ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
References herein to “Fortress Net Lease REIT,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “FNLR,” and the “Company” refer to Fortress Net Lease REIT, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context specifically requires otherwise.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. In addition to historical data, this discussion contains forward-looking statements about our business, operations and financial performance based on current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those in this discussion as a result of various factors, including but not limited to those discussed under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and in “Item 1A.—Risk Factors” in our Form 10.
Overview
Fortress Net Lease REIT invests primarily in single-tenant, net leased assets. We plan to own all or substantially all of our assets through FNLR OP LP, a subsidiary of the Company (the “Operating Partnership”). FNLR GP LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. We are externally managed by FNLR Management, LLC. The Company’s principal business is the acquisition, ownership, financing and leasing of single-tenant commercial real estate properties subject to long-term net leases with investment grade and other creditworthy tenants or guarantors, and our management does not distinguish our principal business, or group our operations, by geography or property type for purposes of measuring performance. Accordingly, we have only one reportable segment.
The Company was formed on January 24, 2023 as a Maryland statutory trust (the “Date of Formation”); however, no activity occurred until we acquired our first property on September 28, 2023.
The Company is a non-listed, perpetual life REIT that has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on our taxable income to the extent we annually distribute all of our net taxable income to shareholders and maintain our qualification as a REIT.
As of March 31, 2024, we have received proceeds of $419.8 million from the sale of our common shares. The Company has contributed the proceeds to the Operating Partnership in exchange for a corresponding number of Operating Partnership units that correspond to the classes of our shares sold. The Operating Partnership has primarily used the proceeds to make investments in real estate as further described below under “—Investment Portfolio.” The Company intends to continue selling shares on a monthly basis.
Market Conditions and Trends
The Company’s businesses are materially affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S. and, to a lesser extent, elsewhere in the world.
During the first quarter of 2024, the persistence of both elevated inflation and interest rates, in conjunction with geopolitical uncertainty (including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, including between Israel and Hamas), continued to weigh on industry deal activity. It remains difficult to predict the full impact of recent events and any future changes in interest rates or inflation.
Industry valuations remain under pressure due to a combination of rising interest rates, cost inflation, elevated vacancy rates, and uncertainty around future capital availability. However, industry transaction volumes increased slightly compared to the previous quarter. Our real estate business, focused on triple net leases, continued to deploy significant capital. Our investors continue to benefit from the inflation-mitigating characteristics of the net lease structure, highly predictable net rent growth, and long-duration contractual income across the portfolio.
We are continuing to closely monitor developments related to the macroeconomic factors that have contributed to market volatility, and to assess the impact of these factors on financial markets and on our business. Our future results may be adversely affected by slowdowns in fundraising activity and the pace of capital deployment. It is currently not possible to predict the ultimate effects of these events on the financial markets, overall economy, and our condensed consolidated financial statements. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business and Operations” in our Form 10.
Since March 31, 2024, through and including the date hereof, we have acquired (i) twenty-seven industrial properties across nine states within the United States for $133.2 million, (ii) six retail properties located across the state of Washington for $15.2 million, for a total purchase price of $148.4 million and (iii) issued and sold an aggregate of 8,784,098 common shares in our private offering, resulting in proceeds of $88.2 million (see “Item 1. Financial Statements — Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10. Subsequent Events — Acquisitions” and the section titled “Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds”).
Emerging Growth Company Status
We are and will remain an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act until the earlier of (a) the last day of the fiscal year (i) following the fifth anniversary of the date of an initial public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (ii) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, or (iii) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the date of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and (b) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. For so long as we remain an “emerging growth company” we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We cannot predict if investors will find our shares less attractive because we may rely on some or all of these exemptions.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We will take advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards, which may make it more difficult for investors and securities analysts to evaluate us since our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.
Q1 2024 Highlights
Operating Results
| • | Declared monthly net distributions totaling $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The details of our total returns are shown in the following table: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Inception-to-Date Total Return (1) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 0.59 | % | | | 2.74 | % | | | 2.59 | % | | | — |
| | | 1.75 | % | | | 2.76 | % |
(1) | Total return is calculated as the change in NAV per share during the respective periods plus any distributions per share declared in the period and assumes any distributions are reinvested in accordance with our distribution reinvestment plan. The Company believes total return is a useful measure of the overall investment performance of our shares. |
(2) | Class F-I X represents Class F-I common shares that are currently entitled to a fee waiver, as described in the Form 10. |
(3) | As of March 31, 2024, pursuant to the terms of the Class C shares and Class D shares, all outstanding Class C shares have been automatically converted into Class D shares. |
Investments
| • | Acquired six industrial properties with a total purchase price of $92.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The acquisitions are consistent with our strategy of acquiring diversified, income-producing, single-tenant, net leased commercial properties. |
Capital Activity and Financings
| • | Raised proceeds of $301.0 million from the sale of our common shares for the three months ended March 31, 2024. |
Overall Portfolio
| • | As of March 31, 2024, our portfolio was comprised entirely of industrial properties, with (i) buildings, (ii) land and (iii) properties under development, representing approximately 49%, 17% and 35%, respectively, of our total portfolio value based on historical cost. |
Investment Portfolio
Real Estate Investments
The following table provides a summary of our portfolio as of March 31, 2024:
| | | | | | | Square Feet(1) (in thousands) | | | | | | | | |
Industrial | | Hannover, PA | | | 1 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | 9/28/2023 | | | 100 | % |
Industrial | | Berkeley, MO | | | 1 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | 11/1/2023 | | | 100 | % |
Industrial | | Stanton, TN | | | 1 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | 11/30/2023 | | | 100 | % |
Industrial | | Appleton, WI | | | 1 | | | | 983 | | | | 100 | % | 12/28/2023 | | | 100 | % |
Industrial | | Parkesburg, PA | | | 1 | | | | 242 | | | | 100 | % | 01/29/2024 | | | 100 | % |
Industrial | | Tiffin, OH and Newberg, OR | | | 2 | (2) | | | 401 | | | | 100 | % | 02/29/2024 | | | 100 | % |
Industrial | | Orem, UT | | | | | | | 254 | | | | 100 | % | 03/29/2024 | | | 100 | % |
Total | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | Information is excluded for properties under development. |
(2) | Properties are subject to master lease agreements. |
Lease Expirations
The following schedule details the expiring leases at our real estate properties by annualized base rent and square footage as of March 31, 2024:
| | | | | Annualized Base Rent ($ in thousands) | | | % of Total Annualized Base Rent Expiring | | | Square Feet(1) (in thousands) | | | % of Total Square Feet Expiring | |
2024 | | | — | | | $ | — | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | — | % |
2025 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | — | % |
2026 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | — | % |
2027 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | — | % |
2028 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | — | % |
2029 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | — | % |
2030 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | — | % |
2031 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | — | % |
2032 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | — | % |
Thereafter | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | Information is excluded for land investments and properties under development. |
Results of Operations
From the Date of Formation through September 27, 2023, the Company had not commenced principal operations and was focused on formation and private offering activities. The Company’s results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and for the period from Date of Formation through March 31, 2023 are not comparable and, accordingly, no comparative amounts for the period from the Date of Formation through March 31, 2023 are discussed.
The following table sets forth the results of our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (in thousands, except per share data and percentages):
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | |
Revenue | | | |
Rental revenue | | | | |
Total revenues | | | 2,677 | |
| | | | |
Expenses | | | | |
Organizational costs | | | 1,753 | |
General and administrative | | | 1,060 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | | |
Total expenses | | | 3,615 | |
Other income (expense) | | | | |
Interest income | | | 2,394 | |
Net income | | | | |
Net income per share of common stock – basic and diluted | | | | |
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic and diluted | | | | |
Revenue
Rental Revenue
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, rental revenue was $2.7 million and was generated by the seven operating properties the Company held during the quarter.
Expenses
Organizational costs
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, organizational costs were $1.8 million. These costs were incurred primarily in conjunction with the Company’s registration.
General and Administrative Expenses
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, general and administrative expenses were $1.1 million and consisted primarily of professional services and operating expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, depreciation and amortization expenses were $0.8 million, driven by the depreciation and amortization on the seven operating properties the Company held during the quarter.
Other Income
Interest Income
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, interest income was $2.4 million which consisted of interest earned on the cash deposited in a money market account.
Net Asset Value
EA RESIG, LLC, a subsidiary of Eisner Advisory Group LLC, calculates our NAV per share, which our Advisor subsequently reviews and confirms the calculations in connection therewith, in each case, in accordance with the valuation guidelines that have been approved by our board of trustees. Our total NAV presented in the following tables includes the NAV of our outstanding classes of common shares, which includes Class F-S, Class F-D, Class F-I, Class F-I X, Class B, Class C, Class D and Class E common shares, as well as the partnership interests (“OP Units”) of the Operating Partnership, if any, held by parties other than the Company. The following table provides a breakdown of the major components of our NAV as of March 31, 2024:
($ in thousands) | | | |
| | | |
Investments in real estate, net | | $ | 195,409 | |
Intangible assets, net | | | 40,680 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 188,427 | |
Restricted cash | | | 59,002 | |
Other assets | | | 1,129 | |
Subscriptions received in advance | | | (54,074 | ) |
Due to affiliate | | | (649 | ) |
Distribution payable | | | (1,845 | ) |
Other liabilities | | | (898 | ) |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | | | |
Net Asset Value | | | | |
Number of outstanding shares/units | | | | |
The following table provides a breakdown of our total NAV and NAV per share/unit by class as of March 31, 2024:
($ in thousands, except per share/data) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NAV | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 28,735 | | | $ | 30,109 | | | $ | 48,089 | | | $ | 312,637 | | | $ | 2,125 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 421,695 | |
Number of outstanding shares/units | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NAV Per Share/Unit as of March 31, 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | As of March 31, 2024, there were no Class C shares outstanding. Pursuant to the terms of the Class C shares and Class D shares, all outstanding Class C shares have been automatically converted into Class D shares. |
(2) | Class F-I X represents Class F-I common shares that are currently entitled to a fee waiver, as described in the Form 10. |
The following table details the weighted average capitalization rate by property type, which is the key assumption used in the valuations as of March 31, 2024:
The capitalization rates are determined by the Adviser and reviewed by the Company’s independent valuation advisor. A change in the capitalization rates would impact the calculation of the value of our real estate investments. For example, assuming all other factors remain unchanged, the changes listed below would result in the following effects on our investment values:
| | | | |
Capitalization Rate | | 0.25% Decrease
| | +3.35% |
| |
| |
|
(weighted average)
| | 0.25% Increase | | (3.14)% |
Recently acquired properties are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
The following table reconciles equity and Operating Partnership’s capital per our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet to our NAV:
| | | |
($ in thousands) | | | |
Equity | | $ | 406,492 | |
Adjustments: | | | | |
Accrued organization and offering costs | | | 11,630 | |
Net unrealized real estate appreciation | | | 3,598 | |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization under GAAP | | | 827 | |
Straight-line rent | | | | |
NAV | | | | |
The following details the adjustments to reconcile accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) equity and total partners’ capital of the Operating Partnership to our NAV:
| • | The Adviser agreed to advance certain organization and offering costs on our behalf through November 1, 2024. The Adviser will be reimbursed for such costs on a pro-rata basis over a 60-month period beginning November 1, 2024, the first anniversary of the date on which the Company broke escrow for its private offering. Under GAAP, organization costs have been accrued as a liability. For purposes of calculating NAV, such costs will be recognized as paid over the 60-month reimbursement period. |
| • | The Company recognizes rental revenue on a straight-line basis under GAAP. Such straight-line rent adjustments are excluded for purposes of calculating NAV. |
| • | The Company depreciates investments in real estate and amortize certain other assets and liabilities in accordance with GAAP. Such depreciation and amortization is not recorded for purposes of calculating our NAV. |
| • | Investments in real estate, net are presented at their depreciated cost basis in the GAAP condensed consolidated financial statements. For purposes of calculating NAV, operating properties will be initially valued at cost and subsequently measured at fair value. Properties under development are recorded at the transaction price plus gross fundings, which include construction interest paid to the Company until the applicable construction is completed. |
Distributions
Beginning on November 30, 2023, we declared monthly distributions for each class of our common shares, which are generally paid four days after month-end. The net distribution may vary for each class based on the applicable shareholder servicing fee, which is deducted from the monthly distribution per share and paid directly to the Dealer Manager for further remittance to the applicable distributor.
The following table details the total net distribution for each of our share classes for the three months ended March 31, 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
January 31, 2024 | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 0.0396 | | | $ | 0.0396 | | | $ | 0.0396 | | | $ | 0.0396 | | | $ | 0.0396 | |
February 29, 2024 | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 0.0439 | | | $ | 0.0439 | | | $ | 0.0439 | | | $ | 0.0439 | | | $ | 0.0439 | |
March 31, 2024 | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 0.0440 | | | $ | 0.0440 | | | $ | 0.0440 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 0.0440 | | | $ | 0.0440 | |
Total | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 0.0440 | | | $ | 0.1275 | | | $ | 0.1275 | | | $ | 0.0835 | | | $ | 0.1275 | | | $ | 0.1275 | |
(1) | Class F-I X represents Class F-I common shares that are currently entitled to a fee waiver, as described in the Form 10. |
(2) | As of March 31, 2024, pursuant to the terms of the Class C shares and Class D shares, all outstanding Class C shares have been automatically converted into Class D shares. |
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we declared net distributions in the amount of $4.4 million. The Company intends for long-term cumulative distributions to be funded primarily from operating cash flows.
The following table details our distributions declared for the three months ended March 31, 2024:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | |
($ in thousands) | | | | | | |
Distributions | | | | | | |
Payable in cash | | $ | 3,018 | | | | 69 | % |
Reinvested in shares | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions | | | | | | | | |
Sources of Distributions | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from operating activities | | $ | 4,183 | | | | 96 | % |
Other proceeds(1) | | | 184 | | | | 4 | % |
Offering proceeds | | | | | | | | |
Total sources of distributions | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | | | | |
Funds from Operations (2) | | | | | | | | |
| (1) | Build-to-suit construction interest of $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was used as a source to support the dividend payments. Build-to-suit construction interest is not recognized as operating cash flow under GAAP. |
| (2) | See “Funds from Operations” below for a description of Funds from Operations. Refer to below for reconciliations of these amounts to GAAP net income attributable to shareholders and for considerations on how to review these metrics. |
Funds from Operations
We believe funds from operations (“FFO”) is a meaningful non-GAAP supplemental measure of our operating results. Our condensed consolidated financial statements are presented using historical cost accounting which, among other things, requires depreciation of real estate investments to be calculated on a straight-line basis. As a result, our operating results imply that the value of our real estate investments have decreased over time. However, we believe that the value of our real estate investments will fluctuate over time based on market conditions and, as such, depreciation under historical cost accounting may be less informative as a measure of our performance. FFO is an operating measure defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) that is broadly used in the REIT industry. FFO, as defined by NAREIT and presented below, is calculated as net income or loss (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding (i) depreciation and amortization, (ii) impairment of investments in real estate, (iii) net gains or losses from sales of real estate, and (iv) similar adjustments for non-controlling interests and unconsolidated entities.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to shareholders to FFO attributable to shareholders:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 (in thousands) | |
Net (loss) income attributable to shareholders | | $ | 1,456 | |
Adjustments to arrive at FFO: | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 802 | |
FFO attributable to shareholders | | | 2,258 | |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
We believe we have sufficient liquidity to operate our business, with $188.4 million of immediate liquidity as of March 31, 2024, comprised of cash and cash equivalents. In addition to our immediate liquidity, we obtain incremental liquidity through the sale of our common shares, from which we generated proceeds of approximately $301.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. In addition, we may incur indebtedness secured by our real estate and real estate debt investments, borrow money through unsecured financings, or incur other forms of indebtedness. We may also generate incremental liquidity through the sale of our real estate and other real estate investments.
Our primary liquidity needs are to fund our investments, make distributions to our shareholders, repurchase common shares pursuant to our share repurchase plan, pay operating expenses, fund capital expenditures, and repay indebtedness. Our operating expenses include, among other things, the management fee we pay to the Adviser and the performance participation allocation that the Operating Partnership pays to the Special Limited Partner, both of which will impact our liquidity to the extent the Adviser or the Special Limited Partner elect to receive such payments in cash, or subsequently redeem shares or Operating Partnership units previously issued to them.
Our cash needs for acquisitions and other capital investments will be funded primarily from the sale of common shares and through the incurrence or assumption of debt. We plan on fulfilling our outstanding commitment obligations for properties under development from the sale of common shares. Other potential future sources of capital include secured or unsecured financings from banks or other lenders and proceeds from the sale of assets. If necessary, we may use financings or other sources of capital in the event of unforeseen significant capital expenditures. We continue to believe that our current liquidity position is sufficient to meet the need of our expected investment activity.
Capital Resources
On January 2, 2024, the Company issued and sold 12,022,878 common shares, consisting of 350,755 Class F-I shares, 948,066 Class B shares, 121,258 Class C shares, 10,602,404 Class D shares, and 395 Class E shares, to accredited investors in our private offering, amounting to proceeds of $120.3 million to us as payment for such shares, including shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan. Additionally, pursuant to the terms of the Class B shares, Class C shares and Class D shares, 1,000,000 Class B shares were automatically converted into 999,391 Class D shares, and 4,343,271 Class C shares were automatically converted into 4,342,273 Class D shares.
On January 29, 2024, the Company entered into a subscription agreement (the “TTC Subscription Agreement”), pursuant to which TTC Multi-Strategy Fund QP, LP agreed to purchase an aggregate of $65.0 million of our Class D shares in one or more closings, as determined by us in our sole discretion.
On February 1, 2024, the Company issued and sold 11,997,722 common shares, consisting of 288,344 Class F-I shares, 2,727,182 Class B shares, 947,873 Class C shares, 8,033,926 Class D shares (including Class D shares issued and sold pursuant to the TTC Subscription Agreement), and 397 Class E shares, to accredited investors in our private offering, amounting to proceeds of $120.1 million to us as payment for such shares, including shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan.
On March 1, 2024, the Company issued and sold 6,040,640 common shares, consisting of 2,868,117 Class F-I shares (of which, 6,985 shares were eligible for a waiver of management fees and performance participation) 7,547 Class B shares, 9,236 Class C shares, 3,147,821 Class D shares (including Class D shares issued and sold pursuant to the TTC Subscription Agreement), and 7,919 Class E shares, to accredited investors in our private offering, amounting to proceeds of $60.6 million to us as payment for such shares, including shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan.
As of March 31, 2024, the Company had issued and sold in the aggregate 41,936,819 common shares, which, after giving effect to conversions, consist of 5,852,749 Class F-I shares (of which 2,991,617 shares were eligible for a waiver of management fees and performance participation), 4,785,168 Class B shares, 31,087,797 Class D shares, and 211,105 Class E shares to accredited investors in our private offering for an aggregate price of $419,769,787.
Subsequent to March 31, 2024, on April 1, 2024, the Company issued and sold 5,360,972 common shares, consisting of 1,891,784 Class F-I shares (of which, 6,944 shares were eligible for a waiver of management fees and performance participation), 7,589 Class B shares, 3,451,175 Class D shares (including Class D shares issued and sold pursuant to the TTC Subscription Agreement), and 10,424 Class E shares, to accredited investors in our private offering, amounting to proceeds of $53.8 million to us as payment for such shares, including shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan.
In addition, on May 1, 2024, the Company issued and sold 3,423,126 common shares, consisting of 3,101,739 Class F-I shares (of which 7,668 shares were eligible for a waiver of management fees and performance participation), 8,248 Class B shares, 307,603 Class D shares (including Class D shares issued and sold pursuant to the TTC Subscription Agreement), and 5,536 Class E shares, to accredited investors in our private offering, amounting to proceeds of $34.4 million to us as payment for such shares, including shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan.
Cash Flows
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The cash flows provided by operating activities were primarily due to the collection of rental revenues of $2.3 million.
Cash flows used in investing activities were $118.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Cash flows of $92.8 million were also used to acquire six operating properties and $25.3 million was used to fund construction in progress for the three build-to-suit properties.
Cash flows provided by financing activities were $228.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, attributable primarily due to $177.8 million from the issuance of our common shares and $53.1 million from subscriptions received in advance.
Future Cash Requirements
The following table aggregates our contractual obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2024.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Organizational and offering costs | | $ | 11,630 | | | $ | 969 | | | $ | 4,652 | | | $ | 4,652 | | | $ | 1,357 | |
Commitments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP involve significant judgments and assumptions and require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. These judgments will affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities and our disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. With different estimates or assumptions, materially different amounts could be reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements. The following is a summary of our significant accounting policies that we believe are the most affected by our judgments, estimates, and assumptions. See “Item 1. Financial Statements—Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates” for further descriptions of the below accounting policies.
Investments in Real Estate
We expect that most of our acquisitions will qualify as asset acquisitions rather than business combinations pursuant to ASC 805, Business Combinations. Upon the acquisition of a property, we assess the fair value of the acquired tangible and intangible assets (including land, buildings, tenant improvements, “above-market” and “below-market” leases, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities) and we allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, on a relative fair value basis. The most significant portion of the allocation is to buildings, land, and construction in process and requires the use of market based estimates and assumptions. We assess and consider fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates, as well as other available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions.
The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. We also consider an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have intangible value, such as customer relationships, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenants’ credit quality and expectations of lease renewals.
Acquired above-market and below-market leases are recorded at their fair values (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) equal to the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (2) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.
Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. Factors to be considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, we include real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses, if any, and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, we consider leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.
Impairment of Investments in Real Estate and Intangible Assets
We review real estate properties for impairment each quarter or when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates an impaired value. If the carrying amount of the real estate investment is no longer recoverable and exceeds the fair value of such investment, an impairment loss is recognized. The impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. The evaluation of anticipated future cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results. Since cash flows on real estate properties considered to be “long-lived assets to be held and used” are considered on an undiscounted basis to determine whether an asset has been impaired, our strategy of holding properties over the long term directly decreases the likelihood of recording an impairment loss. If our strategy changes or market conditions otherwise dictate an earlier sale date, an impairment loss may be recognized, and such loss could be material to our results. If we determine that an impairment has occurred, the affected assets must be reduced to their fair value.
We review indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates a decrease in value. If there are qualitative factors that indicate it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, we calculate the fair value of the asset and record the impairment charge if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. This new cost basis will be used for future periods when recording subsequent income or loss and cannot be written up to a higher value as a result of increases in fair value.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements may be issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other standard setting bodies that will be adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. The Company believes that the impact of the recently issued standards that are not yet effective and not adopted will not have a material impact on its financial statements upon adoption.
ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The primary components of our market risk are related to interest rates, credit risk, credit market values, liquidity and foreign currency exchange rates. While we do not seek to avoid risk completely, we believe that risk can be quantified from historical experience, and we seek to actively manage that risk, to earn sufficient compensation to justify taking those risks and to maintain capital levels consistent with the risks we undertake.
Interest Rate Risk
Through our investment portfolio and floating rate leverage facilities that we may use to finance our investment portfolio, we are exposed to risk from changes in interest rates and inflation. An increase in interest rates could increase the cost of variable rate debt that we may incur in the future, which may affect our ability to make distributions or payments to our investors. During times when inflation is greater than the increases in rent provided by many of our leases, rent increases will not keep up with the rate of inflation, which could cause the value of our properties to decline. Increased costs may have an adverse impact on our tenants if increases in their operating expenses exceed increases in revenue, which may adversely affect the tenants’ ability to pay rent owed to us, which in turn could materially and adversely affect us. Inflationary expectations or periods of rising inflation could also be accompanied by rising prices of commodities that are critical to the construction and/or operation of real estate properties. The market value of our investments could potentially decline in value in times of higher inflation rates. Some of our investments could have income linked to inflation, whether by regulation or contractual arrangement or other means. However, as inflation could affect both income and expenses, any increase in income could potentially not be sufficient to cover increases in expenses. Moreover, as inflation increases, the real value of our investments and distributions therefrom can decline. If we are unable to increase the revenue and profits of our investments at times of higher inflation, we could be unable to pay out higher distributions to shareholders to compensate for the relative decrease in the value of money, thereby affecting the expected return of investors.
We generally expect to mitigate this exposure to interest rate risk by purchasing or selling various financial instruments, including interest rate cap or collar agreements and interest rate swap agreements. While we have not experienced any significant credit losses since we commenced operations, in the event of a significant rising interest rate environment and/or economic downturn, tenant vacancies or defaults could increase and result in losses, which could adversely affect our operating results and liquidity, including our ability to pay any debt obligations we may incur. However, our interest rate hedging strategies may not eliminate all of our interest rate risk due to, among other things, uncertainties in the timing and/or amounts of inflation or the general interest rate environment and/or unequal, inaccurate, or unavailable hedges to offset changes in future interest rates.
As of March 31, 2024, we had no variable rate indebtedness.
Credit Risk
We are exposed to credit risk in our investments with respect to a tenant’s ability to make required rent payments to us. We intend to manage this risk by employing a credit-first approach to understanding the financial wherewithal of a tenant prior to entering into a lease and by actively monitoring the macro- and micro-economic and industry trends that impact our tenants as well as their financial statements when available.
Market Value Risks
We may also be exposed to market value risk with respect to the fair value of our investments, including debt securities, and borrowings due to changes in market conditions, including real estate property values, interest rates and property cash flows. The fair value of our investments may fluctuate, therefore the amount we will realize upon any repayment, sale, or an alternative liquidation event is unknown. Within the parameters of our valuation guidelines, the valuation methodologies used to value our properties and certain of our investments will involve subjective judgments and projections and may not be accurate. Valuation methodologies will also involve assumptions and opinions about future events, which may or may not turn out to be correct. Valuations and appraisals of our properties and other investments will be only estimates of fair value. Ultimate realization of the value of an asset depends to a great extent on economic, market and other conditions beyond our control and the control of the Adviser and our independent valuation advisor. In addition, commercial property values are subject to volatility and may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including: national, regional and local economic conditions; local real estate conditions; changes or continued weakness in specific industry segments; construction quality, age and design; demographic factors; and retroactive changes to building or similar codes and/or tax and legal considerations.
Liquidity Risk
Market disruptions may lead to a significant decline in transaction activity in all or a significant portion of the asset classes in which we intend to invest and may at the same time lead to a significant contraction in short-term and long-term debt and equity funding sources. A decline in liquidity of real estate and real estate-related investments, as well as a lack of availability of observable transaction data and inputs, may make it more difficult to sell our investments or determine their fair values. As a result, we may be unable to sell investments, or only be able to sell investments at a price that may be materially different from the fair values presented. In addition, a decline in market value of our assets may have particular adverse consequences in instances where we borrowed money based on the fair value of our assets.
Foreign Currency Risk
Any of our investments that may be denominated in a foreign currency will also be subject to risks related to fluctuations in exchange rates. We generally expect to mitigate this exposure by hedging the net currency exposure of our foreign currency assets to the U.S. Dollar. As a result, we expect to reduce our exposure to changes in portfolio value related to changes in foreign exchange rates. However, our currency hedging strategies may not eliminate all of our currency risk due to, among other things, uncertainties in the timing and/or amounts of payments received on the related investments, and/or unequal, inaccurate, or unavailable hedges to offset changes in future exchange rates.
ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q was made under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Co-Chief Executive Officers (“Co-CEOs”), who are our principal executive officers, and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), who is our principal financial officer. Based upon this evaluation, our Co-CEOs and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (a) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by SEC rules and forms and (b) include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Co-CEOs and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the period covered by this report, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) identified in connection with the evaluation described above that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
From time to time, we, the Adviser or Fortress may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under contracts with our portfolio companies. We may also be subject to regulatory proceedings. While the outcome of these legal or regulatory proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we may incur significant costs and expenses in connection with any such proceedings.
For information regarding factors that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, see the risk factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Form 10.
ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
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Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
On January 2, 2024, the Company issued and sold 12,022,878 common shares, consisting of 350,755 Class F-I shares, 948,066 Class B shares, 121,258 Class C shares, 10,602,404 Class D shares, and 395 Class E shares, to accredited investors in our private offering, amounting to proceeds of $120.3 million to us as payment for such shares, including shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan. Additionally, pursuant to the terms of the Class B shares, Class C shares and Class D shares, 1,000,000 Class B shares were automatically converted into 999,391 Class D shares, and 4,343,271 Class C shares were automatically converted into 4,342,273 Class D shares.
On January 29, 2024, the Company entered into the TTC Subscription Agreement, pursuant to which TTC Multi-Strategy Fund QP, LP agreed to purchase an aggregate of $65.0 million of our Class D shares in one or more closings, as determined by us in our sole discretion.
On February 1, 2024, the Company issued and sold 11,997,722 common shares, consisting of 288,344 Class F-I shares, 2,727,182 Class B shares, 947,873 Class C shares, 8,033,926 Class D shares (including Class D shares issued and sold pursuant to the TTC Subscription Agreement), and 397 Class E shares, to accredited investors in our private offering, amounting to proceeds of $120.1 million to us as payment for such shares, including shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan.
On March 1, 2024, the Company issued and sold 6,040,640 common shares, consisting of 2,868,117 Class F-I shares (of which, 6,985 shares were eligible for a waiver of management fees and performance participation), 7,547 Class B shares, 9,236 Class C shares, 3,147,821 Class D shares (including Class D shares issued and sold pursuant to the TTC Subscription Agreement), and 7,919 Class E shares, to accredited investors in our private offering, amounting to proceeds of $60.6 million to us as payment for such shares, including shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan. Additionally, pursuant to the terms of the Class C shares and Class D shares, 3,962,260 Class C shares were automatically converted into 3,961,984 Class D shares.
As of March 31, 2024, the Company had received proceeds of $419,769,787 from selling an aggregate 41,936,819 common shares in the private offering, comprising of 5,852,749 Class F-I shares (of which 2,991,617 shares were eligible for a waiver of management fees and performance participation), 4,785,168 Class B shares, 31,087,797 Class D shares, and 211,105 Class E shares.
Subsequent to March 31, 2024, on April 1, 2024, the Company issued and sold 5,360,972 common shares, consisting of 1,891,784 Class F-I shares (of which 6,994 shares were eligible for a waiver of management fees and performance participation), 7,589 Class B shares, 3,451,175 Class D shares (including Class D shares issued and sold pursuant to the TTC Subscription Agreement), and 10,424 Class E shares, to accredited investors in our private offering, amounting to proceeds of $53.8 million to us as payment for such shares, including shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan.
In addition, on May 1, 2024, the Company issued and sold 3,423,126 common shares, consisting of 3,101,739 Class F-I shares (of which 7,668 shares were eligible for a waiver of management fees and performance participation), 8,248 Class B shares, 307,603 Class D shares (including Class D shares issued and sold pursuant to the TTC Subscription Agreement), and 5,536 Class E shares, to accredited investors in our private offering, amounting to proceeds of $34.4 million to us as payment for such shares, including shares issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan.
All of the foregoing shares have been issued and sold in reliance upon the available exemption from registration requirements of the Securities Act under Section 4(a)(2) thereof and Regulation D thereunder.
Share Repurchases
The Company has adopted a share repurchase plan whereby, subject to certain limitations, shareholders may request, on a monthly basis, that the Company repurchase all or any portion of their shares. The aggregate NAV of total repurchases of the Company’s common shares under the Company’s share repurchase plan and redemptions of Operating Partnership units is limited to no more than 2% of the Company’s aggregate NAV per month (measured using the aggregate NAV attributable to shareholders as of the end of the immediately preceding month) and no more than 5% of the Company’s aggregate NAV per calendar quarter (measured using the average aggregate NAV attributable to shareholders as of the end of the immediately preceding three months). Shares or units issued to the Adviser and its affiliates as payment for management fees or as reimbursements of expenses or for the Special Limited Partner’s performance participation interest are not subject to these repurchase limitations.
The Company is not obligated to repurchase any shares and may choose to repurchase fewer shares than have been requested to be repurchased, or none at all, in its discretion at any time. Further, the Company’s board of trustees may make exceptions to, modify or suspend the Company’s share repurchase plan (including to make exceptions to the repurchase limitations or purchase fewer shares than such repurchase limitations) if it deems such action to be in the Company’s best interest. In the event that the Company determines to repurchase some but not all of the shares submitted for repurchase during any month, shares repurchased at the end of the month will be repurchased on a pro-rata basis.
The Company had no repurchase requests from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
ITEM 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES. |
None.
ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES |
Not applicable.
None.
(b) Exhibits
| Certificate of Trust of the Company, dated January 24, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 000-56632) filed with the SEC on February 1, 2024) |
| Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Company, dated September 27, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 000-56632) filed with the SEC on February 1, 2024) |
| Bylaws of the Company, as adopted May 1, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 000-56632) filed on February 1, 2024) |
| Distribution Reinvestment Plan adopted by the Company, effective as of September 27, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 000-56632) filed with the SEC on February 1, 2024) |
| Subscription Agreement, dated January 29, 2024, by and between the Company and TTC Multi-Strategy Fund QP, LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10/A (File No. 000-56632) filed with the SEC on March 13, 2024) |
| Certification of the Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith* |
| Certification of the Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith* |
| Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith* |
| Certification of the Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, filed herewith* |
| Certification of the Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, filed herewith* |
| Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, filed herewith* |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document ** |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Schema ** |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Definition ** |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Calculation ** |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Labels ** |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Presentation ** |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)** |
* The certifications furnished in Exhibits 32.1, 32.2 and 32.3 hereto are deemed to accompany this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.
** The financial information contained in these XBRL documents is unaudited.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Fortress Net Lease REIT |
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| By: | /s/ Avraham Dreyfuss |
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| Name: | Avraham Dreyfuss |
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| Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
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| Date: | May 15, 2024 |