Extra Space Storage 10-Q 2023-03-31

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023

or

For the transition period from to .

Commission File Number: 001-32269

EXTRA SPACE STORAGE INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

2795 East Cottonwood Parkway, Suite 300

Salt Lake City, Utah 84121

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (801) 365-4600

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as of May 1, 2023, was 135,049,531.

Table of Contents

EXTRA SPACE STORAGE INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information presented in this report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions and other information that is not historical information. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates” or “intends” or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. We may also make additional forward-looking statements from time to time. All such subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, by us or on our behalf, are also expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

All forward-looking statements, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends and estimates of future earnings, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them, but there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs and projections will result or be achieved. All forward-looking statements apply only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in or contemplated by this report. Any forward-looking statements should be considered in light of the risks referenced in “Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors” below and in “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Such factors include, but are not limited to:

• adverse changes in general economic conditions, the real estate industry and the markets in which we operate;

• failure to close pending acquisitions and developments on expected terms, or at all;

• risks associated with our ability to consummate the mergers with Life Storage, Inc. (“Life Storage”) and the timing and closing of the mergers including, among other things, our ability to obtain stockholder approval required to consummate the mergers, the satisfaction or waiver of other conditions to closing in the merger agreement, unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to the mergers, potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the mergers, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the mergers and the outcome of legal proceedings instituted against us, our directors and others related to the mergers;

• the effect of competition from new and existing stores or other storage alternatives, which could cause rents and occupancy rates to decline;

• potential liability for uninsured losses and environmental contamination;

• the impact of the regulatory environment as well as national, state, and local laws and regulations including, without limitation, those governing real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), tenant reinsurance and other aspects of our business, which could adversely affect our results;

• disruptions in credit and financial markets and resulting difficulties in raising capital or obtaining credit at reasonable rates or at all, which could impede our ability to grow;

• impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic or the future outbreak of other highly infectious or contagious diseases, including reduced demand for self-storage space and ancillary products and services such as tenant reinsurance, and potential decreases in occupancy and rental rates and staffing levels, which could adversely affect our results;

• our reliance on information technologies, which are vulnerable to, among other things, attack from computer viruses and malware, hacking, cyberattacks and other unauthorized access or misuse, any of which could adversely affect our business and results;

• increased interest rates;

• reductions in asset valuations and related impairment charges;

• our lack of sole decision-making authority with respect to our joint venture investments;

• our ability to recover losses under our insurance policies;

• the effect of recent or future changes to U.S. tax laws;

• the failure to maintain our REIT status for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and

• economic uncertainty due to the impact of natural disasters, war or terrorism, which could adversely affect our business plan.

The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations are subject to risks and uncertainties and can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these risks before you make an investment decision with respect to our securities.

We disclaim any duty or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements set forth in this report to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Extra Space Storage Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(amounts in thousands, except share data)

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Extra Space Storage Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(amounts in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

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Amounts in thousands, except store and share data

CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited “Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” and the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” appearing elsewhere in this report and the “Consolidated Financial Statements,” “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. We make statements in this section that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. For a complete discussion of forward-looking statements, see the section in this Form 10-Q entitled “Statement on Forward-Looking Information.”

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this report, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this report and the audited financial statements contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 describe the significant accounting policies essential to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Preparation of our financial statements requires estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions that we have used are appropriate and correct based on information available at the time they were made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect our reported assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the period presented. If there are material differences between these estimates, judgments and assumptions and actual facts, our financial statements may be affected.

In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not require our judgment in its application. There are areas in which our judgment in selecting among available alternatives would not produce a materially different result, but there are some areas in which our judgment in selecting among available alternatives would produce a materially different result. See the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements that contain additional information regarding our accounting policies and other disclosures.

OVERVIEW

We are a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”), formed to own, operate, manage, acquire, develop and redevelop self-storage properties (“stores”). We derive substantially all of our revenues from our two segments: storage operations and tenant reinsurance. Primary sources of revenue for our storage operations segment include rents received from tenants under leases at each of our wholly-owned stores. Our operating results depend materially on our ability to lease available self-storage units, to actively manage unit rental rates, and on the ability of our tenants to make required rental payments. Consequently, management spends a significant portion of their time maximizing cash flows from our diverse portfolio of stores. Revenue from our tenant reinsurance segment consists of insurance revenues from the reinsurance of risks relating to the loss of goods stored by tenants in our stores.

Our stores are generally situated in highly visible locations clustered around large population centers. These areas typically enjoy above average population growth and income levels. The clustering of our assets around these population centers enables us to reduce our operating costs through economies of scale. To maximize the performance of our stores, we employ industry-leading revenue management systems. Developed internally, these systems enable us to analyze, set and adjust rental rates in real time across our portfolio in order to respond to changing market conditions. We believe our systems and processes allow us to more pro-actively manage revenues.

We operate in competitive markets, often where consumers have multiple stores from which to choose. Competition has impacted, and will continue to impact, our store results. We experience seasonal fluctuations in occupancy levels, with occupancy levels generally higher in the summer months due to increased moving activity. We believe that we are able to

respond quickly and effectively to changes in local, regional and national economic conditions by adjusting rental rates through the combination of our revenue management team and our proprietary pricing systems. We consider a store to be in the lease-up stage after it has been issued a certificate of occupancy, but before it has achieved stabilization. We consider a store to be stabilized once it has achieved either an 80% occupancy rate for a full year measured as of January 1 of the current year, or has been open for three years prior to January 1 of the current year.

On April 3, 2023, we entered into a definitive merger agreement for an all-stock transaction with Life Storage, Inc. (“Life Storage”), Life Storage LP (the “Operating Partnership”), Extra Space Storage LP (“Extra Space OP”), Eros Merger Sub, LLC ("Eros Merger Sub”) and Eros OP Merger Sub, LLC (“Eros OP Merger Sub”), pursuant to which Eros Merger Sub will merge with and into Life Storage (the “company merger”), with Life Storage surviving the company merger as our wholly owned subsidiary and (b) following certain conversion and contributions transactions, Eros OP Merger Sub will merge with and into the Operating Partnership (the “partnership merger” and together with the company merger, the “mergers”), with the Operating Partnership surviving the partnership merger and becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Extra Space OP. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Life Storage stockholders will receive 0.895 of an Extra Space common share for each Life Storage share they own for estimated total consideration of $12.7 billion, based on Life Storage's closing share price on March 31, 2023. The combined company will own and/or manage over 3,500 locations and over 264.0 million net rentable square feet. The transaction is currently expected to close in the second half of 2023, subject to the approval of our stockholders and Life Storage stockholders and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

PROPERTIES

As of March 31, 2023, we owned or had ownership interests in 1,457 operating stores. Of these stores, 1,133 are wholly-owned, and 323 are in unconsolidated joint ventures. In addition, we managed an additional 931 stores for third parties bringing the total number of stores which we own and/or manage to 2,388. These stores are located in 41 states and Washington, D.C. The majority of our stores are clustered around large population centers. The clustering of assets around these population centers enables us to reduce our operating costs through economies of scale. Our acquisitions have given us an increased scale in many core markets as well as a foothold in many markets where we had no previous presence.

As of March 31, 2023, approximately 1,380,000 tenants were leasing storage units at the operating stores that we own and/or manage, primarily on a month-to-month basis, providing the flexibility to increase rental rates over time as market conditions permit. Existing tenants generally receive rate increases at least annually, for which no direct correlation has been drawn to our vacancy trends. Although leases are short-term in duration, the typical tenant tends to remain at our stores for an extended period of time. For stores that were stabilized as of March 31, 2023, the average length of stay was approximately 16.6 months.

The average annual rent per square foot for our existing customers at stabilized stores, net of discounts and bad debt, was $21.05 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $19.47 for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Average annual rent per square foot for new leases was $17.00 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $19.23 for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The average discounts, as a percentage of rental revenues, at all stabilized properties during these periods were 2.4% and 3.0%, respectively.

Our store portfolio is made up of different types of construction and building configurations. Most often sites are what we consider “hybrid” stores, a mix of drive-up and multi-floor buildings. We have a number of multi-floor buildings with elevator access only, and a number of stores featuring ground-floor access only.

The following table presents additional information regarding net rentable square feet and the number of stores by state.

(1) Excludes 17,000 units related to the Bargold transaction. See Note 7 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022

Overview

Results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 included the operations of 1,457 stores (1,133 wholly-owned, one in a consolidated joint venture, and 323 in joint ventures accounted for using the equity method) compared to the results for the three months ended March 31, 2022, which included the operations of 1,283 stores (995 wholly-owned, zero in consolidated joint ventures, and 288 in joint ventures accounted for using the equity method).

Revenues

The following table presents information on revenues earned for the periods indicated:

**Property Rental—**The increase in property rental revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily the result of an increase of $26,692 at our stabilized stores related primarily to higher average rates to existing customers. Property rental revenue also increased by $21,109 associated with acquisitions completed in 2023 and 2022. We acquired one wholly-owned store during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and a total of 153 stores during the year ended December 31, 2022.

**Tenant Reinsurance—**The increase in our tenant reinsurance revenues was due primarily to an increase in the number of stores operated. We operated 2,388 stores at March 31, 2023 compared to 2,130 stores at March 31, 2022.

**Management Fees and Other Income—**Management fees and other income primarily represent the fees collected for our management of stores owned by third parties and unconsolidated joint ventures and other transaction fee income. The increase for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was due to both an increase in the number of stores managed and an increase in the overall revenue of stores under management when compared to the same period last year. As of March 31, 2023, we managed 1,255 stores for joint ventures and third parties, compared to 1,135 stores as of March 31, 2022.

Expenses

The following table presents information on expenses for the periods indicated:

**Property Operations—**The increase in property operations expense during the three months ended March 31, 2023 consists primarily of an increase of $7,006 related to acquisitions completed in 2023 and 2022. We acquired one wholly-owned store during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and a total of 153 stores during the year ended December 31, 2022. Additionally, for the three months ended March 31, 2023 there was an increase of $4,394 at our stabilized stores primarily due to payroll, marketing, credit card processing fees, utilities and insurance, partially offset by repairs and maintenance and property taxes.

**Tenant Reinsurance—**Tenant reinsurance expense represents the costs that are incurred to provide tenant reinsurance. We operated 2,388 stores at March 31, 2023 compared to 2,130 stores at March 31, 2022.

**General and Administrative—**General and administrative expenses primarily include all expenses not directly related to our stores, including corporate payroll, office expense, office rent, travel and professional fees. Payroll has continued to increase as a result of outsized inflation. We did not observe any material trends in specific travel or other expenses apart from inflationary pressures and from the increase due to the management of additional stores. Also, during the three months ended March 31, 2023 increases relate in part to the acquisition of Bargold in June 2022 and 106 stores added with the Storage Express acquisition in September 2022 compared to the same period last year.

**Depreciation and Amortization—**Depreciation and amortization expense increased as a result of the acquisition of new stores. We acquired one wholly-owned store during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and a total of 153 stores during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Other Revenues and Expenses

The following table presents information about other revenues and expenses for the periods indicated:

**Interest Expense—**The increase in interest expense during the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily the result of a higher weighted average interest rate and debt balance compared to the same period in the prior year.

**Interest Income—**Interest income represents interest earned on bridge loans, notes receivable and debt securities and income earned on notes receivable from Common and Preferred Operating Partnership unit holders. The increase in interest income during the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily the result of an increase in the notes receivable for our bridge loan program along with an increase in interest rates.

**Equity in Earnings and Dividend Income from Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities—**Equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate entities represents the income earned through our ownership interests in unconsolidated joint ventures. In these joint ventures, we and our joint venture partners generally receive a preferred return on our invested capital. To the extent that cash or profits in excess of these preferred returns are generated, we receive a higher percentage of the excess cash or profits. Dividend income represents dividends from our $200,000 investment in preferred stock of SmartStop.

Income Tax Expense—The increase in income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily the result of an increase in book income and a decrease in permanent tax deductions related to stock awards.

FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS

Funds from operations (“FFO”) provides relevant and meaningful information about our operating performance that is necessary, along with net income and cash flows, for an understanding of our operating results. We believe FFO is a meaningful disclosure as a supplement to net earnings. Net earnings assume that the values of real estate assets diminish predictably over time as reflected through depreciation and amortization expenses. The values of real estate assets fluctuate due to market conditions and we believe FFO more accurately reflects the value of our real estate assets. FFO is defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. (“NAREIT”) as net income computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains or losses on sales of operating stores and impairment write downs of depreciable real estate assets, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization and after adjustments to record unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures on the same basis. We believe that to further understand our performance, FFO should be considered along with the reported net income and cash flows in accordance with GAAP, as presented in our condensed consolidated financial statements. FFO should not be considered a replacement of net income computed in accordance with GAAP.

The computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or real estate companies that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income as an indication of our performance, as an alternative to net cash flow from operating activities, as a measure of our liquidity, or as an indicator of our ability to make cash distributions.

The following table presents the calculation of FFO for the periods indicated:

SAME-STORE RESULTS

Our same-store pool for the periods presented consists of 914 stores that are wholly-owned and operated and that were stabilized by the first day of the earliest calendar year presented. We consider a store to be stabilized once it has been open for three years or has sustained average square foot occupancy of 80% or more for one calendar year. We believe that by providing same-store results from a stabilized pool of stores, with accompanying operating metrics including, but not limited to: occupancy, rental revenue growth, operating expense growth, net operating income growth, etc., stockholders and potential investors are able to evaluate operating performance without the effects of non-stabilized occupancy levels, rent levels, expense levels, acquisitions or completed developments. Same-store results should not be used as a basis for future same-store performance or for the performance of our stores as a whole. The following table presents operating data for our same-store portfolio.

Same-store revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased compared to the same period in 2022 due to higher average rates to existing customers and higher other operating income partially offset by lower occupancy.

Same-store expenses increased for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to increases in payroll, marketing, credit card processing fees, utilities and insurance, partially offset by saving in repairs and maintenance and property taxes.

The following table presents a reconciliation of same-store net operating income to net income as presented on our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:

CASH FLOWS

Cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 decreased when compared to the same period in the prior year. Cash flows used in investing activities relates primarily to our acquisition and development of REIT and joint venture assets, as well as activity on our bridge loan program. Cash flows from financing activities depend primarily on our debt and equity financing activities. A summary of cash flows along with significant components are as follows:

We believe that cash flows generated by operations, along with our existing cash and cash equivalents, the availability of funds under our existing lines of credit, and our access to capital markets will be sufficient to meet all of our reasonably anticipated cash needs during the next 12 months. These cash needs include operating expenses, monthly debt service payments, recurring capital expenditures, acquisitions, redevelopments and expansions, distributions to unit holders and dividends to stockholders necessary to maintain our REIT qualification.

We expect to generate positive cash flow from operations in 2023, and we consider these projected cash flows in our sources and uses of cash. These cash flows are principally derived from rents paid by our tenants. A significant deterioration in projected cash flows from operations could cause us to increase our reliance on available funds under our existing lines of credit, curtail planned capital expenditures, or seek other additional sources of financing.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of March 31, 2023, we had $47,951 available in cash and cash equivalents. Our cash and cash equivalents are held in accounts managed by third party financial institutions and consist of invested cash and cash in our operating accounts. During 2023 and 2022, we experienced no loss or lack of access to our cash or cash equivalents; however, there can be no assurance that access to our cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets.

As of March 31, 2023, we had $7,366,967 face value of debt, resulting in a debt to total enterprise value ratio of 23.9%. As of March 31, 2023, the ratio of total fixed-rate debt and other instruments to total debt was 70.7% ($5,207,398 total fixed-rate debt including $1,782,610 on which we have interest rate swaps that have been included as fixed-rate debt). The weighted average interest rate of the total of fixed- and variable-rate debt at March 31, 2023 was 4.3%. Certain of our real estate assets are pledged as collateral for our debt. We are subject to certain restrictive covenants relating to our outstanding debt. We were in compliance with all financial covenants at March 31, 2023.

We expect to fund our short-term liquidity requirements, including operating expenses, recurring capital expenditures, dividends to stockholders, distributions to holders of Operating Partnership units and interest on our outstanding indebtedness, out of our operating cash flow, cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving lines of credit. In addition, we are pursuing additional sources of financing based on anticipated funding needs and growth assumptions.

We currently hold a BBB/Stable rating from S&P and a Baa2 rating from Moody's Investors Service. We intend to manage our balance sheet to maintain these ratings. Certain of our real estate assets are pledged as collateral for our debt. As of March 31, 2023, we had a total of 906 unencumbered stores as defined by our public bonds. Our unencumbered asset value was calculated as $17,247,796 and our total asset value was calculated as $22,407,701 according to the calculations as defined by our public bonds.

Our liquidity needs consist primarily of operating expenses, monthly debt service payments, recurring capital expenditures, dividends to stockholders and distributions to unit holders necessary to maintain our REIT qualification. We may from time to time seek to repurchase our outstanding debt, shares of common stock or other securities in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. In addition, we evaluate, on an ongoing basis, the merits of strategic acquisitions and other relationships, which may require us to raise additional funds. We may also use Operating Partnership units as currency to fund acquisitions from self-storage owners.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Except as disclosed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, we do not currently have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purposes entities, which typically are established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Further, except as disclosed in the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements, we have not guaranteed any obligations of unconsolidated entities, nor do we have any commitments or intent to provide funding to any such entities. Accordingly, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in these relationships.

SEASONALITY

The self-storage business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. A greater portion of revenues and profits are realized from May through September. Historically, our highest level of occupancy has been at the end of July, while our lowest level of occupancy has been in late February and early March. Results for any quarter may not be indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.

Market Risk

Market risk refers to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. Our future income, cash flows and fair values of financial instruments are dependent upon prevailing market interest rates.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors beyond our control.

As of March 31, 2023, we had approximately $7.4 billion in total face value of debt, of which approximately $2.2 billion was subject to variable interest rates (excluding debt with interest rate swaps). If LIBOR or SOFR were to increase or decrease by 100 basis points, the increase or decrease in interest expense on the variable-rate debt would increase or decrease future earnings and cash flows by approximately $21.6 million annually.

Interest rate risk amounts were determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on our financial instruments. These analyses do not consider the effect of any change in overall economic activity that could occur. Further, in the event of a change of that magnitude, we may take actions to further mitigate our exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, these analyses assume no changes in our financial structure.

**(1)**Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure based on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide a reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and in reaching a reasonable level of assurance, management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

We have a disclosure committee that is responsible for considering the materiality of information and determining our disclosure obligations on a timely basis. The disclosure committee meets quarterly and reports directly to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this report.

**(2)**Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during our most recent quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various legal proceedings and are subject to various claims and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable, the outcome of these matters cannot presently be determined with any degree of certainty. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, management establishes an accrued liability for litigation when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. In such cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The estimated loss, if any, is based upon currently available information and is subject to significant judgment, a variety of assumptions, and known and unknown uncertainties. We could in the future incur judgments or enter into settlements of claims that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any particular period, notwithstanding the fact that we are currently vigorously defending any legal proceedings against us.

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors described in the “Risk Factors” section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. The risks described below and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to the Mergers

The exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted in the event of any change in our stock price or the stock price of Life Storage.

Upon the closing of the company merger, each outstanding share of Life Storage common stock (other than shares of Life Storage common stock owned by any of the Life Storage parties or any wholly owned subsidiary of Life Storage and each share of Life Storage common stock owned by us or any of our wholly owned subsidiaries) will be converted into the right to receive 0.895 of a share of our common stock, with cash paid in lieu of any fractional shares, without interest. The exchange ratio of 0.895 was fixed in the merger agreement and, except for certain adjustments on account of changes in the capitalization of the parties, will not be adjusted for changes in the market prices of shares of our common stock or of Life Storage common stock. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors (many of which are beyond our control), including the following factors:

• market reaction to the announcement of the mergers and our prospects following the mergers;

• changes in the respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities and prospects of us and Life Storage;

• changes in market assessments of the business, operations, financial position and prospects of us and Life Storage;

• market assessments of the likelihood that the mergers will close;

• interest rates (including changes or anticipated changes in interest rates), general market and economic conditions and other factors generally affecting the market prices of our common stock and Life Storage common stock;

• federal, state and local legislation, governmental regulation and legal developments in the businesses in which we or Life Storage operate; and

• other factors beyond the control of either us or Life Storage, including those described or referred to elsewhere in this “Risk Factors” section.

The market price of shares of our common stock at the closing of the mergers may vary from its price on the date the merger agreement was executed, on the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, on the date of our special meeting and on the date of the Life Storage special meeting. As a result, the market value of the merger consideration represented by the exchange ratio will also vary.

If the market price of shares of our common stock increases between the date the merger agreement was signed, the date of our special meeting or the date of the Life Storage special meeting and the date of the closing of the mergers, Life Storage

stockholders could receive shares of our common stock that have a market value upon completion of the mergers that is greater than the market value of such shares calculated pursuant to the exchange ratio on the date the merger agreement was signed, the date of our special meeting or the date of the Life Storage special meeting, respectively. Conversely, if the market price of shares of our common stock declines between the date the merger agreement was signed, the date of our special meeting or the date of the Life Storage special meeting and the closing of the mergers, Life Storage stockholders could receive shares of our common stock that have a market value upon the closing of the mergers that is less than the market value of such shares calculated pursuant to the exchange ratio on the date the merger agreement was signed, the date of our special meeting or the date of the Life Storage special meeting, respectively. Furthermore, at the time of our special meeting and the Life Storage special meeting, our stockholders and Life Storage stockholders will not know with certainty the value of the our common stock that Life Storage stockholders will receive upon completion of the mergers.

Therefore, while the number of shares of our common stock to be issued per share of Life Storage common stock is fixed, our stockholders and Life Storage shareholders cannot be sure of the market value of the merger consideration Life Storage stockholders will receive upon the closing of the mergers.

Holders of our common stock will have a reduced ownership and voting interest after the mergers and will exercise less influence over our management.

The mergers will result in our stockholders having an ownership stake that is smaller than their current stake in our company as of immediately prior to the mergers. Upon completion of the mergers, based on the number of shares of our common stock outstanding on March 31, 2023, we estimate that our existing stockholders will own approximately 65% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the combined company. Consequently, our stockholders will have less influence over our management and policies after the company merger effective time than they currently exercise over our management and policies.

Completion of the mergers is subject to many conditions, and if these conditions are not satisfied or waived, the mergers will not be completed, which could result in a requirement that we pay termination fees.

The consummation of the mergers is subject to certain conditions, including (i) the approval of the company merger by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Life Storage common stock entitled to vote on such matter, (ii) the approval of our common stock issuance by affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of our common stock, (iii) the shares of our common stock to be issued in the company merger having been approved for listing on the NYSE, (iv) the Form S-4 having been declared effective, (v) the absence of any temporary restraining order, injunction or other order, decree or judgment being issued by any governmental authority and no law being enacted, which would have the effect of making illegal or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the mergers, (vi) the receipt of certain legal opinions by us and Life Storage and (vii) other customary conditions specified in the merger agreement.

There can be no assurance that the conditions to the closing of the mergers will be satisfied or waived or that the mergers will be completed. Failure to consummate the mergers may adversely affect our results of operations and business prospects for the following reasons, among others: (i) we have incurred and will incur certain transaction costs, regardless of whether the proposed mergers close, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions to our shareholders; and (ii) the proposed mergers, whether or not they close, will divert the attention of certain of our management and other key employees from ongoing business activities, including the pursuit of other opportunities that could be beneficial to us. In addition, we or Life Storage may terminate the merger agreement under certain circumstances, including, among other reasons, if the mergers are not completed by December 31, 2023.

If the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances specified in the merger agreement, we may be required to pay Life Storage a termination fee of $761 million and/or reimburse Life Storage’s transaction expenses up to an amount equal to $20 million. If the mergers are not consummated, the price of our common stock might decline.

Failure to complete the mergers could negatively impact the stock prices and our future business and financial results.

If the mergers are not completed, our ongoing business could be materially adversely affected and without realizing any of the benefits of having completed the mergers, we will be subject to a variety of risks associated with the failure to complete the mergers, including the following:

• the market price of our common stock could decline;

• our being required, under certain circumstances, to pay to Life Storage a termination fee of $761 million depending on the circumstances;

• if the merger agreement is terminated and our board seeks another business combination, our stockholders cannot be certain that we will be able to find a party willing to enter into a transaction on terms equivalent to or more attractive than the terms of the merger agreement;

• we may experience negative reactions from the financial markets or our customers, vendors or employees;

• our having to pay certain costs relating to the mergers, such as legal, accounting, financial advisor, filing, printing and mailing fees whether or not the mergers are completed; and

• diversion of our management’s focus and resources from operational matters and other strategic opportunities while working to implement the mergers.

If the mergers are not completed, these risks could materially affect our business, financial results and share price. In addition, if the mergers are not completed, we could be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the mergers or related to any enforcement proceeding commenced against us to perform our obligations under the merger agreement. The materialization of any of these risks could adversely impact our ongoing business.

The pendency of the mergers could adversely affect our business and operations.

Prior to the effective time of the mergers, some of our customers, prospective customers or vendors may delay or defer decisions, which could negatively affect our revenues, earnings, cash flows and expenses, regardless of whether the mergers are completed. In addition, third-party owners of stores which Life Storage manages, or which we manage, may cancel their management agreements, which could negatively affect our revenues, earnings, cash flows and expenses, regardless of whether the mergers are completed as well as negatively affect the financial position of the combined company. Further, due to operating restrictions in the merger agreement, we may be unable, during the pendency of the mergers, to pursue strategic transactions, undertake significant capital projects, undertake certain significant financing transactions and otherwise pursue other actions, even if such actions would prove beneficial.

An adverse outcome in any litigation or other legal proceedings relating to the merger agreement, or the transactions contemplated thereby, could have a material adverse impact on our or our ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Transactions like the mergers are frequently the subject of litigation, shareholder demands, or other legal proceedings, including actions alleging that either party’s board of directors breached their respective duties to their stockholders or other equity holders by entering into the merger agreement, by failing to obtain a greater value in the transaction for their stockholders or other equity holders or otherwise, or any other claims (contractual or otherwise) arising out of the mergers or the transactions related thereto. With respect to these proceedings, and any other litigation or other legal proceedings that are brought against us or our board of directors or subsidiaries in connection with the merger agreement, or the transactions contemplated thereby, we intend to defend against any such claims made therein but may not be successful in doing so. An adverse outcome in such matters, as well as the costs and efforts of a defense even if successful, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to consummate the mergers in a timely manner, or at all, or our business, results of operation or financial position, including through the possible diversion of our resources or distraction of key personnel.

We expect to incur substantial expenses related to the mergers.

Following the mergers, we expect to incur substantial expenses in connection with completing the mergers and integrating the operations and systems of Life Storage with ours. While we have assumed that a certain level of expenses would be incurred, there are a number of factors beyond its control that could affect the total amount or the timing of our expenses relating to the completion of the mergers and our operations. Many of the expenses that will be incurred, by their nature, are difficult to estimate accurately at the present time. As a result, the expenses associated with the mergers could, particularly in the near term, reduce the savings that we expect to achieve from the elimination of duplicative expenses and the realization of economies of scale and cost savings related to the integration of the operations of Life Storage following the completion of the mergers.

Following the mergers, we may be unable to integrate the operations of Life Storage successfully with ours and realize the anticipated synergies and other benefits of the mergers or do so within the anticipated time frame.

The mergers involve the combination of two companies that currently operate as independent public companies and their respective operating partnerships. We are expected to benefit from the elimination of duplicative costs associated with supporting a public company platform and the leveraging of state-of-the-art technology and systems. However, we will be

required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating the operations of Life Storage with our own. Potential difficulties we may encounter in the integration process include the following:

• the inability to successfully combine the operations of Life Storage, including the integration of employees, customer records and maintaining cybersecurity protections, in a manner that permits us to achieve the cost savings anticipated to result from the mergers, which would result in the anticipated benefits of the mergers not being realized in the time frame currently anticipated or at all;

• the inability to dispose of former Life Storage assets or operations that we may desire to dispose of;

• the complexities associated with managing the combined businesses out of different locations and integrating personnel from the two companies;

• the failure to retain our key employees or the key employees of Life Storage;

• potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen increased expenses, delays or regulatory conditions associated with the mergers; and

• performance shortfalls as a result of the diversion of management’s attention caused by completing the mergers and integrating the companies’ operations.

For all these reasons, you should be aware that it is possible that the integration process could result in the distraction of our management, the disruption of our ongoing business or inconsistencies in our operations, services, standards, controls, procedures and policies, any of which could adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers, vendors and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the mergers, or could otherwise adversely affect our business and financial results.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

None.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.