NNN REIT, INC. - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the transition period from to .

Commission file number 001-11290

NATIONAL RETAIL PROPERTIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

450 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900

Orlando, Florida 32801

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (407) 265-7348

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

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

None

(Title of class)

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 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 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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes x No ¨

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No x

At June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $8,176,510,000 based upon the last reported sale price on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2021, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter. For purposes of this disclosure, shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be "affiliates" as that term is defined under the Rules and Regulations of the Exchange Act. The determination of affiliate status is solely for the purpose of this report and shall not be construed as an admission for the purposes of determining affiliate status.

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of January 28, 2022 was 175,635,014.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Registrant incorporates by reference into Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K portions of National Retail Properties, Inc.’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to Regulation 14A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the terms “registrant” or “NNN” or the “Company” refer to National Retail Properties, Inc. and all of its consolidated subsidiaries. NNN may elect to treat certain subsidiaries as taxable real estate investment trust subsidiaries (“TRS”).

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the documents that are incorporated by reference, that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Also, when NNN uses any of the words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” or similar expressions, NNN is making forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon present expectations and reasonable assumptions, NNN’s actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and NNN undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time, unless required by law. The following are some of the risks and uncertainties, although not all risks and uncertainties, that could cause NNN's actual results to differ materially from those presented in our forward-looking statements:

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In addition, NNN describes risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially in “Risk Factors” (Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” (Part II, Item 7A), and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” (Part II, Item 7).

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Item 1. Business

The Company

NNN, a Maryland corporation, is a fully integrated REIT formed in 1984. NNN's assets are primarily real estate assets. NNN's consolidated financial statements are included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The common shares of National Retail Properties, Inc. are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the ticker symbol "NNN."

Real Estate Assets

NNN acquires, owns, invests in and develops properties that are leased primarily to retail tenants under long-term net leases and are primarily held for investment ("Properties" or "Property Portfolio," or individually a "Property"). NNN owned 3,223 Properties with an aggregate gross leasable area of approximately 32,753,000 square feet, located in 48 states, with a weighted average remaining lease term of 10.6 years as of December 31, 2021. Approximately 99 percent of the Properties were leased as of December 31, 2021.

Competition

NNN faces active competition from many sources, both domestically and internationally, for net-lease investment opportunities in commercial properties. Competitors may be willing to accept rates of return, prices, lease terms, other transaction terms, or levels of risk that NNN finds unacceptable.

Qualification as a REIT

NNN has made an election to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, and related regulations and intends to continue to operate so as to remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. NNN generally will not be subject to federal income tax on income that it distributes to its stockholders, provided that it distributes 100 percent of its REIT taxable income and meets certain other requirements for qualifying as a REIT. If NNN fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate rates and will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for the four years following the year during which qualification is lost. Such an event could materially adversely affect NNN’s income and ability to pay dividends. NNN believes it has been structured as, and its past and present operations qualify NNN as, a REIT.

Human Capital Resources

Human Capital Development. As of January 31, 2022, the Company employed 72 associates, all of which are full-time. NNN’s success is dependent upon the dedication and hard work of NNN’s talented associates. NNN encourages continued professional and personal development of all associates by providing hundreds of hours of in-person and online training opportunities that touch all aspects of NNN’s business. NNN also has associate mentoring and training programs and formalized talent development programs at all levels of the Company. The success of NNN’s commitment to its associates is shown in the long tenure of NNN’s associates. The executive team, department heads, and senior managers average over 20 years of experience with NNN. In addition, 49% of NNN’s associates have been with NNN for 10 years or longer. The institutional knowledge and long tenure of NNN’s associates is a true competitive advantage of the Company. In addition, the Company's gender make-up is comprised of 54% females and 46% males. NNN has adopted a Human Capital Policy which is available on the Company's website at www.nnnreit.com.

Total Rewards, Benefits & Work-Life Balance. NNN also focuses on additional benefits for its associates to make sure the associates are not only well compensated, but also engaged, developed and satisfied with their work-life balance. There are six key elements to NNN’s total rewards system: Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Work-Life Balance, Professional Development and Recognition. NNN’s programs include, but are not limited to, a 401(k) plan with a company match, flexible

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work schedules, college saving plans, an educational assistance program, adoption benefits, flexible spending and health savings accounts, health and wellness events, and access to a state of the art online wellness platform. NNN has been the repeat recipient of numerous wellness awards, including the prestigious Cigna Well-Being Award.

Community Service and Partnerships. NNN cares about the communities in which its associates live and work. NNN stands behind a commitment to improving education, strengthening neighborhoods, and encouraging volunteer service. NNN actively promotes volunteering by its associates by organizing and sponsoring specific volunteer days throughout the year at various charities, including Ronald McDonald House of Central Florida and Give Kids the World. Associates are encouraged to volunteer on work days during work hours. In addition to NNN’s donation of time, NNN is also a meaningful financial donor to numerous charities in the Central Florida community, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank and Elevate Orlando (a teacher mentor program for high risk urban youth that help young women and men graduate high school with a plan for the future).

Business Strategies and Policies

The following is a discussion of NNN’s operating strategy and certain of its investment, financing and other policies. These strategies and policies have been set by management and the Board of Directors and, in general, may be amended or revised from time to time by management and the Board of Directors without a vote of NNN’s stockholders.

Operating Strategies

NNN’s strategy is to invest primarily in retail real estate that is typically well located within each local market for its tenants’ retail lines of trade. Management believes that these types of properties, generally leased pursuant to triple-net leases, provide attractive opportunities for stable current returns and the potential for increased returns and capital appreciation. Triple-net leases typically require the tenant to pay property operating expenses such as insurance, utilities, repairs, maintenance, capital expenditures and real estate taxes and assessments. Initial lease terms are generally 10 to 20 years.

NNN holds each Property until it determines that the sale of such Property is advantageous in view of NNN’s investment objectives. In deciding whether to sell a Property, factors NNN may consider include, but are not limited to, potential capital appreciation, net cash flow, tenant credit quality, tenant's line of trade, tenant's lease renewal probability, the composition of the Property Portfolio, market lease rates, local market conditions, future uses of the Property, potential use of sale proceeds and federal income tax considerations.

NNN’s management team focuses on certain key indicators to evaluate the financial condition and operating performance of NNN. These key indicators for NNN include items such as: the composition of the Property Portfolio (such as tenant, geographic and line of trade diversification), the occupancy rate of the Property Portfolio, certain financial performance ratios and profitability measures, industry trends, and industry performance compared to that of NNN.

NNN evaluates the creditworthiness of its current and prospective tenants. This evaluation may include reviewing available financial statements, store level financial performance, press releases, public credit ratings from major credit rating agencies, industry news publications and financial market data (debt and equity pricing). NNN may also evaluate the business and operations of its tenants, including past payment history and periodically meeting with senior management of certain tenants.

The operating strategies employed by NNN have allowed NNN to increase the annual dividend (paid quarterly) per common share for 32 consecutive years. NNN has the third longest record of consecutive annual dividend increases of all publicly traded REITs.

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Investment in Real Estate or Interests in Real Estate

NNN’s management believes that single tenant, freestanding net lease retail properties will continue to provide attractive investment opportunities and that NNN is well suited to take advantage of these opportunities because of its experience in accessing capital markets, and its ability to source, underwrite and acquire such properties.

In evaluating a particular acquisition, management may consider a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

NNN intends to engage in future investment activities in a manner that is consistent with the maintenance of its status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Additionally, NNN does not intend to engage in activities that will make NNN an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Investments in Real Estate Mortgages and Securities of or Interests in Entities Engaged in Real Estate Activities

While NNN’s primary business objectives emphasize retail properties, NNN may invest in (i) a wide variety of property and tenant types, (ii) leases, mortgages and other types of real estate interests, (iii) loans secured by personal property, (iv) loans secured by partnership or membership interests in partnerships or limited liability companies, respectively, or (v) securities of other REITs, or other issuers, including for the purpose of exercising control over such entities.

Financing Strategy

NNN’s financing objective is to manage its capital structure effectively in order to provide sufficient capital to execute its operating strategy while servicing its debt requirements, maintaining its investment grade credit ratings, staggering debt maturities and providing value to its stockholders. NNN's capital resources have and will continue to include, if available, (i) proceeds from the issuance of public or private equity or debt capital market transactions; (ii) secured or unsecured borrowings from banks or other lenders; (iii) proceeds from the sale of Properties; and (iv) to a lesser extent, by internally generated funds as well as undistributed funds from operations. However, there can be no assurance that additional financing or capital will be available, or that the terms will be acceptable or advantageous to NNN.

NNN typically expects to fund its short-term liquidity requirements, including investments in additional Properties, with cash and cash equivalents, cash provided from operations and unsecured revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility"). As of December 31, 2021, NNN had $171,322,000 of cash and cash equivalents and $1,100,000,000 was available for future borrowings under the Credit Facility.

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As of December 31, 2021, NNN’s ratio of total debt to total gross assets (before accumulated depreciation and amortization) was approximately 40 percent and the ratio of secured debt to total gross assets was less than one percent. The ratio of total debt to total market capitalization was approximately 30 percent. Certain financial agreements to which NNN is a party contain covenants that limit NNN’s ability to incur additional debt under certain circumstances. The organizational documents of NNN do not limit the absolute amount or percentage of debt that NNN may incur. Additionally, NNN may change its financing strategy.

Strategies and Policy Changes

Any of NNN’s strategies or policies described above may be changed at any time by NNN without notice to or a vote of NNN’s stockholders.

Property Portfolio

As of December 31, 2021, NNN owned 3,223 Properties with an aggregate gross leasable area of approximately 32,753,000 square feet, located in 48 states, with a weighted average remaining lease term of 10.6 years. Approximately 99 percent of total Properties were leased as of December 31, 2021.

The following table summarizes the Property Portfolio as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands):

As of December 31, 2021, NNN has committed to fund construction of 13 Properties. The improvements of such Properties are estimated to be completed within 12 months. These construction commitments, as of December 31, 2021, are outlined in the table below (dollars in thousands):

Leases

The following is a summary of the general structure of the leases in the Property Portfolio, although the specific terms of each lease can vary significantly. Generally, the Property leases provide for initial terms of 10 to 20 years. As of December 31, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term of the Property Portfolio was approximately 10.6 years. The Properties are generally leased under triple-net leases, which require the tenant to pay all property taxes and assessments, to maintain the interior and exterior of the property, and to carry property and liability insurance coverage. NNN's leases provide for annual base rental payments (generally payable in monthly installments) ranging from $7,000 to $4,085,000 (average of $221,000), and generally provide for increases in rent as a result of (i) increases in the Consumer Price Index ("CPI"), (ii) fixed increases, or, to a lesser extent, (iii) increases in the tenant’s sales volume.

Generally, NNN's leases provide the tenant with one or more multi-year renewal options subject to generally the same terms and conditions provided under the initial lease term. Some of the leases also provide that in the event NNN wishes to sell the Property subject to that lease, NNN first must offer the lessee the right to purchase the Property on the same terms and conditions as any offer which NNN intends to accept for the sale of the Property.

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The following table summarizes the lease expirations, assuming none of the tenants exercise renewal options, of the Property Portfolio for each of the next 10 years and then thereafter in the aggregate as of December 31, 2021:

(1) Based on annualized base rent for all leases in place as of December 31, 2021.

(2) Approximate square feet.

The following table summarizes the diversification of the Property Portfolio based on the top 20 lines of trade:

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The following table summarizes the diversification of the Property Portfolio by state as of December 31, 2021:

Governmental Regulations Affecting Properties

Property Environmental Considerations

Subject to a determination of the level of risk and potential cost of remediation, NNN may acquire a property where some level of environmental contamination may exist. Investments in real property create a potential for substantial environmental liability for the owner of such property from the presence or discharge of hazardous materials on the property or the improper disposal of hazardous materials emanating from the property, regardless of fault. In order to mitigate exposure to environmental liability, NNN maintains an environmental insurance policy which provides some coverage for substantially all of the Properties. As a part of its acquisition due diligence process, NNN obtains an environmental site assessment for each property. In such cases where NNN intends to acquire a property where some level of contamination may exist, NNN generally requires the seller or tenant to (i) remediate the problem, (ii) indemnify NNN for environmental liabilities, and/or (iii) agree to other arrangements deemed appropriate by NNN, including, under certain circumstances, the purchase of environmental insurance to address environmental conditions at the property. NNN may incur costs if the seller or tenant does not comply with these requirements.

As of February 2, 2022, NNN had 73 Properties currently under some level of environmental remediation and/or monitoring. In general, the responsible party (which may include the seller, a previous owner, the tenant or an adjacent or former land owner) is liable for the cost of the environmental remediation for each of these Properties.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Similar Local and State Laws

The Properties, as commercial facilities, are required to comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and similar state and local laws and regulations (collectively, the "ADA"). The tenants will typically have primary responsibility for complying with the ADA, but NNN may incur costs if the tenant does not comply. As of February 2, 2022, NNN had not been notified by any governmental authority of, nor is NNN’s management aware of, any non-compliance with the ADA that NNN’s management believes would have a material adverse effect on its business, financial position or results of operations.

Other Regulations, Rules and Laws

State and local governmental entities regulate the use of the Properties. NNN’s leases generally require each tenant to undertake primary responsibility for complying with all regulations, rules and laws, but failure to comply could result in fines by governmental authorities, awards of damages to private litigants, or restrictions on the ability to conduct business on such Properties.

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Impact of COVID-19 on NNN’s Business

Since March 2020, the evolution of the pandemic and worldwide spread of COVID-19 has continued to pose significant risk and uncertainty to the potential adverse effects to the economy and financial markets. Several countries, including the United States, have taken steps to restrict travel, temporarily close businesses and issue quarantine orders, and it remains unclear how long such measures will remain in place.

As a result, the COVID-19 pandemic and the government reaction to it has negatively affected almost every industry directly or indirectly. A number of NNN's tenants experienced temporary closures of their operations and/or requested adjustments to their lease terms during this pandemic. As a result, these economic hardships have increased uncertainty with respect to the collectability of lease payments and have had a negative effect on NNN's financial results, including increased accounts receivables and related allowances and recognizing revenue on a cash basis from certain of its tenants.

As of December 31, 2021, NNN entered into rent deferral lease amendments with certain tenants to defer rent originally due during the years ending December 31, 2021 and 2020. While the terms of each rent deferral lease amendment differ, NNN received repayment of the majority of deferred rents in 2021 and expects to receive substantially all by December 31, 2023. Depending upon the duration of impact on tenants and the overall economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, future rent payments including deferred rents may be difficult to collect.

As of January 31, 2022, NNN had collected approximately 99.4% of rent originally due in the quarter ended December 31, 2021. Rent collections may continue below amounts required under the leases.

The rapid development and fluidity of the economic downturn precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact on NNN, but presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to NNN’s performance, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In addition, NNN describes the potential risks and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in “Risk Factors” (Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations - Impact of COVID-19 on NNN’s Business” (Part II, Item 7).

Additional Information

NNN’s executive offices are located at 450 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 900, Orlando, Florida 32801, and its telephone number is (407) 265-7348.

NNN’s website is located at www.nnnreit.com. NNN intends to comply with the requirements of Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendments to and waivers under the code of business conduct and ethics applicable to its Chief Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer by providing such information on its website within four days after effecting any amendment to, or granting any waiver under, that code, and NNN will maintain such information on its website for at least twelve months. The information contained on NNN’s website does not constitute part of this Form 10-K.

On NNN’s website you can also obtain, free of charge, a copy of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable, after NNN files such material electronically with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission" or "SEC"). The public may read and obtain a copy of any materials NNN files electronically with the Commission at www.sec.gov.

Additional information on NNN’s website includes the guiding policies adopted by NNN, which include NNN’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct Policy and Whistleblower Policy, as well as NNN’s stance on corporate governance, social responsibility and environmental practices and impact.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

Carefully consider the following risks and all of the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. If any of the events or developments described below were actually to occur, NNN’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

Risks Related to NNN’s Business and Operations

Changes in financial and economic conditions may have an adverse impact on NNN, its tenants, and commercial real estate in general.

Financial and economic conditions can be challenging and volatile and any worsening of such conditions, including any disruption in the capital markets, could adversely affect NNN’s business and results of operations. Such conditions could also affect the financial condition of NNN’s tenants, developers, borrowers, lenders or the institutions that hold NNN’s cash balances and short-term investments, which may expose NNN to increased risks of default by these parties.

There can be no assurance that actions of the United States Government, the Federal Reserve or other government and regulatory bodies attempting to stabilize the economy or financial markets will achieve their intended effect. Additionally, some of these actions may adversely affect financial institutions, capital providers, retailers, consumers, NNN’s financial condition, NNN's results of operations or the trading price of NNN’s shares.

Potential consequences of challenging and volatile financial and economic conditions include:

An epidemic or pandemic (such as the outbreak and worldwide spread of COVID-19), and the measures that international, federal, state and local governments, agencies, law enforcement and/or health authorities implement to address it, may precipitate or materially exacerbate one or more of the other risks, and may significantly disrupt NNN's tenants' ability to operate their businesses and/or pay rent to NNN or prevent NNN from operating its business in the ordinary course for an extended period.

Since March 2020, the evolution of the pandemic and worldwide spread of COVID-19 has continued to pose significant risk and uncertainty to the potential adverse effects to the economy and financial markets. Several countries, including the United States, took steps to restrict travel, temporarily close businesses and issue quarantine orders.

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As a result, the COVID-19 pandemic and the government reaction to it negatively affected almost every industry directly or indirectly. A number of NNN’s tenants experienced temporary closures of their operations and/or requested adjustments to their lease terms during this pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic (or a future pandemic) could have a material and adverse effect on or cause disruption to NNN’s business or financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the market value and trading price of NNN's securities due to, among other factors:

While as of December 31, 2021, NNN's rent collections have returned to pre-pandemic levels, the extent to which COVID-19 impacts NNN’s operations and those of NNN’s tenants will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the scope, severity and duration of the outbreak, the actions taken to contain the outbreak or mitigate its impact, and the direct and indirect economic effects of the outbreak and containment measures, among others.

A prolonged continuation of or repeated temporary business closures, reduced capacity at businesses or other social-distancing practices, and quarantine orders may adversely impact NNN's tenants’ ability to generate sufficient revenues to meet financial obligations, and could force tenants to default on their leases, or result in the bankruptcy of tenants, which would diminish the rental revenue NNN receives under its leases. Additionally, an increase in the number of vacant properties would increase NNN's real estate expenses, including expenses associated with ongoing maintenance and repairs, utilities, property taxes, and property and liability insurance.

The rapid development and fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact on NNN. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to NNN’s performance, business or financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. While NNN's leases generally do not allow tenants to withhold rent if the tenants are not operating on its Properties, some tenants have and may pay rent under protest, not pay rent at all, request rent deferrals, and assert legal or equitable claims in the courts that such tenants are not obligated to pay rent while closed or while operating at reduced capacity, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While NNN believes such claims would be without merit it has no assurances on how courts would rule on such claims, if any.

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Loss of rent from tenants would reduce NNN’s cash flow.

NNN's tenants encounter significant macroeconomic, governmental and competitive forces. Adverse changes in consumer spending or consumer preferences for particular goods, services or store based retailing could severely impact their ability to pay rent. Shifts from in-store to online shopping could increase due to changing consumer shopping patterns as well as the increase in consumer adoption and use of mobile electronic devices. This expansion of e-commerce could have an adverse impact on NNN's tenants' ongoing viability and the size, type and location of space tenants lease in the future. NNN cannot predict with certainty what tenants will want or what the impact will be on market rents. The default, financial distress, bankruptcy or liquidation of one or more of NNN’s tenants could cause substantial vacancies in the Property Portfolio. Vacancies reduce NNN’s revenues, increase property expenses and could decrease the value of each vacant Property. Upon the expiration of a lease, the tenant may choose not to renew the lease and NNN may not be able to re-lease the vacant Property at a comparable lease rate. Furthermore, NNN may incur additional expenditures in connection with such renewal or re-leasing.

A significant portion of the source of the Property Portfolio annual base rent is concentrated in specific industry classifications, tenants and geographic locations.

As of December 31, 2021, approximately,

Any financial hardship and/or economic changes in these lines of trade, tenants or states could have an adverse effect on NNN’s results of operations.

NNN may not be able to successfully execute its acquisition or development strategies.

NNN may not be able to implement its investment strategies successfully. Additionally, NNN cannot assure that its Property Portfolio will expand at all, or if it will expand at any specified rate or to any specified size. In addition, investment in additional real estate assets is subject to a number of risks. Because NNN expects to invest in markets other than the ones in which its current Properties are located or properties which may be leased to tenants other than those to which NNN has historically leased properties, NNN will also be subject to the risks associated with investment in new markets, new lines of trade or with new tenants that may be relatively unfamiliar to NNN’s management team.

NNN’s development activities are subject to, without limitation, risks relating to the availability and timely receipt of zoning and other regulatory approvals, the cost and timely completion of construction (including risks from factors beyond NNN’s control, such as weather, labor conditions or material shortages), the risk of finding tenants for the properties and the ability to obtain both construction and permanent financing on favorable terms. These risks could result in substantial unanticipated delays or expenses and, under certain circumstances, could prevent completion of development activities once undertaken or provide a tenant the opportunity to delay rent commencement, reduce rent or terminate a lease. Any of these situations may delay or eliminate proceeds or cash flows NNN expects from these projects, which could have an adverse effect on NNN’s financial condition.

NNN may not be able to dispose of properties consistent with its operating strategy.

NNN may be unable to sell Properties targeted for disposition under favorable terms due to adverse market conditions or possible prohibitive tax liability. This may adversely affect, among other things, NNN’s ability to sell under favorable terms, execute its operating strategy, achieve target earnings or returns, retire or repay debt or pay dividends.

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Certain provisions of NNN’s leases or loan agreements may be unenforceable.

NNN’s rights and obligations with respect to its leases, mortgage loans or other loans are governed by written agreements. A court could determine that one or more provisions of such an agreement are unenforceable, such as a particular remedy, a master lease covenant, a loan prepayment provision or a provision governing NNN’s security interest in the underlying collateral of a borrower or lessee. NNN could be adversely impacted if this were to happen with respect to an asset or group of assets.

Competition from numerous other REITs, commercial developers, real estate limited partnerships and other investors may impede NNN’s ability to grow.

NNN may not complete suitable property acquisitions or developments on advantageous terms, if at all, due to competition for such properties with others engaged in real estate investment activities or lack of properties for sale on terms deemed acceptable to NNN. NNN’s inability to successfully acquire or develop new properties may affect NNN’s ability to achieve anticipated return on investment or realize its investment strategy, which could have an adverse effect on its results of operations.

Uninsured losses may adversely affect NNN’s operating results and asset values.

The Properties are generally covered by comprehensive liability, fire, and extended insurance coverage. NNN believes that the insurance carried on its Properties is adequate and in accordance with industry standards. There are, however, types of losses (such as from hurricanes, floods, earthquakes or other types of natural disasters or wars, terrorism or other acts of violence) which may be uninsurable, self-insured by tenants, or the cost of insuring against these losses may not be economically justifiable in the opinion of tenants or NNN. If an uninsured loss occurs or a loss exceeds policy limits, NNN could lose both its invested capital and anticipated revenues from the property, thereby reducing NNN’s cash flow and asset value.

NNN’s ability to fully control the management of its net-leased properties may be limited.

The tenants of net-leased properties are responsible for maintenance and other day-to-day management of the Properties. If a Property is not adequately maintained in accordance with the terms of the applicable lease, NNN may incur expenses for deferred maintenance expenditures or other liabilities when the lease expires. While NNN’s leases generally provide for recourse against the tenant in these instances, a bankrupt or financially troubled tenant may be more likely to defer maintenance and it may be more difficult to enforce remedies against such a tenant. Although NNN endeavors to monitor compliance by tenants with their lease obligations, NNN may not always be able to ascertain or forestall deterioration in the condition of a property or the financial circumstances of a tenant.

Vacant properties or bankrupt tenants could adversely affect NNN’s business or financial condition.

As of December 31, 2021, NNN owned 32 vacant, un-leased Properties, which accounted for approximately one percent of total Properties held in the Property Portfolio. NNN is actively marketing these Properties for sale or lease but may not be able to sell or lease these Properties on favorable terms or at all. As of February 2, 2022, NNN had no tenants in bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

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Cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents could adversely affect NNN's business, disrupt operations and expose NNN to liabilities to tenants, employees, capital providers, governmental regulators, and other third parties.

NNN uses information technology and other computer resources to carry out important operational activities and to maintain its business records. As part of NNN’s normal business activities, (i) NNN allows associates to perform some or all of their business activities remotely, and (ii) NNN collects and stores certain personal identifying and confidential information relating to its tenants, employees, vendors and suppliers, and (iii) maintains operational and financial information related to NNN’s business. NNN has implemented systems and processes intended to address ongoing and evolving cybersecurity risks, secure its information technology, applications and computer systems, and prevent unauthorized access to or loss of sensitive, confidential and personal data. Although NNN and its service providers employ what NNN believes are adequate security, disaster recovery and other preventative and corrective measures, NNN’s security measures, taken as a whole, may not be sufficient for all possible situations and may be vulnerable to, among other things, fraud, hacking, employee error, system error, and faulty password management.

NNN’s ability to conduct its business may be impaired if its information technology resources, including its websites or e-mail systems, are compromised, degraded, damaged or fail, whether due to a virus or other harmful circumstance, fraud, intentional penetration or disruption of its information technology resources by:

A significant and extended disruption could damage NNN’s business or reputation and cause:

The release of confidential information may also lead to litigation or other proceedings against NNN by affected individuals, business partners and/or regulators, and the outcome of such proceedings, which could include losses, penalties, fines, injunctions, expenses and charges recorded against NNN’s earnings and cause NNN reputational harm, could have a material and adverse effect on NNN’s business, financial position or results of operations.

In addition, the costs of maintaining adequate protection against data security threats, based on considerations of their evolution, increasing sophistication, pervasiveness and frequency and/or government-mandated standards or obligations regarding protective efforts, could be material to NNN’s financial position or results of operations in a particular period or over various periods.

Future investment in international markets could subject NNN to additional risks.

If NNN expands its operating strategy to include investment in international markets, NNN could face additional risks, including foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, operational risks due to local economic and political conditions and laws and policies of the United States affecting foreign investment.

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NNN may suffer a loss in the event of a default or bankruptcy of a borrower.

As of December 31, 2021, NNN had mortgages receivable of $2,023,000. If a borrower defaults on a mortgage or other loan made by NNN, and does not have sufficient assets to satisfy the loan, NNN may suffer a loss of principal and interest. In the event of the bankruptcy of a borrower, NNN may not be able to recover against all or any of the assets of the borrower, or the collateral may not be sufficient to satisfy the balance due on the loan. In addition, certain of NNN’s loans may be subordinate to other debt of a borrower. These investments are typically loans secured by a borrower’s pledge of its ownership interests in the entity that owns the real estate or other assets and are typically subordinated to senior loans encumbering the underlying real estate or assets. Subordinated positions are generally subject to a higher risk of nonpayment of principal and interest than the more senior loans. If a borrower defaults on the debt senior to NNN’s loan, or in the event of the bankruptcy of a borrower, NNN’s loan will be satisfied only after the borrower’s senior creditors’ claims are satisfied. Where debt senior to NNN’s loans exists, the presence of intercreditor arrangements may limit NNN’s ability to amend loan documents, assign the loans, accept prepayments, exercise remedies and control decisions made in bankruptcy proceedings relating to borrowers. Bankruptcy proceedings and litigation can significantly increase the time needed for NNN to acquire underlying collateral, if any, in the event of a default, during which time the collateral may decline in value. In addition, there are significant costs and delays associated with the foreclosure process.

Property ownership through joint ventures and partnerships could limit NNN’s control of those investments.

Joint ventures or partnerships involve risks not otherwise present for direct investments by NNN. It is possible that NNN’s co-venturers or partners may have different interests or goals than NNN at any time and they may take actions contrary to NNN’s requests, policies or objectives, including NNN’s policy with respect to maintaining its qualification as a REIT. Other risks of joint venture or partnership investments include impasses on decisions because in some instances no single co-venturer or partner has full control over the joint venture or partnership, respectively, or the co-venturer or partner may become insolvent, bankrupt or otherwise unable to contribute to the joint venture or partnership, respectively. Further, disputes may develop with a co-venturer or partner over decisions affecting the property, joint venture or partnership that may result in litigation, arbitration or some other form of dispute resolution.

Risks Related to Financing NNN’s Business

NNN may be unable to obtain debt or equity capital on favorable terms, if at all.

NNN may be unable to obtain capital on favorable terms, if at all, to further its business objectives or meet its existing obligations. Nearly all of NNN’s debt, including the Credit Facility, is subject to balloon principal payments due at maturity. These maturities range between 2024 and 2052. NNN's ability to make these scheduled principal payments may be adversely impacted by NNN’s inability to extend or refinance the Credit Facility, the inability to dispose of assets at an attractive price or the inability to obtain additional debt or equity capital. Capital that may be available may be materially more expensive or available under terms that are materially more restrictive which would have an adverse impact on NNN’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The amount of debt NNN has and the restrictions imposed by that debt could adversely affect NNN’s business and financial condition.

As of December 31, 2021, NNN had outstanding debt, including mortgages payable of $10,697,000, total unsecured notes payable of $3,735,769,000 and no outstanding balance on the Credit Facility. NNN’s organizational documents do not limit the level or amount of debt that it may incur. If NNN incurs additional debt and permits a higher degree of leverage, debt service requirements would increase and could adversely affect NNN’s financial condition and results of operations, as well as NNN’s ability to pay principal and interest on the outstanding debt or cash dividends to its stockholders. In addition, increased leverage could increase the risk that NNN may default on its debt obligations.

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The amount of debt outstanding at any time could have important consequences to NNN’s stockholders. For example, it could:

NNN’s ability to make scheduled payments of principal or interest on its debt, or to retire or refinance such debt will depend primarily on its future performance, which to a certain extent is subject to the creditworthiness of its tenants, competition, and economic, financial, and other factors beyond its control. There can be no assurance that NNN’s business will continue to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service its debt or meet its other cash needs. If NNN is unable to generate sufficient cash flow from its business, it may be required to refinance all or a portion of its existing debt, sell assets or obtain additional financing to meet its debt obligations and other cash needs.

NNN cannot assure stockholders that any such refinancing, sale of assets or additional financing would be possible or, if possible, on terms and conditions, including but not limited to the interest rate, which NNN would find acceptable or would not result in a material decline in earnings.

NNN is obligated to comply with financial and other covenants in its debt instruments that could restrict its operating activities, and the failure to comply with such covenants could result in defaults that accelerate the payment of such debt.

As of December 31, 2021, NNN had approximately $3,746,466,000 of outstanding debt, of which approximately $10,697,000 was secured debt. NNN’s unsecured debt instruments contain various restrictive covenants which include, among others, provisions restricting NNN’s ability to:

NNN’s secured debt instruments generally contain customary covenants, including, among others, provisions:

In addition, NNN’s debt instruments may contain cross-default provisions, in which case a default of NNN under one debt instrument will be a default of NNN under multiple or all debt instruments of NNN.

NNN’s ability to meet some of its debt covenants, including covenants related to the condition of the property or payment of real estate taxes, may be dependent on the performance by NNN’s tenants under their leases.

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In addition, certain covenants in NNN’s debt instruments, including its Credit Facility, require NNN, among other things, to:

NNN’s failure to comply with certain of its debt covenants could result in defaults that accelerate the payment under such debt and limit the dividends paid to NNN’s common and preferred stockholders which would likely have a material adverse impact on NNN’s financial condition and results of operations. In addition, these defaults could impair its access to the debt and equity markets.

NNN’s ability to pay dividends in the future is subject to many factors.

NNN’s ability to pay dividends may be impaired if any of the risks described in this section were to occur. In addition, payment of NNN’s dividends depends upon NNN’s earnings, financial condition, maintenance of NNN’s REIT status and other factors as NNN’s Board of Directors may deem relevant from time to time.

Risks Related to – Real Estate Ownership

Owning real estate and indirect interests in real estate carries inherent risks.

NNN’s financial performance and the value of its real estate assets are subject to the risk that if the Properties do not generate revenues sufficient to meet its operating expenses, and debt service, NNN’s cash flow and ability to pay distributions to its stockholders will be adversely affected. NNN is susceptible to the following real estate industry risks, which are beyond its control:

All of these factors could result in decreases in market rental rates and increases in vacancy rates, which could adversely affect NNN’s results of operations.

NNN’s real estate investments are illiquid.

Because real estate investments are relatively illiquid, NNN’s ability to adjust the portfolio promptly in response to economic or other conditions is limited. Certain significant expenditures generally do not change in response to economic or other conditions, including: (i) debt service, (ii) real estate taxes, and (iii) operating and maintenance costs. This combination of variable revenue and relatively fixed expenditures may result, under certain market conditions, in reduced earnings and could have an adverse effect on NNN’s financial condition.

NNN may be subject to known or unknown environmental liabilities and hazardous materials on Properties owned by NNN.

There may be known or unknown environmental liabilities associated with Properties owned or acquired in the future by NNN. Certain particular uses of some Properties may also have a heightened risk of environmental liability because of the hazardous materials used in performing services on those Properties, such as convenience stores with underground petroleum storage tanks or auto parts and auto service businesses using petroleum products, paint and machine solvents. Some of the Properties may contain asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, or may contain or may develop mold or other bio-contaminants.

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Asbestos-containing materials must be handled, managed and removed in accordance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations. Mold and other bio-contaminants can produce airborne toxins, may cause a variety of health issues in individuals and must be remediated in accordance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations.

As part of its due diligence process, NNN generally obtains an environmental site assessment for each Property it acquires. In cases where NNN intends to acquire real estate where evidence of some level of known contamination may exist, NNN generally requires the seller or tenant to (i) remediate the contamination in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, (ii) indemnify NNN for environmental liabilities, and/or (iii) agree to other arrangements deemed appropriate by NNN, including, under certain circumstances, the purchase of environmental insurance. Although sellers or tenants may be contractually responsible for remediating hazardous materials on a property and may be responsible for indemnifying NNN for any liability resulting from the use of a Property and for any failure to comply with any applicable environmental laws, rules or regulations, NNN has no assurance that sellers, tenants or any other responsible party shall be able to meet their remediation and indemnity obligations to NNN. A tenant, seller or any other responsible party may not have the financial ability to meet its remediation and indemnity obligations to NNN when required. Furthermore, NNN may have strict liability to governmental agencies or third parties as a result of the existence of hazardous materials on Properties, whether or not NNN knew about or caused such hazardous materials to exist.

As of February 2, 2022, NNN had 73 Properties currently under some level of environmental remediation and/or monitoring. In general, the responsible party (which may include the seller, a previous owner, the tenant or an adjacent or former land owner) is liable for the cost of the environmental remediation for each of these Properties.

If NNN is responsible for hazardous materials located on its Properties, NNN’s liability may include investigation and remediation costs, property damage to third parties, personal injury to third parties, and governmental fines and penalties. Furthermore, the presence of hazardous materials on a Property may adversely impact the Property value or NNN’s ability to sell the Property. Significant environmental liability could impact NNN’s results of operations, ability to make distributions to stockholders, and its ability to meet its debt obligations.

In order to mitigate exposure to environmental liability, NNN maintains an environmental insurance policy which provides some coverage for substantially all of its Properties. However, the policy is subject to exclusions and limitations and does not cover all of the Properties owned by NNN. For those Properties covered under the policy, insurance may not fully compensate NNN for any environmental liability. NNN has no assurance that the insurer on its environmental insurance policy will be able to meet its obligations under the policy. NNN may not desire to renew the environmental insurance policy in place upon expiration or a replacement policy may not be available at a reasonable cost, if at all.

Risks Related to – Tax Matters

NNN’s failure to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes could result in significant tax liability.

NNN intends to operate in a manner that will allow NNN to continue to qualify as a REIT. NNN believes it has been organized as, and its past and present operations qualify NNN as a REIT. However, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) could successfully assert that NNN is not qualified as such. In addition, NNN may not remain qualified as a REIT in the future. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations and involves the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within NNN’s control. Furthermore, new tax legislation, administrative guidance or court decisions, in each instance potentially with retroactive effect, could make it more difficult or impossible for NNN to qualify as a REIT or avoid significant tax liability.

If NNN fails to qualify as a REIT, it would not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to stockholders in computing taxable income and would become subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates. In this event, NNN could be subject to potentially significant tax liabilities and penalties. Unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, NNN would also be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which the qualification was lost.

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Compliance with REIT requirements, including distribution requirements, may limit NNN’s flexibility and may negatively affect NNN’s operating decisions.

To maintain its status as a REIT for United States federal income tax purposes, NNN must meet certain requirements on an on-going basis, including requirements regarding its sources of income, the nature and diversification of its assets, the amounts NNN distributes to its stockholders and the ownership of its shares. NNN may also be required to make distributions to its stockholders when it does not have funds readily available for distribution or at times when NNN’s funds are otherwise needed to fund expenditures or debt service requirements. NNN generally will not be subject to federal income taxes on amounts distributed to stockholders, so long as it distributes 100 percent of its REIT taxable income and meets certain other requirements for qualifying as a REIT. For each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021, NNN believes it has qualified as a REIT. Notwithstanding NNN’s qualification for taxation as a REIT, NNN is subject to certain state and local income, franchise and excise taxes.

The share ownership restrictions of the Code for REITs and the 9.8% share ownership limit in NNN’s charter may inhibit market activity in NNN’s shares of stock and restrict NNN’s business combination opportunities.

In order to qualify as a REIT, five or fewer individuals, as defined in the Code, may not own, actually or constructively, more than 50% in value of NNN’s issued and outstanding shares of stock at any time during the last half of each taxable year, other than the first year for which a REIT election is made. Attribution rules in the Code determine if any individual or entity actually or constructively owns NNN’s shares of stock under this requirement. Additionally, at least 100 persons must beneficially own NNN’s shares of stock during at least 335 days of a taxable year for each taxable year, other than the first year for which a REIT election is made. To help ensure that NNN meets these tests, among other purposes, NNN’s charter restricts the acquisition and ownership of NNN’s shares of stock.

NNN’s charter, with certain exceptions, authorizes NNN’s Board of Directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve NNN’s qualification as a REIT while NNN so qualifies. Unless exempted by the Board of Directors, for so long as NNN qualifies as a REIT, NNN’s charter prohibits, among other limitations on ownership and transfer of shares of NNN’s stock, any person from beneficially or constructively owning (applying certain attribution rules under the Code) more than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of NNN’s outstanding shares of stock and more than 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of any class or series of NNN’s shares of stock. The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion and upon receipt of certain representations and undertakings, may exempt a person (prospectively or retrospectively) from the ownership limits. However, the Board of Directors may not, among other limitations, grant an exemption from these ownership restrictions to any proposed transferee whose ownership, direct or indirect, in excess of the 9.8% ownership limit would result in the termination of NNN’s qualification as a REIT. These restrictions on transferability and ownership will not apply, however, if the Board of Directors determines that it is no longer in NNN’s best interest to continue to qualify as a REIT or that compliance with the restrictions is no longer required in order for us to continue to so qualify as a REIT. These ownership limits could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of NNN’s stockholders.

Risks Related to – Governmental Laws and Regulations

Costs of complying with changes in governmental laws and regulations may adversely affect NNN’s results of operations.

NNN cannot predict what laws or regulations will be enacted in the future, how future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted, or how future laws or regulations will affect NNN, its Properties or its tenants, including, but not limited to environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with new laws or regulations, or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may require NNN, its tenants, or consumers to incur significant expenditures, impose significant liability, restrict or prohibit business activities and could cause a material adverse effect on NNN’s results of operation.

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Non-compliance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 could have an adverse effect on NNN's business and operating results.

The Properties, as commercial facilities, are required to comply with the ADA. NNN's tenants will typically have primary responsibility for complying with the ADA, but NNN may incur costs if the tenant does not comply. As of February 2, 2022, NNN had not been notified by any governmental authority of, nor is NNN’s management aware of, any non-compliance with the ADA that NNN’s management believes would have a material adverse effect on its business, financial position or results of operations.

General Risks

NNN's loss of key management personnel could adversely affect performance and the value of its securities.

NNN is dependent on the efforts of its key management. Competition for senior management personnel can be intense and NNN may not be able to retain its key management. Although NNN believes qualified replacements could be found for any departures of key management, the loss of their services could adversely affect NNN's performance and the value of its securities.

NNN’s failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on its business, operating results and the market value of NNN's securities.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. If NNN fails to maintain the adequacy of its internal control over financial reporting, as such standards may be modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, NNN may not be able to ensure that it can conclude on an ongoing basis that it has effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Moreover, effective internal control over financial reporting, particularly those related to revenue recognition, are necessary for NNN to produce reliable financial reports and to maintain its qualification as a REIT and are important in helping to prevent financial fraud. If NNN cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, its business and operating results could be harmed, REIT qualification could be jeopardized, investors could lose confidence in the Company’s reported financial information, the company's access to capital could be impaired, and the trading price of NNN’s shares could drop significantly.

Acts of violence, terrorist attacks or war may affect NNN's properties, the markets in which NNN operates and NNN’s results of operations.

Terrorist attacks or other domestic acts of violence may negatively affect NNN’s operations. There can be no assurance that there will not be attacks against businesses within the United States. These attacks may directly or indirectly impact NNN’s physical facilities or the businesses or the financial condition of its tenants, developers, borrowers, lenders or financial institutions with which NNN has a relationship. The United States is engaged in armed conflict, which could have an impact on these parties. The consequences of armed conflict are unpredictable, and NNN may not be able to foresee events that could have an adverse effect on its business or be insured for such.

More generally, any of these events or threats of these events could cause consumer confidence and spending to decrease or result in increased volatility in the United States and worldwide financial markets and economies. They also could result in, or cause a deepening of, economic recession in the United States or abroad. Any of these occurrences could have an adverse impact on NNN’s financial condition or results of operations.

Changes in accounting pronouncements could adversely impact NNN’s or NNN’s tenants’ reported financial performance.

Accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how NNN records and reports its financial condition and results of operations. From time to time the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the Commission, who create and interpret appropriate accounting standards, may change the financial accounting and reporting standards or their interpretation and application of these standards that govern the preparation of NNN’s financial statements. These changes could have a

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material impact on NNN’s reported financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, NNN could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in restating prior period financial statements. Similarly, these changes could have a material impact on NNN’s tenants’ reported financial condition or results of operations and affect their preferences regarding leasing real estate.

The market value of NNN’s equity and debt securities is subject to various factors that may cause significant fluctuations or volatility.

As with other publicly traded securities, the market price of NNN’s equity and debt securities depends on various factors, which may change from time-to-time and/or may be unrelated to NNN’s financial condition, operating performance or prospects that may cause significant fluctuations or volatility in such prices. These factors, among others, include:

The phase-out of LIBOR could affect interest rates under NNN’s variable rate Credit Facility.

LIBOR is used as a reference rate for NNN’s revolving Credit Facility. On March 5, 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) announced that USD LIBOR will no longer be published after June 30, 2023. This announcement has several implications, including setting the spread that may be used to automatically convert contracts from LIBOR to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"). Additionally, as of December 31, 2021, banks are expected to no longer issue any new LIBOR debt.

NNN anticipates that LIBOR will continue to be available at least until June 30, 2023. Any changes adopted by the FCA or other governing bodies in the method used for determining LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR. If that were to occur, NNN’s interest payments could change. In addition, uncertainty about the extent and manner of future changes may result in interest rates and/or payments that are higher or lower than if LIBOR were to remain available in its current form.

While NNN expects LIBOR to be available in substantially its current form until at least the end of June 30, 2023, it is possible that LIBOR will become unavailable prior to that point. This could result, for example, if sufficient banks decline to make submissions to the LIBOR administrator. In that case, the risks associated with the transition to an alternative reference rate will be accelerated and magnified. If LIBOR ceases to exist, NNN will need to agree upon a benchmark replacement index with the bank, and as such the interest rate on its Credit Facility may change. The new rate may not be as favorable as those in effect prior to any LIBOR phase-out.

Alternative rates and other market changes related to the replacement of LIBOR, including the introduction of financial products and changes in market practices, may lead to risk modeling and valuation challenges, such as adjusting interest rate accrual calculations and building a term structure for an alternative rate.

The introduction of an alternative rate also may create additional basis risk and increased volatility as alternative rates are phased in and utilized in parallel with LIBOR.

Adjustments to systems and mathematical models to properly process and account for alternative rates will be required, which may strain the model risk management and information technology functions and result in substantial incremental costs for NNN. Furthermore, the transition process may result in delays in funding, higher interest expense, additional expenses, and

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increased volatility in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR, all of which could negatively impact NNN's cash flow.

Even if NNN remains qualified as a REIT, NNN faces other tax liabilities that reduce operating results and cash flow.

Even if NNN remains qualified for taxation as a REIT, NNN is subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on its income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. Any increase of these taxes would decrease earnings and cash available for distribution to stockholders. In addition, in order to meet certain REIT qualification requirements, NNN may elect to own some of its assets in a TRS.

Adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes could reduce NNN’s earnings and cash flow and the market value of NNN’s securities.

At any time, the federal and state income tax laws or the administrative interpretations of those laws may change. Any such changes may have current and retroactive effects, and could adversely affect NNN or its stockholders. Legislation could cause shares in non-REIT entities to be a more attractive investment to individual investors than shares in REITs, and could have an adverse effect on the value of NNN’s securities.

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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

Please refer to Item 1. “Business.”

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of its business, NNN is a party to various legal actions that management believes are routine in nature and incidental to the operation of the business of NNN. Management does not believe that any of these proceedings are material.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information.

The common stock of NNN currently is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “NNN.”

Performance Graphs.

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total stockholder return on NNN’s common stock, based on the market price of the common stock and assuming reinvestment of dividends, with the FTSE National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Equity Index (“FNER”) and the S&P 500 Index (“S&P”) for the five-year period commencing December 31, 2016 and ending December 31, 2021. The graph assumes an investment of $100 on December 31, 2016.

Comparison to Five-Year Cumulative Total Return

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Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total stockholder return on NNN’s common stock, based on the market price of the common stock and assuming reinvestment of dividends, with the FTSE National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Equity Index (“FNER”) and the S&P 500 Index (“S&P”) for the fifteen-year period commencing December 31, 2006 and ending December 31, 2021. The graph assumes an investment of $100 on December 31, 2006.

Comparison to Fifteen-Year Cumulative Total Return

Dividends.

NNN intends to pay regular quarterly dividends to its stockholders, although all future distributions will be declared and paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon cash generated by operating activities, NNN’s financial condition, capital requirements, annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.

In January 2022, NNN declared dividends payable to its stockholders of $92,751,000, or $0.530 per share, of common stock.

Holders.

On January 28, 2022, there were 1,566 registered holders of record of NNN's common stock. Many of NNN's shares of common stock are held by brokers and institutions on behalf of stockholders, NNN is unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.

None.

Sale of Unregistered Securities.

None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

None.

Item 6. [Reserved]

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This section generally discusses 2021 and 2020 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2021 and 2020. Discussions of 2019 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019 that are not included in this annual report on Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the Commission on February 11, 2021.

The term "NNN" or the "Company" refers to National Retail Properties, Inc. and all of its consolidated subsidiaries. NNN may elect to treat certain subsidiaries as taxable real estate investment trust subsidiaries, ("TRS").

Forward-Looking Statements

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. NNN makes statements in this section that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. For a complete discussion of forward-looking statements, see the section in this report entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.” Certain risks may cause NNN’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the following discussion. For a discussion of such risk factors, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

Overview

NNN, a Maryland corporation, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust ("REIT") formed in 1984. NNN's assets are primarily real estate assets. NNN acquires, owns, invests in and develops properties that are leased primarily to retail tenants under long-term net leases and are primarily held for investment ("Properties," or "Property Portfolio," or individually a "Property").

NNN owned 3,223 Properties with an aggregate gross leasable area of approximately 32,753,000 square feet, located in 48 states, with a weighted average remaining lease term of 10.6 years as of December 31, 2021. Approximately 99 percent of the Properties were leased as of December 31, 2021.

NNN’s management team focuses on certain key indicators to evaluate the financial condition and operating performance of NNN. The key indicators for NNN include items such as: the composition of the Property Portfolio (such as tenant, geographic and line of trade diversification), the occupancy rate of the Property Portfolio, certain financial performance ratios and profitability measures, industry trends and industry performance compared to that of NNN.

NNN evaluates the creditworthiness of its current and prospective tenants. This evaluation may include reviewing available financial statements, store level financial performance, press releases, public credit ratings from major credit rating agencies, industry news publications and financial market data (debt and equity pricing). NNN may also evaluate the business and operations of its tenants, including past payment history and periodically meeting with senior management of certain tenants.

NNN continues to maintain its diversification by tenant, geography and tenant’s line of trade. NNN’s largest lines of trade concentrations are the convenience store (17.9%), automotive service (12.3%) and restaurant (19.2%) (including full and limited service) sectors. These sectors represent a large part of the freestanding retail property marketplace and NNN’s management believes these sectors present attractive investment opportunities. The Property Portfolio is geographically concentrated in the south and southeast United States, which are regions of historically above-average population growth. Given these concentrations, any financial hardship within these sectors or geographic regions could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and operating performance of NNN.

As of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Property Portfolio remained at least 98 percent leased and had a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 11 years. High occupancy levels coupled with a net lease structure, provides enhanced probability of maintaining operating earnings.

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Impact of COVID-19 on NNN’s Business

Overview. Since March 2020, the evolution of the pandemic and worldwide spread of COVID-19 has continued to pose significant risk and uncertainty to the potential adverse effects to the economy and financial markets. Several countries, including the United States, took steps to restrict travel, temporarily close businesses and issue quarantine orders.

As a result, the COVID-19 pandemic and the government reaction to it negatively affected almost every industry directly or indirectly. A number of NNN’s tenants experienced temporary closures of their operations and/or requested adjustments to their lease terms during this pandemic. As a result, these economic hardships have increased uncertainty with respect to the collectability of lease payments and have had a negative effect on NNN's financial results, including increased accounts receivables and related allowances and recognizing revenue on a cash basis from certain of its tenants.

During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, NNN and certain of NNN's tenants were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in the continued loss of revenue for certain tenants and challenged their ability to pay rent.

As of December 31, 2021, NNN has entered into rent deferral lease amendments with certain tenants, for an aggregate $4,758,000 and $52,019,000 of rent originally due for the year ending December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The rent deferral lease amendments required the deferred rents to be repaid at a later time during the lease term. Approximately $31,776,000 and $3,259,000 of the deferred rent was repaid in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Deferred rents of $14,526,000 are due to be repaid during the year ending December 31, 2022, with the substantially all remaining deferred rent coming due periodically by December 31, 2023.

The following table outlines the rent deferred and corresponding scheduled repayment of the rent deferral lease amendments executed as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

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The following table details the rental revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2021 (collected as of January 31, 2022), as a percentage of annualized base rent, excluding the repayments of amounts previously deferred according to the rent deferral lease amendments:

As of January 31, 2022, NNN has collected 99.4% and 98.8% of the rental revenue for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021, respectively, as a percentage of annualized base rent, excluding the repayments of amounts previously deferred according to the rent deferral lease amendments.

Historical rent collections and rent relief requests may not be indicative of rent collections and requests in the future. Depending on macroeconomic conditions and their impact on a tenant's business and operations, deferred rents may be difficult to collect.

While as of December 31, 2021, NNN's rent collections have returned to pre-pandemic levels, the extent to which COVID-19 impacts NNN's operations and those of NNN's tenants will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the scope, severity and duration of the outbreak, the actions taken to contain the outbreak or mitigate its impact, and the direct and indirect economic effects of the outbreak and containment measures, among others.

A prolonged continuation of or repeated temporary business closures, reduced capacity at businesses or other social-distancing practices, and quarantine orders may adversely impact NNN's tenants’ ability to generate sufficient revenues to meet financial obligations, and could force tenants to default on their leases, or result in the bankruptcy of tenants, which would diminish the rental revenue NNN receives under its leases. Additionally, an increase in the number of vacant properties would increase NNN’s real estate expenses, including expenses associated with ongoing maintenance and repairs, utilities, property taxes and property and liability insurance.

NNN will continue to monitor the impact of the economic downturn on retailers, retail real estate, capital markets and investment returns, among other things, when considering new property investments. As of December 31, 2021, NNN had $171,322,000 of cash and cash equivalents and $1,100,000,000 available for borrowings under its unsecured revolving credit

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facility (the "Credit Facility"). While the impacts of COVID-19 continue to unfold, NNN currently expects these combined resources, in addition to the cash provided by NNN's operations to be sufficient to meet NNN's demand for funds.

Business Continuity. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, NNN provided the flexibility for its associates to work remotely without any adverse impact on its ability to continue to operate its business nor any material adverse impact on NNN's financial reporting systems, internal controls over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures.

The rapid development and fluidity of the economic downturn precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact on the economy, retailing and NNN and will ultimately depend on future developments, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 related economic disruption presents uncertainty and risk with respect to NNN’s performance, business or financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See Item "1A. Risk Factors."

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of NNN’s consolidated financial statements in conformance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as other disclosures in the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and assumptions; however, actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions, which in turn could have a material impact on NNN’s financial statements. A summary of NNN’s accounting policies and procedures are included in Note 1 of NNN’s consolidated financial statements. Management believes the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect its more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of NNN’s consolidated financial statements.

Real Estate Portfolio. NNN records the acquisition of real estate at cost, including acquisition and closing costs. The cost of properties developed or funded by NNN includes direct and indirect costs of construction, property taxes, interest and other miscellaneous costs incurred during the development period until the project is substantially complete and available for occupancy.

Purchase Accounting for Acquisition of Real Estate. In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") guidance on business combinations, consideration for the real estate acquired is allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and tenant improvements and, if applicable, to identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases and value of in-place leases, as applicable, based on their respective fair values.

The fair value estimate is sensitive to significant assumptions, such as establishing a range of relevant market assumptions for land, building and rent and where the acquired property falls within that range. These market assumptions for land, building and rent use the most relevant comparable properties for an acquisition. The final range relies upon ranking comparable properties' attributes from most similar to least similar.

Lease Accounting. NNN records its leases on the Property Portfolio in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," ("ASC 842").

NNN's real estate is generally leased to tenants on a net lease basis, whereby the tenant is responsible for all operating expenses relating to the Property, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs and capital expenditures.

NNN’s Property Portfolio primarily consists of leases accounted for using the operating method. Under the operating method, revenue is recognized as rentals are earned and expenses (including depreciation) are charged to operations as incurred. When scheduled rentals vary during the lease term, income is recognized on a straight-line basis so as to produce a constant periodic rent over the term of the lease. Accrued rental income is the aggregate difference between the scheduled rents which vary during the lease term and the income recognized on a straight-line basis.

In April 2020, the FASB issued interpretive guidance relating to the accounting for lease concessions provided as a result of COVID-19. In this guidance, entities can elect not to apply lease modification accounting with respect to such lease concessions and instead, treat the concession as if it was a part of the existing contract. This guidance is only applicable to

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COVID-19 related lease concessions that do not result in a substantial increase in the rights of the lessor or the obligations of the lessee. NNN elected to make this policy election for COVID-19 lease concessions, including the rent deferral lease amendments effective during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Collectability. In accordance with ASC 842, NNN reviews the collectability of its lease payments on an ongoing basis. NNN considers collectability indicators when analyzing accounts receivable (and accrued rent) and historical bad debt levels, tenant credit-worthiness and current economic trends, all of which assists in evaluating the probability of outstanding and future lease payment collections. In addition, tenants in bankruptcy are analyzed and considerations are made in connection with the expected recovery of pre-petition and post-petition bankruptcy claims.

At the point NNN deems the collection of lease payments not probable, previously recognized and uncollected rental revenue and any related accrued rent are reversed as a reduction to rental income and, subsequently, any lease revenue is only recognized when cash receipts are received. As a result of the review of lease payments collectability, NNN recorded a write-off of $21,792,000 of outstanding receivables and related accrued rent during the year ended December 31, 2020, and reclassified certain tenants as cash basis for accounting purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2021, no outstanding receivables and related accrued rent were written off and no tenants were reclassified as cash basis for accounting purposes.

NNN includes an allowance for doubtful accounts in rental income on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

As of December 31, 2021, approximately six percent of total Properties, and approximately seven percent of aggregate gross leasable area held in the Property Portfolio, were leased to 11 tenants that NNN has determined to recognize revenue on a cash basis. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, NNN recognized $52,129,000 and $4,722,000, respectively, of rental income from certain tenants for periods following their classification to cash basis for accounting. NNN had no tenants classified as cash basis for accounting purposes for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Real Estate – Held For Sale. Real estate held for sale is not depreciated and is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less costs to sell.

Impairment – Real Estate. NNN periodically assesses its long-lived real estate assets for possible impairment whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. These indicators include, but are not limited to: changes in real estate market conditions, the ability of NNN to re-lease properties that are currently vacant or become vacant, properties reclassified as held for sale, persistent vacancies greater than one year, and properties leased to tenants in bankruptcy. Management evaluates whether an impairment in carrying value has occurred by comparing the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges), and the residual value of the real estate, with the carrying value of the individual asset. The future undiscounted cash flows are primarily driven by estimated future market rents. Future cash flow estimates are sensitive to the assumptions made by management regarding future market rents, which are affected by expectations about future market and economic conditions. If an impairment is indicated, a loss will be recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. NNN's Properties are leased primarily to retail tenants under long-term net leases and primarily held for investment. Generally, NNN’s Property leases provide for initial terms of 10 to 20 years, which provide for cash flows over this term. NNN generally intends to hold these assets for the long-term, therefore, a temporary change in cash flows due to the COVID-19 pandemic alone was determined not to be an indicator of impairment.

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Revenue Recognition. Rental revenues for properties under construction commence upon completion of construction of the leased asset and delivery of the leased asset to the tenant. Rental revenues for non-development real estate assets are recognized when earned in accordance with ASC 842, based on the terms of the lease of the leased asset. Lease termination fees are recognized when collected subsequent to the related lease that is cancelled and NNN no longer has continuing involvement with the former tenant with respect to that property.

The core principle of ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which

the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Certain contracts are excluded from ASU 2014-09, including lease contracts within the scope of ASC 842. NNN determined the key revenue stream impacted by ASU 2014-09 is gain on disposition of real estate reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. In accordance with ASU 2014-09, NNN evaluates any separate contracts or performance obligations to determine proper timing and/or amount of revenue recognition, as well as, transaction price allocation.

New Accounting Pronouncements. Refer to Note 1 of the December 31, 2021, Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary and the anticipated impact of each accounting pronouncement on NNN's financial position or results of operations.

Results of Operations

Property Analysis

General. The following table summarizes the Property Portfolio as of December 31:

The following table summarizes the lease expirations, assuming none of the tenants exercise renewal options, of the Property Portfolio for each of the next 10 years and then thereafter in the aggregate as of December 31, 2021:

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The following table summarizes the diversification of the Property Portfolio based on the top 20 lines of trade:

The following table summarizes the diversification of the Property Portfolio by state as of December 31, 2021:

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Property Acquisitions. The following table summarizes the Property acquisitions for each of the years ended December 31 (dollars in thousands):

NNN typically funds Property acquisitions either through borrowings under the Credit Facility or by issuing its debt or equity securities in the capital markets.

Property Dispositions. The following table summarizes the Properties sold by NNN for each of the years ended December 31 (dollars in thousands):

NNN typically uses the proceeds from a Property disposition to either pay down the Credit Facility or reinvest in real estate.

Analysis of Revenue

General. NNN’s total revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the same period ended in 2020. The increase is primarily due to a decrease in receivables reserves, scheduled rent increases based on increases in the Consumer Price Index ("CPI") and to the income generated from newly acquired Properties. NNN's total revenues decreased for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period ended in 2019. The decrease is primarily due to the write-off of receivables and lower rent collection from certain tenants due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. (See "Results of Operations - Property Analysis - Property Acquisitions").

The following summarizes NNN's revenues for each of the years ended December 31 (dollars in thousands):

Comparison of Revenues – 2021 versus 2020

Rental Income. Rental income increased for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the same period in 2020. The increase is primarily due to a change in receivables reserves, scheduled rent increases based on increases in the CPI and Property acquisitions:

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Comparison of Revenues – 2020 versus 2019

Refer to “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of NNN's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the Commission on February 11, 2021, for a detailed comparison of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020 versus December 31, 2019.

Analysis of Expenses

General. Operating expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease in impairment losses recognized on real estate during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the same period in 2020. The decrease in impairment losses was partially offset by an increase in depreciation and amortization as a result of the continued growth of NNN's Property Portfolio as well as an increase in general and administrative expenses. The following summarizes NNN’s expenses for the year ended December 31 (dollars in thousands):