Americold (NYSE: COLD) outlines EQT joint venture, deleveraging plan and 2026 guidance
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Americold Realty Trust, Inc. furnished an investor presentation outlining its growth strategy, deleveraging plans and 2026 outlook. The company expects to raise approximately $1.1 billion in net cash proceeds in the third quarter of 2026 through a joint venture with EQT, using 12 facilities valued in excess of $1.3 billion to help pay down debt. As of March 31, 2026, total net debt was $4 billion, supported by $564 million of liquidity and investment grade ratings. Americold highlights a global cold-storage network of 224 warehouses and emphasizes fixed-commitment contracts, cost-reduction initiatives and technology investments. For 2026, guidance includes warehouse same-store revenues of $2.20–$2.27 billion, Core EBITDA of $570–$620 million, and Adjusted FFO per share of $1.20–$1.30, excluding the anticipated joint venture impact.
Positive
- EQT joint venture to raise ~$1.1B for deleveraging, with 12 facilities valued above $1.3B contributed and proceeds expected to repay debt in the third quarter of 2026, materially strengthening the balance sheet.
- Improved contractual mix and guidance, with fixed storage contracts rising to 59% of warehouse rent and storage revenues and 2026 guidance targeting $570–$620M Core EBITDA and $1.20–$1.30 Adjusted FFO per share.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Americold pairs sizeable deleveraging via an EQT joint venture with solid 2026 operating guidance.
Americold plans to contribute 12 facilities valued above $1.3 billion to a joint venture where EQT acquires 70%, leaving Americold with 30%. Management expects about $1.1 billion in net cash proceeds, primarily to reduce debt, against total net debt of $4 billion as of March 31, 2026.
The presentation shows growing contractual stability: fixed storage contracts now represent 59% of total warehouse rent and storage revenues with an 8‑year weighted average term. Cost initiatives target $30 million in indirect labor and SG&A savings and a further $50 million in other costs, supporting Core EBITDA guidance of $570–$620 million and Adjusted FFO per share of $1.20–$1.30 for 2026, excluding joint venture effects.
The maturity schedule is described as well-laddered, with a remaining weighted average term of 3.9 years and a weighted average contractual interest rate of 4.12%. Several maturities marked for repayment from joint venture proceeds suggest reduced refinancing needs once the transaction closes, subject to customary conditions and approvals.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 7.01, 9.01
2 items
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
EQT JV net cash proceeds: $1.1 billion
Facilities contributed to EQT JV: 12 facilities, >$1.3 billion value
Total net debt: $4 billion
+5 more
8 metrics
EQT JV net cash proceeds
$1.1 billion
Expected in Q3 2026 for deleveraging
Facilities contributed to EQT JV
12 facilities, >$1.3 billion value
Assets contributed to joint venture platform
Total net debt
$4 billion
As of March 31, 2026
Total liquidity
$564 million
Cash and revolver availability as of March 31, 2026
2026 Core EBITDA guidance
$570–$620 million
Company outlook for 2026
2026 Adjusted FFO per share
$1.20–$1.30
Guidance, excluding JV impact
Fixed storage revenue mix
59% of warehouse rent and storage
Share of revenues from fixed storage contracts
Indirect labor & SG&A savings
$30 million
Completed savings initiatives by end of Q1 2026
Key Terms
Adjusted FFO, Core EBITDA, same store, triple net leased, +2 more
6 terms
Adjusted FFO financial
"Adjusted FFO per share $1.20 - $1.30 Guidance does not reflect"
Adjusted funds from operations (FFO) is a measure of how much cash a real estate investment generates from its regular business activities, excluding certain adjustments like accounting items or non-recurring expenses. It provides a clearer picture of the company's ongoing financial health, helping investors understand its true cash-generating ability. Think of it as measuring how much money a store makes from sales, after removing one-time costs or gains, to see its steady income flow.
Core EBITDA financial
"Core EBITDA $570M - $620M Interest expense $170M - $180M"
Core EBITDA is a measure of a company's earnings from its regular business operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, with one-off, non-recurring or unusual items removed. Investors use it to see the underlying, repeatable cash-generating performance — like checking how well a store sells its usual products after ignoring a one-time sale or a one-off repair — which helps compare companies and judge ongoing profitability.
same store financial
"Warehouse segment same store revenues (constant currency) $2.20B"
Same store describes sales or revenue measured only at locations or outlets that have been open for a specified prior period, excluding new openings and closed units so performance is compared on an “apples-to-apples” basis. Investors use same-store figures to see whether existing operations are growing or shrinking on their own, like checking whether a long-standing shop is selling more or fewer items this year without the distortion of added or removed stores.
triple net leased financial
"Purchased a facility & triple net leased it to a new tenant"
investment grade financial
"Investment grade ratings: BBB (Fitch / DBRS Morningstar), Baa3 (Moody’s)"
A credit rating label assigned to bonds or borrowers that signals relatively low risk of default; think of it as a strong health check for a company's or government's ability to repay debt. It matters to investors because investment-grade status typically means lower interest costs for the borrower, greater eligibility for conservative funds and pension portfolios, and generally more stable returns compared with higher-risk, non-investment-grade debt.
joint venture financial
"Announced formation of the Americold EQT Joint Venture"
A joint venture is when two or more companies team up to work on a specific project or business idea, sharing both the risks and the rewards. It’s like friends starting a lemonade stand together—each contributes resources and they split the profits, making it easier to succeed than going alone.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) May 7, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
(678 ) 441-1400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | ||||||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | ||||||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | ||||||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | ||||||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
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. ☐
Item 7.01 — Regulation FD Disclosure.
The Company posted on its website at www.americold.com an investor presentation dated May 7, 2026, containing supplemental financial and operational information regarding the Company. In addition to being available on the Company's website, the presentation is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
The information in this Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K and the exhibit furnished therewith shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, and shall not be or be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.
Item 9.01 — Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Description | |||||||
99.1 | Investor Presentation Materials posted May 7, 2026. | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: May 7, 2026
| AMERICOLD REALTY TRUST, INC. | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Christopher J. Papa | |||||||
| Name: Christopher J. Papa | ||||||||
| Title: Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President | ||||||||
Strengthening our Foundation to Unlock Long-Term Growth Corporate Deck | May 7, 2026
Disclaimer This presentation contains statements about future events and expectations that constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future financial and operating performance and growth plans, taking into account the information currently available to us. These statements are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations of future results we express or imply in any forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could contribute to these differences include the following: failure to execute on growth strategies and opportunities; national, international, regional and local economic conditions, including impacts and uncertainty from trade disputes and tariffs on goods imported to the United States and goods exported to other countries; periods of economic slowdown or recession; the impact of supply chain disruptions, including, among others, the impact of labor availability, raw material availability, manufacturing and food production and transportation; uncertainties and risks related to public health crises, adverse economic or real estate developments in our geographic markets or the temperature-controlled warehouse industry; risks associated with the ownership of real estate generally and temperature-controlled warehouses in particular; general economic conditions; acquisition risks, including the failure to identify or complete attractive acquisitions or the failure of acquisitions to perform in accordance with projections or our failure to realize the intended benefits from our acquisitions, including synergies, or disruptions to our plans and operations or unknown or contingent liabilities related to our acquisitions; risks related to failure to consummate our joint venture with EQT on the terms or timeline currently anticipated, or at all, due to the failure to satisfy closing conditions, obtain necessary approvals or consents, or other factors beyond our control; risks related to failure to achieve the anticipated benefits, synergies or returns from our joint venture with EQT, including as a result of unanticipated costs or liabilities, difficulties in integrating joint venture operations, or the failure of the joint venture to perform in accordance with our expectations; risks related to expansions of existing properties and developments of new properties, including failure to meet budgeted or stabilized returns within expected timeframes, or at all, in respect thereof; a failure of our information technology systems, systems conversions and integrations, cybersecurity attacks or a breach of our information security systems, networks or processes could cause business disruptions or loss of confidential information; risks related to privacy and data security concerns, and data collection and transfer restrictions and related foreign regulations; risks related to defaults or non-renewals of significant customer contracts; uncertainty of revenues, given the nature of our customer contracts; increased interest rates and operating costs; our failure to obtain necessary outside financing on attractive terms or at all; risks related to, or restrictions contained in, our debt financings; decreased storage rates or increased vacancy rates; risks related to current and potential international operations and properties; difficulties in expanding our operations into new markets and products, including international markets; risks related to the partial ownership of properties, including our JV investments; our failure to maintain our status as a Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT"); possible environmental liabilities, including costs, fines or penalties that may be incurred due to necessary remediation of contamination of properties presently or previously owned by us; financial market fluctuations; actions by our competitors and their increasing ability to compete with us; geopolitical conflicts, such as the on-going conflict between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, and any related or resulting disruptions, including increased energy costs; rising inflationary pressures, increased interest rates and operating costs; labor and power costs; labor shortages; risks related to rising construction costs/ risk related to implementation of the new enterprise resource planning system; risks related to natural disasters; changes in applicable governmental regulations and tax legislation, including in the international markets; additional risks with respect to the addition of European operations and properties; changes in real estate and zoning laws and increases in real property tax rates; our relationship with our associates; the occurrence of any work stoppages or any disputes under our collective bargaining agreements and employment related litigation; liabilities as a result of our participation in multi-employer pension plans; uninsured losses or losses in excess of our insurance coverage; the potential liabilities, costs and regulatory impacts associated with our in-house trucking services and the potential disruptions associated with the use of third-party trucking service providers to provide transportation services to our customers; the cost and time requirements as a result of our operation as a publicly traded REIT; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; the impact of anti-takeover provisions in our constituent documents and under Maryland law, which could make an acquisition of us more difficult, limit attempts by our shareholders to replace our directors and affect the price of our shares of common stock of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share; or the potential dilutive effect of our common stock offerings, including our ongoing at the market program. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,” “estimates,” “expects,” “goal,” “objectives,” “intends,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plans,” “potential,” “near-term,” “long-term,” “projections,” “assumptions,” “projects,” “guidance,” “forecasts,” “outlook,” “target,” “trends,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements may contain such words. Examples of forward- looking statements included in this presentation include, among others, statements about our expected expansion and development pipeline and our targeted return on invested capital on expansion and development opportunities, statements about industry-wide headwinds and statements about the joint venture transaction with EQT. We qualify any forward-looking statements entirely by these cautionary factors. Other risks, uncertainties and factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements we make. We assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available, in the future, except to the extent required by law. Non-GAAP Measures This presentation contains non-GAAP financial measures, including AFFO, Core EBITDA, Core EBITDA Margin, Pro Forma ("PF") Core EBITDA, NOI and margin, constant currency basis and maintenance capital expenditures. Definitions and reconciliations of these non-GAAP metrics to their most comparable GAAP metrics are included within our quarterly financial supplement for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 as filed with the SEC on May 7, 2026. Each of these non-GAAP measures included in this presentation has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for an analysis of the Company's results calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because not all companies use identical calculations, the Company's presentation of non-GAAP measures in this presentation may not be comparable to similarly titled measures disclosed by other companies, including other REITs. 2
Americold – A Compelling Growth Opportunity 3 3 Execution-focused and well positioned strategy centered on solutions, operational excellence, and experienced leadership 4 Multiple growth drivers with a capital allocation strategy supported by a blue-chip customer base, unique partnerships, and diverse asset network 1 Global leader in the attractive cold storage industry with an integrated network of high-quality, strategically located mission-critical warehouses 2 Unique value proposition with unparalleled expertise, partnerships with industry experts, scalable infrastructure, and leading technology and operating systems
4 1. Global Leader in Cold Storage
Significant Scale & Expertise from 120+ Years of Experience Significant Scale Global Footprint Cubic Feet / Warehouse Count North America 1,154M / 179 South America 10M / 2 Europe 105M / 23 Asia Pacific 86M / 20 Note: Figures as of March 31, 2026. Figures may not sum due to rounding ~5.2M Pallet Positions 224 Warehouses ~2,900 Customers 12,000 Associates ~1.4B/53M Cubic Feet/Square Feet of Total Capacity Connectivity Conventional & Automated Presence at Every Major Node 5
6 A Global Leader in Temperature- Controlled Warehousing Cold Storage Industry Market Share 1,154M cubic feet 179 facilities 1,355M cubic feet1 224 facilities Note: Americold portfolio figures as of March 31, 2026. Figures may not sum due to rounding 1) Figures do not include Americold’s Middle Eastern investment in the RSA JV 2) The remaining 41% and 78% of the North American and global markets consist of ~3.0bn cubic feet and ~19.7bn cubic feet, respectively A Global Leader in Highly Fragmented Market North American Market Americold, 18% Rest of the Market², 41% Global Market Americold¹, 6% Rest of the Market², 78% 6
Americold is Essential to the Cold Chain There are four primary 3PL cold chain nodes and Americold has solutions in each one: Production Support (Production Advantaged) Distribution Support (Forward Distribution) Import | Export Support (Port) Store Distribution (Retail) Americold provides mission critical infrastructure from production to consumption Produce Distribute Consume 7
Deep Customer Relationships Drive Growth Opportunities Strategically-located network of facilities Comprehensive value-added services Top 25 Customers Best-in-class customer experience High standards of quality, reliability, and food safety Commitment to innovation through automation and strategic partnerships 8 ~39 years average tenure 13 customers are investment grade(2) 100% utilize committed contracts/leases ~50% of Warehouse revenues(1) 1) Based on LTM Warehouse revenues as of March 31, 2026 2) Represents long-term issuer rating as of April 2026 Compelling Value Proposition 100% use multiple facilities, average of 16 sites
Bryan Verbarendse President, Americas COLD: Joined 2023/Appointed 2025 ~33 years experience Nathan Harwell Chief Legal Officer and People Officer COLD: Joined & Appointed 2023 & 2026 ~27 years experience Experienced Management Team Committed to Increasing Shareholder Value Significant experience in real estate, third-party logistics, and grocery retail Robert Chambers Chief Executive Officer COLD: Joined 2013/Appointed 2025 ~21 years experience Chris Papa Chief Financial Officer COLD: Joined & Appointed 2026 ~23 years experience Richard Winnall President, International COLD: Joined 2019/Appointed 2024 ~24 years experience Michael Spires Chief Information Officer COLD: Joined & Appointed 2023 ~25 years experience Scott Henderson Chief Investment Officer COLD: Joined 2018/Appointed 2023 ~24 years experience 9
History of Significant Growth 10 • Hiring and retention initiatives deliver $100M in incremental services NOI • Project Orion improved labor productivity and efficiencies • Grew same store service margins by 911 bps to 12.9% • Refocus on 4 key strategic priorities: labor, customer service, pricing, developments • Re-commercialization initiative across the business • Announced strategic partnership with DP World • Announced strategic partnership with CPKC • Launched Project Orion • Completed and launched 5 automation projects AFFO (in millions) $1.11 $1.27 $1.47$1.11 $1.43 $1.11 $1.47 • Completed Houston acquisition to support retail growth • Increased quarterly dividend by 5% • Achieved target of 60% of rent & storage revenue from fixed commitment contracts • Rob Chambers appointed CEO • Introduced 5 key priorities to support future growth Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP metrics are included within our quarterly financial supplement for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 as filed with the SEC on May 7, 2026 $1.27 31% AFFO Growth . . . $300M $352M $420M $408M $394M 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 TTM $1.11 $1.38.. • Chris Papa appointed CFO • Announced formation of the Americold EQT Joint Venture 27 $1.47 $1.43
11 2. Unique Value Proposition
12 Unique Value Proposition Driven by Unparalleled Expertise and Scalable Infrastructure Strategic Partnerships providing unique growth opportunities exclusive to Americold Scalable Infrastructure Conventional & Automated capabilities at all nodes of the supply chain Advanced Operating System ensures best practices across entire warehouse network Leveraging Technology to drive efficiency and productivity gains
Ability to Leverage Strong Market Presence in North America Production Advantaged Forward Distribution Retail Distribution Port Facilities Americold Advantages • Continued growth in retail • Leverage expertise into foodservice, e-commerce, convenience, drug and dollar stores • Expand non-core products, such as pet food, pharmacy, floral • Growth with CPKC to enhance cold storage supply chain through rail • Potential presence in Mexico through strategic partnerships • ~90% owned network of high-quality, strategically located warehouses • Deep relationships with top customers spanning decades • Technological expertise and best-in-class operating system Growth Strategy 13
Scalable Platform in Europe and Middle East Production Advantaged Forward Distribution Retail Distribution Port Facilities Americold Advantages • Significant white space to grow presence in retail and QSR sectors • Expansion into foodservice, mass merchandising, convenience, e-commerce, drug stores, club stores, and dollar stores • Expand geographic presence including fast-growing Middle East region with lots of white space, partnerships give us strategic advantage • Presence at all nodes in the cold storage supply chain in Europe • Americold Operating System implemented throughout • Project Orion implementation underway to centralize/ streamline multiple processes Growth Strategy Europe 14 Dubai
Significant Growth Opportunities in Asia Pacific Production Advantaged Forward Distribution Retail Distribution Port Facilities Americold Advantages • Existing customers are growing and requesting additional development support • Expansion into adjacent channels, such as convenience, mass merchandise, e-commerce, drug stores, club stores, and dollar stores • Leverage partnership opportunities in Southeast Asia • Region is highly economically occupied • Specializes in fast turning and operationally intensive retail/QSR business • Decades long relationships • Americold Operating System and Project Orion implemented throughout • Recent wins with On The Run expands capabilities into convenience sector Growth Strategy 15
Americold’s Critical Infrastructure at Every Node % of total warehouse revenue for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2026 16 48% 14% 25% Forward Distribution • Multi-tenanted mixing facilities • Located near large population centers • Fewer fixed commitment agreements • Multiple customers served Retail Distribution Center • Single tenanted • Long-term fixed commitment agreements • High-turning and operationally intense • Largely insourced today Ports • Multiple tenants • Few fixed commitment agreements • High-turning • Leverage strategic partnerships Production Advantaged • Single tenanted • Long-term fixed commitment agreements • Requires deep customer relationships • Located in largely rural areas close to harvests 39.0% 26.0% 22.0% 13.0%
Operational Partners Core Operating Expertise Enhanced by Best-in-Class Partnerships 17 Kansas City, Missouri • First-of-its-kind rail-attached facility supporting the closed loop cold chain service between Mexico and US utilizing intermodal, bypassing customs, reducing transit time by approximately one day and reducing total cost. Completed in partnership with CPKC, opened Q2 2025. Port St. John, New Brunswick, Canada ◦ Import/Export Hub will store and handle temperature sensitive food moving through the port, providing a more efficient route for Canadian food imports & exports, expected to open Q2 2026 Port of Jebel Ali, Dubai • Import/Export Hub is the first to offer both bonded & non-bonded service and enables global food Producers to connect directly with regional Retailers and Distributors. Opened Q2 2025. Highlights Top Five Global Port Operator 2022 One of NA’s Largest Railroad Companies 2023 DP World Canadian Pacific Kansas City
Technology Differentiation: Improving Efficiency and Lowering Cost 18 Project Orion ERP Standardize processes, reduce manual work and improve analytics ▪ Warehouse management system (WMS) provides visibility to ensure orders delivered on-time and in-full (OTIF) ▪ Labor management system (LMS) optimizes workforce and delivers high service levels to customers ▪ Transportation Management System (TMS) ensuring comprehensive national delivery network visibility ▪ Warehouse Execution System (WES) facilitating industry-leading automation services 415+ Identified Gen AI Use Cases Leveraging embedded AI with tech partners
19 3. Growth Drivers & Well-Positioned Strategy
Americold Operating System and Warehouse Management Expertise Americold Operating System ensures best practices across entire network 20 Customer Focus Labor Optimization Focused Improvement Safety Talent Stewardship Food Safety Asset Protection Inventory Management Sustainability Excellence Refrigeration Excellence Advanced Integrated Systems Maintenance Excellence AOS distinguishes us from our competitors and is supported by our continuous improvement culture • • Delivering standardized procedures • Driving collaborative innovation • Improving service • Optimizing value
2026 Key Priorities Strong Organizational Alignment with a Focus on Execution • Strategic capital management to de-lever balance sheet and maintain investment grade profile • Creating value from our real estate through portfolio management of low profit facilities, NNN leasing of space to tenants, and/or non-strategic asset sales • Driving organic growth by leveraging COLD’s advantages in under-penetrated sectors, such as retail, QSR, convenience, e-commerce, pet food, floral, pharmacy, and more • Limit inorganic growth to lower-risk projects, such as customer-dedicated, partnership- driven, and international until leverage is reduced • Continued rightsizing of our cost structure - achieve $30M in cost savings from indirect labor and SG&A and $50M reduction in Project Orion and transformation expenses - while managing costs closely 21
2026 Key Priorities Execution To Date Expect to raise $1.1 billion through joint venture to pay off debt in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals Purchased a facility & triple net leased it to a new tenant for 15 years Closed new business with On the Run in Australia for tri-temperature warehouse services Closed several new deals in floral, pharmaceuticals, ecommerce and tobacco Announced development for McCain, a top 5 customer with a 35 year relationship and a 20 year commitment Completed initiative to recognize $30 million in indirect labor & SG&A savings 22 Completed renewal with KFC in Australia for 10 years, expanding our 30 year relationship Identified 9 sites to strategically exit in 2026, with two completed during Q1
Partners Joint Venture Accelerates Delevering with a Platform for Growth 23 • Americold will contribute 12 facilities with an aggregate value in excess of $1.3 billion • EQT will acquire a 70% interest with Americold retaining 30% ownership • Americold expects to receive approximately $1.1 billion in net cash proceeds for deleveraging • Americold will serve as day-to-day manager of the platform, providing operational oversight to ensure continuity of service and operational excellence for customers • Transaction reflects an attractive external valuation for mission-critical cold storage assets • Provides a robust platform to explore potential future growth opportunities Highlights
Leveraging Our Strategic Advantages Current Market Focus Weak Consumer Demand Tariffs High Interest Rates GLP-1 Adoption Outsized Food Inflation Recent Spec Builds SNAP Reductions Critical Infrastructure at Every Node Advanced Operating System Commitment to Best-in-Class Customer Service Long-Term Customer Relationships World-Class Partnerships Expand QSR to New Geographies Build in Attractive Int’l Markets Grow Retail Business Evaluate Adjacent/New Categories 24
Frozen Food Pharmaceuticals Fresh Food Retail QSR International Pet Food Floral Seafood Beverages Expanding the Aperture to Adjacent Growth Opportunities Dry Goods Cosmetics E-commerce Core Adjacent New Focused on Driving Occupancy to Maximize Real Estate and Shareholder Value 25
Global Opportunity to Grow Retail and QSR Presence COLD Best in Class Operator Trusted by Largest Retailers & QSR Brands in the World What is Retail/QSR? • Pallets of product from multiple manufactures arrive at our facility • Product is warehoused until a store needs replenishment • Individual cases are picked (automated or manually) based on store order • Cases are assembled into new multi- vendor, multi-SKU pallets • Pallets are staged for loading based on the delivery route • Pallets arrive and product placed into refrigerated/frozen coolers within the store Attractive Characteristics • 5 of our top-10 customers are retail/ QSR companies • Generated $520 million LTM revenue • Nearly twice the NOI/pallet compared to rest of the portfolio • Leading market share and challenging for competitors to enter complex value-added segment of market • Opportunity to expand into new geographies • Largely insourced by retailers today, with significant whitespace 26 Attractive Pipeline of Global Growth Opportunities
27 Cost Reduction Initiative Identified opportunities to streamline organization to optimize performance and reduce cost • Conducted current-state assessment evaluating operating model design and identified opportunities for efficiency ▪ Performed top-down and bottom-up analysis to define future-state operating model ▪ Developed organization structure, processes, and systems, synthesized findings and identified areas for improvement ▪ Developed cost-savings model and implemented findings to save $30 million dollars in indirect labor & SG&A by the end of Q1 2026 ▪ Recently launched a second phase initiative to identify additional cost savings and efficiencies across the business Conducted current-state assessment and developed operating model Developed top-down and bottom- up analysis to define the future- state operating model Implementation Execution 1 3 42 • Developed high-level current-state hypotheses ◦ Developed a cost baseline ◦ Validated with stakeholders ◦ Conducted deep-dives with functional owners • Performed top-down analysis based on benchmarking analysis and Americold’s business context ◦ Conducted workshops to review and validate process packages with key stakeholders • Estimated savings and costs associated with initiatives identified • Documented key activities, dependencies, risks, resources and outcomes for each initiative in tear sheets • Developed implementation plan • Completed $30 million of savings initiatives for SG&A and indirect labor • Identified further cash savings of $50 million in Transactions, strategic initiatives and other costs, net
28 4. Financial Performance
Strong Same-Store Warehouse Revenue and NOI Growth 29 Note: Revenues represent LTM figures. Dollars in millions 1) Based on the annual committed rent and storage revenues attributable to fixed storage commitment contracts and leases as of March 31, 2026 2) Represents weighted average term for contracts featuring fixed storage commitments and leases as of March 31, 2026 Reconciliations of Non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP metrics are included within our quarterly financial supplement for the first quarter and year ended March 31, 2026 as filed with the SEC on May 7, 2026 • Significant improvement in transitioning from on demand contracts to fixed storage committed contracts and leases since 2021 • Fixed storage contracts for the total warehouse segment increased by 126% since 2021 and now account for: ▪ 59% of total warehouse rent and storage revenues (from 39% in 2021)(1) ▪ 8-year weighted average stated term(2) • Opportunity to further improve performance as we integrate acquisitions into Americold's standards • Services Revenue includes port support, blast freezing, tempering, labeling, repacking, and order fulfillment and assembly Same-Store Warehouse Revenue Same-Store Warehouse NOI Contribution (NOI) Margin: Same-Store Warehouse services Same-Store Rent & storage $1,464M $2,014M $2,258M $2,342M $2,305M $2,292M $615M $862M $1,025M $1,019M $993M $980M $849M $1,152M $1,233M $1,323M $1,312M $1,311M 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 TTM +57% growth $478M $600M $709M $807M $793M $784M $404M $540M $665M $635M $626M $612M $74M $60M $44M $172M $167M $171M 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 TTM +64% growth
Strong EBITDA Margins Supported by Ongoing Efficiency Initiatives 30 Core EBITDA ($M) and Margin (%) 17.5% • Effectively optimizing margins across all business areas • Creating a solid foundation with efforts over the past three years to build a productive, stabilized workforce supporting sustainable service margins • Strong variable cost control and focus on efficiencies • Significant investments in technology have streamlined processes, enhanced revenue capture, and accelerated labor management initiatives • Strategic partnerships fueling development pipeline for future profitable growth 17.5% 17.5% Reconciliations of Non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP metrics are included within our quarterly financial supplement for the first quarter and year ended March 31, 2026 as filed with the SEC on May 7, 2026 . 17.1% 28% growth . 17.1% 21.4% 23.8% $475M $500M $572M $634M $618M $607M 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 TTM 17.5% 21.4% 23.3% 17.1% 23.8% 23.7%
Well-Laddered Maturity Profile Note: Dollars in millions. Figures based on company filings as of March 31, 2026. Balances denominated in foreign currencies have been translated to USD. Figures may not sum due to rounding 1) Revolver maturity date assumes the exercise of two six month extension options 2) Term Loan maturity date assumes the exercise of one 12-month extension option 3) Figure reflects cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and the capacity available under the Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility less $19 million in letter of credit 31 Real Estate Debt Maturity (1)(2) % of Debt Maturity • Investment grade ratings: BBB (Fitch / DBRS Morningstar), Baa3 (Moody’s) • Total liquidity of $564M(3) with $524M available in undrawn credit facility • Total net debt of $4 billion at March 31, 2026 with 95% unsecured and 81% fixed rate • Well-laddered maturity profile with a remaining weighted average term of 3.9 years • Weighted average contractual interest rate of 4.12% as of March 31, 2026 • $10B+ in critical cold storage infrastructure that is difficult to replicate $375* $270* $400 $350 $462 $400 $405 $500 $250* $245* $180 $361 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 *indicates intention to repay with proceeds from EQT joint venture
Disciplined Capital Allocation Strategy Focused on Driving Growth and Generating Shareholder Value Organic Reinvestment in the Business Returning Capital to Shareholders Opportunistic and Disciplined M&A • Maintain annualized dividend per share • Growth and expansion through acquisitions of desirable assets • Accretive to AFFO per share on Day 1 • Strategic maintenance capital deployment • Investing in accretive development projects with strategic partners • Capacity expansion and customer specific builds Maintain Healthy Balance Sheet 1 42 3 • Maintain Investment Grade rating • Access to sources of public and private capital • Potential asset sales and joint ventures 32 Reconciliations of Non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP metrics are included within our quarterly financial supplement for the first quarter and year ended March 31, 2026 as filed with the SEC on May 7, 2026
Commitment to Sustainability Initiatives Environmental Commitment to Energy Excellence and Efficiency • Recognized under the Global Cold Chain Alliance’s (GCCA) Energy Excellence Recognition Program with Gold, Silver or Bronze certifications at 203 facilities • 21% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from 2021, with an ultimate goal of 30% in 2030 • 30,822 MWh of renewable energy produced in 2025, with a goal of 150k MWh in 2030 • 2025 GRESB Regional Sector Leader for the Americas in the Industrial (Standing Investments) category Social Social Initiatives • Serve the public good by maintaining the integrity of food supply and reducing waste • Corporate contributions / support to charities aligned with our core beliefs and focus, such as Feed the Children and HeroBox • $84K of financial assistance provided by the Americold Foundation to 33 associates in 2025 Governance Shareholder- friendly Corporate Governance • All members of the Board other than the CEO are independent • Code of Business Conduct and Ethics encourage the highest levels of integrity across the organization, training completed by 100% of associates Awards & Recognition Charitable Organizations 33
2026 Guidance Warehouse segment same store revenues (constant currency) $2.20B - $2.27B Warehouse segment same store NOI (constant currency) $735M - $785M Total Company NOI (constant currency) $780M - $845M Total selling, general and administrative expense (inclusive of approximately $218M - $228M of core SG&A, $23M - $24M of share-based compensation expense, and $8M-$10M of Project Orion deferred costs amortization) $250M - $260M Core EBITDA $570M - $620M Interest expense $170M - $180M Current income tax expense $6M - $8M Total maintenance capital expenditures $60M - $70M Adjusted FFO per share $1.20 - $1.30 Guidance does not reflect anticipated impact of the joint venture transaction. As issued on February 19, 2026. Reconciliations of Non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP metrics are included within our quarterly financial supplement for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 as filed with the SEC on May 7, 2026 34
Americold – A Compelling Growth Opportunity 35 3 Execution-focused and well positioned strategy centered on solutions, operational excellence, and experienced leadership 4 Multiple growth drivers with a capital allocation strategy supported by a blue-chip customer base, unique partnerships, and diverse asset network 1 Global leader in the attractive cold storage industry with an integrated network of high-quality, strategically located mission-critical warehouses 2 Unique value proposition with unparalleled expertise, partnerships with industry experts, scalable infrastructure, and leading technology and operating systems
FAQ
What key strategic move did Americold (COLD) highlight in its May 2026 presentation?
Americold emphasized a joint venture with EQT where it will contribute 12 facilities valued above $1.3 billion. EQT will acquire a 70% interest and Americold expects about $1.1 billion in net cash proceeds, primarily to reduce outstanding debt and support its balance sheet.
How much cash does Americold (COLD) expect from the EQT joint venture and how will it be used?
Americold expects approximately $1.1 billion in net cash proceeds from the EQT joint venture. The company states this cash is intended for deleveraging, including repayment of certain debt maturities, helping to address its $4 billion of total net debt outstanding at March 31, 2026.
What 2026 financial guidance did Americold (COLD) provide in the presentation?
For 2026, Americold guided to warehouse same-store revenues of $2.20–$2.27 billion and Total Company NOI of $780–$845 million. It also projected Core EBITDA of $570–$620 million and Adjusted FFO per share of $1.20–$1.30, excluding any impact from the EQT joint venture.
What is Americold’s (COLD) current debt and liquidity position?
As of March 31, 2026, Americold reported total net debt of $4 billion with 95% unsecured and 81% fixed rate. Liquidity totaled $564 million, including $524 million of availability under its undrawn revolving credit facility, and the company noted a weighted average interest rate of 4.12%.
How is Americold (COLD) changing its warehouse contract mix?
Americold reports significant progress shifting from on-demand to fixed storage committed contracts and leases. By March 31, 2026, fixed storage arrangements accounted for 59% of total warehouse rent and storage revenues, with an eight-year weighted average stated term, enhancing revenue visibility and stability.
What cost savings has Americold (COLD) identified and realized so far?
Americold completed initiatives to achieve $30 million of savings in indirect labor and SG&A by the end of Q1 2026. It also identified an additional $50 million of cash savings in transactions, strategic initiatives and other costs, supporting margins and its targeted Core EBITDA range for 2026.