Smartstop Self Storage REIT, Inc. current report, 29 October 2019

Business Context and Reporting Period

Company: SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.
Filing Type: Form 8-K (Current Report)
Date of Report: October 29, 2019
Reporting Period: Specific event date (October 29, 2019)

This filing reports the termination of a material definitive agreement (Senior Term Loan) and a significant capital event involving an investment by a subsidiary of Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE: EXR).

Key Financial Metrics and Capital Events

  • Capital Raised: Approximately $150 million received from an initial investment in newly created Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
  • Debt Repayment (Total): Approximately $95.4 million of indebtedness was repaid immediately following the investment.
  • Senior Term Loan Payoff: Approximately $81.3 million (inclusive of accrued interest) paid to KeyBank and SunTrust Bank, satisfying all obligations under the Credit Agreement dated January 24, 2019.
  • Secondary Loan Payoff: Approximately $14.5 million paid to KeyBank to repay a term loan secured by tenant protection plan revenues.
  • Liquidity Impact: The repayment resulted in the automatic and permanent release of all security interests, mortgages, liens, and encumbrances associated with the Senior Term Loan Agreement.

Material Changes Versus Prior Period

The filing details a material reduction in the Company's debt load and a change in its capital structure:

  • Debt Reduction: The Company eliminated approximately $95.4 million in outstanding debt obligations.
  • Capital Structure: Issuance of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to a subsidiary of Extra Space Storage Inc.
  • Collateral Release: Termination of Pledge Agreements regarding equity interests in property-owning special purpose entities and proceeds from capital events.

Guidance, Outlook, and Management Commentary

Management Commentary: The filing includes a letter to stockholders (Exhibit 99.1) regarding the investment by Extra Space Storage Inc. The Company utilized the proceeds from this investment to deleverage its balance sheet significantly.

Risks and Contingencies: The filing notes that the information regarding the stockholder letter is furnished under Regulation FD and is not deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, limiting its incorporation by reference into other filings.

Unusual Items: The transaction involves a strategic investment by a major industry competitor (Extra Space Storage Inc.) in the form of convertible preferred stock.

Important Facts for Investor Verification

  • Verify the specific terms of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued to Extra Space Storage Inc., including conversion rates and dividend requirements.
  • Confirm the exact remaining debt obligations of the Company post-repayment, as the filing only details the $95.4 million payoff.
  • Review the full text of the stockholder letter (Exhibit 99.1) for details on the strategic relationship with Extra Space Storage Inc.
  • Check subsequent filings for any impact on the Company's liquidity position or future capital expenditure plans following this deleveraging event.