Table of Contents

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration Statement No. 333-223226

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities, nor are they soliciting offers to buy these securities, in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion

Preliminary Prospectus Supplement Dated July 7, 2020

  

Prospectus Supplement

July         , 2020

(To Prospectus dated February 26, 2018)

$

 

 

% Notes due 2030

                                     

 

We are offering $           aggregate principal amount of     % Notes due 2030 (the “notes”). Interest on the notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on            and            of each year, beginning on           , 2021. The notes will mature on                , 2030. We may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at the prices and as described under the caption “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption.”

 

The notes will be unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time outstanding.

 

As described under “Use of Proceeds,” we intend to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds from this offering to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, recently completed, existing or future Eligible Green Projects. We believe that the green bond framework set forth in “Use of Proceeds” is in alignment with the four core components of the Green Bond Principles, 2018 (GBP) as administered by the International Capital Market Association. Eligible Green Projects include projects with disbursements made in the three years preceding the issue date of the notes. We intend to spend the remaining net proceeds from this offering during the life of the notes. Pending allocation of an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering, net proceeds will be used to repay borrowings outstanding under our term loan credit facility maturing in April 2021 (subject to a one-year extension option) (of which $ 325.0 million were outstanding as of June 30, 2020), which borrowings bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.400%, and for general corporate purposes. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had available liquidity of approximately $2.2 billion, consisting of $2.0 billion of borrowing capacity under the Company's revolving credit facility maturing in March 2024 (subject to two six-month extension options) and approximately $0.2 billion of cash on hand.

 

Investing in the notes involves risks. See the sections entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement, page 3 of the accompanying prospectus and page 6 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and page 31 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, each of which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

 

Per Note

 

Total

Public offering price(1)

%

$

 

Underwriting discount

%

$

 

Proceeds to Kimco (before expenses)

%

$

 

 

(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from July      , 2020, if settlement occurs after that date.

  

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state or other securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The notes will be ready for delivery in book-entry only form through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, Clearstream Banking S.A. and Euroclear Bank SA/NV as operator of the Euroclear System, on or about July     , 2020, which is the           business day following the date of pricing of the notes (such settlement cycle being referred to as “T+ ”). You should be advised that trading of the notes may be affected by the T+ settlement. See “Underwriting.”

 

                                     

 

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

Deutsche Bank Securities

Jefferies

US Bancorp

Wells Fargo Securities

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

Page

About This Prospectus Supplement

S-i

Where You Can Find More Information

S-ii

Forward-Looking Statements

S-iii

Summary

S-1

Risk Factors

S-5

Use of Proceeds

S-8

Description of the Notes

S-10

Supplemental United States Federal Income Tax Considerations

S-17

Underwriting

S-18

Legal Matters

S-23

Experts

S-23

 

Prospectus

 

Page

About This Prospectus

1

Where You Can Find More Information

1

Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference

1

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

2

The Company

3

Risk Factors

3

Use of Proceeds

3

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

3

Description of Debt Securities

4

Description of Common Stock

12

Description of Common Stock Warrants

14

Description of Preferred Stock

14

Description of Depositary Shares

16

Provisions of Maryland Law and Our Charter and Bylaws

19

United States Federal Income Tax Considerations

24

Plan of Distribution

43

Experts

45

Legal Matters

45

 

 

 

About This Prospectus Supplement 

 

 You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as the information incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and therein, carefully before you make a decision to invest in the notes. These documents contain important information you should consider before making your investment decision. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain the terms of this offering of notes. The accompanying prospectus contains information about our securities generally, some of which does not apply to the notes offered by this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement may add, update or change information contained in or incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus. If the information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with any information contained in or incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus, the information in this prospectus supplement will apply and will supersede the inconsistent information contained in or incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus. Any statement contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and therein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained in any subsequently filed document which also is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference modifies or replaces such statement.

 

It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the additional information incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement.

 

You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized any other person to provide you with additional or different information. If anyone provides you with additional or different information, you should not rely on it. Neither we nor the underwriters are making an offer to sell the notes in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any such free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and therein is accurate only as of their respective dates or such other dates as may be specified in such documents. Our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

As used in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Kimco,” and “the Company” mean Kimco Realty Corporation, a Maryland corporation, its consolidated subsidiaries and other entities controlled by Kimco Realty Corporation, except where it is clear from the context that the term means only the issuer of the notes, Kimco Realty Corporation.

 

S-i

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. You may inspect information that we file with the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), as well as our SEC filings, at the offices of the NYSE at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” certain information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to the other information we have filed with the SEC. The information that we incorporate by reference is considered a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC prior to the termination of this offering of the notes will automatically update and supersede the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We incorporate by reference the following documents we filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”):

 

 

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 (filed with the SEC on February 25, 2020);

 

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020 (filed with the SEC on May 8, 2020);

 

our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated March 18, 2020 (filed with the SEC on March 18, 2020); and

 

our Current Reports on Form 8-K dated February 23, 2020 (excluding the information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 and the related exhibit) (filed with the SEC on February 25, 2020), February 28, 2020 (filed with the SEC on March 2, 2020), April 3, 2020 (excluding the information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 and the related exhibit) (filed with the SEC April 3, 2020), April 24, 2020 (excluding the information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 and the related exhibit) (filed with the SEC on April 24, 2020), April 28, 2020 (filed with the SEC on April 30, 2020) and July 7, 2020 (filed with the SEC on July 7, 2020).

 

We are also incorporating by reference additional documents that we may file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus supplement and prior to the termination of this offering of the notes, but excluding any information furnished to, rather than filed with, the SEC. These documents include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as Proxy Statements. Any statement contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or therein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

 

Documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are available from us without charge, excluding all exhibits unless we have specifically incorporated by reference the exhibit in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You may obtain documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from:

 

 

Kimco Realty Corporation

500 N. Broadway

Suite 201

Jericho, New York 11753

Attn: Bruce Rubenstein, Corporate Secretary

(516) 869-9000

 

S-ii

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain certain “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company’s future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “will,” “target,” “forecast” or similar expressions. You should not rely on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control and could materially affect actual results, performances or achievements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement, page 3 of the accompanying prospectus and beginning on page 6 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and page 31 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, each of which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as the following additional factors: (i) general adverse economic and local real estate conditions, (ii) the inability of major tenants to continue paying their rent obligations due to bankruptcy, insolvency or a general downturn in their business, (iii) financing risks, such as the inability to obtain equity, debt or other sources of financing or refinancing on favorable terms to the Company, (iv) the Company’s ability to raise capital by selling its assets, (v) changes in governmental laws and regulations and management’s ability to estimate the impact of such changes, (vi) the level and volatility of interest rates and management’s ability to estimate the impact thereof, (vii) pandemics or other health crises, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”), (viii) the availability of suitable acquisition, disposition, development and redevelopment opportunities, and risks related to acquisitions not performing in accordance with our expectations, (ix) valuation and risks related to the Company’s joint venture and preferred equity investments, (x) valuation of marketable securities and other investments, (xi) increases in operating costs, (xii) changes in the dividend policy for the Company’s common and preferred stock and the Company’s ability to pay dividends at current levels, (xiii) the reduction in the Company’s income in the event of multiple lease terminations by tenants or a failure by multiple tenants to occupy their premises in a shopping center, (xiv) impairment charges (xv) unanticipated changes in the Company’s intention or ability to prepay certain debt prior to maturity and/or hold certain securities until maturity and (xvi) the risks and uncertainties identified under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2019 and under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Company’s expectations will be realized. Additional risk factors that we may disclose in documents that we file with the SEC that are deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus prior to completion of this offering could also cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations.

 

We caution readers that any such statements are based on currently available operational, financial and competitive information, and they should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinion only as of the date on which they were made. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation to review or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances as they occur.

 

S-iii

 

 

Summary

 

This summary highlights information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should carefully read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before making an investment decision to purchase the notes.

 

Kimco Realty Corporation

 

Kimco Realty Corporation, a Maryland corporation, is one of North America’s largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air, grocery-anchored shopping centers and mixed-use assets. We are a self-administered real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and have owned and operated open-air shopping centers for more than 60 years. We have not engaged, nor do we expect to retain, any REIT advisors in connection with the operation of our properties. As of March 31, 2020, we had interests in 401 U.S. shopping center properties, aggregating 70.0 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”), located in 27 states. In addition, we had 215 other property interests, primarily through our preferred equity investments and other real estate investments, totaling 6.0 million square feet of GLA. Our ownership interests in real estate consist of our consolidated portfolio and portfolios where we own an economic interest, such as properties in our investment real estate management programs, where we partner with institutional investors and also retain management.

 

Our executive offices are located at 500 North Broadway, Suite 201, Jericho, New York 11753, and our telephone number is (516) 869-9000. 

 

Recent Developments

 

New Unsecured Term Loan Credit Facility

 

In April 2020, the Company entered into a new unsecured term loan credit facility with total outstanding borrowings of $590.0 million (the “Term Loan”) pursuant to a credit agreement with a group of banks. The Term Loan is scheduled to mature in April 2021, with a one-year extension option to extend the maturity date, at the Company’s discretion, to April 2022. The Term Loan, accrues interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 140 basis points or, at the Company’s option, a spread of 40 basis points to the base rate defined in the Term Loan, each of which fluctuates in accordance with changes in the Company’s senior debt ratings. A portion of the proceeds from the Term Loan were used to repay borrowings outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility maturing in March 2024 (subject to two six-month extension options) (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). The Company repaid $265.0 million of the outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan in June 2020 with the proceeds it received from the Albertsons Preferred Stock Offering and the Albertsons IPO (each as defined below). As of June 30, 2020, $325.0 million of borrowings under the Term Loan remained outstanding. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan. For more information, see “Use of Proceeds” on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement.

 

COVID-19 Pandemic

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a widespread health crisis that has adversely affected businesses, economies and financial markets worldwide, and has caused significant volatility in U.S. and international debt and equity markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the retail sector in which the Company operates, and if the effects of the pandemic are prolonged, it could have a significant continuing adverse impact on the underlying industries of many of the Company’s tenants. Accordingly, the Company’s tenants and their operations, and, thus, their ability to pay rent, have been adversely impacted and may continue to be adversely impacted. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, all the Company’s shopping centers remained open and operational and continue to provide access to tenants providing essential goods and services. However, a substantial number of tenants have temporarily closed their locations, have shortened their operating hours or are offering reduced services. Based on information currently available to us, approximately 18% of annual base rent across the portfolio comes from tenants that are subject to some form of mandatory closure or have voluntarily closed. As a result, the Company has observed a substantial increase in the number of tenants that have made late or partial rent payments, requested a deferral of rent payments, or defaulted on rent payments, and it is likely that more of our tenants will be similarly impacted in the future. The Company received rent deferral requests approximating 38% of its annual base rent for all of the Company's wholly owned locations and the Company's share of ownership in joint ventures (collectively, the "pro-rata annual base rent") for the month of April, approximately 39% of its pro-rata annual base rent for the month of May and approximately 16% of its pro-rata annual base rent for the month of June, with the Company selectively granting deferrals for approximately 18% of the pro-rata annual base rent for the month of April, approximately 19% of the pro-rata annual base rent for the month of May and approximately 10% of the pro-rata annual base rent for the month of June. The Company continues to negotiate for the payment of the remaining April, May and June rents not yet collected.

 

S-1

 

      As of June 30, 2020, approximately 43%, 43% and 14% of the Company's pro-rata annual base rent was generated from retail tenants deemed to be essential (in accordance with designations of businesses by a majority of the applicable state governments or by the Company's management where designations differed by state), tenants offering other retail services, and restaurants, respectively. The Company collected approximately 91%, 48% and 47% of pro-rata base rent due from retail tenants deemed to be essential, tenants offering other retail services, and restaurants, respectively, for the month of April 2020, 92%, 40% and 59% of pro-rata base rent due from such tenants, respectively, for the month of May 2020 and 93%, 45% and 62% of pro-rata base rent due from such tenants, respectively, for the month of June 2020. Overall, the Company collected 66%, 65% and 72% of its pro-rata annual base rent for the months of April 2020, May 2020, and June 2020, respectively.

 

The impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s future results could be significant and will largely depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity and duration of COVID-19, the success of governmental, business and individual actions that have been and continue to be taken in response to COVID-19, the impact of COVID-19 on economic activity, the effect of COVID-19 on the Company’s tenants and their businesses, the ability of tenants to make their rental payments and any additional closures of tenants’ businesses.

 

The Company is continuing to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s business, tenants and industry as a whole. The magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s operations and liquidity is uncertain as of the date hereof, as this pandemic continues to evolve globally. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had available liquidity of approximately $2.2 billion, consisting of $2.0 billion of borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility and approximately $0.2 billion of cash on hand. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues its current trajectory, its impact could grow and become more material and could materially disrupt the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. See the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, for further discussion of the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business.

 

As of the date of this prospectus supplement, management cannot estimate ultimate losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company will continue to monitor the economic, financial, and social conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and will assess its asset portfolio for any impairment indicators. If the Company determines that any of its assets are impaired, the Company would be required to take impairment charges and such amounts could be material.

 

Also, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020, the Company closed on the Term Loan. See “—New Unsecured Term Loan Credit Facility.”

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

 

For the second quarter of 2020, we expect to increase our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable by an aggregate of approximately $45 million to $55 million, primarily due to the negative economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimate that this increase will consist of an allowance against accounts receivable of approximately $35.5 to $40.5 million and an allowance against straight line rent receivables of approximately $9.5 million to $14.5 million, with a corresponding charge to the Company's income statement. The foregoing estimates are preliminary, unaudited and based upon currently available information. Such estimates are subject to revision as a result of, among other things, the completion of our financial closing process for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. For more information, see “Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Monetization of Investment in Albertsons

 

On June 20, 2020, the Company announced that it partially monetized its investment in Albertsons Companies, Inc. (“Albertsons”) in conjunction with Albertsons’ $1.75 billion sale of convertible preferred stock (the "Albertsons Preferred Stock Offering"). Albertsons used the net proceeds of its offering to repurchase approximately 17.5% of the common stock owned by Albertsons’ then current shareholders. The Company, which held an approximate 9.29% ownership interest in Albertsons, received $151.6 million as its allocable portion of the share repurchase and used the proceeds to reduce borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company expects to recognize a gain in the range of $125 million to $135 million from the repurchase of its Albertsons shares in connection with the Albertsons Preferred Stock Offering.

 

On June 30, 2020, the Company announced that it received, as a selling stockholder, approximately $71.4 million from its investment in Albertsons upon closing of Albertsons' initial public offering (the "Albertsons IPO"). The Company used the proceeds to reduce borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company expects to recognize a gain in the range of $55 million to $65 million from the sale of its Albertsons shares in the Albertsons IPO.

 

Following the closing of the Albertsons Preferred Stock Offering and the Albertsons IPO, the Company’s remaining ownership interest in Albertsons is valued at approximately $628.2 million based on the remaining 39.8 million shares of Albertsons common stock it holds. The Company will recognize a gain of approximately $524.7 million on the mark-to-market of its remaining investment in Albertsons based on the closing price of Albertsons shares on June 30, 2020. There will be no impact to the Company's funds from operations from the gains related to the Albertsons Preferred Stock Offering or the Albertsons IPO or on the mark-to-market of the remaining Albertsons stock held by the Company.

 

The foregoing estimated gains and valuation are preliminary, unaudited and based upon currently available information.

 

S-2

 

The Offering

 

The offering terms are summarized below solely for your convenience. This summary is not a complete description of the notes. You should read the full text and more specific details contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. For a more detailed description of the notes, see the discussion under the caption “Description of the Notes” beginning on page S-10 in this prospectus supplement and “Description of Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Issuer

Kimco Realty Corporation, a Maryland corporation

 

 

Securities Offered

$                   aggregate principal amount of         % notes due 2030

 

 

Ranking

The notes will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time outstanding. However, the notes will be effectively subordinated to our mortgages and other secured indebtedness to the extent of our assets securing the same. As of March 31, 2020, we had outstanding $404.9 million of secured indebtedness. The notes will not be obligations of or guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries or any of our joint ventures. As a result, the notes will be structurally subordinated to all debt and other liabilities (including trade payables) and third-party preferred equity of our subsidiaries and of our joint ventures to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries or of those joint ventures, which means that creditors (including trade creditors) and third-party preferred equity holders of our subsidiaries or of our joint ventures will be paid from their assets before we, and therefore holders of the notes, would have any claims to those assets. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of a subsidiary or of a joint venture, that subsidiary or joint venture may not have sufficient assets remaining to make payments to us as a stockholder or other equity holder or otherwise after payment of its liabilities and third-party preferred equity. As of March 31, 2020, our consolidated subsidiaries had total indebtedness of approximately $404.9 million and our unconsolidated joint ventures had total indebtedness of approximately $1.6 billion; as of such date, our subsidiaries and joint ventures had no preferred equity outstanding.  

 

 

Interest Rate

               % per annum

 

 

Maturity Date

               , 2030

 

 

Interest Payment Dates

Interest on the notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on          , 2021.

 

 

Optional Redemption

Prior to             ,         (the date that is three months prior to the stated maturity date of the notes), the notes will be redeemable in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at our option, at a redemption price equal to the sum of:

 

 

●     an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the redemption date; and

●     a make-whole premium (the calculation of which is described under “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption” below).

 

 

 

At any time on or after             ,         (the date that is three months prior to the stated maturity date of the notes), the notes will be redeemable in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at our option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the redemption date.

 

Covenants

The indenture governing the notes will include restrictions on mergers, consolidations and transfers of all or substantially all of our assets, as well as restrictions on our and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness and incur liens on our property.

 

 

Denominations

The notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

S-3

 

Form of Notes

The notes will be issued as fully registered notes in the form of one or more global notes deposited with The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee. Investors may elect to hold interests in the global notes through the facilities of any of DTC, Clearstream Banking S.A. or Euroclear Bank SA/NV as operator of the Euroclear System.

 

 

Use of Proceeds

We expect that the net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, will be approximately  $        million. We intend to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds from this offering to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, recently completed, existing or future Eligible Green Projects. We believe that the green bond framework set forth in “Use of Proceeds” is in alignment with the four core components of the Green Bond Principles, 2018 (GBP) as administered by the International Capital Market Association. Eligible Green Projects include projects with disbursements made in the three years preceding the issue date of the notes. We intend to spend the remaining net proceeds from the offering during the life of the notes. Pending allocation of an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering, net proceeds will be used to repay borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan maturing in April 2021 (subject to a one-year extension option) (of which $325.0 million were outstanding as of June 30, 2020), which borrowings bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.400%, and for general corporate purposes. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had available liquidity of approximately $2.2 billion, consisting of $2.0 billion of borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility and approximately $0.2 billion of cash on hand. For more information, see “Use of Proceeds” on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement.

 

 

Other Relationships

Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are lenders under the Term Loan. Accordingly, those affiliates will receive a portion of the net proceeds from this offering.  See “Underwriting—Other Relationships” for additional information.

 

 

Trustee

The Bank of New York Mellon.

 

 

Risk Factors

Investing in the notes involves risks. See the sections entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement, page 3 of the accompanying prospectus and page 6 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and page 31 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, each of which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

S-4

 

Risk Factors

 

Investing in the notes involves risks. In consultation with your financial and legal advisers, you should carefully consider, among other matters, the risks set forth below, as well as the information under the caption “Risk Factors” on page 3 of the accompanying prospectus and beginning on page 6 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and page 31 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, each of which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before deciding whether an investment in the notes is suitable for you. You should also consider any additional risk factors included in documents that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus prior to the completion of this offering.

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Operations

 

The Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and stock price have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and such impact could be material.

 

In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a widespread health crisis that has adversely affected businesses, economies and financial markets worldwide, and has caused significant volatility in U.S. and international debt and equity markets. There is significant uncertainty around the extent and duration of business disruptions related to COVID-19, as well as its impact on the U.S. economy. 

 

Our business and the businesses of our tenants have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken to contain or prevent its spread. A substantial number of tenants have temporarily closed their businesses, have shortened their operating hours or are offering reduced services. As a result, the Company has observed a substantial increase in the number of tenants that have made late or partial rent payments, requested a deferral of rent payments, or defaulted on rent payments, and it is likely that more of our tenants will be similarly impacted in the future. Impacts of COVID-19 could also result in the complete or partial closure of one or more of our tenants’ manufacturing facilities or distribution centers, temporary or long-term disruption in our tenants’ supply chains from local and international suppliers, and/or delays in the delivery of our tenants’ inventory.

 

Even after governmental restrictions are lifted, our tenants may continue to be impacted by economic conditions resulting from COVID-19 or public perception of the risk of COVID-19, which could adversely affect foot traffic to our tenants’ businesses and our tenants’ ability to adequately staff their businesses. Such events could severely disrupt their operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. A downturn in our tenants’ businesses that significantly weakens their financial condition could cause them to delay lease commencements or decline to extend or renew leases upon expiration and could lead to additional failures to make rental payments when due, store closures or bankruptcies, and we may be unable to collect past due balances under relevant leases. We continue to receive requests for rent relief from some of our tenants. We are assessing these requests on a case-by-case basis and have agreed and may continue to agree to certain relief. It is likely there will be additional relief granted in the future.

 

In addition, like many other companies, due to government mandates, we have instructed our employees to work from home, which, especially if this persists for a prolonged period of time, may have an adverse impact on our employees, operations and systems. 

 

The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately impacts our business, results of operations, liquidity, financial condition and stock price will depend on numerous evolving factors that are highly uncertain and which we may not be able to predict, including the duration and scope of the pandemic, governmental, business and individual actions that have been and continue to be taken in response to the pandemic, the impact on economic activity from the pandemic and actions taken in response, the impact on our employees any other operational disruptions or difficulties we may face, the effect on our tenants and their businesses, the ability of tenants to pay their contracted rents and any additional closures of our tenants’ businesses. These effects, individually or in the aggregate, will adversely impact our tenant’s ability to pay their contracted rent. Any of these events could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or stock price.

 

Financial disruption or a prolonged economic downturn could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business.

 

Worldwide financial markets have recently experienced periods of extraordinary disruption and volatility, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in heightened credit risk, reduced valuation of investments and decreased economic activity. Moreover, many companies have experienced reduced liquidity and uncertainty as to their ability to raise capital during such periods of market disruption and volatility. In the event that these conditions recur or result in a prolonged economic downturn, our results of operations, financial position and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. These market conditions may affect the Company’s ability to access debt and equity capital markets. In addition, as a result of recent financial events, we may face increased regulation. Many of the other risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, identify risks that result from, or are exacerbated by, financial economic downturn. These include risks related to our real estate assets, the competitive environment and regulatory developments.

 

S-5

 

Risks Related to the Offering of the Notes

 

A liquid trading market for the notes may not develop or be maintained.

 

The notes constitute a new issue of securities for which no established trading market currently exists. We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange or for quotation of the notes in any automated dealer quotation system. We cannot provide you with any assurance regarding whether a liquid trading market for the notes will develop or be maintained, the ability of holders of the notes to sell their notes or the price at which holders may be able to sell their notes. The underwriters have advised us that they currently intend to make a market in the notes. However, the underwriters are not obligated to do so, and any market-making with respect to the notes may be discontinued at any time without notice. If a liquid trading market does not develop or is not maintained, you may be unable to resell your notes at a price that exceeds the price you paid or at all.

 

Changes in our credit ratings or the debt markets could adversely affect the market value of the notes.

 

The market value for the notes depends on many factors, including:

 

 

our credit ratings with major credit rating agencies;

 

the prevailing interest rates being paid by or the market price for similar securities issued by REITs;

 

general economic and financial market conditions;

 

our issuance of debt or preferred stock; and

 

our financial condition, liquidity, leverage, financial performance and prospects.

 

The condition of the financial markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. Such fluctuations could have an adverse effect on the market value of the notes.

 

In addition, credit rating agencies continually review their ratings for the companies that they follow, including us. The credit rating agencies also evaluate our industry as a whole and may change their credit rating for us based on their overall view of our industry. A negative change in our rating or outlook could have an adverse effect on the market value of the notes.

 

Our financial covenants may restrict our operating and acquisition activities.

 

The indenture under which the notes will be issued contains certain financial and operating covenants, including, among other things, certain coverage ratios, as well as limitations on our and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur secured and unsecured debt, sell all or substantially all of our assets, engage in mergers and consolidations and certain acquisitions and to take certain other actions. These covenants may restrict our ability to pursue certain business initiatives or certain acquisition transactions that would otherwise be in our best interest. In addition, failure to meet any of the financial covenants could cause an event of default under and/or accelerate some or all of our indebtedness, which would have a material adverse effect on us. Furthermore, you will not be protected in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, change of control, restructuring, merger or similar transaction, any of which could adversely affect you, except to the extent described under “Description of the Notes—Merger, Consolidation or Sale” in this prospectus supplement.

 

The notes will not be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries and will be structurally subordinated to the debt and other liabilities (including trade payables) and third-party preferred equity of our subsidiaries or of our joint ventures to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries or of those joint ventures, which means that creditors (including trade creditors) and third-party preferred equity holders of our subsidiaries or of our joint ventures will be paid from their assets before we, and therefore holders of the notes, would have any claims to those assets.

 

We conduct the substantial majority of our operations through subsidiaries and joint ventures that own a significant percentage of our consolidated assets. Consequently, our cash flow and our ability to meet our debt service obligations depend in large part upon the cash flow of our subsidiaries and of our joint ventures and the payment of funds by our subsidiaries and by our joint ventures to us in the form of loans, dividends or otherwise. Our subsidiaries and our joint ventures are not obligated to make funds available to us for payment of our debt securities, including the notes, or otherwise. In addition, their ability to make any payments will depend on their earnings and cash flow, the terms of their financing arrangements, business and tax considerations and legal restrictions.

 

The notes will be obligations exclusively of Kimco Realty Corporation and will not be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries or our joint ventures. As a result, the notes will be structurally subordinated to all debt and other liabilities (including trade payables) and third-party preferred equity of our subsidiaries and of our joint ventures to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries or of those joint ventures, which means that creditors (including trade creditors) and third-party preferred equity holders of our subsidiaries or of our joint ventures will be paid from their assets before we, and therefore holders of the notes, would have any claims to those assets. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of a subsidiary or of a joint venture, that subsidiary or joint venture may not have sufficient assets remaining to make payments to us as a stockholder or other equity holder or otherwise after payment of its liabilities and third-party preferred equity. As of March 31, 2020, our consolidated subsidiaries had total indebtedness of approximately $404.9 million and our unconsolidated joint ventures had total indebtedness of approximately $1.6 billion; as of such date, our subsidiaries and joint ventures had no preferred equity outstanding. In addition, the notes are effectively subordinated to our mortgages and other secured indebtedness to the extent of our assets securing the same. As of March 31, 2020, we had outstanding $404.9 million of secured indebtedness.

 

S-6

 

There can be no assurance that our allocation of an amount equal to the net proceeds from this offering to Eligible Green Projects will be suitable for the investment criteria of an investor.

 

It is our intention to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds from this offering specifically for Eligible Green Projects (as defined under “Use of Proceeds”). Prospective investors should have regard to the information set out in this prospectus supplement regarding such use of proceeds and must determine for themselves the relevance of such information for the purpose of any investment in the notes together with any other investigation such investor deems necessary. In particular no assurance is given by us or any underwriter that the use of such proceeds for any Eligible Green Projects will satisfy, whether in whole or in part, any present or future investor expectations or requirements as regards any investment criteria or guidelines with which such investor or its investments are required to comply, whether by any present or future applicable law or regulations or by its own by-laws or other governing rules or investment portfolio mandates, in particular, with regard to any direct or indirect environmental, sustainability or social impact of any projects or uses, the subject of or related to, any Eligible Green Projects.

 

Furthermore, it should be noted that there is currently no clear definition (legal, regulatory or otherwise) of, nor market consensus as to what constitutes, a “green,” “social,” “sustainable” or an equivalently labelled project or as to what precise attributes are required for a particular project to be defined as “green,” “social,” “sustainable” or such other equivalent label nor can any assurance be given that such a clear definition or consensus will develop over time. Accordingly, no assurance is or can be given to investors that any projects or uses the subject of, or related to, any Eligible Green Projects will meet any or all investor expectations regarding such “green,” “social,” “sustainable” or other equivalently-labelled performance objectives or that any adverse environmental, social and/or other impacts will not occur during the implementation of any projects or uses the subject of, or related to, any Eligible Green Projects.

 

We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange. However, in the event that the notes are listed or admitted to trading on any dedicated “green,” “environmental,” “social,” “sustainable” or other equivalently-labelled segment of any stock exchange or securities market (whether or not regulated), no representation or assurance is given by us or any underwriter or any other person that such listing or admission satisfies, whether in whole or in part, any present or future investor expectations or requirements as regards any investment criteria or guidelines with which such investor or its investments are required to comply, whether by any present or future applicable law or regulations or by its own by-laws or other governing rules or investment portfolio mandates, in particular with regard to any direct or indirect environmental, social or sustainability impact of any projects or uses, the subject of or related to, any Eligible Green Projects. Furthermore, it should be noted that the criteria for any such listings or admission to trading may vary from one stock exchange or securities market to another. In addition, there is no representation or assurance given or made by us or any underwriter or any other person that any such listing or admission to trading will be obtained in respect of any such notes or, if obtained, that any such listing or admission to trading will be maintained during the life of the notes.

 

While it is our intention to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds of the notes to Eligible Green Projects in, or substantially in, the manner described under “Use of Proceeds,” there can be no assurance that the relevant project(s) or use(s) the subject of, or related to, any Eligible Green Projects will be capable of being implemented in or substantially in such manner and/or accordance with any timing schedule and that, accordingly, such proceeds will be totally or partially disbursed for such Eligible Green Projects. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that such Eligible Green Projects will be completed within any specified period or at all or with the results or outcome (whether or not related to the environment) as we originally expected or anticipated. Any such event or failure by us will not constitute an event of default under the notes.

 

Any such event or failure to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds from this offering to any Eligible Green Projects as aforesaid and/or any notes no longer being listed or admitted to trading on any stock exchange or securities market as aforesaid may have a material adverse effect on the value of the notes and/or result in adverse consequences for certain investors with portfolio mandates to invest in securities to be used for a particular purpose.

  

S-7

 

Use of Proceeds

 

 Use of Proceeds

 

We expect the net proceeds of this offering to be approximately $           million, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses of this offering payable by us.

 

We intend to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, recently completed, existing or future Eligible Green Projects. We believe that the green bond framework set forth below is in alignment with the four core components of the Green Bond Principles, 2018 (GBP) as administered by the International Capital Market Association.

 

“Eligible Green Projects” are defined as:

 

GBP Eligible Green Project Category

Eligibility Criteria

Green Buildings

New development, redevelopment, maintenance, operation or acquisitions of buildings, that have received or are expected to receive:

o    LEED: Silver, Gold or Platinum

o    BREEAM: Very good, Excellent or Outstanding

o   ENERGY STAR: an ENERGY STAR rating of 75 or higher

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficient building upgrades, including smart meters, roof systems, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, LED and other high efficiency lighting systems, and building controls intended to drive energy efficiency

 

Energy efficient building upgrades related to Kimco-financed tenant improvements of leased spaces

 

Efficiency projects that improve building system performance by at least 15 percent as determined based on an engineering study or utility-reviewed audit or savings analysis

Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management

Installation of storm water management systems for flood mitigation

 

Water efficient building upgrades, including smart meters, plumbing fixtures, irrigation and building controls intended to drive water efficiency

 

Efficiency projects that improve building system performance by at least 15 percent as determined based on an engineering study or utility-reviewed audit or savings analysis

Renewable Energy

Development, construction, installation, operation, maintenance and/or acquisition of renewable energy including solar, wind and energy storage

 

Eligible Green Projects include projects with disbursements made in the three years preceding the issue date of the notes. We intend to spend the remaining net proceeds from this offering during the life of the notes.

 

These Eligible Green Projects are for illustrative purposes only and no assurance can be provided that the proceeds of the notes will be allocated to fund projects with these specific characteristics during the term of the notes.

 

Process for Project Evaluation and Selection

 

Annually, our ESG Steering Committee which is led by our Vice President of Business Operations will recommend Eligible Green Projects for the notes allocation for approval by our Chief Financial Officer.

 

Management of Proceeds

 

Pending allocation of an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering, net proceeds will be used to repay borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan maturing in April 2021 (subject to a one-year extension option) (of which $325.0 million were outstanding as of June 30, 2020), which borrowings bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.400%, and for general corporate purposes. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had available liquidity of approximately $2.2 billion, consisting of $2.0 billion of borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility and approximately $0.2 billion of cash on hand.

 

S-8

 

As long as the notes are outstanding, our internal records will show the allocation of the net proceeds of this offering to Eligible Green Projects.

 

Payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the notes will be made from our general funds and will not be directly linked to the performance of any Eligible Green Project.

 

Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are lenders under the Term Loan. Accordingly, those affiliates will receive a portion of the net proceeds from this offering. See “Underwriting—Other Relationships” for additional information.

 

Reporting

 

During the term of the notes, annually, until full allocation or in case of material developments, we will publish a Green Bond Report on our website (https://www.kimcorealty.com/corporate-responsibility) detailing, at a minimum, the allocation of the net proceeds of the notes to Eligible Green Projects, together with the achieved level of LEED certification and relevant expected impact metrics such as CO2 emissions avoided, annual energy savings in MWh (electricity) and GJ (other energy savings), cubic meters of water saved/reduced, where feasible. Our updates will be accompanied by (i) an assertion by management regarding the extent to which an amount equal to the net proceeds of this offering have been invested in Eligible Green Projects, and (ii) a report from an independent accountant in respect of the independent accountant’s examination of management’s assertion conducted in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

Please note that the information and materials found on our website, except for our Securities and Exchange Commission filings expressly described under “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, are not part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus and are not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

 

Green Bond Principles, 2018

 

The Green Bond Principles are a set of voluntary guidelines for the issuance of green bonds developed by a committee made up of issuers, investors and intermediaries in the green bond market and are intended to promote integrity in the green bond market through guidelines that recommend transparency, disclosure and reporting. We are in alignment with the four core components of the Green Bond Principles as administered by the International Capital Market Association. The Green Bond Principles, 2018 have four components: (i) use of proceeds, (ii) process for project evaluation and selection, (iii) management of proceeds, and (iv) reporting on the use of proceeds.

 

LEED

 

LEED is a voluntary, third party building certification process developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (“USGBC”), a non-profit organization. The USGBC developed the LEED certification process to (i) evaluate the environmental performance from a whole-building perspective over a building’s life cycle, (ii) provide a definitive standard for what constitutes a “green building,” (iii) enhance environmental awareness among architects and building contractors, and (iv) encourage the design and construction of energy-efficient, water-conserving buildings that use sustainable or green resources and materials (please see www.usgbc.org for more information; the contents of this website are not incorporated by reference herein or otherwise a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus).

 

ENERGY STAR

 

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) that helps businesses save money and protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. By benchmarking in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, buildings are compared to similar buildings nationwide and assigned an ENERGY STAR score. Buildings with an ENERGY STAR score of 75 or greater are in the top 25% for energy efficiency compared to their peers and are eligible for ENERGY STAR certification. Properties that earn the ENERGY STAR certification consume about 35% less energy than their non-ENERGY STAR counterparts. For property types that are not eligible for ENERGY STAR certification (such as medical office buildings), an ENERGY STAR score of 75 continues to be a mark of superior energy performance.

 

BREEAM

 

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (“BREEAM”) is a voluntary third-party building certification process developed by the U.K. Building Research Establishment (“BRE”). BREEAM measures sustainability across a series of categories including, (i) energy, (ii) water, (iii) waste, (iv) transport, (v) pollution and (vi) management processes.

 

Certified Sustainable Property is a voluntary third-party building certification program administered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) as a way to recognize high-performing sustainable buildings that might not be eligible for other building certification types. Certified Sustainable Property certification measures sustainability across a series of categories including, (i) energy, (ii) water, (iii) waste, (iv) purchasing and (iv) health and wellbeing.

 

S-9

 

Description of the Notes

 

We will issue the      % Notes due 2030 (the “notes”) under an Indenture, dated as of September 1, 1993 (as amended, the “Indenture”), between us and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company), as trustee. The Indenture is subject to, and governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The following description of the particular terms of the notes offered hereby supplements and, to the extent inconsistent, replaces the description of the general terms and provisions of debt securities set forth in the accompanying prospectus under the caption “Description of Debt Securities,” to which reference is hereby made. The following description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual provisions of the notes and the Indenture. Capitalized terms not defined in this prospectus supplement will have the meanings given to them in the accompanying prospectus, the notes or the Indenture, as the case may be. The term debt securities, as used in this prospectus supplement, refers to all of our debt securities, including the notes, issued and issuable from time to time under the Indenture.

 

General

 

The notes will be limited initially to $                million aggregate principal amount. We may in the future, without the consent of holders, issue additional notes on the same terms and conditions and with the same CUSIP number as the notes being offered hereby, other than the issue date, the date on which interest begins to accrue, the first interest payment date and the public offering price. Any additional notes subsequently issued under the Indenture would be treated as a single series with the notes for all purposes under the Indenture.

 

The notes will bear interest at           % per year and will mature on                , 2030, unless redeemed in whole as described below. We will pay interest on the notes in U.S. dollars semi-annually in arrears on                 and              of each year, commencing                , 2020, to the holders of the notes on the preceding                 or                , as the case may be. We will also pay the principal of, and premium, if any, and (to the extent applicable) interest on, each note payable at maturity or earlier redemption.

 

If any interest payment date or the maturity date or date of earlier redemption is not a business day, the required payment will be made on the succeeding business day, with the same force and effect as if it were paid on the date such payment was due, and no interest will accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such interest payment date or the maturity date or date of earlier redemption, as the case may be. “Business day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which banks in The City of New York are not required or authorized by law or executive order to close.

 

The notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

The notes will not be entitled to the benefit of, or be subject to, any sinking fund.

 

Ranking

 

The notes will be our direct, unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. However, the notes are effectively subordinated to our mortgages and other secured indebtedness to the extent of our assets securing the same. As of March 31, 2020, we had outstanding $404.9 million of secured indebtedness.

 

The notes will not be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries or any of our joint ventures. As a result, the notes will be structurally subordinated to all debt and other liabilities (including trade payables) and third-party preferred equity of our subsidiaries and of our joint ventures to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries or of those joint ventures, which means that creditors (including trade creditors) and third-party preferred equity holders of our subsidiaries or of our joint ventures will be paid from their assets before we, and therefore holders of the notes, would have any claims to those assets. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of a subsidiary or of a joint venture, that subsidiary or joint venture may not have sufficient assets remaining to make payments to us as a stockholder or other equity holder or otherwise after payment of its liabilities and third-party preferred equity. As of March 31, 2020, our consolidated subsidiaries had total indebtedness of approximately $404.9 million and our unconsolidated joint ventures had total indebtedness of approximately $1.6 billion; as of such date, our subsidiaries and joint ventures had no preferred equity outstanding.

 

Optional Redemption

 

Prior to                ,         (the date that is three months prior to the stated maturity date of the notes), the notes will be redeemable in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at our option, at a redemption price equal to the sum of (1) an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the redemption date and (2) a make-whole premium. At any time on or after                ,         (the date that is three months prior to the stated maturity date of the notes), the notes will be redeemable in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at our option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the redemption date.

 

S-10

 

We will calculate the make-whole premium with respect to any of the notes redeemed prior to                 ,         (the date that is three months prior to the stated maturity date of the notes) as the excess, if any, of:

 

 

the aggregate present value as of the date of such redemption of each dollar of principal being redeemed and the amount of interest (exclusive of interest accrued thereon to, but not including, the date of redemption) that would have been payable in respect of such dollar if such redemption had been made on                ,         (the date that is three months prior to the stated maturity date of the notes), determined by discounting, on a semi-annual basis, such principal and interest at the Reinvestment Rate (determined on the third business day preceding the date such notice of redemption is given) from the respective dates on which such principal and interest would have been payable if such redemption had been made on                ,         (the date that is three months prior to the stated maturity date of the notes); over

 

 

the principal amount of such note.

 

We will mail (or, in the case of notes issued in global form as discussed under “—Book-Entry System,” transmit in accordance with the applicable procedures of the depository) notice to registered holders of such notes of our intent to redeem at least 15 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date set for redemption. The notice of redemption will specify, among other items, the redemption price, the principal amount of the notes held by such holder to be redeemed and any conditions to redemption.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing redemption provisions, we will pay the interest installment due on any interest payment date that occurs on or before a redemption date to the holders of the notes as of the close of business on the record date immediately preceding that interest payment date.

 

If money sufficient to pay the redemption price of all of the notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed on the redemption date is deposited with the trustee or paying agent on or before the redemption date, then on and after such redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on such notes (or such portion thereof) called for redemption.

 

Reinvestment Rate” means                percent (     %) plus the arithmetic mean of the yields for the immediately preceding week published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 that has become publicly available prior to the date of determining the make-whole premium (or if such statistical release is no longer published, any such other reasonably comparable index which shall be designated by us) most nearly equal to the three months prior to the maturity date of the notes. If no maturity exactly corresponds to three months prior to the maturity date of the notes, the applicable Reinvestment Rate will be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to such maturity of the notes.

 

If less than all of the notes are to be redeemed at any time, the trustee will select notes for redemption (or, in the case of notes issued in global form as discussed under “─Book-Entry System,” such selection shall be made by the depository in accordance with the applicable procedures of such depository) unless otherwise required by law or applicable stock exchange or depositary requirements.

 

We may at any time, and from time to time, purchase the notes at any price or prices in the open market or otherwise, subject to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

Merger, Consolidation or Sale

 

We may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, or merge with or into, any other corporation, provided that:

 

 

(1)

either we shall be the continuing corporation, or the successor corporation (if other than us) formed by or resulting from that consolidation or merger or which shall have received the transfer of our assets, shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia that expressly assumes payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all of the notes and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions contained in the Indenture;

  

 

(2)

immediately after giving effect to that transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of ours or of any of our subsidiaries as a result thereof as having been incurred by us or that subsidiary at the time of that transaction, no event of default under the Indenture, and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become an event of default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

 

(3)

an officers’ certificate and legal opinion covering the above conditions shall be delivered to the trustee.

 

S-11

 

Certain Covenants

 

Limitations on Incurrence of Debt. We will not, and will not permit any of our subsidiaries to, incur any Debt, if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such additional Debt, the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Debt of ours and of our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles is greater than 65% of our Total Assets as of the end of the calendar quarter covered in our Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as the case may be, most recently filed with the SEC (or, if that filing is not permitted under the Exchange Act, with the trustee) prior to the incurrence of that additional Debt. 

 

In addition to the foregoing limitation on the incurrence of Debt, we will not, and will not permit any of our subsidiaries to, incur any Debt secured by any mortgage, lien, charge, pledge, encumbrance or security interest of any kind upon any of our property or the property of any of our subsidiaries, whether owned at the date hereof or hereafter acquired, if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of that additional Debt, the aggregate principal amount of all of our outstanding Debt and the outstanding Debt of our subsidiaries which is secured by any mortgage, lien, charge, pledge, encumbrance or security interest on our property or the property of any of our subsidiaries is greater than 40% of our Total Assets as of the end of the calendar quarter covered in our Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as the case may be, most recently filed with the SEC (or, if such filing is not permitted under the Exchange Act, with the trustee) prior to the incurrence of that additional Debt. 

 

In addition to the foregoing limitations on the incurrence of Debt, we will not, and will not permit any of our subsidiaries to, incur any Debt if Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service for any 12 consecutive calendar months within the 15 calendar months immediately preceding the date on which that additional Debt is to be incurred shall have been less than 1.5 times the Maximum Annual Service Charge on our Debt and the Debt of all of our subsidiaries to be outstanding immediately after the incurring of that additional Debt. 

 

Existence. Except as permitted under “—Merger, Consolidation or Sale,” we will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect our corporate existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that we will not be required to preserve any right or franchise if we determine that the preservation of that right or franchise is no longer desirable in the conduct of our business and that the loss of that right or franchise is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the holders of the debt securities.

 

Maintenance of Properties. We will cause all of our properties used or useful in the conduct of our business or the business of any of our subsidiaries to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements to those properties, all as in our judgment may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection with those properties may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that we and our subsidiaries will not be prevented from selling or otherwise disposing for value our respective properties in the ordinary course of business.

 

Insurance. We will, and will cause each of our subsidiaries to, keep all of our insurable properties insured against loss or damage at least in an amount equal to their then full insurable value with insurers of recognized responsibility and having a rating of at least A:VIII in Best’s Key Rating Guide.

 

Payment of Taxes and Other Claims. We will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent:

 

 

(1)

all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon us or any of our subsidiaries or upon our income, profits or property or the income, profits or property of any of our subsidiaries; and

 

 

(2)

all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon our property or the property of any of our subsidiaries; provided, however, that we will not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

 

 Provision of Financial Information. Whether or not we are subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, we will, to the extent permitted under the Exchange Act, file with the SEC the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents which we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if we were so subject, those documents to be filed with the SEC on or prior to the respective dates by which we would have been required so to file those documents if we were so subject. We will also, if not already filed with the SEC for public availability:

 

 

(1)

within 15 days of each date by which we would have been required to file those documents with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act:

 

 

(a)

transmit by mail to all holders of debt securities, as their names and addresses appear in the security register, without cost to the holders of debt securities, copies of the annual reports and quarterly reports which we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if we were subject to those Sections; and

 

S-12

 

 

(b)

file with the trustee copies of the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents which we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if we were subject to those Sections; and

 

 

(2)

if filing those documents by us with the SEC is not permitted under the Exchange Act, promptly upon written request and payment of the reasonable cost of duplication and delivery, supply copies of those documents to any prospective holder of debt securities.

 

Maintenance of Unencumbered Total Asset Value. We will at all times maintain an Unencumbered Total Asset Value in an amount of not less than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the aggregate principal amount of all our outstanding Debt and the outstanding Debt of our subsidiaries that is unsecured. 

 

Definitions Used for the Debt Securities

 

As used in the Indenture and the descriptions thereof herein,

 

Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service” for any period means our Consolidated Net Income and the Consolidated Net Income of our subsidiaries plus amounts which have been deducted for:

 

 

(1)

interest on our debt and interest on the debt of our subsidiaries;

 

(2)

provision for our taxes and the taxes of our subsidiaries based on income;

 

(3)

amortization of debt discount;

 

(4)

property depreciation and amortization; and

 

(5)

the effect of any noncash charge resulting from a change in accounting principles in determining Consolidated Net Income for that period.

 

Consolidated Net Income” for any period means the amount of our consolidated net income (or loss) and the consolidated net income (or loss) of our subsidiaries for that period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Debt” of ours or any of our subsidiaries means any indebtedness of ours or any of our subsidiaries, whether or not contingent, in respect of:

 

 

(1)

borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments;

 

(2)

indebtedness secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, encumbrance or any security interest existing on property owned by us or any of our subsidiaries;

 

(3)

letters of credit or amounts representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property except any balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable; or

 

(4)

any lease of property by us or any of our subsidiaries as lessee which is reflected on our consolidated balance sheet as a capitalized lease in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

in the case of items of indebtedness under (1) through (3) above, to the extent that those items (other than letters of credit) would appear as a liability on our consolidated balance sheet in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and also includes, to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation by us or any of our subsidiaries to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise (other than for purposes of collection in the ordinary course of business), indebtedness of another person (other than us or any of our subsidiaries) (it being understood that Debt shall be deemed to be incurred by us or any of our subsidiaries whenever we or that subsidiary shall create, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect thereof).

  

Maximum Annual Service Charge” as of any date means the maximum amount which may become payable in any period of 12 consecutive calendar months from that date for interest on, and required amortization of, Debt. The amount payable for amortization shall include the amount of any sinking fund or other analogous fund for the retirement of Debt and the amount payable on account of principal on any Debt which matures serially other than at the final maturity date of that Debt.

 

Person” shall have the meaning set forth in the Indenture and includes a “person” or “group” as these terms are used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

 

Total Assets” as of any date means the sum of (i) our Undepreciated Real Estate Assets and (ii) all our other assets determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (but excluding goodwill and amortized Debt costs).

 

Undepreciated Real Estate Assets” as of any date means the amount of our real estate assets and the real estate assets of our subsidiaries on that date, before depreciation and amortization determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

S-13

 

Unencumbered Total Asset Value” as of any date means the sum of our Total Assets that are unencumbered by any mortgage, lien, charge, pledge or security interest that secures the payment of any obligations under any Debt; provided, however, that in determining Unencumbered Total Asset Value for purposes of the covenant set forth above in “—Maintenance of Unencumbered Total Asset Value,” (i) all investments by us and any of our subsidiaries in unconsolidated joint ventures shall be excluded from our Total Assets and (ii) our Total Assets shall include our proportionate interest in the aggregate book value of the real estate assets held by our and our subsidiaries’ unconsolidated joint ventures, before depreciation and amortization, that are not encumbered by any mortgage, lien, charge, pledge or security interest that secures the payment of any obligations under any of its indebtedness; for the avoidance of doubt, all other assets of unconsolidated joint ventures shall be excluded from our Total Assets.

 

Governing Law

 

The Indenture and the notes will provide that they are to be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

Book-Entry System

 

DTC, which we refer to along with its successors in this capacity as the depositary, will act as securities depositary for the notes. The notes will be issued only as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co., the depositary’s nominee. One or more fully registered global security certificates, representing the total aggregate principal amount of the notes, will be issued and will be deposited with the depositary or its custodian and will bear a legend regarding the restrictions on exchanges and registration of transfer referred to below.

 

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the notes so long as the notes are represented by global security certificates.

 

Investors may elect to hold interests in the global notes through either DTC in the United States or Clearstream Banking S.A. (“Clearstream, Luxembourg”), or Euroclear Bank SA/NV, as operator (the “Euroclear operator”) of the Euroclear system (the “Euroclear system”), in Europe if they are participants of such systems, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in such systems. Clearstream, Luxembourg and the Euroclear system will hold interests on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in Clearstream, Luxembourg’s and the Euroclear system’s names on the books of their respective depositaries, which in turn will hold such interests in customers’ securities accounts in the depositaries’ names on the books of DTC. Citibank, N.A. will act as depositary for Clearstream, Luxembourg and JPMorgan Chase Bank will act as depositary for the Euroclear system (in such capacities, the “U.S. depositaries”). Because the depositary can act only on behalf of participants, which in turn act on behalf of indirect participants and certain banks, the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in a global note to pledge such interest to persons or entities that do not participate in the depositary system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of physical certificate evidencing such interests.

 

DTC advises that it is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. The depositary holds securities that its participants deposit with the depositary. The depositary also facilitates the settlement among participants of securities transactions, including transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. The depositary is owned by a number of its direct participants and by the NYSE and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. Access to the depositary’s system is also available to others, including securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear transactions through or maintain a direct or indirect custodial relationship with a direct participant either directly, or indirectly. Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of the depositary only through participants or indirect participants. The ownership interest and transfer of ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each security held by or on behalf of the depositary are recorded on the records of the participants and indirect participants. The rules applicable to the depositary and its participants are on file with the SEC.

  

Clearstream, Luxembourg advises that it is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depositary. Clearstream, Luxembourg holds securities for its participating organizations (“Clearstream participants”) and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Clearstream participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Clearstream, Luxembourg provides to Clearstream participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream, Luxembourg interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. As a professional depositary, Clearstream, Luxembourg is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Monetary Institute. Clearstream participants are recognized financial institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to Clearstream, Luxembourg is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream participant, either directly or indirectly.

 

S-14

 

Distributions with respect to the notes held beneficially through Clearstream, Luxembourg will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream participants in accordance with its rules and procedures, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Clearstream, Luxembourg.

 

The Euroclear system advises that it was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of the Euroclear system (“Euroclear participants”) and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. The Euroclear system includes various other services, including securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. The Euroclear system operates under contract with Euroclear plc, a U.K. corporation. All operations are conducted by the Euroclear system, and all Euroclear system securities clearance accounts and Euroclear system cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear system, not the Euroclear operator. The Euroclear operator establishes policy for the Euroclear system on behalf of Euroclear participants. Euroclear participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to the Euroclear system is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear participant, either directly or indirectly. The Euroclear system is a Belgian bank. As such it is regulated by the Belgian Banking and Finance Commission.

 

Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear operator are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear system, and applicable Belgian law (collectively, the “terms and conditions”). The terms and conditions govern transfers of securities and cash within the Euroclear system, withdrawals of securities and cash from the Euroclear system, and receipts of payments with respect to securities in the Euroclear system. All securities in the Euroclear system are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear operator acts under the terms and conditions only on behalf of Euroclear participants, and has no records of or relationship with persons holding through Euroclear participants.

 

Distributions with respect to each series of notes held beneficially through the Euroclear system will be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear participants in accordance with the terms and conditions, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for the Euroclear system.

 

We will issue the notes in definitive certificated form if the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or the depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days. In addition, beneficial interests in a global security certificate may be exchanged for definitive certificated notes upon request by or on behalf of the depositary in accordance with customary procedures following the request of a beneficial owner seeking to exercise or enforce its rights under such notes. If we determine at any time that the notes shall no longer be represented by global security certificates, we will inform the depositary of such determination who will, in turn, notify participants of their right to withdraw their beneficial interest from the global security certificates, and if such participants elect to withdraw their beneficial interests, we will issue certificates in definitive form in exchange for such beneficial interests in the global security certificates. Any global note, or portion thereof, that is exchangeable pursuant to this paragraph will be exchangeable for note certificates, as the case may be, registered in the names directed by the depositary. We expect that these instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the global security certificates.

 

As long as the depositary or its nominee is the registered owner of the global security certificates, the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner and holder of the global security certificates and all notes represented by these certificates for all purposes under the notes and the Indenture. Except in the limited circumstances referred to above, owners of beneficial interests in global security certificates:

 

 

will not be entitled to have the notes represented by these global security certificates registered in their names,

 

will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of notes in certificated form, and

 

will not be considered to be owners or holders of the global security certificates or any notes represented by these certificates for any purpose under the notes or the Indenture.

 

All payments on the notes represented by the global security certificates and all transfers and deliveries of related notes will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the holder of the securities. Under the terms of the Indenture, we and the trustee will treat the persons in whose names the global notes are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever.

 

S-15

 

Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security certificates will be limited to participants or persons that may hold beneficial interests through institutions that have accounts with the depositary or its nominee. Upon deposit of the global notes, the depositary will credit the accounts of participants designated by the underwriters with portions of the principal amount of global notes. Ownership of beneficial interests in global security certificates will be shown only on, and the transfer of those ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary or its nominee, with respect to participants’ interests, or any participant, with respect to interests of persons held by the participant on their behalf. Payments, transfers, deliveries, exchanges and other matters relating to beneficial interests in global security certificates may be subject to various policies and procedures adopted by the depositary from time to time. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the depositary’s or any participant’s records relating to, or for payments made on account of, beneficial interests in global security certificates, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the depositary’s records or any participant’s records relating to these beneficial ownership interests.

 

We believe the depositary’s current practice is, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities such as the notes (including principal and interest), to credit the accounts of the relevant participants with the payment on the payment date, in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal amount of beneficial interests in the relevant security such as the global notes as shown on the records of the depositary. Payments by participants and the indirect participants to the beneficial owners of notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will not be the responsibility of the depositary, the trustee or us. Neither we nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by the depositary or its participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the notes, and we and the trustee may rely conclusively on and will be protected in relying on instructions from the depositary or its nominee as the registered owner of the global notes for all purposes.

 

Although the depositary has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in the global security certificates among participants, the depositary is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform these procedures, and these procedures may be discontinued at any time. We will not have any responsibility for the performance by the depositary or its direct participants or indirect participants under the rules and procedures governing the depositary.

 

The information in this section concerning DTC, its book-entry system, Clearstream, Luxembourg and the Euroclear system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but neither we nor the underwriters give any assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of this information.

 

Global Clearance and Settlement Procedures

 

Initial settlement for the notes will be made in immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between DTC participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in immediately available funds using DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System. Secondary market trading between Clearstream participants and/or Euroclear participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream, Luxembourg and the Euroclear system, as applicable.

 

Clearstream, Luxembourg and the Euroclear system will record the ownership interests of their participants in much the same way as the depositary, and the depositary will record the total ownership of each of the U.S. agents of Clearstream, Luxembourg and the Euroclear system, as participants in the depositary. When notes are to be transferred from the account of a depositary participant to the account of a Clearstream participant or a Euroclear participant, the purchaser must send instructions to Clearstream, Luxembourg or the Euroclear system through a participant at least one day prior to settlement. Clearstream, Luxembourg or the Euroclear system, as the case may be, will instruct its U.S. agent to receive notes against payment. After settlement, Clearstream, Luxembourg or the Euroclear system will credit its participant's account. Credit for the notes will appear on the next day (European time).

  

Because settlement is taking place during New York business hours, depositary participants will be able to employ their usual procedures for sending notes to the relevant U.S. agent acting for the benefit of Clearstream or Euroclear participants. The sale proceeds will be available to the depositary seller on the settlement date. As a result, to the depositary participant, a cross-market transaction will settle no differently than a trade between two depositary participants.

 

When a Clearstream or Euroclear participant wishes to transfer notes to a depositary participant, the seller will be required to send instructions to Clearstream, Luxembourg or the Euroclear system through a participant at least one business day prior to settlement. In these cases, Clearstream, Luxembourg or the Euroclear system will instruct its U.S. agent to transfer these notes against payment for them. The payment will then be reflected in the account of the Clearstream or Euroclear participant the following day, with the proceeds back valued to the value date, which would be the preceding day, when settlement occurs in New York, if settlement is not completed on the intended value date, that is, the trade fails, proceeds credited to the Clearstream or Euroclear participant’s account will instead be valued as of the actual settlement date. Clearstream participants and Euroclear participants may not deliver instructions directly to their respective U.S. depositaries.

 

You should be aware that you will only be able to make and receive deliveries, payments and other communications involving the notes through Clearstream, Luxembourg and the Euroclear system on the days when those clearing systems are open for business. Those systems may not be open for business on days when banks, brokers and other institutions are open for business in the United States. Because of time-zone differences, credits of notes received in Clearstream, Luxembourg or the Euroclear system as a result of a transaction with a DTC participant will be made during subsequent securities settlement processing and dated the business day following the DTC settlement date. Such credits or any transactions in such notes settled during such processing will be reported to the relevant Euroclear participant or Clearstream participant on such business day. Cash received in Clearstream, Luxembourg or the Euroclear system as a result of sales of the notes by or through a Clearstream participant or a Euroclear participant to a DTC participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Clearstream, Luxembourg or the Euroclear system cash account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.

 

Although DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and the Euroclear system have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of notes among participants of DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and the Euroclear system, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures and such procedures may be discontinued or changed at any time.

 

S-16

 

SUPPLEMENTAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

The discussion appearing under the caption “United States Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus has been entirely replaced and superseded by the discussion appearing in Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 7, 2020 (the “July 2020 Form 8-K”) with respect to certain material federal income tax considerations. The July 2020 Form 8-K is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and may be obtained as described under “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement. Prospective investors should carefully review the discussion appearing in Exhibit 99.1 to the July 2020 Form 8-K, as well as the other information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before acquiring any debt securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

Prospective investors in our debt securities should consult their tax advisors regarding the United States federal income and other tax considerations to them of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our debt securities offered by this prospectus supplement.

 

S-17

 

Underwriting

 

Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement and related terms agreement, each dated the date of this prospectus supplement, each underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase from us, and we have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the principal amount of notes set forth opposite its name in the table below:

 

Underwriter

 

Principal

Amount of

Notes

 

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

 

$

   

Jefferies LLC

       

U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.

 

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

 

Total

 

$

 

 

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the notes included in this offering are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriting agreement also provides that the underwriters will purchase all of the notes if any of the notes are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement and the related terms agreement may be terminated.

 

The underwriters initially propose to offer the notes to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement. The underwriters may offer the notes to selected dealers at the public offering price minus a concession of up to       % of the principal amount of the notes. In addition, the underwriters may allow, and those selected dealers may reallow, a concession of up to        % of the principal amount of the notes to certain other dealers. After the initial offering of the notes to the public, the underwriters may change the public offering price and any other selling terms. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify orders to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

 

In the underwriting agreement, we have agreed that:

 

 

we estimate our expenses related to this offering will be approximately $               . The underwriters have agreed to reimburse us for certain expenses incurred by us in connection with this offering.

 

 

we will indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

 

The following table summarizes the discount that we will pay to the underwriters in connection with the offering:

 

 

 

Underwriting

Discount

Paid by Us

 

Per note

 

 

 

%

Total

 

$

 

 

 

The notes are a new issue of securities, and no established trading market for the notes currently exists. We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange or for quotation of the notes in any automated dealer quotation system. The underwriters have advised us that they currently intend to make a market in the notes, but they are not obligated to do so. The underwriters may discontinue any market making in the notes at any time without notice in their sole discretion. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that a liquid trading market will develop or be maintained for the notes, that you will be able to sell your notes at a particular time, or at all, or that the price that you may receive upon any sale of the notes will exceed the price you paid for such notes.

 

In connection with the offering of the notes, the underwriters are permitted to and may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which creates a short position for the underwriters. Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase the notes in the open market for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the notes. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the notes in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the representatives, in covering syndicate short positions or making stabilizing purchases, repurchase notes originally sold by that syndicate member.

 

S-18

 

Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes. They may also cause the price of the notes to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct these transactions in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time without notice.

 

We expect that delivery of the notes will be made against payment therefor on or about the closing date specified on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, which will be the            business day following the date of this prospectus supplement. Pursuant to Rule 15c6-1 under the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle within two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes before the second business day prior to the closing date specified on the cover page of this prospectus supplement will be required, by virtue of the fact that any such trade would otherwise settle before the close of this offering, to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement, and should consult their own advisor with respect to these matters.

 

In the ordinary course of their business, the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, commercial banking, investment banking and corporate trust transactions with us for which they have received or will receive customary fees and expense reimbursements. In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates that have a lending relationship with us routinely hedge, and certain other of those underwriters or their affiliates may hedge, their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, such underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the notes offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the notes offered hereby. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions to such securities and instruments.

 

Other Relationships

 

Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are lenders under the Term Loan. The Term Loan is scheduled to mature in April 2021, with a one-year extension option to extend the maturity date, at the Company’s discretion, to April 2022. The Term Loan, accrues interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 140 basis points or, at the Company’s option, a spread of 40 basis points to the base rate defined in the Term Loan, each of which fluctuates in accordance with changes in the Company’s senior debt ratings. Pending allocation of an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering, net proceeds will be used to repay borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan. Accordingly, affiliates of certain of the underwriters will receive a portion of the net proceeds from this offering.

 

Selling Restrictions

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia

 

No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”), in relation to the offering. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (the “Corporations Act”), and do not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

 

Any offer in Australia of the notes may only be made to persons (the “Exempt Investors”) who are “sophisticated investors” (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), “professional investors” (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the notes without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

  

The notes applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring notes must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

  

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain general information only and do not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. They do not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

 

S-19

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada

 

The notes may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations.  Any resale of the notes must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

 

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory.  The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

 

Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom

 

None of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any related free writing prospectus is a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation (as defined below). This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer or sale of notes in any Member State of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”) or in the United Kingdom (each, a “Relevant State”) will only be made to a legal entity which is a qualified investor under the Prospectus Regulation (“Qualified Investors”). Accordingly, any person making or intending to make an offer or sale in that Relevant State of notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus may only do so with respect to Qualified Investors. Neither Kimco Realty Corporation nor the underwriters have authorised, nor do they authorise, the making of any offer or sale of notes other than to Qualified Investors. The expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

 

PROHIBITION OF SALES TO EEA AND UNITED KINGDOM RETAIL INVESTORS - The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in Relevant State. For these purposes: (a) a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Regulation; and (b) the expression “offer” includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the notes. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in any Relevant State has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in any Relevant State may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

  

Notice to Prospective Investors in France

 

None of the prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the notes described in this prospectus supplement has been submitted to the clearance procedures of the Autorit´e des March´es Financiers or of the competent authority of another Member State of the EEA and notified to the Autorit´e des March´es Financiers. The notes have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France. None of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the notes has been or will be:

 

 

released, issued, distributed or caused to be released, issued or distributed to the public in France; or

 

used in connection with any offer for subscription or sale of the notes to the public in France.

  

Such offers, sales and distributions will be made in France only:

 

 

to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifi´es) and/or to a restricted circle of investors (cercle restraint d’investisseurs), in each case investing for their own account, all as defined in, and in accordance with, Article L.411-2, D.411-1, D.411-2, D.734-1, D.744-1, D.754-1 and D.764-1 of the French Code mon´etaire et financier;

 

to investment services providers authorized to engage in portfolio management on behalf of third parties; or

 

S-20

 

 

in a transaction that, in accordance with article L.411-2-II-1a-or-2a-or 3a of the French Code mon´etaire et financier and article 211-2 of the General Regulations (R`eglement G´en´eral) of the Autorit´e des March´es Financiers, does not constitute a public offer (appel public `a l’´epargne).

 

The notes may be resold directly or indirectly, only in compliance with Articles L.411-1, L.411-2, L.412-1 and L.621-8 through L.621-8-3 of the French Code mon´etaire et financier.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

 

The notes may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (i) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of the Laws of Hong Kong (“SFO”) and any rules made thereunder, or (ii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of the Laws of Hong Kong (the “C(WUMP)O”) or that do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the C(WUMP)O; and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” in Hong Kong as defined in the SFO and any rules made thereunder.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

 

The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) (the “Financial Instruments and Exchange Law”) and accordingly, may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have not been registered as a prospectus under the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”) by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the offer of the notes in Singapore is made primarily pursuant to the exemptions under Sections 274 and 275 of the SFA. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the notes be offered or sold, or made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor as defined in Section 4A of the SFA (an “Institutional Investor”) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to an accredited investor as defined in Section 4A of the SFA (an “Accredited Investor”) or other relevant person as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA (a “SFA Relevant Person”) and pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or to any person pursuant to an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with, the conditions of any other applicable exemption or provision of the SFA. It is a condition of the offer that where the notes are subscribed for or acquired pursuant to an offer made in reliance on Section 275 of the SFA by a SFA Relevant Person which is:

 

(a) a corporation (which is not an Accredited Investor), the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an Accredited Investor; or

 

(b) a trust (where the trustee is not an Accredited Investor), the sole purpose of which is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an Accredited Investor, securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation and the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust, shall not be transferred within 6 months after that corporation or that trust has subscribed for or acquired the notes except:

  

(1) to an Institutional Investor, or an Accredited Investor or other SFA Relevant Person, or which arises from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) of the SFA (in the case of that corporation) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA (in the case of that trust);

 

(2) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; or

 

(3) where the transfer is by operation of law.

 

S-21

 

Singapore Securities and Futures Act Product Classification: Solely for the purposes of its obligations pursuant to Sections 309B(1)(a) and 309B(1)(c) of the SFA, the issuer has determined, and hereby notifies all relevant persons (as defined in Section 309A of the SFA) that the notes are “prescribed capital markets products” (as defined in the Securities and Futures (Capital Markets Products) Regulations 2018) and Excluded Investment Products (as defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is not intended to constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in the notes.

 

The notes may not be publicly offered, directly or indirectly, in Switzerland within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act ("FinSA") and no application has or will be made to admit the notes to trading on any trading venue (exchange or multilateral trading facility) in Switzerland. Neither this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes constitutes a prospectus pursuant to the FinSA, and neither this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

 

The communication of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any related free writing prospectus and any other document or materials relating to the issue of the notes offered hereby is not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the United Kingdom’s Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”). Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to those persons in the United Kingdom who have professional experience in matters relating to investments and who fall within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Financial Promotion Order”)), or who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Financial Promotion Order, or who are any other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). In the United Kingdom, the notes offered hereby are only available to, and any investment or investment activity to which this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus relates will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any related free writing prospectus or any of their contents.

 

Any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of the notes may only be communicated or caused to be communicated in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to Kimco Realty Corporation.

 

All applicable provisions of the FSMA must be complied with in respect to anything done by any person in relation to the notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

  

S-22

 

Legal Matters

 

Latham & Watkins LLP, Washington, D.C., will pass upon certain matters relating to this offering for us. Sidley Austin LLP, New York, New York, will act as counsel to the underwriters. Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, will pass upon certain matters of Maryland law. Latham & Watkins LLP and Sidley Austin LLP may rely upon Venable LLP with respect to matters governed by Maryland law. Certain members of Latham & Watkins LLP and their families own beneficial interests in less than 1% of our common stock.

 

Experts

 

The financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

 

 

 

S-23

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

KIMCO REALTY CORPORATION
Debt Securities, Preferred Stock,
Depositary Shares, Common Stock and Common Stock Warrants

 

                     

 

We may from time to time offer the following securities on terms to be determined at the time of the offering:

 

 

Unsecured Senior Debt Securities;

 

Shares or Fractional Shares of Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share;

 

Depositary Shares representing Shares of Preferred Stock;

 

Shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share; and

 

Warrants to Purchase Common Stock.

 

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol “KIM.” We will make applications to list any shares of common stock sold pursuant to a supplement to this prospectus on the NYSE. We have not determined whether we will list any other securities we may offer on any exchange or over-the-counter market. If we decide to seek listing of any securities, the supplement to this prospectus will disclose the exchange or market.

 

Our debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares representing shares of preferred stock, common stock and common stock warrants may be offered separately, together or as units, in separate classes or series, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in a supplement to this prospectus. When we offer securities, we will provide specific terms of such securities in supplements to this prospectus.

 

In addition, the specific terms may include limitations on direct or beneficial ownership and restrictions on transfer of the securities offered by this prospectus, in each case as may be appropriate to preserve our status as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for federal income tax purposes.

 

The securities offered by this prospectus may be offered directly, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. If any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of the securities offered by this prospectus, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them, will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. None of the securities offered by this prospectus may be sold without delivery of the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of those securities.

 

Each prospectus supplement will also contain information, where applicable, about United States federal income tax considerations and any legend or statement required by state law or the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

                     

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4.

 

                     

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete and any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The date of this Prospectus is February 26, 2018.

 

 

Table of Contents

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell, or soliciting an offer to buy, securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement or in the documents incorporated herein and therein is accurate as of any date other than the date of this prospectus or such other documents, even though this prospectus and such prospectus supplement or supplements are delivered or securities are sold pursuant to the prospectus and such prospectus supplement or supplements at a later date. Since the respective dates of the prospectus contained in liquidity, this registration statement and any accompanying prospectus supplement, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects might have changed.

 

                     

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

1

   

WHERE CAN YOU FIND MORE INFORMATION

1

   

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

1

   

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

2

   

THE COMPANY

3

   

RISK FACTORS

3

   

USE OF PROCEEDS

3

   

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

3

   

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

4

   

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

12

   

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS

14

   

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

14

   

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

16

   

PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS

19

   

UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

24

   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

43

   

EXPERTS

45

   

LEGAL MATTERS

45

 

i

Table of Contents

 

When used in this prospectus, “Kimco,” “the Company,” “we, “us, or “our refers to Kimco Realty Corporation, a Maryland corporation, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or “SEC,” as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the “Securities Act.” Under the automatic shelf registration process, we may, over time, sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus or in any applicable prospectus supplement in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. As allowed by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all the information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. A prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the next heading “Where You Can Find More Information” before considering an investment in the securities offered by that prospectus supplement.

 

WHERE CAN YOU FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at https://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549.

 

You may also obtain copies of our SEC filings at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call l-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operations at the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.

 

Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of that contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by that reference and the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information about us and the securities offered by this prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement and such exhibits and schedules which may be obtained from the SEC at its principal office in Washington, D.C. upon payment of any fees prescribed by the SEC.

 

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

 

The documents listed below have been filed by us under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), with the SEC and are incorporated by reference in this prospectus:

 

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (filed with the SEC on February 23, 2018);

 

 

Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2018 (excluding the information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and the related exhibit) (filed with the SEC on February 15, 2018);

 

 

Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (filed with the SEC on March 15, 2017);

 

 

The description of the Class I Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A12B (File No. 001-10899), filed on March 13, 2012, including any subsequently filed amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating the description;

 

 

The description of the Class J Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A12B (File No. 001-10899), filed on July 18, 2012, including any subsequently filed amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating the description;

 

 

The description of the Class K Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A12B (File No. 001-10899), filed on December 3, 2012, including any subsequently filed amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating the description;

 

 

The description of the Class L Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A12B (File No. 001-10899), filed on August 8, 2017, including any subsequently filed amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating the description; and

 

 

The description of the Class M Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A12B (File No. 001-10899), filed on December 12, 2017, including any subsequently filed amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating the description.

 

1

Table of Contents

 

We are also incorporating by reference into this prospectus all documents that we have filed or will file with the SEC as prescribed by Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, but excluding any information furnished to, rather than filed with, the SEC. These documents include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as Proxy Statements. Any statement contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or therein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.

 

Copies of all documents which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement are available from us without charge, excluding all exhibits unless we have specifically incorporated by reference the exhibit in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You may obtain documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from:

 

Kimco Realty Corporation

3333 New Hyde Park Road

New Hyde Park, New York 11042-0020

Attn: Bruce Rubenstein, Corporate Secretary

(516) 869-9000

 

You may also obtain copies of these filings, at no cost, by accessing our website at http://www.kimcorealty.com; however, the information found on our website is not considered part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement contain certain “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company’s future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “will,” “target,” “forecast” or similar expressions. You should not rely on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control and could materially affect actual results, performances or achievements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as the following additional factors: (i) general adverse economic and local real estate conditions, (ii) the inability of major tenants to continue paying their rent obligations due to bankruptcy, insolvency or a general downturn in their business, (iii) financing risks, such as the inability to obtain equity, debt or other sources of financing or refinancing on favorable terms to the Company, (iv) the Company’s ability to raise capital by selling its assets, (v) changes in governmental laws and regulations, (vi) the level and volatility of interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates and management’s ability to estimate the impact thereof, (vii) risks related to the Company’s international operations, (viii) the availability of suitable acquisition, disposition, development and redevelopment opportunities, and risks related to acquisitions not performing in accordance with the Company’s expectations, (ix) valuation and risks related to the Company’s joint venture and preferred equity investments, (x) valuation of marketable securities and other investments, (xi) increases in operating costs, (xii) changes in the dividend policy for the Company’s common stock, (xiii) the reduction in the Company’s income in the event of multiple lease terminations by tenants or a failure by multiple tenants to occupy their premises in a shopping center, (xiv) impairment charges and (xv) unanticipated changes in the Company’s intention or ability to prepay certain debt prior to maturity and/or hold certain securities until maturity. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Company’s expectations will be realized. Additional risk factors that we may disclose in documents that we file with the SEC that are deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus prior to completion of any offering could also cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations.

 

We caution readers that any such statements are based on currently available operational, financial and competitive information, and they should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinion only as of the date on which they were made. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation to review or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances as they occur.

 

2

Table of Contents

 

THE COMPANY

 

Overview

 

Kimco Realty Corporation, a Maryland corporation, is one of North America’s largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers. The Company’s mission is to create destinations for everyday living that inspire a sense of community and deliver value to our many stakeholders.

 

The Company is a self-administered REIT and has owned and operated open-air shopping centers for 60 years. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had interests in 493 shopping center properties, aggregating 83.2 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”), located in 29 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. In addition, the Company had 372 other property interests, primarily through the Company’s preferred equity investments and other real estate investments, totaling 5.8 million square feet of GLA. The Company’s ownership interests in real estate consist of its consolidated portfolio and portfolios where the Company owns an economic interest, such as properties in the Company’s investment real estate management programs, where the Company partners with institutional investors and also retains management.

 

Our executive offices are located at 3333 New Hyde Park Road, New Hyde Park, New York 11042-0020 and our telephone number is (516) 869-9000. Nearly all operating functions, including leasing, legal, construction, data processing, maintenance, finance and accounting are administered by the Company from its executive offices in New Hyde Park, New York and supported by the Company’s regional offices. As of December 31, 2017, a total of 546 persons were employed by the Company.

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investment in any securities offered pursuant to this prospectus involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties incorporated by reference herein from our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K and in our reports we file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as well as the risk factors set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, before investing in our securities.

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO TOTAL FIXED CHARGES AND EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

 

The following table sets forth ratios of earnings to total fixed charges and earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the periods shown for the Company. The periods presented below have been adjusted to reflect the impact of operating properties sold and classified as discontinued operations during the year ended December 31, 2014 and for properties classified as held for sale, as applicable, in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Property, Plant and Equipment guidance.

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Ratio of earnings to total fixed charges

2.3x

2.8x

4.2x

2.6x

2.4x

Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends

1.9x

2.2x

3.4x

2.1x

1.9x

 

 

For purposes of computing these ratios, earnings consist of pretax income (loss) from continuing operations before adjustment for noncontrolling interests or income (loss) from equity investees plus interest on indebtedness (excluding capitalized interest), amortization of debt premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses, amortization of capitalized interest, the portion of rents representative of an interest factor and distributed income from equity investees. Fixed charges consist of interest on indebtedness (including capitalized interest), amortization of debt premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses and the portion of rents representative of an interest factor. Preferred stock dividends consist of dividend requirements on outstanding preferred stock during the applicable period.

 

3

Table of Contents

 

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

Our unsecured senior debt securities are to be issued under an indenture, dated as of September 1, 1993, as amended by the first supplemental indenture, dated as of August 4, 1994, the second supplemental indenture, dated as of April 7, 1995, the third supplemental indenture, dated as of June 2, 2006, the fourth supplemental indenture, dated as of April 26, 2007, the fifth supplemental indenture, dated as of September 24, 2009, the sixth supplemental indenture, dated as of May 23, 2013, the seventh supplemental indenture, dated as of April 24, 2014, and as further amended or supplemented from time to time, between us and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company), as trustee. The indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and is available for inspection at the corporate trust office of the trustee at 101 Barclay Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10286 or as described above under “Where You Can Find More Information.” The indenture is subject to, and governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The statements made hereunder relating to the indenture and the debt securities to be issued thereunder are summaries of some of the provisions thereof and do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the indenture and the debt securities. All section references appearing herein are to sections of the indenture.

 

General

 

The debt securities will be our direct, unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The indenture provides that the debt securities may be issued without limit as to aggregate principal amount, in one or more series, in each case as established from time to time in or pursuant to authority granted by a resolution of our board of directors or as established in one or more indentures supplemental to the indenture. All debt securities of one series need not be issued at the same time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series, for issuances of additional debt securities of that series (Section 301).

 

The indenture provides that there may be more than one trustee thereunder, each with respect to one or more series of debt securities. Any trustee under the indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities, and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to that series (Section 608). In the event that two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of debt securities, each trustee shall be a trustee of a trust under the indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee (Section 609), and, except as otherwise indicated herein, any action described herein to be taken by the trustee may be taken by each trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the series of debt securities for which it is trustee under the indenture.

 

For a detailed description of a specific series of debt securities, you should consult the prospectus supplement for that series. The prospectus supplement may contain any of the following information, where applicable:

 

 

(1)

the title and series designation of those debt securities;

 

 

(2)

the aggregate principal amount of those debt securities and any limit on the aggregate principal amount;

 

 

(3)

if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount thereof payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, or (if applicable) the portion of the principal amount of those debt securities which is convertible into our common stock or our preferred stock, or the method by which any portion shall be determined;

 

 

(4)

if convertible, any applicable limitations on the ownership or transferability of our common stock or our preferred stock into which those debt securities are convertible which exist to preserve our status as a REIT;

 

 

(5)

the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, on which the principal of those debt securities will be payable;

 

 

(6)

the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable), or the method by which the rate or rates shall be determined, at which those debt securities will bear interest, if any;

 

 

(7)

the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, from which any interest will accrue, the interest payment dates on which that interest will be payable, the regular record dates for the interest payment dates, or the method by which that date shall be determined, the person to whom that interest shall be payable, and the basis upon which interest shall be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;

 

 

(8)

the place or places where (a) the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on those debt securities will be payable, (b) those debt securities may be surrendered for conversion or registration of transfer or exchange and (c) notices or demands to or upon us in respect of those debt securities and the indenture may be served;

 

4

Table of Contents

 

 

(9)

the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which those debt securities may be redeemed, as a whole or in part, at our option, if we are to have that option;

 

 

(10)

our obligation, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase those debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a holder of those debt securities and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which those debt securities will be redeemed, repaid or purchased, as a whole or in part, pursuant to that obligation;

 

 

(11)

if other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currencies in which those debt securities are denominated and payable, which may be units of two or more foreign currencies or a composite currency or currencies, and the terms and conditions relating thereto;

 

 

(12)

whether the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on those debt securities may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which index, formula or method may, but need not be, based on a currency, currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies) and the manner in which those amounts shall be determined;

 

 

(13)

any additions to, modifications of or deletions from the terms of those debt securities with respect to the events of default or covenants set forth in the indenture;

 

 

(14)

whether those debt securities will be issued in certificated or book-entry form or both;

 

 

(15)

whether those debt securities will be in registered or bearer form and, if in registered form, their denominations if other than $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 and, if in bearer form, their denominations and the terms and conditions relating thereto;

 

 

(16)

the applicability, if any, of the defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions of article fourteen of the indenture;

 

 

(17)

if those debt securities are to be issued upon the exercise of debt warrants, the time, manner and place for those debt securities to be authenticated and delivered;

 

 

(18)

the terms, if any, upon which those debt securities may be convertible into our common stock or our preferred stock and the terms and conditions upon which that conversion will be effected, including, without limitation, the initial conversion price or rate and the conversion period;

 

 

(19)

whether and under what circumstances we will pay additional amounts as contemplated in the indenture on those debt securities in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem those debt securities in lieu of making such payment; and

 

 

(20)

any other terms of those debt securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the indenture (Section 301).

 

The debt securities may provide for less than the entire principal amount thereof to be payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity. We refer to this type of debt securities as original issue discount securities. Any material or applicable special U.S. federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable to original issue discount securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Except as described under “Merger, Consolidation or Sale,” or as otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture does not contain any other provisions that would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or to substantially reduce or eliminate our assets, which may have an adverse effect on our ability to service our indebtedness (including the debt securities) or that would afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of:

 

 

(1)

a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us, our management, or any affiliate of any of those parties;

 

 

(2)

a change of control; or

 

 

(3)

a reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction involving us that may adversely affect the holders of our debt securities.

 

Furthermore, subject to the limitations set forth below under “Merger, Consolidation or Sale,” we may, in the future, enter into certain transactions, such as the sale of all or substantially all of our assets or a merger or consolidation involving us, that would increase the amount of our indebtedness or substantially reduce or eliminate our assets, which may have an adverse effect on our ability to service our indebtedness, including the debt securities. In addition, restrictions on ownership and transfers of our common stock and our preferred stock are designed to preserve our status as a REIT and, therefore, may act to prevent or hinder a change of control. You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or our covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.

 

5

Table of Contents

 

A significant number of our properties are owned through our subsidiaries or joint ventures. Therefore, our rights and those of our creditors, including holders of debt securities, to participate in the assets of those subsidiaries or joint ventures upon the liquidation or recapitalization of those subsidiaries or joint ventures or otherwise will be subject to the prior claims of those entities respective creditors (except to the extent that our claims as a creditor may be recognized).

 

Denominations, Interest, Registration and Transfer

 

Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities of any series will be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 (Section 302).

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on any series of debt securities will be payable at the corporate trust office of the trustee, initially located at 101 Barclay Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10286, provided that, at our option, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as it appears in the security register or by wire transfer of funds to that person at an account maintained within the United States (Sections 301, 305, 306, 307 and 1002).

 

Any interest not punctually paid or duly provided for on any interest payment date with respect to a debt security will forthwith cease to be payable to the holder of that debt security on the applicable regular record date and may either be paid to the person in whose name that debt security is registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of the interest not punctually paid or duly provided for to be fixed by the trustee, notice whereof shall be given to the holder of that debt security not less than 10 days prior to the special record date, or may be paid at any time in any other lawful manner, all as more completely described in the indenture.

 

Subject to certain limitations imposed upon debt securities issued in book-entry form, the debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor of different authorized denominations upon surrender of those debt securities at the corporate trust office of the trustee. In addition, subject to certain limitations imposed upon debt securities issued in book-entry form, the debt securities of any series may be surrendered for conversion or registration of transfer or exchange thereof at the corporate trust office of the trustee. Every debt security surrendered for conversion, registration of transfer or exchange shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer. No service charge will be imposed for any registration of transfer or exchange of any debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with the registration of transfer or exchange of debt securities (Section 305). If the applicable prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agent (in addition to the trustee) initially designated by us with respect to any series of debt securities, we may at any time rescind the designation of that transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which that transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for that series. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to any series of debt securities (Section 1002).

 

Neither we nor any trustee shall be required to:

 

 

(1)

issue, register the transfer of or exchange debt securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of debt securities of that series to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption;

 

 

(2)

register the transfer of or exchange any debt security, or portion thereof, called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part; or

 

 

(3)

issue, register the transfer of or exchange any debt security which has been surrendered for repayment at the option of the holder of that debt security, except the portion, if any, of that debt security not to be so repaid (Section 305).

 

6

Table of Contents

 

Merger, Consolidation or Sale

 

We may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, or merge with or into, any other corporation, provided that:

 

 

(1)

either we shall be the continuing corporation, or the successor corporation (if other than us) formed by or resulting from that consolidation or merger or which shall have received the transfer of our assets, shall expressly assume payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all of the debt securities and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions contained in the indenture;

 

 

(2)

immediately after giving effect to that transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of ours or of any of our subsidiaries as a result thereof as having been incurred by us or that subsidiary at the time of that transaction, no event of default under the indenture, and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become an event of default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

 

(3)

an officer’s certificate and legal opinion covering the above conditions shall be delivered to the trustee (Sections 801 and 803).

 

Covenants

 

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement any restrictive covenants applicable to any issue of debt securities.

 

 

Events of Default, Notice and Waiver

 

The indenture provides that the following events are events of default with respect to any series of debt securities issued thereunder:

 

 

(1)

default for 30 days in the payment of any installment of interest on any debt security of that series;

 

 

(2)

default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any debt security of that series at its maturity;

 

 

(3)

default in making any sinking fund payment as required for any debt security of that series;

 

 

(4)

default in the performance of any of our other covenants contained in the indenture (other than a covenant added to the indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities issued thereunder other than that series), continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the indenture;

 

 

(5)

default in the payment of an aggregate principal amount exceeding $10,000,000 of any evidence of our indebtedness or any mortgage, indenture or other instrument under which indebtedness is issued or by which that indebtedness is secured, that default having occurred after the expiration of any applicable grace period and having resulted in the acceleration of the maturity of that indebtedness, but only if that indebtedness is not discharged or that acceleration is not rescinded or annulled;

 

 

(6)

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of ours or any of our significant subsidiaries (as defined in Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act) or either of our properties; and

 

 

(7)

any other event of default provided with respect to a particular series of debt securities (Section 501).

 

If an event of default under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in all of those cases the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities or indexed securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms thereof) of all of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately by written notice thereof to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders of debt securities). However, at any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of that series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the indenture, as the case may be) has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the indenture, as the case may be) may rescind and annul that declaration and its consequences if:

 

 

(1)

we shall have deposited with the trustee all required payments of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the debt securities of that series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the indenture, as the case may be), plus certain fees, expenses, disbursements and advances of the trustee, and

 

7

Table of Contents

 

 

(2)

all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal (or specified portion thereof), with respect to debt securities of that series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the indenture, as the case may be) have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture (Section 502). The indenture also provides that the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the indenture, as the case may be) may waive any past default with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default:

 

 

a.

in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt security of that series, or

 

 

b.

in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby (Section 513).

 

The trustee is required to give notice to the holders of debt securities within 90 days of a default under the indenture; provided, however, that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any series of debt securities of any default with respect to that series (except a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt security of that series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of any debt security of that series) if the responsible officers of the trustee consider that withholding to be in the interest of those holders of debt securities (Section 601).

 

The indenture provides that no holders of debt securities of any series may institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for any remedy thereunder, except in the case of failure of the trustee, for 60 days, to act after it has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an event of default from the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, as well as an offer of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it (Section 507). This provision will not prevent, however, any holder of debt securities from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on those debt securities at the respective due dates thereof (Section 508).

 

Subject to provisions in the indenture relating to its duties in case of default, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any holders of any series of debt securities then outstanding under the indenture, unless those holders shall have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory to it (Section 602). The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or of all debt securities then outstanding under the indenture, as the case may be) shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon the trustee. However, the trustee may refuse to follow any direction which is in conflict with any law or the indenture, which may involve the trustee in personal liability or which may be unduly prejudicial to the holders of debt securities of those series not joining therein (Section 512).

 

Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, we must deliver to the trustee a certificate, signed by one of several specified officers, stating whether or not that officer has knowledge of any default under the indenture and, if so, specifying each of those defaults and the nature and status thereof (Section 1011).

 

Modification

 

Modifications and amendments of the indenture and debt securities may be made only with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities which are affected by such modification or amendment; provided, however, that no modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each of the debt securities affected thereby,

 

 

(1)

change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest (or premium, if any) on, any debt security;

 

 

(2)

reduce the principal amount of, or the rate or amount of interest on, or any premium payable on redemption of, any debt security, or reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security that would be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or would be provable in bankruptcy, or adversely affect any right of repayment of the holder of any debt security;

 

 

(3)

change the place of payment, or the coin or currency, for payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt security;

 

 

(4)

impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any debt security;

 

 

(5)

reduce the above-stated percentage of outstanding debt securities of any series necessary to modify or amend the indenture, to waive compliance with certain provisions thereof or certain defaults and consequences thereunder or to reduce the quorum or voting requirements set forth in the indenture; or

 

 

(6)

modify any of the foregoing provisions or any of the provisions relating to the waiver of certain past defaults or certain covenants, except to increase the required percentage to effect that action or to provide that certain other provisions may not be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of that debt security (Section 902).

 

The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities have the right to waive compliance by us with some of the covenants in the indenture (Section 1013).

 

8

Table of Contents

 

Modifications and amendments of the indenture may be made by us and the trustee without the consent of any holder of debt securities for any of the following purposes:

 

 

(1)

to evidence the succession of another person to us as obligor under the indenture;

 

 

(2)

to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us in the indenture;

 

 

(3)

to add events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities;

 

 

(4)

to add or change any provisions of the indenture to facilitate the issuance of, or to liberalize some of the terms of, debt securities in bearer form, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in uncertificated form, provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities of any series in any material respect;

 

 

(5)

to change or eliminate any provisions of the indenture, provided that any of those changes or elimination shall become effective only when there are no debt securities outstanding of any series created prior thereto which are entitled to the benefit of that provision;

 

 

(6)

to secure the debt securities;

 

 

(7)

to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series, including the provisions and procedures, if applicable, for the conversion of those debt securities into our common stock or our preferred stock;

 

 

(8)

to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee or facilitate the administration of the trusts under the indenture by more than one trustee;

 

 

(9)

to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture, provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of debt securities of any series in any material respect; or

 

 

(10)

to supplement any of the provisions of the indenture to the extent necessary to permit or facilitate defeasance and discharge of any series of those debt securities, provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities of any series in any material respect (Section 901).

 

The indenture provides that in determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities of a series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver thereunder or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of holders of debt securities,

 

 

(1)

the principal amount of an original issue discount security that shall be deemed to be outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of that determination upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof,

 

 

(2)

the principal amount of a debt security denominated in a foreign currency that shall be deemed outstanding shall be the U.S. Dollar equivalent, determined on the issue date for that debt security, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an original issue discount security, the U.S. Dollar equivalent on the issue date of that debt security of the amount determined as provided in (1) above),

 

 

(3)

the principal amount of an indexed security that shall be deemed outstanding shall be the principal face amount of that indexed security at original issuance, unless otherwise provided with respect to that indexed security pursuant to Section 301 of the indenture, and

 

 

(4)

debt securities owned by us or any other obligor upon the debt securities or any of our affiliates or of that other obligor shall be disregarded (Section 101).

 

9

Table of Contents

 

The indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the holders of debt securities of a series (Section 1501). A meeting may be called at any time by the trustee and also, upon request, by us or the holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, in any of those cases upon notice given as provided in the indenture (Section 1502). Except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each debt security affected by certain modifications and amendments of the indenture, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series; provided, however, that, except as referred to above, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of the holders of that specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of holders of debt securities of any series duly held in accordance with the indenture will be binding on all holders of debt securities of that series. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at any reconvened meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series; provided, however, that if any action is to be taken at that meeting with respect to a consent or waiver which may be given by the holders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, the persons holding or representing that specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series will constitute a quorum (Section 1504).

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if any action is to be taken at a meeting of holders of debt securities of any series with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that the indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities affected thereby, or of the holders of that series and one or more additional series:

 

 

(1)

there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for that meeting, and

 

 

(2)

the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series that vote in favor of that request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be taken into account in determining whether that request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under the indenture (Section 1504).

 

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

 

We may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and that either have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year (or scheduled for redemption within one year) by irrevocably depositing with the trustee, in trust, funds in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which those debt securities are payable in an amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on those debt securities in respect of principal (and premium, if any) and interest to the date of that deposit (if those debt securities have become due and payable) or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case may be (Section 401).

 

The indenture provides that, if the provisions of article fourteen of the indenture are made applicable to the debt securities of or within any series pursuant to Section 301 of the indenture, we may elect either:

 

 

(1)

to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to those debt securities (except for the obligation to pay additional amounts, if any, upon the occurrence of certain events of tax, assessment or governmental charge with respect to payments on those debt securities and the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of those debt securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of those debt securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust) (“defeasance”) (Section 1402); or

 

 

(2)

to be released from our obligations with respect to those debt securities under Sections 1004 to 1010, inclusive, and Section 1014 of the indenture (being the restrictions described under “Certain Covenants”) or, if provided pursuant to Section 301 of the indenture, our obligations with respect to any other covenant, and any omission to comply with those obligations shall not constitute a default or an event of default with respect to those debt securities (“covenant defeasance”) (Section 1403),

 

in either case upon the irrevocable deposit by us with the trustee, in trust, of an amount, in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which those debt securities are payable at stated maturity, or Government Obligations (as defined below), or both, applicable to those debt securities which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on those debt securities, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments thereon, on the scheduled due dates therefor.

 

That type of trust may only be established if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of those debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of that defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if that defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred, and that such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance, must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law occurring after the date of the indenture (Section 1404).

 

10

Table of Contents

 

Government Obligations” means securities which are:

 

 

(1)

direct obligations of the United States of America or the government which issued the foreign currency in which the debt securities of a particular series are payable, for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged, or

 

 

(2)

obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or that government which issued the foreign currency in which the debt securities of that series are payable, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America or that other government,

 

which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to that Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of that Government Obligation held by the custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) the custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of the depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the Government Obligation evidenced by the depository receipt (Section 101).

 

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, if after we have deposited funds or Government Obligations or both to effect defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series,

 

 

(1)

the holder of a debt security of that series is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 301 of the indenture or the terms of that debt security to receive payment in a currency, currency unit or composite currency other than that in which the deposit has been made in respect of that debt security, or

 

 

(2)

a Conversion Event (as defined below) occurs in respect of the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the deposit has been made,

 

then, the indebtedness represented by that debt security shall be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on that debt security as they become due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount so deposited in respect of that debt security into the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which that debt security becomes payable as a result of that election or cessation of usage based on the applicable market exchange rate (Section 1405). “Conversion Event” means the cessation of use of:

 

 

(1)

a currency, currency unit or composite currency both by the government of the country which issued that currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community,

 

 

(2)

the European Currency Unit, or ECU, both within the European Monetary System and for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the European Communities, or

 

 

(3)

any currency unit or composite currency other than the ECU for the purposes for which it was established.

 

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, all payments of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on any debt security that is payable in a foreign currency that ceases to be used by its government of issuance shall be made in U.S. Dollars (Section 101).

 

In the event we effect covenant defeasance with respect to any debt securities and those debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default other than the event of default described in clause (4) under “Events of Default, Notice and Waiver” with respect to Sections 1004 to 1010, inclusive, and Section 1014 of the indenture (which Sections would no longer be applicable to those debt securities) or described in clause (7) under “Events of Default, Notice and Waiver” with respect to any other covenant as to which there has been covenant defeasance, the amount in such currency, currency unit or composite currency in which those debt securities are payable, and Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee, will be sufficient to pay amounts due on those debt securities at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on those debt securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from that event of default. However, we would remain liable to make payment of those amounts due at the time of acceleration.

 

11

Table of Contents

 

The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting that defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions described above, with respect to the debt securities of or within a particular series.

 

Conversion Rights

 

The terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities are convertible into other debt securities, our common stock or our preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Those terms will include whether those debt securities are convertible into other debt securities, our common stock or our preferred stock, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or the option of the holders of debt securities, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of those debt securities.

 

Global Securities

 

The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that series. Global securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that series.

 

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

 

We have the authority to issue 750,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 384,046,000 shares of excess stock, par value $0.01 per share. At February 20, 2018, we had outstanding 425,455,523 shares of common stock and no shares of excess stock. Prior to August 4, 1994, we were incorporated as a Delaware corporation. On August 4, 1994, we reincorporated as a Maryland corporation pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger approved by our stockholders.

 

The following description of our common stock sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the common stock to which any prospectus supplement may relate, including a prospectus supplement providing that common stock will be issuable upon conversion of our debt securities or our preferred stock or upon the exercise of common stock warrants issued by us. The statements below describing the common stock are in all respects subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of our charter and bylaws.

 

Holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive dividends when, as and if authorized by our Board of Directors and declared by us, out of assets legally available therefor. Payment and declaration of dividends on the common stock and purchases of shares thereof by us will be subject to certain restrictions if we fail to pay dividends on our preferred stock. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock will be entitled to share equally and ratably in any assets available for distribution to them, after payment or provision for payment of our debts and other liabilities and the preferential amounts owing with respect to any of our outstanding preferred stock. The common stock will possess voting rights in the election of directors and in respect of certain other corporate matters, with each share entitling the holder thereof to one vote. Holders of shares of common stock will not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors, which means that holders of more than 50% of all of the shares of our common stock voting for the election of directors will be able to elect all of the directors if they choose to do so and, accordingly, the holders of the remaining shares will be unable to elect any directors. Holders of shares of common stock will not have preemptive rights, which means they have no right to acquire any additional shares of common stock that may be issued by us at a subsequent date. The common stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable and will not be subject to preemptive or similar rights.

 

Under Maryland law, a distribution (whether by dividend, redemption or other acquisition of shares) to holders of shares of common stock may be made only if, after giving effect to the distribution, (a) we are able to pay our indebtedness as it becomes due in the usual course of business and (b) subject to certain exceptions, our total assets are greater than the sum of our total liabilities plus the amount necessary to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights on dissolution are superior to the holders of common stock, unless the terms of the stock held by such holders with preferred rights provide otherwise. We have complied with these requirements in all of our prior distributions to holders of common stock.

 

12

Table of Contents

 

Restrictions on Ownership

 

For us to qualify as a REIT under Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), not more than 50% in value of our outstanding stock may be owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year. Our stock also must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. In addition, rent from related party tenants (generally, a tenant of a REIT owned, actually or constructively, 10% or more by the REIT, or a 10% owner of the REIT) is not qualifying income for purposes of the income tests under the Code.

 

Subject to the exceptions specified in our charter, no holder may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% in value of the outstanding shares of our common stock. The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause common stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals or entities or both to be deemed constructively owned by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of our common stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity which owns, actually or constructively, our common stock) by an individual or entity could cause that individual or entity (or another individual or entity) to own constructively in excess of 9.8% of our common stock, and thus subject such common stock to the ownership limit.

 

Our Board of Directors may waive the ownership limit with respect to a particular stockholder if evidence satisfactory to our Board of Directors and our tax counsel is presented that such ownership will not then or in the future jeopardize our status as a REIT. As a condition of any waiver, our Board of Directors may require a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, opinion of counsel satisfactory to it or an undertaking, or both from the applicant with respect to preserving our REIT status. The foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will not apply if our Board of Directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT. If shares of common stock in excess of the ownership limit, or shares which would otherwise cause the REIT to be beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons or which would otherwise cause us to be “closely held” within the meaning of the Code or would otherwise result in our failure to qualify as a REIT, are issued or transferred to any person, that issuance or transfer shall be null and void to the intended transferee, and the intended transferee would acquire no rights to the stock. Shares transferred in excess of the ownership limit, or shares which would otherwise cause us to be “closely held” within the meaning of the Code or would otherwise result in our failure to qualify as a REIT, will automatically be exchanged for shares of a separate class of stock, which we refer to as excess stock, that will be transferred by operation of law to us as trustee for the exclusive benefit of the person or persons to whom the shares are ultimately transferred, until that time as the intended transferee retransfers the shares. While these shares are held in trust, they will not be entitled to vote or to share in any dividends or other distributions (except upon liquidation). The shares may be retransferred by the intended transferee to any person who may hold those shares at a price not to exceed either:

 

 

(1)

the price paid by the intended transferee, or

 

 

(2)

if the intended transferee did not give value for such shares (through a gift, devise or otherwise), a price per share equal to the market value of the shares on the date of the purported transfer to the intended transferee, at which point the shares will automatically be exchanged for an equal number of shares of ordinary common stock. In addition, such shares of excess stock held in trust are purchasable by us, or our designee, for a 90-day period at a price equal to the lesser of the price paid for the stock by the intended transferee and the market price for the stock on the date we determine to purchase the stock. This period commences on the date of the violative transfer if the intended transferee gives us notice of the transfer, or the date our Board of Directors determines that a violative transfer has occurred if no notice is provided.

 

All certificates representing shares of common stock will bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.

 

All persons who own, directly or by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, more than 5% (or such other percentage between 0.5% and 5%, as provided in the Income Tax Regulations promulgated under the Code) of the outstanding shares of common stock must give written notice to us containing the information specified in our charter within 30 days after the close of each year. In addition, each common stockholder shall upon demand be required to disclose to us such information with respect to the actual and constructive ownership of shares as our Board of Directors deems necessary to comply with the provisions of the Code applicable to a REIT.

 

The registrar and transfer agent for our common stock is EQ Shareowner Services.

 

13

Table of Contents

 

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS

 

We may issue common stock warrants for the purchase of our common stock. Common stock warrants may be issued independently or together with any of the other securities offered by this prospectus that are offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from the securities offered by this prospectus. Each series of common stock warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the common stock warrants of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of common stock warrants.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the common stock warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including, where applicable, the following:

 

 

(1)

the title of those common stock warrants;

 

 

(2)

the aggregate number of those common stock warrants;

 

 

(3)

the price or prices at which those common stock warrants will be issued;

 

 

(4)

the designation, number and terms of the shares of common stock purchasable upon exercise of those common stock warrants;

 

 

(5)

the designation and terms of the other securities offered by this prospectus with which the common stock warrants are issued and the number of those common stock warrants issued with each security offered by this prospectus;

 

 

(6)

the date, if any, on and after which those common stock warrants and the related common stock will be separately transferable;

 

 

(7)

the price at which each share of common stock purchasable upon exercise of those common stock warrants may be purchased;

 

 

(8)

the date on which the right to exercise those common stock warrants shall commence and the date on which that right shall expire;

 

 

(9)

the minimum or maximum amount of those common stock warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

 

 

(10)

information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

 

 

(11)

a discussion of federal income tax considerations; and

 

 

(12)

any other material terms of those common stock warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of those common stock warrants.

 

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

 

We are authorized to issue 5,996,240 shares of preferred stock, $1.00 par value per share, 9,400 shares of 6.000% Class I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, 9,000 shares of 5.50% Class J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, 8,050 shares of 5.625% Class K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, 10,350 shares of 5.125% Class L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, and 10,580 shares of 5.25% Class M Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share. We are also authorized to issue 700,000 shares of Class F Excess Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share, 184,000 shares of Class G Excess Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share, 70,000 shares of Class H Excess Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, 18,400 shares of Class I Excess Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, 9,000 shares of Class J Excess Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, 8,050 shares of Class K Excess Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, 10,350 shares of Class L Excess Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, and 10,580 shares of Class M Excess Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, which are reserved for issuance upon conversion of certain outstanding Class I preferred stock, Class J preferred stock, Class K preferred stock, Class L preferred stock or Class M preferred stock, as the case may be, as necessary to preserve our status as a REIT. At February 26, 2018, 7,000 shares of Class I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, represented by 7,000,000 depositary shares, were outstanding, 9,000 shares of Class J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, represented by 9,000,000 depositary shares, were outstanding, 7,000 shares of Class K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, represented by 7,000,000 depositary shares, were outstanding, 9,000 shares of Class L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, represented by 9,000,000 depositary shares, were outstanding, and 10,580 shares of Class M Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, represented by 10,580,000 depositary shares, were outstanding.

 

14

Table of Contents

 

Under our charter, our Board of Directors may from time to time establish and issue one or more classes or series of preferred stock and fix the designations, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of such classes or series and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon, including, but not limited to, the fixing of the dividend rights, dividend rate or rates, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions) and the liquidation preferences.

 

The following description of our preferred stock sets forth certain general terms and provisions of our preferred stock to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The statements below describing the preferred stock are in all respects subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of our charter (including the applicable articles supplementary) and bylaws.

 

General

 

Subject to limitations prescribed by Maryland law and our charter, our Board of Directors is authorized to fix the number of shares constituting each class or series of preferred stock and the designations and powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including those provisions as may be desired concerning voting, redemption, dividends, dissolution or the distribution of assets, conversion or exchange, and those other subjects or matters as may be fixed by resolution of our Board of Directors or duly authorized committee thereof. The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable and, except as may be determined by our Board of Directors and set forth in the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, will not have, or be subject to, any preemptive or similar rights.

 

You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to the class or series of preferred stock offered thereby for specific terms, including:

 

 

(1)

The class or series, title and stated value of that preferred stock;

 

 

(2)

The number of shares of that preferred stock offered, the liquidation preference per share and the offering price of that preferred stock;

 

 

(3)

The dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to that preferred stock;

 

 

(4)

Whether dividends on that preferred stock shall be cumulative or not and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends on that preferred stock shall accumulate;

 

 

(5)

The procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any, for that preferred stock;

 

 

(6)

Provisions for a sinking fund, if any, for that preferred stock;

 

 

(7)

Provisions for redemption, if applicable, of that preferred stock;

 

 

(8)

Any listing of that preferred stock on any securities exchange;

 

 

(9)

The terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which that preferred stock will be convertible into our common stock, including the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof);

 

 

(10)

Whether interests in that preferred stock will be represented by our depositary shares;

 

 

(11)

The relative ranking and preference of the preferred stock as to distribution rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up if other than as described in this prospectus;

 

 

(12)

Any limitations on issuance of any other series of preferred stock ranking senior to or on a parity with the preferred stock as to distribution rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up;

 

 

(13)

A discussion of certain federal income tax considerations applicable to that preferred stock;

 

 

(14)

Any limitations on actual, beneficial or constructive ownership and restrictions on transfer of that preferred stock and, if convertible, the related common stock, in each case as may be appropriate to preserve our status as a REIT;

 

 

(15)

Any voting rights of such class or series of that preferred stock; and

 

 

(16)

Any other material terms, preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions of that preferred stock.

 

15

Table of Contents

 

Rank

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement and the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, the preferred stock will, with respect to rights to the payment of dividends and distribution of our assets and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, rank:

 

 

(1)

senior to all classes or series of our common stock and excess stock and to all of our equity securities the terms of which provide that those equity securities are junior to the preferred stock;

 

 

(2)

on a parity with all of our equity securities other than those referred to in clauses (1) and (3); and

 

 

(3)

junior to all of our equity securities the terms of which provide that those equity securities will rank senior to it.

 

For these purposes, the term “equity securities” does not include convertible debt securities.

 

Conversion Rights

 

The terms and conditions, if any, upon which shares of any class or series of preferred stock are convertible into common stock, debt securities or another series of preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto and the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of any class or series of preferred stock. Such terms will include the number of shares of common stock or those other series of preferred stock or the principal amount of debt securities into which the preferred stock is convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or at the option of the holders of that class or series of preferred stock, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of that class or series of preferred stock.

 

Restrictions on Ownership

 

As discussed above under “Description of Common Stock—Restrictions on Ownership,” for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding stock may be owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year. Our stock also must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year). In addition, rent from related party tenants (generally, a tenant of a REIT owned, actually or constructively 10% or more by the REIT, or a 10% owner of the REIT) is not qualifying income for purposes of the gross income tests under the Code. Therefore, we expect that the applicable articles supplementary for each class or series of preferred stock will contain certain provisions restricting the ownership and transfer of that class or series of preferred stock. Except as otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto, the provisions of each applicable articles supplementary relating to the ownership limit for any class or series of preferred stock will provide that, subject to some exceptions, no holder of that class or series of preferred stock may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the constructive ownership provisions of the Code, preferred stock in excess of the preferred stock ownership limit, which will be equal to 9.8% of the outstanding preferred stock of any class or series. The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause preferred stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be deemed to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of any class or series of our preferred stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity which owns, actually or constructively, preferred stock) by an individual or entity could cause that individual or entity (or another individual or entity) to own constructively in excess of 9.8% of that class or series of preferred stock, and thus subject that preferred stock to the preferred stock ownership limit.

 

The registrar and transfer agent for our preferred stock is EQ Shareowner Services.

 

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

General

 

We may issue depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest of a share of a particular class or series of our preferred stock, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Shares of a class or series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a separate deposit agreement among us, the depositary named therein and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts issued by the preferred stock depositary which will evidence the depositary shares. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary receipt will be entitled, in proportion to the fractional interest of a share of a particular class or series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares evidenced by that depositary receipt, to all the rights and preferences of the class or series of preferred stock represented by those depositary shares (including dividend, voting, conversion, redemption and liquidation rights).

 

16

Table of Contents

 

The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the applicable deposit agreement. Immediately following the issuance and delivery of a class or series of preferred stock by us to the preferred stock depositary, we will cause the preferred stock depositary to issue, on our behalf, the depositary receipts. Copies of the applicable form of deposit agreement and depositary receipt may be obtained from us upon request, and the statements made hereunder relating to the deposit agreement and the depositary receipts to be issued thereunder are summaries of certain provisions thereof and do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the applicable deposit agreement and related depositary receipts.

 

Dividends and Other Distributions

 

The preferred stock depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of a class or series of preferred stock to the record holders of depositary receipts evidencing the related depositary shares in proportion to the number of those depositary receipts owned by those holders, subject to certain obligations of holders to file proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain charges and expenses to the preferred stock depositary.

 

In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the preferred stock depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary receipts entitled thereto, subject to certain obligations of holders to file proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain charges and expenses to the preferred stock depositary, unless the preferred stock depositary determines that it is not feasible to make that distribution, in which case the preferred stock depositary may, with our approval, sell that property and distribute the net proceeds from that sale to those holders.

 

No distribution will be made in respect of any depositary share to the extent that it represents any class or series of preferred stock converted into excess preferred stock or otherwise converted or exchanged.

 

Withdrawal of Preferred Stock

 

Upon surrender of the depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of the preferred stock depositary (unless the related depositary shares have previously been called for redemption or converted into excess preferred stock or otherwise), the holders thereof will be entitled to delivery at that office, to or upon that holder’s order, of the number of whole or fractional shares of the class or series of preferred stock and any money or other property represented by the depositary shares evidenced by those depositary receipts. Holders of depositary receipts will be entitled to receive whole or fractional shares of the related class or series of preferred stock on the basis of the proportion of preferred stock represented by each depositary share as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, but holders of those shares of preferred stock will not thereafter be entitled to receive depositary shares therefor. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the preferred stock depositary will deliver to that holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares.

 

Redemption

 

Whenever we redeem shares of a class or series of preferred stock held by the preferred stock depositary, the preferred stock depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares representing shares of the class or series of preferred stock so redeemed, provided we shall have paid in full to the preferred stock depositary the redemption price of the preferred stock to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the corresponding proportion of the redemption price and any other amounts per share payable with respect to that class or series of preferred stock. If fewer than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional depositary shares) or by any other equitable method determined by us that will not result in the issuance of any excess preferred stock.

 

From and after the date fixed for redemption, all dividends in respect of the shares of a class or series of preferred stock so called for redemption will cease to accrue, the depositary shares so called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares so called for redemption will cease, except the right to receive any moneys payable upon their redemption and any money or other property to which the holders of those depositary receipts were entitled upon their redemption and surrender thereof to the preferred stock depositary.

 

17

Table of Contents

 

Voting

 

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of a class or series of preferred stock deposited with the preferred stock depositary are entitled to vote, the preferred stock depositary will mail the information contained in that notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares which represent that class or series of preferred stock. Each record holder of depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for that class or series of preferred stock) will be entitled to instruct the preferred stock depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of preferred stock represented by that holder’s depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary will vote the amount of that class or series of preferred stock represented by those depositary shares in accordance with those instructions, and we will agree to take all reasonable action which may be deemed necessary by the preferred stock depositary in order to enable the preferred stock depositary to do so. The preferred stock depositary will abstain from voting the amount of that class or series of preferred stock represented by those depositary shares to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary receipts evidencing those depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instruction to vote, or for the manner or effect of any vote made, as long as that action or non-action is in good faith and does not result from negligence or willful misconduct of the preferred stock depositary.

 

Liquidation Preference

 

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each depositary receipt will be entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each share of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares evidenced by that depositary receipt, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Conversion

 

The depositary shares, as such, are not generally convertible into our common stock or any of our other securities or property, except in connection with certain conversions in connection with the preservation of our status as a REIT. Nevertheless, if so specified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to an offering of depositary shares, the depositary receipts may be surrendered by holders thereof to the preferred stock depositary with written instructions to the preferred stock depositary to instruct us to cause conversion of a class or series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares evidenced by those depositary receipts into whole shares of our common stock, other shares of a class or series of preferred stock (including excess preferred stock) or other shares of stock, and we have agreed that upon receipt of those instructions and any amounts payable in respect thereof, we will cause the conversion thereof utilizing the same procedures as those provided for delivery of preferred stock to effect that conversion. If the depositary shares evidenced by a depositary receipt are to be converted in part only, a new depositary receipt or receipts will be issued for any depositary shares not to be converted. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued upon conversion, and if that conversion would result in a fractional share being issued, an amount will be paid in cash by us equal to the value of the fractional interest based upon the closing price of the common stock on the last business day prior to the conversion.

 

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

 

The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares which represent the preferred stock and any provision of the deposit agreement may at any time be amended by agreement between us and the preferred stock depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary receipts or that would be materially and adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the related class or series of preferred stock will not be effective unless that amendment has been approved by the existing holders of at least two-thirds of the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts then outstanding. No amendment shall impair the right, subject to certain exceptions in the deposit agreement, of any holder of depositary receipts to surrender any depositary receipt with instructions to deliver to the holder the related class or series of preferred stock and all money and other property, if any, represented hereby, except in order to comply with law. Every holder of an outstanding depositary receipt at the time any of those types of amendments becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold that depositary receipt, to consent and agree to that amendment and to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended thereby.

 

We may terminate the deposit agreement upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice to the preferred stock depositary if:

 

 

(1)

such termination is necessary to preserve our status as a REIT, or

 

 

(2)

a majority of each class or series of preferred stock subject to that deposit agreement consents to that termination, whereupon the preferred stock depositary shall deliver or make available to each holder of depositary receipts, upon surrender of the depositary receipts held by that holder, that number of whole or fractional shares of each class or series of preferred stock as are represented by the depositary shares evidenced by those depositary receipts together with any other property held by the preferred stock depositary with respect to those depositary receipts.

 

18

Table of Contents

 

We have agreed that if the deposit agreement is terminated to preserve our status as a REIT, then we will use our best efforts to list each class or series of preferred stock issued upon surrender of the related depositary shares on a national securities exchange. In addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:

 

 

(1)

all outstanding depositary shares issued thereunder shall have been redeemed,

 

 

(2)

there shall have been a final distribution in respect of each class or series of preferred stock subject to that deposit agreement in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and that distribution shall have been distributed to the holders of depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares representing that class or series of preferred stock, or

 

 

(3)

each share of preferred stock subject to that deposit agreement shall have been converted into our stock not so represented by depositary shares.

 

Charges of Preferred Stock Depositary

 

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the deposit agreement. In addition, we will pay the fees and expenses of the preferred stock depositary in connection with the performance of its duties under the deposit agreement. However, holders of depositary receipts will pay the fees and expenses of the preferred stock depositary for any duties requested by those holders to be performed which are outside of those expressly provided for in the deposit agreement.

 

Resignation and Removal of Preferred Stock Depositary

 

The preferred stock depositary may resign at any time by delivering notice to us of its election to do so, and we may at any time remove the preferred stock depositary, that resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor preferred stock depositary. A successor preferred stock depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.

 

Miscellaneous

 

The preferred stock depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts any reports and communications from us which are received by it with respect to the related preferred stock.

 

Neither we nor the preferred stock depositary will be liable if it is prevented from or delayed in, by law or any circumstances beyond its control, performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and those of the preferred stock depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performing our respective duties thereunder in good faith and without negligence (in the case of any action or inaction in the voting of a class or series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares), gross negligence or willful misconduct, and neither we nor the preferred stock depositary will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary receipts, depositary shares or shares of a class or series of preferred stock represented thereby unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the preferred stock depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting shares of a class or series of preferred stock represented thereby for deposit, holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed in good faith to be competent to give that information, and on documents believed in good faith to be genuine and signed by a proper party.

 

In the event the preferred stock depositary shall receive conflicting claims, requests or instructions from any holders of depositary receipts, on the one hand, and us, on the other hand, the preferred stock depositary shall be entitled to act on those claims, requests or instructions received from us.

 

PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS

 

The following paragraphs summarize provisions of Maryland law and describe certain provisions of our charter and bylaws. This is a summary, and does not completely describe Maryland law, our charter or our bylaws. For a complete description, we refer you to the Maryland General Corporation Law, our charter and our bylaws. We have incorporated by reference our charter and bylaws as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

19

Table of Contents

 

Election of Directors

 

Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, a corporation must have at least one director. Subject to this provision, a corporation’s bylaws may alter the number of directors and authorize a majority of the entire Board of Directors to alter within specified limits the number of directors set by the corporation’s charter or its bylaws.

 

Our bylaws provide that the number of directors shall not be less than three nor more than 15 and that the number of directors may be changed by a majority vote of the entire Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors currently consists of nine directors. Each director serves a one-year term and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. There is no cumulative voting on the election of directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock can elect all of our directors. A vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority vote of the entire Board of Directors. Other vacancies may be filled by the vote of a majority of the remaining directors. However, stockholders may elect a successor to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors which results from the removal of a director by the stockholders of the Company.

 

Each nominee for director shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast. A majority of the votes cast means the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast “for” and “against” such nominee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a nominee for director shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast if the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected. If an incumbent director fails to receive the required vote for re-election, under our current bylaws he or she is required to offer to resign from the Board of Directors and the nominating and corporate governance committee will consider such offer to resign, determine whether to accept such director’s resignation, and will submit such recommendation for prompt consideration by the board.

 

Removal of Directors

 

Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, unless the corporation’s charter provides otherwise, which ours does not, the stockholders of a corporation may remove any director with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast for the election of directors.

 

Business Combinations

 

Under Maryland law, “business combinations” between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, share exchange, or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:

 

 

any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, ten percent or more of the voting power of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock; or

 

 

an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the corporation.

 

After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:

 

 

80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation; and

 

 

two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or which are held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder.

 

These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation’s common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. None of these provisions of the Maryland law will apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the board of directors of the corporation prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.

 

We have not elected to opt-out of the business combination provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law.

 

20

Table of Contents

 

Control Share Acquisitions

 

Maryland law provides that a holder of “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” has no voting rights with respect to those shares except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares of stock owned by the acquiror, by officers or by directors who are employees of the corporation are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. “Control shares” are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or shares of stock in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:

 

 

one-tenth or more but less than one-third;

 

 

one-third or more but less than a majority; or

 

 

a majority or more of all voting power.

 

Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval or shares acquired directly from the corporation. Except as otherwise specified in the statute, a “control share acquisition” means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares.

 

Once a person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition has undertaken to pay expenses and satisfied other conditions, such person may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.

 

If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the corporation may be able to redeem any or all of the control shares for fair value, except for control shares for which voting rights previously have been approved. The right of the corporation to redeem control shares is subject to certain conditions and limitations. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for control shares, as of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such control shares are considered and not approved, or if no such meeting is held, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of these appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition. Some of the limitations and restrictions otherwise applicable to the exercise of dissenters’ rights do not apply in the context of a control share acquisition.

 

The control share acquisition statute does not apply to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.

 

Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock. There can be no assurance that this provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.

 

Duties of Directors with Respect to Unsolicited Takeovers

 

Maryland law provides protection for Maryland corporations against unsolicited takeovers by limiting, among other things, the duties of the directors in unsolicited takeover situations. Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, the duties of directors of Maryland corporations do not require them to, among other things, (a) accept, recommend or respond to any proposal by a person seeking to acquire control of the corporation, (b) make a determination under the Maryland business combination or control share acquisition statutes described above or (c) act or fail to act solely because of the effect the act or failure to act may have on an acquisition or potential acquisition of control of the corporation or the amount or type of consideration that may be offered or paid to the stockholders in an acquisition. Moreover, under the Maryland General Corporation Law, the act of a director of a Maryland corporation relating to or affecting an acquisition or potential acquisition of control may not be subject to any higher duty or greater scrutiny than is applied to any other act of a director. Maryland law also contains a statutory presumption that an act of a director of a Maryland corporation satisfies the applicable standards of conduct for directors under Maryland law.

 

21

Table of Contents

 

Subtitle 8

 

Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the Maryland General Corporation Law permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any or all of five provisions:

 

 

a classified board,

 

 

a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director,

 

 

a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the directors,

 

 

a requirement that a vacancy on the board be filled only by the remaining directors and for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred, and

 

 

a majority requirement for the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders.

 

Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we already vest in the Board of Directors the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships and require, unless called by our chairman of the Board of Directors, our president, our chief executive officer or the Board of Directors, the request of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares to call a special meeting.

 

Amendments to the Charter

 

The Maryland General Corporation Law generally allows amendment of a corporation’s charter if its board of directors adopts a resolution setting forth the amendment proposed, declaring its advisability and directing that it be submitted to the stockholders for consideration at a meeting of stockholders, and the stockholders thereafter approve such proposed amendment either at a special meeting called by the board for the purpose of approval of such amendment by the stockholders or, if so directed by the board, at the next annual stockholders meeting by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

 

Under Maryland law and pursuant to our charter, most amendments to our charter must be declared advisable and approved by the Board of Directors and approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders.

 

Amendment to the Bylaws

 

Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, the power to amend the bylaws may be left with the stockholders, vested exclusively in the directors or shared by both groups.

 

Our bylaws provide that stockholders have the power to adopt, alter or repeal any bylaws or to make new bylaws, and that the Board of Directors shall have the power to do the same, except that the Board of Directors shall not alter or repeal the section of the bylaws governing amendments to the bylaws or any bylaws made by the stockholders.

 

Dissolution of Kimco Realty Corporation

 

Under Maryland law and pursuant to our charter, a dissolution must be declared advisable and approved by our Board of Directors and approved by affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Kimco.

 

Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business

 

Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (i) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record both at the time of giving the advance notice required by the bylaws and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business, as the case may be, and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of the bylaws. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors at a special meeting may be made only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record both at the time of giving the advance notice required by the bylaws and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws.

 

22

Table of Contents

 

Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and Our Charter and Bylaws

 

The restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, the business combination provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and the advance notice provisions of our bylaws could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of us that might involve a premium price for our stock or that our stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interests. Likewise, if our Board of Directors were to elect to be subject to the provisions of Subtitle 8 or if the provision in our bylaws opting out of the control share acquisition provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law were amended or rescinded, these provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law could have similar anti-takeover effects.

 

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification

 

Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may include in its charter a provision eliminating the liability of directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment and which is material to the cause of action. Our charter contains a provision which eliminates directors’ and officers’ liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

 

The Maryland General Corporation Law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his service in that capacity. The Maryland General Corporation Law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party to or witness in by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification, and then only for expenses.

 

In addition, the Maryland General Corporation Law permits a Maryland corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation’s receipt of: (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking by the director or officer or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that he or she did not meet the standard of conduct.

 

Our charter authorizes us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to obligate Kimco to indemnify any present or former director or officer of Kimco or any individual who, while a director of Kimco and at the request of Kimco, serves or has served another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. Our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and without requiring a preliminary determination as to entitlement, to indemnify any present or former director or officer of Kimco or any individual who, while a director or officer of the Kimco and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity from and against any claim or liability to which that individual may become subject or which that individual may incur by reason of his or her service in that capacity and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding.

 

Our charter and bylaws also permit us, with the approval of our Board of Directors, to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of ours or a predecessor of ours.

 

On February 25, 2009, our Board of Directors approved a form of Indemnification Agreement to be entered into between the Company and each of its executive officers, members of the Board of Directors and such other employees or consultants of the Company or any subsidiary as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer in his discretion. A brief description of the terms and conditions of the Indemnification Agreement that are material to the Company is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and the Indemnification Agreement is filed as an exhibit thereto.

 

23

Table of Contents

 

It is the position of the Commission that indemnification of directors and officers for liabilities arising under the Securities Act is against public policy and is unenforceable pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Act.

 

UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations regarding our election to be taxed as a REIT and the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our capital stock or debt securities. Supplemental U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to holders of the securities offered by this prospectus (including warrants, preferred stock and depositary shares) may be provided in the prospectus supplement that relates to those securities. For purposes of this discussion, references to “we,” “our” and “us” mean only Kimco Realty Corporation and do not include any of its subsidiaries, except as otherwise indicated. This summary is for general information only and is not tax advice. The information in this summary is based on:

 

 

the Code;

 

current, temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code;

 

the legislative history of the Code;

 

administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS; and

 

court decisions;

 

in each case, as of the date of this prospectus. In addition, the administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS include its practices and policies as expressed in private letter rulings that are not binding on the IRS except with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings. The sections of the Code and the corresponding Treasury Regulations that relate to qualification and taxation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. The following discussion sets forth certain material aspects of the sections of the Code that govern the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its stockholders. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions, Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof. Potential tax reforms may result in significant changes to the rules governing U.S. federal income taxation. New legislation, Treasury Regulations, administrative interpretations and practices and/or court decisions may significantly and adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of such qualification, or the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in us, including those described in this discussion. Moreover, the law relating to the tax treatment of other entities, or an investment in other entities, could change, making an investment in such other entities more attractive relative to an investment in a REIT. Any such changes could apply retroactively to transactions preceding the date of the change. We have not requested, and do not plan to request, any rulings from the IRS that we qualify as a REIT, and the statements in this prospectus are not binding on the IRS or any court. Thus, we can provide no assurance that the tax considerations contained in this discussion will not be challenged by the IRS or will be sustained by a court if challenged by the IRS. This summary does not discuss any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences, or any tax consequences arising under any U.S. federal tax laws other than U.S. federal income tax laws, associated with the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our capital stock or debt securities, or our election to be taxed as a REIT.

 

You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of:

 

 

the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our capital stock or debt securities, including the U.S. federal, state, local, non-U.S. and other tax consequences;

 

our election to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and

 

potential changes in applicable tax laws.

 

Taxation of Our Company

 

General. We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 1992. We believe that we have been organized and have operated in a manner that has allowed us to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code commencing with such taxable year, and we intend to continue to be organized and operate in this manner. However, qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code, including through actual operating results, asset composition, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that we have been organized and have operated, or will continue to be organized and operate, in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT. See “—Failure to Qualify” for potential tax consequences if we fail to qualify as a REIT.

 

24

Table of Contents

 

Latham & Watkins LLP has acted as our tax counsel in connection with this prospectus and our election to be taxed as a REIT. Latham & Watkins LLP has rendered an opinion to us, as of the date of this prospectus, to the effect that, commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 1992, we have been organized and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and our proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. It must be emphasized that this opinion was based on various assumptions and representations as to factual matters, including representations made by us in a factual certificate provided by one or more of our officers. In addition, this opinion was based upon our factual representations set forth in this prospectus. Moreover, our qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code, which are discussed below, including through actual operating results, asset composition, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership, the results of which have not been and will not be reviewed by Latham & Watkins LLP. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that our actual results of operation for any particular taxable year have satisfied or will satisfy those requirements. Further, the anticipated U.S. federal income tax treatment described herein may be changed, perhaps retroactively, by legislative, administrative or judicial action at any time. Latham & Watkins LLP has no obligation to update its opinion subsequent to the date of such opinion.

 

Provided we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be required to pay U.S. federal corporate income taxes on our REIT taxable income that is currently distributed to our stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the “double taxation” that ordinarily results from investment in a C corporation. A C corporation is a corporation that generally is required to pay tax at the corporate level. Double taxation means taxation once at the corporate level when income is earned and once again at the stockholder level when the income is distributed. We will, however, be required to pay U.S. federal income tax as follows:

 

 

First, we will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on any undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed capital gain.

 

Second, if we have (1) net income from the sale or other disposition of “foreclosure property” held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or (2) other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on this income. To the extent that income from foreclosure property is otherwise qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, this tax is not applicable. Subject to certain other requirements, foreclosure property generally is defined as property we acquired through foreclosure or after a default on a loan secured by the property or a lease of the property.

 

Third, we will be required to pay a 100% tax on any net income from prohibited transactions. Prohibited transactions are, in general, sales or other taxable dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.

 

Fourth, if we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, as described below, but have otherwise maintained our qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements are met, we will be required to pay a tax equal to (1) the greater of (A) the amount by which we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test and (B) the amount by which we fail to satisfy the 95% gross income test, multiplied by (2) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.

 

Fifth, if we fail to satisfy any of the asset tests (other than a de minimis failure of the 5% or 10% asset tests), as described below, due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, and we nonetheless maintain our REIT qualification because of specified cure provisions, we will be required to pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the corporate tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets that caused us to fail such test.

 

Sixth, if we fail to satisfy any provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT (other than a violation of the gross income tests or certain violations of the asset tests, as described below) and the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, we may retain our REIT qualification but we will be required to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure.

 

Seventh, we will be required to pay a 4% excise tax to the extent we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (1) 85% of our ordinary income for the year, (2) 95% of our capital gain net income for the year, and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods.

 

25

Table of Contents

 

 

Eighth, if we acquire any asset from a corporation that is or has been a C corporation in a transaction in which our tax basis in the asset is less than the fair market value of the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset, and we subsequently recognize gain on the disposition of the asset during the five-year period beginning on the date on which we acquired the asset, then we generally will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on this gain (“built-in gains tax”) to the extent of the excess of (1) the fair market value of the asset over (2) our adjusted tax basis in the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset. The results described in this paragraph with respect to the recognition of gain assume that the C corporation will refrain from making an election to receive different treatment under applicable Treasury Regulations on its tax return for the year in which we acquire the asset from the C corporation. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, any gain from the sale of property we acquired in an exchange under Section 1031 (a like-kind exchange) or Section 1033 (an involuntary conversion) of the Code generally is excluded from the application of this built-in gains tax.

 

Ninth, our subsidiaries that are C corporations and are not qualified REIT subsidiaries, including our “taxable REIT subsidiaries” described below, generally will be required to pay U.S. federal corporate income tax on their earnings.

 

Tenth, we will be required to pay a 100% tax on any “redetermined rents,” “redetermined deductions,” “excess interest” or “redetermined TRS service income,” as described below under “—Penalty Tax.” In general, redetermined rents are rents from real property that are overstated as a result of services furnished to any of our tenants by a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours. Redetermined deductions and excess interest generally represent amounts that are deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours for amounts paid to us that are in excess of the amounts that would have been deducted based on arm’s length negotiations. Redetermined TRS service income generally represents income of a taxable REIT subsidiary that is understated as a result of services provided to us or on our behalf.

 

Eleventh, we may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net capital gain. In that case, a stockholder would include its proportionate share of our undistributed capital gain (to the extent we make a timely designation of such gain to the stockholder) in its income, would be deemed to have paid the tax that we paid on such gain, and would be allowed a credit for its proportionate share of the tax deemed to have been paid, and an adjustment would be made to increase the tax basis of the stockholder in our capital stock.

 

Twelfth, if we fail to comply with the requirement to send annual demand letters to our stockholders holding at least a certain percentage of our stock, as determined by Treasury Regulations, requesting information regarding the actual ownership of our stock, and the failure is not due to reasonable cause or due to willful neglect, we will be subject to a $25,000 penalty, or if the failure is intentional, a $50,000 penalty.  

 

We and our subsidiaries may be subject to a variety of taxes other than U.S. federal income tax, including payroll taxes and state and local income, property and other taxes on our assets and operations.

 

From time to time we may own properties in other countries which may impose taxes on our operations within their jurisdictions. To the extent possible, we will structure our activities to minimize our non-U.S. tax liability. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to eliminate our non-U.S. tax liability or reduce it to a specified level. Furthermore, as a REIT, both we and our stockholders will derive little or no benefit from foreign tax credits arising from those non-U.S. taxes.

 

Requirements for Qualification as a REIT. The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:

 

 

(1)

that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;

 

(2)

that issues transferable shares or transferable certificates to evidence its beneficial ownership;

 

(3)

that would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for Sections 856 through 860 of the Code;

 

(4)

that is not a financial institution or an insurance company within the meaning of certain provisions of the Code;

 

(5)

that is beneficially owned by 100 or more persons;

 

(6)

not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals, including certain specified entities, during the last half of each taxable year; and

 

(7)

that meets other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distributions.

 

The Code provides that conditions (1) to (4), inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. Conditions (5) and (6) do not apply until after the first taxable year for which an election is made to be taxed as a REIT. For purposes of condition (6), the term “individual” includes a supplemental unemployment compensation benefit plan, a private foundation or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes, but generally does not include a qualified pension plan or profit sharing trust.

 

26

Table of Contents

 

We believe that we have been organized and have operated in a manner that has allowed us, and will continue to allow us, to satisfy conditions (1) through (7) inclusive, during the relevant time periods. In addition, our charter provides for restrictions regarding ownership and transfer of our shares that are intended to assist us in continuing to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. A description of the share ownership and transfer restrictions relating to our capital stock is contained in the discussion in this prospectus under the heading “Description of Common Stock – Restrictions on Ownership” and “Description of Preferred Stock – Restrictions on Ownership.”  These restrictions, however, do not ensure that we have previously satisfied, and may not ensure that we will, in all cases, be able to continue to satisfy, the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. If we fail to satisfy these share ownership requirements, except as provided in the next sentence, our status as a REIT will terminate. If, however, we comply with the rules contained in applicable Treasury Regulations that require us to ascertain the actual ownership of our shares and we do not know, or would not have known through the exercise of reasonable diligence, that we failed to meet the requirement described in condition (6) above, we will be treated as having met this requirement. See “—Failure to Qualify.”

 

In addition, we may not maintain our status as a REIT unless our taxable year is the calendar year. We have and will continue to have a calendar taxable year.

 

Ownership of Interests in Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies and Qualified REIT Subsidiaries. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership or a member in a limited liability company treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership or limited liability company, as the case may be, based on its interest in partnership capital, subject to special rules relating to the 10% asset test described below. Also, the REIT will be deemed to be entitled to its proportionate share of the income of that entity. The assets and gross income of the partnership or limited liability company retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of Section 856 of the Code, including satisfying the gross income tests and the asset tests. Thus, our pro rata share of the assets and items of income of any partnership or limited liability company treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which we directly or indirectly own an interest is treated as our assets and items of income for purposes of applying the requirements described in this discussion, including the gross income and asset tests described below. A brief summary of the rules governing the U.S. federal income taxation of partnerships and limited liability companies is set forth below in “—Tax Aspects of the Subsidiary Partnerships and the Limited Liability Companies.”

 

We generally have control of most of the subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies in which we own an interest and intend to operate them in a manner consistent with the requirements for our qualification as a REIT. We may from time to time be a limited partner or non-managing member in some of our partnerships and limited liability companies. If a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest takes or expects to take actions that could jeopardize our status as a REIT or require us to pay tax, we may be forced to dispose of our interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership or limited liability company could take an action which could cause us to fail a gross income or asset test, and that we would not become aware of such action in time to dispose of our interest in the partnership or limited liability company or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In that case, we could fail to qualify as a REIT unless we were entitled to relief, as described below.

 

We own and operate certain properties through wholly-owned subsidiaries that we intend to be treated as “qualified REIT subsidiaries” under the Code. A corporation will qualify as our qualified REIT subsidiary if we own 100% of the corporation’s outstanding stock and do not elect with the subsidiary to treat it as a “taxable REIT subsidiary,” as described below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not treated as a separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the parent REIT for all purposes under the Code, including all REIT qualification tests. Thus, in applying the U.S. federal tax requirements described in this discussion, any qualified REIT subsidiaries we own are ignored, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of such corporations are treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not subject to U.S. federal income tax, and our ownership of the stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary will not violate the restrictions on ownership of securities, as described below under “—Asset Tests.”

 

Ownership of Interests in Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. We currently own an interest in a number of taxable REIT subsidiaries and may acquire securities in additional taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future. A taxable REIT subsidiary is a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) other than a REIT in which a REIT directly or indirectly holds stock, and that has made a joint election with such REIT to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. If a taxable REIT subsidiary owns more than 35% of the total voting power or value of the outstanding securities of another corporation, such other corporation will also be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. Other than some activities relating to lodging and health care facilities, a taxable REIT subsidiary may generally engage in any business, including the provision of customary or non-customary services to tenants of its parent REIT. A taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to U.S. federal income tax as a regular C corporation. A REIT’s ownership of securities of a taxable REIT subsidiary is not subject to the 5% or 10% asset test described below. See “—Asset Tests.” For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, taxpayers are subject to a 30% limitation on their ability to deduct net business interest, subject to certain exceptions. See “—Annual Distribution Requirements.” While not clear, this provision may limit the ability of our taxable REIT subsidiaries to deduct interest, which could increase their taxable income.

 

27

Table of Contents

 

Ownership of Interests in Subsidiary REITs. We own and may acquire direct or indirect interests in one or more entities that have elected or will elect to be taxed as REITs under the Code (each, a “Subsidiary REIT”). A Subsidiary REIT is subject to the various REIT qualification requirements and other limitations described herein that are applicable to us. If a Subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, then (i) that Subsidiary REIT would become subject to U.S. federal income tax and (ii) the Subsidiary REIT’s failure to qualify could have an adverse effect on our ability to comply with the REIT income and asset tests, and thus could impair our ability to qualify as a REIT unless we could avail ourselves of certain relief provisions.

 

Income Tests. We must satisfy two gross income requirements annually to maintain our qualification as a REIT. First, in each taxable year we must derive directly or indirectly at least 75% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain hedging transactions and certain foreign currency gains) from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including “rents from real property,” dividends from other REITs and, in certain circumstances, interest, or certain types of temporary investments. Second, in each taxable year we must derive at least 95% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain hedging transactions, and certain foreign currency gains) from the real property investments described above or dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, or from any combination of the foregoing. For these purposes, the term “interest” generally does not include any amount received or accrued, directly or indirectly, if the determination of all or some of the amount depends in any way on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term “interest” solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales.

 

Rents we receive from a tenant will qualify as “rents from real property” for the purpose of satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if all of the following conditions are met:

 

 

The amount of rent is not based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount we receive or accrue generally will not be excluded from the term “rents from real property” solely because it is based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales;

 

Neither we nor an actual or constructive owner of 10% or more of our capital stock actually or constructively owns 10% or more of the interests in the assets or net profits of a non-corporate tenant, or, if the tenant is a corporation, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote or 10% or more of the total value of all classes of stock of the tenant. Rents we receive from such a tenant that is a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours, however, will not be excluded from the definition of “rents from real property” as a result of this condition if at least 90% of the space at the property to which the rents relate is leased to third parties, and the rents paid by the taxable REIT subsidiary are substantially comparable to rents paid by our other tenants for comparable space. Whether rents paid by a taxable REIT subsidiary are substantially comparable to rents paid by other tenants is determined at the time the lease with the taxable REIT subsidiary is entered into, extended, and modified, if such modification increases the rents due under such lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, if a lease with a “controlled taxable REIT subsidiary” is modified and such modification results in an increase in the rents payable by such taxable REIT subsidiary, any such increase will not qualify as “rents from real property.” For purposes of this rule, a “controlled taxable REIT subsidiary” is a taxable REIT subsidiary in which the parent REIT owns stock possessing more than 50% of the voting power or more than 50% of the total value of the outstanding stock of such taxable REIT subsidiary;

 

Rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is not greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease. If this condition is not met, then the portion of the rent attributable to personal property will not qualify as “rents from real property.” To the extent that rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, exceeds 15% of the total rent received under the lease, we may transfer a portion of such personal property to a taxable REIT subsidiary; and

 

We generally may not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to our tenants, subject to a 1% de minimis exception and except as provided below. We may, however, perform services that are “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered “rendered to the occupant” of the property. Examples of these services include the provision of light, heat, or other utilities, trash removal and general maintenance of common areas. In addition, we may employ an independent contractor from whom we derive no revenue to provide customary services to our tenants, or a taxable REIT subsidiary (which may be wholly or partially owned by us) to provide both customary and non-customary services to our tenants without causing the rent we receive from those tenants to fail to qualify as “rents from real property.”

 

28

Table of Contents

 

We generally do not intend to take actions we believe will cause us to fail to satisfy the rental conditions described above. However, we may intentionally fail to satisfy some of these conditions to the extent we determine, based on the advice of our tax counsel, that the failure will not jeopardize our tax status as a REIT. In addition, with respect to the limitation on the rental of personal property, we generally have not obtained appraisals of the real property and personal property leased to tenants. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not disagree with our determinations of value.  

 

From time to time, we may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Our hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and forward contracts. Income from a hedging transaction, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction, that is clearly identified as a hedging transaction as specified in the Code will not constitute gross income under, and thus will be exempt from, the 75% and 95% gross income tests. The term “hedging transaction,” as used above, generally means (A) any transaction we enter into in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of (1) interest rate changes or fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made by us to acquire or carry real estate assets, or (2) currency fluctuations with respect to an item of qualifying income under the 75% or 95% gross income test or any property which generates such income and (B) new transactions entered into to hedge the income or loss from prior hedging transactions, where the property or indebtedness which was the subject of the prior hedging transaction was extinguished or disposed of. To the extent that we do not properly identify such transactions as hedges or we hedge with other types of financial instruments, the income from those transactions will not be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our status as a REIT.

 

We have investments in several entities located outside the United States and from time to time may invest in additional entities or properties located outside the United States, through a taxable REIT subsidiary or otherwise. These acquisitions could cause us to incur foreign currency gains or losses. Any foreign currency gains, to the extent attributable to specified items of qualifying income or gain, or specified qualifying assets, however, generally will not constitute gross income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, and therefore will be excluded from these tests.

 

To the extent our taxable REIT subsidiaries pay dividends or interest, our allocable share of such dividend or interest income will qualify under the 95%, but not the 75%, gross income test (except to the extent the interest is paid on a loan that is adequately secured by real property).

 

We will monitor the amount of the dividend and other income from our taxable REIT subsidiaries and will take actions intended to keep this income, and any other nonqualifying income, within the limitations of the gross income tests. Although we expect these actions will be sufficient to prevent a violation of the gross income tests, we cannot guarantee that such actions will in all cases prevent such a violation.

 

If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for the year if we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. We generally may make use of the relief provisions if:

 

 

following our identification of the failure to meet the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we file a schedule with the IRS setting forth each item of our gross income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for such taxable year in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be issued; and

 

our failure to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect.

 

It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. For example, if we fail to satisfy the gross income tests because nonqualifying income that we intentionally accrue or receive exceeds the limits on nonqualifying income, the IRS could conclude that our failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause. If these relief provisions do not apply to a particular set of circumstances, we will not qualify as a REIT. See “—Failure to Qualify” below. As discussed above in “—Taxation of Our Company—General,” even if these relief provisions apply, and we retain our status as a REIT, a tax would be imposed with respect to our nonqualifying income. We may not always be able to comply with the gross income tests for REIT qualification despite periodic monitoring of our income.

 

29

Table of Contents

 

Prohibited Transaction Income. Any gain that we realize on the sale of property held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, including any gain realized by our qualified REIT subsidiaries and our share of any gain realized by any of the partnerships or limited liability companies in which we own an interest, will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax, unless certain safe harbor exceptions apply. This prohibited transaction income may also adversely affect our ability to satisfy the gross income tests for qualification as a REIT. Under existing law, whether property is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. We intend to hold our properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning our properties and to make occasional sales of the properties as are consistent with our investment objectives. We do not intend, and do not intend to permit any of the partnerships or limited liability companies in which we own an interest, to enter into any sales that are prohibited transactions. However, the IRS may successfully contend that some or all of the sales made by us or our subsidiary partnerships or limited liability companies are prohibited transactions. We would be required to pay the 100% penalty tax on our allocable share of the gains resulting from any such sales. The 100% penalty tax will not apply to gains from the sale of assets that are held through a taxable REIT subsidiary, but such income will be subject to regular U.S. federal corporate income tax.

 

Penalty Tax. Any redetermined rents, redetermined deductions, excess interest or redetermined TRS service income we generate will be subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, redetermined rents are rents from real property that are overstated as a result of any services furnished to any of our tenants by a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours, redetermined deductions and excess interest represent any amounts that are deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours for amounts paid to us that are in excess of the amounts that would have been deducted based on arm’s length negotiations, and redetermined TRS service income is income of a taxable REIT subsidiary that is understated as a result of services provided to us or on our behalf. Rents we receive will not constitute redetermined rents if they qualify for certain safe harbor provisions contained in the Code.

 

We do not believe we have been, and do not expect to be, subject to this penalty tax, although any rental or service arrangements we enter into from time to time may not satisfy the safe-harbor provisions described above. These determinations are inherently factual, and the IRS has broad discretion to assert that amounts paid between related parties should be reallocated to clearly reflect their respective incomes. If the IRS successfully made such an assertion, we would be required to pay a 100% penalty tax on any overstated rents paid to us, or any excess deductions or understated income of our taxable REIT subsidiaries.

 

Asset Tests. At the close of each calendar quarter of our taxable year, we must also satisfy certain tests relating to the nature and diversification of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by real estate assets, cash, cash items and U.S. government securities. For purposes of this test, the term “real estate assets” generally means real property (including interests in real property and interests in mortgages on real property and, to a limited extent, personal property), shares (or transferable certificates of beneficial interest) in other REITs, any stock or debt instrument attributable to the investment of the proceeds of a stock offering or a public offering of debt with a term of at least five years (but only for the one-year period beginning on the date the REIT receives such proceeds), debt instruments of publicly offered REITs, and personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property for which the rent attributable to personal property is not greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease.

 

Second, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by securities (including securities of taxable REIT subsidiaries), other than those securities includable in the 75% asset test.

 

Third, of the investments included in the 25% asset class, and except for certain investments in other REITs, our qualified REIT subsidiaries and taxable REIT subsidiaries, the value of any one issuer’s securities may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets, and we may not own more than 10% of the total vote or value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer except, in the case of the 10% value test, securities satisfying the “straight debt” safe-harbor or securities issued by a partnership that itself would satisfy the 75% income test if it were a REIT. Certain types of securities we may own are disregarded as securities solely for purposes of the 10% value test, including, but not limited to, any loan to an individual or an estate, any obligation to pay rents from real property and any security issued by a REIT. In addition, solely for purposes of the 10% value test, the determination of our interest in the assets of a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest will be based on our proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership or limited liability company, excluding for this purpose certain securities described in the Code. From time to time we may own securities (including debt securities) of issuers that do not qualify as a REIT, a qualified REIT subsidiary or a taxable REIT subsidiary. We intend that our ownership of any such securities will be structured in a manner that allows us to comply with the asset tests described above.

 

Fourth, not more than 20% of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. We currently own the stock of certain corporations that have elected, together with us, to be treated as our taxable REIT subsidiaries, and we may acquire securities in additional taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future. So long as each of these companies qualifies as a taxable REIT subsidiary, we will not be subject to the 5% asset test, the 10% voting securities limitation or the 10% value limitation with respect to our ownership of the securities of such companies. We believe that the aggregate value of our taxable REIT subsidiaries has not exceeded, and in the future will not exceed, 20% of the aggregate value of our gross assets. We generally do not obtain independent appraisals to support these conclusions. In addition, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not disagree with our determinations of value.

 

30

Table of Contents

 

Fifth, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by debt instruments of publicly offered REITs to the extent those debt instruments would not be real estate assets but for the inclusion of debt instruments of publicly offered REITs in the meaning of real estate assets, as described above (e.g., a debt instrument issued by a publicly offered REIT that is not secured by a mortgage on real property).

 

The asset tests must be satisfied at the close of each calendar quarter of our taxable year in which we (directly or through our qualified REIT subsidiaries, partnerships or limited liability companies) acquire securities in the applicable issuer, and also at the close of each calendar quarter in which we increase our ownership of securities of such issuer (including as a result of an increase in our interest in any partnership or limited liability company that owns such securities). For example, our indirect ownership of securities of each issuer may increase as a result of our capital contributions to, or the redemption of other partners’ or members’ interests in, a partnership or limited liability company in which we have an ownership interest. Also, after initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If we fail to satisfy an asset test because we acquire securities or other property during a quarter (including as a result of an increase in our interest in any partnership or limited liability company), we may cure this failure by disposing of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We believe that we have maintained, and we intend to maintain, adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests. If we fail to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests within the 30-day cure period, we would cease to qualify as a REIT unless we are eligible for certain relief provisions discussed below.

 

Certain relief provisions may be available to us if we discover a failure to satisfy the asset tests described above after the 30-day cure period. Under these provisions, we will be deemed to have met the 5% and 10% asset tests if the value of our nonqualifying assets (i) does not exceed the lesser of (a) 1% of the total value of our assets at the end of the applicable quarter or (b) $10,000,000, and (ii) we dispose of the nonqualifying assets or otherwise satisfy such tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury Regulations to be issued. For violations of any of the asset tests due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and that are, in the case of the 5% and 10% asset tests, in excess of the de minimis exception described above, we may avoid disqualification as a REIT after the 30-day cure period by taking steps including (i) the disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets, or the taking of other actions, which allow us to meet the asset tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury Regulations to be issued, (ii) paying a tax equal to the greater of (a) $50,000 or (b) the corporate tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets, and (iii) disclosing certain information to the IRS.

 

Although we believe we have satisfied the asset tests described above and plan to take steps to ensure that we satisfy such tests for any quarter with respect to which retesting is to occur, there can be no assurance that we will always be successful, or will not require a reduction in our overall interest in an issuer (including in a taxable REIT subsidiary). If we fail to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests in a timely manner, and the relief provisions described above are not available, we would cease to qualify as a REIT.

 

Annual Distribution Requirements.  To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to the sum of:

 

 

90% of our REIT taxable income; and

 

90% of our after-tax net income, if any, from foreclosure property; minus

 

the excess of the sum of certain items of non-cash income over 5% of our REIT taxable income.

 

For these purposes, our REIT taxable income is computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain. In addition, for purposes of this test, non-cash income generally means income attributable to leveled stepped rents, original issue discount, cancellation of indebtedness, or a like-kind exchange that is later determined to be taxable.

 

In addition, our REIT taxable income will be reduced by any taxes we are required to pay on any gain we recognize from the disposition of any asset we acquired from a corporation that is or has been a C corporation in a transaction in which our tax basis in the asset is less than the fair market value of the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset, within the five-year period following our acquisition of such asset, as described above under “—General.”

 

31

Table of Contents

 

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, our deduction for net business interest expense will generally be limited to 30% of our taxable income, as adjusted for certain items of income, gain, deduction or loss. Any business interest deduction that is disallowed due to this limitation may be carried forward to future taxable years. If we are subject to this interest expense limitation, our REIT taxable income for a taxable year may be increased. Taxpayers that conduct certain real estate businesses may elect not to have this interest expense limitation apply to them, provided that they use an alternative depreciation system to depreciate certain property. We believe that we will be eligible to make this election. If we make this election, although we would not be subject to the interest expense limitation described above, our depreciation deductions may be reduced and, as a result, our REIT taxable income for a taxable year may be increased.

 

We generally must pay, or be treated as paying, the distributions described above in the taxable year to which they relate. At our election, a distribution will be treated as paid in a taxable year if it is declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration, provided such payment is made during the 12-month period following the close of such year. These distributions are treated as received by our stockholders in the year in which they are paid. This is so even though these distributions relate to the prior year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement. In order to be taken into account for purposes of our distribution requirement, except as provided below, the amount distributed must not be preferential—i.e., every stockholder of the class of stock to which a distribution is made must be treated the same as every other stockholder of that class, and no class of stock may be treated other than according to its dividend rights as a class. This preferential limitation will not apply to distributions made by us, provided we qualify as a “publicly offered REIT.” We believe that we are, and expect we will continue to be, a “publicly offered REIT.” To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain, or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our REIT taxable income, as adjusted, we will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on the undistributed amount. We believe that we have made, and we intend to continue to make, timely distributions sufficient to satisfy these annual distribution requirements and to minimize our corporate tax obligations.

 

We expect that our REIT taxable income will be less than our cash flow because of depreciation and other non-cash charges included in computing REIT taxable income. Accordingly, we anticipate that we generally will have sufficient cash or liquid assets to enable us to satisfy the distribution requirements described above. However, from time to time, we may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet these distribution requirements due to timing differences between the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses, and the inclusion of income and deduction of expenses in determining our taxable income. In addition, we may decide to retain our cash, rather than distribute it, in order to repay debt or for other reasons. If these timing differences occur, we may borrow funds to pay dividends or pay dividends in the form of taxable stock distributions in order to meet the distribution requirements, while preserving our cash.

 

Under some circumstances, we may be able to rectify an inadvertent failure to meet the 90% distribution requirement for a year by paying “deficiency dividends” to our stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. In that case, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, subject to the 4% excise tax described below. However, we will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction claimed for deficiency dividends. While the payment of a deficiency dividend will apply to a prior year for purposes of our REIT distribution requirements, it will be treated as an additional distribution to our stockholders in the year such dividend is paid.

 

Furthermore, we will be required to pay a 4% excise tax to the extent we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of 85% of our ordinary income for such year, 95% of our capital gain net income for the year and any undistributed taxable income from prior periods. Any ordinary income and net capital gain on which corporate income tax is imposed for any year is treated as an amount distributed during that year for purposes of calculating this excise tax.

 

For purposes of the 90% distribution requirement and excise tax described above, dividends declared during the last three months of the taxable year, payable to stockholders of record on a specified date during such period and paid during January of the following year, will be treated as paid by us and received by our stockholders on December 31 of the year in which they are declared.

 

Like-Kind Exchanges. We may dispose of real property that is not held primarily for sale in transactions intended to qualify as like-kind exchanges under the Code. Such like-kind exchanges are intended to result in the deferral of gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The failure of any such transaction to qualify as a like-kind exchange could require us to pay U.S. federal income tax, possibly including the 100% prohibited transaction tax, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction.

 

32

Table of Contents

 

Failure to Qualify.  If we discover a violation of a provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT, certain specified cure provisions may be available to us. Except with respect to violations of the gross income tests and asset tests (for which the cure provisions are described above), and provided the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, these cure provisions generally impose a $50,000 penalty for each violation in lieu of a loss of REIT status. If we fail to satisfy the requirements for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, and the relief provisions do not apply, we will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018, on our taxable income. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify as a REIT will not be deductible by us. As a result, we anticipate that our failure to qualify as a REIT would reduce the cash available for distribution by us to our stockholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will not be required to distribute any amounts to our stockholders, and all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as regular corporate dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. In such event, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. In addition, non-corporate stockholders, including individuals, may be eligible for the preferential tax rates on qualified dividend income. Non-corporate stockholders, including individuals, generally may deduct 20% of dividends from a REIT, other than capital gain dividends and dividends treated as qualified dividend income, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, such stockholders may not claim this deduction with respect to dividends paid by us. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we would also be ineligible to elect to be treated as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year for which we lose our qualification. It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to this statutory relief.

 

Tax Aspects of the Subsidiary Partnerships and the Limited Liability Companies

 

General. From time to time, we may own, directly or indirectly, interests in various partnerships and limited liability companies. We expect these will be treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, entities that are treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes are “pass-through” entities which are not required to pay U.S. federal income tax. Rather, partners or members of such entities are allocated their shares of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the partnership or limited liability company, and are potentially required to pay tax on this income, without regard to whether they receive a distribution from the partnership or limited liability company. We will include in our income our share of these partnership and limited liability company items for purposes of the various gross income tests, the computation of our REIT taxable income, and the REIT distribution requirements. Moreover, for purposes of the asset tests, we will include our pro rata share of assets held by these partnerships and limited liability companies, based on our capital interests in each such entity. See “—Taxation of Our Company.”

 

Entity Classification. Our interests in the subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies involve special tax considerations, including the possibility that the IRS might challenge the status of these entities as partnerships or disregarded entities. For example, an entity that would otherwise be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes may nonetheless be taxable as a corporation if it is a “publicly traded partnership” and certain other requirements are met. A partnership or limited liability company would be treated as a publicly traded partnership if its interests are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or a substantial equivalent thereof, within the meaning of applicable Treasury Regulations. We do not anticipate that any subsidiary partnership or limited liability company will be treated as a publicly traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation. However, if any such entity were treated as a corporation, it would be required to pay an entity-level tax on its income. In this situation, the character of our assets and items of gross income would change and could prevent us from satisfying the REIT asset tests and possibly the REIT income tests. See “—Taxation of Our Company—Asset Tests” and “—Income Tests.” This, in turn, could prevent us from qualifying as a REIT. See “—Failure to Qualify” for a discussion of the effect of our failure to meet these tests. In addition, a change in the tax status of one or more of the partnerships or limited liability companies might be treated as a taxable event. If so, we might incur a tax liability without any related cash payment. We believe that each of our partnerships and limited liability companies are and will continue to be treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Allocations of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction. A partnership agreement (or, in the case of a limited liability company treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the limited liability company agreement) generally will determine the allocation of income and loss among partners. These allocations, however, will be disregarded for tax purposes if they do not comply with the provisions of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. Generally, Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder require that partnership allocations respect the economic arrangement of the partners. If an allocation of partnership income or loss does not comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners’ interests in the partnership. This reallocation will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item. We intend that the allocations of taxable income and loss in each of the partnerships and limited liability companies in which we own an interest from time to time comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

 

33

Table of Contents

 

Tax Allocations With Respect to the Properties. Under Section 704(c) of the Code, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership (including a limited liability company treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) in exchange for an interest in the partnership, must be allocated in a manner so that the contributing partner is charged with the unrealized gain or benefits from the unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of the unrealized gain or unrealized loss generally is equal to the difference between the fair market value or book value and the adjusted tax basis of the contributed property at the time of contribution (this difference is referred to as a book-tax difference), as adjusted from time to time. These allocations are solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners. Some of the partnerships and/or limited liability companies in which we own an interest were formed by way of contributions of appreciated property. The relevant partnership and/or limited liability company agreements require that allocations be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code. Under Section 704(c) of the Code we could be allocated less depreciation or more gain on sale with respect to a contributed property than the amounts that would have been allocated to us if we had instead acquired the contributed property with an initial tax basis equal to its fair market value. Such allocations might adversely affect our ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. See “—Taxation of Our Company—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT” and “—Annual Distribution Requirements.”

 

Any property acquired by a subsidiary partnership or limited liability company in a taxable transaction will initially have a tax basis equal to its fair market value, and Section 704(c) of the Code generally will not apply.

 

Partnership Audit Rules.  The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 changed the rules applicable to U.S. federal income tax audits of partnerships. Under the new rules (which are generally effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017), among other changes and subject to certain exceptions, any audit adjustment to items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit of a partnership (and any partner’s distributive share thereof) is determined, and taxes, interest, or penalties attributable thereto are assessed and collected, at the partnership level. Although it is uncertain how certain aspects of these new rules will be implemented, it is possible that they could result in partnerships in which we directly or indirectly invest being required to pay additional taxes, interest and penalties as a result of an audit adjustment, and we, as a direct or indirect partner of these partnerships, could be required to bear the economic burden of those taxes, interest, and penalties even though we, as a REIT, may not otherwise have been required to pay additional corporate-level taxes as a result of the related audit adjustment. The changes created by these new rules are sweeping and in many respects dependent on the promulgation of future regulations or other guidance by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors with respect to these changes and their potential impact on their investment in our capital stock.

 

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Holders of Our Capital Stock and Debt Securities

 

The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of acquiring, owning and disposing of our capital stock or debt securities. This discussion is limited to holders who hold our capital stock or debt securities as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a holder’s particular circumstances. In addition, except where specifically noted, it does not address consequences relevant to holders subject to special rules, including, without limitation:

 

 

U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;

 

persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

 

U.S. holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;

 

persons holding our capital stock or debt securities as part of a hedge, straddle or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated investment;

 

banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions;

 

REITs or regulated investment companies;

 

brokers, dealers or traders in securities;

 

“controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

 

S corporations, partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein);

 

tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations;

 

34

Table of Contents

 

 

persons subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of any item of gross income with respect to our capital stock being taken into account in an applicable financial statement;

 

persons deemed to sell our capital stock or debt securities under the constructive sale provisions of the Code; and

 

persons who hold or receive our capital stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation.

 

THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED AS TAX ADVICE. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK OR DEBT SECURITIES ARISING UNDER OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS (INCLUDING ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS), UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

 

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of our capital stock or debt securities that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as:

 

 

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

 

a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) or (2) has a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is any beneficial owner of our capital stock or debt securities that is neither a U.S. holder nor an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our capital stock or debt securities, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, partnerships holding our capital stock or debt securities and the partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them.

 

Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock

 

Distributions Generally. Distributions out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as dividends and, other than with respect to capital gain dividends and certain amounts which have previously been subject to corporate level tax, as discussed below, will be taxable to our taxable U.S. holders as ordinary income when actually or constructively received. See “—Tax Rates” below. As long as we qualify as a REIT, these distributions will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of U.S. holders that are corporations or, except to the extent described in “—Tax Rates” below, the preferential rates on qualified dividend income applicable to non-corporate U.S. holders, including individuals. For purposes of determining whether distributions to holders of our capital stock are out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to our outstanding preferred stock, if any, and then to our outstanding common stock.

 

To the extent that we make distributions on our capital stock in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits allocable to such stock, these distributions will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to a U.S. holder to the extent of the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares of stock. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and in excess of a U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares will be taxable as capital gain. Such gain will be taxable as long-term capital gain if the shares have been held for more than one year. Dividends we declare in October, November, or December of any year and which are payable to a holder of record on a specified date in any of these months will be treated as both paid by us and received by the holder on December 31 of that year, provided we actually pay the dividend on or before January 31 of the following year. U.S. holders may not include in their own income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.

 

35

Table of Contents

 

U.S. holders that receive taxable stock distributions, including distributions partially payable in our common stock and partially payable in cash, would be required to treat the full amount of the distribution (i.e., the cash and the stock portion) as a dividend (subject to certain exceptions) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as described above. The amount of any distribution payable in our common stock generally is equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of the common stock. Depending on the circumstances of a U.S. holder, the tax on the distribution may exceed the amount of the distribution received in cash, in which case such U.S. holder would have to pay the tax using cash from other sources. If a U.S. holder sells the common stock it received in connection with a taxable stock distribution in order to pay this tax and the proceeds of such sale are less than the amount required to be included in income with respect to the stock portion of the distribution, such U.S. holder could have a capital loss with respect to the stock sale that could not be used to offset such dividend income. A U.S. holder that receives common stock pursuant to such distribution generally has a tax basis in such common stock equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of such common stock as described above, and has a holding period in such common stock that begins on the day immediately following the payment date for the distribution.

 

Capital Gain Dividends. Dividends that we properly designate as capital gain dividends will be taxable to our taxable U.S. holders as a gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset held for more than one year, to the extent that such gain does not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year and may not exceed our dividends paid for the taxable year, including dividends paid the following year that are treated as paid in the current year. U.S. holders that are corporations may, however, be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income. If we properly designate any portion of a dividend as a capital gain dividend then, except as otherwise required by law, we presently intend to allocate a portion of the total capital gain dividends paid or made available to holders of all classes of our capital stock for the year to the holders of each class of our capital stock in proportion to the amount that our total dividends, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, paid or made available to the holders of each such class of our capital stock for the year bears to the total dividends, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, paid or made available to holders of all classes of our capital stock for the year.   In addition, except as otherwise required by law, we will make a similar allocation with respect to any undistributed long-term capital gains which are to be included in our stockholders’ long-term capital gains, based on the allocation of the capital gain amount which would have resulted if those undistributed long-term capital gains had been distributed as “capital gain dividends” by us to our stockholders.

 

Retention of Net Capital Gains. We may elect to retain, rather than distribute as a capital gain dividend, all or a portion of our net capital gains. If we make this election, we would pay tax on our retained net capital gains. In addition, to the extent we so elect, our earnings and profits (determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) would be adjusted accordingly, and a U.S. holder generally would:

 

 

include its pro rata share of our undistributed capital gain in computing its long-term capital gains in its return for its taxable year in which the last day of our taxable year falls, subject to certain limitations as to the amount that is includable;

 

be deemed to have paid its share of the capital gains tax imposed on us on the designated amounts included in the U.S. holder’s income as long-term capital gain;

 

receive a credit or refund for the amount of tax deemed paid by it;

 

increase the adjusted tax basis of its capital stock by the difference between the amount of includable gains and the tax deemed to have been paid by it; and

 

in the case of a U.S. holder that is a corporation, appropriately adjust its earnings and profits for the retained capital gains in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be promulgated by the IRS.

 

Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations. Distributions we make and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a U.S. holder of our capital stock will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, U.S. holders generally will not be able to apply any “passive losses” against this income or gain. A U.S. holder generally may elect to treat capital gain dividends, capital gains from the disposition of our capital stock and income designated as qualified dividend income, as described in “—Tax Rates” below, as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation, but in such case, the holder will be taxed at ordinary income rates on such amount. Other distributions made by us, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation.

 

Dispositions of Our Capital Stock. Except as described below under “Redemption or Repurchase by Us,” if a U.S. holder sells or disposes of shares of our capital stock, it will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares. This gain or loss, except as provided below, will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holder has held such capital stock for more than one year. However, if a U.S. holder recognizes a loss upon the sale or other disposition of capital stock that it has held for six months or less, after applying certain holding period rules, the loss recognized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent the U.S. holder received distributions from us which were required to be treated as long-term capital gains.

 

36

Table of Contents

 

Redemption or Repurchase by Us. A redemption or repurchase of shares of our capital stock will be treated under Section 302 of the Code as a distribution (and taxable as a dividend to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits as described above under “—Distributions Generally”) unless the redemption or repurchase satisfies one of the tests set forth in Section 302(b) of the Code and is therefore treated as a sale or exchange of the redeemed or repurchased shares. The redemption or repurchase generally will be treated as a sale or exchange if it:

 

 

is “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the U.S. holder;

 

results in a “complete redemption” of the U.S. holder’s stock interest in us; or

 

is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the U.S. holder,

 

all within the meaning of Section 302(b) of the Code.

 

In determining whether any of these tests has been met, shares of our capital stock, including common stock and other equity interests in us, considered to be owned by the U.S. holder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set forth in the Code, as well as shares of our capital stock actually owned by the U.S. holder, generally must be taken into account. Because the determination as to whether any of the alternative tests of Section 302(b) of the Code will be satisfied with respect to the U.S. holder depends upon the facts and circumstances at the time that the determination must be made, U.S. holders are advised to consult their tax advisors to determine such tax treatment.

 

If a redemption or repurchase of shares of our capital stock is treated as a distribution, the amount of the distribution will be measured by the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received. See “—Distributions Generally.” A U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the redeemed or repurchased shares generally will be transferred to the holder’s remaining shares of our capital stock, if any. If a U.S. holder owns no other shares of our capital stock, under certain circumstances, such basis may be transferred to a related person or it may be lost entirely. Proposed Treasury Regulations issued in 2009, if enacted in their current form, would affect the basis recovery rules described above.  It is not clear whether these proposed regulations will be enacted in their current form or at all.  Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of a redemption or repurchase of our capital stock.

 

If a redemption or repurchase of shares of our capital stock is not treated as a distribution, it will be treated as a taxable sale or exchange in the manner described under “—Dispositions of Our Capital Stock.”

 

Tax Rates. The maximum tax rate for non-corporate taxpayers for (1) long-term capital gains, including certain “capital gain dividends,” generally is 20% (although depending on the characteristics of the assets which produced these gains and on designations which we may make, certain capital gain dividends may be taxed at a 25% rate) and (2) “qualified dividend income” generally is 20%. In general, dividends payable by REITs are not eligible for the reduced tax rate on qualified dividend income, except to the extent that certain holding period requirements have been met and the REIT’s dividends are attributable to dividends received from taxable corporations (such as its taxable REIT subsidiaries) or to income that was subject to tax at the corporate/REIT level (for example, if the REIT distributed taxable income that it retained and paid tax on in the prior taxable year). Capital gain dividends will only be eligible for the rates described above to the extent that they are properly designated by the REIT as “capital gain dividends.” U.S. holders that are corporations may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income. In addition, non-corporate U.S. holders, including individuals, generally may deduct 20% of dividends from a REIT, other than capital gain dividends and dividends treated as qualified dividend income, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026.

 

Taxation of Tax-Exempt Holders of Our Capital Stock

 

Dividend income from us and gain arising upon a sale of shares of our capital stock generally should not be unrelated business taxable income, or UBTI, to a tax-exempt holder, except as described below. This income or gain will be UBTI, however, to the extent a tax-exempt holder holds its shares as “debt-financed property” within the meaning of the Code. Generally, “debt-financed property” is property the acquisition or holding of which was financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt holder.

 

For tax-exempt holders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, or qualified group legal services plans exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) or (c)(20) of the Code, respectively, income from an investment in our shares will constitute UBTI unless the organization is able to properly claim a deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for specific purposes so as to offset the income generated by its investment in our shares. These prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning these “set aside” and reserve requirements.

 

37

Table of Contents

 

Notwithstanding the above, however, a portion of the dividends paid by a “pension-held REIT” may be treated as UBTI as to certain trusts that hold more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT. A REIT will not be a “pension-held REIT” if it is able to satisfy the “not closely held” requirement without relying on the “look-through” exception with respect to certain trusts or if such REIT is not “predominantly held” by “qualified trusts.” As a result of restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock contained in our charter, we do not expect to be classified as a “pension-held REIT,” and as a result, the tax treatment described above should be inapplicable to our holders. However, because our common stock is (and, we anticipate, will continue to be) publicly traded, we cannot guarantee that this will always be the case.

 

Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock

 

The following discussion addresses the rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our capital stock by non-U.S. holders. These rules are complex, and no attempt is made herein to provide more than a brief summary of such rules. Accordingly, the discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation and does not address other federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences that may be relevant to a non-U.S. holder in light of its particular circumstances. We urge non-U.S. holders to consult their tax advisors to determine the impact of U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax laws and any applicable tax treaty on the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our capital stock, including any reporting requirements.

 

Distributions Generally. Distributions (including any taxable stock dividends) that are neither attributable to gains from sales or exchanges by us of United States real property interests, or USRPIs, nor designated by us as capital gain dividends (except as described below) will be treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions ordinarily will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty, unless the distributions are treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such dividends are attributable). Under certain treaties, however, lower withholding rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from a REIT. Certain certification and disclosure requirements must be satisfied for a non-U.S. holder to be exempt from withholding under the effectively connected income exemption. Dividends that are treated as effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business generally will not be subject to withholding but will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis at the regular graduated rates, in the same manner as dividends paid to U.S. holders are subject to U.S. federal income tax. Any such dividends received by a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate (applicable after deducting U.S. federal income taxes paid on such effectively connected income) or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

 

Except as otherwise provided below, we expect to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 30% on any distributions made to a non-U.S. holder unless:

 

 

(1)

a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. holder furnishes an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable documentation) evidencing eligibility for that reduced treaty rate; or

 

(2)

the non-U.S. holder furnishes an IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable documentation) claiming that the distribution is income effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s trade or business.

 

Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a non-U.S. holder to the extent that such distributions do not exceed the adjusted tax basis of the holder’s capital stock, but rather will reduce the adjusted tax basis of such stock. To the extent that such distributions exceed the non-U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such capital stock, they generally will give rise to gain from the sale or exchange of such stock, the tax treatment of which is described below. However, such excess distributions to be treated as dividend income for certain non-U.S. holders. For withholding purposes, we expect to treat all distributions as made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. However, amounts withheld may be refundable if it is subsequently determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, provided that certain conditions are met.

 

Capital Gain Dividends and Distributions Attributable to a Sale or Exchange of United States Real Property Interests. Distributions to a non-U.S. holder that we properly designate as capital gain dividends, other than those arising from the disposition of a USRPI, generally should not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation, unless:

 

 

(1)

the investment in our capital stock is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such dividends are attributable), in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. holders with respect to such gain, except that a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to a branch profits tax of up to 30%, as discussed above; or

 

38

Table of Contents

 

 

(2)

the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% on the non-U.S. holder’s capital gains (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty), which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of such non-U.S. holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.

 

Pursuant to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, which is referred to as “FIRPTA,” distributions to a non-U.S. holder that are attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of USRPIs, whether or not designated as capital gain dividends, will cause the non-U.S. holder to be treated as recognizing such gain as income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. Non-U.S. holders generally would be taxed at the regular graduated rates applicable to U.S. holders, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. We also will be required to withhold and to remit to the IRS 21% of any distribution to non-U.S. holders attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of USRPIs. Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation.  The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. However, any distribution with respect to any class of stock that is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market located in the United States is not subject to FIRPTA, and therefore, not subject to the 21% U.S. withholding tax described above, if the non-U.S. holder did not own more than 10% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. Instead, such distributions generally will be treated as ordinary dividend distributions and subject to withholding in the manner described above with respect to ordinary dividends. In addition, distributions to certain non-U.S. publicly traded shareholders that meet certain record-keeping and other requirements (“qualified shareholders”) are exempt from FIRPTA, except to the extent owners of such qualified shareholders that are not also qualified shareholders own, actually or constructively, more than 10% of our capital stock. Furthermore, distributions to “qualified foreign pension funds” or entities all of the interests of which are held by “qualified foreign pension funds” are exempt from FIRPTA. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these rules.

 

Retention of Net Capital Gains. Although the law is not clear on the matter, it appears that amounts we designate as retained net capital gains in respect of our capital stock should be treated with respect to non-U.S. holders as actual distributions of capital gain dividends. Under this approach, the non-U.S. holders may be able to offset as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability their proportionate share of the tax paid by us on such retained net capital gains and to receive from the IRS a refund to the extent their proportionate share of such tax paid by us exceeds their actual U.S. federal income tax liability.  If we were to designate any portion of our net capital gain as retained net capital gain, non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the taxation of such retained net capital gain.

 

Sale of Our Capital StockExcept as described below under “—Redemption or Repurchase by Us,” gain realized by a non-U.S. holder upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our capital stock generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless such stock constitutes a USRPI. In general, stock of a domestic corporation that constitutes a “United States real property holding corporation,” or USRPHC, will constitute a USRPI.  We believe that we are a USRPHC.  Our capital stock will not, however, constitute a USRPI so long as we are a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity.” A “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” includes a REIT in which at all times during a five-year testing period less than 50% in value of its stock is held directly or indirectly by non-United States persons, subject to certain rules. For purposes of determining whether a REIT is a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity,” a person who at all applicable times holds less than 5% of a class of stock that is “regularly traded” is treated as a United States person unless the REIT has actual knowledge that such person is not a United States person. We believe, but cannot guarantee, that we are a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity.” Because our common stock is (and, we anticipate, will continue to be) publicly traded, no assurance can be given that we will continue to be a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity.”

 

Even if we do not qualify as a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” at the time a non-U.S. holder sells our capital stock, gain realized from the sale or other taxable disposition by a non-U.S. holder of such capital stock would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI if:

 

 

(1)

such class of capital stock is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market such as the New York Stock Exchange; and

 

(2)

such non-U.S. holder owned, actually and constructively, 10% or less of such class of capital stock throughout the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or other taxable disposition or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period.

 

39

Table of Contents

 

In addition, dispositions of our capital stock by qualified shareholders are exempt from FIRPTA, except to the extent owners of such qualified shareholders that are not also qualified shareholders own, actually or constructively, more than 10% of our capital stock. Furthermore, dispositions of our capital stock by “qualified foreign pension funds” or entities all of the interests of which are held by “qualified foreign pension funds” are exempt from FIRPTA. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these rules.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, gain from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our capital stock not otherwise subject to FIRPTA will be taxable to a non-U.S. holder if either (a) the investment in our capital stock is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such gain is attributable), in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. holders with respect to such gain, except that a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such gain, as adjusted for certain items, or (b) the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to a 30% tax on the non-U.S. holder’s capital gains (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty), which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of the non-U.S. holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses. In addition, even if we are a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, upon disposition of our capital stock, a non-U.S. holder may be treated as having gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of a USRPI if the non-U.S. holder (1) disposes of such stock within a 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution, any portion of which, but for the disposition, would have been treated as gain from the sale or exchange of a USRPI and (2) acquires, or enters into a contract or option to acquire, or is deemed to acquire, other shares of that stock during the 61-day period beginning with the first day of the 30-day period described in clause (1), unless such stock is “regularly traded” and the non-U.S. holder did not own more than 5% of the stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution described in clause (1).

 

If gain on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our capital stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. holder would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return and would be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax with respect to such gain in the same manner as a taxable U.S. holder (subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals). In addition, if the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our capital stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, and if shares of the applicable class of our capital stock were not “regularly traded” on an established securities market, the purchaser of such capital stock generally would be required to withhold and remit to the IRS 15% of the purchase price.

 

Redemption or Repurchase by Us. A redemption or repurchase of shares of our capital stock will be treated under Section 302 of the Code as a distribution (and taxable as a dividend to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits) unless the redemption or repurchase satisfies one of the tests set forth in Section 302(b) of the Code and is therefore treated as a sale or exchange of the redeemed or repurchased shares. See “—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—Redemption or Repurchase by Us.” Qualified shareholders and their owners may be subject to different rules, and should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of such rules. If the redemption or repurchase of shares is treated as a distribution, the amount of the distribution will be measured by the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received. See “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—Distributions Generally.” If the redemption or repurchase of shares is not treated as a distribution, it will be treated as a taxable sale or exchange in the manner described under “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—Sale of Our Capital Stock.”

 

Taxation of Holders of Our Debt Securities

 

The following summary describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of our debt securities. This discussion assumes the debt securities will be issued with less than a statutory de minimis amount of original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, this discussion is limited to persons purchasing the debt securities for cash at original issue and at their original “issue price” within the meaning of Section 1273 of the Code (i.e., the first price at which a substantial amount of the debt securities is sold to the public for cash).

 

40

Table of Contents

 

U.S. Holders

 

Payments of Interest. Interest on a debt security generally will be taxable to a U.S. holder as ordinary income at the time such interest is received or accrued, in accordance with such U.S. holder’s method of tax accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Sale or Other Taxable Disposition. A U.S. holder will recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a debt security. The amount of such gain or loss generally will equal the difference between the amount received for the debt security in cash or other property valued at fair market value (less amounts attributable to any accrued but unpaid interest, which will be taxable as interest to the extent not previously included in income) and the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the debt security. A U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in a debt security generally will be equal to the amount the U.S. holder paid for the debt security. Any gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the debt security for more than one year at the time of such sale or other taxable disposition. Otherwise, such gain or loss will be short-term capital gain or loss.  Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. holders, including individuals, generally will be taxable at a reduced rate. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

Non-U.S. Holders

 

Payments of Interest. Interest paid on a debt security to a non-U.S. holder that is not effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding, provided that:

 

 

the non-U.S. holder does not, actually or constructively, own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock;

 

the non-U.S. holder is not a controlled foreign corporation related to us through actual or constructive stock ownership; and

 

either (1) the non-U.S. holder certifies in a statement provided to the applicable withholding agent under penalties of perjury that it is not a United States person and provides its name and address; (2) a securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customers’ securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and holds the debt security on behalf of the non-U.S. holder certifies to the applicable withholding agent under penalties of perjury that it, or the financial institution between it and the non-U.S. holder, has received from the non-U.S. holder a statement under penalties of perjury that such holder is not a United States person and provides a copy of such statement to the applicable withholding agent; or (3) the non-U.S. holder holds its debt security directly through a “qualified intermediary” (within the meaning of applicable Treasury Regulations) and certain conditions are satisfied.

 

If a non-U.S. holder does not satisfy the requirements above, such non-U.S. holder will be subject to withholding tax of 30%, subject to a reduction in or an exemption from withholding on such interest as a result of an applicable tax treaty.  To claim such entitlement, the non-U.S. holder must provide the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable documentation) claiming a reduction in or exemption from withholding tax under the benefit of an income tax treaty between the United States and the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established.

 

If interest paid to a non-U.S. holder is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such interest is attributable), the non-U.S. holder will be exempt from the U.S. federal withholding tax described above. To claim the exemption, the non-U.S. holder must furnish to the applicable withholding agent a valid IRS Form W-8ECI, certifying that interest paid on a debt security is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States.

 

Any such effectively connected interest generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular graduated rates. A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such effectively connected interest, as adjusted for certain items.

 

The certifications described above must be provided to the applicable withholding agent prior to the payment of interest and must be updated periodically. Non-U.S. holders that do not timely provide the applicable withholding agent with the required certification, but that qualify for a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under any applicable income tax treaty.

 

41

Table of Contents

 

Sale or Other Taxable Disposition. A non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a debt security (such amount excludes any amount allocable to accrued and unpaid interest, which generally will be treated as interest and may be subject to the rules discussed above in “—Taxation of Holders of Our Debt Securities—Non-U.S. Holders—Payments of Interest”) unless:

 

 

the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such gain is attributable); or

 

the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other requirements are met.

 

Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular graduated rates. A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such effectively connected gain, as adjusted for certain items.

 

Gain described in the second bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty), which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of the non-U.S. holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.

 

Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

U.S. Holders. A U.S. holder may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding when such holder receives payments on our capital stock or debt securities or proceeds from the sale or other taxable disposition of such stock or debt securities (including a redemption or retirement of a debt security). Certain U.S. holders are exempt from backup withholding, including corporations and certain tax-exempt organizations. A U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding if such holder is not otherwise exempt and:

 

 

the holder fails to furnish the holder’s taxpayer identification number, which for an individual is ordinarily his or her social security number;

 

the holder furnishes an incorrect taxpayer identification number;

 

the applicable withholding agent is notified by the IRS that the holder previously failed to properly report payments of interest or dividends; or

 

the holder fails to certify under penalties of perjury that the holder has furnished a correct taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified the holder that the holder is subject to backup withholding.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their qualification for an exemption from backup withholding and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption.

 

Non-U.S. Holders. Payments of dividends on our capital stock or interest on our debt securities generally will not be subject to backup withholding, provided the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know the holder is a United States person and the holder either certifies its non-U.S. status, such as by furnishing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8ECI, or otherwise establishes an exemption. However, information returns are required to be filed with the IRS in connection with any dividends on our capital stock or interest on our debt securities paid to the non-U.S. holder, regardless of whether any tax was actually withheld. In addition, proceeds of the sale or other taxable disposition of such stock or debt securities (including a retirement or redemption of a debt security) within the United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related brokers generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting, if the applicable withholding agent receives the certification described above and does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person, or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Proceeds of a disposition of such stock or debt securities conducted through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting.

 

42

Table of Contents

 

Copies of information returns that are filed with the IRS may also be made available under the provisions of an applicable treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

Medicare Contribution Tax on Unearned Income

 

Certain U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or trusts are required to pay an additional 3.8% tax on, among other things, dividends on stock, interest on debt obligations, and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or debt obligations. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of these rules on their ownership and disposition of our capital stock or debt securities.

 

Additional Withholding Tax on Payments Made to Foreign Accounts

 

Withholding taxes may be imposed under Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code (such sections commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA) on certain types of payments made to non-U.S. financial institutions and certain other non-U.S. entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on our capital stock, interest on our debt securities, or gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our capital stock or debt securities, in each case paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations, (2) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in clause (1) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons” or “United States owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.

 

Under the applicable Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of dividends on our capital stock or interest on our debt securities, and will apply to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such stock or debt securities on or after January 1, 2019.

 

Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of withholding under FATCA to their investment in our capital stock or debt securities.

 

Other Tax Consequences

 

State, local and non-U.S. income tax laws may differ substantially from the corresponding U.S. federal income tax laws, and this discussion does not purport to describe any aspect of the tax laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction, or any U.S. federal tax other than the income tax. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the effect of state, local and non-U.S. tax laws with respect to our tax treatment as a REIT and on an investment in our capital stock or debt securities.

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may sell the securities offered by this prospectus to one or more underwriters for public offering and sale by them or may sell the securities offered by this prospectus to investors directly or through agents. Any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of the securities offered by this prospectus will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. We have reserved the right to sell or exchange securities directly to investors on our or their own behalf in those jurisdictions where we are authorized to do so.

 

We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions:

 

 

at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

 

 

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

 

at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

 

 

at negotiated prices.

 

43

Table of Contents

 

Underwriters may offer and sell the securities offered by this prospectus at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at prices related to the prevailing market prices at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. We also may, from time to time, authorize underwriters acting as our agents to offer and sell the securities offered by this prospectus upon the terms and conditions as are set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with the sale of securities offered by this prospectus, underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of securities offered by this prospectus for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell the securities offered by this prospectus to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the underwriters may reimburse us for some or all of our expenses in an offering.

 

Any underwriting compensation paid by us to underwriters or agents in connection with the offering of the securities offered by this prospectus, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities offered by this prospectus may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities offered by this prospectus may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize dealers acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the securities offered by this prospectus from us at the public offering price set forth in that prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in that prospectus supplement.

 

Each delayed delivery contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate principal amount of the securities offered by this prospectus sold pursuant to delayed delivery contracts shall be not less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom delayed delivery contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions, and other institutions but will in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any conditions except:

 

 

(1)

the purchase by an institution of the securities offered by this prospectus covered by its delayed delivery contracts shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which that institution is subject, and

 

 

(2)

if the securities offered by this prospectus are being sold to underwriters, we shall have sold to those underwriters the total principal amount of the securities offered by this prospectus less the principal amount thereof covered by delayed delivery contracts.

 

To facilitate the offering of securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involve the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than we sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover such over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option, if any. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.

 

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. In the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our subsidiaries. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

44

Table of Contents

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP, Washington, D.C., and Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland. Any underwriters, dealers or agents will be advised about the other issues relating to any offering by their own legal counsel. Latham & Watkins LLP and any counsel for any underwriters, dealers or agents will rely on Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, as to certain matters of Maryland law. Certain members of Latham & Watkins LLP and their families own beneficial interests in less than 1% of our common stock.

 

45