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Americold Realty Trust(COLD) - 2018 Q4 - Annual Report

Financial Performance and Offerings - The company completed an initial public offering on January 23, 2018, issuing 33,350,000 common shares and generating net proceeds of approximately $493.6 million after deducting costs[26][27]. - The follow-on public offering on September 18, 2018, involved 4,000,000 common shares at a price of $24.50 per share, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $92.5 million[28]. - The company is strategically positioned as the first publicly traded REIT in the temperature-controlled warehouse industry, providing greater access to capital markets for expansion and acquisition opportunities[34]. Warehouse Operations and Strategy - The company aims to enhance operating and financial results by optimizing occupancy and executing cost containment strategies, which are expected to drive financial performance and expand the warehouse portfolio[31]. - The company has transitioned a significant portion of its revenue from an as-utilized basis to fixed storage commitments, which is believed to provide commercial advantages[33]. - The company considers its temperature-controlled warehouses as "mission-critical" real estate, essential for maintaining the integrity of the cold chain supply[24]. - The company believes that ownership of its warehouses provides cost of capital advantages and enhances its ability to attract and retain customers[25]. - The company is focused on expanding its portfolio of temperature-controlled warehouses, leveraging its scalable technology and access to capital markets[34]. - The company emphasizes the importance of strategic locations for its warehouses to optimize distribution networks and reduce operational costs[24]. - The company is committed to increasing committed revenue in its warehouse segment through fixed storage commitments with customers[33]. - The company anticipates continued outsourcing of temperature-controlled warehousing by global food producers, distributors, retailers, and e-tailers, capitalizing on its extensive network of high-quality warehouses[35]. - The company serves approximately 2,400 customers, with the top 25 customers generating 63%, 61%, and 61% of total warehouse segment revenues over the last three years[47]. - The company has modernized many warehouses to reduce power costs and improve energy efficiency, utilizing technologies such as LED lighting and real-time energy monitoring[39]. - The company operates through three primary segments: warehouse, third-party managed, and transportation, with the warehouse segment being the core business[40][41]. - The company has a weighted average relationship length of over 33 years with its 25 largest customers, indicating strong customer retention[47]. - The company’s warehouses typically experience peak occupancy and revenue between mid-September and early December due to seasonal demand[50]. - The company is well-positioned to benefit from e-commerce growth by providing attractive storage solutions for the growing e-tailer segment[36]. - The company has the flexibility to store non-temperature-sensitive goods, enhancing its service offerings[37]. - The company is expanding its market share in temperature-sensitive products beyond food, including pharmaceuticals and chemicals, leveraging its warehousing capabilities[37]. Competition and Market Landscape - The company faces competition from numerous operators in the temperature-controlled warehouse industry, with significant players including Lineage Logistics and Preferred Freezer Services[52]. - The competitive landscape includes numerous fragmented operators in the temperature-controlled warehouse industry, with key competitors identified in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina[52][53][55]. Regulatory Compliance and Risks - The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has expanded the FDA's authority, requiring food facilities to establish a food safety system, including hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls[63]. - Non-compliance with food safety regulations could adversely affect the company's financial condition and liquidity, impacting funds available for shareholder distribution[64]. - The company is subject to OSHA regulations, which require a safe working environment, and non-compliance could lead to substantial penalties and liabilities[65]. - International facilities must comply with various local laws, and failure to do so could materially affect the company's financial condition and operations[67]. - The company is subject to various environmental laws and regulations, which could lead to increased capital and operating costs if compliance is not met[61]. - Compliance with food safety regulations is mandatory, with the FDA requiring registration of all warehouses storing food[62]. Insurance and Risk Management - The company carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability and business interruption, with costs passed to customers as part of storage and handling rates[68]. - The company is self-insured for workers' compensation and health insurance under a large-deductible program, with potential material adverse effects if losses exceed reserves[69]. - The company carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including for cybersecurity incidents, but does not insure against generally uninsured losses like riots or war[70]. Workforce and Labor Relations - The company employs approximately 11,000 people, with 56% represented by local labor unions, and has successfully negotiated 55 collective bargaining agreements since 2016[57]. - The company successfully negotiated 55 collective bargaining agreements since January 1, 2016, without any work stoppages[57]. - In 2019, the company plans to negotiate an additional 12 agreements covering 29 operating locations worldwide[58].