e424b3
Filed
pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-130830
PROSPECTUS
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES, INC.
121,000 Shares of Common Stock
The selling stockholders listed on page 46 may offer and resell up to 121,000 shares of
common stock under this prospectus for each of their own accounts. These shares may be obtained by
the selling stockholders upon an exchange of common units of limited partnership interest in
American Campus Communities Operating Partnership LP, or the Operating Partnership. Each common
unit is exchangeable for one share of common stock. Instead of issuing common stock upon a tender
of units for exchange, we may deliver cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of the
equivalent number of shares of common stock.
This prospectus relates to (1) our possible issuance of shares of common stock if, and to the
extent that, the selling stockholders tender units for exchange and (2) the offer and sale of these
shares by the selling stockholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of common
stock to the selling stockholders or from the sales of common stock by the selling stockholders.
The selling stockholders may sell the shares from time to time on the New York Stock Exchange
or otherwise. They may sell the shares at prevailing market prices or at prices negotiated with
buyers. The selling stockholders will be responsible for any commissions or discounts due to
brokers and dealers. The amount of those commissions or discounts will be negotiated before the
sales. We will pay all other offering expenses.
Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ACC.
On January 18, 2006, the closing sale price of a share of common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was
$24.76.
You should carefully consider the risks set forth under Risk Factors starting on page 3
of this prospectus.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this prospectus is January 19, 2006.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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i
SUMMARY
The following information highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this
prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all of the information that is important to
you. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the risk factors.
Our Company
We are one of the largest owners, managers and developers of high quality student housing
properties in the United States in terms of beds owned and under management. We are a
fully-integrated, self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, or REIT, with
expertise in the acquisition, design, financing, development, construction management, leasing and
management of student housing properties. As of September 30, 2005, our property portfolio
contained 25 high-quality student housing properties with approximately 17,100 beds and 5,600
apartment units, consisting of 21 off-campus student housing properties within close proximity to
public colleges and universities in ten states, and four on-campus participating properties owned
through ground/facility leases with the respective university systems. The four on-campus
participating properties include an additional phase (Phase II) at Cullen Oaks, consisting of 354
beds and 180 units that was completed in August 2005. These communities contain modern housing
units, offer resort-style amenities and are supported by a classic resident assistant system and
other student-oriented programming.
We also provide third party management and leasing services for 18 student housing properties
that represent approximately 10,600 beds in approximately 4,200 units. We provided development and
construction management services for 12 of these properties. Our third party management and
leasing services are typically provided pursuant to multi-year management contracts that have an
initial term that ranges from two to five years.
Our executive offices are located at 805 Las Cimas Parkway, Suite 400, Austin, Texas 78746,
and our telephone number is (512) 732-1000.
The Offering
This prospectus relates to (1) our possible issuance of shares of common stock if, and to the
extent that, the selling stockholders tender units for exchange and (2) the offer and sale of these
shares by the selling stockholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of common
stock to the selling stockholders or from the sales of common stock by the selling stockholders.
In conjunction with our initial public offering, our then executive officers and certain
members of senior management received 121,000 profits interest units, or PIUs, in the Operating
Partnership, representing approximately a 1% limited partnership interest in the Operating
Partnership at that time. PIUs are a special class of partnership interests in the Operating
Partnership. The consummation of our secondary offering of common stock on July 5, 2005
constituted a book-up event for purposes of the PIUs, and the PIUs were thereby automatically
converted into an equal number of common units of the Operating Partnership. In connection with
the issuance of the PIUs, we granted customary registration rights, including demand and piggyback
registration rights, with respect to the shares of our common stock that may be received by the PIU
holders upon an exchange of the PIUs in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement. We
will bear all fees, costs and expenses of such registrations, other than underwriting discounts and
commissions. We are registering the common stock covered by this prospectus in order to fulfill
these contractual obligations. Registration of this common stock does not necessarily mean that
all or any portion of such common stock will be offered for sale by the selling stockholders.
Exchange of Units
Each unit is exchangeable for one share of common stock, as adjusted for stock splits, stock
dividends, issuance of stock rights, specified extraordinary distributions and similar events.
Instead of issuing common stock upon a tender of shares for exchange, we may deliver cash in an
amount equal to the then fair market value of the common stock. Upon an exchange of units for
shares, our ownership interest in the Operating Partnership will increase.
1
Restrictions on Ownership of Capital Stock
To ensure that we qualify as a REIT, our charter generally prohibits any person or entity from
actually or constructively owning more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of our stock. Our
charter, however, requires exceptions to be made to this limitation if our board of directors
determines that such exceptions will not jeopardize our tax status as a REIT. These limitations
are described in more detail on page 18 under the heading Description of Capital
StockRestrictions on Transfer.
Our Tax Status
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue
Code, or the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2004. We believe that our
organization and method of operation enables us to meet the requirements for qualification and
taxation as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. To maintain REIT status, we must meet a number
of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we annually distribute
at least 90% of our REIT taxable income to our stockholders. As a REIT, we generally are not
subject to federal income tax on REIT taxable income we currently distribute to our stockholders.
If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income tax at
regular corporate rates. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to some
federal, state and local taxes on our income or property and the income of our TRS will be subject
to taxation at normal corporate rates and state and local income tax where applicable. Further,
unlike dividends received from a corporation that is not a REIT, our distributions to individual
stockholders generally will not be eligible for the recent lower tax rate on dividends except in
limited situations.
2
RISK FACTORS
The following sets forth the most significant factors that make an investment in our
securities speculative or risky. You should carefully consider the following information in
conjunction with the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
before making a decision to invest in our common stock.
Risks Related to an Exchange of Units
An exchange of units is taxable.
An exchange of units will be treated as a sale of units for federal income tax purposes. The
exchanging holder will generally recognize gain in an amount equal to the value of the shares of
common stock and amount of cash received, plus the amount of liabilities of the Operating
Partnership allocable to the units being exchanged, less the holders tax basis in the units. It
is possible that the amount of gain recognized or the resulting tax liability could exceed the
value of the shares received in the exchange.
Risks Related to Our Properties and Our Business
Our results of operations are subject to an annual leasing cycle, short lease-up period, seasonal
cash flows, changing university admission and housing policies and other risks inherent in the
student housing industry.
We generally lease our owned properties under 12-month leases, and in certain cases, under
ten-month, nine-month or shorter-term semester leases. As a result, we may experience
significantly reduced cash flows during the summer months at properties leased under leases having
terms shorter than 12 months. Furthermore, all of our properties must be entirely re-leased each
year, exposing us to increased leasing risk. In addition, we are subject to increased leasing risk
on our properties under construction and future acquired properties based on our lack of experience
leasing those properties and unfamiliarity with their leasing cycles. Student housing properties
are also typically leased during a limited leasing season that usually begins in January and ends
in August of each year. We are therefore highly dependent on the effectiveness of our marketing
and leasing efforts and personnel during this season.
Changes in university admission policies could adversely affect us. For example, if a
university reduces the number of student admissions or requires that a certain class of students,
such as freshman, live in a university owned facility, the demand for beds at our properties may be
reduced and our occupancy rates may decline. While we may engage in marketing efforts to
compensate for such change in admission policy, we may not be able to effect such marketing efforts
prior to the commencement of the annual lease-up period or our additional marketing efforts may not
be successful.
We rely on our relationships with colleges and universities for referrals of prospective
student-tenants or for mailing lists of prospective student-tenants and their parents. Many of
these colleges and universities own and operate their own competing on-campus facilities, as
discussed below. Any failure to maintain good relationships with these colleges and universities
could therefore have a material adverse effect on us. If colleges and universities refuse to make
their lists of prospective student-tenants and their parents available to us or increase the costs
of these lists, there could be a material adverse effect on us.
Federal and state laws require colleges to publish and distribute reports of on-campus crime
statistics, which may result in negative publicity and media coverage associated with crimes
occurring on or in the vicinity of our on-campus participating properties. Reports of crime or
other negative publicity regarding the safety of the students residing on, or near, our properties
may have an adverse effect on both our on-campus and off-campus business.
3
We face significant competition from university-owned on-campus student housing, from other
off-campus student housing properties and from traditional multifamily housing located within close
proximity to universities.
On-campus student housing has certain inherent advantages over off-campus student housing in
terms of physical proximity to the university campus and integration of on-campus facilities into
the academic community. Colleges and universities can generally avoid real estate taxes and borrow
funds at lower interest rates than us and other private sector operators. We also compete with
national and regional owner-operators of off-campus student housing in a number of markets as well
as with smaller local owner-operators.
Currently, the industry is fragmented with no participant holding a significant market share.
There are a number of student housing complexes that are located near or in the same general
vicinity of many of our owned properties and that compete directly with us. Such competing student
housing complexes may be newer than our properties, located closer to campus, charge less rent,
possess more attractive amenities or offer more services or shorter term or more flexible leases.
Rental income at a particular property could also be affected by a number of other factors,
including the construction of new on-campus and off-campus residences, increases or decreases in
the general levels of rents for housing in competing communities, increases or decreases in the
number of students enrolled at one or more of the colleges or universities in the market of the
property and other general economic conditions.
We believe that a number of other large national companies with substantial financial and
marketing resources may be potential entrants in the student housing business. The entry of one or
more of these companies could increase competition for students and for the acquisition,
development and management of other student housing properties.
We may be unable to successfully complete and operate our properties or our third party developed
properties.
We intend to continue to develop and construct student housing in accordance with our growth
strategies. These activities may also include any of the following risks:
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we may be unable to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all; |
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we may not complete development projects on schedule, within budgeted amounts or in
conformity with building plans and specifications, including our two properties under
development as of September 30, 2005; |
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we may encounter delays or refusals in obtaining all necessary zoning, land use,
building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations; |
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occupancy and rental rates at newly developed or renovated properties may fluctuate
depending on a number of factors, including market and economic conditions, and may
reduce or eliminate our return on investment; |
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we may become liable for injuries and accidents occurring during the construction
process and for environmental liabilities, including off-site disposal of construction
materials; |
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we may decide to abandon our development efforts if we determine that continuing the
project would not be in our best interests; and |
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we may encounter strikes, weather, government regulations and other conditions
beyond our control. |
4
Our newly developed properties will be subject to risks associated with managing new
properties, including lease-up and integration risks. In addition, new development activities,
regardless of whether or not they are ultimately successful, typically will require a substantial
portion of the time and attention of our development and management personnel. Newly developed
properties may not perform as expected.
We anticipate that we will, from time to time, elect not to proceed with ongoing development
projects. If we elect not to proceed with a development project, the development costs associated
therewith will ordinarily be charged against income for the then-current period. Any such charge
could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period in which the charge
is taken.
We may in the future develop properties nationally, internationally or in geographic regions
other than those in which we currently operate. We do not possess the same level of familiarity
with development in these new markets, which could adversely affect our ability to develop such
properties successfully or at all or to achieve expected performance. Future development
opportunities may not be available to us on terms that meet our investment criteria or we may be
unsuccessful in capitalizing on such opportunities. Our ability to capitalize on such
opportunities will be largely dependent upon external sources of capital that may not be available
to us on favorable terms or at all.
We typically provide guarantees of timely completion of projects that we develop for third
parties. In certain cases, our contingent liability under these guarantees may exceed our
development fee from the project. Although we seek to mitigate this risk by, among other things,
obtaining similar guarantees from the project contractor, we could sustain significant losses if
development of a project were to be delayed or stopped and we were unable to cover our guarantee
exposure with the guarantee received from the project contractor.
We may be unable to successfully acquire properties on favorable terms.
Our future growth will be dependent upon our ability to successfully acquire new properties on
favorable terms. As we acquire additional properties, we will be subject to risks associated with
managing new properties, including lease-up and integration risks. Newly developed and recently
acquired properties may not perform as expected and may have characteristics or deficiencies
unknown to us at the time of acquisition. Future acquisition opportunities may not be available to
us on terms that meet our investment criteria or we may be unsuccessful in capitalizing on such
opportunities. Our ability to capitalize on such opportunities will be largely dependent upon
external sources of capital that may not be available to us on favorable terms or at all.
Our ability to acquire properties on favorable terms and successfully operate them involve the
following significant risks:
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our potential inability to acquire a desired property may be caused by competition
from other real estate investors; |
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competition from other potential acquirers may significantly increase the purchase price; |
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we may be unable to finance an acquisition on favorable terms or at all; |
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we may have to incur significant capital expenditures to improve or renovate
acquired properties; |
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we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions, particularly
acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into our existing operations; |
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market conditions may result in higher than expected costs and vacancy rates and
lower than expected rental rates; and |
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we may acquire properties subject to liabilities but without any recourse, or with
only limited recourse, to the sellers, or with liabilities that are unknown to us, such
as liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination, claims by
tenants, vendors or other persons dealing |
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with the former owners of our properties and claims for indemnification by members,
directors, officers and others indemnified by the former owners of our properties. |
Our failure to finance property acquisitions on favorable terms, or operate acquired
properties to meet our financial expectations, could adversely affect us.
Our debt level reduces cash available for distribution and may expose us to the risk of default
under our debt obligations.
As of September 30, 2005, our total consolidated indebtedness was approximately $287.2 million
(excluding unamortized debt premiums). Our debt service obligations expose us to the risk of
default and reduce or eliminate cash resources that are available to operate our business or pay
distributions that are necessary to maintain our qualification as a real estate investment trust or
REIT. There is no limit on the amount of indebtedness that we may incur except as provided by the
covenants in our revolving credit facility. We expect to incur additional indebtedness under our
revolving credit facility to fund future property development and acquisitions and other working
capital needs, which may include the payment of distributions to our stockholders. The amount
available to us and our ability to borrow from time to time under our revolving credit facility is
subject to certain conditions and the satisfaction of specified financial covenants. Our level of
debt and the limitations imposed on us by our debt agreements could have significant adverse
consequences, including the following:
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We may be unable to borrow additional funds as needed or on favorable terms. |
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We may be unable to refinance our indebtedness at maturity or the refinancing terms
may be less favorable than the terms of our original indebtedness. |
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We may be forced to dispose of one or more of our properties, possibly on
disadvantageous terms. |
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We may default on our payment or other obligations as a result of insufficient cash
flow or otherwise, which may result in a cross-default on our other obligations, and
the lenders or mortgagees may foreclose on our properties that secure their loans and
receive an assignment of rents and leases. |
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Foreclosures could create taxable income without accompanying cash proceeds, a
circumstance that could hinder our ability to meet the REIT distribution requirements
imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. |
We may not be able to recover pre-development costs for university developments.
University systems and educational institutions typically award us development services
contracts on the basis of a competitive award process, but such contracts are typically executed
following the formal approval of the transaction by the institutions governing body. In the
intervening period, we may incur significant pre-development and other costs in the expectation
that the development services contract will be executed. If an institutions governing body does
not ultimately approve our selection and the terms of the pending development contract, we may not
be able to recoup these costs from the institution and the resulting losses could be material.
Our awarded projects may not be successfully structured or financed and may delay our recognition
of revenues.
The recognition and timing of revenues from our awarded development services projects will,
among other things, be contingent upon successfully structuring and closing project financing as
well as the timing of construction. The development projects that we have been awarded have at
times been delayed beyond the originally scheduled construction commencement date. If such delays
were to occur with our current awarded projects, our recognition of expected revenues and receipt
of expected fees from these projects would be delayed.
6
We may encounter delays in completion or experience cost overruns with respect to our properties
that are under construction.
As of September 30, 2005, we were in the process of constructing two owned off-campus
properties. These properties are subject to the various risks relating to properties that are
under construction referred to elsewhere in these risk factors, including the risks that we may
encounter delays in completion and that these projects may experience cost overruns. These
properties may not be completed on time. Additionally, if we do not complete the construction of
certain of our properties on schedule, we may be required to provide alternative housing to the
students with whom we have signed leases. We generally do not make any arrangements for such
alternative housing for these properties and we would likely incur significant expenses in the
event we provide such housing. If construction is not completed on schedule, students may attempt
to break their leases and our occupancy at such properties for that academic year may suffer.
Our guarantees could result in liabilities in excess of our development fees.
In third party developments, we typically provide guarantees of the obligations of the
developer, including development budgets and timely project completion. These guarantees include,
among other things, the cost of providing alternate housing for students in the event we do not
timely complete a development project. These guarantees typically exclude delays resulting from
force majeure and also, in third party transactions, are typically limited in amount to the amount
of our development fees from the project. In certain cases, however, our contingent liability
under these guarantees has exceeded our development fee from the project and we may agree to such
arrangements in the future. Our obligations under alternative housing guarantees typically expire
five days after construction is complete. Project cost guarantees are normally satisfied within
one year after completion of the project.
Universities have the right to terminate our participating ground leases.
The ground leases through which we own our on-campus participating properties provide that the
university lessor may purchase our interest in and assume the management of the facility, with the
purchase price calculated at the discounted present cash value of our leasehold interest. The
exercise of any such buyout would result in a significant reduction in our portfolio.
Risks Related to the Real Estate Industry
Our performance and value are subject to risks associated with real estate assets and with the real
estate industry.
Our ability to satisfy our financial obligations and make expected distributions to our
stockholders depends on our ability to generate cash revenues in excess of expenses and capital
expenditure requirements. Events and conditions generally applicable to owners and operators of
real property that are beyond our control may decrease cash available for distribution and the
value of our properties. These events include:
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general economic conditions; |
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rising level of interest rates; |
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local oversupply, increased competition or reduction in demand for student housing; |
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inability to collect rent from tenants; |
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vacancies or our inability to rent space on favorable terms; |
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inability to finance property development and acquisitions on favorable terms; |
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increased operating costs, including insurance premiums, utilities, and real estate taxes; |
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costs of complying with changes in governmental regulations; |
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the relative illiquidity of real estate investments; |
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decreases in student enrollment at particular colleges and universities; |
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changes in university policies related to admissions; and |
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changing student demographics. |
In addition, periods of economic slowdown or recession, rising interest rates or declining
demand for real estate, or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result
in a general decline in rents or an increased incidence of defaults under existing leases, which
would adversely affect us.
Potential losses may not be covered by insurance.
We carry fire, earthquake, terrorism, business interruption, vandalism, malicious mischief,
boiler and machinery, commercial general liability and workers compensation insurance covering all
of the properties in our portfolio under various policies. We believe the policy specifications
and insured limits are appropriate and adequate given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the
coverage and industry practice. There are, however, certain types of losses, such as property
damage from generally unsecured losses such as riots, wars, punitive damage awards or acts of God,
that may be either uninsurable or not economically insurable. Some of our properties are insured
subject to limitations involving large deductibles and policy limits that may not be sufficient to
cover losses. In addition, we may discontinue earthquake, terrorism or other insurance on some or
all of our properties in the future if the cost of premiums for any of these policies exceeds, in
our judgment, the value of the coverage discounted for the risk of loss.
If we experience a loss that is uninsured or that exceeds policy limits, we could lose the
capital invested in the damaged properties as well as the anticipated future cash flows from those
properties. In addition, if the damaged properties are subject to recourse indebtedness, we would
continue to be liable for the indebtedness, even if these properties were irreparably damaged and
require substantial expenditures to rebuild or repair. In the event of a significant loss at one
or more of our properties, the remaining insurance under our policies, if any, could be
insufficient to adequately insure our other properties. In such event, securing additional
insurance, if possible, could be significantly more expensive than our current policies.
Unionization or work stoppages could have an adverse effect on us.
We are at times required to use unionized construction workers or to pay the prevailing wage
in a jurisdiction to such workers. Due to the highly labor intensive and price competitive nature
of the construction business, the cost of unionization and/or prevailing wage requirements for new
developments could be substantial. Unionization and prevailing wage requirements could adversely
affect a new developments profitability. Union activity or a union workforce could increase the
risk of a strike, which would adversely affect our ability to meet our construction timetables.
We could incur significant costs related to government regulation and private litigation over
environmental matters.
Under various environmental laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), a current or previous owner or operator of real property
may be liable for contamination resulting from the release or threatened release of hazardous or
toxic substances or petroleum at that property, and an entity that arranges for the disposal or
treatment of a hazardous or toxic substance or petroleum at another property may be held jointly
and severally liable for the cost to investigate and clean up such property or other affected
property. Such parties are known as potentially responsible parties (PRPs). Such environmental
laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was
responsible for, the presence of the contaminants, and the costs of any required investigation or
cleanup of these substances can be
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substantial. PRPs are liable to the government as well as to other PRPs who may have claims
for contribution. The liability is generally not limited under such laws and could exceed the
propertys value and the aggregate assets of the liable party. The presence of contamination or
the failure to remediate contamination at our properties may expose us to third party liability for
personal injury or property damage, or adversely affect our ability to sell, lease or develop the
real property or to borrow using the real property as collateral.
Environmental laws also impose ongoing compliance requirements on owners and operators of real
property. Environmental laws potentially affecting us address a wide variety of matters,
including, but not limited to, asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM), storage tanks,
stormwater and wastewater discharges, lead-based paint, wetlands, and hazardous wastes. Failure to
comply with these laws could result in fines and penalties or expose us to third party liability.
Some of our properties may have conditions that are subject to these requirements and we could be
liable for such fines or penalties or liable to third parties.
Existing conditions at some of our properties may expose us to liability related to environmental
matters.
Some of the properties in our portfolio may contain asbestos-containing building materials, or
ACBMs. Environmental laws require that ACBMs be properly managed and maintained, and may impose
fines and penalties on building owners or operators for failure to comply with these requirements.
Also, some of the properties in our portfolio contain, or may have contained, or are adjacent to or
near other properties that have contained or currently contain storage tanks for the storage of
petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. These operations create a potential for
the release of petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. Third parties may be
permitted by law to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury associated with
exposure to contaminants, including, but not limited to, petroleum products, hazardous or toxic
substances, and asbestos fibers. Also, some of the properties may contain regulated wetlands that
can delay or impede development or require costs to be incurred to mitigate the impact of any
disturbance. Absent appropriate permits, we can be held responsible for restoring wetlands and be
required to pay fines and penalties.
Some of the properties in our portfolio may contain microbial matter such as mold, mildew and
viruses. The presence of microbial matter could adversely affect our results of operations. In
addition, if any property in our portfolio is not properly connected to a water or sewer system, or
if the integrity of such systems are breached, microbial matter or other contamination can develop.
If this were to occur, we could incur significant remedial costs and we may also be subject to
material private damage claims and awards, which could be material. If we become subject to claims
in this regard, it could materially and adversely affect us and our insurability for such matters
in the future.
From time to time, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, designates
certain sites affected by hazardous substances as Superfund sites pursuant to CERCLA. Superfund
sites can cover large areas, affecting many different parcels of land. Although CERCLA imposes
joint and several liability for contamination on property owners and operators regardless of fault,
the EPA may chose to pursue PRPs based on their actual contribution to the contamination. PRPs are
liable for the costs of responding to the hazardous substances. Commons on Apache, The Village at
University and University Village at San Bernardino (which we disposed of in January 2005) are
located within federal Superfund sites. EPA designated these areas as Superfund sites because
groundwater beneath these areas is contaminated. We have not been named as a PRP with respect to
these sites.
Independent environmental consultants conducted Phase I environmental site assessments on all
of the owned properties and on-campus participating properties in our existing portfolio. Phase I
environmental site assessments are intended to evaluate information regarding the environmental
condition of the surveyed property and surrounding properties based generally on visual
observations, interviews and certain publicly available databases. These assessments do not
typically take into account all environmental issues, including, but not limited to, testing of
soil or groundwater, comprehensive asbestos survey or an invasive inspection for the presence of
mold contamination. In some cases where prior use was a concern, additional study was undertaken.
These assessments may have failed to reveal all environmental conditions, liabilities, or
compliance concerns. Material environmental conditions, liabilities, or compliance concerns may
have arisen after the assessments were conducted or may arise in the future. In addition, future
laws, ordinances or regulations may
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impose material additional environmental liability. The costs of future environmental
compliance may affect our ability to pay distributions to you and such costs or other remedial
measures may be material to us.
We may incur environmental liabilities.
We do not carry environmental insurance on our properties. Environmental liability at any of
our properties may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of
operations, cash flow, the trading price of our stock or our ability to satisfy our debt service
obligations and pay dividends or distributions to our stockholders.
We may incur significant costs complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or the ADA, all public accommodations must
meet federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Additional federal, state
and local laws also may require modifications to our properties, or restrict our ability to
renovate our properties. For example, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, or FHAA, requires
apartment properties first occupied after March 13, 1990 to be accessible to the handicapped. We
have not conducted an audit or investigation of all of our properties to determine our compliance
with present requirements. Noncompliance with the ADA or FHAA could result in the imposition of
fines or an award or damages to private litigants and also could result in an order to correct any
non-complying feature. We cannot predict the ultimate amount of the cost of compliance with the
ADA, FHAA or other legislation. If we incur substantial costs to comply with the ADA, FHAA or any
other legislation, we could be materially and adversely affected.
We may incur significant costs complying with other regulations.
The properties in our portfolio are subject to various federal, state and local regulatory
requirements, such as state and local fire and life safety requirements. If we fail to comply with
these various requirements, we might incur governmental fines or private damage awards.
Furthermore, existing requirements could change and require us to make significant unanticipated
expenditures that would materially and adversely affect us.
Joint venture investments could be adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making
authority, our reliance on co-venturers financial condition and disputes between our co-venturers
and us.
We have in the past co-invested, and anticipate that we will continue in the future to
co-invest, with third parties through partnerships, joint ventures or other entities, acquiring
non-controlling interests in or sharing responsibility for managing the affairs of a property,
partnership, joint venture or other entity. In connection with joint venture investments, we do
not have sole decision-making control regarding the property, partnership, joint venture or other
entity. Investments in partnerships, joint ventures or other entities may, under certain
circumstances, involve risks not present were a third party not involved, including the possibility
that our partners or co-venturers might become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of required
capital contributions. Our partners or co-venturers also may have economic or other business
interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, and may be in a
position to take actions contrary to our preferences, policies or objectives. Such investments
also will have the potential risk of impasses on decisions, such as a sale, because neither we nor
our partners or co-venturers would have full control over the partnership or joint venture.
Disputes between us and our partners or co-venturers may result in litigation or arbitration that
would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and/or directors from focusing their time and
effort exclusively on our business. Consequently, actions by or disputes with our partners or
co-venturers might result in subjecting properties owned by the partnership, joint venture or other
entity to additional risk. In addition, we may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions
of our partners or co-venturers.
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Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure
We are recently organized and have a limited operating history.
We were organized in March 2004 and have a limited operating history. In addition, all of our
properties have been acquired or developed by us or our predecessors within the past nine years and
have limited operating histories under current management. Consequently, our historical operating
results and the financial data incorporated by reference in this prospectus may not be useful in
assessing our likely future performance. The operating performance of the properties may decline
under our management. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash from operations to satisfy
our financial obligations and make distributions to our stockholders.
We will also be subject to the risks generally associated with the operation of a relatively
new business.
To qualify as a REIT, we may be forced to limit the activities of our TRS.
To qualify as a REIT, no more than 20% of the value of our total assets may consist of the
securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries, such as American Campus Communities Services,
Inc., our taxable REIT subsidiary, or our TRS. Certain of our activities, such as our third party
development, management and leasing services, must be conducted through our TRS for us to qualify
as a REIT. In addition, certain non-customary services must be provided by a taxable REIT
subsidiary or an independent contractor. If the revenues from such activities create a risk that
the value of our TRS, based on revenues or otherwise, approaches the 20% threshold, we will be
forced to curtail such activities or take other steps to remain under the 20% threshold. Since the
20% threshold is based on value, it is possible that the IRS could successfully contend that the
value of our TRS exceeds the 20% threshold even if our TRS accounts for less than 20% of our
consolidated revenues, income or cash flow. Our on-campus participating properties and our third
party services are held by our TRS. Consequently, income earned from our on-campus participating
properties and our third party services will be subject to regular federal income taxation and
state and local income taxation where applicable, thus reducing the amount of cash available for
distribution to our stockholders.
Our TRS is a taxable REIT subsidiary and is not permitted to directly or indirectly operate or
manage a hotel, motel or other establishment more than one-half of the dwelling units in which are
used on a transient basis. We believe that our method of operating our TRS will not be considered
to constitute such an activity. Future Treasury Regulations or other guidance interpreting the
applicable provisions might adopt a different approach, or the IRS might disagree with our
conclusion. In such event we might be forced to change our method of operating our TRS, which
could adversely affect us, or our TRS could fail to qualify as a taxable REIT subsidiary, which
would likely cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT.
Failure to qualify as a REIT would have significant adverse consequences to us and the value of our
securities.
We intend to operate in a manner that will allow us to qualify as a REIT for federal income
tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code. If we lose our REIT status, we will face serious tax
consequences that would substantially reduce or eliminate the funds available for investment and
for distribution to stockholders for each of the years involved, because:
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we would not be allowed a deduction for dividends to stockholders in computing our
taxable income and such amounts would be subject to federal income tax at regular
corporate rates; |
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we also could be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax and possibly
increased state and local taxes; and |
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unless we are entitled to relief under applicable statutory provisions, we could not
elect to be taxed as a REIT for four taxable years following the year during which we
were disqualified. |
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In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will not be required to pay dividends to
stockholders, and all dividends to stockholders will be subject to tax as ordinary income to the
extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. As a result of all these factors, our
failure to qualify as a REIT also could impair our ability to expand our business and raise
capital, and would adversely affect the value of our common stock.
Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Internal
Revenue Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial and administrative
interpretations. The complexity of these provisions and of the applicable Treasury Regulations
that have been promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code is greater in the case of a REIT that,
like us, holds its assets through a partnership or a limited liability company. The determination
of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control may affect our ability
to qualify as a REIT. In order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of requirements,
including requirements regarding the composition of our assets and two gross income tests: (a) at
least 75% of our gross income in any year must be derived from qualified sources, such as rents
from real property, mortgage interest, dividends from other REITs and gains from sale of such
assets, and (b) at least 95% of our gross income must be derived from sources meeting the 75%
income test above, and other passive investment sources, such as other interest and dividends and
gains from sale of securities. Also, we must pay dividends to stockholders aggregating annually at
least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding any net capital gains. In addition, legislation,
new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions may adversely affect our
investors, our ability to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes or the desirability of
an investment in a REIT relative to other investments.
Even if we qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we may be subject to some
federal, state and local taxes on our income or property and, in certain cases, a 100% penalty tax,
in the event we sell property as a dealer or if our TRS enters into agreements with us or our
tenants on a basis that is determined to be other than an arms length basis.
To qualify as a REIT, we may be forced to borrow funds on a short-term basis during unfavorable
market conditions.
In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required under the Internal Revenue Code to distribute
annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid
deduction and excluding any net capital gain. Our TRS may, in its discretion, retain any income it
generates net of any tax liability it incurs on that income without affecting the 90% distribution
requirements to which we are subject as a REIT. Net income of our TRS is included in REIT taxable
income and increases the amount required to be distributed, only if such amounts are paid out as a
dividend by our TRS. If our TRS distributes any of its after-tax income to us, that distribution
will be included in our REIT taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to income tax at
regular corporate rates to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our net taxable income,
including any net capital gains. Because of these distribution requirements, we may not be able to
fund future capital needs, including any necessary acquisition financing, from operating cash flow.
Consequently, we will be compelled to rely on third party sources to fund our capital needs. We
may not be able to obtain this financing on favorable terms or at all. Any additional indebtedness
that we incur will increase our leverage. Our access to third party sources of capital depends, in
part, on:
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general market conditions; |
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our current debt levels and the number of properties subject to encumbrances; |
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our current performance and the markets perception of our growth potential; |
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our cash flow and cash dividends; and |
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the market price per share of our stock. |
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If we cannot obtain capital from third party sources, we may not be able to acquire or develop
properties when strategic opportunities exist, satisfy our debt service obligations or make the
cash distributions to our stockholders, including those necessary to qualify as a REIT.
Our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our stock.
Our charter provides that, subject to certain exceptions, no person or entity may beneficially
own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code, more than 9.8% (by value or by number of shares, whichever is more
restrictive) of the outstanding shares of our common stock or more than 9.8% by value of all our
outstanding shares, including both common and preferred stock. We refer to this restriction as the
ownership limit. A person or entity that becomes subject to the ownership limit by virtue of a
violative transfer that results in a transfer to a trust is referred to as a purported beneficial
transferee if, had the violative transfer been effective, the person or entity would have been a
record owner and beneficial owner or solely a beneficial owner of our stock, or is referred to as a
purported record transferee if, had the violative transfer been effective, the person or entity
would have been solely a record owner of our stock.
The constructive ownership rules under the Internal Revenue Code are complex and may cause
stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be
owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8%
of our stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively,
our stock) by an individual or entity, could, nevertheless cause that individual or entity, or
another individual or entity, to own constructively in excess of 9.8% of our outstanding stock and
thereby subject the stock to the ownership limit. Our charter, however, requires exceptions to be
made to this limitation if our board of directors determines that such exceptions will not
jeopardize our tax status as a REIT. This ownership limit could delay, defer or prevent a change
of control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for our common stock or
otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
Certain tax and anti-takeover provisions of our charter and bylaws may inhibit a change of our
control.
Certain provisions contained in our charter and bylaws and the Maryland General Corporation
Law may discourage a third party from making a tender offer or acquisition proposal to us. If this
were to happen, it could delay, deter or prevent a change in control or the removal of existing
management. These provisions also may delay or prevent the stockholders from receiving a premium
for their shares of common stock over then-prevailing market prices. These provisions include:
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the REIT ownership limit described above; |
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authorization of the issuance of our preferred shares with powers, preferences or
rights to be determined by our board of directors; |
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the right of our board of directors, without a stockholder vote, to increase our
authorized shares and classify or reclassify unissued shares; |
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advance-notice requirements for stockholder nomination of directors and for other
proposals to be presented to stockholder meetings; and |
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the requirement that a majority vote of the holders of common stock is needed to
remove a member of our board of directors for cause. |
The Maryland business statutes also impose potential restrictions on a change of control of our
company.
Various Maryland laws may have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire us, even if the
acquisition would be advantageous to stockholders. Our bylaws exempt us from some of those laws,
such as the control share acquisition provisions, but our board of directors can change our bylaws
at any time to make these provisions applicable to us.
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We have the right to change some of our policies that may be important to our stockholders without
stockholder consent.
Our major policies, including our policies with respect to investments, leverage, financing,
growth, debt and capitalization, are determined by our board of directors or those committees or
officers to whom our board of directors has delegated that authority. Our board of directors also
establishes the amount of any dividends or distributions that we pay to our stockholders. Our
board of directors may amend or revise the listed policies, our dividend or distribution payment
amounts and other policies from time to time without stockholder vote. Accordingly, our
stockholders may not have control over changes in our policies.
Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are
limited.
Maryland law provides that a director or officer has no liability in that capacity if he or
she performs his or her duties in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believe to be in our
best interests and with the care that an ordinary prudent person in a like position would use under
similar circumstances. In addition, our charter eliminates our directors and officers liability
to us and our stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of
an improper benefit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established
by a final judgment and which is material to the cause of action. Our bylaws require us to
indemnify directors and officers for liability resulting from actions taken by them in those
capacitates to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. As a result, we and our stockholders
may have more limited rights against our directors and officers than might otherwise exist under
common law. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs incurred by our directors
and officers.
Our success depends on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed.
We are dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, particularly William C. Bayless, Jr.,
our President and Chief Executive Officer, Brian B. Nickel, our Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Secretary, James C. Hopke, Jr., our Executive Vice President and Chief
Investment Officer, and Greg A. Dowell, our Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations. Mr.
Bayless has directed the companys key business segments since inception and possesses nearly 20
years of student housing development and management experience. Messrs. Bayless, Nickel, Hopke and
Dowell all have substantial industry reputations that attract business and investment opportunities
and assist us in negotiations with lenders, universities and industry personnel. Jason R. Wills,
our Senior Vice PresidentMarketing and Business Development, and Brian N. Winger, our Senior Vice
PresidentDevelopment, both have strong industry reputations and specialized experience, which aid
us in developing, acquiring and managing our properties. The loss of the services of any of such
personnel could materially and adversely affect us.
The majority of our management have limited experience operating a REIT or a public company.
We have a limited operating history as a REIT or a public company. Our board of directors and
executive officers have overall responsibility for our management. While our executive and senior
officers have extensive experience in real estate marketing, development, management and finance,
they have limited prior experience in operating a business in accordance with the Internal Revenue
Code requirements for qualification as a REIT, operating a public company or complying with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, regulations. Failure to qualify as a REIT would
have an adverse effect on our cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Failure to
properly comply with SEC regulations and requirements could impair our ability to operate as a
public company.
We may not be able to make distributions to our stockholders in the future.
We are required to distribute 90% of our REIT taxable income (excluding capital gains) on an
annual basis in order to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, we intend
to make, but are not contractually bound to make, regular quarterly distributions to common
stockholders and holders of units in the Operating partnership. If we do not generate revenues
from our properties and third party development and management services sufficient to meet the
Operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, our
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cash flow will decrease. This could have an adverse effect on our ability to satisfy our
financial obligations and pay distributions to our stockholders. We may be required to use
borrowings under the credit facility, if necessary, to meet REIT distribution requirements and
qualify as a REIT. However, our revolving credit facility contains covenants that restrict our
ability to pay distributions or other amounts to our stockholders unless certain tests are
satisfied and also contains certain provisions restricting our ability to draw funds under the
facility. We expect to incur additional indebtedness through borrowings under our credit facility
to fund future property development, acquisitions and other working capital needs, which may
include the payment of distributions to our stockholders. All distributions are at the discretion
of our board of directors. The board of directors considers market factors and our performance in
addition to REIT requirements in determining distribution levels. To the extent we use our working
capital or borrowings under our revolving credit facility to fund our distributions, our financial
condition and our ability to access these funds for other purposes, such as the expansion of our
business or future distributions, could be adversely affected. Any such distributions from working
capital or borrowings may represent a return of capital for federal income tax purposes.
Our distributions will not be eligible for the recent lower tax rate on dividends except in limited
situations.
Unlike dividends received from a corporation that is not a REIT, our distributions to
individual stockholders generally will not be eligible for the recent lower tax rate on dividends
except in limited situations.
Market interest rates may have an effect on the value of our securities.
One of the factors that will influence the price of our common stock will be the dividend
yield on our common stock (as a percentage of the price of our common stock) relative to market
interest rates. An increase in market interest rates, which are currently at low levels relative
to historical rates, may lead prospective purchasers of our common stock to expect a higher
dividend yield in order to maintain their investment, which could adversely affect the market price
of our outstanding equity or debt securities. In addition, we have incurred and expect to continue
to incur debt in the future, some of which may have variable or floating interest rates.
Accordingly, higher interest rates would likely increase our borrowing costs and potentially
decrease funds available to meet our financial obligations and for distribution to our
stockholders.
Issuance of debt or equity securities may adversely affect our financial condition.
Our capital requirements depend on numerous factors, including the occupancy rates of our
properties, distribution payment rates to our stockholders, development and capital expenditures,
costs of operations and potential acquisitions. We cannot accurately predict the timing and amount
of our capital requirements. If our capital requirements vary materially from our plans, we may
require additional financing sooner than anticipated. Accordingly, we could become more leveraged,
resulting in increased risk of default on our obligations and in an increase in our debt service
requirements, both of which could adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to
access debt and equity capital markets in the future.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We have made statements in this prospectus and any supplement that are forward-looking in
that they do not discuss historical fact, but instead note future expectations, projections,
intentions or other items relating to the future. These forward-looking statements include those
made in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. In particular, statements
pertaining to our capital resources, portfolio performance and results of operations contain
forward-looking statements. Likewise, all of our statements regarding anticipated growth in our
funds from operations and anticipated market conditions, demographics and results of operations are
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties
and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend
on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and we may not be able to
realize them. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as
described (or that they will happen at all). You can identify forward-looking statements by the
use of forward-looking terminology such as believes, expects, may, will, should, seeks,
approximately, intends, plans, pro forma, estimates or anticipates or the negative of
these words and phrases or similar words or phrases. You can also identify forward-looking
statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. The following factors, among others,
could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or
contemplated in the forward-looking statements:
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changing university admission and housing policies; |
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adverse economic or real estate developments; |
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general economic conditions; |
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future terrorist attacks in the U.S. or hostilities involving the U.S.; |
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defaults on or non-renewal of leases by student-tenants; |
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increased interest rates and operating costs; |
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debt levels and property encumbrances; |
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our failure to obtain necessary third party financing; |
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decreased rental rates or increased vacancy rates resulting from competition or otherwise; |
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difficulties in identifying properties to acquire and completing acquisitions; |
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our failure to successfully operate acquired properties and operations; |
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our failure to successfully develop properties in a timely manner; |
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our failure to maintain our status as a REIT; |
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environmental costs, uncertainties and risks, especially those related to natural disasters; |
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financial market fluctuations; |
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changes in real estate and zoning laws and increases in real property tax rates; and |
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other risks detailed in our other SEC reports or filings
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For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future results,
performance or transactions, see the section above entitled Risk Factors. These forward-looking
statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this prospectus.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of common stock to the selling stockholders
or from sales of this stock by the selling stockholders.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
General
Authorized Shares. Our charter provides that we may issue up to 800,000,000 shares of our
common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 200,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value
per share. As of the date of this prospectus, 17,190,000 shares of common stock and no shares of
preferred stock are issued and outstanding.
Authority of Our Board of Directors Relating to Authorized Shares. Our charter authorizes our
board of directors to amend our charter to increase or decrease the total number of our authorized
shares, or the number of shares of any class or series of capital stock that we have authority to
issue, without stockholder approval. Our board of directors also has the authority, under our
charter and without stockholder approval, to classify any unissued shares of common or preferred
stock into one or more classes or series of stock and to reclassify any previously classified but
unissued shares of any series of our common or preferred stock. If, however, there are any laws or
stock exchange rules that require us to obtain stockholder approval in order for us to take these
actions, we will contact our stockholders to solicit that approval.
We believe that the power to issue additional shares of common stock or preferred stock and to
classify or reclassify unissued shares of common or preferred stock and then issue the classified
or reclassified shares provides us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future
financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that may arise in the future. These actions
can be taken without stockholder approval, unless stockholder approval is required by applicable
law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be
listed or traded. Although our board of directors has no present intention of doing so, we could
issue a class or series of stock that could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of
control that would involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be
favorable to them.
Terms and Conditions of Authorized Shares. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or
series, our board of directors is required by Maryland law and our charter to set, subject to the
provisions of our charter regarding restrictions on transfer of stock, the terms, preferences,
conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other
distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of exchange for each class or series. As a
result, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of shares of common stock or preferred
stock with terms and conditions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a
transaction or a change of control that would involve a premium price for holders of our common
stock or otherwise be favorable to them.
Stockholder Liability. Applicable Maryland law provides that our stockholders will not be
personally liable for our acts and obligations and that our funds and property will be the only
recourse for our acts and obligations.
Common Stock
All shares of our common stock are duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. Subject to
the preferential rights of any other class or series of stock and to the provisions of the charter
regarding restrictions on transfer of stock, holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to
receive distributions on such stock if, as and when authorized by our board of directors out of
assets legally available for the payment of distributions, and declared by us, and to share ratably
in our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders in the event of our
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, after payment of or adequate provision for all of our known
debts and liabilities.
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Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding restrictions on transfer of stock, as
described in more detail below under Restrictions on Transfer, each outstanding share of our
common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders,
including the election of directors and, except as provided with respect to any other class or
series of stock, the holders of our common stock will possess the exclusive voting power. There is
no cumulative voting in the election of our directors. Under Maryland law, the holders of a
plurality of the votes cast at a meeting at which directors are to be elected is sufficient to
elect a director unless a corporations charter or bylaws provide otherwise. Our bylaws provide
for such plurality voting in the election of directors.
Holders of shares of our common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund,
redemption or appraisal rights and have no preemptive or other rights to subscribe for any of our
securities. Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of
stock, shares of our common stock will have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights.
Preferred Stock
Under our charter, our board of directors may from time to time establish and issue one or
more series of preferred stock without stockholder approval. Prior to issuance of shares of each
series, our board of directors is required by Maryland law and our charter to set, subject to the
provisions of our charter regarding restrictions on transfer of stock, the terms, preferences,
conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other
distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each series. As of the
date hereof, no shares of preferred stock are outstanding and we have no present plans to issue any
preferred stock.
Restrictions on Transfer
In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, our stock must be
beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months
(other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a
proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the
outstanding shares of stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as
defined in the Internal Revenue Code to include certain entities such as qualified pension plans)
during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a
REIT has been made).
Our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our stock that are intended
to assist us in complying with these requirements and continuing to qualify as a REIT. The
relevant sections of our charter provide that, subject to the exceptions described below, no person
or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive
ownership provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, more than 9.8% (by value or by number of shares,
whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of our common stock or more than 9.8% by
value of all of our outstanding shares, including both common and preferred stock. We refer to
this restriction as the ownership limit. A person or entity that becomes subject to the
ownership limit by virtue of a violative transfer that results in a transfer to a trust, as set
forth below, is referred to as a purported beneficial transferee if, had the violative transfer
been effective, the person or entity would have been a record owner and beneficial owner or solely
a beneficial owner of our stock, or is referred to as a purported record transferee if, had the
violative transfer been effective, the person or entity would have been solely a record owner of
our stock.
The constructive ownership rules under the Internal Revenue Code are complex and may cause
stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be
owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8%
of our stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively,
our stock) by an individual or entity, could, nevertheless cause that individual or entity, or
another individual or entity, to own constructively in excess of 9.8% of our outstanding stock and
thereby subject the stock to the applicable ownership limit.
Our board of directors must waive the ownership limit with respect to a particular person if
it:
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determines that such ownership will not cause any individuals beneficial ownership
of shares of our stock to violate the ownership limit and that any exemption from the
ownership limit will not jeopardize our status as a REIT; and |
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determines that such stockholder does not and will not own, actually or
constructively, an interest in a tenant of ours (or a tenant of any entity whose
operations are attributed in whole or in part to us) that would cause us to own,
actually or constructively, more than a 9.8% interest (as set forth in Section
856(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code) in such tenant or that any such ownership
would not cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. |
As a condition of our waiver, our board of directors may require the applicant to submit such
information as the board of directors may reasonably need to make the determinations regarding our
REIT status and additionally may require an opinion of counsel or IRS ruling satisfactory to our
board of directors, and/or representations or undertakings from the applicant with respect to
preserving our REIT status.
In connection with the waiver of the ownership limit or at any other time, our board of
directors may increase the ownership limitation for some persons and decrease the ownership limit
for all other persons and entities; provided, however, that the decreased ownership limit will not
be effective for any person or entity whose percentage ownership in our stock is in excess of such
decreased ownership limit until such time as such person or entitys percentage of our stock equals
or falls below the decreased ownership limit, but any further acquisition of our stock in excess of
such percentage ownership of our common stock will be in violation of the ownership limit.
Additionally, the new ownership limit may not allow five or fewer stockholders to beneficially own
more than 50% in value of our outstanding stock.
Our charter provisions further prohibit:
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any person from beneficially or constructively owning shares of our stock that would
result in our being closely held under Section 856(h) of the Internal Revenue Code or
otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT; and |
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any person from transferring shares of our stock if such transfer would result in
shares of our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons (determined
without reference to any rules of attribution). |
Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership
of shares of our stock that will or may violate any of the foregoing restrictions on
transferability and ownership will be required to give notice immediately to us and provide us with
such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect of such transfer on our
status as a REIT. The foregoing provisions on transferability and ownership will not apply if our
board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to attempt to qualify, or
to continue to qualify, as a REIT.
Pursuant to our charter, if any purported transfer of our stock or any other event would
otherwise result in any person violating the ownership limits or such other limit as permitted by
our board of directors, then any such purported transfer will be void and of no force or effect as
to that number of shares in excess of the ownership limit (rounded up to the nearest whole share).
That number of shares in excess of the ownership limit will be automatically transferred to, and
held by, a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable organizations selected by us.
The automatic transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to
the date of the violative transfer or other event that results in a transfer to the trust. Any
dividend or other distribution paid to the purported record transferee, prior to our discovery that
the shares had been automatically transferred to a trust as described above, must be repaid to the
trustee upon demand for distribution to the beneficiary of the trust. If the transfer to the trust
as described above is not automatically effective, for any reason, to prevent violation of the
applicable ownership limit or as otherwise permitted by our board of directors, then our charter
provides that the transfer of the excess shares will be void.
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Shares of our stock transferred to the trustee are deemed offered for sale to us, or our
designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the price paid by the purported record
transferee for the shares (or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the trust did not
involve a purchase of such shares of our stock at market price, the last reported sales price
reported on the NYSE on the trading day immediately preceding the day of the event which resulted
in the transfer of such shares of our stock to the trust); and (ii) the market price on the date
we, or our designee, accepts such offer. We have the right to accept such offer until the trustee
has sold the shares of our stock held in the trust pursuant to the clauses discussed below. Upon a
sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold terminates and the
trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the purported record transferee and any
dividends or other distributions held by the trustee with respect to such stock will be paid to the
charitable beneficiary.
If we do not buy the shares, the trustee must, within 20 days of receiving notice from us of
the transfer of shares to the trust, sell the shares to a person or entity designated by the
trustee who could own the shares without violating the ownership limits or as otherwise permitted
by our board of directors. After that, the trustee must distribute to the purported record
transferee an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the price paid by the purported record transferee
or owner for the shares (or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the trust did not
involve a purchase of such shares at market price, the last reported sales price reported on the
NYSE on the trading day immediately preceding the relevant date); and (ii) the sales proceeds (net
of commissions and other expenses of sale) received by the trust for the shares. The purported
beneficial transferee or purported record transferee has no rights in the shares held by the
trustee.
The trustee will be designated by us and will be unaffiliated with us and with any purported
record transferee or purported beneficial transferee. Prior to the sale of any excess shares by
the trust, the trustee will receive, in trust for the beneficiary, all dividends and other
distributions paid by us with respect to the excess shares, and may also exercise all voting rights
with respect to the excess shares.
Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the
trust, the trustee shall have the authority, at the trustees sole discretion:
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to rescind as void any vote cast by a purported record transferee prior to our
discovery that the shares have been transferred to the trust; and |
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to recast the vote in accordance with the desires of the trustee acting for the
benefit of the beneficiary of the trust. |
However, if we have already taken irreversible corporate action, then the trustee may not
rescind and recast the vote.
Any beneficial owner or constructive owner of shares of our stock and any person or entity
(including the stockholder of record) who is holding shares of our stock for a beneficial owner
must, on request, provide us with a completed questionnaire containing the information regarding
their ownership of such shares, as set forth in the applicable Treasury Regulations. In addition,
any person or entity that is a beneficial owner or constructive owner of shares of our stock and
any person or entity (including the stockholder of record) who is holding shares of our stock for a
beneficial owner or constructive owner shall, on request, be required to disclose to us in writing
such information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such stockholders
actual and constructive ownership of shares of our stock on our status as a REIT and to ensure
compliance with the ownership limit, or as otherwise permitted by our board of directors.
All certificates representing shares of our stock bear a legend referring to the restrictions
described above.
This ownership limit could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of us
that might involve a premium price for our stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our
stockholders.
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Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is The Bank of New York.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS
The following description summarizes the material terms of certain provisions of Maryland law,
including the Maryland General Corporation Law, and our charter and bylaws. You should review the
Maryland General Corporation Law, our charter and our bylaws for complete information. We have
incorporated by reference our charter and bylaws as exhibits to the registration statement of which
this prospectus is a part. See Where You Can Find More Information.
Our Board of Directors, Vacancies on Our Board of Directors and Removal of Directors
Number and Election of Directors. Our bylaws provide that, except for any directors elected
by holders of a class or series of shares other than common stock, the number of our directors will
be fixed by a majority of our entire board of directors, but may not be fewer than the minimum
number permitted under Maryland law or more than fifteen. In establishing the number of directors,
the board of directors may not alter the term of office of any director in office at that time.
Pursuant to our charter, each of our directors is elected by our stockholders to serve until
their successors are duly elected and qualify. Holders of shares of our common stock will have no
right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Our bylaws provide that at each annual
meeting of stockholders, a plurality of votes cast will be able to elect our directors.
Vacancies on Our Board of Directors. Any vacancy may be filled by a majority of the remaining
directors even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, except (i) if the vacancy
results from an increase in the number of directors constituting the board, in which case the
vacancy shall be filled by a majority of the entire board, (ii) if the vacancy results from a
removal of a director, in which case the vacancy may also be filled by our stockholders and (iii)
as may be otherwise provided for in the terms of any class or series of preferred stock.
Removal of Directors. Our charter provides that, except for any directors elected by holders
of a class or series of shares other than common stock, a director may be removed by the
stockholders only with the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast
generally in the election of directors and only for cause. In our charter, cause means, with
respect to any particular director, conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction holding that such director caused demonstrable, material harm to us through
bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty.
Amendment of Our Charter and Bylaws
Our charter, including its provisions on removal of directors, may be amended by the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on
the matter. Our bylaws may be amended only by a majority of our directors. The stockholders have
no right to amend or propose an amendment to our bylaws.
Transactions Outside the Ordinary Course of Business
Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not merge with or into another entity, sell all
or substantially all of our assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions
outside the ordinary course of our business unless the transaction or transactions are approved by
the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be
cast on the matter. However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for approval of
these matters by a lesser percentage of the shares entitled to vote on the matter, but not less
than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our charter provides for
approval of these matters by at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast except if:
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the merger will merge one of our 90% or more owned subsidiaries into us without
amending our charter other than in limited respects and without altering the contract
rights of the stock of the subsidiary (in which case only the approval of our board of
directors and the board of directors of the subsidiary is necessary); |
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we are the successor corporation in a share exchange (in which case only the
approval of our board of directors is necessary); or |
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we are the survivor in the merger and the merger does not change the terms of any
class or series of our outstanding stock, or otherwise amend our charter, and the
number of shares of stock of each class or series outstanding immediately before the
merger does not increase by more than 20% of the number of shares of each such class or
series of stock that was outstanding immediately prior to effectiveness of the merger
(in which case only the approval of our board of directors is necessary). |
Dissolution
A proposal that we dissolve must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
Our bylaws provide for advance notice by a stockholder or stockholders wishing to have certain
matters considered and voted upon at a meeting of stockholders.
With respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to our
board of directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only:
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pursuant to our notice of the meeting; |
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by or at the direction of our board of directors; or |
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by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and has complied with the
advance notice procedures set forth in our bylaws. |
These procedures generally require the stockholder to deliver notice to our Secretary not less
than 90 days or later than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first
anniversary of the date of mailing of the notice for the preceding years annual meeting. If the
date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days from the date of the preceding years
meeting or if we did not hold an annual meeting the preceding year, notice must delivered not
earlier than the 120th day prior to the date of mailing of the notice for that annual
meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to
the date of mailing of the notice for the annual meeting or the 10th day following the
day on which disclosure of the date of mailing for the meeting is made.
With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of
meeting may be brought before the meeting of stockholders. Nominations of persons for election to
our board of directors may be made only:
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pursuant to our notice of the meeting; |
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by or at the direction of our board of directors; or |
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provided that our board of directors has determined that directors will be elected
at such meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and has
complied with the advance notice provisions set forth in our bylaws. |
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Notice must be delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to the date of the
special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day
prior to the date of the special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which disclosure of
the date of the special meeting is made.
The postponement or adjournment of an annual or special meeting to a later date or time will
not commence any new time periods for the giving of the notice described above. Our bylaws contain
detailed requirements for the contents of stockholder notices of director nominations and new
business proposals.
Ownership Limit
Our charter provides that no person or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by
virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% (by value or
by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of our stock. We
refer to this restriction as the ownership limit. Our charter, however, requires exceptions to
be made to this limitation if our board of directors determines that such exceptions will not
jeopardize our tax status as a REIT. See Description of Capital Stock Restrictions on
Transfer.
Business Combinations
Maryland law establishes special requirements for business combinations (including a merger,
consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or
reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland corporation and any person who
beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporations shares or an affiliate of
the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the
beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the
corporation, an interested stockholder, or an affiliate of such an interested stockholder are
prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an
interested stockholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the board
of directors of such corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (a) 80% of the
votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation and
(b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other
than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom (or with whose affiliate) the business
combination is to be effected, unless, among other conditions, the corporations common
stockholders receive a minimum price (as defined in Maryland law) for their shares and the
consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested
stockholder for its shares. These provisions of Maryland law do not apply, however, to business
combinations that are approved or exempted by our board of directors prior to the time that the
interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. In addition, a person is not considered
an interested stockholder under the statute if our board of directors approved in advance the
transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder.
Unless otherwise determined by our board of directors, pursuant to our charter, we have opted
out of these provisions of Maryland law. Our charter, however, provides that any business
combinations must be approved by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes entitled
to be cast by holders of our voting stock.
Control Share Acquisitions
Maryland law provides that control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control
share acquisition have no voting rights except to the extent approved at a special meeting by the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of
stock in a corporation in respect of which any of the following persons is entitled to exercise or
direct the exercise of the voting power of shares of stock of the corporation in the election of
directors: (i) a person who makes or proposes to make a control share acquisition; (ii) an officer
of the corporation; or (iii) an employee of the corporation who is also a director of the
corporation. Control shares are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other such
shares of stock previously acquired by the acquirer or in respect of which the acquirer is able to
exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy),
would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the
following ranges of voting power: (i) one-tenth or more but less than one-third; (ii) one-third or
more but less than a majority; or (iii) a majority or more of all voting power. Control shares do
not include
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shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained
stockholder approval. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of control shares,
subject to certain exceptions.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of
certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses), may compel our board of directors to
call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting
rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the
question at any stockholders meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver
an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and
limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which
voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the
absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share
acquisition by the acquirer or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such
shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a
stockholders meeting and the acquirer becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled
to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as
determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share
paid by the acquirer in the control share acquisition.
The control share acquisition statute does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger,
consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (b) to
acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.
Our bylaws contain a provision exempting us from the control share acquisition statute any and
all acquisitions by any person of our common stock. There can be no assurance that our board of
directors will not amend or eliminate this provision of our bylaws in the future.
Anti-Takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws
The provisions of our charter on removal of directors and the advance notice provisions of the
bylaws could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of us that might involve
a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. Likewise,
if our board of directors were to opt in to the business combination provisions of Maryland law or
if the provision in the bylaws opting out of the control share acquisition provisions of Maryland
law were rescinded, these provisions of Maryland law could have similar anti-takeover effects.
Board Consideration of Relevant Factors and Constituencies
Our charter provides that our board of directors may, in connection with a business
combination, change in control or other potential acquisition of our control, consider the
effect of the potential acquisition on our control, consider the effect of the potential
acquisition on our stockholders, employees, suppliers, customers and creditors and on communities
in which our offices or other establishments are located. As a result of this provision, our board
of directors may consider subjective factors that affect or may affect the potential acquisition
and may oppose the proposal on that basis.
Duties of Our Directors
Under Maryland law, there is a presumption that the act of a director satisfies the required
standard of care under Maryland law. An act of a director relating to or affecting an acquisition
or a potential acquisition of control is not subject under Maryland law to a higher duty or to
greater scrutiny than those applied to any other act of a director. This provision does not impose
an enhanced level of scrutiny when our board of directors implements anti-takeover measures in a
change-of-control context, and also shifts the burden of proof for demonstrating that any defensive
mechanism adopted by our board is unreasonable.
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Indemnification and Limitation of Directors and Officers Liability
Our charter and the partnership agreement provide for indemnification of our officers and
directors against liabilities to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law.
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the
liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages
except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money,
property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being
material to the cause of action. Our charter contains such a provision, which eliminates such
liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
Our charter also provides that, to the maximum extent that Maryland Law in effect from time to
time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers of a corporation, no director or
officer shall be liable to us or our stockholders for money damages. Our bylaws obligate us, to
the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without
requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or
reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:
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any present or former director or officer who is made a party to the proceeding by
reason of his or her service in that capacity; or |
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any individual who, while a member of our board and at our request, serves or has
served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture,
trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or
trustee of such corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture,
trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made a party to the
proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity. |
Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who
served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any of our employees,
agents or predecessors.
Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our charter
does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise,
in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service
in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors
and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable
expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a
party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:
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the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving
rise to the proceeding and: |
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was committed in bad faith; or |
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was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; |
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the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money,
property or services; or |
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in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause
to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. |
However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment
in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that
personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification and
then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable
expenses to a director or officer only upon the corporations receipt of:
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a written affirmation by the director or officer of his good faith belief that he
has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation; and |
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a written undertaking by the director or by another on the directors behalf to
repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined
that the director did not meet the standard of conduct. |
Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, officers or persons
controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we have been informed that, in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, this indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and
directors whereby we indemnify such executive officers and directors to the fullest extent
permitted by Maryland Law against all expenses and liabilities, subject to limited exceptions.
These indemnification agreements also provide that upon an application for indemnity by an
executive officer or director to a court of appropriate jurisdiction, such court may order us to
indemnify such executive officer or director.
EXCHANGE OF UNITS
The rights of unitholders to exchange their units for common stock were granted in the Amended
and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of American Campus Communities Operating Partnership,
dated as of August 17, 2004. The following summary of the exchange rights of holders units is not
complete. You should look at the partnership agreement and the amendments that are filed as
exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. To obtain a copy of
these documents, see Where You Can Find More Information on page 48.
Holders of units have the right to require us to acquire all or a portion of their units in
exchange for, at our election, cash or our common stock by delivering a notice of exchange
substantially in the form of Exhibit B to the partnership agreement. The general partner will
promptly give the tendering holder written notice of its election, and the tendering holder may
elect to withdraw its exchange request at any time prior to the acceptance of the cash or shares by
such tendering holder. Without the consent of the general partner, no unitholder effecting an
exchange of all or a portion of its units is entitled to tender less than 1,000 units for exchange
at any one time, unless such lesser amount is all of the units then owned by the exchanging holder.
The consent of the general partner is also required to effect an exchange during the period after
a record date with respect to a distribution to unitholders and before the record date for a
distribution to stockholders.
Upon exchange, the exchanging holder will receive either an equal number of shares of common
stock or, at our election, an amount of cash equal to the fair market value of such number of
shares. The number of shares will be adjusted:
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if we, under certain circumstances, acquire material assets, other than on behalf of
the Operating Partnership; or |
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for stock dividends, stock splits and subdivisions, reverse stock splits and
combinations, distributions of rights, warrants or options, and distributions of
evidences of indebtedness or assets relating to assets we do not receive pursuant to a
pro rata distribution by the Operating Partnership. |
If we elect to deliver cash in lieu of all or any portion of the shares, the exchanging holder
will receive shares valued at the average of the daily closing prices for the five consecutive
trading days immediately preceding the date of receipt of a notice of exchange.
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On the tenth day after our receipt of the notice of exchange, we will deliver to the
exchanging holder the number of shares of common stock to be exchanged or, at our election, cash,
each in an amount determined as described above. The common stock to be delivered will be duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and, if applicable, free of any pledge,
lien, encumbrance or restriction, other than those provided in our charter, bylaws, the Securities
Act of 1933, relevant state securities or blue sky laws and any applicable registration rights
agreement with respect to such shares entered into by the exchanging holder. Notwithstanding any
delay in such delivery, except as described in the next paragraph, the exchanging holder will be
deemed the owner of such shares for all purposes, including rights to vote or consent, and receive
dividends, as of the date of the notice of exchange.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the partnership agreement, a unitholder will not be
entitled to effect an exchange for cash or an exchange for common stock to the extent the ownership
or right to acquire common stock pursuant to such exchange by such holder on the date of the notice
of could cause such holder or any other person to violate the restrictions on ownership and
transfer of our common stock set forth in our charter and will have no rights under the partnership
agreement to acquire common stock that would otherwise be prohibited under our charter. To the
extent any attempted exchange or exchange would be in violation of the provisions described in this
paragraph, it will be null and void and such holder will not acquire any rights or economic
interest in the cash otherwise payable upon such redemption or the common stock otherwise issuable
upon such exchange.
Each unitholder will continue to own all units subject to redemption or exchange, and be
treated as a limited partner with respect to such units for all purposes of the partnership
agreement, until such units are transferred and paid for or exchanged. Until so exchanged, the
exchanging holder will have no rights as a stockholder with respect to such holders units.
In the partnership agreement, each unitholder agreed with us that all tendered units will be
delivered to us free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances and should any such lien,
claim and/or encumbrance exist or arise with respect to such tendered units, we will be under no
obligation to acquire the same. Each unitholder also agreed that, in the event any state or local
property transfer tax is payable as a result of the transfer of its tendered units, such holder
will assume and pay such transfer tax.
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FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following discussion summarizes our taxation and the material Federal income tax
consequences associated with an investment in our common stock. The tax treatment of stockholders
will vary depending upon the holders particular situation, and this discussion addresses only
holders that hold common stock as a capital asset and does not deal with all aspects of taxation
that may be relevant to particular holders in light of their personal investment or tax
circumstances. This section also does not deal with all aspects of taxation that may be relevant
to certain types of holders to which special provisions of the Federal income tax laws apply,
including:
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dealers in securities or currencies; |
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traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for
their securities holdings; |
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banks and other financial institutions; |
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tax-exempt organizations (except to the limited extent discussed in Taxation of
Tax-Exempt Stockholders); |
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certain insurance companies; |
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persons liable for the alternative minimum tax; |
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persons that hold securities as a hedge against interest rate or currency risks or
as part of a straddle or conversion transaction; |
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non-U.S. individuals and foreign corporations (except to the limited extent
discussed in Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders); and |
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holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. |
The statements in this section are based on the Internal Revenue Code, or the Code, its
legislative history, current and proposed regulations under the Code, published rulings and court
.decisions. This summary describes the provisions of these sources of law only as they are
currently in effect. All of these sources of law may change at any time, and any change in the law
may apply retroactively. We cannot assure you that new laws, interpretations of law or court
decisions, any of which may take effect retroactively, will not cause any statement in this section
to be inaccurate.
This section is not a substitute for careful tax planning. We urge you to consult your tax
advisor regarding the specific tax consequences to you of ownership of our securities and of our
election to be taxed as a REIT. Specifically, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the
federal, state, local, foreign, and other tax consequences to you regarding the purchase, ownership
and sale of our securities. You should also consult with your tax advisor regarding the impact of
potential changes in the applicable tax laws.
Tax Consequences of an Exchange of Units
The exchange of units for common shares or cash will be a fully taxable transaction to the
unitholder. The unitholder will generally recognize gain in an amount equal to the value of the
common shares and the amount of cash received, plus the amount of liabilities of the Operating
Partnership allocable to the units being exchanged, less its tax basis in the units. The gain may
exceed the value of the common stock and the amount of cash received. However, if we elect to pay
cash for the units exchanged and we use cash received from the Operating Partnership for such
purpose, it is possible that such payment will be treated for federal income tax purposes as an
exchange by the Operating Partnership of the units exchanged. In this case, the unitholder would
recognize gain to the extent that the cash received, plus the amount of any of the Operating
Partnerships liabilities allocable to the units being exchanged, exceeds the adjusted tax basis in
all of the holders units prior to such payment.
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The recognition of any loss resulting from an exchange of units is subject to a number of
limitations set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. The character of any gain or loss arising from
an exchange as capital or ordinary will depend on the character of the units in the hands of the
unitholder as well as the nature of the assets of the Operating Partnership at the time of the
exchange.
Taxation of Our Company
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of Code, commencing with
our taxable year ended December 31, 2004.
Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP has provided us an opinion that we have been organized and, for the
taxable year ended December 31, 2004, we have operated in conformity with the requirements for
qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and our current manner of organization and
proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to satisfy the requirements for
qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code in the future. You should be aware, however,
that opinions of counsel are not binding upon the Internal Revenue Service or any court. In
providing its opinion, Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP is relying, as to certain factual matters, upon the
statements and representations contained in certificates provided to Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP by
us.
Our qualification as a REIT will depend upon our continuing satisfaction of the requirements
of the Code relating to qualification for REIT status. Some of these requirements depend upon
actual operating results, distribution levels, diversity of stock ownership, asset composition,
source of income and record keeping. Accordingly, while we intend to continue to qualify to be
taxed as a REIT, the actual results of our operations for any particular year might not satisfy
these requirements. Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP will not monitor our compliance with the requirements
for REIT qualification on an ongoing basis. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual
results of our operation for any particular taxable year will satisfy such requirements. For a
discussion of the tax consequences of our failure to qualify as a REIT. See Failure to
Qualify as a REIT below.
The sections of the Code relating to qualification and operation as a REIT, and the federal
income taxation of a REIT and its stockholders, are highly technical and complex. The following
discussion sets forth only the material aspects of those sections. This summary is qualified in
its entirety by the applicable Code provisions and the related rules and regulations.
As a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on the taxable income that we
distribute to our stockholders. The benefit of that tax treatment is that it avoids the double
taxation, or taxation at both the corporate and stockholder levels, that generally results from
owning shares in a corporation. Our distributions, however, will generally not be eligible for (i)
the lower rate of tax applicable to dividends received by an individual from a C corporation (as
defined below) or (ii) the corporate dividends received deduction. Further, we will be subject to
federal tax in the following circumstances:
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First, we will have to pay tax at regular corporate rates on any undistributed real
estate investment trust taxable income, including undistributed net capital gains. |
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Second, under certain circumstances, we may have to pay the alternative minimum tax
on items of tax preference. |
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Third, if we have (a) net income from the sale or other disposition of foreclosure
property, as defined in the Code, which is held primarily for sale to customers in the
ordinary course of business or (b) other non-qualifying income from foreclosure
property, we will have to pay tax at the highest corporate rate on that income. |
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Fourth, if we have net income from prohibited transactions, as defined in the
Code, we will have to pay a 100% tax on that income. Prohibited transactions are, in
general, certain sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure
property, held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. We
do not intend to engage in prohibited transactions. We cannot assure you, however,
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harbors or that the IRS will not successfully assert that one or more of such sales
are prohibited transactions. |
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Fifth, if we should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross
income test, as discussed below under Requirements for Qualification, but we have
nonetheless maintained our qualification as a REIT because we have satisfied other
requirements necessary to maintain REIT qualification, we will have to pay a 100% tax
on an amount equal to (a) the gross income attributable to the greater of (i) 75% of
our gross income over the amount of gross income that is qualifying income for purposes
of the 75% test, and (ii) 95% of our gross income over the amount of gross income that
is qualifying income for purposes of the 95% test, multiplied by (b) a fraction
intended to reflect our profitability. |
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Sixth, beginning in the 2005 taxable year, if we fail, in more than a de minimis
fashion, to satisfy one or more of the asset tests under the REIT provisions of the
Code for any quarter of a taxable year, but nonetheless continue to qualify as a REIT
because we qualify under certain relief provisions, we will likely be required to pay a
tax of the greater of $50,000 or a tax computed at the highest corporate rate on the
amount of net income generated by the assets causing the failure from the date of
failure until the assets are disposed of or we otherwise return to compliance with the
asset test. |
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Seventh, beginning in the 2005 taxable year, if we fail to satisfy one or more of
the requirements for REIT qualification under the REIT provisions of the Code (other
than the income tests or the asset tests), we nevertheless may avoid termination of our
REIT election in such year if the failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to
willful neglect and we pay a penalty of $50,000 for each failure to satisfy the REIT
qualification requirements. |
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Eighth, if we should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum
of (1) 85% of our real estate investment trust ordinary income for that year, (2) 95%
of our real estate investment trust capital gain net income for that year and (3) any
undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we would have to pay a 4% excise tax
on the excess of that required dividend over the amounts actually distributed. |
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Ninth, if we acquire any appreciated asset from a C corporation in certain
transactions in which we must adopt the basis of the asset or any other property in the
hands of the C corporation as our basis of the asset in our hands, and we recognize
gain on the disposition of that asset during the 10-year period beginning on the date
on which we acquired that asset, then we will have to pay tax on the built-in gain at
the highest regular corporate rate. In general, a C corporation means a corporation
that has to pay full corporate-level tax. |
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Tenth, if we receive non-arms length income from one of our taxable REIT
subsidiaries (as defined under Requirements for Qualification), we will be
subject to a 100% tax on the amount of our non-arms-length income. |
Requirements for Qualification
To qualify as a REIT, we must elect to be treated as a REIT, and we must meet various (a)
organizational requirements, (b) gross income tests, (c) asset tests, and (d) annual dividend
requirements.
Organizational Requirements
The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:
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that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;
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the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares, or by
transferable certificates of beneficial interest; |
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that would otherwise be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for Sections 856
through 859 of the Code; |
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that is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company to which certain
provisions of the Code apply; |
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the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons; |
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during the last half of each taxable year, not more than 50% in value of the
outstanding stock of which is owned, directly or constructively, by five or fewer
individuals, as defined in the Code to also include certain entities; and |
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which meets certain other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income
and assets. |
The Code provides that the conditions described in the first through fourth bullet points
above must be met during the entire taxable year and that the condition described in the fifth
bullet point 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.
We expect that we will satisfy the conditions described in the first through fifth bullet
points of the preceding paragraph and believe that we will also satisfy the condition described in
the sixth bullet point of the preceding paragraph. In addition, our charter provides for
restrictions regarding the ownership and transfer of our capital stock. These restrictions are
intended to assist us in continuing to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in the
fifth and sixth bullet points of the preceding paragraph. The ownership and transfer restrictions
pertaining to the stock are described earlier in this prospectus under the heading Description of
Capital Stock Restrictions on Transfer.
For purposes of determining share ownership under the sixth bullet point, an individual
generally includes a supplemental unemployment compensation benefits plan, a private foundation, or
a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes. An
individual, however, generally does not include a trust that is a qualified employee pension or
profit sharing trust under the federal income tax laws, and beneficiaries of such a trust will be
treated as holding our shares in proportion to their actuarial interests in the trust for purposes
of the sixth bullet point.
A corporation that is a qualified REIT subsidiary is not treated as a corporation separate
from its parent REIT. All assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of a
qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and
credit of the REIT. A qualified REIT subsidiary is a corporation, all of the capital stock of
which is owned by the REIT. Thus, in applying the requirements described herein, any qualified
REIT subsidiary that we own will be ignored, and all assets, liabilities, and items of income,
deduction, and credit of such subsidiary will be treated as our assets, liabilities, and items of
income, deduction, and credit.
An unincorporated domestic entity, such as a limited liability company, that has a single
owner, generally is not treated as an entity separate from its owner for federal income tax
purposes. An unincorporated domestic entity with two or more owners is generally treated as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a
partnership, the REIT is treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership
and as earning its allocable share of the gross income of the partnership for purposes of the
applicable REIT qualification tests.
If, as in our case, a REIT is a partner in a partnership, Treasury Regulations provide that
the REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate capital share of the assets of the partnership and
will be deemed to be entitled to the income of the partnership attributable to that capital share.
In addition, the character of the assets and gross income of the partnership will retain the same
character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of Section 856 of the Code,
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including satisfying the gross income tests and the asset tests. Thus, our proportionate
share of the assets, liabilities and items of income of American Campus Communities Operating
Partnership LP, or our Operating Partnership, which is our principal asset, will be treated as
our assets, liabilities and items of income for purposes of applying the requirements described in
this section. In addition, actions taken by the Operating Partnership or any other entity that is
either a disregarded entity (including a qualified REIT subsidiary) or partnership in which we own
an interest, either directly or through one or more tiers of disregarded entities (including
qualified REIT subsidiaries) or partnerships such as the Operating Partnership, can affect our
ability to satisfy the REIT income and assets tests and the determination of whether we have net
income from prohibited transactions. Accordingly, for purposes of this discussion, when we discuss
our actions, income or assets we intend that to include the actions, income or assets of the
Operating Partnership or any entity that is either a disregarded entity (including a qualified REIT
subsidiary) or partnership for U.S. Federal income tax purposes in which we maintain an interest
through multiple tiers of disregarded entities (including qualified REIT subsidiaries) or
partnerships.
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries
A taxable REIT subsidiary, or a TRS is any corporation in which a REIT directly or
indirectly owns stock, provided that the REIT and that corporation make a joint election to treat
that corporation as a taxable REIT subsidiary. The election can be revoked at any time as long as
the REIT and the TRS revoke such election jointly. In addition, if a TRS holds directly or
indirectly, more than 35% of the securities of any other corporation (by vote or by value), then
that other corporation is also treated as a TRS. A corporation can be a TRS with respect to more
than one REIT. We have made a TRS election for American Campus Communities Services, Inc., our
taxable REIT subsidiary.
A TRS is subject to Federal income tax at regular corporate rates (maximum rate of 35%), and
may also be subject to state and local taxation. Any dividends paid or deemed paid by any one of
our taxable REIT subsidiaries will also be subject to tax, either (i) to us if we do not pay the
dividends received to our stockholders as dividends, or (ii) to our stockholders if we do pay out
the dividends received to our stockholders. Further, the rules impose a 100% excise tax on
transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT or the parent REITs tenants that are not conducted
on an arms-length basis. We may hold more than 10% of the stock of a TRS without jeopardizing our
qualification as a REIT notwithstanding the rule described below under Asset Tests that
generally precludes ownership of more than 10% (by vote or value) of any issuers securities.
However, as noted below, in order for us to qualify as a REIT, the securities of all of the taxable
REIT subsidiaries in which we have invested either directly or indirectly may not represent more
than 20% of the total value of our assets. We expect that the aggregate value of all of our
interests in taxable REIT subsidiaries will represent less than 20% of the total value of our
assets, and will, to the extent necessary, limit the activities of the Services Company or take
other actions necessary to satisfy the 20% value limit. We cannot, however, assure that we will
always satisfy the 20% value limit or that the IRS will agree with the value we assign to the
Services Company and any other TRS in which we own an interest.
A TRS is not permitted to directly or indirectly operate or manage a lodging facility. A
lodging facility is defined as a hotel, motel or other establishment more than one-half of the
dwelling units in which are used on a transient basis. We believe that our Services Company will
not be considered to operate or manage a lodging facility. Although the Services Company is
expected to lease certain of our student housing properties on a short term basis during the summer
months and occasionally during other times of the year, we believe that such limited short term
leasing will not cause the Services Company to be considered to directly or indirectly operate or
manage a lodging facility. Our belief in this regard is based in part on Treasury Regulations
interpreting similar language applicable to other provisions of the Code. Treasury Regulations or
other guidance specifically adopted for purposes of the TRS provisions might take a different
approach, and, even absent such guidance, the IRS might take a contrary view. In such an event, we
might be forced to change our method of operating the Services Company, which could adversely
affect us, or could cause the Services Company to fail to qualify as a TRS, in which event we would
likely fail to qualify as a REIT.
We may engage in activities indirectly though a TRS as necessary or convenient to avoid
receiving the benefit of income or services that would jeopardize our REIT status if we engaged in
the activities directly. In particular, we would likely engage in activities through a TRS for
providing services that are non-customary and services to unrelated parties (such as our third
party development and management services) that might produce income that does not qualify under
the gross income tests described below. We might also hold certain properties in
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the Services Company, such as our interest in certain of the leasehold properties if we
determine that the ownership structure of such properties may produce income that would not qualify
for purposes of the REIT income tests described below.
Gross Income Tests
We must satisfy two gross income tests annually to maintain our qualification as a REIT.
First, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year must consist of defined types of
income that we derive, directly or indirectly, from investments relating to real property or
mortgages on real property or qualified temporary investment income. Qualifying income for
purposes of that 75% gross income test generally includes:
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rents from real property; |
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interest on debt secured by mortgages on real property, or on interests in real property; |
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dividends or other distributions on, and gain from the sale of, shares in other REITs; |
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gain from the sale of real estate assets; and |
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income derived from the temporary investment of new capital that is attributable to
the issuance of our shares of beneficial interest or a public offering of our debt with
a maturity date of at least five years and that we receive during the one year period
beginning on the date on which we received such new capital. |
Second, in general, at least 95% of our gross income for each taxable year must consist of
income that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, other types of interest
and dividends, gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities or any combination of
these.
Gross income from our sale of property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the
ordinary course of business is excluded from both the numerator and the denominator in both income
tests. The following paragraphs discuss the specific application of the gross income tests to us.
Rents from Real Property. Rent that we receive from our real property will qualify as rents
from real property, which is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests,
only if the following conditions are met:
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First, the rent must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of
any person. Participating rent, however, will qualify as rents from real property if
it is based on percentages of receipts or sales and the percentages: (a) are fixed at
the time the leases are entered into, (b) are not renegotiated during the term of the
leases in a manner that has the effect of basing rent on income or profits, and (c)
conform with normal business practice. |
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More generally, the rent will not qualify as rents from real property if,
considering the relevant lease and all of the surrounding circumstances, the
arrangement does not conform with normal business practice, but is in reality used
as a means of basing the rent on income or profits. We intend to set and accept
rents which are fixed dollar amounts, and not to any extent by reference to any
persons income or profits, in compliance with the rules above. |
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Second, we must not own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of the stock or the
assets or net profits of any lessee, referred to as a related party tenant, other than
a TRS. The constructive ownership rules generally provide that, if 10% or more in
value of our shares is owned, directly or indirectly, by or for any person, we are
considered as owning the stock owned, directly or indirectly, by or for such person.
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We do not own any stock or any assets or net profits of any lessee directly, except
that we may lease office or other space to our TRS or another taxable REIT
subsidiary. We believe that each of the leases will conform with normal business
practice, contain arms-length terms and that the rent payable under those leases
will be treated as rents from real property for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross
income tests. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not successfully
assert a contrary position or that a change in circumstances will not cause a
portion of the rent payable under the leases to fail to qualify as rents from real
property. If such failures were in sufficient amounts, we might not be able to
satisfy either of the 75% or 95% gross income tests and could lose our REIT status.
In addition, if the IRS successfully reapportions or reallocates items of income,
deduction, and credit among and between us and our TRS under the leases or any
intercompany transaction because it determines that doing so is necessary to prevent
the evasion of taxes or to clearly reflect income, we could be subject to a 100%
excise tax on those amounts. As described above, we may own one or more taxable
REIT subsidiaries. Under an exception to the related-party tenant rule described in
the preceding paragraph, rent that we receive from a taxable REIT subsidiary will
qualify as rents from real property as long as (1) at least 90% of the leased
space in the property is leased to persons other than taxable REIT subsidiaries and
related party tenants, and (2) the amount paid by the TRS to rent space at the
property is substantially comparable to rents paid by other tenants of the property
for comparable space. If we receive rent from a TRS, we will seek to comply with
this exception. Whether rents paid by our TRS are substantially comparable to rents
paid by our other tenants is determined at the time the lease with the TRS is
entered into, extended, and modified, if such modification increases the rents due
under such lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, if a lease with a
controlled TRS is modified and such modification results in an increase in the rents
payable by such TRS, any such increase will not qualify as rents from real
property. For purposes of this rule, a controlled TRS is a TRS in which we own
stock possessing more than 50% of the voting power or more than 50% of the total
value of the outstanding stock of such TRS. |
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Third, the rent attributable to the personal property leased in connection with a
lease of real property must not be greater than 15% of the total rent received under
the lease. |
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The rent attributable to personal property under a lease is the amount that bears
the same ratio to total rent under the lease for the taxable year as the average of
the fair market values of the leased personal property at the beginning and at the
end of the taxable year bears to the average of the aggregate fair market values of
both the real and personal property covered by the lease at the beginning and at the
end of such taxable year (the personal property ratio). With respect to each of
our leases, we believe that the personal property ratio generally is less than 15%.
Where that is not, or may in the future not be, the case, we believe that any income
attributable to personal property will not jeopardize our ability to qualify as a
REIT. |
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Fourth, we cannot furnish or render noncustomary services to the tenants of our
properties, or manage or operate our properties, other than through an independent
contractor who is adequately compensated and from whom we do not derive or receive any
income. However, we need not provide services through an independent contractor, but
instead may provide services directly to our tenants, if the services are usually or
customarily rendered in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are
not considered to be provided for the tenants convenience. In addition, we may
provide a minimal amount of noncustomary services to the tenants of a property, other
than through an independent contractor, as long as our income from the services does
not exceed 1% of our income from the related property. Finally, we may own up to 100%
of the stock of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries, which may provide noncustomary
services to our tenants without tainting our rents from the related properties. |
We do not intend to perform any services other than customary ones for our lessees, other than
services provided through independent contractors or taxable REIT subsidiaries. If a portion of
the rent we receive from a property does not qualify as rents from real property because the rent
attributable to personal property exceeds 15% of the total rent for a taxable year, the portion of
the rent attributable to personal property will not be qualifying income for purposes of either the
75% or 95% gross income test. If rent attributable to personal property, plus any
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other income that is nonqualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, during a
taxable year exceeds 5% of our gross income during the year, we could lose our REIT status. By
contrast, in the following circumstances, none of the rent from a lease of property would qualify
as rents from real property: (1) the rent is considered based on the income or profits of the
lessee; (2) the lessee is a related party tenant or fails to qualify for the exception to the
related-party tenant rule for qualifying taxable REIT subsidiaries; or (3) we furnish noncustomary
services to the tenants of the property, or manage or operate the property, other than through a
qualifying independent contractor or a TRS and our income from the services exceeds 1% of our
income from the related property.
Tenants may be required to pay, besides base rent, reimbursements for certain amounts we are
obligated to pay to third parties (such as utility and telephone companies), penalties for
nonpayment or late payment of rent, lease application or administrative fees. These and other
similar payments should qualify as rents from real property.
Interest. The term interest generally does not include any amount received or accrued,
directly or indirectly, if the determination of the amount depends in whole or in part on the
income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be
excluded from the term interest solely because it is based on a fixed percentage or percentages
of receipts or sales. Furthermore, in the case of a shared appreciation mortgage, any additional
interest received on a sale of the secured property will be treated as gain from the sale of the
secured property.
Prohibited Transactions. A REIT will incur a 100% tax on the net income derived from any sale
or other disposition of property, other than foreclosure property, that the REIT holds primarily
for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. We do not have any current
intention to sell any of our properties. Even if we do sell any of our properties, we believe that
none of our assets will be held primarily for sale to customers and that a sale of any of our
assets will not be in the ordinary course of our business. Whether a REIT holds an asset
primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business depends, however,
on the facts and circumstances in effect from time to time, including those related to a particular
asset. Nevertheless, we will attempt to comply with the terms of safe- harbor provisions in the
federal income tax laws prescribing when an asset sale will not be characterized as a prohibited
transaction.
Foreclosure Property. We will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate on certain
income from foreclosure property. We do not own any foreclosure properties and do not expect to
own any foreclosure properties in the future. This would only change in the future if we were to
make loans to third parties secured by real property.
Hedging Transactions. From time to time, we may enter into hedging transactions with respect
to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Our hedging activities may include entering into
interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase such items, and futures and forward
contracts. For 2004, any periodic income or gain from the disposition of any financial instrument
for these or similar transactions to hedge indebtedness we incur to acquire or carry real estate
assets should be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not the 75%
gross income test. Beginning in 2005, income from certain hedging transactions, clearly identified
as such, is not included in our gross income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. Since the
financial markets continually introduce new and innovative instruments related to risk-sharing or
trading, it is not entirely clear which such instruments will generate income which will be
considered qualifying income for purposes of the gross income tests. We intend to structure any
hedging or similar transactions so as not to jeopardize our status as a REIT.
Failure to Satisfy Gross Income Tests
Beginning in 2005, if we fail to satisfy one or both of the gross income tests for any taxable
year, we nevertheless may qualify as a REIT for that year if we qualify for relief under certain
provisions of the federal income tax laws. Those relief provisions generally will be available if:
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our failure to meet the income tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to
willful neglect; and
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we file a description of each item of our gross income in accordance with applicable
Treasury Regulations. |
We cannot with certainty predict whether any failure to meet these tests will qualify for the
relief provisions. As discussed above in Taxation of Our Company, even if the relief
provisions apply, we would incur a 100% tax on the gross income attributable to the greater of the
amounts by which we fail the 75% and 95% gross income tests, multiplied by a fraction intended to
reflect our profitability.
Asset Tests
To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we also must satisfy the following asset tests at the
end of each quarter of each taxable year:
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First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must consist of: (a) cash or
cash items, including certain receivables, (b) government securities, (c) interests in
real property, including leaseholds and options to acquire real property and
leaseholds, (d) interests in mortgages on real property, (e) stock in other REITs, and
(f) investments in stock or debt instruments during the one year period following our
receipt of new capital that we raise through equity offerings or offerings of debt with
at least a five year term; |
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Second, of our investments not included in the 75% asset class, the value of our
interest in any one issuers securities may not exceed 5% of the value of our total
assets; |
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Third, we may not own more than 10% of the voting power or value of any one issuers
outstanding securities; |
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Fourth, no more than 20% of the value of our total assets may consist of the
securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; and |
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Fifth, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may consist of the
securities of taxable REIT subsidiaries and other non-TRS taxable subsidiaries and
other assets that are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test. |
For purposes of the second and third asset tests, the term securities does not include stock
in another REIT, equity or debt securities of a qualified REIT subsidiary or TRS, mortgage loans
that constitute real estate assets, or equity interests in a partnership. For purposes of the 10%
value test, the term securities generally does not include debt securities issued by a
partnership to the extent of our interest as a partner of the partnership or if at least 75% of the
partnerships gross income (excluding income from prohibited transactions) is qualifying income for
purposes of the 75% gross income test. In addition, straight debt and certain other instruments
are not treated as securities for purposes of the 10% value test.
Failure to Satisfy the Asset Tests
We will monitor the status of our assets for purposes of the various asset tests and will
manage our portfolio in order to comply at all times with such tests. If we fail to satisfy the
asset tests at the end of a calendar quarter, we will not lose our REIT status if:
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we satisfied the asset tests at the end of the preceding calendar quarter; and |
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the discrepancy between the value of our assets and the asset test requirements
arose from changes in the market values of our assets and was not wholly or partly
caused by the acquisition of one or more non-qualifying assets. |
If we did not satisfy the condition described in the second item, above, we still could avoid
disqualification by eliminating any discrepancy within 30 days after the close of the calendar
quarter in which it arose.
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Beginning in the 2005 taxable year, if we fail to satisfy one or more of the asset tests for
any quarter of a taxable year, we nevertheless may qualify as a REIT for such year if we qualify
for relief under certain provisions of the Code. These relief provisions generally will be
available for failures of the 5% asset test and the 10% asset tests if (i) the failure is due to
the ownership of assets that do not exceed the lesser of 1% of our total assets or $10 million, and
the failure is corrected within 6 months following the quarter in which it was discovered, or (ii)
the failure is due to ownership of assets that exceed the amount in (i) above, the failure is due
to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, we file a schedule with a description of each
asset causing the failure in accordance with Treasury Regulations, the failure is corrected within
6 months following the quarter in which it was discovered, and we pay a tax consisting of the
greater of $50,000 or a tax computed at the highest corporate rate on the amount of net income
generated by the assets causing the failure from the date of failure until the assets are disposed
of or we otherwise return to compliance with the asset test. We may not qualify for the relief
provisions in all circumstances.
Distribution Requirements
Each taxable year, we must distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends and deemed
distributions of retained capital gains, to our stockholders in an aggregate amount not less than:
the sum of (a) 90% of our REIT taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends-paid
deduction or our net capital gain or loss, and (b) 90% of our after-tax net income, if any, from
foreclosure property, minus the sum of certain items of non-cash income.
We must pay such dividends in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following
taxable year if we declare the dividend before we timely file our federal income tax return for the
year and pay the dividend on or before the first regular dividend payment date after such
declaration.
To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gains or distribute at least
90%, but less than 100%, of our real estate investment trust taxable income, as adjusted, we will
have to pay tax on those amounts at regular ordinary and capital gains corporate tax rates.
Furthermore, if we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of our
ordinary income for that year, (b) 95% of our capital gain net income for that year, and (c) any
undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we would have to pay a 4% nondeductible excise tax
on the excess of the required dividend over the amounts actually distributed.
We may elect to retain and pay income tax on the net long-term capital gains we receive in a
taxable year. See Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders. If we so elect, we will be treated as
having distributed any such retained amount for purposes of the 4% excise tax described above. We
intend to make timely dividends sufficient to satisfy the annual dividend requirements and to avoid
corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax.
It is possible that, from time to time, we may experience timing differences between the
actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses and the inclusion of that income
and deduction of such expenses in arriving at our REIT taxable income. For example, we may not
deduct recognized capital losses from our REIT taxable income. Further, it is possible that,
from time to time, we may be allocated a share of net capital gains attributable to the sale of
depreciated property that exceeds our allocable share of cash attributable to that sale. As a
result of the foregoing, we may have less cash than is necessary to distribute all of our taxable
income and thereby avoid corporate income tax and the excise tax imposed on certain undistributed
income. In such a situation, we may need to borrow funds or issue additional common or preferred
shares or pay dividends in the form of taxable stock dividends.
Under certain circumstances, we may be able to correct a failure to meet the distribution
requirements for a year by paying deficiency dividends to our stockholders in a later year. We
may include such deficiency dividends in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year.
Although we may be able to avoid income tax on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, we will
be required to pay interest based upon the amount of any deduction we take for deficiency
dividends.
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Recordkeeping Requirements
We must maintain certain records in order to qualify as a REIT. In addition, to avoid paying
a penalty, we must request on an annual basis information from our stockholders designed to
disclose the actual ownership of the outstanding common stock. We have complied and intend to
continue to comply with these requirements.
Accounting Period
In order to elect to be taxed as a REIT, we must use a calendar year accounting period. We
use the calendar year as our accounting period for federal income tax purposes for each and every
year we intend to operate as a REIT.
Failure to Qualify as a REIT
If we failed to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and no relief provision applied, we
would have the following consequences. We would be subject to federal income tax and any
applicable alternative minimum tax at rates applicable to regular C corporations on our taxable
income, determined without reduction for amounts distributed to stockholders. We would not be
required to make any distributions to stockholders, and any dividends to stockholders would be
taxable as ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits (which
may be subject to tax at preferential rates to individual stockholders). Corporate stockholders
could be eligible for a dividends-received deduction if certain conditions are satisfied. Unless
we qualified for relief under specific statutory provisions, we would not be permitted to elect
taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we ceased to qualify
as a REIT. We might not be entitled to the statutory relief described in this paragraph in all
circumstances.
Relief From Certain Failures of the REIT Qualification Provisions
Beginning in the 2005 taxable year, if we fail to satisfy one or more of the requirements for
REIT qualification (other than the income tests or the asset tests), we nevertheless may avoid
termination of our REIT election in such year if the failure is due to reasonable cause and not due
to willful neglect and we pay a penalty of $50,000 for each failure to satisfy the REIT
qualification requirements. We may not qualify for this relief provision in all circumstances.
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders
As used in this section, the term U.S. holder means a holder of securities who, for United
States Federal income tax purposes, is:
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a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a domestic corporation; |
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an estate whose income is subject to United States Federal income taxation
regardless of its source; or |
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a trust if a United States court can exercise primary supervision over the trusts
administration and one or more United States persons have authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust. |
As long as we qualify as a REIT, distributions made by us out of our current or accumulated
earnings and profits, and not designated as capital gain dividends, will constitute dividends
taxable to our taxable U.S. holders as ordinary income. Individuals receiving qualified
dividends from domestic and certain qualifying foreign subchapter C corporations may be entitled
to lower rates on dividends (at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, currently at a maximum
rate of 15%) provided certain holding period requirements are met. However, individuals receiving
dividend distributions from us, a REIT, will generally not be eligible for the recent lower rates
on dividends except with respect to the portion of any distribution which (a) represents dividends
being passed through
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to us from a corporation in which we own shares (but only if such dividends would be eligible
for the recent lower rates on dividends if paid by the corporation to its individual stockholders),
including dividends from our TRS, (b) is equal to our REIT taxable income (taking into account the
dividends paid deduction available to us) less any taxes paid by us on these items during our
previous taxable year, or (c) are attributable to built-in gains realized and recognized by us from
disposition of properties acquired by us in non-recognition transaction, less any taxes paid by us
on these items during our previous taxable year. The lower rates will apply only to the extent we
designate a distribution as qualified dividend income in a written notice to you. Individual
taxable U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the impact of these
provisions. Dividends of this kind will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction in
the case of taxable U.S. holders that are corporations. Dividends made by us that we properly
designate as capital gain dividends will be taxable to taxable U.S. holders as gain from the sale
of a capital asset held for more than one year, to the extent that they do not exceed our actual
net capital gain for the taxable year, without regard to the period for which a taxable U.S.
holders has held its common stock. Thus, with certain limitations, capital gain dividends received
by an individual taxable U.S. holders may be eligible for preferential rates of taxation. Taxable
U.S. holders that are corporations may, however, be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital
gain dividends as ordinary income.
To the extent that we pay dividends, not designated as capital gain dividends, in excess of
our current and accumulated earnings and profits, these dividends will be treated first as a
tax-free return of capital to each taxable U.S. holder. Thus, these dividends will reduce the
adjusted basis which the taxable U.S. holder has in our stock for tax purposes by the amount of the
dividend, but not below zero. Dividends in excess of a taxable U.S. holders adjusted basis in its
common stock will be taxable as capital gains, provided that the stock has been held as a capital
asset.
Dividends authorized by us in October, November, or December of any year and payable to a
stockholder of record on a specified date in any of these months will be treated as both paid by us
and received by the stockholder on December 31 of that year, provided that we actually pay the
dividend in January of the following calendar year. Stockholders may not include in their own
income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.
We may elect to retain, rather than distribute, all or a portion of our net long-term capital
gains and pay the tax on such gains. If we make such an election, we will designate amounts as
undistributed capital gains in respect of your shares or beneficial interests by written notice to
you which we will mail out to you with our annual report or at any time within 60 days after
December 31 of any year. When we make such an election, taxable U.S. holders holding common stock
at the close of our taxable year will be required to include, in computing their long-term capital
gains for the taxable year in which the last day of our taxable year falls, the amount that we
designate in a written notice mailed to our stockholders. We may not designate amounts in excess
of our undistributed net capital gain for the taxable year. Each taxable U.S. holder required to
include the designated amount in determining the holders long-term capital gains will be deemed to
have paid, in the taxable year of the inclusion, the tax paid by us in respect of the undistributed
net capital gains. Taxable U.S. holders to whom these rules apply will be allowed a credit or a
refund, as the case may be, for the tax they are deemed to have paid. Taxable U.S. holders will
increase their basis in their stock by the difference between the amount of the includible gains
and the tax deemed paid by the stockholder in respect of these gains.
Dividends made by us and gain arising from a taxable U.S. holders sale or exchange of our
stock will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, taxable U.S. holders generally
will not be able to apply any passive losses against that income or gain.
When a taxable U.S. holder sells or otherwise disposes of our securities, the holder will
recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between
(a) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other
disposition, and (b) the holders adjusted basis in the security for tax purposes. This gain or
loss will be capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the security as a capital asset. The
gain or loss will be long-term gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the security for more than
one year. Long-term capital gains of an individual taxable U.S. holder is generally taxed at
preferential rates. The highest marginal individual income tax rate is currently 35%. The maximum
tax rate on long-term capital gains applicable to individuals is 15% for sales and exchanges of
assets held for more than one year and occurring after May 6, 2003 through December 31, 2008. The
maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains from the sale or
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exchange of section 1250 property (i.e., generally, depreciable real property) is 25% to the
extent the gain would have been treated as ordinary income if the property were section 1245
property (i.e., generally, depreciable personal property). We generally may designate whether a
distribution we designate as capital gain dividends (and any retained capital gain that we are
deemed to distribute) is taxable to non-corporate holders at a 15% or 25% rate. The
characterization of income as capital gain or ordinary income may affect the deductibility of
capital losses. A non-corporate taxpayer may deduct capital losses not offset by capital gains
against its ordinary income only up to a maximum of $3,000 annually. A non-corporate taxpayer may
carry unused capital losses forward indefinitely. A corporate taxpayer must pay tax on its net
capital gains at corporate ordinary-income rates. A corporate taxpayer may deduct capital losses
only to the extent of capital gains, with unused losses carried back three years and forward five
years. In general, any loss recognized by a taxable U.S. holder when the holder sells or otherwise
disposes of our securities that the holder has held for six months or less, after applying certain
holding period rules, will be treated as a long-term capital loss, to the extent of dividends
received by the holder from us which were required to be treated as long-term capital gains.
Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding
We will report to our holders of our debt securities and stock and to the Internal Revenue
Service the amount of interest or dividends we pay during each calendar year and the amount of tax
we withhold, if any. A holder may be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28% with respect
to interest or dividends unless the holder:
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is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and, when required,
demonstrates this fact; or |
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provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from
backup withholding, and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the
backup withholding rules. |
A holder who does not provide us with its correct taxpayer identification number also may be
subject to penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. Any amount paid as backup
withholding will be creditable against the holders income tax liability. In addition, we may be
required to withhold a portion of capital gain dividends to any holders who fail to certify their
non-foreign status to us. For a discussion of the backup withholding rules as applied to non-U.S.
holders, see Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders.
Taxation of Tax-Exempt Holders
Amounts distributed as dividends by a REIT generally do not constitute unrelated business
taxable income when received by a tax-exempt entity. Provided that a tax-exempt holder is not one
of the types of entity described in the next paragraph and has not held its stock as debt financed
property within the meaning of the Code, and the stock is not otherwise used in a trade or
business, the dividend income from the stock will not be unrelated business taxable income to a
tax-exempt stockholder. Similarly, income from the sale of stock will not constitute unrelated
business taxable income unless the tax-exempt holder has held the stock as debt financed property
within the meaning of the Code or has used the stock in a trade or business.
Income from an investment in our securities will constitute unrelated business taxable income
for tax-exempt stockholders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations,
supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified group legal services plans exempt from
Federal income taxation under the applicable subsections of Section 501(c) of the Code, unless the
organization is able to properly deduct amounts set aside or placed in reserve for certain purposes
so as to offset the income generated by its securities. Prospective investors of the types
described in the preceding sentence should consult their own tax advisors concerning these set
aside and reserve requirements.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, a portion of the dividends paid by a pension-held
REIT will be treated as unrelated business taxable income to any trust which:
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is described in Section 401(a) of the Code; |
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is tax-exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code; and |
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holds more than 10% (by value) of the equity interests in the REIT. |
Tax-exempt pension, profit-sharing and stock bonus funds that are described in Section 401(a)
of the Code are referred to below as qualified trusts. A REIT is a pension-held REIT if:
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it would not have qualified as a REIT but for the fact that Section 856(h)(3) of the
Code provides that stock owned by qualified trusts will be treated, for purposes of the
not closely held requirement, as owned by the beneficiaries of the trust (rather than
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either (a) at least one qualified trust holds more than 25% by value of the
interests in the REIT or (b) one or more qualified 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. |
The percentage of any REIT dividend treated as unrelated business taxable income to a
qualifying trust is equal to the ratio of (a) the gross income of the REIT from unrelated trades or
businesses, determined as though the REIT were a qualified trust, less direct expenses related to
this gross income, to (b) the total gross income of the REIT, less direct expenses related to the
total gross income. A de minimis exception applies where this percentage is less than 5% for any
year. We do not expect to be classified as a pension-held REIT, but this cannot be guaranteed.
The rules described above in Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders concerning the inclusion of
our designated undistributed net capital gains in the income of our stockholders will apply to
tax-exempt entities. Thus, tax-exempt entities will be allowed a credit or refund of the tax
deemed paid by these entities in respect of the includible gains.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders
The rules governing U.S. Federal income taxation of nonresident alien individuals, foreign
corporations, foreign partnerships and other foreign stockholders are complex. This section is
only a summary of such rules. We urge non-U.S. holders to consult their own tax advisors to
determine the impact of federal, state, and local income tax laws on ownership of common stock,
including any reporting requirements.
Ordinary Dividends. Dividends, other than dividends that are treated as attributable to gain
from sales or exchanges by us of U.S. real property interests, as discussed below, and other than
dividends designated by us as capital gain dividends, will be treated as ordinary income to the
extent that they are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. A withholding
tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the dividend will ordinarily apply to dividends of this
kind to non-U.S. holders, unless an applicable income tax treaty reduces that tax. However, if
income from an investment in our stock is treated as effectively connected with the non-U.S.
holders conduct of a U.S. trade or business or is attributable to a permanent establishment that
the non-U.S. holder maintains in the United States (if that is required by an applicable income tax
treaty as a condition for subjecting the non-U.S. holder to U.S. taxation on a net income basis),
tax at graduated rates will generally apply to the non-U.S. holder in the same manner as U.S.
holders are taxed with respect to dividends, and the 30% branch profits tax may also apply if the
stockholder is a foreign corporation. We expect to withhold U.S. tax at the rate of 30% on the
gross amount of any dividends, other than dividends treated as attributable to gain from sales or
exchanges of U.S. real property interests and capital gain dividends, paid to a non-U.S. holder,
unless (a) a lower treaty rate applies and the required form evidencing eligibility for that
reduced rate (ordinarily, IRS Form W-8 BEN) is filed with us or the appropriate withholding agent
or (b) the non-U.S. holders files an IRS Form W-8 ECI or a successor form with us or the
appropriate withholding agent claiming that the dividends are effectively connected with the
non-U.S. holders conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
Dividends to a non-U.S. holder that are designated by us at the time of dividend as capital
gain dividends which are not attributable to or treated as attributable to the disposition by us of
a U.S. real property interest generally will not be subject to U.S. Federal income taxation, except
as described below.
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Return of Capital. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and
profits, which are not treated as attributable to the gain from our disposition of a U.S. real
property interest, will not be taxable to a non-U.S. holder to the extent that they do not exceed
the adjusted basis of the non-U.S. holders stock. Distributions of this kind will instead reduce
the adjusted basis of the stock. To the extent that distributions of this kind exceed the adjusted
basis of a non-U.S. holders common stock, they will give rise to tax liability if the non-U.S.
holder otherwise would have to pay tax on any gain from the sale or disposition of its common
stock, as described below. If it cannot be determined at the time a distribution is made whether
the distribution will be in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, withholding
will apply to the distribution at the rate applicable to dividends. However, the non-U.S. holder
may seek a refund of these amounts from the IRS if it is subsequently determined that the
distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current accumulated earnings and profits.
Capital Gain Dividends. For any year in which we qualify as a REIT, dividends that are
attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of U.S. real property interests will be taxed to
a non-U.S. holder under the provisions of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980,
as amended. Under this statute, these dividends are taxed to a non-U.S. holder as if the gain were
effectively connected with a U.S. business. Thus, non-U.S. holders will be taxed on the dividends
at the normal capital gain rates applicable to U.S. holders, subject to any applicable alternative
minimum tax and special alternative minimum tax in the case of non-U.S. holders that are
individuals. Beginning in our 2005 taxable year, the above rules relating to distributions
attributable to gains from our sales or exchanges of U.S. real property interests (or such gains
that are retained and deemed to be distributed) will not apply with respect to a non-U.S. holder
that does not own more than 5% of our common stock at any time during the taxable year, provided
our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market in the United States.
We are required by applicable Treasury Regulations under the Foreign Investment in Real Property
Tax Act of 1980, as amended, to withhold 35% of any distribution that we could designate as a
capital gains dividend. However, if we designate as a capital gain dividend a distribution made
before the day we actually effect the designation, then although the distribution may be taxable to
a non-U.S. holder, withholding does not apply to the distribution under this statute. Rather, we
must effect the 35% withholding from distributions made on and after the date of the designation,
until the distributions so withheld equal the amount of the prior distribution designated as a
capital gain dividend. The non-U.S. holder may credit the amount withheld against its U.S. tax
liability.
Sale of Common Stock. Gain recognized by a non-U.S. holder upon a sale or exchange of our
common stock generally will not be taxed under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act if
we are a domestically controlled REIT, defined generally as a REIT, less than 50% in value of
whose stock is and was held directly or indirectly by foreign persons at all times during a
specified testing period. We believe that we will be a domestically controlled REIT, and,
therefore, that taxation under this statute generally will not apply to the sale of our common
stock, however, because our stock is publicly traded, no assurance can be given that the we will
qualify as a domestically controlled REIT at any time in the future. Gain to which this statute
does not apply will be taxable to a non-U.S. holder if investment in the common stock is treated as
effectively connected with the non-U.S. holders U.S. trade or business or is attributable to a
permanent establishment that the non-U.S. holder maintains in the United States (if that is
required by an applicable income tax treaty as a condition for subjecting the non-U.S. holders to
U.S. taxation on a net income basis). In this case, the same treatment will apply to the non-U.S.
holders as to U.S. holders with respect to the gain. In addition, gain to which the Foreign
Investment in Real Property Tax Act does not apply will be taxable to a non-U.S. holder if the
non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days
or more during the taxable year to which the gain is attributable. In this case, a 30% tax will
apply to the nonresident alien individuals capital gains. A similar rule will apply to capital
gain dividends to which this statute does not apply.
If we were not a domestically controlled REIT, tax under the Foreign Investment in Real
Property Tax Act would apply to a non-U.S. holders sale of common stock only if the selling
non-U.S. holders owned more than 5% of the class of common stock sold at any time during a
specified period. This period is generally the shorter of the period that the non-U.S. holder
owned the common stock sold or the five-year period ending on the date when the stockholder
disposed of the common stock. If tax under this statute applies to the gain on the sale of common
stock, the same treatment would apply to the non-U.S. holder as to U.S. holders with respect to the
gain, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in
the case of nonresident alien individuals.
42
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
If you are a non-U.S. holder, you are generally exempt from backup withholding and information
reporting requirements with respect to:
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dividend payments; |
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the payment of the proceeds from the sale of common stock effected at a United
States office of a broker, as long as the income associated with these payments is
otherwise exempt from United States Federal income tax; and |
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the payor or broker does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a
United States person and you have furnished to the payor or broker: (a) a valid
Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or an acceptable substitute form upon which you
certify, under penalties of perjury, that you are a non-United States person, or (b)
other documentation upon which it may rely to treat the payments as made to a
non-United States person in accordance with U.S. Treasury Regulations, or (c) you
otherwise establish an exemption. |
Payment of the proceeds from the sale of common stock effected at a foreign office of a broker
generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, a sale of
common stock that is effected at a foreign office of a broker will be subject to information
reporting and backup withholding if:
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the proceeds are transferred to an account maintained by you in the United States; |
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the payment of proceeds or the confirmation of the sale is mailed to you at a United
States address; or |
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the sale has some other specified connection with the United States as provided in
U.S. Treasury Regulations, |
unless the broker does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a United States
person and the documentation requirements described above are met or you otherwise establish an
exemption.
In addition, a sale of common stock will be subject to information reporting if it is effected
at a foreign office of a broker that is:
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a United States person; |
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a controlled foreign corporation for United States tax purposes; |
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a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income is effectively connected with the
conduct of a United States trade or business for a specified three-year period; or |
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a foreign partnership, if at any time during its tax year: (a) one or more of its
partners are U.S. persons, as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations, who in the
aggregate hold more than 50% of the income or capital interest in the partnership, or
(b) such foreign partnership is engaged in the conduct of a United States trade or
business, |
unless the broker does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a United States
person and the documentation requirements described above are met or you otherwise establish an
exemption. Backup withholding will apply if the sale is subject to information reporting and the
broker has actual knowledge that you are a United States person. You generally may obtain a refund
of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules that exceed your income tax liability by
filing a refund claim with the Internal Revenue Service.
43
Tax Aspects of Our Investments in the Operating Partnership
The following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax considerations applicable to
our direct or indirect investment in the Operating Partnership and any subsidiary partnerships or
limited liability companies we form or acquire, each individually referred to as a Partnership and,
collectively, as Partnerships. The following discussion does not cover state or local tax laws or
any federal tax laws other than income tax laws.
Classification as Partnerships
We are entitled to include in our income our distributive share of each Partnerships income
and to deduct our distributive share of each Partnerships losses only if such Partnership is
classified for federal income tax purposes as a partnership, rather than as a corporation or an
association taxable as a corporation. An organization with at least two owners or partners will be
classified as a partnership, rather than as a corporation, for federal income tax purposes if it:
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is treated as a partnership under the Treasury Regulations relating to entity
classification (the check-the-box regulations); and |
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is not a publicly traded partnership. |
Under the check-the-box regulations, an unincorporated business entity with at least two
owners or partners may elect to be classified either as a corporation or as a partnership. If such
an entity does not make an election, it generally will be treated as a partnership for federal
income tax purposes.
We intend that each partnership we own an interest in will be classified as a partnership for
federal income tax purposes (or else a disregarded entity where there are not at least two separate
beneficial owners).
A publicly traded partnership is a partnership whose interests are traded on an established
securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market (or a substantial equivalent). A
publicly traded partnership is generally treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes,
but will not be so treated for any taxable year for which at least 90% of the partnerships gross
income consists of specified passive income, including real property rents, gains from the sale or
other disposition of real property, interest, and dividends (the 90% passive income exception).
Treasury Regulations provide limited safe harbors from treatment as a publicly traded partnership.
Pursuant to one of those safe harbors, known as the private placement exclusion, interests in a
partnership will not be treated as readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial
equivalent thereof if (1) all interests in the partnership were issued in a transaction or
transactions that were not required to be registered under the Securities Act, and (2) the
partnership does not have more than 100 partners at any time during the partnerships taxable year.
For the determination of the number of partners in a partnership, a person owning an interest in a
partnership, grantor trust, or S corporation that owns an interest in the partnership is treated as
a partner in the partnership only if (1) substantially all of the value of the owners interest in
the entity is attributable to the entitys direct or indirect interest in the partnership, and (2)
a principal purpose of the use of the entity is to permit the partnership to satisfy the
100-partner limitation.
We expect that each partnership we own an interest in will qualify for the private placement
exclusion, one of the other safe harbors from treatment as a publicly traded partnership, and/or
will satisfy the 90% passive income exception.
Income Taxation of the Partnerships and Their Partners
We own 99.0% of the interests in the Operating Partnership and certain subsidiary
partnerships. Entities that we own 100% of the interests in (directly or through other disregarded
entities) will be treated as disregarded entities. In addition we may hold interests in
partnership or LLCs that are not disregarded entities (the Partnership or Partnerships).
44
Partners, Not the Partnerships, Subject to Tax. A Partnership is not a taxable entity for
federal income tax purposes. We will therefore take into account our allocable share of each
Partnerships income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits for each taxable year of the
Partnership ending with or within our taxable year, even if we receive no distribution from the
Partnership for that year or a distribution less than our share of taxable income. Similarly, even
if we receive a distribution, it may not be taxable if the distribution does not exceed our
adjusted tax basis in our interest in the Partnership.
Partnership Allocations. Although a partnership agreement generally will determine the
allocation of income and losses among partners, allocations will be disregarded for tax purposes if
they do not comply with the provisions of the federal income tax laws governing partnership
allocations. If an allocation is not recognized for 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 such item. Each Partnerships
allocations of taxable income, gain, and loss are intended to comply with the requirements of the
federal income tax laws governing partnership allocations.
Sale of a Partnerships Property. Generally, any gain realized by a Partnership on the sale
of property held for more than one year will be long-term capital gain, except for any portion of
the gain treated as depreciation or cost recovery recapture. Conversely, our share of any
Partnership gain from the sale of inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers
in the ordinary course of the Partnerships trade or business will be treated as income from a
prohibited transaction subject to a 100% tax. Income from a prohibited transaction may have an
adverse effect on our ability to satisfy the gross income tests for REIT status. See
Requirements for Qualification. We do not presently intend to acquire or hold, or to allow any
Partnership to acquire or hold, any property that is likely to be treated as inventory or property
held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our, or the Partnerships, trade or
business.
State and Local Taxes
We and/or our stockholders may be subject to taxation by various states and localities,
including those in which we or a holder transacts business, owns property or resides. The state
and local tax treatment may differ from the federal income tax treatment described above.
Consequently, holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of state and local
tax laws upon an investment in our securities.
45
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
Our common stock being offered by this prospectus are being registered to permit secondary
public trading of our common stock. Subject to the restrictions described in this prospectus, the
selling stockholders, or their pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest, may
offer our common stock covered under this prospectus for resale from time to time. The shares of
common stock covered, as to their resale, under this prospectus include shares issuable upon
conversion of the units, including any additional shares issuable to prevent dilution as a result
of stock splits, stock dividends or similar events. In addition, subject to the restrictions
described in this prospectus, the selling stockholders may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of a
portion of our common stock being offered under this prospectus in transactions exempt from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act. See Plan Of Distribution.
The following table sets forth the number of shares of common stock and units held by the
selling stockholders as of January 18, 2006 and the maximum number of shares of common stock that
may be sold by the selling stockholders, or by any of their pledgees, donees, transferees or other
successors in interest. Each unit may be exchanged for one share of common stock, subject to
adjustment. In lieu of issuing common stock upon the exchange of the units, we may, at our option,
issue cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of an equivalent number of shares of our
common stock. The table is prepared based on information from the selling stockholders. Based on
such information, no selling stockholder is a registered broker-dealer or an affiliate of a
broker-dealer. Since the selling stockholders may sell all, some or none of their shares, no
estimate can be made of the aggregate number of shares that are to be offered by the selling
stockholders under this prospectus or that will be owned by each selling stockholder upon
completion of the offering to which this prospectus relates.
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Maximum Number of |
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Number of Units |
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Shares of Common |
Selling Stockholder |
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Held |
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Stock to be Sold |
William C. Bayless, Jr. (1) |
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48,400 |
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48,400 |
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Brian B. Nickel (2) |
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29,040 |
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29,040 |
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Mark J. Hager (3) |
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12,100 |
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12,100 |
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Greg A. Dowell (4) |
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10,890 |
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10,890 |
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Ronnie L. Macejewski (5) |
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9,074 |
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9,074 |
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Jason R. Wills (6) |
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5,748 |
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5,748 |
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Brian N. Winger (7) |
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5,748 |
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5,748 |
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Total |
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121,000 |
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121,000 |
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(1) |
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Mr. Bayless is our President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of
directors. |
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(2) |
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Mr. Nickel is our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary and a
member of our board of directors. |
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(3) |
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Mr. Hager resigned as our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer in
May 2005. |
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(4) |
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Mr. Dowell is our Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations. |
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(5) |
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Mr. Macejewski resigned as our Senior Vice President Development and Construction in April
2005. |
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(6) |
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Mr. Wills is our Senior Vice PresidentMarketing and Business Development. |
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(7) |
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Mr. Winger is our Senior Vice PresidentDevelopment. |
46
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling stockholders and any of their pledgees, donees, transferees and
successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their shares of common stock on
any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private
transactions. The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following methods when
selling shares:
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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits
purchasers; |
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block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but
may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the
transaction; |
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purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; |
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an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
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privately negotiated transactions; |
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settlement of short sales; |
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broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of
such shares at a stipulated price per share; |
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a combination of any such methods of sale; and |
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any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. |
The selling stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933,
if available, rather than under this prospectus. Broker-dealers engaged by the selling
stockholders may arrange for other broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the
selling stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent to the purchase of shares, from the
purchaser) in amount to be negotiated. The selling stockholders do not expect these commissions
and discounts to exceed what is customary in the types of transactions involved.
The selling stockholders may from time to time pledge or grant a security interest in some or
all of the units or common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their
secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the common stock from time
to time under this prospectus, or under an amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or
other applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, amending the list of selling
stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successor-in-interest as a selling
stockholder under this prospectus.
The selling stockholders may also transfer the common stock in other circumstances, in which
case the pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest will be the selling
beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the
shares may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in
connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or
agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be
underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act of 1933. The selling stockholders
have informed us that none of them have any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly,
with any person to distribute the common stock.
We will pay all fees and expenses incurred by us incident to the registration of the common
stock.
47
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are a public company and file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SECs public
reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these
documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the public reference room. Our SEC
filings are also available to the public at the SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition,
you may read and copy our SEC filings at the office of the New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005. Our website address is www.studenthousing.com.
This prospectus is only part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we have filed with
the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 and therefore omits some of the information contained in
the registration statement. We have also filed exhibits and schedules to the registration
statement that are excluded from this prospectus, and you should refer to the applicable exhibit or
schedule for a complete description of any statement referring to any contract or other document.
You may inspect or obtain a copy of the registration statement, including the exhibits and
schedules, as described in the previous paragraph.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with it, which means
that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The
information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus and the
information we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.
We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the
SEC (File No. 1-12110) under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 until this offering is completed:
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Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004; |
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Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2005, June 30, 2005
and September 30, 2005; and |
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Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2005 as amended by the Current
Report on Form 8-K/A filed on April 19, 2005, April 4, 2005 as amended by the Current
Report on Form 8-K/A filed on June 6, 2005, May 3, 2005 and June 20, 2005. |
You may request a copy of these filings at no cost by writing or telephoning Investor
Relations, at the following address and telephone number:
American Campus Communities, Inc.
805 Las Cimas Parkway, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78746
(512) 732-1000
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this
prospectus or in the supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different
information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any supplement is
accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents.
LEGAL MATTERS
Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP, Dallas, Texas, has passed on the legality of the common stock
offered through this prospectus.
48
EXPERTS
The consolidated and combined financial statements of American Campus Communities, Inc. and
Subsidiaries and its predecessors at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2004, appearing in American Campus Communities, Inc.s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, have been audited by Ernst & Young, LLP,
independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included
therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such combined and consolidated financial statements
are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
49