LIFE STORAGE, INC. - Annual Report: 2011 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

Commission File Number: 1-13820

SOVRAN SELF STORAGE, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

6467 Main Street

Williamsville, NY 14221

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(716) 633-1850

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨     No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange

Act).    Yes  ¨     No  x

As of June 30, 2011, 27,699,279 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, were outstanding, and the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $1,107,442,226 (based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2011).

As of February 15, 2012, 28,967,583 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated herein by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the extent stated herein. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

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Part I

When used in this discussion and elsewhere in this document, the words “intends,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” and similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of competition from new self-storage facilities, which would cause rents and occupancy rates to decline; the Company’s ability to evaluate, finance and integrate acquired businesses into the Company’s existing business and operations; the Company’s ability to effectively compete in the industry in which it does business; the Company’s existing indebtedness may mature in an unfavorable credit environment, preventing refinancing or forcing refinancing of the indebtedness on terms that are not as favorable as the existing terms; interest rates may fluctuate, impacting costs associated with the Company’s outstanding floating rate debt; the Company’s ability to comply with debt covenants; any future ratings on the Company’s debt instruments; regional concentration of the Company’s business may subject it to economic downturns in the states of Florida and Texas; the Company’s reliance on its call center; the Company’s cash flow may be insufficient to meet required payments of operating expenses, principal, interest and dividends; and tax law changes that may change the taxability of future income.

Sovran Self Storage, Inc. together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries and its consolidated joint ventures, to the extent appropriate in the applicable context, (the “Company,” “We,” “Our,” or “Sovran”) is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that acquires, owns and manages self-storage properties. We refer to the self-storage properties in which we have an ownership interest and are managed by us as “Properties.” We began operations on June 26, 1995. We were formed to continue the business of our predecessor company, which had engaged in the self-storage business since 1985. At December 31, 2011, we held ownership interests in and/or managed 435 Properties consisting of approximately 28.9 million net rentable square feet, situated in 25 states. Among our 435 self-storage properties are 25 properties that we manage for an unconsolidated joint venture of which we are a 20% owner, 20 properties that we manage for an unconsolidated joint venture of which we are a 15% owner, one property that we manage for a consolidated joint venture of which we have a 20% common ownership interest and a preferred interest, and nine properties that we manage and have no ownership interest. We believe we are the fifth largest operator of self-storage properties in the United States based on facilities owned and managed. Our Properties conduct business under the user-friendly name Uncle Bob’s Self-Storage^®.

We own an indirect interest in each of the Properties through a limited partnership (the “Partnership”). In total, we own a 98.8% economic interest in the Partnership and unaffiliated third parties own collectively a 1.2% limited partnership interest at December 31, 2011. We believe that this structure, commonly known as an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust (“UPREIT”), facilitates our ability to acquire properties by using units of the Partnership as currency. By utilizing interests in the Partnership as currency in facility acquisitions, we may partially defer the seller’s income tax liability which in turn may allow us to obtain more favorable pricing.

We were incorporated on April 19, 1995 under Maryland law. Our principal executive offices are located at 6467 Main Street, Williamsville, New York 14221, our telephone number is (716) 633-1850 and our web site is www.sovranss.com.

We seek to enhance shareholder value through internal growth and acquisition of additional storage properties. Internal growth is achieved through aggressive property management: increasing rents, increasing occupancy levels, controlling costs, maximizing collections, and strategically expanding and improving the Properties. Should economic conditions warrant, we may develop new properties. We believe that there continue to be opportunities for growth through acquisitions, and constantly seek to acquire self-storage properties that are susceptible to realization of increased economies of scale and enhanced performance through application of our expertise.

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Industry Overview

We believe that self-storage facilities offer inexpensive storage space to residential and commercial users. In addition to fully enclosed and secure storage space, many facilities also offer outside storage for automobiles, recreational vehicles and boats. Better facilities, such as those owned and/or managed by the Company, are usually fenced and well lighted with automated access systems, and surveillance cameras, and have a full-time manager. Our customers rent space on a month-to-month basis and typically have access to their storage space up to 15 hours a day and in certain circumstances are provided with 24-hour access. Individual storage spaces are secured by the customer’s lock, and the customer has sole control of access to the space.

According to the 2012 Self-Storage Almanac, of the approximately 50,000 facilities in the United States, approximately 11% are managed by the ten largest operators. The remainder of the industry is characterized by numerous small, local operators. The scarcity of capital available to small operators for acquisitions and expansions, internet marketing, and calls centers, and the potential for savings through economies of scale are factors that are leading to consolidation in the industry. We believe that, as a result of this trend, significant growth opportunities exist for operators with proven management systems and sufficient capital resources to grow either through acquisitions or third party management platforms.

Property Management

We have over 25 years experience managing self storage facilities and the combined experience of our key personnel has made us one of the leaders in the industry. All of our stores operate under the user-friendly name of Uncle Bob’s Self Storage^®, and we employ the following strategies with respect to our property management:

Our People:

We recognize the importance of quality people to the success of an organization. Our store personnel are held to high standards for customer service, store appearance, financial performance, and overall operations. They are supported with state of the art training tools including an online learning management system, a company intranet, and an extensive network of certified training personnel. Every store team also has frequent, and sometimes daily, interaction with an Area Manager, a Regional Vice President, an Accounting Representative, and other support personnel.

Training & Development:

Our employees benefit from a wide array of training and development opportunities. New store employees undergo a comprehensive, proprietary training program designed to drive sales and operational results while ensuring the delivery of quality customer service. Each new hire is assigned a Certified Training Manager as a mentor during their initial training period. To supplement their initial training, employees enjoy continuing edification, coaching, and performance feedback throughout their tenure.

All learning and development activities are facilitated through our online Learning and Performance Management System internally named eBOB. eBOB delivers and tracks hundreds of on-demand computer based training and compliance courses; it also administers tests, surveys, and the employee appraisal process. Sovran’s training and development program encompasses the tools and support we deem essential to the success of our employees and business.

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Marketing and Advertising:

We believe the avenues for attracting and capturing new customers have changed dramatically over the years. As such, we have implemented the following strategies to market our properties and increase profitability:

Ancillary Income:

We know that our 200,000 customers require more than just a storage space. With that in mind, we offer a wide range of other products and services that fulfill their needs while providing us ancillary income. Whereas our Uncle Bob’s trucks are available with no rental charge for new move-in customers, they are available for rent to non-customers and existing customers. We also rent moving dollies and blankets, and we carry a wide assortment of moving and packing supplies including boxes, tape, locks, and other essential items. For those customers who do not carry storage insurance, we make available renters insurance through a third party carrier, on which we earn a commission. We also earn incidental income from billboards and cell towers.

Information Systems:

Each of our primary business functions are linked through our customized computer applications. This system provides for a consistent, timely and accurate flow of information.

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Revenue Management:

Our proprietary revenue management system is constantly evolving through the efforts of our revenue management group and our partnership with Veritec Solutions. We have the ability to change pricing instantaneously for any one unit type, at any single location, based on occupancy, competition, and forecasted changes in demand. By analyzing current customer rent tenures, we are able to implement rental rate increases at optimal times to increase revenues. Advanced pricing analytics enable us to reduce the amount of concessions, attracting a more stable customer base and discouraging short term price shoppers. We believe this will lead to revenue growth.

Property Maintenance:

We take great pride in the appearance and structural integrity of our Properties. All of our Properties go through a thorough annual inspection performed by qualified Project Managers. Those inspections provide the basis for short and long term planned projects which are all performed under a standardized set of specifications. Routine maintenance such as landscaping, pest control, etc. is contracted through local providers who have a clear understanding of our standards. As with many other aspects of our Company, our size has allowed us to enjoy relatively low maintenance costs because we have the benefit of economies of scale in purchasing, travel, and overhead absorption. Further, we continually look to green alternatives and implement energy saving alternatives as new technology becomes available. Most recently we have begun installation of solar panels which are both environmentally friendly and have the potential to substantially reduce energy consumption (thereby reducing costs) in the buildings in which they are installed.

Environmental and Other Regulations

We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental regulations that apply generally to the ownership of real property. We have not received notice from any governmental authority or private party of any material environmental noncompliance, claim, or liability in connection with any of the Properties, and are not aware of any environmental condition with respect to any of the Properties that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

The Properties are also generally subject to the same types of local regulations governing other real property, including zoning ordinances. We believe that the Properties are in substantial compliance with all such regulations.

Insurance

Each of the Properties is covered by fire and property insurance (including comprehensive liability), and all-risk property insurance policies, which are provided by reputable companies and on commercially reasonable terms. In addition, we maintain a policy insuring against environmental liabilities resulting from tenant storage on terms customary for the industry, and title insurance insuring fee title to the Company-owned Properties in an amount that we believe to be adequate.

Federal Income Tax

We operate, and intend to continue to operate, in such a manner as to continue to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), but no assurance can be given that we will at all times so qualify. To the extent that we continue to qualify as a REIT, we will not be taxed, with certain limited exceptions, on the taxable income that is distributed to our shareholders. We have elected to treat certain of our subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries. In general, our taxable REIT subsidiaries may perform additional services for customers and generally may engage in certain real estate or non-real estate related business. Our taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to corporate federal and state income taxes. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—REIT Qualification and Distribution Requirements.”

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Competition

The primary factors upon which competition in the self-storage industry is based are location, rental rates, suitability of the property’s design to prospective customers’ needs, and the manner in which the property is operated and marketed. We believe we compete successfully on these bases. The extent of competition depends significantly on local market conditions. We seek to locate facilities in a manner in which we can increase market share while not adversely affecting any of our existing locations in that market. However, the number of self-storage facilities in a particular area could have a material adverse effect on the performance of any of the Properties.

Several of our competitors, including Public Storage and U-Haul, are larger and have substantially greater financial resources than we do. These larger operators may, among other possible advantages, be capable of greater leverage and the payment of higher prices for acquisitions.

Investment Policy

While we emphasize equity real estate investments, we may, at our discretion, invest in mortgage and other real estate interests related to self-storage properties in a manner consistent with our qualification as a REIT. We may also retain a purchase money mortgage for a portion of the sale price in connection with the disposition of Properties from time to time. Should investment opportunities become available, we may look to acquire self-storage properties via a joint-venture partnership or similar entity. We may or may not elect to have a significant investment in such a venture, but would use such an opportunity to expand our portfolio of branded and managed properties.

Subject to the percentage of ownership limitations and gross income tests necessary for REIT qualification, we also may invest in securities of entities engaged in real estate activities or securities of other issuers, including for the purpose of exercising control over such entities.

Disposition Policy

Any disposition decision of our Properties is based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the (i) potential to continue to increase cash flow and value, (ii) sale price, (iii) strategic fit with the rest of our portfolio, (iv) potential for, or existence of, environmental or regulatory issues, (v) alternative uses of capital, and (vi) maintaining qualification as a REIT.

Although we sold no stores in 2011, during 2010 we sold ten non-strategic storage facilities located in Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina and Virginia for net cash proceeds of $23.7 million resulting in a gain of $6.9 million. During 2009 we sold five non-strategic storage facilities located in Massachusetts, North Carolina and Pennsylvania for net cash proceeds of $16.3 million resulting in a loss of $1.6 million.

Distribution Policy

We intend to pay regular quarterly distributions to our shareholders. However, future distributions by us will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on the actual cash available for distribution, our financial condition and capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must make annual distributions to shareholders of at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which does not include capital gains). Under certain circumstances, we may be required to make distributions in excess of cash available for distribution in order to meet this requirement.

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On May 6, 2009, recognizing the need to maintain maximum financial flexibility in light of the current state of the capital markets, our Board of Directors reduced the quarterly common stock dividend from $0.64 per share to $0.45 per share, for an annual dividend rate of $1.80 per share.

Financing Policy

Our Board of Directors currently limits the amount of debt that may be incurred by us to less than 50% of the sum of the market value of our issued and outstanding Common and Preferred Stock plus our debt. We, however, may from time to time re-evaluate and modify our borrowing policy in light of then current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of properties, growth and acquisition opportunities and other factors. In addition to our Board of Directors’ debt limits, our most restrictive debt covenants limit our leverage. However, we believe cash flow from operations, access to the capital markets and access to our credit facility, as described below, are adequate to execute our current business plan and remain in compliance with our debt covenants.

We have a $175 million (expandable to $250 million) revolving line of credit bearing interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin based on the Company’s credit rating (at December 31, 2011 the margin was 2.0%). At December 31, 2011, there was $129 million available on the unsecured line of credit. The revolving line of credit has a maturity date of August 2016, but can be extended for 2 one year periods at the Company’s option with the payment of an extension fee equal to 0.125% of the total line of credit commitment.

The Company also has a continuous equity offering program (“Equity Program”) pursuant to which we may sell from time to time up to $125 million in aggregate offering price of shares of our common stock. During 2011 we issued 1.2 million shares under the Equity Program for net proceeds of approximately $46 million. Future sales under the Equity Program will depend on a variety of factors and conditions, including, but not limited to, market conditions, the trading price of the Company’s common stock, and determinations of the appropriate sources of funding for the Company. The Company expects to continue to offer, sell, and issue shares of common stock under the Equity Program from time to time based on various factors and conditions, although the Company is under no obligation to sell any shares under the Equity Program.

To the extent that we desire to obtain additional capital to pay distributions, to provide working capital, to pay existing indebtedness or to finance acquisitions, expansions or development of new properties, we may utilize amounts available under the line of credit, common or preferred stock offerings, floating or fixed rate debt financing, retention of cash flow (subject to satisfying our distribution requirements under the REIT rules) or a combination of these methods. Additional debt financing may also be obtained through mortgages on our Properties, which may be recourse, non-recourse, or cross-collateralized and may contain cross-default provisions. We have not established any limit on the number or amount of mortgages that may be placed on any single Property or on our portfolio as a whole, although certain of our existing term loans contain limits on overall mortgage indebtedness. For additional information regarding borrowings, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements filed herewith.

Employees

We currently employ a total of 1,164 employees, including 435 property managers, 28 area managers, and 538 associate managers and part-time employees. At our headquarters, in addition to our three senior executive officers, we employ 160 people engaged in various support activities, including accounting, human resources, customer care, and management information systems. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our employee relations to be excellent.

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Available Information

We file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission quarterly and annual reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, respectively, current reports on Form 8-K, and proxy statements pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in addition to other information as required. The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1 (800) SEC-0330. We file this information with the SEC electronically, and the SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports are available free of charge on our web site at http://www.sovranss.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. In addition, our codes of ethics and Charters of our Governance Committee, Audit Committee, and Compensation Committee are available free of charge on our website at http://www.sovranss.com.

Also, copies of our annual report and Charters of our Governance Committee, Audit Committee, and Compensation Committee will be made available, free of charge, upon written request to Sovran Self Storage, Inc., Attn: Investor Relations, 6467 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221.

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You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in or incorporated by reference into our Form 10-K, as part of your evaluation of the Company. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business could be harmed. In such case, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Our Acquisitions May Not Perform as Anticipated

We have completed many acquisitions of self-storage facilities since our initial public offering of common stock in June 1995. Our strategy is to continue to grow by acquiring additional self-storage facilities. Acquisitions entail risks that investments will fail to perform in accordance with our expectations and that our judgments with respect to the prices paid for acquired self-storage facilities and the costs of any improvements required to bring an acquired property up to standards established for the market position intended for that property will prove inaccurate. Acquisitions also involve general investment risks associated with any new real estate investment.

We May Incur Problems with Our Real Estate Financing

Unsecured Credit Facility and Term Notes. We have a line of credit and term note agreements with a syndicate of financial institutions and other lenders. This unsecured credit facility and the term notes are recourse to us and the required payments are not reduced if the economic performance of any of the properties declines. The unsecured credit facility limits our ability to make distributions to our shareholders, except in limited circumstances.

Rising Interest Rates. Indebtedness that we incur under the unsecured credit facility and bank term notes bear interest at a variable rate. Accordingly, increases in interest rates could increase our interest expense, which would reduce our cash available for distribution and our ability to pay expected distributions to our shareholders. We manage our exposure to rising interest rates using interest rate swaps and other available mechanisms. If the amount of our indebtedness bearing interest at a variable rate increases, our unsecured credit facility may require us to enter into additional interest rate swaps.

Refinancing May Not Be Available. It may be necessary for us to refinance our unsecured credit facility through additional debt financing or equity offerings. If we were unable to refinance this indebtedness on acceptable terms, we might be forced to dispose of some of our self-storage facilities upon disadvantageous terms, which might result in losses to us and might adversely affect the cash available for distribution. If prevailing interest rates or other factors at the time of refinancing result in higher interest rates on refinancings, our interest expense would increase, which would adversely affect our cash available for distribution and our ability to pay expected distributions to shareholders.

Covenants and Risk of Default. Our unsecured credit facility and term notes require us to operate within certain covenants, including financial covenants with respect to leverage, fixed charge coverage, minimum net worth, limitations on additional indebtedness and dividend limitations. If we violate any of these covenants or otherwise default under our unsecured credit facility or term notes, then our lenders could declare all indebtedness under these facilities to be immediately due and payable which would have a material adverse effect on our business and could require us to sell self-storage facilities under distress conditions and seek replacement financing on substantially more expensive terms.

Reduction in or Loss of Credit Rating. Certain of our debt instruments require us to maintain an investment grade rating from at least one and in some cases two debt ratings agencies. Should we fail to attain an investment grade rating from the agencies, the interest rate on our line of credit and $225 million of our bank term notes would increase by 0.25%, and the rate on our $150 million term note due 2016 and our $100 million term note due 2021 would increase by 1.750%.

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Our Debt Levels May Increase

Our Board of Directors currently has a policy of limiting the amount of our debt at the time of incurrence to less than 50% of the sum of the market value of our issued and outstanding common stock and preferred stock plus the amount of our debt at the time that debt is incurred. However, our organizational documents do not contain any limitation on the amount of indebtedness we might incur. Accordingly, our Board of Directors could alter or eliminate the current policy limitation on borrowing without a vote of our shareholders. We could become highly leveraged if this policy were changed. However, our ability to incur debt is limited by covenants in our bank credit arrangements.

We Are Subject to the Risks Posed by Fluctuating Demand and Significant Competition in the Self-Storage Industry

Our self-storage facilities are subject to all operating risks common to the self-storage industry. These risks include but are not limited to the following:

Our current strategy is to acquire interests only in self-storage facilities. Consequently, we are subject to risks inherent in investments in a single industry. Our self-storage facilities compete with other self-storage facilities in their geographic markets. As a result of competition, the self-storage facilities could experience a decrease in occupancy levels and rental rates, which would decrease our cash available for distribution. We compete in operations and for acquisition opportunities with companies that have substantial financial resources. Competition may reduce the number of suitable acquisition opportunities offered to us and increase the bargaining power of property owners seeking to sell. The self-storage industry has at times experienced overbuilding in response to perceived increases in demand. A recurrence of overbuilding might cause us to experience a decrease in occupancy levels, limit our ability to increase rents, and compel us to offer discounted rents.

Our Real Estate Investments Are Illiquid and Are Subject to Uninsurable Risks and Government Regulation

General Risks. Our investments are subject to varying degrees of risk generally related to the ownership of real property. The underlying value of our real estate investments and our income and ability to make distributions to our shareholders are dependent upon our ability to operate the self-storage facilities in a manner sufficient to maintain or increase cash available for distribution. Income from our self-storage facilities may be adversely affected by the following factors:

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Illiquidity of Real Estate May Limit its Value. Real estate investments are relatively illiquid. Our ability to vary our portfolio of self-storage facilities in response to changes in economic and other conditions is limited. In addition, provisions of the Code may limit our ability to profit on the sale of self-storage facilities held for fewer than two years. We may be unable to dispose of a facility when we find disposition advantageous or necessary and the sale price of any disposition may not equal or exceed the amount of our investment.

Uninsured and Underinsured Losses Could Reduce the Value of our Self Storage Facilities. Some losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, that we potentially face with respect to our self-storage facilities may be uninsurable or not insurable at an acceptable cost. Our management uses its discretion in determining amounts, coverage limits and deductibility provisions of insurance, with a view to acquiring appropriate insurance on our investments at a reasonable cost and on suitable terms. These decisions may result in insurance coverage that, in the event of a substantial loss, would not be sufficient to pay the full current market value or current replacement cost of our lost investment. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations, and other factors also might make it infeasible to use insurance proceeds to replace a property after it has been damaged or destroyed. Under those circumstances, the insurance proceeds received by us might not be adequate to restore our economic position with respect to a particular property.

Possible Liability Relating to Environmental Matters. Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on, under, or in that property. Those laws often impose liability even if the owner or operator did not cause or know of the presence of hazardous or toxic substances and even if the storage of those substances was in violation of a customer’s lease. In addition, the presence of hazardous or toxic substances, or the failure of the owner to address their presence on the property, may adversely affect the owner’s ability to borrow using that real property as collateral. In connection with the ownership of the self-storage facilities, we may be potentially liable for any of those costs.

Americans with Disabilities Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or ADA, generally requires that buildings be made accessible to persons with disabilities. A determination that we are not in compliance with the ADA could result in imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants. If we were required to make modifications to comply with the ADA, our results of operations and ability to make expected distributions to our shareholders could be adversely affected.

There Are Limitations on the Ability to Change Control of Sovran

Limitation on Ownership and Transfer of Shares. To maintain our qualification as a REIT, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding shares of stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals, as defined in the Code. To limit the possibility that we will fail to qualify as a REIT under this test, our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation include ownership limits and transfer restrictions on shares of our stock. Our Articles of Incorporation limit ownership of our issued and outstanding stock by any single shareholder to 9.8% of the aggregate value of our outstanding stock, except that the ownership by some of our shareholders is limited to 15%.

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These ownership limits may:

Our Board of Directors may waive the ownership limits if it is satisfied that ownership by those shareholders in excess of those limits will not jeopardize our status as a REIT under the Code or in the event it determines that it is no longer in our best interests to be a REIT. Waivers have been granted to the former holders of our Series C preferred stock, FMR Corporation, Cohen & Steers, Inc. and Invesco Advisers, Inc. A transfer of our common stock and/or preferred stock to a person who, as a result of the transfer, violates the ownership limits may not be effective under some circumstances.

Other Limitations. Other limitations could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction in which holders of some, or a majority, of our outstanding common stock might receive a premium for their shares of our common stock that exceeds the then prevailing market price or that those holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interest. The issuance of additional shares of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of Sovran even if a change in control were in the shareholders’ interest. In addition, the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, imposes restrictions and requires specific procedures with respect to the acquisition of stated levels of share ownership and business combinations, including combinations with interested shareholders. These provisions of the MGCL could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of Sovran even if a change in control were in the shareholders’ interest. Waivers and exemptions have been granted to the initial purchasers of our former Series C preferred stock in connection with these provisions of the MGCL. In addition, under the Partnership’s agreement of limited partnership, in general, we may not merge, consolidate or engage in any combination with another person or sell all or substantially all of our assets unless that transaction includes the merger or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, which requires the approval of the holders of 75% of the limited partnership interests thereof. If we were to own less than 75% of the limited partnership interests in the Partnership, this provision of the limited partnership agreement could have the effect of delaying or preventing us from engaging in some change of control transactions.

Our Failure to Qualify as a REIT Would Have Adverse Consequences

We intend to operate in a manner that will permit us to qualify as a REIT under the Code. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. Continued qualification as a REIT depends upon our continuing ability to meet various requirements concerning, among other things, the ownership of our outstanding stock, the nature of our assets, the sources of our income and the amount of our distributions to our shareholders.

If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to shareholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Unless entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we also would be ineligible for qualification as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which our qualification was lost. As a result, distributions to the shareholders would be reduced for each of the years involved. Although we currently intend to operate in a manner designed to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that future economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations may cause our Board of Directors to revoke our REIT election.

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We May Pay Some Taxes, Reducing Cash Available for Shareholders

Even if we qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we are required to pay some federal, state and local taxes on our income and property. Certain of our corporate subsidiaries have elected to be treated as “taxable REIT subsidiaries” of the Company for federal income tax purposes. A taxable REIT subsidiary is taxable as a regular corporation and is limited in its ability to deduct interest payments made to us in excess of a certain amount. In addition, if we receive or accrue certain amounts and the underlying economic arrangements among our taxable REIT subsidiaries and us are not comparable to similar arrangements among unrelated parties, we will be subject to a 100% penalty tax on those payments in excess of amounts deemed reasonable between unrelated parties. Finally, some state and local jurisdictions may tax some of our income even though as a REIT we are not subject to federal income tax on that income because not all states and localities follow the federal income tax treatment of REITs. To the extent that the Company or any taxable REIT subsidiary is required to pay federal, foreign, state or local taxes, we will have less cash available for distribution to shareholders.

We May Change the Dividend Policy for Our Common Stock in the Future

In 2011, our board of directors authorized and we declared quarterly common stock dividends of $0.45 per share in January, April, July and October, the equivalent of an annual rate of $1.80 per share. In addition, our board of directors authorized and we declared a quarterly common stock dividend to $0.45 per share in January 2012. We can provide no assurance that our board will not reduce or eliminate entirely dividend distributions on our common stock in the future.

Our board of directors will continue to evaluate our distribution policy on a quarterly basis as they monitor the capital markets and the impact of the economy on our operations. The decisions to authorize and pay dividends on our common stock in the future, as well as the timing, amount and composition of any such future dividends, will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors in light of conditions then existing, including our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, debt maturities, the availability of capital, applicable REIT and legal restrictions and the general overall economic conditions and other factors. Any change in our dividend policy could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

Market Interest Rates May Influence the Price of Our Common Stock

One of the factors that may influence the price of our common stock in public trading markets or in private transactions is the annual yield on our common stock as compared to yields on other financial instruments. An increase in market interest rates will result in higher yields on other financial instruments, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

Regional Concentration of Our Business May Subject Us to Economic Downturns in the States of Texas and Florida

As of December 31, 2011, 171 of our 435 self-storage facilities are located in the states of Texas and Florida. For the year ended December 31, 2011, these facilities accounted for approximately 40% of store revenues. This concentration of business in Texas and Florida exposes us to potential losses resulting from a downturn in the economies of those states. If economic conditions in those states continue to deteriorate, we will experience a reduction in existing and new business, which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in Taxation of Corporate Dividends May Adversely Affect the Value of Our Common Stock

The maximum marginal rate of tax payable by domestic noncorporate taxpayers on dividends received from a regular “C” corporation under current federal law is 15% through 2012, as opposed to higher ordinary income rates. The reduced tax rate, however, does not apply to distributions paid to domestic noncorporate taxpayers by a REIT on its stock, except for certain limited amounts. The earnings of a REIT that are distributed to its

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stockholders generally remain subject to less federal income taxation than earnings of a non-REIT “C” corporation that are distributed to its stockholders net of corporate-level income tax. However, the lower rate of taxation to dividends paid through 2012 by regular “C” corporations could cause domestic noncorporate investors to view the stock of regular “C” corporations as more attractive relative to the stock of a REIT, because the dividends from regular “C” corporations continue to be taxed at a lower rate while distributions from REITs (other than distributions designated as capital gain dividends) are generally taxed at the same rate as other ordinary income for domestic noncorporate taxpayers. The maximum rate for domestic noncorporate taxpayers will increase in 2013 unless current tax laws are changed.

None.

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At December 31, 2011, we held ownership interests in and/or managed a total of 435 Properties situated in twenty-five states. Among our 435 self-storage properties are 25 properties that we manage for an unconsolidated joint venture of which we are a 20% owner, 20 properties that we manage for an unconsolidated joint venture of which we are a 15% owner, one property that we manage for a consolidated joint venture of which we have a 20% common ownership interest and a preferred interest, and nine properties that we manage and have no ownership interest.

Our self-storage facilities offer inexpensive, easily accessible, enclosed storage space to residential and commercial users on a month-to-month basis. Most of our Properties are fenced and well lighted with automated access systems and surveillance cameras. A majority of the Properties are single-story, thereby providing customers with the convenience of direct vehicle access to their storage spaces. Our stores range in size from 23,000 to 181,000 net rentable square feet, with an average of approximately 66,000 net rentable square feet. The Properties generally are constructed of masonry or steel walls resting on concrete slabs and have standing seam metal, shingle, or tar and gravel roofs. All Properties have a property manager on-site during business hours. Generally, customers have access to their storage space up to 15 hours a day, and some customers are provided 24-hour access. Individual storage spaces are secured by a lock furnished by the customer to provide the customer with control of access to the space.

All of the Properties conduct business under the user-friendly name Uncle Bob’s Self-Storage ^®.

The following table provides certain information regarding the Properties in which we have an ownership interest and manage as of December 31, 2011:

At December 31, 2011, the Properties had an average occupancy of 80.7% and an annualized rent per occupied square foot of $10.89.

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In the normal course of business, we are subject to various claims and litigation. While the outcome of any litigation is inherently unpredictable, we do not believe that any matters currently pending against the Company will have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Not Applicable

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Part II

Our Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SSS.” Set forth below are the high and low sales prices for our Common Stock for each full quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years.

As of February 15, 2012, there were approximately 1,144 holders of record of our Common Stock.

We have paid quarterly dividends to our shareholders since our inception. Reflected in the table below are the dividends paid in the last two years.

For federal income tax purposes, distributions to shareholders are treated as ordinary income, capital gain, return of capital or a combination thereof. Distributions to shareholders for 2011 represent 78% ordinary income, 3% capital gain, and 19% return of capital.

History of Dividends Declared on Common Stock

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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2011, with respect to equity compensation plans under which shares of the Company’s Common Stock may be issued.

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CORPORATE PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following chart and line-graph presentation compares (i) the Company’s shareholder return on an indexed basis since December 31, 2006 with (ii) the S&P Stock Index and (iii) the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Equity Index.

CUMULATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN

SOVRAN SELF STORAGE, INC.

DECEMBER 31, 2006—DECEMBER 31, 2011

The foregoing item assumes $100.00 invested on December 31, 2006, with dividends reinvested.

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The following selected financial and operating information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

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The following discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

When used in this discussion and elsewhere in this document, the words “intends,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” and similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of competition from new self-storage facilities, which would cause rents and occupancy rates to decline; the Company’s ability to evaluate, finance and integrate acquired businesses into the Company’s existing business and operations; the Company’s ability to effectively compete in the industry in which it does business; the Company’s existing indebtedness may mature in an unfavorable credit environment, preventing refinancing or forcing refinancing of the indebtedness on terms that are not as favorable as the existing terms; interest rates may fluctuate, impacting costs associated with the Company’s outstanding floating rate debt; the Company’s ability to comply with debt covenants; any future ratings on the Company’s debt instruments; the regional concentration of the Company’s business may subject it to economic downturns in the states of Florida and Texas; the Company’s reliance on its call center; the Company’s cash flow may be insufficient to meet required payments of operating expenses, principal, interest and dividends; and tax law changes that may change the taxability of future income.

Business and Overview

We believe we are the fifth largest operator of self-storage properties in the United States based on facilities owned and managed. All of our stores are operated under the user-friendly name “Uncle Bob’s Self-Storage”^®.

Operating Strategy

Our operating strategy is designed to generate growth and enhance value by:

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Supply and Demand / Operating Trends

We believe the supply and demand model in the self-storage industry is micro market specific in that a majority of our business comes from within a five mile radius of our stores. The recent economic conditions and the credit market environment have resulted in a decrease in new supply on a national basis in the last four years. With the recent loosening of the debt and equity markets, we have seen capitalization rates on quality acquisitions (expected annual return on investment) decrease from approximately 7.25% to 6.75%.

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We believe our industry has weathered the recent recession very well. Although our industry experienced softness in 2008 through 2011, our same store sales showed positive increases save for 2009, when we showed a 3.1% decrease in same store revenue. That was the first time in recent history that we recorded lower same store sales. We feel our recent performance further supports the notion that the self-storage industry holds up well through recessions.

We believe our same-store move-ins in 2011 were lower than 2010 for several reasons. The first being reduced upfront special promotions in 2011 as compared to 2010. The aggressive upfront concessions offered in 2010 resulted in short term customers taking advantage of the special, which resulted in a higher turnover rate in 2010. Second, the housing slowdown has impacted our industry by 1) a reduction in lease-up activity resulting from fewer residential real estate transactions (both buyers and sellers of residences use our product in times of transition) and 2) a contraction of housing construction activity which has reduced the number of people working in the construction trades (trades people are a measurable part of our usual customer base.)

We expect conditions in most of our markets to continue the recovery that we saw in 2011 and are forecasting 2% to 4% revenue growth on a same store basis in 2012.

We were able to maintain relatively flat expenses at the store operating level from 2009 through 2011. Expenses related to operating a self-storage facility had increased substantially over the previous five years as a result of expanded hours, increased health care costs, property insurance costs, and the costs of amenities (such as Uncle Bob’s trucks). While we do expect some store expense growth in 2012, we do believe the expense increases will be at a manageable level of between 2% and 4%.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and the accompanying notes. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to carrying values of storage facilities, bad debts, and contingencies and litigation. We base these estimates on experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Carrying value of storage facilities: We believe our judgment regarding the impairment of the carrying value of our storage facilities is a critical accounting policy. Our policy is to assess any impairment of value whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a storage facility may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances would include negative operating cash flow, significant declining revenue per storage facility, or an expectation that, more likely than not, a property will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Impairment is evaluated based upon comparing the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying value of the storage facility, on a property by property basis. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. If cash flow projections are inaccurate and in the future it is determined that storage facility carrying values are not recoverable, impairment charges may be required at that time and could materially affect our operating results and financial position. Estimates of undiscounted cash flows could change based upon changes in market conditions, expected occupancy rates, etc. During 2011 we recorded an impairment charge at one of our stores as of a result of a structural deficiency that we have decided to address by demolishing the buildings in 2012. See further discussion in the analysis of the 2011 results compared to 2010 that follows. No assets had been determined to be impaired under this policy in 2010.

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Estimated useful lives of long-lived assets: We believe that the estimated lives used for our depreciable, long-lived assets is a critical accounting policy. We periodically evaluate the estimated useful lives of our long-lived assets to determine if any changes are warranted based upon various factors, including changes in the planned usage of the assets, customer demand, etc. Changes in estimated useful lives of these assets could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations. We have not made significant changes to the estimated useful lives of our long-lived assets in the past and we don’t have any current expectation of making significant changes in 2012.

Consolidation and investment in joint ventures: We consolidate all wholly owned subsidiaries. Partially owned subsidiaries and joint ventures are consolidated when we control the entity or have the power to direct the activities most significant to the economic performance of the entity. Investments in joint ventures that we do not control but for which we have significant influence over are reported using the equity method. Under the equity method, our investment in joint ventures are stated at cost and adjusted for our share of net earnings or losses and reduced by distributions. Equity in earnings of real estate ventures is generally recognized based on our ownership interest in the earnings of each of the unconsolidated real estate ventures.

Revenue and Expense Recognition: Rental income is recognized when earned pursuant to month-to-month leases for storage space. Promotional discounts are recognized as a reduction to rental income over the promotional period, which is generally during the first month of occupancy. Rental income received prior to the start of the rental period is included in deferred revenue.

Qualification as a REIT: We operate, and intend to continue to operate, as a REIT under the Code, but no assurance can be given that we will at all times so qualify. To the extent that we continue to qualify as a REIT, we will not be taxed, with certain limited exceptions, on the taxable income that is distributed to our shareholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, any requirement to pay federal income taxes could have a material adverse impact on our financial conditions and results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011 the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 represents the converged guidance of the FASB and the IASB (the “Boards”) on fair value measurements. The collective efforts of the Boards and their staffs, reflected in ASU 2011-04, have resulted in common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements, including a consistent meaning of the term “fair value.” The Boards have concluded the common requirements will result in greater comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP and IFRS. The amendments in this ASU are required to be applied prospectively, and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company does not expect that the adoption of ASU 2011-04 will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) – Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” The amendment eliminates the option to present other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. The amendment requires all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendment, which must be applied retrospectively, is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2011-05 in 2011 and has included a separate consolidated statement of comprehensive income in its financial statements.

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YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

We recorded rental revenues of $198.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $15.3 million or 8.4% when compared to 2010 rental revenues of $182.9 million. Of the increase in rental revenue, $6.4 million resulted from a 3.5% increase in rental revenues at the 344 core properties considered in same store sales (those properties included in the consolidated results of operations since January 1, 2010). The increase in same store rental revenues was a result of a 3% increase in average rental income per square foot as a result of our reduced use of move-in incentives. Average occupancy in 2011 was essentially flat to 2010. The remaining increase in rental revenue of $8.9 million resulted from the continued lease-up of our Richmond, Virginia property constructed in 2009 and the revenues from the acquisition of 36 properties completed since January 1, 2010. Other operating income, which includes merchandise sales, insurance commissions, truck rentals, management fees and acquisition fees, increased by $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 2010 primarily as a result of increased commissions earned on customer insurance and from fees for managing the properties in the new joint venture which began operations in July 2011. We also earned a $0.7 million acquisition fee from the new joint venture in 2011.

Property operations and maintenance expenses increased $3.1 million or 5.9% in 2011 compared to 2010. $0.3 million of the increase resulted from increases in personnel and maintenance at the 344 core properties considered in same store pool. The remaining increase in operating expenses of $2.8 million resulted from the 36 properties acquired since January 1, 2010. Real estate tax expense increased $1.3 million as a result of 1.7% increase in property taxes on the 344 same store pool and the inclusion of taxes on the properties acquired in 2010 and 2011.

Net operating income increased $14.7 million or 12.1% as a result of a 6.2% increase in our same store net operating income and the acquisitions completed since January 1, 2010.

Net operating income or “NOI” is a non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) financial measure that we define as total continuing revenues less continuing property operating expenses. NOI also can be calculated by adding back to net income: interest expense, amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, impairment and casualty losses, depreciation and amortization expense, acquisition related costs, general and administrative expense, and deducting from net income: income from discontinued operations, interest income, gain on sale of real estate, and equity in income of joint ventures. We believe that NOI is a meaningful measure of operating performance, because we utilize NOI in making decisions with respect to capital allocations, in determining current property values, and comparing period-to-period and market-to-market property operating results. NOI should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP, such as total revenues, operating income and net income. There are material limitations to using a measure such as NOI, including the difficulty associated with comparing results among more than one company and the inability to analyze certain significant items, including depreciation and interest expense, that directly affect our net income. We compensate for these limitations by considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently as well as in connection with our analysis of net income. The following table reconciles NOI generated by our self-storage facilities to our net income presented in the December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 consolidated financial statements.

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Our 2011 same store results consist of only those properties that were included in our consolidated results since January 1, 2010, excluding the one property we developed in 2009. The following table sets forth operating data for our 344 same store properties. These results provide information relating to property operating changes without the effects of acquisition.

Same Store Summary

General and administrative expenses increased $4.9 million or 23.3% from 2010 to 2011. The key drivers of the increase were a $2.2 million increase in salaries and performance incentives, $0.8 million increase in internet advertising, and a $1.1 million increase in costs associated with training and onboarding new owned and/or managed stores.

Acquisition related costs increased by $2.5 million as a result of the 29 stores acquired in 2011 compared to seven stores acquired in 2010.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $36.6 million in 2011 from $32.9 million in 2010, primarily as a result of depreciation on the 36 properties acquired in 2010 and 2011.

The impairment charge related to a building that was determined to have a structural deficiency in 2011. A decision was made to demolish and rebuild this building in 2012, and we have written off the value of the building.

Interest expense increased from $31.7 million in 2010 to $38.5 million in 2011 mainly due to the $5.5 million that was paid to terminate two interest rate swap agreements related to the $150 million term note that was repaid as part of our debt refinancing in August 2011.

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The casualty loss recorded in 2011 relates to insurance proceeds received that were less than the carrying value of two buildings damaged by fire.

During 2011, we sold three parcels of land to various municipalities for their use as part of road widening projects for net cash proceeds of $2.0 million resulting in a gain on sale of $1.5 million.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest decreased from $1.9 million in 2010 to $0.9 million in 2011 as a result of our May 2011 additional investment in Locke Sovran II, LLC in which we purchased the remaining noncontrolling interest in that entity, and as a result of our lower net income.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009

We recorded rental revenues of $182.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, a decrease of $0.2 million or 0.1% when compared to 2009 rental revenues of $183.1 million. Of the decrease in rental revenue, $0.4 million resulted from a 0.2% decrease in rental revenues at the 344 core properties considered in same store sales (those properties included in the consolidated results of operations since January 1, 2009). The decrease in same store rental revenues was a result of a small decrease in average rental income per square foot as a result of our continued use of move-in incentives to attract customers. Average occupancy in 2010 was essentially flat to 2009. The decrease in same store rental income was offset by a $0.2 million increase in rental revenues resulting from the continued lease-up of our Richmond Virginia property constructed in 2009 and the few days of revenues from the acquisition of seven properties completed in late December 2010. Other income, which includes merchandise sales, insurance commissions, truck rentals, management fees and acquisition fees, increased in 2010 primarily as a result of $1.0 million increase in commissions earned from our customer insurance program.

Property operations and maintenance expenses increased $1.1 million or 2.2%, in 2010 compared to 2009. The increase resulted mostly from higher health insurance costs and repairs and maintenance expense, as other property expenses were kept at or below 2009 levels. Real estate tax expense decreased $0.3 million as a result of assessment reductions and municipalities holding property tax rates steady. We expect same-store operating costs to increase moderately in 2011 with increases primarily attributable to employee costs, utilities, and property taxes.

Net operating income increased $0.2 million or 0.2% as a result of the seven stores acquired in late 2010 as same store net operating income was flat.

Our 2010 same store results consist of only those properties that were included in our consolidated results since January 1, 2009, excluding the one property we developed in 2009. The following table sets forth operating data for our 344 same store properties. These results provide information relating to property operating changes without the effects of acquisition.

Same Store Summary

General and administrative expenses increased $2.4 million or 13.0% from 2009 to 2010. The key drivers of the increase were a $1.3 million increase in salaries and performance incentives, $0.5 million increase in health insurance costs, $0.4 million increase in internet advertising, and a $0.2 increase in tax expense related to our taxable REIT subsidiary.

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Acquisition related costs increased by $0.8 million as a result of the seven stores acquired in 2010 compared with no stores acquired in 2009.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $32.9 million in 2010 from $32.7 million in 2009, primarily as a result of a full year of depreciation on the Virginia property constructed in 2009, and the depreciation on the expansions completed at existing stores.

Interest expense decreased from $50.1 million in 2009 to $31.7 million in 2010 as a result of the following factors:

The casualty loss recorded in 2009 relates to insurance proceeds received that were less than the carrying value of a building damaged by a fire at one of our facilities.

During 2009, we sold a parcel of land to the State of Georgia Department of Transportation for their use as part of a road widening project for net cash proceeds of $1.1 million resulting in a gain on sale of $1.1 million.

As described in Note 5 to the financial statements, during 2010 the Company sold ten non-strategic storage facilities for net cash proceeds of $23.7 million resulting in a gain of $6.9 million. During 2009 the Company sold five non-strategic storage facilities for net cash proceeds of $16.3 million resulting in a loss of $1.6 million. The 2010 and 2009 operations of these facilities and the loss/gain associated with the disposal are reported in income from discontinued operations for all periods presented.

FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS

We believe that Funds from Operations (“FFO”) provides relevant and meaningful information about our operating performance that is necessary, along with net earnings and cash flows, for an understanding of our operating results. FFO adds back historical cost depreciation, which assumes the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably in the future. In fact, real estate asset values increase or decrease with market conditions. Consequently, we believe FFO is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating our operating performance by disregarding (or adding back) historical cost depreciation.

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FFO is defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. (“NAREIT”) as net income available to common shareholders computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), excluding gains or losses on sales of properties, plus impairment of real estate assets, plus depreciation and amortization and after adjustments to record unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures on the same basis. We believe that to further understand our performance, FFO should be compared with our reported net income and cash flows in accordance with GAAP, as presented in our consolidated financial statements.

In October and November of 2011, NAREIT issued guidance for reporting FFO that reaffirmed NAREIT’s view that impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate should be excluded from the computation of FFO. This view is based on the fact that impairment write-downs are akin to and effectively reflect the early recognition of losses on prospective sales of depreciable property or represent adjustments of previously charged depreciation. Since depreciation of real estate and gains/losses from sales are excluded from FFO, it is NAREIT’s view that it is consistent and appropriate for write-downs of depreciable real estate to also be excluded. Our calculation of FFO excludes impairment write-downs of investments in storage facilities.

Our computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or real estate companies that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indication of our performance, as an alternative to net cash flows from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our liquidity, or as an indicator of our ability to make cash distributions.

Reconciliation of Net Income to Funds From Operations

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our line of credit and term notes require us to meet certain financial covenants measured on a quarterly basis, including prescribed leverage, fixed charge coverage, minimum net worth, limitations on additional indebtedness, and limitations on dividend payouts. At December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. The most sensitive covenant is the leverage ratio covenant contained in certain of our term note agreements. This covenant limits our total consolidated liabilities to 55% of our gross asset value. At December 31, 2011, our leverage ratio as defined in the agreements was approximately 44.9%. The agreements define total consolidated liabilities to include the liabilities of the Company plus our share of liabilities of unconsolidated joint ventures. The agreements also define a prescribed formula for determining gross asset value which incorporates the use of a 9.25% capitalization rate applied to annualized earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and other items (“Adjusted EBITDA”) as defined in the agreements. In 2009, the Company had violated the leverage ratio covenant contained in the line of credit and term note agreements and obtained a waiver of the violation. The fees paid to obtain the waiver were approximately $0.9 million and are included in interest expense in 2009. In the event that the Company violates debt covenants in the future, the amounts due under the agreements could be callable by the lenders. We believe that if operating results remain consistent with historical levels and levels of other debt and liabilities remain consistent with amounts outstanding at December 31, 2011, the entire availability under our line of credit could be drawn without violating our debt covenants.

Our ability to retain cash flow is limited because we operate as a REIT. In order to maintain our REIT status, a substantial portion of our operating cash flow must be used to pay dividends to our shareholders. We believe that our internally generated net cash provided by operating activities and the availability on our line of credit will be sufficient to fund ongoing operations, capital improvements, dividends and debt service requirements through September 2013, at which time $100 million of term notes mature.

Cash flows from operating activities were $80.3 million, $73.7 million and $59.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The increase in operating cash flows from 2010 to 2011 was primarily due to an increase in accounts payable and other liabilities. The increase in operating cash flows from 2009 to 2010 was primarily due to an increase in net income as a result of reduced interest expense.

Cash used in investing activities was $190.3 million, $32.6 million, and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 respectively. The increase in cash used from 2010 to 2011 was due to the purchase of 29 storage facilities in 2011 for $150.4 million and the $13.6 million investment in the new unconsolidated joint venture entered in 2011. The increase in cash used from 2009 to 2010 was due to the purchase of seven storage facilities in 2010 for $34.7 million. No facilities were purchased in 2009. In addition, the proceeds from the sale of the ten stores in 2010 of $23.7 million exceeded the proceeds from the five stores sold in 2009 of $16.3 million.

Cash provided by financing activities was $111.5 million in 2011, compared to cash used in financing activities of $46.0 million in 2010 and $48.5 million in 2009. In 2011, we realized $47.0 million from the sale of our common stock through our at the market equity offering and $211.0 million in proceeds, net of repayments, from our new credit agreements to fund our acquisitions, joint venture activity and mortgage payoffs of $77.0 million. In 2010, our financing activities were generally limited to a net $10.0 million draw on our line of credit as well as our recurring dividends, distributions, and mortgage principal payments. In 2009, we used our operating cash flow and the proceeds from our common stock offering to make net repayments of $14.0 million on our line of credit, to repay $100 million of term notes, and to make $28.0 million in mortgage principal payments.

On August 5, 2011, we entered into agreements relating to new unsecured credit arrangements, and received funds under those arrangements. As part of the agreements, we entered into a $125 million unsecured term note maturing in August 2018 bearing interest at LIBOR plus a margin based on the Company’s credit rating (at December 31, 2011 the margin is 2.0%). The agreements also provide for a $175 million (expandable to $250 million) revolving line of credit bearing interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin based on the Company’s credit rating (at December 31, 2011 the margin is 2.0%), and requires a 0.20% facility fee. The interest rate at December 31, 2011 on the Company’s available line of credit was approximately 2.28% (1.64% at December 31, 2010). The proceeds from this term note and draws on the new line of credit were used to repay the Company’s

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previous line of credit and the Company’s $150 million bank term note that was to mature June 2012. At December 31, 2011, there was $129 million available on the unsecured line of credit without considering the additional availability under the expansion feature. The revolving line of credit has a maturity date of August 2016, but can be extended for 2 one year periods at the Company’s option with the payment of an extension fee equal to 0.125% of the total line of credit commitment.

In addition, on August 5, 2011, we secured an additional $100 million term note with a delayed draw feature that was used to fund the Company’s mortgage maturities in December 2011. The delayed draw term note matures August 2018 and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin based on the Company’s credit rating (at December 31, 2011 the margin is 2.0%).

On August 5, 2011, we also entered into a $100 million term note maturing August 2021 bearing interest at a fixed rate of 5.54%. The interest rate on the term note increases to 7.29% if the notes are not rated by at least one rating agency, the credit rating on the notes is downgraded or if the Company’s credit rating is downgraded. The proceeds from this term note were used to fund acquisitions and investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.

We also maintain an $80 million term note maturing September 2013 bearing interest at a fixed rate of 6.26%, a $20 million term note maturing September 2013 bearing interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.50%, and a $150 million unsecured term note maturing in April 2016 bearing interest at 6.38%. The interest rate on the $150 million unsecured term note increases to 8.13% if the notes are not rated by at least one rating agency, the credit rating on the notes is downgraded or the Company’s credit rating is downgraded.

The line of credit and term notes require us to meet certain financial covenants, measured on a quarterly basis, including prescribed leverage, fixed charge coverage, minimum net worth, limitations on additional indebtedness and limitations on dividend payouts. At December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants.

Our line of credit facility and term notes have an investment grade rating from Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Ratings (BBB-). In May 2009, due to our debt covenant violation and operating trends, Fitch Ratings downgraded the Company’s rating on its revolving credit facility and term notes to non-investment grade (BB+). As a result of our common stock offering in October 2009 and the use of proceeds to repay $100 million of term notes, Fitch Ratings upgraded our rating on our line of credit and term notes again to investment grade (BBB-).

In addition to the unsecured financing mentioned above, our consolidated financial statements also include $4.4 million of mortgages payable that are secured by three storage facilities.

On September 14, 2011, the Company entered into a continuous equity offering program (“Equity Program”) with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (“Wells Fargo”), pursuant to which the Company may sell from time to time up to $125 million in aggregate offering price of shares of the Company’s common stock. Actual sales under the Equity Program will depend on a variety of factors and conditions, including, but not limited to, market conditions, the trading price of the Company’s common stock, and determinations of the appropriate sources of funding for the Company. The Company expects to continue to offer, sell, and issue shares of common stock under the Equity Program from time to time based on various factors and conditions, although the Company is under no obligation to sell any shares under the Equity Program.

During 2011, the Company issued 1,166,875 shares of common stock under the Equity Program at a weighted average issue price of $40.59 per share, generating net proceeds of $46.4 million after deducting $0.9 million of sales commissions payable to Wells Fargo. In addition to sales commissions paid to Wells Fargo, the Company incurred expenses of $0.4 million in connection with the Equity Program during 2011. The Company used the proceeds from the Equity Program to reduce the outstanding balance under the Company’s revolving line of credit. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $77.6 million available for issuance under the Equity Program.

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On October 5, 2009, the Company completed the public offering of 4,025,000 shares of its common stock at $29.75 per share. Net proceeds to the Company after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses were approximately $114.0 million. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to repay $100 million of the Company’s unsecured term note due June 2012 and to terminate two interest rate swaps relating to the debt repaid at a cost of $8.4 million. The Company used the remaining proceeds along with operating cash flows to payoff a maturing mortgage in December 2009 of $26.1 million.

Our Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan was suspended in November 2009, and therefore we did not issue any shares under this plan in 2011. During 2009, we issued approximately 1.4 million shares via our Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and the Employee Stock Option Plan. We received $32.6 million from the sale of such shares. We expect to reinstate our dividend reinvestment plan in 2012.

During 2011 and 2010, we did not acquire any shares of our common stock via the Share Repurchase Program authorized by the Board of Directors. From the inception of the Share Repurchase Program through December 31, 2011, we have reacquired a total of 1,171,886 shares pursuant to this program. From time to time, subject to market price and certain loan covenants, we may reacquire additional shares.

Future acquisitions, our expansion and enhancement program, and share repurchases are expected to be funded with draws on our line of credit, issuance of common and preferred stock, the issuance of unsecured term notes, sale of properties, and private placement solicitation of joint venture equity. Should the capital markets deteriorate, we may have to curtail acquisitions, our expansion and enhancement program, and share repurchases as we approach September 2013, when certain term notes mature.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The following table summarizes our future contractual obligations:

Interest payments include actual interest on fixed rate debt and estimated interest for floating-rate debt based on December 31, 2011 rates. Interest rate swap payments include net settlements of swap liabilities based on forecasted variable rates.

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ACQUISITION OF PROPERTIES

In 2011, we acquired 29 self storage facilities comprising 2.0 million square feet in New Jersey (3), Florida (1), Georgia (1), Missouri (1), Texas (22), and Virginia (1) for a total purchase price of $155.1 million. Based on the trailing financials of the entities from which the properties were acquired, the weighted average capitalization rate was 7.6% on these purchases and ranged from 5.3% to 8.4%. During 2010, we used the proceeds from the sale of the ten Properties and borrowings pursuant to our line of credit to acquire seven Properties in North Carolina comprising 0.5 million square feet from unaffiliated storage operators. We acquired no properties in 2009.

FUTURE ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Our external growth strategy is to increase the number of facilities we own by acquiring suitable facilities in markets in which we already have operations, or to expand into new markets by acquiring several facilities at once in those new markets. We are actively pursuing acquisitions in 2012 and at December 31, 2011 we had 10 properties under contract to be purchased by the joint venture we entered in 2011 in which we have a 15% ownership. The properties were acquired by the joint venture in February 2012 for $29 million and the Company’s capital contribution was approximately $4.3 million.

In 2011, we added 118,000 square feet to existing Properties, and converted 2,000 square feet to premium storage for a total cost of approximately $7.2 million. In 2010, we added 162,000 square feet to existing Properties, and converted 6,500 square feet to premium storage for a total cost of approximately $9 million. In 2009, we spent approximately $18 million to add 175,000 square feet to existing Properties, and to convert 64,000 square feet to premium storage. We also completed construction of a new 78,000 square foot facility in Richmond, Virginia. Although we do not expect to construct any new facilities in 2012, we do plan to complete approximately $20 million in expansions and enhancements to existing facilities of which $12.5 million was paid prior to December 31, 2011.

In 2011, the Company spent approximately $14.6 million for recurring capitalized expenditures including roofing, painting, paving, and office renovations. We expect to spend $14.1 million in 2012 on similar capital expenditures.

DISPOSITION OF PROPERTIES

During 2010 we sold ten non-strategic storage facilities located in Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina and Virginia for net cash proceeds of $23.7 million resulting in a gain of $6.9 million. During 2009, we sold five non-strategic storage facilities in Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania for net cash proceeds of $16.3 million resulting in a loss of $1.6 million.

We are seeking to sell additional Properties to third parties or joint venture programs in 2012.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Our off-balance sheet arrangements consist of our investment in two self storage joint ventures in which we have a 20% and 15% ownership, as well as our investment in the entity that owns the building that houses our corporate office in which we have a 49% ownership. We account for these real estate entities under the equity method. The debt held by the unconsolidated real estate entity is secured by the real estate owned by these entities, and is non-recourse to us. See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

REIT QUALIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS

As a REIT, we are not required to pay federal income tax on income that we distribute to our shareholders, provided that the amount distributed is equal to at least 90% of our taxable income. These distributions must be made in the year to which they relate, or in the following year if declared before we file our federal income tax return, and if it is paid before the first regular dividend of the following year. The first distribution of 2012 may be applied toward our 2011 distribution requirement.

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As a REIT, we must derive at least 95% of our total gross income from income related to real property, interest and dividends. In 2011, our percentage of revenue from such sources was approximately 96%, thereby passing the 95% test, and no special measures are expected to be required to enable us to maintain our REIT designation. Although we currently intend to operate in a manner designed to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that future economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations may cause our Board of Directors to revoke our REIT election.

INTEREST RATE RISK

The primary market risk to which we believe we are exposed is interest rate risk, which may result from many factors, including government monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations, and other factors that are beyond our control.

We have entered into interest rate swap agreements in order to mitigate the effects of fluctuations in interest rates on our variable rate debt. Upon renewal or replacement of the credit facility, our total interest may change dependent on the terms we negotiate with the lenders; however, the LIBOR base rates have been contractually fixed on $245 million of our debt through the interest rate swap termination dates. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Through September 2013, $245 million of our $291 million of floating rate unsecured debt is on a fixed rate basis after taking into account our interest rate swap agreements. Based on our outstanding unsecured debt of $291 million at December 31, 2011, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would have a $0.5 million effect on our interest expense. These amounts were determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on our borrowing cost and our interest rate hedge agreements in effect on December 31, 2011. These analyses do not consider the effects of the reduced level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment. Further, in the event of a change of such magnitude, we would consider taking actions to further mitigate our exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the sensitivity analysis assumes no changes in our capital structure.

INFLATION

We do not believe that inflation has had or will have a direct effect on our operations. Substantially all of the leases at the facilities are on a month-to-month basis which provides us with the opportunity to increase rental rates as each lease matures.

SEASONALITY

Our revenues typically have been higher in the third and fourth quarters, primarily because self-storage facilities tend to experience greater occupancy during the late spring, summer and early fall months due to the greater incidence of residential moves and college student activity during these periods. However, we believe that our customer mix, diverse geographic locations, rental structure and expense structure provide adequate protection against undue fluctuations in cash flows and net revenues during off-peak seasons. Thus, we do not expect seasonality to affect materially distributions to shareholders.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the caption “Interest Rate Risk” in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” above.

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Sovran Self Storage, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sovran Self Storage, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Sovran Self Storage, Inc. at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company retrospectively adjusted the consolidated financial statements as a result of the Company’s adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an Amendment of ARB No. 51” (codified in FASB ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation”) on January 1, 2009.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Sovran Self Storage, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 28, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Buffalo, New York

February 28, 2012

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SOVRAN SELF STORAGE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS