to qualify as like-kind exchanges under the Code. Such like-kind exchanges are intended to result in the deferral of gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The failure of any such transaction to qualify as a like-kind exchange could require us to pay U.S. federal income tax, possibly including the 100% prohibited transaction tax, or deficiency dividends, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction.

Tax Liabilities and Attributes Inherited in Connection with Acquisitions. From time to time, we or our operating partnership may acquire other corporations or entities and, in connection with such acquisitions, we may succeed to the historical tax attributes and liabilities of such entities. For example, if we acquire a C corporation and subsequently dispose of its assets within five years of the acquisition, we could be required to pay the built-in gain tax described above under “—General.” In addition, in order to qualify as a REIT, at the end of any taxable year, we must not have any earnings and profits accumulated in a non-REIT year. As a result, if we acquire a C corporation, we must distribute the corporation’s earnings and profits accumulated prior to the acquisition before the end of the taxable year in which we acquire the corporation. We also could be required to pay the acquired entity’s unpaid taxes even though such liabilities arose prior to the time we acquired the entity.

Moreover, we or one of our subsidiaries may from time to time acquire other REITs through a merger or acquisition. If any such REIT failed to qualify as a REIT for any of its taxable years, such REIT would be liable for (and we or our subsidiary, as applicable, as the surviving corporation in the merger or acquisition, would be obligated to pay) regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on its taxable income for such taxable years. In addition, if such REIT was a C corporation at the time of the merger or acquisition, the tax consequences

 

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described in the preceding paragraph generally would apply. If such REIT failed to qualify as a REIT for any of its taxable years, but qualified as a REIT at the time of such merger or acquisition, and we acquired such REIT’s assets in a transaction in which our tax basis in the assets of such REIT is determined, in whole or in part, by reference to such REIT’s tax basis in such assets, we generally would be subject to tax on the built-in gain on each asset of such REIT as described above if we were to dispose of the asset in a taxable transaction during the five-year period following such REIT’s requalification as a REIT, subject to certain exceptions. Moreover, even if such REIT qualified as a REIT at all relevant times, we would similarly be liable for other unpaid taxes (if any) of such REIT (such as the 100% tax on gains from any sales treated as “prohibited transactions” as described above under “—Prohibited Transaction Income”).

Furthermore, after our acquisition of another corporation or entity, the asset and income tests will apply to all of our assets, including the assets we acquire from such corporation or entity, and to all of our income, including the income derived from the assets we acquire from such corporation or entity. As a result, the nature of the assets that we acquire from such corporation or entity and the income we derive from those assets may have an effect on our tax status as a REIT.

Failure to Qualify. If we discover a violation of a provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT, certain specified cure provisions may be available to us. Except with respect to violations of the gross income tests and asset tests (for which the cure provisions are described above), and provided the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, these cure provisions generally impose a $50,000 penalty for each violation in lieu of a loss of REIT status. If we fail to satisfy the requirements for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, and the relief provisions do not apply, we will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify as a REIT will not be deductible by us. As a result, we anticipate that our failure to qualify as a REIT would reduce the cash available for distribution by us to our stockholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will not be required to distribute any amounts to our stockholders and all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as regular corporate dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. In such event, corporate stockholders may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. In addition, non-corporate stockholders, including individuals, may be eligible for the preferential tax rates on qualified dividend income. Non-corporate stockholders, including individuals, generally may deduct up to 20% of dividends from a REIT, other than capital gain dividends and dividends treated as qualified dividend income, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026 for purposes of determining their U.S. federal income tax (but not for purposes of the 3.8% Medicare tax), subject to certain holding period requirements and other limitations. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, such stockholders may not claim this deduction with respect to dividends paid by us. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we would also be ineligible to elect to be treated as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year for which we lose our qualification. It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to this statutory relief.

Tax Aspects of Our Operating Partnership, the Subsidiary Partnerships and the Limited Liability Companies

General. All of our investments are held indirectly through our operating partnership. In addition, our operating partnership holds certain of its investments indirectly through subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies that we believe are and will continue to be treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, entities that are treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes are “pass-through” entities which are not required to pay U.S. federal income tax. Rather, partners of such partnerships are allocated their shares of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the partnership, and are potentially required to pay tax on this income, without regard to whether they receive a distribution from the partnership. We will include in our income our share of these partnership items for purposes of the various gross income tests, the computation of our REIT taxable income, and the REIT distribution requirements. Moreover, for purposes of the asset tests, we will include our pro rata share of assets

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

held by our operating partnership, including its share of the assets of its subsidiary partnerships, based on our capital interests in each such entity. See “—Taxation of Our Company—Ownership of Interests in Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies and Qualified REIT Subsidiaries.” A disregarded entity is not treated as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a disregarded entity are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of its parent that is not a disregarded entity (e.g., our operating partnership) for all purposes under the Code, including all REIT qualification tests.

Entity Classification. Our interests in our operating partnership and the subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies involve special tax considerations, including the possibility that the IRS might challenge the status of these entities as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For example, an entity that would otherwise be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes may nonetheless be taxable as a corporation if it is a “publicly traded partnership” and certain other requirements are met. A partnership would be treated as a publicly traded partnership if its interests are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or a substantial equivalent thereof, within the meaning of applicable Treasury Regulations. We do not anticipate that our operating partnership or any subsidiary partnership will be treated as a publicly traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation. However, if any such entity were treated as a corporation, it would be required to pay an entity-level tax on its income. In this situation, the character of our assets and items of gross income would change and could prevent us from satisfying the REIT asset tests and possibly the REIT income tests. See “—Taxation of Our Company—Asset Tests” and “—Income Tests.” This, in turn, could prevent us from qualifying as a REIT. See “—Taxation of Our Company—Failure to Qualify” for a discussion of the effect of our failure to meet these tests. In addition, a change in the tax status of our operating partnership or a subsidiary treated as a partnership or disregarded entity to a corporation might be treated as a taxable event. If so, we might incur a tax liability without any related cash payment. We believe our operating partnership and each of the subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies are and will continue to be treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Allocations of Items of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction. A partnership agreement (or, in the case of a limited liability company treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the limited liability company agreement) generally will determine the allocation of income and loss among partners. These allocations, however, will be disregarded for tax purposes if they do not comply with the provisions of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. Generally, Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder require that partnership allocations respect the economic arrangement of the partners. If an allocation of partnership income or loss does not comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners’ interests in the partnership. This reallocation will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item. The allocations of taxable income and loss of our operating partnership and any subsidiaries that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

Tax Allocations With Respect to the Properties. Under Section 704(c) of the Code, items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership must be allocated in a manner so that the contributing partner is charged with the unrealized gain or benefits from the unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of the unrealized gain or unrealized loss generally is equal to the difference between the fair market value or book value and the adjusted tax basis of the contributed property at the time of contribution (this difference is referred to as a book-tax difference), as adjusted from time to time. These allocations are solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners.

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Our operating partnership may, from time to time, acquire interests in property in exchange for interests in our operating partnership. In that case, the tax basis of these property interests generally will carry over to our operating partnership, notwithstanding their different book (i.e., fair market) value. The partnership agreement requires that income and loss allocations with respect to these properties be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code. Treasury Regulations issued under Section 704(c) of the Code provide partnerships with a choice of several methods of accounting for book-tax differences. Depending on the method we choose in connection with any particular contribution, the carryover basis of each of the contributed interests in the properties in the hands of our operating partnership (1) could cause us to be allocated lower amounts of depreciation deductions for tax purposes than would be allocated to us if any of the contributed properties were to have a tax basis equal to its respective fair market value at the time of the contribution and (2) could cause us to be allocated taxable gain in the event of a sale of such contributed interests or properties in excess of the economic or book income allocated to us as a result of such sale, with a corresponding benefit to the other partners in our operating partnership. An allocation described above might cause us to recognize taxable income in excess of cash proceeds in the event of a sale or other disposition of property, which might adversely affect our ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. See “—Taxation of Our Company—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT” and “—Annual Distribution Requirements.”

Any property acquired by our operating partnership in a taxable transaction will initially have a tax basis equal to its fair market value, and Section 704(c) of the Code generally will not apply.

Partnership Audit Rules. Under current tax law, subject to certain exceptions, any audit adjustment to items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit of a partnership (and any partner’s distributive share thereof) is determined, and taxes, interest, or penalties attributable thereto are assessed and collected, at the partnership level. It is possible that these rules could result in partnerships in which we directly or indirectly invest, including our operating partnership, being required to pay additional taxes, interest and penalties as a result of an audit adjustment, and we, as a direct or indirect partner of these partnerships, could be required to bear the economic burden of those taxes, interest, and penalties even though we, as a REIT, may not otherwise have been required to pay additional corporate-level taxes as a result of the related audit adjustment. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors with respect to these changes and their potential impact on their investment in our common stock.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Holders of Our Common Stock

The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of purchasing, owning and disposing of our common stock. This discussion is limited to holders who hold our common stock as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a holder’s particular circumstances, including the alternative minimum tax. In addition, except where specifically noted, it does not address consequences relevant to holders subject to special rules, including, without limitation:

 

   

U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;

 

   

U.S. holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;

 

   

persons holding our common stock as part of a hedge, straddle or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated investment;

 

   

banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions;

 

   

REITs or regulated investment companies;

 

   

brokers, dealers or traders in securities;

 

   

“controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

 

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S corporations, partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein);

 

   

tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations;

 

   

persons subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of any item of gross income with respect to our common stock being taken into account in an applicable financial statement;

 

   

persons deemed to sell our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code;

 

   

tax-qualified retirement plans; and

 

   

persons who hold or receive our common stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation.

THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED AS TAX ADVICE. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK ARISING UNDER OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS (INCLUDING ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS), UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of our common stock that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as:

 

   

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;

 

   

an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) or (2) has a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is any beneficial owner of our common stock that is neither a U.S. holder nor an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, partnerships holding our common stock and the partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them.

Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Common Stock

Distributions Generally. Distributions out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as dividends and, other than with respect to capital gain dividends and certain amounts which have previously been subject to corporate level tax, as discussed below, will be taxable to our taxable U.S. holders as ordinary income when actually or constructively received. See “—Tax Rates” below. As long as we qualify as a REIT, these distributions will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of U.S. holders that are corporations or, except to the extent described in “—Tax Rates” below, the preferential rates on qualified dividend income applicable to non-corporate U.S. holders, including individuals. For purposes of determining whether distributions to holders of our capital stock are out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to our outstanding preferred stock, if any, and then to our outstanding common stock.

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

To the extent that we make distributions on our common stock in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits allocable to such stock, these distributions will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to a U.S. holder to the extent of the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares of stock. This treatment will reduce the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares of stock by such amount, but not below zero. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and in excess of a U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares will be taxable as capital gain. Such gain will be taxable as long-term capital gain if the shares have been held for more than one year. Dividends we declare in October, November, or December of any year and which are payable to a holder of record on a specified date in any of these months will be treated as both paid by us and received by the holder on December 31 of that year, provided we actually pay the dividend on or before January 31 of the following year. U.S. holders may not include in their own income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.

U.S. holders that receive taxable stock distributions, including distributions partially payable in our common stock and partially payable in cash, would be required to include the full amount of the distribution (i.e., the cash and the stock portion) as a dividend (subject to limited exceptions) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as described above. The amount of any distribution payable in our common stock generally is equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of the common stock. Depending on the circumstances of a U.S. holder, the tax on the distribution may exceed the amount of the distribution received in cash, in which case such U.S. holder would have to pay the tax using cash from other sources. If a U.S. holder sells the common stock it received in connection with a taxable stock distribution in order to pay this tax and the proceeds of such sale are less than the amount required to be included in income with respect to the stock portion of the distribution, such U.S. holder could have a capital loss with respect to the stock sale that could not be used to offset such income. A U.S. holder that receives common stock pursuant to such distribution generally has a tax basis in such common stock equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of such common stock as described above, and has a holding period in such common stock that begins on the day immediately following the payment date for the distribution.

Capital Gain Dividends. Dividends that we properly designate as capital gain dividends will generally be taxable to our taxable U.S. holders as a gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset held for more than one year, to the extent that such gain does not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year, and may not exceed our dividends paid for the taxable year, including dividends paid the following year that are treated as paid in the current year. U.S. holders that are corporations may, however, be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income. If we properly designate any portion of a dividend as a capital gain dividend, then, except as otherwise required by law, we presently intend to allocate a portion of the total capital gain dividends paid or made available to holders of all classes of our capital stock for the year to the holders of each class of our capital stock in proportion to the amount that our total dividends, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, paid or made available to the holders of each such class of our capital stock for the year bears to the total dividends, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, paid or made available to holders of all classes of our capital stock for the year. In addition, except as otherwise required by law, we will make a similar allocation with respect to any undistributed long-term capital gains which are to be included in our stockholders’ long-term capital gains, based on the allocation of the capital gain amount which would have resulted if those undistributed long-term capital gains had been distributed as “capital gain dividends” by us to our stockholders.

Retention of Net Capital Gains. We may elect to retain, rather than distribute as a capital gain dividend, all or a portion of our net capital gains. If we make this election, we would pay tax on our retained net capital gains. In addition, to the extent we so elect, our earnings and profits (determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) would be adjusted accordingly, and a U.S. holder generally would:

 

   

include its pro rata share of our undistributed capital gain in computing its long-term capital gains in its U.S. federal income tax return for its taxable year in which the last day of our taxable year falls, subject to certain limitations as to the amount that is includable;

 

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be deemed to have paid its share of the capital gains tax imposed on us on the designated amounts included in the U.S. holder’s income as long-term capital gain;

 

   

receive a credit or refund for the amount of tax deemed paid by it;

 

   

increase the adjusted tax basis of its common stock by the difference between the amount of includable gains and the tax deemed to have been paid by it; and

 

   

in the case of a U.S. holder that is a corporation, appropriately adjust its earnings and profits for the retained capital gains in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be promulgated by the IRS.

Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations. Distributions we make and gain arising from the sale or exchange of our common stock by a U.S. holder will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, U.S. holders generally will not be able to apply any “passive losses” against this income or gain. A U.S. holder generally may elect to treat capital gain dividends, capital gains from the disposition of our common stock and income designated as qualified dividend income, as described in “—Tax Rates” below, as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation, but in such case, the holder will be taxed at ordinary income rates on such amount. Other distributions made by us, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation.

Dispositions of Our Common Stock. If a U.S. holder sells or disposes of shares of our common stock, it will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares. This gain or loss, except as provided below, will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holder has held such common stock for more than one year. However, if a U.S. holder recognizes a loss upon the sale or other disposition of common stock that it has held for six months or less, after applying certain holding period rules, the loss recognized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent the U.S. holder received distributions from us which were required to be treated as long-term capital gains. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Tax Rates. The maximum tax rate for non-corporate taxpayers for (1) long-term capital gains, including certain “capital gain dividends,” generally is 20% (although depending on the characteristics of the assets which produced these gains and on designations which we may make, certain capital gain dividends may be taxed at a 25% rate) and (2) “qualified dividend income” generally is 20%. In general, dividends payable by REITs are not eligible for the reduced tax rate on qualified dividend income, except to the extent that certain holding period requirements have been met and the REIT’s dividends are attributable to dividends received from taxable corporations (such as its TRS entities) or to income that was subject to tax at the corporate/REIT level (for example, if the REIT distributed taxable income that it retained and paid tax on in the prior taxable year). Capital gain dividends will only be eligible for the rates described above to the extent that they are properly designated by the REIT as “capital gain dividends.” U.S. holders that are corporations may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income. In addition, non-corporate U.S. holders, including individuals, generally may deduct up to 20% of dividends from a REIT, other than capital gain dividends and dividends treated as qualified dividend income, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026 for purposes of determining their U.S. federal income tax (but not for purposes of the 3.8% Medicare tax), subject to certain holding period requirements and other limitations.

Taxation of Tax-Exempt Holders of Our Common Stock

Dividend income from us and gain arising upon a sale of shares of our common stock generally should not be unrelated business taxable income, or UBTI, to a tax-exempt holder, except as described below. This income or gain will be UBTI, however, to the extent a tax-exempt holder holds its shares as “debt-financed property” within the meaning of the Code. Generally, “debt-financed property” is property the acquisition or holding of which was financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt holder.

 

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

For tax-exempt holders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations or supplemental unemployment benefit trusts exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9) or (c)(17) of the Code, respectively, income from an investment in our shares will constitute UBTI unless the organization is able to properly claim a deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for specific purposes so as to offset the income generated by its investment in our shares. These prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning these “set aside” and reserve requirements.

Notwithstanding the above, however, a portion of the dividends paid by a “pension-held REIT” may be treated as UBTI as to certain trusts that hold more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT. A REIT will not be a “pension-held REIT” if it is able to satisfy the “not closely held” requirement without relying on the “look-through” exception with respect to certain trusts or if such REIT is not “predominantly held” by “qualified trusts.” As a result of restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock contained in our charter, we do not expect to be classified as a “pension-held REIT,” and as a result, the tax treatment described above should be inapplicable to our holders. However, because our common stock will be publicly traded upon completion of this offering of our common stock (and, we anticipate, will continue to be publicly traded), we cannot guarantee that this will always be the case.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Common Stock

The following discussion addresses the rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock by non-U.S. holders. These rules are complex, and no attempt is made herein to provide more than a brief summary of such rules. Accordingly, the discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation and does not address other federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences that may be relevant to a non-U.S. holder in light of its particular circumstances. We urge non-U.S. holders to consult their tax advisors to determine the impact of U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax laws and any applicable tax treaty on the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock, including any reporting requirements.

Distributions Generally. Distributions (including any taxable stock distributions) that are neither attributable to gains from sales or exchanges by us of United States real property interests, or USRPIs, nor designated by us as capital gain dividends (except as described below) will be treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions ordinarily will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty, unless the distributions are treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such dividends are attributable). Under certain treaties, however, lower withholding rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from a REIT. Certain certification and disclosure requirements must be satisfied for a non-U.S. holder to be exempt from withholding under the effectively connected income exemption. Dividends that are treated as effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business generally will not be subject to withholding but will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis at the regular rates, in the same manner as dividends paid to U.S. holders are subject to U.S. federal income tax. Any such dividends received by a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate (applicable after deducting U.S. federal income taxes paid on such effectively connected income) or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

Except as otherwise provided below, we expect to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 30% on any distributions made to a non-U.S. holder unless:

 

  (1)  

a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. holder furnishes an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable documentation) evidencing eligibility for that reduced treaty rate; or

 

  (2)  

the non-U.S. holder furnishes an IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable documentation) claiming that the distribution is income effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s trade or business.

 

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Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a non-U.S. holder to the extent that such distributions do not exceed the adjusted tax basis of the holder’s common stock, but rather will reduce the adjusted tax basis of such stock. To the extent that such distributions exceed the non-U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such common stock, they generally will give rise to gain from the sale or exchange of such stock, the tax treatment of which is described below. However, such excess distributions may be treated as dividend income for certain non-U.S. holders that are “qualified shareholders” (as defined below). For withholding purposes, we expect to treat all distributions as made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. However, amounts withheld may be refundable if it is subsequently determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, provided that certain conditions are met.

Capital Gain Dividends and Distributions Attributable to a Sale or Exchange of United States Real Property Interests. Distributions to a non-U.S. holder that we properly designate as capital gain dividends, other than those arising from the disposition of a USRPI, generally should not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation, unless:

 

  (1)  

the investment in our common stock is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such dividends are attributable), in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. holders with respect to such gain, except that a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to a branch profits tax of up to 30%, as discussed above; or

 

  (2)  

the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% on the non-U.S. holder’s capital gains (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty), which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of such non-U.S. holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.

Pursuant to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, which is referred to as “FIRPTA,” distributions to a non-U.S. holder that are attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of USRPIs, whether or not designated as capital gain dividends, will cause the non-U.S. holder to be treated as recognizing such gain as income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. Non-U.S. holders generally would be taxed at the regular rates applicable to U.S. holders, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. We also will be required to withhold and to remit to the IRS 21% of any distribution to non-U.S. holders attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of USRPIs. Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation. The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. However, any distribution with respect to any class of stock that is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market located in the United States is not subject to FIRPTA, and therefore, not subject to the 21% U.S. withholding tax described above, if the non-U.S. holder did not own more than 10% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. Instead, such distributions generally will be treated as ordinary dividend distributions and subject to withholding in the manner described above with respect to ordinary dividends. In addition, distributions to certain non-U.S. publicly traded shareholders that meet certain record-keeping and other requirements (“qualified shareholders”) are exempt from FIRPTA, except to the extent owners of such qualified shareholders that are not also qualified shareholders own, actually or constructively, more than 10% of our capital stock. Furthermore, distributions to certain “qualified foreign pension funds” or entities all of the interests of which are held by “qualified foreign pension funds” are exempt from FIRPTA. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these rules.

Retention of Net Capital Gains. Although the law is not clear on the matter, it appears that amounts we designate as retained net capital gains in respect of our common stock should be treated with respect to non-U.S.

 

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holders as actual distributions of capital gain dividends. Under this approach, the non-U.S. holders may be able to offset as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability their proportionate share of the tax paid by us on such retained net capital gains and to receive from the IRS a refund to the extent their proportionate share of such tax paid by us exceeds their actual U.S. federal income tax liability. If we were to designate any portion of our net capital gain as retained net capital gain, non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the taxation of such retained net capital gain.

Sale of Our Common Stock. Gain realized by a non-U.S. holder upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our common stock generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless such stock constitutes a USRPI. In general, stock of a domestic corporation that constitutes a “United States real property holding corporation,” or USRPHC, will constitute a USRPI. We believe that we are a USRPHC. Our common stock will not, however, constitute a USRPI so long as we are a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity.” A “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” includes a REIT in which at all times during a five-year testing period less than 50% in value of its stock is held directly or indirectly by non-United States persons, subject to certain rules. For purposes of determining whether a REIT is a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity,” a person who at all applicable times holds less than 5% of a class of stock that is “regularly traded” is treated as a United States person unless the REIT has actual knowledge that such person is not a United States person. Proposed Treasury Regulations, if finalized, would provide additional guidance for determining whether a REIT is a domestically controlled qualified investment entity and clarify, among other things, that ownership by non-U.S. persons (other than persons treated as United States persons as described in the preceding sentence) will be determined by looking through pass-through entities and certain U.S. corporations. We believe, but cannot guarantee, that we are a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity.” Because our common stock will be publicly traded upon completion of this offering of our common stock (and, we anticipate, will continue to be publicly traded), no assurance can be given that we will continue to be a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity.”

Even if we do not qualify as a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” at the time a non-U.S. holder sells our common stock, gain realized from the sale or other taxable disposition by a non-U.S. holder of such common stock would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI if:

 

  (1)  

our common stock is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market such as the                ; and

 

  (2)  

such non-U.S. holder owned, actually and constructively, 10% or less of our common stock throughout the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or other taxable disposition or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period.

In addition, dispositions of our common stock by qualified shareholders are exempt from FIRPTA, except to the extent owners of such qualified shareholders that are not also qualified shareholders own, actually or constructively, more than 10% of our capital stock. Furthermore, dispositions of our common stock by certain “qualified foreign pension funds” or entities all of the interests of which are held by “qualified foreign pension funds” are exempt from FIRPTA. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these rules.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, gain from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our common stock not otherwise subject to FIRPTA will be taxable to a non-U.S. holder if either (a) the investment in our common stock is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such gain is attributable), in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. holders with respect to such gain, except that a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such gain, as adjusted for certain items, or (b) the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the

 

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taxable year and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to a 30% tax on the non-U.S. holder’s capital gains (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty), which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of the non-U.S. holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses. In addition, even if we are a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, upon disposition of our common stock, a non-U.S. holder may be treated as having gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of a USRPI if the non-U.S. holder (1) disposes of such stock within a 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution, any portion of which, but for the disposition, would have been treated as gain from the sale or exchange of a USRPI and (2) acquires, or enters into a contract or option to acquire, or is deemed to acquire, other shares of that stock during the 61-day period beginning with the first day of the 30-day period described in clause (1), unless our common stock is “regularly traded” and the non-U.S. holder did not own more than 10% of our common stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution described in clause (1).

If gain on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our common stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. holder would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return and would be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax with respect to such gain in the same manner as a taxable U.S. holder (subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals). In addition, if the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our common stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, and if shares of our common stock were not “regularly traded” on an established securities market, the purchaser of such common stock generally would be required to withhold and remit to the IRS 15% of the purchase price.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

U.S. Holders. A U.S. holder may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding when such holder receives payments on our common stock or proceeds from the sale or other taxable disposition of such stock. Certain U.S. holders are exempt from backup withholding, including corporations and certain tax-exempt organizations. A U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding if such holder is not otherwise exempt and:

 

   

the holder fails to furnish the holder’s taxpayer identification number, which for an individual is ordinarily his or her social security number;

 

   

the holder furnishes an incorrect taxpayer identification number;

 

   

the applicable withholding agent is notified by the IRS that the holder previously failed to properly report payments of interest or dividends; or

 

   

the holder fails to certify under penalties of perjury that the holder has furnished a correct taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified the holder that the holder is subject to backup withholding.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their qualification for an exemption from backup withholding and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption.

Non-U.S. Holders. Payments of dividends on our common stock generally will not be subject to backup withholding, provided the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know the holder is a United States person and the holder either certifies its non-U.S. status, such as by furnishing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8ECI, or otherwise establishes an exemption. However, information returns are required to be filed with the IRS in connection with any distributions on our common stock paid to the non-U.S. holder, regardless of whether such distributions constitute a dividend or whether any tax was actually withheld. In addition, proceeds of the sale or other taxable disposition of such stock within the United States or

 

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conducted through certain U.S.-related brokers generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting if the applicable withholding agent receives the certification described above and does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person, or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Proceeds of a disposition of such stock conducted through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting.

Copies of information returns that are filed with the IRS may also be made available under the provisions of an applicable treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Medicare Contribution Tax on Unearned Income

Certain U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or trusts are required to pay an additional 3.8% tax on, among other things, dividends on stock and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, subject to certain limitations. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of these rules on their ownership and disposition of our common stock.

Additional Withholding Tax on Payments Made to Foreign Accounts

Withholding taxes may be imposed under Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code (such sections commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA) on certain types of payments made to non-U.S. financial institutions and certain other non-U.S. entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on our common stock or (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below) gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our common stock, in each case paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations, (2) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in clause (1) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons” or “United States owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.

Under the applicable Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of dividends on our common stock. While withholding under FATCA would have applied also to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of stock on or after January 1, 2019, proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued. Because we may not know the extent to which a distribution is a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the time it is made, for purposes of these withholding rules we may treat the entire distribution as a dividend.

Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of withholding under FATCA to their investment in our common stock.

 

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Other Tax Consequences

State, local and non-U.S. income tax laws may differ substantially from the corresponding U.S. federal income tax laws, and this discussion does not purport to describe any aspect of the tax laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction, or any U.S. federal tax other than income tax. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the effect of state, local and non-U.S. tax laws with respect to our tax treatment as a REIT and on an investment in our common stock.

 

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ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or ERISA, and the Code impose certain restrictions on (a) employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), (b) plans described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code, including individual retirement accounts and annuities, (c) any entities whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of a plan’s investment in such entities (each an “ERISA Plan”) and persons who have certain specified relationships to such ERISA Plans (“Parties-in-Interest” under ERISA and “Disqualified Persons” under the Code). Moreover, based on the reasoning of the United States Supreme Court in John Hancock Life Ins. Co. v. Harris Trust and Sav. Bank, 510 U.S. 86 (1993), an insurance company’s general account may be deemed to include assets of the ERISA Plans investing in the general account (e.g., through the purchase of an annuity contract), and the insurance company might be treated as a Party-in-Interest with respect to a Plan by virtue of such investment. In addition, federal, state, local, church and non-U.S. plans may be subject to provisions under federal, state, local or non-U.S. laws or regulations that are similar to such provisions of the Code or ERISA, or collectively, Similar Laws. ERISA also imposes certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries of ERISA Plans subject to ERISA and prohibits certain transactions between such a Plan and Parties-in-Interest or Disqualified Persons with respect to such ERISA Plans. Under ERISA and the Code, any person who exercises any discretionary authority or control over the administration of such an ERISA Plan or the management or disposition of the assets of such an ERISA Plan, or who renders investment advice for a fee or other compensation to such an ERISA Plan, is generally considered to be a fiduciary of the ERISA Plan.

In considering an investment in our common stock of a portion of the assets of any plan, a fiduciary should determine whether the investment is in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the plan and the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code or any Similar Law relating to a fiduciary’s duties to the plan including, without limitation, the prudence, diversification, delegation of control and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA, the Code and any other applicable Similar Laws.

Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit ERISA Plans from engaging in specified transactions involving plan assets with Parties-In-Interest or Disqualified Persons unless an exemption is available. A Party-in-Interest or Disqualified Person who engages in a non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to excise taxes under the Code and other penalties and liabilities under ERISA and may result in the loss of tax-exempt status of an Individual Retirement Account. In addition, the fiduciary of an ERISA Plan that engages in such a non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to personal liabilities under ERISA.

The United States Department of Labor, or the DOL, has issued a regulation (29 C.F.R. § 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA) concerning the definition of what constitutes the assets of an ERISA Plan (the “Plan Asset Regulations”). These regulations provide that, as a general rule, the underlying assets and properties of corporations, partnerships, trusts and certain other entities in which an ERISA Plan purchases an “equity interest” will be deemed for purposes of ERISA to be assets of the investing ERISA Plan unless a certain exception applies. The Plan Asset Regulations define an “equity interest” as any interest in an entity other than an instrument that is treated as indebtedness under applicable local law and which has no substantial equity features. Our common stock included in this offering should be treated as “equity interests” for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations.

The Plan Asset Regulations provide exceptions to the look-through rule for equity interests in some types of entities, including any entity which qualifies as either a “real estate operating company” or a “venture capital operating company.” Under the Plan Asset Regulations, a “real estate operating company” is defined generally, as an entity: (i) which on testing dates has at least 50% of its assets, other than short-term investments pending long-term commitment or distribution to investors, valued at cost; (ii) invested in real estate which is managed or developed and with respect to which the entity has the right to substantially participate directly in the management or development activities; and (iii) which, in the ordinary course of its business, is engaged directly in real estate management or development activities.

 

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According to those same regulations, a “venture capital operating company” is defined, generally, as an entity that on testing dates has at least 50% of its assets, other than short-term investments pending long-term commitment or distribution to investors, valued at cost invested in one or more operating companies with respect to which the entity has management rights; and that, in the ordinary course of its business, actually exercises its management rights with respect to one or more of the operating companies in which it invests.

Another exception under the Plan Asset Regulations applies to “publicly offered securities,” which are defined as securities that are: (i) freely transferable; (ii) part of a class of securities that is widely held; and (iii) either part of a class of securities that is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, or sold to an ERISA Plan as part of an offering of securities to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and the class of securities of which this security is a part is registered under the Exchange Act within 120 days, or longer if allowed by the SEC, after the end of the fiscal year of the issuer during which this offering of these securities to the public occurred.

Whether a security is considered “freely transferable” depends on the facts and circumstances of each case. Under the Plan Asset Regulations, if the security is part of an offering in which the minimum investment is $10,000 or less, then any restriction on or prohibition against any transfer or assignment of the security for the purposes of preventing a termination or reclassification of the entity for federal or state tax purposes or which would violate any state or federal statute, regulation, court order, judicial decree, or rule of law will not ordinarily prevent the security from being considered freely transferable. Additionally, limitations or restrictions on the transfer or assignment of a security that are created or imposed by persons other than the issuer of the security or persons acting for or on behalf of the issuer will ordinarily not prevent the security from being considered freely transferable.

A class of securities is considered “widely held” if it is a class of securities that is owned by 100 or more investors independent of the issuer and of one another. A security will not fail to be “widely held” because the number of independent investors falls below 100 subsequent to the initial public offering as a result of events beyond the issuer’s control.

We expect that our common stock will meet the criteria of the publicly offered securities exception to the look-through rule. First, our common stock should be considered to be freely transferable, as the minimum investment will be less than $10,000 and the only restrictions upon transfer of our common stock are those generally permitted under the Plan Asset Regulations, those required under federal tax laws to maintain our status as a REIT, resale restrictions under applicable federal securities laws with respect to securities not purchased pursuant to a registered public offering and those owned by officers, directors and other affiliates, and voluntary restrictions agreed to by a selling shareholder regarding volume limitations.

Second, we expect (although we cannot confirm) that our common stock will be held by 100 or more investors and that at least 100 or more of these investors will be independent of us and of one another.

Third, our common stock included in this offering will be part of an offering of securities to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and our common stock will be registered under the Exchange Act.

If, however, none of the exceptions under the Plan Asset Regulations were applicable to us and we were deemed to hold plan assets subject to ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, such plan assets would include an undivided interest in the assets held by us. In such event, such assets and the persons providing services with respect to such assets would be subject to the fiduciary responsibility provisions of Title I of ERISA and the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code.

In addition, if our assets were treated as plan assets: (i) the prudence and other fiduciary responsibility standards of ERISA would apply to certain investments made by us, and (ii) certain of our activities could be

 

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deemed to constitute a transaction prohibited under Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (e.g., the extension of credit between an ERISA Plan and a Party in Interest or Disqualified Person). Such transactions may, however, be subject to a statutory or administrative exemptions, such as Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption, or PTCE 84-14, as amended, which exempts certain transactions effected on behalf of an ERISA Plan by a “qualified professional asset manager,” as discussed below.

Whether or not our underlying assets are deemed to include “plan assets” as described above, the acquisition and/or holding of our common stock by an ERISA Plan with respect to which we or an underwriter is considered a Party-In-Interest or a Disqualified Person may constitute or result in a direct or indirect prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code, unless the investment is acquired and is held in accordance with an applicable statutory, class or individual prohibited transaction exemption. In this regard, the DOL has issued prohibited transaction class exemptions, or PTCEs, that may apply to the acquisition and holding of our common stock. These class exemptions include, without limitation, PTCE 84-14 respecting transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers, PTCE 90-1 respecting insurance company pooled separate accounts, PTCE 91-38 respecting bank collective investment funds, PTCE 95-60 respecting life insurance company general accounts and PTCE 96-23 respecting transactions determined by in-house asset managers. In addition, Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code provide an exemption from certain of the prohibited transaction provision of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code, provided that neither the issuer of the securities nor any of its affiliates (directly or indirectly) have or exercise any discretionary authority or control or render any investment advice with respect to the assets of any ERISA Plan involved in the transaction and provided further that the ERISA Plan pays no more than adequate consideration in connection with the transaction. There can be no assurance that all of the conditions of any such exemptions will be satisfied.

Neither we, nor any underwriter, nor any of our respective affiliates, agents or employees (the “Transaction Parties”) will act as a fiduciary to any ERISA Plan with respect to the ERISA Plan’s decision to invest in common stock, and none of the Transaction Parties is undertaking to provide impartial investment advice or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity in connection with any ERISA Plan’s acquisition of common stock. Each fiduciary or other person with investment responsibilities over the assets of an ERISA Plan considering an investment in common stock must carefully consider the above factors before making an investment.

In addition, the person making the decision to acquire common stock on behalf of an ERISA Plan (the “Plan Fiduciary”) from a Transaction Party will be deemed to have represented and warranted that (1) none of the Transaction Parties has provided or will provide advice with respect to the acquisition of common stock by the ERISA Plan, other than to the Plan Fiduciary which is independent of the Transaction Parties, and the Plan Fiduciary either: (a) is a bank as defined in Section 202 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”), or similar institution that is regulated and supervised and subject to periodic examination by a state or federal agency; (b) is an insurance carrier which is qualified under the laws of more than one state to perform the services of managing, acquiring or disposing of assets of an ERISA Plan; (c) is an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act, or, if not registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act by reason of paragraph (1) of Section 203a of the Advisers Act, is registered as an investment adviser under the laws of the state in which it maintains its principal office and place of business; (d) is a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act; or (e) has, and at all times during the ERISA Plan’s holding of common stock will have, total assets of at least U.S. $50,000,000 under its management or control (provided that this clause (e) shall not be satisfied if the Plan Fiduciary is either (i) the owner or a relative of the owner of the individual retirement account that is acquiring common stock, or (ii) a participant or beneficiary of the ERISA Plan acquiring common stock in such capacity); (2) the Plan Fiduciary is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with respect to particular transactions and investment strategies, including the acquisition of common stock by the ERISA Plan; (3) the Plan Fiduciary is a “fiduciary” with respect to the ERISA Plan within the meaning of Section 3(21) of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code, or both, and is responsible for exercising independent judgment in evaluating the ERISA Plan’s acquisition of common stock; (4) none of the Transaction Parties has exercised any authority to cause the ERISA Plan to acquire common stock or to negotiate the terms of

 

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such acquisition; (5) none of the Transaction Parties receives a fee or other compensation from the ERISA Plan or the Plan Fiduciary for the provision of investment advice in connection with the decision to acquire common stock; and (6) the Plan Fiduciary has been informed by the Transaction Parties: (a) (i) that none of the Transaction Parties is undertaking to provide impartial investment advice or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, and (ii) that no such entity has given investment advice or otherwise made a recommendation, in connection with the ERISA Plan’s acquisition of common stock (other than advice, if any, given by a Transaction Party to an independent Plan Fiduciary that meets the requirements of clause (1) above); and (b) of the existence and nature of the Transaction Parties’ financial interests in the ERISA Plan’s acquisition of common stock. The above representations are intended to comply with the DOL’s Reg. Sections 29 C.F.R. 2510.3-21(a) and (c)(1) as promulgated on April 8, 2016 (81 Fed. Reg. 20,997). If these regulations are revoked, repealed or no longer effective, these representations shall be deemed to be no longer in effect.

Each plan fiduciary should consult with its counsel with respect to the potential applicability of ERISA and the Code to such investment or similar rules that may apply to plans subject to Similar Law. Each plan fiduciary should also determine on its own whether any exceptions or exemptions are necessary and applicable and whether all conditions of any such exceptions or exemptions have been satisfied.

Moreover, each ERISA Plan fiduciary should determine whether, under the general fiduciary standards of investment prudence and diversification, acquiring common stock is appropriate for the ERISA Plan, taking into account the overall investment policy of the ERISA Plan and the composition of the ERISA Plan’s investment portfolio.

The foregoing discussion is general in nature, is not intended to be all-inclusive, and is based on laws in effect on the date of this prospectus. Such discussion should not be construed as legal advice. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries of ERISA Plans and other persons considering purchasing our common stock on behalf of, or with the assets of, any ERISA Plan consult with counsel regarding the potential applicability of ERISA, and Section 4975 of the Code to such investment and whether any exceptions or exemptions are applicable (including the publicly offered securities exception) and whether all conditions of any such exceptions or exemptions have been satisfied.

 

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UNDERWRITERS

Under the terms and subject to the conditions in an underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, the underwriters named below, for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are acting as representatives, have severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to them, severally, the number of shares indicated below:

 

Name

  

Number of

Shares

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

                       

BofA Securities, Inc.

                       

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

                       

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

                       

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

                       

Total:

                       
  

 

 

 

The underwriters and the representatives are collectively referred to as the “underwriters” and the “representatives,” respectively. The underwriters are offering the shares of common stock subject to their acceptance of the shares from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus if any such shares are taken. However, the underwriters are not required to take or pay for the shares covered by the underwriters’ over-allotment option described below.

The underwriters initially propose to offer part of the shares of common stock directly to the public at the offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus and part to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $         per share under the public offering price. After the initial offering of the shares of common stock, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the representatives.

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to                  additional shares of common stock at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase about the same percentage of the additional shares of common stock as the number listed next to the underwriter’s name in the preceding table bears to the total number of shares of common stock listed next to the names of all underwriters in the preceding table.

The following table shows the per share and total public offering price, underwriting discounts and commissions, and proceeds before expenses to us. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase up to an additional                  shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

            Total  
     Per
Share
     No
Exercise
     Full
Exercise
 

Public offering price

   $                    $                    $                

Underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid by us

   $                    $                    $                

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

   $                    $                    $                

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

The estimated offering expenses payable by us, exclusive of the underwriting discounts and commissions, are approximately $        . We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for expenses relating to clearance of this offering with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority up to $        .

The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend sales to discretionary accounts to exceed 5% of the total number of shares of common stock offered by them.

We intend to apply to list our common stock on the                  under the trading symbol “LNGE”.

We and all of our directors and officers and holders of all of our outstanding stock have agreed that, without the prior written consent of                      on behalf of the underwriters, we and they will not, and will not publicly disclose an intention to, during the period ending      days after the date of this prospectus (the “restricted period”):

 

   

offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of common stock;

 

   

file any registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the offering of any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock; or

 

   

enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the common stock

whether any such transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. In addition, we and each such person agrees that, without the prior written consent of                      on behalf of the underwriters, we or such other person will not, during the restricted period, make any demand for, or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock.

The restrictions described in the immediately preceding paragraph do not apply to:

 

   

the sale of shares to the underwriters; or

 

   

the issuance by us of shares of common stock upon the exercise of an option or a warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date of this prospectus of which the underwriters have been advised in writing;

 

   

transactions by any person other than us relating to shares of common stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the offering of the shares; provided that no filing under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is required or voluntarily made in connection with subsequent sales of the common stock or other securities acquired in such open market transactions; or

 

   

facilitating the establishment of a trading plan on behalf of a shareholder, officer or director of our company pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of common stock, provided that (i) such plan does not provide for the transfer of common stock during the restricted period and (ii) to the extent a public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act, if any, is required of or voluntarily made by us regarding the establishment of such plan, such announcement or filing shall include a statement to the effect that no transfer of common stock may be made under such plan during the restricted period.

                    , in their sole discretion, may release the common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

In order to facilitate the offering of the common stock, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock. Specifically, the underwriters may sell more shares than they are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short position. A short sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the number of shares available for purchase by the underwriters under the over-allotment option. The underwriters can close out a covered short sale by exercising the over-allotment option or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out a covered short sale, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the open market price of shares compared to the price available under the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also sell shares in excess of the over-allotment option, creating a naked short position. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. As an additional means of facilitating this offering, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, shares of common stock in the open market to stabilize the price of the common stock. These activities may raise or maintain the market price of the common stock above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the common stock. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

We and the underwriters have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on websites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of shares of common stock to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory and investment banking services for us, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and/or their respective affiliates are acting as lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility, our Term Loan and/or our CMBS loans, and will receive their pro rata portion of the net proceeds from this offering used to repay amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, our Term Loan and/or our CMBS loans. In their capacity as lenders, these affiliates will receive certain financing fees in connection with these loans in addition to the underwriting discount that may result from this offering. Accordingly, more than 5% of the net proceeds of this offering are intended be used to repay amounts owed to affiliates of the underwriters. Affiliates of certain of the underwriters and/or their respective affiliates are acting as agents, arrangers and/or lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility and/or our Term Loan and will receive customary fees.

In addition, in the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may at any time hold long and short positions in such securities and instruments. Such investment and securities activities may involve our securities and instruments. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Pricing of Offering

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price was determined by negotiations between us and the representatives. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price were our future prospects and those of our industry in general, our sales, earnings and certain other financial and operating information in recent periods, and the price-earnings ratios, price-sales ratios, market prices of securities, and certain financial and operating information of companies engaged in activities similar to ours.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters, including certain tax matters, will be passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP, Los Angeles, California. Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston, Massachusetts, will act as counsel to the underwriters. Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, will pass upon the validity of the shares of our common stock sold in this offering and certain other matters under Maryland law.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Lineage, Inc. as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and for the years then ended, have been included herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Certain statistical and economic market data included in this prospectus, including information relating to                      contained in “Prospectus Summary” and “Market Opportunity” is derived from market information prepared for us by                     , a                     , and is included in this prospectus in reliance on                     ’s authority as an expert in such matters.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We maintain a web site at www.onelineage.com. Information contained on our web site is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on our web site to be part of this prospectus.

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-11, of which this prospectus constitutes a part, with the SEC under the Securities Act with respect to this offering of our common stock. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, which also includes numerous exhibits and schedules. For further information with respect to our company and the shares of common stock offered hereby, reference is made to the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules thereto. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and where such document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the contents of the full document. Our SEC filings, including our registration statement, are available to you, free of charge, on the SEC’s web site, www.sec.gov.

As a result of this offering, we will become subject to the information and periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and we will file periodic reports and other information with the SEC. These periodic reports and other information will be available for inspection and copying at the SEC’s public reference facilities and through the SEC’s web site referred to above.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors

Lineage, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lineage, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity, and cash flows for each of the years then ended and the related notes and financial statement schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Indicators that real estate assets may not be recoverable

As discussed in Notes 5 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company had $7,866.2 million of buildings, building improvements and refrigeration equipment, $1,363.4 million of land and land improvements, $677.0 million of net operating lease right-of-use assets, and $1,285.6 million in net finance lease right-of-use assets (collectively, the real estate assets) as of December 31, 2022. The Company evaluates its real

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

estate assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, or when the assets are held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the Company assesses whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset and the residual value from the ultimate disposal of the asset exceeds the carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the Company reduces the carrying value to fair value and records an impairment loss in earnings.

We identified the evaluation of indicators that the carrying value of real estate assets may not be recoverable as a critical audit matter. In particular, judgments regarding the future operating cash flows of the real estate assets and the assessment of changes in market conditions on the determination of when impairment indicators exist required a high degree of auditor judgment.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the Company’s assessment by:

 

   

Inquiring of Company officials and inspecting documents such as meeting minutes of the Board of Directors to identify indicators that real estate assets may not be recoverable

 

   

observing the property conditions of certain cold storage warehouses and inquiring of general managers regarding events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the real estate assets may be impaired

 

   

comparing a selection of the Company’s historical estimated cash flows by property to actual results to assess the Company’s ability to accurately forecast

 

   

observing market conditions and property operating metrics for real estate assets.

Fair value of real property and customer relationships

As discussed in Notes 1(k), 4(d), and 4(e) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company acquired Kloosterboer Group B.V. and subsidiaries (collectively, Kloosterboer) on October 1, 2021, and the Company acquired VersaCold GP Inc., 1309266 BC ULC, and VersaCold Acquireco, L.P. and subsidiaries (collectively, VersaCold) on August 2, 2022. The acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations and, as such, the Company recognized and measured the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective acquisition-date fair values. The fair value assigned to acquired property, plant, and equipment (including real property) and customer relationships intangibles of Kloosterboer, inclusive of measurement period adjustments, was $520.4 million and $313.6 million, respectively. The fair value assigned to acquired property, plant, and equipment (including real property) and customer relationships intangibles of VersaCold was $726.8 million and $96.6 million, respectively.

We identified the evaluation of the fair value measurements of the real property and customer relationships acquired in the Kloosterboer and VersaCold acquisitions as a critical audit matter. A high degree of subjective auditor judgment and specialized skills and knowledge were required to evaluate the significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these acquired assets, including:

 

   

comparable sales of real property

 

   

revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates, and discount rates for acquired customer relationships.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design of certain internal controls related to the Company’s process to allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets, including controls related to the selection and review of the above noted significant assumptions. For the acquired customer relationships, we compared forecasted revenue growth rates used by management for a selection of warehouse sites to current economic trends derived from external sources and the historical results of

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

the acquired business. We involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in evaluating:

 

   

the fair value of a selection of real property acquired by comparing the Company’s estimates to independently-developed ranges using publicly-available market data of recent comparable real property sales

 

   

the fair value of customer relationships by comparing, for a selection of warehouse sites acquired, customer attrition rates and discount rates to independently developed ranges using publicly available market data for comparable companies and recent acquisitions.

Fair value of developed technology

As discussed in Notes 1(k) and 4(c) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company acquired Turvo, Inc. on June 1, 2022. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and, as such, the Company recognized and measured the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective acquisition-date fair values. The fair value assigned to the acquired developed technology intangible asset was $31.5 million.

We identified the evaluation of the fair value measurement of the developed technology acquired in the Turvo, Inc. acquisition as a critical audit matter. A high degree of subjective auditor judgment and specialized skills and knowledge were required to evaluate the significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the developed technology, including the revenue growth rates, obsolescence rate, and discount rate.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design of certain internal controls related to the Company’s process to allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets, including controls related to the selection and review of the above noted significant assumptions. We compared the forecasted revenue growth rates used by management to current economic trends derived from external sources and the historical results of the acquired business. We involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in evaluating the fair value of developed technology by comparing the obsolescence rate to a third-party technology study and the discount rate to independently developed ranges using publicly available market data for comparable companies and recent acquisitions.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Detroit, Michigan

October 31, 2023

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions, except per share and share amounts)

 

     December 31,  
     2022     2021  

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 170.6     $ 209.1  

Restricted cash

     31.4       31.0  

Accounts receivable, net

     935.7       692.9  

Inventories

     156.8       144.5  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     104.5       165.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     1,399.0       1,242.7  

Non-current assets:

    

Property, plant, and equipment, net

     10,103.9       8,750.9  

Finance lease right-of-use assets, net

     1,285.6       1,421.3  

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

     677.0       617.0  

Equity method investments

     83.9       72.2  

Goodwill

     3,319.3       2,842.2  

Other intangible assets, net

     1,331.4       1,296.4  

Other assets

     371.7       175.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 18,571.8     $ 16,418.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 1,100.8     $ 812.4  

Accrued distributions

     10.7       147.7  

Deferred revenue

     91.8       67.2  

Current portion of long-term debt, net

     36.4       19.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,239.7       1,046.8  

Non-current liabilities:

    

Long-term finance lease obligations

     1,323.5       1,424.5  

Long-term operating lease obligations

     632.3       593.6  

Deferred income tax liability

     418.3       384.3  

Long-term debt, net

     8,697.4       7,567.3  

Other long-term liabilities

     163.3       125.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     12,474.5       11,141.8  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)

    

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

     297.8       361.1  

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share – 500,000,000 authorized shares; 160,400,437 and 148,382,871 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively

     1.6       1.5  

Additional paid-in capital

     5,915.0       4,995.0  

Series A preferred stock, $1,000 par value per share—100,000,000 authorized shares; 630 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021

     0.6       0.6  

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

     (742.4     (667.0

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (16.2     9.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     5,158.6       4,339.6  

Noncontrolling interests

     640.9       576.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     5,799.5       4,915.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and equity

   $ 18,571.8     $ 16,418.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
           2022                 2021        

Net revenues

   $ 4,928.3     $ 3,702.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of operations

     3,481.7       2,579.8  

General and administrative

     387.9       278.8  

Depreciation expense

     479.5       416.1  

Amortization expense

     197.7       187.6  

Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses

     92.7       160.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     4,639.5       3,622.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     288.8       79.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

    

Equity income (loss), net of tax

     (0.2     (0.3

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net

     (23.8     (34.0

Interest expense, net

     (347.0     (259.6

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

     1.4       (4.1

Other nonoperating income (expense)

     2.3       4.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expense, net

     (367.3     (293.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

     (78.5     (214.2

Income tax expense (benefit)

     10.2       (27.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     (88.7     (187.1

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (13.3     (23.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Lineage, Inc.

     (75.4     (163.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

    

Unrealized gain on foreign currency hedges and interest rate hedges

     192.8       38.8  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (221.5     (114.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     (117.4     (262.9

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

     (16.9     (32.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Lineage, Inc.

   $ (100.5   $ (230.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.59   $ (1.41
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.59   $ (1.41
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (in millions):

    

Basic

     152.0       131.0  

Diluted

     152.0       131.0  

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY

(dollars in millions, except number of shares and par value amounts)

 

                   Common Stock                                 
     Redeemable
noncontrolling
interests
            Number of
shares
     Par
value
     Additional
paid-in
capital
    Series A
preferred
stock
     Retained
earnings
(accumulated
deficit)
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Noncontrolling
interests
    Total
equity
 

Balance as of December 31, 2020

   $ 10.4             117,405,081      $ 1.2      $ 3,042.0     $ 0.1      $ (374.6   $ 74.9     $ 437.2     $ 3,180.8  

Common stock issuances, net of equity raise costs

                 30,217,112        0.3        2,122.3                                2,122.6  

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

                               169.1                          114.2       283.3  

Distributions

                                            (128.5           (96.4     (224.9

Common & Series A Preferred stock issued in acquisitions

                 680,562               54.5       0.5                          55.0  

Stock-based compensation

                 80,116               5.1                          9.5       14.6  

Operating Partnership units issued in acquisitions

     22.2                           63.5                          13.1       76.6  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (0.6                                            (66.1     (9.1     (75.2

Expiration of redemption option

     (2.0                                                  2.0       2.0  

Noncontrolling interests acquired in business combinations

     308.3                                                    6.2       6.2  

Redemption of Operating Partnership units

                               (151.5                        (124.4     (275.9

Redemption of units issued as stock compensation

                               (37.1                        (2.5     (39.6

Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests

     23.9                           (23.9                              (23.9

Net income (loss)

     (1.1                                      (163.9           (22.1     (186.0

Reallocation of noncontrolling interests

                               (249.0                  0.7       248.3        
  

 

 

         

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2021

   $ 361.1             148,382,871      $ 1.5      $ 4,995.0     $ 0.6      $ (667.0   $ 9.5     $ 576.0     $ 4,915.6  
  

 

 

         

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY

(dollars in millions, except number of shares and par value amounts)

 

               Common Stock                                
    Redeemable
noncontrolling
interests
          Number of
shares
    Par value     Additional
paid-in capital
    Series A
preferred stock
    Retained
earnings/
(accumulated
deficit)
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Noncontrolling
interests
    Total
equity
 

Balance as of December 31, 2021

  $ 361.1            148,382,871     $ 1.5     $ 4,995.0     $ 0.6     $ (667.0   $ 9.5     $ 576.0     $ 4,915.6  

Common stock issuances, net of equity raise costs

               11,089,938       0.1       935.3                               935.4  

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

                           10.0                         5.8       15.8  

Settlement of contingent consideration

                           1.0                         0.6       1.6  

Distributions

                                                   (42.5     (42.5

Common stock issued in acquisitions

               771,878             69.5                               69.5  

Operating Partnership units issued in acquisitions

    7.2                        19.1                         0.3       19.4  

Stock-based compensation

               93,425             8.9                         7.9       16.8  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    (0.2                                        (25.1     (3.4     (28.5

Issuance of REIT subsidiary preferred shares

                                                   0.1       0.1  

Preferred dividend/redemption

                                 (0.1                 (0.2     (0.3

Common stock issued in exchange for redeemable noncontrolling interests

               111,611             10.0                               10.0  

Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests

    (10.1                      (0.1                             (0.1

Partial redemption of convertible redeemable noncontrolling interests

    (77.1                      21.4                               21.4  

Redemption of units issued as stock compensation

               (49,286           (27.8                       (1.3     (29.1

Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment

    (18.2                      18.2                               18.2  

Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests

    34.3                        (34.3                             (34.3

Net income (loss)

    0.8                              0.1       (75.4           (14.2     (89.5

Reallocation of noncontrolling interests

                           (111.2                 (0.6     111.8        
 

 

 

        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2022

  $ 297.8            160,400,437     $ 1.6     $ 5,915.0     $ 0.6     $ (742.4   $ (16.2   $ 640.9     $ 5,799.5  
 

 

 

        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2022     2021  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (88.7   $ (187.1

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Provision for bad debts

     4.6       4.7  

Impairment of long-lived assets

     0.6       7.1  

Depreciation and amortization

     677.2       603.7  

(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net

     (1.4     4.1  

Amortization of deferred financing costs and above/below market debt

     17.0       24.0  

Stock-based compensation

     16.8       14.6  

(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions, net

     23.8       34.0  

Deferred income tax

     (37.4     (66.8

Other operating activities

     5.3       3.5  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities (excluding effects of acquisitions):

    

Accounts receivable

     (155.5     (102.6

Prepaid expenses, other assets, and other long-term liabilities

     (53.6     (42.8

Inventories

     (13.0     (13.6

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and deferred revenue

     92.6       46.9  

ROU assets and lease liabilities

     12.6       0.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     500.9       329.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Business combinations, net of cash acquired

     (1,589.8     (2,459.5

Real estate purchases

     (49.8     (217.6

Deposits on pending acquisitions

     92.9       (96.8

Purchase of property, plant, and equipment

     (812.9     (689.1

Proceeds from sale of assets

     4.0       9.4  

Proceeds from the sale of Emergent Cold Peru S.A.C.

           45.4  

Payments on notes receivable

     3.5       1.5  

Other investing activity

     (16.7     (6.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,368.8     (3,413.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Capital contributions, net of equity raise costs

     942.0       2,122.6  

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

     2.2       236.9  

Distributions to stockholders

     (122.1     (148.4

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

     (57.6     (51.0

Redemption of noncontrolling interests

           (275.9

Partial redemption of convertible redeemable noncontrolling interests

     (55.7      

Deferred financing fees

     (8.8     (15.7

Proceeds from long-term debt

     946.2       1,705.6  

Repayments of long-term debt and finance leases

     (103.0     (743.1

Payment of deferred and contingent consideration liabilities

     (8.2     (0.7

Borrowings on revolving line of credit

     2,465.1       2,572.0  

Repayments on revolving line of credit

     (2,152.0     (2,335.0

Redemption of units issued as stock compensation

     (8.4     (39.6

Other financing activity

     0.5       (0.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,840.2       3,027.4  

Impact of foreign exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

     (10.4     (7.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

     (38.1     (63.2

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

     240.1       303.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the period

   $ 202.0     $ 240.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-9


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
     2022     2021  

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for taxes

   $ 74.2     $ 39.4  

Cash paid for interest

   $ 353.7     $ 224.6  

Noncash activities:

    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 100.3     $ 33.7  

Accrued distributions to stockholders

   $     $ 122.1  

Accrued distributions to noncontrolling interests

   $ 10.7     $ 25.6  

Noncash distribution to noncontrolling interest

   $     $ 47.5  

Debt assumed on acquisitions

   $ 35.3     $ 23.6  

Notes receivable assumed on acquisitions

   $     $ (0.8

Equity issued on acquisitions

   $ 96.2     $ 452.4  

Net deferred and contingent consideration on acquisitions

   $ 30.4     $ 2.2  

Equity issued in exchange for redeemable noncontrolling interests

   $ 10.0     $  

Redemptions of stock-based compensation not yet paid in cash

   $ 7.2     $  

Noncash capital contribution

   $ (6.6   $  

Noncash capital contribution from noncontrolling interests

   $     $ (47.5

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

(1)

Significant accounting policies and practices

 

  (a)

Nature of operations

Lineage, Inc. (formerly Lineage Growth Properties, Inc.) was organized in 2017 under Maryland law by an affiliate of Bay Grove Capital, LLC (“Bay Grove Capital”) and elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for United States (U.S.) federal income tax purposes, commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2020. On January 31, 2020, the ownership of Lineage, Inc. was transferred to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC (formerly BG LLH, LLC), a Delaware limited liability company (“BG LH”), and BG LH immediately contributed to Lineage, Inc. all its interests in Lineage OP, LLC (formerly BG LLH Intermediate, LLC) (“Lineage OP” or the “Operating Partnership”). Lineage OP holds all direct interests in Lineage Logistics Holdings, LLC (“LLH”) other than the respective interests held by LLH MGMT Profits, LLC (“LLH MGMT”), LLH MGMT Profits II, LLC (“LLH MGMT II”), and BG Maverick, LLC (“BG Maverick”) as described below. The entities were considered to be under common control before the contribution, and therefore the financial statement presentation has combined the assets, liabilities, and operations of the entities at their historical carrying amounts.

Lineage, Inc. together with its subsidiaries (individually or collectively as the context requires, the “Company”) is a global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT with a modern and strategically located network of temperature-controlled warehouses. The Company offers a broad range of essential warehousing services and integrated solutions for a variety of customers with complex requirements in the food supply chain. The Company’s primary business is temperature-controlled warehousing, and the Company owns and operates the majority of its facilities. The Company provides customers with storage space, as well as handling and other warehousing services. The Company may rent to a customer an entire warehouse, a set amount of reserved space in a warehouse for a set term, or non-exclusive space in a warehouse pursuant to a storage agreement. In addition, the Company operates several critical and value-add temperature-controlled business lines within its integrated solutions business, including, among others, transportation and refrigerated rail car leasing. LLH is the Company’s principal operating subsidiary. Bay Grove Management Company, LLC (“Bay Grove Management”), an affiliate of Bay Grove Capital, provides LLH operating support pursuant to an operating services agreement.

 

  (b)

Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lineage, Inc. consolidated with the accounts of all subsidiaries and affiliates in which the Company holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Normally a controlling financial interest reflects ownership of a majority of the voting interests. The Company consolidates a variable interest entity (“VIE”) if it possesses both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affects its economic performance, and (a) is obligated to absorb the losses that could be significant to the VIE or (b) holds the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company does not have any VIEs that meet these requirements for consolidation.

 

  (c)

Use of estimates in preparation of financial statements

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and

 

F-11


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the financial statement date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. The Company bases its estimates on various factors and information which may include, but are not limited to, history and prior experience, expected future results, new related events, and economic conditions, which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

  (d)

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

The Company maintains its cash balances in financial institutions, which at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk related to cash and cash equivalents.

 

  (e)

Restricted cash

The Company has classified certain cash balances as restricted cash pursuant to workers’ compensation insurance policies and debt agreements.

 

  (f)

Accounts receivable and Notes receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and are stated net of estimated allowances for uncollectible balances. Notes receivable primarily consists of amounts that are due and payable related to various business transactions. The current portion of the notes receivable is recorded in Accounts receivable, net and the non-current portion is recorded in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The current portion of notes receivable was $1.6 million and $4.4 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The non-current portion of notes receivable was $30.9 million and $40.7 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Allowances for uncollectible balances are reserved based on expected credit losses. Management exercises judgement in establishing these allowances and considers the balance outstanding and payment history. The Company writes off receivables against the allowances after all reasonable collection efforts are exhausted. The Company’s allowance for accounts receivable was $8.8 million and $8.6 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Company sells certain customer accounts receivable to a third-party financial institution. The receivables are transferred without recourse and the Company has no further involvement in the collection of the outstanding receivables. Sales of receivables under this agreement are accounted for as true sales and excluded from accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. The costs incurred to sell the accounts receivable are not material to the Company.

 

  (g)

Derivatives

The Company enters into derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps and caps to manage interest rate exposures. The Company’s derivative instruments include instruments that qualify and instruments that do not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment. To qualify for hedge

 

F-12


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

accounting, the hedging relationship, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, must be expected to be highly effective at offsetting the variability in hedged cash flows attributable to the hedged risk (e.g., a variable interest rate index).

Certain of the Company’s foreign operations expose the Company to fluctuations of exchange rates. These fluctuations may impact the value of the Company’s cash receipts and payments in terms of the Company’s functional currency, the U.S. Dollar. The Company enters into foreign currency derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates between the functional currencies of the Company’s subsidiaries and the currencies of the underlying cash flows.

All derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value and are generally reported gross, regardless of netting arrangements. For derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting, on the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as a hedge of the variability of cash flows attributable to a designated hedged risk (e.g., interest rate or foreign exchange risk).

For derivatives designated as qualifying cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative and corresponding tax impact is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings and within the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Gains and losses on hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized over the life of the hedge on a systematic and rational basis. The earnings recognition of excluded components is presented within Interest expense, net and Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net.

Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks but do not meet the hedge accounting requirements or the Company has not elected to apply hedge accounting. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in earnings and presented within Interest expense, net and Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net.

The fair value of the interest rate swaps and caps and foreign currency forward contracts are estimated at an amount the Company would receive or pay to terminate the agreement at the balance sheet date, taking into consideration current interest rates, foreign exchange rates and creditworthiness of the counterparty.

 

  (h)

Inventories

Inventories consist of manufactured goods and goods acquired for resale, which are stated at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first out basis) or net realizable value.

 

  (i)

Property, plant, and equipment

The Company records additions to property, plant, and equipment used in operations at cost, which includes asset additions, improvements, and betterments. With respect to constructed assets, all materials, direct labor, and contract services are capitalized.

Normal repairs and maintenance and other costs that do not improve the property, extend the useful life or otherwise do not meet capitalization criteria are expensed as incurred.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

The Company capitalizes certain costs related to the development of internal-use software projects. Costs related to preliminary project activities and post-implementation activities are expensed as incurred and certain costs related to the application development stage are capitalized.

The Company depreciates property, plant, and equipment to estimated salvage value primarily using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives.

The Company evaluates property, plant, and equipment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or when the assets are held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the Company assesses whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset and the residual value from the ultimate disposal of the asset exceed the carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the Company reduces the carrying value to fair value and records an impairment loss in earnings.

 

  (j)

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill is recorded to the extent that the purchase price of an acquisition exceeds the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and is tested for impairment on an annual basis. Interim testing is performed more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is below its carrying value.

The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill each year as of October 1 by performing a qualitative assessment of various factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, or based on management’s judgment, the Company determines it is more likely than not the fair value is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative assessment is performed. The quantitative assessment includes estimation of the fair value of each reporting unit, using a combination of discounted cash flow method and the market approach based on market multiples. The estimated fair value is then compared to the reporting unit’s carrying amount. If the carrying amount is greater than the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess of carrying value over fair value.

Intangible assets with finite lives and indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indefinite lived intangibles are tested at least annually. The Company amortizes intangible assets with finite lives in a pattern that reflects the expected consumption of related economic benefits or on a straight-line basis over the estimated economic lives.

 

  (k)

Business combinations

The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires allocation of the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of the fair value of purchase price consideration over the values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. The Company recognizes a bargain purchase gain in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) if the net fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed is in excess of the total purchase price consideration.

When determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to real estate and intangible assets.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

Significant estimates used in valuing intangible assets acquired in a business combination include, but are not limited to, revenue growth rates, obsolescence, customer attrition rates, operating costs and margins, capital expenditures, tax rates, long-term growth rates and discount rates. Significant estimates used in valuing land and buildings and improvements acquired in a business combination include, but are not limited to, the selection of comparable real estate sales, estimates of indirect costs and entrepreneurial profit, which are added to the replacement cost of the acquired assets in order to estimate their fair market value. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. During the measurement period, not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with a corresponding offset to goodwill if new information is obtained related to facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. After the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Acquisition costs, such as legal and consulting fees, are expensed as incurred. Refer to Note 4, Business combinations and asset acquisitions for further detail.

 

  (l)

Asset acquisitions

Asset acquisitions involve the acquisition of an asset, or a group of assets, and may also involve the assumption of liabilities associated with an acquisition that does not meet the GAAP definition of a business. Asset acquisitions are accounted for by the Company using a cost accumulation model. Under the cost accumulation model, the cost of the acquisition, including certain transaction costs, is allocated to the assets acquired on the basis of relative fair values. If the Company previously leased the purchased asset, the difference between the right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and ROU liability at the purchase date adjusts the final amount capitalized.

 

  (m)

Investments in partially owned entities

The Company accounts for its investments in partially owned entities where the Company does not have a controlling interest but has significant influence using the equity method of accounting, under which the net income of the entity is recognized in income and included in the investment account. Allocations of profits and losses are made per the terms of the organizational documents.

The Company has interests in partially owned entities where the Company does not have a controlling interest or significant influence. These investments do not have readily determinable fair values, and the Company has elected the measurement alternative to measure these investments at cost less impairment, adjusted by observable price changes, with any fair value changes recognized in earnings. Refer to Note 12, Fair value measurements, for additional information. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying amount of these investments was $25.8 million and $18.0 million, respectively, and is presented within Other assets within the consolidated balance sheets.

 

  (n)

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception. For all leases where initial term is greater than 12 months and the Company is the lessee, the Company recognizes as of the lease commencement date a liability and a corresponding ROU asset on the consolidated balance sheets. Leases are classified as either financing or operating based upon criteria within Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842, Leases. Leases with term of 12 months or less (“short-term

 

F-15


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

leases”) are not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets and the lease payments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease, and ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. Lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the remaining future minimum lease payments over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which generally relate to taxes and common area maintenance. For all classes of assets, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for both lessee and lessor leases. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based upon information available at the commencement date to determine the present value of future minimum lease payments. The corresponding lease ROU assets are recognized at an amount equal to the future minimum lease payments, as adjusted for prepayments, incentives, and initial direct costs. For leases acquired in a business combination, the lease ROU assets are also adjusted for any off-market (favorable or unfavorable) terms.

The lease term used to calculate the lease liability includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Variable lease payments are recognized in the period in which those payments are incurred.

For both operating and finance leases, the lease liability is amortized using the effective interest method. In each period, the liability is increased to reflect the interest that is accrued on the related liability, offset by a decrease in the liability resulting from the periodic lease payments. For finance leases, the ROU asset is amortized and recorded within Amortization expense on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). For operating leases, the ROU asset is amortized and recorded within Cost of operations or General and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), depending on the nature of the ROU asset.

For all leases where the Company is the lessor, the Company evaluates the contract for classification as a sales-type, direct financing, or operating lease. The Company does not have any material sales-type leases. For operating leases, the Company assesses the probability of payment collection at commencement of the lease contract and subsequently recognizes lease income over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Changes in variable payments based on an index or rate are recorded in earnings in the period in which they become effective.

Property, plant, and equipment underlying lessee leases is included in Property, plant and equipment, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The gross value and net value of these assets was $1,629.3 million and $1,489.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. The gross value and net value of these assets was $1,011.6 million and $945.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021. Depreciation expense for such assets was $50.8 million and $39.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

  (o)

Deferred financing costs

Deferred financing costs consist of loan fees and other financing costs related to the Company’s outstanding indebtedness and credit facility commitments and are amortized to interest expense over the terms of the related debt or commitment. If a loan is refinanced or paid before its maturity, any unamortized deferred financing costs will generally be expensed unless specific rules are met that would allow for the carryover of such costs to the refinanced debt.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

Deferred financing costs related to the Company’s outstanding debt are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a contra-liability (see Note 10, Debt) within Long-term debt, net. Deferred financing costs related to the Company’s revolving credit facility are recorded within Other assets.

 

  (p)

Income tax status

The Company elected to be taxed as a REIT under Section 856(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2020. As a REIT, the Company is generally not subject to federal income tax if the Company distributes at least 100% of its REIT taxable income as a dividend to its stockholders each year. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and is unable to obtain relief under certain statutory provisions, it will be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate rates and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for the four subsequent taxable years. Even as a REIT, the Company may also be subject to certain state and local income taxes, franchise taxes, or federal income and excise taxes on undistributed taxable income or on recognized built-in gains. The Company also has certain U.S. subsidiaries which have elected to be taxed as REITs, including Columbia Colstor, Inc., Preferred Freezer Holdings, Inc., and Kenyon Zero Storage, Inc. (“Kenyon”). On June 1, 2022, Kenyon was merged out of existence, with its assets, liabilities, and operations transferred to other subsidiaries. The Company is subject to income taxes for certain U.S. subsidiaries which have elected to be taxed as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). Additionally, the Company has non-U.S. subsidiaries that are subject to income taxes in the foreign jurisdictions in which they operate. As such, a provision for income taxes relating to the TRSs and the non-U.S. subsidiaries has been made in the consolidated financial statements, as described below.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are “more likely than not” to be sustained by the applicable tax authority. A liability is accrued for tax positions taken on a tax return that are not deemed to meet the “more likely than not” threshold in the year the tax position is taken. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. The Company has elected an accounting policy to classify interest and penalties, if any, as income tax expense.

Common stock distributions paid by the Company to BG LH are characterized for U.S. federal income tax purposes as ordinary income, qualified dividend, capital gains, non-taxable returns of capital, or a combination thereof. Common stock distributions that exceed the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits (calculated for tax purposes) constitute a return of capital rather than a dividend and generally reduce the basis that BG LH has in the common stock. During each year, the Company notifies BG LH of the taxability of the common stock distributions paid during the preceding year. The payment of common stock distributions is dependent upon the Company’s financial condition,

 

F-17


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

operating results, and REIT distribution requirements. The composition of the Company’s distributions per common share for each tax year presented is as follows:

 

         2022             2021      

Ordinary income

     57    

Qualified dividend

     5     100

Capital gain distribution

     21    

Return of capital

     17    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (q)

Revenue recognition

The Company has warehousing operations, which includes storage services, ancillary services required to prepare and move customers’ pallets into, out of, and around the facilities, managed services, and other contract revenues. The Company receives variable consideration for the services rendered, comprised of per-unit pricing or time and materials pricing. Separate performance obligations arise for storage services, handling, case-picking, order assembly and load consolidation, quality control, re-packaging, government-approved storage and inspection, and other ancillary services. The Company’s performance obligations for these are satisfied over time as customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the services. Some customer contracts contain a promise to provide a minimum commitment of warehousing services during a defined period. When the minimum volume commitment is substantive, the minimum commitment amount is deemed fixed consideration to be included in the transaction price. Any variable consideration related to storage renewals or incremental handling charges above stated minimums are allocated to the period in which services are performed. The Company charges its customers “inbound” and “outbound” product handling fees, which are billed upfront upon receipt of product from customers. Deferred revenue represent billings for storage services invoiced in advance, and the outbound portion of product handling fees related to customer product inventory on hand as of period end, as the Company has not yet fulfilled the promise to provide such storage and outbound product handling services.

The Company provides managed services, included in Global Warehousing, for which the contract compensation arrangement includes reimbursement of operating costs plus a fixed management fee. The Company also charges customers a revenue share fee, which is a form of variable consideration as a percentage of gross revenue generated from warehouse management. This revenue share is included in the transaction price, and the Company’s practice is to record the revenue share expected to be earned over the service period using historical data. The Company charges the customer for the fixed management fee and the revenue share on a monthly basis and accepts payment according to approved payment terms. The general warehouse managed services are the only performance obligation in these contracts, and the Company provides the services over the term of the contract. This single performance obligation represents a series of distinct services performed during the contract period, as the services provided are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the Company’s customers. Managed services revenues are recognized over time as the services are performed. Such fees and related cost reimbursements are presented on a gross basis, as the Company is the principal in the arrangement.

The Company’s revenue also includes warehouse lease revenue and railcar lease revenue earned under operating lease agreements with customers that are in the scope of ASC 842. Lease payments under operating lease agreements are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases. Variable lease payments are recognized in the period in which those payments are incurred.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

The Company provides integrated solutions that include transportation services, which includes full-load transportation, load-to-load consolidation, freight forwarding, and other accessorial services. The Company receives variable consideration for the services rendered, comprised of per-route pricing by load, pallet, or case. Generally, customers that request delivery services are billed within several days upon completion of the requested delivery, and payment is remitted according to approved payment terms. A performance obligation is created when a customer submits a purchase order for the transport of goods. Transportation revenue is recognized proportionally over time as a shipment moves from origin to destination, and related reimbursable costs are recognized as incurred. In addition, this revenue includes lease revenue for the Company’s insulated and refrigerated rail cars which is recognized in accordance with ASC 842 on a straight-line basis over the lease agreement.

The Company has redistribution operations, where it redistributes certain food products under fixed-margin contracts. The Company receives variable consideration for the services rendered, comprised of per-pound pricing for the product procured and redistributed and a variable freight rate that represents costs passed on to the customer for amounts incurred to arrange for or transport the product. These operations for redistribution operations are each considered performance obligations to provide such services. A performance obligation is created when a customer submits a purchase order for the purchase of goods. Revenue is recognized at a point in time, when the performance obligation is satisfied, upon delivery of product. In applying the guidance in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the customers’ ability to control the pricing, where products can be distributed to, and where products can be purchased from, do not suggest that the Company is serving as a principal in the arrangement. The Company’s policy is to report revenue from redistribution operations net of the related cost of sales, as the Company is acting as an agent on behalf of its customers.

The Company generates revenues from the sale of frozen foods, where it procures and sells prepared and frozen food product to certain customers. Generally, customers that request delivery services are billed within several days upon completion of the requested delivery, and payment is remitted according to approved payment terms. A performance obligation is created when a customer submits a purchase order for the purchase of goods. Revenue is recognized at a point in time, when the performance obligation is satisfied, upon delivery of product.

The Company provides E-commerce frozen and refrigerated food fulfillment services, which is encompassing of storage, packaging, and transportation and delivery to end consumers. A performance obligation is created when a customer submits a purchase order for distribution of their goods to the end consumer. The Company does not have ownership of the product being distributed, as such, it is not part of the Company’s inventory balance. E-commerce revenue is recognized at a point in time, when the performance obligation is satisfied, typically upon shipping of product.

Sales and other consumption taxes the Company collects from customers and remits to government agencies are excluded from revenue.

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, no individual customer accounted for over 10.0% of total revenue.

Refer to Note 3, Revenue for additional information.

 

  (r)

Foreign currency

The accounts of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar (“USD”), which would primarily consist of Canadian Dollar (“CAD”), Great British Pound (“GBP”), Euro (“EUR”), Norwegian Krone (“NOK”), Danish Krone (“DKK”),

 

F-19


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

Australian Dollar (“AUD”), New Zealand Dollar (‘NZD”), Sri Lankan Rupee (“LKR”), Singapore Dollar (“SGD”), and Vietnamese Dong (“VND”). Revenues and expenses of these subsidiaries are translated into USD at the average exchange rate for the period and assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period. Gains or losses from translating the financial statements of these subsidiaries are included in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

  (s)

Accrued distributions

In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, Lineage, Inc. must meet certain distribution requirements through a dividend declared to its stockholders. Although not formally declared, when Lineage, Inc. pays its required dividend to its stockholders, Lineage OP also pays a corresponding pro-rata distribution to all its investors. The Company has elected an accounting policy to accrue a distribution payable to the investors in Lineage OP other than Lineage, Inc. (“Non-Company LPs”) at the same time that Lineage, Inc. declares and accrues a dividend to its stockholders. Lineage OP is also required by its operating agreement to pay a quarterly distribution to BG Cold, LLC (“BG Cold”, formerly known as BG Cold Promote, LLC).

Refer to Note 18, Related-party balances for additional information.

 

  (t)

Commitments and contingencies

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. Refer to Note 19, Commitments and contingencies for additional information.

 

  (u)

Recently issued accounting pronouncements adopted

Effective January 1, 2022, the Company adopted, with a prospective application, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2021-05, Leases (Topic 842): Lessors—Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments. The amendments in this ASU permit lessors to classify and account for a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on a reference index or a rate as an operating lease if the lease would have been classified as a sales-type lease or a direct financing lease under previous guidance and if the lessor would have otherwise recognized a loss upon the removal of the underlying asset from the balance sheet. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

  (v)

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

In June 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. The amendments in this ASU clarify that a contractual restriction on sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The amendments also clarify that an entity cannot, as a separate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. The ASU also requires additional disclosures surrounding equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

F-20


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-04, Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations. The amendments in this ASU require that a buyer in a supplier finance program disclose certain key information related to its supplier finance programs, including the key terms of the program, such as payment terms, assets pledged as security, and outstanding balances as of the end of each reporting period. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

(2)

Capital structure and noncontrolling interests

The Company’s capital structure consists of:

Lineage, Inc. capital structure

 

  (a)

Common Stock

Lineage, Inc. is authorized to issue up to 500.0 million common shares. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were 160.4 million and 148.4 million common shares issued and outstanding, respectively. BG LH holds all common shares of Lineage, Inc.

 

  (b)

Series A Preferred Stock

Lineage, Inc. is authorized to issue up to 100.0 million shares of Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock of Lineage, Inc. (“Series A Preferred Stock”). Shares of Series A Preferred Stock have a $1,000 liquidation preference and a cumulative 12.0% per annum dividend preference. The Series A Preferred Stockholders have limited voting rights with respect to matters pertaining to the Series A Preferred Stock and no voting rights on matters submitted to the common stockholders of Lineage, Inc. for a vote. Additionally, the Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed at Lineage, Inc.’s option for consideration equal to $1,000 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to and including the date fixed for redemption and are not convertible or exchangeable for any other property or securities of Lineage, Inc. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were 630 shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. Of these, 505 shares were held by BG LH.

Operating Partnership capital structure

The Operating Partnership has three classes of equity: Class A, Class B, and Class C units. A summary of these ownership interests as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:

 

     2022      2021  

Class A units owned by Lineage, Inc.

     160,400,437        148,382,871  

Class A & B units owned by Non-Company LPs

     18,718,816        18,506,807  

Redeemable Class A units owned by Non-Company LPs

     1,260,182        941,176  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     180,379,435        167,830,854  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class C units are excluded from the above summary because their only claim on the underlying assets of the Operating Partnership is the distribution described below.

Noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership relate to the interest in the Operating Partnership owned by Non-Company LPs.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

  (c)

Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnership—Class A, Class B, and Class C

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, Non-Company LPs owned 10.4% and 11.0% of the outstanding Class A and Class B units of the Operating Partnership, other than the redeemable Operating Partnership units described below. Class A and Class B units are both voting capital interests in the Operating Partnership and are similar in all material respects except that Class A units held by Non-Company LPs bear a Special Distribution Right (as described below) payable to Class C unit holders, whereas Class B units do not.

The Company accounts for Class A and Class B units held by Non-Company LPs based on their relative ownership percentages of the Operating Partnership, adjusted for Class C Special Distribution Right. Each time the Non-Company LPs’ ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership changes, the Company records an adjustment to Noncontrolling interests with a corresponding adjustment in Additional paid-in capital to appropriately reflect the new ownership percentages and to reflect the Non-Company LPs share of all capital contributed to the Operating Partnership. All activity related to Class A & Class B units held by Non-Company LPs is included within Noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity.

BG Cold, an affiliate of Bay Grove Management, holds all outstanding Class C units of the Operating Partnership. Class C units provide BG Cold the right to receive a percentage distribution (“Special Distribution Right”) upon certain distributions made to Non-Company LPs who hold Class A units of the Operating Partnership. Class C units also receive a distribution upon certain repurchases and redemptions of Class A units of the Operating Partnership held by Non-Company LPs. The calculation of the Special Distribution Right borne by Class A units in the Operating Partnership held by Non-Company LPs varies depending on the sub-class of Class A units but generally amounts to a percentage of all value appreciation over certain thresholds. On a quarterly basis, BG Cold also receives an advance distribution (“Advance Distribution”) against its future Special Distribution Right based on a formulaic amount of all capital contributed to the Operating Partnership after August 3, 2020. This Advance Distribution is an advance on the Class C Special Distribution Right to be paid upon the sale, redemption, or liquidation of, or other distributions to, Class A units and would offset subsequent Class C unit Special Distribution Right distributions paid in conjunction with a hypothetical sale, redemption, liquidation, or other distribution.

During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, BG Cold received a total of $40.8 million and $31.1 million in total Advance Distributions, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, BG Cold also received distributions totaling $46.5 million related to redemptions of Class A units of the Operating Partnership. This amount was immediately reinvested back into Class B units of the Operating Partnership by BG Cold’s shareholders, and the reinvestment is included within Contributions from noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity. There were no redemptions of Class A units of the Operating Partnership during the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Company accounts for the Class C units held by BG Cold based on the total value of all Class C unit Special Distribution Rights in a hypothetical liquidation of the Company. Under this method, the amounts of income and loss attributed to Class C units in the Operating Partnership reflect the changes in the amounts BG Cold would hypothetically receive at each balance sheet date. This method assumes that the proceeds available for distribution would be equivalent to the equity of the Company, as determined under GAAP. All activity related to Class C units held by BG Cold is included within

 

F-22


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

Noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity.

 

  (d)

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests—Operating Partnership Units

Certain Class A units held by Non-Company LPs are redeemable at the greater of a fixed redemption amount or fair value if certain liquidation events do not occur. Under ASC 810, Consolidation, the noncontrolling interest is adjusted each reporting period for income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest based on the relative ownership percentage of these Non-Company LPs. Each reporting period, the Company accretes the changes in the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest over the period of issuance to the earliest redemption date and records an adjustment if the accreted redemption value is greater than the ASC 810 carrying value. These adjustments, if any, are affected by charges against equity. In accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities From Equity, the Company elected to apply the “Equity Classification—Entire Adjustment Method,” which treats the entire adjustment for the redeemable noncontrolling interests to an amount other than the ASC 810 carrying value as an adjustment to equity using retained earnings (or additional paid-in capital in absence of retained earnings). The Company’s adjustments are recorded to Additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity because the Company is in an accumulated deficit position. These adjustments to equity are not a component of net income, however, they are accounted for in the Company’s calculations of earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) as disclosed in Note 21, Earnings (loss) per share.

In connection with the acquisition of MTC Logistics Holdings, LLC and certain real property (together with its subsidiaries, “MTC Logistics”) described in Note 4, Business combinations and asset acquisitions, the Company entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement with the sellers of MTC Logistics. Under the terms of the agreement, the sellers acquired certain Class A units of the Operating Partnership and the sellers have a one-time right as of March 1, 2025 to put all, or a portion of, the units for cash. These units are accounted for as Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity due to the put right held by the sellers. Upon the exercise of the put right, the price to be paid for the redeemable noncontrolling interests is the current fair market value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, subject to a minimum price (“floor”) equivalent to $34.2 million if the put right is exercised for all the units. In lieu of redemption, the sellers may elect to receive any combination of cash and/or additional Operating Partnership units that equal the excess of $34.2 million over the fair market value of the units as of the election date. Any redemption would also require a distribution of any accrued but unpaid Special Distribution Right through the date of redemption, and the required accretion adjustments related to these units include the impact of the Special Distribution Right.

In connection with the acquisition of Cherry Hill Joliet, LLC, 279 Marquette Drive, LLC, Joliet Cold Storage, LLC, and Bolingbrook Cold Storage, LLC (collectively, “JCS”) described in Note 4, Business combinations and asset acquisitions, the Company entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement with the sellers of JCS. Under the terms of the agreement, the sellers acquired certain Class A units of the Operating Partnership, and the sellers have a one-time right as of February 1, 2024 to put all, or a portion of, the units for cash. These units are accounted for as Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity due to the put right held by the sellers. Upon the exercise of the put right, the price to be paid for the redeemable noncontrolling interests is the current fair market value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, subject to a minimum price (“floor”) equivalent to $97.0 million if the put right

 

F-23


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

is exercised for all the units. Any redemption would also require a distribution of any accrued but unpaid Special Distribution Right through the date of redemption, and the required accretion adjustments related to these units include the impact of the Special Distribution Right.

In connection with the 2019 acquisition of Iowa Cold Storage (“Iowa Cold”), the sellers of Iowa Cold were issued units of BG LH totaling $5.6 million. Upon contribution of BG LH’s interests in Lineage OP to Lineage, Inc., the BG LH units were transferred to an equivalent number of Class A units in the Operating Partnership. The sellers had a one-time right as of June 30, 2021 to put a variable amount of these units for $2.0 million in cash. These units were accounted for as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the consolidated balance sheets due to the put right held by the sellers. As of December 31, 2020, the Company recognized $2.0 million in redeemable noncontrolling interest related to these units to reflect their redemption-date fair value. The put option expired on June 30, 2021 and the shares were not redeemed, resulting in a reclassification of the redeemable noncontrolling interest to noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership.

All redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership are included in Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity.

LLH Capital Structure

The Operating Partnership owns all outstanding equity interests of LLH except for those held by LLH MGMT, LLH MGMT II, and BG Maverick, as described below. Certain subsidiaries of LLH have also issued equity interests to third parties. All of these equity interests are accounted for as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity.

 

  (e)

Noncontrolling Interest in Other Consolidated Subsidiaries

Noncontrolling interests in Other Consolidated Subsidiaries include five entities other than the Operating Partnership in which the Company has a controlling interest but which are not wholly owned by the Company. At December 31, 2022, the noncontrolling interest in Other Consolidated Subsidiaries consisted of: (i) a third party’s 13.3% ownership interest in Cool Port Oakland Holdings, LLC, (ii) a third party’s 25.0% ownership interest in Erweda BV, (iii) a third party’s 40.0% ownership interest in Lineage Jiuheng Logistics (HK) Group Company Ltd., formerly known as PFS YIDA Logistics (HK) Group Co. Ltd., (iv) a third party’s 49.0% ownership interest in Kloosterboer BLG Coldstore GmbH, and (v) a third party’s 1.0% ownership interest in Turvo India Pvt. Ltd.

Noncontrolling interests in Other Consolidated Subsidiaries also include Series A Preferred shares issued by each of the Company’s REIT subsidiaries to third-party investors. Each REIT subsidiary has issued 125 shares, which are non-voting shares that have a $1,000 liquidation preference and a cumulative 12% per annum dividend preference. The REIT subsidiary Series A Preferred shares may be redeemed at the Company’s option for consideration equal to $1,000 plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to and including the date fixed for redemption and are not convertible or exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Company. On January 7, 2022, Kenyon issued 125 preferred shares in order to become a REIT subsidiary. On June 1, 2022, when the Company’s Kenyon REIT subsidiary was merged out of existence, the Company redeemed the then outstanding 125 Kenyon preferred shares for $1,000 per share plus all unpaid dividends and a redemption premium of $100 per unit. The Company’s REIT subsidiaries had an aggregate amount of 250 Series A preferred shares outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

All noncontrolling interests in the Other Consolidated Subsidiaries are included within Noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity.

 

  (f)

Management Profit Interests Class C units

The Company grants interests in LLH MGMT and LLH MGMT II to certain members of management. LLH MGMT and LLH MGMT II hold all outstanding Class C units in LLH (“Management Profit Interests Class C units”). Management Profit Interests Class C units entitle LLH MGMT and LLH MGMT II, and, by extension, certain members of management, to a formulaic amount of the profits of LLH, generally based on the growth of the Company’s share price over a certain threshold, subject to certain adjustments.

The Company accounts for Management Profits Interests Class C units held by LLH MGMT and LLH MGMT II based on the total value of all Management Profits Interests Class C units in a hypothetical liquidation of the Company. Under this method, the amounts of income and loss attributed to Management Profits Interests Class C units reflect the changes in the amounts LLH MGMT and LLH MGMT II would hypothetically receive at each balance sheet date. This method assumes that the proceeds available for distribution would be equivalent to the equity of the Company, as determined under GAAP. All activity related to Management Profits Interests Class C units is included within Noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity.

On certain occasions, the Company offers a repurchase opportunity for certain Management Profit Interests Class C units by offering cash settlement to repurchase units at their current fair market value. Certain Management Profit Interests Class C units were redeemed in exchange for a cash total of $24.6 million and $39.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity, the carrying value of the redeemed units is recorded as a reduction of Noncontrolling interests while the excess of the redemption payments over the carrying value of the redeemed units is recorded as a reduction of Additional paid-in capital.

 

  (g)

Convertible Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests—Preference Shares

On October 1, 2021 (“Closing Date”), the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Kloosterboer Group B.V. and its subsidiaries (“Kloosterboer”). Pursuant to the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement and the Investment Agreement executed on the Closing Date, the seller (the “Co-Investor”) elected to reinvest €200 million in the Company’s newly formed Dutch subsidiary in the form of 2,952,738 non-voting preferred equity instruments with a per share nominal value of €0.007 (the “Preference Shares”) issued on the Closing Date. The Preference Shares accrue a fixed, cumulative, preferential dividend at the rate of 14% per annum until the second anniversary of the Closing Date, and 10% per annum thereafter, compounded annually. Once per year, the Co-Investor has a regular redemption right. Further, the Co-Investor has special redemption rights upon the occurrence of certain events.

The Investment Agreement also provides the holder of the Preference Shares conversion rights upon the occurrence of certain events. The conversion rights are structured to track the economic performance of select Class A units of the Operating Partnership if the Company does not complete an initial public offering and to track the economic performance of common stock of Lineage, Inc. if the

 

F-25


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

Company does complete an initial public offering. To the extent that the Co-Investor has not exercised its right to conversion, all outstanding Preference Shares, including all unpaid, accrued preferential dividends, shall be mandatorily redeemed for cash by the Company upon the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date. The accrued preferential dividend shall only be paid upon a regular redemption of the Preference Shares and shall not be payable if the Co-Investor exercises its conversion or special redemption right.

In October 2022, the Co-Investor exercised the regular redemption right and the Company redeemed 738,185 Preference Shares for a total of $55.7 million, including $7.2 million of preferential dividends accrued through the redemption date. Commensurate with the percentage of the then-outstanding Preference Shares redeemed, the Company derecognized $77.1 million (or 25%) of the redeemable noncontrolling interest carrying value upon redemption. The difference between the consideration paid to acquire the redeemed Preference Shares and the carrying amount of those Preference Shares is recorded to Additional paid-in capital in a manner similar to the Company’s treatment of dividends paid on preferred stock. During 2022, the Company recorded a net redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment of $18.2 million, representing the effect of foreign currency on the carrying amount. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, 2,214,553 and 2,952,738 Preference Shares remain outstanding, respectively.

The Preference Shares represent a redeemable noncontrolling interest in the Company and are presented within Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity.

 

  (h)

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests—Operating Subsidiaries

In April 2020, the Company acquired a controlling 50.78% ownership in Flexible Automation Innovative Solutions NV (“FAIS”). After five years from the purchase date, and up to fifteen years after the purchase date, the noncontrolling shareholders had the right to sell to the Company its shares at a fixed price in accordance with the purchase agreement.

In October 2022, the Company purchased the remaining noncontrolling shareholders’ interest in FAIS. As consideration for the acquisition of the noncontrolling shareholders’ interest, the Company issued a promissory note to the sellers, which the sellers assigned to BG LH in exchange for the issuance of BG LH equity interests in the amount of $10.0 million. The fair value of the equity issued by BG LH was the price at which equity was issued to third-party investors in arms’ length transactions in connection with other BG LH capital raising activities. The promissory note acquired by BG LH was contributed to the Company on the acquisition date. FAIS is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

The noncontrolling shareholders’ interest in FAIS represented a redeemable noncontrolling interest in the Company and is presented within Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity.

 

  (i)

Class D Interests in LLH

BG Maverick, LLC (“BG Maverick”) holds all outstanding Class D units in LLH. Class D units in LLH are non-voting profits interests. In respect of these interests, BG Maverick is entitled to receive a formulaic annual amount of income and profits that is payable only in a liquidity event. The Company has concluded that the Class D units in LLH held by BG Maverick do not have the substantive risks and rewards of equity ownership of LLH, and therefore do not represent a substantive class of equity in

 

F-26


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

LLH and are not recorded within Noncontrolling interests in accompanying consolidated balance sheets or consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity. As the payment of the distribution in respect of Class D units in LLH is contingent upon the occurrence of a liquidity event that is not considered probable to occur, the Company has not recorded a liability for the amounts to be paid, in accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies.

Below is a summary of all activity for the Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interests during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, which are discussed in further detail above.

 

    Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests—

Operating
Partnership
Units
    Convertible
Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests—
Preference
Shares
    Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest—
Operating
Subsidiaries
    Total
Redeemable
noncontrolling
interests
 

Balance as of December 31, 2020

  $ 2.0     $     $ 8.4     $ 10.4  

Operating Partnership units issued in acquisitions

    22.2                   22.2  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    (0.6                 (0.6

Expiration of redemption option

    (2.0                 (2.0

Noncontrolling interests acquired in business combinations

          308.3             308.3  

Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests

    23.9                   23.9  

Net income (loss)

    (1.3           0.2       (1.1
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2021

    44.2       308.3       8.6       361.1  

Operating Partnership units issued in acquisitions

    7.2                   7.2  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    (0.2                 (0.2

Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests

                (10.1     (10.1

Partial redemption of convertible redeemable noncontrolling interests

          (77.1           (77.1

Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment

          (18.2           (18.2

Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests

    34.3                   34.3  

Net income (loss)

    (0.7           1.5       0.8  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2022

  $ 84.8     $ 213.0     $     $ 297.8  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-27


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

Below is a summary of all activity for the Company’s noncontrolling interests during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, which are discussed in further detail above.

 

    Operating
Partnership
Units—Class A,
B, & C
    Noncontrolling
Interests in
Other
Consolidated
Subsidiaries
    Management
Profit Interests
Class C Units
    Total
Noncontrolling
interests
 

Balance as of December 31, 2020

  $ 418.4     $ 13.9     $ 4.9     $ 437.2  

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

    114.2                   114.2  

Distributions

    (96.4                 (96.4

Stock-based compensation

                9.5       9.5  

Operating Partnership units issued in acquisitions

    13.1                   13.1  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    (9.1                 (9.1

Expiration of redemption option

    2.0                   2.0  

Noncontrolling interests acquired in business combinations

          6.2             6.2  

Redemption of Operating Partnership units

    (124.4                 (124.4

Redemption of units issued as stock compensation

                (2.5     (2.5

Net income (loss)

    (22.9     0.9       (0.1     (22.1

Reallocation of noncontrolling interests

    248.3                   248.3  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2021

  $ 543.2     $ 21.0     $ 11.8     $ 576.0  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    Operating
Partnership
Units—Class A,
B, & C
    Noncontrolling
Interests in
Other
Consolidated
Subsidiaries
    Management
Profit Interests
Class C Units
    Total
Noncontrolling
interests
 

Balance as of December 31, 2021

  $ 543.2     $ 21.0     $ 11.8     $ 576.0  

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

    5.5       0.3             5.8  

Settlement of contingent consideration

    0.6                   0.6  

Distributions

    (40.9     (1.6           (42.5

Operating Partnership units issued in acquisitions

    0.3                   0.3  

Stock-based compensation

                7.9       7.9  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    (3.4                 (3.4

Issuance of REIT subsidiary preferred shares

          0.1             0.1  

Preferred dividend/redemption

          (0.2           (0.2

Redemption of units issued as stock compensation

                (1.3     (1.3

Net income (loss)

    (9.0     0.9       (6.1     (14.2

Reallocation of noncontrolling interests

    111.8                   111.8  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2022

  $ 608.1     $ 20.5     $ 12.3     $ 640.9  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-28


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

(3)

Revenue

The following table disaggregates the Company’s net revenues by major stream and reportable segment:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2022      2021  

Warehousing operations

   $ 3,075.7      $ 2,388.6  

Warehouse lease revenues

     243.7        173.6  

Managed services

     78.6        54.3  

Other

     34.6        39.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Global Warehousing

   $ 3,432.6      $ 2,655.8  

Transportation

     935.1        581.6  

Food sales

     207.0        189.5  

Redistribution revenues

     172.5        146.4  

E-commerce and other

     110.8        64.7  

Railcar lease revenues

     70.3        64.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Global Integrated Solutions

   $ 1,495.7      $ 1,046.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net revenues

   $ 4,928.3      $ 3,702.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The difference in timing of revenue recognition, billings, and cash collections results in accounts receivable, unbilled receivables, and deferred revenue balances. Generally, the customer is billed no less frequently than on a monthly basis. However, the Company may bill and receive advances or deposits from customers, particularly on storage and handling services, before revenue is recognized, resulting in deferred revenue. These assets and liabilities are reported on the consolidated balance sheets at the end of each reporting period in Accounts receivable, net and Deferred revenue. Changes in these balances during the year ended December 31, 2022 were not materially impacted by any other factors.

The Company has no material warranties or obligations for allowances, refunds or other similar obligations. As a practical expedient, the Company does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component, as the period between the transfer of service to the customer and the receipt of customer payment is less than a year.

At December 31, 2022, the Company had $782.3 million of remaining unsatisfied performance obligations from contracts with customers subject to a non-cancellable term and within contracts that have an original expected duration exceeding one year. These obligations also do not include variable consideration beyond the non-cancellable term, which, due to the inability to quantify by estimate, is fully constrained. The Company expects to recognize approximately 28% of these remaining performance obligations as revenue in 2023 and the remaining 72% to be recognized over a weighted average period of 7.2 years through 2035.

Accounts receivable balances related to contracts with customers were $805.3 million and $617.0 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Deferred revenue balances related to contracts with customers were $89.5 million and $64.0 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Substantially all revenue that was included in deferred revenue at the beginning of 2022 and 2021 has been recognized as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and represents revenue from the satisfaction of monthly storage and handling services.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

The Company receives lease income as the lessor for certain buildings and warehouses or identified space within a warehouse. Lease income is generally fixed over the duration of the contract, and often lease contracts contain clauses permitting extension or termination. Lease incentives and options for purchase of the leased asset by the lessee are generally not offered.

Future minimum rental income under operating leases, including railcar leases, with original terms in excess of one year to be received from customers for each of the next five years and thereafter were as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31:

  

2023

   $ 242.9  

2024

     216.3  

2025

     191.2  

2026

     161.4  

2027

     131.5  

2028 and thereafter

     927.1  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,870.4  
  

 

 

 

 

(4)

Business combinations and asset acquisitions

2022 Business Combinations

The following acquisitions took place during the year ended December 31, 2022. All accounting for these acquisitions is final. The Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022, include the results of operations for these businesses since the date of acquisition.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

The following table summarizes the total consideration and the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for business combinations made by the Company during 2022.

 

    MTC
Logistics
    Mandai
Link
    Turvo     VersaCold     Transportes
Fuentes
Group
    Other  

Fair value of consideration transferred

           

Cash consideration

  $ 157.7     $ 89.2     $ 154.6     $ 1,077.2     $ 75.9     $ 155.2  

Issuance of equity

    25.7             55.4             14.0       1.0  

Contingent consideration

                      22.4             8.0  

Settlement of preexisting relationships

                                  (0.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 183.4     $ 89.2     $ 210.0     $ 1,099.6     $ 89.9     $ 164.0  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 0.2     $ 4.6     $ 3.7     $ 31.7     $ 30.5     $ 5.0  

Accounts receivable, net, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets

    5.1       7.0       4.6       29.1       54.9       20.7  

Property, plant, and equipment

    140.2       51.1       0.3       726.8       68.8       122.4  

In-place leases (included in other intangibles)

          2.7             6.0             1.2  

Customer relationships (included in other intangibles)

    16.6       6.9       2.1       96.6       17.9       10.6  

Tradename (included in other intangibles)

    0.2       0.1       2.4       0.9             0.1  

Technology (included in other intangibles)

                31.5                    

Finance and operating lease right-of-use assets, deferred income tax assets, and other assets

    0.1       3.6       1.8       95.2       23.5       22.1  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and deferred revenue

    (4.7     (6.7     (3.3     (21.7     (50.1     (16.2

Finance and operating lease obligations

    (0.1     (3.1     (1.7     (68.6     (22.6     (22.1

Deferred income tax liabilities

    (7.4     (8.0     (1.0     (69.6     (21.1     (17.9

Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities

                (0.1     (3.7     (41.4      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Total identified net assets   $150.2     $58.2     $40.3     $822.7     $60.4     $125.9  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Goodwill   $33.2     $31.0     $169.7     $276.9     $29.5     $38.1  

 

  (a)

MTC Logistics

On March 1, 2022, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity interests of MTC Logistics, as previously defined, through an asset purchase agreement. MTC Logistics is a provider of warehousing services including cold storage, blast freezing, import/export transportation, and drayage through its four facilities in Maryland, Delaware and Alabama.

In connection with the transaction described above, Lineage OP issued equity interests to the sellers in the amount of $25.7 million as consideration for certain of the equity interests in MTC Logistics. The fair value of the equity issued by Lineage OP was the price at which equity was issued to third-party investors in arms’ length transactions in connection with other Lineage OP capital raising activities.

 

F-31


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

The goodwill associated with this acquisition is primarily attributable to the strategic benefits provided by MTC Logistics’ strong presence in key ports along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. Of the total $33.2 million of goodwill associated with this acquisition, $5.8 million is amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s Global Warehousing and Global Integrated Solutions segments.

 

  (b)

Mandai Link

On April 29, 2022, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity interests of Mandai Link Logistics Pt. Ltd., through the acquisition of the equity interests of its parent corporation Pin Corporation Pte. Ltd., and its affiliate LinkRich (S) Pte. Ltd. (collectively, “Mandai Link”). Mandai Link is a provider of refrigerated food distribution services, including logistic and cold storage warehousing in Singapore.

The goodwill associated with this acquisition is primarily attributable to the Company’s market entry into Singapore where Mandai Link is a market leader, strengthening the Company’s presence in South East Asia and providing a platform for growth across the region. The goodwill is not amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s Global Warehousing and Global Integrated Solutions segments.

 

  (c)

Turvo

On June 1, 2022, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity interests of Turvo, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “Turvo”). Turvo is a software developer that specializes in providing a real-time, collaborative logistics platform that connects shippers, logistics providers, carriers, and other parties across the supply chain through cloud-based software and mobile applications.

In connection with the transaction described above, BG LH issued equity interests to the sellers in the amount of $55.4 million as consideration for certain of the equity interests in Turvo. The fair value of the equity issued by BG LH was the price at which equity was issued to third-party investors in arms’ length transactions in connection with other BG LH capital raising activities. The equity interests acquired by BG LH were contributed to the Company on the acquisition date.

The goodwill associated with this acquisition is primarily attributable to the strategic opportunities to both enhance the integration of Turvo’s software into Lineage’s transportation management service offerings provided to existing customers and expand into new and adjacent markets under the Turvo brand name, as well as its assembled workforce. The goodwill is not amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was recorded within the Company’s Global Integrated Solutions segment.

 

  (d)

VersaCold

On August 2, 2022, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity interests of VersaCold GP Inc., 1309266 BC ULC and VersaCold Acquireco, L.P. and its subsidiaries, including the operating entity VersaCold Logistics Services, (collectively “VersaCold”). VersaCold is a leading cold chain solution provider in Canada that operates 24 temperature-controlled facilities across nine provinces. Its strategically-positioned network includes properties in Canada’s most populous metropolitan markets, including Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Montreal.

 

F-32


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

VersaCold also runs an inbound and outbound transportation business out of nine terminals across Canada, providing customers an integrated, coast-to-coast logistics solution.

Included in cash consideration transferred is a $46 million liability assumed by the Company to be paid to the Canadian Revenue Agency on behalf of the sellers, which is included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022.

The acquisition includes a contingent consideration arrangement that requires additional cash consideration payment of up to $75.0 million CAD based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) of VersaCold during the calendar year ended December 31, 2022. The fair value of the contingent consideration recognized on the acquisition date of $22.4 million USD was estimated by applying a Monte Carlo simulation approach. That measure is based on significant Level 3 inputs not observable in the market. Key assumptions include (1) discount rate, (2) credit spread, and (3) forecasted EBITDA.

Based on the actual EBITDA results of VersaCold during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded $0.3 million in expense to Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses within the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) resulting from the remeasurement of the contingent consideration. As of December 31, 2022, the final VersaCold contingent consideration liability was $21.4 million recorded within Accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The final payout was made on May 24, 2023.

Upon acquisition, the Company recognized gross deferred tax liabilities in the amount of $69.6 million and gross deferred tax assets in the amount of $17.5 million, primarily resulting from outside basis difference in the partnership interests acquired. Based on the judgment of management, the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized, and accordingly, have recorded a full valuation allowance as of the date of acquisition.

The goodwill associated with this acquisition is primarily attributable to the strategic benefits of expansion into key markets across Canada, more efficient cross-border transportation solutions, and an assembled workforce of more than 2,600 employees. The goodwill is not amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s Global Warehousing and Global Integrated Solutions segments.

 

  (e)

Transportes Fuentes Group

On September 1, 2022, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity interests of Transportes Agustín Fuentes e Hijos, S.L.U. (together with its subsidiary, “Transportes Fuentes Group”). Headquartered in Murcia, Spain, Transportes Fuentes Group operates a fleet of over 500 vehicles and trailers, six logistics centers, a cold storage warehouse in Spain, and value-added services supporting those facilities. Transportes Fuentes Group provides international food transport services covering Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. It is also a founding member of Reefer Terminal, a strategic partnership to create an intermodal transportation platform combining road and rail cold storage transport services.

In connection with the transaction described above, the Company issued a promissory note to the seller, which the seller assigned to BG LH in exchange for the issuance of BG LH equity interests to the seller in the amount of $14.0 million. The fair value of the equity issued by BG LH was the price at which equity was issued to third-party investors in arms’ length transactions in connection with other BG LH capital raising activities. The promissory note acquired by BG LH was contributed to the Company on the acquisition date.

 

F-33


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

The goodwill associated with this acquisition is primarily attributable to the strategic opportunities to expand its operations within Spain and enhance the Company’s end-to-end supply chain services for customers across Europe. The goodwill is not amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s Global Warehousing and Global Integrated Solutions segments.

At acquisition, the Company established a liability of $6.6 million for uncertain tax positions of Transportes Fuentes Group, of which $6.1 million is presented within Other long-term liabilities and $0.5 million is presented within Accounts payable and accrued liabilities within the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022. The sellers of Transportes Fuentes Group have contractually agreed to indemnify the Company for the outcome of the uncertain tax positions. Accordingly, the Company has recorded a corresponding indemnification asset of $6.6 million to reflect Lineage’s rights to reimbursement if it has to fulfill the tax-related liabilities. The indemnification asset is presented within Accounts receivable, net within the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022.

 

  (f)

Other Business Combinations

During 2022, the Company completed other business combinations which were not material to the consolidated financial statements. The purpose of these acquisitions was to expand the Company’s growth and strengthening of the Company’s end-to-end logistics solution offerings in the respective regions. The goodwill associated with these acquisitions is primarily attributable to the synergies and strategic benefits provided by the expansion of the Company’s offerings in those regions. The goodwill from these acquisitions is not amortizable for income tax purposes.

Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effects of 2022 acquisitions, individually and in the aggregate, were not material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations.

2022 Real Estate Acquisitions

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company acquired one property in Logan Township, New Jersey, qualifying as an asset acquisition under ASC 805, Business Combinations, for total cash consideration of $49.8 million.

2021 Business Combinations

The following acquisitions took place during the year ended December 31, 2021. All accounting for these acquisitions is final. The consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), redeemable noncontrolling interests and members’ equity, and cash flows include the results of operations for these acquired businesses since the date of acquisition for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

F-34


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

The following table summarizes the total consideration and the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for business combinations made by the Company during 2021:

 

    JCS     UTI     Hanson     Kenyon     Kloosterboer     Claus
Sørensen
    Midwest     Other  

Fair value of consideration transferred

               

Cash consideration

  $ 188.6     $ 136.7     $ 186.8     $ 208.5     $ 1,160.9     $ 265.7     $ 120.0     $ 297.1  

Issuance of equity

    64.0                   10.7                   13.4       49.4  

Contingent consideration

                                              2.2  

Settlement of preexisting relationships

    (0.1                                         4.3  

Convertible redeemable noncontrolling interest—Preference Shares

                            308.3                    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 252.5     $ 136.7     $ 186.8     $ 219.2     $ 1,469.2     $ 265.7     $ 133.4     $ 353.0  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 3.6     $ 3.6     $ 3.2     $ 4.1     $ 80.2     $ 4.4     $     $ 10.4  

Accounts receivable, net, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets

    2.4       23.6       11.6       0.7       57.4       12.5       1.7       26.3  

Property, plant, and equipment

    127.2       1.5       144.4       186.2       520.4       167.6       105.6       207.3  

In-place leases (included in other intangibles)

                0.3                         2.0       2.9  

Customer relationships (included in other intangibles)

    44.4       69.1       12.5       9.3       313.6       50.9       8.6       64.6  

Tradename (included in other intangibles)

    0.1       1.5       0.4       0.1       3.0                   0.6  

Finance and operating lease right-of-use assets, deferred income tax assets, and other assets

    1.9       0.7       11.6       0.2       132.3       4.2             13.2  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and deferred revenue

    (3.7     (16.7     (10.1     (1.1     (72.4     (8.5     (1.9     (30.0

Finance and operating lease obligations

    (1.9     (0.7     (10.2     (0.2     (112.2     (4.2           (9.9

Deferred income tax liabilities

    (13.0     (17.6     (0.2     (0.3     (138.6     (40.4     (3.3     (11.9

Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities

                (0.6     (0.7     (28.4     (2.5           (25.0

Noncontrolling interest

                            (6.2                  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total identified net assets

  $ 161.0     $ 65.0     $ 162.9     $ 198.3     $ 749.1     $ 184.0     $ 112.7     $ 248.5  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill

  $ 91.5     $ 71.7     $ 23.9     $ 20.9     $ 720.1     $ 81.7     $ 20.7     $ 104.5  

 

F-35


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

  (a)

Joliet Cold Storage and Bolingbrook Cold Storage

On February 1, 2021, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity interests of JCS, as previously defined, which provides handling and storage of dry and cold products through its two warehouses in Illinois.

In connection with the transaction described above, Lineage OP issued equity interests to the sellers in the amount of $64.0 million as consideration for certain of the equity interests of JCS. The fair value of the equity issued by Lineage OP was the price at which equity was issued to third-party investors in arms’ length transactions in connection with other Lineage OP capital raising activities.

The goodwill associated with this acquisition is primarily attributable to the strategic benefits of the acquisition, including the expanded presence in Illinois and future growth opportunities associated with the recent expansion at one of the facilities. The goodwill is amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was recorded within the Company’s Global Warehousing segment.

 

  (b)

UTI Holding B.V.

On May 31, 2021, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity interests of UTI Holding B.V. (together with its subsidiaries, “UTI”), which operates in the Netherlands and Poland. UTI provides global freight forwarding services, specializing in the exporting and importing of full container load cargo, handling both temperature-controlled and other containerized goods.

The goodwill associated with this acquisition is primarily attributable to the strengthening of the Company’s end-to-end supply chain service offerings by advancing the operational synergies for the movement of goods through the Company’s global warehouse network. The goodwill is not amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was recorded within the Company’s Global Integrated Solutions segment.

 

  (c)

Hanson Cold Storage

On August 2, 2021, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity interests of Hanson Cold Storage, LLC, Hanson Cold Storage of Indiana, LLC, Hanson Xpress, LLC and Hanson Transportation Management Services, LLC (collectively, “Hanson”). Hanson provides temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics through its seven facilities across Michigan and Indiana.

The acquisition includes a contingent consideration arrangement that requires additional cash consideration of up to $15.0 million to be paid by the Company to the sellers based on EBITDA of Hanson through September 2021. The minimum threshold was not met during the earnout period. The Company determined no value related to the contingent consideration at the acquisition date.

The goodwill associated with this acquisition is primarily attributable to the synergies resulting from Hanson’s integrated business segments in warehousing, transportation, and frozen food consolidation. The goodwill is amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s Global Warehousing and Global Integrated Solutions segments.

 

  (d)

Kenyon Zero Storage

On September 1, 2021, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity interests of Kenyon, which provides temperature-controlled storage through its twelve facilities located on its three campuses in the state of Washington.

 

F-36


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

In connection with the transaction described above, BG LH issued equity interests to the sellers in the amount of $10.7 million as consideration for certain of the equity interests of Kenyon. The fair value of the equity issued by BG LH was the price at which equity was issued to third-party investors in arms’ length transactions in connection with other BG LH capital raising activities. The equity interests acquired by BG LH were contributed to the Company on the acquisition date.

The goodwill associated with this acquisition is primarily due to the expanded presence in the Washington market and the strategic benefits associated with railcar accessibility at the facilities. The goodwill is not amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was recorded within the Company’s Global Warehousing segment.

 

  (e)

Kloosterboer

On October 1, 2021, the Company acquired all outstanding equity interests of Kloosterboer. Refer to Note 2, Capital structure and noncontrolling interests for further detail. Based in the Netherlands, Kloosterboer provides integrated temperature-controlled storage, logistics, and value-added services. Kloosterboer operates 15 cold storage warehouses and distribution facilities across the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Canada.

The goodwill associated with this acquisition is primarily attributable to the strategic benefits resulting from operational synergies expected from the strengthening of the Company’s existing end-to-end supply chain service offerings in Europe, the addition of the Company’s first cold storage facilities in France and Germany, and a workforce of over 900 employees. The goodwill is not amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s Global Warehousing and Global Integrated Solutions segments.

Lineage Dutch Bidco 5 B.V., the Company’s newly formed Dutch subsidiary and Kloosterboer’s parent, issued Preference Shares, as previously defined, in the amount of €200.0 million (equivalent to $231.8 million) in connection with the transaction. The Preference Shares represent a redeemable noncontrolling interest in the Company.

As the Preference Shares include both redemption and equity conversion rights, the final fair value recognized of $308.3 million was estimated by applying the income approach complemented with a Black-Scholes Model related to the Preference Shares conversion option. The subject fair value is based on significant Level 3 inputs not observable in the market. The fixed redemption right, inclusive of cumulative preferential dividends compounded annually for five years, was valued by applying a simplified income approach discounted using a market-based discount rate, which was determined based on the Company’s cost of borrowing as of the acquisitions date, including a credit risk adjustment for comparable unsecured debt instruments in the market. The equity conversion option was valued by applying a Black-Scholes model, with key assumptions including (1) the Company’s expected initial public offering date, (2) expected conversion exercise price, (3) expected volatility, (4) risk-free rate and (5) expected dividend yield. Refer to Note 2, Capital structure and noncontrolling interests for further details on the post-acquisition date accounting of the Preference Shares as a redeemable noncontrolling interest in the Company.

 

  (f)

Claus Sorenson

On November 1, 2021, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity interests of LL Cold ApS (formerly Claus Sørensen A/S) (“Claus Sørensen”). Claus Sørensen is a leading Danish temperature-controlled logistical partner with a nationwide infrastructure. Claus Sørensen operates nine cold storage

 

F-37


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

facilities strategically located across eight cities near key food production hubs and fishing ports in Denmark. Claus Sørensen provides cold storage, blast freezing, order picking, bonded and organic warehousing, quality control, and repacking services.

The goodwill associated with this acquisition is primarily attributable to the strategic benefits resulting from operational synergies expected from the strengthening of the Company’s existing presence in the Nordic region and the workforce of the acquired business. The goodwill is not amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was recorded within the Company’s Global Warehousing segment.

 

  (g)

Midwest Refrigeration Services

On December 1, 2021, the Company, through an asset purchase agreement, acquired four warehouses from Alliance Development Corp., Midwest Refrigerated Milwaukee, Inc., Midwest Refrigerated Madison, LLC (collectively, “Midwest”) in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In connection with the transaction described above, Lineage OP issued equity interests to the sellers in the amount of $13.4 million as consideration for certain of the asset interests of Midwest. The fair value of the equity issued by Lineage OP was the price at which equity was issued to third-party investors in arms’ length transactions in connection with other Lineage OP capital raising activities.

The goodwill from this acquisition arises from several strategic benefits, including further expansion into automation. The goodwill is amortizable for income tax purposes. The goodwill was recorded within the Company’s Global Warehousing segment.

 

  (h)

Other Business Combinations

During 2021, the Company completed other business combinations which were not material to the consolidated financial statements. The purpose of these acquisitions was to expand the Company’s growth in the respective regions and enter the rapidly growing e-commerce industry. The goodwill associated with these acquisitions is primarily attributable to the workforce of the acquired businesses and synergies and strategic benefits provided by the expansion of the Company’s offerings in those regions. $5.8 million of goodwill from these acquisitions is amortizable for income tax purposes.

In connection with these other business combinations, BG LH and Lineage OP issued equity interests to the sellers in the amount of $44.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively, as consideration for certain equity interests. The fair value of the equity issued was the price at which equity was issued to third-party investors in arms’ length transactions in connection with other BG LH or Lineage OP capital raising activities. The equity interests acquired were contributed to the Company on the corresponding acquisition date.

 

F-38


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

2021 Real Estate Acquisitions

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company acquired eight properties qualifying as asset acquisitions under ASC 805. A summary of these transactions can be found in the below table.

 

Acquisition

   Number of
Properties
     Property,
plant, and
equipment
     In-Place
Leases
     Other
Current

and Non-
Current
Assets
     Other
Current

and Non-
Current
Liabilities
    Fair Value
Net Assets
Acquired
     Issuance
of Equity
    Cash
Consideration
Transferred
 

Charleston

     1      $ 16.6                          $ 16.6            $ 16.6  

Elizabeth II

     1      $ 69.5                          $ 69.5        (16.3   $ 53.2  

Savannah (Tremont)

     1      $ 68.2                          $ 68.2            $ 68.2  

Kortrijk

     1      $ 8.8                          $ 8.8            $ 8.8  

Allansford

     1      $ 21.6                          $ 21.6            $ 21.6  

Edinburgh

     1      $ 26.4        1.7        0.2            $ 28.3            $ 28.3  

Smithfield

     1      $ 11.3                      (0.1   $ 11.2            $ 11.2  

Reisterstown

     1      $ 9.3        0.4                   $ 9.7            $ 9.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     8      $ 231.7        2.1        0.2        (0.1   $ 233.9        (16.3   $ 217.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Updates Relating to Prior Period Acquisitions

 

  (a)

Flexible Automation Innovative Solutions NV

On April 15, 2020, the Company acquired 50.78% of the outstanding equity interests of FAIS, as previously defined. FAIS is based in Belgium and specializes in automation commissioning, a key step in the building automation process. The fair value of the consideration transferred for FAIS was $8.0 million, which consisted of $4.7 million of cash and $3.3 million of deferred cash consideration. The deferred cash consideration was payable in five equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the closing date.

After five years from the purchase date, and up to fifteen years after the purchase date, the noncontrolling shareholders have the ability to sell to the Company its shares at a fixed price in accordance with the purchase agreement. In October 2022, the Company acquired the remaining 49.22% noncontrolling shareholders’ interest of FAIS that was not previously acquired in 2020 in exchange for total consideration of $10.0 million. In conjunction with the purchase of the noncontrolling shareholders’ interest, the Company also paid $1.9 million to settle the remaining balance of deferred cash consideration outstanding. See Note 2, Capital structure and noncontrolling interests for further details.

 

  (b)

Southern Cold Storage

On July 31, 2020, the Company, through an asset purchase agreement, acquired substantially all of the assets of Southern Cold Storage Company, L.L.C., Southern College Storage Company of Alabama, L.L.C., B.R. Distribution Co., Inc., A Freight Solution, LLC, B.R. Distribution Co. and certain real property from Southern Cold Storage Realty, LLC, Mc B.R. Management Company, Inc. and Wooddale Holdings, LLC (collectively, “SCS”) for $31.2 million of cash consideration and $3.0 million of contingently issuable equity. SCS provides transportation, handling and dry and cold

 

F-39


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

storage of products through its two facilities located in Alabama and Louisiana. The purchase agreement contains contingent consideration in the form of equity interests in Lineage OP, which shall be issued if the customer at the Alabama facility does not exercise its purchase option in the agreement in 2022 or 2027. The customer did not exercise the first option in 2022. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability is $4.3 million and $3.9 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

  (c)

Lundsoe Kol & Frys A/S

On October 26, 2020, the Company acquired all the outstanding equity interests of Lundsoe Kol & Frys A/S (“Lundsoe”) for $20.5 million of cash consideration and $3.8 million of contingent consideration. Lundsoe provides handling, storage, logistics, and value-added services for temperature-sensitive commodities at its five facilities in Denmark. The contingent consideration arrangement requires additional earnout consideration of up to $4.3 million to be paid to the sellers if certain EBITDA targets are met through 2022. Based on actual EBITDA results during the earnout period ending on December 31, 2022, the minimum earnout target was not achieved, and no further consideration is owed to the sellers under the terms of the asset purchase agreement.

Contingent consideration of $4.0 million was recorded in Other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021. Expenses (gains) recorded within Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) resulting from the remeasurement of the contingent consideration were ($3.8) million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

  (d)

Iowa Cold Storage, LLC

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company transferred total consideration of $13.1 million to settle a contingent consideration arrangement for the 2019 acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Iowa Cold. The consideration transferred included $11.5 million in cash and, at the election of the sellers, $1.6 million of equity interests issued by Lineage OP.

Contingent consideration related to Iowa Cold was $13.1 million as of December 31, 2021, included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Expenses recorded to Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) resulting from the remeasurement of the contingent consideration were $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

F-40


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

(5)

Property, plant, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment, net consists of the following:

 

     December 31,
2022
    December 31,
2021
    Estimated Useful Life
(Years)
 

Buildings, building improvements and refrigeration equipment

   $ 7,866.2     $ 6,785.5       1—40  

Land and land improvements

     1,363.4       1,052.4       15—Indefinite  

Machinery and equipment

     1,135.5       1,014.6       5—20  

Railcars

     508.0       430.2       7—50  

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

     328.9       297.4       1—7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Gross property, plant, and equipment

     11,202.0       9,580.1    

Less accumulated depreciation

     (1,751.2     (1,337.4  

Construction in progress

     653.1       508.2    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Property, plant, and equipment, net

   $ 10,103.9     $ 8,750.9    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 the Company recorded impairment charges of $0.6 million and $7.1 million, respectively, which is included in Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

During each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company capitalized interest related to construction projects of approximately $8.6 million and $6.6 million, respectively.

 

(6)

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for each reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 were as follows:

 

     Global
Warehousing
    Global
Integrated
Solutions
    Total  

Balance, December 31, 2020

   $ 1,555.2     $ 222.5     $ 1,777.7  

Goodwill acquired

     914.6       220.4       1,135.0  

Deconsolidation of Emergent Cold Peru S.A.C. (Refer to Note 7, Equity method investments)

     (21.5           (21.5

Foreign currency translation

     (39.9     (9.1     (49.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2021

     2,408.4       433.8       2,842.2  

Goodwill acquired

     372.0       206.4       578.4  

Foreign currency translation

     (88.3     (13.0     (101.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2022

   $ 2,692.1     $ 627.2     $ 3,319.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 2021, consisting of a qualitative assessment, which considered factors such as market conditions, valuations of recent business combinations of the Company, and internal forecasts. The Company determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of its reporting units were less than their respective carrying values. As such, no goodwill impairment has been recorded as of December 31, 2022 and

 

F-41


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

2021. Future changes in the judgments, assumptions, and estimates from those used in acquisition-related valuations and goodwill impairment testing, including discount rates or future operating results and related cash flow projections, could result in significantly different estimates of the fair values in the future.

The following are the Company’s total other intangible assets as of:

 

    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021        
    Gross
Carrying
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Carrying
Amount
    Gross
Carrying
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Carrying
Amount
    Useful—Life
(Years)
 

Customer relationships

  $ 1,434.9     $ (243.7   $ 1,191.2     $ 1,334.1     $ (155.3   $ 1,178.8       1—28  

In-place leases

    108.9       (22.3     86.6       106.6       (16.9     89.7       1—31  

Technology

    31.5       (1.8     29.7       5.8       (5.8           3—10  

Managed contracts

                      10.8       (10.8          
9
 

Trade names

    22.7       (18.3     4.4       20.0       (15.8     4.2       1—15  

Other

    19.8       (7.9     11.9       20.9       (5.7     15.2       4—17  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Amortizing other intangible assets

    1,617.8       (294.0     1,323.8       1,498.2       (210.3     1,287.9    

Trade names—indefinite

    7.6             7.6       8.5             8.5       Indefinite  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other intangible assets

  $ 1,625.4     $ (294.0   $ 1,331.4     $ 1,506.7     $ (210.3   $ 1,296.4    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company derecognized fully-amortized intangible assets and the associated accumulated amortization totaling $25.0 million and $105.5 million, respectively.

Intangibles acquired during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, have weighted-average amortization periods as follows:

 

     December 31, 2022    December 31, 2021

All acquired intangibles

   12 Years    19 Years

By asset class:

     

Customer relationships

   13 Years    19 Years

In-place leases

   10 Years    3 Years

Technology

   10 Years    N/A

Trade names

   10 Years    2 Years

Other

   N/A    5 Years

Estimated future amortization to be incurred from other intangible assets for each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31:

  

2023

   $ 114.8  

2024

     109.1  

2025

     106.6  

2026

     103.6  

2027

     101.0  

2028 and thereafter

     788.7  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,323.8  
  

 

 

 

 

F-42


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

(7)

Equity method investments

The Company’s beneficial ownership in investments accounted for under the equity method is shown below as of December 31:

 

     2022      2021  

Carolina Cold Storage, LP (U.S.)

     50.0      50.0

Exploitatie Bodegraven v.o.f. (Netherlands)

     50.0      50.0

Vastgoed Bodegraven v.o.f. (Netherlands)

     50.0      50.0

Sinotrans PFS Cold Chain Logistics Co., Ltd. (China)

     50.0      50.0

Kloosterboer Equity Method Investments:

     

Windpark Kloosterboer B.V. (Netherlands)

     50.0      50.0

Windpark Kloosterboer II Beheer B.V. (Netherlands)

     50.0      50.0

Flushing Shipping Agencies B.V. (Netherlands)

     50.0      50.0

Bayside Port Corporation (Canada)

     36.0      36.0

Shanghai United Cold Chain Logistics Co., Ltd. (China)

     30.0      30.0

Reefer Terminal A.I.E. (Spain)

     30.0     

Ndustrial.io. (U.S.)

     27.8      27.8

Emergent Cold LatAm Holdings, LLC (Cayman Islands)

     9.0      10.0

The Company has certain investments with beneficial ownership interests of less than 20% that are accounted for under the equity method, as the Company’s beneficial ownership interests in these entities are similar to partnership interests.

The following is summarized financial information for Emergent Cold LatAm Holdings, LLC (“LatAm”), which is the investment accounted for under the equity method that was determined to be material to the Company.

 

December 31,

   2022      2021  
     LatAm      LatAm  

Balance sheet data:

     

Assets

   $ 622.5      $ 222.9  

Liabilities

     217.8        75.8  

Partners’ equity

     404.7        147.1  

 

For the year ended December 31,

   2022     2021  
     LatAm     LatAm  

Operating results data:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (14.5   $ (2.3

Changes in the Company’s investments accounted for under the equity method during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

 

  (a)  

Carolina Cold Storage, LP

On December 1, 2021, the Company purchased a Smithfield, Virginia facility owned by Carolina Cold Storage, LP (“CCSLP”) as well as all assets associated with the facility for a purchase price of $11.2 million, including the extinguishment of a preexisting receivable. The Company also assumed certain liabilities from CCSLP in the transaction. CCSLP recognized a gain on disposal of $5.0 million related to this transaction. Lineage’s portion of this gain was reduced from the recognized cost basis of the assets acquired.

 

F-43


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

  (b)  

Exploitatie Bodegraven v.o.f. and Vastgoed Bodegraven v.o.f.

On April 1, 2021, a third-party executed a purchase option with respect to a facility owned and operated by Exploitatie Bodegraven v.o.f. and Vastgoed Bodegraven v.o.f. for approximately $10.1 million. A portion of this payment was used to repay the outstanding debt of this facility.

 

  (c)  

Ndustrial.io

In April 2021, the Company participated in Ndustrial.io’s capital raise and contributed $0.3 million out of a total of $6.0 million. As a result of the capital raise, the Company’s equity interest in Ndustrial.io was diluted from 40.1% to 27.8% and the Company recognized a gain on dilution of its investment of $1.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2021. The gain on dilution was recognized in Other nonoperating income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

 

  (d)  

Emergent Cold LatAm Holdings, LLC

The Company acquired a 10.0% interest in LatAm in July 2021. Due to additional LatAm capital raising activities that occurred throughout 2022, the Company’s ownership percentage was 9.0% as of December 31, 2022. No gain or loss on dilution was recorded because all capital raising activity transpired at the same fair values. LatAm is organized in the Cayman Islands. The Company has committed to invest up to a total of $68.0 million in LatAm. The Company has contributed a total of $39.0 million, of which the Company invested $12.2 million and $26.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company has an option to purchase the remaining equity interests in LatAm during a period beginning on the third anniversary and expiring on the sixth anniversary of its initial investment date.

On August 2, 2021, the Company sold its interests in Emergent Cold US 2 LLC, Emergent LatAm Holdco Ltd, Emergent Cold Peru S.A.C., Emergent UK 3 Ltd., Emergent MX Holdco Ltd., and Emergent MX Holdco 2 Ltd. (collectively, the “Latin American Subsidiaries”) to LatAm. The operations of the Latin American Subsidiaries principally consisted of the operation of a cold storage facility in Peru. The sale of the Latin American Subsidiaries is not considered to be a strategic shift that has had or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and therefore, it did not meet the criteria of discontinued operations.

The net assets of the Latin American Subsidiaries totaled $47.9 million and were derecognized as of the date of the sale. LatAm paid the Company a total of $45.4 million, and the resulting pre-tax loss on the sale of the Latin American Subsidiaries of $2.5 million is recognized as a component of Other nonoperating income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

 

(8)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:

 

    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  

Deposits on pending acquisitions and property, plant, and equipment

  $ 17.5     $ 96.8  

Prepaid expenses

    65.7       50.1  

Other current assets

    21.3       18.3  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 104.5     $ 165.2  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-44


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

(9)

Income taxes

Components of Earnings before Income Taxes

The following table summarizes the components of earnings before income taxes for the years ended December 31:

 

     2022     2021  

Domestic

   $ (10.3   $ (169.2

Foreign

     (68.2     (45.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

   $ (78.5   $ (214.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Summary of Current and Deferred Income Taxes

Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is summarized as follows:

 

     2022     2021  

Current tax expense (benefit):

    

U.S. – Federal

   $ 16.7     $ 16.2  

U.S. – State

     3.3       13.6  

Foreign

     27.6       9.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     47.6       39.7  

Deferred tax expense (benefit):

    

U.S. – Federal

     (12.6     (22.2

U.S. – State

     (3.2     (15.3

Foreign

     (21.6     (29.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     (37.4     (66.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

   $ 10.2     $ (27.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to net income (loss) before income taxes differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 21% to net income (loss) before income taxes. The reconciliation between these amounts is as follows:

 

     2022     2021  

Net income (loss) before income taxes

   $ (78.5   $ (214.2

Income tax expense (benefit):

    

Statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate

     (16.5     (45.0

Foreign income taxed at rates other than 21%

     (5.4     (3.9

Uncertain tax provisions

           5.6  

Valuation allowance movement

     18.5       5.7  

Nondeductible expenses

     4.1       3.4  

Withholding tax

     1.8       0.5  

State/Local tax

     1.0       (4.9

Tax adjustments related to REIT

     2.1       20.9  

Other

     4.6       (9.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

   $ 10.2     $ (27.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-45


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

     2022     2021  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Goodwill

   $ 83.3     $ 99.6  

Lease liability

     124.9       49.9  

Accruals

     33.0       14.7  

Net operating losses, credits, and other tax attribute carryforwards

     89.7       27.4  

Investments in flow-through entities

           2.1  

Other

     24.8       9.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     355.7       203.5  

Valuation allowance

     (63.4     (8.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     292.3       195.1  

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Fixed assets

     (279.6     (239.6

Intangibles

     (220.3     (238.8

Lease asset

     (143.2     (66.1

Investments in flow-through entities

     (52.8      

Other

     (10.5     (13.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (706.4     (558.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net deferred tax assets and liabilities

     (414.1     (363.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The net deferred tax liability above is presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

     2022     2021  

Net deferred tax assets included within other assets

   $ 4.2     $ 21.1  

Net deferred tax liabilities included within deferred income tax liability

     (418.3     (384.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net deferred tax assets and liabilities

   $ (414.1   $ (363.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2022, there were operating loss carryforwards of approximately $289.8 million related to U.S., state, and foreign net operating losses, of which $249.2 million do not expire and the remaining expire, if not utilized, from 2023 to 2043. There were also tax credits of $2.5 million, which are not subject to expiration.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more-likely than-not that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), projected future taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances on December 31, 2022 and 2021. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

 

F-46


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $63.4 million and $8.4 million , respectively. The increase in valuation allowance was primarily related to certain U.S., Canada, and Australia deferred tax assets that, in the judgment of management, are not more-likely-than-not to be realized.

Uncertain Tax Positions

The beginning and ending balances of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits are reconciled below for the years ended December 31:

 

     2022     2021  

Total uncertain tax positions at January 1

   $ 11.1     $ 4.4  

Increases related to positions taken in the current year

           6.5  

Current year acquisitions

     6.7       0.4  

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

     (0.2     (0.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total uncertain tax positions at December 31

   $ 17.6     $ 11.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The unrecognized tax benefits of $17.6 million as of December 31, 2022, if subsequently recognized, will affect the Company’s effective tax rate favorably at the time when such a benefit is recognized.

The Company believes the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits that will be settled during the next twelve months cannot be reasonably estimated but will not be significant.

The 2017 through 2022 tax years generally remain subject to examination by U.S. federal, state, and foreign tax authorities.

The Company has analyzed its global cash requirements as of December 31, 2022 and has not recorded any deferred tax liability related to undistributed foreign earnings because any future repatriations of cash would only be done to the extent there was no related tax cost.

 

F-47


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

(10)

Debt

Debt consists of the following at December 31:

 

     2022     2021  

Adjustable Rate Multi-Property Loan (CMBS 4), variable rate, due May 2024

   $ 2,350.0     $ 2,350.0  

Credit Agreement—Term Loan A, variable rate, due December 2025

     1,875.0       1,175.0  

2021 Private Placement Guaranteed Senior Notes, fixed rates, due August 2026-2031

     1,411.3       1,475.2  

Adjustable Rate Multi-Property Loan (CMBS 5), variable rate, due November 2023

     1,297.5       1,297.5  

Credit Agreement—Revolving Credit Facility, variable rate, due December 2024

     973.1       703.5  

2022 Private Placement Guaranteed Senior Notes, fixed rates, due August 2027-2032

     256.2        

MetLife Real Estate Lending, LLC—iStar, fixed rate 4.51%, due October 2028

     228.0       228.0  

MetLife Real Estate Lending, LLC—Richland, fixed rate 4.00%/4.10%, due January 2026

     167.0       169.1  

MetLife Real Estate Lending, LLC—Cool Port Oakland, variable rate, due March 2024

     79.2       81.3  

Transportes Fuentes Group Term Loans, various rates, due January 2023—July 2028

     40.2        

Wilmington Trust, National Association, fixed rate 4.45%, due September 2044

     24.6       25.1  

Midland Loan Services, fixed rate 4.30%, due June 2025

     21.3       21.7  

JP Morgan—Equipment Financings, various rates, due September 2023—December 2024

     20.5       33.4  

Wilmington Trust (Wells Fargo) – Westfield, fixed rate 4.87%, due
December 2026

     20.4       20.7  

De Lage Landen Equipment Loans, fixed rate 4.80%, due September 2025

     4.6       6.1  

Fifth Third Term Loans and Leverage Loan, variable rate, due February 2023

           24.4  

CHHS Sub CDE 23—A1 (US Bank), fixed rate 3.73%, due July 2046

           4.1  

Pacesetter CDE XX1—A2 (Capital One), fixed rate 3.39%, due July 2046

           4.0  

Other debt, various rates and maturities

     6.5       8.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

     8,775.4       7,627.7  

Less current portion long-term debt

     (36.4     (19.5

Less deferred financing costs

     (37.5     (45.5

Less below-market debt

     (8.0     (0.2

Plus above-market debt

     3.9       4.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt, net

   $ 8,697.4     $ 7,567.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Adjustable rate multi-property loan (CMBS 4)

On May 9, 2019, the Company entered into an adjustable rate multi-property loan agreement (“CMBS 4”) between Column Financial, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. in the aggregate amount of $2,350.0 million.

The borrowing bears interest at one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a spread of 1.61% and requires monthly interest-only payments, with a balloon repayment of the outstanding loans due upon maturity. The borrowing had an original maturity date of May 9, 2021, which may be

 

F-48


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

extended through three one-year extension options that can be exercised if certain covenants are met. On May 6, 2021, the Company exercised the first extension option for CMBS 4, extending the maturity date to May 9, 2022. On March 14, 2022, the Company exercised the second extension option, extending the maturity date to May 9, 2023. Effective July 9, 2023, the CMBS 4 interest rate transitioned from LIBOR plus a spread of 1.61% to Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus a spread of 1.66%. On February 22, 2023, the Company exercised its final extension option, extending the maturity date to May 9, 2024.

The accompanying financial statements have been presented on the basis of the Company being a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. CMBS 4 is scheduled to mature on May 9, 2024. The Company does not have cash on hand or other legally binding commitments that can be utilized to repay the outstanding amounts of CMBS 4 on its maturity date. The Company has assessed its available options with respect to this loan and has determined that its plan is to obtain new debt financing to repay the outstanding amounts of CMBS 4 at maturity. In considering whether it is probable the Company will refinance CMBS 4 prior to its maturity date, the Company performed a comprehensive assessment, including the Company’s historical ability to obtain financing, its creditworthiness based upon current and expected financial performance and leverage levels, and current debt market conditions. As a result, the Company has concluded it is probable that the refinancing will be completed prior to the maturity date of CMBS 4. There can be no assurances that financing can be obtained.

 

  (b)

Credit Agreement—Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan A

On December 22, 2020, the Company entered into a $2,300.0 million revolving credit and term loan agreement (collectively, the “Credit Agreement”) consisting of a $1,300.0 million multi-currency revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and a USD-denominated $1,000.0 million term loan (the “Term Loan A”) with various lenders. The Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan A mature on December 22, 2024 and December 22, 2025, respectively. The Revolving Credit Facility may be extended through two six-month extension options that can be exercised if certain conditions are met.

Effective March 10, 2021, the Company amended the Credit Agreement, increasing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility to $1,800.0 million. The amendment also changed the terms by which the Credit Agreement borrowings are eligible to become unsecured, which primarily includes meeting various financial covenants, receiving an investment grade rating, and issuing pari-passu debt.

Effective August 16, 2021, the Company amended the Credit Agreement, increasing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility to $2,125.0 million and the Term Loan A commitment to $1,175.0 million. The amendment also changed the interest rate for GBP-denominated balances to the Sterling Overnight Index Average (“SONIA”). In conjunction with the Term Loan A upsizing, the Company recognized a loss of $0.2 million on extinguishment of debt.

On August 20, 2021, the Credit Agreement became unsecured in connection with the issuance of the 2021 Private Placement Guaranteed Senior Notes.

Effective June 28, 2022, the Company amended the Credit Agreement, increasing the availability under the Revolving Credit Facility by $500.0 million to a total capacity of $2,625.0 million and increasing the Term Loan A commitment by $700.0 million to a total of $1,875.0 million. The $700.0 million borrowed on the Term Loan A was utilized to pay down amounts outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, the amendment changed the interest reference rate for USD-denominated balances from LIBOR to SOFR. The Company incurred fees and expenses of $7.2 million in connection with the upsizing, all of which was capitalized as deferred financing costs during the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

F-49


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest based on the Company’s elected borrowing type and borrowing currency. The contractual interest rate is equal to the applicable variable reference rate plus the margin rate. The applicable margin rate is based on the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio and the loan borrowing type. The applicable margin for Term Benchmark and Risk-Free Reference (“RFR”) loans ranges from 1.60% to 2.20% and Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) loans range from 0.60% to 1.20%. Interest payments on the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan A are due quarterly and monthly, respectively.

The following table provides the details of the Company’s Credit Agreement:

 

     December 31, 2022      December 31, 2021  
     Contractual
Interest Rate (1)
    Borrowing
Currency
     Carrying
Amount
(USD)
     Contractual
Interest Rate (1)
    Borrowing
Currency
     Carrying
Amount
(USD)
 

Term Loan A

 

            

USD

     SOFR+1.60     1,875.0      $ 1,875.0        LIBOR+1.60     1,175.0      $ 1,175.0  

Revolving Credit Facility

 

          

CAD

     CDOR+1.60     611,000        451.1        CDOR+1.60     58.0        45.4  

AUD

     BBSW+1.60     340.0        230.9        BBSW+1.60     307.0        222.8  

EUR

     EURIBOR+1.60     180.0        192.2        EURIBOR+1.60     20.0        22.6  

DKK

     CIBOR+1.60     507.0        72.8        CIBOR+1.60     672.0        102.3  

NOK

     NIBOR+1.60     133.0        13.4        NIBOR+1.60     170.0        19.4  

NZD

     BKBM+1.60     20.0        12.7        BKBM+1.60             

USD

     SOFR+1.60                   LIBOR+1.60     291.0        291.0  
       

 

 

         

 

 

 

Total Revolving Credit Facility

 

     $ 973.1           $ 703.5  
    

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

  1   

SOFR = Secured Overnight Financing Rate, CDOR = Canadian Dollar Offered Rate, BBSW = Bank Bill Swap Rate, EURIBOR = Euro Interbank Offered Rate, CIBOR = Copenhagen Interbank Offered Rate, NIBOR = Norwegian Interbank Offered Rate, BKBM = Bank Bill Reference Rate, LIBOR = London Interbank Offered Rate

The commitment fee on the Revolving Credit Facility for any calendar quarter is (a) 0.15% per annum if the daily unused amount of the Revolving Commitment of the applicable Tranche is less than 50% and (b) 0.25% per annum if the daily unused amount of the Revolving Commitment of the applicable Tranche is greater than or equal to 50%. For outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2022, the commitment fee was 0.25% for the Dollar Tranche, 0.15% for Alternative Currency Tranche One, and 0.25% Alternative Currency Tranche Two. For outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2021, the commitment fee was 0.15% for the Dollar Tranche, and 0.25% for both Alternative Currency Tranche One and Alternative Currency Tranche Two.

There were $38.2 million and $43.7 million letters of credit issued on the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company has the ability to issue up to $75 million as letters of credit, which can be increased to $100 million with consent from the issuing lenders. On August 31, 2023, the Company received consent from the issuing lenders, increasing the maximum letters of credit commitment to $100 million.

 

  (c)  

2021 Private Placement Guaranteed Senior Notes

On August 20, 2021, the Company entered into a private placement financing consisting of a series of fixed-rate guaranteed, unsecured senior notes (“2021 Senior Notes”) equivalent to $1,500.0 million. Interest on the notes is due semi-annually in August and February, with the first interest payment due on February 20, 2022. The table below summarizes the terms of the 2021 Senior Notes:

 

F-50


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

Amount

  Denomination     Interest
rate
    Maturity
date
 
$300.0     USD       2.22     8/20/2026  
€128.0     EUR       0.89     8/20/2026  
£145.0     GBP       1.98     8/20/2026  
$375.0     USD       2.52     8/20/2028  
£130.0     GBP       2.13     8/20/2028  
€251.0     EUR       1.26     8/20/2031  

The Company incurred fees and expenses of $8.4 million in connection with the issuance, all of which were capitalized as deferred financing costs during the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

  (d)  

Adjustable rate multi-property loan (CMBS 5)

On October 21, 2020, the Company entered into an adjustable rate multi-property loan agreement (“CMBS 5”) between Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in the aggregate amount of $1,320.0 million.

The borrowing bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 1.86% and requires monthly interest-only payments, with a balloon repayment of the outstanding loans due upon maturity. The borrowing has an original maturity date of November 9, 2023, which may be extended through two one-year extension options that can be exercised if certain covenants are met. Effective July 9, 2023, the CMBS 5 interest rate transitioned from LIBOR plus a spread of 1.86% to SOFR plus a spread of 1.97%. On August 15, 2023, the Company exercised its first extension option, extending the current maturity date to November 9, 2024.

 

  (e)  

2022 Private Placement Guaranteed Senior Notes

On August 15, 2022, the Company entered into a private placement financing consisting of a series of fixed-rate guaranteed, unsecured senior notes (“2022 Senior Notes”) equivalent to $246.2 million. Interest on the notes is due semi-annually in February and August, with the first interest payment due on February 20, 2023. The table below summarizes the terms of the 2022 Senior Notes:

 

Amount

  Denomination     Interest
rate
    Maturity date  
€  80.0     EUR       3.33     8/20/2027  
€110.0     EUR       3.54     8/20/2029  
€  50.0     EUR       3.74     8/20/2032  

The proceeds were primarily used to pay down the Senior Revolving Credit Facility balance outstanding. The Company incurred fees and expenses of $1.3 million in connection with the issuance, all of which were capitalized as deferred financing costs during the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

  (f)  

MetLife Real Estate Lending, LLC – iStar

On June 27, 2019, the Company assumed a secured promissory note with MetLife Real Estate Lending LLC in the amount of $228.0 million. The secured promissory note bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.51%. The Company is required to make interest-only payments on a monthly basis, with a balloon repayment of the outstanding principal amount of the secured promissory note due on October 10, 2028.

 

F-51


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

  (g)  

MetLife Real Estate Lending, LLC – Richland

On September 26, 2019, the Company assumed a loan with MetLife Real Estate Lending LLC in the amount of $110.0 million. The borrowing bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.00%. The Company was required to make monthly interest-only payments until January 1, 2021, when the Company was required to begin making monthly principal and interest payments. A balloon payment for the remaining outstanding principal is due on January 1, 2026.

On November 25, 2019, the Second Amendment to the loan agreement was entered into, for an additional borrowing of $61.0 million. The Second Amendment portion of the borrowing bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.10%. The Company is required to make interest-only payments through the maturity date of January 1, 2026, at which time a balloon payment of the outstanding principal balance is due.

 

  (h)  

MetLife Real Estate Lending LLC – Cool Port Oakland

On March 25, 2019, the Company entered into a loan agreement with MetLife Real Estate Lending LLC in the amount of $81.3 million.

The borrowing has a variable interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 1.65%. The loan requires monthly interest-only payments through March 2021, at which time the Company is required to begin making monthly principal payments. A balloon repayment of the outstanding principal amount is due on March 25, 2024.

On February 12, 2021, the Company amended the MetLife Real Estate Lending, LLC—Cool Port Oakland loan, extending interest-only payments through March 2022, at which time the Company began making monthly principal payments.

 

  (i)  

Transportes Fuentes Group Debt Assumed

On September 1, 2022, as part of the Transportes Fuentes Group acquisition, the Company assumed Euro denominated term loans with a total outstanding principal balance of €42.7 million (equivalent to $42.8 million on the acquisition date). The loans are with four different bank lenders and primarily bear interest at fixed rates ranging between 0.52% and 1.35%. The loans require monthly principal and interest payments through the remaining maturity dates between January 2023 and July 2028. As part of purchase accounting, the assumed debt instruments were determined to be below-market and a fair value adjustment of $7.5 million was recorded as of the acquisition date.

 

  (j)  

Wilmington Trust, National Association

On September 18, 2019, the Company assumed a loan with Wilmington Trust, N. A. in the amount of $26.0 million. The borrowing bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.45%. The Company is required to make monthly principal and interest payments. The loan matures on September 1, 2044, with early payment permitted beginning on June 1, 2024.

 

  (k)  

Midland Loan Services

On July 2, 2019, the Company assumed a loan through the lender of Midland Loan Services in the amount of $22.7 million. The borrowing bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.30%. The Company is required to make monthly principal and interest payments, with a balloon repayment of the outstanding principal amount on the loan due on June 6, 2025.

 

F-52


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

  (l)  

JP Morgan – Equipment Financings

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company entered into equipment financing agreements with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Agent. The loans are secured by certain property and equipment. The loans bear interest at fixed rates ranging between 4.66% and 5.84% and require monthly principal and interest payments through the remaining maturity dates between September 2023 and December 2024.

 

  (m)  

Wilmington Trust (Wells Fargo)—Westfield

On September 22, 2020, the Company assumed a loan with Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. in the amount of $21.0 million. The borrowing bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.87%. The Company is required to make monthly principal and interest payments, with a balloon repayment of the outstanding principal amount on the loan due on December 11, 2026.

 

  (n)  

De Lage Landen Equipment Loans

On September 4, 2020, the Company entered into a $7.9 million equipment financing agreement with De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. The borrowing bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.80% and is secured by certain property and equipment. The Company is required to make monthly principal and interest payments through the maturity date of September 4, 2025.

 

  (o)  

Fifth Third Term Loans and Leverage Loan

On October 31, 2019, the Company assumed two separate Term Loans in the amounts of $13.5 million and $7.4 million and a Leverage Loan in the amount of $5.6 million with Fifth Third. On September 20, 2022, the Company fully repaid the two Fifth Third Term Loans and the Fifth Third Leverage Loan with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $23.8 million.

 

  (p)  

CCHS Sub CDE 23 – A1 (US Bank) & Pacesetter CDE XXI – A2 (Capital One)

On October 31, 2019, the Company assumed a New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) financing arrangement established to take advantage of a tax credit related to capital improvements at an acquired Bedford Park, Illinois facility. This financing arrangement was structured with unrelated third-party financial institutions (the “Investors”), their wholly-owned investment funds (“Investment Funds”) and their wholly-owned community development entities (“CDEs”) under the NMTC program. Upon acquisition, the Company acquired an aggregate of $8.2 million loan receivable due from the Investment Funds, which was included in Other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021. The Company also assumed related loan agreements, aggregating to $9.8 million payable to the CDEs sponsoring the project.

On September 29, 2022, the Investors exercised a contractual put option requiring the Company to purchase the Investors’ interest in the Investment Funds for a nominal amount. As a result, the Company recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $1.4 million resulting from the extinguishment of the NMTC loans payable, partially offset by the write-off of the related note receivable now held between wholly-owned subsidiaries and a below-market debt balance recognized at the time of the acquisition.

 

F-53


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

  (q)  

Deferred financing costs and gains (loss) on extinguishment of debt

In connection with the various loan agreements, the Company incurred financing costs that are deferred and are being amortized over the life of the loans on a straight-line basis, which approximates effective interest amortization. If debt is partially prepaid, related deferred financing costs are charged to expense in proportion of the prepayment to the total outstanding debt.

During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized amortization of deferred financing costs recorded to Interest expense, net, of $17.8 million and $16.7 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the amount of unamortized deferred financing costs in Long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheets was $37.5 million and $45.5 million, respectively. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the amount of unamortized deferred financing costs in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets was $13.7 million and $14.8 million, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, as the result of the payment of the outstanding principal balances on long-term debt, the Company recorded $1.4 million and ($4.1) million, to Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, respectively.

 

  (r)  

Covenants and collateral

The Company was in compliance with its debt covenants at December 31, 2022. The 2020 Senior Credit Facility was secured by equity pledges of the borrowers and guarantors until August 20, 2021, when the facility became unsecured. The Adjustable Rate Multi-Property Loans (CMBS 4 and CMBS 5) are secured by certain assets in which the lender has been granted a security interest pursuant to the loan agreement. Unless otherwise noted, all other debt instruments are secured by various other assets specific to the underlying agreement.

 

  (s)  

Future maturities

Future payments on long-term debt, if contractual extensions are executed, for each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

 

Year ending December 31:

  

2023

   $ 36.4  

2024

     2,450.1  

2025

     4,179.8  

2026

     797.8  

2027

     89.0  

2028 and thereafter

     1,222.3  
  

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

   $ 8,775.4  
  

 

 

 

 

(11)

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

 

  (a)  

Risk management objective of using derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and

 

F-54


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, foreign currency, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities with the use of derivative financial instruments.

 

  (b)  

Cash flow hedges of interest rate and foreign currency risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to manage its exposure to interest rate movements and to mitigate the potential volatility to interest expense. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps and caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate caps involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for a premium. The Company’s interest rate swaps hedge the variable interest rate risk on the Company’s Term Loan A. The Company’s interest rate caps hedge the variable interest rate risk on the Company’s Adjustable Rate Multi-Property Loans (CMBS 4 and CMBS 5). Refer to Note 10, Debt for additional information.

In addition, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future cash amounts due to changes in foreign currency rates.

 

  (c)  

Designated hedges

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate and foreign currency derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

 

     Number of
Instruments
     Notional  

Interest rate derivatives:

     

Interest rate swap

     2      USD   1,000.0  

Interest rate cap

     5      USD   2,500.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7      USD   3,500.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Buy Notional      Sell Notional  

Foreign currency derivatives:

     

Buy EUR/Sell GBP forward

   EUR   34.3      GBP   29.7  

Buy USD/Sell GBP forward

   USD   6.7      GBP   5.8  

 

F-55


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow

Hedging Relationships

   Amount of Gain
(Loss) Recognized in
OCI on Derivatives
   

Location of Gain (Loss)

Reclassified from Accumulated

OCI into Earnings

   Amount of Gain
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Earnings
 
     2022      2021          2022      2021  

Included in effectiveness testing:

 

       

Interest rate contracts

   $ 225.6      $ 25.2     Interest expense, net    $ 37.2      $ (3.9

Foreign exchange contracts

     1.7        (1.8   Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net      0.6        (1.4

Excluded from effectiveness testing and recognized in earnings based on an amortization approach:

 

    

Interest rate contracts

     (8.9      13.0     Interest expense, net      (1.1      (1.0

Foreign exchange contracts

                Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net              
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 218.4      $ 36.4        $ 36.7      $ (6.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

The estimated net amount of existing gains (losses) that are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2022 that is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months is $109.6 million.

 

  (d)  

Non-designated hedges

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had the following outstanding derivatives that were not designated as hedging instruments:

 

            Number of Instruments      Notional  

Interest Rate Derivatives

        

Interest rate cap

        8        USD 3,670.0  
        Buy Notional        Sell Notional  

Foreign Currency Derivatives

        

Buy USD/Sell CAD forward

     USD        5.5        CAD 7.3  

Buy CAD/Sell USD forward

     CAD        4.1        USD 3.1  

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

Derivatives Not Designated as

Hedging Instruments

  

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in

Earnings on Derivatives

   Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Earnings on
Derivatives
 
       2022              2021      

Interest rate contracts

  

Interest expense, net

   $ 1.8      $ (3.2

Foreign exchange contracts

  

Gain (loss) on foreign currency

transactions, net

     4.3        (17.2
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ 6.1      $ (20.4
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-56


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets as of period end:

 

     December 31,      December 31,      December 31,     December 31,  
     2022      2021      2022     2021  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

       

Balance Sheet Location

    
Other
Assets
 
 
    
Other
Assets
 
 
    

Other

Liabilities

 

 

   

Other

Liabilities

 

 

Interest rate contracts

   $ 225.7      $ 45.6      $     $  

Foreign exchange contracts

     0.9        0.4        (0.3     (0.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 226.6      $ 46.0      $ (0.3   $ (0.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivatives NOT designated as hedging instruments

 

       

Balance Sheet Location

    
Other
Assets
 
 
    
Other
Assets
 
 
    
Other
Liabilities
 
 
   
Other
Liabilities
 
 

Interest rate contracts

   $ 2.7      $ 0.4      $     $ (0.5

Foreign exchange contracts

     1.3        0.4        (1.3     (0.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4.0      $ 0.8      $ (1.3   $ (0.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Refer to Note 12, Fair value measurements for further information on the valuation of the Company’s derivatives.

 

(12)

Fair value measurements

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying amount of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses were representative of their fair values due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.

The hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value is as follows:

Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs), such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities exchanged in active or inactive markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in inactive markets, other inputs that may be considered in fair value determinations of these assets or liabilities, such as interest rates and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Pricing evaluations generally reflect discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, estimated durations, and yields for other instruments of the issuer or entities in the same industry sector.

Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets or liabilities and it may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in valuing assets or liabilities.

 

F-57


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

The following table presents the fair value hierarchy levels of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

 

     Fair Value
Hierarchy
     December 31,
2022
     December 31,
2021
 

Measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

        

Interest rate derivative financial instruments assets

     Level 2      $ 228.4      $ 46.0  

Interest rate derivative financial instruments liabilities

     Level 2      $      $ 0.5  

Foreign exchange forward contracts assets

     Level 2      $ 2.2      $ 0.8  

Foreign exchange forward contracts liabilities

     Level 2      $ 1.6      $ 1.1  

Acquisition related contingent consideration

     Level 3      $ 6.1      $ 23.2  

Measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis:

        

Other investments (included in Other assets)

     Level 3      $ 11.5      $ 9.8  

Disclosed at fair value:

        

Long-term debt1

     Level 3      $ 8,493.2      $ 7,678.0  

As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s level 3 liabilities exclude $30.4 million of acquisition related contingent consideration for which the liability is determined based on actual financial results, as stipulated by the related purchase agreements. The final payout of the liabilities are subject only to a customary review period between the Company and the sellers. Refer to Note 4, Business combinations and asset acquisitions for further details on the Company’s acquisition related contingent consideration.

The Company is required to measure certain assets and liabilities at estimated fair value from time to time. These fair value measurements typically result from the application of specific accounting pronouncements under GAAP and are considered non-recurring fair value measurements.

In accordance with GAAP, the Company has elected to remeasure investments without readily determinable fair values only when an observable transaction occurs for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded non-recurring fair value adjustments related to certain other investments without readily determinable fair values totaling $0.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively, which are included within Other nonoperating income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

The Company’s long-term debt is reported at the aggregate principal amount less unamortized deferred financing costs and any above or below market adjustments (as required in purchase accounting) on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. For instruments with no prepayment option, the fair value is estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow model where the contractual cash flows (i.e., coupon and principal repayments) were discounted at a risk-adjusted yield reflective of both the time value of money and the credit risk inherent in each instrument. For instruments that include a prior-to-maturity prepayment option, the fair value is estimated using a Black-Derman-Toy lattice model. The inputs used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s debt instruments are comprised of Level 2 inputs, including risk-free interest rates, credit ratings, and financial metrics for comparable publicly listed companies, and Level 3 inputs, such as risk-adjusted credit spreads based on adjusted yields implied at issuance, and yield volatility (used for instruments with a prepayment option).

 

1 

The carrying value of long-term debt is disclosed in Note 10, Debt.

 

F-58


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

(13)

Leases

The Company leases real estate, most significantly warehouses for use in operations, as well as equipment for use within owned and leased warehouses. The Company also leases vehicles, trailers and other equipment to support logistics and transportation operations. The Company has not pledged any assets as collateral related to the Company’s existing leases at December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Right-of-use asset balances as of December 31 were as follows:

 

     2022     2021  

Finance lease right-of-use assets

   $ 1,559.8     $ 1,618.1  

Less: accumulated amortization

     (274.2     (196.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance lease right-of-use assets, net

   $ 1,285.6     $ 1,421.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

   $ 818.5     $ 711.4  

Less: accumulated amortization

     (141.5     (94.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

   $ 677.0     $ 617.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Lease liabilities are presented in the following line items in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31:

 

     2022      2021  
     Finance
Leases
     Operating
Leases
     Finance
Leases
     Operating
Leases
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 65.5      $ 60.5      $ 57.2      $ 53.5  

Long-term finance lease obligations

     1,323.5               1,424.5         

Long-term operating lease obligations

            632.3               593.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total lease obligations

   $ 1,389.0      $ 692.8      $ 1,481.7      $ 647.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Maturities of lease liabilities for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31:    Finance Leases     Operating Leases  

2023

   $ 146.3     $ 95.5  

2024

     146.8       81.9  

2025

     143.5       75.2  

2026

     141.0       73.5  

2027

     135.8       71.9  

2028 and thereafter

     1,808.6       792.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Lease Payments

     2,522.0       1,190.2  

Less imputed interest

     (1,133.0     (497.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,389.0     $ 692.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-59


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

Supplemental consolidated balance sheet information related to leases as of December 31 is as follows:

 

     2022     2021  

Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):

    

Finance

     17.4       18.4  

Operating

     17.2       18.5  

Weighted average discount rate:

    

Finance

     6.8     6.8

Operating

     6.5     6.6

The components of lease expense are as follows for the years ended:

 

     2022     2021  

Finance lease cost:

    

Amortization of ROU assets

   $ 88.2     $ 91.2  

Interest on lease liabilities

     94.3       99.7  

Operating lease cost

     102.6       92.8  

Variable & short-term lease cost

     23.1       8.5  

Sublease income

     (17.6     (13.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total lease cost

   $ 290.6     $ 278.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows for the years ended:

 

     2022      2021  

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liability

     

Operating cash flows from finance leases

   $ 93.7      $ 97.6  

Finance cash flows from finance leases

     49.5        45.8  

Operating cash flows from operating leases

     93.7        85.2  

ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations (excluding the effect of acquisitions)

     

Finance leases

   $ 9.5      $ 55.1  

Operating leases

     6.8        8.1  

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had an additional real estate lease that had not yet commenced, with undiscounted lease payments of approximately $63.9 million. The lease will commence in 2023, with a lease term of 12 years.

 

(14)

Failed sale-leaseback financing obligations

In connection with the Kloosterboer acquisition, the Company assumed two failed sale-leaseback financing obligations. The Company’s outstanding obligations for failed sale-leasebacks of real estate-related long-lived assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, were as follows:

 

     Maturity      2022      2021  

Arras

     December 2035      $ 24.0      $ 27.3  

Harnes 2

     June 2037        44.3        12.8  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total sale-leaseback financing obligations

      $ 68.3      $ 40.1  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-60


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

Arras

In August 2020, Kloosterboer executed an agreement with a bank consortium to finance its construction of a new cold storage facility on a parcel of land previously owned by Kloosterboer in Arras, France (“Arras”). As part of this arrangement, the bank consortium purchased the land parcel from Kloosterboer and concurrently provided funding to construct the cold storage facility. The agreement stipulates that the bank consortium has legal ownership and title to the land parcel and the facility. The agreement also provides the Company with an option to purchase the leased assets for €1.00 at the end of the lease term, which makes the transaction a “failed sale” because the purchase price is nominal. The associated assets are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets within Property, plant, and equipment, net with a corresponding failed sale-leaseback financing obligation included within Other long-term liabilities. Upon the acquisition of Kloosterboer, the Company recognized a liability related to Arras. The construction of Arras was substantially complete when Lineage acquired Kloosterboer and was completed in 2021.

The initial term of the Arras financing agreement is 15 years after the original execution of the agreement. Payments are made quarterly and are based on the total funding provided by the bank consortium to finance the construction work. The agreement’s termination date is December 31, 2035 and has an implicit interest rate of 0.15%. The earliest date that the purchase option can be exercised is 7 years after the completion of the Arras facility. Early exercise of the purchase option requires the Company to pay off the remaining balance of the sale-leaseback financing obligation at the time of exercise. The long-lived assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their remaining economic useful life.

As of December 31, 2022, future minimum payments for the Arras sale-leaseback financing obligation were as follows:

 

Year ending December 31:       

2023

   $ 1.7  

2024

     1.7  

2025

     1.8  

2026

     1.8  

2027

     1.8  

2028 and thereafter

     15.2  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 24.0  
  

 

 

 

Harnes 2

Kloosterboer was party to a separate sale-leaseback transaction related to a facility in Harnes, France. As part of this arrangement, a bank consortium agreed to purchase land from a third-party and finance improvements to an existing facility at the location. This agreement was determined to be a finance lease because it provided Kloosterboer with the ability to purchase the land and facility for a nominal price of €1.00 at the end of the lease term. Subsequently, Kloosterboer and the bank consortium amended the agreement and the bank consortium agreed to finance the construction of a second facility at the location, which would then be leased to Kloosterboer after construction completion (“Harnes 2”). This facility was added to the purchase option from the original lease. As Kloosterboer was already deemed to be reasonably certain to exercise the €1.00 purchase option on the land, the lease for Harnes 2 was considered a “failed sale.” The associated assets are reflected in the accompanying consolidated

 

F-61


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

balance sheets within Property, plant, and equipment, net, with a corresponding failed sale-leaseback financing obligation included within Other long-term liabilities. Upon the acquisition of Kloosterboer, no asset or liability was recognized for the Harnes 2 financing obligation because the construction had not begun. Since the acquisition, all construction costs have been recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as increases to the financing obligation included within Other long-term liabilities and to Property, plant, and equipment, net. Upon completion of the Harnes 2 facility, the previously recognized construction in progress will be reclassified as a depreciable fixed asset to be depreciated in a manner consistent with the Company’s depreciation policy for owned assets.

The agreement ends in June 2037. Payments commence upon the construction completion date for the Harnes 2 facility, which occurred in 2023. The quarterly lease payments will be based on the total funding provided by the bank consortium to finance the construction work once construction of Harnes 2 is complete. The earliest date that the purchase option can be exercised is 7 years after the completion of the improvements contemplated in the original finance lease. Early exercise of the purchase option requires the Company to pay off the remaining balance of the sale-leaseback financing obligation at the time of exercise.

 

(15)

Employee benefit plans

 

  (a)  

Multi-employer pension plans

The Company participates in various multi-employer pension plans, which provide defined benefits to the Company’s covered U.S. union employees. A unique characteristic of a multi-employer plan compared to a single employer plan is that all plan assets are available to pay benefits of any plan participant. Separate asset accounts are not maintained for participating employers. This means that assets contributed by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute monthly the amount specified by the plans’ trustees. The Company contributed $1.6 million and $0.9 million to these plans during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. There have been no significant changes that affect comparability of 2022 and 2021 contributions.

The Company’s contributions to these plans represent less than 5.0% of the total contributions made to the plans from all participating employers.

 

  (b)  

Salary-savings profit-sharing plans

Under the Company’s Salary-Savings Profit-Sharing Plan (“the Plan”), Plan participants may contribute a percentage of their annual gross wages to the Plan, and the Company contributes matching amounts based on participant contributions. Total Company cash contributions to these plans were $33.9 million and $28.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

  (c)  

Lang’s Employees Pension Plan

On August 2, 2022, the Company acquired a defined benefit pension plan as part of the VersaCold acquisition called the Lang’s Employees Pension Plan (“the Lang’s Plan”). The Lang’s Plan has 20 active members and is closed to new members. The Lang’s Plan has assets and liabilities of $3.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022.

 

F-62


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

  (d)  

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan

On November 1, 2022, the Company executed a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Under the provisions of this plan, certain senior management employees are eligible to defer payout of a portion of their annual base salary, annual bonus (if one is paid) and/or future cash payouts of Value Creation Plan units (refer to Note 16, Stock-based compensation). The non-qualified deferred compensation plan is effective for compensation starting on January 1, 2023.

 

(16)

Stock-based compensation

 

  (a)  

BG LH Restricted Class B preferred units

Certain members of management and certain non-employees were granted interests in BG LH in the form of restricted Class B Preferred Units. The Company fair values these Class B Preferred Units as of the grant date based on the price of substantially similar units issued to third-party investors in arms’ length transactions in connection with other BG LH capital raising activities. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term. The Company accounts for these units as equity-based awards.

Stock-based compensation expense related to Class B Preferred Units for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $8.9 million and $5.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, there was $3.6 million of unrecognized noncash compensation cost related to unvested Class B Preferred Units that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.9 years.

The following represents a summary of these units:

 

     Units     Weighted average
grant date fair value
(in dollar per unit)
 

Unvested as of December 31, 2020

     73,914     $ 46.00  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Awards granted in 2021

     82,794       68.00  

Awards vested in 2021

     (66,881     50.84  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unvested as of December 31, 2021

     89,827     $ 62.68  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Awards granted in 2022

     113,564       80.79  

Awards vested in 2022

     (93,426     64.94  

Awards forfeited in 2022

     (3,727     80.50  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unvested as of December 31, 2022

     106,238     $ 79.07  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During 2022, as part of a severance agreement, BG LH redeemed 49,286 Class B Preferred Units in exchange for total proceeds of $4.4 million, of which half was paid immediately and half will be paid within two years. Concurrent with the redemption of Class B Preferred Units in BG LH, Lineage, Inc. redeemed an equivalent number of shares of common stock. This transaction was recorded to Common stock and Additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity.

 

F-63


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

  (b)  

Management profit interests Class C units

LLH MGMT and LLH MGMT II interests were issued to members of management in the form of Class C units. These management interests generally vest over a five year time period, with the number of units vested based partially on meeting certain financial targets of the Company. Up to 105,505,553 and 99,184,646 Class C Units were authorized to be issued as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Company fair values these interests as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes model which was adjusted for the restriction period through a possible liquidity event. The key inputs in the valuation include a volatility factor (which ranged from 39% to 62%) and a risk free rate (which ranged from 0.23% to 4.56%), with vesting terms of 2.5 years as time to maturity in the model. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term. The Company accounts for these units as equity-based awards. Stock-based compensation related to Class C Units for each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $7.9 million and $9.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, there was $13.9 million of unrecognized noncash compensation cost related to unvested Class C units to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.7 years.

The following represents a summary of these units:

 

     Units     Weighted average
grant date fair value
per unit
 

Unvested as of December 31, 2020

     9,291,749     $ 1.09  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Awards granted in 2021

     2,866,909       3.36  

Awards vested in 2021

     (5,725,993     1.74  

Awards forfeited in 2021

     (717,007     1.76  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unvested as of December 31, 2021

     5,715,658     $ 1.49  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Awards granted in 2022

     4,159,807       3.55  

Awards vested in 2022

     (2,336,898     2.93  

Awards forfeited in 2022

     (910,054     2.75  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unvested as of December 31, 2022

     6,628,513     $ 2.10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were 17,909,147 and 19,609,211 outstanding Class C Units that were fully vested, respectively. Fully vested Class C Units may be redeemed in exchange for cash in connection with a tender redemption offer by Bay Grove Capital. LLH MGMT and LLH MGMT II also have the right to redeem the fully vested Class C Units if the holder of Class C Units terminates their employment with the Company for any reason.

During 2021, as part of a severance agreement, 1,275,450 units were immediately vested and $8.8 million was expensed to Acquisition, restructuring, other expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). These units were redeemed and will be paid over a five-year period. As these units became immediately vested and are to be settled in cash, the Company has accounted for these units as a liability as of December 31, 2021.

 

  (c)  

Value Creation Plan units

Management were granted certain units under the Value Creation Plan (the “2015 VCP”). Under this plan, certain management employees were awarded stock appreciation rights that vest over a period of

 

F-64


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

four years and upon the occurrence of a liquidity event. This plan covered awards from 2015 to 2020. A new Value Creation Plan was established in 2021 (the “2021 VCP”) to include language that the stock appreciation rights could also vest without the occurrence of a liquidity event if the Company achieves its target value as determined by the Committee (as defined in the 2015 VCP).

Upon full vesting, the awards under both the 2015 VCP and 2021 VCP entitle the recipient to a payment equal to the excess of the price of the Company’s shares at the time of full vesting, over the benchmark amount specified by the award agreement. In accordance with GAAP, until the full vesting conditions are probable of occurring, no expense is recognized for the awards. The Company believes the vesting requirement for all awards under both the 2015 and 2021 VCP are not probable. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the cumulative unrecognized stock compensation expense related to the VCP units was $36.0 million and $26.9 million, respectively.

 

  (d)  

Lineage Equity-Tracking Plan

In connection with the Turvo acquisition described in Note 4, Business combinations and asset acquisitions, the Company was required by the merger agreement to establish an incentive-payment plan, the Lineage Equity-Tracking Plan (“LETP”), to compensate Turvo employees who forfeited their unvested Turvo stock options as a result of the acquisition by Lineage. Under this plan, certain Turvo employees who became Lineage employees were granted cash incentive awards equal to the value of their unvested Turvo stock options at the time of the acquisition. The awards vest over a period of two to three years. At the discretion of the Company, the value of forfeited awards may be reallocated to other employees who remain with the Company.

Upon vesting, the awards under the LETP entitle the recipient to a payment equal to the original value of their unvested Turvo stock options at the time of the acquisition adjusted by a percentage equal to the growth in the price of Lineage’s shares since the acquisition date. If Lineage’s share price drops below the price on the acquisition date, the payment will not drop beneath a floor value equal to the value of the unvested stock options at the time of the acquisition. The Company accounts for these units as liability-based awards.

Stock-based compensation related to LETP awards for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $2.9 million. As of December 31, 2022, there was $7.3 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested awards of the LETP.

 

(17)

Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses

Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses is comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:

 

     2022      2021  

Acquisition and transaction costs

   $ 64.8      $ 99.7  

Non-recurring employee expenses

     6.4        12.6  

Operating services fees paid to Bay Grove Management

     11.0        10.5  

Other

     10.5        37.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses

   $ 92.7      $ 160.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Acquisition and transaction costs include costs associated with business transactions, whether consummated or not, such as advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or

 

F-65


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

consulting fees. These expenses also include integration expenses that relate to acquisition integration, such as information systems changes and other projects. Employee-related expenses associated with acquisitions are also included in this line, such as acquisition-related severances and consulting agreements and the Lineage Equity-Tracking Plan discussed in Note 16, Stock-based compensation.

Non-recurring employee expenses include certain contractual and negotiated severance and separation costs from exited former executives, costs relating to reductions in headcount to achieve operational efficiencies, and workforce costs associated with exiting non-strategic operations.

Operating services fees are paid to Bay Grove Management in accordance with the terms of an operating services agreement between Bay Grove Management and the Company.

Other expenses include losses (gains) on disposition of property, plant, and equipment, expenses incurred in anticipation of future planned entity restructurings, significant one-time expenses (e.g. Statesville matter discussed in Note 19, Commitments and contingencies, COVID-related expenditures, etc.), and impairments (Note 5, Property, plant, and equipment), offset by any corresponding insurance proceeds.

 

(18)

Related-party balances

The Company pays Bay Grove Management an operating services fee pursuant to an operating services agreement between Bay Grove Management and the Company. Refer to Note 17, Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses, for additional information. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, $2.6 million in operating services fees were owed to Bay Grove Management and included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company accrued distributions payable in the amount of $10.7 million and $147.7 million, respectively. The distributions were subsequently paid in cash during January 2023 and January 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, distributions payable consisted entirely of Special Distributions due to BG Cold Promote in respect of Class C units in the Operating Partnership, as further described in Note 2, Capital structure and noncontrolling interests. As of December 31, 2021, distributions payable consisted of $122.1 million payable by Lineage, Inc. to BG LH, $15.9 million payable by the Operating Partnership to Non-Company LPs, and $9.7 million payable by the Operating Partnership to BG Cold Promote in connection with Special Distributions.

The Company owns an investment stake in a supplier that is accounted for under the equity method of accounting, creating a related-party relationship. The Company paid $5.3 million and $4.3 million to this supplier for years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities includes $0.5 million and $0.3 million owed to this supplier as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had receivables due from employees of $1.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had additional related-party receivables, primarily with minority interest partners and equity method investees, of $6.1 million and $7.7 million, respectively. Related-party receivables are included in Accounts receivable, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had additional related-party payables, primarily with minority interest partners and equity method investees, of $5.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Related-party payables are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Operating Partnership has issued notes to certain individual BG LH investors and Non-Company LPs in order to fund certain investor transactions. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, these notes

 

F-66


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

totaled $25.0 million and $28.2 million, respectively. These notes receivable are included in Accounts receivable, net and Other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company donated $3.5 million and $3.0 million to the Lineage Foundation for Good (the “Foundation”), respectively, which are recorded in General and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Foundation was organized as a non-profit entity during 2021, and the Company has influence over the Foundation through board representation.

 

(19)

Commitments and contingencies

 

  (a)  

Self-insured risks

The Company is self-insured for workers’ compensation costs, with the Company’s workers’ compensation plan having an individual claim stop-loss deductible of $0.5 million. Self-insurance liabilities are determined by third-party actuaries. The Company has established restricted cash accounts with banks or directly with the insurers or letters of credit that are collateral for its self-insured workers’ compensation obligations. The combined amount included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities relating to workers’ compensation liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $36.3 million and $27.4 million, respectively. The liability as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, represents the gross amount excluding amounts receivable from the insurers. The combined amount included in Prepaid and other current assets and Other assets related to the receivables from insurers as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $11.9 million and $7.6 million, respectively.

The Company is also self-insured for a portion of employee medical costs. The Company has a medical plan with a retained deductible of $0.5 million per participant. Medical self-insurance liabilities are determined by third-party actuaries. The total included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities relating to medical liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $11.6 million and $9.3 million, respectively.

 

  (b)  

Legal and regulatory proceedings

The Company, from time to time and in the normal course of business, is party to various claims, lawsuits, arbitrations, and regulatory actions (collectively, “Claims”). In particular, as the result of numerous ongoing construction activities, the Company may be a party to construction and/or contractor related liens and claims, including mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens. Additionally, given the Company’s substantial workforce, and, in particular, its warehouse related workforce, the Company is party to various labor and employment related Claims, including, without limitation, Claims related to workers’ compensation, wage and hour, discrimination, and related matters. Finally, given the Company’s business of warehousing refrigerated food products and its utilization of anhydrous ammonia for its refrigeration systems (a known hazardous material), the Company is subject to the jurisdiction of various U.S. regulatory agencies, including, without limitation, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), Department of Justice, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and various other agencies in the locations in which the Company operates. Management of the Company believes the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

  (c)  

Environmental matters

The Company is subject to a wide range of environmental laws and regulations in each of the locations in which the Company operates. Compliance with these requirements can involve significant capital

 

F-67


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

and operating costs. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in civil or criminal fines or sanctions, claims for environmental damages, remediation obligations, the revocation of environmental permits, or restrictions on the Company’s operations.

The Company records accruals for environmental matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on current law and existing technologies. The Company adjusts these accruals periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information become available. The Company has recorded nominal environmental liabilities in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company believes it is in compliance with applicable environmental regulations in all material respects. Under various U.S. federal, state, and local environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the entire cost of investigating, removing, and/or remediating hazardous or toxic substances on such property. Such laws often impose liability, whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the contamination. Even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination, each person covered by the environmental laws may be held responsible for the entire clean-up cost. There are no material unrecorded liabilities as of the periods ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Most of the Company’s warehouses utilize anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant. Anhydrous ammonia is classified as a hazardous chemical regulated by the EPA and various other agencies in the locations in which the Company operates, and an accident or significant release of anhydrous ammonia from a warehouse could result in injuries, loss of life, and property damage.

 

  (d)  

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

The Company’s warehouses located in the U.S. are subject to regulation under OSHA, which requires employers to provide employees with an environment free from hazards, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress, and unsanitary conditions. The cost of complying with OSHA and similar laws enacted by states and other jurisdictions in which the Company operates can be substantial, and any failure to comply with these regulations could expose the Company to substantial penalties and/or liabilities to employees who may be injured at the Company’s warehouses. The Company records accruals for OSHA matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. The Company believes that it is in compliance with all OSHA regulations in all material respects and that no material unrecorded liabilities exist as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

  (e)

Statesville, North Carolina

On January 10, 2020, contractors and subcontractors were working on the blast cells at the Company’s freezer warehouse in Statesville, North Carolina when an incident occurred triggering the release of anhydrous ammonia at the facility, resulting in the death of a subcontractor and injury to another subcontractor. The EPA Criminal Investigation Division has opened an investigation and other governmental authorities could open separate investigations. In connection with the foregoing, the Company could be subject to losses in unknown amounts, including claims related to the death and injuries in the accident, losses relating to governmental fines or penalties, customer claims related to the loss of stored product, and/or other amounts arising in connection with the foregoing (including litigation, investigation, and mitigation).

During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company incurred $1.1 million and $4.0 million, respectively, in various costs related to this matter, including, but not limited to

 

F-68


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

environmental cleanup, settlement of customer claims, facility repairs, legal fees, and other miscellaneous costs. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company received approximately $0.7 million in insurance reimbursement to recover some of the customer claims losses incurred to date. No receivables have been recorded as of December 31, 2022 for potential future recoveries.

Given the status of the proceeding to date, the Company believes it has a strong defense to any claims. Based on the preliminary nature, the Company cannot reasonably estimate any additional losses. The Company believes the ultimate outcome of this matter will not have a material adverse impact on its consolidated financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company released into income $3.4 million from current liabilities as the result of a global settlement of one of the customer claims relating to product loss. The settlement required no funds to be contributed by the Company. In March 2023, an agent from the EPA Criminal Investigation Division informed the Company that it had closed its investigation into the Company relating to this matter.

 

  (f)

Kloosterboer Acquisition

As part of the Kloosterboer acquisition, the Company acquired certain subsidiaries and an equity method investment interest that are located in New Brunswick, Canada. These entities may be subject to Jones Act penalties asserted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. On July 19, 2023, the involved parties filed a Stipulation to Stay and indicated that a global settlement has been reached releasing the asserted penalties. The settlement is in review by the U.S. Department of Justice at this time. The Company believes no liability is probable or estimable, as such, the Company has not recorded a loss contingency.

 

  (g)

Construction Commitments

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $305.9 million of firm construction commitments primarily related to new warehouses and expansions.

 

(20)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

The Company reports activity in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) for foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on interest rate and foreign currency hedges. Activity within AOCI is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:

 

         2022             2021      

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

    

Balance at beginning of period

   $ (26.9   $ 75.1  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (221.5     (114.6

Amounts allocated to Noncontrolling interests and Redeemable noncontrolling interests

     27.7       14.6  

Reallocation due to change in Noncontrolling interest ownership percentage

     (7.0     (2.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ (227.7   $ (26.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-69


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

         2022             2021      

Derivatives:

    

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 36.4     $ (0.2

Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency hedges

     218.4       36.4  

Net amount reclassified from AOCI to net income (loss)

     (36.7     6.3  

Less: Tax expense

     11.1       (3.9

Amounts allocated to Noncontrolling interests and Redeemable noncontrolling interests

     (24.1     (4.9

Reallocation due to change in Noncontrolling interest ownership percentage

     6.4       2.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 211.5     $ 36.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (16.2   $ 9.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(21)

Earnings (loss) per share

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Lineage, Inc. by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Lineage, Inc. by the weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the reporting period. A reconciliation of the basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:

 

     2022     2021  

Earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (88.7   $ (187.1

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (13.3     (23.2

Less: LGP Series A preferred share dividend

     0.1        

Less: Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests

     30.6       20.7  

Less: Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment

     (16.1      

Less: REIT subsidiaries’ Series A preferred dividend attributable to Lineage, Inc.

     0.1        
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders—basic and diluted

     (90.1     (184.6

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic and diluted

     152.0       131.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders—basic and diluted

   $ (0.59   $ (1.41
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s potential dilutive securities have been excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021, as they are antidilutive and the effect would be to increase the net earnings (or decrease the net loss) per share. Therefore, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate both basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders is the same. The Company’s potential common share equivalents that are excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings (loss) per share are as follows:

 

   

As described in Note 2, Capital structure and noncontrolling interests, as of March 1, 2025 the sellers of MTC Logistics may elect to receive any combination of cash or Operating

 

F-70


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

 

Partnership units that equal the excess of $34.2M over the fair market value of the units issued to the sellers in the MTC Logistics acquisition. The Operating Partnership Units that could be issued in connection with this hypothetical election represent potential common share equivalents.

 

   

As described in Note 2, Capital structure and noncontrolling interests, the holder of the Preference Shares issued by a subsidiary of LLH in connection with the Kloosterboer acquisition has conversion rights to convert the Preference Shares to Operating Partnership units or common stock of Lineage, Inc., depending on whether or not certain events have occurred. The Operating Partnership units or common stock of Lineage, Inc. that could be issued in connection with a hypothetical conversion represent potential common share equivalents.

 

   

As described in Note 4, Business combinations and asset acquisitions, the 2020 SCS acquisition contained contingent consideration in the form of Operating Partnership units. The Operating Partnership is obligated to issue tranches of Operating Partnership units to the sellers of SCS if a customer at the Alabama facility acquired in the SCS acquisition does not exercise their purchase option on the facility in 2022 or 2027. The customer did not exercise the first option in 2022, but the first tranche of Operating Partnership units were not issued as of December 31, 2022. The Operating Partnership units that will be and could be issued in connection with this contingent consideration liability represent potential common share equivalents.

 

   

As described in Note 16, Stock-based compensation, certain members of management and certain non-employees have been granted Class B Preferred units in BG LH. Class B Preferred units that are unvested as of December 31, 2022 represent potential common share equivalents because upon vesting, Lineage, Inc. will have outstanding common shares issued to BG LH.

 

   

As described in Note 16, Stock-based compensation, certain members of management have been granted Management profit interests Class C units in LLH MGMT and LLH MGMT II. These Class C Units in LLH MGMT and LLH MGMT II that are unvested as of December 31, 2022 represent potential common share equivalents because upon vesting, they will be able to share in the profits of the Company, as defined in the LLH MGMT and LLH MGMT II operating agreements.

 

(22)

Segment information

 

  (a)

Reportable Segments Information

The Company’s business is organized into two reportable segments, which are the same as the Company’s operating segments: Global Warehousing and Global Integrated Solutions. These segments are strategic business groups containing differing service offerings, which are managed separately. The accounting polices used in the preparation of the Company’s reportable segments financial information are the same as those described in Note 1, Significant accounting policies and practices.

 

   

Global Warehousing—This segment utilizes the Company’s industrial real estate properties to provide temperature controlled warehousing services to its customers. Revenues in this segment are generated from storage services and related activities, such as handling, case-picking, order assembly, load consolidation, quality control, re-packaging, and other such value-add services. Cost of operations in this segment primarily consists of labor, power, other facilities costs, and other servicing costs.

 

F-71


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

   

Global Integrated Solutions—This segment complements Global Warehousing with specialized cold-chain services. Revenues in this segment are generated primarily from transportation fees, and additionally include multi-vendor less-than-full-truckload consolidation, transportation brokerage, drayage services to and from ports, freight forwarding, rail transportation services, and e-commerce fulfillment services. Cost of operations in this segment primarily consists of third-party carrier charges, labor, fuel, and rail and vehicle maintenance.

The Company’s chief operating decision maker uses revenues and segment net operating income (NOI) to evaluate segment performance. NOI is calculated as a segment’s revenues less its cost of operations. NOI is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table presents segment revenues and NOI, with a reconciliation to net income (loss) attributable to Lineage members for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. All inter-segment transactions are not significant and have been eliminated in consolidation. Asset information by reportable segment is not presented, as the Company does not produce such information internally and the chief operating decision maker does not use such information to manage the business. Capital expenditures for property, plant & equipment presented below by segment are inclusive of purchases recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
         2022             2021      

Global Warehousing revenues

   $ 3,432.6     $ 2,655.8  

Global Integrated Solutions revenues

     1,495.7       1,046.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 4,928.3     $ 3,702.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Warehousing cost of operations

   $ 2,219.6     $ 1,692.7  

Global Integrated Solutions cost of operations

     1,262.1       887.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of operations

   $ 3,481.7     $ 2,579.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Warehousing NOI

   $ 1,213.0     $ 963.1  

Global Integrated Solutions NOI

   $ 233.6     $ 159.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total NOI

   $ 1,446.6     $ 1,122.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciling items:

    

General and administrative

     (387.9     (278.8

Depreciation expense

     (479.5     (416.1

Amortization expense

     (197.7     (187.6

Acquisition, restructuring, and other expenses

     (92.7     (160.4

Equity income (loss), net of tax

     (0.2     (0.3

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net

     (23.8     (34.0

Interest expense, net

     (347.0     (259.6

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

     1.4       (4.1

Other nonoperating income (expense)

     2.3       4.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

   $ (78.5   $ (214.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
         2022              2021      

Capital expenditures for property, plant, and equipment:

     

Global Warehousing capital expenditures

   $ 618.0      $ 511.5  

Global Integrated Solutions capital expenditures

     141.6        30.4  

Corporate capital expenditures

     109.6        91.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capital expenditures for property, plant, and equipment

   $ 869.2      $ 633.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (b)

Geographic Information

The following table provides geographic information for the Company’s total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and long-lived assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. Revenues from external customers are attributed to each country or region based on the location of the facilities in which the revenues originated. The Company’s Goodwill and Other intangible assets, net are excluded from the definition of long-lived assets.

 

     Total Revenues      Long-Lived Assets  
         2022              2021              2022              2021      

North America:

           

United States

   $ 3,306.5      $ 2,643.3      $ 8,608.8      $ 7,994.8  

Canada

     132.8        25.8        848.2        84.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total North America

     3,439.3        2,669.1        9,457.0        8,079.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Europe

     1,097.5        703.2        2,016.4        1,938.1  

Asia-Pacific

     387.2        323.6        1,048.7        1,019.6  

Other foreign

     4.3        6.1                
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,928.3      $ 3,702.0      $ 12,522.1      $ 11,037.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(23)

Subsequent events

The Company evaluated subsequent events through October 31, 2023, the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. The following are subsequent events or transactions that required recognition or disclosure:

On January 12, 2023, the Company’s Lineage Logistics CC Holdings, LLC subsidiary issued 123 Series A preferred shares.

On March 15, 2023, the Company dissolved its 50.0% interest in each of Exploitatie Bodegraven v.o.f. and Vastgoed Bodegraven v.o.f. joint ventures (collectively, “Bodegraven”), thus terminating the Company’s partnership in Bodegraven.

On March 31, 2023, the Company purchased a facility in New Zealand for total consideration of $13.1 million.

On May 1, 2023, the Company purchased Nossack Transport in Canada for total cash consideration of $4.8 million, including estimated contingent consideration of $1.9 million. The purpose of this acquisition is to expand the Company’s warehousing network in Canada. The initial accounting for this acquisition is incomplete at this time.

 

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Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per share or per unit amounts)

 

On August 1, 2023, the Company purchased a 75% interest in Ha Noi Steel Pipe Joint Stock Company, which owns 99.99% of SK Logistics, in Vietnam for estimated total consideration of $20.7 million. The purpose of this acquisition is to grow the Company’s transportation solutions in Asia Pacific. The initial accounting for this acquisition is incomplete at this time.

On September 1, 2023, the Company sold its 75% interest in Erweda BV, as a result of which the Company expects to recognize a loss on disposal of approximately $21.0 million.

On October 2, 2023, the Company purchased eight warehouses from Burris Logistics in the U.S. for estimated cash consideration of $147.5 million, a 100% interest in Mountain Dog Operating LLC, Big Dog Operating LLC, and Nova Coldstore Corp. in the U.S. for estimated cash consideration of $86.2 million and estimated $6.4 million of equity interests to the seller, and a 100% interest in Kennedy Transportation in the U.S. for estimated cash consideration of $28.6 million. The purpose of these acquisitions is to expand the Company’s growth and strengthening of the Company’s warehousing, transportation, and E-commerce offerings in the U.S. The initial accounting for these acquisitions is incomplete at this time.

Subsequently to December 31, 2022, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have elected to be taxed as REITs for U.S. tax purposes.

 

F-74


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

Schedule III—Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (“Schedule III”) reflects the cost and associated accumulated depreciation for the real estate facilities that are owned. The gross cost included in Schedule III includes the cost for buildings, building improvements, refrigeration equipment, land, and land improvements. Schedule III does not reflect leased facilities in our real estate portfolio.

 

              Initial costs to Company           Gross amount at which carried
as of December 31, 20221, 3, 9
                   

Property Description

  Number of
buildings
  Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Costs capitalized
subsequent to
acquisition1
    Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Total     Accumulated
depreciation1, 4, 9
    Date of
construction6
    Date
acquired
 

UNITED STATES

                     

Albany, GA

  9   $ (50.6   $ 1.8     $ 43.4     $ 25.1     $ 2.0     $ 68.3     $ 70.3     $ (25.1     Various       2010  

Algona, WA

  1     (34.2     3.0       29.0       12.7       3.1       41.6       44.7       (10.8     1989       2013  

Allentown, PA

  1     (144.6     2.9       111.6       34.4       4.5       144.4       148.9       (35.3     Various       2014  

Allentown, PA—Mitchell

  1           3.0       22.0       0.1       3.0       22.1       25.1       (1.4     1964       2021  

Altoona, IA

  1     (43.7     3.7       37.3       3.2       5.2       39.0       44.2       (13.8     Various       2019  

Arlington Heights, IL

  1     (22.4     3.4       21.8             3.4       21.8       25.2       (3.3     1992       2019  

Arlington, TN—Gulf Stream

  1     (6.6     0.7       5.3       0.4       0.7       5.7       6.4       (0.5     2005       2020  

Atlanta, GA (McDonough)

  1     (88.6     8.5       88.9       8.4       8.5       97.3       105.8       (26.4     Various       2014  

Atlanta, GA—College Park

  1     (26.2     3.5       45.3       0.6       3.5       45.9       49.4       (5.4     2008       2019  

Attalla, AL

  1     (40.9     1.5       34.2       7.5       2.0       41.2       43.2       (11.7     Various       2014  

Baltimore, MD

  1           7.0       38.1       0.1       7.0       38.2       45.2       (1.7     2009       2022  

Bartlett, IL

  1     (10.6     1.3       12.4             1.3       12.4       13.7       (0.9     2015       2020  

Baton Rouge, LA

  1           0.8       5.6       0.8       0.8       6.4       7.2       (0.6     1998       2020  

Bedford Park, IL—Land

  N/A           7.4                   7.4             7.4             N/A       2020  

Benton Harbor, MI (Sodus)

  1           1.3       25.4       0.2       1.3       25.6       26.9       (1.5     1954       2021  

Bethlehem, PA

  1     (28.9     3.8       26.7       1.3       3.8       28.0       31.8       (8.9     1988       2016  

Bolingbrook, IL

  1           1.8       20.4       0.2       1.8       20.6       22.4       (1.6     2011       2021  

Boonville, IN

  1     (9.9     0.1       5.5       2.8       1.2       7.2       8.4       (2.1     1995       2017  

Boston, MA (Everett)

  1     (37.5     21.0       47.6       0.2       21.0       47.8       68.8       (6.3     2009       2019  

Brockport, NY 1-3

  3     (34.5     3.6       33.1       3.0       4.3       35.4       39.7       (5.8     1977       2020  

Brooks, OR

  1           1.0       20.4       1.8       1.0       22.2       23.2       (4.1     Various       2011  

Cedar Rapids, IA

  1     (13.5     0.5       12.6       0.2       0.5       12.8       13.3       (0.8     2003       2020  

Centralia, WA

  1     (20.3     3.2       19.3       2.0       3.2       21.3       24.5       (7.1     2009       2014  

Charleston, SC—Palmetto Commerce7

  1     (29.4     8.1       23.9       30.1       12.9       49.2       62.1       (9.2     Various       2014  

Charleston, SC—Remount

  1     (21.3     1.7       24.5       (0.7     1.7       23.8       25.5       (2.4     2001       2021  

Charlotte, NC

  1     (31.2     0.9       19.6       4.4       0.9       24.0       24.9       (3.4     2003       2018  

Cheektowaga, NY —Allied & Broadway

  2     (24.2     1.5       20.9       0.6       1.5       21.5       23.0       (2.9     Various       2020  

 

F-75


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

              Initial costs to Company           Gross amount at which carried
as of December 31, 20221, 3, 9
                   

Property Description

  Number of
buildings
  Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Costs capitalized
subsequent to
acquisition1
    Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Total     Accumulated
depreciation1, 4, 9
    Date of
construction6
    Date
acquired
 

Chester, VA—West Hundred

  1   $ (11.9   $ 1.1     $ 8.6     $ 0.5     $ 1.1     $ 9.1     $ 10.2     $ (3.4     1976       2011  

Chicago, IL (Batavia)

  1     (30.4     1.5       25.9       4.5       1.9       30.0       31.9       (8.3     1988       2014  

Chicago, IL (University Park)

  1     (61.5     2.8       35.1       7.0       5.6       39.3       44.9       (12.6     Various       2013  

Chicago, IL—6901 West 65th

  1     (64.3     5.8       53.4       0.3       5.8       53.7       59.5       (4.9     2018       2019  

Chicago, IL—7035 West 65th

  1           6.6       54.0       3.2       9.8       54.0       63.8       (5.0     2017       2019  

Chicago, IL—South Damen

  1     (21.3     3.7       39.4       0.9       3.7       40.3       44.0       (4.5     2004       2019  

Chicago, IL—South Wood

  1     (67.5     8.7       70.5       (1.2     8.7       69.3       78.0       (6.7     2018       2019  

Chicago, IL—Western Ave

  1     (44.7     5.4       43.7             5.4       43.7       49.1       (4.1     1978       2020  

Chicago, IL (Geneva)

  1     (100.8     7.0       95.5       4.8       7.3       100.0       107.3       (29.0     Various       2014  

Colton, CA—Land

  N/A           22.9                   22.9             22.9             N/A       2020  

Colton, CA—Agua Mansa

  1     (105.9     20.8       49.8       1.0       20.8       50.8       71.6       (14.2     2014       N/A  

Columbus, OH—Lockbourne

  1           1.1       15.8       0.1       1.1       15.9       17.0       (1.7     1985       2020  

Columbus, OH—Phillipi

  1           1.3       20.4             1.3       20.4       21.7       (1.2     2012       2020  

Columbus, OH—Valleyview

  1           1.5       10.5       0.1       1.5       10.6       12.1       (1.3     1990       2020  

Conklin, NT—215 Broome

  1     (9.8     0.6       6.4       0.3       1.0       6.3       7.3       (0.8     2008       2020  

Conklin, NY—101 Broome

  1           2.3       27.7       2.2       2.3       29.9       32.2       (4.0     1998       2020  

Cordele, GA

  1     (3.3     0.4       3.6             0.4       3.6       4.0       (0.5     Various       2018  

Cranberry Township, PA

  1           2.4       10.7       0.1       2.4       10.8       13.2       (1.0     1998       2020  

Dallas, TX (Sunnyvale)

  1     (84.3     3.5       32.4       35.1       4.8       66.2       71.0       (15.3     Various       2014  

Darien, WI

  1           0.1       15.0             0.1       15.0       15.1       (0.7     2002       2021  

Decatur, IL

  1           0.4       5.9       0.2       0.4       6.1       6.5       (1.8     Various       2012  

Decatur, MI

  1           0.3       5.5       (0.1     0.4       5.3       5.7       (0.3     1920       2021  

Denison, IA

  1     (6.3     0.3       5.3       2.9       0.4       8.1       8.5       (2.1     Various       2014  

Denver, CO (Henderson)

  1     (85.0     3.8       44.2       27.4       8.9       66.5       75.4       (17.5     Various       2014  

Des Moines, IA

  1     (12.7     1.2       10.0       12.8       1.3       22.7       24.0       (4.6     Various       2014  

Destrehan, LA

  1     (1.9     0.1       1.4       0.3       0.1       1.7       1.8       (0.2     Various       2018  

Dodge City, KS

  1     (9.4     0.4       10.0       9.3       0.5       19.2       19.7       (4.4     Various       2014  

East Greenville, PA

  1           2.9       7.2       0.4       2.9       7.6       10.5       (0.8     1958       2021  

El Paso, TX

  1     (11.4     1.6       10.4       3.4       1.6       13.8       15.4       (3.6     Various       2014  

Elizabeth, NJ

  1     (42.1     13.7       60.8       0.4       13.7       61.2       74.9       (7.2     2009       2019  

Elizabeth, NJ (Linden)

  1           13.3       53.3       2.8       13.3       56.1       69.4       (2.3     2012       2021  

Forest Grove, OR—24th Avenue

  1     (8.6     2.7       19.3       1.0       2.7       20.3       23.0       (2.5     Various       2020  

Forest Grove, OR—Yew Street

  1     (14.3     2.5       5.6             2.5       5.6       8.1       (0.9     1970       2020  

Forest Grove, OR—Land

  N/A           2.4                   2.4             2.4             N/A       2020  

Forsyth, GA—Land

  N/A           3.9             0.7       4.6             4.6             N/A       2019  

 

F-76


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

              Initial costs to Company           Gross amount at which carried
as of December 31, 20221, 3, 9
                   

Property Description

  Number of
buildings
  Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Costs capitalized
subsequent to
acquisition1
    Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Total     Accumulated
depreciation1, 4, 9
    Date of
construction6
    Date
acquired
 

Fort Worth, TX—Gold Spike

  1   $ (114.1   $ 4.5     $ 85.5     $ 19.6     $ 5.9     $ 103.7     $ 109.6     $ (28.0     Various       2014  

Fort Worth, TX—Will Rogers

  1     (75.5     3.4       45.3       8.0       3.4       53.3       56.7       (2.8     Various       2020  

Friona, TX

  1     (6.8     0.7       7.0       4.0       0.9       10.8       11.7       (2.7     1984       2014  

Gadsden, AL

  1           3.3             0.2       3.3       0.2       3.5             2009       2020  

Gaston, SC

  1     (13.8     0.3       12.0       1.1       0.3       13.1       13.4       (1.6     Various       2018  

Grand Forks, ND—11th Avenue

  1     (28.5     3.2       12.6       0.2       3.2       12.8       16.0       (2.0     1999       2020  

Grand Island, NE

  1     (16.6     1.3       17.3       12.0       1.4       29.2       30.6       (6.6     Various       2014  

Grandview, WA—Grandridge

  8           4.9       37.1       0.5       4.9       37.6       42.5       (2.6     Various       2021  

Grandview, WA—Stover Road

  1     (29.7     2.5       25.2       0.1       2.6       25.2       27.8       (2.0     2018       2020  

Grantsville, UT—Land

  N/A           6.7                   6.7             6.7             N/A       2022  

Greeley, CO

  1     (12.0     2.0       8.8       4.5       2.0       13.3       15.3       (3.6     Various       2014  

Haines City, FL

  2           0.7       6.8       0.7       0.7       7.5       8.2       (0.5     Various       2021  

Hart, MI

  1           0.4       17.4       0.2       0.4       17.6       18.0       (1.1     1969       2021  

Hartford, MI

  1           3.6       14.2       0.6       3.6       14.8       18.4       (1.2     1965       2021  

Hazelton, PA—Land

  N/A           26.9                   26.9             26.9             N/A       2021  

Headquarters—Novi, MI

  1           0.4       3.5       11.8       2.8       12.9       15.7       (1.6     Various       2017  

Hillsboro, OR

  1           0.7       0.5       (0.1     0.6       0.5       1.1       (0.1     1998       2020  

Hillsborough, NJ7

  1     (17.5     1.3       17.9       0.6       1.3       18.5       19.8       (1.5     2020       2019  

Hobart, IN

  1           2.6       34.2       3.5       5.2       35.1       40.3       (2.0     2007       2021  

Houston, TX (La Porte)

  1     (27.4     2.7       49.9       0.7       2.7       50.6       53.3       (5.0     2008       2019  

Houston, TX—Express

  1     (24.6     3.0       49.3       0.5       3.2       49.6       52.8       (6.5     2015       2019  

Houston, TX—Hwy 225

  1     (22.0     3.0       18.1       2.1       2.9       20.3       23.2       (1.9     1996       2020  

Iowa City, IA

  1     (10.9     1.6       8.9       5.0       1.7       13.8       15.5       (4.0     Various       2014  

Jackson, MS (Richland)

  1     (26.3     0.8       22.6       11.6       1.3       33.7       35.0       (9.2     Various       2014  

Jacksonville, FL—West Beaver

  1     (30.4     1.4       68.2       1.3       1.4       69.5       70.9       (7.0     2008       2019  

Jessup, MD

  1           2.9       17.2       0.2       2.9       17.4       20.3       (0.7     1989       2022  

Joliet, IL

  1           9.2       86.8       1.7       9.9       87.8       97.7       (7.3     2014       2021  

Kansas City, KS (Edwardsville)

  1     (93.0     6.8       81.5       26.2       9.5       105.0       114.5       (29.1     Various       2014  

Kennewick, WA

  1     (46.7     4.3       27.6       2.3       4.3       29.9       34.2       (7.1     Various       2015  

Lafayette, IN

  1           1.1       20.5       0.8       1.1       21.3       22.4       (1.3     1965       2021  

Lake Alfred, FL—Land

  N/A           10.2                   10.2             10.2             N/A       2022  

Lincoln, NE

  1     (7.4     0.5       6.0       4.9       0.7       10.7       11.4       (2.9     Various       2014  

Logan Township, NJ

  1           4.2       44.1       0.5       4.2       44.6       48.8       (0.6     2020       2022  

Logansport, IN

  1           1.8       7.3       1.0       1.8       8.3       10.1       (0.6     1973       2021  

Louisville, KY—Industry

  1     (18.1     0.2       7.1       3.6       0.4       10.5       10.9       (3.3     Various       2017  

 

F-77


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

              Initial costs to Company           Gross amount at which carried
as of December 31, 20221, 3, 9
                   

Property Description

  Number of
buildings
  Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Costs capitalized
subsequent to
acquisition1
    Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Total     Accumulated
depreciation1, 4, 9
    Date of
construction6
    Date
acquired
 

Louisville, KY—Winstead

  1   $ (25.3   $ 1.9     $ 26.4     $ 3.2     $ 2.0     $ 29.5     $ 31.5     $ (8.5     Various       2014  

Luverne, MN—Land

  N/A           0.2                   0.2             0.2             N/A       2022  

Lyndhurst, VA

  1           1.5       13.4       0.4       1.5       13.8       15.3       (1.8     1987       2020  

Lyons, IL

  1     (27.7     5.7       23.6       0.7       5.7       24.3       30.0       (3.5     1976       2020  

Macon, GA

  1     (15.0     0.4       8.2       3.1       0.4       11.3       11.7       (3.8     Various       2012  

Manteca, CA—Spreckels Avenue

  1     (49.3     2.4       39.1       4.8       2.4       43.9       46.3       (11.9     Various       2014  

McAllen, TX—South Ware

  1     (21.7     3.4       18.0       2.4       3.5       20.3       23.8       (6.2     1993       2014  

McAllen, TX—West Military

  3     (51.8     2.9       45.4       7.5       3.3       52.5       55.8       (14.2     Various       2014  

McFarland, WI

  1           3.4       24.3       0.2       3.4       24.5       27.9       (1.0     2005       2021  

Milwaukee, WI

  1           3.2       42.3       0.3       3.2       42.6       45.8       (1.7     Various       2021  

Milwaukee, WI (Wauwatosa)

  1           0.8       4.7       0.9       0.8       5.6       6.4       (1.0     1968       2019  

Mira Loma, CA

  1     (108.8     23.7       89.6       13.0       23.8       102.5       126.3       (27.7     Various       2014  

Mobile, AL

  1           4.9       37.2             4.9       37.2       42.1       (0.9     2021       2022  

Mount Pleasant, IA

  1     (7.2     0.6       8.0       1.1       0.6       9.1       9.7       (2.4     2004       2014  

New Castle, DE

  1           2.1       16.3             2.1       16.3       18.4       (0.9     Various       2022  

Norfolk, VA (Chesapeake)

  1     (29.4     4.2       62.7       0.9       4.2       63.6       67.8       (6.5     2008       2019  

Oakland, CA

  1     (79.2           79.3       10.2             89.5       89.5       (10.4     2018       N/A  

Oakwood Village, OH

  1     (44.5     1.4       4.2       0.3       1.4       4.5       5.9       (0.7     1982       2020  

Olathe, KS7

  1           21.7       96.2             21.7       96.2       117.9       (2.6     2022       2020  

Omaha, NE—Gomez

  1     (21.1     1.5       21.1       6.4       1.7       27.3       29.0       (7.5     Various       2014  

Omaha, NE—Renfro

  1     (6.3     0.8       5.9       3.7       0.9       9.5       10.4       (2.8     Various       2014  

Orefield, PA

  1           3.3       30.3       0.8       3.3       31.1       34.4       (2.9     1959       2021  

Othello, WA

  1     (66.5     2.0       35.0       23.1       3.8       56.3       60.1       (12.0     Various       2015  

Ottumwa, IA

  1     (17.4     1.3       20.6       5.3       1.5       25.7       27.2       (6.3     Various       2014  

Pasco, WA

  2           4.5       102.6       0.1       4.5       102.7       107.2       (4.0     Various       2021  

Pendleton, IN

  1     (13.4     0.7       13.5       0.1       0.7       13.6       14.3       (1.9     2007       2018  

Phoenix, AZ

  1     (20.1     2.5       17.8       0.6       2.6       18.3       20.9       (7.5     1987       2016  

Port Wentworth, GA—Land

  N/A           12.9                   12.9             12.9             N/A       2021  

Portland, OR—Sacramento Street

  1     (27.1     2.5       21.6       (0.1     2.5       21.5       24.0       (2.1     Various       2020  

Portland, OR—San Rafael Street

  1     (54.8     6.5       40.5       (0.1     6.5       40.4       46.9       (3.5     Various       2020  

Portsmouth, VA7

  1           6.9       59.4       (0.1     15.0       51.2       66.2       (1.9     2020       2019  

Prosser, WA

  1           1.9       31.0       0.2       1.9       31.2       33.1       (1.9     Various       2021  

Quincy, WA

  2     (82.3     3.1       71.7       6.7       3.5       78.0       81.5       (16.4     1983       2015  

Quincy, WA—International

  1     (24.7     3.1       23.5       1.1       3.1       24.6       27.7       (5.4     2006       2015  

Reisterstown, MD

  1           3.9       5.4             4.1       5.2       9.3       (0.2     2011       2021  

 

F-78


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

              Initial costs to Company           Gross amount at which carried
as of December 31, 20221, 3, 9
                   

Property Description

  Number of
buildings
  Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Costs capitalized
subsequent to
acquisition1
    Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Total     Accumulated
depreciation1, 4, 9
    Date of
construction6
    Date
acquired
 

Rialto, CA

  1   $ (23.8   $ 2.2     $ 16.6     $ 1.8     $ 2.3     $ 18.3     $ 20.6     $ (6.1     Various       2012  

Richland, WA—Polar Way

  1     (167.0     11.9       302.3       (0.4     12.1       301.7       313.8       (30.4     Various       2019  

Richland, WA—Saint Street

  1     (35.5     2.1       24.4       0.8       2.1       25.2       27.3       (2.3     1982       2020  

Richmond, VA—Cofer

  1     (8.0     0.6       5.4       2.1       0.6       7.5       8.1       (2.4     1971       2011  
Riverside, CA 1-3   3     (81.2     9.0       51.0       6.5       9.1       57.4       66.5       (19.1     Various       2012  
Rochelle, IL   1     (39.0     0.9       17.3       1.6       0.9       18.9       19.8       (3.3     Various       2019  
Round Rock, TX   1     (29.8     4.1       33.2       (0.2     3.9       33.2       37.1       (3.8     1997       2019  
Salem, OR—Ewald   3     (31.2     6.1       20.9       2.0       6.1       22.9       29.0       (9.0     Various       2020  

Salem, OR—Henningsen Court

  1     (52.6     6.5       48.8       0.7       6.5       49.5       56.0       (3.7     Various       2020  

Salem, OR—Madrona Avenue

  1     (55.5     0.1       49.3             0.1       49.3       49.4       (3.7     2014       2020  
Salt Lake City, UT   1     (17.2     2.9       17.7       0.2       2.9       17.9       20.8       (1.6     2017       2020  

San Antonio, TX—AT&T Pkwy.

  1     (7.7     0.5       5.2       3.1       0.6       8.2       8.8       (4.0     1970       2011  
San Antonio,TX—Profit   1     (20.6     2.0       16.6       7.6       2.1       24.1       26.2       (10.3     2001       2011  

Sandston, VA—5501 Corrugated

  1     (21.7     2.1       21.2       2.2       2.3       23.2       25.5       (7.3     Various       2016  

Sandston, VA—5601 Corrugated

  1     (11.2     0.9       7.4       1.2       0.9       8.6       9.5       (1.0     Various       2018  
Santa Maria, CA—La Brea   1     (41.3     4.4       31.1       0.7       4.4       31.8       36.2       (9.6     2014       2014  

Santa Maria, CA—South Blosser

  1           2.9       8.9       15.8       3.3       24.3       27.6       (3.1     1978       2011  
Savannah, GA (Rincon)   1     (38.0     3.4       46.5       10.5       4.4       56.0       60.4       (7.1     2006       2020  
Savannah, GA—Tremont   1           5.8       62.4             5.8       62.4       68.2       (1.7     2020       2021  
Scranton, PA   1     (8.6     1.2       12.3             1.2       12.3       13.5       (1.7     1950       2020  
Seattle, WA—Garfield   4     (14.5           15.5       4.2             19.7       19.7       (6.7     1969      
2009,
2019
 
 
Seattle, WA—Michigan   1     (56.3     0.3       10.6       6.1       0.4       16.6       17.0       (8.3     1985       2008  
Sioux Falls, SD   1           6.8       45.7       32.6       6.8       78.3       85.1       (3.2     Various       2020  
Smithfield, VA   1           1.0       8.7       2.0       1.0       10.7       11.7       (0.7     1974       2021  
Solon, OH   1           4.7       31.1             4.7       31.1       35.8       (2.7     1994       2020  
Springfield, OH   1     (12.4     1.5       12.3       2.5       1.6       14.7       16.3       (5.0     2011       2014  
Statesville, NC   1     (14.4     2.3       13.1       6.7       2.3       19.8       22.1       (5.9     Various       2014  
Stevens Point, WI   1     (62.9     1.2       37.1       59.0       6.5       90.8       97.3       (9.3     Various       2018  
Stilwell, OK   1     (21.8     1.3       11.9       0.1       1.3       12.0       13.3       (1.5     1993       2020  
Sunnyside, WA—Land   N/A           2.4                   2.4             2.4             N/A       2021  
Swedesboro, NJ   1           1.8       12.2             1.8       12.2       14.0       (0.4     Various       2021  
Tacoma, WA   1                 9.0       3.0       0.1       11.9       12.0       (4.0     1990       2013  
Tar Heel, NC   1                 0.1       0.9             1.0       1.0             1984       2011  
Terrell, TX   1     (9.3     1.8       4.7             1.8       4.7       6.5       (0.5     2012       2020  

 

F-79


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

              Initial costs to Company           Gross amount at which carried
as of December 31, 20221, 3, 9
                   

Property Description

  Number of
buildings
  Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Costs capitalized
subsequent to
acquisition1
    Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Total     Accumulated
depreciation1, 4, 9
    Date of
construction6
    Date
acquired
 
Tremonton, UT   1   $ (10.9   $ 0.5     $ 11.0     $ 1.7     $ 0.6     $ 12.6     $ 13.2     $ (3.6     Various       2014  
Twin Falls, ID   2     (64.8     3.4       48.0       1.4       3.4       49.4       52.8       (5.3     Various       2020  
Unadilla, GA   1     (19.1     2.1       38.8       5.1       2.3       43.7       46.0       (4.2     Various       2020  

Vernon, CA—3200 East Washington

  1     (35.0     17.6       50.3       1.0       17.6       51.3       68.9       (5.6     2008       2019  

Vernon, CA 1-3

  2     (53.5     17.5       53.5       2.3       17.6       55.7       73.3       (9.6     Various       2017  

Vernon, CA 5-6

  2     (28.3     14.6       20.8       2.0       14.7       22.7       37.4       (4.0     Various       2017  

Vernon, CA 7-8

  2     (64.3     12.2             49.7       13.7       48.2       61.9       (5.8     Various       2017  

Waseca, MN

  1           1.5       11.0             1.5       11.0       12.5       (0.6     2001       2021  

Watsonville, CA—Hilltop

  1     (21.8     2.3       10.5       1.8       2.3       12.3       14.6       (3.8     1985       2014  

West Seneca, NY

  1     (18.7     1.7       20.5       0.6       1.7       21.1       22.8       (2.7     1993       2020  

Westfield, MA

  1     (20.4           0.2       36.5       1.7       35.0       36.7       (2.4     2007       2019  

Wilmington, CA —Land

  N/A           4.6                   4.6             4.6             N/A       2021  

Windsor, CO—Land

  N/A           2.7                   2.7             2.7             N/A       2021  

Woodland, WA

  1     (38.3     5.3       34.4       3.5       5.5       37.7       43.2       (9.3     Various       2015  

CANADA

 

Abbotsford, BC

  1           28.6       12.3       (2.3     27.0       11.6       38.6       (0.5     Various       2022  

Bayside, NB

  1           0.7       9.5       (0.2     0.7       9.3       10.0       (0.8     2009       2021  

Brampton, ON

  1           24.4       59.4       (4.5     23.1       56.2       79.3       (0.8     Various       2022  

Calgary, AB— Great Plains

  1           6.5       41.6       (2.6     6.1       39.4       45.5       (0.5     Various       2022  

Calgary, AB—Foothills

  1           4.5       37.0       (2.0     4.3       35.2       39.5       (0.4     Various       2022  

Calgary, AB,—Brandon

  1           1.8       10.8       (0.7     1.7       10.2       11.9       (0.1     Various       2022  

Dartmouth, NS

  1           2.4       11.3       (0.6     2.3       10.8       13.1       (0.3     Various       2022  

Delta, BC—1588 Cliveden

  1           24.7       21.5       (2.5     23.3       20.4       43.7       (0.2     1999       2022  

Delta, BC—836 Cliveden

  1           9.8       24.7       (1.6     9.3       23.6       32.9       (0.3     Various       2022  

Delta, BC—Derwent

  1           23.8       11.3       (1.9     22.5       10.7       33.2       (0.2     1994       2022  

Edmonton, AB North

  1           6.9       19.4       (1.4     6.6       18.3       24.9       (0.3     2006       2022  

Hamilton, ON

  1           7.8       22.2       (1.6     7.4       21.0       28.4       (0.4     Various       2022  

Ingersoll, ON—Ingersoll Street

  1           1.5       10.4       0.7       1.5       11.1       12.6       (1.5     2000       2020  

Ingersoll, ON—Thomas

  1           2.0       20.7       0.1       2.0       20.8       22.8       (2.3     Various       2020  

Lachine, QC

  1           11.2       37.0       (2.6     10.6       35.0       45.6       (0.5     Various       2022  

London, ON

  1           2.9       15.6       (1.0     2.7       14.8       17.5       (0.3     Various       2022  

Montreal, QC

  1           2.1       8.8       (0.8     1.9       8.2       10.1       (0.4     2016       2021  

Mount Pearl, NL

  1           2.5       3.7       (0.3     2.4       3.5       5.9       (0.1     1981       2022  

 

F-80


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

              Initial costs to Company           Gross amount at which carried
as of December 31, 20221, 3, 9
                   

Property Description

  Number of
buildings
  Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Costs capitalized
subsequent to
acquisition1
    Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Total     Accumulated
depreciation1, 4, 9
    Date of
construction6
    Date
acquired
 

Saint-Laurent, QC—Côte de Liesse

  1   $     $ 10.8     $ 33.8     $ (2.4   $ 10.2     $ 32.0     $ 42.2     $ (0.7     Various       2022  

Surrey, BC

  1           19.3       16.2       (1.9     18.2       15.4       33.6       (0.4     Various       2022  

Vaughan, ON

  1           23.2       33.0       (2.8     21.9       31.5       53.4       (0.5     Various       2022  

Winnipeg, MB—Dawson

  1           6.5       40.7       (2.5     6.1       38.6       44.7       (0.6     Various       2022  

Woodstock, ON—Commerce Way

  1           1.2       13.3             1.2       13.3       14.5       (1.1     2019       2020  

Woodstock, ON—Parkinson Road

  1           1.5       10.4       0.1       1.5       10.5       12.0       (1.0     2017       2020  

FRANCE

 

Arras

  1           3.9       13.2       6.8       3.6       20.3       23.9       (0.4     2020       2021  

NETHERLANDS

 

Asten

  1           2.1       6.4       0.3       2.0       6.8       8.8       (1.6     1997       2020  

Beneden-Leeuwen

  1           9.8       22.2       1.1       9.2       23.9       33.1       (0.4     Various       2022  

Bergen op Zoom

  1           10.2       63.5       13.3       23.1       63.9       87.0       (13.5     2006       2017  

Gameren

  1           15.0       8.1       (1.4     14.1       7.6       21.7       (0.7     Various       2022  

Harlingen

  1           3.0       3.6       (0.6     2.7       3.3       6.0       (0.3     Various       2021  

Hoogerheide

  1           1.9       1.8       0.3       1.7       2.3       4.0       (0.3     1985       2019  

Ijmuiden

  1           8.4       12.7       (1.7     7.7       11.7       19.4       (1.0     1998       2021  

Lelystad

  1           3.9       25.7       (2.4     3.6       23.6       27.2       (0.9     2018       2021  

Noord-Scharwoude

  2           1.3       2.9       0.3       1.2       3.3       4.5       (0.3     1998       2022  

Roermond—Dedert

  1           2.1       4.0       1.2       2.8       4.5       7.3       (0.3     Various       2018  

Rotterdam—Cool Port I

  1           2.4       61.7       (5.1     2.2       56.8       59.0       (2.3     2017       2021  

Rotterdam—Cool Port II8

  1                 39.0       (1.7           37.3       37.3       (1.3     2022       2021  

Rotterdam—Eemhaven

  1                 9.4       (0.6           8.8       8.8       (0.2     1992       2022  

Rotterdam—Maasvlakte

  1           1.8       39.2       (3.3     1.6       36.1       37.7       (1.7     2003       2021  

s Heerenberg

  1           5.7       15.3       (1.7     5.4       13.9       19.3       (1.7     1998       2020  

Velsen

  1           25.5       27.8       (4.2     23.5       25.6       49.1       (2.3     Various       2021  

Venlo

  1           1.9       9.3       (0.4     1.8       9.0       10.8       (1.3     1988       2019  

Vlissingen

  12           78.8       25.6       (8.2     72.6       23.6       96.2       (3.3     1982       2021  

Waalwijk

  1           3.4       8.0       (0.6     2.8       8.0       10.8       (2.0     2002       2017  

BELGIUM

 

Kortrijk

  1           5.3       3.3       0.5       4.7       4.4       9.1       (0.2     Various       2021  

Herentals

  1           0.6       0.7       (0.1     0.5       0.7       1.2       (0.2     Various       2020  

 

F-81


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

              Initial costs to Company           Gross amount at which carried
as of December 31, 20221, 3, 9
                   

Property Description

  Number of
buildings
  Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Costs capitalized
subsequent to
acquisition1
    Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Total     Accumulated
depreciation1, 4, 9
    Date of
construction6
    Date
acquired
 

DENMARK

 

Aarhus

  1   $     $     $ 11.4     $ (1.1   $     $ 10.3     $ 10.3     $ (0.6     Various       2020  

Copenhagen

  1           7.6       11.4       (0.8     7.3       10.9       18.2       (2.8     1977       2020  

Engesvang

  1           1.6       11.1       (0.9     1.5       10.3       11.8       (0.9     Various       2021  

Hanstholm

  2           0.2       16.7       (1.0     0.2       15.7       15.9       (1.8     Various       2021  

Hirtshals

  2           0.3       14.5       (1.1     0.3       13.4       13.7       (1.2     Various       2021  

Kolding

  1           3.8       39.6       (5.6     3.3       34.5       37.8       (2.2     Various       2020  

Odense

  1       1.4       8.4       (0.8     1.3       7.7       9.0       (0.9     1952       2021  

Padborg

  1           3.6       17.3       1.0       3.4       18.5       21.9       (0.9     Various       2021  

Regstrup

  1           0.8       5.3       (0.3     0.8       5.0       5.8       (0.2     Various       2020  

Skagen

  2           0.3       13.3       (1.0     0.3       12.3       12.6       (1.0     Various       2021  

Thyborøn

  1                 1.4       (0.1           1.3       1.3       (0.1     1984       2021  

Vejle —Kristian Skous Vej 6

  1           6.7       20.2       (2.6     6.2       18.1       24.3       (1.1     1999       2021  

Vejle—Kristian Skous Vej 1

  1           3.5       13.6       (2.2     3.0       11.9       14.9       (3.2     Various       2020  

Vodskov

  1           0.8       1.0       (0.1     0.8       0.9       1.7       (0.1     1986       2021  

NORWAY

 

Larvik

  1           3.8       11.3       (1.9     3.3       9.9       13.2       (0.8     Various       2020  

Moss

  1           0.1       7.3       (0.8     0.1       6.5       6.6       (0.4     2009       2020  

Oslo

  1           6.5       24.8       (1.1     6.2       24.0       30.2       (1.6     Various       2020  

POLAND

 

Gdansk

  1                 15.2       (0.2           15.0       15.0       (0.9     Various       2020  

Bieniewo

  1           1.0       12.9       (1.1     0.9       11.9       12.8       (0.5     2008       2021  

SPAIN

 

Gijón—Asturias

  1           1.0       2.0       1.0       0.9       3.1       4.0       (0.4     Various       2021  

Milagro—Navarra

  1           6.6       33.6       (5.8     5.9       28.5       34.4       (4.0     Various       2021  

Murcia

  8           18.6       21.8       3.8       19.9       24.3       44.2       (0.3     Various       2022  

ITALY

 

Gattatico

  2           5.7       11.6       (1.3     5.3       10.7       16.0       (0.5     Various       2021  

UNITED KINGDOM

 

Belle Eau Park

  2           4.2       27.1       (1.8     3.9       25.6       29.5       (6.9     Various       2017  

Bellshill

  1           1.8       1.6       4.2       1.6       6.0       7.6       (3.7     Various       2018  

Bristol

  1           5.2       4.6       0.6       4.8       5.6       10.4       (3.9     Various       2018  

Coleshill

  1           3.8       1.1       0.9       3.5       2.3       5.8       (1.3     1984       2018  

Gillingham

  1           2.3       1.9       1.6       2.1       3.7       5.8       (1.9     1990       2018  

 

F-82


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

              Initial costs to Company           Gross amount at which carried
as of December 31, 20221, 3, 9
                   

Property Description

  Number of
buildings
  Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Costs capitalized
subsequent to
acquisition1
    Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Total     Accumulated
depreciation1, 4, 9
    Date of
construction6
    Date
acquired
 

Gloucester

  1   $     $ 3.4     $ 70.2     $ (3.1   $ 3.0     $ 67.5     $ 70.5     $ (13.4     2010       2018  

Grimsby

  1           4.1       6.3       2.7       3.8       9.3       13.1       (4.8     1997       2018  

Hams Hall

  1           9.7       12.1       (0.8     9.0       12.0       21.0       (3.3     1999       2018  

Heywood

  1           4.6       32.2       15.7       4.2       48.3       52.5       (7.9     Various       2018  

Holmewood

  1           3.2       28.8       0.5       2.9       29.6       32.5       (9.0     1999       2018  

Peterborough

  1           7.2       16.5       43.4       6.7       60.4       67.1       (3.5     Various       2018  

Seaham

  1           1.9       5.2       (0.2     1.8       5.1       6.9       (1.0     2003       2018  

Wisbech—Boleness

  1           3.3       60.6       (2.4     2.8       58.7       61.5       (11.5     2009       2018  

Wisbech—Weasenham

  1           0.6       0.6       0.5       0.5       1.2       1.7       (1.4     1979       2017  

AUSTRALIA

 

Allansford

  2           4.5       17.3       (1.5     4.0       16.3       20.3       (0.6     Various       2021  

Dry Creek

  3           7.9       37.0       (0.1     7.9       36.9       44.8       (3.9     Various       2019  

Edinburgh

  1           7.3       17.4       2.2       6.8       20.1       26.9       (0.9     2021       2021  

Hemmant 1 & 3

  2           10.1       52.1       (0.1     10.1       52.0       62.1       (4.4     Various       2019  

Hemmant 2

  1           9.3       43.2       1.4       9.3       44.6       53.9       (3.9     Various       2019  

Jandakot

  1           5.7       40.5       0.4       5.7       40.9       46.6       (3.6     Various       2019  

Tullamarine

  2           8.5       11.1       1.8       8.7       12.7       21.4       (1.6     Various       2020  

Welshpool

  1           7.2       19.6       0.4       7.2       20.0       27.2       (2.0     2008       2019  

NEW ZEALAND

 

Christchurch

  4           1.9       2.2             1.9       2.2       4.1       (0.1     1987       2022  

Christchurch—Springs Road

  2           2.4       2.0       1.1       2.4       3.1       5.5       (0.5     Various       2020  

Dunedin—French St

  1           1.0       2.0       0.7       1.0       2.7       3.7       (0.3     Various       2020  

Dunedin—Silverstream

  1           0.4       3.4       2.0       0.5       5.3       5.8       (0.9     1991       2020  

Hawkes Bay—E Block

  2           2.8       17.9       1.5       2.9       19.3       22.2       (2.5     1975       2020  

Hawkes Bay—Port Store

  1           0.7       3.2       0.4       0.7       3.6       4.3       (0.5     1982       2020  

Hawkes Bay—Whakatu Industrial Park

  7           3.9       8.2       5.4       4.0       13.5       17.5       (2.4     Various       2020  

Kerepehi

  1       1.1       4.5       (0.3     1.0       4.3       5.3       (0.6     1981       2020  

Port Nelson—160 Vickerman

  1           0.1       4.0       0.1       0.1       4.1       4.2       (0.1     1977       2022  

Port Nelson—73 Vickerman

  1                 7.0       0.2             7.2       7.2       (0.2     1992       2022  

Richmond—Beach Road

  4           4.1       10.8       0.2       4.2       10.9       15.1       (0.2     1992       2022  

Timaru—Butter Store

  1           0.9       3.3       0.2       0.9       3.5       4.4       (0.5     2005       2020  

Timaru—Dawson St

  6           2.5       6.6       5.5       3.0       11.6       14.6       (2.0     Various       2020  

 

F-83


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

                Initial costs to Company           Gross amount at which carried
as of December 31, 20221, 3, 9
                   

Property Description

  Number of
buildings
    Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Costs capitalized
subsequent to
acquisition1
    Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Total     Accumulated
depreciation1, 4, 9
    Date of
construction6
    Date
acquired
 

SRI LANKA

 

Colombo (Welisara)

    1     $     $     $ 7.4     $ (3.5   $     $ 3.9     $ 3.9     $ (0.4     Various       2020  

VIETNAM

 

Hanoi—Bac Ninh

    1                   6.8       6.8             13.6       13.6       (0.8     Various       2020  

Ho Chi Minh City

    1                   12.4                   12.4       12.4       (4.6     2009       2019  

Ho Chi Minh City—Song Than

    1                   11.3       0.9             12.2       12.2       (1.3     Various       2020  

SINGAPORE

 

Mandai

    1                   49.6       1.7             51.3       51.3       (1.9     Various       2022  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total

    $ (4,188.0   $ 1,316.7     $ 6,884.1     $ 787.1     $ 1,356.3     $ 7,631.6     $ 8,987.9     $ (1,116.1    
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Land, buildings, and improvements in the construction in progress balance as of December 31, 2022

 

UNITED STATES

 

Windsor, CO

                67.1       67.1        

Port Wentworth, GA

                52.1       52.1        

Luverne, MN

                45.4       45.4        

Hazelton, PA

                30.5       30.5        

Savannah, GA

                25.2       25.2        

Swedesboro, NJ

                16.6       16.6        

Fort Worth, TX—Gold Spike

                9.3       9.3        

Stevens Point, WI—Copps

                6.6       6.6        

Seattle, WA—Garfield

                4.6       4.6        

Salem, OR—Henningsen

                2.7       2.7        

Scranton, PA

                2.2       2.2        

Colton, CA—Agua Mansa

                1.7       1.7        

Louisville, KY—Industry

                1.7       1.7        

Tremonton, UT

                1.5       1.5        

Attalla, AL

                1.2       1.2        

Kansas City, KS (Edwardsville)

                1.1       1.1        

Richmond, VA—Cofer

                1.0       1.0        

Miscellaneous5

                17.4       17.4        

CANADA

                     

Miscellaneous5

                3.3       3.3        

FRANCE

                     

Harnes II

                36.7       36.7        

 

F-84


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

                Initial costs to Company           Gross amount at which carried
as of December 31, 20221, 3, 9
                   

Property Description

  Number of
buildings
    Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Costs capitalized
subsequent to
acquisition1
    Land     Buildings and
improvements
    Total     Accumulated
depreciation1, 4, 9
    Date of
construction6
    Date
acquired
 

GERMANY

                     

Miscellaneous5

              $ 0.3     $ 0.3        

NETHERLANDS

                     

Vlissingen

                15.5       15.5        

Beneden-Leeuwen

                5.8       5.8        

Bergen op Zoom

                1.2       1.2        

Miscellaneous5

                1.4       1.4        

BELGIUM

                     

Kortrijk

                2.3       2.3        

DENMARK

                     

Aarhaus II

                17.7       17.7        

Miscellaneous5

                1.1       1.1        

UNITED KINGDOM

                     

Miscellaneous5

                0.6       0.6        

AUSTRALIA

                     

Miscellaneous5

                0.6       0.6        

NEW ZEALAND

                     

Tauranga

                17.5       17.5        

Miscellaneous5

                0.5       0.5        
             

 

 

   

 

 

       

Total in construction in progress

                392.4       392.4        
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total assets

    $ (4,188.0   $ 1,316.7     $ 6,884.1     $ 787.1     $ 1,356.3     $ 8,024.0     $ 9,380.3     $ (1,116.1    
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

F-85


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

Schedule III—Footnotes

 

(1)

The following table presents a reconciliation of the gross amount of real estate assets, as presented in Schedule III above, to the sum of the historical book value of buildings, building improvements, refrigeration equipment, land, land improvements, and construction in progress, as disclosed in Note 5, Property, plant, and equipment, in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2022:

 

Reconciliation of total Schedule III assets as of December 31, 2022
Gross amount of real estate assets, as disclosed in Note 5:

  

Buildings, building improvements and refrigeration equipment

   $ 7,866.2  

Land and land improvements

     1,363.4  

Construction in progress

     653.1  
  

 

 

 

Total

     9,882.7  

Less:

  

Book value of real estate assets in leased facilities

     (231.9

Book value of other miscellaneous

     (10.0

Book value of construction in progress on real estate assets in leased facilities

     (14.6

Book value of construction in progress on non-real estate assets

     (245.9
  

 

 

 

Total reconciling items

     (502.4
  

 

 

 

Gross amount of real estate assets, as reported on Schedule III

   $ 9,380.3  
  

 

 

 

Reconciliation of total Schedule III accumulated depreciation as of December 31, 2022: Accumulated depreciation, as disclosed in Note 5

   $ (1,751.2

Less:

  

Accumulated depreciation—real estate assets in leased facilities

     45.5  

Accumulated depreciation—non-real estate assets

     589.6  
  

 

 

 

Total reconciling items

     635.1  
  

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation, as reported on Schedule III

   $ (1,116.1
  

 

 

 

 

(2)

Amount includes the cumulative impact of foreign currency translation and the effect of any asset disposals.

(3)

The unaudited aggregate cost for Federal tax purposes at December 31, 2022 of our real estate assets was approximately $9.0 billion.

 

(4)

The life on which depreciation is computed in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2022 ranges from 1 to 40 years.

 

(5)

Miscellaneous includes real estate construction in progress costs at various properties within the country.

 

(6)

Various for properties with multiple buildings or with multiple construction dates due to expansions.

 

(7)

The date acquired represents the date of initial land acquisition.

 

(8)

The Rotterdam—Cool Port II property was construction in progress at the time of the Company’s 2021 acquisition of Kloosterboer.

 

F-86


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

LINEAGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2022

(dollars in millions, except quantity of buildings)

 

(9)

The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s real estate cost and accumulated depreciation at the beginning of each year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 with the amounts at the end of each respective year.

 

     2022     2021  

Real estate properties, at cost:

    

Balance at January 1

   $ 8,062.7     $ 6,307.3  

Capital expenditures

     449.9       364.1  

Acquisitions

     1,052.7       1,482.9  

Dispositions

     (7.0     (27.7

Impairments

     (0.6      

Impact of foreign exchange rate changes and other

     (177.4     (63.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   $ 9,380.3     $ 8,062.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation:

    

Balance at January 1

   $ (843.6   $ (617.7

Depreciation Expense

     (285.0     (233.5

Dispositions

     1.7       4.8  

Impact of foreign exchange rate changes and other

     10.8       2.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   $ (1,116.1   $ (843.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total real estate properties, net at December 31

   $ 8,264.2     $ 7,219.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-87


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

 

Lineage, Inc.

                 Shares of Common Stock

LOGO

PROSPECTUS

Through and including                 ,     20        (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

 

 


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 31. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table itemizes the expenses incurred by us in connection with the issuance and registration of the securities being registered hereunder. All amounts shown are estimates except for the SEC registration fee and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, filing fee and the                 listing fee.

 

SEC registration fee

   $   *

FINRA filing fee

                     *

Stock exchange listing fee

     *

Legal fees and expenses

     *

Printing and engraving expenses

     *

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses

     *

Accounting fees and expenses

     *

Miscellaneous

     *
  

 

 

 

Total

   $   *
  

 

 

 

 

*

To be completed by amendment.

Item 32. Sales to Special Parties.

None.

Item 33. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

On September 1, 2021, we issued 505 shares of our Series A preferred stock and 129,363.06 shares of our common stock, to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC, in exchange for 3,741.70 shares of Class A voting common stock and Class B non-voting common stock of Kenyon Zero Storage, Inc., a Washington corporation. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On April 25, 2022, we issued 1,114,271.07 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $89,698,821.48. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On June 1, 2022, we issued 615,458.79 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC, in exchange for a number of shares of Turvo, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with an aggregate value equal to $54,991,291.05 and a cash payment of $400,000.00. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On June 24, 2022 we issued 3,726,708.08 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $300,000,000.00. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On July 22, 2022, we issued 482,483.23 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $38,839,900.00. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On September 1, 2022, we issued 1,057,361.1 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $95,162,500.00. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

On September 1, 2022, we issued 156,418.89 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC in exchange for a promissory note originally issued to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC by Lineage Spain Holdings I, S.L.U, a Spanish limited liability company in the form of “sociedad de responsabilidad limitada”, with a principal amount equal to €14,000,000.00 (in an amount equal to $14,077,700.00 in U.S. dollars). These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On September 7, 2022, we issued 8,333.333 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $750,000.00. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On October 3, 2022, we issued 111,611.10 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC in exchange for certain loan receivables with an aggregate value equal to $10,044,999.12. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On October 20, 2022, we issued 211,180.12 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $17,000,000.00. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On December 7, 2022, we issued 4,429,212.98 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $398,442,426.72. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On December 16, 2022, we issued 46,404.40 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $4,176,396.25. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On January 20, 2023, we issued 1,113,888.89 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $100,250,000.00. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On January 25, 2023, we issued 44,444.444 shares of our common stock to BG Lineage Holdings, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $40,000,000.00. These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 34. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty that is established by a final judgment and that is material to the cause of action. The charter of Lineage, Inc. (the “company,” “we,” “us” and “our”) contains a provision that eliminates the liability of our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

The Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:

 

   

the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;

 


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

   

the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or

 

   

in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.

Under the MGCL, we may not indemnify a director or officer in a suit by us or in our right in which the director or officer was adjudged liable to us or in a suit in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.

In addition, the MGCL permits us to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon our receipt of:

 

   

a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by us; and

 

   

a written undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by us if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer did not meet the standard of conduct.

Our charter requires us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:

 

   

any present or former director or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, a proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity; or

 

   

any individual who, while a director or officer of our company and at our request, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member or manager of another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity.

Our charter also permits us, with the approval of our board of directors, to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of our company or a predecessor of our company.

We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

In addition, our directors and officers may be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement of Lineage OP, LP, our operating partnership.

Item 35. Treatment of Proceeds from Stock Being Registered.

The consideration to be received by us from the securities registered hereunder will be credited to the appropriate capital account.

Item 36. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(A) Financial Statements: see Index to Financial Statements.


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Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

(B) Exhibits: The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this registration statement on Form S-11:

 

*1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement
*3.1   Form of Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Lineage, Inc., to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
*3.2   Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Lineage, Inc., to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
*4.1   Form of Common Stock Certificate of Lineage, Inc.
*5.1   Opinion of Venable LLP
*8.1   Opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP with respect to tax matters
*10.1   Form of Partnership Agreement of Lineage OP, LP, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
*10.2   Form of Transition Services Agreement between Lineage OP, LP and Bay Grove Management Company, LLC, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
*10.3   Form of Indemnification Agreement between Lineage, Inc. and each of its directors and executive officers
†*10.4   Form of Employment Agreement between Lineage, Inc. and Greg Lehmkuhl
†*10.5   Form of Employment Agreement between Lineage, Inc. and Rob Crisci
†*10.6   Form of Equity Incentive Plan
†*10.7   Form of Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Grant Notice and Agreement
*21.1   List of Subsidiaries of Lineage, Inc.
*23.1   Consent of KPMG LLP as to the consolidated financial statements of Lineage, Inc.
*23.2   Consent of Venable LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1)
*23.3   Consent of Latham & Watkins LLP (contained in Exhibit 8.1)
*107   Filing Fee Table

 

*

To be filed by amendment.

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.

Item 37. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

  (1)  

For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

  (2)  

For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.


Table of Contents

Confidential Treatment Requested by Lineage, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-11 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Novi, Michigan, on this      day of             , 20    .

 

LINEAGE, INC.

By:

 

                      

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know all men by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Greg Lehmkuhl, Rob Crisci and Natalie Matsler, and each of them, any of whom may act without joinder of the other, the individual’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the person and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this registration statement and any or all amendments, including post-effective amendments to the registration statement, including a prospectus or an amended prospectus therein and any registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462 under the Securities Act, and all other documents in connection therewith to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact as agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

    

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