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

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

Our Failure to Qualify as a REIT Would Have Adverse Consequences

We intend to continue to operate in a manner that will permit us to qualify as a REIT under the Code. We have not requested and do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) that we qualify as a REIT, and the statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are not binding on the IRS or any court. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. Continued qualification as a REIT depends upon our continuing ability to meet various requirements concerning, among other things, the ownership of our outstanding stock, the nature of our assets, the sources of our income and the amount of our distributions to our shareholders. The fact that we hold substantially all of our assets through our Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries and joint ventures further complicates the application of the REIT requirements for us. Even a technical or inadvertent mistake could jeopardize our REIT status and, given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs and the ongoing importance of factual determinations, we cannot provide any assurance that we will continue to qualify as a REIT. Furthermore, Congress and the IRS might make changes to the tax laws and regulations, and the courts and the IRS might issue new rulings, that make it more difficult, or impossible, for us to remain qualified as a REIT.

If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and are unable to avail ourselves of certain

savings provisions set forth in the Code, we would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to shareholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax and possibly increased state and local taxes) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Unless entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we also would be ineligible for qualification as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which our qualification was lost. As a result, distributions to the shareholders would be reduced for each of the years involved. Although we currently intend to continue to operate in a manner designed to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that future economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations may cause our Board of Directors to revoke our REIT election. If we fail to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and are able to avail ourselves of one or more of the statutory savings provisions in order to maintain our REIT status, we would nevertheless be required to pay penalty taxes of $50,000 or more for each such failure.

We Will Pay Some Taxes Even if We Qualify as a REIT, Reducing Cash Available for Shareholders

Even if we qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we are required to pay some federal, state and local taxes on our income and property. For example, we will be subject to income tax to the extent we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income (including capital gains). Additionally, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which dividends paid by us in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income and 100% of our undistributed income from prior years. Moreover, if we have net income from “prohibited transactions,” that income will be subject to a 100% tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. The determination as to whether a particular sale is a prohibited transaction depends on the facts and circumstances related to that sale. While we will undertake sales of assets if those assets become inconsistent with our long-term strategic or return objectives, we do not believe that those sales should be considered prohibited transactions, but there can be no assurance that the IRS would not contend otherwise. The need to avoid prohibited transactions could cause us to forego or defer sales of properties that might otherwise be in our best interest to sell.

One of our subsidiaries has elected to be treated as a “taxable REIT subsidiary” of the Company for federal income tax purposes. A taxable REIT subsidiary is taxed as a regular corporation and is limited in its ability to deduct interest payments made to us in excess of a certain amount.amount, in addition to other limitations imposed on the deductibility of interest under the TCJA. In addition, if we receive or accrue certain amounts and the underlying economic arrangements amongbetween our taxable REIT subsidiary and us are not comparable to similar arrangements among unrelated parties, we will be subject to a 100% penalty tax on those payments in excess of amounts deemed reasonable between unrelated parties.

Finally, some state and local jurisdictions may tax some of our income even though as a REIT we are not subject to federal income tax on that income because not all states and localities follow the federal income tax treatment of REITs. To the extent that we are or any taxable REIT subsidiary is required to pay federal, foreign, state or local taxes, we will have less cash available for distribution to shareholders.

Complying with REIT Requirements May Limit Our Ability to Hedge Effectively and May Cause Us to Incur Tax Liabilities

The REIT provisions of the Code may limit our ability to hedge our assets and operations. Under these provisions, any income that we generate from transactions intended to hedge our interest rate risk will be excluded from gross income for purposes of the REIT 75% and 95% gross income tests if the instrument hedges interest rate risk on liabilities used to carry or acquire real estate assets or manages the risk of certain currency fluctuations, and such instrument is properly identified under applicable Treasury Regulations. Income from hedging transactions that do not meet these requirements will generally constitute non-qualifying income for purposes of both the REIT 75% and 95% gross income tests. As a result of these rules, we may have to limit our use of hedging techniques that might otherwise be advantageous or implement those hedges through a taxable REIT subsidiary. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because our taxable REIT subsidiary would be subject to tax on gains or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than we would otherwise want to bear. In addition, losses in our taxable REIT subsidiary arising after December 31, 2017 will generally not provide any tax benefit, except for being carried back or forward against past or future taxable income in the taxable REIT subsidiary.

Complying with the REIT Requirements May Cause Us to Forgo and/or Liquidate Otherwise Attractive Investments

To qualify as a REIT, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts that we distribute to our shareholders and the ownership of our shares. To meet these tests, we may be required to take or forgo taking actions that we would otherwise consider advantageous. For instance, in order to satisfy the gross income or asset tests applicable to REITs under the Code, we may be required to forgo investments that we otherwise would make. Furthermore, we may be required to liquidate from our portfolio otherwise attractive investments. In addition, we may be required to make distributions to shareholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution. These actions could reduce our income and amounts available for distribution to our shareholders. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our investment performance.

If the Operating Partnership Fails to Qualify as a Partnership for Federal Income Tax Purposes, We Could Fail to Qualify as a REIT and Suffer Other Adverse Consequences

We believe that ourthe Operating Partnership is organized and operated in a manner so as to be treated as a partnership and not an association or a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation, for federal income tax purposes. As a partnership, ourthe Operating Partnership is not subject to federal income tax on its income. Instead, each of the partners is allocated its share of ourthe Operating Partnership’s income. No assurance can be provided, however, that the IRS will not challenge ourthe Operating Partnership’s status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If the IRS were successful in treating ourthe Operating Partnership as an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, we would fail to meet the gross income tests and certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs and, accordingly, would cease to qualify as a REIT. Also, the failure of the Operating Partnership to qualify as a partnership would cause it to become subject to federal corporate income tax, which would reduce significantly the amount of its cash available for distribution to its partners, including us.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act May Impact the Attractiveness of an Investment in our Stock in Ways Difficult to Anticipate

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), signed into law in late 2017, significantly changed the U.S. federal income tax law applicable, and is generally for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. The TCJA reduced corporate and non-corporate income tax rates and changed numerous other provisions of the Code that may affect the taxation of REITs and their shareholders. These changes generally appear favorable to REITs; however, certain changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws pursuant to the TCJA could have a material and adverse effect on us. Some of these changes could reduce the relative competitive advantage of companies operating as REITs as opposed to companies not operating as REITs, including:

Many changes applicable to individual taxpayers are temporary – applying to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026. The TCJA makes numerous other changes to the tax law that do not affect REITs directly, but these changes could impact our shareholders and, therefore, could indirectly affect us.

Furthermore, the TCJA was adopted in a short period of time without hearings. It is likely that Congress will have to review, and possibly modify, provisions of the TCJA in subsequent tax legislation. It is not possible to predict if or when Congress will address changes to the TCJA or when the Internal Revenue Service will issue administrative guidance on the changes made by the TCJA or how any such changes will impact us or an investment in our stock. It is possible that future changes to tax law or guidance promulgated thereunder could adversely impact us.

Shareholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors about the TCJA and any other regulatory or administrative developments and proposals with respect to taxes and their potential effect on investment in our stock.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment of REITs and Investments in REITs May Change, Which May Result in the Loss of Our Tax Benefits of Operating as a REIT

Current U.S. federal income tax treatment of a REIT and an investment in a REIT may be modified by legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time, and we cannot predict when such action may occur. We cannot predict how changes in U.S. federal income tax law will affect us or our investors nor can we predict the long-term impact of tax reforms on REITs.

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

In 2014,2017, our Board of Directors authorized and we declared quarterly common stock dividends of $0.68$0.95 per share in January, and $1.00 per share for April, July and October, the equivalent of anfor a total 2017 dividend per share annual rate of $2.72$3.95 per share. In addition, our boardBoard of directorsDirectors authorized and we declared an increaseda quarterly common stock dividend of $0.75$1.00 per share in January 2015.2018. We can provide no assurance that our boardBoard of Directors will not reduce or eliminate entirely dividend distributions on our common stock in the future.

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

Market Interest Rates May Influence the Price of Our Common Stock

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

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

As of December 31, 2014, 2052017, 254 of our 518706 self-storage facilities are located in the states of Texas and Florida. For the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, these facilities accounted for approximately 39%36% of store revenues. This concentration of business in Texas and Florida exposes us to potential losses resulting from a downturn in the economies of those states. If economic conditions in those states deteriorate, we may experience a reduction in existing and new business, which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

When We Acquire Properties in New Markets, We Will Be Subject to Increased Operational Risks

We may acquire self-storage properties in markets where we have little or no operational experience. When we enter into new markets, we will be subject to increased risks resulting from our lack of experience and infrastructure in these markets and may need to incur additional costs, both expected and unexpected, to develop our operating capabilities in these markets. These risks could materially and adversely affect us, including our growth prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

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

The maximum marginal rate of tax payable by domestic noncorporate taxpayers on dividends received from a regular “C” corporation under current federal law generally is 20%, as opposed to higher ordinary income rates. The reduced tax rate, however, does not apply to distributions paid to domestic noncorporate taxpayers by a REIT on its stock, except for certain limited amounts. The earnings of a REIT that are distributed to its stockholders generally remain subject to less federal income taxation than earnings of a non-REIT “C” corporation that are distributed to its stockholders net of corporate-level income tax. However, the lower rate of taxation to dividends paid by regular “C” corporations could cause domestic noncorporate investors to view the stock of regular “C” corporations as more attractive relative to the stock of a REIT, because the dividends from regular “C” corporations continue to be taxed at a lower rate while distributions from REITs (other than distributions designated as capital gain dividends) are generally taxed at the same rate as other ordinary income for domestic noncorporate taxpayers.

We are heavily dependent on computer systems, telecommunications and the Internet to process transactions, summarize results and manage our business. Security breaches or a failure of such networks, systems or technology could adversely impact our business and customer relationships.

We are heavily dependent upon automated information technology and Internet commerce, with many of our new customers coming from the Internet or the telephone, and the nature of our business involves the receipt and retention of personal information about them. We centrally manage significant components of our operations with our computer systems, including our financial information, and we also rely extensively on third-party vendors to retain data, process transactions and provide other systems services. These systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer worms, viruses and other destructive or disruptive security breaches and catastrophic events.

As a result, our operations could be severely impacted by a natural disaster, terrorist attack or other circumstance that resulted in a significant outage of our systems or those of our third partythird-party providers, despite our use of back up and redundancy measures. Further, viruses and other related risks could negatively impact our information technology processes. We could also be subject to a “cyber-attack” or other data security breach which would penetrate our network security, resulting in misappropriation of our confidential information, including customer personal information. System disruptions and shutdowns could also result in additional costs to repair or replace such networks or information systems and possible legal liability, including government enforcement actions and private litigation. In addition, our customers could lose confidence in our ability to protect their personal information, which could cause them to move out of rented storage spaces. Such events could lead to lost future sales and adversely affect our results of operations.

None.

At December 31, 2014,2017, we held ownership interests in, leased, and/or managed a total of 518706 Properties situated in twenty-five28 states. Among our 518706 self-storage properties are 3998 properties that we manage for an unconsolidated joint ventureventures of which we are a 20% owner, 30 properties that we manage for anhave varying percentage ownership interests. For additional information regarding unconsolidated joint venture of which we are a 15% owner, 17 properties that we manage and in which have no ownership interest, and four properties that, as of December 31, 2014, we leased.ventures, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements filed herewith.

Our self-storage facilities offer inexpensive, easily accessible, enclosed storage space to residential and commercial users on a month-to-month basis. Most of our Properties are fenced and well lighted with automated access systems and surveillance cameras. A majority of the Properties are single-story, thereby providing customers with the convenience of direct vehicle access to their storage spaces. Our stores range in size from 18,000 to 181,000195,000 net rentable square feet, with an average of approximately 69,00070,000 net rentable square feet. The Properties generally are constructed of masonry or steel walls resting on concrete slabs and have standing seam metal, shingle, or tar and gravel roofs. All Properties have a property manager on-site during business hours. Generally, customers have access to their storage space up to 15 hours a day, and some customers are provided 24-hour access. Individual storage spaces are secured by a lock furnished by the customer to provide the customer with control of access to the space.

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

The following table provides certain information regarding the Properties in which we have an ownership interest, lease, and/or manage as of December 31, 2014:2017:

At December 31, 2014,2017, the Properties had an average occupancy of 88.5%88.7% and an annualized rent per occupied square foot of $12.40.$14.07.

On or about August 25, 2014, a putative class action was filed against the Company in the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division Burlington County. The action seeks to obtain declaratory, injunctive and monetary relief for a class of consumers based upon alleged violations by the Company of the New Jersey Truth in Customer Contract, Warranty and Notice Act, the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act and the New Jersey Insurance Producer Licensing Act.various statutory laws. On October 17, 2014, the action was removed from the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division Burlington County to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. The Company intendsbrought a motion to vigorously defendpartially dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim, and on July 16, 2015, the Company’s motion was granted in part and denied in part. On October 20, 2016, the complaint was amended to add additional claims. The parties have entered into a memorandum of understanding to settle all claims for an aggregate amount of $8.0 million. In February 2018, the motion for the preliminary approval of the proposed class action andsettlement was granted. The aggregate settlement amount of $8.0 million ($6.0 million after considering income tax impact) has been recorded as a liability of in the possibilityCompany’s consolidated balance sheet. A portion of any adverse outcome cannot be determined at this time.the settlement expense relates to self-storage facilities that are managed by the Company through its taxable REIT subsidiary. There is an income tax impact to the Company on that portion of the settlement expense as a result. The settlement is subject to final approval by the court, a decision which is expected in 2018.

Not Applicable

PartPart II

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

As of February 13, 2015,12, 2018, there were approximately 752590 holders of record of our Common Stock. These figures do not include common shares held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of shareholders.

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

For federal income tax purposes, distributions to shareholders are treated as ordinary income, capital gain, return of capital or a combination thereof. Distributions to shareholders for 20142017 represent 100%83% ordinary income.income and 17% return of capital.

History of Dividends Declared on Common Stock

For each quarter in 2016 and 2017, the Operating Partnership paid a cash distribution per unit in an amount equal to the dividend paid on a share of common stock for such quarter.

The following table summarizes our purchases of our common stock for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2014,2017, with respect to equity compensation plans under which shares of the Company’s Common Stock may be issued.

Unregistered Sale of Securities

During the quarterly period ended December 31, 2014, the Company issued 2,000 shares of common stock as a result of the exercise of stock options issued under the Company’s 2009 Outside Directors’ Stock Option and Award Plan. The Company received aggregate proceeds of $139,800 in connection with the exercise of the stock options. The issuance of such common stock was exempt from registration pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, among other reasons, by virtue of Section 4(2) as transactions not involving a public offering.

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following chart and line-graph presentation compares (i) the Company’s shareholder return on an indexed basis since December 31, 20092012 with (ii) the S&P Stock Index and (iii) the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Equity Index.

CUMULATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN

SOVRAN SELFLIFE STORAGE, INC.

DECEMBER 31, 20092012 - DECEMBER 31, 20142017

The foregoing item assumes $100.00 invested on December 31, 2009,2012, with dividends reinvested.

LIFE STORAGE, INC.

The following table sets forth selected financial and operating data on an historical consolidated basis for the Parent Company. The selected historical financial data as of and for the five-year period ended December 31, 2017 are derived from the Parent Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and their report thereon, are included herein. The other data presented below is not derived from the financial statements.

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

LIFE STORAGE LP

The following table sets forth selected financial and operating data on an historical consolidated basis for the Operating Partnership. The selected historical financial data as of and for the five-year period ended December 31, 2017 are derived from the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements, which have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and their report thereon, are included herein. The other data presented below is not derived from the financial statements.

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

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

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

Business and Overview

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

Operating Strategy

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