Company Overview - The company owns 137 farms comprising 101,079 acres across 13 states in the U.S.[16] - The company has diversified its crop portfolio, now including permanent crops such as almonds, blueberries, and wine grapes, in addition to annual row crops[16] - The company operates under an Umbrella Partnership Real Estate Investment Trust (UPREIT) structure, controlling 100.0% of the common units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership[16] - The company’s shares of common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "LAND" on January 29, 2013[16] - The company has issued 6.00% Series B and Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, and a newly-designated 5.00% Series D Cumulative Term Preferred Stock[16] - The company is externally managed by Gladstone Management Corporation, with administrative services provided by Gladstone Administration, LLC[16] Investment Strategy - The investment strategy focuses on acquiring triple-net-leased farmland and farm-related properties, with plans to expand geographically across the U.S.[18] - The company anticipates future acquisitions of farmland that grows commodity crops on a selective basis[16] - The company plans to continue expanding its crop varieties, focusing on fresh produce and certain permanent crops[18] - The company may also acquire commercial properties that support agricultural communities, enhancing its portfolio[17] - The company aims to maximize stockholder returns through monthly cash distributions, land appreciation, and capital gains from property sales[17] Financial Management and Risks - The company faces risks related to tenant defaults and the potential inability to pay rent, impacting cash distributions to stockholders[12] - The company is subject to various risks including adverse weather, economic changes, and regulatory developments affecting its concentrated real estate portfolio[12] - The company’s cash flow is exposed to risks related to declining crop prices and lower-than-average crop production due to its participation rent component[12] - The company intends to use leverage by borrowing against properties to maximize investment opportunities[18] - The company employs a leveraged strategy to maximize returns, with no limitations on borrowing against single investment properties or overall borrowing levels[26] Tenant and Lease Management - The company’s farmland investments are primarily leased to independent farming operations, which may have limited financial resources[12] - The company evaluates tenant creditworthiness based on experience, financial strength, and adherence to quality standards[24] - Rental income is primarily generated through triple-net leases, with terms ranging from 3 to 10 years for annual row crops and 7 to 15 years for permanent crops[21] - The majority of leases are structured as triple-net leases, with original terms ranging from 3 to 10 years for annual row crops and 7 to 15 years for permanent crops[21] - The company monitors tenant credit quality through periodic site visits and has not identified any changes in credit quality to date[25] Geographic Expansion - The company currently owns properties in 13 states and intends to acquire more farmland in regions like the Pacific Northwest and Mid-Atlantic[18] - The company currently owns properties in 13 different states across the U.S. and plans to expand its geographic focus to other areas in the Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic[25] Operational Structure - The company does not currently have any employees and relies on the Adviser and Administrator for necessary services[37] - As of December 31, 2020, the Adviser and Administrator collectively had 67 full-time employees, with 36 in investment management and due diligence[38] - The company anticipates that the number of employees from the Adviser and Administrator dedicated to its matters will increase as more investments are acquired[37] Compliance and Regulations - The company is subject to various environmental laws and regulations, which could impose significant liabilities and affect its operations[41] - The company expects that compliance with various laws and regulations will not materially affect capital expenditures or results of operations for the year ending December 31, 2021[41] - The company has adopted a policy to minimize conflicts of interest, requiring independent director approval for transactions involving officers or directors[28] COVID-19 Impact - The company granted short-term rent extensions to two tenants due to COVID-19, totaling approximately 340,000 due to COVID-19 related delays[40] Competition - The company faces competition from various entities, including agricultural investment firms and other agricultural REITs, which may impact its market position[39]
Gladstone Land(LAND) - 2020 Q4 - Annual Report