Alexandria Real Estate(ARE) - 2022 Q4 - Annual Report

Market Overview - Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a total market capitalization of $35.0 billion and an asset base of 74.6 million square feet as of December 31, 2022[17]. - The occupancy percentage of operating properties in North America was 94.8% as of December 31, 2022, with a 10-year average occupancy of 96%[18]. - Investment-grade or publicly traded large cap tenants represented 48% of total annual rental revenue as of December 31, 2022[18]. - Approximately 93% of leases are triple net leases, allowing the company to pass through most operating expenses to tenants[81]. - The company expects to recover increases in operating expenses during inflationary periods, minimizing adverse effects on net operating income and cash flows[91]. Property Strategy - The company focuses on acquiring high-quality Class A properties in AAA innovation clusters, characterized by high barriers to entry and limited supply[20]. - Alexandria's redevelopment strategy includes significant pre-leasing of projects prior to commencement, aiming to lease high-quality, reusable office/laboratory spaces at higher rental rates[25]. - The company has a disciplined approach to capital allocation, focusing on high-quality properties in urban innovation clusters to achieve attractive returns[29]. Financial Management - Alexandria aims to maximize balance sheet liquidity and flexibility, cash flows, and cash available for distribution to stockholders through selective acquisitions and developments[28]. - The company maintains significant liquidity through various capital sources, including unsecured senior lines of credit and marketable securities[29]. - The company may face economic harm from unsuccessful acquisitions in new markets, affecting financial condition and cash flows[65]. - The company may not complete development projects on schedule or within budget, impacting leasing and financial performance[68]. - Debt service obligations could adversely affect business operations, particularly if revenues do not cover operating expenses and debt service[122]. Employee Engagement and Benefits - As of December 31, 2022, the company had 593 employees, with a low voluntary turnover rate of 3.6% and a total turnover rate of 7.7% over the last five years, significantly lower than the industry averages of 16.0% and 19.0% respectively[42]. - The executive management team averages 18 years of experience with the company, contributing to its competitive advantages in attracting new business opportunities in the life science, agtech, and technology sectors[44]. - The company provides a comprehensive benefits package covering 100% of premiums for employees and their dependents, including a high-coverage PPO medical plan and additional mental health support[48]. - Employee engagement surveys conducted in 2022 had a response rate of 91.4%, indicating strong employee involvement in feedback processes[52]. - The company invests in professional development programs, including mentoring and on-demand learning resources, to enhance employee engagement and effectiveness[50]. Diversity and Inclusion - The company is committed to diversity at the board level, actively considering qualified women and minority candidates for director positions[45]. - The company has implemented a ban on inquiries into an applicant's salary history to address pay discrimination and incorporates fair pay reviews into compensation decisions[47]. - The company offers paid volunteer time off up to 16 hours per year and matching gifts up to $5,000 per person annually to encourage employee charitable giving[53]. Risks and Challenges - Significant risks are associated with development projects, including competition leading to increased purchase prices and potential financing challenges[67]. - Increased costs from commodity and labor price volatility may adversely affect construction project returns[70]. - The company may face higher operating costs due to compliance with new laws in California and other states[84]. - Supply chain disruptions could hinder the company's ability to access necessary materials and labor for construction projects[75]. - The company may struggle to refinance debt due to a potential shortage of available funds from lenders and stricter credit underwriting guidelines[116]. Industry-Specific Risks - The company is heavily reliant on the life science, agtech, and technology industries, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in these sectors[178]. - Unique risks in the life science industry, such as regulatory challenges and funding requirements, could impact tenants' ability to meet lease obligations[186]. - The agtech industry is characterized by rapid technological changes, and failure to adapt may impair operations and affect the ability to meet rental payments[203]. - Regulatory changes and government shutdowns can impede the growth of technology and agtech industry tenants, affecting their operational capabilities[192][198]. Economic Factors - Rising interest rates, with the federal funds rate increasing to a range between 4.25% and 4.50% by December 2022, may negatively impact real estate valuations and financial condition[93]. - Economic downturns in key markets could adversely affect operations and the ability to distribute dividends to stockholders[173]. - Changes to U.S. tax laws could adversely affect the overall economy and the financial condition of tenants, impacting their ability to pay rent[214]. - The U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy actions, including interest rate increases, could raise borrowing costs and decrease the value of real estate and common stock[212].