Item 1. Business
The Company. We are a real estate investment trust, or REIT, formed in 1986 under the laws of the State of Maryland. Our primary business is the ownership and operation of real estate, including office and industrial buildings and leased industrial land. For a discussion and information regarding our operating segments see our financial statements beginning on page.
As of December 31, 2006, we owned 504 properties for a total investment of $5.8 billion at cost, and a depreciated book value of $5.1 billion. Our portfolio includes 351 office properties with 34.3 million square feet of space and 153 industrial properties with 25.6 million square feet of space. Our 153 industrial properties include 17.9 million square feet of developed commercial and industrial lands in Oahu, Hawaii.
Our principal executive offices are located at 400 Centre Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02458, and our telephone number is (617) 332-3990.
Our investment, financing and disposition policies are established by our board of trustees and may be changed by our board of trustees at any time without shareholder approval. Our investment goals are current income for distribution to shareholders and capital growth from appreciation in the value of properties. Our income is derived primarily from rent.
Investment Policies. In evaluating potential investments and asset sales, we consider various factors including the following:
· the historic and projected rents received and likely to be received from the property;
· the historic and expected operating expenses, including real estate taxes, incurred and expected to be incurred at the properties;
· the growth, tax and regulatory environments of the market in which the property is located;
· the quality, experience, and credit worthiness of the property’s tenants;
· occupancy and demand for similar properties in the same or nearby markets;
· the construction quality, physical condition and design of the property;
· the geographic area and type of property; and
· the pricing of comparable properties as evidenced by recent arm’s length market sales.
We attempt to acquire properties which will enhance the diversity of our portfolio with respect to tenants and locations. However, we have no policies which specifically limit the percentage of our assets which may be invested in any individual property, in any one type of property, in properties in one geographic area, in properties leased to any one tenant or in properties leased to an affiliated group of tenants.
We prefer wholly owned investments in fee interests. However, circumstances may arise in which we may invest in leaseholds, joint ventures, mortgages and other real estate interests. We may invest in real estate joint ventures if we conclude that by doing so we may benefit from the participation of co-venturers or that our opportunity to participate in the investment is contingent on the use of a joint venture structure. We may invest in participating, convertible or other types of mortgages if we conclude that by doing so we may benefit from the cash flow or appreciation in the value of a property which is not available for purchase.
In the past, we have considered the possibility of entering mergers or strategic combinations with other companies. No such mergers or strategic combinations are under active consideration at this time. However, we may undertake such considerations in the future. A principal goal of any such transaction will be to increase our revenues and profits and diversify their sources.
Disposition Policies. From time to time we consider the sale of properties or investments. Disposition decisions are made based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the following:
· the proposed sale price;
· the strategic fit of the property or investment with the rest of our portfolio; and
· the existence of alternative sources, uses or needs for capital.
Financing Policies. We currently have a revolving credit facility with a borrowing capacity of $750 million (which is guaranteed by most of our subsidiaries) that we use for working capital and general business purposes and for acquisition funding on an interim basis until we refinance with equity or long term debt. In August 2006, we amended and extended this credit facility from April 2009 to August 2010, with an option to extend the facility an additional year. The annual interest payable for amounts drawn under the facility was reduced from LIBOR plus 0.65% to LIBOR plus 0.55%. Certain covenants were also amended to reflect current market conditions. At December 31, 2006, $40 million was outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
Our credit facility agreement and our senior note indenture and its supplements contain financial covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur indebtedness and require us to maintain financial ratios and minimum net worth. Our board of trustees may determine to replace our current credit facility or to seek additional capital through equity offerings, debt financings, retention of cash flows in excess of distributions to shareholders or a combination of these methods. Some of our properties are encumbered by mortgages. To the extent that the board of trustees decides to obtain additional debt financing, we may do so on an unsecured basis or a secured basis, subject to limitations present in existing financing or other arrangements, and may seek to obtain other lines of credit or to issue securities senior to our common and/or preferred shares, including preferred shares of beneficial interest and debt securities, some of which may be convertible into common shares or be accompanied by warrants to purchase common shares, or to engage in transactions which may involve a sale or other conveyance of properties to subsidiaries or to unaffiliated entities. We may finance acquisitions through an exchange of properties or through the issuance of additional common shares or other securities. The proceeds from any of our financings may be used to pay distributions, to provide working capital, to refinance existing indebtedness or to finance acquisitions and expansions of existing or new properties.
The borrowing guidelines established by our board of trustees and covenants in various debt agreements prohibit us from maintaining a debt to total asset value, as defined, of greater than 60%. Our declaration of trust also limits our borrowings. We may from time to time re-evaluate and modify our financing policies in light of then current economic conditions, relative availability and costs of debt and equity capital, market values of properties, growth and acquisition opportunities and other factors, and may increase or decrease our ratio of debt to total capitalization accordingly.
Manager. Our day to day operations are conducted by Reit Management & Research LLC, or RMR. RMR originates and presents investment opportunities to our board of trustees and provides property management and administrative services to us. RMR is a Delaware limited liability company, that is beneficially owned by Barry M. Portnoy, and his son, Adam D. Portnoy, our managing trustees. RMR has a principal place of business at 400 Centre Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02458, and its telephone number is (617) 928-1300. RMR also acts as the manager to Hospitality Properties Trust, or Hospitality Properties, and Senior Housing Properties Trust, or Senior Housing, and has other business interests. The directors of RMR are Gerard M. Martin, Adam D. Portnoy, Barry M. Portnoy and David J. Hegarty. The executive officers of RMR are Adam D. Portnoy, President and Chief Executive Officer, David J. Hegarty, Executive Vice President and Secretary; John G. Murray, Executive Vice President; Evrett W. Benton, Senior Vice President; Ethan S. Bornstein, Senior Vice President; Jennifer B. Clark, Senior Vice President and General Counsel; John R. Hoadley, Senior Vice President; Mark L. Kleifges, Senior Vice President; David M. Lepore, Senior Vice President; Bruce J. Mackey Jr., Senior Vice President; John A. Mannix, Senior Vice President; Thomas M. O’Brien, Senior Vice President; and John C. Popeo, Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Messrs. Mannix, Popeo and Lepore and Ms. Clark are also our officers.
Employees. We have no employees. Services which would otherwise be provided by employees are provided by RMR and by our managing trustees and officers. As of February 26, 2007, RMR had approximately 450 full time employees.
Competition. Investing in and operating office buildings and other real estate is a very competitive business. We compete against other REITs, numerous financial institutions, individuals and public and private companies who are actively engaged in this business. We do not believe we have a dominant position in any of the geographic markets in which we operate, but some of our competitors are dominant in selected markets. Many of our competitors have greater financial and management resources than we have. We believe the geographic
diversity of our investments, the experience and abilities of our management, the quality of our assets and the financial strength of many of our tenants affords us some competitive advantages which have and will allow us to operate our business successfully despite the competitive nature of our business.
Environmental Matters. Under various laws, owners of real estate may be required to investigate and clean up or remove hazardous substances present at properties they own, and may be held liable for property damage or personal injuries that result from such hazardous substances. These laws also expose us to the possibility that we may become liable to reimburse governments for damages and costs they incur in connection with such hazardous substances. We estimate the cost to remove hazardous substances at some of our properties based in part on environmental surveys of the properties we own prior to their purchase and we considered those costs when determining an acceptable purchase price. Estimated liabilities related to hazardous substances at properties we own are reflected in our consolidated balance sheet and included in the cost of the real estate acquired. We do not believe that there are other environmental conditions at any of our properties that have a material adverse effect on us. However, no assurances can be given that such conditions are not present at our properties or that other costs we incur to remediate contamination will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
Certain of our real estate assets contain asbestos. The asbestos is contained in accordance with current regulations, and we have no current plans to remove it. If we removed the asbestos or demolished these properties, certain environmental regulations govern the manner in which the asbestos must be handled and removed.
Internet Website. Our internet website address is www.hrpreit.com. Copies of our governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics and the charters of our audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees may be obtained free of charge by writing to our Secretary, HRPT Properties Trust, 400 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458 or at our website. We make available, free of charge, on our website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after these forms are filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Any shareholder or other interested party who desires to communicate with our non-management trustees, individually or as a group, may do so by filling out a report on our website. Our board also provides a process for security holders to send communications to the entire board. Information about the process for sending communications to our board can be found on our website. Our website address is included several times in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a textual reference only and the information in the website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary of federal income tax considerations is based on existing law, and is limited to investors who own our shares as investment assets rather than as inventory or as property used in a trade or business. The summary does not discuss all the particular tax consequences that might be relevant to you if you are subject to special rules under federal income tax law, for example if you are:
· a bank, life insurance company, regulated investment company, or other financial institution;
· a broker or dealer in securities or foreign currency;
· a person who has a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;
· a person who acquires our shares in connection with employment or other performance of services;
· a person subject to alternative minimum tax;
· a person who owns our shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, constructive sale transaction, constructive ownership transaction, or conversion transaction; or
· except as specifically described in the following summary, a tax exempt entity or a foreign person.
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code, sections that govern federal income tax qualification and treatment of a REIT and its shareholders are complex. This presentation is a summary of applicable Internal Revenue Code provisions, related rules and regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Future legislative,
judicial, or administrative actions or decisions could also affect the accuracy of statements made in this summary. We have not received a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, with respect to any matter described in this summary, and we cannot assure you that the IRS or a court will agree with the statements made in this summary. The IRS or a court could, for example, take a different position, which could result in significant tax liabilities for applicable parties, from that described in this summary with respect to our acquisitions, operations, restructurings or any other matters described in this summary. In addition, this summary is not exhaustive of all possible tax consequences, and does not discuss any estate, gift, state, local, or foreign tax consequences. For all these reasons, we urge you and any prospective acquiror of our shares to consult with a tax advisor about the federal income tax and other tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our shares. Our intentions and beliefs described in this summary are based upon our understanding of applicable laws and regulations that are in effect as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If new laws or regulations are enacted which impact us directly or indirectly, we may change our intentions or beliefs.
Your federal income tax consequences may differ depending on whether or not you are a “U.S. shareholder.” For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. shareholder” for federal income tax purposes is:
· a citizen or resident of the United States, including an alien individual who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States or meets the substantial presence residency test under the federal income tax laws;
· an entity treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
· an estate the income of which is subject to federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
· a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or electing trusts in existence on August 20, 1996, to the extent provided in Treasury regulations;
whose status as a U.S. shareholder is not overridden by an applicable tax treaty. Conversely, a “non-U.S. shareholder” is a beneficial owner of our shares who is not a U.S. shareholder. If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of our shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A beneficial owner that is a partnership and partners in such a partnership should consult their tax advisors about the federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our shares.
Taxation as a REIT
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code, commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 1987. Our REIT election, assuming continuing compliance with the then applicable qualification tests, continues in effect for subsequent taxable years. Although no assurance can be given, we believe that we are organized, have operated, and will continue to operate in a manner that qualifies us to be taxed under the Internal Revenue Code as a REIT.
As a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on our net income distributed as dividends to our shareholders. Distributions to our shareholders generally are included in their income as dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Our dividends are not generally entitled to the favorable 15% rate on qualified dividend income, but a portion of our dividends may be treated as capital gain dividends, all as explained below. No portion of any of our dividends is eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders. Distributions in excess of current or accumulated earnings and profits generally are treated for federal income tax purposes as return of capital to the extent of a recipient shareholder’s basis in our shares, and will reduce this basis. Our current or accumulated earnings and profits are generally allocated first to distributions made on our preferred shares, and thereafter to distributions made on our common shares. For all these purposes, our distributions include both cash distributions and any in kind distributions of property that we might make.
The conversion formula of our series D cumulative convertible preferred shares may be adjusted under a number of circumstances; adjustments may include changes in the type or amount of consideration a shareholder receives upon conversion. Section 305 of the Internal Revenue Code treats some of these adjustments as constructive distributions, in which case they would be taxable in a similar manner to actual distributions. In general, a shareholder that holds our series D cumulative convertible preferred shares would be deemed to receive a constructive distribution if the conversion price is adjusted for a taxable distribution to the holders of common
shares. Such a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in series D cumulative convertible preferred shares would be increased by constructive distributions that are taxable as dividends or gain, and would be unaffected by constructive distributions that were nontaxable returns of capital. Conversely, a failure to appropriately adjust the conversion price of the series D cumulative convertible preferred shares could result in a constructive distribution to shareholders that hold our common shares, which would be taxable to them in a similar manner as actual distributions. A shareholder may also receive a constructive distribution if a conversion of its series D cumulative convertible preferred shares is accompanied by a change in the conversion formula.
If a shareholder actually or constructively owns none or a small percentage of our common shares, and such shareholder surrenders its preferred shares to us to be repurchased for cash only, then the repurchase of the preferred shares is likely to qualify for sale or exchange treatment because the repurchase would not be “essentially equivalent to a dividend” as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. More specifically, a cash repurchase of preferred shares will be treated under Section 302 of the Internal Revenue Code as a distribution, and hence taxable as a dividend to the extent of our allocable current or accumulated earnings and profits, as discussed above, unless the repurchase satisfies one of the tests set forth in Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code and is therefore treated as a sale or exchange of the repurchased shares. The repurchase will be treated as a sale or exchange if it (1) is “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the surrendering shareholder’s ownership in us, (2) results in a “complete termination” of the surrendering shareholder’s common and preferred share interest in us, or (3) is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the surrendering shareholder, all within the meaning of Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. In determining whether any of these tests have been met, a shareholder must generally take into account our common and preferred shares considered to be owned by such shareholder by reason of constructive ownership rules set forth in the Internal Revenue Code, as well as our common and preferred shares actually owned by such shareholder. In addition, if a repurchase is treated as a distribution under the preceding tests, then a shareholder’s tax basis in the repurchased preferred shares will be transferred to the shareholder’s remaining shares of our common or preferred shares, if any, and if such shareholder owns no other shares of our common or preferred shares, such basis may be transferred to a related person or may be lost entirely. Because the determination as to whether a shareholder will satisfy any of the tests of Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code depends upon the facts and circumstances at the time that the preferred shares are repurchased, we encourage you to consult your own tax advisor to determine your particular tax treatment.
Our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, has opined that we have been organized and have qualified as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code for our 1987 through 2006 taxable years, and that our current investments and plan of operation enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. Our continued qualification and taxation as a REIT will depend upon our compliance with various qualification tests imposed under the Internal Revenue Code and summarized below. While we believe that we will satisfy these tests, our counsel has not reviewed and will not review compliance with these tests on a continuing basis. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will be subject to federal income taxation as if we were a C corporation and our shareholders will be taxed like shareholders of C corporations. In this event, we could be subject to significant tax liabilities, and the amount of cash available for distribution to our shareholders may be reduced or eliminated.
If we qualify as a REIT and meet the tests described below, we generally will not pay federal income tax on amounts we distribute to our shareholders. However, even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to federal tax in the following circumstances:
· We will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed “real estate investment trust taxable income,” including our undistributed net capital gains.
· If our alternative minimum taxable income exceeds our taxable income, we may be subject to the corporate alternative minimum tax on our items of tax preference.
· If we have net income from the disposition of “foreclosure property” that is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or from other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax on this income at the highest regular corporate rate, currently 35%.
· If we have net income from prohibited transactions, including dispositions of inventory or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business other than foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax on this income at a 100% rate.
· If we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test discussed below, but nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT, we will be subject to tax at a 100% rate on the greater
of the amount by which we fail the 75% or the 95% test, with adjustments, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.
· If we fail to distribute for any calendar year at least the sum of 85% of our REIT ordinary income for that year, 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for that year, and any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the amounts actually distributed.
· If we acquire an asset from a corporation in a transaction in which our basis in the asset is determined by reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of a present or former C corporation, and if we subsequently recognize gain on the disposition of this asset during the ten year period beginning on the date on which the asset ceased to be owned by the C corporation, then we will pay tax at the highest regular corporate tax rate, which is currently 35%, on the lesser of the excess of the fair market value of the asset over the C corporation’s basis in the asset on the date the asset ceased to be owned by the C corporation, or the gain we recognize in the disposition.
· If we acquire a corporation, to preserve our status as a REIT we must generally distribute all of the C corporation earnings and profits inherited in that acquisition, if any, not later than the end of the taxable year of the acquisition. However, if we fail to do so, relief provisions would allow us to maintain our status as a REIT provided we distribute any subsequently discovered C corporation earnings and profits and pay an interest charge in respect of the period of delayed distribution.
· As summarized below, REITs are permitted within limits to own stock and securities of a “taxable REIT subsidiary.” A taxable REIT subsidiary is separately taxed on its net income as a C corporation, and is subject to limitations on the deductibility of interest expense paid to its REIT parent. In addition, its REIT parent is subject to a 100% tax on the difference between amounts charged and redetermined rents and deductions, including excess interest.
· If and to the extent we invest in properties in foreign jurisdictions, our income from those properties will generally be subject to tax in those jurisdictions. If we continue to operate as we do, then we will distribute our taxable income to our shareholders each year and we will generally not pay federal income tax. As a result, we cannot recover the cost of foreign income taxes imposed on our foreign investments by claiming foreign tax credits against our federal income tax liability. Also, we cannot pass through to our shareholders any foreign tax credits.
If we fail to qualify or elect not to qualify as a REIT, we will be subject to federal income tax in the same manner as a C corporation. Distributions to our shareholders if we do not qualify as a REIT will not be deductible by us nor will distributions be required under the Internal Revenue Code. In that event, distributions to our shareholders will generally be taxable as ordinary dividends potentially eligible for the 15% income tax rate discussed below in “Taxation of U.S. Shareholders” and, subject to limitations in the Internal Revenue Code, will be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders. Also, we will generally be disqualified from qualification as a REIT for the four taxable years following disqualification. If we do not qualify as a REIT for even one year, this could result in reduction or elimination of distributions to our shareholders, or in our incurring substantial indebtedness or liquidating substantial investments in order to pay the resulting corporate level taxes. The Internal Revenue Code provides certain relief provisions under which we might avoid automatically ceasing to be a REIT for failure to meet certain REIT requirements, all as discussed in more detail below.
REIT Qualification Requirements
General Requirements. Section 856(a) of the Internal Revenue Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:
(1) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;
(2) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;
(3) that would be taxable, but for Sections 856 through 859 of the Internal Revenue Code, as a C corporation;
(4) that is not a financial institution or an insurance company subject to special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code;
(5) the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons;
(6) that is not “closely held” as defined under the personal holding company stock ownership test, as described below; and
(7) that meets other tests regarding income, assets and distributions, all as described below.
Section 856(b) of the Internal Revenue Code provides that conditions (1) through (4) 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 pro rata part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. Section 856(h)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code provides that neither condition (5) nor (6) need be met for our first taxable year as a REIT. We believe that we have met conditions (1) through (7) during each of the requisite periods ending on or before our most recently completed taxable year, and that we can continue to meet these conditions in future taxable years. There can, however, be no assurance in this regard.
By reason of condition (6), we will fail to qualify as a REIT for a taxable year if at any time during the last half of a year more than 50% in value of our outstanding shares is owned directly or indirectly by five or fewer individuals. To help comply with condition (6), our declaration of trust restricts transfers of our shares. In addition, if we comply with applicable Treasury regulations to ascertain the ownership of our shares and do not know, or by exercising reasonable diligence would not have known, that we failed condition (6), then we will be treated as having met condition (6). However, our failure to comply with these regulations for ascertaining ownership may result in a penalty of $25,000, or $50,000 for intentional violations. Accordingly, we intend to comply with these regulations, and to request annually from record holders of significant percentages of our shares information regarding the ownership of our shares. Under our declaration of trust, our shareholders are required to respond to these requests for information.
For purposes of condition (6), REIT shares held by a pension trust are treated as held directly by the pension trust’s beneficiaries in proportion to their actuarial interests in the pension trust. Consequently, five or fewer pension trusts could own more than 50% of the interests in an entity without jeopardizing that entity’s federal income tax qualification as a REIT. However, as discussed below, if a REIT is a “pension held REIT,” each pension trust owning more than 10% of the REIT’s shares by value generally may be taxed on a portion of the dividends it receives from the REIT.
The Internal Revenue Code provides that we will not automatically fail to be a REIT if we do not meet conditions (1) through (6), provided we can establish reasonable cause for any such failure. Each such excused failure will result in the imposition of a $50,000 penalty instead of REIT disqualification. It is impossible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of this relief provision. This relief provision applies to any failure of the applicable conditions, even if the failure first occurred in a prior taxable year, as long as each of the requirements of the relief provision is satisfied after October 22, 2004.
Our Wholly Owned Subsidiaries and Our Investments through Partnerships. Except in respect of taxable REIT subsidiaries as discussed below, Section 856(i) of the Internal Revenue Code provides that any corporation, 100% of whose stock is held by a REIT, is a qualified REIT subsidiary and shall not be treated as a separate corporation. The assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as the REIT’s. We believe that each of our direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, other than the taxable REIT subsidiaries discussed below, will either be a qualified REIT subsidiary within the meaning of Section 856(i) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a noncorporate entity that for federal income tax purposes is not treated as separate from its owner under regulations issued under Section 7701 of the Internal Revenue Code. Thus, except for the taxable REIT subsidiaries discussed below, in applying all the federal income tax REIT qualification requirements described in this summary, all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of our direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries are treated as ours.
We have invested and may invest in real estate through one or more limited or general partnerships or limited liability companies that are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, regulations under the Internal Revenue Code provide that, for purposes of the REIT qualification requirements regarding income and assets discussed below, the REIT is deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership corresponding to the REIT’s proportionate capital interest in the partnership and is deemed to be entitled to the income of the partnership attributable to this proportionate share. In addition, for these purposes, the character of the assets and gross income of the partnership generally retain the same character in the hands of the REIT. Accordingly, our proportionate share of the assets, liabilities, and items of income of each partnership in which we are a partner is treated as ours for purposes of the income tests and asset
tests discussed below. In contrast, for purposes of the distribution requirement discussed below, we must take into account as a partner our share of the partnership’s income as determined under the general federal income tax rules governing partners and partnerships under Sections 701 through 777 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. We are permitted to own any or all of the securities of a “taxable REIT subsidiary” as defined in Section 856(l) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that no more than 20% of our assets, at the close of each quarter, is comprised of our investments in the stock or securities of our taxable REIT subsidiaries. Among other requirements, a taxable REIT subsidiary must:
(1) be a non-REIT corporation for federal income tax purposes in which we directly or indirectly own shares;
(2) join with us in making a taxable REIT subsidiary election;
(3) not directly or indirectly operate or manage a lodging facility or a health care facility; and
(4) not directly or indirectly provide to any person, under a franchise, license, or otherwise, rights to any brand name under which any lodging facility or health care facility is operated, except that in limited circumstances a subfranchise, sublicense or similar right can be granted to an independent contractor to operate or manage a lodging facility.
In addition, a corporation other than a REIT in which a taxable REIT subsidiary directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value will automatically be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. Subject to the discussion below, we believe that we and each of our taxable REIT subsidiaries have complied with, and will continue to comply with, the requirements for taxable REIT subsidiary status during all times each subsidiary’s taxable REIT subsidiary election remains in effect, and we believe that the same will be true for any taxable REIT subsidiary that we later form or acquire.
Our ownership of stock and securities in taxable REIT subsidiaries is exempt from the 10% and 5% REIT asset tests discussed below. Also, as discussed below, taxable REIT subsidiaries can perform services for our tenants without disqualifying the rents we receive from those tenants under the 75% or 95% gross income tests discussed below. Moreover, because taxable REIT subsidiaries are taxed as C corporations that are separate from us, their assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit are not generally imputed to us for purposes of the REIT qualification requirements described in this summary. Therefore, taxable REIT subsidiaries can generally undertake third party management and development activities and activities not related to real estate.
Restrictions are imposed on taxable REIT subsidiaries to ensure that they will be subject to an appropriate level of federal income taxation. For example, a taxable REIT subsidiary may not deduct interest paid in any year to an affiliated REIT to the extent that the interest payments exceed, generally, 50% of the taxable REIT subsidiary’s adjusted taxable income for that year. However, the taxable REIT subsidiary may carry forward the disallowed interest expense to a succeeding year, and deduct the interest in that later year subject to that year’s 50% adjusted taxable income limitation. In addition, if a taxable REIT subsidiary pays interest, rent, or other amounts to its affiliated REIT in an amount that exceeds what an unrelated third party would have paid in an arm’s length transaction, then the REIT generally will be subject to an excise tax equal to 100% of the excessive portion of the payment. Finally, if in comparison to an arm’s length transaction, a tenant has overpaid rent to the REIT in exchange for underpaying the taxable REIT subsidiary for services rendered, then the REIT may be subject to an excise tax equal to 100% of the overpayment. There can be no assurance that arrangements involving our taxable REIT subsidiaries will not result in the imposition of one or more of these deduction limitations or excise taxes, but we do not believe that we are or will be subject to these impositions.
Income Tests. There are two gross income requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code:
· At least 75% of our gross income, excluding gross income from sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale, must be derived from investments relating to real property, including “rents from real property” as defined under Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code, mortgages on real property, or shares in other REITs. When we receive new capital in exchange for our shares or in a public offering of five year or longer debt instruments, income attributable to the temporary investment of this new capital in stock or a debt instrument, if received or accrued within one year of our receipt of the new capital, is generally also qualifying income under the 75% gross income test.
· At least 95% of our gross income, excluding gross income from sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale, must be derived from a combination of items of real property income that satisfy the 75% gross income test described above, dividends, interest, gains from the sale or disposition of stock, securities, or real property or, for financial instruments entered into during our 2004 or earlier taxable years, certain payments under interest rate swap or cap agreements, options, futures contracts, forward rate agreements or similar financial instruments. But for financial instruments entered into during our 2005 or later taxable years, the 95% gross income test has been modified as follows: except as may be provided in Treasury regulations, gross income for these purposes no longer includes income from a “hedging transaction” as defined under clauses (ii) and (iii) of Section 1221(b)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, but only to the extent that (A) the transaction hedges indebtedness we incur to acquire or carry real estate assets, and (B) the hedging transaction was “clearly identified,” meaning that the transaction must be identified as a hedging transaction before the end of the day on which it is entered and the risks being hedged must be identified generally within 35 days after the date the transaction is entered.
For purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests outlined above, income derived from a “shared appreciation provision” in a mortgage loan is generally treated as gain recognized on the sale of the property to which it relates. Although we will use our best efforts to ensure that the income generated by our investments will be of a type that satisfies both the 75% and 95% gross income tests, there can be no assurance in this regard.
In order to qualify as “rents from real property” under Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code, several requirements must be met:
· The amount of rent received generally must not be based on the income or profits of any person, but may be based on receipts or sales.
· Rents do not qualify if the REIT owns 10% or more by vote or value of the tenant, whether directly or after application of attribution rules. While we intend not to lease property to any party if rents from that property would not qualify as rents from real property, application of the 10% ownership rule is dependent upon complex attribution rules and circumstances that may be beyond our control. For example, an unaffiliated third party’s ownership directly or by attribution of 10% or more by value of our shares, as well as 10% or more by vote or value of the stock of one of our tenants, would result in that tenant’s rents not qualifying as rents from real property. Our declaration of trust disallows transfers or purported acquisitions, directly or by attribution, of our shares to the extent necessary to maintain our REIT status under the Internal Revenue Code. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that these provisions in our declaration of trust will be effective to prevent our REIT status from being jeopardized under the 10% affiliated tenant rule. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to monitor and enforce these restrictions, nor will our shareholders necessarily be aware of ownership of shares attributed to them under the Internal Revenue Code’s attribution rules.
· There is a limited exception to the above prohibition on earning “rents from real property” from a 10% affiliated tenant, if the tenant is a taxable REIT subsidiary. If at least 90% of the leased space of a property is leased to tenants other than taxable REIT subsidiaries and 10% affiliated tenants, and if the taxable REIT subsidiary’s rent for space at that property is substantially comparable to the rents paid by nonaffiliated tenants for comparable space at the property, then otherwise qualifying rents paid by the taxable REIT subsidiary to the REIT will not be disqualified on account of the rule prohibiting 10% affiliated tenants.
· In order for rents to qualify, we generally must not manage the property or furnish or render services to the tenants of the property, except through an independent contractor from whom we derive no income or, for our 2001 taxable year and thereafter, through one of our taxable REIT subsidiaries. There is an exception to this rule permitting a REIT to perform customary tenant services of the sort that a tax exempt organization could perform without being considered in receipt of “unrelated business taxable income” as defined in Section 512(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, a de minimis amount of noncustomary services will not disqualify income as “rents from real property” so long as the value of the impermissible services does not exceed 1% of the gross income from the property.
· If rent attributable to personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property is 15% or less of the total rent received under the lease, then the rent attributable to personal property will qualify as “rents from real property”; if this 15% threshold is exceeded, the rent attributable to personal property will not so qualify. For our taxable years through December 31, 2000, the portion of rental income treated as
attributable to personal property was determined according to the ratio of the tax basis of the personal property to the total tax basis of the real and personal property that is rented. For our 2001 taxable year and thereafter, the ratio is determined by reference to fair market values rather than tax bases.
We believe that all or substantially all our rents have qualified and will qualify as rents from real property for purposes of Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code.
In order to qualify as mortgage interest on real property for purposes of the 75% test, interest must derive from a mortgage loan secured by real property with a fair market value, at the time the loan is made, at least equal to the amount of the loan. If the amount of the loan exceeds the fair market value of the real property, the interest will be treated as interest on a mortgage loan in a ratio equal to the ratio of the fair market value of the real property to the total amount of the mortgage loan.
Other than sales of foreclosure property, any gain we realize on the sale of property held as inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a penalty tax at a 100% rate. This prohibited transaction income also may adversely affect our ability to satisfy the 75% and 95% gross income tests for federal income tax qualification as a REIT. We cannot provide assurances as to whether or not the IRS might successfully assert that one or more of our dispositions is subject to the 100% penalty tax. However, we believe that dispositions of assets that we have made or that we might make in the future will not be subject to the 100% penalty tax, because we intend to:
· own our assets for investment with a view to long term income production and capital appreciation;
· engage in the business of developing, owning and operating our existing properties and acquiring, developing, owning and operating new properties; and
· make occasional dispositions of our assets consistent with our long term investment objectives.
If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or the 95% gross income tests in any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for that year if we satisfy the following requirements after October 22, 2004:
· our failure to meet the test is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, and
· after we identify the failure, we file a schedule describing each item of our gross income included in the 75% or 95% gross income tests for that taxable year.
It is impossible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of this relief provision for the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Even if this relief provision does apply, a 100% tax is imposed upon the greater of the amount by which we failed the 75% test or the 95% test, with adjustments, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability. This relief provision applies to any failure of the applicable income tests, even if the failure first occurred in a prior taxable year, as long as each of the requirements of the relief provision is satisfied after October 22, 2004.
Under prior law, if we failed to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests, we nevertheless would have qualified as a REIT for that year if: our failure to meet the test was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect; we reported the nature and amount of each item of our income included in the 75% or 95% gross income tests for that taxable year on a schedule attached to our tax return; and any incorrect information on the schedule was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. For our 2004 and prior taxable years, we attached a schedule of gross income to our federal income tax returns, but it is impossible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of this prior relief provision for the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Even if this relief provision did apply, a 100% tax is imposed upon the greater of the amount by which we failed the 75% test or the 95% test, with adjustments, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.
Asset Tests. At the close of each quarter of each taxable year, we must also satisfy the following asset percentage tests in order to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes:
· At least 75% of our total assets must consist of real estate assets, cash and cash items, shares in other REITs, government securities, and temporary investments of new capital (that is, stock or debt instruments purchased with proceeds of a stock offering or a public offering of our debt with a term of at least five years, but only for the one year period commencing with our receipt of the offering proceeds).
· Not more than 25% of our total assets may be represented by securities other than those securities that count favorably toward the preceding 75% asset test.
· Of the investments included in the preceding 25% asset class, the value of any one non-REIT issuer’s securities that we own may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets, and we may not own more than 10% of any one non-REIT issuer’s outstanding voting securities. For our 2001 taxable year and thereafter, we may not own more than 10% of the vote or value of any one non-REIT issuer’s outstanding securities, unless that issuer is our taxable REIT subsidiary or the securities are “straight debt” securities or otherwise excepted as discussed below.
· For our 2001 taxable year and thereafter, our stock and securities in a taxable REIT subsidiary are exempted from the preceding 10% and 5% asset tests. However, no more than 20% of our total assets may be represented by stock or securities of taxable REIT subsidiaries.
When a failure to satisfy the above asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter.
In addition, if we fail the 5% value test or the 10% vote or value tests at the close of any quarter and do not cure such failure within 30 days after the close of that quarter, that failure will nevertheless be excused if (a) the failure is de minimis and (b) within 6 months after the last day of the quarter in which we identify the failure, we either dispose of the assets causing the failure or otherwise satisfy the 5% value and 10% vote and value asset tests. For purposes of this relief provision, the failure will be “de minimis” if the value of the assets causing the failure does not exceed the lesser of (a) 1% of the total value of our assets at the end of the relevant quarter or (b) $10,000,000. If our failure is not de minimis, or if any of the other REIT asset tests have been violated, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT if (a) we provide the IRS with a description of each asset causing the failure, (b) the failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, (c) we pay a tax equal to the greater of (i) $50,000 or (ii) the highest rate of corporate tax imposed (currently 35%) on the net income generated by the assets causing the failure during the period of the failure, and (d) within 6 months after the last day of the quarter in which we identify the failure, we either dispose of the assets causing the failure or otherwise satisfy all of the REIT asset tests. These relief provisions apply to any failure of the applicable asset tests, even if the failure first occurred in a prior taxable year, as long as each of the requirements of the relief provision is satisfied after October 22, 2004.
The Internal Revenue Code also provides, for our 2001 taxable year and thereafter, an excepted securities safe harbor to the 10% value test that includes among other items (a) “straight debt” securities, (b) certain rental agreements in which payment is to be made in subsequent years, (c) any obligation to pay rents from real property, (d) securities issued by governmental entities that are not dependent in whole or in part on the profits of or payments from a nongovernmental entity, and (e) any security issued by another REIT.
We intend to maintain records of the value of our assets to document our compliance with the above asset tests, and to take actions as may be required to cure any failure to satisfy the tests within 30 days after the close of any quarter.
Our Investment in Senior Housing. For several years, we owned a significant minority, in excess of 10%, of Senior Housing shares, and we believe that Senior Housing during these years qualified as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. We sold all our Senior Housing shares in 2006, and no longer own any material stake in that company. For any of our taxable years in which Senior Housing qualified as a REIT, our investment in Senior Housing counted favorably toward the REIT asset tests and our gains and dividends from Senior Housing shares counted as qualifying income under both REIT gross income tests. However, because we did not and could not control Senior Housing’s compliance with the federal income tax requirements for REIT qualification, we joined with Senior Housing in filing a protective taxable REIT subsidiary election under Section 856(l) of the Internal Revenue Code, effective January 1, 2001, and we reaffirmed this protective election every January 1 since then through January 1, 2006. Pursuant to this protective taxable REIT subsidiary election, we believe that if Senior Housing were not a REIT, it would instead be considered one of our taxable REIT subsidiaries. As one of our taxable REIT subsidiaries, we believe that Senior Housing’s failure to qualify as a REIT would not have jeopardized our own qualification as a REIT even though we owned more than 10% of it.
Annual Distribution Requirements. In order to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, we are required to make annual distributions other than capital gain dividends to our shareholders in an amount at least equal to the excess of:
(A) the sum of 90% of our “real estate investment trust taxable income,” as defined in Section 857 of the Internal Revenue Code, computed by excluding any net capital gain and before taking into account any dividends paid deduction for which we are eligible, and 90% of our net income after tax, if any, from property received in foreclosure, over
(B) the sum of our qualifying noncash income, e.g., imputed rental income or income from transactions inadvertently failing to qualify as like kind exchanges.
The distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared before we timely file our tax return for the earlier taxable year and if paid on or before the first regular distribution payment after that declaration. If a dividend is declared in October, November, or December to shareholders of record during one of those months, and is paid during the following January, then for federal income tax purposes the dividend will be treated as having been both paid and received on December 31 of the prior taxable year. A distribution which is not pro rata within a class of our beneficial interests entitled to a distribution, or which is not consistent with the rights to distributions among our classes of beneficial interests, is a preferential distribution that is not taken into consideration for purposes of the distribution requirements, and accordingly the payment of a preferential distribution could affect our ability to meet the distribution requirements. Taking into account our distribution policies, including the dividend reinvestment plan we have adopted, we expect that we will not make any preferential distributions. The distribution requirements may be waived by the IRS if a REIT establishes that it failed to meet them by reason of distributions previously made to meet the requirements of the 4% excise tax discussed below. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain and all of our real estate investment trust taxable income, as adjusted, we will be subject to tax on undistributed amounts.
In addition, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax to the extent we fail within a calendar year to make required distributions to our shareholders of 85% of our ordinary income and 95% of our capital gain net income plus the excess, if any, of the “grossed up required distribution” for the preceding calendar year over the amount treated as distributed for that preceding calendar year. For this purpose, the term “grossed up required distribution” for any calendar year is the sum of our taxable income for the calendar year without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and all amounts from earlier years that are not treated as having been distributed under the provision. We will be treated as having sufficient earnings and profits to treat as a dividend any distribution by us up to the amount required to be distributed in order to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax.
If we do not have enough cash or other liquid assets to meet the 90% distribution requirements, we may find it necessary and desirable to arrange for new debt or equity financing to provide funds for required distributions in order to maintain our REIT status. We can provide no assurance that financing would be available for these purposes on favorable terms.
We may be able to rectify a failure to pay sufficient dividends for any year by paying “deficiency dividends” to shareholders in a later year. These deficiency dividends may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year, but an interest charge would be imposed upon us for the delay in distribution. Although we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, we will remain liable for the 4% excise tax discussed above.
In addition to the other distribution requirements above, to preserve our status as a REIT we are required to timely distribute C corporation earnings and profits that we inherit from acquired corporations.
Acquisition of Publicly Traded Partnership
In 2004, we acquired all of the limited partnership interests and the general partnership interest of a publicly traded partnership as well as certain of the partnership’s affiliated entities. Prior to our acquisition of the publicly traded partnership and its affiliates, the acquired entities directly or indirectly owned substantially all of the outstanding equity interests in various noncorporate subsidiaries and four C corporations. However, before our acquisition of these entities, all four C corporation subsidiaries were converted into disregarded entities under Treasury regulations issued under Section 7701 of the Internal Revenue Code, and thus considered liquidated for federal income tax purposes. Upon our acquisition, the publicly traded partnership itself and its affiliates and subsidiaries became disregarded entities of ours under Treasury regulations issued under Section 7701 of the Internal Revenue Code. Thus, after the 2004 acquisition, all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of these acquired entities have been treated as ours for purposes of the various REIT qualification tests described above. Our initial tax basis in the acquired assets is our cost for acquiring them, and we believe that we did not succeed to any C corporation earnings and profits in this acquisition.
Depreciation and Federal Income Tax Treatment of Leases
Our initial tax bases in our assets will generally be our acquisition cost. We will generally depreciate our real property on a straight line basis over 40 years and our personal property over the applicable shorter periods. These depreciation schedules may vary for properties that we acquire through tax free or carryover basis acquisitions.
We are entitled to depreciation deductions from our facilities only if we are treated for federal income tax purposes as the owner of the facilities. This means that the leases of the facilities must be classified for federal income tax purposes as true leases, rather than as sales or financing arrangements, and we believe this to be the case. In the case of sale leaseback arrangements, the IRS could assert that we realized prepaid rental income in the year of purchase to the extent that the value of a leased property, at the time of purchase, exceeded the purchase price for that property. While we believe that the value of leased property at the time of purchase did not exceed purchase prices, because of the lack of clear precedent we cannot provide assurances as to whether the IRS might successfully assert the existence of prepaid rental income in any of our sale leaseback transactions.
Taxation of U.S. Shareholders
The maximum individual federal income tax rate for long term capital gains is generally 15% (for taxable years that begin on or before December 31, 2010) and for most corporate dividends is generally also 15% (for taxable years that begin on or before December 31, 2010). However, because we are not generally subject to federal income tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income or capital gains distributed to our shareholders, dividends on our shares generally are not eligible for such 15% tax rate on dividends. As a result, our ordinary dividends continue to be taxed at the higher federal income tax rates applicable to ordinary income. However, the 15% federal income tax rate for long term capital gains and dividends generally applies to:
(1) your long term capital gains, if any, recognized on the disposition of our shares;
(2) our distributions designated as long term capital gain dividends (except to the extent attributable to real estate depreciation recapture, in which case the distributions are subject to a 25% federal income tax rate);
(3) our dividends attributable to dividends, if any, received by us from non-REIT corporations such as taxable REIT subsidiaries; and
(4) our dividends to the extent attributable to income upon which we have paid federal corporate income tax.
As long as we qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, a distribution to our U.S. shareholders (including any constructive distributions on our common shares or on our series D cumulative convertible preferred shares) that we do not designate as a capital gain dividend will be treated as an ordinary income dividend to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits that we properly designate as capital gain dividends will be taxed as long term capital gains, as discussed below, to the extent they do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year. However, corporate shareholders may be required to treat up to 20% of any capital gain dividend as ordinary income under Section 291 of the Internal Revenue Code.
In addition, we may elect to retain net capital gain income and treat it as constructively distributed. In that case:
(1) we will be taxed at regular corporate capital gains tax rates on retained amounts;
(2) each U.S. shareholder will be taxed on its designated proportionate share of our retained net capital gains as though that amount were distributed and designated a capital gain dividend;
(3) each U.S. shareholder will receive a credit for its designated proportionate share of the tax that we pay;
(4) each U.S. shareholder will increase its adjusted basis in our shares by the excess of the amount of its proportionate share of these retained net capital gains over its proportionate share of this tax that we pay; and
(5) both we and our corporate shareholders will make commensurate adjustments in our respective earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes.
If we elect to retain our net capital gains in this fashion, we will notify our U.S. shareholders of the relevant tax information within 60 days after the close of the affected taxable year.
As discussed above, for noncorporate U.S. shareholders, long term capital gains are generally taxed at maximum rates of 15% or 25%, depending upon the type of property disposed of and the previously claimed depreciation with respect to this property. If for any taxable year we designate capital gain dividends for U.S. shareholders, then the portion of the capital gain dividends we designate will be allocated to the holders of a particular class of shares on a percentage basis equal to the ratio of the amount of the total dividends paid or made available for the year to the holders of that class of shares to the total dividends paid or made available for the year to holders of all classes of our shares. We will similarly designate the portion of any capital gain dividend that is to be taxed to noncorporate U.S. shareholders at the maximum rates of 15% or 25% so that the designations will be proportionate among all classes of our shares.
Distributions in excess of current or accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a U.S. shareholder to the extent that they do not exceed the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the shareholder’s shares, but will reduce the shareholder’s basis in those shares. To the extent that these excess distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a U.S. shareholder’s shares, they will be included in income as capital gain, with long term gain generally taxed to noncorporate U.S. shareholders at a maximum rate of 15%. No U.S. shareholder may include on his federal income tax return any of our net operating losses or any of our capital losses.
Dividends that we declare in October, November or December of a taxable year to U.S. shareholders of record on a date in those months will be deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31 of that taxable year, provided we actually pay these dividends by the end of the following January. Also, items that are treated differently for regular and alternative minimum tax purposes are to be allocated between a REIT and its shareholders under Treasury regulations which are to be prescribed. It is possible that these Treasury regulations will require tax preference items to be allocated to our shareholders with respect to any accelerated depreciation or other tax preference items that we claim.
A U.S. shareholder will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder’s adjusted basis in our shares that are sold or exchanged. This gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, and will be long term capital gain or loss if the shareholder’s holding period in the shares exceeds one year. In addition, any loss upon a sale or exchange of our shares held for six months or less will generally be treated as a long term capital loss to the extent of our long term capital gain dividends during the holding period.
In contrast to the typical redemption of preferred shares for cash only, discussed above, if a U.S. shareholder receives a number of our common shares as a result of a conversion or repurchase of series D cumulative convertible preferred shares, then the transaction will be treated as a recapitalization. As such, the shareholder would recognize income or gain only to the extent of the lesser of (1) the excess, if any, of the value of the cash and common shares received over such shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in its series D cumulative convertible preferred shares surrendered or (2) the cash received. Any cash a shareholder receives, up to the amount of income or gain recognized, would generally be characterized as a dividend to the extent that a surrender of series D cumulative convertible preferred shares to us for cash only would be taxable as a dividend, taking into account the surrendering shareholder’s continuing actual or constructive ownership interest in our shares, if any, as discussed above, and the balance of the recognized amount, if any, will be gain. A U.S. shareholder’s basis in its common shares received would be equal to the basis for the series D cumulative convertible preferred shares surrendered less any cash received plus any income or gain recognized. A U.S. shareholder’s holding period in the common shares received would be the same as the holding period for the series D cumulative convertible preferred shares surrendered. If, in addition to common shares, upon conversion or repurchase a shareholder receives rights or warrants to acquire our common shares or other of our securities, then the receipt of the rights or warrants may be taxable, and we encourage you to consult your tax advisor as to the consequences of the receipt of rights or warrants upon conversion or repurchase.
A U.S. shareholder generally will not recognize any income, gain or loss upon conversion of series D cumulative convertible preferred shares into common shares except with respect to cash, if any, received in lieu of a fractional common share. A U.S. shareholder’s basis in its common shares received would be equal to the basis for the series D cumulative convertible preferred shares surrendered less any basis allocable to any fractional share exchanged for cash. A U.S. shareholder’s holding period in the common shares received would be the same as the holding period for the series D cumulative convertible preferred shares surrendered. Any cash received in lieu of a
fractional common share upon conversion will be treated as a payment in exchange for the fractional common share. Accordingly, your receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share generally will result in capital gain or loss, measured by the difference between the cash received for the fractional share and the adjusted tax basis attributable to the fractional share. If, in addition to common shares, upon conversion a U.S. shareholder receives rights or warrants to acquire our common shares or other of our securities, then the receipt of the rights or warrants may be taxable, and we encourage you to consult your tax advisor as to the consequences of the receipt of rights or warrants upon conversion.
Effective for federal tax returns with due dates after October 22, 2004, the Internal Revenue Code imposes a penalty for the failure to properly disclose a “reportable transaction.” A reportable transaction currently includes, among other things, a sale or exchange of our shares resulting in a tax loss in excess of (i) $10 million in any single year or $20 million in any combination of years in the case of our shares held by a C corporation or by a partnership with only C corporation partners or (ii) $2 million in any single year or $4 million in any combination of years in the case of our shares held by any other partnership or an S corporation, trust or individual, including losses that flow through pass through entities to individuals. A taxpayer discloses a reportable transaction by filing IRS Form 8886 with its federal income tax return and, in the first year of filing, a copy of Form 8886 must be sent to the IRS’s Office of Tax Shelter Analysis. The penalty for failing to disclose a reportable transaction is generally $10,000 in the case of a natural person and $50,000 in any other case.
Noncorporate U.S. shareholders who borrow funds to finance their acquisition of our shares could be limited in the amount of deductions allowed for the interest paid on the indebtedness incurred. Under Section 163(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, interest paid or accrued on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry property held for investment is generally deductible only to the extent of the investor’s net investment income. A U.S. shareholder’s net investment income will include ordinary income dividend distributions received from us and, if an appropriate election is made by the shareholder, capital gain dividend distributions received from us; however, distributions treated as a nontaxable return of the shareholder’s basis will not enter into the computation of net investment income.
Taxation of Tax Exempt Shareholders
In Revenue Ruling 66-106, the IRS ruled that amounts distributed by a REIT to a tax exempt employees’ pension trust did not constitute “unrelated business taxable income,” even though the REIT may have financed some of its activities with acquisition indebtedness. Although revenue rulings are interpretive in nature and subject to revocation or modification by the IRS, based upon the analysis and conclusion of Revenue Ruling 66-106, our distributions made to shareholders that are tax exempt pension plans, individual retirement accounts, or other qualifying tax exempt entities should not constitute unrelated business taxable income, unless the shareholder has financed its acquisition of our shares with “acquisition indebtedness” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code.
Tax exempt pension trusts, including so called 401(k) plans, but excluding individual retirement accounts or government pension plans, that own more than 10% by value of a “pension held REIT” at any time during a taxable year may be required to treat a percentage of all dividends received from the pension held REIT during the year as unrelated business taxable income. This percentage is equal to the ratio of:
(1) the pension held REIT’s gross income derived from the conduct of unrelated trades or businesses, determined as if the pension held REIT were a tax exempt pension fund, less direct expenses related to that income, to
(2) the pension held REIT’s gross income from all sources, less direct expenses related to that income,
except that this percentage shall be deemed to be zero unless it would otherwise equal or exceed 5%. A REIT is a pension held REIT if:
· the REIT is “predominantly held” by tax exempt pension trusts; and
· the REIT would fail to satisfy the “closely held” ownership requirement discussed above if the stock or beneficial interests in the REIT held by tax exempt pension trusts were viewed as held by tax exempt pension trusts rather than by their respective beneficiaries.
A REIT is predominantly held by tax exempt pension trusts if at least one tax exempt pension trust owns more than 25% by value of the REIT’s stock or beneficial interests, or if one or more tax exempt pension trusts, each owning more than 10% by value of the REIT’s stock or beneficial interests, own in the aggregate more than 50% by value of
the REIT’s stock or beneficial interests. Because of the share ownership concentration restrictions in our declaration of trust, we believe that we are not and will not be a pension held REIT. However, because our shares are publicly traded, we cannot completely control whether or not we are or will become a pension held REIT.
Social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts and qualified group legal services plans exempt from federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) and (c)(20) of the Internal Revenue Code, respectively, are subject to different unrelated business taxable income rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions from a REIT as unrelated business taxable income. In addition, these prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning any “set aside” or reserve requirements applicable to them.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders
The rules governing the United States federal income taxation of non-U.S. shareholders are complex, and the following discussion is intended only as a summary of these rules. If you are a non-U.S. shareholder, we urge you to consult with your own tax advisor to determine the impact of United States federal, state, local, and foreign tax laws, including any tax return filing and other reporting requirements, with respect to your investment in our shares.
In general, a non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to regular United States federal income tax in the same manner as a U.S. shareholder with respect to its investment in our shares if that investment is effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States. In addition, a corporate non-U.S. shareholder that receives income that is or is deemed effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax under Section 884 of the Internal Revenue Code, which is payable in addition to regular United States federal corporate income tax. The balance of this discussion of the United States federal income taxation of non-U.S. shareholders addresses only those non-U.S. shareholders whose investment in our shares is not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States.
A distribution by us to a non-U.S. shareholder that is not attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest and that is not designated as a capital gain dividend will be treated as an ordinary income dividend to the extent that it is made out of current or accumulated earnings and profits. A distribution of this type will generally be subject to United States federal income tax and withholding at the rate of 30%, or at a lower rate if the non-U.S. shareholder has in the manner prescribed by the IRS demonstrated its entitlement to benefits under a tax treaty. In the case of any in kind distributions of property, we or other applicable withholding agents will collect the amount required to be withhold by reducing to cash for remittance to the IRS a sufficient portion of the property that the non-U.S. shareholder would otherwise receive, and the non-U.S. shareholder may bear brokerage or other costs for this withholding procedure. Because we cannot determine our current and accumulated earnings and profits until the end of the taxable year, withholding at the rate of 30% or applicable lower treaty rate will generally be imposed on the gross amount of any distribution to a non-U.S. shareholder that we make and do not designate a capital gain dividend. Notwithstanding this withholding on distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, these distributions are a nontaxable return of capital to the extent that they do not exceed the non-U.S. shareholder’s adjusted basis in our shares, and the nontaxable return of capital will reduce the adjusted basis in these shares. To the extent that distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits exceed the non-U.S. shareholder’s adjusted basis in our shares, the distributions will give rise to tax liability if the non-U.S. shareholder would otherwise be subject to tax on any gain from the sale or exchange of these shares, as discussed below. A non-U.S. shareholder may seek a refund from the IRS of amounts withheld on distributions to him in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.
Capital gain dividends that are received by a non-U.S. shareholder, including dividends attributable to our sales of United States real property interests, and that are deductible by us in respect of our 2005 taxable year and thereafter will be subject to the taxation and withholding regime applicable to ordinary income dividends and the branch profits tax will not apply, provided that (1) the capital gain dividends are received with respect to a class of shares that is “regularly traded” on a domestic “established securities market” such as the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, both as defined by applicable Treasury regulations, and (2) the non-U.S. shareholder does not own more than 5% of that class of shares at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of distribution of the capital gain dividends. If both of these provisions are satisfied, qualifying non-U.S. shareholders will not be subject to withholding on capital gain dividends as though those amounts were effectively connected with a United States trade or business, and qualifying non-U.S. shareholders will not be required to file United States federal income tax returns or pay branch profits tax in respect of these capital gain dividends. Instead, these dividends will be subject to United States federal income tax and withholding as ordinary dividends, currently at a 30% tax rate unless reduced by applicable treaty, as discussed below. We believe that our shares have been and will remain “regularly traded” on an “established securities market” within the definition of each term provided in applicable Treasury regulations; however,
we can provide no assurance that our shares will continue to be “regularly traded” on an “established securities market” in future taxable years.
Except as discussed above, for any year in which we qualify as a REIT, distributions that are attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest are taxed to a non-U.S. shareholder as if these distributions were gains effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States conducted by the non-U.S. shareholder. Accordingly, a non-U.S. shareholder that does not qualify for the provision above or that received dividends for taxable years before 2005 will be taxed on these amounts at the normal capital gain rates applicable to a U.S. shareholder, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and to a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals; such a non-U.S. shareholder will be required to file a United States federal income tax return reporting these amounts, even if applicable withholding is imposed as described below; and such a non-U.S. shareholder that is also a corporation may owe the 30% branch profits tax under Section 884 of the Internal Revenue Code in respect of these amounts. We will be required to withhold from distributions to such non-U.S. shareholders, and remit to the IRS, 35% of the maximum amount of any distribution that could be designated as a capital gain dividend. In addition, for purposes of this withholding rule, if we designate prior distributions as capital gain dividends, then subsequent distributions up to the amount of the designated prior distributions will be treated as capital gain dividends. The amount of any tax withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. shareholder’s United States federal income tax liability, and the non-U.S. shareholder may file for a refund from the IRS of any amount of withheld tax in excess of that tax liability.
Effective generally from and after 2006, a special “wash sale” rule applies to a non-U.S. shareholder who owns any class of our shares if (1) the shareholder owns more than 5% of that class of shares at any time during the one year period ending on the date of the distribution described below, or (2) that class of our shares is not, within the meaning of applicable Treasury Regulations, “regularly traded” on a domestic “established securities market” such as the NYSE. Although there can be no assurance in this regard, we believe that our common shares and each class of our preferred shares has been and will remain “regularly traded” on a domestic “established securities market” within the meaning of applicable Treasury regulations, all as discussed above. We thus anticipate this wash sale rule to apply, if at all, only to a non-U.S. shareholder that owns more than 5% of either our common shares or any class of our preferred shares. Such a non-U.S. shareholder will be treated as having made a “wash sale” of our shares if it (1) disposes of an interest in our shares during the 30 days preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution by us that, but for such disposition, would have been treated by the non-U.S. shareholder in whole or in part as gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest, and then (2) acquires or enters into a contract to acquire a substantially identical interest in our shares, either actually or constructively through a related party, during the 61 day period beginning 30 days prior to the ex-dividend date. In the event of such a wash sale, the non-U.S. shareholder will have gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest in an amount equal to the portion of the distribution that, but for the wash sale, would have been a gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest. As discussed above, a non-U.S. shareholder’s gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest can trigger increased United States taxes, such as the branch profits tax applicable to non-U.S. corporations, and increased United States tax filing requirements.
If for any taxable year we designate capital gain dividends for our shareholders, then the portion of the capital gain dividends we designate will be allocated to the holders of a particular class of shares on a percentage basis equal to the ratio of the amount of the total dividends paid or made available for the year to the holders of that class of shares to the total dividends paid or made available for the year to holders of all classes of our shares.
Tax treaties may reduce the withholding obligations on our distributions. Under some treaties, however, rates below 30% that are applicable to ordinary income dividends from United States corporations may not apply to ordinary income dividends from a REIT or may apply only if the REIT meets certain additional conditions. You must generally use an applicable IRS Form W-8, or substantially similar form, to claim tax treaty benefits. If the amount of tax withheld by us with respect to a distribution to a non-U.S. shareholder exceeds the shareholder’s United States federal income tax liability with respect to the distribution, the non-U.S. shareholder may file for a refund of the excess from the IRS. The 35% withholding tax rate discussed above on some capital gain dividends corresponds to the maximum income tax rate applicable to corporate non-U.S. shareholders, but is higher than the 15% and 25% maximum rates on capital gains generally applicable to noncorporate non-U.S. shareholders. Treasury regulations also provide special rules to determine whether, for purposes of determining the applicability of a tax treaty, our distributions to a non-U.S. shareholder that is an entity should be treated as paid to the entity or to those owning an interest in that entity, and whether the entity or its owners are entitled to benefits under the tax treaty. In the case of any in kind distributions of property, we or other applicable withholding agents will have to collect the amount required to be withhold by reducing to cash for remittance to the IRS a sufficient portion of the property that the non-U.S. shareholder would otherwise receive, and the non-U.S. shareholder may bear brokerage or other costs for this withholding procedure.
If our shares are not “United States real property interests” within the meaning of Section 897 of the Internal Revenue Code, then a non-U.S. shareholder’s gain on sale of these shares (including a conversion of our series D cumulative convertible preferred shares into common shares) generally will not be subject to United States federal income taxation, except that a nonresident alien individual who was in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year may be subject to a 30% tax on this gain. Our shares will not constitute a United States real property interest if we are a “domestically controlled REIT.” A domestically controlled REIT is a REIT in which at all times during the preceding five-year period less than 50% in value of its shares is held directly or indirectly by foreign persons. We believe that we have been and will remain a domestically controlled REIT and thus a non-U.S. shareholder’s gain on sale of our shares will not be subject to United States federal income taxation. However, because our shares are publicly traded, we can provide no assurance that we will be a domestically controlled REIT. If we are not a domestically controlled REIT, a non-U.S. shareholder’s gain on sale of our shares will not be subject to United States federal income taxation as a sale of a United States real property interest, if that class of shares is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury regulations, on an established securities market like the NYSE, and the non-U.S. shareholder has at all times during the preceding five years owned 5% or less by value of that class of shares. In this regard, because the preferred shares of others may be redeemed, and in the case of the series D cumulative convertible preferred shares, are convertible, a non-U.S. shareholder’s percentage interest in a class of our preferred shares may increase even if it acquires no additional preferred shares in that class. If the gain on the sale of our shares were subject to United States federal income taxation, the non-U.S. shareholder will generally be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. shareholder with respect to its gain, will be required to file a United States federal income tax return reporting that gain, and a corporate non-U.S. shareholder might owe branch profits tax under Section 884 of the Internal Revenue Code. A purchaser of our shares from a non-U.S. shareholder will not be required to withhold on the purchase price if the purchased shares are regularly traded on an established securities market or if we are a domestically controlled REIT. Otherwise, a purchaser of our shares from a non-U.S. shareholder may be required to withhold 10% of the purchase price paid to the non-U.S. shareholder and to remit the withheld amount to the IRS.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Information reporting and backup withholding may apply to distributions or proceeds paid to our shareholders under the circumstances discussed below. The backup withholding rate is currently 28%. Amounts withheld under backup withholding are generally not an additional tax and may be refunded by the IRS or credited against the REIT shareholder’s federal income tax liability. In the case of any in kind distributions of property by us to a shareholder, we or other applicable withholding agents will have to collect any applicable backup withholding by reducing to cash for remittance to the IRS a sufficient portion of the property that our shareholder would otherwise receive, and the shareholder may bear brokerage or other costs for this withholding procedure.
A U.S. shareholder will be subject to backup withholding when it receives distributions on our shares or proceeds upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our shares, unless the U.S. shareholder properly executes, or has previously properly executed, under penalties of perjury an IRS Form W-9 or substantially similar form that:
· provides the U.S. shareholder’s correct taxpayer identification number; and
· certifies that the U.S. shareholder is exempt from backup withholding because it is a corporation or comes within another exempt category, it has not been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding, or it has been notified by the IRS that it is no longer subject to backup withholding.
If the U.S. shareholder has not and does not provide its correct taxpayer identification number on the IRS Form W-9 or substantially similar form, it may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS, and the REIT or other withholding agent may have to withhold a portion of any distributions paid to it. Unless the U.S. shareholder has established on a properly executed IRS Form W-9 or substantially similar form that it is a corporation or comes within another exempt category, distributions on our shares paid to it during the calendar year, and the amount of tax withheld, if any, will be reported to it and to the IRS.
Distributions on our shares to a non-U.S. shareholder during each calendar year and the amount of tax withheld, if any, will generally be reported to the non-U.S. shareholder and to the IRS. This information reporting requirement applies regardless of whether the non-U.S. shareholder is subject to withholding on distributions on our shares or whether the withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. Also, distributions paid to a non-U.S. shareholder on our shares may be subject to backup withholding, unless the non-U.S. shareholder properly certifies its non-U.S. shareholder status on an IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form in the manner described above. Similarly, information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to proceeds a non-U.S. shareholder receives upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our shares, if the non-U.S. shareholder
properly certifies its non-U.S. shareholder status on an IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form. Even without having executed an IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form, however, in some cases information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to proceeds that a non-U.S. shareholder receives upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our shares if the non-U.S. shareholder receives those proceeds through a broker’s foreign office.
Other Tax Consequences
Our tax treatment and that of our shareholders may be modified by legislative, judicial, or administrative actions at any time, which actions may be retroactive in effect. The rules dealing with federal income taxation are constantly under review by the Congress, the IRS and the Treasury Department, and statutory changes, new regulations, revisions to existing regulations, and revised interpretations of established concepts are issued frequently. Likewise, the rules regarding taxes other than federal income taxes may also be modified. No prediction can be made as to the likelihood of passage of new tax legislation or other provisions or the direct or indirect effect on us and our shareholders. Revisions to tax laws and interpretations of these laws could adversely affect the tax or other consequences of an investment in our shares. We and our shareholders may also be subject to taxation by state, local or other jurisdictions, including those in which we or our shareholders transact business or reside. These tax consequences may not be comparable to the federal income tax consequences discussed above.
ERISA PLANS, KEOGH PLANS AND INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
General Fiduciary Obligations
Fiduciaries of a pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or ERISA, must consider whether:
· their investment in our shares satisfies the diversification requirements of ERISA;
· the investment is prudent in light of possible limitations on the marketability of our shares;
· they have authority to acquire our shares under the applicable governing instrument and Title I of ERISA; and
· the investment is otherwise consistent with their fiduciary responsibilities.
Trustees and other fiduciaries of an ERISA plan may incur personal liability for any loss suffered by the plan on account of a violation of their fiduciary responsibilities. In addition, these fiduciaries may be subject to a civil penalty of up to 20% of any amount recovered by the plan on account of a violation. Fiduciaries of any IRA, Roth IRA, Keogh Plan or other qualified retirement plan not subject to Title I of ERISA, referred to as “non-ERISA plans,” should consider that a plan may only make investments that are authorized by the appropriate governing instrument.
Fiduciaries considering an investment in our securities should consult their own legal advisors if they have any concern as to whether the investment is consistent with the foregoing criteria or is otherwise appropriate. The sale of our securities to a plan is in no respect a representation by us or any underwriter of the securities that the investment meets all relevant legal requirements with respect to investments by plans generally or any particular plan, or that the investment is appropriate for plans generally or any particular plan.
Prohibited Transactions
Fiduciaries of ERISA plans and persons making the investment decision for an IRA or other non-ERISA plan should consider the application of the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code in making their investment decision. Sales and other transactions between an ERISA or non-ERISA plan, and persons related to it, are prohibited transactions. The particular facts concerning the sponsorship, operations and other investments of an ERISA plan or non-ERISA plan may cause a wide range of other persons to be treated as disqualified persons or parties in interest with respect to it. A prohibited transaction, in addition to imposing potential personal liability upon fiduciaries of ERISA plans, may also result in the imposition of an excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code or a penalty under ERISA upon the disqualified person or party in interest with respect to the plan. If the disqualified person who engages in the transaction is the individual on behalf of whom an IRA or Roth IRA is maintained or his beneficiary, the IRA or Roth IRA may lose its tax exempt status and its assets may be deemed to have been distributed to the individual in a taxable distribution on account of the prohibited transaction, but no excise tax will be imposed. Fiduciaries considering an investment in our securities should consult their own legal advisors as to whether the ownership of our securities involves a prohibited transaction.
“Plan Assets” Considerations
The Department of Labor, which has administrative responsibility over ERISA plans as well as non-ERISA plans, has issued a regulation defining “plan assets.” The regulation generally provides that when an ERISA or non-ERISA plan acquires a security that is an equity interest in an entity and that security is neither a “publicly offered security” nor a security issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the ERISA plan’s or non-ERISA plan’s assets include both the equity interest and an undivided interest in each of the underlying assets of the entity, unless it is established either that the entity is an operating company or that equity participation in the entity by benefit plan investors is not significant.
Each class of our shares (that is, our common shares and any class of preferred shares that we have issued or may issue) must be analyzed separately to ascertain whether it is a publicly offered security. The regulation defines a publicly offered security as a security that is “widely held,” “freely transferable” and either part of a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act, or sold under an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, provided the securities are registered under the Exchange Act within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year
of the issuer during which the offering occurred. Each class of our outstanding shares has been registered under the Exchange Act.
The regulation provides that a security is “widely held” only if it is part of a class of securities that is owned by 100 or more investors independent of the issuer and of one another. However, a security will not fail to be “widely held” because the number of independent investors falls below 100 subsequent to the initial public offering as a result of events beyond the issuer’s control. Our common shares and our preferred shares have been widely held and we expect our common shares and our preferred shares to continue to be widely held. We expect the same to be true of any additional class of preferred stock that we may issue, but we can give no assurance in that regard.
The regulation provides that whether a security is “freely transferable” is a factual question to be determined on the basis of all relevant facts and circumstances. The regulation further provides that, where a security is part of an offering in which the minimum investment is $10,000 or less, some restrictions on transfer ordinarily will not, alone or in combination, affect a finding that these securities are freely transferable. The restrictions on transfer enumerated in the regulation as not affecting that finding include:
· any restriction on or prohibition against any transfer or assignment which would result in a termination or reclassification for federal or state tax purposes, or would otherwise violate any state or federal law or court order;
· any requirement that advance notice of a transfer or assignment be given to the issuer and any requirement that either the transferor or transferee, or both, execute documentation setting forth representations as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer which are among those enumerated in the regulation as not affecting free transferability, including those described in the preceding clause of this sentence;
· any administrative procedure which establishes an effective date, or an event prior to which a transfer or assignment will not be effective; and
· any limitation or restriction on transfer or assignment that is not imposed by the issuer or a person acting on behalf of the issuer.
We believe that the restrictions imposed under our declaration of trust on the transfer of shares do not result in the failure of our shares to be “freely transferable.” Furthermore, we believe that there exist no other facts or circumstances limiting the transferability of our shares which are not included among those enumerated as not affecting their free transferability under the regulation, and we do not expect or intend to impose in the future, or to permit any person to impose on our behalf, any limitations or restrictions on transfer which would not be among the enumerated permissible limitations or restrictions.
Assuming that each class of our shares will be “widely held” and that no other facts and circumstances exist which restrict transferability of these shares, we have received an opinion of our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, that our shares will not fail to be “freely transferable” for purposes of the regulation due to the restrictions on transfer of the shares under our declaration of trust and that under the regulation each class of our currently outstanding shares is publicly offered and our assets will not be deemed to be “plan assets” of any ERISA plan or non-ERISA plan that invests in our shares.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business faces many risks. The risks described below may not be the only risks we face. Additional risks that we do not yet know of, or that we currently think are immaterial, may also impair our business operations or financial results. If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risks occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer and the trading price of our debt or equity securities could decline. Investors and prospective investors should consider the following risks and the information contained under the heading “Warning Concerning Forward Looking Statements” before deciding whether to invest in our securities.
Acquisitions that we make may not be successful.
Our business strategy contemplates additional acquisitions. We cannot assure you that acquisitions we make will prove to be successful. We might encounter unanticipated difficulties and expenditures relating to any acquired properties. Newly acquired properties might require significant management attention that would otherwise be devoted to our ongoing business. We might never realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions.
We may be unable to access the capital necessary to repay debts or to grow.
To retain our status as a REIT, we are required to distribute 90% of our taxable income to shareholders and we generally cannot use income from operations to repay debts or to fund our growth. Accordingly, our business and growth strategy depend, in part, upon our ability to raise additional capital at reasonable costs to repay our debts and to fund new investments. We believe we will be able to raise additional debt and equity capital at reasonable costs to refinance our debts at or prior to their maturities and to invest at yields which exceed our cost of capital. However, our ability to raise reasonably priced capital is not guaranteed; we may be unable to raise reasonably priced capital because of reasons related to our business or for reasons beyond our control, such as market conditions. Our business and growth strategy is not assured and may fail.
We are currently dependent upon economic conditions in our six core markets: Metro Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Metro Washington, DC; Oahu, Hawaii; Metro Boston, Massachusetts; Southern California; and Metro Austin, Texas.
Over 52% of our revenues in fiscal year 2006 were derived from properties located in our six core markets: Metro Philadelphia, PA; Metro Washington, DC; Oahu, HI; Metro Boston, MA; Southern California; and Metro Austin, TX. A downturn in economic conditions in these markets could result in reduced demand for office space. A significant economic downturn in one or more of these areas could adversely affect our results of operations.
We face significant competition.
We plan to continue to acquire properties whenever we are able to identify attractive opportunities. We face competition for acquisition opportunities from other investors and this competition may subject us to the following risks:
· we may be unable to acquire a desired property because of competition from other well capitalized real estate investors, including publicly traded and private REITs, private investment funds and others; and
· competition from other real estate investors may significantly increase the purchase price we must pay to acquire properties.
In addition, substantially all of our properties face competition for tenants. Many competing properties may have lower occupancy than our properties, which may result in their owners being willing to lease available space at lower prices than the space in our properties. This competition may affect our ability to attract and retain tenants and may reduce the rents we are able to charge.
Increasing interest rates would increase our interest costs on variable rate debt and could adversely impact our ability to refinance existing debt or sell assets.
On December 31, 2006, we had approximately $440 million of debt outstanding at variable interest rates. If interest rates increase, so will our interest costs, which could adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to pay principal and interest on our debt and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders. Further, rising interest rates may raise our cost to refinance existing debt when it matures. In addition, an increase in interest rates could
decrease the amount buyers may be willing to pay for our properties, thereby limiting our ability to sell property to raise capital or realize gains.
We may from time to time enter into agreements such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors and other interest rate hedging contracts with respect to a portion of our variable rate debt. While these agreements may lessen the impact of rising interest rates on us, they also expose us to the risk that other parties to the agreements will not perform or that the agreements will be unenforceable.
Changes in the healthcare industry may cause us to experience losses.
Approximately 19.0% of our total rents pursuant to signed leases as of December 31, 2006, will come from tenants in healthcare related businesses. Generally, we believe that tenants in healthcare related businesses are less affected by the business cycle than most other tenants and that our concentration of revenues from such tenants may tend to stabilize our cash flows. However, the healthcare industry is highly regulated and certain aspects of the healthcare industry are currently undergoing rapid regulatory, scientific and technological changes. Because of such regulations and systemic changes, some of our healthcare related tenants may experience losses which reduce their space needs or make it difficult for them to pay our rents.
Changes in the government’s requirements for leased space may adversely affect us.
Approximately 14.6% of our total rents pursuant to signed leases as of December 31, 2006, will come from government tenants. Many of our leases with government agencies allow the tenants to vacate the leased premises before the stated term expires with little or no liability. Historically, our government tenants have regularly renewed leases and only rarely exercised lease termination rights. Nonetheless, for fiscal policy reasons, security concerns or otherwise some or all of our government tenants may decide to vacate our properties. If a significant number of such terminations occur, our income and cash flow may materially decline and our ability to pay regular distributions to shareholders may be jeopardized.
Ownership limitations and anti-takeover provisions in our declaration of trust, bylaws and rights plan and under Maryland law may prevent you from receiving a takeover premium.
Our declaration of trust prohibits any shareholder other than RMR and its affiliates from owning more than 9.8% of our outstanding shares. This provision of the declaration of trust may help us comply with REIT tax requirements. However, this provision will also inhibit a change of control. Our declaration of trust and bylaws contain other provisions that may increase the difficulty of acquiring control of us by means of a tender offer, open market purchases, a proxy fight or otherwise, if the acquisition is not approved by our board of trustees. These other anti-takeover provisions include the following:
· a staggered board of trustees with three separate classes;
· the two thirds majority shareholder vote required for removal of trustees;
· the ability of our board of trustees to increase, without shareholder approval, the amount of shares (including common shares) that we are authorized to issue under our declaration of trust and bylaws, and to issue additional shares on terms that it determines;
· advance notice procedures with respect to nominations of trustees and shareholder proposals; and
· the fact that only the board of trustees may call shareholder meetings and that shareholders are not entitled to act without a meeting.
We have a rights agreement whereby, in the event a person or group of persons acquires or attempts to acquire 10% or more of our outstanding common shares, our shareholders, other than such person or group, will be entitled to purchase additional shares or other securities or property at a discount. In addition, certain provisions of Maryland law may have an anti-takeover effect. For all of these reasons, our shareholders may be unable to realize a change of control premium for shares they own.
The loss of our tax status as a REIT or tax authority challenges would have significant adverse consequences to us and reduce the market price of our securities.
As a REIT, we generally do not pay federal and state income taxes. However, our continued qualification as a REIT is dependent upon our compliance with complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, for which there are available only limited judicial or administrative interpretations. We believe we have operated, and are operating, as a REIT in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code. However, we cannot assure that, upon review or audit, the IRS will agree with this conclusion. If we cease to be a REIT, we would violate a covenant in our credit facility, our ability to raise capital would be adversely affected, we may be subject to material amounts of federal and state income taxes and the value of our shares would likely decline.
Real estate ownership creates risks and liabilities.
Our business is subject to risks associated with real estate ownership, including:
· property and casualty losses, some of which may be uninsured;
· defaults and bankruptcies by our tenants;
· the illiquid nature of real estate markets which limits our ability to sell our assets rapidly to respond to changing market conditions;
· leases which are not renewed at expiration or for property which may be relet at lower rents;
· costs that may be incurred relating to maintenance and repair, and the need to make expenditures due to changes in governmental regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act;
· asbestos related liabilities and costs of containment or removal; and
· other environmental hazards at our properties for which we may be liable, including those created by prior owners or occupants, existing tenants, abutters or other persons.
Our business dealings with our managing trustees and affiliated entities may create conflicts of interest.
We have no employees. Personnel and other services which we require are provided to us under contract by our manager, RMR. RMR is beneficially owned by our managing trustees, Barry Portnoy and Adam Portnoy, who is also President and Chief Executive Officer of RMR. In addition, John A. Mannix, our President and Chief Operating Officer, John C. Popeo, our Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, and David M. Lepore and Jennifer B. Clark, our Senior Vice Presidents, are executive officers of RMR. We pay RMR a fee based in large part upon the amount of our investments. Our agreement with RMR also provides for payment to RMR of incentive fees under certain circumstances. Any incentive fees are payable through our issuance of restricted common shares to RMR. Our fee arrangement with RMR could encourage RMR to advocate property acquisitions and discourage property sales by us. Our fees to RMR were $29.5 million for 2006. RMR also acts as the manager for two other publicly owned REITs: Hospitality Properties, which invests in real estate used in hospitality industries; and Senior Housing, which owns senior housing properties. RMR also provides services to Five Star Quality Care, Inc., or Five Star, under a shared services agreement and to TravelCenters of America LLC, or TravelCenters, under a management and shared services agreement, and RMR has other business interests. Messrs. Barry and Adam Portnoy also serve as managing trustees of Hospitality Properties. Mr. Barry Portnoy also serves as managing trustee of Senior Housing and as managing director of Five Star and TravelCenters. The multiple responsibilities to public companies and other businesses could create competition among these companies for the time and efforts of RMR and Messrs. Barry and Adam Portnoy. All of the contractual arrangements between us and RMR have been approved by our independent trustees. Each of our trustees, other than Messrs. Barry and Adam Portnoy, serve as a trustee or director of one or more other companies with which RMR has contractual arrangements similar to its contracts with us. We believe that the quality and depth of management available to us by contracting with RMR could not be duplicated by our being a self advised company or by our contracting with unrelated third parties without considerable cost increases. Also, a termination of our contract with RMR is a default under our revolving credit facility unless approved by a majority of our lenders. However, the fact that we believe that our relationships with RMR and our managing trustees have been beneficial to us in the past does not guarantee that these related party transactions may not be detrimental to us in the future.
We have substantial debt.
At December 31, 2006, we had $2.4 billion in debt outstanding, which was approximately 45% of our total book capitalization. Our note indenture and revolving credit facility permit us and our subsidiaries to incur additional debt, including secured debt. If we default in paying any debts or honoring our debt covenants, these debts may be accelerated and we could be forced to liquidate our assets for less than the values we would receive in a more orderly process.
Any notes we may issue will be effectively subordinated to the debts of our subsidiaries and to our secured debt.
We conduct substantially all of our business through, and substantially all of our properties are owned by, subsidiaries. Consequently, our ability to pay debt service on our outstanding notes and any notes we issue in the future will be dependent upon the cash flow of our subsidiaries and payments by those subsidiaries to us as dividends or otherwise. Our subsidiaries are separate legal entities and may have their own liabilities. Payments due on our outstanding notes, and any notes we may issue are, or will be, effectively subordinated to liabilities of our subsidiaries, including guaranty liabilities. Substantially all of our subsidiaries have guaranteed our revolving credit facility; none of our subsidiaries guaranty our outstanding notes. In addition, at December 31, 2006, our subsidiaries had $416.1 million of secured debt. Our outstanding notes are, and any notes we may issue will be, also effectively subordinated to our secured debt.
Our notes may permit redemption before maturity, and our noteholders may be unable to reinvest proceeds at the same or a higher rate.
The terms of our notes may permit us to redeem all or a portion of our outstanding notes or notes we may issue in the future after a certain amount of time. Generally, the redemption price will equal the principal amount being redeemed, plus accrued interest to the redemption date, plus any applicable premium. If a redemption occurs, our noteholders may be unable to reinvest the money they receive from the redemption at a rate that is equal to or higher than the rate of return we previously paid on the redeemed notes.
There may be no public market for notes we may issue and one may not develop.
Generally, any notes we may issue will be a new issue for which no trading market exists. We may not list our notes on any securities exchange or seek approval for quotation through any automated quotation system. We can give no assurance that an active trading market for any of our notes will exist in the future. Even if a market does develop, the liquidity of the trading market for any of our notes and the market price quoted for any such notes may be adversely affected by changes in the overall market for fixed income securities, by changes in our financial performance or prospects, or by changes in the prospects for REITs or for the real estate industry generally.
Conversion of our series D preferred shares will dilute the ownership interests of existing shareholders.
The conversion of some or all of our series D preferred shares, including a conversion upon exercise of a “fundamental change” (as such term is defined in the applicable articles supplementary) will dilute the ownership interests of existing shareholders. Any sales in the public market of the common shares issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common shares. In addition, the existence of the series D preferred shares may encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of the series D preferred shares could depress the price of our common shares or for other reasons.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
General. At December 31, 2006, we had real estate investments totaling approximately $5.8 billion in 504 properties that were leased to over 2,000 tenants. Our properties are located in both central business district, or CBD, and suburban areas. We have concentrations of properties in six major geographic segments: Metro Philadelphia, PA; Metro Washington, DC; Oahu, HI; Metro Boston, MA; Southern California; and Metro Austin, TX. For further information by geographic segment, see footnote 10 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The states in which we owned real estate at December 31, 2006, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
(1)
Excludes purchase price allocations for acquired real estate leases.
(2)
Rent is pursuant to signed leases as of December 31, 2006, plus estimated expense reimbursements; includes some triple net lease rents and excludes lease value amortization.
At December 31, 2006, 50 properties with an aggregate cost of $872.2 million were secured by mortgage notes payable aggregating $415.9 million, and $416.1 million including unamortized discounts and premiums.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business we are involved in litigation incidental to our business; however, we are not aware of any pending legal proceeding affecting us or any of our properties for which we might become liable or the outcome of which we expect to have a material impact on us.
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common shares are traded on the NYSE (symbol: HRP). The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sale prices for our common shares as reported by the NYSE composite transactions reports:
The closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on February 26, 2007, was $13.31 per share.
As of February 26, 2007, there were 3,025 shareholders of record, and we estimate that as of such date there were in excess of 99,000 beneficial owners of our common shares.
Information about distributions paid to common shareholders is summarized in the table below. Common share distributions are generally paid in the quarter following the quarter to which they relate.
All common share distributions shown in the table above have been paid. We currently intend to continue to declare and pay common share distributions on a quarterly basis. However, distributions are made at the discretion of our board of trustees and depend on our earnings, cash available for distribution, financial condition, capital market conditions, growth prospects and other factors which our board of trustees deems relevant.
Issuances of unregistered shares during the fourth quarter were as follows: on December 4, 2006, pursuant to our incentive share award plan, certain employees of our manager, RMR, received grants totaling 15,000 common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, valued at $12.74 per share, the closing price of our common
shares on the NYSE on that day. All of these grants were made pursuant to an exemption from registration contained in section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth selected financial data for the periods and dates indicated. This data should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Amounts are in thousands, except per share data.
(1)
Reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.
(2)
Changes in net income include income from property acquisitions during all periods presented; gains of $116.3 million recognized in 2006 from the sale of all 7.7 million Senior Housing common shares and 4.0 million Hospitality Properties common shares we owned; gains of $11.8 million recognized in 2005 from equity transactions of equity investments and the sale of 950,000 of our Senior Housing common shares and gains of $30.0 million recognized in 2004 from equity transactions of equity investments and the sale of 4.1 million of our Senior Housing common shares.
(3)
Net income available for common shareholders is net income reduced by preferred distributions and the excess redemption price paid over the carrying value of preferred shares.
(4)
Excludes value of acquired real estate leases.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
OVERVIEW
We primarily own office and industrial buildings located throughout the United States. We also own approximately 18 million square feet of leased industrial and commercial lands located in Oahu, Hawaii.
Property Operations
As of December 31, 2006, 93.1% of our total square feet was leased, compared to 94.3% leased as of December 31, 2005. These results reflect a 1.2 percentage point decrease in occupancy at properties we owned continuously since January 1, 2005. Occupancy data for 2006 and 2005 is as follows (square feet in thousands):
(1)
Excludes properties sold or under contract for sale
(2)
Based on properties owned continuously since January 1, 2005, and excludes properties under contract for sale.
(3)
Percent leased includes (i) space being fitted out for occupancy pursuant to signed leases and (ii) space which is leased, but is not occupied or is being offered for sublease by tenants.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, we signed new leases for 2.3 million square feet and lease renewals for 3.7 million square feet, at weighted average rental rates that were 5% above rents previously charged for the same space. Average lease terms for leases signed during 2006 were 7.8 years. Commitments for tenant improvement and leasing costs for leases signed during 2006 totaled $82.1 million, or $13.64 per square foot (approximately $1.75/sq. ft. per year of the lease term).
During the past twelve months, the leasing market conditions in some of our markets have been improving. The quoted rental rates in most of the areas where our properties are located seem to have increased modestly. Required landlord funded tenant build outs and leasing commissions payable to tenant brokers for new leases and lease renewals have generally stabilized or declined modestly over the past twelve months. These build out costs and leasing commissions are generally amortized as a reduction of our income during the terms of the affected leases. However, these improvements in rent rates and reduced tenant inducement costs have been somewhat offset by a modest decline in space requirements in certain markets, as reflected in the slight decline in occupancy we have experienced during this period. We believe that modest increases in effective rents will improve the financial results at some of our currently owned properties, however, there are too many variables for us to reasonably project what the financial impact of market conditions will be on our results for future periods.
Approximately 16.2% of our leased square feet and 19.7% of our rents are included in leases scheduled to expire through December 31, 2008. Lease renewals and rental rates at which available space may be relet in the future will depend on prevailing market conditions at that time. Lease expirations by year, as of December 31, 2006, are as follows (square feet and dollars in thousands):
(1) Square feet is pursuant to signed leases as of December 31, 2006, and includes (i) space being fitted out for occupancy
and (ii) space which is leased, but is not occupied or is being offered for sublease by tenants.
(2) Rents are pursuant to signed leases as of December 31, 2006, plus expense reimbursements; includes some triple net lease
rents and excludes lease value amortization and rents from properties classified in discontinued operations.
Our principal source of funds for our operations is rents from tenants at our properties. Rents are generally received from our non-government tenants monthly in advance, and from our government tenants monthly in arrears. As of December 31, 2006, tenants responsible for 1% or more of our total rent were as follows (square feet in thousands):
(1) Square feet is pursuant to signed leases as of December 31, 2006, and includes (i) space being fitted out for occupancy and (ii) space which is leased, but is not occupied or is being offered for sublease by tenants.
(2) Rent is pursuant to signed leases as of December 31, 2006, plus estimated expense reimbursements; includes some triple net lease rents and excludes lease value amortization. Excludes square feet from properties classified in discontinued operations.
Investment Activities
During 2006, we acquired 64 properties with 4.9 million square feet for total gross purchase prices totaling $456.8 million, including 49 office properties with 3.1 million square feet for $340.1 million and 15 industrial properties with 1.8 million square feet for $116.7 million. At the time of acquisition, these properties were approximately 93% leased and projected to yield approximately 9% of the aggregate gross purchase price, based on estimated annual net operating income, or NOI, which we define as property rental income less property operating expenses. During 2006, we sold all 7.7 million Senior Housing common shares we owned and all 4.0 million Hospitality Properties common shares we owned for net proceeds of $308.3 million and gains totaling $116.3 million.
Financing Activities
During 2006, we issued 6.0 million shares of our 7 1/8% series C cumulative redeemable preferred shares, raising net proceeds of $145.0 million and 15.2 million shares of our 6 ½% series D cumulative convertible preferred shares, raising net proceeds of $368.3 million. We also issued $400 million of floating rate senior notes due 2011. Proceeds from these financing activities were used to repay amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility and for general business purposes, including acquisitions. We also repaid our $350 million floating rate term loan and we redeemed all $200 million of our series A preferred shares using cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2006, Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2005
Rental income. Rental income increased for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005, primarily due to increases in rental income from our Oahu, HI and Other Markets segments, offset by the decrease in rental income from our Metro Philadelphia, PA market, as described in our segment information footnote to our consolidated financial statements. Rental income for our Oahu, HI segment increased $9.7 million, or 19%, primarily because of the acquisition of 44 properties in June 2005, and increases in weighted average rental rates for new leases and lease renewals signed during 2005 and 2006. Rental income for our Other Markets segment increased $73.5 million, or 24%, primarily because of the acquisition of 93 properties during 2005 and 2006. Rental income for our Metro Philadelphia, PA segment decreased $6.3 million, or 5%, primarily because of non-recurring rent recovery income received during 2005 and a decline in occupancy during 2006. Rental income includes non-cash straight line rent adjustments totaling $25.6 million in 2006 and $30.1 million in 2005 and amortization of acquired real estate leases and obligations totaling ($10.4) million in 2006 and ($7.4) million in 2005. Rental income also includes lease termination fees totaling $608,000 in 2006 and $3.9 million in 2005.
Total expenses. Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2006, increased from the year ended December 31, 2005, due to increases in operating expenses, depreciation and amortization and general and administrative expenses related to our acquisition of properties in 2006 and 2005.
Interest income. Interest income increased for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to the year ended December 31, 2005, reflecting the increase in average interest rates on invested cash balances.
Interest expense. The increase in interest expense in 2006 reflects an increase in average total debt outstanding which was used primarily to finance acquisitions in 2006 and 2005, and the increase in weighted average interest rates on our floating rate debt from 4.0% during the year ended December 31, 2005, to 5.8% during the year ended December 31, 2006. The weighted average interest rate on all of our outstanding debt at December 31, 2006 and 2005, was 6.3% and 5.9%, respectively.
Loss on early extinguishment of debt. The loss on early extinguishment of debt in 2006 relates to the write off of deferred financing fees associated with the repayment of our $350 million term loan in March.
Equity in earnings of equity investments. The decrease in equity in earnings of equity investments in 2006 reflects our sale of all 7.7 million common shares we owned in Senior Housing and all 4.0 million common shares we owned in Hospitality Properties in March 2006.
Gain on sale of equity investments. The increase in gain on sale of equity investments reflects the sale in March 2006 of all of the common shares we owned in Senior Housing and Hospitality Properties for aggregate net proceeds of $308.3 million.
Gain on issuance of shares by equity investees. The 2005 gain on issuance of shares by equity investees reflects the issuance of common shares during 2005 by both Senior Housing and Hospitality Properties at prices above our per share carrying values.
Income from continuing operations. The increase in income from continuing operations is due primarily to the sale of our investments in Senior Housing and Hospitality Properties in 2006 and properties acquired during 2005 and 2006, offset by an increase in interest expense caused by the increase in floating interest rates during 2006.
(Loss) income from discontinued operations. The 2006 loss and 2005 income from discontinued operations includes operating results from five office properties sold in 2006 and three industrial properties sold in 2005.
Gain on sale of properties. Net sales proceeds and gains from properties sold during 2006 were $10.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Net sales proceeds and gains from properties sold during 2005 were $20.1 million and $7.6 million, respectively.
Net income and net income available for common shareholders. The increase in net income and net income available for common shareholders is due primarily to the sale of our investments in Senior Housing and Hospitality Properties in 2006 and property acquisitions during 2005 and 2006, offset by an increase in interest expense caused by the increase in floating interest rates during 2006. Net income available for common shareholders is net income reduced by preferred distributions and the excess of the redemption price paid over the carrying value of our 9.875% series A preferred shares that we redeemed in March 2006.
Year Ended December 31, 2005, Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004
Rental income. Rental income increased for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004, primarily due to our acquisition of 70 properties in 2005 and 136 properties in 2004. Occupancy, which includes space being prepared for occupancy pursuant to signed leases and space which is being offered for sublease by tenants, at properties we owned continuously since January 1, 2004, was 95.2% at December 31, 2005, compared to 93.6% at December 31, 2004. Rental income includes non cash straight line rent adjustments totaling $30.1 million in 2005 and $22.3 million in 2004 and amortization of acquired real estate leases and obligations totaling ($7.4) million in 2005 and ($3.0) million in 2004. Rental income also includes lease termination fees totaling $3.9 million in 2005 and $3.7 million in 2004.
Total expenses. Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2005, increased from the year ended December 31, 2004, due to increases in operating expenses, depreciation and amortization and general and administrative expenses related to our acquisition of properties in 2005 and 2004.
Interest expense. Interest expense increased for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the year ended December 31, 2004, reflecting an increase in total debt outstanding which was used primarily to finance acquisitions in 2005 and 2004. In 2005 we issued $250 million unsecured 5.75% senior notes due 2015 and assumed $25.5 million of debt in connection with an acquisition. The weighted average interest rate on all of our outstanding debt at December 31, 2005 and 2004, was 5.9% and 5.7%, respectively.
Loss on early extinguishment of debt. The loss on early extinguishment of debt in 2004 represents the write off of deferred financing fees associated with the repayment of $143 million of our senior notes due 2013.
Equity in earnings of equity investments. Equity in earnings of equity investments decreased during the year ended December 31, 2005, from the year ended December 31, 2004, due to lower earnings recognized from our investment in Senior Housing. The decrease in earnings from Senior Housing is due primarily to our sale of 950,000 Senior Housing common shares we owned in 2005 and the sale of 4.1 million Senior Housing common shares we owned in 2004.
Gain on sale of shares of equity investments. The gain on sale of shares of equity investments reflects the sale of 950,000 Senior Housing common shares we owned in 2005 and 4.1 million Senior Housing common shares we owned in 2004.
Gain on issuance of shares by equity investees. The 2005 and 2004 gains on issuance of shares by equity investees reflects the issuance of common shares during 2005 and 2004 by both Senior Housing and Hospitality Properties at prices above our per share carrying values.
Income from continuing operations. The decrease in income from continuing operations primarily represents the 2004 gain on sale of shares of equity investments, offset by income from properties acquired in 2005 and 2004.
Income from discontinued operations and gain on sale of properties. Income from discontinued operations in 2005 and 2004 represents income from three industrial properties we sold in May 2005 for net proceeds of $20.1 million, and five office properties we sold in 2006 for net proceeds of $10.6 million. We recognized gains on the sales of the three industrial properties of $7.6 million in 2005.
Net income and net income available for common shareholders. The increase in net income and net income available for common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2005, from the year ended December 31, 2004, is due primarily to property acquisitions in 2005 and 2004 and the gain on sale of properties recognized in 2005, offset by the gain on sale of Senior Housing common shares in 2004, a decrease in earnings from equity investments and an increase in interest expense from the issuance of additional debt. Net income available for common shareholders is net income reduced by preferred distributions.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our Operating Liquidity and Resources
Our principal sources of funds for current expenses and distributions to shareholders are rents from our properties. This flow of funds has historically been sufficient for us to pay our operating expenses, debt service and distributions. We believe that our operating cash flow will be sufficient to meet our operating expenses, debt service and distribution payments for the foreseeable future. Our future cash flows from operating activities will depend primarily upon the following factors:
· our ability to maintain or improve occupancies and effective rent rates at our continuously owned properties;
· our ability to restrain operating cost increases at our properties; and
· our ability to purchase new properties which produce positive cash flows from operations.
As discussed above, we believe that present leasing market conditions in some areas where our properties are located may result in modest increases in effective rents at some of our properties. Recent rises in fuel prices may cause our future operating costs to increase; however, the impact of these increases is expected to be partially offset by pass through operating cost increases to our tenants pursuant to lease terms. We generally do not purchase turn around properties or properties which do not generate positive cash flows. Our future purchases of properties which generate positive cash flows can not be accurately projected because such purchases depend entirely upon available opportunities which come to our attention.
Cash flows provided by (used for) operating, investing and financing activities were $286.4 million, ($206.4) million and ($81.6) million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006, and $226.0 million, ($530.7) million and $302.3 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2005. Changes in all three categories between 2006 and 2005 are primarily related to property acquisitions and sales in 2006 and 2005, our sale of all our Senior Housing and Hospitality Properties common shares in 2006, our repayments and issuances of debt obligations in 2006 and 2005, our issuances and redemption of preferred shares in 2006 and our issuance of common shares in 2005.
Our Investment and Financing Liquidity and Resources
In order to fund acquisitions and to accommodate cash needs that may result from timing differences between our receipt of rents and our desire or need to make distributions or pay operating or capital expenses, we maintain an unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of institutional lenders. At December 31, 2006, there was $40 million outstanding and $710 million available on our revolving credit facility, and we had cash and cash equivalents of $17.8 million. We expect to use cash balances, borrowings under our credit facility and net proceeds of offerings of equity or debt securities to fund future property acquisitions. In August 2006, we amended and extended the maturity of our revolving credit facility from April 2009 to August 2010, with an option to extend the facility an additional year, and we reduced the interest rate on borrowings from LIBOR plus 65 basis points to LIBOR plus 55 basis points. Certain covenants in the facility were also amended to reflect current market conditions.
Our outstanding debt maturities and weighted average interest rates as of December 31, 2006, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
(1) Total debt as of December 31, 2006, net of unamortized premiums and discounts, equals $2,397,231.
When significant amounts are outstanding under our revolving credit facility or the maturity dates of our revolving credit facility and term debts approach, we will explore alternatives for the repayment of amounts due. Such alternatives usually include incurring additional term debt and issuing new equity securities. We have an effective shelf registration statement that allows us to issue public securities on an expedited basis, but it does not assure that there will be buyers for such securities. Although there can be no assurance that we will consummate any debt or equity offerings or other financings, we believe we will have access to various types of financing, including debt or equity offerings, with which to finance future acquisitions and capital expenditures and to pay our debt and other obligations.
The completion and the costs of our future debt transactions will depend primarily upon market conditions and our credit ratings. We have no control over market conditions. Our credit ratings depend upon evaluations by credit rating agencies of our business practices and plans and, in particular, whether we appear to have the ability to maintain our earnings, to space our debt maturities and to balance our use of debt and equity capital so that our financial performance and leverage ratios afford us flexibility to withstand any reasonably anticipatable adverse changes. We intend to conduct our business activities in a manner which will continue to afford us reasonable access to capital for investment and financing activities.
During 2006, we purchased 49 office properties and 15 industrial properties for $456.8 million, plus closing costs, and funded improvements to our owned properties totaling $116.0 million. We funded all our 2006 acquisitions and improvements to our owned properties with cash on hand, by borrowing under our revolving credit facility and assuming $49.5 million of mortgage debt. We sold five office properties with a total of approximately 101,000 square feet of space for gross proceeds of $13.7 million ($10.6 million after closing costs and deposits required to defease related mortgages).
As of December 31, 2006, we had an outstanding agreement to purchase three properties containing 104,000 square feet of space for $8.6 million, plus closing costs. These properties were acquired in February 2007 with cash on hand and borrowings on our revolving credit facility. As of February 26, 2007, we have executed purchase agreements for 17 additional properties with an aggregate of 4.3 million square feet of space and an aggregate purchase price of $220.0 million. The acquisitions of these properties are subject to various closing conditions customary in real estate transactions and no assurances can be given as to when or if we will purchase these properties.
During the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, cash expenditures made and capitalized for tenant improvements, leasing costs, building improvements and development and redevelopment activities were as follows (amounts in thousands):
(1) Building improvements generally include recurring expenditures that are necessary to maintain the value of our properties.
(2) Development, redevelopment and other activities generally include non-recurring expenditures that increase the value of our properties.
Commitments made for expenditures in connection with leasing space during the year ended December 31, 2006, are as follows (amounts in thousands, except as noted):
In March 2006, we sold all 7.7 million common shares of beneficial interest we owned of Senior Housing, and all 4.0 million common shares of beneficial interest we owned of Hospitality Properties for net sales proceeds of $308.3 million and gains of $116.3 million. Net sales proceeds were used to reduce amounts outstanding on our revolving credit facility. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we received cash distributions totaling $2.5 million from Senior Housing and $2.9 million from Hospitality Properties.
In February 2006, we issued 6.0 million series C cumulative redeemable preferred shares in a public offering for net proceeds of $145.0 million. Each series C preferred share has a liquidation preference of $25.00 and requires dividends of $1.78125, 7 1/8% of the liquidation preference per annum, payable in equal quarterly payments. Our series C preferred shares are redeemable, at our option, for $25.00 each plus accrued and unpaid dividends at any time on or after February 15, 2011. We applied the net proceeds from this offering to reduce amounts outstanding on our revolving credit facility. Thereafter, we redeemed all $200 million of our 9.875% series A preferred shares in March 2006 by borrowing under our revolving credit facility. In March 2006, we issued $400 million unsecured floating rate senior notes in a public offering raising net proceeds of approximately $398.7 million. The notes bear interest at LIBOR plus a premium (6.0% at December 31, 2006), require quarterly interest payments and mature in March 2011. Net proceeds from this offering were used to repay our $350 million term loan that was scheduled to mature in August 2009 and for general business purposes.
In October 2006, we issued an aggregate of approximately 15.2 million series D cumulative convertible preferred shares, including approximately 2.0 million shares issued to cover over-allotments, in a public offering for net proceeds of $368.3 million. Holders of series D preferred shares are entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions at a rate of 6.50% per annum of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference (equivalent to $1.625 per year per share). Our series D preferred shares are convertible, at the holder’s option, into our common shares at an initial conversion rate of 1.9231 common shares per series D preferred share, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $13.00 per common share. On or after November 20, 2011, if our common shares trade at or above the then applicable conversion price, we may, at our option, convert some or all of the series D preferred shares into common shares at the then applicable conversion rate. If a fundamental change occurs, which generally will be deemed to occur upon a change in control or a termination of trading, holders of our series D preferred shares will have a special right to convert their series D preferred shares into a number of our common shares per $25.00 liquidation preference, plus accrued and unpaid distributions, divided by 98% of the market price, as defined, of our common shares, unless we exercise our right to repurchase these series D preferred shares for cash, at a purchase price equal to 100% of their liquidation preference, plus accrued and unpaid distributions. Net proceeds from this offering were used to reduce amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility and for general business purposes, including acquisitions.
As of December 31, 2006 (except as noted below), our contractual obligations were as follows (dollars in thousands):
(1) Committed tenant related obligations include leasing commissions and tenant improvements and are based on leases executed through December 31, 2006.
(2) Represents the purchase price to acquire three properties for $8.6 million, which was the subject of an executed purchase agreement on December 31, 2006, plus the purchase price to acquire 17 properties for $220.0 million pursuant to agreements we entered in January and February 2007.
(3) Projected interest expense is attributable to only the long term debt obligations listed above at existing rates and is not intended to project future interest costs which may result from debt prepayments, new debt issuances or changes in interest rates.
Except as otherwise discussed above under “Our Investment and Financing Liquidity and Resources”, we have no commercial paper, derivatives, swaps, hedges, guarantees, joint ventures or off balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2006. None of our debt documentation requires us to provide collateral security in the event of a ratings downgrade.
Debt Covenants
Our principal debt obligations at December 31, 2006, were our unsecured revolving credit facility and our $2.0 billion of publicly issued unsecured term debt. Our publicly issued debt is governed by an indenture. Our public debt indenture and related supplements and our revolving credit facility agreement contain a number of financial ratio covenants which generally restrict our ability to incur debts, including debts secured by mortgages on our properties in excess of calculated amounts, require us to maintain a minimum net worth, restrict our ability to make distributions under certain circumstances and require us to maintain other ratios. At December 31, 2006, we were in compliance with all of our covenants under our indenture and related supplements and our revolving credit facility agreement.
In addition to our unsecured debt obligations, we have $415.9 million, excluding unamortized premiums and discounts, of mortgage notes outstanding at December 31, 2006.
None of our indenture and related supplements, our revolving credit facility or our mortgage notes contain provisions for acceleration which could be triggered by our debt ratings. However, our senior debt rating is used to determine the interest rate and the fees payable under our revolving credit facility.
Our public debt indenture and related supplements contain cross default provisions to any other debts of $20 million or more. Similarly, a default on our public debt indenture would be a default under our revolving credit facility.
Related Person Transactions
We have agreements with RMR to originate and present investment opportunities to our board of trustees, and provide property management and administrative services to us. RMR is beneficially owned by Barry M. Portnoy and Adam D. Portnoy, who are our managing trustees. Each of our executive officers are also officers of RMR. Our independent trustees, including all of our trustees other than Messrs. Barry and Adam Portnoy, review our contracts with RMR at least annually and make determinations regarding renewals. Any termination of our contract with RMR would cause a default under our revolving credit facility, if not approved by a majority of lenders. RMR is compensated at an annual rate equal to 0.7% of our average real estate investments, as defined, up to the first $250 million of such investments and 0.5% thereafter, plus an incentive fee based upon increases in funds from operations per common share, as defined, plus property management fees equal to 3.0% of gross rents and construction management fees equal to 5.0% of construction costs. The incentive fee to RMR is paid in our common shares. RMR also provides the internal audit function for us and for other publicly owned companies to which it provides management or other services. Our pro rata share of RMR’s costs in providing that function was approximately $173,000 in 2006. Our audit committee appoints our director of internal audit, and our compensation committee approves his salary. Our compensation committee also approves the costs which we pay with respect to our internal audit function. All transactions between us and RMR are approved by our compensation committee. Our audit and compensation committees are 100% composed of trustees who are independent of RMR. Our fees to RMR were $29.5 million for 2006.
In 2006, we sold all 7.7 million Senior Housing common shares and all 4.0 million Hospitality Properties common shares we owned. We, along with Senior Housing and Hospitality Properties were parties to underwriting agreements in connection with these sales. Senior Housing and Hospitality Properties did not receive any proceeds from our sale of their shares.
During 2006, we leased 3,000 square feet of office space to Five Star. Rent received under this lease totaled approximately $5,000 during 2006.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our critical accounting policies are those that have the most impact on the reporting of our financial condition and results of operations and those requiring significant judgments and estimates. We believe that our judgments and estimates are consistently applied and produce financial information that fairly presents our results of operations. Our most critical accounting policies involve our investments in real property. These policies affect our:
· allocation of purchase prices between various asset categories and the related impact on the recognition of rental income and depreciation and amortization expense;
· assessment of the carrying values and impairments of long lived assets; and
· classification of leases.
We have historically allocated the purchase prices of properties to land, building and improvements, and each component generally has a different useful life. For properties acquired subsequent to June 1, 2001, the effective date of FAS 141, we allocate the value of real estate acquired among land, building and improvements and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above market and below market leases, the value of in place leases and the value of tenant relationships. Purchase price allocations and the determination of useful lives are based on our estimates and, under some circumstances, studies from independent real estate appraisal firms.
Purchase price allocations to land, building and improvements are based on our determination of the relative fair values of these assets assuming the property is vacant. We determine the fair value of a property using methods which we believe are similar to those used by independent appraisers. Purchase price allocations to above market and below market leases are based on the estimated present value (using an interest rate which reflects our assessment of the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in place leases and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. Purchase price allocations to in place leases and tenant relationships are determined as the excess of (i) the purchase price paid for a property after adjusting existing in place leases to estimated market rental rates over (ii) the estimated fair value of the property as if vacant. This aggregate value is allocated between in place lease values and tenant relationships based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease; however, the value of tenant relationships has not been separated from in place lease value because such value and related amortization expense is immaterial for acquisitions reflected in our financial statements. Factors we consider in performing these analyses include estimates of carrying costs during the expected lease up periods, including real estate taxes, insurance and other operating income and expenses and costs to execute similar leases in current market conditions, such as leasing commissions, legal and other related costs. If the value of tenant relationships are material in the future, those amounts will be separately allocated and amortized over the estimated life of the relationships.
We compute depreciation expense using the straight line method over estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for buildings and improvements, and up to 12 years for personal property. The allocated cost of land is not depreciated. Capitalized above market lease values (included in acquired real estate leases in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet) are amortized as a reduction to rental income over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. Capitalized below market lease values (presented as acquired real estate lease obligations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet) are amortized as an increase to rental income over the remaining initial terms of the respective leases. The value of in place leases exclusive of the value of above market and below market in place leases is amortized to expense over the remaining non-cancelable periods of the respective leases. If a lease is terminated prior to its stated expiration, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease are written off. Our purchase price allocations require us to make certain assumptions and estimates. Incorrect assumptions and estimates may result in inaccurate depreciation and amortization charges over future periods.
We periodically evaluate our real estate properties for impairment. Impairment indicators may include declining tenant occupancy, weak or declining tenant profitability, cash flow or liquidity, our decision to dispose of an asset before the end of its estimated useful life or legislative, economic or market changes that could permanently reduce the value of our investments. If indicators of impairment are present, we evaluate the carrying value of the related real estate property by comparing it to the expected future undiscounted cash flows to be generated from that property. If the sum of these expected future cash flows is less than the carrying value, we reduce the net carrying value of the property to the present value of these expected future cash flows. This analysis requires us to judge whether indicators of impairment exist and to estimate likely future cash flows. If we misjudge or estimate incorrectly or if future tenant profitability, market or industry factors differ from our expectations we may record an impairment charge which is inappropriate or fail to record a charge when we should have done so, or the amount of such charges may be inaccurate.
Some of our real estate properties are leased on a triple net basis, pursuant to non-cancelable, fixed term, leases. Each time we enter a new lease or materially modify an existing lease we evaluate its classification as either a capital lease or operating lease. The classification of a lease as capital or operating affects the carrying value of a property, as well as our recognition of rental payments as revenue. These evaluations require us to make estimates of, among other things, the remaining useful life and market value of a property, discount rates and future cash flows. Incorrect assumptions or estimates may result in misclassification of our leases and make our stated revenues and income inaccurate.
These policies involve significant judgments made based upon our experience, including judgments about current valuations, ultimate realizable value, estimated useful lives, salvage or residual value, the ability of our tenants to perform their obligations to us, current and future economic conditions and competitive factors in the markets in which our properties are located. Competition, economic conditions and other factors may cause occupancy declines in the future. In the future, we may need to revise our carrying value assessments to incorporate information which is not now known, and such revisions could increase or decrease our depreciation expense related to properties we own, result in the classification of our leases as other than operating leases or decrease the carrying values of our assets.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
Inflation might have both positive and negative impacts upon us. Inflation might cause the value of our real estate to increase. Inflation might also cause our costs of equity and debt capital and other operating costs to increase. An increase in our capital costs or in our operating costs will result in decreased earnings unless it is offset by increased revenues. To mitigate the adverse impact of increased costs of debt capital in the event of material inflation, we may enter into interest rate hedge arrangements in the future. The decision to enter into these agreements will be based on the amount of our floating rate debt outstanding, our belief that material interest rate increases are likely to occur and upon requirements of our borrowing arrangements.
In periods of rapid inflation, our tenants’ operating costs may increase faster than revenues and this fact may have an adverse impact upon us if our tenants’ operating income becomes insufficient to pay our rent. To mitigate the adverse impact of increased operating costs, we require some of our tenants to provide guarantees or security for our rent.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to risks associated with market changes in interest rates. We manage our exposure to this market risk by monitoring available financing alternatives. Our strategy to manage exposure to changes in interest rates is unchanged from December 31, 2005. Other than as described below, we do not foresee any significant changes in our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates or in how we manage this exposure in the near future.
At December 31, 2006, our total outstanding fixed rate term debt consisted of the following fixed rate notes:
No principal repayments are due under the unsecured senior notes until maturity.
Our secured notes are secured by 50 of our properties and require principal and interest payments through maturity pursuant to amortization schedules.
Because these notes bear interest at fixed rates, changes in market interest rates during the term of this debt will not affect our operating results. If all of our fixed rate unsecured and secured notes outstanding at December 31, 2006, were to be refinanced at interest rates which are 10% higher or lower than shown above, our per annum interest cost would increase or decrease, respectively, by approximately $12.7 million.
Changes in market interest rates also affect the fair value of our debt obligations; increases in market interest rates decrease the fair value of our fixed rate debt, while decreases in market interest rates increase the value of our fixed rate debt. Based on the balances outstanding at December 31, 2006, and discounted cash flow analyses, a hypothetical immediate 10% change in interest rates would change the fair value of our fixed rate debt obligations by approximately $70 million.
Each of our fixed rate unsecured and secured debt arrangements allows us to make repayments earlier than the stated maturity date. In some cases, we are not allowed to make early repayment prior to a cutoff date and in most cases we are allowed to make prepayments only at a premium equal to a make whole amount, as defined, generally designed to preserve a stated yield to the note holder. These prepayment rights may afford us the opportunity to mitigate the risk of refinancing at maturity at higher rates by refinancing prior to maturity. The majority of our fixed rate senior notes are separately publicly traded; and we may occasionally take advantage of market opportunities to repurchase notes which will also mitigate future refinancing risks.
At December 31, 2006, we had $40 million outstanding and $710 million available for drawing under our unsecured revolving credit facility and $400 million outstanding on our floating rate senior notes. Our revolving credit facility and floating rate senior notes mature in August 2010 and March 2011, respectively. Repayments under our revolving credit facility may be made at any time without penalty. Repayments under our floating rate senior notes may also be made without penalty. We borrow in U.S. dollars and borrowings under our revolving credit facility and our floating rate senior notes require interest at LIBOR plus a premium. Accordingly, we are vulnerable to changes in U.S. dollar based short term rates, specifically LIBOR. For example, the weighted average interest rate payable on our revolver and floating rate senior notes was 5.8% during 2006. A change in interest rates would not affect the value of these floating rate debts but would affect our operating results. The following table presents the impact a 10% change in interest rates would have on our floating rate interest expense as of December 31, 2006 (dollars in thousands):
The foregoing table shows the impact of an immediate change in floating interest rates. If interest rates were to change gradually over time, the impact would be spread over time. Our exposure to fluctuations in floating interest rates will increase or decrease in the future with increases or decreases in the outstanding amount of our revolving credit facility or other floating rate debt.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The information required by this item is included in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our managing trustees, President & Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15. Based upon that evaluation, our managing trustees, President & Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management Report on Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of trustees regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2006, our internal control over financial reporting is effective.
Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our 2006 consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on our assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. Its report appears elsewhere herein.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all our representatives, including our officers and trustees and employees of RMR. Our code of business conduct and ethics is posted on our website, www.hrpreit.com. A printed copy of our code of business conduct and ethics is also available free of charge to any person who requests a copy. We intend to disclose any amendments or waivers to our code of business conduct and ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or any person performing similar functions on our website.
The remainder of the information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement, which will be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement, which will be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Equity Compensation Plan Information. We may grant common shares to our officers and other employees of RMR, subject to vesting requirements under our 2003 Incentive Share Award Plan, or the Award Plan. In addition, each of our trustees receives 2,250 shares per year as part of their annual compensation for serving as our trustees. The terms of grants made under the Award Plan are determined by our board of trustees or a committee thereof at the time of the grant. The following table is as of December 31, 2006.
Payments by us to RMR are described in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Related Person Transactions”.
The remainder of the information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement, which will be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement, which will be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement, which will be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
The following consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of HRPT Properties Trust are included on the pages indicated:
Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2006 and 2005
Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
S-1
Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
S-2
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required under the related instructions, or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.
(c) Exhibits
3.1 Composite Copy of Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust of the Company, dated July 1, 1994, as amended to date. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 25, 2006)
3.2 Articles Supplementary, dated November 4, 1994, to Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, creating the Junior Participating Preferred Shares. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 27, 1998)
3.3 Articles Supplementary, dated May 13, 1997, to Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, increasing the Junior Participating Preferred Shares. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 27, 1998)
3.4 Articles Supplementary, dated May 22, 1998, to Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, increasing the Junior Participating Preferred Shares. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 27, 1998)
3.5 Articles Supplementary, dated May 10, 2000, to Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, electing for the Trust to be subject to certain sections of the Maryland General Corporation Law. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000)
3.6 Articles Supplementary, dated September 6, 2002, to Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, creating the Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002)
3.7 Articles Supplementary, dated June 16, 2003, to Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, increasing the Junior Participating Preferred Shares. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 7, 2004)
3.8 Articles Supplementary, dated January 7, 2004, to Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, increasing the Junior Participating Preferred Shares. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 7, 2004)
3.9 Articles Supplementary, dated March 16, 2005, to Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, increasing the Junior Participating Preferred Shares. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 16, 2005)
3.10 Articles Supplementary, dated September 12, 2005, to Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, increasing the Junior Participating Preferred Shares. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 12, 2005)
3.11 Articles Supplementary, dated February 3, 2006, to Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, creating the Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 2, 2006)
3.12 Articles Supplementary, dated October 10, 2006, to the Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, creating the 6 ½% Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Shares. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 10, 2006)
3.13 Articles Supplementary, dated December 29, 2006, to the Third Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust, dated July 1, 1994, increasing the Junior Participating Preferred Shares. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 29, 2006)
3.14 Composite copy of Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company dated March 20, 2003, as amended to date. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 10, 2004)
4.1 Form of Common Share Certificate. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 11, 1999)
4.2 Form of Temporary 8 3/4% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Share Certificate. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 6, 2002)
4.3 Form of Temporary 7 1/8% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Share Certificate. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 2, 2006)
4.4 Form of Temporary 6½% Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Share Certificate. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 5, 2006)
4.5 Rights Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2004, by and between the Company and EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 10, 2004)
4.6 Appointment of Successor Rights Agent, dated as of December 13, 2004, by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 13, 2004)
4.7 Indenture, dated as of July 9, 1997, by and between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, or State Street, as Trustee. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997)
4.8 Supplemental Indenture No. 8, dated as of July 31, 2000, by and between the Company and State Street, relating to 8.875% Senior Notes due 2010, including form thereof. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000)
4.9 Supplemental Indenture No. 9, dated as of September 29, 2000, by and between the Company and State Street, relating to 8.625% Senior Notes due 2010, including form thereof. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 28, 2000)
4.10 Supplemental Indenture No. 10, dated as of April 10, 2002, by and between the Company and State Street, relating to 6.95% Senior Notes due 2012, including form thereof. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002)
4.11 Supplemental Indenture No. 11, dated as of December 6, 2002, by and between the Company and State Street, relating to 6.50% Senior Notes due 2013, including form thereof. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002)
4.12 Supplemental Indenture No. 12, dated as of January 30, 2003, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, or U.S. Bank, relating to 6.40% Senior Notes due 2015, including form thereof. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002)
4.13 Supplemental Indenture No. 13, dated as of October 30, 2003, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank, relating to 5.75% Senior Notes due 2014, including form thereof. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 7, 2004)
4.14 Supplemental Indenture No. 14, dated as of August 5, 2004, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank, relating to 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016, including form thereof. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 27, 2004)
4.15 Supplemental Indenture No. 15, dated as of October 31, 2005, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank, relating to 5.75 % Senior Notes due 2015, including form thereof. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005)
4.16 Supplemental Indenture No. 16, dated as of March 16, 2006, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, including the form of Floating Rate Senior Note due 2011. (filed herewith)
8.1 Opinion of Sullivan & Worcester LLP as to certain tax matters. (filed herewith)
10.1 Advisory Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1998, by and between the Company and REIT Management & Research, Inc., or RMR, Inc. (+) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 11, 1998)
10.2 Amendment No. 1 to Advisory Agreement, dated as of October 12, 1999, by and between the Company and RMR, Inc. (+) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 16, 1999)
10.3 Amendment No. 2 to Advisory Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2004, by and between the Company and RMR LLC. (+) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 10, 2004)
10.4 Master Management Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1998, by and between the Company and RMR, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 27, 1998)
10.5 Amended and Restated Master Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2006, by and between Reit Management and Research, LLC and HRPT Properties Trust. (incorporated by refence to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006)
10.6 2003 Incentive Share Award Plan. (+) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 17, 2003)
10.7 Form of Restricted Share Agreement. (+) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003)
10.8 Representative Indemnification Agreement. (+) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006)
10.9 Summary of Trustee Compensation. (+) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006)
10.10 Transaction Agreement, dated as of September 21, 1999, between Senior Housing Properties Trust and the Company. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 12, 1999)
10.11 Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 15, 2000, by and between Cedars LA LLC, or Cedars, Herald Square LLC, or Herald Square, Indiana Avenue LLC, or Indiana Avenue, Bridgepoint Property Trust, or Bridgepoint, Lakewood Property Trust, or Lakewood, and 1600 Market Street Property Trust, or 1600 Market Street, collectively as Borrowers, and Merrill Lynch Mortgage Lending, Inc., or Merrill, as Lender. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.12 Promissory Note in the amount of $260,000,000, dated December 15, 2000, issued by Cedars, Herald Square, Indiana Avenue, Bridgepoint, Lakewood and 1600 Market Street, collectively as Borrowers, to Merrill, as Lender. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.13 Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated December 15, 2000, made by Bridgepoint in favor of William Z. Fairbanks, Jr., or Fairbanks, and for the benefit of Merrill. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.14 Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated December 15, 2000, made by Lakewood in favor of Fairbanks and for the benefit of Merrill. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.15 Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated December 15, 2000, made by Herald Square to Lawyers Title Realty Services, Inc., or Lawyers Title, for the benefit of Merrill. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.16 Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated December 15, 2000, made by Indiana Avenue to Lawyers Title for the benefit of Merrill. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.17 Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated December 15, 2000, made by Cedars to Lawyers Title Company for the benefit of Merrill. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.18 Open-End Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated December 15, 2000, made by 1600 Market Street, as Mortgagor, to and for the benefit of Merrill, as Mortgagee. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.19 Exceptions to Non-Recourse Guaranty, dated December 15, 2000, entered into by Hub Realty College Park I, LLC, or College Park, as Guarantor, for the benefit of Merrill, as Lender, in reference to the $260,000,000 loan. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.20 Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 15, 2000, entered into by and between Franklin Plaza Property Trust, or Franklin Plaza, as Borrower, and Merrill, as Lender. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.21 Promissory Note in the amount of $44,000,000, dated December 15, 2000, issued by Franklin Plaza, as Borrower, to Merrill, as Lender. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.22 Open-End Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated December 15, 2000, made by Franklin Plaza, as Mortgagor, to and for the benefit of Merrill, as Mortgagee. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.23 Exceptions to Non-Recourse Guaranty, dated December 15, 2000, entered by College Park, as Guarantor, for the benefit of Merrill, as Lender, in reference to the $44,000,000 loan. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 2000)
10.24 Term Loan Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2004, by and among the Company, each of the financial institutions a signatory thereto; Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent; and other agents. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003)
10.25 First Amendment to Term Loan Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2004, by and among the Company, each of the financial institutions a signatory thereto; Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent; and other agents. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004)
10.26 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 25, 2005, by and among the Company, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the additional agents, arrangers and financial institutions signatory thereto. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 25, 2005)
10.27 First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2006, among HRPT Properties Trust, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the additional agents, arrangers and financial institutions signatory thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 22, 2006)
10.28 Sales Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2006, between HRPT Properties Trust and Cantor FitzGerald & Co. relating to the issuance and sale of up to 20,000,000 common shares of beneficial interest. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 29, 2006)
12.1 Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges. (filed herewith)
12.2 Computation of ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred distributions. (filed herewith)
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (filed herewith)
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. (filed herewith)
23.2 Consent of Sullivan & Worcester LLP. (included as part of Exhibit 8.1 hereto)
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification. (filed herewith)
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification. (filed herewith)
31.3 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification. (filed herewith)
31.4 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification. (filed herewith)
32.1 Section 1350 Certification. (furnished herewith)
(+) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Trustees and Shareholders of HRPT Properties Trust
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of HRPT Properties Trust as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of HRPT Properties Trust at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of HRPT Properties Trust’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 23, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Trustees and Shareholders of HRPT Properties Trust
We have audited management’s assessment, included in Item 9A of HRPT Properties Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading Management Report on Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that HRPT Properties Trust maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). HRPT Properties Trust’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures for the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, management’s assessment that HRPT Properties Trust maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also in our opinion, HRPT Properties Trust maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 2006 consolidated financial statements of HRPT Properties Trust and our report dated February 23, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
See accompanying notes
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
See accompanying notes
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
See accompanying notes
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(amounts in thousands)
See accompanying notes
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(amounts in thousands)
See accompanying notes
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Organization
HRPT Properties Trust is a Maryland real estate investment trust, or REIT, which was organized on October 9, 1986. At December 31, 2006, we had investments in 504 office and industrial properties, including approximately 18 million square feet of leased industrial and commercial lands.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements include our investments in 100% owned subsidiaries. Our investments in 50% or less owned companies over which we could exercise influence, but did not control, were accounted for using the equity method of accounting until sold during March 2006. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Significant influence was present through common representation on the board of trustees. One of our managing trustees is also a managing trustee of Senior Housing Properties Trust, or Senior Housing, and Hospitality Properties Trust, or Hospitality Properties, and our two managing trustees are owners of Reit Management & Research LLC, or RMR, which is the investment manager to us, Senior Housing and Hospitality Properties. We used the income statement method to account for issuance of common shares of beneficial interest by Senior Housing and Hospitality Properties. Under this method, gains and losses reflecting changes in the value of our investments at the date of issuance of additional common shares by Senior Housing or Hospitality Properties were recognized in our income statement.
Real Estate Properties. Real estate properties are recorded at cost. Depreciation on real estate investments is provided for on a straight line basis over estimated useful lives ranging up to 40 years.
We have historically allocated the purchase prices of properties to land, building and improvements, and each component generally has a different useful life. For properties acquired subsequent to June 1, 2001, the effective date of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141, “Business Combinations”, or FAS 141, we allocate the value of real estate acquired among land, building and improvements and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above market and below market leases, the value of in place leases, and the value of tenant relationships. Purchase price allocations and the determination of useful lives are based on management’s estimates and, under some circumstances, studies from independent real estate appraisal firms.
Purchase price allocations to land, building and improvements are based on management’s determination of the relative fair values of these assets assuming the property is vacant. Management determines the fair value of a property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Purchase price allocations to above market and below market leases are based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in place leases and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. Purchase price allocations to in place leases and tenant relationships are determined as the excess of (i) the purchase price paid for a property after adjusting existing in place leases to market rental rates over (ii) the estimated fair value of the property as if vacant. This aggregate value is allocated between in place lease values and tenant relationships based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease; however, the value of tenant relationships has not been separated from in place lease value because such value and related amortization expense is immaterial for acquisitions reflected in our financial statements. Factors we consider in performing these analyses include estimates of carrying costs during the expected lease up periods, including real estate taxes, insurance and other operating income and expenses and costs to execute similar leases in current market conditions, such as leasing commissions, legal and other related costs. If the value of tenant relationships is material in the future, those amounts will be separately allocated and amortized over the estimated life of the relationships.
Capitalized above market lease values (included in acquired real estate leases in our consolidated balance sheet) are amortized as a reduction to rental income over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. Capitalized below market lease values (presented as acquired real estate lease obligations in our consolidated balance sheet) are amortized as an increase to rental income over the non-cancelable periods of the respective leases. Such amortization resulted in changes to rental income of ($10.4) million, ($7.4) million and ($3.0) million during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The value of in place leases exclusive of the value of above market and below market in place leases is amortized to expense over the remaining non-cancelable periods of the respective leases. Such amortization amounted to $19.7 million, $15.7 million and $10.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. If a lease is terminated prior to its stated expiration, the unamortized amount relating to that lease is written off.
Intangible lease assets and liabilities recorded by us for properties acquired in 2006 totaled $44.7 million and $9.5 million, respectively. Intangible lease assets and liabilities recorded by us for properties acquired in 2005 totaled $42.0 million and $5.4 million, respectively. Accumulated amortization of capitalized above and below market lease values was $20.7 million and $10.1 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Accumulated amortization of the value of in place leases exclusive of the value of above and below market in place leases was $52.6 million and $33.0 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Future amortization of intangible lease assets and liabilities to be recognized by us during the current terms of our leases as of December 31, 2006, are approximately $29.5 million in 2007, $26.2 million in 2008, $22.1 million in 2009, $18.1 million in 2010, $10.3 million in 2011 and $19.8 million thereafter.
Impairment losses on investments are recognized where indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flow estimated to be generated by our investments is less than the carrying amount of such investments. The determination of undiscounted cash flow includes consideration of many factors including income to be earned from the investment, holding costs (exclusive of interest), estimated selling prices, and prevailing economic and market conditions.
Certain of our real estate assets contain hazardous substances, including asbestos. We believe the asbestos at our properties is contained in accordance with current environmental regulations and we have no current plans to remove it. If these properties were demolished today, certain environmental regulations specify the manner in which the asbestos must be handled and disposed of. Because the obligation to remove the asbestos has an indeterminable settlement date, we are not able to reasonably estimate the fair value of this asset retirement obligation. We do not believe that there are environmental conditions at any of our properties that have a material adverse effect on us. However, no assurances can be given that such conditions are not present in our properties or that other costs we incur to remediate contamination will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and short term investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are carried at cost plus accrued interest.
Restricted Cash. Restricted cash consists of amounts escrowed for future real estate taxes, insurance, leasing costs, capital expenditures and debt service, as required by some of our mortgage debts.
Other Assets, Net. Other assets consist principally of deferred financing fees, deferred leasing costs and prepaid property operating expenses. Deferred financing fees include issuance costs related to borrowings and are capitalized and amortized over the terms of the respective loans. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, deferred financing fees totaled $34.2 million and $34.3 million, respectively, and accumulated amortization for deferred financing fees totaled $16.9 million and $15.5 million, respectively. Deferred leasing costs include brokerage, legal and other fees associated with the successful negotiation of leases and are amortized on a straight line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Deferred leasing costs totaled $95.2 million and $74.8 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and accumulated amortization for deferred leasing costs totaled $25.1 million and $18.9 million, respectively. Future amortization of deferred financing fees and leasing costs to be recognized by us during the current terms of our loans and leases as of December 31, 2006, are approximately $15.6 million in 2007, $14.4 million in 2008, $13.0 million in 2009, $11.1 million in 2010, $7.8 million in 2011 and $25.5 million thereafter.
Revenue Recognition. Rental income from operating leases is recognized on a straight line basis over the life of the lease agreements.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability or unwillingness of certain tenants to make payments required under their leases. The computation of the allowance is based on the tenants’ payment histories and current credit profiles, as well as other considerations.
Earnings Per Common Share. Earnings per common share, or EPS, is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our series D convertible preferred shares were converted into our common shares, where such conversion would result in a lower EPS amount.
Reclassifications. Reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements and footnotes to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Income Taxes. We are a real estate investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Accordingly, we expect not to be subject to federal income taxes if we continue to distribute our taxable income and meet other requirements for qualifying as a real estate investment trust. However, we are subject to some state and local taxes on our income and property.
Use of Estimates. Preparation of these financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and related notes. The actual results could differ from these estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48). FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. FIN 48 prescribes how we should recognize, measure and present in our financial statements uncertain tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in a tax return. Pursuant to FIN 48, we can recognize a tax benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that a particular tax position will be sustained upon examination or audit. To the extent the “more likely than not” standard has been satisfied, the benefit associated with a tax position is measured as the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. We are currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of FIN 48 will have on our consolidated financial statements; however, we do not anticipate the effect, if any, will be material.
Note 3. Real Estate Properties
During 2006 we purchased 49 office properties for $340.1 million, plus closing costs, and 15 industrial properties for $116.7 million, plus closing costs. We also funded $116.0 million of improvements to our owned properties. We funded all of these transactions with cash on hand, by borrowing under our revolving credit facility and the assumption of $49.5 million of secured mortgage debt. We allocated $44.7 million of our total 2006 acquisition costs to acquired real estate leases and $9.5 million to acquired real estate lease obligations.
During 2006 we also sold five office properties for net proceeds of $10.6 million and recognized gains of $2.9 million. Net proceeds from these sales were used to reduce amounts outstanding on our revolving credit facility.
As of December 31, 2006, we had an outstanding agreement to purchase three properties containing 104,000 square feet of space for $8.6 million, plus closing costs. These properties were acquired in February 2007.
Our real estate properties are generally leased on gross lease, modified gross lease or triple net lease bases pursuant to non-cancelable, fixed term operating leases expiring between 2007 to 2051. The triple net leases generally require the lessee to pay all property operating costs. Our gross leases and modified gross leases require us to pay all or some property operating expenses and to provide all or most property management services. We committed $82.1 million for expenditures related to 6.0 million square feet of leases executed during 2006. Committed but unspent tenant related obligations based on executed leases as of December 31, 2006, were $60.0 million.
The future minimum lease payments scheduled to be received by us during the current terms of our leases as of December 31, 2006, are approximately $648.7 million in 2007, $597.2 million in 2008, $543.4 million in 2009, $491.1 million in 2010, $401.1 million in 2011 and $1.9 billion thereafter.
Note 4. Equity Investments
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, we had the following equity investments (dollars in thousands):
In March 2006, we sold all 7,710,738 Senior Housing common shares we owned in an underwritten public offering for $17.60 per common share for gross proceeds of $135.7 million (net $133.1 million) and we realized a gain of $39.1 million. Senior Housing is a real estate investment trust that invests principally in senior housing real estate and was a 100% owned subsidiary of ours until 1999.
In December 2005, Senior Housing issued 3,250,000 common shares in a public offering for $18.90 per common share for net proceeds of $58.2 million, and we recognized a gain of $1.5 million pursuant to the income statement method of accounting. Simultaneously with this offering, we sold 950,000 of our Senior Housing common shares for $18.90 per common share for gross proceeds of $18.0 million (net $17.0 million) and we recognized a gain of $5.5 million. Our ownership percentage in Senior Housing was reduced from 12.6% prior to these transactions to 10.7% after these transactions.
In January 2004, Senior Housing issued 5,000,000 common shares in a public offering for $18.20 per common share for net proceeds of $86.1 million, and we recognized a gain of $966,000 pursuant to the income statement method of accounting. Simultaneously with this offering, we sold 3,148,500 of our Senior Housing common shares for $18.20 per common share for gross proceeds of $57.3 million (net $54.4 million) and we recognized a gain of $14.8 million. In December 2004, Senior Housing issued another 5,000,000 common shares in a public offering for $19.86 per common share for net proceeds of $94.1 million, and we recognized a gain of $3.4 million pursuant to the income statement method of accounting. Simultaneously with this offering, we sold 1,000,000 of our Senior Housing common shares for $19.86 per common share for gross proceeds of $19.9 million (net $18.9 million) and we recognized a gain of $6.7 million. Our ownership percentage in Senior Housing was reduced from 21.9% prior to these transactions to 12.6% after these transactions.
Summarized financial data of Senior Housing is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
In March 2006, we sold all 4,000,000 Hospitality Properties common shares we owned in an underwritten public offering for $44.75 per common share for gross proceeds of $179.0 million (net $175.3 million) and we realized a gain of $77.2 million. Hospitality Properties is a real estate investment trust that owns hotels and was a 100% owned subsidiary of ours until 1995.
In 2005, Hospitality Properties issued 4,700,000 common shares in a public offering for $44.39 per common share, raising net proceeds of $199.2 million. Our ownership percentage in Hospitality Properties was reduced from 6.0% prior to this transaction to 5.6% after this transaction, and we recognized a gain of $4.7 million pursuant to the income statement method of accounting.
In 2004, Hospitality Properties issued 4,600,000 common shares in a public offering for $43.93 per common share for net proceeds of $192.7 million. Our ownership percentage in Hospitality Properties was reduced from 6.4% prior to this transaction to 6.0% after this transaction, and we recognized a gain of $4.1 million pursuant to the income statement method of accounting.
Summarized financial data of Hospitality Properties is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
Note 5. Shareholders’ Equity
We have common shares available for issuance under the terms of our 2003 Incentive Share Award Plan, or the Award Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, 66,050 common shares with an aggregate market value of $798,000, 39,600 common shares with an aggregate market value of $512,000 and 38,100 common shares with an aggregate market value of $409,000, respectively, were awarded to our officers and certain employees of RMR pursuant to this plan. All of our trustees were each awarded 2,250 common shares in 2006 with an aggregate market value of $122,000, as part of their annual fees. Our independent trustees were each awarded 1,500 common shares in 2005 with an aggregate market value of $53,000 and 1,500 common shares in 2004 with an aggregate market value of $40,000, as part of their annual fees. The shares awarded to our trustees vested immediately. The shares awarded to our officers and certain employees of RMR vest in three or five annual installments beginning on the date of grant. We include the value of awarded common shares in general and administrative expenses at the time the awards vest. At December 31, 2006, 6,261,978 of our common shares remain available for issuance under the Award Plan.
Cash distributions per common share paid by us in 2006, 2005 and 2004, were $0.84, $0.84 and $0.82 per year, respectively. The characterization of our distributions paid in 2006, 2005 and 2004 was 63.5%, 63.2% and 66.5% ordinary income, respectively, 0.0%, 32.7% and 32.9% return of capital, respectively, and 36.5%, 4.1% and 0.6% capital gain, respectively. In December 2006, we declared a distribution of $0.21 per common share which was paid on January 31, 2007, to shareholders of record on December 29, 2006. Our credit facility agreement contains a number of financial and other covenants, including a covenant which limits, with certain exceptions, the amount of aggregate distributions on common shares to 90% of operating cash flow available for shareholder distributions as defined in the agreement.
Our 8,000,000 series A cumulative redeemable preferred shares required dividends of $2.46875, 9 7/8% per annum per share, payable in equal quarterly payments and had a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. Our series A preferred shares were redeemed for $25.00 each plus accrued and unpaid dividends in March 2006. Our 12,000,000 series B cumulative redeemable preferred shares carry dividends of $2.1875, 8 ¾% per annum, payable in equal quarterly payments. Each series B preferred share has a liquidation preference of $25.00 and is redeemable, at our option, for $25.00 each plus accrued and unpaid dividends at any time on or after September 12, 2007.
In February 2006, we issued 6,000,000 series C cumulative redeemable preferred shares in a public offering raising net proceeds of $145.0 million. Each series C preferred share requires dividends of $1.78125, 7 1/8% per annum, payable in equal quarterly payments. Each series C preferred share has a liquidation preference of $25.00 and is redeemable, at our option, for $25.00 each plus accrued and unpaid dividends at any time on or after February 15, 2011.
In October 2006, we issued an aggregate of 15,180,000 series D cumulative convertible preferred shares, including 1,980,000 shares issued to cover over-allotments, in a public offering raising net proceeds of $368.3 million. Net proceeds from this offering were used to reduce amounts outstanding on our revolving credit facility and for general business purposes, including acquisitions. Each series D preferred share has a liquidation preference of $25.00 and requires dividends of $1.625, 6 ½% per annum, payable in equal quarterly payments. Our series D preferred shares are convertible, at the holder’s option, into our common shares at an initial conversion rate of 1.9231 common shares per series D preferred share, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $13.00 per common share, or 29,192,308 additional common shares at December 31, 2006. On or after November 20, 2011, if our common shares trade at or above the then applicable conversion price, we may, at our option, convert some or all of the series D preferred shares into common shares at the then applicable conversion rate. If a fundamental change occurs, which generally will be deemed to occur upon a change in control or a termination of trading, holders of our series D preferred shares will have a special right to convert their series D preferred shares into a number of our common shares per $25.00 liquidation preference, plus accrued and unpaid distributions, divided by 98% of the market price, as defined, of our common shares, unless we exercise our right to repurchase these series D preferred shares for cash, at a purchase price equal to 100% of their liquidation preference, plus accrued and unpaid distributions.
In December 2006, we entered into a sales agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”) which allows us to initially offer and sell up to 20,000,000 of our common shares from time to time in a controlled equity offering program. Pursuant to this agreement, Cantor has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to sell our common shares that we specify from time to time; we have no obligation to specify any of our common shares for sale in this program; and we may at any time suspend sales or terminate the program. No common shares were issued under this program in 2006.
We have adopted a Shareholders Rights Plan pursuant to which a right to purchase securities is distributable to shareholders in certain circumstances. Each right entitles the holder to purchase or to receive securities or other assets of ours upon the occurrence of certain events. The rights expire on October 17, 2014, and are redeemable at our option.
Note 6. Transactions with Affiliates
We have agreements with RMR to originate and present investment opportunities to us and to provide property management and administrative services to us. These agreements are subject to the annual review and approval of our independent trustees. RMR is beneficially owned by Barry M. Portnoy and Adam D. Portnoy, who are our managing trustees. RMR is compensated at an annual rate equal to 0.7% of our real estate investments up to $250 million and 0.5% of investments thereafter, plus property management fees equal to 3.0% of gross rents and construction management fees equal to 5.0% of certain construction costs. RMR is also entitled to an incentive fee which is paid in restricted shares of our common stock based on a formula. Incentive fees earned for the year ended December 31, 2005, were approximately $1.2 million. No incentive fees were earned for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2004. RMR also is reimbursed a pro-rata amount of its costs of providing internal audit services to us and to other companies managed by RMR. At December 31, 2006, RMR and its affiliates owned 1,469,291 of our common shares. RMR also leases approximately 23,000 square feet of office space from us at rental rates which we believe to be commercially reasonable. All transactions between us and RMR are approved by independent trustees who are not affiliated with RMR.
Amounts resulting from transactions with affiliates are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Note 7. Indebtedness
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, our outstanding indebtedness included the following (dollars in thousands):
In 2006, we issued $400 million of unsecured floating rate senior notes in a public offering, raising net proceeds of $398.7 million. The notes bear interest at LIBOR plus a premium, require quarterly interest payments and mature in March 2011. Net proceeds from this offering were used to reduce amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility and for general business purposes. We also repaid our $350 million term loan that was scheduled to mature in August 2009. We recognized a loss of $1.7 million from the write off of deferred financing fees in connection with this repayment.
We have an unsecured revolving credit facility with a borrowing capacity of $750 million that we use for acquisitions, working capital and general business purposes. In August 2006, we amended and extended the maturity of this credit facility from April 2009 to August 2010, with an option to extend the facility an additional year. Interest paid on drawings under this facility was reduced from LIBOR plus 65 basis points to LIBOR plus 55 basis points. Certain covenants were also amended to reflect current market conditions. The interest rate on this facility averaged 5.6% and 4.0% per annum for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Our public debt indentures and credit facility agreement contain a number of financial and other covenants, including a credit facility covenant which limits the amount of aggregate distributions on common shares to 90% of operating cash flow available for shareholder distributions as defined in the credit facility agreement.
As part of our 2006 acquisitions, we assumed $49.5 million of secured debt which was recorded at its fair value of $50.7 million. The related premium on this debt is being amortized to interest expense through its maturity date.
At December 31, 2006, 50 properties costing $872.2 million with an aggregate net book value of $733.4 million were secured by mortgage notes totaling $415.9 million maturing from 2008 through 2029 which, including unamortized premiums and discounts, amounted to $416.1 million.
The required principal payments due during the next five years and thereafter under all our outstanding debt at December 31, 2006, are $10.2 million in 2007, $26.4 million in 2008, $7.9 million in 2009, $98.3 million in 2010, $629.9 million in 2011 and $1.6 billion thereafter.
Note 8. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, rents receivable, equity investments, senior notes, mortgage notes payable, accounts payable and other accrued expenses and security deposits. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the fair values of our financial instruments were not materially different from their carrying values, except as follows (dollars in thousands):
The fair values of our senior notes and mortgage notes payable are based on estimates using discounted cash flow analyses and current interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 5.9%. The fair value of our equity investments are based on quoted per share prices for Hospitality Properties and Senior Housing of $40.10 and $16.91, respectively, at December 31, 2005.
Note 9. Earnings per Common Share
Earnings per common share, or EPS, is computed pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 128. The following table provides a reconciliation of both net income and the number of common shares used in the computations of basic and diluted EPS (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
Note 10. Segment Information
Our primary business is the ownership and operation of office and industrial properties, including leased industrial lands in Oahu, HI. We account for our office and industrial properties in geographic operating segments for financial reporting purposes based on our method of internal reporting. We define these individual geographic segments as those which currently, or during either of the last two quarters, represent or generate 5% or more of our total square feet, revenues or property net operating income. Our geographic segments include Metro Philadelphia, PA, Metro Washington DC, Oahu, HI, Metro Boston, MA, Southern California, Metro Austin, TX and Other Markets, which includes properties located throughout the United States.
The following items are accounted for on a corporate level and are not allocated among our segments: depreciation and amortization expense, general and administrative expense, interest income and expense, loss on early extinguishment of debt, and equity in earnings and gains from ownership of common shares of Senior Housing and Hospitality Properties. The accounting policies of our segments are the same as the accounting policies described in our summary of significant accounting policies.
As of December 31, 2006, we owned 351 office properties and 153 industrial properties. Property level information by geographic segment and property type is as follows (amounts in thousands):
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2006:
As of December 31, 2006, our investments in office and industrial properties, net of accumulated depreciation, were $4,067,022 and $1,026,791, respectively.
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2005:
As of December 31, 2005, our investments in office and industrial properties, net of accumulated depreciation, were $3,772,663 and $903,451, respectively.
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2004:
Note 11. Calculation of Property Net Operating Income
The following table reconciles our calculation of property net operating income, or NOI, to net income available for common shareholders, the most directly comparable financial measure under generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, reported in our consolidated financial statements. We consider NOI to be appropriate supplemental information to net income available for common shareholders because it helps both investors and management to understand the operations of our properties. We use NOI internally as a performance measure and believe NOI provides useful information to investors regarding our results of operations because it reflects only those income and expense items that are incurred at the property level. Our management also uses NOI to evaluate individual, regional and company wide property level performance. NOI excludes certain components from net income available for common shareholders in order to provide results that are more closely related to our properties’ results of operations. NOI does not represent cash generated by operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to net income, net income available for common shareholders or cash flow from operating activities as a measure of financial performance. A reconciliation of NOI to net income available for common shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
Note 12. Tenant Concentration
The United States Government is our only tenant which is responsible for more than five percent of our revenues. For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, revenues from the United States Government were $109.8 million, $110.0 million and $96.7 million, respectively.
Note 13. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of our unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2006 and 2005. Reclassifications have been made to the prior year results to reflect properties reported in discontinued operations during 2006 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):
Note 14. Subsequent Events
In January and February 2007, we sold 1,005,000 of our common shares for net proceeds of $13.0 million pursuant to our controlled equity offering program discussed in Note 5.
In February 2007, we acquired three properties containing 104,000 square feet of space for $8.6 million, plus closing costs.
In January and February 2007, we agreed to acquire 17 properties for $220.0 million plus closing costs. These acquisitions are subject to various closing conditions customary in real estate transactions and there is no assurance as to when or if these properties will be acquired.
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
December 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-1
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-2
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-3
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-4
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-5
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-6
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-7
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-8
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-9
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-10
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-11
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-12
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-13
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-14
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-15
HRPT PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2006
(dollars in thousands)
S-16
Analysis of the carrying amount of real estate and equipment and accumulated depreciation:
(1) Excludes value of acquired real estate leases. Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $5,833,622.
(2) Depreciation is provided for on buildings and improvements for periods ranging up to 40 years and on equipment up to 12 years.
(3) Includes properties reclassified to discontinued operations in 2006.
S-17
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant, in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ John A. Mannix
President and Chief Operating Officer
March 1, 2007
John A. Mannix
/s/ John C. Popeo
Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
March 1, 2007
John C. Popeo
(principal financial officer and principal
accounting officer)
/s/ Frederick N. Zeytoonjian
Trustee
March 1, 2007
Frederick N. Zeytoonjian
/s/ Patrick F. Donelan
Trustee
March 1, 2007
Patrick F. Donelan
/s/ William A. Lamkin
Trustee
March 1, 2007
William A. Lamkin
/s/ Adam D. Portnoy
Trustee
March 1, 2007
Adam D. Portnoy
/s/ Barry M. Portnoy
Trustee
March 1, 2007
Barry M. Portnoy