Biggest changeRisks associated with joint venture arrangements may include but are not limited to the following: ● our joint venture partners might experience financial distress, become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of required capital contributions, which may delay construction or development of a property or increase our financial commitment to the joint venture; ● we may be responsible to our partners for indemnifiable losses; ● our joint venture partners may have business interests or goals with respect to a property that conflict with our business interests and goals (including as relates to compliance with the REIT requirements), which could increase the likelihood of disputes regarding the ownership, management or disposition of the property; ● we may be unable to take actions that are opposed by our joint venture partners under arrangements that require us to share decision-making authority over major decisions affecting the ownership or operation of the joint venture and any property owned by the joint venture, such as the sale or financing of the property or the making of additional capital contributions for the benefit of the property; ● our joint venture partners may take actions that we oppose; ● our ability to sell or transfer our interest in a joint venture to a third party without prior consent of our joint venture partners may be restricted; ● we may disagree with our joint venture partners about decisions affecting a property or a joint venture, which could result in litigation or arbitration that increases our expenses, distracts our officers and directors and disrupts the day-to-day operations of the property, including by delaying important decisions until the dispute is resolved; ● we may suffer losses as a result of actions taken by our joint venture partners with respect to our joint venture investments; and ● in the event that we obtain a minority position in a joint venture, we may not have significant influence or control over such joint venture or the performance of our investment therein. 17 If there is a transfer of a controlling interest in any of our properties (or in the entities through which we hold our properties), issuances of our common stock in exchange for Class B LLC units pursuant to the exchange right granted to holders of Class B LLC units, sales of Class B LLC units by the holders thereof or the issuance of LLC interests to our Operating Partnership, we may be obligated to pay New York City and New York State transfer tax based on the fair market value of the New York City and/or New York State real property transferred.
Biggest changeRisks associated with joint venture arrangements may include but are not limited to the following: ● our joint venture partners might experience financial distress, become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of required capital contributions, which may delay construction or development of a property or increase our financial commitment to the joint venture; ● we may be responsible to our partners for indemnifiable losses; ● our joint venture partners may have business interests or goals with respect to a property that conflict with our business interests and goals (including as relates to compliance with the REIT requirements), which could increase the likelihood of disputes regarding the ownership, management or disposition of the property; ● we may be unable to take actions that are opposed by our joint venture partners under arrangements that require us to share decision-making authority over major decisions affecting the ownership or operation of the joint venture and any property owned by the joint venture, such as the sale or financing of the property or the making of additional capital contributions for the benefit of the property; ● our joint venture partners may take actions that we oppose; ● our ability to sell or transfer our interest in a joint venture to a third party without prior consent of our joint venture partners may be restricted; ● we may disagree with our joint venture partners about decisions affecting a property or a joint venture, which could result in litigation or arbitration that increases our expenses, distracts our officers and directors and disrupts the day-to-day operations of the property, including by delaying important decisions until the dispute is resolved; ● we may suffer losses as a result of actions taken by our joint venture partners with respect to our joint venture investments; and ● in the event that we obtain a minority position in a joint venture, we may not have significant influence or control over such joint venture or the performance of our investment therein.
A portion of our distributions may be treated as a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could reduce the basis of a stockholder ’ s investment in shares of our common stock and may trigger taxable gain. A portion of our distributions may be treated as a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
A portion of our distributions may be treated as a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could reduce the basis of a stockholder ’ s investment in shares of our common stock and may trigger taxable gain.
These risks include, without limitation: ● the availability and pricing of financing on favorable terms or at all; ● the availability and timely receipt of zoning and other regulatory approvals; ● the potential for the fluctuation of occupancy rates and rents at development and redeveloped properties, which may result in our investment not being profitable; ● startup, development and redevelopment costs may be higher than anticipated; ● cost overruns and untimely completion of construction (including risks beyond our control, such as weather or labor conditions or material shortages); and ● changes in the pricing and availability of buyers and sellers of such properties.
These risks include, without limitation: ● the availability and pricing of financing on favorable terms or at all; ● the availability and timely receipt of zoning and other regulatory approvals; ● the potential for the fluctuation of occupancy rates and rents at development and redeveloped properties, which may result in our investment not being profitable; ● startup, development and redevelopment costs may be higher than anticipated; 13 ● cost overruns and untimely completion of construction (including risks beyond our control, such as weather or labor conditions or material shortages); and ● changes in the pricing and availability of buyers and sellers of such properties.
Therefore, a transfer of a controlling interest could occur as a result of the combination of one or more of the private offering, the IPO, other offerings of common stock by us resulting of an increase in our investment in the entities that own our properties, issuances of our common stock to our continuing investors in exchange for Class B LLC units pursuant to the exchange right granted to holders of Class B LLC units, sales of Class B LLC units by the holders thereof, the issuance of LLC interests to our Operating Partnership in connection with the private offering or a subsequent offering of our stock, or as a result of any combination of such transfers being aggregated.
Therefore, a transfer of a controlling interest could occur as a result of the combination of one or more of the private offering, other offerings of common stock by us resulting of an increase in our investment in the entities that own our properties, issuances of our common stock to our continuing investors in exchange for Class B LLC units pursuant to the exchange right granted to holders of Class B LLC units, sales of Class B LLC units by the holders thereof, the issuance of LLC interests to our Operating Partnership in connection with the private offering or a subsequent offering of our stock, or as a result of any combination of such transfers being aggregated.
As a result, our continuing investors as a group or individually could delay, defer or prevent any change of control of our Company and, as a result, adversely affect our stockholders’ ability to realize a premium for their shares of common stock. 19 ● Our charter authorizes our board of directors to, without common stockholder approval, amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of our authorized shares of stock or the authorized number of shares of any class or series of our stock, authorize us to issue additional shares of our common stock or preferred stock and classify or reclassify unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and thereafter authorize us to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock.
As a result, our continuing investors as a group or individually could delay, defer or prevent any change of control of our Company and, as a result, adversely affect our stockholders’ ability to realize a premium for their shares of common stock. ● Our charter authorizes our board of directors to, without common stockholder approval, amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of our authorized shares of stock or the authorized number of shares of any class or series of our stock, authorize us to issue additional shares of our common stock or preferred stock and classify or reclassify unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and thereafter authorize us to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock.
Some of the factors that could negatively affect or result in fluctuations in the market price of our common stock include: ● actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly or annual operating results; 29 ● increases in market interest rates that lead purchasers of our shares to demand a higher yield; ● changes in market valuations of similar companies; ● adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we incur in the future; ● additions or departures of key personnel; ● actions by stockholders; ● speculation in the press or investment community; ● general market, economic and political conditions, including an economic slowdown or dislocation in the global credit markets; ● our operating performance and the performance of other similar companies; ● negative publicity regarding us specifically or our business lines generally; ● changes in accounting principles; and ● passage of legislation or other regulatory developments that adversely affect us or our industry, such as the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which was signed into law in New York in June 2019.
Some of the factors that could negatively affect or result in fluctuations in the market price of our common stock include: ● actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly or annual operating results; ● increases in market interest rates that lead purchasers of our shares to demand a higher yield; ● changes in market valuations of similar companies; 32 ● adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we incur in the future; ● additions or departures of key personnel; ● actions by stockholders; ● speculation in the press or investment community; ● general market, economic and political conditions, including an economic slowdown or dislocation in the global credit markets; ● our operating performance and the performance of other similar companies; ● negative publicity regarding us specifically or our business lines generally; ● changes in accounting principles; and ● passage of legislation or other regulatory developments that adversely affect us or our industry, such as the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which was signed into law in New York in June 2019.
As permitted by the MGCL, our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL any and all acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock. 20 ● 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 takeover defenses, including adopting a classified board.
As permitted by the MGCL, our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL any and all acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock. ● 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 takeover defenses, including adopting a classified board.
In these events, we cannot assure you that such tenants will renew those leases or not exercise early termination options or that we will be able to re-lease spaces on economically advantageous terms or at all. For example, the City of New York has advised us that it may vacate the 250 Livingston Street property in 2025.
In these events, we cannot assure you that such tenants will renew those leases or not exercise early termination options or that we will be able to re-lease spaces on economically advantageous terms or at all. For example, the City of New York has advised us that it will vacate the 250 Livingston Street property in 2025.
We have in the past and we may be required to make rent or other concessions and/or significant capital expenditures to improve our properties in order to retain and attract tenants, generate positive cash flows or to make real estate properties suitable for sale, which could adversely affect us, including our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
We have in the past and we may be required to make rent or other concessions and/or significant capital expenditures to improve our properties to retain and attract tenants, generate positive cash flows or to make real estate properties suitable for sale, which could adversely affect us, including our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
If we are unable to obtain sufficient rental rates across our portfolio, then our ability to generate cash flow growth will be negatively affected. 11 We engage in development and redevelopment activities, which could expose us to different risks that could adversely affect us, including our financial condition, cash flow and results of operations.
If we are unable to obtain sufficient rental rates across our portfolio, then our ability to generate cash flow growth will be negatively affected. We engage in development and redevelopment activities, which could expose us to different risks that could adversely affect us, including our financial condition, cash flow and results of operations.
In addition, we may be subject to liability for personal injury or property damage sustained as a result of exposure to ACM or releases of ACM into the environment. 15 In addition, our properties may contain or develop harmful mold or suffer from other indoor air quality issues.
In addition, we may be subject to liability for personal injury or property damage sustained as a result of exposure to ACM or releases of ACM into the environment. In addition, our properties may contain or develop harmful mold or suffer from other indoor air quality issues.
Nevertheless, the duties and obligations of the general partner of our Operating Partnership and the duties and obligations of the managing member of our predecessor entities may come into conflict with the duties of our directors and officers to our Company and our stockholders. 21 Our charter contains a provision that expressly permits our officers to compete with us.
Nevertheless, the duties and obligations of the general partner of our Operating Partnership and the duties and obligations of the managing member of our predecessor entities may come into conflict with the duties of our directors and officers to our Company and our stockholders. Our charter contains a provision that expressly permits our officers to compete with us.
Our financial results may be adversely affected by our exposure to losses arising from natural disasters or severe weather. We also are exposed to risks associated with inclement winter weather, including increased need for maintenance and repair of our buildings. 14 Actual or threatened terrorist attacks may adversely affect our ability to generate revenues and the value of our properties.
Our financial results may be adversely affected by our exposure to losses arising from natural disasters or severe weather. We also are exposed to risks associated with inclement winter weather, including increased need for maintenance and repair of our buildings. 15 Actual or threatened terrorist attacks may adversely affect our ability to generate revenues and the value of our properties.
If any of our significant tenants were to become bankrupt or insolvent, suffer a downturn in their business or a reduction in funds available to them, default under their leases, fail to renew their leases or renew on terms less favorable to us than their current terms, our results of operations and cash flow could be adversely affected.
If any of our significant tenants were to become bankrupt or insolvent, suffer a downturn in their business or a reduction in funds available to them, default under their leases, fail to renew their leases or renew on terms less favorable to us than their current terms, our financial condition results of operations and cash flow could be adversely affected.
ITEM 1A. RI S K FACTORS Set forth below are certain risk factors that could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. You should carefully read the following risk factors, together with the financial statements, related notes and other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS Set forth below are certain risk factors that could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. You should carefully read the following risk factors, together with the financial statements, related notes and other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to our stockholders. 27 We may be subject to a 100% penalty tax on any prohibited transactions that we enter into, or may be required to forego certain otherwise beneficial opportunities in order to avoid the penalty tax on prohibited transactions.
These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to our stockholders. 30 We may be subject to a 100% penalty tax on any prohibited transactions that we enter into, or may be required to forego certain otherwise beneficial opportunities in order to avoid the penalty tax on prohibited transactions.
As disclosed in Note 9, “Commitments and Contingencies”, Clipper Equity was the subject of an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York with respect to its activities, and in April 2022 entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance with the OAG to resolve the investigation on behalf of itself and its affiliates.
As disclosed in Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies”, Clipper Equity was the subject of an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York with respect to its activities, and in April 2022 entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance with the OAG to resolve the investigation on behalf of itself and its affiliates.
These restrictions could limit our ability to sell an asset at a time, or on terms, that would be favorable absent such restrictions. 16 From time to time, we may enter into joint venture relationships or other arrangements regarding the joint ownership of property.
These restrictions could limit our ability to sell an asset at a time, or on terms, that would be favorable absent such restrictions. 17 From time to time, we may enter into joint venture relationships or other arrangements regarding the joint ownership of property.
Generally, failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may adversely affect our results of operations. 25 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.
Generally, failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may adversely affect our results of operations. 28 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.
Our business may also be adversely affected by local economic conditions, as all of our revenue is currently derived from properties located in New York City, with our entire portfolio located in Manhattan and Brooklyn. 8 Factors that may affect our occupancy levels, our rental revenues, our income from operations, our funds from operations (“FFO”), our adjusted funds from operations (“AFFO”), our adjusted earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), our net operating income (“NOI”), our cash flow and/or the value of our properties include the following, among others: ● downturns in global, national, regional and local economic and demographic conditions; ● the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which was signed into law in New York in June 2019, as well as other rent control or stabilization laws, or other laws regulating rental housing, which could prevent us from raising rents to offset increases in operating costs; ● declines in the financial condition of our tenants, which may result in tenant defaults under leases due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failures or other reasons, and declines in the financial condition of buyers and sellers of properties; ● declines in local, state and/or federal government budgets and/or increases in local, state and/or federal government budget deficits, which among other things could have an adverse effect on the financial condition of our only office tenant, the City of New York, and may result in tenant defaults under leases and/or cause such tenant to seek alternative office space arrangements; ● the inability or unwillingness of our tenants to pay rent increases, or our inability to collect rents and other amounts due from our tenants; ● significant job losses in the industries in which our commercial and/or retail tenants operate, and/or from which our residential tenants derive their incomes, which may decrease demand for our commercial, retail and/or residential space, causing market rental rates and property values to be affected negatively; ● an oversupply of, or a reduced demand for, commercial and/or retail space and/or apartment homes; ● declines in household formation; ● unfavorable residential mortgage rates; ● changes in market rental rates in our markets and/or the attractiveness of our properties to tenants, particularly as our buildings continue to age, and our ability to fund repair and maintenance costs; ● competition from other available commercial and/or retail lessors and other available apartments and housing alternatives, and from other real estate investors with significant capital, such as other real estate operating companies, other REITs and institutional investment funds; ● economic conditions that could cause an increase in our operating expenses, such as increases in property taxes (particularly as a result of increased local, state and national government budget deficits and debt and potentially reduced federal aid to state and local governments), utilities, insurance, compensation of on-site personnel and routine maintenance; ● opposition from local community or political groups with respect to the development and/or operations at a property; ● investigation, removal or remediation of hazardous materials or toxic substances at a property; ● changes in, and changes in enforcement of, laws, regulations and governmental policies, including without limitation, health, safety, environmental and zoning laws; and ● changes in rental housing subsidies provided by the government and/or other government programs that favor single-family rental housing or owner-occupied housing over multifamily rental housing. 9 Multifamily residential properties are subject to rent stabilization regulations, which limit our ability to raise rents above specified maximum amounts and could give rise to claims by tenants that their rents exceed such specified maximum amounts.
Our business may also be adversely affected by local economic conditions, as all of our revenue is currently derived from properties located in New York City, with our entire portfolio located in Manhattan and Brooklyn. 9 Factors that may affect our occupancy levels, our rental revenues, our income from operations, our funds from operations (“FFO”), our adjusted funds from operations (“AFFO”), our adjusted earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), our net operating income (“NOI”), our cash flow and/or the value of our properties include the following, among others: ● downturns in global, national, regional and local economic and demographic conditions; ● the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which was signed into law in New York in June 2019, as well as other rent control or stabilization laws, or other laws regulating rental housing, which could prevent us from raising rents to offset increases in operating costs; ● declines in the financial condition of our tenants, which may result in tenant defaults under leases due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failures or other reasons, and declines in the financial condition of buyers and sellers of properties; ● declines in local, state and/or federal government budgets and/or increases in local, state and/or federal government budget deficits, which among other things could have an adverse effect on the financial condition of our only office tenant, the agencies of the City of New York, and may result in tenant defaults under leases and/or cause such tenant to seek alternative office space arrangements; ● the inability or unwillingness of our tenants to pay rent increases, or our inability to collect rents and other amounts due from our tenants; ● significant job losses in the industries in which our commercial and/or retail tenants operate, and/or from which our residential tenants derive their incomes, which may decrease demand for our commercial, retail and/or residential space, causing market rental rates and property values to be affected negatively; ● an oversupply of, or a reduced demand for, commercial and/or retail space and/or apartment homes; ● declines in household formation; ● unfavorable residential mortgage rates; ● changes in market rental rates in our markets and/or the attractiveness of our properties to tenants, particularly as our buildings continue to age, and our ability to fund repair and maintenance costs; ● competition from other available commercial and/or retail lessors and other available apartments and housing alternatives, and from other real estate investors with significant capital, such as other real estate operating companies, other REITs and institutional investment funds; ● economic conditions that could cause an increase in our operating expenses, such as increases in property taxes (particularly as a result of increased local, state and national government budget deficits and debt and potentially reduced federal aid to state and local governments), utilities, insurance, compensation of on-site personnel and routine maintenance; ● opposition from local community or political groups with respect to the development and/or operations at a property; ● investigation, removal or remediation of hazardous materials or toxic substances at a property; 10 ● changes in, and changes in enforcement of, laws, regulations and governmental policies, including without limitation, health, safety, environmental and zoning laws; and ● changes in rental housing subsidies provided by the government and/or other government programs that favor single-family rental housing or owner-occupied housing over multifamily rental housing.
If we choose to make all or part of a distribution in our own stock, shareholders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such distributions in excess of the cash portion, if any, of the distribution received.
If we choose to make all or part of a distribution in our own stock, stockholders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such distributions in excess of the cash portion, if any, of the distribution received.
Our transition to becoming subject to the additional requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has been and will continue to be time-consuming. Further, the costs associated with compliance with and implementation of procedures under these and future laws and related rules could have a material impact on our results of operations.
Our compliance with the additional requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has been and will continue to be time-consuming. Further, the costs associated with compliance with and implementation of procedures under these and future laws and related rules could have a material impact on our results of operations.
Our Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, David Bistricer, our Co-Chairman and Head of the Investment Committee, Sam Levinson, and other members of our senior management team continue to own interests in properties and businesses that were not contributed to us in the formation transactions.
David Bistricer, our Co-Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer, Sam Levinson our Co-Chairman of the board of directors and Chairman of the Investment Committee, , and other members of our senior management team continue to own interests in properties and businesses that were not contributed to us in the formation transactions.
For instance, each of David Bistricer, our Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and JJ Bistricer, our Chief Operating Officer, is an officer of Clipper Equity and each of Sam Levinson, our Co-Chairman and Head of the Investment Committee, and Jacob Schwimmer, our Chief Property Management Officer, has ownership interests in Clipper Equity.
For instance, each of David Bistricer, our Co-Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer, and JJ Bistricer, our Chief Operating Officer, is an officer of Clipper Equity and each of Sam Levinson, our Co-Chairman of the board of directors and Chairman of the Investment Committee, and Jacob Schwimmer, our Chief Property Management Officer, has ownership interests in Clipper Equity.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that contain risks and uncertainties; please refer to the discussion under "Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements." Risks Related to Real Estate Unfavorable market and economic conditions in the United States and globally and in the specific markets or submarkets where our properties are located could adversely affect occupancy levels, rental rates, rent collections, operating expenses, and the overall market value of our assets, impair our ability to sell, recapitalize or refinance our assets and have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, cash flow and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks see "Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements." Risks Related to Real Estate Unfavorable market and economic conditions in the United States and globally and in the specific markets or submarkets where our properties are located could adversely affect occupancy levels, rental rates, rent collections, operating expenses, and the overall market value of our assets, impair our ability to sell, recapitalize or refinance our assets and have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, cash flow and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
As of December 31, 2022, Kings County Court, the Human Resources Administration, and the Department of Environmental Protection, all of which are agencies of the City of New York, leased an aggregate of 548,580 rentable square feet of commercial space at our commercial office properties at 141 Livingston Street and 250 Livingston Street, representing approximately 17% of the total rentable square feet in our portfolio and approximately 20% of our total portfolio’s annualized rent.
As of December 31, 2023, Kings County Court, the Human Resources Administration, and the Department of Environmental Protection, all of which are agencies of the City of New York, leased an aggregate of 548,580 rentable square feet of commercial space at our commercial office properties at 141 Livingston Street and 250 Livingston Street, representing approximately 16% of the total rentable square feet in our portfolio and approximately 19% of our total portfolio’s annualized rent.
In periods when the capital and credit markets experience significant volatility, the amounts, sources and cost of capital available to us may be adversely affected. We primarily use third-party financing to fund acquisitions of properties and to refinance indebtedness as it matures. As of December 31, 2022, we had no corporate debt and $1,171.2 million in property-level debt.
In periods when the capital and credit markets experience significant volatility, the amounts, sources and cost of capital available to us may be adversely affected. We primarily use third-party financing to fund acquisitions of properties and to refinance indebtedness as it matures. As of December 31, 2023, we had no corporate debt and $1,219.0 million in property-level debt.
As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately 63,000 rentable square feet of vacant residential space (excluding leases signed but not yet commenced) at our operating properties, and leases representing approximately 69% of the square footage of residential space at the operating properties will expire during the year ending December 31, 2023 (including month-to-month leases).
As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 111,000 rentable square feet of vacant residential space (excluding leases signed but not yet commenced) at our operating properties, and leases representing approximately 74% of the square footage of residential space at the operating properties will expire during the year ending December 31, 2024 (including month-to-month leases).
Provisions of the law make it extremely difficult for apartments to exit rent regulation, repeal vacancy decontrol and high-income deregulation, repeal vacancy and longevity bonuses, establish a preferential rent as the base rent at lease renewal, and reduce / limit rent increases associated with major capital improvements and individual apartment improvements.
The legislation affects rent-stabilized apartments in New York City. Provisions of the law make it extremely difficult for apartments to exit rent regulation, repeal vacancy decontrol and high-income deregulation, repeal vacancy and longevity bonuses, establish a preferential rent as the base rent at lease renewal, and reduce / limit rent increases associated with major capital improvements and individual apartment improvements.
We engage in development and redevelopment activities with respect to our properties as we believe market conditions dictate. For example, we are currently redeveloping the 1010 Pacific Street property and plan to develop the Dean Street property as fully amenitized residential rental buildings.
We engage in development and redevelopment activities with respect to our properties as we believe market conditions dictate. For example, in 2023 we completed the development of the 1010 Pacific Street property and plan to develop the Dean Street property as fully amenitized residential rental buildings.
Our portfolio ’ s revenue is currently generated from seven properties.
Our portfolio ’ s revenue is currently generated from eight properties.
As of December 31, 2022, we had $1,171.2 million of total indebtedness, all of which was property-level debt. See Note 6 of the accompanying “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a discussion of the Company’s property-level debt.
As of December 31, 2023, we had $1,219.0 million of total indebtedness, all of which was property-level debt. See Note 6 of the accompanying “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a discussion of the Company’s property-level debt.
As of December 31, 2022, we had no vacant commercial space, and approximately 10,000 rentable square feet of vacant retail space.
As of December 31, 2023, we had no vacant commercial space, and approximately 14,000 rentable square feet of vacant retail space.
Clipper Equity owns interests in, and controls and manages entities that own interests in, multifamily and commercial properties in the New York metropolitan area. 22 We have adopted an Investment Policy that provides that our officers, including David Bistricer, JJ Bistricer and Jacob Schwimmer, are not required to present certain identified investment opportunities to us, including assets located outside the New York metropolitan area, for-sale condominium or cooperative conversions, development projects, projects that would require us to obtain guarantees from third parties or to backstop obligations of other parties, and land acquisitions.
We have adopted an Investment Policy that provides that our officers, including David Bistricer, JJ Bistricer and Jacob Schwimmer, are not required to present certain identified investment opportunities to us, including assets located outside the New York metropolitan area, for-sale condominium or cooperative conversions, development projects, projects that would require us to obtain guarantees from third parties or to backstop obligations of other parties, and land acquisitions.
Such adverse developments could materially reduce the value of our real estate portfolio and our rental revenues, and thus adversely affect our ability to meet our debt obligations and to make distributions to our stockholders. 10 We depend on a single government tenant in our office buildings, which could cause an adverse effect on us, including our results of operations and cash flow, if the City of New York were to suffer financial difficulty.
Such adverse developments could materially reduce the value of our real estate portfolio and our rental revenues, and thus adversely affect our ability to meet our debt obligations and to make distributions to our stockholders. 11 We depend on certain agencies of the City of New York, as a single government tenant in our office buildings, which could cause an adverse effect on us, including our results of operations and cash flow, if the City of New York were to suffer financial difficulty or if these agencies opt to early terminate or opt not to renew their leases.
Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure Our continuing investors hold shares of our special voting stock that entitle them to vote together with holders of our common stock on an as-exchanged basis, based on their ownership of Class B LLC units in our predecessor entities, and are generally able to significantly influence the composition of our board of directors, our management and the conduct of our business.
Such disclosures are costly, and the disclosure or the failure to comply with such disclosure requirements could lead to adverse consequences. 21 Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure Our continuing investors hold shares of our special voting stock that entitle them to vote together with holders of our common stock on an as-exchanged basis, based on their ownership of Class B LLC units in our predecessor entities, and are generally able to significantly influence the composition of our board of directors, our management and the conduct of our business.
Because our status as an emerging growth company ended December 31, 2022 and we are a smaller reporting company with $100 million or more of annual revenues, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) requires our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for the first time.
Because our status as an emerging growth company ended December 31, 2022 and we are an accelerated filer, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) requires our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for the first time.
For so long as our continuing investors continue to own shares of our stock entitling them to exercise a significant percentage of our voting power, the concentration of voting power in our continuing investors may discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals and may delay, defer or prevent any change of control of our Company that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest.
For so long as our continuing investors continue to own shares of our stock entitling them to exercise a significant percentage of our voting power, the concentration of voting power in our continuing investors may discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals and may delay, defer or prevent any change of control of our Company that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. 22 The ability of stockholders to control our policies and effect a change of control of our Company is limited by certain provisions of our charter and bylaws and by Maryland law.
In addition, if we are compelled to liquidate our assets to repay obligations to our lenders or make distributions to our stockholders, we may be subject to a 100% tax on any resultant gain if we sell assets that are treated as property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. 28 The ability of our board of directors to revoke our REIT qualification without stockholder approval may cause adverse consequences to our stockholders.
In addition, if we are compelled to liquidate our assets to repay obligations to our lenders or make distributions to our stockholders, we may be subject to a 100% tax on any resultant gain if we sell assets that are treated as property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.
In the future, our cash flow could be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest or to pay distributions on our shares at expected levels.
We may not have sufficient cash flow to meet the required payments of principal and interest on our debt or to pay distributions on our common stock at expected levels. In the future, our cash flow could be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest or to pay distributions on our shares at expected levels.
The loss of rental revenues from our tenants and our inability to replace such tenants may adversely affect us, including our profitability, our ability to meet our debt and other financial obligations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. 12 Real estate investments are relatively illiquid and may limit our flexibility.
The loss of rental revenues from our tenants and our inability to replace such tenants may adversely affect us, including our profitability, our ability to meet our debt and other financial obligations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
As of December 31, 2022, our portfolio consisted of nine properties, seven of which generated revenues in 2022 – the Tribeca House properties, the Flatbush Gardens complex, the 141 Livingston Street property, the 250 Livingston Street property, the Aspen property, the 10 West 65 th Street property and the Clover House property, which accounted for 29.1%, 31.8%, 12.5%, 13.2%, 5.3%, 2.7%, and 5.4%, respectively, of our portfolio’s total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, our portfolio consisted of nine properties, eight of which generated revenues in 2023 – the Tribeca House properties, the Flatbush Gardens complex, the 141 Livingston Street property, the 250 Livingston Street property, the Aspen property, the 10 West 65th Street property, the Clover House property and the 1010 Pacific Street property, which accounted for 28.8%, 31.1%, 11.9%, 12.7%, 4.8%, 2.8%, 5.6% and 2.3%, respectively, of our portfolio’s total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023.
If we cease to be a REIT, we will not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to stockholders in computing our taxable income and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and state and local taxes, which may have adverse consequences on our total return to our stockholders.
If we cease to be a REIT, we will not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to stockholders in computing our taxable income and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and state and local taxes, which may have adverse consequences on our total return to our stockholders. 31 Our ability to provide certain services to our tenants may be limited by the REIT rules, or may have to be provided through a TRS.
We may be unable to renew leases or lease currently vacant space or vacating space on favorable terms or at all as leases expire or terminate, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Our results of operations and cash available for distribution to our stockholders would be adversely affected if any of these properties were materially damaged or destroyed. 12 We may be unable to renew leases or lease currently vacant space or vacating space on favorable terms or at all as leases expire or terminate, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Higher construction costs could adversely impact our investments in real estate assets and our expected returns on development projects. 18 We may from time to time be subject to litigation or government investigations that could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and the market value of our common stock.
We may from time to time be subject to litigation or government investigations that could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and the market value of our common stock.
As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately $113.8 million of variable rate indebtedness outstanding, primarily for our development properties, which constitutes approximately 15% of total outstanding indebtedness as of such date, and we have experienced increases in the interest rates on such indebtedness, which has increased our interest expense and adversely impacted our results of operations and cash flows.
As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $82.0 million of variable rate indebtedness outstanding, for our Dean Street development property and our 10 West 65 th Street property, which constitutes approximately 6.7% of total outstanding indebtedness as of such date, and we have experienced increases in the interest rates on such indebtedness, which has increased our interest expense and adversely impacted our results of operations and cash flows.
We agreed to these provisions in order to assist our continuing investors in deferring the recognition of taxable gain as a result of and after the formation transactions.
We agreed to these provisions in order to assist our continuing investors in deferring the recognition of taxable gain as a result of and after the formation transactions. These obligations require us to maintain more or different indebtedness than we would otherwise require for our business.
We cannot assure you that expiring leases will be renewed or tenants will not exercise any early termination options or that our properties will be re-leased at net effective rental rates equal to or above the current average net effective rental rates.
We cannot assure you that expiring leases will be renewed or tenants will not exercise any early termination options or that our properties will be re-leased at net effective rental rates equal to or above the current average net effective rental rates As of February 23, 2024, the NYC has notified the Company of its intention to terminate its lease at 250 Livingston Street effective August 23, 2025.
We cannot assure you that costs or liabilities incurred as a result of environmental issues will not affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders or that such costs, liabilities, or other remedial measures will not have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants could expose us to liability from our tenants or others if property damage or personal injury occurs. 16 We cannot assure you that costs or liabilities incurred as a result of environmental issues will not affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders or that such costs, liabilities, or other remedial measures will not have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
As a result, we depend on distributions and other payments from our Operating Partnership and subsidiaries in order to satisfy our financial obligations and make payments to our investors. The ability of our subsidiaries to make such distributions and other payments depends on their earnings and cash flow and may be subject to statutory or contractual limitations.
The ability of our subsidiaries to make such distributions and other payments depends on their earnings and cash flow and may be subject to statutory or contractual limitations.
Additionally, inflation may also increase the costs to complete our development projects, including costs of materials, labor and services from third-party contractors and suppliers.
Additionally, inflation may also increase the costs to complete our development projects, including costs of materials, labor and services from third-party contractors and suppliers. Higher construction costs could adversely impact our investments in real estate assets and our expected returns on development projects.
Accordingly, while not intending to do so, we may adopt policies that may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to our stockholders and the market value of our common stock.
Accordingly, while not intending to do so, we may adopt policies that may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to our stockholders and the market value of our common stock. 24 Conflicts of interest may exist or could arise in the future between the interests of our stockholders and the interests of holders of OP Units and of LLC units in our predecessor entities, which may impede business decisions that could benefit our stockholders.
We refer to these restrictions as the “ownership limit.” The ownership limit may prevent or delay a change in control and, as a result, could adversely affect our stockholders’ ability to realize a premium for their shares of our common stock. ● The provisions in our charter regarding the removal of directors and the advance notice provisions of our bylaws, among others, could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our Company that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest.
We refer to these restrictions as the “ownership limit.” The ownership limit may prevent or delay a change in control and, as a result, could adversely affect our stockholders’ ability to realize a premium for their shares of our common stock. ● The provisions in our charter regarding the removal of directors and the advance notice provisions of our bylaws, among others, could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our Company that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. 23 In addition, certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (“MGCL”) may have the effect of deterring a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change of control under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of such shares, including the Maryland business combination and control share provisions.
Our ability to provide certain services to our tenants may be limited by the REIT rules, or may have to be provided through a TRS. As a REIT, we generally cannot provide services to our tenants other than those that are customarily provided by landlords, nor can we derive income from a third party that provides such services.
As a REIT, we generally cannot provide services to our tenants other than those that are customarily provided by landlords, nor can we derive income from a third party that provides such services. If we forego providing such services to our tenants, we may be at a disadvantage to competitors who are not subject to the same restrictions.
Changing interest rates could increase interest costs and adversely affect our cash flows and the market price of our securities. We currently have, and expect to incur in the future, interest-bearing debt at rates that vary with market interest rates.
We currently have, and expect to incur in the future, interest-bearing debt at rates that vary with market interest rates.
If any one of these events were to occur, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and the market value of our common stock could be adversely affected. Furthermore, foreclosures could create taxable income without accompanying cash proceeds, which could hurt our ability to meet the REIT distribution requirements imposed by the Code.
If any one of these events were to occur, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and the market value of our common stock could be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations Capital and credit market conditions, including higher interest rates, may adversely affect our access to various sources of capital or financing and/or the cost of capital, which could affect our business activities, dividends, earnings and common stock price, among other things.
In addition, we may or may not be eligible to take advantage of the 50% reduction to the New York City and New York State transfer tax rates that could apply with respect to transfers of real property to certain REITs. 18 Risks Related to Our Business and Operations Capital and credit market conditions, including higher interest rates, may adversely affect our access to various sources of capital or financing and/or the cost of capital, which could affect our business activities, dividends, earnings and common stock price, among other things.
Our subsidiaries may be prohibited from making distributions and other payments to us. All of our properties are owned indirectly by subsidiaries, in particular our LLC subsidiaries, and substantially all of our operations are conducted by our Operating Partnership.
All of our properties are owned indirectly by subsidiaries, in particular our LLC subsidiaries, and substantially all of our operations are conducted by our Operating Partnership. As a result, we depend on distributions and other payments from our Operating Partnership and subsidiaries in order to satisfy our financial obligations and make payments to our investors.
These potential difficulties in selling real estate in our markets may limit our ability to change, or reduce our exposure to, the properties in our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions.
These potential difficulties in selling real estate in our markets may limit our ability to change, or reduce our exposure to, the properties in our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. 14 Competition could limit our ability to acquire attractive investment opportunities and increase the costs of those opportunities, which may adversely affect us, including our profitability, and impede our growth.
Moreover, these agreements were not negotiated at arm’s length and in the course of structuring the formation transactions, certain of our executive officers had the ability to influence the types and level of benefits that they receive from us under these agreements.
Moreover, these agreements were not negotiated at arm’s length and in the course of structuring the formation transactions, certain of our executive officers had the ability to influence the types and level of benefits that they receive from us under these agreements. 25 David Bistricer, our Co-Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer, and Sam Levinson, our Co-Chairman of the board of directors and Head of the Investment Committee, have outside business interests that will take their time and attention away from us, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Numerous municipalities, including New York City where our multi-family residential properties are located, impose rent control or rent stabilization on apartment buildings. The rent stabilization regulations applicable to our multifamily residential properties set maximum rates for annual rent increases, entitle our tenants to receive required services from us and entitle our tenants to have their leases renewed.
The rent stabilization regulations applicable to our multifamily residential properties set maximum rates for annual rent increases, entitle our tenants to receive required services from us and entitle our tenants to have their leases renewed. On June 14, 2019, the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 was signed into law in New York State.
We do not presently intend to sell or take any other action that would result in a tax protection payment with respect to the properties covered by the tax protection agreement. 23 In addition, David Bistricer and Sam Levinson may be subject to tax on a disproportionately large amount of the built-in gain that would be realized upon the sale or refinancing of certain properties.
David Bistricer, our Co-Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer, and Sam Levinson, our Co-Chairman of the board of directors and Chairman of the Investment Committee may be subject to tax on a disproportionately large amount of the built-in gain that would be realized upon the sale or refinancing of certain properties.
To avoid entity-level U.S. federal income and excise taxes, we anticipate distributing at least 100% of our taxable income. 26 We believe that we are organized, have operated and will continue to operate in a manner that will allow us to qualify as a REIT commencing with our first taxable year ended December 31, 2015.
However, our ability to make such distributions may be limited by a requirement to escrow cash flow from our lease at 250 Livingston Street, which may be classified as taxable income. 29 We believe that we are organized, have operated and will continue to operate in a manner that will allow us to qualify as a REIT commencing with our first taxable year ended December 31, 2015.
Competition could limit our ability to acquire attractive investment opportunities and increase the costs of those opportunities, which may adversely affect us, including our profitability, and impede our growth. We compete with numerous commercial developers, real estate companies and other owners and operators of real estate for properties for acquisition and pursuing buyers for dispositions.
We compete with numerous commercial developers, real estate companies and other owners and operators of real estate for properties for acquisition and pursuing buyers for dispositions.
Alternatively, to avoid realizing such built-in gains, they may have to agree to additional reimbursements or guarantees involving additional financial risk. Risks Related to Our Indebtedness and Financing We have a substantial amount of indebtedness that may limit our financial and operating activities and may adversely affect our ability to incur additional debt to fund future needs.
Alternatively, to avoid realizing such built-in gains, they may have to agree to additional reimbursements or guarantees involving additional financial risk. We hold a portion of our cash and cash equivalents in deposit accounts that could be adversely affected if the financial institutions holding such deposits fail. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents at insured financial institutions.