The economic performance and value of the Company's real estate holdings can be affected by many factors, including the following:
- Changes in the national, regional, local and international economic climate;- Local conditions, such as an oversupply of space or a reduction in demand for real estate in the area and population, demographic and employment trends;- The attractiveness of the properties to tenants;- The increase in consumer purchases through the internet;- The Company's ability to provide adequate management services and to maintain its properties;- Increased operating costs if these costs cannot be passed through to tenants and - The expense of renovating, repairing and re-letting spaces.
Because the Company's properties consist of retail shopping centers, the Company's performance is linked to general economic conditions in the retail market, including conditions that affect consumers' purchasing behaviors and disposable income. The market for retail space historically has been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by weakness in the national, regional and local economies, the adverse financial condition of some large retailing companies, the ongoing consolidation in the retail sector, increases in consumer internet purchases and the excess amount of retail space in a number of markets. The Company's performance is affected by its tenants' results of operations, which are impacted by macroeconomic factors that affect consumers' ability to purchase goods and services. If the price of the goods and services offered by its tenants materially increases, including as a result of inflationary pressures or increases in taxes or tariffs resulting from, among other things, potential changes in the Code, the operating results and the financial condition of the Company's tenants and demand for retail space could be adversely affected. To the extent that any of these conditions occur, they are likely to affect market rents for retail space. In addition, the Company may face challenges in the management and maintenance of its properties or incur increased operating costs, such as real estate taxes, insurance and utilities, that may make its properties unattractive to tenants.
In addition, the Company's properties compete with numerous shopping venues, including regional malls, outlet centers and other shopping centers in attracting and retaining retailers. As of December 31, 2023, leases at the Company's properties (including the proportionate share of unconsolidated properties) were scheduled to expire on a total of approximately 6.4% of leased GLA during 2024. For those leases that renew, rental rates upon renewal may be lower than current rates. For those leases that do not renew, the Company may not be able to promptly re-lease the space on favorable terms or with reasonable capital investments. In these situations, the Company's financial condition, operating results and cash flows could be adversely impacted.