424B5 1 d172913d424b5.htm 424B5 424B5
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-255579

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Unit

 

Proposed

Maximum
Aggregate

Offering Price

 

Amount of

Registration Fee(1)

4.750% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  18,400,000   $25.00   $460,000,000   $42,642

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  35,182,640(2)            

 

 

 

(1)

The registration fee is calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), based on the proposed maximum aggregate offering price, and Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act, the registrant initially deferred payment of all of the registration fee for Registration Statement No. 333-255579, except with respect to unsold securities that have been previously registered.

(2)

Represents the maximum number of shares of common stock that could be issuable upon conversion of the 4.750% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “series C preferred stock”), based on the share cap, as described in this prospectus supplement. Pursuant to Rule 457(i) under the Securities Act, there is no filing fee payable with respect to the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the series C preferred because no additional consideration will be received in connection with any conversion.


Table of Contents

 

Prospectus Supplement

(To Prospectus dated April 28, 2021)

16,000,000 Shares

 

LOGO

4.750% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock

(Liquidation Preference $25.00 Per Share)

 

 

We are offering16,000,000 shares of our 4.750% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, which we refer to in this prospectus supplement as the series C preferred stock. We will pay cumulative dividends on the series C preferred stock from the date of first issue of any shares of series C preferred stock at a rate of 4.750% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual rate of $1.1875 per share). Dividends on the series C preferred stock will be payable quarterly in arrears on or about the last day of March, June, September and December of each year, beginning on or about March 31, 2022. The series C preferred stock will rank senior to our common stock with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

Generally, we are not allowed to redeem the series C preferred stock prior to November 16, 2026 except in limited circumstances to preserve our status as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, and pursuant to the special optional redemption provision described below. On or after November 16, 2026 we may, at our option, redeem the series C preferred stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on such series C preferred stock up to, but not including, the redemption date (other than any dividend with a record date before the applicable redemption date and a payment date after the applicable redemption date, which will be paid on the payment date notwithstanding prior redemption of such shares). In addition, upon the occurrence of a change of control, as a result of which neither our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, nor the common equity securities of the acquiring or surviving entity (or American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, representing such securities) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, NYSE American, LLC, or the NYSE AMER, or the NASDAQ Stock Market, or the NASDAQ, or listed or quoted on a successor exchange or quotation system, we may, at our option, redeem the series C preferred stock, in whole or in part, within 120 days after the first date on which such change of control occurred, by paying $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the date of redemption. If we exercise any of our redemption rights relating to the series C preferred stock, the holders of any shares of series C preferred stock called for redemption will not have the conversion right described below. The series C preferred stock has no stated maturity and is not subject to mandatory redemption at the option of the holder or any sinking fund. Holders of shares of series C preferred stock will generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if we fail to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in certain other circumstances.

Upon the occurrence of a change of control, as a result of which neither our common stock nor the common securities of the acquiring or surviving entity (or ADRs representing such securities) is listed on the NYSE, the NYSE AMER or the NASDAQ, or listed or quoted on a successor exchange or quotation system, each holder of series C preferred stock will have the right (unless, on or prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date (as defined herein), we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem such shares of series C preferred stock) to convert some or all of the series C preferred stock held by it into a number of shares of our common stock per share of series C preferred stock to be converted equal to the lesser of:

 

   

the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Change of Control Conversion Date is after a record date for a series C preferred stock dividend payment and prior to the corresponding series C preferred stock dividend payment date, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividend will be included in this sum) by (ii) the Common Stock Price (as defined herein); and

 

   

1.9121, or the Share Cap, subject to certain adjustments;

subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration as described in this prospectus supplement.

We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. To assist us in complying with certain federal income tax requirements applicable to REITs, our charter contains certain restrictions relating to the ownership and transfer of our capital stock, including an ownership limit of 9.8% of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock.

No market currently exists for the series C preferred stock. We intend to file an application to list the series C preferred stock on the NYSE under the symbol “HPP Pr C”. If the application is approved, trading of the series C preferred stock on the NYSE is expected to commence within 30 days after the date of initial delivery of the series C preferred stock.

Investing in the series C preferred stock involves a high degree of risk. Before buying any series C preferred stock, you should carefully read the discussion of material risks of investing in the series C preferred stock under “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-16 of this prospectus supplement and the risks set forth under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

     Per Share      Total  

Public offering price (1)

   $ 25.0000      $ 400,000,000  

Underwriting discount (2)

   $ 0.7875      $ 12,600,000  

Proceeds, before expenses, to us (3)

   $ 24.2125      $ 387,400,000  

 

(1)

Plus accrued dividends, if any, from the original date of issue.

(2)

Underwriting commissions of $0.7875 per share (or up to $12,600,000 for all shares of series C preferred stock) will be deducted from the proceeds paid to us by the underwriters. However, the commission are $0.50 per share for sales to institutions and, as a result of sales to institutions, the total proceeds to us increased by $2,404,635.62. We refer you to “Underwriting” beginning on page S-40 of this prospectus supplement for additional information regarding underwriting compensation.

(3)

Assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option described below.

We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 2,400,000 shares of series C preferred stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement solely to cover over-allotments, if any.

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

The shares of series C preferred stock will be ready for delivery on or about November 16, 2021.

 

 

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

BofA Securities   Morgan Stanley  

Wells Fargo Securities

 

RBC Capital Markets

Co-Managers
Barclays   BMO Capital Markets   Fifth Third Securities
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC   Regions Securities LLC   Ramirez and Co., Inc.

 

 

The date of this prospectus supplement is November 4, 2021


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

 

     Page  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS

     S-ii  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     S-iii  

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

     S-1  

THE OFFERING

     S-8  

RISK FACTORS

     S-16  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     S-22  

DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK

     S-23  

SUPPLEMENTAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     S-38  

UNDERWRITING

     S-40  

LEGAL MATTERS

     S-46  

EXPERTS

     S-46  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     S-46  

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

     S-46  

Prospectus

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     1  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION; INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

     2  

THE COMPANY

     4  

RISK FACTORS

     5  

GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES

     6  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     7  

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND RELATED GUARANTEES

     8  

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

     17  

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

     19  

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES

     22  

RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER

     23  

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF HUDSON PACIFIC PROPERTIES, L.P.

     27  

MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF THE COMPANY’S CHARTER AND BYLAWS

     38  

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     45  

GLOBAL SECURITIES

     72  

SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

     75  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     76  

LEGAL MATTERS

     77  

EXPERTS

     77  

You may rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein or therein or any applicable free writing prospectus. Neither we nor any of the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide different or additional information. When you make a decision about whether to invest in the series C preferred stock, you should not rely upon any information other than the information contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or therein or any applicable free writing prospectus is accurate only as of their respective dates or on the date or dates which are specified in these documents. Our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

S-i


Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering and also adds to, changes and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering.

To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs or varies from the information contained in the accompanying prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein, the information in this prospectus supplement will supersede such information. In addition, any statement in a filing we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission that adds to, updates or changes information contained in an earlier filing we made with the Securities and Exchange Commission shall be deemed to modify and supersede such information in the earlier filing.

This prospectus supplement does not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should read the accompanying prospectus as well as the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement and “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference” in the accompanying prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, references in this prospectus supplement to “we,” “our,” “us” and “our company” refer to Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation, Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P., and any of our other subsidiaries. Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P. is a Maryland limited partnership of which we are the sole general partner and to which we refer in this prospectus supplement as our operating partnership. As used in this prospectus supplement, “revolving credit facility” means the operating partnership’s $600.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility.

 

S-ii


Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into each contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act).

In particular, statements relating to our liquidity and capital resources, portfolio performance and results of operations contain forward-looking statements. Furthermore, all of the statements regarding future financial performance (including anticipated funds from operations, market conditions and demographics) are forward-looking statements. We are including this cautionary statement to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any such forward-looking statements. We caution investors that any forward-looking statements presented in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into each, or that management may make orally or in writing from time to time, are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. When used, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “result” and similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and may be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and factors that are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected.

Some of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance, liquidity or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

 

   

adverse economic or real estate developments in our target markets;

 

   

general economic conditions;

 

   

defaults on, early terminations of or non-renewal of leases by tenants;

 

   

fluctuations in interest rates and increased operating costs;

 

   

our failure to obtain necessary outside financing or maintain an investment grade rating;

 

   

our failure to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding indebtedness and maintain dividend payments;

 

   

lack or insufficient amounts of insurance;

 

   

decreased rental rates or increased vacancy rates;

 

   

difficulties in identifying properties to acquire and completing acquisitions;

 

   

our failure to successfully operate acquired properties and operations;

 

   

our failure to maintain our status as a REIT;

 

   

the loss of key personnel;

 

   

environmental uncertainties and risks related to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters;

 

   

financial market and foreign currency fluctuations;

 

   

risks related to acquisitions generally, including the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and the impact on customers, tenants, lenders, operating results and business;

 

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the inability to successfully integrate acquired properties, realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or capitalize on value creation opportunities;

 

   

changes in the tax laws and uncertainty as to how those changes may be applied;

 

   

changes in real estate and zoning laws and increases in real property tax rates; and

 

   

other factors affecting the real estate industry generally, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past forward-looking statements, which were based on results and trends at the time they were made, to anticipate future results or trends. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future results, performance or transactions, see the section of this prospectus supplement entitled “Risk Factors,” including the risks incorporated therein from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, subsequent Quaterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference herein.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our series C preferred stock. We urge you to read this entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein carefully, including the financial statements and notes to those financial statements incorporated by reference herein and therein. Please read “Risk Factors” for more information about important risks that you should consider before investing in our series C preferred stock.

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

We are a vertically integrated real estate company focused on acquiring, repositioning, developing and operating high-quality office and state-of-the-art studio properties in high-growth, high-barrier-to-entry submarkets throughout Northern and Southern California, the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. We invest across the risk-return spectrum, favoring opportunities where we can employ leasing, capital investment and management expertise to create additional value.

As of September 30, 2021, our portfolio included office properties, comprising an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million square feet, and studio properties, comprising approximately 1.2 million square feet of sound-stage, office and supporting production facilities. We also own undeveloped density rights for approximately 2.5 million square feet of future office and residential space.

We are a Maryland corporation that was formed on November 9, 2009 and have elected to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2010. We believe that we have operated in a manner that has allowed us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes commencing with such taxable year, and intend to continue operating in such a manner. We conduct substantially all of our business through the operating partnership, of which we serve as the sole general partner.

We employ a conservative approach to development and redevelopment. Development and redevelopment projects have only represented approximately 18.0% of our capital allocation since our initial public offering in 2010 and estimated project costs as a percentage of our Company’s share of market capitalization have averaged approximately 8.0% over the preceding eight quarters. Estimated project costs are based on management estimates and exclude capitalized interest, personnel costs and operating expenses. Gross assets represents the sum of total assets calculated in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, plus accumulated depreciation and amortization.

We also have a diverse concentration of tenants. The table below presents our top fifteen office tenants as of September 30, 2021.

 

            Company’s Share(1)  

Tenant(2)

   Total Occupied
Square Feet
     Total
Occupied
Square Feet
     Percent of Rentable
Square Feet
    Annualized
Base Rent(3)
     Percent of
Annualized
Base Rent
 

Google, Inc.

     640,726        622,117        4.9   $ 48,521,102        8.6

Netflix, Inc.

     722,305        368,376        2.9       24,035,884        4.2  

Nutanix, Inc.

     439,406        439,406        3.5       18,503,384        3.3  

Riot Games, Inc.

     284,037        284,037        2.2       17,864,002        3.2  

Amazon

     746,386        473,433        3.7       14,981,924        2.6  

Qualcomm

     376,817        376,817        3.0       14,940,041        2.6  

Salesforce.com

     265,394        265,394        2.1       14,287,683        2.5  

Square, Inc.

     469,056        257,981        2.0       13,267,953        2.3  

 

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            Company’s Share(1)  

Tenant(2)

   Total Occupied
Square Feet
     Total
Occupied
Square Feet
     Percent of Rentable
Square Feet
    Annualized
Base Rent(3)
     Percent of
Annualized
Base Rent
 

Dell EMC Corporation

     311,795        311,795        2.5       12,430,309        2.2  

Uber Technologies, Inc.

     325,445        178,995        1.4       9,644,556        1.7  

NFL Enterprises

     167,606        167,606        1.3       8,447,342        1.5  

WeWork Companies, Inc

     330,921        159,456        1.3       7,956,673        1.4  

GitHub, Inc.

     92,450        92,450        0.7       6,751,168        1.2  

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

     76,278        76,278        0.6       5,747,762        1.0  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

     123,097        123,097        1.0       5,545,170        1.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     5,371,719        4,197,154        33.1   $ 222,924,953        39.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Company’s Share is calculated as the total amounts on a consolidated basis, in accordance with GAAP (where applicable), plus our company’s share of the amount from our company’s unconsolidated joint ventures (calculated based upon our company’s percentage ownership interest), minus our company’s partners’ share of the amount from our company’s consolidated joint ventures (calculated based upon the partners’ percentage ownership interests). Because we own some of our properties through significant joint ventures, we believe that presenting Company’s Share of certain measures provides investors with useful information regarding our financial condition and/or results of operations by accounting for our true economic interest in these joint ventures. In some cases, we exercise significant influence over, but do not control, the joint venture, in which case, GAAP requires us to account for the joint venture entity using the equity method of accounting, and we do not consolidate it for financial reporting purposes. In other cases, GAAP requires us to consolidate the joint venture even though our partner(s) owns a significant percentage interest.

(2)

Presented in order of Company’s Share of annualized base rent.

(3)

Annualized base rent is calculated by multiplying (i) base rental payments (defined as cash base rents (before abatements or deferments)) under commenced leases as of September 30, 2021, by (ii) 12. Annualized base rent does not reflect tenant reimbursements.

The table below presents our office portfolio tenant industry diversification as of September 30, 2021

 

     Company’s Share(1)  

Industry

   Total Square Feet(2)(3)      Annualized Base Rent as
Percent of Total(4)
 

Technology(5)

     4,156,879        39.3

Media & Entertainment(6)

     1,332,070        14.1  

Legal

     653,904        8.5  

Business Services

     885,931        8.3  

Financial Services

     813,792        7.8  

Retail

     946,666        5.8  

Other

     1,652,243        16.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     10,441,485        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Company’s Share is calculated as the total amounts on a consolidated basis, in accordance with GAAP (where applicable), plus our company’s share of the amount from our company’s unconsolidated joint ventures (calculated based upon our company’s percentage ownership interest), minus our company’s partners’ share of the amount from our company’s consolidated joint ventures (calculated based upon the partners’ percentage ownership interests).

(2)

Excludes signed leases not commenced.

(3)

Excludes 181,792 square feet occupied by Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.


 

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(4)

Annualized base rent is calculated by multiplying (i) base rental payments (defined as cash base rents (before abatements or deferments)) under commenced leases as of September 30, 2021, by (ii) 12. Annualized base rent does not reflect tenant reimbursements.

(5)

Our diverse set of technology tenants largely consist of public and other well established companies. As a percentage of annualized base rent, the businesses of our technology tenants consist of online services (31%), software (28%), hardware & tech equipment (19%), business support services (12%) and other (10%). In addition, only 7% of annualized base rent of technology tenants as a percent of total annualized base rent of technology tenants are attributable to private companies in business for less than 10 years. Furthermore, only five tenants contribute more than 5% of annualized base rent of our technology tenants: Google, Nutanix, Qualcomm, Salesforce and Square, and over half of the annualized base rent of our technology tenants is comprised of tenants contributing less than 5% to the annualized base rent of our technology tenants.

(6)

As a percentage of annualized base rent, the businesses of our media & entertainment tenants consist of production & service (62%), gaming (29%), advertising & marketing (7%) and other (2%).

The table below presents certain information regarding our portfolio by market as of September 30, 2021.

 

            Company’s Share(1)  

Market

   Total Square
Feet(2)
     Annualized
Base Rent(3)
     Annualized Rent as
of Percent of Total
 

Office:

        

Silicon Valley

     6,438,644      $ 293,968,845        50.0

Los Angeles

     4,877,066        102,842,644        17.4  

Seattle

     2,703,452        49,458,077        8.4  

San Francisco

     2,561,358        111,092,692        18.9  

Vancouver

     1,945,738        8,389,521        1.4  

Studio:

        

Los Angeles

     1,465,403        22,669,820        3.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     19,991,661      $ 588,421,599        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Company’s Share is calculated as the total amounts on a consolidated basis, in accordance with GAAP (where applicable), plus our company’s share of the amount from our company’s unconsolidated joint ventures (calculated based upon our company’s percentage ownership interest), minus our company’s partners’ share of the amount from our company’s consolidated joint ventures (calculated based upon the partners’ percentage ownership interests).

(2)

Includes land.

(3)

Annualized base rent for the office properties is calculated by multiplying (i) base rental payments (defined as cash base rents (before abatements or deferments)) under commenced leases as of September 30, 2021, by (ii) 12. Annualized base rent for the studio properties reflects actual base rent for the 12 months ended September 30, 2021. Annualized base rent does not reflect tenant reimbursements.

The table below presents certain information regarding our stabilized and in-service office properties by market as of various acquisition dates and September 30, 2021.

 

Market

   Percent Leased at
Acquisition Date
    Percent Leased at
September 30, 2021(1)
    Annualized Base
Rent(2) at
Acquisition Date per
square foot
     Annualized
Base Rent at
September 30, 2021
per square foot
 

Office:

         

Silicon Valley

     85.7     87.5   $ 41.15      $ 56.95  

Seattle

     84.8       90.1       26.80        33.39  

 

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Market

   Percent Leased at
Acquisition Date
     Percent Leased at
September 30, 2021(1)
     Annualized Base
Rent(2) at
Acquisition Date per
square foot
     Annualized
Base Rent at
September 30, 2021
per square foot
 

San Francisco

     83.0        93.8        30.53        61.30  

Los Angeles

     37.7        94.6        35.40        56.13  

 

(1)

Does not include signed leases not commenced.

(2)

Annualized base rent for office properties is calculated by multiplying (i) base rental payments (defined as cash base rents (before abatements or deferments)) under commenced leases as of September 30, 2021, by (ii) 12. Annualized base rent per square foot for the office properties is calculated as (i) annualized base rent divided by (ii) square footage under commenced leases as of September 30, 2021. Annualized base rent does not reflect tenant reimbursements.

 

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The following tables present and reconcile the Company’s Share of net debt and debt for the periods presented (in thousands).

 

    Net Debt & Total Unsecured / Secured Debt ($ in Thousands)  
    Q2 2010     Q4 2010     Q4 2011     Q4 2012     Q4 2013     Q4 2014     Q4 2015     Q4 2016     Q4 2017     Q4 2018     Q4 2019     Q4 2020     Q3 2021  

Total unsecured and secured debt, net

  $ 94,020     $ 342,060     $ 399,871     $ 582,085     $ 931,308     $ 918,059     $ 2,260,716     $ 2,688,010     $ 2,421,380     $ 2,623,835     $ 2,817,910     $ 3,399,492     $ 3,910,405  

Unamortized deferred financing cost

    —         —         —         —         —         —         19,039     19,829       17,209       15,898       26,235       31,599       32,480  

Unamortized loan discount/ (premium), net

    280     (643     (1,965     (1,201     (5,320     (3,056     (1,310     —         722       648       1,314     1,185     1,088

Debt related to held for sale property

    —         —         —         —         —         42,449       —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Company’s share of unconsolidated joint venture debt

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         97,053     99,973       102,722  

Partner’s share of consolidated debt

    —         (51,940     —         (2,257     (76,139     (75,747     (75,330     (121,050     (45,450     (45,450     (46,862     (654,403     (780,945

Total unsecured and secured debt

  $ 94,300     289,477     $ 397,906   $ 578,627   $ 849,849     $ 881,705     $ 2,203,115     $ 2,586,789     $ 2,393,861     $ 2,594,931     $ 2,895,650   $ 2,877,846   $ 3,265,750
   

 

 
    Q2 2010     Q4 2010     Q4 2011     Q4 2012     Q4 2013     Q4 2014     Q4 2015     Q4 2016     Q4 2017     Q4 2018     Q4 2019     Q4 2020     Q3 2021  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 84,509     $ 48,875     $ 13,705     $ 18,904     $ 30,356     $ 17,753     $ 53,551     $ 83,015     $ 78,922     $ 53,740     $ 46,224     $ 113,686     $ 110,500  

Company’s share of unconsolidated real estate entity cash and cash equivalents

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         2,690       (3,060     (11,359

Partner’s share of cash and cash equivalents

    —         (2,030     —         (1     (1,865     (1,664     (3,251     (9,285     (1,594     (7,659     (8,846     (17,002 )     (31,269 )

Company’s share of net debt

  $ 9,791     $ 242,632     $ 384,201   $ 559,724     $ 821,358     $ 865,616     $ 2,152,815     $ 2,513,059     $ 2,316,533     $ 2,548,850     $ 2,855,582     $ 2,778,102     $ 3,175,160  
   

 

 
    Q2 2010     Q4 2010     Q4 2011     Q4 2012     Q4 2013     Q4 2014     Q4 2015     Q4 2016     Q4 2017     Q4 2018     Q4 2019     Q4 2020     Q3 2021  

Unsecured debt

    —       $ 111,117       —       $ 55,000     $ 155,000     $ 280,000     $ 1,555,000     $ 2,025,000     $ 1,975,000     $ 2,275,000     $ 2,475,000     $ 1,925,000     $ 2,225,000  

Secured debt

  $ 94,300       178,360       397,906       523,627       694,849       601,705       648,115       561,789       418,861       319,931       420,650       952,846       1,040,750  

Total company’s share of debt

  $ 94,300     $ 289,477     $ 397,906     $ 578,627     $ 849,849     $ 881,705     $ 2,203,115     $ 2,586,789     $ 2,393,861     $ 2,594,931     $ 2,895,650     $ 2,877,846     $ 3,265,750  

 

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The following table presents and reconciles the Company’s Share of gross assets for the periods presented (in thousands).

 
    Gross Asset Value ($ in Thousands)  
    Q2 2010     Q4 2010     Q4 2011     Q4 2012     Q4 2013     Q4 2014     Q4 2015     Q4 2016     Q4 2017     Q4 2018     Q4 2019     Q4 2020     Q3 2021  

Total Assets, net

  $ 621,780     $ 1,004,576     $ 1,152,791     $ 1,559,690     $ 2,131,274     $ 2,340,885     $ 6,254,035     $ 6,678,998     $ 6,622,070     $ 7,070,879     $ 7,466,568     $ 8,350,202     $ 8,803,997  

Accumulated depreciation

    21,442       27,113       53,329       85,184       116,342       134,657     269,074     419,368       533,498       695,631       898,279       1,102,748       1,285,137  

Accumulated depreciation related to held for sale

    —         —         —         —         —         7,904       3,650       4,582       15,913       —         —         —         —    

Partner’s share of gross assets

    —         (94,606     —         (3,897     (127,795     (128,740     (194,809     (289,075     (163,559     (406,815     (453,722     (1,421,834     (1,526,056

Company’s share of depreciation of the unconsolidated

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         976       1,197       768  

Company’s Share of Gross Assets

  $ 643,222     $ 937,083     $ 1,206,120     $ 1,640,977     $ 2,119,821     $ 2,354,706     $ 6,331,950     $ 6,813,873     $ 7,007,922     $ 7,359,695     $ 7,912,101     $ 8,032,313     $ 8,563,846  

 

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Recent Developments

We are currently in negotiations to refinance our revolving credit facility to, among other things, increase the capacity under such facility. Our current expectation is that any refinancing transaction would likely close during the fourth quarter of 2021, although we cannot provide assurance that any refinancing transaction will occur on that timeline, or at all.

Corporate Information

Our principal executive offices are located at 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Ninth Floor, Los Angeles, California 90025, and our telephone number is (310) 445-5700. Our web site address is www.hudsonpacificproperties.com. The information on, or otherwise accessible through, our web site does not constitute a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

 

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The Offering

The offering terms are summarized below solely for your convenience. For a more complete description of the terms of the series C preferred stock, see “Description of the Series C Preferred Stock” in this prospectus supplement and “Description of Preferred Stock” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Issuer

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

 

Securities offered

16,000,000 shares of our 4.750% series C cumulative redeemable preferred stock (plus up to an additional 2,400,000 shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full). We reserve the right to reopen this series and issue additional shares of series C preferred stock either through public or private sales at any time and from time to time.

 

Ranking

The series C preferred stock will rank, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up:

 

   

senior to all classes or series of our common stock, and to any future class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking junior to the series C preferred stock;

 

   

on parity with any class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking on parity with the series C preferred stock; and

 

   

junior to any other class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the series C preferred stock, none of which exists on the date hereof.

 

  The term “capital stock” includes our stock of any class or series but does not include convertible or exchangeable debt securities, which, prior to conversion or exchange, rank senior in right of payment to the series C preferred stock. In addition, the series C preferred stock will be subordinate to the outstanding Series A Cumulative Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units of our operating partnership, or series A preferred units, which were issued in connection with our initial public offering and had an aggregate liquidation preference of approximately $9.8 million as of September 30, 2021, in the case of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The series C preferred stock will also rank junior in right of payment to our other existing and future debt obligations.

 

Dividends

Holders of shares of series C preferred stock will be entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends on the series C preferred stock when, as and if authorized by our board of directors and declared by us from, and including, the date of first issue of any shares of series C preferred stock, payable quarterly in arrears on or about the last day of March, June, September and December of each year, beginning on or about March 31, 2022, at the rate of 4.750% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual rate of


 

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$1.1875 per share). The first dividend payable on the series C preferred stock, which is scheduled to be paid on or about March 31, 2022, will be a pro rata dividend from, and including, the first issue date and to, but not including, March 31, 2022 in the amount of $0.4453125 per share. Dividends on the series C preferred stock will accrue whether or not (i) we have earnings, (ii) there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends and (iii) such dividends are authorized or declared.

 

Liquidation Preference

If we liquidate, dissolve or wind up, holders of shares of series C preferred stock will have the right to receive $25.00 per share of series C preferred stock, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared) up to but excluding the date of payment, before any distribution or payment is made to holders of our common stock or any other class or series of capital stock ranking junior to the series C preferred stock with respect to the distribution of assets in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. We may only issue equity securities ranking senior to the series C preferred stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution and winding up if we obtain the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the then outstanding shares of series C preferred stock and each other class or series of our preferred stock ranking on parity with the series C preferred stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, voting together as a single class. The rights of holders of shares of series C preferred stock to receive their liquidation preference will be subject to the proportionate rights of any other class or series of our stock ranking on parity with the series C preferred stock as to liquidation, dissolution or winding up and junior to the rights of any class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the series C preferred stock.

 

Optional Redemption

We may not redeem the series C preferred stock prior to November 16, 2026, except in limited circumstances to preserve our status as a REIT, as described in “Description of the Series C Preferred Stock—Optional Redemption” in this prospectus supplement and pursuant to the special optional redemption provision described below. On and after November 16, 2026 the series C preferred stock will be redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared) up to, but not including, the redemption date (other than any dividend with a record date before the applicable redemption date and a payment date after the applicable redemption date, which will be paid on the payment date notwithstanding prior redemption of such shares). Any partial redemption will be on a pro rata basis or by lot.

 

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Special Optional Redemption

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below), we may, at our option, redeem the series C preferred stock, in whole or in part, within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, for cash, at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the date of redemption (other than any dividend with a record date before the applicable redemption date and a payment date after the applicable redemption date, which will be paid on the payment date notwithstanding prior redemption of such shares). If, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we exercise any of our redemption rights relating to the series C preferred stock (whether our optional redemption right or our special optional redemption right), the holders of series C preferred stock will not have the conversion right described below with respect to the shares called for redemption.

 

  A “Change of Control” occurs when, after the original issuance of the series C preferred stock, each of the following have occurred and are continuing:

 

   

the acquisition by any person, including any syndicate or group deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of purchases, mergers or other acquisition transactions of stock of our company entitling that person to exercise more than 50% of the total voting power of all stock of our company entitled to vote generally in the election of our directors (except that such person will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition); and

 

   

as a result of any transaction referred to in the bullet point above, neither we nor the acquiring or surviving entity (or if, in connection with such transaction, shares of our common stock are converted into or exchanged for (in whole or in part) common equity securities of another entity, such other entity) has a class of common securities (or ADRs representing such securities) listed on the NYSE, the NYSE AMER or the NASDAQ or listed or quoted on an exchange or quotation system that is a successor to the NYSE, the NYSE AMER or the NASDAQ.

 

Conversion Rights

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of series C preferred stock will have the right (unless, on or prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem such shares of series C preferred stock) to convert some or all of the series C preferred stock held by such holder on the Change of Control Conversion Date into a number of shares of

 

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our common stock per share of series C preferred stock to be converted equal to the lesser of:

 

   

the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Change of Control Conversion Date is after a record date for a series C preferred stock dividend payment and prior to the corresponding series C preferred stock dividend payment date, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividend will be included in this sum) by (ii) the Common Stock Price; and

 

   

1.9121 (i.e., the Share Cap), subject to certain adjustments;

 

  subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration as described in this prospectus supplement.

 

  If, on or prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided or provide a redemption notice, whether pursuant to our special optional redemption right in connection with a Change of Control or our optional redemption right, holders of series C preferred stock will not have any right to convert the shares of series C preferred stock selected for redemption in connection with the Change of Control Conversion Right and any shares of series C preferred stock selected for redemption that have been tendered for conversion will be redeemed on the related date of redemption instead of converted on the Change of Control Conversion Date.

 

  For definitions of “Change of Control Conversion Right,” “Change of Control Conversion Date” and “Common Stock Price” and for a description of the adjustments and provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration that may be applicable to the Change of Control Conversion Right, see “Description of the Series C Preferred Stock—Conversion Rights.”

 

  Except as provided above in connection with a Change of Control, the series C preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities or property.

 

No Maturity, Sinking Fund or Mandatory Redemption

The series C preferred stock has no stated maturity date and is not subject to mandatory redemption at the option of the holder or any sinking fund. We are not required to set aside funds to redeem the series C preferred stock. Accordingly, the series C preferred stock will remain outstanding indefinitely unless we decide to redeem the shares at our option or, under limited circumstances where the holders of the series C preferred stock have a conversion right, such holders decide to convert the series C preferred stock into our common stock.

 

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Limited Voting Rights

Holders of shares of series C preferred stock will generally have no voting rights. However, if we are in arrears on dividends on the series C preferred stock for six or more quarterly periods, whether or not consecutive, holders of outstanding shares of series C preferred stock and holders of shares of preferred stock of all other classes and series ranking on parity with the series C preferred stock with respect to payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, which we refer to as our parity preferred stock, and with which the holders of series C preferred stock and all classes and series of parity preferred stock are entitled to vote together as a single class, voting together as a single class, will be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors to serve on our board of directors at a special meeting called upon the written request of the holders of at least 10% of such shares or at our next annual meeting, and each subsequent annual meeting of stockholders, until all unpaid dividends with respect to the series C preferred stock for all past dividend periods and the then-current dividend period have been paid. In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock and any other class or series of parity preferred stock with which the holders of series C preferred stock are entitled to vote together as a single class, voting together as a single class, is required for us to create, authorize or issue any class or series of stock ranking senior to the series C preferred stock or to amend any provision of our charter so as to materially and adversely affect the terms of the series C preferred stock. If the proposed charter amendments would materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the series C preferred stock disproportionately relative to any other class or series of parity preferred stock, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock, voting as a separate class, is also required.

 

Listing

We intend to file an application to list the series C preferred stock on the NYSE under the symbol “HPP Pr C”. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to have the listing application for the series C preferred stock approved. If the application is approved, trading of the series C preferred stock on the NYSE is expected to commence within 30 days after the date of initial delivery of the series C preferred stock. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the series C preferred stock prior to commencement of any trading on the NYSE. However, the underwriters will have no obligation to do so, and we cannot assure you that a market for the series C preferred stock will develop or be maintained prior or subsequent to commencement of trading on the NYSE.

 

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

For us to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five

 

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or fewer individuals, as defined in the Code, during the last half of any taxable year. In order to assist us in meeting these and certain other requirements, no person or entity may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the constructive ownership rules of the Code, subject to limited exceptions, more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock or common stock or more than 9.8% in value of our outstanding capital stock.

 

Use of Proceeds

We expect that the net proceeds from the series C preferred stock offering will be approximately $389.5 million (or approximately $447.6 million if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) after deducting the underwriting discount and our estimated expenses. We will contribute the net proceeds from this offering to our operating partnership in exchange for Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units of partnership interest in our operating partnership, or series C preferred units, the economic terms of which are substantially similar to the series C preferred stock. Our operating partnership intends to subsequently use the net proceeds from this offering to repay amounts outstanding from time to time under our revolving credit facility and/or other indebtedness, fund our development or redevelopment activities, fund potential acquisition opportunities, provide funds for tenant improvements and capital expenditures, and provide for working capital and/or for other general corporate purposes.

 

Other Relationships

As described in “Use of Proceeds,” we may use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering to reduce amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility. Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are lenders under our revolving credit facility and will receive a pro rata portion of the net proceeds from this offering to the extent that we use any such proceeds to reduce the outstanding balance under such facility. See “Underwriting” in this prospectus supplement.

 

Transfer Agent

The transfer agent and registrar for our preferred stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

 

Settlement Date

Delivery of the shares of series C preferred stock will be made against payment therefor on or about November 16, 2021, which is the seventh business day following the pricing of this offering.

 

Risk Factors

An investment in the series C preferred stock involves various risks, and before making a decision to invest in the series C preferred stock, prospective investors should carefully consider the matters discussed under the caption entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-16 of this prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

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CERTAIN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND OTHER DATA

The table below presents a reconciliation of net income to FFO (as defined below) for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2020 (in thousands except per share data):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2020  

Net income

   $ (2,238   $ 16,430

Adjustments:

    

Depreciation and amortization—Consolidated

     44,660       299,682

Depreciation and amortization—Corporate-related

           (2,286

Depreciation and amortization—Company’s share from unconsolidated real estate investments

           5,605

Gain on sale of real estate

            

Impairment loss

          

Unrealized loss on non-real estate investments

           2,463  

FFO attributable to non-controlling interests

     (1,297     (37,644

FFO attributable to preferred stock and units

     (8,108     (612
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FFO to common stockholders and unitholders

   $ 33,017     $ 283,638  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Specified items impacting FFO:

    

Transaction-related expenses

     1,693       440

One-time tax reassessment management cost

           5,500  

One-time straight line rent reserve

           2,620  

One-time prior period property tax adjustment

           (937

One-time debt extinguishment cost

           2,654  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FFO (excluding specified items) to common stockholders and unitholders

   $ 34,710     $ 293,915  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common stock/units outstanding—diluted

     32,004       154,084  

FFO per common stock/unit—diluted

     1.03       1.84  

FFO (excluding specified items) per common stock/unit—diluted

     1.08       1.91  

We calculate funds from operations, or FFO, in accordance with the White Paper issued in December 2018 on FFO approved by the Board of Governors of NAREIT. The White Paper defines FFO as net income or loss calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), excluding gains and losses from sales of depreciable real estate, gains and losses from sale of certain real estate assets and impairment write-downs associated with depreciable real estate, plus real estate-related depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs and depreciation of non-real estate assets) and after adjustment for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. The calculation of FFO includes the amortization of deferred revenue related to tenant-funded tenant improvements and excludes the depreciation of the related tenant improvement assets. In the December 2018 White Paper, NAREIT provided an option to include value changes in mark-to-market equity securities in the calculation of FFO. We elected this option retroactively during fourth quarter 2018. We believe that FFO is a useful supplemental measure of our operating performance. The exclusion from FFO of gains and losses from the sale of operating real estate assets allows investors and analysts to readily identify the operating results of the assets that form the core of our activity and assists in comparing those operating results between periods. Also, because FFO is generally recognized as the industry standard for reporting the operations of REITs, it facilitates comparisons of operating performance to other REITs. However, other REITs may use different methodologies to calculate FFO, and accordingly, our FFO may not be comparable to all other REITs.

Implicit in historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP is the assumption that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors and analysts have considered presentations of operating

 

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results for real estate companies using historical cost accounting alone to be insufficient. Because FFO excludes depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, we believe that FFO along with the required GAAP presentations provides a more complete measurement of our performance relative to our competitors and a more appropriate basis on which to make decisions involving operating, financing and investing activities than the required GAAP presentations alone would provide. We use FFO per share to calculate annual cash bonuses for certain employees.

However, FFO should not be viewed as an alternative measure of our operating performance because it does not reflect either depreciation and amortization costs or the level of capital expenditures and leasing costs necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, which are significant economic costs and could materially impact our results from operations.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in the series C preferred stock involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the other information in this prospectus supplement, you should carefully consider the following risks, the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as the other information and data set forth in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein before making an investment decision with respect to our series C preferred stock. The occurrence of any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make cash distributions to our stockholders, which could cause you to lose all or a part of your investment in our series C preferred stock. Some statements in this prospectus supplement, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements.”

Risks Related to Our Properties and Our Business

As of September 30, 2021, we had approximately $3.9 billion of consolidated indebtedness outstanding, which is senior to the series C preferred stock, which may expose us to interest rate fluctuations, and our debt service obligations with respect to such indebtedness will reduce cash available for distribution, including cash available to pay dividends on our series C preferred stock, and expose us to the risk of default under our debt obligations.

Our total consolidated indebtedness, which is senior to the series C preferred stock, as of September 30, 2021, was approximately $3.9 billion; including $1.9 billion in principal amount under our senior guaranteed notes, $300.0 million in principal amount under our revolving credit facility and approximately $1.7 billion in principal amount of mortgage debt. We may incur significant additional debt to finance future acquisition and development activities.

Payments of principal and interest on borrowings may leave us with insufficient cash resources to operate our properties or to pay the current level of dividends on our common stock or necessary to maintain our REIT qualification, or to pay dividends on the series C preferred stock. Our level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by our debt agreements could have significant adverse consequences, including the following:

 

   

our cash flow may be insufficient to meet our required principal and interest payments;

 

   

we may be unable to borrow additional funds as needed or on favorable terms, which could, among other things, adversely affect our ability to meet operational needs;

 

   

we may be unable to refinance our indebtedness at maturity or the refinancing terms may be less favorable than the terms of our original indebtedness;

 

   

because a significant portion of our debt bears interest at variable rates, increases in interest rates could increase our interest expense;

 

   

we may be forced to dispose of one or more of our properties, possibly on unfavorable terms or in violation of certain covenants to which we may be subject;

 

   

we may violate restrictive covenants in our loan documents, which would entitle the lenders to accelerate our debt obligations and in some cases commence foreclosure proceedings on one or more of our properties; and

 

   

our default under any loan could result in a default on other indebtedness with cross default provisions.

If any one of these events were to occur, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and our ability to make distributions on, and the per share trading price of, our series C preferred stock could be adversely affected. Furthermore, foreclosures could create taxable income without accompanying cash proceeds, which could hinder our ability to meet the REIT distribution requirements imposed by the Code.

 

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Risks Related to this Offering

The series C preferred stock is a new issuance, with no stated maturity date and does not have an established trading market, which may negatively affect its market value and your ability to transfer or sell your shares.

The shares of series C preferred stock are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. In addition, because the series C preferred stock has no stated maturity date, investors seeking liquidity will be limited to selling their shares in the secondary market. We intend to file an application to list the series C preferred stock on the NYSE under the symbol “HPP Pr C” but there can be no assurance that the NYSE will approve the series C preferred stock for listing. Even if the NYSE approves our application, however, an active trading market on the NYSE for the shares may not develop or, even if it develops, may not last, in which case the trading price of the shares could be adversely affected and your ability to transfer your shares of series C preferred stock will be limited.

We have been advised by the underwriters that they intend to make a market in the series C preferred stock prior to the commencement of trading on the NYSE, but they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market-making at any time without notice.

Ratings only reflect the views of the issuing rating agency or agencies and such ratings could at any time be revised downward or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency.

Ratings only reflect the views of the issuing rating agency or agencies and such ratings could at any time be revised downward or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency. Further, a rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any particular security, including the series C preferred stock. In addition, ratings do not reflect market prices or suitability of a security for a particular investor and any rating of the series C preferred stock may not reflect all risks related to our company and our business, or the structure or market value of the series C preferred stock.

Our series C preferred stock is subordinated to the series A preferred units, which were issued in connection with our initial public offering and which had an aggregate liquidation preference of approximately $9.8 million as of September 30, 2021.

We conduct substantially all of our business through our operating partnership, and our only significant asset is our interest in our operating partnership. As a result, we depend upon distributions or other payments from our operating partnership in order to meet our financial obligations, including our obligations to pay dividends or liquidation payments to our preferred stockholders. As a result, these obligations are effectively subordinated to existing and future liabilities of the operating partnership, including our obligations to pay preferred distributions on the series A preferred units of our operating partnership. In particular, the series A preferred units rank senior to the series C preferred units and common units of our operating partnership. Accordingly, our operating partnership must satisfy its obligations to make preferred distributions to the series A preferred units before it may make distributions to us. Moreover, in the event of our bankruptcy or the bankruptcy of our operating partnership, holders of series A preferred units will generally be entitled to payment of their liquidation preference from the assets of our operating partnership before those assets are made available for distribution to us. As a result, any right that we have to receive any assets of our operating partnership upon its liquidation or reorganization, and the liquidation preference of the series C preferred stock, will be subordinated to the liquidation preference of the series A preferred units and other liabilities of our operating partnership. In addition, we may not redeem our series C preferred stock unless we have paid distributions on the series A preferred units for all prior distribution periods. As of September 30, 2021, the liquidation preference on the outstanding series A preferred units was approximately $9.8 million.

 

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Market interest rates and other factors may affect the value of the series C preferred stock and our common stock.

One of the factors that will influence the prices of the series C preferred stock and our common stock will be the dividend yield on the series C preferred stock and our common stock relative to market interest rates. An increase in market interest rates could cause the market prices of the series C preferred stock and our common stock to go down. The trading prices of the series C preferred stock and our common stock will also depend on many other factors, which may change from time to time, including:

 

   

the market for similar securities;

 

   

government action or regulation;

 

   

actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results or dividends;

 

   

changes in our funds from operations or earnings estimates;

 

   

publication of research reports about us or the real estate industry;

 

   

increases in market interest rates that lead purchasers of our shares to demand a higher yield;

 

   

changes in market valuations of similar companies;

 

   

adverse market reaction to any additional debt we incur in the future;

 

   

additions or departures of key management personnel;

 

   

actions by institutional stockholders;

 

   

speculation in the press or investment community;

 

   

the realization of any of the other risk factors presented in this prospectus supplement, including the risks incorporated by reference herein from our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K;

 

   

the extent of investor interest in our securities;

 

   

the general perception of REITs and the attractiveness of our equity securities in comparison to other equity securities, including securities issued by other real estate-based companies;

 

   

our underlying asset value;

 

   

investor confidence in the stock and bond markets, generally;

 

   

changes in tax laws;

 

   

future equity issuances;

 

   

failure to meet earnings estimates;

 

   

failure to maintain our qualification as a REIT or the failure of any REIT that we form or acquire to qualify and/or maintain its qualification as a REIT;

 

   

changes in our credit ratings;

 

   

litigation or threatened litigation, which may divert our management’s time and attention, require us to pay damages and expenses or restrict the operation of our business;

 

   

general market and economic conditions;

 

   

our issuance of debt or preferred equity securities; and

 

   

our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

As a result of these and other factors, investors who purchase the series C preferred stock in this offering may experience a decrease, which could be substantial and rapid, in the market price of the series C preferred

 

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stock, including decreases unrelated to our operating performance or prospects. Likewise, in the event that the series C preferred stock becomes convertible upon a Change of Control and is converted into our common stock, holders of our common stock issued on conversion may experience a similar decrease, which also could be substantial and rapid, in the market price of our common stock.

Our revolving credit facility and senior notes may limit our ability to pay distributions to holders of the series C preferred stock.

Our revolving credit facility and senior notes prohibit us from making distributions to our stockholders, or redeeming or otherwise repurchasing shares of our capital stock, including the series C preferred stock, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, except in limited circumstances as necessary to enable us to maintain our qualification as a REIT. Consequently, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under our revolving credit facility or senior notes, we may not be able to pay all or a portion of the dividends payable to the holders or make redemptions or repurchases of series C preferred stock.

In addition, in the event of a default under our revolving credit facility or senior notes, we would be unable to borrow under such facilities and any amounts we have borrowed thereunder could become immediately due and payable. The agreements governing our future debt instruments may also include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends to holders or make redemptions or repurchase of the series C preferred stock.

Shares of series C preferred stock are subordinated to existing and future debt and your interests could be diluted by the issuance of additional preferred stock, including additional shares of series C preferred stock, and by other transactions.

Payment of accrued dividends on the series C preferred stock will be subordinated to all of our existing and future debt and will be structurally subordinated to the obligations of our subsidiaries. In addition, we may issue additional shares of series C preferred stock or shares of another class or series of preferred stock ranking on parity with (or, upon the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock and each other class or series of parity preferred stock with which the holders of series C preferred stock are entitled to vote together as a single class, voting together as a single class, senior to) the series C preferred stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Other than the conversion right afforded to holders of series C preferred stock upon the occurrence of a Change of Control as described under “Description of the Series C Preferred Stock—Conversion Rights” and other than the limited voting rights as described under “Description of the Series C Preferred Stock—Limited Voting Rights” below, none of the provisions relating to the series C preferred stock relate to or limit our indebtedness or afford the holders of the series C preferred stock protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction, including a merger or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all our assets or business, that might adversely affect the holders of the series C preferred stock. These factors may affect the trading price of the series C preferred stock.

As a holder of series C preferred stock you have extremely limited voting rights.

Your voting rights as a holder of series C preferred stock will be limited. Shares of our common stock are currently the only class of our securities carrying full voting rights. Voting rights for holders of series C preferred stock exist primarily with respect to voting on amendments to our charter, including the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the series C preferred stock (in some cases, voting together as a single class with the holders of other classes or series of parity preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable), that materially and adversely affect the rights of the series C preferred stock or create additional classes or series of preferred stock that are senior to the series C preferred stock and the ability to elect (voting together as a single class with all classes and series of parity preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) two additional directors to our board of directors in the event that six quarterly dividends (whether or not consecutive) payable on the series C preferred stock are in arrears. See “Description of the Series C Preferred Stock—Limited Voting Rights.”

 

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The Change of Control conversion feature may not adequately compensate you and may make it more difficult for a party to take over our company or discourage a party from taking over our company.

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, holders of the series C preferred stock will have the right (unless, on or prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem such shares of series C preferred stock) to convert some or all of their series C preferred stock into shares of our common stock (or equivalent value of alternative consideration). See “Description of the Series C Preferred Stock—Conversion Rights.” Upon such a conversion, the holders of our series C preferred stock will be limited to a maximum number of shares of our common stock equal to the Share Cap multiplied by the number of shares of series C preferred stock converted. If the Common Stock Price is less than $13.08 (which is approximately 50% of the per-share closing sale price of our common stock reported on the NYSE on November 3, 2021), subject to adjustment, the holders will receive a maximum number of shares of our common stock per share of series C preferred stock, which may result in a holder receiving a value that is less than the liquidation preference of the shares of series C preferred stock so converted. In addition, the Change of Control conversion feature of the series C preferred stock may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for our company or of delaying, deferring or preventing certain change of control transactions of our company under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our common stock and series C preferred stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price or that stockholders may otherwise believe is in their best interests.

Our charter contains restrictions on ownership and transfer of the series C preferred stock.

The articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the series C preferred stock contain restrictions on ownership and transfer of the series C preferred stock intended to assist us in maintaining our status as a REIT for United States federal income tax purposes. For example, the terms of the series C preferred stock and our charter will restrict any person from acquiring beneficial or constructive ownership of more than 9.8% (by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of our series C preferred stock or our common stock or 9.8% (by value) of our outstanding capital stock. See “Description of the Series C Preferred Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” in this prospectus supplement and “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” in the accompanying prospectus. You should consider these ownership limitations prior to your purchase of the series C preferred stock. In addition, the articles supplementary will provide that no holder of series C preferred stock will be entitled to convert such stock into our common stock to the extent that receipt of our common stock would cause the holder to exceed the ownership limitations contained in our charter, which may limit your ability to convert the series C preferred stock into our common stock upon a Change of Control. These ownership restrictions could also have anti-takeover effects and could reduce the possibility that a third party will attempt to acquire control of the company, which could adversely affect the market price of the series C preferred stock.

If our common stock is delisted, your ability to transfer or sell your shares of series C preferred stock may be limited and the market value of the series C preferred stock will be materially adversely affected.

Other than in connection with certain change of control transactions, the series C preferred stock does not contain provisions that protect you if our common stock is delisted. Since the series C preferred stock has no stated maturity date, you may be forced to hold your shares of series C preferred stock and receive stated dividends on the stock when, as and if authorized by our board of directors and declared by us with no assurance as to ever receiving the liquidation preference. In addition, if our common stock is delisted, it is likely that series C preferred stock will be delisted as well. Accordingly, if our common stock is delisted, your ability to transfer or sell your shares of series C preferred stock may be limited and the market value of the series C preferred stock will be materially adversely affected.

 

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Our ability to pay dividends is limited by the requirements of Maryland law.

Our ability to pay dividends on the series C preferred stock is limited by the laws of Maryland. Under applicable Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally may not make a distribution if, after giving effect to the distribution, the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as the debts become due in the usual course of business, or the corporation’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus, unless the corporation’s charter provides otherwise, the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution. Accordingly, we generally may not make a distribution on the series C preferred stock if, after giving effect to the distribution, we would not be able to pay our debts as they become due in the usual course of business or our total assets would be less than the sum of our total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of the holders of shares of any class or series of preferred stock then outstanding, if any, with preferences senior to those of the series C preferred stock.

Dividends on the series C preferred stock do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividends.

The maximum tax rate applicable to “qualified dividend income” payable to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs, including the dividends on our series C preferred stock, however, generally are not eligible for these reduced rates. U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates generally may deduct up to 20% of the ordinary dividends (e.g., dividends not designated as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income) received from a REIT for taxable years before January 1, 2026. Although this deduction reduces the effective tax rate applicable to certain dividends paid by REITs (generally to 29.6% assuming the stockholder is subject to the 37% maximum rate), such tax rate is still higher than the tax rate applicable to corporate dividends that constitute qualified dividend income. Accordingly, investors who are individuals, trusts and estates may perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the shares of REITs, including our series C preferred stock.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $389.5 million (or approximately $447.6 million if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full), after deducting the underwriting discount and other estimated offering expenses payable by us. We will contribute the net proceeds from this offering to our operating partnership in exchange for series C preferred units, the economic terms of which are substantially similar to the series C preferred stock. Our operating partnership intends to subsequently use the net proceeds from this offering to repay amounts outstanding from time to time under our revolving credit facility and/or other indebtedness, fund our development or redevelopment activities, fund potential acquisition opportunities, provide funds for tenant improvements and capital expenditures, and provide for working capital and/or for other general corporate purposes.

The revolving credit facility has a maturity date of March 13, 2022 (which maturity may be extended for an additional year at our option subject to certain conditions) and bears interest at a rate per annum equal to either one-month London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus 105 to 150 basis points or a specified base rate plus 10 to 50 basis points, depending on the operating partnership’s leverage ratio. As of September 30, 2021, $300.0 million was drawn under the revolving credit facility and $2.8 million of letters of credit were issued, leaving approximately $297.2 million available for use outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility currently bears interest at a rate per annum equal to one-month LIBOR plus 110 basis points.

Affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Wells Fargo Securities (underwriters in this offering) are lenders under the revolving credit facility. To the extent that any net proceeds from this offering are applied to repay borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility, such affiliates will receive their proportionate share of any such repaid amounts.

Pending application of cash proceeds, our operating partnership will invest the net proceeds from this offering in interest-bearing accounts and short-term, interest-bearing securities in a manner that is consistent with our intention to qualify for taxation as a REIT.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK

The following summary of the material terms and provisions of the series C preferred stock does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the series C preferred stock, our charter and our bylaws, each of which is available from us and is or will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This description of the particular terms of the series C preferred stock supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, the description of the general terms and provisions of our preferred stock set forth in the accompanying prospectus.

General

Our board of directors and a duly authorized committee of our board of directors classified 18,400,000 shares of our authorized but unissued common and preferred stock as, and approved articles supplementary setting forth the terms of, a series of our preferred stock, designated as the 4.750% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. Before the issuance of any shares of series C preferred stock, we will execute and file such articles supplementary with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland. Upon completion of this offering, we will be authorized to issue up to 481,600,000 shares of common stock and 18,400,000 shares of preferred stock, all of which are classified as series C preferred stock. We will also amend and restate the partnership agreement of our operating partnership to designate and set forth the terms of the 4.750% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units of partnership interest in our operating partnership, which will have rights as to distributions and in connection with the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of our operating partnership substantially similar to those of the series C preferred stock and which will be automatically redeemable by our operating partnership for cash or other consideration, and automatically convertible into common units of partnership interest in our operating partnership, at the same time and for the same consideration as shares of series C preferred stock are redeemed or converted. When issued in accordance with this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, the series C preferred stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Our board of directors may authorize the classification, issuance and sale of additional shares of series C preferred stock from time to time.

In connection with this offering, we, in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement of our operating partnership, will contribute or otherwise transfer the net proceeds of the sale of the series C preferred stock to our operating partnership, and our operating partnership will issue to us series C preferred units. Our operating partnership will be required to make all required distributions on the series C preferred units after any distribution of cash or assets to the holders of any preferred units ranking senior to the series C preferred units as to distributions (including the Series A preferred units) and prior to any distribution of cash or assets to the holders of common partnership units or to the holders of any other equity interest of our operating partnership, except for any other series of preferred units ranking on a parity with the series C preferred units as to distributions and liquidation; provided however, that our operating partnership may make such distributions as are necessary to enable us to maintain our qualification as a REIT.

We intend to file an application to list the series C preferred stock on the NYSE under the symbol “HPP Pr C”. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to have the listing application for the series C preferred stock approved. If the application is approved, trading of the series C preferred stock on the NYSE is expected to commence within 30 days after the date of initial delivery of the series C preferred stock. See “Underwriting” in this prospectus supplement.

Ranking

The series C preferred stock will rank, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs:

 

   

senior to all classes or series of our common stock, and to any future class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking junior to the series C preferred stock;

 

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on parity with any class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking on parity with the series C preferred stock; and

 

   

junior to any other class or series of our capital stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the series C preferred stock, none of which exists on the date hereof.

The term “capital stock” does not include convertible or exchangeable debt securities, which, prior to conversion or exchange, rank senior in right of payment to the series C preferred stock. In addition, the series C preferred stock will be subordinate to the outstanding series A preferred units, which were issued in connection with our initial public offering and had an aggregate liquidation preference of approximately $9.8 million as of September 30, 2021, in the case of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The series C preferred stock will also rank junior in right of payment to our other existing and future debt obligations.

Dividends

Subject to the preferential rights of the holders of any class or series of our capital stock ranking senior to the series C preferred stock with respect to dividend rights, holders of shares of series C preferred stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by our board of directors and declared by us out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 4.750% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of the series C preferred stock (equivalent to the fixed annual amount of $1.1875 per share of the series C preferred stock).

Dividends on the series C preferred stock will accrue and be cumulative from and including the date any shares of series C preferred stock are first issued or, if later, the latest dividend payment date to which cumulative dividends have been paid on the series C preferred stock in full (or declared and the corresponding record date has passed), and will be payable to holders quarterly in arrears on or about the last day of March, June, September and December of each year or, if such day is not a business day, on either the immediately preceding business day or next succeeding business day at our option, except that, if such business day is in the next succeeding year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding business day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date. The term “business day” means any day, other than a Saturday or a Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in New York City are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

The amount of any dividend payable on the series C preferred stock for any period greater or less than a full dividend period will be prorated and computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear in our stock records at the close of business on the applicable record date, which shall be the date designated by our board of directors as the record date for the payment of dividends that is not more than 35 and not fewer than 10 days prior to the scheduled dividend payment date. The dividends payable on any dividend payment date shall include dividends accumulated to, but not including, such dividend payment date.

The first dividend on the series C preferred stock is scheduled to be paid on or about March 31, 2022 and will be a pro rata dividend from and including the first issue date to, but not including, March 31, 2022 in the amount of $0.4453125 per share.

Dividends on the series C preferred stock will accrue whether or not:

 

   

we have earnings;

 

   

there are funds legally available for the payment of those dividends; or

 

   

those dividends are authorized or declared.

 

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Except as described in this paragraph and the next paragraph, unless full cumulative dividends on the series C preferred stock for all past dividend periods shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment, we will not:

 

   

declare and pay or declare and set aside for payment any dividends, and we will not declare and make any distribution of cash or other property, directly or indirectly, on or with respect to any shares of our common stock or shares of any other class or series of our capital stock ranking, as to dividends, on parity with or junior to the series C preferred stock, for any period; or

 

   

except as described below, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for any consideration, or make any other distribution of cash or other property, directly or indirectly, on or with respect to, or pay or make available any monies for a sinking fund for the redemption of, any common stock or shares of any other class or series of our capital stock ranking, as to dividends and upon liquidation, on parity with or junior to the series C preferred stock.

The foregoing sentence, however, will not prohibit:

 

   

dividends payable solely in common stock or any other class or series of capital stock ranking junior to the series C preferred stock as to payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution and winding up;

 

   

the conversion into or exchange for other shares of any class or series of capital stock ranking junior to the series C preferred stock as to payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution and winding up;

 

   

our redemption, purchase or other acquisition of shares of series C preferred stock, preferred stock ranking on parity with the series C preferred stock as to payment of dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up or capital stock or equity securities ranking junior to the series C preferred stock pursuant to our charter to the extent necessary to preserve our status as a REIT or otherwise pursuant to the provisions of our charter restricting the ownership and transfer of our stock as discussed under “—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer”;

 

   

our purchase or acquisition of shares of series C preferred stock or preferred stock ranking on parity with the series C preferred stock as to dividends and upon liquidation pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of series C preferred stock and any such class or series of preferred stock; or

 

   

a redemption, purchase or other acquisition of shares of our common stock made for purposes of and in compliance with the requirements of an employee incentive or benefit plan of ours or any of our subsidiaries.

Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations, when we do not pay dividends in full (or do not declare and set apart a sum sufficient to pay them in full) on the series C preferred stock and the shares of any other class or series of capital stock ranking, as to dividends, on parity with the series C preferred stock, we will declare any dividends on the series C preferred stock and each such other class or series of capital stock ranking, as to dividends, on parity with the series C preferred stock pro rata, so that the amount of dividends declared per share of series C preferred stock and such other class or series of capital stock will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on the series C preferred stock and such other class or series of capital stock (which will not include any accrual in respect of unpaid dividends on such other class or series of capital stock for prior dividend periods if such other class or series of capital stock does not have a cumulative dividend) bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the series C preferred stock which may be in arrears.

Holders of shares of series C preferred stock are not entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, property or shares of capital stock, in excess of full cumulative dividends on the series C preferred stock as

 

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described above. Any dividend payment made on the series C preferred stock will first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividends due with respect to those shares which remain payable. Accrued but unpaid dividends on the series C preferred stock will accumulate as of the dividend payment date on which they first become payable.

We do not intend to declare dividends on the series C preferred stock, or pay or set apart for payment dividends on the series C preferred stock, if the terms of any of our agreements, including any agreements relating to our indebtedness, prohibit such a declaration, payment or setting apart for payment or provide that such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach of or default under such an agreement. Likewise, no dividends will be authorized by our board of directors and declared by us or paid or set apart for payment if such authorization, declaration or payment is restricted or prohibited by law.

Our revolving credit facility and senior notes prohibit us from making distributions to our stockholders, or redeeming or otherwise repurchasing shares of our capital stock, including the series C preferred stock, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, except in limited circumstances as necessary to enable us to maintain our qualification as a REIT. Consequently, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under our revolving credit facility or senior notes, we may not be able to pay all or a portion of the dividends payable to the holders of the series C preferred stock or redeem all or a portion of the series C preferred stock. In addition, in the event of a default under our revolving credit facility or senior notes, we would be unable to borrow under such facilities and any amounts we have borrowed thereunder could become immediately due and payable. The agreements governing our future debt instruments may also include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends to holders or make redemptions of the series C preferred stock.

Liquidation Preference

Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, before any distribution or payment shall be made to holders of shares of our common stock or any other class or series of capital stock ranking, as to rights upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, junior to the series C preferred stock, holders of shares of series C preferred stock will be entitled to be paid out of our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders, after payment of or provision for our debts and other liabilities and any class or series of our capital stock ranking senior to the series C preferred stock, a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share of series C preferred stock, plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared) up to but excluding the date of payment. If, upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our available assets are insufficient to pay the full amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding shares of series C preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of each other class or series of capital stock ranking, as to rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, on parity with the series C preferred stock in the distribution of assets, then holders of shares of series C preferred stock and each such other class or series of capital stock ranking, as to rights upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, on parity with the series C preferred stock will share ratably in any distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise respectively be entitled.

Holders of shares of series C preferred stock will be entitled to written notice of any distribution in connection with any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs not fewer than 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the distribution payment date. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, holders of shares of series C preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or into or our conversion into any other corporation, trust or other entity, or the voluntary sale, lease, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or business, will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

In determining whether a distribution (other than upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation), by dividend, redemption or other acquisition of shares of our capital stock or otherwise, is permitted under Maryland law,

 

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amounts that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of holders of shares of series C preferred stock will not be added to our total liabilities.

Optional Redemption

Except with respect to the special optional redemption described below, to preserve our status as a REIT or in certain other limited circumstances relating to our maintenance of our ability to qualify as a REIT as described in “—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer,” we cannot redeem the series C preferred stock prior to November 16, 2026. On and after November 16, 2026, we may, at our option, upon not fewer than 30 and not more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem the series C preferred stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not authorized or declared) up to but excluding the date fixed for redemption (other than any dividend with a record date before the applicable redemption date and a payment date after the applicable redemption date, which will be paid on the payment date notwithstanding prior redemption of such shares), without interest, to the extent we have funds legally available for that purpose. We may also redeem shares of series C preferred stock from time to time for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not authorized or declared) up to but excluding the date fixed for redemption (other than any dividend with a record date before the applicable redemption date and a payment date after the applicable redemption date, which will be paid on the payment date notwithstanding prior redemption of such shares), without interest, if our board of directors has determined that such redemption is necessary to preserve our status as a REIT.

If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock are to be redeemed (in the case of a redemption of the series C preferred stock other than to preserve our status as a REIT), we will select the shares of series C preferred stock to be redeemed pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional shares) or by lot as we determine. If such redemption is to be by lot and, as a result of such redemption, any holder of shares of series C preferred stock, other than a holder of series C preferred stock that has received an exemption from the ownership limit, would have actual, beneficial or constructive ownership of more than 9.8% of the issued and outstanding shares of series C preferred stock by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, or violate any of the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock set forth in our charter, including the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the series C preferred stock, because such holder’s shares of series C preferred stock were not redeemed, or were only redeemed in part, then, except as otherwise provided in the charter, we will redeem the requisite number of shares of series C preferred stock of such holder such that no holder will own in excess of the 9.8% series C preferred stock ownership limit or applicable excepted holder limit or the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock subsequent to such redemption. See “—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.” In order for their shares of series C preferred stock to be redeemed, holders must surrender their shares at the place, or in accordance with the book-entry procedures, designated in the notice of redemption. Holders will then be entitled to the redemption price and any accrued and unpaid dividends payable upon redemption following surrender of the shares. If a notice of redemption has been given (in the case of a redemption of the series C preferred stock other than to preserve our status as a REIT), the funds necessary for the redemption have been set aside by us for the benefit of the holders of any shares of series C preferred stock called for redemption and irrevocable instructions have been given to pay the redemption price and all accrued and unpaid dividends, then, from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on such shares of series C preferred stock and such shares of series C preferred stock will no longer be deemed outstanding. At such time, all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price plus any accrued and unpaid dividends payable upon redemption, without interest. So long as no dividends payable on the series C preferred stock and any class or series of parity preferred stock are in arrears for any past dividend periods and subject to the provisions of applicable law and the sufficiency of legally available funds, we may from time to time repurchase all or any part of the series C preferred stock, including the repurchase of shares of series C preferred stock in open-market transactions and individual purchases at such prices as we negotiate, in each case as duly authorized by our board of directors. Regardless of whether dividends are paid in full on the series C preferred stock or any class or series of parity

 

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preferred stock, we may purchase or acquire shares of series C preferred stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of series C preferred stock and any class or series of our preferred stock ranking on parity with the series C preferred stock as to dividends and upon liquidation.

Unless full cumulative dividends on all shares of series C preferred stock have been or contemporaneously are authorized and declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, no shares of series C preferred stock will be redeemed (including pursuant to our optional redemption right or special optional redemption right described below) unless all outstanding shares of series C preferred stock are simultaneously redeemed and we will not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of series C preferred stock (except by conversion into or exchange for our capital stock ranking junior to the series C preferred stock as to dividends and upon liquidation); provided, however, that, whether or not the requirements set forth above have been met, we may purchase or acquire shares of series C preferred stock pursuant to the provisions of our charter, including the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the series C preferred stock, relating to restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock in connection with the requirements for our qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, and we may purchase or acquire shares of series C preferred stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of series C preferred stock and any class or series of our preferred stock ranking on parity with the series C preferred stock as to dividends and upon liquidation. See “—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” below.

Notice of redemption will be mailed by us, postage prepaid, not fewer than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, addressed to the respective holders of record of the series C preferred stock to be redeemed at their respective addresses as they appear on our stock transfer records as maintained by the transfer agent named in “—Transfer Agent and Registrar.” No failure to give such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof will affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any shares of series C preferred stock except as to the holder to whom notice was defective or not given. In addition to any information required by law or by the applicable rules of any exchange upon which the series C preferred stock may be listed or admitted to trading, each notice will state:

 

   

the redemption date;

 

   

the redemption price;

 

   

the number of shares of series C preferred stock to be redeemed;

 

   

the place or places where the certificates, if any, representing shares of series C preferred stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price;

 

   

procedures for surrendering noncertificated shares of series C preferred stock for payment of the redemption price;

 

   

that dividends on the shares of series C preferred stock to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date; and

 

   

that payment of the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid dividends will be made upon presentation and surrender of such series C preferred stock.

If fewer than all of the shares of series C preferred stock held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder will also specify the number of shares of series C preferred stock held by such holder to be redeemed.

We are not required to provide such notice in the event we redeem series C preferred stock in order to maintain our status as a REIT.

If a redemption date falls after a dividend record date and on or prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, each holder of shares of series C preferred stock at the close of business of such dividend record date will

 

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be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares on or prior to such dividend payment date and each holder of shares of series C preferred stock that surrenders such shares on such redemption date will be entitled to the dividends accruing after the end of the applicable dividend period, up to but excluding the redemption date. Except as described above, we will make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on series C preferred stock for which a notice of redemption has been given.

If we have given a notice of redemption and have set aside sufficient funds for the redemption for the benefit of the holders of the series C preferred stock called for redemption and given irrevocable instructions to pay the redemption price and all accrued and unpaid dividends, then, from and after the redemption date, those shares of series C preferred stock will no longer be outstanding, no further dividends will accrue and all other rights of the holders of those shares of series C preferred stock will terminate. The holders of those shares of series C preferred stock will retain their right to receive the redemption price for their shares and any accrued and unpaid dividends through, but not including, the redemption date, without interest.

All shares of series C preferred stock that we redeem or repurchase will be restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock, without designation as to series or class.

Our revolving credit facility and senior notes prohibit us from redeeming or otherwise repurchasing any shares of our capital stock, including the series C preferred stock, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, except in limited circumstances.

Special Optional Redemption

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below), we may, at our option, redeem the series C preferred stock, in whole or in part within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, by paying $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the date of redemption (other than any dividend with a record date before the applicable redemption date and a payment date after the applicable redemption date, which will be paid on the payment date notwithstanding prior redemption of such shares). If, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided or provide notice of redemption with respect to the series C preferred stock (whether pursuant to our optional redemption right or our special optional redemption right), the holders of series C preferred stock will not have the conversion right described below under “—Conversion Rights.”

Unless full cumulative dividends on all shares of series C preferred stock have been or contemporaneously are authorized and declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, no shares of series C preferred stock will be redeemed (including pursuant to our optional redemption right or special optional redemption right described below) unless all outstanding shares of series C preferred stock are simultaneously redeemed and we will not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of series C preferred stock (except by conversion into or exchange for our capital stock ranking junior to the series C preferred stock as to dividends and upon liquidation); provided, however, that whether or not the requirements set forth above have been met, we may purchase or acquire shares of series C preferred stock, pursuant to the provisions of our charter, including the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the series C preferred stock, relating to restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock in connection with the requirements for our qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, and we may purchase or acquire shares of series C preferred stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of series C preferred stock and any class or series of our preferred stock ranking on parity with the series C preferred stock as to dividends and upon liquidation. See “—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” below.

We will mail to you, if you are a record holder of the series C preferred stock, a notice of redemption no fewer than 30 days nor more than 60 days before the redemption date. We will send the notice to your address

 

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shown on our stock transfer books. A failure to give notice of redemption or any defect in the notice or in its mailing will not affect the validity of the redemption of any series C preferred stock except as to the holder to whom notice was defective. Each notice will state the following:

 

   

the redemption date;

 

   

the redemption price;

 

   

the number of shares of series C preferred stock to be redeemed;

 

   

the place or places where the certificates, if any, representing shares of series C preferred stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price;

 

   

procedures for surrendering noncertificated shares of series C preferred stock for payment of the redemption price;

 

   

that dividends on the shares of series C preferred stock to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date;

 

   

that payment of the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid dividends will be made upon presentation and surrender of such series C preferred stock;

 

   

that the series C preferred stock is being redeemed pursuant to our special optional redemption right in connection with the occurrence of a Change of Control and a brief description of the transaction or transactions constituting such Change of Control; and

 

   

that the holders of the series C preferred stock to which the notice relates will not be able to tender such series C preferred stock for conversion in connection with the Change of Control and each share of series C preferred stock tendered for conversion that is selected, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, for redemption will be redeemed on the related date of redemption instead of converted on the Change of Control Conversion Date.

If we redeem fewer than all of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock, the notice of redemption mailed to each stockholder will also specify the number of shares of series C preferred stock that we will redeem from each stockholder. In this case, we will determine the number of shares of series C preferred stock to be redeemed as described above in “—Optional Redemption.”

If we have given a notice of redemption and have set aside sufficient funds for the redemption for the benefit of the holders of the series C preferred stock called for redemption and given irrevocable instructions to pay the redemption price and all accrued and unpaid dividends, then from and after the redemption date, those shares of series C preferred stock will no longer be outstanding, no further dividends will accrue and all other rights of the holders of those shares of series C preferred stock will terminate. The holders of those shares of series C preferred stock will retain their right to receive the redemption price for their shares and any accrued and unpaid dividends through, but not including, the redemption date, without interest.

The holders of series C preferred stock at the close of business on a dividend record date will be entitled to receive the dividend payable with respect to the series C preferred stock on the corresponding payment date notwithstanding the redemption of the series C preferred stock between such record date and the corresponding payment date or our default in the payment of the dividend due. Except as provided above, we will make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on series C preferred stock to be redeemed.

If a redemption date falls after a dividend record date and on or prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, each holder of shares of series C preferred stock at the close of business of such dividend record date will be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding dividend payment date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares on or prior to such dividend payment date and each holder of shares of series C preferred stock that surrenders such shares on such redemption date will be entitled to the dividends accruing

 

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after the end of the applicable dividend period, up to but excluding the redemption date. Except as described above, we will make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on series C preferred stock for which a notice of redemption has been given.

A “Change of Control” is when, after the original issuance of the series C preferred stock, each of the following have occurred and are continuing:

 

   

the acquisition by any person, including any syndicate or group deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of purchases, mergers or other acquisition transactions of stock of our company entitling that person to exercise more than 50% of the total voting power of all stock of our company entitled to vote generally in the election of our directors (except that such person will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition); and

 

   

as a result of any transaction referred to in the bullet point above, neither we nor the acquiring or surviving entity (or if, in connection with such transaction shares of our common stock are converted into or exchanged for (in whole or in part) common equity securities of another entity, such other entity) has a class of common securities (or ADRs representing such securities) listed on the NYSE, the NYSE AMER or the NASDAQ or listed or quoted on an exchange or quotation system that is a successor to the NYSE, the NYSE AMER or the NASDAQ.

Conversion Rights

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of series C preferred stock will have the right, unless, on or prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem such shares of series C preferred stock as described under “—Redemption” or “—Special Optional Redemption,” to convert some or all of the series C preferred stock held by such holder (the “Change of Control Conversion Right”) on the Change of Control Conversion Date into a number of shares of our common stock per share of series C preferred stock (the “Common Stock Conversion Consideration”), which is equal to the lesser of:

 

   

the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Change of Control Conversion Date is after a record date for a series C preferred stock dividend payment and prior to the corresponding series C preferred stock dividend payment date, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividend will be included in this sum) by (ii) the Common Stock Price (such quotient, the “Conversion Rate”); and

 

   

1.9121 (i.e., the Share Cap).

The Share Cap is subject to pro rata adjustments for any share splits (including those effected pursuant to a distribution of our common stock), subdivisions or combinations (in each case, a “Share Split”) with respect to our common stock as follows: the adjusted Share Cap as the result of a Share Split will be the number of shares of our common stock that is equivalent to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the Share Cap in effect immediately prior to such Share Split by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of our common stock outstanding after giving effect to such Share Split and the denominator of which is the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to such Share Split.

In the case of a Change of Control pursuant to which shares of our common stock will be converted into cash, securities or other property or assets (including any combination thereof) (the “Alternative Form Consideration”), a holder of series C preferred stock will receive upon conversion of such series C preferred stock the kind and amount of Alternative Form Consideration which such holder would have owned or been

 

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entitled to receive upon the Change of Control had such holder held a number of shares of our common stock equal to the Common Stock Conversion Consideration immediately prior to the effective time of the Change of Control (the “Alternative Conversion Consideration,” and the Common Stock Conversion Consideration or the Alternative Conversion Consideration, as may be applicable to a Change of Control, is referred to as the “Conversion Consideration”).

If the holders of our common stock have the opportunity to elect the form of consideration to be received in the Change of Control, the Conversion Consideration will be deemed to be the kind and amount of consideration actually received by holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock that were voted in such an election (if electing between two types of consideration) or holders of a plurality of our common stock that were voted in such an election (if electing between more than two types of consideration), as the case may be, and will be subject to any limitations to which all holders of our common stock are subject, including, without limitation, pro rata reductions applicable to any portion of the consideration payable in the Change of Control.

We will not issue fractional shares of common stock upon the conversion of the series C preferred stock. Instead, we will pay the cash value of such fractional shares based on the common stock price. If more than one share of series C preferred stock is surrendered for conversion at one time by or for the same holder, the number of full shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate number of shares of series C preferred stock so surrendered.

Within 15 days following the occurrence of a Change of Control, we will provide to holders of series C preferred stock a notice of occurrence of the Change of Control that describes the resulting Change of Control Conversion Right. This notice will state the following:

 

   

the events constituting the Change of Control;

 

   

the date of the Change of Control;

 

   

the last date on which the holders of series C preferred stock may exercise their Change of Control Conversion Right;

 

   

the method and period for calculating the Common Stock Price;

 

   

the Change of Control Conversion Date;

 

   

that if, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem all or any portion of the series C preferred stock, holders will not be able to convert shares of series C preferred stock designated for redemption and such shares will be redeemed on the related redemption date, even if such shares have already been tendered for conversion pursuant to the Change of Control Conversion Right;

 

   

if applicable, the type and amount of Alternative Conversion Consideration entitled to be received per share of series C preferred stock;

 

   

the name and address of the paying agent and the conversion agent; and

 

   

the procedures that the holders of series C preferred stock must follow to exercise the Change of Control Conversion Right.

A failure to give such notice or any defect in the notice or in its mailing will not affect the validity of the conversion of any series C preferred stock except as to the holder to whom notice was defective.

We will issue a press release for publication on the Dow Jones & Company, Inc., Business Wire, PR Newswire or Bloomberg Business News (or, if these organizations are not in existence at the time of issuance of the press release, such other news or press organization as is reasonably calculated to broadly disseminate the relevant information to the public), or post notice on our web site, in any event prior to the opening of business on the first business day following any date on which we provide the notice described above to the holders of series C preferred stock.

 

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To exercise the Change of Control Conversion Right, the holders of series C preferred stock will be required to deliver, on or before the close of business on the Change of Control Conversion Date, the certificates (if any) representing series C preferred stock to be converted, duly endorsed for transfer, together with a written conversion notice completed, to our transfer agent. The conversion notice must state:

 

   

the relevant Change of Control Conversion Date;

 

   

the number of shares of series C preferred stock to be converted; and

 

   

that the series C preferred stock is to be converted pursuant to the applicable provisions of the series C preferred stock.

The “Change of Control Conversion Date” is the date the series C preferred stock is to be converted, which will be a business day fixed by us that is no fewer than 20 days nor more than 35 days after the date on which we provide the notice described above to the holders of series C preferred stock.

The “Common Stock Price” will be (i) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of our common stock is solely cash, the amount of cash consideration per share of our common stock or (ii) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by holders of our common stock is other than solely cash (x) the average of the closing sale prices per share of our common stock (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices) for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the Change of Control as reported on the principal U.S. securities exchange on which our common stock is then traded, or (y) the average of the last quoted bid prices for our common stock in the over-the-counter market as reported by OTC Markets Group, Inc. or similar organization for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the Change of Control, if our common stock is not then listed for trading on a U.S. securities exchange.

Holders of series C preferred stock may withdraw any notice of exercise of a Change of Control Conversion Right (in whole or in part) by a written notice of withdrawal delivered to our transfer agent prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date. The notice of withdrawal must state:

 

   

the number of withdrawn shares of series C preferred stock;

 

   

if certificated shares of series C preferred stock have been issued, the certificate numbers of the withdrawn shares of series C preferred stock; and

 

   

the number of shares of series C preferred stock, if any, which remain subject to the conversion notice.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the series C preferred stock is held in global form, the conversion notice and/or the notice of withdrawal, as applicable, must comply with applicable procedures of The Depository Trust Company, or DTC.

The shares of series C preferred stock as to which the Change of Control Conversion Right has been properly exercised and for which the conversion notice has not been properly withdrawn will be converted into the applicable Conversion Consideration in accordance with the Change of Control Conversion Right on the Change of Control Conversion Date, unless, on or prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem such shares of series C preferred stock, whether pursuant to our optional redemption right or our special optional redemption right. If we elect to redeem shares of series C preferred stock that would otherwise be converted into the applicable Conversion Consideration on a Change of Control Conversion Date, such shares of series C preferred stock will not be so converted and the holders of such shares will be entitled to receive on the applicable redemption date $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the redemption date (other than any dividend with a record date before the applicable redemption date and a payment date after the applicable redemption date, which will be paid on

 

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the payment date notwithstanding prior redemption of such shares), in accordance with our optional redemption right or special optional redemption right. See “—Optional Redemption” and “—Special Optional Redemption” above.

We will deliver the applicable Conversion Consideration no later than the third business day following the Change of Control Conversion Date.

In connection with the exercise of any Change of Control Conversion Right, we will comply with all federal and state securities laws and stock exchange rules in connection with any conversion of series C preferred stock into shares of our common stock. Notwithstanding any other provision of the series C preferred stock, no holder of series C preferred stock will be entitled to convert such series C preferred stock into shares of our common stock to the extent that receipt of such common stock would cause such holder (or any other person) to violate the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock contained in our charter, including the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the series C preferred stock, unless we provide an exemption from this limitation for such holder. See “—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” below.

The Change of Control conversion feature may make it more difficult for a party to take over our company or discourage a party from taking over our company. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering—The Change of Control conversion feature may not adequately compensate you and may make it more difficult for a party to take over our company or discourage a party from taking over our company.”

Except as provided above in connection with a Change of Control, the series C preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities or property.

No Maturity, Sinking Fund or Mandatory Redemption

The series C preferred stock has no maturity date and we are not required to redeem the series C preferred stock at any time. Accordingly, the series C preferred stock will remain outstanding indefinitely, unless we decide, at our option, to exercise our redemption right or, under circumstances where the holders of the series C preferred stock have a conversion right, such holders convert the series C preferred stock into our common stock. The series C preferred stock is not subject to any sinking fund.

Limited Voting Rights

Holders of shares of series C preferred stock generally do not have any voting rights, except as set forth below.

If dividends on the series C preferred stock are in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, whether or not consecutive (which we refer to as a preferred dividend default), holders of shares of series C preferred stock and holders of all other classes or series of parity preferred stock with which the holders of series C preferred stock are entitled to vote together as a single class, voting together as a single class, will be entitled to vote for the election of a total of two additional directors to serve on our board of directors (which we refer to as preferred stock directors), until all unpaid dividends for past dividend periods and the then-current divided period with respect to the series C preferred stock have been paid. At such time as holders of our series C preferred stock become entitled to vote in the election of preferred stock directors, the number of directors serving on our board of directors will be increased automatically by two (unless the number of directors has previously been so increased pursuant to the terms of any class or series of any parity preferred stock). The preferred stock directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast in the election of preferred stock directors and each preferred stock director will serve until our next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. The election of preferred stock directors will take place at:

 

   

either a special meeting of our stockholders called for the purpose of electing preferred stock directors upon the written request of holders of at least 10% of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock

 

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and any other class or series of parity preferred stock entitled to vote together as a single class with the holders of series C preferred stock in the election of preferred stock directors or, if this request is received more than 90 days before the date fixed for our next annual meeting of stockholders or special meeting of stockholders at which preferred stock directors are to be elected or, if we receive the request for a special meeting within 90 days before the date fixed for our next annual meeting of stockholders or special meeting of stockholders at which preferred stock directors are to be elected, at such annual or special meeting of stockholders; and

 

   

each subsequent annual meeting (or special meeting at which preferred stock directors are to be elected) until all dividends accumulated on the series C preferred stock have been paid in full for all past dividend periods.

If and when all accumulated dividends on the series C preferred stock for all past dividend periods and the then-current divided period shall have been paid in full, holders of series C preferred stock shall be divested of the voting rights set forth above (subject to re-vesting in the event of each and every preferred dividend default) and, unless outstanding shares of parity preferred stock remain entitled to vote in the election of preferred stock directors, the term of office of such preferred stock directors so elected will terminate and the number of directors will be reduced accordingly.

Any preferred stock director elected by holders of shares of series C preferred stock and any class or series of parity preferred stock may be removed at any time with or without cause by the vote of, and may not be removed otherwise than by the vote of, the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock and any class or series of parity preferred stock then entitled to vote together as a single class in the election of preferred stock directors (voting together as a single class). So long as a preferred dividend default continues, any vacancy in the office of a preferred stock director may be filled by written consent of the preferred stock director remaining in office, or if none remain in office, by a plurality of the votes cast in the election of preferred stock directors. The preferred stock directors shall each be entitled to one vote on any matter before our board of directors.

In addition, so long as any shares of series C preferred stock remain outstanding, we will not, without the consent or the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock and each other class or series of parity preferred stock with which the holders of series C preferred stock are entitled to vote together as a single class on such matter, voting together as a single class:

 

   

authorize, create or issue, or increase the number of authorized or issued number of shares of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the series C preferred stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or reclassify any of our authorized capital stock into any such shares, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such shares; or

 

   

amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our charter, including the terms of the series C preferred stock, whether by merger, consolidation, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our assets or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the series C preferred stock,

except that, with respect to the occurrence of any of the events described in the second bullet point immediately above, so long as the series C preferred stock remains outstanding with the terms of the series C preferred stock materially unchanged, taking into account that, upon the occurrence of an event described in the second bullet point above, we may not be the surviving entity and the surviving entity may not be a corporation, the occurrence of such event will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the series C preferred stock, and in such case such holders shall not have any voting rights with respect to the events described in the second bullet point immediately above. Furthermore, if holders of shares of series C preferred stock receive the greater of the full trading price of the series C preferred stock on the date of

 

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an event described in the second bullet point immediately above or the $25.00 per share liquidation preference plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to (but not including) the date of such event pursuant to the occurrence of any of the events described in the second bullet point immediately above, then such holders shall not have any voting rights with respect to the events described in the second bullet point immediately above. If any event described in the second bullet point above would materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the series C preferred stock disproportionately relative to any other class or series of parity preferred stock, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock, voting as a separate class, will also be required.

Holders of shares of series C preferred stock will not be entitled to vote with respect to any increase in the total number of authorized shares of our common stock or preferred stock, any increase in the number of authorized shares of series C preferred stock or the creation or issuance of any other class or series of capital stock, or any increase in the number of authorized shares of any other class or series of capital stock, in each case ranking on parity with or junior to the series C preferred stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

Holders of shares of series C preferred stock will not have any voting rights with respect to, and the consent of the holders of shares of series C preferred stock is not required for, the taking of any corporate action, including any merger or consolidation involving us or a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, regardless of the effect that such merger, consolidation or sale may have upon the powers, preferences, voting power or other rights or privileges of the series C preferred stock, except as set forth above.

In addition, the voting provisions above will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which the vote would otherwise be required would occur, we have redeemed or called for redemption upon proper procedures all outstanding shares of series C preferred stock.

In any matter in which series C preferred stock may vote together as a single class with holders of all other classes or series of parity preferred stock (as expressly provided in the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the series C preferred stock), each share of series C preferred stock shall be entitled to one vote per $25.00 of liquidation preference. As a result, each share of series C preferred stock will be entitled to one vote.

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, our stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of our stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities such as private foundations) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made).

Our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of shares of our capital stock which are intended to assist us in complying with these requirements and continuing to qualify as a REIT. Upon completion of this offering, our charter will provide that, subject to certain exceptions, no person or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, subject to limited exceptions, more than 9.8% (by value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of series C preferred stock or our common stock or more than 9.8% (by value) of our outstanding capital stock. If any purported transfer of our stock would result in any person violating the ownership limits or the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock set forth in our charter, then that number of shares causing the violation (rounded up to the nearest whole share) will be automatically transferred to, and held by, a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable organizations selected by us. For a further description of the ownership limits and the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of all classes and series of shares of our capital stock, and the treatment of shares transferred to the charitable trust, see “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

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Transfer Agent

The transfer agent and registrar for the series C preferred stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

Book-Entry Procedures

The series C preferred stock will only be issued in the form of global securities held in book-entry form. DTC or its nominee will be the sole registered holder of the series C preferred stock. Owners of beneficial interests in the series C preferred stock represented by the global securities will hold their interests pursuant to the procedures and practices of DTC. As a result, beneficial interests in any such securities will be shown on, and transfers will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC and its direct and indirect participants and any such interest may not be exchanged for certificated securities, except in limited circumstances. Owners of beneficial interests must exercise any rights in respect of other interests, including any right to convert or require repurchase of their interests in the series C preferred stock, in accordance with the procedures and practices of DTC. Beneficial owners will not be holders and will not be entitled to any rights provided to the holders of the series C preferred stock under the global securities or the articles supplementary. We and any of our agents may treat DTC as the sole holder and registered owner of the global securities.

DTC has advised us as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Uniformed Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC facilitates the settlement of transactions amongst participants through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants’ accounts, eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, including the underwriters, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations, some of whom and/or their representatives own DTC. Access to DTC’s book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.

The series C preferred stock, represented by one or more global securities, will be exchangeable for certificated securities with the same terms only if:

 

   

DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days; or

 

   

we decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfer through DTC (or any successor depositary).

 

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SUPPLEMENTAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

This discussion is a supplement to, and is intended to be read together with, the discussions under the heading “Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus. This summary is for general information only and is not tax advice.

The following discussion should follow the discussion under the heading “Federal Income Tax Considerations—Federal Income Tax Considerations for Holders of Our Capital Stock and the Operating Partnership’s Debt Securities—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—Redemption or Repurchase by Us” in the accompanying prospectus:

Conversion of Series C Preferred Stock into Common Stock

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of series C preferred stock will have the right (unless, on or prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem the series C preferred stock) to convert some or all of such holder’s series C preferred stock into shares of our common stock. In the case of a Change of Control pursuant to which our common stock will be converted into the Alternative Form Consideration, each holder of series C preferred stock will receive upon conversion of such series C preferred stock the kind and amount of Alternative Form Consideration which such holder would have owned or been entitled to receive upon the Change of Control had such holder held a number of shares of our common stock equal to the Common Stock Conversion Consideration immediately prior to the effective time of the Change of Control if the holders of our common stock have the opportunity to elect the form of consideration to be received in the Change of Control, subject to certain limitations (see “Description of the Series C Preferred Stock—Conversion Rights” in this prospectus supplement). Except as provided below, a U.S. holder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the conversion of series C preferred stock into shares of our common stock. A U.S. holder’s tax basis and holding period in the shares of common stock received upon conversion generally will be the same as those of the converted series C preferred stock (but the tax basis will be reduced by the portion of the adjusted tax basis allocated to any fractional share of common stock exchanged for cash).

Cash received upon conversion in lieu of a fractional share of common stock generally will be treated as a payment in a taxable exchange for such fractional share of common stock, and gain or loss will be recognized on the receipt of cash in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the adjusted tax basis allocable to the fractional common share deemed exchanged. This gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the series C preferred stock for more than one year. Any common stock received in exchange for accrued and unpaid dividends generally will be treated as a distribution by us, and subject to tax treatment as described in “Federal Income Tax Considerations—Federal Income Tax Considerations for Holders of Our Capital Stock and the Operating Partnership’s Debt Securities—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—Distributions Generally” in the accompanying prospectus.

In addition, if a holder receives the Alternative Conversion Consideration (in lieu of shares of our common stock) in connection with the conversion of the stockholder’s shares of series C preferred stock, the tax treatment of the receipt of any such other consideration will depend on the nature of the consideration and the structure of the transaction that gives rise to the Change of Control, and it may be a taxable exchange. U.S. holders converting their shares of series C preferred stock should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of any such conversion and of the ownership and disposition of the consideration received upon any such conversion.

 

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The following discussion should follow the discussion under the heading “Federal Income Tax Considerations—Federal Income Tax Considerations for Holders of Our Capital Stock and the Operating Partnership’s Debt Securities—Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—Redemption or Repurchase by Us” in the accompanying prospectus:

Conversion of Series C Preferred Stock

See “—Federal Income Tax Considerations for Holders of Our Capital Stock and the Operating Partnership’s Debt Securities—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—Conversion of Series C Preferred Stock into Common Stock” above for a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences to a holder of series C preferred stock upon a conversion of such holder’s series C preferred stock into shares of our common stock or the Alternative Conversion Consideration and any consideration received in respect of accrued and unpaid dividends or fractional shares. Whether or not a non-U.S. holder will recognize gain upon the conversion of series C preferred stock into shares of our common stock will depend on whether the shares of series C preferred stock, and the common stock into which they are converted, constitute USRPIs in the hands of the non-U.S. holder. Any common stock received in exchange for accrued and unpaid dividends generally will be treated as a distribution by us, and subject to tax treatment as described in “—Federal Income Tax Considerations for Holders of Our Capital Stock and the Operating Partnership’s Debt Securities—Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—Distributions Generally” in the accompanying prospectus. Non-U.S. holders converting their shares of series C preferred stock should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of any such conversion and of the ownership and disposition of the consideration received upon any such conversion.

 

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UNDERWRITING

BofA Securities, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC are acting as the representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the number of shares of series C preferred stock set forth opposite its name below.

 

Underwriter

   Number of Shares  

BofA Securities, Inc.

     3,200,000  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

     3,200,000  

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

     3,200,000  

RBC Capital Markets, LLC.

     1,600,000  

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

     1,280,000  

Barclays Capital Inc.

     1,280,000  

Fifth Third Securities, Inc.

     1,280,000  

BMO Capital Markets Corp.

     400,000  

Regions Securities LLC

     400,000  

Samuel A. Ramirez & Company, Inc.

     160,000  
  

 

 

 

Total

     16,000,000  
  

 

 

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.

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

The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and satisfaction of other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officers’ certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part. Sales of shares made outside of the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters.

Commissions and Discounts

The representatives have advised us that the underwriters propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $0.45 per share; provided that the concession will be $0.30 per share for sales to institutions. Any underwriter may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $0.30 per share to other dealers, provided the concession will be $0.20 per share for sales to institutions. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of the offering may be changed.

 

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The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes both no exercise and full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option.

 

     Per Share      Without Option      With Option  

Public offering price

   $ 25.0000    $ 400,000,000.00    $ 460,000,000.00

Underwriting discount(1)

   $ 0.7875      $ 10,195,363.38      $ 12,085,364.38  

Proceeds, before expenses, to us(1)

   $ 24.2125      $ 389,804,635.62      $ 447,914,635.62  

 

(1)

Underwriting commissions of $0.7875 per share (or up to $12,600,000 for all shares of series C preferred stock) will be deducted from the proceeds paid to us by the underwriters. However, the commission are $0.50 per share for sales to institutions and, as a result of sales to institutions with respect to $209,098,750 aggregate principal amount of shares, the underwriting discount decreased, and the total proceeds to us increased by $2,404,635.62, which amounts are reflected in the table above.

The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $350,000 and are payable by us. The expenses include the reasonable fees and disbursements to counsel of the underwriters in connection with filings required by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

Extended Settlement

We expect that delivery of the series C preferred stock will be made against payment thereof on or about November 16, 2021, which will be the seventh business day following the pricing of the series C preferred stock (such settlement cycle being herein referred to as “T + 7”). Under Rule 15c6-1 under the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade series C preferred stock on the date of pricing or the next three succeeding business days will be required, by virtue of the fact that the series C preferred stock initially will settle T + 7, to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the series C preferred stock who wish to trade the series C preferred stock on the date of pricing of the series C preferred stock or the next business day should consult their own advisor.

Over-Allotment Option

We have granted an option to the underwriters, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to 2,400,000 additional shares of series C preferred stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares of series C preferred stock proportionate to that underwriter’s initial amount reflected in the above table.

No Sales of Similar Securities

For a period beginning on the date of this prospectus and through 30 days after the date of this prospectus, we and our operating partnership have agreed that we will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction which is designed to, or would be reasonably be expected to result in the disposition of (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise)), directly or indirectly, including the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, with respect to, any of our preferred securities, or any securities convertible into, or exercisable, or exchangeable for, our preferred securities (in each case, other than shares of series C preferred stock), or publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction, without the prior written consent of BofA Securities, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC.

 

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New York Stock Exchange Listing

Prior to this offering of series C preferred stock, there has been no public market for the series C preferred stock. We intend to submit an application to list the series C preferred stock on the NYSE under the symbol “HPP Pr C”. We will use our commercially reasonable efforts to have the listing application for the series C preferred stock approved. If the application is approved, trading of the series C preferred stock is expected to commence within 30 days after the initial delivery of the series C preferred stock. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the series C preferred stock prior to commencement of any trading on the NYSE, but they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making activities, if commenced, at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market on the NYSE for the series C preferred stock.

Price Stabilization, Short Positions

Until the distribution of the shares is completed, Securities and Exchange Commission rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our series C preferred stock. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that have the effect of stabilizing the price of the series C preferred stock, such as bids or purchases and other activities that fix to peg, fix or maintain that price.

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell our series C preferred stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ over-allotment option described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their over-allotment option to or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. “Naked” short sales are sales in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our series C preferred stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of shares of series C preferred stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters’ purchases to cover the syndicate short sales and other activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our series C preferred stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our series C preferred stock. As a result, the price of our series C preferred stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our series C preferred stock. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Electronic Distribution

In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by electronic means, such as e-mail.

 

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Other Relationships

Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking, lending and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions. For instance, affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., Fifth Third Securities, Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp. and Regions Securities LLC (underwriters in this offering) are lenders under our revolving credit facility. As described above under “Use of Proceeds,” our operating partnership may use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering to repay the borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility. As a result, these affiliates will receive their proportionate share of any amount of our revolving credit facility that is repaid with the net proceeds of this offering.

Associated Investment Services, Inc. (AIS), a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority member, a subsidiary of Associated Banc-Corp, is being paid a referral fee by Samuel A. Ramirez & Company, Inc.

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. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates that have a lending relationship with us routinely 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 series C preferred stock offered hereby. Any such short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the series C preferred stock offered hereby. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. 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.

Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

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 accompanying prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (the “Corporations Act”), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

 

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Any offer in Australia of the shares of series C preferred stock 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 shares of series C preferred stock without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

The shares of series C preferred stock 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 shares of series C preferred stock must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

This prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does 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 accompanying prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

This prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). This prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. The shares of series C preferred stock to which this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relate may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares of common stock offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares of series C preferred stock. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

The shares of series C preferred stock have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares of series C preferred stock has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, 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 of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares of series C preferred stock which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada

The shares of common stock 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

 

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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 shares of series C preferred stock 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 (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.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP and for the underwriters by Hogan Lovells US LLP. Venable LLP will pass upon the validity of the shares of series C preferred stock sold in this offering and certain other matters under Maryland law.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. and Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P. appearing in Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.’s and Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P.’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020, and the effectiveness of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this offering. In addition, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are also available to the public through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s web site www.sec.gov.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The Securities and Exchange Commission allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The incorporated documents contain significant information about us, our business and our finances. Any statement contained in a document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is automatically updated and superseded if information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, or information that we later file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, modifies or replaces this information. We incorporate by reference the following documents we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

 

   

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020;

 

   

our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2021, June  30, 2021 and September 30, 2021;

 

   

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January  29, 2021, February  8, 2021, February  12, 2021, May  25, 2021, June 1, 2021;

 

   

the information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 from our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 1, 2021;

 

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the description of our common stock included in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2010 and any amendment or report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of updating the description; and

 

   

all documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to 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 the offering of the underlying securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement.

To the extent that any information contained in any current report on Form 8-K, or any exhibit thereto, was furnished to, rather than filed with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, such information or exhibit is specifically not incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is delivered, on written or oral request of that person, a copy of any or all of the documents we are incorporating by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, other than exhibits to those documents unless those exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. A written request should be addressed to 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Ninth Floor, Los Angeles, California 90025, Attention: General Counsel.

 

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PROSPECTUS

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

Common Stock,

Preferred Stock,

Depositary Shares,

Warrants,

Purchase Contracts,

Rights,

Units and Guarantees

Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P.

Debt Securities

 

 

We may offer and sell the securities identified above, and the selling securityholders may offer and sell common stock, in each case from time to time in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of our common stock by the selling securityholders.

Each time we or any of the selling securityholders offer and sell securities, we or such selling securityholders will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the offering and, if applicable, the selling securityholders, as well as the amounts, prices and terms of the securities. The supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus with respect to that offering. You should carefully read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement before you invest in any of our securities.

The specific terms of each series or class of the securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and may include limitations on actual or constructive ownership and restrictions on transfer of the securities, in each case as may be appropriate to preserve the status of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for U.S. federal income purposes. The applicable prospectus supplement will also contain information, where applicable, about certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to, and any listing on a securities exchange of, the securities covered by such prospectus supplement.

We may offer and sell the securities described in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, or through a combination of these methods. In addition, the selling securityholders may offer and sell shares of our common stock from time to time, together or separately. If any underwriters, dealers or agents are involved in the sale of any of the securities, 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. See the sections of this prospectus entitled “About this Prospectus” and “Plan of Distribution” for more information. No securities may be sold without delivery of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.

 

 

INVESTING IN OUR SECURITIES INVOLVES RISKS. SEE THE “RISK FACTORS” ON PAGE 5 OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY SIMILAR SECTION CONTAINED IN THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT CONCERNING FACTORS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE INVESTING IN OUR SECURITIES.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol “HPP.” On April 27, 2021, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NYSE was $27.93 per share.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is April 28, 2021.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     1  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION; INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

     2  

THE COMPANY

     4  

RISK FACTORS

     5  

GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES

     6  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     7  

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND RELATED GUARANTEES

     8  

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

     17  

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

     19  

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES

     22  

RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER

     23  

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF HUDSON PACIFIC PROPERTIES, L.P.

     27  

MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF THE COMPANY’S CHARTER AND BYLAWS

     38  

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     45  

GLOBAL SECURITIES

     72  

SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

     75  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     76  

LEGAL MATTERS

     77  

EXPERTS

     77  


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Securities and Exchange Commission, as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, using a “shelf” registration process. By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell securities (including guarantees of debt securities sold by our operating partnership) from time to time and in one or more offerings and the selling securityholders to be named in a supplement to this prospectus may, from time to time, sell common stock from time to time in one or more offerings as described in this prospectus. Each time that we or the selling securityholders offer and sell securities, we or the selling securityholders will provide a prospectus supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the securities being offered and sold and the specific terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus with respect to that offering. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, you should rely on the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, as applicable. Before purchasing any securities, you should carefully read both this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement (and any applicable free writing prospectuses), together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference.”

Neither we, nor the selling securityholders, have authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We and the selling securityholders will not make an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement to this prospectus is accurate as of the date on its respective cover, and that any information incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, unless we indicate otherwise. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

References to the “Company” or the “guarantor” refer to Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation. References to “our operating partnership” or “the operating partnership” refer to Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P., a Maryland limited partnership, of which the Company is the general partner. When we refer to “we,” “our,” “us” and “our company,” we mean the Company, our operating partnership and any of our other subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified. When we refer to “you,” we mean the holders of the applicable series of securities.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION; INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Available Information

The Company and the operating partnership file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by us can be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Room maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission at prescribed rates. Further information on the operation of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. can be obtained by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information about issuers, such as us, that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The address of that web site is http://www.sec.gov.

Our web site address is www.hudsonpacificproperties.com. The information on our web site, however, is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this prospectus.

This prospectus and any prospectus supplement are part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not contain all of the information in the registration statement. The full registration statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission or us, as provided below. Other documents establishing the terms of the offered securities are or may be filed as exhibits to the registration statement. Statements in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement about these documents are summaries and each statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the document to which it refers. You should refer to the actual documents for a more complete description of the relevant matters. You may inspect a copy of the registration statement at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s web site, as provided above.

Incorporation by Reference

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules allow us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, and subsequent information that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission will automatically update and supersede that information. Any statement contained in a previously filed document incorporated by reference will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus modifies or replaces that statement.

We incorporate by reference our documents listed below and any future filings made by Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. and Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P. with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, between the date of this prospectus and the termination of the offering of the securities described in this prospectus. We are not, however, incorporating by reference any documents or portions thereof, whether specifically listed below or filed in the future, that are not deemed “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Compensation Committee report and performance graph or any information furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K or related exhibits furnished pursuant to Item 9.01 of Form 8-K.

This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement incorporate by reference the documents set forth below that have previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

 

   

The Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. and Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P. for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

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The Current Reports on Form 8-K of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. and Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P., filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January  29, 2021, February  8, 2021 and February 12, 2021.

 

   

The portions of the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2021, incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. and Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P. for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

   

The description of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.’s common stock contained in the registration statement on Form 8-A of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 21, 2010 and any amendment or report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of updating the description.

All reports and other documents Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. or Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P. subsequently files pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of this offering but excluding any information furnished to, rather than filed with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, will also be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and deemed to be part of this prospectus from the date of the filing of such reports and documents.

You may request a free copy of any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus (other than exhibits, unless they are specifically incorporated by reference in the documents) by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Ninth Floor, Los Angeles, California 90025

Attention: General Counsel

(310) 445-5700

Exhibits to the filings will not be sent, however, unless those exhibits have specifically been incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

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THE COMPANY

We are a vertically integrated real estate company focused on acquiring, repositioning, developing and operating high-quality office and state-of-the-art studio properties in high-growth, high-barrier-to-entry submarkets throughout Northern and Southern California, the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. We invest across the risk-return spectrum, favoring opportunities where we can employ leasing, capital investment and management expertise to create additional value.

As of December 31, 2020, our portfolio included office properties, comprising an aggregate of approximately 15.6 million square feet, and studio properties, comprising approximately 1.2 million square feet of sound-stage, office and supporting production facilities. We also own undeveloped density rights for approximately 3.2 million square feet of future office and residential space.

The Company is a Maryland corporation that was formed on November 9, 2009, and has elected to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2010. The Company believes that it has operated in a manner that has allowed it to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes commencing with such taxable year, and intends to continue operating in such a manner. The Company conducts substantially all of its business through the operating partnership, of which it serves as the sole general partner.

Our principal executive offices are located at 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Ninth Floor, Los Angeles, California 90025, and our telephone number is (310) 445-5700. Our web site address is www.hudsonpacificproperties.com. The information on, or otherwise accessible through, our web site does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investment in any securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement involves risks. Before acquiring any of such securities, you should carefully consider the risk factors incorporated by reference into the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. and Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P., and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K that Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. or Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P. files after the date of this prospectus, and all other information contained or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as updated by any subsequent filings under the Exchange Act, as well as the risk factors and other information contained or incorporated by reference in the applicable prospectus supplement. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities.

 

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GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. may guarantee debt securities of the operating partnership as described in “Description of Debt Securities and Related Guarantees.” Any such guarantees by Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. will be full, irrevocable, unconditional and absolute joint and several guarantees to the holders of each series of such outstanding guaranteed debt securities. The Company owns all of its assets and conducts all of its operations through the operating partnership and the operating partnership is consolidated into the Company’s financial statements.

In March 2020, the SEC adopted amendments to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X and created Rule 13-01 to simplify disclosure requirements related to certain registered securities. The Company and the operating partnership have filed this prospectus with the SEC registering, among other securities, debt securities of the operating partnership, which will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. As a result of the amendments to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, subsidiary issuers of obligations guaranteed by the parent are no longer required to provide separate financial statements, provided that the subsidiary obligor is consolidated into the parent company’s consolidated financial statements, the parent guarantee is “full and unconditional” and, subject to certain exceptions as set forth below, the alternative disclosure required by Rule 13-01 is provided, which includes narrative disclosure and summarized financial information. Accordingly, separate consolidated financial statements of the operating partnership are not expected to be presented or incorporated by reference for future periods.

Furthermore, as permitted under Rule 13-01(a)(4)(vi) of Regulation S-X, we do not expect to present or incorporate by reference summarized financial information for the operating partnership going forward because the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the operating partnership are not materially different than the corresponding amounts in Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.’s consolidated financial statements that have been and will be incorporated by reference herein, and management believes such summarized financial information would be repetitive and would not provide incremental value to investors.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common stock by the selling securityholders.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND RELATED GUARANTEES

The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes certain general terms and provisions of our operating partnership’s debt securities and related guarantees by the Company, if any, that we may offer under this prospectus. When our operating partnership offers to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a supplement to this prospectus, including the terms of any related guarantees. We will also indicate in the prospectus supplement to what extent the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities. To the extent the information contained in the prospectus supplement differs from this summary description, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

Debt securities may be our operating partnership’s senior, senior subordinated or subordinated obligations and, unless otherwise specified in a supplement to this prospectus, the debt securities will be the direct, unsecured obligations of our operating partnership and may be issued in one or more series.

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be issued under an indenture among our operating partnership, as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. We have summarized select portions of the indenture below. The summary is not complete. We have filed the indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and you should read the indenture and debt securities carefully for provisions that may be important to you. Capitalized terms used in the summary and not defined in this prospectus have the meanings specified in the indenture.

General

The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by the Company, as the sole general partner of our operating partnership, by or pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors of the Company and set forth or determined in the manner provided in such resolutions, in an officer’s certificate or by a supplemental indenture. The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series, including any pricing supplement or term sheet.

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the indenture will designate U.S. Bank National Association as the trustee for the indenture with respect to one or more series of our operating partnership’s debt securities and related guarantees by the Company, if any. U.S. Bank National Association, or any other specified trustee, may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of our debt securities, and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to that series.

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be the direct, unsecured obligations of our operating partnership and may be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. Our operating partnership can issue an unlimited amount of debt securities under the indenture that may be in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will set forth in a prospectus supplement, including any pricing supplement or term sheet, relating to any series of debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount and the following terms of the debt securities, to the extent applicable:

 

   

the title and ranking of the debt securities (including the terms of any subordination provisions),

 

   

the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) at which we will sell the debt securities,

 

   

any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities,

 

   

the date or dates on which the principal on the debt securities is payable,

 

   

the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum or the method used to determine the rate or rates (including any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index) at which the debt securities will bear interest, the date or dates from which interest will accrue, the date or

 

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dates on which interest will commence and be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date,

 

   

the place or places where principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt securities will be payable, the method of such payment, where debt securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to us relating to the debt securities may be delivered,

 

   

the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which we may redeem the debt securities,

 

   

any obligation we have to redeem or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder of debt securities and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which the debt securities shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation,

 

   

the dates on which and the price or prices at which we will repurchase debt securities at the option of the holders of debt securities and other detailed terms and provisions of these repurchase obligations,

 

   

the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof,

 

   

whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of certificated debt securities or global debt securities,

 

   

the portion of principal amount of the debt securities payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date, if other than the principal amount,

 

   

the currency of denomination of the debt securities, which may be U.S. dollars or any foreign currency, and if such currency of denomination is a composite currency, the agency or organization, if any, responsible for overseeing such composite currency,

 

   

the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt securities will be made,

 

   

if payments of principal of, or any premium or interest on, the debt securities will be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which the debt securities are denominated, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to these payments will be determined,

 

   

the manner in which the amounts of payment of principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt securities will be determined, if these amounts may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies other than that in which the debt securities are denominated or designated to be payable or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index,

 

   

any provisions relating to any security provided for the debt securities,

 

   

any addition to, deletion of or change in the Events of Default (as defined below) described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities and any change in the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities,

 

   

any addition to, deletion of or change in the covenants described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities,

 

   

any other terms of the debt securities, which may supplement, modify or delete any provision of the indenture as it applies to that series, including any terms that may be required under applicable law or regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of the securities,

 

   

a discussion of any additional material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to an investment in the debt securities,

 

   

any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents with respect to the debt securities,

 

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whether the debt securities are exchangeable for, or convertible into, any other securities,

 

   

whether the debt securities will be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and, if applicable, a description of the subordination terms thereof, and

 

   

whether the debt securities are entitled to the benefits of the guarantee of any guarantor, and whether any such guarantee is made on a senior or subordinated basis and, if applicable, a description of the subordination terms of any such guarantee.

Our operating partnership may issue debt securities that provide for an amount less than their stated principal amount to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you with information on the other special considerations applicable to any of these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

If our operating partnership denominates the purchase price of any of the debt securities in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the principal of, and any premium and interest on, any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, we will provide you with information on the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to that issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Transfer and Exchange

Each debt security will be represented by either one or more global securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, or the Depositary or DTC, or a nominee of the Depositary (we will refer to any debt security represented by a global debt security as a “book-entry debt security”), or a certificate issued in definitive registered form (we will refer to any debt security represented by a certificated security as a “certificated debt security”) as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as otherwise set forth in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement, book-entry debt securities will not be issuable in certificated form.

Certificated Debt Securities. You may transfer or exchange certificated debt securities at any office we maintain for this purpose in accordance with the terms of the indenture. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with a transfer or exchange.

You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and the right to receive the principal of, and any premium and interest on, certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing those certificated debt securities and either reissuance by us or the trustee of the certificate to the new holder or the issuance by us or the trustee of a new certificate to the new holder.

Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System. Each global debt security representing book-entry debt securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary.

No Protection in the Event of a Change of Control

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions that may afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control) that could adversely affect holders of debt securities.

Covenants

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

 

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Merger, Consolidation or Sale

Our operating partnership may not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to, any person (such person, a successor person), unless:

(1) our operating partnership is the surviving entity or the successor person (if other than our operating partnership) is a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity organized and validly existing under the laws of any U.S. domestic jurisdiction and expressly assumes our operating partnership’s obligations on the debt securities or under the indenture;

(2) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Default or Event of Default, has occurred and is continuing; and

(3) if our operating partnership is not the successor person, then each guarantor of the debt securities, unless it has become the successor person, confirms that its guarantee will continue to apply to the obligations under the debt securities and the indenture to the same extent as prior to such merger, conveyance, transfer or lease, as applicable.

Our operating partnership must deliver to the trustee prior to the consummation of the proposed transaction an officers’ certificate to the foregoing effect and an opinion of counsel stating that the proposed transaction and any supplemental indenture comply with the indenture.

In the event of any transaction described in and complying with the conditions listed in the immediately preceding paragraphs in which our operating partnership and/or the Company are not the continuing entity, the successor person formed or remaining shall succeed, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of ours, and our operating partnership and/or the Company shall be discharged from our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture.

Events of Default

The following events constitute Events of Default, unless otherwise provided by resolution of the board of directors, supplemental indenture or officer’s certificate:

 

  (a)

default in the payment of any interest on any debt security when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days (unless the entire amount of such payment is deposited by our operating partnership with the trustee or with a paying agent prior to 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the 30th day of such period);

 

  (b)

default in the payment of principal of any debt security at maturity;

 

  (c)

default in the performance or breach of any covenant or warranty of our operating partnership under the indenture (other than defaults pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) above or pursuant to a covenant or warranty that has been included in the indenture solely for the benefit of a series of securities other than that series), which default continues uncured for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to our operating partnership by the trustee or to our operating partnership and the trustee by the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a notice of default;

 

  (d)

our operating partnership, pursuant to or within the meaning of any bankruptcy law, (i) commences a voluntary case, (ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case, (iii) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property, (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or (v) generally is unable to pay its debts as the same become due; or

 

  (e)

a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any bankruptcy law that: (i) is for relief against our operating partnership in an involuntary case, (ii) appoints a custodian of our operating

 

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  partnership or for all or substantially all of its property, or (iii) orders the liquidation of our operating partnership, and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days; or

 

  (f)

any other Event of Default provided with respect to debt securities of that series, which is specified in a resolution of the board of directors, a supplemental indenture to the indenture or an officers’ certificate, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the indenture.

“Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

No Event of Default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence of certain Events of Default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain of our or our subsidiaries’ indebtedness outstanding from time to time.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any Series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing (other than an Event of Default referred to in provisions (d) or (e) above), then in every such case the trustee or the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if any securities of that series are discount securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such debt securities) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to our operating partnership (and to the trustee if given by holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in provisions (d) or (e) above will occur, the principal amount (or specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding debt securities will ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of that series, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an Event of Default.

The indenture provides that the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture unless the trustee receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any cost, liability or expense that might be incurred by it in exercising such right or power. Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series.

No holder of any debt security shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

 

  (a)

such holder has previously given written notice to the trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of;

 

  (b)

the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities have made written request to the trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as trustee;

 

  (c)

such holder or holders have offered to the trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to the trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by the trustee in compliance with such request;

 

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  (d)

the trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

 

  (e)

no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the trustee during such 60-day period by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities.

Notwithstanding any other provision in the indenture, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of and interest , if any, on, that debt security on or after the due dates expressed in that debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment.

The indenture requires us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, to furnish to the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture. If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the debt securities of any series and if it is known to a responsible officer of the trustee, the trustee shall mail to each holder of the debt securities of that series notice of a Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any Default or Event of Default (except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt securities of that series if the trustee determines in good faith that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities.

Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances

Legal Defeasance. The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series (subject to certain exceptions). We will be so discharged upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. dollars, money and/or Foreign Government Obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency, that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants or investment bank to pay and discharge each installment of principal of and interest on, if any, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities.

This discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred.

Defeasance of Certain Covenants. The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, upon compliance with certain conditions:

 

   

we may omit to comply with the covenant described under the heading “Merger, Consolidation or Sale” and certain other covenants set forth in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants that may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and

 

   

any omission to comply with those covenants will not constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of that series, or covenant defeasance.

The conditions include:

 

   

depositing with the trustee money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. dollars, money and/or Foreign Government Obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency, that, through the

 

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payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants or investment bank to pay and discharge each installment of principal of and interest , if any, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities, and

 

   

delivering to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and related covenant defeasance and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related covenant defeasance had not occurred.

Covenant Defeasance and Events of Default. In the event we exercise our option to effect covenant defeasance with respect to any series of debt securities and the debt securities of that series are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any Event of Default, the amount of money and/or U.S. government obligations or money and/or Foreign Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the acceleration resulting from the Event of Default. In such a case, we would remain liable for those payments.

“Foreign Government Obligations” means, with respect to debt securities of any series that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged and which are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights or registration of transfer or exchange of the debt securities, as expressly provided for in the indenture) as to all outstanding debt securities when:

 

   

either:

 

   

all the debt securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or destroyed debt securities which have been replaced or paid) have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation; or

 

   

all debt securities not theretofore delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable or will become due and payable at their maturity within one year, have been called for redemption or are to be called for redemption within one year, or are deemed paid and discharged pursuant to the legal defeasance provisions of the indenture, and our operating partnership has irrevocably deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the trustee as trust funds in trust cash or noncallable U.S. government obligations in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such debt securities not theretofore delivered to the trustee for cancellation, for principal and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of debt securities which have become due and payable) or to the maturity date or redemption date, as the case may be;

 

   

our operating partnership has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable under the indenture by our operating partnership; and

 

   

our operating partnership has delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture have been complied with.

Modification, Waiver and Meetings

Our operating partnership and the trustee may modify and amend the indenture or the debt securities of any series without the consent of any holder of any debt security:

 

   

to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency,

 

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to comply with covenants in the indenture described above under the heading “Merger, Consolidation or Sale,”

 

   

to provide for uncertificated securities in addition to or in place of certificated securities,

 

   

to surrender any of our rights or powers under the indenture,

 

   

to add covenants or events of default for the benefit of the holders of debt securities of any series,

 

   

to comply with the applicable procedures of the applicable depositary,

 

   

to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of debt securities,

 

   

to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of debt securities of any series as permitted by the indenture,

 

   

to effect the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the debt securities of any series and to add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture to provide for or facilitate administration by more than one trustee,

 

   

to comply with requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act,

 

   

to reflect the release of a guarantor of the debt securities in accordance with the terms of the indenture, or

 

   

to add guarantors with respect to any or all of the debt securities or to secure any or all of the debt securities or the guarantees.

Our operating partnership may also modify and amend the indenture with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modifications or amendments. Our operating partnership may not make any modification or amendment without the consent of the holders of each affected debt security then outstanding if that amendment will:

 

   

reduce the principal amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver,

 

   

reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest (including default interest) on any debt security,

 

   

reduce the principal or change the fixed maturity of, any debt security, or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation with respect to any series of debt securities,

 

   

reduce the principal amount of discount securities payable upon acceleration of maturity,

 

   

waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on any debt security (except a rescission of acceleration of the debt securities of any series by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration),

 

   

make the principal of or interest, if any, on any debt security payable in any currency other than that stated in the debt security,

 

   

make any change to certain provisions of the indenture relating to, among other things, the right of holders of debt securities to receive payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on those debt securities and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and to waivers or amendments,

 

   

waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt security, or

 

   

if the debt securities of that series are entitled to the benefit of a guarantee, release any guarantor of such series other than as provided in the indenture or modify the guarantee in any manner adverse to the holders.

 

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Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all of the debt securities of such series waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, or any premium or interest on, any debt security of that series; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from the acceleration.

Regarding the Trustee

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, U.S. Bank National Association will initially act as the trustee, registrar and paying agent for the debt securities, subject to replacement at our operating partnership’s option as provided in the indenture.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be required to use the same degree of care and skill a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of its own affairs. The trustee will become obligated to exercise any of its powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of the required percentage under the indenture only after those holders have offered the trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it.

If the trustee becomes one of our creditors, it will be subject to limitations on its rights to obtain payment of claims or to realize on some property received for any such claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions with our operating partnership. If, however, it acquires any conflicting interest, it must eliminate that conflict or resign.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees or Stockholders

No director, officer, employee, or stockholder will have any liability for any of our obligations or those of our operating partnership under the debt securities, the indenture, any guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of debt securities by accepting a note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the debt securities. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Governing Law

The indenture, the debt securities and the guarantees will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

General

This prospectus describes the general terms of the Company’s common stock. For a more detailed description of these securities, you should read the applicable provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, and the Company’s charter and bylaws. When we offer to sell a particular class or series of stock, we will describe the specific terms of such class or series in a prospectus supplement. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of any class or series of stock, you must refer to both the prospectus supplement relating to that class or series and the description of stock in this prospectus. To the extent the information contained in the prospectus supplement differs from this summary description, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

The Company’s charter provides that the Company may issue up to 490 million shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, or common stock. The Company’s charter authorizes its board of directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire board and without any action by the Company’s stockholders, to amend the Company’s charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or, subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of the Company’s stock, the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Company has the authority to issue. As of April 27, 2021, 150,761,797 shares of the Company’s common stock were issued and outstanding and no shares of the Company’s preferred stock were issued and outstanding.

Under Maryland law, stockholders generally are not personally liable for the Company’s debts or obligations solely as a result of their status as stockholders.

Subject to the preferential rights of holders of any class or series of the Company’s stock that may be issued in the future, and to the provisions of the Company’s charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock, holders of shares of the Company’s common stock are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions on such shares if, as and when authorized by the Company’s board of directors out of funds legally available therefor and declared by the Company, and to share ratably in the Company’s assets legally available for distribution to the Company’s stockholders in the event of the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up, after payment or establishment of reserves for all known debts and liabilities of the Company.

Subject to the provisions of the Company’s charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock and except as may otherwise be specified in the terms of any class or series of the Company’s stock that may be issued in the future, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors, and the holders of shares of the Company’s common stock will possess the exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of the Company’s directors. In uncontested elections, directors are elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes cast “for” and “against” each director nominee. In contested elections, directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. See “Material Provisions of Maryland Law and of The Company’s Charter and Bylaws—The Company’s Board of Directors.”

Holders of shares of the Company’s common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund or redemption rights, and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any securities of the Company. The Company’s charter provides that the Company’s stockholders generally have no appraisal rights unless the Company’s board of directors determines prospectively that appraisal rights will apply to one or more transactions in which holders of the Company’s common stock would otherwise be entitled to exercise appraisal rights. Subject to the provisions of the Company’s charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock, holders of shares of the Company’s common stock will have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights.

Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, consolidate, convert into another type of entity, sell all or substantially all of its assets or engage in a statutory share exchange unless declared advisable by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled

 

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to cast at least two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the corporation’s charter. The Company’s charter provides for the approval of these matters by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, except that the approval of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast is required to remove a director or to amend the removal provisions of the Company’s charter or the vote required to amend such provisions. Maryland law also permits a corporation to transfer all or substantially all of its assets without the approval of its stockholders to an entity all of the equity interests of which are owned, directly or indirectly, by the corporation. Because the Company’s operating assets may be held by our operating partnership or its wholly owned subsidiaries, these subsidiaries may be able to merge or transfer all or substantially all of such assets without the approval of the Company’s stockholders.

The Company’s charter authorizes the Company’s board of directors to reclassify any unissued shares of the Company’s common stock into other classes or series of stock, to establish the designation and number of shares of each such class or series and to set, subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of the Company’s stock and the provisions of the Company’s charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of each such class or series.

Power to Increase or Decrease Authorized Shares of Common Stock and Issue Additional Shares of Common Stock

We believe that the power of the Company’s board of directors to amend the Company’s charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of common stock, to authorize the Company to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of the Company’s common stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of the Company’s common stock and thereafter to cause the Company to issue such classified or reclassified shares will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise. Additional classes or series of common stock, as well as the additional authorized shares of common stock, will be available for issuance without further action by the Company’s stockholders unless such action is required by the terms of any class or series of the Company’s stock that may be issued in the future or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s securities may be listed or traded. Although the Company’s board of directors does not currently intend to do so, it could authorize the Company to issue a class or series of stock that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of the Company that might involve a premium price for the Company’s common stock or that the Company’s common stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interests. See “Material Provisions of Maryland Law and of The Company’s Charter and Bylaws—Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of The Company’s Charter and Bylaws.”

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

To assist us in complying with certain federal income tax requirements applicable to REITs, the Company’s charter contains certain restrictions relating to the ownership and transfer of the Company’s common stock. See “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for the Company’s shares of common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

General

This prospectus describes the general terms of the Company’s preferred stock. For a more detailed description of these securities, you should read the applicable provisions of the MGCL and the Company’s charter and bylaws. When the Company offers to sell a particular class or series of preferred stock, the Company will describe the specific terms of the series in a prospectus supplement. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, you must refer to both the prospectus supplement relating to that class or series and the description of preferred stock in this prospectus. To the extent the information contained in the prospectus supplement differs from this summary description, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

The Company’s charter provides that the Company may issue up to 10 million shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, or preferred stock. The Company’s charter authorizes the Company’s board of directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire board and without any action by the Company’s stockholders, to amend the Company’s charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or, subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of the Company’s stock, the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Company has the authority to issue. As of April 27, 2021, no shares of the Company’s preferred stock were outstanding.

The Company’s charter authorizes the Company’s board of directors to classify any unissued shares of preferred stock and to reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of preferred stock into one or more classes or series of stock. Prior to issuance of shares of each new class or series, the Company’s board of directors is required by the MGCL and the Company’s charter to set, subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of the Company’s stock and the provisions of the Company’s charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of each such class or series. As a result, the Company’s board of directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock that have priority over shares of the Company’s common stock with respect to dividends, distributions or rights upon liquidation or with other terms or conditions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control of the Company that might involve a premium price for the Company’s common stock or that the Company’s common stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interests.

The specific terms of a particular class or series of preferred stock will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that class or series, including a prospectus supplement providing that preferred stock may be issuable upon the exercise of warrants the Company issues. The description of preferred stock set forth below and the description of the terms of a particular class or series of preferred stock set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the articles supplementary relating to that class or series.

Under Maryland law, stockholders generally are not personally liable for the Company’s debts or obligations solely as a result of their status as stockholders.

The preferences and other terms of each class or series of preferred stock will be fixed by the articles supplementary relating to such class or series. A prospectus supplement relating to each class or series will describe the terms of the class or series of preferred stock as follows:

 

   

the designation and par value of such class or series of preferred stock,

 

   

the number of shares of such class or series of preferred stock authorized and offered, the liquidation preference per share and the offering price of such class or series of preferred stock,

 

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the dividend rate(s), period(s), and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to such class or series of preferred stock,

 

   

whether dividends on such class or series of preferred stock are cumulative or not and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends on such class or series of preferred stock shall accumulate,

 

   

the provision for a sinking fund, if any, for such class or series of preferred stock,

 

   

the provision for redemption, if applicable, of such class or series of preferred stock,

 

   

any listing of such class or series of preferred stock on any securities exchange,

 

   

the preemptive rights, if any, of such class or series of preferred stock,

 

   

the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which shares of such class or series of preferred stock will be convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock or shares of any other class or series of the Company’s stock, including the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof),

 

   

a discussion of any additional material federal income tax considerations applicable to an investment in such class or series of preferred stock,

 

   

any limitations on actual, beneficial and constructive ownership and restrictions on transfer, in each case as may be appropriate to preserve the status of the Company as a REIT,

 

   

the relative ranking and preferences of such class or series of preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company,

 

   

any limitations on issuance of any class or series of stock ranking senior to or on a parity with such class or series of preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company,

 

   

any voting rights of such class or series of preferred stock, and

 

   

any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions of such class or series of preferred stock.

Rank

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, rank: (1) senior to all classes or series of the Company’s common stock, and to any other class or series of the Company’s stock expressly designated as ranking junior to the preferred stock; (2) on parity with any class or series of the Company’s stock expressly designated as ranking on parity with the preferred stock; and (3) junior to any other class or series of the Company’s stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the preferred stock.

Conversion Rights

The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any shares of any class or series of preferred stock are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock or shares of any other class or series of the Company’s stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of the Company’s common stock or the number of shares of such other class or series of the Company’s stock into which the shares of preferred stock are convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of such 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 such class or series of preferred stock.

Power to Increase or Decrease Authorized Preferred Stock and Issue Additional Shares of The Company’s Preferred Stock

We believe that the power of the Company’s board of directors to amend the Company’s charter to increase

 

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or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of preferred stock, to authorize the Company to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of the Company’s preferred stock in one or more classes or series and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of the Company’s preferred stock and thereafter to cause the Company to issue such classified or reclassified shares will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise. Additional classes or series of preferred stock, as well as the additional authorized shares of preferred stock, will be available for issuance without further action by the Company’s stockholders unless such action is required by the terms of any class or series of the Company’s stock that may be issued in the future or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s securities may be listed or traded. Although the Company’s board of directors does not currently intend to do so, it could authorize the Company to issue a class or series of stock that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of the Company that might involve a premium price for the Company’s preferred stock or that the Company’s preferred stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interests. See “Material Provisions of Maryland Law and of The Company’s Charter and Bylaws—Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and The Company’s Charter and Bylaws.”

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

To assist us in complying with certain federal income tax requirements applicable to REITs, the Company’s charter contains certain restrictions relating to the ownership and transfer of the Company’s preferred stock. We expect that similar restrictions with respect to any class or series offered pursuant to this prospectus will be set forth in the articles supplementary for such class or series. The applicable prospectus supplement will specify any additional ownership limitation relating to such class or series. See “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for the Company’s shares of preferred stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement a description of any depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts, rights, units or guarantees issued by the Company that may be offered and sold pursuant to this prospectus.

 

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RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER

The following summary with respect to restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Company’s charter documents to which any prospectus supplement may relate. This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company’s charter documents, as amended and supplemented from time to time, including any articles supplementary relating to any class or series of preferred stock offered and sold pursuant to this prospectus. Copies of the Company’s existing charter documents are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Any amendment or supplement to the Company’s charter documents relating to an issuance of securities pursuant to this prospectus shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and shall be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the applicable prospectus supplement. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by reference.”

In order for the Company to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, the Company’s stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of the Company’s stock (after taking into account certain options to acquire shares of stock) may be owned, directly, indirectly or through attribution, by five or fewer individuals (for this purpose, 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) at any time during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made).

The Company’s charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of the Company’s common stock and capital stock that are intended to assist the Company in complying with these requirements and continuing to qualify as a REIT. The relevant sections of the Company’s charter provide that, subject to the exceptions described below, no person or entity may actually or beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, excluding any shares of common stock that are not treated as outstanding for federal income tax purposes, or more than 9.8% (in value) of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of the Company’s capital stock. We refer to each of these restrictions as an “ownership limit” and collectively as the “ownership limits.” A person or entity that would have acquired actual, beneficial or constructive ownership of the Company’s stock but for the application of the ownership limits or any of the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock discussed below is referred to as a “prohibited owner.”

The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of the Company’s common stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, the Company’s common stock) by an individual or entity could, nevertheless, cause that individual or entity, or another individual or entity, to own constructively in excess of 9.8% in value or in number of shares (whichever is more restrictive) of the Company’s outstanding common stock, and thereby violate the applicable ownership limit.

The Company’s board of directors may, in its sole and absolute discretion, prospectively or retroactively, waive one or more of the ownership limits with respect to a particular person if, among other limitations, it:

 

   

determines that such waiver will not cause any individual (for this purpose, 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

 

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a qualified pension plan or profit sharing trust) to own, actually or beneficially, more than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of all classes or series of the Company’s capital stock; and

 

   

determines that, subject to certain exceptions, such person does not and will not own, actually or constructively, an interest in a tenant of ours (or a tenant of any entity owned in whole or in part by us) that would cause the Company to own, actually or constructively, more than a 9.9% interest (as set forth in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code) in such tenant.

As a condition of such waiver, the Company’s board of directors may require an opinion of counsel or IRS ruling satisfactory to the Company’s board of directors in its sole and absolute discretion in order to determine or ensure the Company’s status as a REIT or such representations and/or undertakings as are reasonably necessary to make the determinations above. The Company’s board of directors may impose such conditions or restrictions as it deems appropriate in connection with such an exception.

In connection with a waiver of an ownership limit or at any other time, the Company’s board of directors may increase or decrease one or more of the ownership limits, except that a decreased ownership limit will not be effective for any person whose actual, beneficial or constructive ownership of the Company’s stock exceeds the decreased ownership limit at the time of the decrease until the person’s actual, beneficial or constructive ownership of the Company’s stock equals or falls below the decreased ownership limit, although any further acquisition of the Company’s stock will violate the decreased ownership limit. The Company’s board of directors may not increase or decrease any ownership limit if the new ownership limit would allow five or fewer persons to actually or beneficially own more than 49% in value of the Company’s outstanding stock or could cause the Company to be “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise cause the Company to fail to qualify as a REIT.

The Company’s charter further prohibits:

 

   

any person from actually, beneficially or constructively owning shares of the Company’s capital stock that could result in the Company being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise cause the Company to fail to qualify as a REIT; and

 

   

any person from transferring shares of the Company’s capital stock if such transfer would result in shares of the Company’s capital stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution).

Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire actual, beneficial or constructive ownership of shares of the Company’s stock that will or may violate the ownership limits or any of the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock described above must give written notice immediately to the Company or, in the case of a proposed or attempted transaction, provide the Company at least 15 days prior notice, and provide the Company with such other information as the Company may request in order to determine the effect of such transfer on the Company’s status as a REIT.

The ownership limits and other restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock described above will not apply if the Company’s board of directors determines that it is no longer in the Company’s best interest to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT or that compliance with one or more of the restrictions or limitations on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock is no longer required in order for the Company to qualify as a REIT.

Pursuant to the Company’s charter, if any purported transfer of the Company’s stock or any other event would otherwise result in any person violating the ownership limits or such other limit established by the Company’s board of directors, or could result in the Company being “closely held” within the meaning of

 

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Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then the number of shares causing the violation (rounded up to the nearest whole share) will be automatically transferred to, and held by, a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable organizations selected by the Company. The prohibited owner will have no rights in shares of the Company’s stock held by the trustee. The automatic transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of the violative transfer or other event that results in the transfer to the trust. Any dividend or other distribution paid to the prohibited owner, prior to the Company’s discovery that the shares had been automatically transferred to a trust as described above, must be repaid to the trustee upon demand. If the transfer to the trust as described above is not automatically effective, for any reason, to prevent violation of the applicable ownership limit or the Company being “closely held” (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then the transfer of the number of shares that otherwise would cause any person to violate the above restrictions will be void. If any transfer of the Company’s stock would result in shares of the Company’s stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution), then any such purported transfer will be void and of no force or effect and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in the shares.

Shares of the Company’s stock transferred to the trustee are deemed offered for sale to the Company, or the Company’s designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (1) the price per share paid by the prohibited owner for the shares (or, if the prohibited owner did not give value in connection with the transfer or other event that resulted in the transfer to the trust (e.g., a gift, devise or other such transaction), the last sale price reported on the NYSE on the day of the transfer or other event that resulted in the transfer of such shares to the trust) and (2) the last sale price reported on the NYSE on the date the Company, or the Company’s designee, accepts such offer. The Company must reduce the amount payable to the prohibited owner by the amount of dividends and distributions paid to the prohibited owner and owed by the prohibited owner to the trustee. The Company will pay the amount of such reduction to the trustee for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary. The Company has the right to accept such offer until the trustee has sold the shares of the stock of the Company held in the trust. Upon a sale to the Company, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold terminates and the trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the prohibited owner and any dividends or other distributions held by the trustee with respect to such stock must be paid to the charitable beneficiary.

If the Company does not buy the shares, the trustee must, within 20 days of receiving notice from the Company of the transfer of shares to the trust, sell the shares to a person or persons, designated by the trustee, who could own the shares without violating the ownership limits or other restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock. Upon such sale, the trustee must distribute to the prohibited owner an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the prohibited owner for the shares (or, if the prohibited owner did not give value in connection with the transfer or other event that resulted in the transfer to the trust (e.g., a gift, devise or other such transaction), the last sale price reported on the NYSE on the day of the event that resulted in the transfer of such shares to the trust) and (2) the sales proceeds (net of commissions and other expenses of sale) received by the trustee for the shares. The trustee must reduce the amount payable to the prohibited owner by the amount of dividends and other distributions paid to the prohibited owner and owed by the prohibited owner to the trustee. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the prohibited owner will be immediately paid to the charitable beneficiary, together with any dividends or other distributions thereon. In addition, if, prior to discovery by the Company that shares of its stock have been transferred to the trustee, such shares of stock are sold by a prohibited owner, then such shares shall be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the trust and, to the extent that the prohibited owner received an amount for or in respect of such shares that exceeds the amount that such prohibited owner was entitled to receive, such excess amount must be paid to the trustee upon demand.

The trustee will be designated by the Company and will be unaffiliated with the Company and with any prohibited owner. Prior to the sale of any shares by the trust, the trustee will receive, in trust for the charitable beneficiary, all dividends and other distributions paid by the Company with respect to such shares, and may exercise all voting rights with respect to such shares for the exclusive benefit of the charitable beneficiary.

 

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Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the trust, the trustee will have the authority, at the trustee’s sole discretion:

 

   

to rescind as void any vote cast by a prohibited owner prior to the Company’s discovery that the shares have been transferred to the trust; and

 

   

to recast the vote in accordance with the desires of the trustee acting for the benefit of the beneficiary of the trust.

However, if the Company has already taken irreversible corporate action, then the trustee may not rescind and recast the vote.

If the Company’s board of directors or a committee thereof determines in good faith that a proposed transfer or other event has taken place that violates the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock set forth in the Company’s charter, the Company’s board of directors or such committee may take such action as it deems advisable in its sole discretion to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such transfer, including, but not limited to, causing the company to redeem shares of stock, refusing to give effect to the transfer on the Company’s books or instituting proceedings to enjoin the transfer.

Every owner of 5% or more (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s stock, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, must give written notice to the Company stating the name and address of such owner, the number of shares of each class and series of the Company’s stock that the owner beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which the shares are held. Each such owner also must provide the Company with any additional information that the Company may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of the person’s actual or beneficial ownership on the Company’s status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limits. In addition, any person that is an actual, beneficial or constructive owner of shares of the Company’s stock and any person (including the stockholder of record) who is holding shares of the Company’s stock for an actual, beneficial or constructive owner must, on request, disclose to the Company such information as the Company may request in good faith in order to determine the Company’s status as a REIT and comply with requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or determine such compliance.

Any certificates representing shares of the Company’s stock will bear a legend referring to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock described above.

These restrictions on ownership and transfer could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of the Company that might involve a premium price for the Company’s stock that the Company’s stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interest.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF HUDSON PACIFIC PROPERTIES, L.P.

We have summarized the material terms and provisions of the Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P., which we refer to as the “partnership agreement.” This summary is not complete. For more detail, you should refer to the partnership agreement itself, a copy of which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is part. For purposes of this section, references to “we,” “our,” “us,” “our company” and the “general partner” refer to Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. in its capacity as the general partner of our operating partnership.

General

All of the Company’s assets are held by, and substantially all of the Company’s operations are conducted through, our operating partnership, either directly or through subsidiaries. The Company is the general partner of our operating partnership, and, as of April 27, 2021, the Company owns approximately 98.7% of the outstanding common units in our operating partnership.

Certain persons who contributed interests in properties and/or other assets pursuant to the formation transactions related to the Company’s initial public offering received common units of partnership interest in our operating partnership or 6.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Partnership Units of partnership interest in our operating partnership, which we refer to as common units and series A preferred units, respectively. Holders of common units are generally entitled to share in cash distributions from, and in the profits and losses of, our operating partnership in proportion to their respective percentage interests of common units if and to the extent authorized by us and subject to the preferential rights of holders of outstanding preferred units, including series A preferred units. Series A preferred units rank senior to any other partnership interest and holders of series A units are entitled to receive preferential cash distributions, a liquidation preference in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of our operating partnership (but only to the extent consistent with a liquidation in accordance with positive capital account balances), as well as certain conversion and redemption rights as described below in “—Material Terms of The Company’s Series A Preferred Units.” Our operating partnership is also authorized to issue classes of partnership units designated as LTIP units and performance units, respectively, each having the terms described below. The units in our operating partnership are not listed on any exchange or quoted on any national market system.

Provisions in the partnership agreement could discourage third parties from making proposals involving an unsolicited acquisition of the Company or change of control of the Company, although some stockholders might consider such proposals, if made, desirable. These provisions also make it more difficult for third parties to alter the management structure of our operating partnership without the concurrence of the Company’s board of directors. These provisions include, among others:

 

   

redemption rights of qualifying parties;

 

   

transfer restrictions on units, including the Company’s common units;

 

   

the Company’s ability, as general partner, in some cases, to amend the partnership agreement and to cause the partnership to issue preferred units with terms that the Company, in the Company’s capacity as the general partner of our operating partnership, may determine, without the consent of the limited partners;

 

   

the right of the limited partners to consent to transfers of the Company’s general partnership interest and mergers under specified circumstances; and

 

   

restrictions on debt levels and equity requirements pursuant to the terms of the Company’s series A preferred units, as well as required distributions to holders of series A preferred units of our operating partnership, following certain changes of control of the Company.

 

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Purposes, Business and Management

The purpose of our operating partnership includes the conduct of any business, enterprise or activity permitted by or under the Maryland Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act. Our operating partnership may enter into partnerships, joint ventures or similar arrangements and may own interests in any other entity. However, our operating partnership may not, without the Company’s consent, take, or refrain from taking, any action that, in the Company’s judgment, in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion:

 

   

could adversely affect the Company’s ability to continue to qualify as a REIT;

 

   

could subject the Company to any taxes under Code Section 857 or Code Section 4981 or any other related or successor provision under the Code; or

 

   

could violate any law or regulation of any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over us, the Company’s securities or our operating partnership.

In general, the Company’s board of directors manages the business and affairs of our operating partnership by directing the Company’s business and affairs, in the Company’s capacity as the general partner of our operating partnership.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in the partnership agreement, all management powers over the business and affairs of our operating partnership are exclusively vested in the Company, in the Company’s capacity as the general partner of our operating partnership. The general partner may not be removed by the partners with or without cause, except with the general partner’s consent. Except in connection with certain transactions involving the general partner discussed in “—Restrictions on Mergers, Sales, Transfers and Other Significant Transactions of the General Partner” and “—Material Terms of Series A Preferred Units—Voting and Consent Rights,” the general partner may authorize our operating partnership to dispose of any, all or substantially all of the assets (including the goodwill) of our operating partnership or merge, consolidate, reorganize or otherwise combine with or into another entity. With limited exceptions, the general partner is authorized to execute, deliver and perform agreements and transactions on behalf of our operating partnership without any further act, approval or vote of the limited partners.

Restrictions on General Partner’s Authority

The general partner may not take any action in contravention of the partnership agreement. The general partner may not, without the prior consent of a majority in interest of the partners (including the Company), undertake any actions on behalf of our operating partnership, or enter into any transaction, that would have the effect of amending, modifying or terminating the partnership agreement, except as provided in the partnership agreement. For a description of the provisions of the partnership agreement permitting the general partner to amend the partnership agreement without the consent of the limited partners see “—Amendment of the Partnership Agreement—Amendment by the General Partner without the Consent of the Limited Partners.” The general partner may not, without the prior consent of a majority in interest of the limited partners holding common units (excluding the Company and any limited partner a majority of whose equity is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company), transfer all or any portion of its interest in our operating partnership, withdraw as the general partner of our operating partnership or admit into our operating partnership any successor general partners, subject to the exceptions discussed in “—Transfers and Withdrawals—Restrictions on Transfers by General Partner.”

In addition, the general partner may not amend the partnership agreement or take any action on behalf of our operating partnership, without the prior consent of each partner adversely affected by such amendment or action, if such amendment or action would:

 

   

convert a limited partner into a general partner;

 

   

modify the limited liability of a limited partner;

 

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alter the rights of any limited partner to receive the distributions to which such partner is entitled, or alter the allocations specified in the partnership agreement, except in connection with the creation and issuance of any class or series of units, to the extent permitted by the partnership agreement;

 

   

alter or modify the redemption rights or conversion rights of limited partners and certain qualifying assignees or the related definitions;

 

   

alter the restrictions on the general partner’s ability to transfer all or any portion of its interest in our operating partnership or voluntarily withdraw as the general partner;

 

   

enter into any contract, mortgage, loan or other agreement that expressly prohibits or restricts, or has the effect of prohibiting or restricting, the general partner or our operating partnership from performing its obligations in connection with the redemption of units or any limited partner from exercising its redemption or conversion rights under the partnership agreement;

 

   

remove, alter or amend certain provisions of the partnership agreement related to the requirements for the Company to qualify as a REIT or permitting the Company to avoid paying tax under Code Sections 857 or 4981;

 

   

reduce any limited partners’ rights to indemnification;

 

   

create any liability of the limited partners not already provided in the partnership agreement; or

 

   

amend the provisions of the partnership agreement requiring the consent of each affected partner before taking any of the actions described above.

Additional Limited Partners

Subject to the rights of limited partners holding series A preferred units, the general partner may cause our operating partnership to issue additional units from time to time, on terms and conditions and for such capital contributions as may be established by the general partner in its sole and absolute discretion. The net capital contribution need not be equal for all limited partners. No person may be admitted as an additional limited partner without the general partner’s consent, which consent may be given or withheld in its sole and absolute discretion.

Subject to the rights of the limited partners holding series A preferred units, any additional units may be issued in one or more classes, or one or more series of any of such classes, with such designations, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption (including, without limitation, terms that may be senior or otherwise entitled to preference over existing units) as the general partner shall determine, in its sole and absolute discretion without the approval of any limited partner or any other person.

Ability to Engage in Other Businesses; Conflicts of Interest

The Company may not conduct any business other than in connection with the ownership, acquisition and disposition of partnership interests, the management of the business of our operating partnership, the Company’s operation as a reporting company with a class or classes of securities registered under the Exchange Act, the Company’s operations as a REIT, the offering, sale, syndication, private placement or public offering of stock, bonds, securities or other interests related to the partnership or its assets or activities or the Company’s activities in its capacity as general partner, financing or refinancing of any type related to our operating partnership or its assets or activities, and such activities as are incidental to those activities discussed above. The Company may, however, in its sole and absolute discretion, from time to time hold or acquire assets in the Company’s own name or otherwise other than through our operating partnership so long as the Company takes commercially reasonable measures to ensure that the economic benefits and burdens of such property are otherwise vested in our operating partnership.

 

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Distributions

The Company is required to cause our operating partnership to distribute quarterly, or on a more or less frequent basis as the Company may determine, all, or such portion as the Company may in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion determine, of the available cash (as such term is defined in the partnership agreement) generated by our operating partnership during such quarter to the Company and the limited partners:

 

   

first, with respect to the series A preferred units and any other units that are entitled to any preference in distribution, in accordance with the rights of such class or classes of units, and, within such class or classes, among the holders of such units, pro rata in proportion to their respective percentage interests; and

 

   

second, with respect to any units that are not entitled to any preference in distribution, including common units and, except as may be provided in any incentive award plan or any applicable award agreement, the LTIP units and performance units, in accordance with the rights of holders of such units, as applicable, and, within such class, among the holders of such units, pro rata in proportion to their respective percentage interests.

The Company’s Liability

The Company, as general partner of our operating partnership, is ultimately liable for all general recourse obligations of our operating partnership to the extent not paid by our operating partnership. The Company is not liable for the nonrecourse obligations of our operating partnership.

Exculpation and Indemnification

The partnership agreement generally provides that the Company, as general partner, and any of the Company’s respective directors or officers will incur no liability to our operating partnership, or any limited partner or assignee, for losses sustained or liabilities incurred or benefits not derived as a result of errors in judgment, mistakes of fact or law or any acts or omissions if the Company or such officer or director acted in good faith. The partnership agreement also provides that the Company will not be liable to our operating partnership or any partner for monetary damages for losses sustained, liabilities incurred or benefits not derived by our operating partnership or any limited partner, except for liability for the Company’s intentional harm or gross negligence. In addition, the Company, as general partner, is not responsible to the partnership for any misconduct or negligence on the part of the Company’s employees or agents, provided the Company appointed such employees or agents in good faith. The Company, as general partner, may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisors, and any action the Company takes or omits to take in reliance upon the opinion of such persons, as to matters which the Company, as general partner, reasonably believes to be within their professional or expert competence, will be conclusively presumed to have been done or omitted in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.

The partnership agreement also provides for the indemnification of us, as general partner, and the Company’s directors, officers and employees, officers and employees of our operating partnership and such other persons as the Company, as general partner, may from time to time designate from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings that relate to the operations of our operating partnership, provided that such person will not be indemnified for (i) any act or omission of such person that was material to the matter giving rise to the action and either was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (ii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, any act or omission that such person had reason to believe was unlawful, or (iii) any transaction for which such person actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or otherwise, in violation or breach of any provision of the partnership agreement. Our operating partnership must also pay or reimburse the reasonable expenses of any such person upon its receipt of a written affirmation of the person’s good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification has been met and a written undertaking to repay any amounts paid or advanced if it

 

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is ultimately determined that the person did not meet the standard of conduct for indemnification. Our operating partnership will not indemnify or advance funds to any person with respect to any action initiated by the person seeking indemnification (other than an action to enforce such person’s right to indemnification under the partnership agreement) without the Company’s approval or if the person is found to be liable to our operating partnership on any portion of any claim in the action.

The partnership agreement also provides for the indemnification of each of the limited partners of our operating partnership, their affiliates and each of their respective directors, officers, stockholders and any other individual acting on its or their behalf, from and against any costs incurred by such person resulting from any litigation or other proceeding in which any limited partner is named as a defendant or any claim threatened or asserted against any limited partner that relates to the operations of our operating partnership or any obligation assumed by our operating partnership, unless such costs are the result of intentional harm or gross negligence on the part of, or a breach of partnership agreement by, such limited partner.

Sales of Partnership Assets; Mergers; Consolidations

Under the partnership agreement, the general partner generally has the authority to cause our operating partnership to sell all or substantially all of the assets of our operating partnership or to merge, consolidate or otherwise combine its assets with another entity, without the consent or approval of any limited partner, subject to certain limitations described below. However, in connection with the acquisition of properties from persons to whom the general partner issued units as part of the purchase price, in order to preserve such persons’ tax deferral, the general partner may contractually agree, in general, not to sell or otherwise transfer the properties for a specified period of time, or in some instances, not to sell or otherwise transfer the properties without compensating the sellers of the properties for their loss of the tax deferral.

Redemption Rights of Limited Partners

After 14 months of becoming a holder of common units, each limited partner and some assignees have the right, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the partnership agreement, to require our operating partnership to redeem all or a portion of the common units held by such party in exchange for a cash amount per common unit equal to the value of one share of the Company’s common stock, as determined in accordance with, and subject to adjustment as provided in, the partnership agreement. Our operating partnership’s obligation to effect a redemption, however, will not arise or be binding against our operating partnership unless and until the Company, as general partner, declines or fails to exercise the Company’s prior and independent right to acquire such common units in exchange for common stock.

On or before the close of business on the fifth business day after a limited partner gives the Company notice of redemption with respect to common units, the Company may, in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion but subject to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock discussed in “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer,” acquire some or all of the tendered common units from the tendering party in exchange for shares of common stock, based on an exchange ratio of one share of common stock for each common unit, subject to adjustment as provided in the partnership agreement. The partnership agreement does not obligate the Company to register, qualify or list any common stock issued in exchange for common units with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with any state securities commissioner, department or agency, or with any stock exchange. Common stock issued in exchange for common units pursuant to the partnership agreement may contain legends regarding restrictions under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws as the Company in good faith determines to be necessary or advisable in order to ensure compliance with securities laws.

The partnership agreement also provides redemption rights with respect to the Company’s series A preferred units as described below in “—Material Terms of The Company’s Series A Preferred Units.”

 

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Transfers and Withdrawals

The partnership agreement restricts the transferability of units. Any transfer or purported transfer of a unit not made in accordance with the partnership agreement will be void.

Restrictions on Transfer by Limited Partners

Until the expiration of 14 months from the date on which a limited partner first acquired units, such limited partner generally may not, without the Company’s consent, directly or indirectly transfer all or any portion of its units to any transferee, except for certain permitted transfers to certain affiliates, family members and charities, transfers by a person who was a limited partner upon the completion of the Company’s initial public offering to its shareholders, members, partners or beneficiaries and certain pledges of units to lending institutions in connection with bona fide loans.

In addition, except in the case of permitted transfers, the Company has a right of first refusal with respect to any proposed transfers by other limited partners, exercisable within ten business days of notice of the transfer and a description of the proposed consideration to be paid for our operating partnership units.

Restrictions on Transfers by General Partner

The Company, as general partner, may not transfer any of the Company’s units or other partnership interest, whether by sale, disposition, statutory merger or consolidation, liquidation or otherwise, unless:

 

   

the Company transfers its units in a merger, consolidation or other combination of the Company’s assets with another entity, a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or a reclassification, recapitalization or change in any outstanding shares of the Company’s stock described below in “—Restrictions on Mergers, Sales, Transfers and Other Significant Transactions of the General Partner” or the Company receives the prior consent of a majority in interest of the limited partners holding common units (excluding the Company and any limited partner whose equity is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company);

 

   

the transferee is admitted as a general partner pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement;

 

   

the transferee assumes, by operation of law or express agreement, all of the obligations of the general partner under the partnership agreement with respect to such transferred partnership interest; and

 

   

the transferee has executed such instruments as may be necessary to effectuate such admission and to confirm the agreement of such transferee to be bound by all the terms and provisions of the partnership agreement with respect to the partnership interest so acquired and the admission of such transferee as the general partner.

Withdrawal of Partners

The Company may not voluntarily withdraw as a general partner of our operating partnership without the consent of a majority in interest of the limited partners holding common units (excluding the Company and any limited partner 50% or more of whose equity is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company) other than upon the transfer of the Company’s entire interest in our operating partnership and the admission of the Company’s successor as a general partner of our operating partnership. A limited partner of our operating partnership may withdraw from our operating partnership only as a result of a transfer of the limited partner’s entire interest in our operating partnership in accordance with the partnership agreement and the admission of the limited partner’s successor as a limited partner of our operating partnership or as a result of the redemption or acquisition by the Company of the limited partner’s entire interest in our operating partnership.

 

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Restrictions on Mergers, Sales, Transfers and Other Significant Transactions of the General Partner

The Company may not merge, consolidate or otherwise combine the Company’s assets with another entity, or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s assets not in the ordinary course of the Company’s business, or reclassify, recapitalize or change the terms of the Company’s outstanding common equity interests (other than in connection with a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, change in par value, increase in authorized shares, designation or issuance of new classes of equity securities or any event that does not require the approval of the Company’s stockholders), unless:

 

   

such event has been approved by the consent of a majority in interest of the partners, including the Company, and all limited partners holding common units will receive, or will have the right to elect to receive, for each common unit, consideration that is equivalent to the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property received by a holder of one share of the Company’s common stock; and, if such event occurs in connection with a purchase, tender or exchange offer, each holder of common units has the right to receive, or elect to receive, the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property that such holder of units would have received had it exercised its right to redemption pursuant to the partnership agreement and received shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for its units immediately before the expiration of the purchase, tender or exchange offer and had accepted the purchase, tender or exchange offer; or

 

   

substantially all of the assets of our operating partnership are to be owned by a surviving entity in which the limited partners holding common units will hold a percentage interest based on the relative fair market value of the net assets of our operating partnership and the other net assets of such entity, which interest will be on terms that are at least as favorable as the terms of the common units and will include a right to redeem interests in such entity for the consideration described in the preceding bullet, cash on similar terms as those with respect to the common units or, if common equity securities of the person controlling the surviving entity are publicly traded, such common equity securities.

Material Terms of Our Operating Partnership’s Series A Preferred Units

The following is a discussion of certain of the rights, privileges and preferences of the series A preferred units.

Liquidation Preference

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of our operating partnership, holders of series A preferred units will be entitled to receive and be paid in cash an amount equal to $25.00 per preferred unit plus any accrued and unpaid distributions before any distribution or payment may be made with respect to any other series or class of partnership interest ranking junior to the series A preferred units (but only to the extent consistent with a liquidation in accordance with positive capital account balances).

Distributions

Holders of series A preferred units are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our operating partnership, out of available cash, cumulative preferential cash distributions in an amount equal to 6.25% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per unit from the date of issuance of such unit, payable quarterly in arrears on or before the last calendar day of March, June, September and December of each year. Distributions that are due but unpaid will accumulate and compound quarterly. If any such preferential distribution payments for any past quarterly period are in arrears, no distributions may be authorized or paid on any other series or class of partnership interest ranking junior to the series A preferred units, nor shall any other series or class of partnership interests ranking junior to the series A preferred units be redeemed, purchased or acquired by our operating partnership or us, except for:

 

   

a redemption of common units from the Company in connection with a redemption or repurchase by the Company of common stock for cash pursuant to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the

 

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Company’s stock described in “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” or a redemption of preferred units from the Company in connection with a redemption or repurchase by the Company of outstanding preferred stock for cash;

 

   

the acquisition by the Company of common units tendered for redemption with shares of the Company’s common stock; or

 

   

the conversion into or exchange for shares of the Company’s common stock or units ranking junior to the series A preferred units with no cash distributed.

Redemption Rights

Each limited partner holding series A preferred units and certain assignees have the right, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the partnership agreement, to require our operating partnership to redeem all or a portion of their series A preferred units in exchange for a cash redemption price equal to $25.00 per unit plus any accrued distributions that have not been paid on or prior to the redemption date. Our operating partnership’s obligation to effect a redemption, however, will not arise or be binding against our operating partnership unless and until the Company, as general partner, declines or fails to exercise the Company’s prior and independent right to acquire such preferred units in exchange for shares of the Company’s common stock that are issued under an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.

Conversion Rights

Each limited partner holding series A preferred units and certain assignees have the right, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the partnership agreement, to convert all or any portion of their series A preferred units into a number of common units with a value equal to the aggregate redemption price of the series A preferred units tendered for conversion, the value of such common units to be based on the ten-day trailing average closing price of the Company’s common stock calculated as of the business day immediately prior to the date of redemption. Any such conversion of series A preferred units will be deemed to have been made at the close of business on the date that the Company, as general partner, receive notice of conversion.

In the event of a recapitalization, reclassification or change of outstanding common units (other than a subdivision or combination of outstanding common units), a merger, sale or other business combination of our operating partnership, a sale, conveyance or lease to another or entity of all or substantially all of our operating partnership’s property and assets (other than to one or more of our subsidiaries) or an exchange of substantially all of the outstanding common units for securities of another entity, in each case in which holders of common units are entitled to receive securities, other property or assets with respect to or in exchange for their common units, qualifying holders of series A preferred units will thereafter be entitled to convert their series A preferred units into the kind and amount of securities or other consideration that such holder would have owned or been entitled to receive upon such a business combination if such holder had converted its series A preferred units into common units immediately before the business combination.

Voting and Consent Rights

Generally, the series A preferred units are entitled to limited voting rights and in most cases vote on an as-converted basis with the holders of common units on any matter on which all limited partners are entitled to vote. However, so long as any series A preferred units remain outstanding, the consent of the limited partners holding a majority in interest of series A preferred units other than any limited partner 50% or more of whose equity is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company will be required to:

 

   

authorize, designate or issue any class or series of partnership interests ranking pari passu with or senior to the series A preferred units with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of our operating partnership;

 

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increase the authorized or issued amount of series A preferred units;

 

   

amend, alter or repeal the terms of the series A preferred units, whether by merger, consolidation, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our operating partnership’s assets or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference or privilege of the series A preferred units, except that, so long as the series A preferred units remain outstanding following any such merger, consolidation, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our operating partnership’s assets with the terms thereof materially unchanged, taking into account that, upon the occurrence of such an event, our operating partnership may not be the surviving entity and the surviving entity may not be a limited partnership, the occurrence of such an event will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences or privileges of the series A preferred units and, in such case, no consent of limited partners holding series A preferred units would be required; or

 

   

except as discussed below under “—General Partner Fundamental Change,” effect a “fundamental change,” which is generally defined as a merger, consolidation or other combination of the Company’s assets with another entity, a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets not in the ordinary course of the Company’s business, a reclassification, recapitalization or change in the terms of the Company’s outstanding common equity interests (other than in connection with a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, change in par value, increase in authorized shares, designation or issuance of new classes of equity securities or any event that does not require the approval of the Company’s stockholders), as a result of which the Company’s stock ceases to be publicly traded or common units cease to be exchangeable (at the Company’s option) for publicly traded shares of the Company’s stock.

General Partner Fundamental Change

Without the approval of limited partners holding a majority in interest of the series A preferred units, the Company may not engage in a “fundamental change,” unless upon consummation of such a fundamental change transaction the partnership agreement or other organizational documents of any successor to our operating partnership will contain certain provisions requiring:

 

   

our operating partnership or such successor to make minimum tax distributions to holders of the Company’s series A preferred units;

 

   

the Company or its successor to continue to own an aggregate of at least 33% of the equity in our operating partnership through the ownership of equity interests which are subordinate to our operating partnership’s series A preferred units; and

 

   

our operating partnership or such successor to refrain from incurring additional indebtedness if its ratio of total indebtedness to gross asset value exceeds 50%, or allow this leverage ratio to exceed 60%, so long as series A preferred units remain outstanding.

In connection with any fundamental change transaction, our operating partnership has the right to redeem all or any portion of the then outstanding series A preferred units for cash per unit equal to the redemption price.

LTIP Units

Our operating partnership is authorized to issue a class of units of partnership interest designated as “LTIP units.” We may cause our operating partnership to issue LTIP units, in one or more classes or series, with such terms as we may determine, to persons who provide services to or for the benefit of our operating partnership, for such consideration or for no consideration, and we may admit such persons as limited partners of our operating partnership, without the approval or consent of any limited partner. LTIP units may be subject to vesting, forfeiture and restrictions on transfer and receipt of distributions pursuant to the terms of any applicable equity-based plan and the terms of any award agreement relating to the issuance of the LTIP units.

 

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Distributions

Holders of LTIP units shall be entitled to receive distributions in an amount per LTIP unit equal to the amount that would have been payable if such LTIP unit had been a common unit, except that distributions payable to the holders of LTIP units upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our operating partnership may not exceed the positive capital account balances attributable to the LTIP units.

Conversion Rights

Vested LTIP units are convertible at the option of each limited partner and some assignees of limited partners (in each case, that hold vested LTIP units) into common units, and we may also cause our operating partnership to convert vested LTIP units eligible for conversion into an equal number of common units, in each case subject to certain limitations.

If we are or our operating partnership is party to a transaction, including a merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other business combination, as a result of which common units are exchanged for or converted into the right, or holders of common units are otherwise entitled, to receive cash, securities or other property (or any combination thereof), we must cause our operating partnership to convert any vested LTIP units then eligible for conversion into common units immediately before the transaction, taking into account any special allocations of income that would be made as a result of the transaction. Our operating partnership must use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each limited partner (other than a party to such a transaction or an affiliate of such a party) holding LTIP units that will be converted into common units in such a transaction to be afforded the right to receive the same kind and amount of cash, securities and other property (or any combination thereof) for such common units that each holder of common units receives in the transaction.

Transfer

Unless an applicable equity-based plan or the terms of an award agreement specify additional restrictions on transfer of LTIP units, LTIP units are transferable to the same extent as common units, as described above in “—Transfers and Withdrawals.”

Voting Rights

Limited partners holding LTIP units are entitled to vote together as a class with limited partners holding common units and performance units on all matters on which limited partners holding common units are entitled to vote or consent, and may cast one vote for each LTIP unit so held.

Adjustment of LTIP Units

If our operating partnership takes certain actions, including making a distribution of units on all outstanding common units, combining or subdividing the outstanding common units into a different number of common units or reclassifying the outstanding common units, we must adjust the number of outstanding LTIP units or subdivide or combine outstanding LTIP units to maintain a one-for-one conversion ratio and economic equivalence between common units and LTIP units.

Performance Units

Our operating partnership is authorized to issue a class of units of partnership interest designated as “performance units.” We may cause our operating partnership to issue performance units in one or more classes or series, with such terms as we may determine, to persons who provide services to or for the benefit of our operating partnership, for such consideration or for no consideration as we may determine to be appropriate, and we may admit such persons as limited partners of our operating partnership, without the approval or consent of any limited partner. Performance units may be subject to vesting, forfeiture and restrictions on transfer and receipt of distributions pursuant to the terms of any applicable equity-based plan and the terms of any award agreement relating to the issuance of the performance units.

 

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Distributions

Holders of vested performance units shall be entitled to receive distributions in an amount per performance unit equal to the amount that would have been payable if such performance unit had been a common unit and holders of unvested performance units shall be entitled to receive distributions in an amount per performance unit equal to the product of the distribution made to the holders of common units per common unit multiplied by 10%, except that distributions payable to the holders of performance units upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our operating partnership may not exceed the positive capital account balances attributable to the performance units.

Conversion Rights

Vested performance units are convertible at the option of each limited partner and some assignees of limited partners (in each case, that hold vested performance units) into common units, and we may also cause our operating partnership to convert vested performance units eligible for conversion into an equal number of common units, in each case subject to certain limitations.

If we are or our operating partnership is party to a transaction, including a merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other business combination, as a result of which common units are exchanged for or converted into the right, or holders of common units are otherwise entitled, to receive cash, securities or other property (or any combination thereof), we must cause our operating partnership to convert any vested performance units then eligible for conversion into common units immediately before the transaction, taking into account any special allocations of income that would be made as a result of the transaction. Our operating partnership must use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each limited partner (other than a party to such a transaction or an affiliate of such a party) holding performance units that will be converted into common units in such a transaction to be afforded the right to receive the same kind and amount of cash, securities and other property (or any combination thereof) for such common units that each holder of common units receives in the transaction.

Transfer

Unless an applicable equity-based plan or the terms of an award agreement specify additional restrictions on transfer of performance units, performance units are transferable to the same extent as common units, as described above in “—Transfers and Withdrawals.”

Voting Rights

Limited partners holding performance units are entitled to vote together as a class with limited partners holding common units and LTIP units on all matters on which limited partners holding common units are entitled to vote or consent, and may cast one vote for each performance units so held.

Adjustment of Performance Units

If our operating partnership takes certain actions, including making a distribution of units on all outstanding common units, combining or subdividing the outstanding common units into a different number of common units or reclassifying the outstanding common units, we must adjust the number of outstanding performance units or subdivide or combine outstanding performance units to maintain a one-for-one conversion ratio and economic equivalence between common units and performance units.

 

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MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF THE COMPANY’S CHARTER AND BYLAWS

The following summary of certain provisions of Maryland law and the Company’s charter and bylaws does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to Maryland law and the Company’s charter and bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference.”

The Company’s Board of Directors

The Company’s charter and bylaws provide that the number of directors of the Company may be established, increased or decreased only by a majority of the Company’s entire board of directors but may not be fewer than the minimum number required under the MGCL nor, unless the Company’s bylaws are amended, more than 15.

At each annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders, the stockholders will elect each of the Company’s directors to serve until the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies under the MGCL. Holders of shares of the Company’s common stock will have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. In uncontested elections, directors are elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes cast “for” and “against” each director nominee. In contested elections, directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. An election will be considered to be contested if the Company’s secretary has received notice that a stockholder has nominated or proposes to nominate one or more persons for election as a director, which notice complies or purports to comply with the requirements for advance notice of stockholder nominations set forth in the Company’s bylaws, and the nomination or proposed nomination has not been withdrawn at least 14 days prior to the date that the Company’s proxy statement with respect to the meeting at which such nomination or proposed nomination would be made is first released to stockholders and would thereby cause the number of nominees and proposed nominees to exceed the number of directors to be elected at the meeting, irrespective of whether such notice complies with the requirements for advance notice of stockholder nominations set forth in the Company’s bylaws or such nomination or proposed nomination is thereafter withdrawn by such stockholder.

The Company has elected by a provision of its charter to be subject to a provision of Maryland law requiring that, except as otherwise provided in the terms of any class or series of the Company’s stock, vacancies on the Company’s board of directors may be filled only by the remaining directors and that any individual elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.

Removal of Directors

The Company’s charter provides that, subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of preferred stock to elect or remove one or more directors, a director may be removed only for cause (as defined in the Company’s charter) and only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. This provision, when coupled with the exclusive power of the Company’s board of directors to fill vacant directorships, may preclude stockholders from removing incumbent directors and filling the vacancies created by such removal with their own nominees.

Business Combinations

Under the MGCL, certain “business combinations” (including a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or, in certain circumstances specified under the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland corporation and any interested stockholder, or an affiliate of such an interested stockholder, are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Maryland law defines an interested stockholder as:

 

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any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% 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 of 10% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding voting stock of the corporation.

A person is not an interested stockholder if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. In approving a transaction, however, the board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of the approval, with any terms and conditions determined by it.

After such five-year period, any such business combination 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 held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder.

These supermajority approval requirements do not apply if, among other conditions, the corporation’s common stockholders receive a minimum price (as defined in the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.

These provisions of the MGCL do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by a corporation’s board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Pursuant to the statute, the Company’s board of directors has by resolution exempted from the business combination provisions of the MGCL, and, consequently, the five-year prohibition and the supermajority vote requirements will not apply to, business combinations between the Company and any interested stockholder that have been approved by the Company’s board, including a majority of the Company’s directors who are not affiliated with the interested stockholder, unless the Company’s board in the future alters or repeals this resolution. As a result, anyone who is or later becomes an interested stockholder may be able to enter into business combinations with the Company without compliance by the Company with the five-year moratorium, supermajority vote requirements and the other provisions of the statute.

The Company cannot assure you that its board of directors will not opt to be subject to such business combination provisions in the future. However, an alteration or repeal of this resolution will not have any effect on any business combinations that have been consummated or upon any agreements existing at the time of such modification or repeal.

Control Share Acquisitions

The MGCL provides that a holder of “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” has no voting rights with respect to such shares except to the extent approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors, generally, but excluding shares held (or entitled to be voted) by: (1) the person who has made or proposes to make the control share acquisition, (2) any officer of the corporation or (3) any employee of the corporation who is also a director of the corporation. “Control shares” are voting shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other such shares of stock previously acquired by the acquirer or in respect of which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges:

 

   

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

 

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

 

   

a majority or more of all voting power.

Control shares do not include shares that the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A “control share acquisition” means the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of ownership of, or the power to direct the exercise of voting power with respect to, issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses and making an “acquiring person statement” as described in the MGCL), may compel the board of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the control shares. If no request for a special meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.

If voting rights of control shares are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an “acquiring person statement” as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquirer or, if a meeting of stockholders is held at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved, as of the date of the meeting. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquirer 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 such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquirer in the control share acquisition.

The control share acquisition statute does not apply (1) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or statutory share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (2) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.

The Company’s bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all control share acquisitions by any person of shares of the Company’s stock. The Company’s board of directors may amend or eliminate this provision at any time in the future.

Subtitle 8

Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL 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 the following 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; or

 

   

a majority requirement for the calling of a special meeting of stockholders.

The Company has elected by a provision in its charter to be subject to the provisions of Subtitle 8 relating to the filling of vacancies on the Company’s board of directors. Through provisions in the Company’s charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, the Company already (1) requires a two-thirds vote for the removal of any director from the board, which removal must be for cause, (2) vests in the board the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships, subject to limitations set forth in the Company’s charter and bylaws, and (3) requires, unless called by the chairman of the Company’s board of directors, the Company’s president, the Company’s chief executive

 

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officer or the Company’s board of directors, the request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast on a matter at such meeting to call a special meeting to consider and vote on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders. The Company has not elected to create a classified board. In the future, the Company’s board of directors may elect, without stockholder approval, to create a classified board or adopt one or more of the other provisions of Subtitle 8.

Amendments to The Company’s Charter and Bylaws

The Company’s charter generally may be amended only if such amendment is declared advisable by the Company’s board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, except that the provisions of the Company’s charter relating to the removal of directors and the vote required to amend the removal provision may be amended only with the approval of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. The Company’s board of directors has the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of the Company’s bylaws or to make new bylaws.

Meetings of Stockholders

Under the Company’s bylaws, annual meetings of stockholders will be held each year at a date and time determined by the Company’s board of directors. Special meetings of stockholders may be called only by the Company’s board of directors, the chairman of the Company’s board of directors, the Company’s president or the Company’s chief executive officer. Additionally, subject to the provisions of the Company’s bylaws, special meetings of the stockholders to act on any matter must be called by the Company’s secretary upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting on such matter who have requested the special meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in, and provided the information and certifications required by, the Company’s bylaws.

Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business

The Company’s bylaws provide that:

 

   

with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of individuals for election to the Company’s board of directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders at the annual meeting may be made only:

 

   

pursuant to the Company’s notice of the meeting;

 

   

by or at the direction of the Company’s board of directors; or

 

   

by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record both at the time the stockholder provides the notice required by the Company’s bylaws and at the time of the annual meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or such other business and who has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in, and provided the information and certifications required by, the Company’s bylaws; and

 

   

with respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in the Company’s notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting of stockholders, and nominations of individuals for election to the Company’s board of directors may be made only:

 

   

by or at the direction of the Company’s board of directors; or

 

   

provided that the meeting has been called in accordance with the Company’s bylaws for the purpose of electing directors, by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record both at the time the stockholder provides the notice required by the Company’s 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 set forth in, and provided the information and certifications required by, the Company’s bylaws.

 

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The purpose of requiring stockholders to give advance notice of nominations and other proposals is to afford the Company’s board of directors the opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees or the advisability of the other proposals and, to the extent considered necessary by the Company’s board of directors, to inform stockholders and make recommendations regarding the nominations or other proposals. The advance notice procedures also permit a more orderly procedure for conducting stockholder meetings. Although the Company’s bylaws do not give the Company’s board of directors the power to disapprove timely stockholder nominations and proposals, the Company’s bylaws may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors or proposals for other action if the proper procedures are not followed, and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors to the Company’s board of directors or to approve its own proposal.

Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and the Company’s Charter and Bylaws

The supermajority vote required to remove directors, the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock, the Company’s election to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 generally vesting in the Company’s board of directors the exclusive power to fill vacancies on the Company’s board of directors and the advance notice provisions of the Company’s bylaws could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of the Company that might involve a premium price for the Company’s common stock or that the Company’s common stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interests. Likewise, if the Company’s board of directors were to elect to be subject to the business combination provisions of the MGCL or the provision of Subtitle 8 providing for a classified board or if the provision in the Company’s bylaws opting out of the control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL were amended or rescinded, these provisions of the MGCL could have similar anti-takeover effects.

Indemnification and Limitation of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability

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

The MGCL requires a Maryland corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the Company’s 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 or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a Maryland 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 are threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:

 

   

the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and:

 

   

was committed in bad faith; or

 

   

was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;

 

   

the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or

 

   

in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.

However, under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify a director or officer for an adverse judgment in a suit by or on behalf of the corporation or if the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification and then only for expenses.

 

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In addition, the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation’s receipt of:

 

   

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

 

   

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.

The Company’s charter and bylaws obligate the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding without requiring a preliminary determination of the individual’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification to:

 

   

any present or former director or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity; or

 

   

any individual who, while a director or officer of the Company and at the Company’s request, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, member, manager or trustee of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity.

The Company’s charter and bylaws also permit it, with the approval of the Company’s board of directors, to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of the Company in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of the Company or a predecessor of the Company.

The partnership agreement of our operating partnership also provides that the Company, as general partner, and the Company’s directors, officers and employees, officers and employees as well as any of the Company’s designees are indemnified against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (whether joint or several), expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and other legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, that relate to the operations of our operating partnership, except (1) if the act or omission of such person was material to the matter giving rise to the action and either was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (2) for any transaction for which such person received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or otherwise, in violation or breach of any provision of the partnership agreement, or (3) in the case of a criminal proceeding, if the person had reasonable cause to believe the act or omission was unlawful. Our operating partnership must also pay or reimburse the reasonable expenses of any such person upon its receipt of a written affirmation of the person’s good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification has been met and a written undertaking to repay any amounts paid or advanced if it is ultimately determined that the person did not meet the standard of conduct for indemnification. Our operating partnership will not indemnify or advance funds to any person with respect to any action initiated by the person seeking indemnification (other than an action to enforce such person’s right to indemnification under the partnership agreement) without the Company’s approval or if the person is found to be liable to our operating partnership on any portion of any claim in the action. See “Description of the Partnership Agreement of Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P.—Exculpation and Indemnification.”

Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, officers or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we have been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

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Indemnification Agreements

The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its executive officers and directors whereby it has agreed to indemnify and advance the expenses of such executive officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law as described in “Material Provisions of Maryland Law and of The Company’s Charter and Bylaws— Indemnification and Limitation of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability” against all expenses and liabilities, subject to limited exceptions.

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of the Company’s Stock

The Company’s charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock that are intended to assist the Company in continuing to qualify as a REIT. Subject to certain exceptions, the Company’s charter provides that no person or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, or 9.8% (in value) of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of the Company’s capital stock. For more information regarding these and other restrictions on the ownership and transfer of the Company’s stock imposed by the Company’s charter and the remedies for a violation of such restrictions, see “Description of Common Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer,” and “Description of Preferred Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” and “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”

REIT Qualification

The Company’s charter provides that the Company’s board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate the Company’s REIT election, without approval of the Company’s stockholders, if it determines that it is no longer in the Company’s best interest to continue to be qualified as a REIT.

 

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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 real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and the purchase, ownership or disposition of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities. Supplemental U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to the ownership of the securities offered by this prospectus 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 Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. 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 Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);

 

   

current, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code (the “Treasury Regulations”);

 

   

the legislative history of the Code;

 

   

administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service (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 our capital stock or our operating partnership’s debt securities, 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 purchase, ownership or disposition of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities, or our election to be taxed as a REIT.

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

 

   

the purchase, ownership or disposition of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s 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.

 

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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, 2010. 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.

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 ended December 31, 2010, 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 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 operations for any particular taxable year have satisfied or will satisfy those requirements. Further, the anticipated U.S. federal income tax treatment described in this discussion 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

 

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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 test), 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 U.S. federal corporate income 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.

 

   

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 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 regular 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 “—Income Tests—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 letters to our stockholders holding at least a certain percentage of our stock, as determined under applicable Treasury Regulations,

 

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requesting information regarding the actual ownership of our stock, and the failure is not due to reasonable cause or is 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.

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 outstanding capital stock is contained in the discussion in this prospectus under the heading “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.” 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, then 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.”

 

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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 (for purposes of this discussion, references to “partnership” include a limited liability company treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and references to “partner” include a member in such a limited liability company), Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership 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 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 our operating partnership, including our operating partnership’s share of these items of any partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which it owns 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 is set forth below in “—Tax Aspects of Our Operating Partnership, the Subsidiary Partnerships and the Limited Liability Companies.”

We have control of our operating partnership and the subsidiary partnerships and intend to operate them in a manner consistent with the requirements for our qualification as a REIT. If we become a limited partner or non-managing member in any partnership and such entity 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 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 take other corrective action on a timely basis. In such a case, we could fail to qualify as a REIT unless we were entitled to relief, as described below.

We may from time to time own and operate certain properties through wholly-owned subsidiaries that we intend to be treated as “qualified REIT subsidiaries” under the Code. A corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) 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 income 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 interests in several 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 is not treated as holding the assets of a taxable REIT subsidiary or as receiving

 

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any income that the taxable REIT subsidiary earns. Rather, the stock issued by the taxable REIT subsidiary is an asset in the hands of the REIT, and the REIT generally recognizes as income the dividends, if any, that it receives from the taxable REIT subsidiary. 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.” Taxpayers are subject to a limitation on their ability to deduct net business interest generally equal to 30% of adjusted taxable income, subject to certain exceptions. See “—Annual Distribution Requirements.” While not certain, this provision may limit the ability of our taxable REIT subsidiaries to deduct interest, which could increase their taxable income.

Ownership of Interests in Subsidiary REITs. We own and may acquire direct or indirect interests in 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 or if it is based on the net income of a tenant which derives substantially all of its income with respect to such property from subleasing of substantially all of such property, to the extent that the rents paid by the subtenants would qualify as rents from real property if we earned such amounts directly;

 

   

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

 

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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. We currently lease space to subsidiaries of a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours at our media and entertainment properties and may, from time to time, enter into additional leases with one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. To the extent any rent from such leases do not satisfy the 90% rental exception described above, our receipt of such rent will not qualify under the gross income tests;

 

   

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. From time to time, one or more of our taxable REIT subsidiaries may own personal property leased to tenants at certain of our properties; 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.” From time to time, one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries may provide non-customary services to our tenants at certain of our properties. Any amounts we receive from a taxable REIT subsidiary with respect to the taxable REIT subsidiary’s provision of non-customary services will be nonqualifying income under the 75% gross income test and, except to the extent received through the payment of dividends, the 95% gross income test.

We generally do not intend, and as the general partner of our operating partnership, we do not intend to permit our operating partnership, 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.

Income we receive that is attributable to the rental of parking spaces at the properties generally will constitute rents from real property for purposes of the gross income tests if certain services provided with respect to the parking spaces are performed by independent contractors from whom we derive no revenue, either directly or indirectly, or by a taxable REIT subsidiary, and certain other conditions are met. We believe that the income we receive that is attributable to parking spaces meets these tests and, accordingly, will constitute rents from real property for purposes of the gross income tests.

From time to time may, invest in 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

 

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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.

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 is not likely to 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.

To the extent our taxable REIT subsidiaries pay dividends or interest, we generally will derive our allocable share of such dividend or interest income through our interest in our operating partnership. Such dividend or interest income will qualify under the 95%, but not the 75%, gross income test (except that our allocable share of such interest would also qualify under the 75% gross income test 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 “—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.

Prohibited Transaction Income. Any gain that we realize on the sale of property (other than any foreclosure property) held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business,

 

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including our share of any such gain realized by our operating partnership, either directly or through its subsidiary partnerships, 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. As the general partner of our operating partnership, we intend to cause our operating partnership to hold its properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning its 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 our operating partnership or its subsidiary partnerships, to enter into any sales that are prohibited transactions. However, the IRS may successfully contend that some or all of the sales made by our operating partnership or its subsidiary partnerships 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 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.

Currently, certain subsidiaries of a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours provide services to certain of our tenants and pay rent to us and, from time to time, we may enter into additional leases with our taxable REIT subsidiaries that also provide services to our tenants. We believe we have set, and we intend to set in the future, any fees paid to our taxable REIT subsidiaries for such services, and any rent payable to us by our taxable REIT subsidiaries, at arm’s length rates, although the amounts paid 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 or on both 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

 

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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. Certain types of securities we may own are disregarded as securities solely for purposes of the 10% value test, including, but not limited to, securities satisfying the “straight debt” safe harbor, securities issued by a partnership that itself would satisfy the 75% income test if it were a REIT, 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 in which we own an interest will be based on our proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership, 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% (25% for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018) of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. Our operating partnership owns interests in companies 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 of ours, 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% (25% for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018) 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.

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 any partnership or qualified REIT subsidiary) 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 that owns such securities). For example, our indirect ownership of securities of each issuer will increase as a result of our capital contributions to our operating partnership or as limited partners exercise any redemption/exchange rights. 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), 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.

 

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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 U.S. federal corporate income 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 operating partnership’s 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 each year 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.”

Except as provided below, a taxpayer’s deduction for net business interest expense will generally be limited to 30% of its 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, subject to special rules applicable to partnerships. If we or any of our subsidiary partnerships (including our operating partnership) 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 or any of our subsidiary partnerships that are subject to this interest expense limitation will be eligible to make this election. If such election is made, although we or such subsidiary partnership, as applicable, would not be subject to the interest expense limitation described above, depreciation deductions may be reduced and, as a result, our REIT taxable income for a taxable year may be increased.

 

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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 dividend 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.” However, Subsidiary REITs we may own from time to time may not be publicly offered REITs.

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. In this regard, the partnership agreement of our operating partnership authorizes us, as its general partner, to take such steps as may be necessary to cause our operating partnership to distribute to its partners an amount sufficient to permit us to meet these distribution requirements and to minimize our corporate tax obligation.

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.

In addition, if a dividend a Subsidiary REIT has paid is treated as a preferential dividend, in lieu of treating the dividend as not counting toward satisfying the 90% distribution requirement, the IRS may provide a remedy to cure such failure if the IRS determines that such failure is (or is of a type that is) inadvertent or due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect.

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 U.S. federal corporate income tax is imposed for any year is treated as an amount distributed during that year for purposes of calculating this excise tax.

 

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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, or deficiency dividends, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction.

Tax Liabilities and Attributes Inherited in Connection with Acquisitions

From time to time, we or our operating partnership may acquire other corporations or entities and, in connection with such acquisitions, we may succeed to the historical tax attributes and liabilities of such entities. For example, if we acquire a C corporation and subsequently dispose of its assets within five years of the acquisition, we could be required to pay the built-in gain tax described above under “—General.” In addition, in order to qualify as a REIT, at the end of any taxable year, we must not have any earnings and profits accumulated in a non-REIT year. As a result, if we acquire a C corporation, we must distribute the corporation’s earnings and profits accumulated prior to the acquisition before the end of the taxable year in which we acquire the corporation. We also could be required to pay the acquired entity’s unpaid taxes even though such liabilities arose prior to the time we acquired the entity.

Moreover, we may from time to time acquire other REITs through a merger or acquisition. If any such REIT failed to qualify as a REIT for any of its taxable years, such REIT would be liable for (and we, as the surviving corporation in the merger or acquisition, would be obligated to pay) regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on its taxable income for such taxable years. In addition, if such REIT was a C corporation at the time of the merger or acquisition, the tax consequences described in the preceding paragraph generally would apply. If such REIT failed to qualify as a REIT for any of its taxable years, but qualified as a REIT at the time of such merger or acquisition, and we acquired such REIT’s assets in a transaction in which our tax basis in the assets of such REIT is determined, in whole or in part, by reference to such REIT’s tax basis in such assets, we generally would be subject to tax on the built-in gain on each asset of such REIT as described above if we were to dispose of the asset in a taxable transaction during the five-year period following such REIT’s requalification as a REIT, subject to certain exceptions. Moreover, even if such REIT qualified as a REIT at all relevant times, we would similarly be liable for other unpaid taxes (if any) of such REIT (such as the 100% tax on gains from any sales treated as “prohibited transactions” as described above under “—Income Tests—Prohibited Transaction Income”).

Furthermore, after our acquisition of another corporation or entity, the asset and income tests will apply to all of our assets, including the assets we acquire from such corporation or entity, and to all of our income, including the income derived from the assets we acquire from such corporation or entity. As a result, the nature of the assets that we acquire from such corporation or entity and the income we derive from those assets may have an effect on our tax status as a REIT.

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

 

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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 stockholders 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 up to 20% of dividends from a REIT, other than capital gain dividends and dividends treated as qualified dividend income, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026 for purposes of determining their U.S. federal income tax (but not for purposes of the 3.8% Medicare tax), subject to certain holding period requirements and other limitations. 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 Our Operating Partnership, the Subsidiary Partnerships and the Limited Liability Companies

General. All of our investments are held indirectly through our operating partnership. In addition, our operating partnership holds certain of its investments indirectly through subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies that we believe have been and will continue to 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 of such partnerships are allocated their shares of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the partnership, and are potentially required to pay tax on this income, without regard to whether they receive a distribution from the partnership. We will include in our income our share of these partnership 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 our operating partnership, including its share of the assets of its subsidiary partnerships, based on our capital interests in each such entity. See “—Taxation of Our Company—General—Ownership of Interests in Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies and Qualified REIT Subsidiaries.” A disregarded entity is not treated as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a disregarded entity are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of its parent that is not a disregarded entity (e.g., our operating partnership) for all purposes under the Code, including all REIT qualification tests.

Entity Classification. Our interests in our operating partnership and 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 U.S. federal income tax purposes. 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 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 our operating partnership or any subsidiary partnership 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 “—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

 

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failure to meet these tests. In addition, a change in the tax status of our operating partnership, or any subsidiary treated as a partnership or disregarded entity, to a corporation might be treated as a taxable event. If so, we might incur a tax liability without any related cash payment. We believe our operating partnership and each of the subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies have been 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. The operating partnership agreement generally provides that allocations of net income will be made first to holders of series A preferred units to the extent of the accrued preferred return on such units. To the extent we issue a new class of preferred stock, we expect to contribute the net proceeds from such issuance to the operating partnership in exchange for a new class of preferred units, which will be entitled to allocations of net income in accordance with their terms. Any remaining net income will be allocated to holders of common units, subject to certain special allocations with respect to LTIP units and performance units. Allocations to holders of common units will generally be made proportionately to all such holders in respect of such units.

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. The allocations of taxable income and loss of our operating partnership and any subsidiaries that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

Tax Allocations With Respect to the Properties. Under Section 704(c) of the Code, items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership 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.

Our operating partnership may, from time to time, acquire interests in property in exchange for interests in our operating partnership. In that case, the tax basis of these property interests generally will carry over to our operating partnership, notwithstanding their different book (i.e., fair market) value. The partnership agreement requires that income and loss allocations with respect to these properties be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code. Treasury Regulations issued under Section 704(c) of the Code provide partnerships with a choice of several methods of accounting for book-tax differences. Depending on the method we choose in connection with any particular contribution, the carryover basis of each of the contributed interests in the properties in the hands of our operating partnership (i) could cause us to be allocated lower amounts of depreciation deductions for tax purposes than would be allocated to us if any of the contributed properties were to have a tax basis equal to its respective fair market value at the time of the contribution and (ii) could cause us to be allocated taxable gain in the event of a sale of such contributed interests or properties in excess of the economic or book income allocated to us as a result of such sale, with a corresponding benefit to the other partners in our operating partnership. An allocation described in clause (ii) above might cause us or the other partners to recognize taxable income in excess of cash proceeds in the event of a sale or other disposition of property, which might adversely affect our ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. See “—General—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT” and “—Annual Distribution Requirements.”

Any property acquired by our operating partnership 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.

 

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Partnership Audit Rules. Under the current rules applicable to U.S. federal income tax audits of partnerships, any audit adjustment to items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit of a partnership (and any partner’s distributive share thereof) generally is determined, and taxes, interest, or penalties attributable thereto are assessed and collected, at the partnership level. It is possible that these rules could result in partnerships in which we directly or indirectly invest, including our operating partnership, 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.

Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors with respect to these rules and their potential impact on their investment in our capital stock.

Federal Income Tax Considerations for Holders of Our Capital Stock and the Operating Partnership’s Debt Securities

The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of purchasing, owning and disposing of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities. This discussion is limited to holders who hold our capital stock or the operating partnership’s 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, including the alternative minimum tax. 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;

 

   

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

 

   

persons holding our capital stock or the operating partnership’s 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;

 

   

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

 

   

persons deemed to sell our capital stock or the operating partnership’s 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

 

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APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK OR THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP’S 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 the operating partnership’s debt securities, as applicable, 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 the operating partnership’s debt securities, as applicable, 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 the operating partnership’s debt securities, as applicable, 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 the operating partnership’s debt securities, as applicable, 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. This treatment will reduce the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares by such amount, but not below zero. 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

 

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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.

U.S. holders that receive taxable stock distributions, including distributions partially payable in our capital stock and partially payable in cash, would be required to include the full amount of the distribution (i.e., the cash and the stock portion) as a dividend (subject to limited 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 capital stock generally is equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of the capital 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 capital 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 income. A U.S. holder that receives capital stock pursuant to such distribution generally has a tax basis in such capital stock equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of such capital stock as described above, and has a holding period in such capital 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 U.S. federal income tax 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.

 

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Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations. Distributions we make and gain arising from the sale or exchange of our capital stock by a U.S. holder 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 “—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—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.

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” above. 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. 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.”

 

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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 up to 20% of dividends from a REIT, other than capital gain dividends and dividends treated as qualified dividend income, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026 for purposes of determining their U.S. federal income tax (but not for purposes of the 3.8% Medicare tax), subject to certain holding period requirements and other limitations.

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 (“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 or supplemental unemployment benefit trusts exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9) or (c)(17) 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.

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 purchase, 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 purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our capital stock, including any reporting requirements.

Distributions Generally. Distributions (including any taxable stock distributions) that are neither attributable to gains from sales or exchanges by us of U.S. real property interests (“USRPIs”) nor designated by us as capital

 

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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 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 may 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 U.S. 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

 

  (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.

 

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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 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 Stock. Except 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-U.S. 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 U.S. person unless the REIT has actual knowledge that such person is not a U.S. 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 stock would not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI if:

 

  (1)

such class of stock is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market (such as the NYSE); and

 

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  (2)

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

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 class of stock is “regularly traded” and 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 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” above. If the redemption or

 

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repurchase of shares is not treated as a distribution, it will be treated as a taxable sale or exchange in the manner described above under “—Sale of Our Capital Stock.”

Taxation of Holders of the Operating Partnership’s Debt Securities

The following summary describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of our operating partnership’s 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).

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 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 be equal to 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 generally 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 reduced rates. 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 operating partnership’s capital or profits;

 

   

the non-U.S. holder is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the operating partnership 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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

 

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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 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.

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 the Operating Partnership’s 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 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.

A non-U.S. holder 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) on gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of a debt security, 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.

 

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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 the operating partnership’s 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:

 

  (1)

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

 

  (2)

the holder furnishes an incorrect taxpayer identification number;

 

  (3)

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

 

  (4)

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 the operating partnership’s 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 U.S. 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 distributions on our capital stock or interest on the operating partnership’s debt securities paid to the non-U.S. holder, regardless of whether such distributions constitute a dividend or 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.

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

 

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disposition of stock or debt obligations, subject to certain limitations. 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 the operating partnership’s 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 (“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 the operating partnership’s debt securities, or (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below) gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s 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 the operating partnership’s debt securities. While withholding under FATCA would have applied also to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of stock or debt securities on or after January 1, 2019, proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued. Because we may not know the extent to which a distribution is a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the time it is made, for purposes of these withholding rules we may treat the entire distribution as a dividend.

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

 

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GLOBAL SECURITIES

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

Unless we indicate differently in a prospectus supplement, the securities initially will be issued in book-entry form and represented by one or more global securities. The global securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, as depositary, or DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC. Unless and until it is exchanged for individual certificates evidencing securities under the limited circumstances described below, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary to its nominee or by the nominee to the depositary, or by the depositary or its nominee to a successor depositary or to a nominee of the successor depositary.

DTC has advised us 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.

DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among its participants of securities transactions, such as 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” in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, including underwriters, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, or DTCC. DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others, which we sometimes refer to as indirect participants, that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Purchases of securities under the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the securities on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of the actual purchaser of a security, which we sometimes refer to as a beneficial owner, is in turn recorded on the direct and indirect participants’ records. Beneficial owners of securities will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchases. However, beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of their transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through which they purchased securities. Transfers of ownership interests in global securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the global securities, except under the limited circumstances described below.

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all global securities deposited by direct participants with DTC will be registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other nominee will not change the beneficial ownership of the securities. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the securities. DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts the securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The participants are responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

 

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So long as the securities are in book-entry form, you will receive payments and may transfer securities only through the facilities of the depositary and its direct and indirect participants. We will maintain an office or agency in the location specified in the prospectus supplement for the applicable securities, where notices and demands in respect of the securities may be delivered to us and where certificated securities may be surrendered for payment, registration of transfer or exchange.

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants and by direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any legal requirements in effect from time to time.

Redemption notices will be sent to DTC. If less than all of the securities of a particular series are being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participant in the securities of such series to be redeemed.

Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (or such other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to the securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC will mail an omnibus proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns the consenting or voting rights of Cede & Co. to those direct participants to whose accounts the securities of such series are credited on the record date, identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy.

So long as securities are in book-entry form, we will make payments on those securities to the depositary or its nominee, as the registered owner of such securities, by wire transfer of immediately available funds. If securities are issued in definitive certificated form under the limited circumstances described below, we will have the option of making payments by check mailed to the addresses of the persons entitled to payment or by wire transfer to bank accounts in the United States designated in writing to the applicable trustee or other designated party at least 15 days before the applicable payment date by the persons entitled to payment, unless a shorter period is satisfactory to the applicable trustee or other designated party.

Redemption proceeds, distributions and dividend payments on the securities will be made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit direct participants’ accounts upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from us on the payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC records. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the account of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” Those payments will be the responsibility of participants and not of DTC or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions and dividend payments to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC, is our responsibility, disbursement of payments to direct participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of payments to the beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants.

Except under the limited circumstances described below, purchasers of securities will not be entitled to have securities registered in their names and will not receive physical delivery of securities. Accordingly, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of DTC and its participants to exercise any rights under the securities.

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Those laws may impair the ability to transfer or pledge beneficial interests in securities.

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with respect to the securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to us. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor depositary is not obtained, securities certificates are required to be printed and delivered.

 

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As noted above, beneficial owners of a particular series of securities generally will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in those securities. However, if:

 

   

DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depositary for the global security or securities representing such series of securities or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when it is required to be registered and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days of the notification to us or of our becoming aware of DTC’s ceasing to be so registered, as the case may be;

 

   

we determine, in our sole discretion, not to have such securities represented by one or more global securities; or

 

   

an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to such series of securities.

we will prepare and deliver certificates for such securities in exchange for beneficial interests in the global securities. Any beneficial interest in a global security that is exchangeable under the circumstances described in the preceding sentence will be exchangeable for securities in definitive certificated form registered in the names that the depositary directs. It is expected that these directions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities.

We have obtained the information in this section and elsewhere in this prospectus concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system from sources that are believed to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.

 

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SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

Information about selling securityholders, where applicable, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement, in a post-effective amendment or in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act that are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We or any of the selling securityholders may sell the offered securities from time to time:

 

   

through underwriters or dealers;

 

   

through agents;

 

   

directly to one or more purchasers; or

 

   

through a combination of any of these methods of sale.

We will identify the specific plan of distribution, including any underwriters, dealers, agents or direct purchasers and their compensation in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP, Los Angeles, California. Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of shares of our capital stock and certain other legal matters relating to Maryland law will be passed upon for us by Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland. Additional legal matters may be passed upon for us, the selling securityholders or any underwriters, dealers or agents, by counsel that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. and Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P. appearing in Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.’s and Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P.’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020, and the effectiveness of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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LOGO

16,000,000 Shares

4.750% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

BofA Securities

Morgan Stanley

Wells Fargo Securities

RBC Capital Markets

Barclays

BMO Capital Markets

Fifth Third Securities

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

Regions Securities LLC

Ramirez and Co., Inc.

November 4, 2021