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File Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-202624

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion dated November 30, 2017

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated March 9, 2015)

             Shares

 

PS Business Parks, Inc.

Depositary Shares Each Representing 1/1,000 of a Share of

    % Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series Y

Liquidation Preference Equivalent to $25.00 Per Depositary Share

 

 

We are selling              depositary shares (the “Depositary Shares”) each representing 1/1,000 of a share of our     % Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series Y (the “Preferred Stock”). The shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares will be deposited with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company as depositary. As a holder of Depositary Shares, you will be entitled to all proportional rights, preferences and privileges of the Preferred Stock. We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to              additional Depositary Shares solely to cover over-allotments, if any. The following is a summary of the Preferred Stock:

 

•

We will pay cumulative distributions on the Preferred Stock, from, and including, the date of original issuance, at the rate of     % of the liquidation preference per year ($         per year per Depositary Share).

 

•

We will pay distributions on the Preferred Stock quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, beginning on March 29, 2018 (for the period from the original issue date to but excluding April 1, 2018, with the payment on that date being based pro rata on the number of days from the original issuance of the Preferred Stock).

 

•

We are not allowed to redeem the Preferred Stock before December     , 2022, except in order to preserve our status as a real estate investment trust.

 

•

On and after December     , 2022, we may, at our option, redeem the Preferred Stock by paying you $25.00 per Depositary Share, plus any accrued and unpaid distributions.

 

•

The Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and is not convertible into any other securities.

 

•

Investors in the Depositary Shares representing interests in the Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights, except if we fail to pay distributions for six or more quarters or as required by law.

We intend to apply to have the Depositary Shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “PSBPrY.” If this application is approved, trading of the Depositary Shares on the NYSE is expected to begin within 30 days following initial delivery of the Depositary Shares.

 

 

Investing in the Depositary Shares involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-3 of this prospectus supplement and the risks discussed in the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

 

 

 

		Per Depositary Share				Total
Public Offering Price		$	25.0000			$		(1)
Underwriting Discount		$		(2)		$		(2)
Proceeds to PS Business Parks (before expenses)		$				$

 

(1)	The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional              Depositary Shares within 30 days of the date of this prospectus supplement solely to cover over-allotments, if any.

(2)

The underwriting discount will be $             per Depositary Share for retail orders and $             per Depositary Share for institutional orders. See “Underwriting” beginning on page S-19 of this prospectus supplement for a discussion regarding certain additional underwriting compensation and discounts.

The underwriters are offering the Depositary Shares subject to various conditions. The underwriters expect to deliver the Depositary Shares to purchasers on or about December     , 2017.

 

 

 

		Joint Book-Running Managers
BofA Merrill Lynch		Morgan Stanley		UBS Investment Bank		Wells Fargo Securities

                    , 2017

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You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or any related free writing prospectus we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer of these securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained herein or in any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus supplement or the date of the document incorporated by reference herein.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

 

		Page
Where You Can Find More Information			S-ii
Prospectus Supplement Summary			S-1
Risk Factors			S-3
Use of Proceeds			S-4
Description of Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares			S-5
Additional Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations			S-12
Underwriting			S-19
Legal Matters			S-21
Experts			S-21
Prospectus
Summary			1
Risk Factors			2
About This Prospectus			3
Where You Can Find More Information			4
Forward-Looking Statements			6
Use of Proceeds			7
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges			8
Description of Common Stock			9
Description of Preferred Stock			12
Description of Equity Stock			17
Description of Depositary Shares			20
Description of Warrants			23
Description of Debt Securities			24
Description of Units			33
Book-Entry Securities			33
Selling Securityholders			33
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations			34
Plan of Distribution			58
Legal Opinions			63
Experts			63

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including documents incorporated by reference, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risk and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated. Future events and actual results, financial and otherwise, may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and in our most recent annual report as well as in our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our most recent annual and quarterly reports which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may telephone the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on SEC public reference facilities. The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains the reports, proxy and information statements and other information that we and other registrants file electronically with the SEC. You also can inspect reports and other information we file at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are a part of a registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC to register offers and sales of the securities described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus under the Securities Act. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the securities. You may obtain the registration statement and its exhibits from the SEC as indicated above or from us.

The SEC allows us to provide information about our business and other important information to you by “incorporating by reference” the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose that information to you by referring in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to the documents we file with the SEC. Under SEC regulations, any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is automatically updated and superseded by any information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, or in any subsequently filed document of the types described below.

We incorporate into this prospectus supplement by reference the following documents filed with the SEC by us, each of which should be considered an important part of this prospectus supplement:

 

SEC Filing		Period Covered or Date of Filing
Annual Report on Form 10-K		Year ended December 31, 2016 (filed February 24, 2017)
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q		Quarters ended March 31, 2017 (filed April 28, 2017), June 30, 2017 (filed July 28, 2017) and September 30, 2017 (filed October 27, 2017)
Current Reports on Form 8-K		Filed January 11, 2017, April 26, 2017 (solely with respect to Item 5.07), as amended on September 19, 2017, August 15, 2017 and September 13, 2017
The portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A that are incorporated by reference in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016		Filed March 23, 2017
All subsequent documents filed by us under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 (other than those “furnished” pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K or other information furnished to the SEC)		After the date of this prospectus supplement and before the termination of the offering

You may request a copy of each of our filings at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address, telephone or facsimile number:

Investor Services Department

PS Business Parks, Inc.

701 Western Avenue

Glendale, California 91201-2349

Telephone: (800) 421-2856

                      (818) 244-8080

Facsimile: (818) 241-0627

Exhibits to a document will not be provided unless they are specifically incorporated by reference in that document.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Before investing in the Depositary Shares, you should carefully consider the risks described below and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including (i) those described under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and (ii) documents we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus supplement and which are deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.

The Depositary Shares offered by this prospectus supplement are a new issue and do not have an established trading market, which may negatively affect their market value and your ability to transfer or sell your Depositary Shares.

Because the Depositary Shares do not have a stated maturity date, investors seeking liquidity will be limited to selling their Depositary Shares in the secondary market. We will apply to list the Depositary Shares on the NYSE, but we cannot assure you that the Depositary Shares will be approved for listing. If the application is approved, trading is not expected to begin until 30 days after the initial delivery of the Depositary Shares. In addition, an active trading market on the NYSE for the Depositary Shares may not develop or, even if it develops, may not last, in which case the trading price of the Depositary Shares could be adversely affected. We have been advised by the underwriters that they intend to make a market in the Depositary Shares, but they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market-making at any time without notice.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $         after all anticipated issuance costs (approximately $         if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full). We expect to use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering to fund our expected redemption of our 6.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series T, repay outstanding indebtedness under our credit facility, and for general corporate purposes, which may include the acquisition and development of commercial properties. As of November 29, 2017, there were 5.2 million shares of Series T preferred stock outstanding with an aggregate liquidation preference of $130.0 million, and we had approximately $60.0 million outstanding under our credit facility at an interest rate of 2.16%. Our credit facility has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.825% and expires on January 10, 2022.

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, an affiliate of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, is the lender under our credit facility and will receive the portion of the net proceeds of this offering used to repay amounts outstanding under our credit facility.

Pending application of the net proceeds as described above, we expect to deposit the net proceeds of this offering in interest bearing accounts or invest them in certificates of deposit, United States government obligations or other short-term, high-quality debt instruments selected at our discretion.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK AND DEPOSITARY SHARES

General

Under our articles of incorporation, as amended, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) is authorized without further shareholder action to provide for the issuance of up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, in one or more series, with such dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption, redemption price and liquidation preference as shall be set forth in resolutions providing for the issue of preferred stock adopted by the Board of Directors. At November 29, 2017, we had outstanding 35,590 shares of preferred stock (represented by 35,590,000 depositary shares).

Prior to issuance, the Board of Directors will have adopted resolutions creating the     % Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series Y (the “Preferred Stock”). When issued, the Preferred Stock will have a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, will be fully paid and nonassessable, will not be subject to any sinking fund or other obligation of PS Business Parks, Inc. to repurchase or retire the Preferred Stock, and will have no preemptive rights.

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company will be the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Preferred Stock.

Each Depositary Share represents 1/1,000 of a share of Preferred Stock (“Depositary Share”). The shares of the Preferred Stock will be deposited with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Depositary (the “Preferred Stock Depositary”), under a Deposit Agreement among the Company, the Preferred Stock Depositary and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts (the “Depositary Receipts”) issued by the Preferred Stock Depositary under the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary Receipts will evidence the Depositary Shares. Subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, each holder of a Depositary Receipt evidencing a Depositary Share will be entitled, proportionately, to all the rights and preferences of, and subject to all of the limitations of, the interest in the Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Share (including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights and preferences). See “Description of the Depositary Shares” in the accompanying Prospectus and “— Depositary Shares” below.

Immediately following our issuance of the Preferred Stock, we will deposit the Preferred Stock with the Preferred Stock Depositary, which will then issue and deliver the Depositary Receipts to us. We will, in turn, deliver the Depositary Receipts to the underwriters. Depositary Receipts will be issued evidencing only whole Depositary Shares.

We intend to apply to have the Depositary Shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE. The Preferred Stock will not be listed and we do not expect that there will be any trading market for the Preferred Stock except as represented by the Depositary Shares.

Ownership Restrictions

For a discussion of ownership limitations that apply to the Preferred Stock and related Depositary Shares, see “Description of Common Stock — Ownership Limitations” in the accompanying Prospectus.

Preferred Stock

The following is a brief description of the terms of the Preferred Stock which does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Certificate of Determination of the Preferred Stock, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to, or incorporated by reference in, the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus Supplement constitutes a part.

Ranking

With respect to the payment of dividends and amounts upon liquidation, the Preferred Stock will rank pari passu with our 6.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series T, our 5.75% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series U,

 

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our 5.70% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series V, our 5.20% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series W, our 5.25% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series X and any other shares of preferred stock issued by us, whether now or hereafter issued, ranking pari passu with the Senior Preferred Stock (collectively, with the Preferred Stock, the “Senior Preferred Stock”), and will rank senior to the Common Stock and any other capital stock of the Company ranking junior to the Preferred Stock.

Dividends

Holders of shares of Preferred Stock, in preference to the holders of shares of the Common Stock, and of any other capital stock issued by us ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends, will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of assets of the Company legally available for payment, cash dividends payable quarterly at the rate of     % of the liquidation preference per year ($         per year per share of Preferred Stock, equivalent to $         per year per Depositary Share). Dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock will be cumulative from, and including, the date of issuance and will be payable, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, quarterly on or before March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, commencing on or before March 29, 2018 (for the period from the original issue date to but excluding April 1, 2018), to holders of record as they appear on the stock register of the Company on such record dates, not less than 15 or more than 45 days preceding the payment dates thereof, as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors. If the last day of a quarter falls on a non-business day, we may pay distributions for that quarter on the first business day following the end of the quarter, provided that the first payment date will be on March 29, 2018, with respect to the payment due on March 31, 2018. After full dividends on the Preferred Stock have been paid or declared and funds set aside for payment for all past dividend periods and for the then current quarter, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any further dividends with respect to that quarter.

When dividends are not paid in full upon the Preferred Stock and any other shares of preferred stock of the Company ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Preferred Stock (including the other series of Senior Preferred Stock), all dividends declared upon the Preferred Stock and any other preferred shares of the Company ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Preferred Stock shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share on such Preferred Stock and such other shares shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that the accrued dividends per share on the Preferred Stock and such other preferred shares bear to each other. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, unless full dividends on the Preferred Stock have been paid for all past dividend periods, no dividends (other than in Common Stock or other shares of capital stock issued by us ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment, nor shall any other distribution be made on the Common Stock or on any other shares of capital stock issued by us ranking junior to or on a parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation.

Unless full dividends on the Preferred Stock have been paid for all past dividend periods, we and our subsidiaries may not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire for any consideration (nor may we or they pay or make available any moneys for a sinking fund for the redemption of) any shares of Common Stock or any other shares of capital stock issued by us ranking junior to or on a parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation except by conversion into or exchange for shares of capital stock issued by us ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation.

If for any taxable year, we elect to designate as “capital gain dividends” (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) any portion of the dividends paid or made available for the year to the holders of all classes and series of our stock, then the portion of the dividends designated as capital gain dividends that will be allocable to the holders of Preferred Stock will be an amount equal to the total capital gain dividends multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which will be the total dividends paid or made available to the holders of Preferred Stock for the year (determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes), and the denominator of which will be the total dividends paid or made available to holders of all classes and series of our outstanding stock for that year (determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes).

 

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Our credit facility restricts our ability to pay distributions in excess of 95% of our “Funds from Operations” for the prior four fiscal quarters. Funds from operations is defined generally as net income before gain on sale of real estate, gain or loss from debt restructuring, and deductions for depreciation and amortization. Our management believes that this restriction will not impede our ability to pay the dividends on the Preferred Stock in full.

Distributions that are treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes paid by regular C corporations to persons or entities that are taxed as individuals are generally taxed at the rate applicable to long-term capital gains, which is a maximum of 20%, subject to certain limitations. Because we are a REIT, however, our dividends, including dividends paid on the Preferred Shares, generally are taxed at regular ordinary income tax rates, except to the extent that the special rules relating to qualified dividend income or capital gains dividends paid by a REIT apply. See “Additional Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

No Conversion Rights

The Preferred Stock will not be convertible into shares of any other class or series of capital stock of the Company.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of the Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common Stock or of any other shares of capital stock issued by us ranking as to such distribution junior to the Preferred Stock, liquidating distributions in the amount of $25,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per Depositary Share), plus all accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) for the then current, and all prior, dividend periods. If upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the amounts payable with respect to the Preferred Stock and any other shares of stock issued by us ranking as to any such distribution on a parity with the Preferred Stock are not paid in full, the holders of the Preferred Stock and of such other shares will share ratably in any such distribution of assets of the Company in proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of the Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by us.

For purposes of liquidation rights, a consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other corporation or corporations or a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company is not a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

Redemption

Except in certain circumstances relating to our qualification as a REIT, we may not redeem the shares of Preferred Stock prior to December     , 2022. On and after December     , 2022, at any time or from time to time, we may redeem the shares of Preferred Stock in whole or in part at our option at a cash redemption price of $25,000 per share of Preferred Stock (equivalent to $25.00 per Depositary Share), plus all accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of redemption. If fewer than all the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the shares to be redeemed will be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, and such shares shall be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held by such holders (with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares) or by lot in a manner determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any dividends, including any accumulated dividends, on the Preferred Stock are in arrears, we may not redeem any Preferred Stock unless we redeem simultaneously all outstanding Preferred Stock, and we may not purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any Preferred Stock; provided, however, that this shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of the Preferred Stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer if such offer is made on the same terms to all holders of the Preferred Stock.

 

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Notice of redemption of the Preferred Stock will be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the County of Los Angeles and the City of New York, such publication to be made once a week for two successive weeks commencing not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date. A similar notice will be mailed by us, postage prepaid, not less than 30 or more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, addressed to the respective holders of record of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed at their respective addresses as they appear on the stock transfer records of the Company. Each notice shall state: (1) the redemption date; (2) the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (3) the redemption price per share of Preferred Stock; (4) the place or places where certificates for the Preferred Stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price; and (5) that dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date. If fewer than all the shares of Preferred Stock held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder shall also specify the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed from such holder. In order to facilitate the redemption of shares of Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors may fix a record date for the determination of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed, such record date to be not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for such redemption.

Notice having been given as provided above, from and after the date specified therein as the date of redemption, unless we default in providing funds for the payment of the redemption price on such date, all dividends on the Preferred Stock called for redemption will cease. From and after the redemption date, unless we so default, all rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock as shareholders of the Company, except the right to receive the redemption price (but without interest), will cease. Upon surrender in accordance with such notice of the certificates representing any such shares (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Company shall so require and the notice shall so state), the redemption price set forth above shall be paid out of the funds provided by the Company. If fewer than all the shares represented by any such certificate are redeemed, a new certificate shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares without cost to the holder thereof.

Subject to applicable law and the limitation on purchases when dividends on the Preferred Stock are in arrears, we may, at any time and from time to time, purchase any shares of Preferred Stock in the open market, by tender or by private agreement.

Voting Rights

Except as indicated below, or except as expressly required by applicable law, holders of the Preferred Stock will not be entitled to vote.

If the equivalent of six quarterly dividends payable on the Preferred Stock or any other series of preferred stock are in default (whether or not declared or consecutive), holders of the Preferred Stock (voting as a class with all other shares of preferred stock that are similarly entitled to this right, without regard to series) will be entitled to elect two additional directors until all dividends in default have been paid or declared and set apart for payment.

Such right to vote separately to elect directors shall, when vested, be subject, always, to the same provisions for vesting of such right to elect directors separately in the case of future dividend defaults. At any time when such right to elect directors separately shall have so vested, we may, and upon the written request of the holders of record of not less than 10% of the total number of shares of preferred stock of the Company then outstanding shall, call a special meeting of shareholders for the election of directors. In the case of such a written request, such special meeting shall be held within 90 days after the delivery of such request and, in either case, at the place and upon the notice provided by law and in our Bylaws, provided that we shall not be required to call such a special meeting if such request is received less than 120 days before the date fixed for the next ensuing annual meeting of shareholders, and the holders of all classes of outstanding preferred stock (in the case of dividend defaults) are offered the opportunity to elect such directors (or fill any vacancy) at such annual meeting of shareholders. Directors so elected shall serve until the next annual meeting of our shareholders or until their respective successors are elected and qualify.

 

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The affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock will be required to amend any provision of the Articles of Incorporation, including the Certificate of Determination, if such action would adversely alter or change the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred Stock, except as set forth below. The affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock and any other series of preferred stock similarly entitled to this right and ranking on a parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation, voting as a single class, will be required to authorize another class or series of shares senior to the Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets on liquidation.

No consent or approval of the holders of shares of the Preferred Stock will be required for the issuance from the Company’s authorized but unissued preferred stock of other shares of any series of preferred stock ranking on a parity with or junior to the Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends and distribution of assets, including other shares of Preferred Stock.

Depositary Shares

The following is a brief description of the terms of the Depositary Shares which does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of the Deposit Agreement (including the form of Depositary Receipt contained therein), which is filed as an exhibit to, or incorporated by reference in, the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus Supplement constitutes a part.

Dividends

The Depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the Preferred Stock to the record holders of Depositary Receipts in proportion to the number of Depositary Shares owned by such holders on the relevant record date, which will be the same date as the record date fixed by us for the Preferred Stock. In the event that the calculation of such amount to be paid results in an amount which is a fraction of one cent, the amount the Depositary shall distribute to such record holder shall be rounded to the next highest whole cent if such fraction of one cent is equal to or greater than $.005. Otherwise, the fractional interest shall be disregarded.

In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the Depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of Depositary Receipts entitled thereto, in proportion, as nearly as may be practicable, to the number of Depositary Shares owned by such holders on the relevant record date, unless the Depositary determines (after consultation with us) that it is not feasible to make such distribution, in which case the Depositary may (with our approval) adopt any other method for such distribution as it deems equitable and appropriate, including the sale of such property (at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem equitable and appropriate) and distribution of the net proceeds from such sale to such holders.

Liquidation Preference

In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each Depositary Share will be entitled to 1/1000th of the liquidation preference accorded to each share of the Preferred Stock.

Redemption

Whenever we redeem any Preferred Stock held by the Depositary, the Depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of Depositary Shares representing the Preferred Stock so redeemed. The Depositary will publish a notice of redemption of the Depositary Shares containing the same type of information and in the same manner as our notice of redemption and will mail the notice of redemption promptly upon receipt of such notice from us and not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption of the Preferred Stock and the Depositary Shares to the record holders of the Depositary Receipts. In case less than all the outstanding Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be so redeemed shall be determined pro rata or by lot in a manner determined by the Board of Directors.

 

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Voting

Promptly upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, the Depositary will mail the information contained in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the Depositary Receipts as of the record date for such meeting. Each such record holder of Depositary Receipts will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of shares of Preferred Stock represented by such record holder’s Depositary Shares. The Depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote such Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Shares in accordance with such instructions, and we will agree to take all action which may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in order to enable the Depositary to do so. The Depositary will abstain from voting any of the Preferred Stock to the extent that it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of Depositary Receipts.

Withdrawal of Preferred Stock

Upon surrender of Depositary Receipts at the principal office of the Depositary, upon payment of any unpaid amount due the Depositary, and subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the owner of the Depositary Shares evidenced thereby is entitled to delivery of the number of whole shares of Preferred Stock and all money and other property, if any, represented by such Depositary Shares. Partial shares of Preferred Stock will not be issued. If the Depositary Receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of Depositary Shares in excess of the number of Depositary Shares representing the number of whole shares of Preferred Stock to be withdrawn, the Depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a new Depositary Receipt evidencing such excess number of Depositary Shares. Holders of Preferred Stock thus withdrawn will not thereafter be entitled to deposit such shares under the Deposit Agreement or to receive Depositary Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares therefor.

Amendment and Termination of Deposit Agreement

The form of Depositary Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares and any provision of the Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between us and the Depositary. However, any amendment which materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders (other than any change in fees) of Depositary Shares will not be effective unless such amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the Depositary Shares then outstanding. No such amendment may impair the right, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, of any owner of any Depositary Shares to surrender the Depositary Receipt evidencing such Depositary Shares with instructions to the Depositary to deliver to the holder the Preferred Stock and all money and other property, if any, represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. The Deposit Agreement may be terminated by us or the Depositary only if (1) all outstanding Depositary Shares have been redeemed or (2) there has been a final distribution in respect of the Preferred Stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and such distribution has been made to all the holders of Depositary Shares.

Charges of Depositary

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the Depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the Preferred Stock and the initial issuance of the Depositary Shares, and redemption of the Preferred Stock and all withdrawals of Preferred Stock by owners of Depositary Shares. Holders of Depositary Receipts will pay transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and certain other charges as are provided in the Deposit Agreement to be for their accounts. In certain circumstances, the Depositary may refuse to transfer Depositary Shares, may withhold dividends and distributions and sell the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Depositary Receipt if such charges are not paid.

 

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Miscellaneous

The Depositary will forward to the holders of Depositary Receipts all reports and communications from us which are delivered to the Depositary and which we are required to furnish to the holders of the Preferred Stock. In addition, the Depositary will make available for inspection by holders of Depositary Receipts at the principal office of the Depositary, and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable, any reports and communications received from the Company which are received by the Depositary as the holder of Preferred Stock.

Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary’s Agent (as defined in the Deposit Agreement), nor the Registrar (as defined in the Deposit Agreement) nor the Company assumes any obligation or will be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to holders of Depositary Receipts other than for its gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. Neither the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, the Registrar nor the Company will be liable if it is prevented or delayed by law or, in the case of the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent or the Registrar, any circumstance beyond its control, in performing its obligations under the Deposit Agreement. The Company and the Depositary are not obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any Depositary Shares, Depositary Receipts or Preferred Stock unless reasonably satisfactory indemnity is furnished. The Company and the Depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, on information provided by holders of Depositary Receipts or other persons believed in good faith to be competent to give such information and on documents believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

Holders of Depositary Receipts may inspect the Depositary’s transfer records for the Depositary Receipts at the Depositary’s office during normal business hours, provided that such inspection is for a proper purpose.

Registration of Transfer of Receipts

The Depositary will register on its books transfers of Depositary Receipts upon surrender of the receipt by the holder, properly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer, subject to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Deposit Agreement. Title to Depositary Shares represented by a Depositary Receipt, which is properly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer, will be transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable instrument.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

The Depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so, and we may at any time remove the Depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor Depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. Such successor Depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice for resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States of America and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $150,000,000.

 

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ADDITIONAL MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a summary of certain additional U.S. federal income tax considerations pertaining to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Depositary Shares and should be read in conjunction with the referenced sections in the accompanying prospectus. This discussion of additional considerations is general in nature and is not exhaustive of all possible U.S. federal income tax considerations, nor does the discussion address any state, local or foreign tax considerations. This discussion of additional considerations is based on current law and does not purport to deal with all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a prospective shareholder in light of its particular circumstances or to certain types of shareholders (including insurance companies, financial institutions, broker-dealers, tax exempt investors, foreign corporations and persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States) subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law. We have not requested and will not request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) with respect to any of the U.S. federal income tax issues discussed below or in the accompanying prospectus. Prospective investors should consult, and must depend on, their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state, local, foreign and other tax consequences of holding and disposing of the Depositary Shares.

For a discussion of the taxation of the Company and the tax considerations relevant to shareholders generally, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus, as supplemented and superseded by the discussion below, beginning with the heading “Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT—Taxation.” To the extent any information set forth under the title “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus is inconsistent with this supplemental information, this supplemental information will apply and supersede the information in the accompanying prospectus. The supplemental information below is provided on the same basis and subject to the same qualifications as are set forth in the first four paragraphs under the title “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus, as if those paragraphs were set forth in this prospectus supplement.

Taxation of Holders of Depositary Shares

General. Owners of the Depositary Shares will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if they were owners of the Preferred Shares represented by such Depositary Shares. Accordingly, such owners will take into account, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, income to which they would be entitled if they were holders of such Preferred Shares. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus. A withdrawal of Preferred Shares for Depositary Shares is not a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Distributions; Withholding. For a discussion of the taxation of the Company, the treatment of distributions with respect to shares of the Company, and the withholding rules, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT,” “— Taxation of U.S. Shareholders,” “— U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders” and “— Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax Applicable to Shareholders” in the accompanying prospectus. In determining the extent to which a distribution on the Depositary Shares constitutes a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the earnings and profits of the Company will be allocated first to distributions with respect to the Preferred Shares and all other series of Preferred Shares, and second to distributions with respect to common shares of the Company.

Sale or Exchange of Depositary Shares. Upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of Depositary Shares to a party other than the Company, a holder of Depositary Shares will realize capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the Depositary Shares and such shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the Depositary Shares (provided the Depositary Shares are held as a capital asset). For a discussion of capital gain taxation see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations —Taxation of U.S. Shareholders” and “— U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders” in the accompanying prospectus.

Redemption of Depositary Shares. Whenever the Company redeems any Preferred Shares held by the Preferred Shares Depositary, the Preferred Shares Depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of Depositary Shares representing the Preferred Shares so redeemed. The treatment to a holder of

 

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Depositary Shares accorded to any redemption by the Company (as distinguished from a sale, exchange or other disposition) of Preferred Shares held by the Preferred Shares Depositary and corresponding redemption of Depositary Shares can only be determined on the basis of particular facts as to the holder of Depositary Shares at the time of redemption. In general, a holder of Depositary Shares will recognize capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the amount received upon the redemption and the holder of the Depositary Shares’ adjusted tax basis in the Depositary Shares redeemed (provided the Depositary Shares are held as a capital asset) if such redemption (i) results in a “complete termination” of a holder’s interest in all classes of stock of the Company under Section 302(b)(3) of the Code or (ii) is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the holder under Section 302(b)(1) of the Code. In applying these tests, there must be taken into account not only any Depositary Shares owned by the holder, but also such holder’s ownership of common shares, equity shares, other series of preferred shares and any options (including share purchase rights) to acquire any of the foregoing. The holder also must take into account any such securities (including options) which are considered to be owned by such holder by reason of the constructive ownership rules set forth in Sections 318 and 302(c) of the Code.

If a particular holder of Depositary Shares owns (actually or constructively) no common shares or equity shares of the Company or an insubstantial percentage of the outstanding common shares, equity share or preferred shares of the Company, based upon current law, it is probable that the redemption of Depositary Shares from such a holder would be considered “not essentially equivalent to a dividend.” However, whether a distribution is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” depends on all of the facts and circumstances, and a holder of Depositary Shares intending to rely on any of these tests at the time of redemption should consult its tax advisor to determine their application to its particular situation.

If the redemption does not meet any of the tests under Section 302 of the Code, then the redemption proceeds received from the Depositary Shares will be treated as a distribution on the Depositary Shares as described under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of U.S. Shareholders” and “— U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders” in the accompanying prospectus. If the redemption is taxed as a distribution, the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the redeemed Depositary Shares will be transferred to any other shareholdings of the holder of Depositary Shares in the Company. If the holder of Depositary Shares owns no other shares of beneficial interest in the Company, under certain circumstances, such basis may be transferred to a related person, or it may be lost entirely.

However, notwithstanding the foregoing, the IRS has proposed Treasury Regulations that would require the basis reduction associated with a redemption that is taxed as a distribution to be applied on a “share-by-share” basis, which could result in taxable income with respect to some shares, even though the holder’s aggregate basis in its shares would be sufficient to absorb the entire redemption distribution. In addition, as a general matter, these proposed Treasury Regulations would not permit the transfer of basis in the redeemed shares to the remaining shares held (directly or indirectly) by the redeemed holder. Instead, the unrecovered basis in our preferred shares would be treated as a deferred loss to be recognized when certain conditions are satisfied. These proposed Treasury Regulations would be effective for transactions that occur after the date the regulations are published as final Treasury Regulations. There can, however, be no assurance as to whether, when, and in what particular form such proposed Treasury Regulations will ultimately be finalized.

Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT — Taxation

The following discussion should replace in its entirety and supersede the discussion comprised by paragraphs number 7 and 8 under the heading “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT — Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus.

7. We will be subject to a 100% penalty tax on certain rental income we receive when a taxable REIT subsidiary provides services to our tenants, on certain expenses deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary on payments made to us, and, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, on income for services rendered to us by a taxable REIT subsidiary, if the arrangements among us, our tenants, and our taxable REIT subsidiaries are not comparable to similar arrangements among unrelated parties.

8. If we acquire any assets from a non-REIT “C” corporation in a carry-over basis transaction (a “Conversion Transaction”), we would be liable for corporate income tax, at the highest applicable corporate rate

 

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for the “built-in gain” with respect to those assets if we disposed of those assets within the five-year period following the acquisition from the non-REIT “C” corporation. Built-in gain is the amount by which an asset’s fair market value exceeds its adjusted tax basis at the time we acquire the asset. To the extent that assets are transferred to us in a carry-over basis transaction by a partnership in which a corporation owns an interest, we will be subject to this tax in proportion to the non-REIT “C” corporation’s interest in the partnership. The results described in this paragraph assume that the non-REIT “C” corporation will not elect, in lieu of this treatment, to be subject to an immediate tax when the asset is acquired by us. Any gain from the sale of property acquired by us in an exchange under Section 1031 (a like-kind exchange) or Section 1033 (an involuntary conversion) of the Code would be excluded from the application of this built-in gain tax.

Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT — Taxable REIT Subsidiaries

As a REIT, we are subject to certain restrictions and excise taxes with respect to transactions with taxable REIT subsidiaries. Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, recently enacted legislation imposes an excise tax of 100% on a REIT with respect to the gross income of a taxable REIT subsidiary that is attributable to services provided to, or on behalf of, the REIT (and not to services provided to tenants), less properly allocable deductions, to the extent that the amount of such income is less than the amount that would be paid to a party in an arm’s-length transaction.

Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT — Ownership of Partnership Interests by a REIT

Recent legislation may alter who bears the liability in the event any subsidiary partnership is audited and an adjustment is assessed. Congress recently revised the rules applicable to federal income tax audits of partnerships (such as certain of our subsidiaries) and the collection of any tax resulting from any such audits or other tax proceedings, generally for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Under the new rules, the partnership itself may be liable for a hypothetical increase in partner-level taxes (including interest and penalties) resulting from an adjustment of partnership tax items on audit, regardless of changes in the composition of the partners (or their relative ownership) between the year under audit and the year of the adjustment. The new rules also include an elective alternative method under which the additional taxes resulting from the adjustment are assessed from the affected partners, subject to a higher rate of interest than otherwise would apply. Many questions remain as to how the new rules will apply, especially with respect to partners that are REITs, and it is not clear at this time what effect this new legislation will have on us. However, these changes could increase the federal income tax, interest, and/or penalties otherwise borne by us in the event of a federal income tax audit of a subsidiary partnership.

Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT — Income Tests Applicable to REITs

As a REIT, we are subject to certain annual tests with respect to the sources of our gross income. Hedging transactions that we enter into must meet certain requirements in order for income from such transactions to not be treated as gross income for purposes of meeting the 75% gross income test and 95% gross income test. Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, recently enacted legislation expands the treatment of REIT hedges to exclude from gross income the income from clearly identified hedging transactions that are entered into with respect to previously-acquired hedging transactions that a REIT entered into to manage interest rate or currency fluctuation risks when the previously hedged indebtedness is extinguished or property is disposed of. Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, interest income and gain from the sale of a debt instrument issued by a “publicly offered REIT,” unless the debt instrument is secured by real property or an interest in real property, is not treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test but will continue to be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. A “publicly offered REIT” means a REIT that is required to file annual and periodic reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT — Prohibited Transaction Income

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not be subject to this tax if we satisfy the requirements of a safe harbor, which includes an asset holding period of at least two years. If we satisfy these requirements, we may either (1) make no more than seven sales within a taxable year, or (2) sell either no more than 10% of the aggregate bases, or no more than 10% of the aggregate fair market value, of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year (other than, in the case of either (1) or (2), sales of foreclosure property or tax-deferred involuntary conversions) without being subject to the prohibited transaction tax. If we make more than seven sales within a taxable year, substantially all of the marketing and development expenditures with respect to the property must be made through an independent contractor from whom we do not derive or receive any income.

Effective for taxable years beginning after December 18, 2015, the 10% limits described in the immediately preceding paragraph have been increased to 20% so that we are now permitted under the safe harbor to sell in a taxable year no more than 20% of the aggregate bases, or no more than 20% of the aggregate fair market value, of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year (other than sales of foreclosure property or tax-deferred involuntary conversions) without being subject to the prohibited transaction tax, provided that the aggregate adjusted bases and the fair market value of the property sold (other than sales of foreclosure property or tax-deferred conversions) during the three taxable year period ending with such taxable year does not exceed 10% of the sum of the aggregate adjusted bases, or the sum of the fair market value, of all of our assets as of the beginning of each of the three taxable years that are part of the period. In addition, a taxable REIT subsidiary may now provide development and marketing expenditures without causing us to fail to satisfy the requirements of the safe harbor.

Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT — Penalty Tax

Any redetermined rents, redetermined deductions, or excess interest will be subject to a 100% penalty tax. Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, the items subject to the 100% penalty tax are expanded to include “redetermined TRS service income.” Redetermined TRS service income is gross income (less deductions allocable thereto) of a taxable REIT subsidiary attributable to services provided to, or on behalf of, us that is less than the amounts that would have been paid by us to the taxable REIT subsidiary if based on arm’s length negotiations. While we believe that our arrangements with our taxable REIT subsidiaries will reflect arm’s length terms, these determinations inherently are factual, and the IRS has broad discretion to assert that amounts paid between related parties should be reallocated to reflect accurately their respective incomes.

Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT — Asset Tests Applicable to REITs

We are subject to certain tests relating to the nature of our assets. At least 75% of the value of our assets must be represented by some combination of “real estate assets,” cash, cash items, U.S. government securities, under some circumstances, stock and debt instruments purchased with new capital and, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, certain debt instruments of “publicly offered REITs” (as defined above), interests in mortgages on interests in real property, personal property to the extent that rents attributable to the property are treated as rents from real property under the applicable Internal Revenue Code section, and a mortgage secured by real property and personal property, provided that the fair market value of the personal property does not exceed 15% of the total fair market value of all personal property. The expanded definition of “real estate assets” is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015.

Under current law, the aggregate value of all securities of taxable REIT subsidiaries held by us may not exceed 25% of the value of our gross assets. Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the aggregate value of all securities of taxable REIT subsidiaries held by us may not exceed 20% of the value of our gross assets. We believe that the aggregate value of our interests in our taxable REIT subsidiaries does not exceed 25% of the value of our gross assets and, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, will not exceed 20% of the value of our gross assets

Recently enacted legislation imposes a new asset test on REITs. Specifically, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, no more than 25% of the value of a REIT’s total assets may be represented by “nonqualified publicly offered REIT debt instruments.” A “nonqualified publicly offered REIT debt

 

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instrument” is any real estate asset that would cease to be a real estate asset if the definition of a real estate asset was applied without regard to the reference to debt instruments issued by publicly offered REITs.

Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT — Annual Distribution Requirements Applicable to REITs

As a REIT, we are subject to a requirement that we make distributions to our shareholders in an amount equal to the sum of 90% of our REIT taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and our net capital gain, and 90% of our net income, if any, from foreclosure property in excess of the special tax on income from foreclosure property, minus the excess of the sum of specified items of our non-cash income over 5% of our REIT taxable income. Under the law in effect prior to January 1, 2015, a “preferential dividend” was not eligible for a dividends-paid deduction and, therefore, was not counted toward this distribution requirement. Effective for distributions in our taxable year that began on January 1, 2015 and all future taxable years, preferential dividends distributed by us may be taken into account for purposes of determining our dividends-paid deduction so long as we qualify as a publicly offered REIT (as defined above).

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders — Capital Gain Distributions and — Qualified Dividend Income

Pursuant to recently enacted legislation and effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, the maximum amount of dividends that we may designate as capital gain dividends and as “qualified dividend income” with respect to any taxable year may not exceed the dividends paid by us with respect to such year, including dividends paid by us in the succeeding taxable year that relate back to the prior taxable year for purposes of determining our dividends paid deduction. In addition, the IRS has been granted authority, pursuant to recently enacted legislation, to prescribe regulations or other guidance requiring the proportionality of the designation for particular types of dividends (for example, capital gain dividends) among REIT shares.

U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders — Return of Capital Distributions, — Capital Gain Dividends, and — Sale of Common Stock

A distribution, whether or not the distribution is attributable to gain from our sale or exchange of a United States real property interest, with respect to any class of our shares that is traded on an established securities market located in the United States will not be subject to 35% withholding tax if the non-U.S. shareholder did not own more than 5% of such class of stock at any time during the one year period ending on the date of the distribution. Instead, any such distribution will be treated as a distribution subject to the ordinary dividend rules described under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders — Ordinary Income Dividends” in the accompanying prospectus. Recently enacted legislation increased the percentage of shares of stock owned by a non-U.S. shareholder from more than 5% to more than 10% for purposes of excluding a distribution from the 35% withholding tax, effective with respect to any distribution made on and after December 18, 2015.

In addition, if we are not a domestically controlled REIT, a non-U.S. shareholder’s sale of our shares will not be subject to federal income taxation as a sale of a United States real property interest and gain from the sale of such shares will not be subject to federal income taxation, provided that our shares are “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury regulations, on an established securities market, such as the New York Stock Exchange, and the non-U.S. shareholder has at all times during the preceding five years owned no more than 5% (10% effective with respect to any disposition of stock on and after December 18, 2015) by value of the then-outstanding shares. Recently enacted legislation will make it easier for us to determine whether we are a domestically controlled REIT.

Recently enacted legislation provides that stock of a REIT will not be treated as a United States real property interest (“USRPI”) if the stock is held directly (or indirectly through one or more partnerships) by a “qualified shareholder” or “qualified foreign pension fund.” Similarly, any distribution made to a “qualified shareholder” or “qualified foreign pension fund” with respect to REIT stock will not be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest to the extent the stock of the REIT held by such qualified shareholder or qualified foreign pension fund is not treated as a United States real property interest.

 

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U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders — Sale of Common Stock

The following paragraph should replace in its entirety and supersede the fifth paragraph under the heading “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders—Sale of Common Stock” in the accompanying prospectus.

Our common shares will not constitute a USRPI if we are a domestically controlled REIT. We intend to take the position that we will be a domestically controlled REIT if, at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in value of our common shares is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. stockholders. We believe that we will be and will remain a domestically controlled REIT, and that a sale of our common shares should not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. However, because our common shares are publicly traded, no assurance can be given that we are or will be a domestically controlled REIT. If we were not a domestically controlled REIT, a sale of our common shares by a non-U.S. stockholder would be subject to taxation under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI if:

 

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fifty percent or more of our assets on any of certain testing dates during a prescribed testing period consist of interests in real property located within the United States (which we expect to be the case); excluding for this purpose, interests in real property solely in a capacity as creditor; and

 

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either (a) the class of our shares which is sold or exchanged is not “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury regulations, on an “established securities market” in the U.S.; or (b) the class of our shares which is sold or exchanged is “regularly traded” on an “established securities market” in the U.S. and the selling non-U.S. holder has held over 5% (10% effective with respect to any disposition of shares on or after December 18, 2015) of the value of that class of our shares at any time during the shorter of the period during which the non-U.S. holder held that class of Shares or the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange.

Qualified Shareholders. A “qualified shareholder” generally means a foreign person which (i) (x) is eligible for certain income tax treaty benefits and the principal class of interests of which is listed and regularly traded on at least one recognized stock exchange or (y) is a foreign limited partnership that is created or organized in a jurisdiction that has an agreement with the United States for the exchange of information with respect to taxes, has a class of limited partnership units which is regularly traded on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, and such units’ value is greater than 50% of the value of all the partnership’s units; (ii) is a “qualified collective investment vehicle;” and (iii) maintains certain records with respect to certain of its owners. A “qualified collective investment vehicle” is a foreign person which (i) is entitled, under a comprehensive income tax treaty, to certain reduced withholding rates with respect to ordinary dividends paid by a REIT even if such person holds more than 10% of the stock of the REIT; (ii) (x) is a publicly traded partnership that is not treated as a corporation, (y) is a withholding foreign partnership for purposes of chapters 3, 4 and 61 of the Internal Revenue Code, and (z) if the foreign partnership were a United States corporation, it would be a United States real property holding corporation, at any time during the 5-year period ending on the date of disposition of, or distribution with respect to, such partnership’s interest in a REIT; or (iii) is designated as a qualified collective investment vehicle by the Secretary of the Treasury and is either fiscally transparent within the meaning of Section 894 of the Internal Revenue Code or is required to include dividends in its gross income, but is entitled to a deduction for distribution to a person holding interests (other than interests solely as a creditor) in such foreign person.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a foreign investor in a qualified shareholder directly or indirectly, whether or not by reason of such investor’s ownership interest in the qualified shareholder, holds more than 10% of the stock of the REIT, then a portion of the REIT stock held by the qualified shareholder (based on the foreign investor’s percentage ownership of the qualified shareholder) will be treated as a USRPI in the hands of the qualified shareholder and will be subject to FIRPTA.

Qualified Foreign Pension Funds. A “qualified foreign pension fund” is any trust, corporation, or other organization or arrangement (A) which is created or organized under the law of a country other than the United States, (B) which is established to provide retirement or pension benefits to participants or beneficiaries that are

 

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current or former employees (or persons designated by such employees) of one or more employers in consideration for services rendered, (C) which does not have a single participant or beneficiary with a right to more than 5% of its assets or income, (D) which is subject to government regulation and provides annual information reporting about its beneficiaries to the relevant tax authorities in the country in which it is established or operates, and (E) with respect to which, under the laws of the country in which it is established or operates, (i) contributions to such organization or arrangement that would otherwise be subject to tax under such laws are deductible or excluded from the gross income of such entity or taxed at a reduced rate, or (ii) taxation of any investment income of such organization or arrangement is deferred or such income is taxed at a reduced rate.

Effective February 16, 2016, the FIRPTA withholding tax rate increased to 15% from 10% with respect to a purchase of our shares from a non-U.S. shareholder if our shares are not traded on an established securities market or if we are not a domestically controlled REIT.

U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders — Withholding on Payments to Certain Foreign Entities

The following discussion should replace in its entirety and supersede the discussion under the heading “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders — Withholding on Payments to Certain Foreign Entities” in the accompanying prospectus.

Withholding on Payments to Certain Foreign Entities. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) imposes a 30% withholding tax on certain types of payments made to “foreign financial institutions” and certain other non-U.S. entities unless certain due diligence, reporting, withholding, and certification requirements are satisfied.

As a general matter, FATCA imposes a 30% withholding tax on dividends on, and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our shares if paid to a foreign entity unless either (i) the foreign entity is a “foreign financial institution” that undertakes certain due diligence, reporting, withholding, and certification obligations, (ii) the foreign entity is not a “foreign financial institution” and identifies certain of its U.S. investors, or (iii) the foreign entity otherwise is excepted under FATCA. Under delayed effective dates provided for in the final regulations and subsequent guidance, the required withholding began on July 1, 2014 with respect to dividends on our shares, and will begin on January 1, 2019 with respect to gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our common shares.

If withholding is required under FATCA on a payment related to our shares, investors that otherwise would not be subject to withholding (or that otherwise would be entitled to a reduced rate of withholding) generally will be required to seek a refund or credit from the IRS to obtain the benefit of such exemption or reduction (provided that such benefit is available). Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect of FATCA in their particular circumstances.

Legislative or Other Actions Affecting REITs

The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of REITs may be modified, possibly with retroactive effect, by legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time. The REIT rules are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department, which may result in statutory changes as well as revisions to regulations and interpretations. Changes to the U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could adversely affect an investment in our securities. Legislative and regulatory changes, including comprehensive tax reform, may be more likely in the 115th Congress, which convened in January 2017, because the Presidency and both Houses of Congress are controlled by the same political party. Investors should consult with their tax advisors regarding the effect of potential changes to the federal tax laws and on an investment in our shares.

 

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UNDERWRITING

Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement, each underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase from us, and we have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the number of Depositary Shares set forth opposite the underwriter’s name.

 

Underwriter		Number of Depositary Shares
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith                       Incorporated
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
UBS Securities LLC
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
Total

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to purchase the Depositary Shares included in this offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all of the Depositary Shares if they purchase any of the Depositary Shares.

The underwriters, for whom Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are acting as representatives, propose to offer some of the Depositary Shares directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and some of the Depositary Shares to dealers at the public offering price less a concession not to exceed $         per Depositary Share for retail orders and $         per Depositary Share for institutional orders. The underwriters may allow, and dealers may reallow, a concession not to exceed $         per Depositary Share on sales to other dealers. If all of the Depositary Shares are not sold at the initial offering price, the representatives may change the public offering price and the other selling terms.

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to                  additional Depositary Shares. The underwriters may exercise the option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, in connection with this offering. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter must purchase a number of additional Depositary Shares approximately proportionate to that underwriter’s initial purchase commitment.

We intend to apply to have the Depositary Shares listed on the NYSE, under the symbol “PSBPrY.” If this application is approved, trading of the Depositary Shares on the NYSE is expected to begin within 30 days following initial delivery of the Depositary Shares.

The following table shows the underwriting discounts that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional Depositary Shares.

 

		No Exercise				Full Exercise
Per Depositary Share		$				$
Total		$				$

In connection with the offering, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC on behalf of the underwriters may purchase and sell Depositary Shares in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve syndicate sales of Depositary Shares in excess of the number of Depositary Shares to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. “Covered” short sales are sales of Depositary Shares made in an amount up to the number of shares represented by the underwriters’ over-allotment option. In determining the source of Depositary Shares to close out the covered syndicate short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of Depositary Shares available

 

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for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase Depositary Shares through the over-allotment option. Transactions to close out the covered syndicate short position involve either purchases of the Depositary Shares in the open market after the distribution has been completed or the exercise of the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also make “naked” short sales of Depositary Shares in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing Depositary Shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the Depositary Shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of bids for or purchases of Depositary Shares in the open market while the offering is in progress.

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC repurchase Depositary Shares originally sold by that syndicate member in order to cover syndicate short positions or make stabilizing purchases.

Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline of the market price of the Depositary Shares. They may also cause the price of the Depositary Shares to be higher than the price that would otherwise exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the NYSE or in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue any of them at any time.

We estimate that our portion of the total expenses (excluding the underwriting discount) of this offering will be approximately $400,000.

Certain of the underwriters have performed investment banking and advisory services for us from time to time for which they have received customary fees and expenses. The underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business.

In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates that have a lending relationship with us routinely hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, such underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, an affiliate of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is the lender under our credit facility. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association will receive the portion of this offering used to repay amounts outstanding under our credit facility.

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

We expect to deliver the Depositary Shares against payment in New York City on or about the expected settlement date specified on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, which is the fifth business day following the expected date of this Prospectus Supplement. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Depositary Shares on the date of this Prospectus Supplement or the next succeeding two business days will be required, by virtue of the fact that the Depositary Shares initially will settle in T+5, to specify an alternative settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement and should consult their own advisor.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters relating to the Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares will be passed upon for us by Hogan Lovells US LLP, and for the underwriters by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Los Angeles, California. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has from time to time represented us and our affiliates on unrelated matters.

EXPERTS

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements and schedule included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements and schedule are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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PS BUSINESS PARKS, INC.

 

By this prospectus, we may offer-

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Equity Stock

Depositary Shares

Warrants

Debt Securities

Units

 

 

This prospectus contains a general description of the debt and equity securities that we may offer for sale, in one or more series or classes, separately or together, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time we offer those securities. In addition, selling securityholders to be identified from time to time in a prospectus supplement may sell our securities that they own. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of our securities by selling securityholders.

You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, which will provide the specific terms of the securities being offered to you, carefully before you invest.

Corporate Headquarters:

701 Western Avenue

Glendale, CA 91201-2397

(818) 244-8080

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PSB.” On March 5, 2015, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $81.22.

 

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. Before buying our securities, you should refer to the risk factors included in our periodic reports, in prospectus supplements relating to specific offerings and in other information that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See “Risk Factors” on page 2.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued under this prospectus or determined if this prospectus is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

 

 

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You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY			1
RISK FACTORS			2
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			3
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			4
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			6
USE OF PROCEEDS			7
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES			8
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK			9
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK			12
DESCRIPTION OF EQUITY STOCK			17
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES			20
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS			23
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES			24
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS			33
BOOK-ENTRY SECURITIES			33
SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS			33
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS			34
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			58
LEGAL OPINIONS			63
EXPERTS			63

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission” or the “SEC”) on February 20, 2015 and incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement before making a decision to invest in our securities. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we and/or selling shareholders named in a supplement to this prospectus may sell from time to time an indeterminate amount of common stock, preferred stock, equity stock, depositary shares, warrants, debt securities and units, in any combination, in one or more offerings at indeterminate prices. This prospectus provides a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we offer any of the types of securities described in this prospectus, we will prepare and distribute a prospectus supplement that will contain a description of the specific terms of the securities being offered and of the offering. The prospectus supplement may also supplement the information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information,” before purchasing any securities.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy all or any portion of this information at the Commission’s principal office in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 100 F Street, Room 1580, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 after payment of fees prescribed by the Commission. You may telephone the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Commission’s public reference facilities. The Commission also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains the reports, proxy and information statements and other information that we and other registrants file electronically with the Commission.

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3, of which this prospectus is a part, with the Commission to register offers and sales of the securities described in this prospectus under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The registration statement contains additional information about us and the securities. You may obtain the registration statement and its exhibits from the Commission as described above.

The Commission allows us to provide information about our business and other important information to you by “incorporating by reference” the information we file with the Commission, which means that we can disclose that information to you by referring in this prospectus to the documents we file with the Commission. Under the Commission’s regulations, any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus is automatically updated and superseded by any information contained in this prospectus, or in any subsequently filed document of the types described below.

We incorporate into this prospectus by reference the following documents filed by us with the Commission, each of which should be considered an important part of this prospectus:

 

SEC Filing (File No. 1-10709)		Date of Filing
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014		Filed February 20, 2015
Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A		Filed March 24, 2014
Description of our common stock contained in Registration Statement on Form 8-A, as supplemented by the description of our common stock contained in this prospectus		Filed September 8, 2008

All documents filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange of 1934 (excluding any information furnished rather than filed in any Current Report on Form 8-K) between the date of this prospectus and the termination of the offering of securities under this prospectus shall also be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference. Any statement contained in any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

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You may request a copy of each of our filings at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address, telephone or facsimile number:

Investor Services Department

PS Business Parks, Inc.

701 Western Avenue

Glendale, California 91201-2349

Telephone: (800) 421-2856 or (818) 244-8080

Facsimile: (818) 241-0627

Exhibits to a document will not be provided unless they are specifically incorporated by reference in that document.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus contains forward-looking statements. For this purpose, any statements contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “may,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “intends,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: (a) changes in general economic and business conditions; (b) decreases in rental rates or increases in vacancy rates/failure to renew or replace expiring leases; (c) tenant defaults; (d) the effect of the recent credit and financial market conditions; (e) our failure to maintain our status as a REIT; (f) the economic health of our tenants; (g) increases in operating costs; (h) casualties to our properties not covered by insurance; (i) the availability and cost of capital; (j) increases in interest rates and its effect on our stock price; and (k) other factors discussed from time to time in our annual and quarterly reports that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus under the heading “Risk Factors”. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, the inclusion of any forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. Moreover, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Except as otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities for general corporate purposes. These purposes may include, but are not limited to, the acquisition of commercial properties, repayment of our outstanding debt, redemption of preferred securities and general business purposes. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds in short-term, interest bearing securities.

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

We compute our ratio of earnings from continuing operations to fixed charges by dividing our earnings from continuing operations by our fixed charges. We compute our ratio of earnings from continuing operations to combined fixed charges and preferred stock distributions by dividing our earnings from continuing operations by our combined fixed charges and preferred stock distributions. Earnings from continuing operations consists of income from continuing operations plus fixed charges.

 

		For the years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012				2011				2010
Ratio of earnings from continuing operations to fixed charges			15.1				8.0				5.6				19.3				28.3
Ratio of earnings from continuing operations to combined fixed charges and preferred distributions			2.9				1.7				1.3				2.6				1.8

 

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

We are authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. At March 2, 2015, we had outstanding 26,920,412 shares of common stock (excluding shares issuable upon exchange of interests in our operating partnership and shares subject to options).

Common Stock

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

Subject to any preference with respect to our preferred stock or equity stock, holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive distributions when, as and if declared by our board of directors, out of funds legally available therefor. Payment and declaration of dividends on our common stock and purchases of shares of common stock by us will be subject to certain restrictions if we fail to pay dividends on outstanding preferred stock. See “Description of Preferred Stock.” Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in any assets available for distribution to them, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and our other liabilities and the preferential amounts owing with respect to any of our outstanding preferred stock. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive rights, except such as have been provided to certain of our shareholders by contract, which means public shareholders have no right to acquire any additional shares of common stock that we may issue at a later date.

Each outstanding share of our common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters presented to our shareholders for a vote, with the exception that they have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of our board of directors, in accordance with California law. Cumulative voting means that each holder of our common stock is entitled to cast as many votes as there are directors to be elected multiplied by the number of shares registered in his or her name. A holder of our common stock may cumulate the votes for directors by casting all of the votes for one candidate or by distributing the votes among as many candidates as he or she chooses. Cumulative voting is intended to provide holders of smaller blocks of stock with more meaningful influence in the election of directors than they would have without cumulative voting. The outstanding shares of our common stock are, and additional shares of common stock will be, when issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

The partnership agreement of our operating partnership provides that we may not consummate a business combination in which we must have a vote of our shareholders unless the matter is also approved by the vote of the partners of the operating partnership. For this purpose, a business combination is any merger, consolidation or other combination with or into another person or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or any reclassification, recapitalization or change of our existing common stock. These provisions have the effect of increasing Public Storage’s influence over us, due to its ownership of operating partnership units, and also make it more difficult for us to consummate a business combination.

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PSB.” The transfer agent and registrar of our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock or our equity stock which we may designate and issue in the future. See “Description of Preferred Stock” and “Description of Equity Stock.”

 

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Ownership Limitations

For us to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, no more than 50% in value of our outstanding shares of capital stock may be owned, directly or constructively under the applicable attribution rules of the Code, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, our articles of incorporation provide certain restrictions on the shares of capital stock that any shareholder may own.

Our articles of incorporation provide that, subject to certain exceptions, no holder may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, more than (A) 7.0% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and (B) 9.9% of the outstanding shares of each class or series of shares of our preferred stock or equity stock and that all shares of stock be imprinted with a legend setting forth that restriction. Our articles of incorporation provide, however, that no person shall be deemed to exceed the ownership limit solely by reason of the beneficial ownership of shares of any class of stock to the extent that such shares of stock were beneficially owned by such person (including Public Storage) upon completion of, and after giving effect to, the merger with American Office Park Properties. Thus, this limitation does not affect the ownership of common stock held by Public Storage and certain other shareholders at the time of the merger. Furthermore, the limitation does not apply with respect to shares of stock deemed to be owned by a person as a result of such person’s ownership of shares of Public Storage (however, such ownership will be taken into account in determining whether a subsequent acquisition or transfer of our shares (but not Public Storage) violates the ownership limit). The ownership limitation is intended to assist in preserving our REIT status in view of Public Storage’s substantial ownership interest in us and the Hughes family’s substantial ownership interest in Public Storage. There can be no assurance, however, that such ownership limit will enable us to satisfy the requirement that a REIT not be “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code for any given taxable year, in part as a result of the provision described above providing that the ownership limitation generally does not apply to our shares deemed to be owned as a result of a person’s ownership of shares of Public Storage.

Our articles of incorporation provide that our board of directors, in its sole and absolute discretion, may grant exceptions to the ownership limits, so long as (A) our board has determined that we would not be “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the event in question takes place during the second half of a taxable year) and would not otherwise fail to qualify as a REIT, after giving effect to an acquisition by an excepted person of beneficial ownership of the maximum amount of capital stock permitted as a result of the exception to be granted, and taking into account the existing and permitted ownership by other persons of stock (taking into account any other exceptions granted) and (B) the excepted persons provide to our board such representations and undertakings as our board may require. In any case, no holder may own or acquire, either directly, indirectly or constructively under the applicable attribution rules of the Code, any shares of any class of capital stock if such ownership or acquisition (i) would cause more than 50% in value of outstanding capital stock to be owned, either directly or constructively, under the applicable attribution rules of the Code, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain tax-exempt entities, other than, in general, qualified domestic pension funds), (ii) would result in our stock being beneficially owned by less than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution) or (iii) would otherwise result in our failing to qualify as a REIT.

Our articles of incorporation generally provide that if any holder of capital stock purports to transfer shares to a person or there is a change in our capital structure, and either the transfer or the change in capital structure would result in our failing to qualify as a REIT, or such transfer or the change in capital structure would cause the transferee to hold shares in excess of the applicable ownership limit, then the shares causing the violation will be automatically transferred to a trust for the benefit of a designated charitable beneficiary. The purported transferee of those shares will have no right to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to them and will have no right to vote the shares. Any dividends or other distributions paid to such purported transferee prior to the discovery by us that the shares have been transferred to a trust will be paid to the trustee of the trust for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary upon demand. The trustee will designate a transferee of those shares so long as the shares would not violate the restrictions on ownership in the articles of incorporation in the hands of the

 

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designated transferee. Upon the sale of such shares, the purported transferee will receive out of any proceeds remaining after payment of expenses of the charitable trust and us the lesser of (A)(i) the price per share such purported transferee paid for the stock in the purported transfer that resulted in the transfer of the shares to the trust, or (ii) if the transfer or other event that resulted in the transfer of the shares to the trust was not a transaction in which the purported transferee gave full value for such shares, a price per share equal to the market price on the date of the purported transfer or other event that resulted in the transfer of the shares to the trust and (B) the price per share received by the trustee from the sale or other disposition of the shares held in the trust. Each purported transferee shall be deemed to have waived any claims such purported transferee may have against the trustee and us arising from the disposition of the shares, except for claims arising from the trustee’s or our gross negligence, willful misconduct, or failure to make payments when required by the articles of incorporation.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

We are authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. At March 2, 2015, we had 39,800 outstanding shares of preferred stock (represented by 39,800,000 depositary shares). Our articles of incorporation provide that the preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series and give our board of directors broad authority to fix the dividend and distribution rights, conversion and voting rights, if any, redemption provisions and liquidation preferences of each series of preferred stock. Holders of preferred stock have no preemptive rights. The preferred stock will be, when issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

The issuance of preferred stock with special voting rights could be used to deter attempts to obtain control of us in transactions not approved by our board of directors. We have no present intention to issue stock for that purpose. For a discussion of provisions in the partnership agreement of the operating partnership that restrict our ability to enter into business combinations, see “Description of Common Stock.”

Outstanding Preferred Stock

At March 2, 2015, we had outstanding five series of preferred stock, and had reserved for issuance, upon conversion of preferred units in our operating partnership, an additional series. Each series (1) has a stated value of $25.00 per share (in the case of shares reserved for issuance upon the conversion of preferred units) or per depositary share, (2) in preference to the holders of shares of our common stock and any other capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock as to payment of dividends, provides for cumulative quarterly dividends calculated as a percentage of the stated value (ranging from 5.700% to 6.875%) and (3) is subject to redemption, in whole or in part, at our election (on and after various dates between the present and March 2018) at a cash redemption price of $25.00 per share (in the case of shares reserved for issuance upon the conversion of preferred units) or per depositary share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends.

In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of the preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to shareholders, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our common stock or any other shares of capital stock ranking as to such distributions junior to the preferred stock, liquidating distributions in the amount of $25.00 per share (in the case of shares reserved for issuance upon the conversion of preferred units) or per depositary share, plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends.

Except as expressly required by law and in certain other limited circumstances, holders of the preferred stock are not entitled to vote. The consent of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of the preferred stock, voting as a single class, is required to authorize another class of shares senior to the preferred stock.

We have reserved for issuance, upon conversion of preferred units in our operating partnership, one series of preferred stock. To the extent we issue any shares of any such series of preferred stock, we may not consolidate with, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or lease our assets substantially as an entirety to, any corporation or other entity, in a manner that would materially and adversely affect the outstanding shares of the series, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of such series, subject to certain exceptions or unless we are the surviving entity.

Our depositary shares representing interests in our preferred stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols “PSB-R,” “PSB-S,” “PSB-T,” “PSB-U,” and “PSB-V.”

Ownership Limitations

For a discussion of the ownership limitations that apply to preferred stock, see “Description of Common Stock—Ownership Limitations.”

 

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Future Series of Preferred Stock

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

Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to the preferred stock offered thereby for specific terms, including, where applicable, the following: (1) the title and stated value of such preferred stock; (2) the number of shares of such preferred stock offered, the liquidation preference per share and the offering price of such preferred stock; (3) the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation applicable to such preferred stock; (4) the date from which dividends on such preferred stock shall accumulate, if applicable; (5) the provision for a sinking fund, if any, for such preferred stock; (6) the provision for redemption, if applicable, of such preferred stock; (7) any listing of such preferred stock on any securities exchange; (8) the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which such preferred stock will be convertible into common stock, including the conversion price (or manner of calculation); (9) the voting rights, if any, of such preferred stock; (10) any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions of such preferred stock; (11) the relative ranking and preferences of such preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; and (12) any limitations on issuance of any series of preferred stock ranking senior to or on a parity with such series of preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Ranking. The ranking of the preferred stock is set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, such preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, rank (i) senior to the common stock, any additional class of common stock and any series of preferred stock expressly made junior to such preferred stock; (ii) on a parity with all preferred stock previously issued by us the terms of which specifically provide that such preferred stock rank on a parity with the preferred stock offered hereby; and (iii) junior to all preferred stock previously issued by us the terms of which specifically provide that such preferred stock rank senior to the preferred stock offered hereby.

Dividends. Holders of shares of the preferred stock of each series offered hereby will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors, out of our assets legally available for payment, cash dividends at such rates and on such dates as will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each such dividend shall be payable to holders of record as they appear on the stock transfer books of our company on such record dates as shall be fixed by our board of directors.

Dividends on any series of the preferred stock offered hereby may be cumulative or non-cumulative, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dividends, if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. If our board of directors fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of the preferred stock for which dividends are noncumulative, then the holders of such series of the preferred stock will have no right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period ending on such dividend payment date, and we will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for such period, whether or not dividends on such series are declared payable on any future dividend payment date.

No dividends (other than in common stock or other capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of any series as to dividends and upon liquidation) will be declared or paid or set aside for payment (nor will any other distribution be declared or made upon the common stock, or any other capital stock ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation), nor will any common stock or any other capital stock ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares of any such stock) by us (except by

 

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conversion into or exchange for other capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation) unless (i) if such series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends on the preferred stock of such series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period and (ii) if such series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, full dividends on the preferred stock of such series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for the then current dividend period.

If for any taxable year we elect to designate as “capital gain dividends” (as defined in the Code) any portion of the dividends paid or made available for the year to the holders of our stock, then the portion of the dividends designated as capital gain dividends that will be allocable to the holders of preferred stock will be an amount equal to the total capital gain dividends multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which will be the total dividends, within the meaning of the Code, paid or made available to the holders of preferred stock for the year, and the denominator of which will be the total dividends paid or made available to holders of all classes and series of our outstanding stock for that year.

Any dividend payment made on shares of a series of cumulative preferred stock offered hereby will first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to shares of such series which remains payable.

Redemption. If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the shares of preferred stock will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at our option, in whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in such prospectus supplement.

The prospectus supplement relating to a series of preferred stock offered hereby that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of such preferred stock that will be redeemed by us in each year commencing after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (which will not, if such preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods) to the date of redemption. The redemption price may be payable in cash, securities or other property, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no shares of any series of preferred stock offered hereby will be redeemed and we will not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of preferred stock of such series (except by conversion into or exchange for capital stock of our company ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation) unless all outstanding shares of preferred stock of such series are simultaneously redeemed unless, in each case, (i) if such series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends on the preferred stock of such series will have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period and (ii) if such series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, full dividends on the preferred stock of such series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for the then current dividend period; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of shares of preferred stock of such series pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of preferred stock of such series.

If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of preferred stock of any series offered hereby are to be redeemed, the number of shares to be redeemed will be determined by us and such shares may be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held by such holders (with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares) or by lot in a manner determined by us.

Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of record of preferred stock of any series to be redeemed at the address shown on our stock

 

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transfer books. Each notice will state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the number of shares and series of the preferred stock to be redeemed; (iii) the redemption price; (iv) the place or places where certificates for such preferred stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price; (v) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date; and (vi) the date upon which the holder’s conversion rights, if any, as to such shares shall terminate. If fewer than all the shares of preferred stock of any series are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to each such holder thereof shall also specify the number of shares of preferred stock to be redeemed from each such holder and, upon redemption, a new certificate shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares without cost to the holder thereof. In order to facilitate the redemption of shares of preferred stock, our board of directors may fix a record date for the determination of shares of preferred stock to be redeemed, such record date to be not less than 30 or more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for such redemption.

Notice having been given as provided above, from and after the date specified therein as the date of redemption, unless we default in providing funds for the payment of the redemption price on such date, all dividends on the preferred stock called for redemption will cease. From and after the redemption date, unless we so default, all rights of the holders of the preferred stock as our shareholders, except the right to receive the redemption price (but without interest), will cease.

Subject to applicable law and the limitation on purchases when dividends on preferred stock are in arrears, we may, at any time and from time to time, purchase any shares of preferred stock in the open market, by tender or by private agreement.

Liquidation Preference. Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, then, before any distribution or payment shall be made to the holders of any common stock or any other class or series of our capital stock ranking junior to any series of the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of such series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally available for distribution to shareholders liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share (set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement), plus an amount equal to all dividends accumulated and unpaid thereon (which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend). After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our legally available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding shares of any series of preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of our capital stock ranking on a parity with the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, then the holders of such series of preferred stock and all other such classes or series of capital stock shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.

If liquidating distributions shall have been made in full to all holders of preferred stock, our remaining assets will be distributed among the holders of any other classes or series of capital stock ranking junior to such series of preferred stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, according to their respective rights and preferences and in each case according to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, our consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation, or the sale, lease, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or assets will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

Voting Rights. Holders of the preferred stock offered hereby will not have any voting rights, except as set forth below or as otherwise expressly required by law or as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of each of our series R, S, T, U and V preferred stock will be required to amend or repeal any provision of or add any provision to, our articles of incorporation, including the certificate of determination, if such action would adversely alter or change the rights, preferences or privileges of such series of preferred stock.

 

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No consent or approval of the holders of any series of preferred stock offered hereby will be required for the issuance from our authorized but unissued preferred stock of other shares of any series of preferred stock ranking on a parity with or junior to such series of preferred stock, or senior to a series of preferred stock expressly made junior to other series of preferred stock, as to payment of dividends and distribution of assets, including other shares of such series of preferred stock.

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of such series of preferred stock had been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds had been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.

We may designate additional series of preferred stock to be issued upon conversion of any additional series of preferred units in our operating partnership. To the extent we issue any shares of any such series of preferred stock, we will not be able to consolidate with, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or lease our assets substantially as an entirety to, any corporation or other entity without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of such series, subject to certain exceptions or unless we are the surviving entity.

Conversion Rights. The terms and conditions, if any, upon which shares of any series of preferred stock offered hereby are convertible into common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of common stock into which the preferred stock is convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or at the option of the holders of the preferred stock or automatically upon the occurrence of certain events, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of such preferred stock.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF EQUITY STOCK

We are authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of equity stock, par value $0.01 per share. At March 2, 2015, we had no outstanding shares of equity stock. Our articles of incorporation provide that the equity stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series and give our board of directors broad authority to fix the dividend and distribution rights, conversion and voting rights, redemption provisions and liquidation rights of each series of equity stock. Holders of equity stock have no preemptive rights. The shares of equity stock will be, when issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

The issuance of equity stock with special voting rights could be used to deter attempts to obtain control of our company in transactions not approved by our board of directors. We have no present intention to issue stock for that purpose. For a discussion of provisions in the partnership agreement for the operating partnership that restrict our ability to enter into business combinations, see “Description of Common Stock.”

Ownership Limitations

For a discussion of the ownership limitations that apply to equity stock, see “Description of Common Stock—Ownership Limitations.”

Terms of Equity Stock

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

Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to the equity stock offered thereby for specific terms, including, where applicable, the following: (1) the designation of such equity stock; (2) the number of shares of such equity stock offered, the liquidation rights and the offering price of such equity stock; (3) the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation applicable to such equity stock; (4) the provision for a sinking fund, if any, for such equity stock; (5) the provision for redemption, if applicable, of such equity stock; (6) any listing of such equity stock on any securities exchange; (7) the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which such equity stock will be convertible into common stock, including the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof); (8) the voting rights, if any, of such equity stock; (9) any other specific terms, rights, limitations or restrictions of such equity stock; and (10) the relative ranking of such equity stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Ranking. The ranking of the equity stock is set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, such equity stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, rank on a parity with the common stock. The equity stock will rank junior to the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Dividends. Holders of shares of the equity stock of each series offered hereby shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors, out of our assets legally available for payment, cash dividends at such rates and on such dates as will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each such dividend shall be payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock transfer books on such record dates as shall be fixed by our board of directors. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, dividends on such equity stock will be non-cumulative.

Redemption. If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the shares of equity stock will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at our option, in whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in such prospectus supplement.

 

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The prospectus supplement relating to a series of equity stock offered hereby that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of such equity stock that we will redeem in each year commencing after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (which shall not, if such equity stock does not have a cumulative dividend, include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods) to the date of redemption. The redemption price may be payable in cash, securities or other property, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of equity stock of any series offered hereby are to be redeemed, the number of shares to be redeemed will be determined by us and such shares may be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held by such holders (with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares) or by lot in a manner determined by us.

Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of record of equity stock of any series to be redeemed at the address shown on our stock transfer books. Each notice shall state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the number of shares and series of the equity stock to be redeemed; (iii) the redemption price; (iv) the place or places where certificates for such equity stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price; (v) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date; and (vi) the date upon which the holder’s conversion rights, if any, as to such shares shall terminate. If fewer than all the shares of equity stock of any series are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to each such holder thereof shall also specify the number of shares of equity stock to be redeemed from each such holder and, upon redemption, a new certificate shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares without cost to the holder thereof. In order to facilitate the redemption of shares of equity stock, our board of directors may fix a record date for the determination of shares of equity stock to be redeemed, such record date to be not less than 30 or more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for such redemption.

Notice having been given as provided above, from and after the date specified therein as the date of redemption, unless we default in providing funds for the payment of the redemption price on such date, all dividends on the equity stock called for redemption will cease. From and after the redemption date, unless we so default, all rights of the holders of the equity stock as our shareholders, except the right to receive the redemption price (but without interest), will cease.

Liquidation Rights. If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind-up our affairs, then, before any distribution or payment may be made to the holders of the equity stock or any other class or series of our capital stock ranking junior to any series of the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of such series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally available for distribution to shareholders liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share, plus an amount equal to all dividends accumulated and unpaid thereon (which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend). After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets.

If liquidating distributions have been made in full to all holders of preferred stock, our remaining assets will be distributed among the holders of any other classes or series of capital stock ranking junior to such series of preferred stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, including the equity stock, according to their respective rights and in each case according to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, our consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation, or the sale, lease, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or assets, will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

 

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Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, holders of the equity stock will rank on a parity with the holders of the common stock, subject to any maximum or minimum distribution to holders of equity stock specified in such prospectus supplement.

Voting Rights. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the equity stock will have the same voting rights as holders of the common stock.

No consent or approval of the holders of any series of equity stock will be required for the issuance from our authorized but unissued equity stock of other shares of any series of equity stock including shares of such series of equity stock.

Conversion Rights. The terms and conditions, if any, upon which shares of any series of equity stock offered hereby are convertible into common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of common stock into which the equity stock is convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or at the option of the holders of the equity stock or automatically upon the occurrence of certain events, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of such equity stock.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

We may, at our option, elect to offer depositary shares rather than full shares of preferred stock or equity stock. In the event such option is exercised, each of the depositary shares will represent ownership of and entitlement to all rights and preferences of a fraction of a share of preferred stock or equity stock of a specified series (including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights). The applicable fraction will be specified in the prospectus supplement. The shares of preferred stock or equity stock represented by the depositary shares will be deposited with a depositary named in the applicable prospectus supplement, under a deposit agreement, among the depositary, the holders of the depositary receipts and us. Depositary receipts, which are certificates evidencing depositary shares, will be delivered to those persons purchasing depositary shares in the offering. The depositary will be the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the depositary shares. Holders of depositary receipts agree to be bound by the deposit agreement, which requires holders to take certain actions such as filing proof of residence and paying certain charges.

The summary of terms of the depositary shares contained in this prospectus does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the applicable deposit agreement, the form of depositary receipt, our articles of incorporation and the form of certificate of determination for the applicable series of preferred stock or equity stock.

Dividends

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received by it in respect of the series of preferred stock or equity stock represented by the depositary shares to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by such holders on the relevant record date, which will be the same date as the record date fixed by us for the applicable series of preferred stock or equity stock. In the event that the calculation of any such cash dividend or other cash distribution results in an amount which is a fraction of a cent, the amount the depositary will distribute will be rounded to the next highest whole cent if such fraction of a cent is equal to or greater than 0.005, otherwise such fractional interest shall be disregarded.

In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary receipts entitled thereto, in proportion, as nearly as may be practicable, to the number of depositary shares owned by such holders on the relevant record date, unless the depositary determines (after consultation with us) that it is not feasible to make such distribution, in which case the depositary may (with our approval) adopt any other method for such distribution as it deems equitable and practicable, including the sale of such property (at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem equitable and appropriate) and distribution of the net proceeds from such sale to such holders.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each depositary share will be entitled to the fraction of the liquidation amount accorded each share of the applicable series of preferred stock or equity stock, as set forth in the prospectus supplement.

Redemption

If the series of preferred stock or equity stock represented by the applicable series of depositary shares is redeemable, such depositary shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received by the depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in part, of preferred stock or equity stock held by the depositary. Whenever we redeem any preferred stock or equity stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares representing the preferred stock or equity stock so redeemed. The depositary will mail the notice of redemption promptly upon receipt of such notice from us and not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption of the preferred stock or equity stock and the depositary shares to the record holders of the depositary receipts.

 

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Conversion

If the series of preferred stock or equity stock represented by the applicable series of depositary shares is convertible into a different class of our securities, the depositary shares will also be convertible on the terms described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Voting

Promptly upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the series of preferred stock or equity stock represented by the applicable series of depositary shares are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts as of the record date for such meeting. Each such record holder of depositary receipts will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of shares of preferred stock or equity stock represented by such record holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote such preferred stock or equity stock represented by such depositary shares in accordance with such instructions, and we will agree to take all action which may be deemed necessary by the depositary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will abstain from voting any of the preferred stock or equity stock to the extent that it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary receipts.

Withdrawal of Preferred Stock or Equity Stock

Upon surrender of depositary receipts at the principal office of the depositary, upon payment of any unpaid amount due the depositary, and subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, the owner of the depositary shares evidenced thereby is entitled to delivery of the number of whole shares of preferred stock or equity stock and all money and other property, if any, represented by such depositary shares. Partial shares of preferred stock or equity stock will not be issued. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of whole shares of preferred stock or equity stock to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing such excess number of depositary shares. Holders of preferred stock or equity stock thus withdrawn will not thereafter be entitled to deposit such shares under the deposit agreement or to receive depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares therefor.

Amendment and Termination of Deposit Agreement

The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between the depositary and us. However, any amendment which materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders (other than any change in fees) of depositary shares will not be effective unless such amendment has been approved by at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. No such amendment may impair the right, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, of any owner of any depositary shares to surrender the depositary receipt evidencing such depositary shares with instructions to the depositary to deliver to the holder the preferred stock or equity stock and all money and other property, if any, represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. The deposit agreement may be terminated by the depositary or us only if (i) all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed or (ii) there has been a final distribution in respect of the preferred stock or equity stock in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and such distribution has been made to all the holders of depositary shares.

Charges of Depositary

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred stock or equity stock and the initial issuance of the depositary shares, and redemption of the preferred stock or equity stock and all withdrawals of preferred stock or equity stock by owners of depositary shares. Holders of depositary receipts will pay transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and certain other

 

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charges as are provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts. In certain circumstances, the depositary may refuse to transfer depositary shares, may withhold dividends and distributions and may sell the depositary shares evidenced by such depositary receipts if such charges are not paid.

Miscellaneous

The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary receipts all reports and communications from us which are delivered to the depositary and which we are required to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock or equity stock. In addition, the depositary will make available for inspection by holders of depositary receipts at the principal office of the depositary, and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable, any reports and communications received from us which are received by the depositary as the holder of preferred stock or equity stock.

Neither the depositary nor we assume any obligation or will be subject to any liability under the deposit agreement to holders of depositary receipts other than for its or our gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. Neither the depositary nor we will be liable if the depositary or us is prevented or delayed by law or, in the case of the depositary, any circumstance beyond its control, in performing its or our obligations under the deposit agreement. We and the depositary will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or preferred stock or equity stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, on information provided by holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed in good faith to be competent to give such information and on documents believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

Holders of depositary receipts may inspect the depositary’s transfer records for the depositary receipts at the depositary’s office during normal business hours, provided that such inspection is for a proper purpose.

Registration of Transfer of Receipts

The depositary will register on its books transfers of depositary receipts upon surrender of the receipt by the holder, properly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer, subject to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the deposit agreement. Title to depositary shares represented by a depositary receipt, which is properly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer, will be transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable instrument.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so, and we may at any time remove the depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. Such successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States of America and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $150,000,000.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We have no warrants outstanding (other than options issued under our stock option plan). We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock, equity stock or debt securities. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from such securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between a warrant agent specified in the applicable prospectus supplement and us. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants. The terms of the warrants and the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including, where applicable, the following: (1) the title of such warrants; (2) the aggregate number of such warrants; (3) the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued; (4) the designation, number and terms of the shares of common stock, preferred stock or equity stock purchasable upon exercise of such warrants; (5) the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security; (6) the date, if any, on and after which such warrants and the related common stock, preferred stock or equity stock, if any, will be separately transferable; (7) the price at which each share of common stock, preferred stock or equity stock purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased, and provisions for changes to or adjustments in such price; (8) the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire; (9) the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time; and (10) any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

Our debt securities, consisting of notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness, may be issued from time to time in one or more series pursuant to, in the case of senior debt securities, a senior indenture to be entered into between us and a trustee to be named therein, and in the case of subordinated debt securities, a subordinated indenture to be entered into between us and a trustee to be named therein. The terms of our debt securities will include those set forth in the indentures and those made a part of the indentures by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

Because the following is only a summary of selected provisions of the indentures and the debt securities, it does not contain all information that may be important to you. This summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the base indentures and any supplemental indentures thereto or officer’s certificate or resolution of our board of directors related thereto. We urge you to read the indentures because the indentures, not this description, define the rights of the holders of the debt securities. The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture will be substantially in the forms included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

General

The senior debt securities will constitute unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of ours and will rank pari passu with our other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. The subordinated debt securities will constitute our unsecured and subordinated obligations and will be junior in right of payment to our Senior Indebtedness (including senior debt securities), as described under the heading “Certain Terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities—Subordination.”

The debt securities will be our unsecured obligations. Any secured debt or other secured obligations will be effectively senior to the debt securities to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt or other obligations.

The applicable prospectus supplement will include any additional or different terms of the debt securities being offered, including the following terms:

 

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the debt securities’ designation;

 

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the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;

 

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the percentage of their principal amount (i.e., price) at which the debt securities will be issued;

 

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the date or dates on which the debt securities will mature and the right, if any, to extend such date or dates;

 

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the rate or rates, if any, per year, at which the debt securities will bear interest, or the method of determining such rate or rates;

 

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the date or dates from which such interest will accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest will be payable or the manner of determination of such interest payment dates and the record dates for the determination of holders to whom interest is payable on any interest payment date;

 

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the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of that extension;

 

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the manner of paying principal and interest and the place or places where principal and interest will be payable;

 

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provisions for a sinking fund purchase or other analogous fund, if any;

 

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the period or periods, if any, within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which the debt securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option or at your option;

 

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•

the form of the debt securities;

 

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any provisions for payment of additional amounts for taxes and any provision for redemption, if we must pay such additional amounts in respect of any debt security;

 

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the terms and conditions, if any, upon which we may have to repay the debt securities early at your option;

 

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the currency, currencies or currency units for which you may purchase the debt securities and the currency, currencies or currency units in which principal and interest, if any, on the debt securities may be payable;

 

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the terms and conditions upon which conversion or exchange of the debt securities may be effected, if any, including the initial conversion or exchange price or rate and any adjustments thereto and the period or periods when a conversion or exchange may be effected;

 

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whether and upon what terms the debt securities may be defeased;

 

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any events of default or covenants in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in the indenture;

 

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provisions for electronic issuance of debt securities or for debt securities in uncertificated form; and

 

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any other terms of the debt securities, including any terms which may be required by or advisable under applicable laws or regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of the debt securities.

We may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the holders of any series of debt securities, create and issue further debt securities of any such series ranking equally with the debt securities of such series in all respects (or in all respects other than the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of such further debt securities or except for the first payment of interest following the issue date of such further debt securities). Such further debt securities may be consolidated and form a single series with the debt securities of such series and have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the debt securities of such series.

You may present debt securities for exchange and you may present debt securities for transfer in the manner, at the places and subject to the restrictions set forth in the debt securities and the applicable prospectus supplement. We will provide you those services without charge, although you may have to pay any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with any exchange or transfer, as set forth in the indenture.

Debt securities will bear interest at a fixed rate or a floating rate. Debt securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below the prevailing market rate (original issue discount securities) may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. Special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to any such discounted debt securities or to certain debt securities issued at par which are treated as having been issued at a discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may issue debt securities with the principal amount payable on any principal payment date, or the amount of interest payable on any interest payment date, to be determined by reference to one or more currency exchange rates, securities or baskets of securities, commodity prices or indices. You may receive a payment of principal on any principal payment date, or a payment of interest on any interest payment date, that is greater than or less than the amount of principal or interest otherwise payable on such dates, depending on the value on such dates of the applicable currency, security or basket of securities, commodity or index. Information as to the methods for determining the amount of principal or interest payable on any date, the currencies, securities or baskets of securities, commodities or indices to which the amount payable on such date is linked and certain additional tax considerations will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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Certain Terms of the Senior Debt Securities

Covenants. Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, the senior debt securities will not contain any financial or restrictive covenants, including covenants restricting either us or any of our subsidiaries from incurring, issuing, assuming or guarantying any indebtedness secured by a lien on any of our or our subsidiaries’ property or capital stock, or restricting either us or any of our subsidiaries from entering into sale and leaseback transactions.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we may not consolidate with or merge into any other person, in a transaction in which we are not the surviving corporation, or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:

 

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the successor entity, if any, is a U.S. corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust (subject to certain exceptions provided for in the senior indenture);

 

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the successor entity assumes our obligations on the senior debt securities and under the senior indenture;

 

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immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no default or event of default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

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certain other conditions are met.

No Protection in the Event of a Change of Control. Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of senior debt securities, the senior debt securities will not contain any provisions which may afford holders of the senior debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control).

Events of Default. An event of default for any series of senior debt securities is defined under the senior indenture as being:

 

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our default in the payment of principal or premium on the senior debt securities of such series when due and payable whether at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption or otherwise, if that default continues for a period of five days (or such other period as may be specified for such series);

 

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our default in the payment of interest on any senior debt securities of such series when due and payable, if that default continues for a period of 60 days (or such other period as may be specified for such series);

 

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our default in the performance of or breach of any of our other covenants or agreements in the senior indenture applicable to senior debt securities of such series, other than a covenant breach which is specifically dealt with elsewhere in the senior indenture, and that default or breach continues for a period of 90 days after we receive written notice from the trustee or from the holders of 25% or more in aggregate principal amount of the senior debt securities of all series affected thereby;

 

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there occurs any other event of default provided for in such series of senior debt securities;

 

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a court having jurisdiction enters a decree or order for (1) relief in respect of us in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect; (2) appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of us or for all or substantially all of our property and assets; or (3) the winding up or liquidation of our affairs and such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

 

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we (1) commence a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any

 

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such law; (2) consent to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of ours for all or substantially all of our property and assets; or (3) effect any general assignment for the benefit of creditors.

The default by us under any other debt, including any other series of debt securities, is not a default under the senior indenture.

If an event of default other than an event of default specified in the last two bullet points above occurs with respect to a series of senior debt securities and is continuing under the senior indenture, then, and in each and every such case, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of such series then outstanding under the senior indenture (each such series voting as a separate class) by written notice to us and to the trustee, if such notice is given by the holders, may, and the trustee at the request of such holders shall, declare the principal amount of and accrued interest, if any, on such senior debt securities to be immediately due and payable.

If an event of default specified in the last two bullet points above occurs with respect to us and is continuing, the entire principal amount of, and accrued interest, if any, on each series of senior debt securities then outstanding shall become immediately due and payable.

Upon a declaration of acceleration, the principal amount of and accrued interest, if any, on such senior debt securities shall be immediately due and payable. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of senior debt securities originally issued at a discount, the amount due upon acceleration shall include only the original issue price of the senior debt securities, the amount of original issue discount accrued to the date of acceleration and accrued interest, if any.

Upon certain conditions, declarations of acceleration may be rescinded and annulled and past defaults may be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all the senior debt securities of such series affected by the default, each series voting as a separate class (or, of all the senior debt securities, as the case may be, voting as a single class). Furthermore, subject to various provisions in the senior indenture, the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of a series of senior debt securities, by notice to the trustee, may waive an existing default or event of default with respect to such senior debt securities and its consequences, except a default in the payment of principal of or interest on such senior debt securities or in respect of a covenant or provision of the senior indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holders of each such senior debt security. Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any event of default with respect to such senior debt securities shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of the senior indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or event of default or impair any right consequent thereto. For information as to the waiver of defaults, see “—Modification and Waiver.”

The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of a series of senior debt securities may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to such senior debt securities. However, the trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the senior indenture, that may involve the trustee in personal liability, or that the trustee determines in good faith may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of holders of such series of senior debt securities not joining in the giving of such direction and may take any other action it deems proper that is not inconsistent with any such direction received from holders of such series of senior debt securities. A holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to the senior indenture or any series of senior debt securities unless:

 

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the holder gives the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default;

 

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the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of such series of senior debt securities make a written request to the trustee to pursue the remedy in respect of such event of default;

 

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the requesting holder or holders offer the trustee indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any costs, liability or expense;

 

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the trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity; and

 

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during such 60-day period, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such series of senior debt securities do not give the trustee a direction that is inconsistent with the request.

These limitations, however, do not apply to the right of any holder of a senior debt security to receive payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on such senior debt security, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment, on or after the due date for the senior debt securities, which right shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the holder.

The senior indenture requires certain of our officers to certify, on or before a fixed date in each year in which any senior debt security is outstanding, as to their knowledge of our compliance with all conditions and covenants under the senior indenture.

Discharge and Defeasance. The senior indenture provides that, unless the terms of any series of senior debt securities provides otherwise, we may discharge our obligations with respect to a series of senior debt securities and the senior indenture with respect to such series of senior debt securities if:

 

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we pay or cause to be paid, as and when due and payable, the principal of and any interest on all senior debt securities of such series outstanding under the senior indenture;

 

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all senior debt securities of such series previously authenticated and delivered with certain exceptions, have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and we have paid all sums payable by us under the senior indenture; or

 

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the senior debt securities of such series mature within one year or all of them are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the trustee for giving the notice of redemption, and we irrevocably deposit in trust with the trustee, as trust funds solely for the benefit of the holders of the senior debt securities of such series, for that purpose, the entire amount in cash or, in the case of any series of senior debt securities payments on which may only be made in U.S. dollars, U.S. government obligations (maturing as to principal and interest in such amounts and at such times as will insure the availability of sufficient cash), after payment of all federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof payable by the trustee, to pay principal of and interest on the senior debt securities of such series to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and to pay all other sums payable by us under the senior indenture.

With respect to the first and second bullet points, only our obligations to compensate and indemnify the trustee and our right to recover unclaimed money held by the trustee under the senior indenture shall survive. With respect to the third bullet point, certain rights and obligations under the senior indenture (such as our obligation to maintain an office or agency in respect of such senior debt securities, to have moneys held for payment in trust, to register the transfer or exchange of such senior debt securities, to deliver such senior debt securities for replacement or to be canceled, to compensate and indemnify the trustee and to appoint a successor trustee, and our right to recover unclaimed money held by the trustee) shall survive until such senior debt securities are no longer outstanding. Thereafter, only our obligations to compensate and indemnify the trustee and our right to recover unclaimed money held by the trustee shall survive.

Unless the terms of any series of senior debt securities provide otherwise, on the 121st day after the date of deposit of the trust funds with the trustee, we will be deemed to have paid and will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the series of senior debt securities provided for in the funds, and the provisions of the senior indenture will no longer be in effect with respect to such senior debt securities (“legal defeasance”); provided that the following conditions shall have been satisfied:

 

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•

we have irrevocably deposited in trust with the trustee as trust funds solely for the benefit of the holders of the senior debt securities of such series, for payment of the principal of and interest on the senior debt securities of such series, cash in an amount or, in the case of any series of senior debt securities payments on which can only be made in U.S. dollars, U.S. government obligations (maturing as to principal and interest at such times and in such amounts as will insure the availability of cash) or a combination thereof sufficient (in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the trustee), after payment of all federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof payable by the trustee, to pay and discharge the principal of and accrued interest on the senior debt securities of such series to maturity or earlier redemption, as the case may be, and any mandatory sinking fund payments on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of the senior indenture and the senior debt securities of such series;

 

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such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, the senior indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which we are a party or by which we are bound;

 

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no default or event of default with respect to the senior debt securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

 

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we shall have delivered to the trustee either an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel that the holders of the senior debt securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of our exercising our option under this provision of the senior indenture and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred or a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service to the same effect; and

 

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we have delivered to the trustee an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, in each case stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the senior indenture relating to the contemplated defeasance of the senior debt securities of such series have been complied with.

Subsequent to the legal defeasance above, certain rights and obligations under the senior indenture (such as our obligation to maintain an office or agency in respect of such senior debt securities, to have moneys held for payment in trust, to register the exchange of such senior debt securities, to deliver such senior debt securities for replacement or to be canceled, to compensate and indemnify the trustee and to appoint a successor trustee, and our right to recover unclaimed money held by the trustee) shall survive until such senior debt securities are no longer outstanding. After such senior debt securities are no longer outstanding, only our obligations to compensate and indemnify the trustee and our right to recover unclaimed money held by the trustee shall survive.

Modification and Waiver. We and the trustee may amend or supplement the senior indenture or the senior debt securities without the consent of any holder:

 

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to convey, mortgage or pledge any assets as security for the senior debt securities of one or more series;

 

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to evidence the succession of another corporation to us, and the assumption by such successor corporation of our covenants, agreements and obligations under the senior indenture;

 

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to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the senior indenture or in any supplemental indenture or to conform the senior indenture or the senior debt securities to the description of senior debt securities of such series set forth in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement;

 

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to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor trustee, or to make such changes as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts in the senior indenture by more than one trustee;

 

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to provide for or add guarantors with respect to the senior debt securities of any series;

 

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to establish the form or forms or terms of the senior debt securities as permitted by the senior indenture;

 

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to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of any series of senior debt securities;

 

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to add to our covenants such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the holders, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default;

 

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to make any change to the senior debt securities of any series so long as no senior debt securities of such series are outstanding; or

 

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to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder in any material respect.

Other amendments and modifications of the senior indenture or the senior debt securities issued may be made, and our compliance with any provision of the senior indenture with respect to any series of senior debt securities may be waived, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of all series affected by the amendment or modification (voting as one class); provided, however, that each affected holder must consent to any modification, amendment or waiver that:

 

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extends the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest on, any senior debt securities of such series;

 

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reduces the principal amount of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any senior debt securities of such series;

 

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changes the currency of payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any senior debt securities of such series;

 

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changes the provisions for calculating the optional redemption price, including the definitions relating thereto;

 

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changes the provisions relating to the waiver of past defaults or changes or impairs the right of holders to receive payment or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment of any senior debt securities of such series on or after the due date therefor;

 

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reduces the above-stated percentage of outstanding senior debt securities of such series the consent of whose holders is necessary to modify or amend or to waive certain provisions of or defaults under the senior indenture;

 

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waives a default in the payment of principal of or interest on the senior debt securities;

 

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adversely affects the rights of such holder under any mandatory redemption or repurchase provision or any right of redemption or repurchase at the option of such holder; or

 

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modifies any of the provisions of this paragraph, except to increase any required percentage or to provide that certain other provisions cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each senior debt security of such series affected by the modification.

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the holders under this section of the senior indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this section of the senior indenture becomes effective, the trustee must give to the holders affected thereby certain notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. We will mail supplemental indentures to holders upon request. Any failure by the trustee to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture or waiver.

 

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No Personal Liability of Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers, Directors. The senior indenture provides that no recourse shall be had under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of ours in the senior indenture or any supplemental indenture, or in any of the senior debt securities or because of the creation of any indebtedness represented thereby, against any incorporator, shareholder, officer or director, past, present or future, of ours or of any predecessor or successor corporation thereof under any law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise. Each holder, by accepting the senior debt securities, waives and releases all such liability.

Concerning the Trustee. The senior indenture provides that, except during the continuance of a default, the trustee will not be liable, except for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth in the senior indenture. If an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee will exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the senior indenture and will use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

We may have normal banking relationships with the trustee under the senior indenture in the ordinary course of business.

Unclaimed Funds. All funds deposited with the trustee or any paying agent for the payment of principal, interest, premium or additional amounts in respect of the senior debt securities that remain unclaimed for two years after the maturity date of such senior debt securities will be repaid to us. Thereafter, any right of any noteholder to such funds shall be enforceable only against us, and the trustee and paying agents will have no liability therefor.

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

Certain Terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities

Other than the terms of the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt securities relating to subordination, or otherwise as described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of subordinated debt securities, the terms of the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt securities are identical in all material respects to the terms of the senior indenture and senior debt securities. Additional or different subordination terms may be specified in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series.

Subordination. The indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities is subordinate to the prior payment in full of all our Senior Indebtedness, as defined in the subordinated indenture. During the continuance beyond any applicable grace period of any default in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any other payment due on any of our Senior Indebtedness, we may not make any payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the subordinated debt securities. In addition, upon any payment or distribution of our assets upon any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, and interest on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the extent provided in the subordinated indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all our Senior Indebtedness. Because of this subordination, if we dissolve or otherwise liquidate, holders of our subordinated debt securities may receive less, ratably, than holders of our Senior Indebtedness. The subordination provisions do not prevent the occurrence of an event of default under the subordinated indenture.

The term “Senior Indebtedness” of a person means with respect to such person the principal of, premium, if any, interest on, and any other payment due pursuant to any of the following, whether outstanding on the date of the subordinated indenture or incurred by that person in the future:

 

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all of the indebtedness of that person for money borrowed;

 

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all of the indebtedness of that person evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other securities sold by that person for money;

 

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all of the lease obligations which are capitalized on the books of that person in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

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all indebtedness of others of the kinds described in the first two bullet points above and all lease obligations of others of the kind described in the third bullet point above that the person, in any manner, assumes or guarantees or that the person in effect guarantees through an agreement to purchase, whether that agreement is contingent or otherwise; and

 

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all renewals, extensions or refundings of indebtedness of the kinds described in the first, second or fourth bullet point above and all renewals or extensions of leases of the kinds described in the third or fourth bullet point above;

unless, in the case of any particular indebtedness, lease, renewal, extension or refunding, the instrument or lease creating or evidencing it or the assumption or guarantee relating to it expressly provides that such indebtedness, lease, renewal, extension or refunding is not superior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities. Our senior debt securities constitute Senior Indebtedness for purposes of the subordinated debt indenture.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may offer units, which may represent an interest in one or more debt securities, warrants, shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, shares of equity stock, or depositary shares described in this prospectus. For any particular units we offer, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the particular securities comprising each unit; the terms on which those securities will be separable, if any; whether the holder will pledge property to secure the performance of any obligations the holder may have under the unit; and any other specific terms of the units. We may issue the units under unit agreements between us and one or more unit agents.

BOOK-ENTRY SECURITIES

The securities offered by means of this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement may be issued in whole or in part in book-entry form, meaning that beneficial owners of the securities may not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the securities, except in the event the book-entry system for the securities is discontinued. Securities issued in book-entry form will be evidenced by one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository identified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual securities represented thereby, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depository for the global security to a nominee of such depository or by a nominee of such depository to such depository or another nominee of such depository or by the depository or any nominee of such depository to a successor depository or a nominee of such successor. Global securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form. The specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to a class or series of securities that differ from the terms described here will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

Information about any selling securityholders may be added to this prospectus pursuant to a prospectus supplement.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT and the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common stock. If we offer securities other than common stock, information about any additional income tax consequences to holders of those securities will be included in the documents pursuant to which those securities are offered. For purposes of the following discussion, references to “our company,” “we” and “us” mean PS Business Parks, Inc. and not its subsidiaries or affiliates, “operating partnership” refers to PS Business Parks, L.P., “AOPP” refers to American Office Park Properties, Inc. and “merger” refers to the merger of our company with AOPP.

Because this is a summary that is intended to address only the U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposition of our common stock, it may not contain all the information that may be important in your specific circumstances. As you review this discussion, you should keep in mind that:

1. The tax considerations to you may vary depending on your particular tax situation;

2. Special rules that are not discussed below may apply to you if you are subject to special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code, or the Code, including:

 

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broker-dealers;

 

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financial institutions;

 

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holders who receive our common stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation;

 

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insurance companies;

 

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non-U.S. shareholders (as defined below), except to the extent discussed below in “U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders”;

 

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persons holding 10% or more (by vote or value) of our outstanding common stock, except to the extent discussed below;

 

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persons holding our common stock as part of a “straddle,” “hedge,” “conversion transaction,” “synthetic security” or other integrated investment;

 

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persons holding our common stock on behalf of other persons as nominees;

 

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persons holding our common stock through a partnership or similar pass-through entity;

 

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persons subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code;

 

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REITs;

 

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regulated investment companies, or RICs;

 

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subchapter S corporations;

 

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foreign (non-U.S.) governments and governmental entities;

 

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tax-exempt organizations, except to the extent discussed below in “Taxation of Tax-Exempt U.S. Shareholders”;

 

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trusts and estates; or

 

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U.S. expatriates.

3. This summary addresses neither U.S. federal taxes other than income tax, nor state, local or non-U.S. tax considerations;

4. This summary deals only with PS Business Parks common shareholders that hold common stock as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code; and

 

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5. This discussion is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, tax advice.

You are urged both to review the following discussion and to consult your tax advisor to determine the effect of acquiring, owning and disposing of our common stock in your individual tax situation, including any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences.

The information in this section is based on the Code, current, temporary and proposed regulations promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department, the legislative history of the Code, current administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, and court decisions. The reference to IRS interpretations and practices includes IRS practices and policies as endorsed in private letter rulings, which are not binding on the IRS except with respect to the taxpayer that receives the ruling. In each case, these sources are relied upon as they exist on the date of this registration statement. Future legislation, regulations, administrative interpretations and court decisions could change current law or adversely affect existing interpretations of current law. Any change could apply retroactively. We have not requested and do not plan to request any rulings from the IRS concerning the tax treatment of our company or the operating partnership. Accordingly, even if there is no change in the applicable law, no assurance can be provided that the statements made in the following discussion, which do not bind the IRS or the courts, will not be challenged by the IRS or will be sustained by a court if so challenged.

Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT

General. Our company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code. A REIT generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on the net income that it distributes to shareholders if it meets the applicable REIT distribution requirements and other requirements for REIT qualification under the Code.

We believe that we have been and that we are organized and have operated, and we intend to continue to operate, so as to qualify as a REIT, but there can be no assurance that we qualify or will remain qualified as a REIT. Qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet, through actual annual (or in some cases quarterly) operating results, requirements relating to income, asset ownership, distribution levels and diversity of share ownership, and the various other REIT qualification requirements imposed under the Code. Given the complex nature of the REIT qualification requirements, the ongoing importance of factual determinations and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances, we cannot provide any assurance that our actual operating results will satisfy the requirements for taxation as a REIT under the Code for any particular taxable year.

The sections of the Code that relate to our qualification and operation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. This discussion sets forth material aspects of the sections of the Code that govern the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its shareholders. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions, relevant rules and Treasury Regulations, and related administrative and judicial interpretations.

Taxation. For each taxable year in which we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our net income that is distributed currently to our shareholders. U.S. shareholders (as defined below) generally will be subject to taxation on dividends (other than designated capital gain dividends and “qualified dividend income”) at rates applicable to ordinary income, instead of at lower capital gain rates. Qualification for taxation as a REIT enables the REIT and its shareholders to substantially eliminate the “double taxation” (that is, taxation at both the corporate and shareholder levels) that generally results from an investment in a regular corporation. Regular corporations (non-REIT “C” corporations) generally are subject to U.S. federal corporate income taxation on their income and shareholders of regular corporations are subject to tax on any dividends that are received. Currently, however, shareholders of regular corporations who are taxed at individual rates generally are taxed on dividends they receive at capital gains rates, which are lower for individuals than ordinary income rates, and shareholders of regular corporations who are taxed at regular corporate rates will receive the benefit of a dividends-received deduction that substantially reduces the effective rate that they pay on such dividends. Income earned by a REIT and distributed currently to its shareholders

 

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generally will be subject to lower aggregate rates of U.S. federal income taxation than if such income were earned by a regular non-REIT “C” corporation, subjected to corporate income tax, and then distributed to shareholders and subjected to tax either at capital gain rates or the effective rate paid by a corporate recipient entitled to the benefit of the dividends-received deduction.

While we generally will not be subject to corporate income taxes on income that we distribute currently to shareholders, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as follows:

1. We will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed “REIT taxable income.” REIT taxable income is the taxable income of the REIT subject to specified adjustments, including a deduction for dividends paid.

2. We may be subject to the “alternative minimum tax” on our undistributed items of tax preference, if any.

3. If we have (1) net income from the sale or other disposition of “foreclosure property” that is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, or (2) other non-qualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax at the highest corporate rate on this income.

4. Our net income from “prohibited transactions” will be subject to a 100% tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.

5. If we fail to satisfy either the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test discussed below, but nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT because other requirements are met, we will be subject to a tax equal to the gross income attributable to the greater of either (1) the amount by which 75% of our gross income exceeds the amount of our income qualifying under the 75% test for the taxable year, or (2) the amount by which 95% of our gross income exceeds the amount of our income qualifying for the 95% income test for the taxable year, multiplied in either case by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.

6. We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the sum of amounts actually distributed, excess distributions from the preceding tax year and amounts retained for which U.S. federal income tax was paid if we fail to make the required distribution by the end of a calendar year (taking into account certain distributions declared in the last three months of a calendar year and paid prior to the end of January of the following calendar year). The required distribution for each calendar year is equal to the sum of:

 

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85% of our REIT ordinary income for the year;

 

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95% of our REIT capital gain net income for the year; and

 

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any undistributed taxable income from prior taxable years.

7. We will be subject to a 100% penalty tax on some payments we receive (or on certain expenses deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary) if arrangements among us, our tenants and our taxable REIT subsidiaries are not comparable to similar arrangements among unrelated parties.

8. If we acquire any assets from a non-REIT “C” corporation in a carry-over basis transaction, we would be liable for corporate income tax, at the highest applicable corporate rate for the “built-in gain” with respect to those assets if we disposed of those assets within 10 years after they were acquired. Built-in gain is the amount by which an asset’s fair market value exceeds its adjusted tax basis at the time we acquire the asset. To the extent that assets are transferred to us in a carry-over basis transaction by a partnership in which a corporation owns an interest, we will be subject to this tax in proportion to the non-REIT “C” corporation’s interest in the partnership. The results described in this paragraph assume that the non-REIT “C” corporation will not elect, in lieu of this treatment, to be subject to an immediate tax when the asset is acquired by us. The IRS has issued Treasury

 

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Regulations that generally exclude from the application of this built-in gains tax any gain from the sale of property acquired in an exchange under Section 1031 (a like-kind exchange) or Section 1033 (an involuntary conversion) of the Code.

9. If we fail to satisfy one of the REIT asset tests (other than certain de minimis failures), but nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT because other requirements are met, we will be subject to a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the amount determined by multiplying the net income generated by the non-qualifying assets during the period of time that the assets were held as non-qualifying assets by the highest rate of tax applicable to corporations.

10. If we fail to satisfy certain of the requirements under the Code the failure of which would result in the loss of our REIT status, and the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, we may be required to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure in order to maintain our qualification as a REIT.

11. If we fail to comply with the requirements to send annual letters to our shareholders requesting information regarding the actual ownership of our stock and the failure was not due to reasonable cause or was due to willful neglect, we will be subject to a $25,000 penalty or, if the failure is intentional, a $50,000 penalty.

Furthermore, notwithstanding our status as a REIT, we also may have to pay certain state and local income taxes, because not all states and localities treat REITs the same as they are treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Moreover, each of our taxable REIT subsidiaries (as further described below) is subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes on its net income.

If we are subject to taxation on our REIT taxable income or subject to tax due to the sale of a built-in gain asset that was acquired in a carry-over basis from a non-REIT “C” corporation, some of the dividends we pay to our shareholders during the following year may be subject to tax at the reduced capital gains rates, rather than taxed at ordinary income rates. See “—Taxation of U.S. Shareholders—Qualified Dividend Income.”

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

1. that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;

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

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

4. that is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company within the meaning of certain provisions of the Code;

5. that is beneficially owned by 100 or more persons;

6. not more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares or other beneficial interest of which is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities and as determined by applying certain attribution rules) during the last half of each taxable year;

7. that makes an election to be a REIT for the current taxable year, or has made such an election for a previous taxable year that has not been revoked or terminated, and satisfies all relevant filing and other administrative requirements established by the IRS that must be met to elect and maintain REIT status;

8. that uses a calendar year for U.S. federal income tax purposes and complies with the recordkeeping requirements of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder; and

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

 

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The Code provides that conditions 1, 2, 3 and 4 above must be met during the entire taxable year and condition 5 above must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. Conditions 5 and 6 do not apply until after the first taxable year for which an election is made to be taxed as a REIT. Condition 6 must be met during the last half of each taxable year. For purposes of determining share ownership under condition 6 above, a supplemental unemployment compensation benefits plan, a private foundation or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes generally is considered an individual. However, a trust that is a qualified trust under Code Section 401(a) generally is not considered an individual, and beneficiaries of a qualified trust are treated as holding stock of a REIT in proportion to their actuarial interests in the trust for purposes of condition 6 above.

We believe that we have been organized, have operated and have issued sufficient shares of beneficial ownership with sufficient diversity of ownership to allow us to satisfy the above conditions. In addition, our articles of incorporation contain restrictions regarding the transfer of our stock that are intended to assist us in continuing to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in conditions 5 and 6 above. These restrictions, however, may not ensure that we will be able to satisfy these share ownership requirements. Moreover, these restrictions will not apply to shares owned at the time of the merger, or to shares of our stock deemed to be owned by a person as a result of such person’s ownership of shares of Public Storage (however, such deemed ownership will be taken into account in determining whether a subsequent acquisition or transfer of shares of our company (but not Public Storage) violates the limitations). If we fail to satisfy these share ownership requirements, we will fail to qualify as a REIT.

To monitor compliance with condition 6 above, a REIT is required to send annual letters to its shareholders requesting information regarding the actual ownership of its stock. If we comply with the annual letters requirement and do not know, or exercising reasonable diligence, would not have known, of a failure to meet condition 6 above, then we will be treated as having met condition 6 above.

To qualify as a REIT, we cannot have at the end of any taxable year any undistributed earnings and profits that are attributable to a non-REIT taxable year. As a result of the merger, our company succeeded to various tax attributes of AOPP, including any undistributed earnings and profits. AOPP was taxable as a non-REIT “C” corporation prior to 1997, but does not believe that it has transferred any undistributed non-REIT earnings and profits to our company. However, neither we nor AOPP has sought an opinion of counsel or outside accountants to the effect that we did not acquire any undistributed non-REIT earnings and profits from AOPP. There can be no assurance that the IRS would not contend otherwise on a subsequent audit.

If the IRS determined that we inherited undistributed non-REIT earnings and profits and that we did not distribute the non-REIT earnings and profits by the end of that taxable year, it appears that we could avoid disqualification as a REIT by using “deficiency dividend” procedures to distribute the non-REIT earnings and profits. The deficiency dividend procedures would require us to make a distribution to shareholders, in addition to the regularly required REIT distributions, within 90 days of a “determination” under Section 860 of the Code, and we would have to pay to the IRS an interest charge based on the amount of the undistributed non-REIT earnings and profits. Finally, if AOPP were determined not to have qualified as a REIT for the taxable year ended December 31, 1997 or its short taxable year ending at the time of the merger, we would not be eligible to elect REIT status for up to four years after the year in which AOPP failed to qualify as a REIT. AOPP made an election to be taxed as a REIT commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1997. We and AOPP believe that AOPP’s election is valid and that AOPP was organized, and operated in 1997 and until the time of the merger, in conformity with the requirements for taxation as a REIT.

Qualified REIT Subsidiaries. We may acquire 100% of the stock of one or more corporations that are qualified REIT subsidiaries. A corporation will qualify as a qualified REIT subsidiary if we own 100% of its stock and it is not a taxable REIT subsidiary. A qualified REIT subsidiary will not be treated as a separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary will be treated as our assets, liabilities and such items (as the case may be) for all purposes of the Code, including

 

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the REIT qualification tests. For this reason, references in this discussion to our income and assets should be understood to include the income and assets of any qualified REIT subsidiary we own. A qualified REIT subsidiary will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, although it may be subject to state and local taxation in some states. Our ownership of the voting stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary will not violate the asset test restrictions against ownership of securities of any one issuer which constitute more than 10% of the voting power or value of such issuer’s securities or more than five percent of the value of our total assets, as described below in “—Asset Tests Applicable to REITs.”

Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. A taxable REIT subsidiary is a corporation other than a REIT in which we directly or indirectly hold stock, which has made a joint election with us to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary under Section 856(l) of the Code. A taxable REIT subsidiary also includes any corporation other than a REIT in which a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours owns, directly or indirectly, securities, (other than certain “straight debt” securities), which represent more than 35% of the total voting power or value of the outstanding securities of such corporation. Other than some activities relating to lodging and health care facilities, a taxable REIT subsidiary may generally engage in any business, including the provision of customary or non-customary services to our tenants without causing us to receive impermissible tenant service income under the REIT gross income tests. A taxable REIT subsidiary is required to pay regular U.S. federal income tax, and state and local income tax where applicable, as a regular, non-REIT “C” corporation. In addition, a taxable REIT subsidiary may be prevented from deducting interest on debt funded directly or indirectly by us if certain tests regarding the taxable REIT subsidiary’s debt to equity ratio and interest expense are not satisfied. If dividends are paid to us by our taxable REIT subsidiary, then a portion of the dividends we distribute to shareholders who are taxed at individual rates generally would be eligible for taxation at lower capital gains rates, rather than at ordinary income rates. See “—Taxation of U.S. Shareholders—Qualified Dividend Income.”

Generally, a taxable REIT subsidiary can perform services that otherwise would be impermissible tenant services without causing us to receive impermissible tenant services income under the REIT income tests. However, several provisions applicable to the arrangements between a REIT and its taxable REIT subsidiaries are intended to ensure that a taxable REIT subsidiary will be subject to an appropriate level of U.S. federal income taxation. For example, a taxable REIT subsidiary is limited in its ability to deduct interest payments made directly or indirectly to us in excess of a certain amount. In addition, a REIT will be obligated to pay a 100% penalty tax on some payments that it receives or on certain expenses deducted by the taxable REIT subsidiary if the economic arrangements between the REIT, the REIT’s tenants and the taxable REIT subsidiary are not comparable to similar arrangements among unrelated parties. Our taxable REIT subsidiaries may make interest and other payments to us and to third parties in connection with activities related to our properties. There can be no assurance that our taxable REIT subsidiaries would not be limited in their ability to deduct certain interest payments made to us. In addition, there can be no assurance that the IRS would not seek to impose the 100% excise tax on a portion of payments received by us from, or expenses deducted by, our taxable REIT subsidiaries.

Ownership of Partnership Interests by a REIT. A REIT that owns an equity interest in an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes is deemed to own its share (based upon its proportionate share of the capital of the partnership) of the assets of the partnership and is deemed to earn its proportionate share of the partnership’s income. The assets and gross income of the partnership generally retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of the gross income and asset tests applicable to REITs as described below. Thus, our proportionate share of assets and items of income of the operating partnership, including the operating partnership’s share of assets and items of income of any subsidiaries that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, are treated as assets and items of income of our company for purposes of applying the REIT asset and income tests. For these purposes, under current Treasury Regulations, our interests in each of the partnerships must be determined in accordance with our “capital interest” in each entity, as applicable. However, solely for purposes of the 10% value test described below, the determination of a REIT’s interest in partnership assets is based on the REIT’s proportionate interest in the equity and certain debt securities issued by

 

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the partnership. We have control over the operating partnership and substantially all of the partnership and limited liability company subsidiaries of the operating partnership and intend to operate them in a manner that is consistent with the requirements for qualification of our company as a REIT.

We believe that the operating partnership and each of the partnerships and limited liability companies in which we own an interest, directly or through another partnership or limited liability company, are treated as partnerships or are disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes and are not taxable as corporations. If any of these entities were treated as a corporation, it would be subject to an entity level tax on its income and we could fail to meet the REIT income and asset tests. See “—Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT—Income Tests Applicable to REITs” and “—Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT—Asset Tests Applicable to REITs” below.

Income Tests Applicable to REITs. To qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy two gross income tests which are applied on an annual basis. First, in each taxable year we must derive directly or indirectly at least 75% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain foreign currency income and income and gain from certain hedging transactions, from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property or from some types of temporary investments. Income from investments relating to real property or mortgages on related property includes “rents from real property,” gains on the disposition of real estate, dividends paid by another REIT and interest on obligations secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property. Second, in each taxable year we must derive at least 95% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain foreign currency income and income and gain from certain hedging transactions, from any combination of income qualifying under the 75% gross income test and dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities.

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

 

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

 

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We, or an actual or constructive owner of 10% or more of our stock, must not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the interests in the tenant, or, if the tenant is a corporation, 10% or more of the voting power or value of all classes of stock of the tenant. Rents received from such a tenant that is a taxable REIT subsidiary, however, will not be excluded from the definition of “rents from real property” as a result of this condition if either (i) at least 90% of the space at the property to which the rents relate is leased to third parties, and the rents paid by the taxable REIT subsidiary are comparable to rents paid by our other tenants for comparable space or (ii) the property is a qualified lodging facility or, for taxable years of REITs beginning after July 30, 2008, a qualified health care property, and such property is operated on behalf of the taxable REIT subsidiary by a person who is an independent contractor and certain other requirements are met;

 

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Rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is not greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease. If this requirement is not met, then the portion of rent attributable to personal property will not qualify as “rents from real property”; and

 

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We generally must not provide directly impermissible tenant services to the tenants of a property, subject to a 1% de minimis exception, other than through an independent contractor from whom we derive no income or a taxable REIT subsidiary. We may, however, directly perform certain services that are “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered “rendered primarily for the convenience of the tenant” of the property. Examples of such services include the provision of light, heat or other utilities, trash removal and general maintenance of common areas. In addition, we may provide through an independent contractor or a taxable REIT subsidiary both customary and non-customary services to our tenants

 

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without causing the rent we receive from those tenants to fail to qualify as “rents from real property.” If the total amount of income we receive from providing impermissible tenant services at a property exceeds 1% of our total income from that property, then all of the income from that property will fail to qualify as “rents from real property.” Impermissible tenant service income is deemed to be at least 150% of our direct cost in providing the service.

In light of these requirements, we do not intend to take any of the actions listed below, unless we determine that the resulting nonqualifying income, taken together with all other nonqualifying income that we earn in the taxable year, will not jeopardize our status as a REIT:

1. charge rent for any property that is based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person (unless based on a fixed percentage or percentages of gross receipts or sales, as permitted and described above);

2. rent any property to a related party tenant, including a taxable REIT subsidiary, unless the rent from the lease to the taxable REIT subsidiary would qualify for the special exception from the related party tenant rule applicable to certain leases with a taxable REIT subsidiary;

3. derive rental income attributable to personal property other than personal property leased in connection with the lease of real property, the amount of which is less than 15% of the total rent received under the lease; or

4. directly perform services considered to be noncustomary or “rendered to the occupant” of the property.

We provide services and access to third party service providers at some or all of our properties. However, based on our experience in the rental markets where the properties are located, we believe that all access to service providers and services provided to tenants by our company either are usually or customarily rendered in connection with the rental of real property and not otherwise considered rendered to the occupant, or, if considered impermissible services, will not result in an amount of impermissible tenant service income that will cause us to fail to meet the income test requirements. However, we cannot provide any assurance that the IRS will agree with these positions. We monitor the activities at our properties and believe that we have not provided services that will cause us to fail to meet the income tests. We intend to continue to monitor the services provided at, and the nonqualifying income arising from, each of our properties. We have earned and expect to continue to earn a relatively small amount of nonqualifying income relative to our total gross income in any relevant taxable year. We believe that the amount of nonqualifying income generated from these activities has not affected and will not affect our ability to meet the 95% gross income tests.

“Interest” income that depends in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person generally will be non-qualifying income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests. However, interest based on a fixed percentage or percentages of gross receipts or sales may still qualify under the gross income tests. We do not expect to derive significant amounts of interest that would fail to qualify under both the 75% and 95% gross income tests.

Our share of any dividends received from our corporate subsidiaries that are not “qualified REIT subsidiaries” (and from other corporations in which we own an interest) will qualify for purposes of the 95% gross income test but not for purposes of the 75% gross income test. We do not anticipate that we will receive sufficient dividends to cause us to exceed the limit on nonqualifying income under the 75% gross income test. Dividends that we receive from other qualifying REITs will qualify for purposes of both REIT income tests.

If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for that year if we are entitled to relief under the Code. These relief provisions generally will be available if our failure to meet the tests is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, and we disclose to the IRS the sources of our income as required by the Code and applicable regulations. It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. For example, if we fail to satisfy the gross income tests because nonqualifying income that we

 

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intentionally incur exceeds the limits on nonqualifying income, the IRS could conclude that the failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause. If these relief provisions are inapplicable to a particular set of circumstances, we will fail to qualify as a REIT. As discussed under “—Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT—General,” even if these relief provisions apply, a tax would be imposed based on the amount of nonqualifying income.

Prohibited Transaction Income. Any gain that we realize on the sale of any property held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, including our share of any such gain realized through our subsidiary partnerships and disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax. Under existing law, whether property is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. However, we will not be treated as a dealer in real property with respect to a property we sell for the purposes of the 100% tax if (1) we have held the property for at least two years for the production of rental income prior to the sale, (2) capitalized expenditures on the property in the two years preceding the sale are less than 30% of the net selling price of the property, and (3) we (a) have seven or fewer sales of property for the year of sale or (b) either (I) the aggregate tax basis of property sold during the year of sale is 10% or less of the aggregate tax basis of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year, or (II) the aggregate fair market value of property sold during the year of sale is 10% or less of the aggregate fair market value of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year, and (III) in the case of either (I) or (II), substantially all of the marketing and development expenditures with respect to the property sold are made through an independent contractor from whom we derive no income. The sale of more than one property to one buyer as part of one transaction constitutes one sale for purposes of this “safe harbor.”

We intend to hold our properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning our facilities and to make occasional sales of facilities as are consistent with our investment objectives. However, the IRS may successfully contend that some or all of the sales made by us are prohibited transactions. In that case, we would be required to pay the 100% penalty tax on our allocable share of the gains resulting from any such sales.

Income from Hedging Transactions. From time to time we may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Any such hedging transactions could take a variety of forms, including the use of derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps or cap agreements, option agreements and futures or forward contracts. Income of a REIT, including income from a pass-through subsidiary, arising from “clearly identified” hedging transactions that are entered into to manage the risk of interest rate or price changes with respect to borrowings, including gain from the disposition of such hedging transactions, to the extent the transactions hedge indebtedness incurred, or to be incurred, by the REIT to acquire or carry real estate assets, where such transaction was entered into on or after January 1, 2005, will not be treated as gross income for purposes of the 95% gross income tests and, where such transaction was entered into after July 30, 2008, will not be treated as gross income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Income of a REIT arising from hedging transactions entered into after July 30, 2008 that are entered into to manage the risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain satisfying the 75% and/or 95% gross income tests (or property which generates such income or gain) will not be treated as gross income for purposes of either the 95% gross income test or the 75% gross income test provided that the transaction is “clearly identified” as specified in the Code. In general, for a hedging transaction to be “clearly identified,” (1) it must be identified as a hedging transaction before the end of the day on which it is acquired, originated or entered into; and (2) the items of risks being hedged must be identified “substantially contemporaneously” with entering into the hedging transaction (generally not more than 35 days after entering into the hedging transaction). We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our qualification as a REIT, but there can be no assurance we will be successful in this regard.

 

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Foreign Currency Income. “Real estate foreign exchange gain” recognized after July 30, 2008 is excluded from the calculation of the 75% gross income test and “passive foreign exchange gain” recognized after July 30, 2008 is excluded from the calculation of the 95% gross income test. “Real estate foreign exchange gain” means (1) foreign currency gain attributable (without duplication) to (a) an item of income or gain to which the 75% gross income test applies, (b) the acquisition or ownership of obligations secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property, or (c) becoming or being the obligor under obligations secured by mortgages on real property or interests in real property, or (2) foreign currency gain attributable to a “qualified business unit,” or “QBU,” of the REIT under Code Section 987, provided the QBU itself satisfies both the 75% gross income test and the 75% asset test described below under “—Asset Tests Applicable to REITs.” “Passive foreign exchange gain” is (without duplication) real estate foreign exchange gain, foreign currency gain attributable to an item of income or gain to which the 95% gross income test applies, foreign currency gain attributable to the acquisition or ownership of obligations, or foreign currency gain attributable to becoming or being the obligor under obligations.

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

 

•

amounts are excluded from the definition of impermissible tenant service income as a result of satisfying the 1% de minimis exception;

 

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a taxable REIT subsidiary renders a significant amount of similar services to unrelated parties and the charges for such services are substantially comparable;

 

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rents paid to us by tenants who both are leasing at least 25% of the net leasable space in the relevant property and also are not receiving such services from the taxable REIT subsidiary are substantially comparable to the rents paid by our tenants leasing comparable space who are receiving such services from the taxable REIT subsidiary and the charge for the services is separately stated; or

 

•

the taxable REIT subsidiary’s gross income from the service is not less than 150% of the taxable REIT subsidiary’s direct cost of furnishing the service.

While we anticipate that any fees paid to a taxable REIT subsidiary for tenant services will reflect arm’s-length rates, a taxable REIT subsidiary may under certain circumstances provide tenant services which do not satisfy any of the safe-harbor provisions described above. Until regulations are issued to carry out the purposes of the penalty tax provisions, a REIT and its taxable REIT subsidiaries may base their intercompany allocations on any reasonable method. Nevertheless, these determinations are inherently factual, and the IRS has broad discretion to assert that amounts paid between related parties should be reallocated to clearly reflect their respective incomes. If the IRS successfully made such an assertion, we would be required to pay a 100% penalty tax on the redetermined rent, redetermined deductions or excess interest, as applicable.

Asset Tests Applicable to REITs. At the close of each quarter of our taxable year, we must satisfy four tests relating to the nature and diversification of our assets:

1. At least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by real estate assets, cash, cash items and government securities. For purposes of this test, real estate assets include our allocable share of real estate assets held by entities that are treated as partnerships or that are disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as well as stock or debt instruments that are purchased with the proceeds of an offering of shares or a public offering of debt with a term of at least five years, but only for the one-year period beginning on the date we receive such proceeds;

 

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2. Not more than 25% of our total assets may be represented by securities, other than those securities includable in the 75% asset class (e.g., securities that qualify as real estate assets and government securities);

3. Except for equity investments in REITs, debt or equity investments in qualified REIT subsidiaries and taxable REIT subsidiaries, and other securities that qualify as “real estate assets” for purpose of the 75% test described in clause 1:

 

•

the value of any one issuer’s securities owned by us may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets;

 

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we may not own more than 10% of any one issuer’s outstanding voting securities; and

 

•

we may not own more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer, other than securities that qualify for the “straight debt” exception discussed below; and

4. Not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries (20% for our taxable years prior to 2009).

Securities for purposes of the asset tests may include debt securities. However, the Code specifically provides that the following types of debt will not be taken into account for purposes of the 10% value test: (1) securities that meet the “straight debt” safe-harbor, as discussed in the next paragraph; (2) loans to individuals or estates; (3) obligations to pay rent from real property; (4) rental agreements described in Section 467 of the Code; (5) any security issued by other REITs; (6) certain securities issued by a state, the District of Columbia, a foreign government, or a political subdivision of any of the foregoing, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (7) any other arrangement as determined by the IRS. In addition, for purposes of the 10% value test only, to the extent we hold debt securities that are not described in the preceding sentence, (1) debt issued by partnerships that derive at least 75% of their gross income from sources that constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, and (2) debt that is issued by any partnership, to the extent of our interest as a partner in the partnership, are not considered securities.

Debt will meet the “straight debt” safe harbor if (1) neither we nor any of our controlled taxable REIT subsidiaries (i.e., taxable REIT subsidiaries more than 50% of the vote or value of the outstanding stock of which is directly or indirectly owned by us) own any securities not described in the preceding paragraph that have an aggregate value greater than one percent of the issuer’s outstanding securities, as calculated under the Code; (2) the debt is a written unconditional promise to pay on demand or on a specified date a sum certain in money; (3) the debt is not convertible, directly or indirectly, into stock; and (4) the interest rate and the interest payment dates of the debt are not contingent on the profits, the borrower’s discretion or similar factors. However, contingencies regarding time of payment and interest are permissible for purposes of qualifying as a straight debt security if either (1) such contingency does not have the effect of changing the effective yield of maturity, as determined under the Code, other than a change in the annual yield to maturity that does not exceed the greater of (a) 5% of the annual yield to maturity or (b) 0.25%, or (2) neither the aggregate issue price nor the aggregate face amount of the issuer’s debt instruments held by the REIT exceeds $1,000,000 and not more than 12 months of unaccrued interest can be required to be prepaid thereunder. In addition, debt will not be disqualified from being treated as “straight debt” solely because the time or amount of payment is subject to a contingency upon a default or the exercise of a prepayment right by the issuer of the debt, provided that such contingency is consistent with customary commercial practice.

We believe that the aggregate value of our interests in our taxable REIT subsidiaries does not exceed, and in the future will not exceed, 25% of the aggregate value of our gross assets (20% for our taxable years prior to 2009). As of each relevant testing date prior to the election to treat each corporate subsidiary of our company or any other corporation in which we own an interest as a taxable REIT subsidiary, we believe we did not own more than 10% of the voting securities of any such entity. In addition, we believe that as of each relevant testing date prior to the election to treat each corporate subsidiary of our company or any other corporation in which we own an interest as a taxable REIT subsidiary of PS Business Parks, our pro rata share of the value of the securities, including debt, of any such corporation or other issuer did not exceed 5% of the total value of our assets.

 

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With respect to each issuer in which we currently own an interest that does not qualify as a REIT, a qualified REIT subsidiary or a taxable REIT subsidiary, we believe that our pro rata share of the value of the securities, including debt, of any such issuer does not exceed 5% of the total value of our assets and that it complies with the 10% voting securities test and 10% value test with respect to each such issuer. However, no independent appraisals have been obtained to support these conclusions. In this regard, however, we cannot provide any assurance that the IRS might not disagree with our determinations.

The asset tests must be satisfied not only on the last day of the calendar quarter in which we, directly or through pass-through subsidiaries, acquire securities in the applicable issuer, but also on the last day of the calendar quarter in which we increase our ownership of securities of such issuer, including as a result of increasing our interest in pass-through subsidiaries. After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the 25%, 25% TRS (20% for our taxable years prior to 2009), or 5% asset tests solely by reason of changes in the relative values of our assets. If failure to satisfy the 25%, 25% TRS (20% for our taxable years prior to 2009) or 5% asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, we generally can cure this failure by disposing of sufficient non-qualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. An acquisition of securities could include an increase in our interest in our operating partnership, the exercise by limited partners of their redemption right relating to units in the operating partnership or an additional capital contribution of proceeds of an offering of our stock. We intend to maintain adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests and to take any available action within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance with the 25%, 25% TRS (20% for our taxable years prior to 2009) or 5% asset tests. Although we plan to take steps to ensure that we satisfy such tests for any quarter with respect to which testing is to occur, there can be no assurance that such steps will always be successful. If we fail to timely cure any noncompliance with the asset tests, we would cease to qualify as a REIT, unless we satisfy certain relief provisions described in the next paragraph.

The failure to satisfy the asset tests can be remedied even after the 30-day cure period under certain circumstances. If the total value of the assets that caused a failure of the 5% asset test, the 10% voting securities test or the 10% value test does not exceed either 1% of our assets at the end of the relevant quarter or $10,000,000, we can cure such a failure by disposing of sufficient assets to cure such a violation within six months following the last day of the quarter in which we first identify the failure of the asset test. For a violation of any of the asset tests not described in the prior sentence (including the 75%, 25% and the 25% TRS (20% for our taxable years prior to 2009) asset tests), we can avoid disqualification as a REIT if the violation is due to reasonable cause and we dispose of an amount of assets sufficient to cure such violation within the six-month period described in the preceding sentence, pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the highest corporate tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets during the period of time that the assets were held as nonqualifying assets, and file in accordance with applicable Treasury Regulations a schedule with the IRS that describes the assets. The applicable Treasury Regulations are yet to be issued. Thus, it is not possible to state with precision under what circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these provisions. We intend to take advantage of any and all relief provisions that are available to us to cure any violation of the asset tests applicable to REITs. In certain circumstances, utilization of such provisions could result in us being required to pay an excise or penalty tax, which could be significant in amount.

Annual Distribution Requirements Applicable to REITs. To qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our shareholders each year in an amount at least equal to the sum of:

 

•

90% of our “REIT taxable income,” computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain; and

 

•

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

 

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

 

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For purposes of this test, non-cash income includes a portion of the income attributable to leveled stepped rents, original issue discount included in our taxable income and certain income attributable to an investment in a residual interest in a REMIC, in both cases without the receipt of a corresponding payment, cancellation of indebtedness and income from a like-kind exchange that is later determined to be taxable (provided, in this last case, that the failure to qualify as a like-kind exchange was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect).

We must pay these distributions in the taxable year to which they relate or in the following taxable year if they are declared during the last three months of the taxable year, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date during such period and paid during January of the following year. Such distributions are treated as paid by us and received by our shareholders on December 31 of the year in which they are declared. In addition, at our election, a distribution for a taxable year may be declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and paid on or before the first regular dividend payment date after such declaration, provided such payment is made during the twelve-month period following the close of such year. These distributions are treated as being received by our shareholders in the year in which paid. This is so even though these distributions relate to the prior year for purposes of our 90% distribution requirement. In addition, in order to be taken into account for purposes of satisfying the distribution requirement, the amount distributed must not be preferential—i.e., every shareholder of the class of stock with respect to which a distribution is made must be treated the same as every other shareholder of that class, and no class of stock may be treated otherwise than in accordance with its dividend rights as a class. To the extent that either we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or we distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our “REIT taxable income,” as adjusted, we will be required to pay tax on that amount at regular corporate tax rates.

We intend to make timely distributions sufficient to satisfy these annual distribution requirements. In this regard, the partnership agreement of the operating partnership authorizes us, as general partner, to take steps as may be necessary to cause the operating partnership to distribute to its partners an amount sufficient satisfy our annual distribution requirements. Although we anticipate that our cash flow will permit us to make those distributions, it is possible that, from time to time, we may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet these distribution requirements. In this event, we may find it necessary to arrange for short–term, or possibly long–term, borrowings to fund required distributions or to pay dividends in the form of taxable dividends of our stock.

Under some circumstances, we may be able to rectify an inadvertent failure to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying “deficiency dividends” to our shareholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. However, we will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction claimed for deficiency dividends.

We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the sum of amounts actually distributed, excess distributions from the preceding tax year and amounts retained for which U.S. federal income tax was paid if we fail to make the required distribution by the end of a calendar year (taking into account certain distributions declared in the last three months of a calendar year and paid prior to the end of January of the following calendar year). The required distribution for each calendar year is equal to the sum of:

 

•

85% of our REIT ordinary income for the year;

 

•

95% of our REIT capital gain net income for the year; and

 

•

any undistributed taxable income from prior taxable years.

A REIT may elect to retain rather than distribute all or a portion of its net capital gains and pay the tax on the gains. In that case, a REIT may elect to have its shareholders include their proportionate share of the undistributed net capital gains in income as long-term capital gains and receive a credit for their share of the tax paid by the REIT. For purposes of the 4% excise tax described above, any retained amounts would be treated as having been distributed.

 

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Record–Keeping Requirements. We are required to comply with applicable record–keeping requirements. Failure to comply could result in monetary fines.

Failure of PS Business Parks to Qualify as a REIT. If we fail to comply with one or more of the conditions required for qualification as a REIT (other than asset tests and the income tests that have the specific savings clauses discussed above in “—Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT—Asset Tests Applicable to REITs,” and “—Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT—Income Tests Applicable to REITs”), we can avoid termination of our REIT status by paying a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure, provided that our noncompliance was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and the statutory relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates.

Distributions to shareholders in any year in which we fail to qualify as a REIT will not be deductible by us, and we will not be required to distribute any amounts to our shareholders. As a result, our failure to qualify as a REIT would significantly reduce the cash available for distribution by us to our shareholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, all distributions to shareholders will be taxable as dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, whether or not attributable to capital gains earned by us. In such a case, non-corporate shareholders generally would be taxed on these dividends at capital gains rates provided certain holding period requirements are met; corporate shareholders may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction with respect to such dividends. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we will also be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we lost our qualification. There can be no assurance that we would be entitled to any statutory relief.

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders

As used in the remainder of this discussion, the term “U.S. shareholder” means a beneficial owner of a share of our common stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

•

a citizen or resident, as defined in Section 7701(b) of the Code, of the U.S.;

 

•

a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity treated as a corporation or partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that was created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any State thereof or in the District of Columbia unless, in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, Treasury Regulations provide otherwise;

 

•

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

 

•

in general, a trust whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more U.S. persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, to the extent provided in the Treasury Regulations, certain trusts in existence on August 20, 1996, and treated as U.S. persons prior to this date that elect to continue to be treated as U.S. persons, shall also be considered U.S. shareholders.

If you hold our common stock and are not a U.S. shareholder, you are a “non-U.S. shareholder.” If a partnership holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our common stock, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common stock.

Distributions by PS Business Parks—General. As long as we qualify as a REIT, distributions out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits that are not designated as capital gains dividends or “qualified dividend income” will be taxable to our taxable U.S. shareholders as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of U.S. shareholders that are corporations. For purposes of determining whether distributions to holders of common stock or equity stock are out of current or accumulated earnings and profits, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to our outstanding preferred stock and then to our outstanding common stock and equity stock.

 

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To the extent that we make distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, these distributions will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to each U.S. shareholder. This treatment will reduce the adjusted tax basis that each U.S. shareholder has in its stock for tax purposes by the amount of the distribution, but not below zero. Distributions in excess of a U.S. shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in its stock will be taxable as capital gains, provided that the stock has been held as a capital asset, and will be taxable as long-term capital gain if the stock has been held for more than one year. Dividends we declare in October, November or December of any year that are payable to a shareholder of record on a specified date in any of these months shall be treated as both paid by us and received by the shareholder on December 31 of that year, provided we actually pay the dividend on or before January 31 of the following calendar year.

To the extent that we have available net operating losses and capital losses carried forward from prior tax years, such losses may reduce the amount of distributions that we must make in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. See “—Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT—Annual Distribution Requirements Applicable to REITs.” Such losses, however, are not passed through to U.S. shareholders and may not be used to offset income of U.S. shareholders from other sources on their income tax returns. Such losses would not affect the character of any distributions that we make, which generally are subject to tax in the hands of U.S. shareholders to the extent that we have current or accumulated earnings and profits.

Capital Gain Distributions. We may elect to designate distributions of our net capital gain as “capital gain dividends.” Distributions that we properly designate as “capital gain dividends” will be taxable to our taxable U.S. shareholders as gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset to the extent that such gain does not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year. Designations made by us will only be effective to the extent that they comply with Revenue Ruling 89-81, which requires that distributions made to different classes of stock be composed proportionately of dividends of a particular type. If we designate any portion of a dividend as a capital gain dividend, a U.S. shareholder will receive an IRS Form 1099-DIV indicating the amount that will be taxable to the shareholder as capital gain. Corporate shareholders, however, may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income.

Instead of paying capital gain dividends, we may designate all or part of our net capital gain as “undistributed capital gain.” We will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on any undistributed capital gain. A U.S. shareholder will include in its income as long-term capital gains its proportionate share of such undistributed capital gain and will be deemed to have paid its proportionate share of the tax paid by us on such undistributed capital gain and receive a credit or a refund to the extent that the tax paid by us exceeds the U.S. shareholder’s tax liability on the undistributed capital gain. A U.S. shareholder will increase the basis in its common stock by the difference between the amount of capital gain included in its income and the amount of tax it is deemed to have paid. A U.S. shareholder that is a corporation will appropriately adjust its earnings and profits for the retained capital gain in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be prescribed by the IRS. Our earnings and profits will be adjusted appropriately.

We will classify portions of any designated capital gain dividend or undistributed capital gain as either:

1. a 20% rate gain distribution, which would be taxable to non-corporate U.S. shareholders at a maximum rate of 20%; or

2. an “unrecaptured Section 1250 gain” distribution, which would be taxable to non-corporate U.S. shareholders at a maximum rate of 25%.

We must determine the maximum amounts that we may designate as 20% and 25% rate capital gain dividends by performing the computation required by the Code as if the REIT were an individual whose ordinary income were subject to a marginal tax rate of at least 28%.

Recipients of capital gain dividends from us that are taxed at corporate income tax rates will be taxed at the normal corporate income tax rates on those dividends.

 

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Qualified Dividend Income. With respect to shareholders who are taxed at the rates applicable to individuals, we may elect to designate a portion of our distributions paid to shareholders as “qualified dividend income.” A portion of a distribution that is properly designated as qualified dividend income is taxable to non-corporate U.S. shareholders as capital gain, provided that the shareholder has held the common stock with respect to which the distribution is made for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date on which such common stock become ex-dividend with respect to the relevant distribution. The maximum amount of our distributions eligible to be designated as qualified dividend income for a taxable year is equal to the sum of:

1. the qualified dividend income received by us during such taxable year from regular, non-REIT “C” corporations (including our corporate subsidiaries, other than qualified REIT subsidiaries, and our taxable REIT subsidiaries);

2. the excess of any “undistributed” REIT taxable income recognized during the immediately preceding year over the U.S. federal income tax paid by us with respect to such undistributed REIT taxable income; and

3. the excess of any income recognized during the immediately preceding year attributable to the sale of a built-in-gain asset that was acquired in a carry-over basis transaction from a regular, non-REIT “C” corporation over the U.S. federal income tax paid by us with respect to such built-in gain.

Generally, dividends that we receive will be treated as qualified dividend income for purposes of 1 above if the dividends are received from a domestic corporation (other than a REIT or a regulated investment company) or a “qualified foreign corporation” and specified holding period requirements and other requirements are met. A foreign corporation (other than a “passive foreign investment company”) will be a qualified foreign corporation if it is incorporated in a possession of the United States, the corporation is eligible for benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States that the Secretary of Treasury determines is satisfactory, or the stock of the foreign corporation on which the dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. We generally expect that an insignificant portion, if any, of our distributions will consist of qualified dividend income. If we designate any portion of a dividend as qualified dividend income, a U.S. shareholder will receive an IRS Form 1099-DIV indicating the amount that will be taxable to the shareholder as qualified dividend income.

Other Tax Considerations. Distributions we make and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a U.S. shareholder of our stock will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, U.S. shareholders generally will not be able to apply any “passive losses” against this income or gain. Distributions we make, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation. A U.S. shareholder may elect, depending on its particular situation, to treat capital gain dividends, capital gains from the disposition of stock and income designated as qualified dividend income as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitation, in which case the applicable capital gains will be taxed at ordinary income rates. We will notify shareholders regarding the portions of our distributions for each year that constitute ordinary income, return of capital and qualified dividend income. U.S. shareholders may not include in their individual income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses. Our operating or capital losses would be carried over by us for potential offset against future income, subject to applicable limitations.

Sales of Stock. If a U.S. shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of its stock in a taxable transaction, it will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and the holder’s adjusted basis in the stock for tax purposes. This gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss if the stock has been held by the U.S. shareholder as a capital asset. The applicable tax rate will depend on the U.S. shareholder’s holding period in the asset (generally, if an asset has been held for more than one year, such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss) and the U.S. shareholder’s tax bracket. A U.S. shareholder who is an individual or an estate or trust and who has long-term capital gain or loss will be subject to a maximum

 

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capital gain rate of 20%. The IRS has the authority to prescribe, but has not yet prescribed, regulations that would apply a capital gain tax rate of 25% (which is generally higher than the long-term capital gain tax rates for noncorporate shareholders) to a portion of capital gain realized by a noncorporate shareholder on the sale of REIT stock that would correspond to the REIT’s “unrecaptured Section 1250 gain.” In general, any loss recognized by a U.S. shareholder upon the sale or other disposition of common stock that has been held for six months or less, after applying the applicable holding period rules, will be treated by such U.S. shareholders as a long-term capital loss, to the extent of distributions received by the U.S. shareholder from us that were required to be treated as long-term capital gains. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to the capital gain liability.

Net Investment Income Tax. Certain U.S. shareholders that are individuals, estates and trusts are subject to a nondeductible 3.8% tax on “net investment income,” which includes, among other things, dividends on and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock. Prospective investors should consult with their own tax advisors regarding this legislation.

Foreign Accounts. Certain payments made after June 30, 2014 (i.e., on or after July 1, 2014) to “foreign financial institutions” in respect of accounts of U.S. shareholders at such financial institutions may be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%. U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of these withholding provisions on their ownership and disposition of their stock. See “—U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders—Withholding on Payments to Certain Foreign Entities.”

Taxation of Tax-Exempt U.S. Shareholders

Provided that a tax-exempt shareholder, except certain tax-exempt shareholders described below, has not held its common stock as “debt-financed property” within the meaning of the Code and the stock is not otherwise used in its trade or business, the dividend income from us and gain from the sale of our common stock will not be unrelated business taxable income, or UBTI, to a tax-exempt shareholder. Generally, “debt-financed property” is property, the acquisition or holding of which was financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt shareholder.

For tax-exempt shareholders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts or qualified group legal services plans exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) or (c)(20) of the Code, respectively, or single parent title-holding corporations exempt under Section 501(c)(2) and whose income is payable to any of the aforementioned tax-exempt organizations, income from an investment in PS Business Parks will constitute unrelated business taxable income unless the organization is able to properly claim a deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for certain purposes so as to offset the income generated by its investment in our stock. These prospective investors should consult with their tax advisors concerning these set aside and reserve requirements.

Notwithstanding the above, however, a portion of the dividends paid by a “pension-held REIT” are treated as UBTI if received by any trust which is described in Section 401(a) of the Code, is tax-exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code and holds more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT. A pension-held REIT includes any REIT if:

 

•

at least one of such trusts holds more than 25%, by value, of the interests in the REIT, or two or more of such trusts, each of which owns more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT, hold in the aggregate more than 50%, by value, of the interests in the REIT; and

 

•

it would not have qualified as a REIT but for the fact that Section 856(h)(3) of the Code provides that shares owned by such trusts shall be treated, for purposes of the “not closely held” requirement, as owned by the beneficiaries of the trust, rather than by the trust itself.

The percentage of any REIT dividend from a “pension-held REIT” that is treated as UBTI is equal to the ratio of the UBTI earned by the REIT, treating the REIT as if it were a pension trust and therefore subject to tax on UBTI, to the total gross income of the REIT. An exception applies where the percentage is less than 5% for a

 

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year, in which case none of the dividends would be treated as UBTI. The provisions requiring pension trusts to treat a portion of REIT distributions as UBTI will not apply if the REIT is able to satisfy the “not closely held requirement” without relying upon the “look-through” exception with respect to pension trusts. As a result of certain limitations on the transfer and ownership of our stock contained in our organizational documents, we do not expect to be classified as a “pension-held REIT,” and accordingly, the tax treatment described above should be inapplicable to our tax-exempt shareholders.

U.S. Taxation of Non–U.S. Shareholders

The following discussion addresses the rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of the ownership and disposition of our common stock by non-U.S. shareholders. These rules are complex and no attempt is made herein to provide more than a brief summary of such rules. Accordingly, the discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation and does not address state, local or foreign tax consequences that may be relevant to a non-U.S. shareholder in light of its particular circumstances.

If a partnership holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our common stock, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common stock.

Distributions by PS Business Parks. As described in the discussion below, distributions paid by us with respect to our common stock will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as either:

 

•

ordinary income dividends;

 

•

long-term capital gain; or

 

•

return of capital distributions.

This discussion assumes that our common stock (or other class of stock which is disposed of or on which a distribution is made, as relevant) will continue to be considered regularly traded on an established securities market located in the U.S. for purposes of the “FIRPTA” provisions described below. If our common stock (or such other relevant class of stock) is no longer regularly traded on an established securities market located in the U.S., the tax considerations described below would differ.

Ordinary Income Dividends. A distribution paid by us to a non-U.S. shareholder will be treated as an ordinary income dividend if the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits and:

 

•

the distribution is not attributable to our net capital gain; or

 

•

the distribution is attributable to the sale of “U.S. real property interests” or “USRPIs” and the non-U.S. shareholder owns 5% or less of our common stock (or such relevant other class of stock on which the distribution is made) at all times during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution.

Ordinary dividends that are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to tax on a net basis (that is, after allowance for deductions) at graduated rates in the same manner as U.S. shareholders (including any applicable alternative minimum tax), except that a non-U.S. shareholder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate).

Generally, we will withhold and remit to the IRS 30% of dividend distributions (including distributions that may later be determined to have been made in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits) that could not be treated as capital gain distributions with respect to the non-U.S. shareholder (and that are not deemed to be capital gain dividends for purposes of the FIRPTA withholding rules described below) unless:

 

•

a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. shareholder files an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, evidencing eligibility for that reduced treaty rate with us; or

 

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•

the non-U.S. shareholder files an IRS Form W-8ECI with us claiming that the distribution is income effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder’s trade or business.

Return of Capital Distributions. A distribution in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will be taxable to a non-U.S. shareholder, if at all, as gain from the sale of common stock to the extent that the distribution exceeds the non-U.S. shareholder’s basis in its common stock (and, as a general matter, subject to U.S. federal income tax as described below in the section entitled “—Sale of Common Stock”). A distribution in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will reduce the non-U.S. shareholder’s basis in its common stock and will not be subject to U.S. federal income to the extent it reduces such non-U.S. shareholder’s basis in its common stock.

We may be required to withhold at least 10% of any distribution in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, even if a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. shareholder is not liable for tax on the receipt of that distribution. Moreover, if we cannot determine at the time a distribution is made whether or not the distribution will exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, we will withhold on the distribution at a rate not less than that applicable to ordinary income dividends. However, as a general matter, the non-U.S. shareholder may seek a refund of these amounts from the IRS if the non-U.S. shareholder’s U.S. tax liability with respect to the distribution is less than the amount withheld.

Capital Gain Dividends. A distribution paid by us to a non-U.S. shareholder will be treated as long-term capital gain if the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits and either:

 

•

the distribution is attributable to our net capital gain (other than from the sale of USRPIs) and we timely designate the distribution as a capital gain dividend; or

 

•

the distribution is attributable to our net capital gain from the sale of USRPIs and the non-U.S. shareholder has owned more than 5% of our common stock (or such relevant other class of stock on which a distribution is made) at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution.

Long-term capital gain that a non-U.S. shareholder is deemed to receive from a capital gain dividend that is not attributable to the sale of USRPIs generally will not be subject to U.S. tax in the hands of the non-U.S. shareholder unless:

 

•

the non-U.S. shareholder’s investment in our common stock is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. shareholder, in which case the non-U.S. shareholder generally will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. shareholders with respect to any gain, except that a non-U.S. shareholder that is a corporation also may be subject to the branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate); or

 

•

the non-U.S. shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions exist, in which case the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on certain capital gains.

Under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, referred to as “FIRPTA,” distributions that are attributable to gain from the sales by us of USRPIs and paid to a non-U.S. shareholder that owns more than 5% of the value of our stock (or such relevant other class of stock on which a distribution is made) at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution will be subject to U.S. tax as income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. The FIRPTA tax will apply to these distributions whether or not the distribution is designated as a capital gain dividend.

Any distribution paid by us that is treated as a capital gain dividend or that could be treated as a capital gain dividend with respect to a particular non-U.S. shareholder that owns more than 5% of the value of our stock (or such relevant other class of stock on which a distribution is made) at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution will be subject to special withholding rules under FIRPTA. We generally will be

 

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required to withhold and remit to the IRS 35% (or, to the extent provided in Treasury Regulations, 20%) of any distribution that could be treated as a capital gain dividend with respect to the non-U.S. shareholder, whether or not the distribution is attributable to the sale by us of USRPIs. The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, and any amount in excess of that liability is generally refundable when the non-U.S. shareholder properly and timely files a tax return with the IRS.

Undistributed Capital Gain. Although the law is not entirely clear on the matter, it appears that amounts designated by us as undistributed capital gains in respect of our stock held by non-U.S. shareholders generally should be treated in the same manner as actual distributions by us of capital gain dividends. Under that approach, the non-U.S. shareholder would be able to offset as a credit against its U.S. federal income tax liability resulting therefrom its proportionate share of the tax paid by us on the undistributed capital gains treated as long-term capital gain to the non-U.S. shareholder, and generally to receive from the IRS a refund to the extent its proportionate share of the tax paid by us were to exceed the non-U.S. shareholder’s actual U.S. federal income tax liability on such long-term capital gain. If we were to designate any portion of our net capital gain as undistributed capital gain, a non-U.S. shareholder should consult its tax advisor regarding the taxation of such undistributed capital gain.

Sale of Common Stock. Gain recognized by a non-U.S. shareholder upon the sale or exchange of our common stock generally would not be subject to U.S. taxation unless:

1. the investment in our common stock is effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder’s United States trade or business, in which case the non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. shareholders with respect to any gain, except that a non-U.S. shareholder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate);

2. the non-U.S. shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions exist, in which case the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on certain capital gains; or

3. our common stock constitutes a USRPI within the meaning of FIRPTA, as described below.

Our stock will not constitute a USRPI if we are a domestically controlled REIT. We will be a domestically controlled REIT if, at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in value of our stock is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. shareholders.

We believe that we will be a domestically controlled REIT and, therefore, that the sale of our stock by a non-U.S. shareholder would not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. Because our common stock is publicly traded, however, we cannot guarantee that we are or will continue to be a domestically controlled REIT.

Even if we do not qualify as a domestically controlled REIT at the time a non-U.S. shareholder sells our stock, gain arising from the sale still would not be subject to FIRPTA tax if:

1. the class or series of stock sold is considered regularly traded under applicable Treasury Regulations on an established securities market, such as the New York Stock Exchange; and

2. the selling non-U.S. shareholder owned, actually or constructively, 5% or less in value of the outstanding class or series of stock being sold throughout the shorter of the period during which the non-U.S. shareholders held such class or series of stock or the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange.

Specific wash sale rules applicable to sales of stock in a domestically-controlled REIT could result in gain recognition, taxable under FIRPTA, upon the sale of our stock even if we are a domestically-controlled qualified investment entity. These rules would apply if a non-U.S. shareholder (1) disposes of our stock within a 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution, any portion of which, but for the disposition, would have been taxable to such non-U.S. shareholder as gain from the sale or exchange of a USRPI; (2) acquires, or enters

 

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into a contract or option to acquire our stock during the 61-day period that begins 30 days prior to such ex-dividend date; and (3) if our the relevant class of stock is “regularly traded” on an established securities market in the United States, such non-U.S. shareholder has owned more than 5% of the relevant class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of such distribution.

If gain on the sale or exchange of our common stock by a non-U.S. shareholder were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. shareholder generally would be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax with respect to any gain on a net basis in the same manner as a taxable U.S. shareholder, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. In addition, the transferee of such stock may, in certain circumstances, be required to withhold at least 10% of the proceeds of any such sale or exchange. The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, and any amount in excess of that liability is generally refundable when the non-U.S. shareholder properly and timely files a tax return with the IRS.

Withholding on Payments to Certain Foreign Entities. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), which was enacted in 2010, imposes a 30% withholding tax on certain types of payments made to “foreign financial institutions” and certain other non-U.S. entities unless certain due diligence, reporting, withholding and certification requirements are satisfied.

The U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS have issued final regulations under FATCA. As a general matter, FATCA imposes a 30% withholding tax on dividends on, and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our stock if paid to a foreign entity unless either (1) the foreign entity is a “foreign financial institution” that undertakes certain due diligence, reporting, withholding and certification obligations; (2) the foreign entity is not a “foreign financial institution” and identifies certain of its U.S. investors; or (3) the foreign entity otherwise is excepted under FATCA. Under delayed effective dates provided for in the final regulations and subsequent guidance, the required withholding began on July 1, 2014 with respect to dividends on our stock, and will begin on January 1, 2017 with respect to gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our stock.

If withholding is required under FATCA on a payment related to our stock, investors that otherwise would not be subject to withholding (or that otherwise would be entitled to a reduced rate of withholding) generally will be required to seek a refund or credit from the IRS to obtain the benefit of such exemption or reduction (provided that such benefit is available). Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect of FATCA in their particular circumstances.

Information-Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax Applicable to Shareholders

U.S. Shareholders. In general, information-reporting requirements will apply to payments of distributions on our common stock and payments of the proceeds of the sale of our common stock to some U.S. shareholders, unless an exception applies. Further, the payer will be required to withhold backup withholding tax on such payments (at the rate of 28%) if:

1. the payee fails to furnish a taxpayer identification number, or TIN, to the payer or to establish an exemption from backup withholding;

2. the IRS notifies the payer that the TIN furnished by the payee is incorrect;

3. there has been a notified payee under-reporting with respect to interest, dividends or original issue discount described in Section 3406(c) of the Code; or

4. there has been a failure of the payee to certify under the penalty of perjury that the payee is not subject to backup withholding under the Code.

 

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Some shareholders, including corporations, may be exempt from backup withholding. Any amounts that we withhold under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or credited against the U.S. shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability if certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Non–U.S. Shareholders. Generally, information reporting will apply to payments of distributions on our common stock, and backup withholding described above for a U.S. shareholder will apply, unless the payee certifies that it is not a U.S. person or otherwise establishes an exemption.

Generally, non-U.S. shareholders can document their status (and thereby generally avoid backup withholding) by providing a proper IRS withholding certificate (such as an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E). In the absence of a proper withholding certificate, applicable Treasury Regulations provide presumptions regarding the status of holders of our common stock when payments to the holders cannot be reliably associated with appropriate documentation provided to the payor. If a non-U.S. shareholder fails to comply with the information reporting requirement, payments to such person may be subject to the full withholding tax even if such person might have been eligible for a reduced rate of withholding or no withholding under applicable income tax treaty. Any payment subject to a withholding tax generally will not be again subject to any backup withholding. Because the application of these Treasury Regulations varies depending on the holder’s particular circumstances, you are advised to consult your tax advisor regarding the information reporting requirements applicable to you.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Non-U.S. shareholders should consult with their tax advisors regarding application of backup withholding in their particular circumstances and the availability of and procedure for obtaining an exemption from backup withholding under current Treasury Regulations.

Tax Aspects of Our Ownership of Interests in the Operating Partnership and Other Partnerships

General. Substantially all of our investments are held indirectly through the operating partnership. In general, partnerships are “pass-through” entities that are not subject to U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. However, a partner is allocated its proportionate share of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a partnership, and is required to include these items in calculating its tax liability, without regard to whether it receives a distribution from the partnership. We include our proportionate share of these partnership items in our income for purposes of the various REIT income tests and the computation of our REIT taxable income. Moreover, for purposes of the REIT asset tests, we include our proportionate share of assets held through the operating partnership. See “—Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT—Ownership of Partnership Interests by a REIT” above.

Entity Classification. We believe that the operating partnership and each of the partnerships and limited liability companies in which we own an interest, directly or through another partnership or limited liability company, will be treated as a partnership or disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes and will not be taxable as a corporation. If any of these entities were treated as a corporation, it would be subject to regular corporate tax on its income and we could fail to meet the REIT income and asset tests. See “—Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT—Asset Tests Applicable to REITs” and “—Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT—Income Tests Applicable to REITs” above.

A partnership is a “publicly traded partnership” under Section 7704 of the Code if:

1. interests in the partnership are traded on an established securities market; or

2. interests in the partnership are readily tradable on a “secondary market” or the “substantial equivalent” of a secondary market.

Under the relevant Treasury Regulations, interests in a partnership will not be considered readily tradable on a secondary market or on the substantial equivalent of a secondary market if the partnership qualifies for specified “safe harbors,” which are based on the specific facts and circumstances relating to the partnership.

 

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The operating partnership currently takes the position for U.S. federal income tax purposes that it is not a publicly traded partnership. There is a significant risk, however, that the right of a holder of the operating partnership units to redeem the operating partnership units for common stock could cause the operating partnership units to be considered readily tradable on the substantial equivalent of a secondary market unless the operating partnership satisfies one of the safe harbors mentioned above. Moreover, if the operating partnership units would otherwise be considered to be tradable on the substantial equivalent of a secondary market, either now or in the future, the operating partnership cannot provide any assurance that it would qualify for any of the safe harbors mentioned above, or that, if it currently qualifies for a safe harbor, the operating partnership will continue to qualify for any of the safe harbors in the future.

If the operating partnership is a publicly traded partnership, it will be taxed as a corporation unless at least 90% of its gross income consists of “qualifying income” under Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code. Qualifying income is generally real property rents and other types of passive income. We believe that the operating partnership will have sufficient qualifying income so that it would be taxed as a partnership, even if it were a publicly traded partnership. The income requirements applicable to our company in order for it to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code and the definition of qualifying income under the publicly traded partnership rules are very similar. Although differences exist between these two income tests, we do not believe that these differences would cause the operating partnership not to satisfy the 90% gross income test applicable to publicly traded partnerships.

Allocations of Partnership Income, Gain, Loss, Deduction and Credit. A partnership agreement will generally determine the allocation of income and loss among partners. However, those allocations will be disregarded for tax purposes if they do not comply with the provisions of Section 704(b) of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations, which generally require that partnership allocations respect the economic arrangement of the partners.

If an allocation is not recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners’ interests in the partnership, which will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to the item. The allocations of taxable income and loss provided for in the partnership agreement of the operating partnership are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

Tax Allocations with Respect to the Properties. Under Section 704(c) of the Code, income, gain, loss, deduction and credit attributable to a property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership must be allocated in a manner such that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from, as applicable, the difference between the adjusted tax basis and the fair market value of property at the time of contribution. The difference is known as the book-tax difference. Section 704(c) allocations are for U.S. federal income tax purposes only and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners. Under Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(c) of the Code, similar rules apply when a partnership elects to “revalue” its assets in limited situations, such as when a contribution of property is made to a partnership by a new partner.

The partnership agreement of the operating partnership requires that these allocations be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code. Treasury Regulations under Section 704(c) of the Code provide partnerships with a choice of several methods of accounting for book-tax differences, including retention of the “traditional method” or the election of alternative methods which would permit any distortions caused by a book-tax difference to be entirely rectified on an annual basis or with respect to a specific taxable transaction such as a sale. We and the operating partnership generally have used the traditional method of accounting for book-tax differences with respect to the properties initially contributed to the operating partnership in its formation or subsequently acquired by merger or contribution. However, the operating partnership may use an alternative method of accounting for book-tax differences with respect to properties contributed to it or acquired by merger in the future.

 

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In general, if any asset contributed to or revalued by the operating partnership is determined to have a fair market value that is greater than its adjusted tax basis, partners who have contributed those assets, including our company, will be allocated lower amounts of depreciation deductions from those assets for tax purposes by the operating partnership and increased taxable income and gain on sale. Thus, we may be allocated lower depreciation and other deductions, and possibly greater amounts of taxable income in the event of a sale of contributed assets. These amounts may be in excess of the economic or book income allocated to us as a result of the sale. In this regard, it should be noted that, as the general partner of the operating partnership, we generally will determine, taking into account the tax consequences to us, when and whether to sell any given property. See “—Taxation of PS Business Parks as a REIT—Annual Distribution Requirements Applicable to REITs.”

We will be allocated our share of the operating partnership’s taxable income or loss for each year regardless of the amount of cash that may be distributed to us by the operating partnership. As a result, we could be allocated taxable income for a year in excess of the amount of cash distributed to us. This excess taxable income is sometimes referred to as “phantom income.” Because we rely on cash distributions from the operating partnership to meet our REIT distribution requirements, which are specified percentages of our REIT taxable income, the recognition of this phantom income might adversely affect our ability to comply with those requirements.

Other Tax Consequences for PS Business Parks and Our Shareholders

We may be required to pay tax in various state or local jurisdictions, including those in which we transact business, and our shareholders may be required to pay tax in various state or local jurisdictions, including those in which they reside. Our state and local tax treatment may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax consequences discussed above. In addition, a shareholder’s state and local tax treatment may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax consequences discussed above. Consequently, prospective investors should consult with their tax advisors regarding the effect of state and local tax laws on an investment in our common stock.

A portion of our income is earned through our taxable REIT subsidiaries. The taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax at the full applicable corporate rates. In addition, a taxable REIT subsidiary will be limited in its ability to deduct interest payments in excess of a certain amount made directly or indirectly to us. To the extent that our company taxable REIT subsidiaries and we are required to pay U.S. federal, state or local taxes, we will have less cash available for distribution to shareholders.

Legislative or Other Actions Affecting REITs

The U.S. federal income tax treatment of REITs may be modified, possibly with retroactive effect, by legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time. The REIT rules are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department, which may result in statutory changes as well as revisions to regulations and interpretations. Changes to the U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could adversely affect an investment in our securities.

Tax Shelter Reporting

If a holder recognizes a loss as a result of a transaction with respect to our stock of at least (1) for a holder that is an individual, S corporation, trust or a partnership with at least one noncorporate partner, $2 million or more in a single taxable year or $4 million or more in a combination of taxable years, or (2) for a holder that is either a corporation or a partnership with only corporate partners, $10 million or more in a single taxable year or $20 million or more in a combination of taxable years, such holder may be required to file a disclosure statement with the IRS on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases exempt from this reporting requirement, but shareholders of a REIT currently are not excepted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

General

We, and/or any selling securityholders named in a prospectus supplement, may sell the securities being offered by this prospectus in one or more of the following ways from time to time:

 

•

through underwriters or dealers;

 

•

through agents;

 

•

in “at the market offerings” to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, or a securities exchange or otherwise;

 

•

directly to purchasers; or

 

•

through a combination of any of these methods of sale.

A distribution of the securities offered by this prospectus may also be effected through the issuance of derivative securities, including without limitation, warrants, subscriptions, exchangeable securities, forward delivery contracts and the writing of options. In addition, the manner in which we and/or the selling securityholders may sell some or all of the securities covered by this prospectus includes, without limitation, through:

 

•

a block trade in which a broker-dealer will attempt to sell as agent, but may position or resell a portion of the block, as principal, in order to facilitate the transaction;

 

•

purchases by a broker-dealer, as principal, and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;

 

•

ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker solicits purchasers; or

 

•

privately negotiated transactions.

We may also enter into hedging transactions. For example, we may:

 

•

enter into transactions with a broker-dealer or affiliate thereof in connection with which such broker-dealer or affiliate will engage in short sales of the common stock pursuant to this prospectus, in which case such broker-dealer or affiliate may use shares of common stock received from us to close out its short positions;

 

•

sell securities short and redeliver such shares to close out our short positions;

 

•

enter into option or other types of transactions that require us to deliver common stock to a broker-dealer or an affiliate thereof, who will then resell or transfer the common stock under this prospectus; or

 

•

loan or pledge the common stock to a broker-dealer or an affiliate thereof, who may sell the loaned shares or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged shares pursuant to this prospectus.

In addition, we may enter into derivative or hedging transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. In connection with such a transaction, the third parties may sell securities covered by and pursuant to this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be. If so, the third party may use securities borrowed from us or others to settle such sales and may use securities received from us to close out any related short positions. We may also loan or pledge securities covered by this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement to third parties, who may sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

 

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A prospectus supplement with respect to each series of securities will state the terms of the offering of the securities, including:

 

•

the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them, if any;

 

•

the public offering price or purchase price of the securities and the net proceeds to be received by us from the sale;

 

•

any delayed delivery arrangements;

 

•

the terms of any subscription rights;

 

•

any initial public offering price;

 

•

any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation;

 

•

any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

 

•

any securities exchange on which the securities may be listed.

The offer and sale of the securities described in this prospectus by us or the selling securityholders, the underwriters or the third parties described above may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions, including privately negotiated transactions, either:

 

•

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

 

•

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, including in “at the market offerings”;

 

•

at prices related to the prevailing market prices; or

 

•

at negotiated prices.

Selling Securityholders

Selling securityholders named in a prospectus supplement may offer our securities in one or more offerings pursuant to one or more prospectus supplements, and any such prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the relevant offering as described above. To the extent our securities offered pursuant to a prospectus supplement or otherwise remain unsold, the selling securityholder may offer those securities on different terms pursuant to another prospectus supplement. Sales by the selling securityholders may not require the provision of a prospectus supplement.

In addition to the foregoing, each of the selling securityholders may offer our securities at various times in one or more of the following transactions: through short sales, derivative and hedging transactions; by pledge to secure debts and other obligations; through offerings of securities exchangeable, convertible or exercisable for our securities; under forward purchase contracts with trusts, investment companies or other entities (which may, in turn, distribute their own securities); through distribution to its members, partners or shareholders; in exchange or over-the-counter market transactions; and/or in private transactions.

Any of the selling securityholders also may resell all or a portion of our securities that it owns in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act provided it meets the criteria and conforms to the requirements of Rule 144.

Underwriting Compensation

Any public offering price and any fees, discounts, commissions, concessions or other items constituting compensation allowed or reallowed or paid to underwriters, dealers, agents or remarketing firms may be changed from time to time. Underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms that participate in the distribution of the

 

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offered securities may be “underwriters” as defined in the Securities Act. Any discounts or commissions they receive from us and/or the selling securityholders and any profits they receive on the resale of the offered securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. We will identify any underwriters, agents or dealers and describe their fees, commissions or discounts in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the aggregate maximum discount, commission or agency fees or other items constituting underwriting compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer may not exceed 8% of the offering proceeds from any offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.

Underwriters and Agents

If underwriters are used in a sale, they will acquire the offered securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the offered securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions. We and/or the selling securityholders may offer the securities to the public either through an underwriting syndicate represented by one or more managing underwriters or through one or more underwriter(s). The underwriters in any particular offering will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

Unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain conditions contained in an underwriting agreement that we and/or the selling securityholders, will enter into with the underwriters at the time of the sale to them. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities of the series offered if any of the securities are purchased, unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities. Any initial offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed, reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

We and/or the selling securityholders, may designate agents to sell the offered securities. Unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities, the agents will agree to use their best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment. We and/or the selling securityholders may also sell the offered securities to one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us and/or the selling securityholders. These firms will remarket the offered securities upon purchasing them in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to the terms of the offered securities. A prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be, will identify any remarketing firm and will describe the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and/or the selling securityholders, and its compensation.

In connection with offerings made through underwriters or agents, we and/or the selling securityholders, may enter into agreements with such underwriters or agents pursuant to which we receive our outstanding securities in consideration for the securities being offered to the public for cash. In connection with these arrangements, the underwriters or agents may also sell securities covered by this prospectus to hedge their positions in these outstanding securities, including in short sale transactions. If so, the underwriters or agents may use the securities received from us under these arrangements to close out any related open borrowings of securities.

Dealers

We and/or the selling securityholders, may sell the offered securities to dealers as principals. We and/or the selling securityholders may negotiate and pay dealers’ commissions, discounts or concessions for their services. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public either at varying prices to be determined by the dealer or at a fixed offering price agreed to with us at the time of resale. Dealers engaged by us may allow other dealers to participate in resales.

 

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Direct Sales

We and/or the selling securityholders, may choose to sell the offered securities directly to multiple purchasers or a single purchaser. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved.

Institutional Purchasers

We and/or the selling securityholders, may authorize agents, dealers or underwriters to solicit certain institutional investors to purchase offered securities on a delayed delivery basis pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified future date. The applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be will provide the details of any such arrangement, including the offering price and commissions payable on the solicitations.

We will enter into such delayed contracts only with institutional purchasers that we approve. These institutions may include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies and educational and charitable institutions.

Subscription Offerings

Direct sales to investors or our shareholders may be accomplished through subscription offerings or through shareholder subscription rights distributed to shareholders. In connection with subscription offerings or the distribution of shareholder subscription rights to shareholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may sell any unsubscribed securities to third parties directly or through underwriters or agents. In addition, whether or not all of the underlying securities are subscribed for, we may concurrently offer additional securities to third parties directly or through underwriters or agents. If securities are to be sold through shareholder subscription rights, the shareholder subscription rights will be distributed as a dividend to the shareholders for which they will pay no separate consideration. The prospectus supplement with respect to the offer of securities under shareholder purchase rights will set forth the relevant terms of the shareholder subscription rights, including:

 

•

whether common stock, preferred stock or warrants for those securities will be offered under the shareholder subscription rights;

 

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the number of those securities or warrants that will be offered under the shareholder subscription rights;

 

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the period during which and the price at which the shareholder subscription rights will be exercisable;

 

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the number of shareholder subscription rights then outstanding;

 

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any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price of the shareholder subscription rights; and

 

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any other material terms of the shareholder subscription rights.

Indemnification; Other Relationships

We and/or the selling securityholders may agree to indemnify underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and to make contribution to them in connection with those liabilities. Underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms, and their affiliates, may engage in transactions with, or perform services for us, and our affiliates, in the ordinary course of business, including commercial banking transactions and services.

Market Making, Stabilization and Other Transactions

Each series of securities will be a new issue of securities and will have no established trading market other than our common stock and any series of preferred stock or depositary shares which already is listed on the

 

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NYSE. Any underwriters to whom we or the selling securityholders sell securities for public offering and sale may make a market in the securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. The securities, other than the common stock and any series of preferred stock or depositary shares which already is listed on the NYSE, may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange, and any such listing if pursued will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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

 

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LEGAL OPINIONS

Certain legal matters related to the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus have been passed upon for us by Lily Yan Hughes, Esq., our vice president and counsel. Hogan Lovells US LLP, Washington, D.C., has delivered an opinion as to our status as a REIT. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of PS Business Parks, Inc. appearing in PS Business Parks, Inc.’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2014 (including the schedule appearing therein), and the effectiveness of PS Business Parks, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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             Shares

 

PS Business Parks, Inc.

Depositary Shares Each Representing 1/1,000 of a Share of

    % Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series Y

Liquidation Preference Equivalent to $25.00 Per Depositary Share

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

Joint Book-Running Managers

BofA Merrill Lynch

Morgan Stanley

UBS Investment Bank

Wells Fargo Securities

                    , 2017