Item 1.01 Entry Into A Material Definitive Agreement
Amendment to Advisory Agreement
On December 17, 2024, Sterling Real Estate Trust (the “Company”) adopted its Fourteenth Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement with Sterling Management, LLC, the Company’s Advisor (the “Advisor”). The Fourteenth Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2025 (as amended, the “Advisory Agreement”), extends the term of the agreement for an additional year and includes terms and conditions that are substantially the same as the previous agreement.
The description herein of the Fourteenth Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement is qualified in its entirety, and the terms therein are incorporated herein, by reference to the Fourteenth Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto.
Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
On December 17, 2024, the Company’s Board of Trustees appointed Elizabeth A. Reich, 58, as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Ms. Reich will also serve as the Company’s Principal Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Reich spent 24 years with True North Steel, serving as the Chief Financial Officer. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in multiple company acquisitions contributing to a near threefold increase in revenues over ten years and expanding the team by over seventy percent. Ms. Reich brings over 30 years of expertise in manufacturing and construction industries, where she successfully led finance, technology, and human resource teams. Her career includes key roles in finance teams at several major organizations in the Fargo-Moorhead area, including American Crystal Sugar, Phoenix International, and True North Steel. Ms. Reich received her Bachelor of Accountancy and Computer Information System degrees from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
The Company is an externally managed REIT and has retained the Advisor to manage its day-to-day affairs pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement. Ms. Reich will be employed and compensated for her service to the Company by the Advisor. She will not be compensated under any plans maintained by the Company.
With respect to the disclosure required by Item 401(d) of Regulation S-K, there are no family relationships between Ms. Reich and any of the Company’s directors or executive officers. With respect to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, there are no relationships or related transactions between Ms. Reich and the Company that would be required to be reported.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure
Share and Unit Price Increase
The Board of Trustees approved an increase in the common share price from $23.00 per share to $24.00 per share effective January 1, 2025.
The Board of Trustees approved an annual dividend yield of 5.00% per share, effective January 1, 2025.
The Board of Trustees, acting as general partner of Sterling Properties, LLLP, also approved an increase in the limited liability limited partnership unit price from $23.00 per unit to $24.00 per unit effective January 1, 2025.
In connection with the above changes, the Board of Trustees also approved an increase in the share and unit redemption price effective January 1, 2023, to $22.80 per share or unit, respectively.
In determining the fair value of the shares and limited partnership units, the Board relied upon their experience with, and knowledge about, the Trust’s real estate portfolio and debt obligations. The Board typically determines the share price on an annual basis. The trustees determine the price in their discretion and use data points to guide their determination which is typically based on a consensus of opinion. In addition, the Board considers how the price chosen will affect existing share and unit values, redemption prices, dividend coverage ratios, yield percentages, dividend reinvestment factors, and future UPREIT transactions, among other considerations and information.
