Filed pursuant to rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-68283
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT |
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(To Prospectus dated December 17,
1998) |
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3,000,000 Shares
AMB Property Corporation
7.00% Series O Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock
(Liquidation Preference $25.00 per
Share)
We are offering 3,000,000 shares of
our 7.00% Series O Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock,
par value $0.01 per share. We will pay cumulative dividends
on the series O preferred stock from December 13, 2005
at the rate of 7.00% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation
preference per share, which is equivalent to $1.75 per
share per year. Dividends on the series O preferred stock
will be payable quarterly in arrears, beginning on
April 15, 2006. The shares of series O preferred stock
have no stated maturity, will not be subject to any sinking fund
or mandatory redemption and will not be convertible into any
other securities. Holders of shares of series O preferred
stock will generally have no voting rights, except for limited
voting rights if we fail to pay dividends for six or more
quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in certain
other events.
Except in limited circumstances to
preserve our status as a real estate investment trust, we may
not redeem the series O preferred stock until
December 13, 2010. On or after December 13, 2010, we
may, at our option, redeem the series O preferred stock, in
whole or from time to time in part, for cash at a redemption
price of $25.00 per share, plus all accumulated and unpaid
dividends on such series O preferred stock to the
redemption date. Any partial redemption will be on a pro rata
basis, by lot or by any other equitable method that we determine.
We are organized and conduct our
operations to qualify as a real estate investment trust for
federal income tax purposes. To assist us in complying with
certain federal income tax requirements applicable to real
estate investment trusts, our charter contains certain
restrictions relating to the ownership and transfer of our
stock, including an ownership limit of 9.8% of the series O
preferred stock. See Description of Series O
Preferred Stock and Description of Capital
Stock in this prospectus supplement for a discussion of
these restrictions.
No market currently exists for the
series O preferred stock. We intend to apply to list the
series O preferred stock on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol AMB PrO. If the
application is approved, we expect that trading will commence
within 30 days after the initial delivery of the
series O preferred stock. Our common stock currently trades
on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AMB.
Investing in the series O
preferred stock involves risks. See Risk Factors on
page S-5 in this prospectus supplement and in the section
entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Business Risks and elsewhere in our annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and in
our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
periods ended March 31, 2005, June 30, 2005 and
September 30, 2005 for a discussion of the risks relevant
to an investment in the series O preferred stock.
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Per Share | |
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Total | |
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Price to Public
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$ |
25.0000 |
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$ |
75,000,000 |
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Underwriting Discounts and Commissions
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$ |
0.7875 |
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$ |
2,362,500 |
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Proceeds to AMB
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$ |
24.2125 |
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$ |
72,637,500 |
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Neither the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the
adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The shares of series O preferred
stock will be ready for delivery in book-entry form through The
Depository Trust Company on or about December 13, 2005.
Joint Book-Running Managers
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Wachovia Securities |
JPMorgan |
Co-Manager
RBC Capital Markets
The date of this prospectus supplement
is December 6, 2005.
You should rely only on the information contained in or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have
not, authorized anyone to provide you with different
information. If anyone provides you with different or
inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not,
and the underwriters are not, making an offer of these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.
You should not assume that the information contained in or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than
the date on the front of this prospectus supplement or the date
of incorporation by reference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Prospectus Supplement |
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S-ii |
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S-iii |
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S-iii |
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S-1 |
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S-5 |
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S-6 |
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S-6 |
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S-6 |
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S-13 |
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S-40 |
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S-42 |
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S-46 |
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S-65 |
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S-67 |
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S-67 |
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Prospectus |
About This Prospectus
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Where You Can Find More Information
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Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference
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Forward Looking Statements
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The Company
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Use of Proceeds
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Ratio of Earnings To Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends and
Distributions
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Description of Debt Securities
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Description of Common Stock
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Description of Preferred Stock
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Description of Depositary Shares
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35 |
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Description of Warrants
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38 |
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Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Capital Stock
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39 |
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Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws
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Description of Certain Provisions of The Partnership
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44 |
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Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations
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56 |
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Plan of Distribution
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67 |
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Legal Matters
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68 |
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Experts
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68 |
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S-i
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus
supplement, which describes the specific terms of the
series O preferred stock we are offering and certain other
matters relating to us. The second part, the accompanying
prospectus, gives more general information about securities we
may offer from time to time, some of which does not apply to the
series O preferred stock we are offering.
To the extent any inconsistency or conflict exists between the
information included in this prospectus supplement and the
information included in the accompanying prospectus, the
information included or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement updates and supersedes the information in
the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus supplement
incorporates by reference important business and financial
information about us that is not included in or delivered with
this prospectus supplement.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus,
including the information incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement, may contain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We caution you that many
forward-looking statements presented in this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus are based on
managements beliefs and assumptions made by, and
information currently available to, management. Statements
contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus and
accompanying prospectus supplement that are not historical facts
may be forward-looking statements. Such statements relate to our
future performance and plans, results of operations, capital
expenditures, acquisitions, and operating improvements and
costs. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks
and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause
our actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements, and you should not rely on the
forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The
events or circumstances reflected in forward-looking statements
might not occur. 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. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties and you should not rely upon them as
predictions of future events. There is no assurance that the
events or circumstances reflected in forward-looking statements
will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are
necessarily dependent on assumptions, data or methods that may
be incorrect or imprecise and we may not be able to realize them.
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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changes in general economic conditions or in the real estate
sector; |
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non-renewal of leases by customers or renewal at lower than
expected rent; |
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difficulties in identifying properties to acquire and in
effecting acquisitions on advantageous terms and the failure of
acquisitions to perform as we expect; |
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risks and uncertainties affecting property development and
renovation (including construction delays, cost overruns, our
inability to obtain necessary permits and financing); |
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risks of doing business internationally, including unfamiliarity
with new markets and currency risks; |
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a downturn in Californias economy or real estate
conditions; |
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losses in excess of our insurance coverage; |
S-ii
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our failure to divest of properties on advantageous terms or to
timely reinvest proceeds from any such divestitures; |
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unknown liabilities acquired in connection with acquired
properties or otherwise; |
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risks associated with using debt to fund acquisitions and
development, including re-financing risks; |
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our failure to obtain necessary financing; |
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changes in local, state and federal regulatory requirements; |
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environmental uncertainties; and |
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our failure to qualify and maintain our status as a real estate
investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended. |
Our success also depends upon economic trends generally, various
market conditions and fluctuations and those other risk factors
discussed under the heading Risk Factors in this
prospectus supplement and under the heading
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Business
Risks and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2004 and our quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended
March 31, 2005, June 30, 2005 and September 30,
2005. We caution you not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements, which reflect our analysis only and
speak as of the date of this report or as of the dates indicated
in the statements. We assume no obligation to update or
supplement forward-looking statements.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act,
with respect to the securities offered hereunder. As permitted
by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions rules
and regulations, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus do not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement. For further information regarding us and
our stock, please refer to the registration statement and the
contracts, agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to
the registration statement. Additionally, we file annual,
quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission.
You may read and copy all or any portion of the registration
statement or any other materials that we file with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission public reference
room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20549. Please
call the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at
1-202-551-8090 for further information on the operation of the
public reference rooms. Our U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission filings, including the registration statement, are
also available to you on the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commissions web site (www.sec.gov). We also have a
web site (www.amb.com) through which you may access our
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. In
addition, you may look at our U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission filings at the offices of the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., which is located at 20 Broad Street, New
York, New York 10005.
Information contained on our web site is not and should not
be deemed a part of this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission allows us to
incorporate by reference the information that we
file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring to those documents. The information incorporated by
S-iii
reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus. Any statement contained in a
document which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying prospectus is automatically
updated and superseded if information contained in this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, or
information that we later file with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission, modifies or replaces this information. We
incorporate by reference the following documents filed with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission:
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Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2004; |
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Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended March 31, 2005; |
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Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended June 30, 2005; |
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Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended September 30, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 11, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2005
(excluding Item 2.02 and Exhibit 99.1); |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 4, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 25, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2005
(excluding Item 2.02 and Exhibit 99.1); |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 21, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 6, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2005
(excluding Item 2.02 and Exhibit 99.1); |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 18, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 9, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 12, 2005
(excluding Item 2.02 and Exhibit 99.1); |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 18, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 1, 2005; |
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the description of our common stock contained in our
Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on October 28,
1997; |
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Our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on
June 20, 2003, registering our
61/2%
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock under the
Securities Exchange Act; |
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Our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on
November 12, 2003, registering our
63/4%
Series M Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock under the
Securities Exchange Act; and |
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all documents filed by us with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
after the date of this prospectus supplement and prior to the
termination of the offering. |
S-iv
To receive a free copy of any of the documents incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus (other than exhibits, unless they are specifically
incorporated by reference in the documents), call or write:
AMB Property Corporation
Pier 1, Bay 1
San Francisco, California 94111
Attention: Investor Relations
Telephone: (415) 394-9000.
S-v
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information about us. It
may not contain all the information that may be important to you
in deciding whether to invest in the series O preferred
stock. You should read this entire prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus, together with the information
incorporated by reference, including the financial data and
related notes, before making an investment decision. All
references to we, our and us
in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus
mean AMB Property Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries,
except where it is made clear that the terms mean AMB Property
Corporation only.
The Company
AMB Property Corporation, a Maryland corporation, acquires,
develops and operates primarily industrial properties in key
distribution markets throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
We commenced operations as a fully integrated real estate
company effective with the completion of our initial public
offering on November 26, 1997. Our strategy focuses on
providing properties for customers who value the efficient
movement of goods in the worlds busiest distribution
markets: large, supply-constrained locations with close
proximity to airports, seaports and major highway systems. As of
September 30, 2005, we owned or had investments in, on a
consolidated basis or through unconsolidated joint ventures, or
managed buildings, properties and development projects expected
to total approximately 118.0 million rentable square feet (11.0
million square meters) in 1,109 buildings in 40 markets within
ten countries.
We operate our business through our subsidiary, AMB Property,
L.P., a Delaware limited partnership. We refer to AMB Property,
L.P. as the operating partnership. As of
September 30, 2005, we owned an approximate 94.9% general
partnership interest in the operating partnership, excluding
preferred units. As the sole general partner of the operating
partnership, we have the full, exclusive and complete
responsibility for and discretion in its day-to-day management
and control.
Our investment strategy generally targets customers whose
businesses are tied to global trade, which, according to the
World Trade Organization, has grown more than three times the
world gross domestic product growth rate during the last
20 years. To serve the facilities needs of these customers,
we seek to invest in major distribution markets, transportation
hubs and gateways, both domestically and internationally. Our
investment strategy seeks target markets that are generally
characterized by large population densities and typically offer
substantial consumer bases, proximity to large clusters of
distribution-facility users and significant labor pools. When
measured by total consolidated and unconsolidated annualized
base rents, 94.3% of our industrial properties are concentrated
in our target markets. Much of our portfolio is comprised of
industrial buildings in in-fill submarkets. In-fill locations
are characterized by supply constraints on the availability of
land for competing projects, as well as physical, political or
economic barriers to new development.
Within our target markets, we focus our investment strategy on
High Throughput Distribution®, or HTD® facilities,
which are buildings designed to quickly distribute our
customers products rather than store them.
Our strategy is to become a leading provider of distribution
properties in supply-constrained submarkets located near key
international passenger and cargo airports, highway systems and
seaports in major metropolitan areas of North America, Europe
and Asia. These submarkets are generally tied to global trade.
Of the approximately 118.0 million rentable square feet as of
September 30, 2005:
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on a consolidated basis, we owned or partially owned 967
industrial buildings, principally warehouse distribution
buildings, encompassing approximately 92.3 million rentable
square feet that were 94.6% leased, and other buildings
encompassing approximately 0.3 million rentable square feet that
were 98.3% leased; |
S-1
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we managed, but did not have an ownership interest in,
industrial and other properties, totaling approximately 1.7
million rentable square feet; |
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through unconsolidated joint ventures, we had investments in 85
industrial operating properties, totaling approximately 12.5
million rentable square feet, and in two industrial development
projects, expected to total approximately 0.3 million rentable
square feet; |
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on a consolidated basis, we had investments in 37 industrial
development projects, which are expected to total approximately
9.4 million rentable square feet; and |
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on a consolidated basis, we owned or partially owned four
development projects, totaling $96.6 million and approximately
1.5 million rentable square feet, that were available for sale
or contribution. |
We are self-administered and self-managed and expect that we
have qualified and will continue to qualify as a real estate
investment trust for federal income tax purposes beginning with
the year ended December 31, 1997. As a self-administered
and self-managed real estate investment trust, our own employees
perform our corporate administrative and management functions,
rather than our relying on an outside manager for these
services. We manage our portfolio of properties in a flexible
operating model which includes both direct property management
and a Strategic Alliance Program® in which we have
established relationships with third-party real estate
management firms, brokers and developers that provide
property-level administrative and management services under our
direction.
Our principal executive office is located at Pier 1,
Bay 1, San Francisco, California 94111; our telephone
number is (415) 394-9000. We also maintain regional offices
in Amsterdam, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Singapore,
Tokyo and Vancouver. As of September 30, 2005, we employed
302 individuals: 165 at our San Francisco headquarters, 60
in our Boston office and the remainder in our other regional
offices. Our website address is www.amb.com. Our annual
report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those
reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available on
our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable
after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it
to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Information contained on our website is not and should not be
deemed a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying
prospectus.
The Offering
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Issuer |
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AMB Property Corporation, a Maryland corporation. |
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Securities Offered |
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3,000,000 shares of 7.00% Series O Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock. |
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Ranking |
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The series O preferred stock will rank, with respect to
dividends and upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up: |
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senior to all classes or series of our common stock
and to all of our equity securities (which do not include
convertible debt securities) the terms of which provide that
such equity securities shall rank junior to such series O
preferred stock; |
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junior to all of our equity securities (which do not
include convertible debt securities) the terms of which provide
that such equity securities shall rank senior to the
series O preferred stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us
(including the series L and series M and, if and when
issued, the series D, E, F, H, I, J and K preferred
stock, but not including |
S-2
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convertible debt securities) other than those referred to in the
bullet points above. |
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See Description of Series O Preferred
Stock Ranking,
Dividends and
Liquidation Preference. |
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Use of Proceeds |
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We will use the net proceeds from the sale of the series O
preferred stock for general corporate purposes, which may
include the repurchase or redemption of a portion of the
preferred units issued by our subsidiaries, AMB Property L.P.
and AMB Property II, L.P. |
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Dividends |
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Dividends on the series O preferred stock are cumulative
from the date of original issuance and are payable quarterly in
arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October
of each year, commencing on April 15, 2006 (or, if any such
date is not a business day, on the next succeeding business
day), at the rate of 7.00% of the liquidation preference per
annum (which is equivalent to $1.75 per annum per share of
series O preferred stock). Dividends on the series O
preferred stock will accumulate whether or not there are funds
legally available for the payment of such dividends and whether
or not such dividends are declared. If we designate any portion
of a dividend as capital gain dividend, a holders share of
such capital gain dividend will be an amount that bears the same
ratio to the total amount of dividends (as determined for
federal income tax purposes) paid to such holder for the year as
the aggregate amount designated as a capital gain dividend bears
to the aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined for
federal income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares for
the year. See Description of Series O Preferred
Stock Dividends. |
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Liquidation Preference |
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The series O preferred stock will have a liquidation
preference of $25.00 per share. In addition, upon
liquidation, the holders of the series O preferred stock
will be entitled to a preferential payment in an amount equal to
accumulated and unpaid dividends. See Description of
Series O Preferred Stock Liquidation
Preference. |
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Redemption |
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The series O preferred stock is not redeemable prior to
December 13, 2010 except as provided for in our charter. On
and after such date, we may redeem the series O preferred
stock for cash at our option, upon not less than 30 nor more
than 60 days written notice, in whole or in part, at
a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all
accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares to the
redemption date. In certain circumstances related to the
maintenance of our ability to qualify as a real estate
investment trust for federal income tax purposes, we may redeem
shares of series O preferred stock. See Description
of Series O Preferred Stock Optional
Redemption. |
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Voting Rights |
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Holders of the series O preferred stock generally will have
no voting rights. However, if dividends on the series O
preferred stock remain unpaid for six or more quarterly periods
(whether or not consecutive), holders of the series O
preferred stock |
S-3
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(voting separately as a class with all other classes or series
of our equity securities upon which like voting rights have been
conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled to vote for the
election of two additional directors to serve on our board of
directors until all dividend arrearages with respect to the
series O preferred stock are eliminated. The series O
preferred stock will also be entitled to certain additional
voting rights described in this prospectus supplement. See
Description of Series O Preferred Stock
Voting Rights. |
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Conversion |
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The series O preferred stock will not be convertible into
or exchangeable for any other of our properties or securities. |
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Restrictions on Ownership |
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In order to assist us in maintaining our qualification as a real
estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes,
ownership, actually or constructively, by any person of more
than 9.8% in value or number (whichever is more restrictive) of
shares of series O preferred stock is restricted by our
charter. See Description of Series O Preferred
Stock and Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of
Capital Stock. |
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Maturity |
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The series O preferred stock has no stated maturity and
will not be subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking fund. |
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We intend to apply to the New York Stock Exchange to list the
series O preferred stock under the symbol
AMB PrO. If approved, trading of the
series O preferred stock on the New York Stock Exchange is
expected to commence within a 30-day period after the initial
delivery of the shares of series O preferred stock. |
S-4
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the series O preferred stock involves
various material risks. You should carefully consider the risk
factors under the heading Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Business Risks and elsewhere in our
most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that are
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus, as well as the following risk factors
before purchasing shares of series O preferred stock.
There is currently no established trading market for the
series O preferred stock, which may negatively affect its
market value and your ability to transfer or sell your
series O preferred stock.
The shares of series O preferred stock are a new issue of
securities with no established trading market. We intend to
apply to list the series O preferred stock on the New York
Stock Exchange. However, we cannot assure you that the shares
will be approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
Even if so approved, trading of the shares on the New York Stock
Exchange is not expected to begin until 30 days after the
date of the initial delivery of the shares and, in any event, we
cannot assure you that an active trading market on the New York
Stock Exchange for the shares will develop or, even if one
develops, will last. As a result, your ability to transfer or
sell the series O preferred stock and any trading price of
the series O preferred stock could be adversely affected.
We have been advised by the underwriters that they intend to
make a market in the shares, but they are not obligated to do so
and may discontinue market-making at any time without notice.
The market value of the series O preferred stock could
be substantially affected by various factors.
As with other publicly traded securities, the trading price of
the series O preferred stock will depend on many factors
that are not within our control and may change from time to
time, including:
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the extent of investor interest in us; |
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the market for similar securities issued by real estate
investment trusts; |
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the general reputation of real estate investment trusts and the
attractiveness of their equity securities in comparison to other
equity securities (including securities issued by other real
estate-based companies); |
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general stock and bond market conditions, including changes in
interest rates on fixed income securities, that may lead
prospective purchasers of our stock to demand a higher annual
yield from future dividends; |
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terrorist activity that may adversely affect the markets in
which our securities trade, possibly increasing market
volatility and causing the further erosion of business and
consumer confidence and spending; |
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general economic conditions; and |
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our financial condition, performance and prospects. |
Other factors such as governmental regulatory action and changes
in tax laws could also have a significant impact on the future
trading price of the series O preferred stock.
S-5
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends
and distributions for the nine-month period ended
September 30, 2005 and for each of the previous five years
ended December 31 were the following:
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For Fiscal Year Ended |
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For Nine Months |
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December 31, |
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Ended September 30, |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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2003 |
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2002 |
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2001 |
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2000 |
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends and
distributions
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1.44x |
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1.45 |
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1.50 |
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1.53 |
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1.76 |
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1.77x |
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For the purposes of the above calculations, earnings include
income from continuing operations before adjustment for minority
interests, minority interests in income of majority owned
subsidiaries, fixed charges, amortization of capitalized
interest and distributed income from unconsolidated entities.
Fixed charges consist of interest costs, whether expensed or
capitalized, the interest component of rental expense and
amortization of debt issuance costs.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We expect to receive net proceeds from this offering of
approximately $72,187,500 after deducting underwriting discounts
and commissions and estimated transaction expenses payable by
us. We will use the net proceeds from the sale of the
series O preferred stock for general corporate purposes,
which may include the repurchase or redemption of a portion of
the preferred units issued by our subsidiaries, AMB Property
L.P. and AMB Property II, L.P.
DESCRIPTION OF SERIES O PREFERRED STOCK
The summary of the terms of our preferred stock and
series O preferred stock set forth below does not purport
to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety
by reference to our charter, including our articles
supplementary establishing the terms of the series O
preferred stock, our bylaws and the Maryland General Corporation
Law.
Preferred Stock Generally
Our charter authorizes our board of directors to issue
100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, to classify any
unissued shares of preferred stock and to reclassify any
previously classified but unissued shares of preferred stock of
any class from time to time, in one or more classes, as
authorized by our board of directors. Prior to issuance of
shares of preferred stock of each class, our board of directors
is required by Maryland law and our charter to set 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 such class. Thus, our board of directors,
without stockholder approval, could authorize the issuance of
shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could
have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a
transaction or a change in control of us that might involve a
premium price for holders of shares of preferred stock or shares
of our common stock or otherwise be in the stockholders
best interest, or that could adversely affect the rights and
powers of the series O preferred stock. See
Power to Issue Additional Common Stock and
Preferred Stock below.
Series O Preferred Stock Generally
Prior to the issuance of the Series O preferred stock in
this offering, our board of directors will adopt articles
supplementary establishing the terms of the series O
preferred stock as a class of our preferred stock, designated as
the 7.00% Series O Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.
When issued, the series O preferred stock will be validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
S-6
In connection with this offering, we, in accordance with the
terms of the partnership agreement of the operating partnership,
will contribute or otherwise transfer the net proceeds of the
sale of the series O preferred stock to the operating
partnership and the operating partnership will issue to us 7.00%
Series O Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units that
generally mirror the rights, preferences and other terms of the
series O preferred stock. The operating partnership will be
required to make all required distributions on such
series O preferred units prior to any distribution of cash
or assets to the holders of any other units or any other equity
interests in the operating partnership, except for any other
series of partnership interests ranking on a parity with such
series O preferred units as to dividends or voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
operating partnership.
We intend to apply to list the series O preferred stock on
the New York Stock Exchange. If so approved, trading of the
series O preferred stock on the New York Stock Exchange is
expected to commence within a 30-day period after the date of
initial delivery of the series O preferred stock. See
Underwriting.
Ranking
The series O preferred stock will rank, with respect to
dividends and upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up:
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senior to all classes or series of our common stock and to all
of our equity securities (which do not include convertible debt
securities) the terms of which provide that such equity
securities shall rank junior to such series O preferred
stock; |
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junior to all of our equity securities (which do not include
convertible debt securities) the terms of which provide that
such equity securities shall rank senior to the series O
preferred stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the series L and series M, and if and when issued, the
series D, E, F, H, I, J and K preferred stock, but not
including convertible debt securities) other than those referred
to in the bullet points above. |
Dividends
Holders of the series O preferred stock shall be entitled
to receive, when and as authorized by our board of directors out
of funds legally available therefor, cumulative preferential
cash dividends at the rate of 7.00% of the liquidation
preference per annum (equivalent to $1.75 per annum per
share). Dividends on the series O preferred stock offered
hereby shall accumulate on a daily basis, computed on the basis
of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, and be
cumulative from the date of original issuance and shall be
payable quarterly (such quarterly periods for purposes of
payment and accrual will be the quarterly periods ending on the
dates specified in this sentence and not calendar year quarters)
in equal amounts in arrears on the 15th day of each
January, April, July and October, or, if not a business day, the
next succeeding business day, commencing on April 15, 2006.
Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear in
our share records at the close of business on the applicable
record date, which shall be a date designated by our board of
directors for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30
nor less than 10 days prior to the applicable payment date.
Any dividend payable on the series O preferred stock for
any portion of a dividend period shall be prorated and computed
on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. If any
date on which distributions are to be made on the series O
preferred stock is not a business day, then payment of the
distribution to be made on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a business day (and without any interest
or other payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if
such business day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such
payment shall be made on the immediately preceding business day,
in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such
date. Each share of series O preferred stock issued and
outstanding on the record date for the first dividend payment on
the series O preferred stock following the initial issuance
of shares of series O preferred stock on the initial
closing date shall accrue dividends from the earliest date on
which any shares of the series O preferred stock are
issued, and shall receive the same dividend payment regardless
of the date on which such share was actually issued.
S-7
No dividends on the series O preferred stock shall be
authorized by our board of directors or be paid or set apart for
payment by us at such time as the terms and provisions of any of
our agreements, including any agreement relating to our
indebtedness, prohibits such authorization, payment or setting
apart for payment or provides that such authorization, payment
or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach of such
agreement or a default under such agreement, or if such
authorization or payment shall be restricted or prohibited by
law. Covenants in our $500 million unsecured revolving line
of credit provide generally that we may not pay distributions in
excess of 95% of funds from operations in any year, but such
covenants permit us, upon certain circumstances, to pay
distributions in an amount necessary to maintain our
qualification as a real estate investment trust. We do not
believe that these covenants will have any adverse impact on our
ability to pay dividends in respect of the series O
preferred stock or in the normal course of business to our
stockholders in amounts necessary to maintain our qualification
as a real estate investment trust.
Except as provided below, unless full cumulative dividends on
the series O preferred stock have been or contemporaneously
are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof set apart for payment for all dividend periods,
no dividends (other than in our common stock or other of our
equity securities ranking junior to the series O preferred
stock as to dividends and upon our voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution and winding up) shall be declared or
paid or set aside for payment or other dividend be declared or
made upon our common stock or any other of our equity securities
ranking as to dividends or upon our voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up junior to or on a parity
with the series O preferred stock nor shall any of our
common stock or any other of our equity securities ranking
junior to or on a parity with the series O preferred stock
as to dividends or upon our voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up be redeemed, purchased or
otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any monies be paid
to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of
any such securities) by us (except by conversion into or
exchange for other of our equity securities ranking junior to
the series O preferred stock as to dividends and upon our
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution and winding up
and pursuant to the provisions of our charter and the
series O articles supplementary providing for limitations
on ownership and transfer in order to ensure that we remain
qualified as a real estate investment trust). However, we shall
not be required to declare, to set apart a sum sufficient for
the payment of, or to pay, any dividend on the series O
preferred stock before declaring, setting aside for payment or
paying any regular dividend payable or becoming payable in
January 2006 on our common stock, series L preferred stock
or series M preferred stock, and so doing will not
otherwise affect the parity or ranking of the series O
preferred stock. When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum
sufficient for such full payment is not set apart) upon
series O preferred stock and any other equity securities
ranking as to dividends on a parity with the series O
preferred stock, all dividends declared upon series O
preferred stock and any other of our equity securities ranking
on a parity with the series O preferred stock as to
dividends and upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up will be declared pro rata so that the
amount of dividends declared per share of series O
preferred stock and each such other equity securities shall in
all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accumulated
dividends per share of series O preferred stock and such
other equity securities (which shall not include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend
periods if such other equity securities do not have a cumulative
dividend) bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in
lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend
payment or payments on series O preferred stock which may
be in arrears.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the series O
preferred stock will accumulate whether or not restrictions
exist in respect thereof, whether or not there are funds legally
available for the payment thereof and whether or not such
dividends are declared. Accumulated but unpaid dividends on the
series O preferred stock will not bear interest and holders
of the series O preferred stock will not be entitled to any
dividends in excess of full cumulative dividends as described
above. Any dividend payment made on the series O preferred
stock shall first be credited against the earliest accumulated
but unpaid dividend due with respect to such shares which
remains payable.
S-8
If we properly designate any portion of a dividend as a capital
gain dividend, a holders share of such capital gain
dividend would be an amount which bears the same ratio to the
total amount of dividends (as determined for federal income tax
purposes) paid to such holder for the year as the aggregate
amount designated as a capital gain dividend bears to the
aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined for federal
income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares of our
capital stock for the year.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, the holders of the series O
preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets
legally available for distribution to our stockholders remaining
after payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of
$25.00 per share, and in addition, a preferential payment
in an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends to
the date of such payment, before any distribution of assets is
made to holders of our common stock or any other equity
securities that rank junior to the series O preferred stock
as to voluntary or involuntary liquidation. After payment of the
full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are
entitled, the holders of the series O preferred stock will
have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. Our
consolidation or merger with or into any other entity, a merger
of another entity with or into us, a statutory share exchange by
us or the sale, lease, transfer or conveyance of all or
substantially all of our property or business shall not be
deemed to constitute our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
If, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, our assets are insufficient to make
full payment to holders of the series O preferred stock and
the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes
or series of our equity securities ranking on a parity with the
series O preferred stock as to liquidation rights, then the
holders of the series O preferred stock and all other such
classes or series of equity securities will share ratably in any
such distribution of assets in proportion to the full
liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be
respectively entitled. In determining whether a distribution
(other than upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up) by dividend, redemption or other
acquisition of shares of our stock or otherwise is permitted
under the Maryland General Corporation Law, no effect shall be
given to amounts that would be needed, if we were to be
dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the
preferential rights upon dissolution of holders of shares of the
series O preferred stock, whose preferential rights upon
dissolution are superior to those receiving the distribution.
Optional Redemption
The series O preferred stock will not be redeemable prior
to December 13, 2010. On and after December 13, 2010,
we, at our option upon not less than 30 or more than
60 days written notice, may redeem the series O
preferred stock, in whole or from time to time in part, for
cash, at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all
accumulated and unpaid dividends on the shares of series O
preferred stock held to the date fixed for redemption. Holders
of shares of series O preferred stock to be redeemed shall
surrender such shares of series O preferred stock at the
place designated in the notice of redemption and shall be
entitled to the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid
dividends payable upon such redemption upon such surrender. If
notice of redemption of any shares of series O preferred
stock has been given and if we have set aside the funds
necessary for such redemption in trust for the benefit of the
holders of such shares, then from and after the redemption date
dividends on such shares of series O preferred stock will
cease to accumulate and any such shares of series O
preferred stock will no longer be deemed outstanding and all
rights of the holders thereof will terminate, except the right
to receive the redemption price (including accumulated and
unpaid dividends up to the redemption date). If fewer than all
of the outstanding shares of series O preferred stock are
to be redeemed, the shares of series O preferred stock to
be redeemed shall be selected pro rata (as nearly as may be
practicable without creating fractional shares), by lot or by
any other equitable method that we determine. If such redemption
is to be by lot and, as a result of such redemption, any holder
of shares of series O preferred stock would have
S-9
actual or constructive ownership of more than 9.8% of the issued
and outstanding shares of series O preferred stock by value
or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, because such
holders shares of series O preferred stock were not
redeemed, or were only redeemed in part, then, except as
otherwise provided in the charter documents, we will redeem the
requisite number of shares of series O preferred stock of
such holder such that no holder will hold in excess of the 9.8%
ownership limit subsequent to such redemption. See
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless full cumulative dividends
on all outstanding shares of series O preferred stock shall
have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared
and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for
payment for all past dividend periods and the then current
dividend period, no shares of series O preferred stock
shall be redeemed unless all outstanding shares of series O
preferred stock are simultaneously redeemed; provided, however,
that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition
of shares of series O preferred stock pursuant to a
purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of
all outstanding shares of series O preferred stock. In
addition, unless full cumulative dividends on all outstanding
shares of series O preferred stock have been or
contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment of such dividends set apart for
payment for all dividend periods, we shall not purchase or
otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of
series O preferred stock or any of our equity securities
ranking junior to or on a parity with the series O
preferred stock as to dividends or upon our voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up (except by
conversion into or exchange for our equity securities ranking
junior to the series O preferred stock as to dividends and
upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up).
The foregoing provisions shall not prevent our acquisition of
shares of series O preferred stock pursuant to the
provisions of the series O preferred articles
supplementary, or the acquisition of other shares of our capital
stock pursuant to similar provisions of our charter, in each
case providing for limitations on ownership and transfer in
order to ensure that we remain qualified as a real estate
investment trust for federal income tax purposes. See
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.
Notice of redemption will be given by publication in a newspaper
of general circulation in The City of New York, such publication
to be made once a week for two successive weeks commencing not
less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the
redemption date. We will mail a similar notice, postage prepaid,
not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the
redemption date, addressed to the respective holders of record
of the series O preferred stock to be redeemed at their
respective addresses as they appear on our share transfer
records. No failure to give such notice or any defect therein or
in the mailing thereof shall affect the validity of the
proceedings for the redemption of any shares of series O
preferred stock except as to the holder to whom notice was
defective or not given. Each notice shall state:
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the redemption date; |
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the redemption price; |
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the number of shares of series O preferred stock to be
redeemed; |
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the place or places where the certificates evidencing shares of
series O preferred stock are to be surrendered for payment
of the redemption price; and |
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that dividends on the series O preferred stock to be
redeemed will cease to accumulate on such redemption date. |
If fewer than all the shares of series O preferred stock
held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such
holder shall also specify the number of shares of series O
preferred stock to be redeemed from such holder.
The holders of shares of series O preferred stock at the
close of business on a dividend record date will be entitled to
receive the dividend payable with respect to the shares of
series O preferred stock held on the corresponding dividend
payment date notwithstanding the redemption thereof between such
dividend record date and the corresponding dividend payment date
or our default in the payment of the
S-10
dividend due. Except as provided above, we will make no payment
or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on
the shares of series O preferred stock to be redeemed.
Maturity
The series O preferred stock will not have a stated
maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or
mandatory redemption provisions.
Voting Rights
Holders of the series O preferred stock will not have any
voting rights, except as described below.
In any matter in which the holders of series O preferred
stock are entitled to vote (as expressly provided herein),
including any action by written consent, each share of
series O preferred stock shall be entitled to one vote,
which may be directed by the holder thereof (or by any proxy or
proxies of such holder).
Whenever dividends on any shares of the series O preferred
stock remain unpaid for six or more quarterly periods (whether
or not consecutive), the holders of the series O preferred
stock (voting as a single class with all other of our equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series O preferred
stock as to dividends and upon our voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up upon which like voting
rights have been conferred and are exercisable, including our
outstanding shares of series L preferred stock and
series M preferred stock, and, when and if issued, any
outstanding shares of our series D preferred stock,
series E preferred stock, series F preferred stock,
series H preferred stock, series I preferred stock,
series J preferred stock and series K preferred stock)
will be entitled to vote for the election of two additional
directors to serve on our board of directors for a one-year term
and until their successors are duly elected and qualified (or
until such directors term of office terminates as set
forth below). Such elections shall be held at a special meeting
called by or at the request of the holders of record of at least
20% of the outstanding series O preferred stock or the
holders of shares of any other series or class of preferred
shares ranking on parity with the series O preferred stock,
as described above, with respect to which dividends are so
unpaid (unless such request is received less than 90 days
before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of
stockholders) or, if we receive the request for a special
meeting less than 90 days before the date fixed for the
next annual or special meeting of stockholders, at the next
annual or special meeting of stockholders, and at each
subsequent annual meeting of stockholders until all dividends
accumulated on the series O preferred stock for all past
dividend periods and the dividend for the then current dividend
period shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment in full.
At any time when the voting rights with respect to unpaid
dividends shall have vested and in the event that a request for
a special meeting shall not have first been made and the meeting
called in the manner contemplated above, one of our officers
shall, in any event and without the need for any request
therefor, thereupon and with reasonable promptness, call or
cause to be called a special meeting of the holders of
series O preferred stock and all the series of preferred
stock on parity with series O preferred stock upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, by
mailing or causing to be mailed to such holders a notice of the
special meeting to be held not less than ten and not more than
45 days after the date the notice is given. The record date
for determining holders of the securities on parity with the
series O preferred stock entitled to notice of and to vote
at the special meeting will be the close of business on the
third business day preceding the day on which the notice is
mailed. At any such special meeting, all of such holders, by
plurality vote, voting together as a single class without regard
to series, will be entitled to elect two directors on the basis
of one vote per $25.00 of liquidation preference to which such
securities are entitled by their terms (excluding amounts in
respect of accumulated and unpaid dividends) and not
cumulatively. So long as otherwise relatively timely, any such
special meeting may be combined and held contemporaneously with
the next special or annual meeting of our stockholders.
S-11
If and when all accumulated dividends and the dividend for the
then current dividend period on the series O preferred
stock shall have been paid in full or declared by us and set
aside for payment in full, the holders of series O
preferred stock shall be divested of the voting rights set forth
in the immediately preceding paragraph (subject to
revesting in the event of each and every default of a
series O preferred dividend where dividends on such shares
remain unpaid for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not
consecutive)) and, if all accumulated dividends and the dividend
for the then current dividend period have been paid in full or
declared by us and set aside for payment in full on all other
series or classes of preferred shares ranking on parity with the
series O preferred stock, as described above, upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, the
term of office of each director so elected shall terminate. So
long as a default of a series O preferred dividend where
dividends on such shares remain unpaid for six or more quarterly
periods (whether or not consecutive) shall continue, any vacancy
in the office of a director so elected may be filled by written
consent of the director so elected remaining in office or, if
there is no such remaining director, by vote of holders of a
majority of the outstanding series O preferred stock and
any series of preferred shares ranking on parity with the
series O preferred stock, as described above, upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable
(voting as a single class). Any director elected by the holders
of series O preferred stock and any other such preferred
shares ranking on parity with the series O preferred stock,
as described above, may be removed at any time with or without
cause by the vote of, and shall not be removed otherwise than by
the vote of, the holders of a majority of the outstanding
series O preferred stock when they only have the voting
rights set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph and,
when preferred shares ranking on parity with the series O
preferred stock, as described above, are issued and outstanding,
by a majority vote of the series O preferred stock and all
series and classes of preferred shares ranking on parity with
the series O preferred stock, as described above, upon
which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable
(voting as a single class).
So long as any series O preferred stock remains
outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
series O preferred stock outstanding at the time, given in
person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (the
series O preferred stock voting separately as a class),
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
series O preferred stock with respect to payment of
dividends or the distribution of assets upon voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up or reclassify
any of our authorized stock into any such shares, or create,
authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into,
exchangeable or exercisable for, or evidencing the right to
purchase, any such stock; or |
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amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our charter documents,
whether by merger or consolidation or otherwise, so as to
materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege
or voting power of the series O preferred stock or the
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provided, however, with respect to the occurrence of any of the
merger or consolidation events set forth in the second bullet
above, so long as shares of series O preferred stock (or
shares issued by a surviving entity in substitution for the
shares of series O preferred stock) remain outstanding with
the terms thereof materially unchanged, taking into account that
upon the occurrence of such an event, we may not be the
surviving entity, the occurrence of any such event shall not be
deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights,
preferences, privileges or voting powers of holders of
series O preferred stock; and, provided further, that any
increase in the amount of our authorized preferred stock or the
creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred
stock, or any increase in the amount of authorized series O
preferred stock or any other class or series of our preferred
stock, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the
series O preferred stock with respect to payment of
dividends and the distribution of assets upon voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be
deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights,
preferences, privileges or voting powers.
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The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior
to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would
otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares
of series O preferred stock shall have been redeemed or
called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds
shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
Conversion Rights
The series O preferred stock will not be convertible into
or exchangeable for any other of our property or securities.
Power to Issue Additional Common Stock and Preferred Stock
We believe that the power of our board of directors to issue
additional authorized but unissued common stock or preferred
stock and to classify or reclassify unissued common stock or
preferred stock and thereafter to cause us to issue such
classified or reclassified common stock or preferred stock
provides us with increased flexibility in structuring possible
future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs
which might arise. The additional classes or series of preferred
stock, as well as our common stock, are available for issuance
without further action by our stockholders, unless such action
is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange
or automated quotation system on which the our securities may be
listed or traded. Although our board of directors has no
intention at the present time of doing so, it could authorize us
to issue a class or series that could, depending upon the terms
of such class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction
or a change in control that might involve a premium price for
holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best
interest, or that could adversely affect the rights and voting
power of the series O preferred stock. Our board of
directors may authorize the additional issuance of series O
preferred stock from time to time.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
In order for us to qualify as a real estate investment trust
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, our capital stock,
including the series O preferred stock, is subject to
certain restrictions on ownership and transfer. See
Description of Capital Stock and Restrictions
on Ownership and Transfer of Capital Stock.
Transfer Agent, Registrar, Conversion Agent and Dividend
Disbursing Agent
The transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for
the series O preferred stock is Computershare Investor
Services, LLC.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
We have summarized certain terms and provisions of our capital
stock in this section. This summary is not complete. For more
detail you should refer to the Maryland General Corporation Law
and our charter and bylaws. See Where You Can Find More
Information.
Common Stock
Our charter provides that we are authorized to issue
500,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per
share. As of November 4, 2005, we had
85,455,785 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
Each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to
one vote on all matters presented to stockholders generally for
a vote, including the election of directors. Except as otherwise
required by law and except as provided in any resolution adopted
by the board of directors establishing any other class or series
of stock, the holders of common stock possess the exclusive
voting power, subject to the provisions of our charter regarding
the ownership of shares of common stock in excess of the
ownership limit or any other limit specified in our charter, or
otherwise permitted by the board of
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directors. Holders of shares of common stock do not have any
conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal
rights or any preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our
securities or cumulative voting rights in the election of
directors. All shares of our common stock that are issued and
outstanding are duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable.
Subject to the preferential rights of any other shares or series
or classes of stock, including our preferred stock, and to the
provisions of our charter regarding ownership of shares of
common stock in excess of the ownership limit, or such other
limit specified in our charter or as otherwise permitted by the
board of directors, we may pay distributions to the holders of
shares of common stock if and when authorized and declared by
the board of directors out of funds legally available for
distribution. We intend to continue to make quarterly
distributions on outstanding shares of common stock.
Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, stockholders are
generally not liable for our debts or obligations. If we
liquidate, subject to the right of any holders of preferred
stock to receive preferential distributions, each outstanding
share of common stock will be entitled to participate pro rata
in the assets remaining after payment of, or adequate provision
for, all of our known debts and liabilities, including debts and
liabilities arising out of our status as general partner of the
operating partnership.
Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the ownership
of shares of common stock in excess of the ownership limit, or
such other limit specified in our charter, or as otherwise
permitted by the board of directors as described below, all
shares of common stock have equal distribution, liquidation and
voting rights, and have no preference or exchange rights.
Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, a Maryland
corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge,
sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share
exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary
course of business unless advised by its board of directors and
approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the
votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser
percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes
entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the
corporations charter. Under the Maryland General
Corporation Law, the term substantially all of the
companys assets is not defined and is, therefore,
subject to Maryland common law and to judicial interpretation
and review in the context of the unique facts and circumstances
of any particular transaction. Our charter does not provide for
a lesser percentage in any of the above situations.
Our charter authorizes the board of directors to reclassify any
unissued shares of capital stock into other classes or series of
classes of stock and to establish the number of shares in each
class or series and to set the preferences, conversion and other
rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations and
restrictions on ownership, limitations as to dividends or other
distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of
redemption for each class or series.
Preferred Stock
Our charter provides that we are authorized to issue
100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value
per share, of which 1,595,337 shares are of a separate
class designated as Series D Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock, 220,440 shares are of a separate class
designated as Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Stock, 267,439 shares are of a separate class designated as
Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock,
840,000 shares are of a separate class designated as
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock,
510,000 shares are of a separate class designated as
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock,
800,000 shares are of a separate class designated as
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock,
800,000 shares are of a separate class designated as
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock;
2,300,000 shares are of a separate class designated as
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock; and
2,300,000 shares are of a separate class designated as
Series M Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. Our
series J and K preferred stock are issuable in exchange, on
a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment, for series J
and K preferred units, respectively, of the operating
partnership. Our series D, E, F, H and I preferred stock
are issuable in exchange, on a one-for-one basis, subject to
adjustment, for series D, E, F, H and I preferred units of
AMB Property II, L.P., a partnership in which one of our
indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries owns an approximate 1%
general partnership interest
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and the operating partnership owns an approximate 98% common
limited partnership interest. We currently have
2,000,000 shares of series L preferred stock and
2,300,000 shares of series M preferred stock issued
and outstanding. We currently have 1,595,337 shares of
series D preferred stock, 220,440 shares of
series E preferred stock, 267,439 shares of
series F preferred stock, 840,000 shares of
series H preferred stock, 510,000 shares of
series I preferred stock, 800,000 shares of
series J preferred stock and 800,000 shares of
series K preferred stock reserved for issuance but not
issued or outstanding. We may issue additional shares of
preferred stock from time to time, in one or more classes, as
authorized by our board of directors. Prior to the issuance of
shares of each class of preferred stock, our board of directors
is required by the Maryland General Corporation Law and our
charter to fix for each class the terms, preferences, conversion
or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of
redemption, as permitted by Maryland law. Because our board of
directors has the power to establish the preferences, powers and
rights of each class of preferred stock, it may afford the
holders of any class of preferred stock preferences, powers and
rights, voting or otherwise, senior to the rights of holders of
shares of common stock. The issuance of preferred stock could
have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control
that might involve a premium price for holders of shares of
preferred stock or shares of common stock or otherwise be in
their best interest.
Series D Preferred Stock. We are authorized
to issue up to 1,595,337 shares of series D preferred
stock of which no shares are currently issued or outstanding.
The series D preferred stock is issuable upon exchange of
AMB Property II, L.P. series D preferred units. The
AMB Property II, L.P. series D preferred units are
exchangeable in whole at any time on or after May 5, 2009,
at the option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding
series D preferred units, on a one-for-one basis, subject
to adjustment, for shares of our series D preferred stock.
In addition, AMB Property II, L.P. series D preferred
units are exchangeable in whole at any time at the option of 51%
of the holders of all outstanding series D preferred units
of AMB Property II, L.P. if:
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any series D preferred unit shall not have received full
distributions with respect to six prior quarterly distribution
periods (whether or not consecutive); or |
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the general partner of AMB Property II, L.P. or one of its
subsidiaries takes the position, and a holder or holders of
series D preferred units receive an opinion of independent
counsel that AMB Property II, L.P. is, or upon the
happening of a certain event likely will be, a publicly
traded partnership within the meaning of the Internal
Revenue Code. |
The series D preferred units of AMB Property II, L.P.
are exchangeable in whole for shares of our series D
preferred stock at any time prior to May 5, 2009 at the
option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding series D
preferred units if those holders deliver to the general partner
of AMB Property II, L.P. a private letter ruling or an
opinion of independent counsel to the effect that an exchange of
the series D preferred units at that time would not cause
the series D preferred units to be considered stock
and securities within the meaning of the Internal Revenue
Code for purposes of determining whether the holder of the
series D preferred units is an investment
company under the Internal Revenue Code.
In lieu of an exchange for our series D preferred stock,
AMB Property II, L.P. may redeem the series D
preferred units for cash in an amount equal to the original
capital account balance of the holder of AMB Property II,
L.P. series D preferred units. A holder of series D
preferred units of AMB Property II, L.P. will not be
entitled to exchange the units for series D preferred stock
if the exchange would result in a violation of the ownership
limit. See Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of
Capital Stock.
The series D preferred stock, if and when issued, will
rank, with respect to dividends and in the event we voluntarily
or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
series D preferred stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the series D preferred stock; and |
S-15
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the series O preferred stock to be issued in this offering,
the series L and M preferred stock, and if and when issued,
the series E, F, H, I, J and K preferred stock) other
than those referred to in the bullet points above. |
The term equity securities does not include
convertible debt securities until converted into equity
securities.
If ever issued, the series D preferred stock will entitle
the holders to receive, when and as authorized by the board of
directors out of funds legally available for dividends,
cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 7.75% of
the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to
$3.875 per annum per share of series D preferred
stock). Dividends on the series D preferred stock will
accumulate on a daily basis and will be payable quarterly in
arrears on the 15th day of each January, April, July and
October. Except as provided below, unless full cumulative
dividends on the series D preferred stock have been or at
the same time are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for payment set apart for payment for all dividend
periods, no dividends (other than in common stock or other
equity securities ranking junior to the series D preferred
stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) shall be declared or
paid or set aside for payment or other dividend be declared or
made upon the common stock or any other equity securities
ranking as to distributions or upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up junior to or on a parity
with the series D preferred stock, nor shall any common
stock or any other equity securities ranking junior to or on a
parity with the series D preferred stock as to
distributions or upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up be redeemed, purchased or otherwise
acquired for any consideration (or any monies be paid to or made
available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such
securities) by us (except by conversion into or exchange for
other equity securities ranking junior to the series D
preferred stock and pursuant to the provisions of our charter
providing for limitations on ownership and transfer in order to
ensure that we remain qualified as a real estate investment
trust). When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient
for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the
series D preferred stock and any other equity securities
ranking as to distributions on a parity with the series D
preferred stock, all dividends declared upon the series D
preferred stock and any other equity securities ranking on a
parity with the series D preferred stock as to
distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up will be declared pro rata so that the
amount of dividends declared per share of series D
preferred stock and each such other equity securities shall bear
to each other the same ratio that accumulated dividends per
share of series D preferred stock and such other equity
securities (which shall not include any accumulation in respect
of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such other
equity securities do not have a cumulative dividend) bear to
each other. Dividends on the series D preferred stock will
accumulate whether or not we have funds legally available for
the payment of dividends and whether or not we declare
dividends. If we designate any portion of a dividend as a
capital gain dividend, a holders share of the
capital gain dividend will be an amount that bears the same
ratio to the total amount of dividends (as determined for
federal income tax purposes) paid to the holder for the year as
the aggregate amount designated as a capital gain dividend bears
to the aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined for
federal income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares for
the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up following the issuance of series D
preferred stock, the holders of the series D preferred
stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of
$50.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated
or accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of such payment,
before any distribution of assets is made to holders of common
stock or any other equity securities that rank junior to the
series D preferred stock. After payment of the full amount
of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the
holders of the series D preferred stock will have no right
or claim to any of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or
merger with or into any other entity, a merger of another entity
with or into us, a statutory share exchange or the sale, lease,
transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our
property or business will not constitute a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up for purposes of triggering the
liquidation preference.
S-16
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up following the issuance of series D preferred stock and
our assets are insufficient to make full payment to holders of
the series D preferred stock and the corresponding amounts
payable on all shares of other classes or series of equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series D preferred
stock as to liquidation rights then the holders of the
series D preferred stock and all other such classes or
series of equity securities will share ratably in any such
distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating
distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled.
The series D preferred stock will have no stated maturity
and will not be subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking
fund. If issued, we will be able to redeem the series D
preferred stock for cash at our option, in whole or from time to
time in part, at a redemption price of $50.00 per share,
plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, to the redemption
date. We will be required to pay the redemption price (other
than the portion of the redemption price consisting of
accumulated and unpaid dividends) solely out of the sale
proceeds of other equity securities, which may include other
classes or series of preferred stock. In certain circumstances
related to our maintenance of our ability to qualify as a real
estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes, we will
be able to redeem shares of series D preferred stock.
Holders of series D preferred stock will have no voting
rights, except as described below. If, after issuance, we do not
pay dividends on the series D preferred stock for six or
more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive), holders of
the series D preferred stock (voting separately as a class
with all other classes or series of equity securities upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will
be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors
to serve on our board of directors until we have eliminated all
dividend arrearages with respect to the series D preferred
stock. So long as any shares of series D preferred stock
remain outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
by the holders of the outstanding shares of series D
preferred stock (the series D preferred stock voting
separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
series D preferred stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the series D preferred stock; |
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designate or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, or reclassify, any authorized shares into, any preferred
stock ranking on a parity with the series D preferred stock
or create, authorize or issue any obligations or securities
convertible into any such shares, but only to the extent such
stock is issued to one of our affiliates; or |
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either consolidate, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or
lease our assets substantially, as an entirety, to any
corporation or other entity, or amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of our charter, whether by merger or consolidation or
otherwise, in each case so as to materially and adversely affect
the powers, special rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of the series D preferred stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as we are either the
surviving entity and shares of series D preferred stock
remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged or the
resulting, surviving or transferee entity is a corporation,
business trust or like entity organized under the laws of any
state and substitutes for the series D preferred stock
other preferred stock or shares having substantially the same
terms and rights as the series D preferred stock, the
occurrence of any such event will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect rights, preferences, privileges
or voting powers of holders of series D preferred stock.
Any increase in the amount of authorized preferred stock, the
creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred
stock or any increase in an amount of authorized shares of each
class or series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior
to the series D preferred stock will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences,
privileges or voting powers.
S-17
We have agreed to file a registration statement registering the
resale of the shares of series D preferred stock issuable
to the holders of AMB Property II, L.P. series D preferred
units as soon as practicable but not later than 60 days after
the date the AMB Property II, L.P. series D preferred
units are exchanged for shares of series D preferred stock.
We have also agreed to use our best efforts to cause the
registration statement to be declared effective within
120 days after the date of the exchange.
Series E Preferred Stock. We are authorized
to issue up to 220,440 shares of series E preferred
stock of which no shares are currently issued or outstanding.
The series E preferred stock is issuable upon exchange of
AMB Property II, L.P. series E preferred units. The
AMB Property II, L.P. series E preferred units are
exchangeable in whole at any time on or after August 31,
2009, at the option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding
series E preferred units, on a one-for-one basis, subject
to adjustment, for shares of our series E preferred stock.
In addition, AMB Property II, L.P. series E preferred
units are exchangeable in whole at any time at the option of 51%
of the holders of all outstanding series E preferred units
of AMB Property II, L.P. if:
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any series E preferred unit shall not have received full
distributions with respect to six prior quarterly distribution
periods (whether or not consecutive); or |
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the general partner of AMB Property II, L.P. or one of its
subsidiaries takes the position, and a holder or holders of
series E preferred units receive an opinion of independent
counsel that AMB Property II, L.P. is, or upon the
happening of a certain event likely will be, a publicly
traded partnership within the meaning of the Internal
Revenue Code. |
The series E preferred units of AMB Property II, L.P.
are exchangeable in whole for shares of our series E
preferred stock at any time prior to August 31, 2009 at the
option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding series E
preferred units if those holders deliver to the general partner
of AMB Property II, L.P. a private letter ruling or an opinion
of independent counsel to the effect that an exchange of the
series E preferred units at that time would not cause the
series E preferred units to be considered stock and
securities within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code
for purposes of determining whether the holder of the
series E preferred units is an investment
company under the Internal Revenue Code.
In lieu of an exchange for our series E preferred stock,
AMB Property II, L.P. may redeem the series E
preferred units for cash in an amount equal to the original
capital account balance of the holder of AMB Property II,
L.P. series E preferred units. A holder of series E
preferred units will not be entitled to exchange the units for
series E preferred stock if the exchange would result in a
violation of the ownership limit. See Restrictions on
Ownership and Transfer of Capital Stock.
The series E preferred stock, if and when issued, will
rank, with respect to dividends and in the event we voluntarily
or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
series E preferred stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the series E preferred stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the series O preferred stock to be issued in this offering,
the series L and M preferred stock, and if and when issued,
the series D, F, H, I, J and K preferred stock) other
than those referred to in the bullet points above. |
The term equity securities does not include
convertible debt securities until converted into equity
securities.
If ever issued, the series E preferred stock will entitle
the holders to receive, when and as authorized by the board of
directors out of funds legally available for dividends,
cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 7.75% of
the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to
$3.875 per annum per share of series E preferred
stock). Dividends on the series E preferred stock will
accumulate on a daily basis and will be payable quarterly in
arrears on the 15th day of each January, April, July and
October. Except as provided below, unless full cumulative
dividends on the series E preferred stock have been or at
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the same time are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for payment set apart for payment for all dividend
periods, no dividends (other than in common stock or other
equity securities ranking junior to the series E preferred
stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) shall be declared or
paid or set aside for payment or other dividend be declared or
made upon the common stock or any other equity securities
ranking as to distributions or upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up junior to or on a parity
with the series E preferred stock, nor shall any common
stock or any other equity securities ranking junior to or on a
parity with the series E preferred stock as to
distributions or upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up be redeemed, purchased or otherwise
acquired for any consideration (or any monies be paid to or made
available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such
securities) by us (except by conversion into or exchange for
other equity securities ranking junior to the series E
preferred stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up and pursuant
to the provisions of our charter providing for limitations on
ownership and transfer in order to ensure that we remain
qualified as a real estate investment trust). When dividends are
not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is
not so set apart) upon the series E preferred stock and any
other equity securities ranking as to distributions on a parity
with the series E preferred stock, all dividends declared
upon the series E preferred stock and any other equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series E preferred
stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up will be declared pro rata
so that the amount of dividends declared per share of
series E preferred stock and each such other equity
securities shall bear to each other the same ratio that
accumulated dividends per share of series E preferred stock
and such other equity securities (which shall not include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend
periods if such other equity securities do not have a cumulative
dividend) bear to each other. Dividends on the series E
preferred stock will accumulate whether or not we have funds
legally available for the payment of dividends and whether or
not we declare dividends. If we designate any portion of a
dividend as a capital gain dividend, a holders
share of the capital gain dividend will be an amount that bears
the same ratio to the total amount of dividends (as determined
for federal income tax purposes) paid to the holder for the year
as the aggregate amount designated as a capital gain dividend
bears to the aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined
for federal income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares
for the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up following the issuance of series E
preferred stock, the holders of the series E preferred
stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of
$50.00 per share, and in addition, a preferential payment
in an amount equal to any accumulated or accrued and unpaid
dividends to the date of such payment, before any distribution
of assets is made to holders of common stock or any other equity
securities that rank junior to the series E preferred
stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of the
series E preferred stock will have no right or claim to any
of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or
into any other entity, a merger of another entity with or into
us, a statutory share exchange or the sale, lease, transfer or
conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or
business will not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up for purposes of triggering the liquidation preference.
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up following the issuance of series E preferred stock and
our assets are insufficient to make full payment to holders of
the series E preferred stock and the corresponding amounts
payable on all shares of other classes or series of equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series E preferred
stock as to liquidation rights, then the holders of the
series E preferred stock and all other such classes or
series of equity securities will share ratably in any such
distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating
distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled.
The series E preferred stock will have no stated maturity
and will not be subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking
fund. If issued, we will be able to redeem the series E
preferred stock for cash at our option, in whole or from time to
time in part, at a redemption price of $50.00 per share,
plus
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accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, to the redemption
date. We will be required to pay the redemption price (other
than the portion of the redemption price consisting of
accumulated and unpaid dividends) solely out of the sale
proceeds of other equity securities, which may include other
classes or series of preferred stock. In certain circumstances
related to our maintenance of our ability to qualify as a real
estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes, we will
be able to redeem shares of series E preferred stock.
Holders of series E preferred stock will have no voting
rights, except as described below. If, after issuance, we do not
pay dividends on the series E preferred stock for six or
more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive), holders of
the series E preferred stock (voting separately as a class
with all other classes or series of equity securities upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will
be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors
to serve on our board of directors until we have eliminated all
dividend arrearages with respect to the series E preferred
stock. So long as any shares of series E preferred stock
remain outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
by the holders of the outstanding shares of series E
preferred stock (the series E preferred stock voting
separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
series E preferred stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the series E preferred stock; |
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designate or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, or reclassify, any authorized shares into, any preferred
stock ranking on a parity with the series E preferred stock
or create, authorize or issue any obligations or securities
convertible into any such shares, but only to the extent such
stock is issued to one of our affiliates; or |
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either consolidate, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or
lease our assets substantially, as an entirety, to any
corporation or other entity, or amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of our charter, whether by merger or consolidation or
otherwise, in each case so as to materially and adversely affect
the powers, special rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of the series E preferred stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as we are either the
surviving entity and shares of series E preferred stock
remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged or the
resulting, surviving or transferee entity is a corporation,
business trust or like entity organized under the laws of any
state and substitutes for the series E preferred stock
other preferred stock or shares having substantially the same
terms and rights as the series E preferred stock, the
occurrence of any such event will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect rights, preferences, privileges
or voting powers of holders of series E preferred stock.
Any increase in the amount of authorized preferred stock, the
creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred
stock or any increase in an amount of authorized shares of each
class or series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior
to the series E preferred stock will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences,
privileges or voting powers.
We have agreed to file a registration statement registering the
resale of the shares of series E preferred stock issuable
to the holders of AMB Property II, L.P. series E preferred
units as soon as practicable but not later than 60 days
after the date the AMB Property II, L.P. series E
preferred units are exchanged for shares of series E
preferred stock. We have also agreed to use our best efforts to
cause the registration statement to be declared effective within
120 days after the date of the exchange.
Series F Preferred Stock. We are authorized
to issue up to 267,439 shares of series F preferred
stock of which no shares are currently issued or outstanding.
The series F preferred stock is issuable upon exchange of
AMB Property II, L.P. series F preferred units. The
AMB Property II, L.P. series F preferred units are
exchangeable in whole at any time on or after March 22,
2010, at the option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding
series F preferred units, on a one-for-one basis, subject
to adjustment, for shares
S-20
of our series F preferred stock. In addition, AMB
Property II, L.P. series F preferred units are
exchangeable in whole at any time at the option of 51% of the
holders of all outstanding series F preferred units of AMB
Property II, L.P. if:
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any series F preferred unit shall not have received full
distributions with respect to six prior quarterly distribution
periods (whether or not consecutive); or |
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the general partner of AMB Property II, L.P. or one of its
subsidiaries takes the position, and a holder or holders of
series F preferred units receive an opinion of independent
counsel that AMB Property II, L.P. is, or upon the
happening of a certain event likely will be, a publicly
traded partnership within the meaning of the Internal
Revenue Code. |
The series F preferred units of AMB Property II, L.P.
are exchangeable in whole for shares of our series F
preferred stock at any time prior to March 22, 2010 at the
option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding series F
preferred units of AMB Property II, L.P. if those holders
deliver to the general partner of AMB Property II, L.P. a
private letter ruling or an opinion of independent counsel to
the effect that an exchange of the series F preferred units
at that time would not cause the series F preferred units
to be considered stock and securities within the
meaning of the Internal Revenue Code for purposes of determining
whether the holder of the series F preferred units is an
investment company under the Internal Revenue Code.
In addition, the series F preferred units of AMB
Property II, L.P. may be exchanged, in whole but not in
part, at the option of 51% of the holders, at any time that
there exists an imminent and substantial risk that such
holders interest in AMB Property II, L.P. represents
or will represent more than 19.0% of the total profits of or
capital interests in AMB Property II, L.P. for a taxable
year.
Furthermore, the AMB Property II, L.P. series F
preferred units may be exchanged, in whole but not in part, at
the option of 51% of the holders, if the AMB Property II,
L.P. series F preferred units are held by a real estate
investment trust and excluding the effect of certain loans and
advances for purposes of the 5% test of
Section 856(c)(4)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, either:
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AMB Property II, L.P. is advised by counsel that, based on
the assets and income of AMB Property II, L.P. for a
taxable year after 1998, it would not satisfy the income and
assets tests of Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code
for such taxable year if it were a real estate investment
trust; or |
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the holder of the AMB Property II, L.P. series F
preferred units delivers an opinion of independent counsel to
the effect that, based on the assets and income of AMB
Property II, L.P. for a taxable year after 1999, AMB
Property II, L.P. would not satisfy the income and assets
tests of Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code for such
taxable year if it were a real estate investment trust and that
such failure would create a meaningful risk that the holder of
the AMB Property II, L.P. series F preferred units
would fail to maintain its qualification as a real estate
investment trust. |
In lieu of an exchange for series F preferred stock, AMB
Property II, L.P. may redeem the series F preferred
units for cash in an amount equal to the original capital
account balance of the holder of the series F preferred
units. A holder of series F preferred units of AMB
Property II, L.P. will not be entitled to exchange the
units for series F preferred stock if the exchange would
result in a violation of the ownership limit. See
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Capital
Stock.
The series F preferred stock, if and when issued, will rank
with respect to dividends and in the event we voluntarily or
involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
series F preferred stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the series F preferred stock; and |
S-21
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the series O preferred stock to be issued in this offering,
the series L and M preferred stock, and if and when issued,
the series D, E, H, I, J and K preferred stock) other
than those referred to in the bullet points above. |
The term equity securities does not include
convertible debt securities until converted into equity
securities.
If ever issued, the series F preferred stock will entitle
the holders to receive, when and as authorized by the board of
directors out of funds legally available for dividends,
cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 7.95% of
the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to
$3.975 per annum per share of series F preferred
stock). Dividends on the series F preferred stock will
accumulate on a daily basis and will be payable quarterly in
arrears on the 15th day of each January, April, July and
October. Except as provided below, unless full cumulative
dividends on the series F preferred stock have been or at
the same time are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for payment set apart for payment for all dividend
periods, no dividends (other than in common stock or other
equity securities ranking junior to the series F preferred
stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) shall be declared or
paid or set aside for payment or other dividend be declared or
made upon the common stock or any other equity securities
ranking as to distributions or upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up junior to or on a parity
with the series F preferred stock, nor shall any common
stock or any other equity securities ranking junior to or on a
parity with the series F preferred stock as to
distributions or upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up be redeemed, purchased or otherwise
acquired for any consideration (or any monies be paid to or made
available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such
securities) by us (except by conversion into or exchange for
other equity securities ranking junior to the series F
preferred stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up and pursuant
to the provisions of our charter providing for limitations on
ownership and transfer in order to ensure that we remain
qualified as a real estate investment trust). When dividends are
not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is
not so set apart) upon the series F preferred stock and any
other equity securities ranking as to distributions on a parity
with the series F preferred stock, all dividends declared
upon the series F preferred stock and any other equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series F preferred
stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up will be declared pro rata
so that the amount of dividends declared per share of
series F preferred stock and each such other equity
securities shall bear to each other the same ratio that
accumulated dividends per share of series F preferred stock
and such other equity securities (which shall not include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend
periods if such other equity securities do not have a cumulative
dividend) bear to each other. Dividends on the series F
preferred stock will accumulate whether or not we have funds
legally available for the payment of dividends and whether or
not we declare dividends. If we designate any portion of a
dividend as a capital gain dividend, a holders
share of the capital gain dividend will be an amount that bears
the same ratio to the total amount of dividends (as determined
for federal income tax purposes) paid to the holder for the year
as the aggregate amount designated as a capital gain dividend
bears to the aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined
for federal income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares
for the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up following the issuance of series F
preferred stock, the holders of the series F preferred
stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of
$50.00 per share, and in addition, a preferential payment
in an amount equal to any accumulated or accrued and unpaid
dividends to the date of such payment, before any distribution
of assets is made to holders of common stock or any other equity
securities that rank junior to the series F preferred
stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of the
series F preferred stock will have no right or claim to any
of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or
into any other entity, a merger of another entity with or into
us, a statutory share exchange or the sale, lease, transfer or
S-22
conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or
business will not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up for purposes of triggering the liquidation preference.
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up following the issuance of series F preferred stock and
our assets are insufficient to make full payment to holders of
the series F preferred stock and the corresponding amounts
payable on all shares of other classes or series of equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series F preferred
stock as to liquidation rights, then the holders of the
series F preferred stock and all other such classes or
series of equity securities will share ratably in any such
distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating
distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled.
The series F preferred stock will have no stated maturity
and will not be subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking
fund. If issued, we will be able to redeem the series F
preferred stock for cash at our option, in whole or from time to
time in part, at a redemption price of $50.00 per share,
plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, to the redemption
date. We will be required to pay the redemption price (other
than the portion of the redemption price consisting of
accumulated and unpaid dividends) solely out of the sale
proceeds of other equity securities, which may include other
classes or series of preferred stock. In certain circumstances
related to our maintenance of our ability to qualify as a real
estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes, we will
be able to redeem shares of series F preferred stock.
Holders of series F preferred stock will have no voting
rights, except as described below. If, after issuance, we do not
pay dividends on the series F preferred stock for six or
more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive), holders of
the series F preferred stock (voting separately as a class
with all other classes or series of equity securities upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will
be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors
to serve on our board of directors until we have eliminated all
dividend arrearages with respect to the series F preferred
stock. So long as any shares of series F preferred stock
remain outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
by the holders of the outstanding shares of series F
preferred stock (the series F preferred stock voting
separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
series F preferred stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the series F preferred stock; |
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designate or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, or reclassify, any authorized shares into, any preferred
stock ranking on a parity with the series F preferred stock
or create, authorize or issue any obligations or securities
convertible into any such shares, but only to the extent such
stock is issued to one of our affiliates; or |
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either consolidate, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or
lease our assets substantially, as an entirety, to any
corporation or other entity, or amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of our charter, whether by merger or consolidation or
otherwise, in each case so as to materially and adversely affect
the powers, special rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of the series F preferred stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as we are either the
surviving entity and shares of series F preferred stock
remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged or the
resulting, surviving or transferee entity is a corporation,
business trust or like entity organized under the laws of any
state and substitutes for the series F preferred stock
other preferred stock or shares having substantially the same
terms and rights as the series F preferred stock, the
occurrence of any such event will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect rights, preferences, privileges
or voting powers of holders of series F preferred stock.
Any increase in the amount of authorized preferred stock, the
creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred
stock or any increase in an amount of authorized shares of each
class or series, in each case ranking on a parity with
S-23
or junior to the series F preferred stock will not be
considered to materially and adversely affect such rights,
preferences, privileges or voting powers.
We have agreed to file a registration statement registering the
resale of the shares of series F preferred stock issuable
to the holders of AMB Property II, L.P. series F preferred
units as soon as practicable but not later than 60 days
after the date the AMB Property II, L.P. series F
preferred units are exchanged for shares of series F
preferred stock. We have also agreed to use our best efforts to
cause the registration statement to be declared effective within
120 days after the date of the exchange.
Series H Preferred Stock. We are authorized
to issue up to 840,000 shares of series H preferred
stock of which no shares are currently issued or outstanding.
The series H preferred stock is issuable upon exchange of
AMB Property II, L.P. series H preferred units. The
AMB Property II, L.P. series H preferred units are
exchangeable in whole at any time on or after September 1,
2010, at the option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding
series H preferred units, on a one-for-one basis, subject
to adjustment, for shares of our series H preferred stock.
In addition, AMB Property II, L.P. series H preferred
units are exchangeable in whole at any time at the option of 51%
of the holders of all outstanding series H preferred units
of AMB Property II, L.P. if:
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any series H preferred unit shall not have received full
distributions with respect to six prior quarterly distribution
periods (whether or not consecutive); or |
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the general partner of AMB Property II, L.P. or one of its
subsidiaries takes the position, and a holder or holders of
series H preferred units receive an opinion of independent
counsel that AMB Property II, L.P. is, or upon the
happening of a certain event likely will be, a publicly
traded partnership within the meaning of the Internal
Revenue Code. |
The series H preferred units of AMB Property II, L.P.
are exchangeable in whole for shares of our series H
preferred stock at any time prior to September 1, 2010 at
the option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding
series H preferred units of AMB Property II, L.P. if
those holders deliver to the general partner of AMB
Property II, L.P. a private letter ruling or an opinion of
independent counsel to the effect that an exchange of the
series H preferred units at that time would not cause the
series H preferred units to be considered stock and
securities within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code
for purposes of determining whether the holder of the
series H preferred units is an investment
company under the Internal Revenue Code.
In lieu of an exchange for series H preferred stock, AMB
Property II, L.P. may redeem the series H preferred
units for cash in an amount equal to the original capital
account balance of the holder of the series H preferred
units. A holder of series H preferred units of AMB
Property II, L.P. will not be entitled to exchange the
units for series H preferred stock if the exchange would
result in a violation of the ownership limit. See
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Capital
Stock.
The series H preferred stock, if and when issued, will
rank, with respect to dividends and in the event we voluntarily
or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
series H preferred stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the series H preferred stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the series O preferred stock to be issued in this offering,
the series L and M preferred stock, and if and when issued,
the series D, E, F, I, J, and K preferred stock) other
than those referred to in the bullet points above. |
The term equity securities does not include
convertible debt securities until converted into equity
securities.
If ever issued, the series H preferred stock will entitle
the holders to receive, when and as authorized by the board of
directors out of funds legally available for dividends,
cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 8.125% of
the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to
$4.0625 per annum
S-24
per share of series H preferred stock). Dividends on the
series H preferred stock will accumulate on a daily basis
and will be payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of
each January, April, July and October. Except as provided below,
unless full cumulative dividends on the series H preferred
stock have been or at the same time are declared and paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart for payment
for all dividend periods, no dividends (other than in common
stock or other equity securities ranking junior to the
series H preferred stock as to distributions and upon
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up)
shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment or other
dividend be declared or made upon the common stock or any other
equity securities ranking as to distributions or upon voluntary
or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up junior to
or on a parity with the series H preferred stock, nor shall
any common stock or any other equity securities ranking junior
to or on a parity with the series H preferred stock as to
distributions or upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up be redeemed, purchased or otherwise
acquired for any consideration (or any monies be paid to or made
available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such
securities) by us (except by conversion into or exchange for
other equity securities ranking junior to the series H
preferred stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up and pursuant
to the provisions of our charter providing for limitations on
ownership and transfer in order to ensure that we remain
qualified as a real estate investment trust). When dividends are
not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is
not so set apart) upon the series H preferred stock and any
other equity securities ranking as to distributions on a parity
with the series H preferred stock, all dividends declared
upon the series H preferred stock and any other equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series H preferred
stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up will be declared pro rata
so that the amount of dividends declared per share of
series H preferred stock and each such other equity
securities shall bear to each other the same ratio that
accumulated dividends per share of series H preferred stock
and such other equity securities (which shall not include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend
periods if such other equity securities do not have a cumulative
dividend) bear to each other. Dividends on the series H
preferred stock will accumulate whether or not we have funds
legally available for the payment of dividends and whether or
not we declare dividends.
If we designate any portion of a dividend as a capital
gain dividend, a holders share of the capital gain
dividend will be an amount that bears the same ratio to the
total amount of dividends (as determined for federal income tax
purposes) paid to the holder for the year as the aggregate
amount designated as a capital gain dividend bears to the
aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined for federal
income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares for the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up following the issuance of series H
preferred stock, the holders of the series H preferred
stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of
$50.00 per share, and in addition, a preferential payment
in an amount equal to any accumulated or accrued and unpaid
dividends to the date of such payment, before any distribution
of assets is made to holders of common stock or any other equity
securities that rank junior to the series H preferred
stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of the
series H preferred stock will have no right or claim to any
of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or
into any other entity, a merger of another entity with or into
us, a statutory share exchange or the sale, lease, transfer or
conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or
business will not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up for purposes of triggering the liquidation preference.
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up following the issuance of series H preferred stock and
our assets are insufficient to make full payment to holders of
the series H preferred stock and the corresponding amounts
payable on all shares of other classes or series of equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series H preferred
stock as to liquidation rights, then the holders of the
series H preferred stock and all other such classes or
series of equity securities will share ratably in any
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such distribution of assets in proportion to the full
liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be
entitled.
The series H preferred stock will have no stated maturity
and will not be subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking
fund. If issued, we will be able to redeem the series H
preferred stock for cash at our option, in whole or from time to
time in part, at a redemption price of $50.00 per share,
plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, to the redemption
date. We will be required to pay the redemption price (other
than the portion of the redemption price consisting of
accumulated and unpaid dividends) solely out of the sale
proceeds of other equity securities, which may include other
classes or series of preferred stock. In certain circumstances
related to our maintenance of our ability to qualify as a real
estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes, we will
be able to redeem shares of series H preferred stock.
Holders of series H preferred stock will have no voting
rights, except as described below. If, after issuance, we do not
pay dividends on the series H preferred stock for six or
more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive), holders of
the series H preferred stock (voting separately as a class
with all other classes or series of equity securities upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will
be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors
to serve on our board of directors until we have eliminated all
dividend arrearages with respect to the series H preferred
stock. So long as any shares of series H preferred stock
remain outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
by the holders of the outstanding shares of series H
preferred stock (the series H preferred stock voting
separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
series H preferred stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the series H preferred stock; |
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designate or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, or reclassify, any authorized shares into, any preferred
stock ranking on a parity with the series H preferred stock
or create, authorize or issue any obligations or securities
convertible into any such shares, but only to the extent such
stock is issued to one of our affiliates; or |
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either consolidate, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or
lease our assets substantially, as an entirety, to any
corporation or other entity, or amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of our charter, whether by merger or consolidation or
otherwise, in each case so as to materially and adversely affect
the powers, special rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of the series H preferred stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as we are either the
surviving entity and shares of series H preferred stock
remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged or the
resulting, surviving or transferee entity is a corporation,
business trust or like entity organized under the laws of any
state and substitutes for the series H preferred stock
other preferred stock or shares having substantially the same
terms and rights as the series H preferred stock, the
occurrence of any such event will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect rights, preferences, privileges
or voting powers of holders of series H preferred stock.
Any increase in the amount of authorized preferred stock, the
creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred
stock or any increase in an amount of authorized shares of each
class or series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior
to the series H preferred stock will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences,
privileges or voting powers.
We have agreed to file a registration statement registering the
resale of the shares of series H preferred stock issuable
to the holders of AMB Property II, L.P. series H preferred
units as soon as practicable but not later than 60 days
after the date the AMB Property II, L.P. series H
preferred units are exchanged for shares of series H
preferred stock. We have also agreed to use our best efforts to
cause the registration statement to be declared effective within
120 days after the date of the exchange.
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Series I Preferred Stock. We are authorized
to issue up to 510,000 shares of series I preferred
stock of which no shares are currently issued or outstanding.
The series I preferred stock is issuable upon exchange of
AMB Property II, L.P. series I preferred units. The
AMB Property II, L.P. series I preferred units are
exchangeable in whole at any time on or after March 21,
2011, at the option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding
series I preferred units, on a one-for-one basis, subject
to adjustment, for shares of our series I preferred stock.
In addition, AMB Property II, L.P. series I preferred
units are exchangeable in whole at any time at the option of 51%
of the holders of all outstanding series I preferred units
of AMB Property II, L.P. if:
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any series I preferred unit shall not have received full
distributions with respect to six prior quarterly distribution
periods (whether or not consecutive); or |
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the general partner of AMB Property II, L.P. or one of its
subsidiaries takes the position, and a holder or holders of
series I preferred units receive an opinion of independent
counsel that AMB Property II, L.P. is, or upon the
happening of a certain event likely will be, a publicly
traded partnership within the meaning of the Internal
Revenue Code. |
The series I preferred units of AMB Property II, L.P.
are exchangeable in whole for shares of our series I
preferred stock at any time prior to March 21, 2011 at the
option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding series I
preferred units of AMB Property II, L.P. if those holders
deliver to the general partner of AMB Property II, L.P. a
private letter ruling or an opinion of independent counsel to
the effect that an exchange of the series I preferred units
at that time would not cause the series I preferred units
to be considered stock and securities within the
meaning of the Internal Revenue Code for purposes of determining
whether the holder of the series I preferred units is an
investment company under the Internal Revenue Code.
In lieu of an exchange for series I preferred stock, AMB
Property II, L.P. may redeem the series I preferred
units for cash in an amount equal to the original capital
account balance of the holder of the series I preferred
units. A holder of series I preferred units of AMB
Property II, L.P. will not be entitled to exchange the
units for series I preferred stock if the exchange would
result in a violation of the ownership limit. See
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Capital
Stock.
The series I preferred stock, if and when issued, will
rank, with respect to dividends and in the event we voluntarily
or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
series I preferred stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the series I preferred stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the series O preferred stock to be issued in this offering,
the series L and M preferred stock, and if and when issued,
the series D, E, F, H, J and K preferred stock) other than
those referred to in the bullet points above. |
The term equity securities does not include
convertible debt securities until converted into equity
securities.
If ever issued, the series I preferred stock will entitle
the holders to receive, when and as authorized by the board of
directors out of funds legally available for dividends,
cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 8.00% of
the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to
$4.00 per annum per share of series I preferred
stock). Dividends on the series I preferred stock will
accumulate on a daily basis and will be payable quarterly in
arrears on the 15th day of each January, April, July and
October. Except as provided below, unless full cumulative
dividends on the series I preferred stock have been or at
the same time are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for payment set apart for payment for all dividend
periods, no dividends (other than in common stock or other
equity securities ranking junior to the series I preferred
stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) shall be declared or
paid or set aside for payment or other dividend be declared or
made upon the common stock or any other equity securities
ranking as to distributions or
S-27
upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up junior to or on a parity with the series I
preferred stock, nor shall any common stock or any other equity
securities ranking junior to or on a parity with the
series I preferred stock as to distributions or upon
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up
be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any
consideration (or any monies be paid to or made available for a
sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities) by us
(except by conversion into or exchange for other equity
securities ranking junior to the series I preferred stock
as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up and pursuant to the
provisions of our charter providing for limitations on ownership
and transfer in order to ensure that we remain qualified as a
real estate investment trust). When dividends are not paid in
full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set
apart) upon the series I preferred stock and any other
equity securities ranking as to distributions on a parity with
the series I preferred stock, all dividends declared upon
the series I preferred stock and any other equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series I preferred
stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up will be declared pro rata
so that the amount of dividends declared per share of
series I preferred stock and each such other equity
securities shall bear to each other the same ratio that
accumulated dividends per share of series I preferred stock
and such other equity securities (which shall not include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend
periods if such other equity securities do not have a cumulative
dividend) bear to each other. Dividends on the series I
preferred stock will accumulate whether or not we have funds
legally available for the payment of dividends and whether or
not we declare dividends. If we designate any portion of a
dividend as a capital gain dividend, a holders
share of the capital gain dividend will be an amount that bears
the same ratio to the total amount of dividends (as determined
for federal income tax purposes) paid to the holder for the year
as the aggregate amount designated as a capital gain dividend
bears to the aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined
for federal income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares
for the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up following the issuance of series I
preferred stock, the holders of the series I preferred
stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of
$50.00 per share, and in addition, a preferential payment
in an amount equal to any accumulated or accrued and unpaid
dividends to the date of such payment, before any distribution
of assets is made to holders of common stock or any other equity
securities that rank junior to the series I preferred
stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of the
series I preferred stock will have no right or claim to any
of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or
into any other entity, a merger of another entity with or into
us, a statutory share exchange or the sale, lease, transfer or
conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or
business will not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up for purposes of triggering the liquidation preference.
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up following the issuance of series I preferred stock and
our assets are insufficient to make full payment to holders of
the series I preferred stock and the corresponding amounts
payable on all shares of other classes or series of equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series I preferred
stock as to liquidation rights, then the holders of the
series I preferred stock and all other such classes or
series of equity securities will share ratably in any such
distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating
distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled.
The series I preferred stock will have no stated maturity
and will not be subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking
fund. If issued, we will be able to redeem the series I
preferred stock on and after March 21, 2006 for cash at our
option, in whole or from time to time in part, at a redemption
price of $50.00 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid
dividends, if any, to the redemption date. We will be required
to pay the redemption price (other than the portion of the
redemption price consisting of accumulated and unpaid dividends)
solely out of the sale proceeds of other equity securities,
which may include other classes or series of preferred stock. In
certain circumstances related to our maintenance of
S-28
our ability to qualify as a real estate investment trust for
federal income tax purposes, we will be able to redeem shares of
series I preferred stock.
Holders of series I preferred stock will have no voting
rights, except as described below. If, after issuance, we do not
pay dividends on the series I preferred stock for six or
more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive), holders of
the series I preferred stock (voting separately as a class
with all other classes or series of equity securities upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will
be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors
to serve on our board of directors until we have eliminated all
dividend arrearages with respect to the series I preferred
stock. So long as any shares of series I preferred stock
remain outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
by the holders of the outstanding shares of series I
preferred stock (the series I preferred stock voting
separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
series I preferred stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the series I preferred stock; |
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designate or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, or reclassify, any authorized shares into, any preferred
stock ranking on a parity with the series I preferred stock
or create, authorize or issue any obligations or securities
convertible into any such shares, but only to the extent such
stock is issued to one of our affiliates; or |
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either consolidate, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or
lease our assets substantially, as an entirety, to any
corporation or other entity, or amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of our charter, whether by merger or consolidation or
otherwise, in each case so as to materially and adversely affect
the powers, special rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of the series I preferred stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as we are either the
surviving entity and shares of series I preferred stock
remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged or the
resulting, surviving or transferee entity is a corporation,
business trust or like entity organized under the laws of any
state and substitutes for the series I preferred stock
other preferred stock or shares having substantially the same
terms and rights as the series I preferred stock, the
occurrence of any such event will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect rights, preferences, privileges
or voting powers of holders of series I preferred stock.
Any increase in the amount of authorized preferred stock, the
creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred
stock or any increase in an amount of authorized shares of each
class or series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior
to the series I preferred stock will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences,
privileges or voting powers.
We have agreed to file a registration statement registering the
resale of the shares of series I preferred stock issuable
to the holders of AMB Property II, L.P. series I
preferred units as soon as practicable but not later than
60 days after the date the AMB Property II, L.P.
series I preferred units are exchanged for shares of
series I preferred stock. We have also agreed to use our
best efforts to cause the registration statement to be declared
effective within 120 days after the date of the exchange.
Series J Preferred Stock. We are authorized
to issue up to 800,000 shares of series J preferred
stock of which no shares are currently issued or outstanding.
The series J preferred stock is issuable upon exchange of
the operating partnerships series J preferred units.
The operating partnerships series J preferred units
are exchangeable in whole at any time on or after
September 21, 2011, at the option of the holders of 51% of
all outstanding series J preferred units, on a one-for-one
basis, subject to adjustment, for shares of our series J
preferred stock. In addition, the operating partnerships
series J preferred units are
S-29
exchangeable in whole at any time at the option of the holders
of 51% of all outstanding series J preferred units of the
operating partnership if:
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any series J preferred unit shall not have received full
distributions with respect to six prior quarterly distribution
periods (whether or not consecutive); or |
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the holders of 51% of all outstanding series J preferred
units reasonably conclude that the operating partnership, if it
were otherwise taxable as a real estate investment trust, either: |
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will not or likely will not satisfy the income tests of
Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code for the year in
which the determination is made, or |
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will not or likely will not satisfy the asset tests of
Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code as of the end of
the calendar quarter in which the determination is made, which
failure will not or is unlikely to be (or is subsequently not)
cured as permitted under Section 856 of the Internal
Revenue Code, the holders of 51% of the series J preferred
units deliver us an opinion concurring with the holders
conclusion, the failure by the operating partnership would
create a meaningful risk that a holder of the series J
preferred units would fail to maintain its qualification as a
real estate investment trust and we, as the general partner,
agree with the conclusions reached by the holders and in the
opinion; provided, that we may not unreasonably withhold our
agreement. |
With certain limitations, the series J preferred units of
the operating partnership are also exchangeable, in whole but
not in part, at the option of the holders of 51% of the
outstanding series J preferred units if:
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the holders of 51% of the outstanding series J preferred
units reasonably conclude that there exists an imminent and
substantial risk that the holders interest in the
operating partnership represents or will represent more than
19.5% of the total profits or capital interests in the operating
partnership for a taxable year; |
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the holders of 51% of the outstanding series J preferred
units deliver to us an opinion to the effect that there is a
substantial risk that its interest in the operating partnership
represents or will represent more than 19.5% of the total
profits or capital interests in the operating partnership for a
taxable year; and |
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we, as the general partner, agree with the conclusions in the
prior two bullet points; provided, that we may not unreasonably
withhold our agreement. |
In lieu of an exchange for series J preferred stock, we may
elect to cause the operating partnership to redeem the
series J preferred units for cash in an amount equal to the
original capital account balance of the holder of the
series J preferred units. A holder of series J
preferred units of the operating partnership will not be
entitled to exchange the units for series J preferred stock
if the exchange would result in a violation of the ownership
limit. See Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of
Capital Stock.
The series J preferred stock, if and when issued, will
rank, with respect to dividends and in the event we voluntarily
or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
series J preferred stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the series J preferred stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the series O preferred stock to be issued in this offering,
the series L and M preferred stock, and if and when issued,
the series D, E, F, H, I and K preferred stock) other than
those referred to in the bullet points above. |
The term equity securities does not include
convertible debt securities until converted into equity
securities.
S-30
If ever issued, the series J preferred stock will entitle
the holders to receive, when and as authorized by the board of
directors out of funds legally available for dividends,
cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 7.95% of
the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to
$3.975 per annum per share of series J preferred
stock). Dividends on the series J preferred stock will
accumulate on a daily basis and will be payable quarterly in
arrears on the 15th day of each January, April, July and
October. Except as provided below, unless full cumulative
dividends on the series J preferred stock have been or at
the same time are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for payment set apart for payment for all dividend
periods, no dividends (other than in common stock or other
equity securities ranking junior to the series J preferred
stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) shall be declared or
paid or set aside for payment or other dividend be declared or
made upon the common stock or any other equity securities
ranking as to distributions or upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up junior to or on a parity
with the series J preferred stock, nor may any common stock
or any other equity securities ranking as to distributions or
upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up junior to or on a parity with the series J
preferred stock be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for
any consideration (or any monies be paid to or made available
for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities) by
us (except by conversion into or exchange for other equity
securities ranking junior to the series J preferred stock
as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up and pursuant to the
provisions of our charter providing for limitations on ownership
and transfer in order to ensure that we remain qualified as a
real estate investment trust). When dividends are not paid in
full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set
apart) upon the series J preferred stock and any other
equity securities ranking as to distributions on a parity with
the series J preferred stock, all dividends declared upon
the series J preferred stock and any other equity
securities ranking as to distributions and upon voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up on a parity
with the series J preferred stock will be declared pro rata
so that the amount of dividends declared per share of
series J preferred stock and each such other equity
securities shall bear to each other the same ratio that
accumulated dividends per share of series J preferred stock
and such other equity securities (which shall not include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend
periods if such other equity securities do not have a cumulative
dividend) bear to each other. Dividends on the series J
preferred stock will accumulate whether or not we have funds
legally available for the payment of dividends and whether or
not we declare dividends. If we designate any portion of a
dividend as a capital gain dividend, a holders
share of the capital gain dividend will be an amount that bears
the same ratio to the total amount of dividends (as determined
for federal income tax purposes) paid to the holder for the year
as the aggregate amount designated as a capital gain dividend
bears to the aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined
for federal income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares
for the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up following the issuance of series J
preferred stock, the holders of the series J preferred
stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of
$50.00 per share, and in addition, a preferential payment
in an amount equal to any accumulated or accrued and unpaid
dividends to the date of such payment, before any distribution
of assets is made to holders of common stock or any other equity
securities that rank junior to the series J preferred
stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of the
series J preferred stock will have no right or claim to any
of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or
into any other entity, a merger of another entity with or into
us, a statutory share exchange or the sale, lease, transfer or
conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or
business will not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up for purposes of triggering the liquidation preference.
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up following the issuance of series J preferred stock and
our assets are insufficient to make full payment to holders of
the series J preferred stock and the corresponding amounts
payable on all shares of other classes or series of equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series J preferred
stock as to liquidation rights, then the holders of the
series J preferred stock and all other such classes or
series of equity securities will share ratably in any
S-31
such distribution of assets in proportion to the full
liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be
entitled.
The series J preferred stock will have no stated maturity
and will not be subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking
fund. If issued, we will be able to redeem the series J
preferred stock on and after September 21, 2006 for cash at
our option, in whole or from time to time in part, at a
redemption price of $50.00 per share, plus accumulated and
unpaid dividends, if any, to the redemption date. We will be
required to pay the redemption price (other than the portion of
the redemption price consisting of accumulated and unpaid
dividends) solely out of the sale proceeds of other equity
securities, which may include other classes or series of
preferred stock. In certain circumstances related to our
maintenance of our ability to qualify as a real estate
investment trust for federal income tax purposes, we will be
able to redeem shares of series J preferred stock.
Holders of series J preferred stock will have no voting
rights, except as described below. If, after issuance, we do not
pay dividends on the series J preferred stock for six or
more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive), holders of
the series J preferred stock (voting separately as a class
with all other classes or series of equity securities upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will
be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors
to serve on our board of directors until we have eliminated all
dividend arrearages with respect to the series J preferred
stock. So long as any shares of series J preferred stock
remain outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
by the holders of the outstanding shares of series J
preferred stock (the series J preferred stock voting
separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
series J preferred stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the series J preferred stock; |
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designate or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, or reclassify, any authorized shares into, any preferred
stock ranking on a parity with the series J preferred stock
or create, authorize or issue any obligations or securities
convertible into any such shares, but only to the extent such
stock is issued to one of our affiliates; or |
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either consolidate, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or
lease our assets substantially, as an entirety, to any
corporation or other entity, or amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of our charter, whether by merger or consolidation or
otherwise, in each case so as to materially and adversely affect
the powers, special rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of the series J preferred stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as we are either the
surviving entity and shares of series J preferred stock
remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged or the
resulting, surviving or transferee entity is a corporation,
business trust or like entity organized under the laws of any
state and substitutes for the series J preferred stock
other preferred stock or shares having substantially the same
terms and rights as the series J preferred stock, the
occurrence of any such event will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect rights, preferences, privileges
or voting powers of holders of series J preferred stock.
Any increase in the amount of authorized preferred stock, the
creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred
stock or any increase in an amount of authorized shares of each
class or series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior
to the series J preferred stock will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences,
privileges or voting powers.
We have agreed to file a registration statement registering the
resale of the shares of series J preferred stock issuable
to the holders of AMB Property, L.P. series J preferred
units as soon as practicable but not later than 60 days
after the date the AMB Property, L.P. series J preferred
units are exchanged for shares of series J preferred stock.
We have also agreed to use our best efforts to cause the
registration statement to be declared effective within
120 days after the date of the exchange.
S-32
Series K Preferred Stock. We are authorized
to issue up to 800,000 shares of series K preferred
stock of which no shares are currently issued or outstanding.
The series K preferred stock is issuable upon exchange of
the operating partnerships series K preferred units.
The operating partnerships series K preferred units
are exchangeable in whole at any time on or after
October 30, 2012, at the option of the holders of 51% of
all outstanding series K preferred units, on a one-for-one
basis, subject to adjustment, for shares of our series K
preferred stock. In addition, the operating partnerships
series K preferred units are exchangeable in whole at any
time at the option of the holders of 51% of all outstanding
series K preferred units of the operating partnership if
any series K preferred unit shall not have received full
distributions with respect to six prior quarterly distribution
periods (whether or not consecutive).
With certain limitations, the series K preferred units of
the operating partnership are also exchangeable, in whole but
not in part, at the option of the holders of 51% of the
outstanding series K preferred units if:
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the holders of 51% of the outstanding series K preferred
units reasonably conclude that there exists an imminent and
substantial risk that the holders interest in the
operating partnership represents or will represent more than
19.5% of the total profits or capital interests in the operating
partnership for a taxable year; |
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the holders of 51% of the outstanding series K preferred
units deliver to us an opinion to the effect that there is a
substantial risk that its interest in the operating partnership
represents or will represent more than 19.5% of the total
profits or capital interests in the operating partnership for a
taxable year; and |
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we, as the general partner, agree with the conclusions in the
prior two bullet points; provided, that we may not unreasonably
withhold our agreement. |
In lieu of an exchange for series K preferred stock, we may
elect to cause the operating partnership to redeem the
series K preferred units for cash in an amount equal to the
original capital account balance of the holder of the
series K preferred units. A holder of series K
preferred units of AMB Property, L.P. will not be entitled to
exchange the units for series K preferred stock if the
exchange would result in a violation of the ownership limit. See
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Capital
Stock.
The series K preferred stock, if and when issued, will
rank, with respect to dividends and in the event we voluntarily
or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
series K preferred stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the series K preferred stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the series O preferred stock to be issued in this offering,
the series L and M preferred stock, and if and when issued,
the series D, E, F, H, I and J preferred stock) other than
those referred to in the bullet points above. |
The term equity securities does not include
convertible debt securities until converted into equity
securities.
If ever issued, the series K preferred stock will entitle
the holders to receive, when and as authorized by the board of
directors out of funds legally available for dividends,
cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 7.95% of
the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to
$3.975 per annum per share of series K preferred
stock). Dividends on the series K preferred stock will
accumulate on a daily basis and will be payable quarterly in
arrears on the 15th day of each January, April, July and
October. Except as provided below, unless full cumulative
dividends on the series K preferred stock have been or at
the same time are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for payment set apart for payment for all dividend
periods, no dividends (other than in common stock or other
equity securities ranking junior to the series K preferred
stock as to distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) shall be declared or
paid or set aside for payment or other dividend be
S-33
declared or made upon the common stock or any other equity
securities ranking as to distributions or upon voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up junior to or
on a parity with the series K preferred stock, nor may any
common stock or any other equity securities ranking as to
distributions or upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up junior to or on a parity with the
series K preferred stock be redeemed, purchased or
otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any monies be paid
to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of
any such securities) by us (except by conversion into or
exchange for other equity securities ranking junior to the
series K preferred stock as to distributions and upon
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up
and pursuant to the provisions of our charter providing for
limitations on ownership and transfer in order to ensure that we
remain qualified as a real estate investment trust). When
dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such
full payment is not so set apart) upon the series K
preferred stock and any other equity securities ranking as to
distributions on a parity with the series K preferred
stock, all dividends declared upon the series K preferred
stock and any other equity securities ranking as to
distributions and upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up on a parity with the series K
preferred stock will be declared pro rata so that the amount of
dividends declared per share of series K preferred stock
and each such other equity securities shall bear to each other
the same ratio that accumulated dividends per share of
series K preferred stock and such other equity securities
(which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid
dividends for prior dividend periods if such other equity
securities do not have a cumulative dividend) bear to each
other. Dividends on the series K preferred stock will
accumulate whether or not we have funds legally available for
the payment of dividends and whether or not we declare
dividends. If we designate any portion of a dividend as a
capital gain dividend, a holders share of the
capital gain dividend will be an amount that bears the same
ratio to the total amount of dividends (as determined for
federal income tax purposes) paid to the holder for the year as
the aggregate amount designated as a capital gain dividend bears
to the aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined for
federal income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares for
the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up following the issuance of series K
preferred stock, the holders of the series K preferred
stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of
$50.00 per share, and in addition a preferential payment in
an amount equal to any accumulated or accrued and unpaid
dividends to the date of such payment, before any distribution
of assets is made to holders of common stock or any other equity
securities that rank junior to the series K preferred
stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of the
series K preferred stock will have no right or claim to any
of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or
into any other entity, a merger of another entity with or into
us, a statutory share exchange or the sale, lease, transfer or
conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or
business will not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up for purposes of triggering the liquidation preference.
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up following the issuance of series K preferred stock and
our assets are insufficient to make full payment to holders of
the series K preferred stock and the corresponding amounts
payable on all shares of other classes or series of equity
securities ranking on a parity with the series K preferred
stock as to liquidation rights, then the holders of the
series K preferred stock and all other such classes or
series of equity securities will share ratably in any such
distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating
distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled.
The series K preferred stock will have no stated maturity
and will not be subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking
fund. If issued, we will be able to redeem the series K
preferred stock on and after April 17, 2007 for cash at our
option, in whole or from time to time in part, at a redemption
price of $50.00 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid
dividends, if any, to the redemption date. We will be required
to pay the redemption price (other than the portion of the
redemption price consisting of accumulated and unpaid dividends)
solely out of the sale proceeds of other equity securities,
which may include other classes or series of preferred stock. In
certain circumstances related to our maintenance of
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our ability to qualify as a real estate investment trust for
federal income tax purposes, we will be able to redeem shares of
series K preferred stock.
Holders of series K preferred stock will have no voting
rights, except as described below. If, after issuance, we do not
pay dividends on the series K preferred stock for six or
more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive), holders of
the series K preferred stock (voting separately as a class
with all other classes or series of equity securities upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will
be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors
to serve on our board of directors until we have eliminated all
dividend arrearages with respect to the series K preferred
stock. So long as any shares of series K preferred stock
remain outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
by the holders of the outstanding shares of series K
preferred stock (the series K preferred stock voting
separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
series K preferred stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the series K preferred stock; |
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designate or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, or reclassify, any authorized shares into, any preferred
stock ranking on a parity with the series K preferred stock
or create, authorize or issue any obligations or securities
convertible into any such shares, but only to the extent such
stock is issued to one of our affiliates; or |
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either consolidate, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or
lease our assets substantially, as an entirety, to any
corporation or other entity, or amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of our charter, whether by merger or consolidation or
otherwise, in each case so as to materially and adversely affect
the powers, special rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of the series K preferred stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as we are either the
surviving entity and shares of series K preferred stock
remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged or the
resulting, surviving or transferee entity is a corporation,
business trust or like entity organized under the laws of any
state and substitutes for the series K preferred stock
other preferred stock or shares having substantially the same
terms and rights as the series K preferred stock, the
occurrence of any such event will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect rights, preferences, privileges
or voting powers of holders of series K preferred stock.
Any increase in the amount of authorized preferred stock, the
creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred
stock or any increase in an amount of authorized shares of each
class or series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior
to the series K preferred stock will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences,
privileges or voting powers.
We have agreed to file a registration statement registering the
resale of the shares of series K preferred stock issuable
to the holders of AMB Property, L.P. series K preferred
units as soon as practicable, but not later than 60 days
after the date the AMB Property, L.P. series K preferred
units are exchanged for shares of series K preferred stock.
We have also agreed to use our best efforts to cause the
registration statement to be declared effective within
120 days after the date of the exchange.
Series L Preferred Stock. We are authorized
to issue up to 2,300,000 shares of series L preferred
stock of which 2,000,000 shares are currently issued and
outstanding. The series L preferred stock ranks, with
respect to dividends and in the event we voluntarily or
involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
series L preferred stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the series L preferred stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the series O preferred stock to be issued in this offering,
the series M preferred stock and, if and when issued, any
series D, E, F, H, I, J, and K preferred stock) other
than those referred to in the bullet points above. |
The term equity securities does not include
convertible debt securities.
Holders of the series L preferred stock are entitled to
receive, when and as authorized by the board of directors out of
funds legally available for dividends, cumulative preferential
cash dividends at the rate of 6.50% of the liquidation
preference per annum (equivalent to $1.625 per annum per
share of series L preferred stock). Dividends on the
series L preferred stock accumulate on a daily basis and
are payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of each
January, April, July and October. Each share of series L
preferred stock issued and outstanding on the record date for
the first dividend payment on the series L preferred stock
following the initial issuance of shares of series L
preferred stock on June 23, 2003, shall accrue dividends
from the earliest date on which any shares of the series L
preferred stock were issued (June 23, 2003), and shall
receive the same dividend payment regardless of the date on
which such share was actually issued. Except as provided below,
unless full cumulative dividends on the series L preferred
stock have been or at the same time are declared and paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart for payment
for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend
period, no dividends (other than in common stock or other equity
securities ranking junior to the series L preferred stock
as to dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution and winding
up) shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment, nor may
any common stock or any other equity securities ranking junior
to or on a parity with the series L preferred stock be
redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration
(or any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund
for the redemption of any such securities) by us (except by
conversion into or exchange for other equity securities ranking
junior to the series L preferred stock and pursuant to the
provisions of our charter providing for limitations on ownership
and transfer in order to ensure that we remain qualified as a
real estate investment trust). When dividends are not paid in
full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set
apart) upon the series L preferred stock and any other
equity securities ranking as to dividends on a parity with the
series L preferred stock, all dividends declared upon the
series L preferred stock and any other equity securities
ranking as to dividends on a parity with the series L
preferred stock will be declared pro rata so that the amount of
dividends declared per share of series L preferred stock
and each such other equity securities shall bear to each other
the same ratio that accumulated dividends per share of
series L preferred stock and such other equity securities
(which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid
dividends for prior dividend periods if such other equity
securities do not have a cumulative dividend) bear to each
other. Dividends on the series L preferred stock will
accumulate whether or not we have funds legally available for
the payment of dividends and whether or not we declare
dividends. If we designate any portion of a dividend as a
capital gain dividend, a holders share of the
capital gain dividend will be an amount that bears the same
ratio to the total amount of dividends (as determined for
federal income tax purposes) paid to the holder for the year as
the aggregate amount designated as a capital gain dividend bears
to the aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined for
federal income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares for
the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up, the holders of our series L preferred
stock are entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of
$25.00 per share, and in addition, a preferential payment
in an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends to
the date of such payment, before any distribution of assets is
made to holders of common stock or any other equity securities
that rank junior to the series L preferred stock. After
payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to
which they are entitled, the holders of the series L
preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our
remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or into any
other entity, a merger of another entity with or into us, a
statutory share exchange or the sale, lease, transfer or
conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or
business do not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up for purposes of triggering the liquidation preference.
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If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up and our assets are insufficient to make full payment to
holders of the series L preferred stock and the
corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or
series of equity securities ranking on a parity with the
series L preferred stock as to liquidation rights, then the
holders of the series L preferred stock and all other such
classes or series of equity securities will share ratably in any
such distribution of assets in proportion to the full
liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be
entitled.
The series L preferred stock has no stated maturity and is
not subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking fund. We
cannot redeem the series L preferred stock prior to
June 23, 2008. On and after June 23, 2008, we can
redeem the series L preferred stock for cash at our option,
in whole or from time to time in part, at a redemption price of
$25.00 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if
any, to the redemption date. In certain circumstances related to
our maintenance of our ability to qualify as a real estate
investment trust for federal income tax purposes, we may redeem
shares of series L preferred stock.
Holders of series L preferred stock have no voting rights,
except as described below. If we do not pay dividends on the
series L preferred stock for six or more quarterly periods
(whether or not consecutive), holders of the series L
preferred stock (voting separately as a class with all other
classes or series of equity securities upon which like voting
rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled
to vote for the election of two additional directors to serve on
our board of directors until we have eliminated all dividend
arrearages with respect to the series L preferred stock. So
long as any shares of series L preferred stock remain
outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or consent
of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the
holders of outstanding shares of series L preferred stock
(the series L preferred stock voting separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
series L preferred stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the series L preferred stock; |
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create, authorize or issue any obligation or security
convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or evidencing
the right to purchase, any class or series of stock ranking
senior to the series L preferred stock; or |
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amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our charter, whether by
merger or consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and
adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting
power of the series L preferred stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as shares of
series L preferred stock (or shares issued by a surviving
entity in substitution for shares of the series L preferred
stock) remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged,
taking into account that upon the occurrence of such an event,
we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such
event will not be considered to materially and adversely affect
rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of holders of
series L preferred stock. Any increase in the amount of the
authorized Preferred Stock, the creation or issuance of any
other class or series of preferred stock or any increase in the
amount of authorized series L preferred stock or any other
class or series of preferred stock, in each case ranking on a
parity with or junior to the series L preferred stock will
not be considered to materially and adversely affect such
rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.
In accordance with the terms of the operating partnerships
partnership agreement, we contributed the net proceeds of the
sale of the series L preferred stock to the operating
partnership and the operating partnership issued to us
series L preferred units that generally mirror the rights,
preferences and other terms of the series L preferred
stock. The operating partnership is required to make all
required distributions on the series L preferred units
prior to any distribution of cash or assets to the holders of
any other units or any other equity interests in the operating
partnership, except for any other series of preferred units
ranking on a parity with the series L preferred units as to
dividends or voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the operating partnership.
S-37
Series M Preferred Stock. We are authorized
to issue up to 2,300,000 share of series M preferred
stock, all of which are currently issued and outstanding. The
series M preferred stock ranks, with respect to dividends
and in the event we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
series M preferred stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the series M preferred stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the series O preferred stock to be issued in this offering,
the series L preferred stock and, if and when issued, any
series D, E, F, H, I, J, and K preferred stock) other
than those referred to in the bullet points above. |
The term equity securities does not include
convertible debt securities.
Holders of the series M preferred stock are entitled to
receive, when and as authorized by the board of directors out of
funds legally available for dividends, cumulative preferential
cash dividends at the rate of 6.75% of the liquidation
preference per annum (equivalent to $1.6875 per annum per
share of series M preferred stock). Dividends on the
series M preferred stock accumulate on a daily basis and
are payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of each
January, April, July and October. Each share of series M
preferred stock issued and outstanding on the record date for
the first dividend payment on the series M preferred stock
following the initial issuance of shares of series M
preferred stock on November 25, 2003, shall accrue
dividends from the earliest date on which any shares of the
series M preferred stock were issued (November 25,
2003), and shall receive the same dividend payment regardless of
the date on which such share was actually issued. Except as
provided below, unless full cumulative dividends on the
series M preferred stock have been or at the same time are
declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for payment
set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then
current dividend period, no dividends (other than in common
stock or other equity securities ranking junior to the
series M preferred stock as to dividends and upon
liquidation, dissolution and winding up) shall be declared or
paid or set aside for payment, nor may any common stock or any
other equity securities ranking junior to or on a parity with
the series M preferred stock be redeemed, purchased or
otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any monies be paid
to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of
any such securities) by us (except by conversion into or
exchange for other equity securities ranking junior to the
series M preferred stock and pursuant to the provisions of
our charter providing for limitations on ownership and transfer
in order to ensure that we remain qualified as a real estate
investment trust). When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum
sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the
series M preferred stock and any other equity securities
ranking as to dividends on a parity with the series M
preferred stock, all dividends declared upon the series M
preferred stock and any other equity securities ranking as to
dividends on a parity with the series M preferred stock
will be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends
declared per share of series M preferred stock and each
such other equity securities shall bear to each other the same
ratio that accumulated dividends per share of series M
preferred stock and such other equity securities (which shall
not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for
prior dividend periods if such other equity securities do not
have a cumulative dividend) bear to each other. Dividends on the
series M preferred stock will accumulate whether or not we
have funds legally available for the payment of dividends and
whether or not we declare dividends. If we designate any portion
of a dividend as a capital gain dividend, a
holders share of the capital gain dividend will be an
amount that bears the same ratio to the total amount of
dividends (as determined for federal income tax purposes) paid
to the holder for the year as the aggregate amount designated as
a capital gain dividend bears to the aggregate amount of all
dividends (as determined for federal income tax purposes) paid
on all classes of shares for the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up, the holders of our series M preferred
stock are entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of
$25.00 per share, and in addition, a preferential payment
in an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends to
the date of such payment, before any distribution of
S-38
assets is made to holders of common stock or any other equity
securities that rank junior to the series M preferred
stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of the
series M preferred stock will have no right or claim to any
of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or
into any other entity, a merger of another entity with or into
us, a statutory share exchange or the sale, lease, transfer or
conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or
business do not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up for purposes of triggering the liquidation preference.
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up and our assets are insufficient to make full payment to
holders of the series M preferred stock and the
corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or
series of equity securities ranking on a parity with the
series M preferred stock as to liquidation rights, then the
holders of the series M preferred stock and all other such
classes or series of equity securities will share ratably in any
such distribution of assets in proportion to the full
liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be
entitled.
The series M preferred stock has no stated maturity and is
not subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking fund. On and
after November 25, 2008, we can redeem the series M
preferred stock for cash at our option, in whole or from time to
time in part, at a redemption price of $25.00 per share,
plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, to the redemption
date. In certain circumstances related to our maintenance of our
ability to qualify as a real estate investment trust for federal
income tax purposes, we may redeem shares of series M
preferred stock.
Holders of series M preferred stock have no voting rights,
except as described below. If we do not pay dividends on the
series M preferred stock for six or more quarterly periods
(whether or not consecutive), holders of the series M
preferred stock (voting separately as a class with all other
classes or series of equity securities upon which like voting
rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled
to vote for the election of two additional directors to serve on
our board of directors until we have eliminated all dividend
arrearages with respect to the series M preferred stock. So
long as any shares of series M preferred stock remain
outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or consent
of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the
holders of outstanding shares of series M preferred stock
(the series M preferred stock voting separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
series M preferred stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the series M preferred stock; |
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create, authorize or issue any obligation or security
convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or evidencing
the right to purchase, any class or series of stock ranking
senior to the series M preferred stock; or |
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amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our charter, whether by
merger or consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and
adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting
power of the series M preferred stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as shares of
series M preferred stock (or shares issued by a surviving
entity in substitution for shares of the series M preferred
stock) remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged,
taking into account that upon the occurrence of such an event,
we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such
event will not be considered to materially and adversely affect
rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of holders of
series M preferred stock. Any increase in the amount of the
authorized preferred stock, the creation or issuance of any
other class or series of preferred stock or any increase in the
amount of authorized series M preferred stock or any other
class or series of preferred stock, in each case ranking on a
parity with or junior to the series M preferred stock will
not be considered to materially and adversely affect such
rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.
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In accordance with the terms of the operating partnerships
partnership agreement, we contributed the net proceeds of the
sale of the series M preferred stock to the operating
partnership and the operating partnership issued to us
series M preferred units that generally mirror the rights,
preferences and other terms of the series M preferred
stock. The operating partnership is required to make all
required distributions on the series M preferred units
prior to any distribution of cash or assets to the holders of
any other units or any other equity interests in the operating
partnership, except for any other series of preferred units
ranking on a parity with the series M preferred units as to
dividends or voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the operating partnership.
Transfer Agent, Registrar, Conversion Agent and Dividend
Disbursing Agent
The transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for
our common stock and preferred stock is Computershare Investor
Services, LLC.
RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF CAPITAL STOCK
In order for us to qualify as a real estate investment trust
under the Internal Revenue Code, no more than 50% in value of
all classes of our outstanding shares of capital stock may be
owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals
(as defined in the Internal Revenue Code to include certain
entities) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the
first year for which we have made an election to be treated as a
real estate investment trust). In addition, if we, or an owner
of 10% or more of our capital stock, actually or constructively
own 10% or more of one of our tenants (or a tenant of any
partnership or limited liability company in which we are a
partner or member), the rent received by us (either directly or
through the partnership or limited liability company) from the
tenant will not be qualifying income for purposes of the gross
income tests for real estate investment trusts contained in the
Internal Revenue Code. A real estate investment trusts
stock also must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons
during at least 335 days of a taxable year of
12 months or during a proportionate part of a shorter
taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to
be treated as a real estate investment trust has been made).
Because our board of directors currently believes it is
desirable for us to qualify as a real estate investment trust,
our charter, subject to certain exceptions as discussed below,
provides that no person may own, or be deemed to own by virtue
of the constructive ownership provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code, more than 9.8% (by value or number of shares, whichever is
more restrictive) of each of our issued and outstanding common
stock, series L preferred stock, series M preferred
stock and series O preferred stock. We also prohibit the
ownership, actually or constructively, of any shares of our
series D, E, F, H, I, J and K preferred stock by any
single person so that no such person, taking into account all of
our stock so owned by such person, including any common stock or
preferred stock, may own in excess of 9.8% in value of our
issued and outstanding capital 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 common stock, series L preferred stock,
series M preferred stock, series O preferred stock or
any other capital stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an
entity that owns, actually or constructively, common stock,
series L preferred stock, series M preferred stock,
series O preferred stock or any other capital 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 common stock, series L
preferred stock, series M preferred stock, series O
preferred stock or any other capital stock, as the case may be,
and thereby subject the common stock, series L preferred
stock, series M preferred stock, series O preferred
stock or any other capital stock to the applicable ownership
limit. The board of directors may, but in no event will be
required to, waive the applicable ownership limit with respect
to a particular stockholder if it determines that such ownership
will not jeopardize our status as a real estate investment trust
and the board of directors otherwise decides such action would
be in our best interest. As a condition of such waiver, the
board of directors may require an
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opinion of counsel satisfactory to it and/or undertakings or
representations from the applicant with respect to preserving
our real estate investment trust status.
Our charter also provides that:
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no person may actually or constructively own common stock,
series D preferred stock, series E preferred stock,
series F preferred stock, series H preferred stock,
series I preferred stock, series J preferred stock,
series K preferred stock, series L preferred stock,
series M preferred stock or series O preferred stock
that would result in us being closely held under
Section 856(h) of the Internal Revenue Code or otherwise
cause us to fail to qualify as a real estate investment trust; |
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no person may transfer common stock, series D preferred
stock, series E preferred stock, series F preferred
stock, series H preferred stock, series I preferred
stock, series J preferred stock, series K preferred
stock, series L preferred stock, series M preferred
stock or series O preferred stock, if a transfer would
result in shares of our capital stock being owned by fewer than
100 persons; and |
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any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire actual
or constructive ownership of common stock, series D
preferred stock, series E preferred stock, series F
preferred stock, series H preferred stock, series I
preferred stock, series J preferred stock, series K
preferred stock, series L preferred stock, series M
preferred stock or series O preferred stock that will or
may violate any of the foregoing restrictions on transferability
and ownership is required to notify us immediately and provide
us with such other information as we may request in order to
determine the effect of the transfer on our status as a real
estate investment trust. |
These restrictions on transferability and ownership will not
apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer
in our best interest to attempt to qualify, or to continue to
qualify, as a real estate investment trust and such
determination is approved by the affirmative vote of holders
owning at least two-thirds of the shares of our outstanding
capital stock entitled to vote thereon. Except as otherwise
described above, any change in the applicable ownership limit
would require an amendment to our charter, which must be
declared advisable by our board of directors and approved by the
affirmative vote of holders owning at least two-thirds of the
shares of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote on the
amendment.
Under our charter, if any attempted transfer of shares of stock
or any other event would otherwise result in any person
violating an ownership limit, any other limit imposed by our
board of directors or the other restrictions in the charter,
then any such attempted transfer will be void and of no force or
effect with respect to the purported transferee as to that
number of shares that exceeds the applicable ownership limit or
such other limit (referred to as excess shares).
Under those circumstances, the prohibited transferee will
acquire no right or interest (or, in the case of any event other
than an attempted transfer, the person or entity holding record
title to any shares in excess of the applicable ownership limit
will cease to own any right or interest) in the excess shares.
Any excess shares described above will be transferred
automatically, by operation of law, to a trust, the beneficiary
of which will be a qualified charitable organization selected by
us. This automatic transfer will be considered to be effective
as of the close of business on the business day prior to the
date of the violating transfer or event. Within 20 days of
receiving notice from us of the transfer of shares to the trust,
the trustee of the trust will be required to sell the excess
shares to a person or entity who could own the shares without
violating the applicable ownership limit, or any other limit
imposed by our board of directors, and distribute to the
prohibited transferee an amount equal to the lesser of the price
paid by the prohibited transferee for the excess shares or the
sales proceeds received by the trust for the excess shares. In
the case of any excess shares resulting from any event other
than a transfer, or from a transfer for no consideration (such
as a gift), the trustee will be required to sell the excess
shares to a qualified person or entity and distribute to the
prohibited owner an amount equal to the lesser of the applicable
market price of the excess shares as of the date of the event or
the sales proceeds received by the trust for the excess shares.
In either case, any proceeds in excess of the amount
distributable to the prohibited transferee or prohibited owner
will be distributed to the beneficiary. Prior to a sale of any
excess shares by the trust, the trustee will be entitled to
receive, in trust for the beneficiary, all dividends and other
distributions paid by us with respect to the
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excess shares, and also will be entitled to 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 will have the authority
(at the trustees sole discretion) to rescind as void any
vote cast by a prohibited transferee or prohibited owner prior
to the time that we discover that the shares have been
automatically transferred to the trust and to recast the vote in
accordance with the desires of the trustee acting for the
benefit of the beneficiary. However, if we have already taken
irreversible corporate action, then the trustee will not have
the authority to rescind and recast the vote. If we pay the
prohibited transferee or prohibited owner any dividend or other
distribution before we discover that the shares were transferred
to the trust, the prohibited transferee or prohibited owner will
be required to repay the trustee upon demand for distribution to
the beneficiary. If the transfer to the trust is not
automatically effective (for any reason), to prevent violation
of the applicable ownership limit or any other limit provided in
our charter or imposed by the board of directors, then our
charter provides that the transfer of the excess shares will be
void ab initio and the intended transferee will acquire
no rights to such shares.
In addition, shares of stock held in the trust will be
considered to have been offered for sale to us, or our designee,
at a price per share equal to the lesser of (1) the price
per share in the transaction that resulted in the transfer to
the trust (or, in the case of a devise or gift, the market price
at the time of such devise or gift) and (2) the applicable
market price on the date that we, or our designee, accept the
offer. We have the right to accept the offer until the trustee
has sold the shares held in the trust. Upon that sale to us, the
interest of the beneficiary in the shares sold will terminate
and the trustee will distribute the net proceeds of the sale to
the prohibited transferee or prohibited owner.
If any attempted transfer of shares would cause us to be
beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons, our charter
provides that the transfer will be void ab initio and the
intended transferee will acquire no rights to such shares.
All certificates representing shares will bear a legend
referring to the restrictions described above. The ownership
limitations described above could delay, defer or prevent a
transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium
price for the shares or otherwise be in the best interest of
stockholders.
Under our charter, owners of outstanding shares must, upon our
demand, provide us with a completed questionnaire containing
information regarding ownership of the shares, as set forth in
the treasury regulations. In addition, each stockholder must
upon demand disclose to us in writing such information that we
may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of the
stockholders actual and constructive ownership of shares
of our stock, on our status as a real estate investment trust
and to ensure compliance with each ownership limit, or any other
limit specified in our charter or required by the board of
directors.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND
OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS
We have summarized certain terms and provisions of the Maryland
General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws. This summary
is not complete and is qualified by the provisions of our
charter and bylaws, and the Maryland General Corporation Law.
This summary supersedes, in its entirety, the summary in the
heading Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of our
Charter and Bylaws in the accompanying prospectus. See
Where You Can Find More Information.
For restrictions on ownership and transfer of our capital stock
contained in our charter, see Restrictions on Ownership
and Transfer of Capital Stock.
Board of Directors
Our charter provides that the number of our directors shall be
established by the bylaws, but cannot be less than the minimum
number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law, which
is one. There are currently ten members of our board of
directors, but our bylaws provide the board of directors
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with the authority to increase or decrease the number of
directors, without amendment of the bylaws, to a number of
directors not fewer than five nor more than thirteen. Because
our board has the power to amend our bylaws, it could modify the
bylaws to change that range. Subject to the rights of holders of
our preferred stock, our board of directors may fill any vacancy
(including a vacancy caused by removal, subject to approval by
the stockholders). Our bylaws provide that a majority of our
board of directors must be independent directors, as defined
from time to time by the listing standards of the New York Stock
Exchange and any other relevant laws, rules and regulations.
Removal of Directors
While our charter and the Maryland General Corporation Law
empower our stockholders to fill vacancies in our board of
directors that are caused by the removal of a director, our
charter precludes stockholders from removing incumbent directors
except upon a substantial affirmative vote. Specifically, our
charter provides that stockholders may remove a director only
for cause and only by the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of
directors, subject to the rights of the holders of shares of our
preferred stock to elect and remove directors elected by such
holders under certain circumstances. The Maryland General
Corporation Law does not define the term cause. As a
result, removal for cause is subject to Maryland
common law and to judicial interpretation and review in the
context of the unique facts and circumstances of any particular
situation. This provision, when coupled with the provision in
our bylaws authorizing our board of directors to fill vacant
directorships, precludes stockholders from removing incumbent
directors except upon a substantial affirmative vote and filling
the vacancies created by removal with their own nominees.
Opt Out of Business Combinations and Control Share
Acquisition Statutes
We have elected in our bylaws not to be governed by the
control share acquisition provisions of the Maryland
General Corporation Law (Sections 3-701 through 3-709), and
our board of directors has determined, by irrevocable
resolution, that we will not be governed by the business
combination provision of the Maryland General Corporation
Law (Section 3-602), each of which could have the effect of
delaying or preventing a change of control. Our bylaws provide
that we cannot at a future date determine to be governed by
either provision without the approval of a majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote. In addition, the
irrevocable resolution adopted by our board of directors may
only be changed by the approval of a majority of the outstanding
shares of common stock entitled to vote.
Certain Elective Provisions of Maryland Law
Any Maryland corporation that has a class of securities
registered under the Securities Exchange Act and at least three
independent directors may elect to be governed in whole or in
part by Maryland law provisions relating to extraordinary
actions and unsolicited takeovers. We have not elected to be
governed by these specific provisions, but we currently have
more than three independent directors, so our board of directors
could elect to provide for any of the following provisions.
Pursuant to these provisions, the board of directors of any
Maryland corporation fitting such description, without obtaining
stockholder approval and notwithstanding a contrary provision in
its charter or bylaws, may elect to:
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classify the board; |
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increase the required stockholder vote to remove a director to
two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast by the
shareholders generally in the election of directors; and/or |
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require that a stockholder requested special meeting need be
called only upon the written request of the shareholders
entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast
at the meeting. |
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Additionally, the board could provide that:
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the number of directors may be fixed only by a vote of the board
of directors; |
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each vacancy on the board of directors (including a vacancy
resulting from the removal of a director by the stockholders)
may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors
do not constitute a quorum; and/or |
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any director elected to fill a vacancy will hold office for the
full remainder of the term of the class of directors in which
the vacancy occurred, rather than until the next election of
directors. |
These provisions do not provide for limits on the power of a
corporation to confer on the holders of any class or series of
preferred stock the right to elect one or more directors.
Although we have not elected to be governed by these provisions,
our charter and/or bylaws already provide for a two-thirds vote
to remove directors and only for cause, and provide that the
number of directors may be determined by a resolution of our
board (or by our stockholders through a bylaw amendment),
subject to a minimum and maximum number, and that our Secretary
must call a special meeting of stockholders only upon the
written request of the holders of a majority of our outstanding
shares entitled to vote.
Amendment to Our Charter and Bylaws
Our charter may not be amended without the affirmative vote of
at least two-thirds of the shares of capital stock outstanding
and entitled to vote on the amendment, voting together as a
single class. Our bylaws may be amended by the vote of a
majority of the board of directors or by a vote of a majority of
the shares of our capital stock entitled to vote on the
amendment, except with respect to the following bylaw provisions
(each of which requires the approval of a majority of the shares
of common stock entitled to vote on the amendment):
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provisions opting out of the control share acquisition statute; |
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provisions confirming that our board of directors has determined
by irrevocable resolution that we will not be governed by the
business combination provision of the Maryland General
Corporation Law; |
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the requirement in our bylaws that our independent directors
approve transactions involving our executive officers or
directors or any limited partners of the operating partnership
and their affiliates; and |
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provisions governing amendment of our bylaws. |
Meetings of Stockholders
Our bylaws provide for annual meetings of stockholders to elect
the board of directors and transact other business as may
properly be brought before the meeting. The president, the board
of directors and the chairman of the board may call a special
meeting of stockholders. The holders of 50% or more of our
outstanding stock entitled to vote may also make a written
request to call a special meeting of stockholders.
The Maryland General Corporation Law provides that stockholders
may act without a meeting with respect to any action that they
are required or permitted to take at a meeting, if a unanimous
consent which sets forth the action is given in writing or by
electronic transmission by each stockholder and filed in paper
or electronic form with the records of the stockholders
meetings.
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Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of
stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the board
of directors and the proposal of business to be considered by
stockholders may be made only:
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pursuant to the notice of the meeting; |
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by or at the direction of the 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. |
Our bylaws also provide that with respect to special meetings of
stockholders, only the business specified in the notice of
meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nomination of
individuals for election to our board of directors at a special
meeting may only be made:
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pursuant to our notice of 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 the special meeting, by a
stockholder who has complied with the advance notice provisions
of the bylaws. |
The provisions in our charter regarding amendments to the
charter and the advance notice provisions of our bylaws could
have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction
in which holders of some, or a majority, of the shares of common
stock might receive a premium for their shares over the then
prevailing market price or which holders might believe to be
otherwise in their best interests.
Dissolution of the Company
Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, we may be dissolved
upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire board of
directors declaring dissolution to be advisable, and approval of
the dissolution at any annual or special stockholders meeting by
the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the total
number of shares of capital stock outstanding and entitled to
vote on the dissolution, voting as a single class.
Indemnification and Limitation of Directors and
Officers Liability
Our officers and directors are indemnified under the Maryland
General Corporation Law, our charter and the partnership
agreement of the operating partnership against certain
liabilities. Our charter and bylaws require us to indemnify our
directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted from time
to time by the Maryland General Corporation Law.
The Maryland General Corporation Law permits a corporation to
indemnify its directors and officers and certain other parties
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:
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the act or omission of the director or officer was material to
the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in
bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; |
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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. |
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A corporation may indemnify a director or officer against
judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses
that the director or officer actually incurs in connection with
the proceeding unless the proceeding is one by or in the right
of the corporation and the director or officer has been adjudged
to be liable to the corporation. In addition, a corporation may
not indemnify a director or officer with respect to any
proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director or
officer in which the director or officer was adjudged to be
liable on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly
received. The termination of any proceeding by conviction, or
upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, or an
entry of any order of probation prior to judgment, creates a
rebuttable presumption that the director or officer did not meet
the requisite standard of conduct required for indemnification
to be permitted.
The Maryland General Corporation Law permits the charter of a
Maryland corporation to include a provision limiting the
liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and
its stockholders for money damages, subject to specified
restrictions. Our charter contains this provision. The Maryland
General Corporation Law does not, however, permit the liability
of directors and officers to the corporation or its stockholders
to be limited to the extent that:
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it is proved that the person actually received an improper
benefit or profit in money, property or services; or |
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a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the person is
entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding
that the persons action, or failure to act, was the result
of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the
cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding. |
This provision does not limit our ability or our
stockholders ability to obtain other relief, such as an
injunction or rescission. The partnership agreement of the
operating partnership also provides for our indemnification, as
general partner, and our officers and directors to the same
extent indemnification is provided to our officers and directors
in our charter, and limits our liability and the liability of
our officers and directors to the operating partnership and the
partners of the operating partnership to the same extent
liability of our officers and directors to us and our
stockholders is limited under our charter. See Description
of Certain Provisions of the Partnership Agreement of the
Operating Partnership Our Exculpation and
Indemnification.
Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification for
liability arising under the Securities Act of directors,
officers or persons controlling us, we have been informed that
in the opinion of the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, this indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a general summary of certain United States
federal income tax considerations anticipated to be material to
purchasers of series O preferred stock. This summary
supersedes, in its entirety, the summary under the heading
Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations in the accompanying prospectus. This
summary of material federal income tax considerations is for
general information only and is not tax advice. The information
in this summary is based on current law, including:
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the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; |
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current, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated
under the Internal Revenue Code; |
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the legislative history of the Internal Revenue Code; |
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current administrative interpretations and practices of the
Internal Revenue Service; and |
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court decisions; |
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in each case, as of the date of this prospectus supplement. In
addition, the administrative interpretations and practices of
the Internal Revenue Service include its practices and policies
as expressed in private letter rulings which are not binding on
the Internal Revenue Service except with respect to the
particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings.
Future legislation, Treasury regulations, administrative
interpretations and practices and/or court decisions may
adversely affect the tax considerations described in this
discussion. Any such change could apply retroactively.
This summary does not deal with all aspects of federal income
taxation that may affect particular holders of series O
preferred stock in light of their individual circumstances, nor
with holders subject to special treatment under the federal
income tax laws, including:
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insurance companies; |
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tax-exempt organizations; |
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financial institutions or broker-dealers; |
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traders in securities that elect to mark to market; |
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holders owning our capital stock as part of a
straddle, hedge or conversion
transaction; |
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holders whose functional currency is not the United States
dollar; |
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holders subject to the alternative minimum tax; |
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persons deemed to sell capital stock under the constructive sale
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; |
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S corporations; |
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Partnerships and persons holding our capital stock through an
entity treated as a partnership for purposes of Federal Income
Tax; |
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expatriates; |
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real estate investment trusts or regulated investment companies; |
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holders who acquire our capital stock as compensation; and |
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holders of our capital stock who are neither citizens nor
residents of the United States, or that are foreign corporations
or foreign estates or trusts for United States federal income
tax purposes. |
This summary assumes that shares of series O preferred
stock are held as capital assets within the meaning
of the Internal Revenue Code (generally, property held for
investment). In addition, this summary does not consider the
effect of any foreign, state, local or other tax laws that may
be applicable to us or to our stockholders. This discussion also
assumes that the series O preferred stock will properly be
treated as equity (and not indebtedness) for federal income tax
purposes.
The statements in this prospectus supplement are not binding on
the Internal Revenue Service or any court. Thus, we can provide
no assurance that the tax considerations described in this
discussion will not be challenged by the Internal Revenue
Service or, if challenged, would be sustained by a court.
This summary of United States federal tax considerations is
for general information only and is not tax advice. You are
urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the specific tax
consequences to you of:
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The acquisition, ownership and sale or other disposition of
the series O preferred stock, including the federal, state,
local, foreign and other tax consequences of such an
acquisition, ownership and sale or other disposition; |
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Our election to be taxed as a real estate investment trust
for federal income tax purposes; and |
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Potential changes in applicable tax laws. |
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Our Qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust
General. We elected to be taxed as a real estate
investment trust under Sections 856 through 860 of the
Internal Revenue Code, commencing with our taxable year ended
December 31, 1997. We believe that we have been organized
and have operated in a manner that allows us to qualify for
taxation as a real estate investment trust under the Internal
Revenue Code commencing with our taxable year ended
December 31, 1997, and we currently intend to continue to
be organized and operate in this manner. However, our
qualification and taxation as a real estate investment trust
depend upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests
imposed under the Internal Revenue Code, including through
actual annual operating results, asset composition, distribution
levels and diversity of stock ownership, the results of which
have not been and will not be reviewed by our tax counsel.
Accordingly, the actual results of our operations during any
particular taxable year may not satisfy those requirements, and
no assurance can be given that we have operated or will continue
to operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a
real estate investment trust. See Failure to
Qualify.
The sections of the Internal Revenue Code and the corresponding
Treasury regulations that relate to the qualification and
taxation as a real estate investment trust are highly technical
and complex. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the
applicable Internal Revenue Code provisions, relevant rules and
Treasury regulations promulgated under the Internal Revenue
Code, and administrative and judicial interpretations of the
Internal Revenue Code, and those rules and Treasury regulations.
Provided we qualify for taxation as a real estate investment
trust, we generally will not be required to pay federal
corporate income taxes on our net income that is currently
distributed to our stockholders. This treatment substantially
eliminates the double taxation that ordinarily
results from investment in a C corporation. A
C corporation generally is required to pay tax at the
corporate level. Double taxation means taxation once at the
corporate level when income is earned and once again at the
stockholder level when that income is distributed. We will,
however, be required to pay federal income tax as follows:
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First, we will be required to pay tax at regular ordinary and
capital gains corporate tax rates on any undistributed
real estate investment trust taxable income,
including undistributed net capital gains. |
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Second, we may be required to pay the alternative minimum
tax on our items of tax preference under some
circumstances. |
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Third, if we have (1) net income from the sale or other
disposition of foreclosure property held primarily
for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or
(2) other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property,
we will be required to pay tax at the highest corporate rate on
this income. Foreclosure property is generally defined as
property acquired through foreclosure or after a default on a
loan secured by the property or a lease of the property. |
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Fourth, we will be required to pay a 100% tax on any net income
from prohibited transactions. Prohibited transactions are, in
general, sales or other taxable dispositions of property, other
than foreclosure property, held primarily for sale to customers
in the ordinary course of business. |
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Fifth, if we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the
95% gross income test, as described below, but nonetheless
maintain our qualification as a real estate investment trust
because certain other requirements are met, we will be required
to pay a tax equal to (1) the greater of (A) the
amount by which 75% of our gross income exceeds the amount
qualifying under the 75% gross income test, and (B) the
amount by which 95% (90% for tax years beginning on or before
October 22, 2004) of our gross income exceeds the amount
qualifying under the 95% gross income test described below,
multiplied by (2) a fraction intended to reflect our
profitability. |
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Sixth, if we fail to satisfy any of the REIT asset tests, as
described below, by more than a de minimis amount, provided such
failure is due to reasonable cause and we nonetheless maintain
our REIT qualification because of specified cure provisions, we
will be required to pay a tax equal |
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to the greater of $50,000 or the highest corporate tax rate
multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying
assets that caused us to fail such test. |
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Seventh, if we fail to satisfy any provision of the Code that
would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT (other than a
violation of the REIT gross income tests or certain violations
of the asset tests described below) and the violation is due to
reasonable cause, we may retain our REIT qualification but we
will be required to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such
failure. |
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Eighth, we will be required to pay a 4% excise tax to the extent
we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum
of (1) 85% of our real estate investment trust ordinary
income for the year, (2) 95% of our real estate investment
trust capital gain net income for the year, and (3) any
undistributed taxable income from prior periods. |
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Ninth, if we acquire any asset from a corporation that is or has
been a C corporation in a transaction in which the basis of
the asset in our hands is determined by reference to the basis
of the asset in the hands of the C corporation, and we
subsequently recognize gain on the disposition of the asset
during the ten-year period beginning on the date on which we
acquired the asset, then we will be required to pay tax at the
highest regular corporate tax rate on this gain to the extent of
the excess of (1) the fair market value of the asset over
(2) our adjusted basis in the asset, in each case
determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset. The
results described in this paragraph with respect to the
recognition of gain assume that the necessary parties make or
refrain from making the appropriate elections under the
applicable Treasury regulations then in effect. |
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Tenth, we will be subject to a 100% tax on any
redetermined rents, redetermined
deductions or excess interest. In general,
redetermined rents are rents from real property that are
overstated as a result of services furnished by a taxable
REIT subsidiary of our company to any of our tenants. See
Ownership of Interests in Taxable REIT
Subsidiaries. Redetermined deductions and excess interest
represent amounts that are deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary
of ours for amounts paid to us that are in excess of the amounts
that would have been deducted based on arms length
negotiations. See Redetermined Rents,
Redetermined Deductions, and Excess Interest below. |
Requirements for Qualification as a Real Estate Investment
Trust. The Internal Revenue Code defines a real
estate investment trust or REIT as a
corporation, trust or association:
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(1) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors; |
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(2) that issues transferable shares or transferable
certificates to evidence its beneficial ownership; |
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(3) that would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but
for Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code; |
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(4) that is not a financial institution or an insurance
company within the meaning of certain provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code; |
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(5) that is beneficially owned by 100 or more persons; |
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(6) not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of
which is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer
individuals, (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code to include
certain entities) during the last half of each taxable
year; and |
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(7) that meets other tests, described below, regarding the
nature of its income and assets and the amount of its
distributions. |
The Internal Revenue Code provides that conditions
(1) through (4), inclusive, must be met during the entire
taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at
least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve months, or
during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than
twelve months. Conditions
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(5) and (6) above do not apply until after the first
taxable year for which an election is made to be taxed as a real
estate investment trust. For purposes of condition (6), pension
funds and other specified tax-exempt entities generally are
treated as individuals, except that a look-through
exception applies with respect to pension funds.
We believe that we have been organized, have operated and have
issued sufficient shares of capital stock with sufficient
diversity of ownership to allow us to satisfy conditions
(1) through (7), inclusive during the relevant time
periods. In addition, our charter provides for restrictions on
the ownership and transfer of our shares that are intended to
assist us in continuing to satisfy the share ownership
requirements described in conditions (5) and
(6) above. These stock ownership and transfer restrictions
may not ensure that we will, in all cases, be able to satisfy
the share ownership requirements described in conditions
(5) and (6) above. If we fail to satisfy these share
ownership requirements, except as provided in the next sentence,
our status as a real estate investment trust will terminate. If,
however, we comply with the rules contained in applicable
Treasury regulations that require us to ascertain the actual
ownership of our shares and we do not know, or would not have
known through the exercise of reasonable diligence, that we
failed to meet the requirement described in condition
(6) above, we will be treated as having met this
requirement. See the section below entitled
Failure to Qualify.
In addition, we may not maintain our status as a real estate
investment trust unless our taxable year is the calendar year.
We have and intend to continue to have a calendar taxable year.
Ownership of a Partnership Interest. We own
and operate one or more properties through partnerships and
limited liability companies treated as partnerships for federal
income tax purposes. Treasury regulations provide that if we are
a partner in a partnership, we will be deemed to own our
proportionate share of the assets of the partnership based on
our interest in the partnerships capital, subject to
special rules relating to the 10% asset test described below. We
also will be deemed to be entitled to our proportionate share of
the income of the partnership. The character of the assets and
gross income of the partnership retains the same character in
our hands for purposes of Section 856 of the Internal
Revenue Code, including satisfying the gross income tests and
the asset tests. In addition, for these purposes, the assets and
items of income of any partnership in which we directly or
indirectly own an interest include such partnerships share
of assets and items of income of any partnership in which it
owns an interest. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets
and items of income of the operating partnership, including the
operating partnerships share of these items for any
partnership in which the operating partnership owns an interest,
are treated as our assets and items of income for purposes of
applying the requirements described in this prospectus
supplement, including the income and asset tests described
below. We have included a brief summary of the rules governing
the federal income taxation of partnerships below in
Tax Aspects of the Operating Partnership, the
Subsidiary Partnerships and the Limited Liability
Companies.
We have direct control of the operating partnership and some of
our subsidiary partnerships, and we intend to continue to
operate them in a manner consistent with the requirements for
qualification as a real estate investment trust. However, we are
a limited partner in certain partnerships. If a partnership in
which we own an interest takes or expects to take actions that
could jeopardize our status as a real estate investment trust or
require us to pay tax, we may be forced to dispose of our
interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a
partnership could take an action that could cause us to fail a
real estate investment trust income or asset test, and that we
would not become aware of such action soon enough to allow us to
dispose of our interest in the partnership or take other
corrective action on a timely basis. In that case, we could fail
to qualify as a real estate investment trust unless we were
entitled to relief, as described below. See
Failure to Qualify below. The treatment
described in this paragraph also applies with respect to our
ownership of interests in limited liability companies or other
entities or arrangements that are treated as partnerships for
tax purposes.
Ownership of Interests in Qualified REIT
Subsidiaries. We own 100% of the stock of a number of
corporate subsidiaries that we believe will be treated as
qualified REIT subsidiaries under the Internal Revenue Code, and
may acquire additional qualified REIT subsidiaries in the
future. A corporation will
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qualify as a qualified REIT subsidiary if we own 100% of its
stock and it is not a taxable REIT subsidiary, as
described below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not treated as a
separate corporation for federal income tax purposes. All
assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of
a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as our assets,
liabilities and such items (as the case may be) for all purposes
under the Internal Revenue Code, including the real estate
investment trust qualification tests. For this reason,
references under Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations to our income and assets include the income
and assets of any qualified REIT subsidiary we own. A qualified
REIT subsidiary is not subject to federal income tax, and our
ownership of the stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary will not
violate the real estate investment trust asset tests, as
described below under Asset Tests.
Ownership of Interests in Taxable REIT
Subsidiaries. Our taxable REIT subsidiaries are
corporations other than real estate investment trusts and
qualified REIT subsidiaries in which we directly or indirectly
hold stock, and that have made a joint election with us to be
treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries. A taxable REIT subsidiary
also includes any corporation other than a real estate
investment trust with respect to which one of our taxable REIT
subsidiaries owns more than 35% of the total voting power or
value of the outstanding securities of such corporation. Other
than some activities relating to lodging and health care
facilities, a taxable REIT subsidiary may generally engage in
any business, including the provision of customary or
non-customary services to tenants of its parent real estate
investment trust. A taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to
federal income tax as a regular C corporation. In addition,
our taxable REIT subsidiaries may be prevented from deducting
interest on debt funded directly or indirectly by us if certain
tests regarding the taxable REIT subsidiarys debt to
equity ratio and interest expense are not satisfied. We
currently hold an interest in a number of taxable REIT
subsidiaries, and may acquire securities in one or more
additional taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future. Our
ownership of securities of taxable REIT subsidiaries will not be
subject to the 5% or 10% asset tests described below under
Asset Tests.
Income Tests. We must satisfy two gross income
requirements annually to maintain our qualification as a real
estate investment trust. First, in each taxable year, we must
derive directly or indirectly at least 75% of our gross income,
excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, from
investments relating to real property or mortgages on real
property, including rents from real property and, in
certain circumstances, interest, or from certain types of
temporary investments. Second, in each taxable year, we must
derive at least 95% of our gross income, excluding gross income
from prohibited transactions, from (a) these real property
investments, (b) dividends, interest and gain from the sale
or disposition of stock or securities, or (c) any
combination of the foregoing. For these purposes, the term
interest generally does not include any amount
received or accrued, directly or indirectly, if the
determination of all or some of the amount depends in any way on
the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received
or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term
interest solely by reason of being based on a fixed
percentage or percentages of receipts or sales.
Rents we receive from a tenant will qualify as rents from
real property for the purpose of satisfying the gross
income requirements described above only if all of the following
conditions are met:
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The amount of rent must not be based in whole or in part on the
income or profits of any person. However, an amount we received
or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term
rents from real property solely because it is based
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We, or an actual or constructive owner of 10% or more of our
stock, must not actually or constructively own 10% or more of
the interests in the assets or net profits of the tenant, or, if
the tenant is a corporation, 10% or more of the total combined
voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote or 10% or
more of the total value of all classes of stock of the tenant.
Rents received from such a tenant that is also a taxable REIT
subsidiary, however, will not be excluded from the definition of
rents from real property as a result of this
condition if at least 90% of the space at the property to which
the rents relate is leased to third parties, and the rents paid
by the taxable REIT subsidiary are substantially comparable to
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space. Whether rents paid by a taxable REIT subsidiary are
substantially comparable to rents paid by other tenants is
determined at the time the lease with the taxable REIT
subsidiary is entered into, extended, and modified, if such
modification increases the rents due under such lease.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, if a lease with a
controlled taxable REIT subsidiary is modified and
such modification results in an increase in the rents payable by
such taxable REIT subsidiary, any such increase will not qualify
as rents from real property. For purposes of this
rule, a controlled taxable REIT subsidiary is a
taxable REIT subsidiary in which we own stock possessing more
than 50% of the total voting power or more than 50% of the total
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Rent attributable to 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. If this requirement is not
met, then the portion of the rent attributable to personal
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We generally must not operate or manage our property or furnish
or render services to our tenants, subject to a 1% de minimis
exception, other than customary services through an independent
contractor from whom we derive no revenue. We may, however,
directly perform services that are usually or customarily
rendered in connection with the rental of space for
occupancy only and are not otherwise considered rendered
to the occupant of the property. Examples of such services
include the provision of light, heat, or other utilities, trash
removal and general maintenance of common areas. In addition, we
may employ a taxable REIT subsidiary, which may be wholly or
partially owned by us, to provide both customary and
non-customary services to our tenants without causing the rent
we receive from those tenants to fail to qualify as rents
from real property. Any amounts we receive from a taxable
REIT subsidiary with respect to its provision of non-customary
services will, however, be nonqualifying income under the 75%
gross income test and, except to the extent received through the
payment of dividends, the 95% gross income test. |
We generally do not intend, and as the general partner of the
operating partnership, do not intend to permit the operating
partnership, to take actions we believe will cause us to fail to
satisfy any of the rental conditions described above. However,
we may intentionally have taken and may intentionally continue
to take actions that fail to satisfy these conditions to the
extent the failure will not, based on the advice of tax counsel,
jeopardize our tax status as a real estate investment trust. In
addition, with respect to the limitation on the rental of
personal property, we have not obtained appraisals of the real
property and personal property leased to tenants. Accordingly,
there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with our
determinations of value.
From time to time, we enter into hedging transactions with
respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Our hedging
activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps,
and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and
forward contracts. Except to the extent provided by Treasury
regulations, any income we derive from a hedging transaction
which is clearly identified as such as specified in the Internal
Revenue Code, including gain from the sale or disposition of
such a transaction, will not constitute gross income for
purposes of the 95% gross income test, and therefore will be
exempt from this test, but only to the extent that the
transaction hedges indebtedness incurred or to be incurred by us
to acquire or carry real estate assets. Income from any hedging
transaction will, however, be nonqualifying for purposes of the
75% gross income test. The term hedging transaction,
as used above, generally means any transaction we enter into in
the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of
interest rate changes or fluctuations with respect to borrowings
made or to be made by us. To the extent that we do not properly
identify such transactions as hedges, hedge with other types of
financial instruments, or hedge other types of indebtedness, the
income from those transactions will not be treated as qualifying
income for purposes of the gross income tests. We intend to
structure our hedging transactions in a manner that does not
jeopardize our status as a REIT.
Our taxable REIT subsidiaries may provide certain services in
exchange for a fee or derive other income that would not qualify
under the REIT gross income tests. Such fees and other income do
not
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accrue to us, but, to the extent our taxable REIT subsidiaries
pay dividends, we generally will derive our allocable share of
such dividend income through our interest in the operating
partnership. Such dividend income qualifies under the 95%, but
not the 75%, REIT gross income test. The operating partnership
may provide certain management or administrative services to our
taxable REIT subsidiaries. In addition, AMB Capital Partners,
LLC conducts an asset management business and receives fees,
which may include incentive fees, in exchange for the provision
of certain services to asset management clients. The fees we and
AMB Capital Partners, LLC derive as a result of the provision of
such services will be non-qualifying income to us under both the
95% and 75% REIT income tests. The amount of such dividend and
fee income will depend on a number of factors that cannot be
determined with certainty, including the level of services
provided by AMB Capital Partners, LLC, our taxable REIT
subsidiaries and the operating partnership. We will monitor the
amount of the dividend income from our taxable REIT subsidiaries
and the fee income described above, and will take actions
intended to keep this income, and any other non-qualifying
income, within the limitations of the REIT income tests.
However, there can be no guarantee that such actions will in all
cases prevent us from violating a REIT income test.
We believe that the aggregate amount of our nonqualifying
income, from all sources, in any taxable year will not exceed
the limit on nonqualifying income under the gross income tests.
If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income
tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a
real estate investment trust for the year if we are entitled to
relief under certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
Commencing with our taxable year beginning January 1, 2005,
we generally may make use of the relief provisions if:
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following our identification of the failure to meet the 75% or
95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we file a schedule
with the IRS setting forth a description of each item of our
gross income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests
for such taxable year in accordance with Treasury regulations to
be issued; and |
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our failure to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and
not due to willful neglect. |
For our taxable years ending on or before December 31,
2004, we may generally avail ourselves of the relief provisions
if:
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our failure to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and
not due to willful neglect; |
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we attach a schedule of the sources of our income to our federal
income tax return; and |
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any incorrect information on the schedule was not due to fraud
with intent to evade tax. |
It is not possible, however, to state whether in all
circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these
relief provisions. For example, if we fail to satisfy the gross
income tests because non-qualifying income that we intentionally
accrue or receive exceeds the limits on non-qualifying income,
the Internal Revenue Service could conclude that our failure to
satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause. If these
relief provisions do not apply to a particular set of
circumstances, we will not qualify as a real estate investment
trust. As discussed above in Our Qualification
as a Real Estate Investment Trust General,
even if these relief provisions apply, and we retain our status
as a real estate investment trust, a tax would be imposed with
respect to our non-qualifying income. We may not always be able
to comply with the gross income tests for real estate investment
trust qualification despite periodic monitoring of our income.
Prohibited Transaction Income. Any gain we realize
on the sale of property held as inventory or other property held
primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of
business, including our share of any such gain realized by our
qualified REIT subsidiaries, partnerships or limited liability
companies, will be treated as income from a prohibited
transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax. Such
prohibited transaction income could also adversely affect our
ability to satisfy the income tests for qualification as a real
estate investment trust. Under existing law, whether property is
held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the
ordinary course of a trade or business is a question of fact
that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the
particular transaction. We intend to hold our
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properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation,
to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning
our properties and to make occasional sales of the properties as
are consistent with our investment objectives. We do not believe
that any of our sales were prohibited transactions. However, the
Internal Revenue Service may contend that one or more of these
sales is subject to the 100% penalty tax.
Redetermined Rents, Redetermined Deductions, and Excess
Interest. Any redetermined rents, redetermined
deductions or excess interest we generate will be subject to a
100% penalty tax. In general, redetermined rents are rents from
real property that are overstated as a result of services
furnished by one of our taxable REIT subsidiaries to any of our
tenants, and redetermined deductions and excess interest
represent amounts that are deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary
for amounts paid to us that are in excess of the amounts that
would have been deducted based on arms length agreements.
Rents we receive will not constitute redetermined rents if they
qualify under the safe harbor provisions contained in the
Internal Revenue Code. Safe harbor provisions are provided
generally where:
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amounts are excluded from the definition of impermissible tenant
service income as a result of satisfying the 1% de minimis
exception; |
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the taxable REIT subsidiary renders a significant amount of
similar services to unrelated parties and the charges for such
services are substantially comparable; |
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rents paid to the real estate investment trust by tenants who
are not receiving services from the taxable REIT subsidiary are
substantially comparable to the rents paid by the real estate
investment trusts tenants leasing comparable space who are
receiving such services from the taxable REIT subsidiary and the
charge for the services is separately stated; or |
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the taxable REIT subsidiarys gross income from the service
is not less than 150% of the subsidiarys direct cost in
furnishing or rendering the service. |
We intend to deal with our taxable REIT subsidiaries on a
commercially reasonable arms length basis, but we may not
always satisfy the safe harbor provisions described above.
Asset Tests. At the close of each quarter of our
taxable year, we must also satisfy four tests relating to the
nature and diversification of our assets. First, at least 75% of
the value of our total assets, including assets held by our
qualified REIT subsidiaries and our allocable share of the
assets held by the partnerships and limited liability companies
in which we own an interest, must be represented by real estate
assets, cash, cash items and government securities. For purposes
of this test, the term real estate assets generally
means real property (including interests in real property and
interests in mortgages on real property) and shares (or
transferable certificates of beneficial interest) in other
REITs, as well as any stock or debt instrument attributable to
the investment of the proceeds of a stock offering or a public
offering of debt with a term of at least five years, but only
for the one-year period beginning on the date we receive such
proceeds.
Second, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may
be represented by securities, other than those securities
included in the 75% asset test.
Third, of the investments included in the 25% asset class, and
except for investments in other REITs, our qualified REIT
subsidiaries and our taxable REIT subsidiaries, the value of any
one issuers securities may not exceed 5% of the value of
our total assets, and we may not own more than 10% of the total
vote or value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer
except, in the case of the 10% value test, securities satisfying
the straight debt safe-harbor. For years prior to
2001, the 10% limit applies only with respect to the vote
attributable to the securities of any issuer and not to the
value of the securities of any issuer. Certain types of
securities are disregarded as securities solely for purposes of
the 10% value test, including, but not limited to, any loan to
an individual or an estate, any obligation to pay rents from
real property and any security issued by a real estate
investment trust. In addition, commencing with our taxable year
beginning January 1, 2005, solely for purposes of the 10%
value test, the determination of our interest in the assets of a
partnership or limited liability company in which we own an
interest will be
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based on our proportionate interest in any securities issued by
the partnership or limited liability company, excluding for this
purpose certain securities described in the Internal Revenue
Code.
Fourth, not more than 20% of the value of our total assets may
be represented by the securities of one or more taxable REIT
subsidiaries. The 10% value limitation and the 20% asset test
are applicable to taxable years ending after December 31,
2000.
Through the operating partnership, we own an interest in several
corporations which have jointly elected with us to be treated as
taxable REIT subsidiaries. These corporations own the stock of
other corporations, which have also become our taxable REIT
subsidiaries. So long as each of these corporations qualifies as
a taxable REIT subsidiary, we will not be subject to the 5%
asset test, 10% voting securities limitation or 10% value
limitation with respect to our ownership of their securities. We
may acquire securities in other taxable REIT subsidiaries in the
future. We believe that the aggregate value of our taxable REIT
subsidiaries will not exceed 20% of the aggregate value of our
gross assets. Prior to the election to treat these corporations
as taxable REIT subsidiaries, we did not own more than 10% of
the voting securities of these corporations. In addition, we
believe that prior to the election to treat these corporations
as our taxable REIT subsidiaries, the value of the pro rata
share of the securities of these corporations held by us did
not, in any case, exceed 5% of the total value of our assets.
With respect to each issuer in which we currently own
securities, that does not qualify as a real estate investment
trust, a qualified REIT subsidiary or a taxable REIT subsidiary,
we believe that the value of the securities of each issuer does
not exceed 5% of the total value of our assets and our ownership
of the securities of each issuer complies with the 10% voting
securities limitation and 10% value limitation. No independent
appraisals have been obtained to support these conclusions, and
there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will
agree with our determinations of value.
The asset tests must be satisfied not only on the last day of
each quarter of our taxable year in which we (directly or
through our qualified REIT subsidiaries, partnerships or limited
liability companies) acquire securities in the applicable
issuer, but also on the last day of each quarter of our taxable
year in which we increase our ownership of securities of such
issuer, including as a result of increasing our interest in the
operating partnership or other partnerships and limited
liability companies which own such securities, or acquire other
assets. For example, our indirect ownership of securities of
each issuer will increase as a result of our capital
contributions to the operating partnership or as limited
partners exercise their redemption/exchange rights. After
initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter,
we will not lose our status as a real estate investment trust
for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later
quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If we fail
to satisfy an asset test because we acquire securities or other
property during a quarter, we may cure this failure by disposing
of sufficient non-qualifying assets within 30 days after
the close of that quarter. For this purpose, an increase in our
interests in the operating partnership or any other partnership
or limited liability company in which we directly or indirectly
own an interest will be treated as an acquisition of a portion
of the securities or other property owned by that partnership or
limited liability company.
Commencing with our taxable year beginning January 1, 2005,
certain relief provisions may be available to us if we fail to
satisfy the asset tests described above after the 30 day
cure period. Under these provisions, we will be deemed to have
met the 5% and 10% asset tests if the value of our nonqualifying
assets (1) does not exceed the lesser of (a) 1% of the
total value of our assets at the end of the applicable quarter
or (b) $10,000,000, and (2) we dispose of the
nonqualifying assets or otherwise satisfy such tests within
(a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which
the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or
(b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury regulations
to be issued. For violations due to reasonable cause and not due
to willful neglect that are in excess of the de minimis
exception described above, we may avoid disqualification as a
REIT under any of the asset tests, after the 30 day cure
period, by taking steps including (1) the disposition of
sufficient nonqualifying assets, or the taking of other actions,
which allow us to meet the asset tests within (a) six
months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to
satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of
time prescribed by Treasury regulations to be issued,
(2) paying a tax equal to the greater of (a) $50,000
or (b) the highest corporate tax
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rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying
assets, and (3) disclosing certain information to the IRS.
Although we believe that we have satisfied the asset tests and
plan to take steps to ensure that we satisfy such tests for any
quarter with respect to which retesting is to occur, there can
be no assurance that our efforts will always be successful, or
will not require a reduction in the operating partnerships
overall interest in an issuer. If we fail to cure any
noncompliance with the asset tests in a timely manner, and the
relief provisions described above are not available, we would
cease to qualify as a real estate investment trust. See
Failure to Qualify below.
Annual Distribution Requirements. To maintain our
qualification as a real estate investment trust, we are required
to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to
our stockholders in an amount at least equal to the sum of:
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90% of our real estate investment trust taxable
income; and |
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90% of our after tax net income, if any, from foreclosure
property; minus |
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the excess of the sum of certain items of our non-cash income
over 5% of real estate investment trust taxable
income as described below. |
Our real estate investment trust taxable income is
computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our
net capital gain. In addition, for purposes of this test,
non-cash income means income attributable to leveled stepped
rents, original issue discount on purchase money debt,
cancellation of indebtedness or a like-kind exchange that is
later determined to be taxable.
In addition, if we dispose of any asset we acquired from a
corporation which is or has been a C corporation in a
transaction in which our basis in the asset is determined by
reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of that C
corporation, within the ten-year period following our
acquisition of such asset, we would be required to distribute at
least 90% of the after-tax gain, if any, we recognized on the
disposition of the asset, to the extent that gain does not
exceed the excess of (a) the fair market value of the asset
on the date we acquired the asset over (b) our adjusted
basis in the asset on the date we acquired the asset.
We generally must pay the distributions described above in the
taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable
year if they are declared during the last three months of the
taxable year, payable to stockholders of record on a specified
date during such period and paid during January of the following
year. Such distributions are treated as paid by us and received
by our stockholders on December 31 of the year in which
they are declared. In addition, at our election, a distribution
for a taxable year may be declared before we timely file our tax
return for that year and paid on or before the first regular
dividend payment after such declaration, provided such payment
is made during the twelve month period following the close of
that year. Except as provided below, these distributions are
taxable to our stockholders, other than tax-exempt entities, as
discussed below, in the year in which paid. This is so even
though these distributions relate to the prior year for purposes
of our 90% distribution requirement. The amount distributed must
not be preferential. To avoid being preferential, every
stockholder of the class of stock to which a distribution is
made must be treated the same as every other stockholder of that
class, and no class of stock may be treated other than according
to its dividend rights as a class. To the extent that we do not
distribute all of our net capital gain or distribute at least
90%, but less than 100%, of our real estate investment
trust taxable income, as adjusted, we will be required to
pay tax on the undistributed amount at regular ordinary and
capital gain corporate tax rates. We believe we have made and
intend to continue to make timely distributions sufficient to
satisfy these annual distribution requirements. In this regard,
the operating partnership agreement authorizes us, as general
partner, to take such steps as may be necessary to cause the
operating partnership to distribute to its partners an amount
sufficient to permit us to meet these distribution requirements.
We expect that our real estate investment trust taxable
income will be less than our cash flow because of
depreciation and other non-cash charges included in computing
our real estate investment
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trust taxable income. Accordingly, we anticipate that we
will generally have sufficient cash or liquid assets to enable
us to satisfy the distribution requirements described above.
However, from time to time, we may not have sufficient cash or
other liquid assets to meet these distribution requirements due
to timing differences between the actual receipt of income and
actual payment of deductible expenses, and the inclusion of
income and deduction of expenses in determining our taxable
income. If these timing differences occur, we may be required to
borrow funds or pay dividends in the form of taxable stock
dividends in order to meet the distribution requirements.
Under some circumstances, we may be able to rectify an
inadvertent failure to meet the 90% distribution requirement for
a year by paying deficiency dividends to our
stockholders in a later year, which we may include in our
deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, we may
be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as
deficiency dividends. However, we will be required to pay
interest based upon the amount of any deduction taken for
deficiency dividends.
Furthermore, we will be required to pay a 4% excise tax to the
extent we fail to distribute during each calendar year (or in
the case of distributions with declaration and record dates
falling in the last three months of the calendar year, by the
end of January immediately following such year) at least the sum
of 85% of our real estate investment trust ordinary income for
such year, 95% of our real estate investment trust capital gain
income for the year and any undistributed taxable income from
prior periods. Any real estate investment trust taxable income
and net capital gain on which this excise tax is imposed for any
year is treated as an amount distributed during that year for
purposes of calculating the tax in subsequent years.
Like-Kind Exchanges. We have in the past disposed
of properties in transactions intended to qualify as like-kind
exchanges under the Internal Revenue Code, and may continue this
practice in the future. Such like-kind exchanges are intended to
result in the deferral of gain for federal income tax purposes.
The failure of any such transaction to qualify as a like-kind
exchange could subject us to federal income tax, possibly
including the 100% prohibited transaction tax, depending on the
facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction.
Earnings and Profits Distribution Requirement. A
real estate investment trust is not permitted to have
accumulated earnings and profits attributable to non-REIT years.
A real estate investment trust has until the close of its first
taxable year in which it has non-REIT earnings and profits to
distribute all such earnings and profits. Our failure to comply
with this rule would require that we pay a deficiency
dividend to our stockholders, and interest to the Internal
Revenue Service, to distribute any remaining earnings and
profits. A failure to make this deficiency dividend distribution
would result in the loss of our real estate investment trust
status. See Failure to Qualify.
Failure to Qualify
Commencing with our taxable year beginning January 1, 2005,
specified cure provisions will be available to us in the event
that we violate a provision of the Code that would result in our
failure to qualify as a REIT. These cure provisions would reduce
the instances that could lead to our disqualification as a REIT
for violations due to reasonable cause and would instead
generally require the payment of a monetary penalty.
If we fail to qualify for taxation as a real estate investment
trust in any taxable year, and the relief provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code do not apply, we will be required to pay
tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our
taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to
stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify as a real
estate investment trust will not be deductible by us and we will
not be required to distribute any amounts to our stockholders.
As a result, we anticipate that our failure to qualify as a real
estate investment trust would reduce the cash available for
distribution by us to our stockholders. In addition, if we fail
to qualify as a real estate investment trust, all distributions
to stockholders will be taxable as ordinary corporate dividends
to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and
profits. In this event, subject to certain limitations of the
Internal Revenue
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Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the
dividends-received deduction. Unless entitled to relief under
specific statutory provisions, we will also be disqualified from
taxation as a real estate investment trust for the four taxable
years following the year during which we lost our qualification.
It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances we
would be entitled to this statutory relief.
Tax Aspects of the Operating Partnership, the Subsidiary
Partnerships and
the Limited Liability Companies
General. Substantially all of our investments are
held indirectly through the operating partnership and subsidiary
partnerships and limited liability companies. In general,
partnerships and limited liability companies that are classified
as partnerships for federal income tax purposes are
pass-through entities which are not required to pay
federal income tax. Rather, partners or members of such entities
are allocated their proportionate shares of the items of income,
gain, loss, deduction and credit of the entity, and are
potentially required to pay tax on this income, without regard
to whether they receive a distribution from the entity. We will
include in our income our proportionate share of these
partnership and limited liability company items for purposes of
the various real estate investment trust income tests and in the
computation of our real estate investment trust taxable income.
Moreover, for purposes of the real estate investment trust asset
tests and subject to special rules relating to the 10% asset
test described above, we will include our proportionate share of
assets held by the operating partnership and our subsidiary
partnerships and limited liability companies.
Entity Classification. Our ownership of an
interest in the operating partnership involves special tax
considerations, including the possibility that the Internal
Revenue Service might challenge the status of the operating
partnership or one or more of the subsidiary partnerships or
limited liability companies as partnerships, as opposed to
associations taxable as corporations for federal income tax
purposes. If the operating partnership or one or more of the
subsidiary partnerships or limited liability companies were
treated as an association, they would be taxable as a
corporation and therefore be required to pay an entity-level
income tax. In this situation, the character of our assets and
items of gross income would change and could prevent us from
satisfying the asset tests and possibly the income tests. This,
in turn, would prevent us from qualifying as a real estate
investment trust. In addition, a change in the tax status of the
operating partnership or one or more of the subsidiary
partnerships or limited liability companies might be treated as
a taxable event, in which case, we might incur a tax liability
without any related cash distributions.
Treasury regulations that apply for tax periods beginning on or
after January 1, 1997, provide that a domestic business
entity not otherwise organized as a corporation and which has at
least two members may elect to be treated as a partnership for
federal income tax purposes. Unless it elects otherwise, an
eligible entity in existence prior to January 1, 1997, will
have the same classification for federal income tax purposes
that it claimed under the entity classification Treasury
regulations in effect prior to this date. In addition, an
eligible entity which did not exist, or did not claim a
classification, prior to January 1, 1997, will be
classified as a partnership (or disregarded entity) for federal
income tax purposes unless it elects otherwise. The operating
partnership and the subsidiary partnerships and limited
liability companies intend to claim classification as
partnerships (or disregarded entities) under these regulations.
As a result, we believe that these partnerships and limited
liability companies will be classified as partnerships (or
disregarded entities) for federal income tax purposes.
Allocations of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction.
The net proceeds from our issuance of preferred stock, including
the series O preferred stock, will be contributed to the
operating partnership in exchange for its preferred limited
partnership units. In addition, to the extent we issue preferred
stock in exchange for preferred limited partnership units of AMB
Property II, L.P., we will contribute substantially all of
such units to the operating partnership in exchange for
additional preferred limited partnership units in the operating
partnership. In each case, the operating partnerships
partnership agreement will provide for preferred distributions
of cash and preferred allocations of income to us with respect
to these newly issued preferred units. As a consequence, we will
receive distributions from the operating partnership that
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we will use to pay dividends on substantially all of the shares
of preferred stock that we issue, including the series O
preferred stock, before any of the other partners in the
operating partnership (other than a holder of preferred units,
if such units are not then held by us) receive a distribution.
In addition, if necessary, income will be specially allocated to
us, and losses will be allocated to the other partners of the
operating partnership, in amounts necessary to ensure that the
balance in our capital account will at all times be equal to or
in excess of the amount we are required to pay on the preferred
stock then issued by us upon liquidation or redemption. Similar
preferred distributions and allocations will be made for the
benefit of other holders of preferred limited partnership units
in the operating partnership. Except as provided below, all
remaining items of operating income and loss will be allocated
to the holders of common units in the operating partnership in
proportion to the number of units or performance units held by
each such unitholder. All remaining items of gain or loss
relating to the disposition of the operating partnerships
assets upon liquidation will be allocated first to the partners
in the amounts necessary, in general, to equalize our and the
limited partners per unit capital accounts, with any
special allocation of gain to the holders of performance units
being offset by a reduction in the gain allocation to us and to
unitholders that were performance investors.
Certain limited partners have agreed to guarantee debt of our
operating partnership, either directly or indirectly through an
agreement to make capital contributions to our operating
partnership under limited circumstances. As a result of these
guarantees or contribution agreements, and notwithstanding the
foregoing discussion of allocations of income and loss of our
operating partnership to holders of units, such limited partners
could under limited circumstances be allocated a
disproportionate amount of net loss upon a liquidation of our
operating partnership, which net loss would have otherwise been
allocable to us.
If an allocation of income of a partnership or limited liability
company does not comply with the requirements of
Section 704(b) of the Internal Revenue Code and the
Treasury regulations thereunder, the item subject to the
allocation will be reallocated according to the partners
or members interests in the partnership or limited
liability company. This reallocation will be determined by
taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating
to the economic arrangement of the partners or members with
respect to such item. Our operating partnerships
allocations of taxable income and loss are intended to comply
with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations thereunder.
Tax Allocations With Respect to the Properties.
Under Section 704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, income,
gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or
depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership or
limited liability company in exchange for an interest in the
partnership or limited liability company must be allocated in a
manner so that the contributing partner or member is charged
with the unrealized gain or benefits from the unrealized loss
associated with the property at the time of the contribution.
The amount of the unrealized gain or unrealized loss is
generally equal to the difference between the fair market value
or book value and the adjusted tax basis of the contributed
property at the time of contribution as adjusted from time to
time. These allocations are solely for federal income tax
purposes, and do not affect the book capital accounts or other
economic or legal arrangements among the partners or members.
The operating partnership was formed by way of contributions of
appreciated property, i.e., property having an adjusted
tax basis less than its fair market value at the time of
contribution. Moreover, subsequent to the formation of the
operating partnership, additional appreciated property has been
contributed to it in exchange for operating partnership
interests. The operating partnership agreement requires that
these allocations be made in a manner consistent with
Section 704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Treasury regulations issued under Section 704(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code provide partnerships and limited liability
companies with a choice of several methods of accounting for
book-tax differences. We and our operating partnership have
agreed to use the traditional method to account for
book-tax differences for the properties initially contributed to
the operating partnership and for some assets acquired
subsequently. Under the traditional method, which is
the least favorable method from our perspective, the carryover
basis of contributed interests in the properties in the hands of
our operating
S-59
partnership (i) could cause us to be allocated lower
amounts of depreciation deductions for tax purposes than would
be allocated to us if all contributed properties were to have a
tax basis equal to their fair market value at the time of the
contribution and (ii) could cause us to be allocated
taxable gain in the event of a sale of such contributed
interests or properties in excess of the economic or book income
allocated to us as a result of such sale, with a corresponding
benefit to the other partners in our operating partnership. An
allocation described in (ii) above might cause us or the
other partners to recognize taxable income in excess of cash
proceeds in the event of a sale or other disposition of
property, which might adversely affect our ability to comply
with the REIT distribution requirements. See
Our Qualification as a Real Estate Investment
Trust. To the extent our depreciation is reduced, or our
gain on sale is increased, stockholders may recognize additional
dividend income without an increase in distributions. We and our
operating partnership have not yet decided what method will be
used to account for book-tax differences for properties to be
acquired by the operating partnership in the future.
Any property acquired by the operating partnership in a taxable
transaction will initially have a tax basis equal to its fair
market value, and Section 704(c) of the Internal Revenue
Code will not apply.
Taxation of Our Stockholders
The following summary describes the United States federal income
tax considerations anticipated to be material to holders of our
series O preferred stock. When we use the term United
States stockholder, we mean a holder of our series O
preferred stock who is, for United States federal income tax
purposes:
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a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a corporation, partnership, or other entity created or organized
in or under the laws of the United States or of any state or in
the District of Columbia, unless, in the case of a partnership,
Treasury Regulations provide otherwise; |
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an estate which is required to pay United States federal income
tax regardless of the source of its income; or |
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a trust whose administration is under the primary supervision of
a United States court and which has one or more United States
persons who have the authority to control all substantial
decisions of the trust. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence,
to the extent provided in the Treasury Regulations, some trusts
in existence on August 20, 1996, and treated as United
States persons prior to this date that elect to continue to be
treated as United States persons, shall also be considered
United States stockholders. |
Distributions Generally. Distributions out of our
current or accumulated earnings and profits, other than capital
gain dividends discussed below, will constitute dividends
generally taxable to our taxable United States stockholders as
ordinary income. As long as we qualify as a real estate
investment trust, these distributions will not be eligible for
the dividends-received deduction in the case of United States
stockholders that are corporations. For purposes of determining
whether distributions to holders of series O preferred
stock are out of current or accumulated earnings and profits,
our earnings and profits will be allocated first to
distributions on our outstanding preferred stock and then to
distributions on our outstanding common stock. See
New Legislation.
To the extent that we make distributions in excess of our
current and accumulated earnings and profits, these
distributions will be treated first as a tax-free return of
capital to each United States stockholder. This treatment will
reduce the adjusted tax basis which each United States
stockholder has in its shares of series O preferred stock
by the amount of the distribution, but not below zero.
Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings
and profits and in excess of a United States stockholders
adjusted tax basis in its shares will be taxable as capital
gain, provided that the shares have been held as capital assets.
Such gain will be taxable as long-term capital gain if the
shares have been held
S-60
for more than one year. Dividends we declare 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 we actually pay the
dividend on or before January 31 of the following year.
Stockholders may not include in their own income or on their tax
returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.
Capital Gain Distributions. Distributions that we
properly designate as capital gain dividends will be taxable to
our taxable United States stockholders as gain from the sale or
disposition of a capital asset, to the extent that such gain
does not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable
year. Depending on the characteristics of the assets which
produced these gains, and on specified designations, if any,
which we may make, these gains may be taxable to non-corporate
United States stockholders at a 15% or 25% rate. United States
stockholders that are corporations may, however, be required to
treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary
income. If we properly designate any portion of a dividend as a
capital gain dividend, then we intend to allocate a portion of
the total capital gain dividends paid or made available to
holders of all classes of our stock for the year to the holders
of our series O preferred stock in proportion to the amount
that our total dividends, as determined for federal income tax
purposes, paid or made available to the holders of our
series O preferred stock for the year bears to the total
dividends, as determined for federal income tax purposes, paid
or made available to holders of all classes of our stock for the
year.
Retention of Net Long-Term Capital Gains. We may
elect to retain, rather than distribute as a capital gain
dividend, our net long-term capital gains. If we make this
election, we would pay tax on our retained net long-term capital
gains. In addition, to the extent we designate, a United States
stockholder generally would:
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include its proportionate share of our undistributed long-term
capital gains in computing its long-term capital gains in its
return for its taxable year in which the last day of our taxable
year falls; |
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be deemed to have paid the capital gains tax imposed on us on
the designated amounts included in the United States
stockholders long-term capital gains; |
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receive a credit or refund for the amount of tax deemed paid by
it; |
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increase the adjusted basis of its series O preferred stock
by the difference between the amount of includable gains and the
tax deemed to have been paid by it; and |
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in the case of a United States stockholder that is a
corporation, appropriately adjust its earnings and profits for
the retained capital gains as required by Treasury regulations
to be prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service. |
Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest
Limitations. Distributions we make and gain arising from
the sale or exchange by a United States stockholder of our
shares will not be treated as passive activity income. As a
result, United States stockholders generally will not be able to
apply any passive losses against this income or
gain. A U.S. stockholder may elect to treat capital gain
dividends, capital gains from the disposition of stock and
qualified dividend income as investment income for purposes of
computing the investment interest limitation, but in such case,
the stockholder will be taxed at ordinary income rates on such
amount. Other distributions made by the Company, to the extent
they do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be
treated as investment income for purposes of computing the
investment interest limitation.
Dispositions of Series O Preferred Stock. If
a United States stockholder sells or disposes of its shares of
series O preferred stock to a person other than the
Company, it will recognize gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount
of cash and the fair market value of any property it receives on
the sale or other disposition and its adjusted basis in the
shares for tax purposes. This gain or loss will be capital if
that United States stockholder has held the series O
preferred stock as a capital asset. This gain or loss, except as
provided below, will be long-term
S-61
capital gain or loss if it has held the series O preferred
stock for more than one year. In general, if a United States
stockholder recognizes loss upon the sale or other disposition
of series O preferred stock that it has held for six months
or less, the loss recognized will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent the United States stockholder
received distributions from us which were required to be treated
as long-term capital gains.
Redemption of Series O Preferred Stock. A
redemption of shares of the series O preferred stock will
be treated under Section 302 of the Internal Revenue Code
as a distribution taxable as a dividend to the extent of our
current and accumulated earnings and profits at ordinary income
rates unless the redemption satisfies one of the tests set forth
in Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code and is
therefore treated as a sale or exchange of the redeemed shares.
The redemption will be treated as a sale or exchange if it:
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is substantially disproportionate with respect to
the United States stockholder; |
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results in a complete termination of the United
States stockholders stock interest in the Company; or |
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is not essentially equivalent to a dividend with
respect to the United States stockholder; |
all within the meaning of Section 302(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
In determining whether any of these tests have been met, shares
of capital stock, including common stock and other equity
interests in us, considered to be owned by the United States
stockholder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules
set forth in the Internal Revenue Code, as well as shares of
capital stock actually owned by the United States stockholder,
must generally be taken into account. Because the determination
as to whether any of the alternative tests of
Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code will be
satisfied with respect to the United States stockholder depends
upon the facts and circumstances at the time of the redemption,
United States stockholders are advised to consult their tax
advisors to determine the appropriate tax treatment.
If a redemption of shares of the series O preferred stock
is treated as a distribution taxable as a dividend, the amount
of the distribution will be measured by the amount of cash and
the fair market value of any property received. A United States
stockholders adjusted basis in the redeemed shares of the
series O preferred stock for tax purposes will be
transferred to its remaining shares of our capital stock, if
any. If a United States stockholder owns no other shares of our
capital stock, such basis may, under certain circumstances, be
transferred to a related person or it may be lost entirely.
If a redemption of shares of the series O preferred stock
is not treated as a distribution taxable as a dividend, it will
be treated as a taxable sale or exchange in the manner described
above under Dispositions of Series O
Preferred Stock.
Taxation of Tax-Exempt Stockholders. Except as
described below, dividend income from us and gain arising upon
the sale of shares generally will not be unrelated business
taxable income to a tax-exempt stockholder. This income or gain
will be unrelated business taxable income, however, if the
tax-exempt stockholder holds its shares as debt financed
property within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code
or if the shares are used in a trade or business of the
tax-exempt stockholder. Generally, debt financed property is
property the acquisition or holding of which was financed
through a borrowing by the tax-exempt stockholder.
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 Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9),
(c)(17) and (c)(20) of the Internal Revenue Code, respectively,
income from an investment in our shares will constitute
unrelated business taxable income unless the organization is
able to properly claim a deduction for amounts set aside or
placed in reserve for
S-62
specific purposes so as to offset the income generated by its
investment in our shares. These prospective investors should
consult their tax advisors concerning these set
aside and reserve requirements.
Notwithstanding the above, however, a portion of the dividends
paid by a pension held REIT will be treated as
unrelated business taxable income as to some trusts that hold
more than 10%, by value, of the interests of a real estate
investment trust. A real estate investment trust will not be a
pension held REIT if it is able to satisfy the
not closely held requirement without relying on the
look-through exception with respect to certain
trusts. As a result of limitations on the transfer and ownership
of stock contained in our charter, we do not expect to be
classified as a pension-held REIT, and as a result,
the tax treatment described in this paragraph should be
inapplicable to our stockholders.
Taxation of Non-United States Stockholders. The
preceding discussion does not address the rules governing United
States federal income taxation of the ownership and disposition
of our series O preferred stock by persons that are
non-United States stockholders. When we use the term
non-United States stockholder we mean stockholders
who are not United States stockholders, as described above in
Taxation of our Stockholders. In general, non-United
States stockholders may be subject to special tax withholding
requirements on distributions from us and with respect to their
sale or other disposition of our series O preferred stock,
except to the extent reduced or eliminated by an income tax
treaty between the United States and the non-United States
stockholders country. A non-United States stockholder who
is a stockholder of record and is eligible for reduction or
elimination of withholding must file an appropriate form with us
in order to claim such treatment. Non-United States stockholders
should consult their tax advisors concerning the federal income
tax consequences to them of an acquisition of shares of our
series O preferred stock, including the federal income tax
treatment of dispositions of interests in and the receipt of
distributions from us.
Backup Withholding. Under the backup withholding
rules, a United States stockholder may be subject to backup
withholding with respect to dividends paid by us unless the
holder is a corporation or is otherwise exempt and, when
required, demonstrates this fact or provides a taxpayer
identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from
backup withholding, and otherwise complies with the backup
withholding rules. A United States stockholder that does not
provide us with its correct taxpayer identification number may
also be subject to penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue
Service. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amount
paid as backup withholding will be creditable against the
stockholders income tax liability. In addition, we may be
required to withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to
any stockholders who fail to certify their non-foreign status.
See Taxation of Non-United States
Stockholders.
Other Tax Consequences
State and Local Taxation. We may be subject to
state or local taxation in various state or local jurisdictions,
including those in which we transact business, and our
stockholders may be required to pay tax in various state or
local jurisdictions, including those in which they reside. Our
state and local tax treatment may not conform to the federal
income tax consequences discussed above. In addition, a
stockholders state and local tax treatment may not conform
to the federal income tax consequences discussed above. This
discussion does not purport to describe any aspect of the tax
laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction. Consequently,
prospective investors should consult their tax advisors
regarding the effect of state, local or foreign tax laws on an
investment in our shares.
Tax Rates
The maximum tax rate of non-corporate taxpayers for
(i) capital gains, including capital gain
dividends, has generally been reduced to 15% (for taxable
years ending on or after May 6, 2003, although certain
amounts in 2003 may continue to be taxed at a 20% rate and,
depending on the characteristics of
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the assets which produced these gains and on designations which
we may make, certain capital gain dividends may be taxed at a
25% rate) and (ii) dividends has generally been reduced to
15% (for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002).
In general, dividends payable by real estate investment trusts
are not eligible for the reduced tax rate on corporate
dividends, except to the extent the real estate investment
trusts dividends are attributable either to dividends
received from taxable corporations (such as our taxable REIT
subsidiaries), to income that was subject to tax at the
corporate/real estate investment trust level (for example, if we
distribute taxable income that we retained and paid tax on in
the prior taxable year) or to dividends properly designated by
us as capital gain dividends. Although these tax
rate changes do not adversely affect the taxation of real estate
investment trusts or dividends paid by real estate investment
trusts, the more favorable treatment of regular corporate
dividends could cause investors who are individuals to consider
stocks of other corporations that pay dividends to be more
attractive relative to stocks of real estate investment trusts.
The currently applicable provisions of the United States federal
income tax laws relating to the 15% tax rate are scheduled to
sunset or revert back to the provisions of prior law
effective for taxable years beginning after December 31,
2008, at which time the capital gains tax rate will be increased
to 20% and the rate applicable to dividends will be increased to
the tax rate then applicable to ordinary income.
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UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting
agreement, dated the date of this prospectus supplement, the
underwriters named below, for whom Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC
and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. are acting as
representatives, have agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to
sell to the underwriters, 3,000,000 shares of our
series O preferred stock.
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Underwriter |
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Number of Shares | |
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Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC
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1,185,000 |
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J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
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1,185,000 |
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RBC Dain Rauscher Inc.
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240,000 |
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BB&T Capital Markets, a Division of Scott &
Stringfellow, Inc.
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30,000 |
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Ferris, Baker Watts, Incorporated
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30,000 |
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H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc.
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30,000 |
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JVB Financial Group LLC
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30,000 |
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Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
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30,000 |
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KeyBanc Capital Markets, a Division of McDonald Investments
Inc.
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30,000 |
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Morgan Keegan & Co.
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30,000 |
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Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.
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30,000 |
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Pershing Trading Company LP
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30,000 |
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Piper Jaffray & Co.
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30,000 |
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Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated
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30,000 |
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Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
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30,000 |
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Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
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30,000 |
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Total
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3,000,000 |
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The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the
underwriters to purchase the shares in this offering are subject
to approval of legal matters by their counsel and to other
conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all of
the shares if they purchase any of the shares.
We expect that delivery of the shares of series O preferred
stock will be made against payment for such shares on or about
December 13, 2005, which is the fifth business day
following the date of this prospectus supplement. Trades in the
secondary market are generally required to settle in three
business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly
agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the
series O preferred stock before the settlement of this
offering will be required, by virtue of the fact that the
offered shares will settle in five business days, to specify an
alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to
prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the series O
preferred stock who wish to trade the shares on the date of
pricing or during the next five business days should consult
their own advisor.
We intend to file an application to list the series O
preferred stock on the New York Stock Exchange. If approved,
trading of the series O preferred stock on the New York
Stock Exchange is expected to commence within the 30-day period
after initial delivery of the series O preferred stock. The
underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market
in the series O preferred stock prior to the commencement
of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The underwriters will
have no obligation to make a market in the series O
preferred stock, however, and may cease market-making
activities, if commenced, at any time.
S-65
Before this offering, there has been no public market for our
series O preferred stock. An active trading market for our
shares may not develop. Even if an active market does develop,
the public price at which our shares trade in the future may be
below the offering price.
The underwriters initially propose to offer some of the shares
directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on
the cover page of this prospectus supplement and some of the
shares to dealers at the public offering price less a concession
not to exceed $0.50 per share. The underwriters may allow,
and dealers may reallow, a concession not to exceed
$0.45 per share on sales to other dealers. After the
initial offering of the shares, the offering price and other
selling terms may from time to time be varied by the
underwriters.
The following table shows the underwriting discounts and
commissions that we are to pay the underwriters in connection
with this offering.
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Total Fees | |
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Per Share | |
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Total | |
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Public Offering Price
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$ |
25.0000 |
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$ |
75,000,000 |
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Underwriting discount and commissions
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$ |
0.7875 |
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$ |
2,362,500 |
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Proceeds, before expenses, to us
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$ |
24.2125 |
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$ |
72,637,500 |
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In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase
and sell shares of series O preferred stock in the open
market. These transactions may include short sales, syndicate
covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Short sales
involve syndicate sales of series O preferred stock in
excess of the number of shares to be purchased by the
underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short
position. The underwriters must close out any short position by
purchasing shares of series O preferred stock in the open
market. A short position is more likely to be created if the
underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure
on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that
could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
Stabilizing transactions consist of bids for, or purchases of,
shares in the open market while the offering is in progress. The
underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit
the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a
syndicate member when the underwriters repurchase shares
originally sold by that syndicate member in order to cover
syndicate short positions or make stabilizing purchases. Any of
these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding
a decline in the market price of the series O preferred
stock. They may also cause the price of the series O
preferred stock to be higher than the price that would otherwise
exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions.
The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the New York
Stock Exchange or in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, it may
discontinue them at any time.
We have agreed for a period of 30 days from the date of
this prospectus supplement that we will not, without the prior
written consent of the representatives of the underwriters,
sell, dispose of, hedge or take certain other actions with
respect to any shares of our series O preferred stock or
securities convertible into or exchangeable for our
series O preferred stock or any other securities with terms
substantially similar to that of the series O preferred
stock. The representatives of the underwriters, in their sole
discretion, may release us from this lock-up agreement at any
time without notice.
We estimate that our portion of the total expenses of this
offering payable by us, other than the underwriting discounts
and commissions referred to above, will be approximately
$450,000.
The underwriters or their affiliates have performed certain
investment banking and advisory services for us from time to
time for which they have received customary fees and expenses.
Wachovia Bank, N.A., an affiliate of Wachovia Capital Markets,
LLC, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA, an affiliate of
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., are lenders under our
$500 million unsecured revolving line of credit. Certain of
the underwriters and/or their affiliates are lenders under our
$500 million unsecured revolving line of credit. The
underwriters or their affiliates may, from time to time, engage
in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary
course of their businesses.
S-66
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act or
to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to
make because of any of those liabilities.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be
passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP,
San Francisco, California and by Tamra D.
Browne, Esq., our General Counsel. Certain legal matters
relating to Maryland law, including the validity of the issuance
of the shares of series O preferred stock offered by this
prospectus supplement, will be passed upon for us by Ballard
Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland.
Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be
passed upon for the underwriters by Gibson, Dunn &
Crutcher LLP, San Francisco, California.
EXPERTS
The financial statements and managements assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting
(which is included in Managements Report on Internal
Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by
reference to the annual report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2004 have been so incorporated in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an
independent registered public accounting firm, given on the
authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
S-67
$600,000,000
AMB Property Corporation
Common Stock, Preferred Stock,
Depositary Shares and Warrants
$400,000,000
Guarantees
AMB PROPERTY, L.P.
Debt Securities
AMB Property Corporation may offer, from time to time, in one or
more series or classes and in amounts, at prices and on terms
that it will determine at the time of offering, with an
aggregate public offering price of up to $600,000,000 (or its
equivalent in another currency based on the exchange rate at the
time of sale):
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shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share; |
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shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value per share; |
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shares of preferred stock represented by depositary shares; and |
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warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock. |
AMB Property, L.P. may offer, from time to time, its debt
securities in one or more series, which may be either senior or
subordinated, at prices and on terms that it will determine at
the time of offering, with an aggregate public offering price of
up to $400,000,000 (or its equivalent in another currency based
on the exchange rate at the time of sale). AMB Property
Corporation may unconditionally guarantee the payment
obligations on the debt securities on the terms described in
this prospectus and in the applicable supplement to this
prospectus.
We will provide the specific terms of these securities in
supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus
and the applicable supplement carefully before you invest.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol AMB. On December 16, 1998, the last
reported sales price of our common stock on the New York Stock
Exchange was
$215/8
per share.
To facilitate maintenance of our qualification as a Real Estate
Investment Trust (a REIT) for federal income tax
purposes, subject to certain exceptions, we prohibit the
ownership, actually or constructively, by any single person of
more than 9.8% (by value or number of shares, whichever is more
restrictive) of the issued and outstanding shares of our common
stock and more than 9.8% (by value or number of shares,
whichever is more restrictive) of the issued and outstanding
shares of our Series A Preferred Stock. We will also
prohibit, subject to certain exceptions, the ownership, actually
or constructively, of any shares of our Series B Preferred
Stock and any shares of our Series C Preferred Stock by any
single person so that no such person, taking into account all of
our stock so owned by such person, may own in excess of 9.8% of
our issued and outstanding capital stock.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any State
Securities Commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined that this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The date of this prospectus is December 17, 1998
We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person
to give any information or to make any representation other than
those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
and the accompanying supplement to this prospectus. You must not
rely upon any information or representation not contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the accompanying
prospectus supplement as if we had authorized it. This
prospectus and the accompanying supplement to this prospectus do
not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer
to buy any securities other than the registered securities to
which they relate, nor do this prospectus and the accompanying
supplement to this prospectus constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction
to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or
solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should not assume that
the information contained in this prospectus and the supplement
to this prospectus is correct on any date after their respective
dates, even though this prospectus or a supplement is delivered
or securities are sold on a later date.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page | |
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About This Prospectus
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1 |
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Where You Can Find More Information
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Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference
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Forward Looking Statements
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The Company
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Use of Proceeds
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Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends and
Distributions
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Description of Debt Securities
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Description of Common Stock
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Description of Preferred Stock
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Description of Depositary Shares
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35 |
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Description of Warrants
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38 |
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Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Capital Stock
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39 |
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Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws
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41 |
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Description of Certain Provisions of The Partnership Agreement
of The Operating Partnership
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Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations
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56 |
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Plan of Distribution
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Legal Matters
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68 |
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Experts
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68 |
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i
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission using a
shelf registration process. Under this shelf
process, we may sell any combination of the common stock,
preferred stock, depositary shares and warrants described in
this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar
amount of $600,000,000 and the Operating Partnership may sell
the debt securities described in this prospectus in one or more
offerings up to a total dollar amount of $400,000,000. This
prospectus provides you with a general description of the
securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will
provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific
information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus
supplement may also add, update or change information contained
in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and the
applicable prospectus supplement together with additional
information described under the heading Where You Can Find
More Information.
Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires
otherwise, all references in this prospectus to we,
us, our or the Company mean
AMB Property Corporation and its subsidiaries, including AMB
Property, L.P. (which we refer to as the Operating
Partnership) and its subsidiaries and, with respect to the
period prior to the Companys initial public offering, the
Companys predecessor, AMB Institutional Realty Advisors,
Inc., and certain real estate investment funds, trusts,
corporations and partnerships that prior to the Companys
initial public offering owned properties that they contributed
to the Operating Partnership. In some instances, in order to
avoid confusion between AMB Property Corporation and the
Operating Partnership, we refer to AMB Property Corporation
alone as the Company. When we refer to our
Charter we mean the Companys Articles of
Incorporation, as supplemented by the Articles Supplementary
establishing the terms of our
81/2%
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the
Series A Preferred Stock), the Articles
Supplementary establishing the terms of our
85/8%
Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the
Series B Preferred Stock) and the Articles
Supplementary establishing the terms of our 8.75% Series C
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the Series C
Preferred Stock). When we refer to Units we
mean the Operating Partnerships common units and preferred
units, including the
81/2%
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units (the
Series A Preferred Units), the
85/8%
Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units (the
Series B Preferred Units) and any
83/4%
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units (the
Series C Preferred Units), and other
partnership interests of the Operating Partnership of different
classes and series with rights, preferences and privileges that
the Company may determine in its capacity as general partner of
the Operating Partnership.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
The Company and the Operating Partnership file annual, quarterly
and special reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the
SECs public reference rooms at Room 1024, Judiciary
Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at
the SECs regional offices at Seven World Trade Center,
13th Floor, New York, New York 10048, and Citicorp Center,
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois
60661-2511. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information on the public reference rooms. The SEC also
maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and
information statements, and other information regarding
registrants that file electronically with the SEC
(http://www.sec.gov). You can inspect reports and other
information we file at the offices of the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
We have filed a registration statement of which this prospectus
is a part and related exhibits with the SEC under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). The
registration statement contains additional information about us
and the securities. You may inspect the registration statement
and exhibits without charge at the office of the SEC at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and you may
obtain copies from the SEC at prescribed rates.
1
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the
information we file with the SEC, which means that we can
disclose important information to you by referring to those
documents. The information incorporated by reference is an
important part of this prospectus. Any statement contained in a
document which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus
is automatically updated and superseded if information contained
in this prospectus, or information that we later file with the
SEC, modifies or replaces this information. We incorporate by
reference the following documents we filed with the SEC:
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Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1997; |
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Quarterly Reports of the Company on Form 10-Q for the
quarters ended March 31, 1998, June 30, 1998 and
September 30, 1998; |
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Quarterly Reports of the Operating Partnership on Form 10-Q
for the quarters ended June 30, 1998 and September 30,
1998; |
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Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K filed on
January 13, 1998; |
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Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K filed on
July 9, 1998; |
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Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K filed on
December 2, 1998; |
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Current Report of the Operating Partnership on Form 8-K
filed on December 2, 1998; |
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the description of the Companys common stock contained in
the Companys Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed
with the SEC on October 28, 1997; |
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the description of the Companys Series A Preferred
Stock contained in the Companys Registration Statement on
Form 8-A filed with the SEC on July 14, 1998; |
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the report, financial statements and financial statement
schedule for the Operating Partnership from our Registration
Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-49163); |
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the report, financial statements and financial statement
schedule for the AMB Contributed Properties from our
Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-49163); |
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the reports and financial statements for the Boston Industrial
Portfolio, the Jamesburg Property, Orlando Central Park, Totem
Lake Malls, Dallas Warehouse Portfolio (Garland Industrial
Portfolio), Twin Cities Office/ Showroom Portfolio (Minnetonka
Industrial Portfolio), Crysen Corridor Warehouse, Cabot
Industrial Portfolio, Cabot Business Park, Manhattan Village
Shopping Center, Weslayan Plaza and Silicon Valley R&D
Portfolio from our Registration Statement on Form S-11
(No. 333-58107); and |
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all documents filed by either the Company or the Operating
Partnership with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the Exchange Act) after the date of this prospectus
and prior to the termination of the offering. |
To receive a free copy of any of the documents incorporated by
reference in this prospectus (other than exhibits, unless they
are specifically incorporated by reference in the documents),
call or write AMB Property Corporation, 505 Montgomery
Street, San Francisco, CA, Attention: Secretary (415/394-9000).
You should rely only on the information incorporated by
reference or set forth in this prospectus or the applicable
prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to
provide you with different information. We may only use this
prospectus to sell securities if it is accompanied by a
prospectus supplement. We are only offering these securities in
states where the offer is permitted. You should not assume that
the information in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus
supplement is accurate as of any date other than the dates on
the front of these documents.
2
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the information included and incorporated by reference
in this prospectus contains forward-looking statements, such as
those pertaining to our (including certain of our
subsidiaries) capital resources, portfolio performance and
results of operations. Likewise, the pro forma financial
statements and other pro forma information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus also contain
forward-looking statements. In addition, all 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. There
is no assurance that the events or circumstances reflected in
forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. 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. Forward-looking statements are necessarily dependent
on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or
imprecise and we may not be able to realize them. 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: defaults on or non-renewal of
leases by tenants, increased interest rates and operating costs,
our failure to obtain necessary outside financing, difficulties
in identifying properties to acquire and in effecting
acquisitions, our failure to successfully integrate acquired
properties and operations, risks and uncertainties affecting
property development and construction (including construction
delays, cost overruns, our inability to obtain necessary permits
and public opposition to such activities), our failure to
qualify and maintain our status as a REIT under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code),
environmental uncertainties, risks related to natural disasters,
financial market fluctuations, changes in real estate and zoning
laws and increases in real property tax rates. Our success also
depends upon economic trends generally, including interest
rates, income tax laws, governmental regulations, legislation,
population changes and certain other matters discussed in this
prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including
under the heading Risk Factors in the prospectus
supplement. We caution you not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements, which reflect our analysis only.
3
THE COMPANY
We are one of the largest publicly-traded real estate companies
in the United States. As of November 30, 1998, we owned 587
industrial buildings located in 26 markets throughout the United
States, including 40 industrial buildings acquired since
September 30, 1998, and 38 retail centers located in 16
markets throughout the United States, including one center
acquired since September 30, 1998. As of September 30,
1998, our industrial buildings, principally warehouse
distribution properties, encompassed approximately
53.1 million rentable square feet and, as of the same date,
were 95.9% leased to over 1,500 tenants. As of
September 30, 1998, our retail centers, principally
grocer-anchored community shopping centers, encompassed
approximately 6.9 million rentable square feet and, as of
the same date, were 94.8% leased to over 900 tenants. We own
substantially all of our assets, and conduct substantially all
of our business, through the Operating Partnership and its
subsidiaries.
We are engaged in the business of acquiring and operating
industrial buildings and community shopping centers in target
markets nationwide. We are led by Hamid R. Moghadam, our
Chief Executive Officer and one of our three founders.
Douglas D. Abbey and T. Robert Burke, our other two
founders, also play active roles in our operations as the
Chairman of our Investment Committee and the Chairman of our
Board of Directors, respectively. Our 10 executive officers have
an average of 23 years of experience in the real estate
industry and have worked together for an average of nine years
building the AMB real estate business.
The Company was organized in November 1997 and commenced
operations upon the completion of the initial public offering on
November 26, 1997. We operate as a self-administered and
self-managed real estate company and believe that we have
qualified and that we will continue to qualify as a REIT for
federal income tax purposes beginning with the year ended
December 31, 1997.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the Operating Partnership intends to use the net
proceeds from the sale of debt securities for general purposes,
which may include the acquisition or development of additional
properties and the repayment of indebtedness. Unless we indicate
otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Company
will invest any proceeds from the sale of common stock,
preferred stock, depositary shares or warrants in the Operating
Partnership, which will use the proceeds as described above
unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement. Initially, we may temporarily invest net proceeds
from the sale of the securities in short-term securities.
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND
PREFERRED DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends
for the Company for the nine month period ended
September 30, 1998 was 2.6x. Prior to 1998, the Company did
not have any outstanding preference securities. The ratio of
earnings to fixed charges for the Company for the nine month
period ended September 30, 1998 was 2.7x and for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1997 was 5.6x. The Companys
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 includes the historical
results of AMB Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc., the
Companys predecessor, for the period from January 1,
1997 through November 25, 1997 and the Companys
historical results for the period from November 26, 1997 to
December 31, 1997. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges
for AMB Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc. for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 are not
applicable because AMB Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc. had
no or immaterial fixed charges.
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred
distributions for the Operating Partnership for the nine month
period ended September 30, 1998 was 2.6x. Prior to 1998,
the Operating Partnership did not have any outstanding
preference securities. The ratios of earnings to fixed charges
for the Operating
4
Partnership for the nine month period ended September 30,
1998 was 2.7x and for the period from inception
(November 26, 1997) to December 31, 1997 was 3.1x.
We have computed the ratios of earnings to fixed charges by
dividing fixed charges, excluding capitalized interest, plus
income from continuing operations including income from minority
interests which have fixed charges and including distributed
operating income from unconsolidated joint ventures instead of
income from unconsolidated joint ventures, by fixed charges.
Fixed charges consist of interest costs, whether expensed or
capitalized, the interest component of rental expense and
amortization of debt issuance costs.
We have computed the ratios of earnings to fixed charges and
preferred dividends/distributions by dividing fixed charges,
excluding capitalized interest, plus income from continuing
operations including income from minority interests which have
fixed charges and including distributed operating income from
unconsolidated joint ventures instead of income from
unconsolidated joint ventures, by fixed charges plus preferred
dividends/ distributions. Fixed charges consist of interest
costs, whether expensed or capitalized, the interest component
of rental expense and amortization of debt issuance costs.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
General
The debt securities will be direct, non-convertible, obligations
of the Operating Partnership, which may be secured or unsecured,
and which may be senior or subordinated indebtedness of the
Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership will issue the
debt securities under an Indenture dated as of June 30,
1998, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated
as of June 30, 1998, the Second Supplemental Indenture
dated as of June 30, 1998 and the Third Supplemental
Indenture dated as of June 30, 1998, and as further amended
or supplemented from time to time, among the Operating
Partnership, the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company
of California, N.A., as Trustee (together with any other
trustee(s) appointed in a supplemental indenture with respect to
a particular series of debt securities, the
trustee). The indenture is subject to, and governed
by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The statements
made in this section relating to the indenture and the debt
securities are summaries of certain provisions of the debt
securities and the indenture. These summaries are not complete.
For more detail you should refer to the indenture, which we have
filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part.
Term
We will describe the particular terms of the debt securities
offered by a prospectus supplement in the applicable prospectus
supplement, along with any applicable modifications of or
additions to the general terms of the debt securities as
described in this prospectus. Accordingly, for a description of
the terms of any series of debt securities, you must refer to
both the prospectus supplement relating to that series and the
description of the debt securities set forth in this prospectus.
A prospectus supplement may change any of the terms of the debt
securities described in this prospectus.
The Operating Partnership may offer under this prospectus up to
$400,000,000 (or its equivalent in another currency based on the
exchange rate at the time of sale) aggregate principal amount of
debt securities or if debt securities are issued at a discount,
such principal amount as may be sold for an initial public
offering price of up to $400,000,000. Unless we state otherwise
in any prospectus supplement, the Operating Partnership may
issue the debt securities in one or more series, as established
from time to time by the Operating Partnership. The Operating
Partnership need not issue all debt securities of one series at
the same time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be
reopened, without the consent of the holders of the debt
securities of that series, for issuances of additional debt
securities of that series.
The Operating Partnership may, but need not, designate more than
one trustee under the indenture, each with respect to one or
more series of debt securities. Any trustee may resign or be
removed with
5
respect to one or more series of debt securities, and a
successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to the
series. If two or more persons are acting as trustee with
respect to different series of debt securities, each such
trustee will be a trustee of a trust under the indenture
separate and apart from the trust administered by any other
trustee and, except as we state otherwise in this prospectus,
any action to be taken by a trustee may be taken by each trustee
with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more
series of debt securities for which it is trustee.
The following summaries set forth certain general terms and
provisions of the indenture and the debt securities. The
prospectus supplement relating to the series of debt securities
being offered will contain further terms of the debt securities,
including the following specific terms:
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the title of the debt securities; |
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the limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt
securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered
under the indenture; |
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the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or
dates, on which the Operating Partnership will pay the principal
of the debt securities; |
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the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable), or the
method by which such rate or rates will be determined, at which
the debt securities will bear interest, if any; |
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the date or dates (or the method for determining the date or
dates) from which any interest will accrue, the dates upon which
any interest will be payable and the record dates for payment of
interest (or the method by which the record dates will be
determined); |
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the place or places, if any, other than or in addition to the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, where the principal
of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the debt
securities will be payable, where the debt securities may be
surrendered for conversion or registration of transfer or
exchange and where notices or demands to or upon the Operating
Partnership in respect of the debt securities and the indenture
may be served; |
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any obligation the Operating Partnership has to redeem, repay or
repurchase the debt securities, in whole or in part, at the
option of a holder of the debt securities, and the period or
periods within which, the date or dates on which the price or
prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which the
Operating Partnership will redeem, repay or repurchase the debt
securities; |
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if other than the trustee, the identity of each security
registrar and/or paying agent; |
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any provisions granting special rights to holders of the debt
securities; |
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any deletions from, modifications of, or additions to the events
of default or covenants of the Operating Partnership with
respect to the debt securities, whether or not such events of
default or covenants are consistent with the events of default
or covenants with the indenture; |
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the person to whom any interest will be payable, if other than
the person in whose name the debt security is registered; and |
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any other terms of the debt securities and any deletions from or
modifications or additions to the indenture in respect of the
debt securities (whether or not consistent with the other
provisions of the indenture). |
The Operating Partnership may issue debt securities at a
discount below their principal amount and provide for less than
the entire principal amount of the debt securities to be payable
upon declaration of acceleration of maturity. In such cases, we
will describe any material U.S. federal income tax, accounting
and other considerations in the applicable prospectus supplement.
6
Denominations and Interest
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the debt securities of any series will be issuable
in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, interest on any series of debt securities will be
payable to the person in whose name the security is registered
at the close of business on the record date for such interest at
the office of the Operating Partnership maintained for such
purpose within the City and State of New York. However, unless
we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement,
the Operating Partnership may make interest payments by check
mailed to the address of the person entitled to the interest as
it appears in the applicable register for debt securities or by
wire transfer of funds to such person at an account maintained
within the United States.
Global Notes
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the debt securities of each series will be issued in
the form of one or more fully registered book-entry debt
securities of such series (each, a Global Note) that
will be deposited with, or on behalf of The Depository Trust
Company, New York, New York (DTC). Global Notes will
be issued in fully registered form.
The Operating Partnership anticipates that the Global Notes will
be deposited with, or on behalf of DTC, and that such Global
Note will be registered in the name of Cede & Co.,
DTCs nominee. Unless we specify otherwise in the
applicable prospectus supplement, the Operating Partnership
further anticipates that the following provisions will apply to
the depository arrangements with respect to the Global Notes.
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of the
Global Notes, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be
considered the sole holder of the debt securities represented by
the Global Note for all purposes under the indenture. Except as
described below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global
Notes will not be entitled to have debt securities represented
by such Global Note registered in their names, will not receive
or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities
in certificated form and will not be considered the owners or
holders of the debt securities under the indenture. The laws of
some states require that certain purchasers of securities take
physical delivery of such securities in certificated form;
accordingly, such laws may limit the transferability of
beneficial interests in the Global Notes.
The Global Notes will be exchangeable for certificated debt
securities only if:
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DTC notifies the Operating Partnership that it is unwilling or
unable to continue as depository or DTC ceases to be a clearing
agency registered under the Exchange Act (if so required by
applicable law or regulation) and, in either case, a successor
depository is not appointed by the Operating Partnership within
90 days after the Operating Partnership receives such
notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility; |
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the Operating Partnership in its sole discretion determines that
the Global Notes shall be exchangeable for certificated debt
securities; or |
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there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of default
with respect to debt securities of any series under the
indenture and beneficial owners representing a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of such series
represented by a Global Note advise DTC to cease acting as
depository. Upon any such exchange, owners of a beneficial
interest in such Global Note will be entitled to physical
delivery of individual debt securities of such series in
certificated form of like tenor, terms and rank, equal in
principal amount to such beneficial interest, and to have such
debt securities in certificated form registered in the names of
the beneficial owners, which names are expected to be provided
by DTCs relevant Participants (as identified by DTC) to
the trustee. |
Debt securities so issued in certificated form will be issued in
denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof, and
will be issued in registered form only, without coupons.
7
The following is based on information furnished to us by DTC:
DTC will act as securities depository for the debt securities.
The debt securities will be issued as fully registered
securities registered in the name of Cede & Co.
(DTCs partnership nominee). One fully registered
certificate will be issued with respect to each
$200 million (or such other amount as shall be permitted by
DTC from time to time) of principal amount of the debt
securities, and an additional certificate will be issued with
respect to any remaining principal amount.
DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the New
York Banking Law, a banking organization within the
meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal
Reserve System, a clearing corporation within the meaning
of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a clearing
agency registered pursuant to the provisions of
Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that
its participants (participants) deposit with DTC.
DTC also facilitates the settlement among participants of
securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in
deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in participants accounts, thereby eliminating the
need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct
participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations (direct participants). DTC is owned by
a number of its direct participants and by the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the
DTC system is also available to others, such as securities
brokers and dealers, and banks and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct
participant, either directly or indirectly (indirect
participants). The rules applicable to DTC and its
Participants are on file with the SEC.
Purchases of debt securities under the DTC system must be made
by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit
for the debt securities on DTCs records. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each debt security
(beneficial owner) is in turn recorded on the Direct
and Indirect participants records. A beneficial owner does
not receive written confirmation from DTC of its purchase, but
is expected to receive a written confirmation providing details
of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of its
holdings, from the direct or indirect participant through which
such beneficial owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of
ownership interests in debt securities are accomplished by
entries made on the books of direct and indirect participants
acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners do not
receive certificates representing their ownership interests in
debt securities, except under the circumstances described above.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, the debt securities are
registered in the name of DTCs nominee,
Cede & Co. The deposit of the debt securities with
DTC and their registration in the name of
Cede & Co. will effect no change in beneficial
ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners
of the debt securities; DTC records reflect only the identity of
the direct participants to whose accounts debt securities are
credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The
participants remain responsible for keeping account of their
holdings on behalf of their customers.
Delivery of notices and other communications by DTC to direct
participants, by direct participants to indirect participants,
and by direct participants and indirect participants to
beneficial owners are governed by arrangements among them,
subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. consents or votes with
respect to the debt securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC
mails a proxy (an omnibus proxy) to the issuer as
soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy
assigns Cede & Co.s consenting or voting
rights to those direct participants to whose accounts the debt
securities are credited on the record date (identified on a list
attached to the omnibus proxy).
Principal payments, premium payments, if any, and interest
payments, if any, on the debt securities will be made to DTC.
DTCs practice is to credit direct participants
accounts on the payment date in accordance with their respective
holdings as shown on DTCs records unless DTC has reason to
believe that it will not receive payment on the payment date.
Payments by direct and indirect participants to
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beneficial owners are governed by standing instructions and
customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the
accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in
street name and are the responsibility of such
direct and indirect participants and not of DTC, the Trustee or
the Operating Partnership, subject to any statutory or
regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any,
to DTC is the responsibility of the Operating Partnership or the
trustee, disbursement of such payments to direct participants is
the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to
the beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and
indirect participants.
If applicable, redemption notices shall be sent to Cede &
Co. If less than all of the debt securities of any series
represented by the Global Notes are being redeemed, DTCs
practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of
each direct participant in such issue to be redeemed.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities
depository with respect to the debt securities of any series at
any time by giving reasonable notice to the Operating
Partnership or the trustee. Under such circumstances, in the
event that a successor securities depository is not appointed,
certificates are required to be printed and delivered as
described above.
The Operating Partnership may decide to discontinue use of the
system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor
securities depository). In that event, certificates will be
printed and delivered as described above.
Neither the Operating Partnership, the underwriters, the
trustee, or any applicable paying agent will have any
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records
relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests
in the debt securities, or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interest.
Notices or demands to or upon the Operating Partnership in
respect of the debt securities and the indenture may be served
and, in the event that debt securities are issued in definitive
certificated form, debt securities may be surrendered for
payment, registration of transfer or exchange, at the office or
agency of the Operating Partnership maintained for such purpose
in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, which shall
initially be the office of State Street Bank and Trust Company,
an affiliate of the Trustee, which on the date of this
Prospectus is located at 61 Broadway, 15th Floor, New
York, New York.
Guarantees
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the indenture provides that the Operating
Partnerships obligations under the debt securities will be
guaranteed by the Company. The obligations of the Company under
any guarantee will be limited to the maximum amount permitted
under applicable federal or state law. A supplemental indenture
establishing the terms of a particular series of debt securities
may provide that such series will not be guaranteed by the
Company.
Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the indenture provides that the Operating
Partnership will not, in any transaction or series of
transactions, consolidate with, or sell, lease, assign, transfer
or otherwise convey all or substantially all of its assets to,
or merge with or into any other person unless:
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either the Operating Partnership is the continuing person or the
successor person (if other than the Operating Partnership) is a
corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other
entity organized and existing under the laws of the United
States of America or a State of the United States of America or
the District of Columbia and expressly assumes the Operating
Partnerships obligations on the debt securities and under
the indenture; |
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immediately after giving effect to the transaction and treating
any Debt (including Acquired Debt) which becomes an obligation
of the Operating Partnership or any of its affiliates as a
result of |
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such transaction as having been incurred by the Operating
Partnership or such affiliate at the time of such transaction,
no event of default under the indenture, and no event which,
after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an event of
default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and |
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the Operating Partnership delivers to the trustee an
officers certificate and legal opinion covering these
conditions. |
In the event that the Operating Partnership is not the
continuing person, then, for purposes of the second bullet point
above, the successor person will be deemed to be the Operating
Partnership.
Upon any such merger, consolidation, sale, assignment, transfer,
lease or conveyance in which the Operating Partnership is not
the continuing legal entity, the successor entity formed by the
consolidation or into which the Operating Partnership is merged
or to which the sale, assignment, transfer, lease or other
conveyance is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and
may exercise every right and power of, the Operating Partnership
under the indenture with the same effect as if the successor
entity has been named as the Operating Partnership in the
indenture and the Operating Partnership will be released (except
in the case of a lease) from its obligations under the indenture
and the debt securities.
The indenture provides that neither the Company, as guarantor of
a series of debt securities, nor any other guarantor, will in
any transaction or series of transactions, consolidate with, or
sell, lease, assign, transfer or otherwise convey all or
substantially all of its assets to, or merge with or into any
other person unless:
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either such guarantor is the continuing person or the successor
person (if other than such guarantor) is a corporation,
partnership, limited liability company or other entity organized
and existing under the laws of the United States of America or a
State of the United States of America or the District of
Columbia and expressly assumes such guarantors obligations
on the debt securities and under the indenture; |
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immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of
default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or
both, would become an event of default, shall have occurred and
be continuing; and |
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such guarantor delivers to the trustee an officers
certificate and legal opinion covering these conditions. |
In the event that such guarantor is not the continuing
corporation, then, for purposes of the second bullet point
above, the successor corporation will be deemed to be such
guarantor.
Any consolidation, merger, sale, lease, assignment, transfer or
conveyance permitted above is also subject to the condition
precedent that the trustee receive an officers certificate
and legal opinion to the effect that any such consolidation,
merger, sale, lease, assignment, transfer or conveyance, and the
assumption by any successor corporation, complies with the
provisions of the indenture and that all conditions precedent
provided for in the indenture relating to such transaction have
been complied with.
A supplemental indenture establishing the terms of a particular
series of debt securities may provide that such series will not
be guaranteed by the Company.
Certain Covenants
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the indenture contains the following covenants:
Aggregate Debt Test. The Operating Partnership
will not, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries to, incur
any Debt (including Acquired Debt) if, immediately after giving
effect to the incurrence of such Debt and the application of the
proceeds from such Debt on a pro forma basis, the aggregate
principal amount of all outstanding Debt of the Operating
Partnership and its subsidiaries (determined on a
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consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles) is greater than 60% of the sum of the
following (without duplication):
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the Total Assets of the Operating Partnership and its
subsidiaries as of the last day of the then most recently ended
fiscal quarter; and |
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the aggregate purchase price of any real estate assets or
mortgages receivable acquired, and the aggregate amount of any
securities offering proceeds received (to the extent such
proceeds were not used to acquire real estate assets or
mortgages receivable or used to reduce Debt) by the Operating
Partnership or any of its subsidiaries since the end of such
fiscal quarter, including the proceeds obtained from the
incurrence of such additional Debt, determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. |
Debt Service Test. The Operating Partnership will
not, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries to, incur any
Debt (including Acquired Debt) if the ratio of Consolidated
Income Available for Debt Service to Annual Debt Service Charge
for the period consisting of the four consecutive fiscal
quarters most recently ended prior to the date on which such
additional Debt is to be incurred shall have been less than
1.5:1 on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the incurrence
of such Debt and the application of the proceeds from such Debt,
and calculated on the following assumptions:
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such Debt and any other Debt (including Acquired Debt) incurred
by the Operating Partnership or any of its subsidiaries since
the first day of such four-quarter period had been incurred, and
the application of the proceeds from such Debt (including to
repay or retire other Debt) had occurred, on the first day of
such period; |
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the repayment or retirement of any other Debt of the Operating
Partnership or any of its subsidiaries since the first day of
such four-quarter period had occurred on the first day of such
period (except that, in making this computation, the amount of
Debt under any revolving credit facility, line of credit or
similar facility will be computed based upon the average daily
balance of such Debt during such period); and |
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in the case of any acquisition or disposition by the Operating
Partnership or any of its subsidiaries of any asset or group of
assets with a fair market value in excess of $1 million,
since the first day of such four-quarter period, whether by
merger, stock purchase or sale or asset purchase or sale or
otherwise, such acquisition or disposition had occurred as of
the first day of such period with the appropriate adjustments
with respect to such acquisition or disposition being included
in such pro forma calculation. |
If the Debt giving rise to the need to make the calculation
described above or any other Debt incurred after the first day
of the relevant four-quarter period bears interest at a floating
rate, then, for purposes of calculating the Annual Debt Service
Charge, the interest rate on such Debt will be computed on a pro
forma basis by applying the average daily rate which would have
been in effect during the entire four-quarter period to the
greater of the amount of such Debt outstanding at the end of
such period or the average amount of Debt outstanding during
such period.
Secured Debt Test. The Operating Partnership will
not, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries to, incur any
Debt (including Acquired Debt) secured by any Lien on any
property or assets of the Operating Partnership or any of its
subsidiaries, whether owned on the date of this indenture or
subsequently acquired, if, immediately after giving effect to
the incurrence of such Debt and the application of the proceeds
from such debt on a pro forma basis, the aggregate principal
amount (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles) of all outstanding
Debt of the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries which is
secured by a Lien on any property or assets of the Operating
Partnership or any of its subsidiaries is greater than 40% of
the sum of (without duplication) the following:
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the Total Assets of the Operating Partnership and its
subsidiaries as of the last day of the then most recently ended
fiscal quarter; and |
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the aggregate purchase price of any real estate assets or
mortgages receivable acquired, and the aggregate amount of any
securities offering proceeds received (to the extent such
proceeds were not used to acquire real estate assets or
mortgages receivable or used to reduce Debt) by the Operating
Partnership or any of its subsidiaries since the end of such
fiscal quarter, including the proceeds obtained from the
incurrence of such additional debt, determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. |
Maintenance of Total Unencumbered Assets. The
Operating Partnership will not have at any time Total
Unencumbered Assets of less than 150% of the aggregate principal
amount of all outstanding Unsecured Debt of the Operating
Partnership and its subsidiaries determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Existence. Except as permitted under
Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets,
the Operating Partnership will do or cause to be done all things
necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its
existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises.
However, the Operating Partnership will not be required to
preserve any right or franchise if the Board of Directors of the
Company determines that the preservation of the right or
franchise is no longer desirable in the conduct of its business
and that the loss of the right or franchise is not
disadvantageous in any material respect to the holders of the
debt securities.
Maintenance of Properties. The Operating
Partnership will cause all of its properties used or useful in
the conduct of its business or the business of any subsidiary to
be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working
order and supplied with all necessary equipment and cause all
necessary repairs to be made, all as in the judgment of the
Operating Partnership and the Company may be necessary in order
for the Operating Partnership to all times properly and
advantageously conduct its business in connection with the
properties.
Insurance. The Operating Partnership will, and
will cause each of its subsidiaries to, keep in force upon all
of its properties and operations insurance policies carried with
responsible companies in customary amounts and covering
customary risks in accordance with prevailing market conditions
and availability.
Payment of Taxes and Other Claims. The Operating
Partnership will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or
discharged before it becomes delinquent:
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all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or
imposed on it or any subsidiary or on its or any
subsidiarys income, profits or property; and |
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all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies that, if
unpaid, might by law become a lien upon its or any
subsidiarys property. However, the Operating Partnership
will not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or
discharged any tax, assessment, charge or claim the amount,
applicability or validity of which it is contesting in good
faith by appropriate proceedings. |
Provision of Financial Information. The Operating
Partnership will:
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file with the trustee, within 15 days after the Operating
Partnership or the Company is required to file them with the
SEC, copies of the annual reports and information, documents and
other reports which the Operating Partnership or the Company may
be required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if the Operating
Partnership or the Company is not required to file information,
documents or reports pursuant to those Sections, then the
Operating Partnership will file with the trustee and the SEC, in
accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC,
such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents
and reports which Section 13 of the Exchange Act may
require with respect to a security listed and registered on a
national securities exchange; |
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file with the trustee and the SEC, in accordance with the rules
and regulations prescribed from time to time by the SEC, any
additional information, documents and reports with respect to |
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compliance by the Operating Partnership and the Company with the
conditions and covenants of the indenture as such rules and
regulations may require; and |
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transmit to the holders of the debt securities, within
30 days after filing with the trustee, in the manner and to
the extent provided in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, such summaries of any information, documents and
reports required to be filed by the Operating Partnership and
the Company pursuant to the bullet points above as the
Commissions rules and regulations may require. |
Subsidiary Guarantees. The Operating Partnership
will not permit any of its subsidiaries to guarantee or secure
through the granting of liens, the payment of any Debt of the
Operating Partnership or any guarantor. The indenture also
provides that the Operating Partnership will not and will not
permit any of its subsidiaries to pledge any intercompany notes
representing obligations of any of its subsidiaries, to secure
the payment of any debt of the Operating Partnership or any
guarantor unless such subsidiary (a Subsidiary
Guarantor), the Operating Partnership and the trustee
execute and deliver a supplemental indenture evidencing such
subsidiarys guarantee providing for the unconditional
guarantee by the subsidiary, on a senior basis, of the debt
securities. If any Subsidiary Guarantor is released from all of
its obligations described above, it will also be released from
its unconditional guarantee.
Deletions, Modifications or Additions. We will
specify in the applicable prospectus supplement any deletions
of, modifications of, or additions to the covenants described
above with respect to any series of debt securities.
Definitions
As used in this prospectus,
Acquired Debt means Debt of a person:
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existing at the time such person is merged or consolidated with
or into, or becomes a subsidiary of, the Operating Partnership;
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assumed by the Operating Partnership or any of its subsidiaries
in connection with the acquisition of assets from such person. |
Annual Debt Service Charge means, for any period,
the interest expense of the Operating Partnership and its
subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
including, without duplication:
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all amortization of debt discount and premiums; |
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all accrued interest; |
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all capitalized interest; and |
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the interest component of capitalized lease obligations. |
Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service for
any period means Consolidated Net Income of the Operating
Partnership and its subsidiaries for such period, plus amounts
which have been deducted and minus amounts which have been added
for, without duplication:
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interest expense on Debt; |
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provision for taxes based on income; |
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amortization of debt discount, premium and deferred financing
costs; |
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provisions for gains and losses on sales or other dispositions
of properties and other investments; |
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property depreciation and amortization; |
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the effect of any non-cash items; and |
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amortization of deferred charges, all determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. |
Consolidated Net Income for any period means the
amount of net income (or loss) of the Operating Partnership and
its subsidiaries for such period, excluding, without duplication:
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extraordinary items; and |
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the portion of net income (but not losses) of the Operating
Partnership and its subsidiaries allocable to minority interests
in unconsolidated persons to the extent that cash dividends or
distributions have not actually been received by the Operating
Partnership or one of subsidiaries, all determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. |
Debt means, with respect to any person, any
indebtedness of such person, whether or not contingent, in
respect of:
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borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or
similar instruments; |
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indebtedness secured by any Lien on any property or asset owned
by such person, but only to the extent of the lesser of: |
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the amount of indebtedness so secured; and |
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the fair market value (determined in good faith by the board of
directors of such person or, in the case of the Operating
Partnership or a subsidiary, by the Companys Board of
Directors) of the property subject to such Lien; |
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reimbursement obligations, contingent or otherwise, in
connection with any letters of credit actually issued or amounts
representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase
price of any property except any such balance that constitutes
an accrued expense or trade payable; or |
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any lease of property by such person as lessee which is required
to be reflected on such persons balance sheet as a
capitalized lease in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and also includes, to the extent not
otherwise included, any obligation of such person to be liable
for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise (other than
for purposes of collection in the ordinary course of business),
Debt of the types referred to above of another person (it being
understood that Debt shall be deemed to be incurred by such
person whenever such person shall create, assume, guarantee or
otherwise become liable in respect thereof). |
Lien means any mortgage, deed of trust, lien,
charge, pledge, security interest, security agreement, or other
encumbrance of any kind.
Total Assets means the sum of, without duplication:
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Undepreciated Real Estate Assets; and |
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all other assets (excluding accounts receivable and intangibles)
of the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries, all
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. |
14
Total Unencumbered Assets means the sum of, without
duplication:
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those Undepreciated Real Estate Assets which are not subject to
a Lien securing Debt; and |
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all other assets (excluding accounts receivable and intangibles)
of the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries not subject to
a Lien securing Debt, all determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. |
Undepreciated Real Estate Assets means, as of any
date, the cost (original cost plus capital improvements) of real
estate assets of the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries
on such date, before depreciation and amortization, all
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.
Unsecured Debt means Debt of the Operating
Partnership or any of its subsidiaries which is not secured by a
Lien on any property or assets of the Operating Partnership or
any of its subsidiaries.
Events of Default, Notice and Waiver
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the indenture provides that the following events are
events of default with respect to any series of debt
securities issued under the indenture:
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default in the payment of any interest upon any debt security of
that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of
that default for a period of 30 days; |
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default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, on
any debt security of that series when due and payable; |
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default in the performance or breach of any covenant or warranty
of the Operating Partnership in the indenture with respect to
any debt security of that series (other than a covenant or
warranty the default or breach of which is specifically dealt
with in the indenture or that has been included in the indenture
solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities other than
that series), which default continues uncured for a period of 60
days after receipt of written notice as provided in the
indenture; |
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the following: |
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default by the Operating Partnership or any subsidiary of the
Operating Partnership in the payment, beyond any grace period,
of any principal of or interest on any bond, note, debenture or
other evidence of indebtedness; or |
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the occurrence of any other breach or default (or other event or
condition) under any agreement, indenture or instrument relating
to any such bond, note, debenture or other evidence of
indebtedness beyond any cure period, |
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if as a result, the holder or holders of any such instrument has
the immediate right to cause any such instrument to become or be
declared due and payable, or required to be prepaid, redeemed,
purchased or defeased (or an offer of prepayment, redemption,
purchase or defeasance be made), prior to its stated maturity
(other than by a scheduled mandatory prepayment), which in the
aggregate under the bullet points above have a principal amount
equal to or greater than $20,000,000 without such instrument
having been discharged, or such breach or default having been
cured, within a period of 10 days after the notice
specified in the indenture has been provided; |
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certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with
respect to the Operating Partnership, the Company or any
significant subsidiary of the Operating Partnership (as defined
in Regulation S-X under the Securities Act); and |
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any other event of default provided with respect to debt
securities of that series that is described in the applicable
prospectus supplement. |
15
A supplemental indenture establishing the terms of a particular
series of debt securities may delete, modify or add to the
events of default described above.
No event of default with respect to a particular series of debt
securities necessarily constitutes an event of default with
respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence
of an event of default may constitute an event of default under
our bank credit agreements in existence from time to time. In
addition, the occurrence of certain events of default or an
acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of
default under certain of our other indebtedness outstanding from
time to time.
If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any
series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then
the trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of that series may, by a notice in
writing to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders),
declare all debt securities of that series to be due and payable
immediately.
At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to
debt securities of any series has been made, but before a
judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been
obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal
amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may
rescind and annul the acceleration if:
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the Operating Partnership has paid or deposited with the trustee
a sum sufficient to pay: |
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all overdue installments of interest on all outstanding debt
securities of that series; |
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the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any outstanding debt
securities of that series which have become due otherwise than
by such declaration of acceleration, and interest thereon at the
rates provided for in such debt securities; and |
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to the extent lawful, interest upon overdue installments of
interest at the rate or rates provided in such debt securities;
and |
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all events of default with respect to debt securities of that
series, other than the nonpayment of the principal of (or
premium, if any) or interest on debt securities of that series
which have become due solely by such declaration of
acceleration, have been cured or waived. |
The indenture also provides that the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any
series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of
such series waive any past default under the indenture with
respect to such debt securities and its consequences, except a
default:
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in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest on or payable in respect of any debt security of such
series; or |
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in respect of a covenant or provision of the indenture which
cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder
of each outstanding debt security of such series affected. |
If the trustee knows of a default with respect to the debt
securities of any series, the indenture requires the trustee,
within 90 days after the default, to give notice to the
holders of such debt securities, unless such default shall have
been cured or waived. However the trustee may withhold notice to
the holders of any debt securities of such series of any default
(except a default in the payment of the principal of (or
premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any debt security of
such series) if the trustee determines such withholding is in
the interest of such holders.
The indenture provides that the trustee will be under no
obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the
indenture at the request of any holders of outstanding debt
securities, unless the holders offer the trustee security or
indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs,
expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
compliance with such request. Subject to certain rights of the
trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available
16
to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series.
No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right
to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect
to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or
trustee, or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:
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that holder has previously given to the trustee written notice
of a continuing event of default with respect to debt securities
of that series; and |
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the holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of that series have made written request, and offered
reasonable indemnity, to the trustee to institute the proceeding
as trustee, and the trustee has not received from the holders of
a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of that series a direction inconsistent with that
request and has failed to institute the proceeding within 60
days. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of any debt security
will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment
of the principal of, premium and any interest on that debt
security on or after the due dates expressed in that debt
security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment.
The indenture requires the Operating Partnership, within
120 days after the end of each fiscal year, to furnish to
the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture.
Further, upon any request by the Operating Partnership to take
any action under the indenture, the Operating Partnership will
furnish to the trustee:
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an officers certificate stating that all conditions
precedent, if any, provided for in the indenture relating to the
proposed action have been complied with; and |
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an opinion of counsel stating that in the opinion of such
counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been
complied with. |
Modification and Waiver
We may modify and amend the indenture with the consent of the
holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of each series affected by the modifications or
amendments except that we may not make any modification or
amendment without the consent of the holders of each affected
debt security then outstanding if that amendment will:
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change the stated maturity of the principal of (or premium, if
any, on) or any installment of principal of, or premium, if any,
or the interest payment date with respect to such debt security; |
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reduce the principal amount of debt securities or the rate or
amount of interest on such debt securities, or any premium
payable on such debt security; |
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adversely affect the right of any holder of debt securities to
repayment of such debt security at the holders option; |
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change the place, or the currency, for payment of principal of
(or premium, if any) such debt security; |
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impair the right to institute suit for enforcement of any
payment on or with respect to such debt security; |
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impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
payment on or with respect to such debt security; |
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reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent
to an amendment or waiver or reduce the quorum or voting
requirements set forth in the indenture; or |
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modify any of the foregoing provisions or any of the provisions
relating to the waiver of certain past defaults or certain
covenants, except to increase the required percentage to effect
such action or to provide that certain other provisions may not
be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of such
debt security. |
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of
all debt securities of that series waive the Operating
Partnerships compliance with certain covenants of the
indenture.
Modifications and amendments of the indenture may be made by the
Operating Partnership and the trustee without the consent of any
holder of debt securities issued thereunder for any of the
following purposes:
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to evidence the succession of another person to the Operating
Partnership or any guarantor under the indenture; |
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to add to the covenants of the Operating Partnership or any
guarantor for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities
or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Operating
Partnership or any guarantor in the indenture; |
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to add events of default for the benefit of the holders of all
or any series of debt securities; |
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to add or change any provisions of the indenture to facilitate
the issuance of the debt securities in certificated form,
provided that such action shall not adversely affect the
interests of the holders of any debt securities in any material
respect; |
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to secure the debt securities or guarantees; |
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to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor
trustee or to facilitate the administration of the trusts under
the indenture by more than one trustee; |
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to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture
or to add or change any other provisions with respect to matters
or questions arising under the indenture, provided that such
action shall not adversely affect the interests of holders of
debt securities of any series or any related guarantees in any
material respect; or |
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to supplement any of the provisions of the indenture to the
extent necessary to permit or facilitate discharge, legal
defeasance, or covenant defeasance of any series of debt
securities, provided that such action shall not adversely affect
the interests of the holders of the debt securities in any
material respect. |
The indenture provides that in determining whether the holders
of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities
of a series have given any request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent or waiver under the indenture or
whether a quorum is present at a meeting of holders of the debt
securities of a series, debt securities of each series owned by
the Operating Partnership or any other obligor upon such debt
securities or any affiliate of the Operating Partnership or of
such other obligor will be disregarded.
The indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the
holders of debt securities of a series. A meeting may be called
at any time by the trustee and also, upon request, by the
Operating Partnership or the Holders of 25% in principal amount
of the outstanding debt securities of such series, in any such
case upon notice given as provided in the indenture. Except for
any consent that must be given by the holder of each debt
security affected by certain modifications and amendments of the
indenture, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned
meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present may be
adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such
series. However, except as referred to above, any resolution
with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction,
notice, consent, waiver or other action that may be made, given
or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, which is less
or more than a majority, in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of such series may be adopted at a meeting or
18
adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present
by the affirmative vote of the holders of such specified
percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of such series. Any resolution passed or decision
taken at any meeting of holders of debt securities of any series
duly held in accordance with the indenture will be binding on
all holders of debt securities of such series. The quorum at any
meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at any reconvened
meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any
series; provided, however, that if any action is to be taken at
such meeting with respect to a consent or waiver which may be
given by the holders of not less than a specified percentage,
which is less or more than a majority, in principal amount of
the outstanding debt securities of such series, the persons
holding or representing such specified percentage in principal
amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series will
constitute a quorum.
Notwithstanding the provisions described above, the indenture
provides that if any action is to be taken at a meeting of
holders of debt securities of any series with respect to any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action that the indenture expressly provides may
be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage
in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of such
series affected thereby:
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there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting;
and |
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the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such
series that are entitled to vote in favor of such request,
demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
other action shall be taken into account in determining whether
such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under the
indenture. |
Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in
Certain Circumstances
Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance. Unless
we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement,
the indenture provides that the Operating Partnership may elect:
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to be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the
debt securities of any series (except for certain obligations to
register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of such
series, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities of
such series, and to maintain paying agencies and certain
provisions relating to the treatment of funds held by paying
agents) (legal deafeasance); or |
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to be released from compliance with the covenants in the
indenture (covenant defeasance). |
The Operating Partnership will be so discharged upon the deposit
with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or Government
Obligations that, through the payment of interest and principal
in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount
sufficient to pay and discharge each installment of principal
(and premium, if any) and interest on the debt securities of
that series on the scheduled due dates or the applicable
redemption date in accordance with the terms of the indenture
and those debt securities.
This trust may only be established if, among other things:
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the Operating Partnership has delivered to the trustee a legal
opinion to the effect that the holders of the debt securities
will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States
federal income tax purposes as a result of such legal defeasance
or covenant defeasance and will be subject to United States
federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and
at the same times as would have been the case if such legal
defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred, and such
legal opinion, in the case of legal defeasance, must refer to
and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a
change in applicable United States federal, income tax law
occurring after the date of the indenture; |
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if the cash and Government Obligations deposited are sufficient
to pay the outstanding debt securities of such series, provided
such debt securities are redeemed on a particular redemption |
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date, the Operating Partnership shall have given the trustee
irrevocable instructions to redeem the debt securities of such
series on such date; |
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such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will not result in
a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, the
indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which
the Operating Partnership is a party or by which it is bound; and |
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no event of default or event which with notice or lapse of time
or both would become an event of default with respect to the
debt securities shall have occurred and shall be continuing on
the date of, or, solely in the case of events of default due to
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization,
during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of, such
deposit into trust. |
Government Obligations means securities which are:
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direct obligations of the United States of America, for the
payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is
pledged; or |
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obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting
as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America,
the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full
faith and credit obligation by the United States of America |
and which, in either of the above cases, are not callable or
redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof and also includes
a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as
custodian with respect to any such Government Obligation held by
such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository
receipt, provided that (except as provided by law) such
custodian is not authorized to make any amount received by the
custodian.
Covenant Defeasance and Events of Default. In the event
the Operating Partnership exercises its option to effect
covenant defeasance with respect to any series of debt
securities and the debt securities of that series are declared
due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of
default, the amount of money and/or Government Obligations on
deposit with the trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due
on the debt securities of that series at the time of their
stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on
the debt securities of that series at the time of the
acceleration resulting from the event of default. However, the
Operating Partnership will remain liable for those payments.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
Our Charter provides that we are authorized to issue 500,000,000
shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share. As of
November 30, 1998, we had 85,874,513 shares of common stock
issued and outstanding. Each outstanding share of common stock
entitles the holder to one vote on all matters presented to
stockholders generally for a vote, including the election of
directors. Except as otherwise required by law and except as
provided in any resolution adopted by the Board of Directors
establishing any other class or series of stock, the holders of
common stock possess the exclusive voting power, subject to the
provisions of the Charter regarding the ownership of shares of
common stock in excess of the ownership limit or any other limit
specified in the Charter or otherwise permitted by the Board of
Directors. Holders of shares of common stock do not have any
conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal
rights or any preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our
securities or cumulative voting rights in the election of
directors. All shares of common stock that are issued and
outstanding are duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable.
Subject to the preferential rights of any other shares or series
or classes of stock, including the Series A Preferred
Stock, the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series C
Preferred Stock (see Preferred Stock),
and to the provisions of the Charter regarding ownership of
shares of common stock in excess of the ownership limit, or such
other limit specified in the Charter or as otherwise permitted
by the Board of Directors, we may pay distributions to the
holders of shares of common stock if and when authorized and
declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available for distribution. We intend to continue to make
quarterly distributions on outstanding shares of common stock.
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Under the Maryland General Corporation Law (the
MGCL), stockholders are generally not liable for our
debts or obligations. If we liquidate, subject to the right of
any holders of preferred stock, including the Series A
Preferred Stock, the Series B Preferred Stock and the
Series C Preferred Stock (see Preferred
Stock) to receive preferential distributions, each
outstanding share of common stock will be entitled to
participate pro rata in the assets remaining after payment of,
or adequate provision for, all of our known debts and
liabilities, including debts and liabilities arising out of our
status as general partner of the Operating Partnership.
Subject to the provisions of our Charter regarding the ownership
of shares of common stock in excess of the ownership limit, or
such other limit specified in the Charter, or as otherwise
permitted by the Board of Directors as described below, all
shares of common stock have equal distribution, liquidation and
voting rights, and have no preference or exchange rights.
Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot
dissolve, amend its charter, merge, sell all or substantially
all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in
similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business
unless approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds
of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser
percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes
entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the
corporations charter. Under the MGCL, the term
substantially all of the Companys assets is
not defined and is, therefore, subject to Maryland common law
and to judicial interpretation and review in the context of the
unique facts and circumstances of any particular transaction.
Our Charter does not provide for a lesser percentage in any of
the above situations.
Our Charter authorizes the Board of Directors to reclassify any
unissued shares of common stock into other classes or series of
classes of stock and to establish the number of shares in each
class or series and to set the preferences, conversion and other
rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations and
restrictions on ownership, limitations as to dividends or other
distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of
redemption for each class or series. The transfer agent and
registrar for our common stock is BankBoston, N.A., an affiliate
of First National Bank of Boston.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
Our Charter provides that we are authorized to issue 100,000,000
shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, of which
4,600,000 shares are of a separate class designated as
Series A Preferred Stock, 1,300,000 shares are of a
separate class designated as Series B Preferred Stock and
2,200,000 shares are of a separate class designated as
Series C Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock
is issuable in exchange, on a one for one basis, subject to
adjustment, for the Series B Preferred Units. The
Series C Preferred Stock is issuable in exchange, on a one
for one basis, subject to adjustment, for
83/4%
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units (the
AMB Property II Series C Preferred Units) of
AMB Property II, L.P. (AMB Property II) that AMB
Property II issued to an institutional investor on
November 24, 1998. The Company owns 100% of the common
stock of AMB Property Holding Corporation, which has an
approximate 1% general partnership interest in AMB Property II.
The Operating Partnership has an approximate 99% limited
partnership interest in AMB Property II. As of November 30,
1998, we had 4,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
issued and outstanding. As of the same date, we had 1,300,000
shares of Series B Preferred Stock and 2,200,000 shares of
Series C Preferred Stock reserved for issuance but not
issued or outstanding.
The following description summarizes certain general terms and
provisions of the preferred stock to which any prospectus
supplement may relate. This summary and the summary included in
the relevant prospectus supplement are not complete. For more
detail you should refer to the applicable provisions of our
Charter (including the applicable Articles Supplementary) and
Bylaws. Our Charter and Bylaws have been filed as exhibits to
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part
and the applicable Articles Supplementary will be filed as an
exhibit to this registration statement or incorporated by
reference in this registration statement by a Form 8-K.
21
General
We may issue preferred stock from time to time, in one or more
classes, as authorized by the Board of Directors. Prior to the
issuance of shares of each class of preferred stock, subject to
the provisions of our Charter regarding the restrictions on
transfer of stock, the Board of Directors is required by the
MGCL and our Charter to fix for each class the terms,
preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications
and terms or conditions of redemption, as permitted by Maryland
law. Because the Board of Directors has the power to establish
the preferences, powers and rights of each class of preferred
stock, it may afford the holders of any class of preferred stock
preferences, powers and rights, voting or otherwise, senior to
the rights of holders of shares of common stock. The issuance of
preferred stock could have the effect of delaying or preventing
a change of control of the Company that might involve a premium
price for holders of shares of common stock or otherwise be in
their best interest.
Preferred stock, upon issuance against full payment of the
purchase price therefor, will be fully paid and nonassessable.
The specific terms of a particular class of preferred stock will
be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that
class, including a prospectus supplement providing that
preferred stock may be issuable upon the exercise of warrants.
The description of preferred stock set forth below and the
description of the terms of a particular class of preferred
stock set forth in a prospectus supplement do not purport to be
complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the
Articles Supplementary relating to that class.
The preferences and other terms of the preferred stock of each
class will be fixed by the Articles Supplementary relating to
the class. A prospectus supplement relating to each class of
preferred stock will specify the following terms:
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The title and stated value of the preferred stock; |
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The number of shares of the preferred stock offered, the
liquidation preference per share and the offering price of the
preferred stock; |
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The dividend rate(s), period(s), and/or payment date(s) or
method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to the preferred
stock; |
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Whether the preferred stock is cumulative or not and, if
cumulative, the date from which dividends on the preferred stock
will accumulate; |
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The provision for a sinking fund, if any, for the preferred
stock; |
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The provision for redemption, if applicable, of the preferred
stock; |
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Any listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange; |
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The terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the
preferred stock will be converted into common stock, including
the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof); |
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A discussion of any material federal income tax considerations
applicable to the preferred stock; |
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Any limitations on actual and constructive ownership and
restrictions on transfer, in each case as may be appropriate to
preserve our status as a REIT; |
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The relative ranking and preferences of the preferred stock as
to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of our affairs; |
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Any limitations on issuance of any class of preferred stock
ranking senior to or on a parity with such class or series of
preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; |
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Any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or
restrictions of the preferred stock; and |
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Any voting rights of the preferred stock. |
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Rank
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the preferred stock will be, with respect to
dividends and upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities the terms of which provide that the equity
securities shall rank junior to the preferred stock; |
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junior to all equity securities that we issue which rank senior
to the preferred stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities that we issued other than
those that are referred to in the bullet points above. |
The term equity securities does not include
convertible debt securities.
Dividends
Holders of shares of the preferred stock of each class will be
entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized and declared by
our Board of Directors, out of our assets legally available for
payment, cash dividends at the rates and on the dates as we will
set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dividends
will be payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock
transfer books on the record dates that the Board of Directors
will fix.
Dividends on any class of preferred stock may be cumulative or
noncumulative, as provided in the applicable prospectus
supplement. Dividends, if cumulative, will be cumulative from
and after the date set forth in the applicable prospectus
supplement. If our Board of Directors fails to authorize a
dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any class of
preferred stock for which dividends are noncumulative, then the
holders of the class of preferred stock will have no right to
receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period ending on
the dividend payment date, and we will have no obligation to pay
the dividend accrued for the period, whether or not dividends on
the class are declared or paid for any future period.
Unless full cumulative dividends on the class of preferred stock
have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared
and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for
payment for all past dividend periods and the then current
dividend period, no dividends (other than in common stock or any
of our other equity securities ranking junior to the series or
class of preferred stock as to dividends and upon our voluntary
or involuntary liquidation, dissolution and winding up) shall be
declared or paid or set aside for payment or other dividend be
declared or made upon the common stock or any of our other
equity securities ranking as to distributions or upon our
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up
junior to or on a parity with the series or class of preferred
stock, nor will any common stock or any of our other equity
securities ranking junior to or on a parity with the class of
preferred stock as to dividends or upon our voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up be redeemed,
purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any
monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the
redemption of any such securities) by us (except by conversion
into or exchange for our other equity securities ranking junior
to the class of preferred stock as to dividends and upon
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution and winding up
and pursuant to the provisions of our Charter providing for
limitations on ownership and transfer in order to ensure that we
remain qualified as a REIT). When dividends are not paid in full
(or a sum sufficient for full payment is not so set apart) upon
the class of preferred stock and any other equity securities
ranking as to dividends on a parity with the class of preferred
stock, all dividends declared upon the series or class of
preferred stock and any of our other equity securities ranking
on a parity with the class of preferred stock as to dividends
and upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up will be declared pro rata so that the amount of
dividends declared per share of the series or class of preferred
stock and each other equity securities will in all cases bear to
each other the same ratio that accumulated dividends per share
of the series or class of preferred stock and the other equity
securities (which will not include any accumulation in respect
of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if the other
equity securities do not have a cumulative dividend) bear to
each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest,
will
23
be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on any
series or class of preferred stock which may be in arrears.
Any dividend payment that we make on shares of a class of
preferred stock will first be credited against the earliest
accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to shares of such
series or class that remains payable.
Redemption
If we so provide in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
shares of preferred stock will be subject to mandatory
redemption or redemption at our option, as a whole or in part,
in each case on the terms, at the times and at the redemption
prices set forth in the prospectus supplement.
The prospectus supplement relating to a series or class of
preferred stock that is subject to mandatory redemption will
specify the number of shares of preferred stock that we will
redeem in each year commencing after a date to be specified, at
a redemption price per share to be specified, together with an
amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon
(which will not, if the preferred stock does not have a
cumulative dividend, include any accumulation in respect of
unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods) to the date of
redemption. We may pay the redemption price in cash or other
property, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
If the redemption price for preferred stock of any class is
payable only from the net proceeds of the issuance of our stock,
the terms of the preferred stock may provide that, if no such
preferred stock shall have been issued or to the extent the net
proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to pay in full the
aggregate redemption price then due, the preferred stock will
automatically and mandatorily be converted into shares of the
applicable stock pursuant to conversion provisions specified in
the applicable prospectus supplement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the class of preferred stock
has a cumulative dividend, unless full cumulative dividends on
all outstanding shares of the class of preferred stock have been
or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all
past dividend periods and the then current dividend period, we
may not redeem any shares of the class of preferred stock unless
we simultaneously redeem all outstanding shares of the class of
preferred stock; provided, however, that the foregoing will not
prevent the purchase or acquisition of shares of the series or
class of preferred stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange
offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding
shares of the class of preferred stock. In addition, unless full
cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of the class of
preferred stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and
paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof
set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then
current dividend period, we may not purchase or otherwise
acquire directly or indirectly any shares of such class of
preferred stock or any of our equity securities ranking junior
to or on a parity with such class of preferred stock as to
dividends or upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up (except by conversion into or exchange
for our equity securities ranking junior to such class of
preferred stock as to dividends and upon voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up).
The foregoing provisions will not prevent us from acquiring
shares of preferred stock pursuant to the provisions of the
applicable Articles Supplementary providing for limitations on
ownership and transfer in order to ensure that we remain
qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. See
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Capital
Stock.
If we redeem fewer than all of the outstanding shares of a class
of preferred stock, we will select the shares that we will
redeem pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without
creating fractional shares), by lot or by any other equitable
method that we determine. If this redemption is to be by lot
and, as a result of the redemption, any holder of shares of the
class of preferred stock would become a holder of a number of
shares of the class of preferred stock in excess of the
ownership limit because we did not redeem the holders
shares of the class of preferred stock, or we only redeemed
those shares in part, then, except as otherwise provided in our
Charter, we will redeem the requisite number of shares of the
series
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or class of preferred stock of the holder such that no holder
will hold in excess of the ownership limit subsequent to the
redemption. See Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of
Capital Stock.
We will give notice of redemption by publication in a newspaper
of general circulation in The City of New York. This publication
will be made once a week for two successive weeks commencing not
less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption
date. We will mail a similar notice, postage prepaid, not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption
date, addressed to the respective holders of record of the
preferred stock to be redeemed at their respective addresses as
they appear on our share transfer records. No failure to give
notice or any defect in notice or in the mailing thereof will
affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any
shares of the series or class of preferred stock except as to
the holder to whom notice was defective or not given. Each
notice will state the following:
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the redemption date; |
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the redemption price; |
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the number of shares of the class of preferred stock to be
redeemed; |
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the place or places where the certificates evidencing shares of
the series or class of preferred stock are to be surrendered for
payment of the redemption price; and |
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that dividends on the class of preferred stock to be redeemed
will cease to accumulate on the redemption date. If we will
redeem fewer than all the shares of the class of preferred stock
held by any holder, the notice that we mail to the holder will
also specify the number of shares of the class of preferred
stock that we will redeem from the holder. |
The holders of shares of a class of preferred stock at the close
of business on a dividend record date will be entitled to
receive the dividend payable with respect to the shares of the
class of preferred stock held on the corresponding dividend
payment date notwithstanding the redemption of the shares
between the dividend record date and the corresponding dividend
payment date or our default in the payment of the dividend due.
Except as provided above, we will make no payment or allowance
for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on shares of
any class of preferred stock to be redeemed.
Subject to applicable law and the limitation on purchases when
dividends on a class of preferred stock are in arrears, we may,
at any time and from time to time, purchase any shares of the
class of preferred stock in the open market, by tender or by
private agreement.
Liquidation Preference
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up, the holders of preferred stock will be
entitled to receive out of our assets legally available for
distribution to our stockholders remaining after payment or
provision for payment of all of our debts and, liquidating
distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per
share set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, plus an
amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends to the date
of payment, before any distribution of assets is made to holders
of common stock or any other equity securities that rank junior
to the class of preferred stock as to voluntary or involuntary
liquidation. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of the
class of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of
our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or into
any other entity, a merger of another entity with or into us, a
statutory share exchange by us or the sale, lease, transfer or
conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or
business will not be considered a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up.
If, upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up, our assets are insufficient to make full payment
to holders of such class of preferred stock and the
corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes of
our equity securities ranking on a parity with the class of
preferred stock as to liquidation rights, then the holders of
the class of preferred stock and all other such classes of
equity securities will share ratably in any distribution of
assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to
which they would otherwise be respectively entitled. In
determining whether a
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distribution (other than upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) by dividend, redemption
or other acquisition of shares of stock or otherwise is
permitted under the MGCL, no effect will be given to amounts
that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of
the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon
dissolution of holders of shares of the class of preferred
stock, whose preferential rights upon dissolution are superior
to those receiving the distribution.
Voting Rights
Holders of the preferred stock will not have any voting rights,
except as set forth below or as otherwise from time to time
required by law or as we indicate in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
Unless provided for otherwise by any class of preferred stock,
so long as any shares of preferred stock of a class remain
outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
by the holders of such outstanding shares, given in person or by
proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (the class voting
separately as a class) do any of the following:
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to such series
or class of preferred stock with respect to payment of dividends
or the distribution of assets upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or reclassify any of our
authorized stock into shares, or create, authorize or issue any
obligation or security convertible into, exchangeable or
exercisable for, or evidencing the right to purchase, any stock;
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amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our Charter, whether by
merger or consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and
adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting
power of the class of preferred stock or the holders of such
class. |
So long as shares of the class of preferred stock (or shares
issued by a surviving entity in substitution for the class of
preferred stock) remain outstanding with their terms materially
unchanged, taking into account that upon the occurrence of such
an event, we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of
an event set forth in the second bullet point above will not be
considered to materially and adversely affect the rights,
preferences, privileges or voting powers of holders of such
class of preferred stock. Additionally, any increase in the
amount of the authorized preferred stock or the creation or
issuance of any other class or series of preferred stock, or any
increase in the amount of authorized series or class of
preferred stock or any other class or series of preferred stock,
in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to such series
or class of preferred stock with respect to payment of dividends
and the distribution of assets upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, will not be considered
to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences,
privileges or voting powers.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior
to the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be
required, we have redeemed or called for redemption upon proper
notice and deposited sufficient funds in trust.
Conversion Rights
We will specify in the applicable prospectus supplement the
terms and conditions upon which any shares of any class or
series of preferred stock are convertible into common stock. The
terms will include:
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the number of shares of common stock into which the shares of
preferred stock are convertible; |
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the conversion price (or method for calculating the conversion
price); |
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the conversion period; |
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provisions regarding whether conversion will be at the option of
the holders of the class of preferred stock or the Operating
Partnership; |
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the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price; and |
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provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption
of the class of preferred stock. |
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Capital Stock
In order for the Company to qualify as a REIT under the Code,
the Companys capital stock is subject to certain
restrictions on ownership and transfer. See Restrictions
on Ownership and Transfer of Capital Stock.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for
our Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock
and Series C Preferred Stock is BankBoston, N.A. We will
specify in the applicable prospectus supplement the transfer
agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for any other
class of preferred stock.
Description of Series A Preferred Stock
The Series A Preferred Stock ranks, with respect to
dividends and in the event we voluntarily or involuntarily
liquidate, dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
Series A Preferred Stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the Series A Preferred Stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series C
Preferred Stock) other than those referred to in the bullet
points above. The term equity securities does not
include convertible debt securities. |
Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to
receive, when and as authorized by the Board of Directors out of
funds legally available for dividends, cumulative preferential
cash dividends at the rate of
81/2%
of the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $2.125
per annum per share of Series A Preferred Stock). Dividends
on the Series A Preferred Stock accumulate on a daily basis
and are payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of each
January, April, July and October. Except as provided below,
unless full cumulative dividends on the Series A Preferred
Stock have been or at the same time are declared and paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart for payment
for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend
period, no dividends (other than in common stock or other equity
securities ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock)
may be declared or paid or set aside for payment or other
dividend be declared or made upon the common stock or any other
equity securities ranking junior to or on a parity with the
Series A Preferred Stock (including the Series B
Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock), nor may
any common stock or any other equity securities ranking junior
to or on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock
(including the Series B Preferred Stock and the
Series C Preferred Stock) be redeemed, purchased or
otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any monies be paid
to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of
any such securities) by us (except by conversion into or
exchange for other equity securities ranking junior to the
Series A Preferred Stock and pursuant to the provisions of
our Charter providing for limitations on ownership and transfer
in order to ensure that we remain qualified as a REIT). When
dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such
full payment is not so set apart) upon the Series A
Preferred Stock and any other equity securities ranking on a
parity with the Series A Preferred Stock (including the
Series B Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred
Stock), all dividends declared upon the Series A Preferred
Stock and any other equity securities ranking on a parity with
the Series A Preferred Stock (including the Series B
Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock) will be
declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per
share of Series A Preferred Stock and each such other
equity securities shall bear to each other the same ratio that
accumulated dividends per share of Series A Preferred Stock
and such other equity securities (which shall not include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend
periods if such other equity securities do not have a cumulative
dividend) bear to each other.
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Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will accumulate
whether or not we have funds legally available for the payment
of dividends and whether or not we declare dividends. If we
designate any portion of a dividend as a capital gain
dividend, a holders share of the capital gain
dividend will be an amount that bears the same ratio to the
total amount of dividends (as determined for federal income tax
purposes) paid to the holder for the year as the aggregate
amount designated as a capital gain dividend bears to the
aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined for federal
income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares for the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up, the holders of the Series A Preferred
Stock are entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of $25.00 per
share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid
dividends to the date of such payment, before any distribution
of assets is made to holders of common stock or any other equity
securities that rank junior to the Series A Preferred
Stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of the
Series A Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any
of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or
into any other entity, a merger of another entity with or into
us, a statutory share exchange or the sale, lease, transfer or
conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or
business do not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up for purposes of triggering the liquidation preference.
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up and our assets are insufficient to make full payment to
holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and the
corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or
series of equity securities ranking on a parity with the
Series A Preferred Stock, then the holders of the
Series A Preferred Stock and all other such classes or
series of equity securities will share ratably in any such
distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating
distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled.
The Series A Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and is
not subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking fund. We
cannot redeem the Series A Preferred Stock prior to
July 27, 2003. On and after July 27, 2003, we can
redeem the Series A Preferred Stock for cash at our option,
in whole or from time to time in part, at a redemption price of
$25.00 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any,
to the redemption date. We must pay the redemption price (other
than the portion of the redemption price consisting of
accumulated and unpaid dividends) solely out of the sale
proceeds of other equity securities, which may include other
classes or series of preferred stock. In certain circumstances
related to our maintenance of our ability to qualify as a REIT
for federal income tax purposes, we may redeem shares of
Series A Preferred Stock. See
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of
Capital Stock.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock have no voting rights,
except as described below. If we do not pay dividends on the
Series A Preferred Stock for six or more quarterly periods
(whether or not consecutive), holders of the Series A
Preferred Stock (voting separately as a class with all other
classes or series of equity securities upon which like voting
rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled
to vote for the election of two additional directors to serve on
our Board of Directors until we have eliminated all dividend
arrearages with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock. So
long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain
outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or consent
of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the
holders of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock
(the Series A Preferred Stock voting separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
Series A Preferred Stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the Series A Preferred Stock; |
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create, authorize or issue any obligation or security
convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or evidencing
the right to purchase, any class or series of stock ranking
senior to the Series A Preferred Stock; or |
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amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our Charter, whether by
merger or consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and
adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting
power of the Series A Preferred Stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as shares of
Series A Preferred Stock (or shares issued by a surviving
entity in substitution for shares of the Series A Preferred
Stock) remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged,
taking into account that upon the occurrence of such an event,
we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such
event will not be considered to materially and adversely affect
rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of holders of
Series A Preferred Stock. Any increase in the amount of the
authorized preferred stock, the creation or issuance of any
other class or series of preferred stock or any increase in the
amount of authorized Series A Preferred Stock or any other
class or series of preferred stock, in each case ranking on a
parity with or junior to the Series A Preferred Stock, will
not be considered to materially and adversely affect such
rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.
In accordance with the terms of the Third Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Operating Partnership
(the Partnership Agreement), we contributed the net
proceeds of the sale of the Series A Preferred Stock to the
Operating Partnership and the Operating Partnership issued to us
Series A Preferred Units that mirror the rights,
preferences and other terms of the Series A Preferred
Stock. The Operating Partnership is required to make all
required distributions on the Series A Preferred Units
prior to any distribution of cash or assets to the holders of
any other Units or any other equity interests in the Operating
Partnership, except for any other series of preferred Units
ranking on a parity with the Series A Preferred Units as to
dividends or voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the Operating Partnership. The Operating
Partnership has no preferred Units, other than the Series A
Preferred Units and the Series B Preferred Units,
outstanding or any other equity interests ranking prior to any
other Units or any other equity interests in the Operating
Partnership.
Description of Series B Preferred Stock
We currently have no shares of Series B Preferred Stock
issued or outstanding. The Series B Preferred Stock is
issuable upon exchange of the Series B Preferred Units, as
described under Description of Certain Provisions of the
Partnership Agreement of the Operating Partnership
Series B Preferred Units Exchange Rights.
The Series B Preferred Stock ranks, with respect to
dividends and in the event we voluntarily or involuntarily
liquidate, dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
Series B Preferred Stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the Series B Preferred Stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series C
Preferred Stock) other than those referred to in the bullet
points above. The term equity securities does not
include convertible debt securities. |
If ever issued, the Series B Preferred Stock will entitle
the holders to receive, when and as authorized by the Board of
Directors out of funds legally available for dividends,
cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of
85/8%
of the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $4.3125
per annum per share of Series B Preferred Stock). Dividends
on the Series B Preferred Stock accumulate on a daily basis
and are payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of each
January, April, July and October. Except as provided below,
unless full cumulative dividends on the Series B Preferred
Stock have been or at the same time are declared and paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart for payment
for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend
period, no distributions (other than in common stock or other
equity securities ranking junior to the Series B Preferred
Stock) may be declared or paid or set aside for payment or other
dividend be declared or made upon the common stock or any other
equity securities ranking junior to or on a parity with the
Series B Preferred Stock (including the Series A
Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock), nor may
any common stock or any other
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equity securities ranking junior to or on a parity with the
Series B Preferred Stock (including the Series A
Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock) be
redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration
(or any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund
for the redemption of any such securities) by us (except by
conversion into or exchange for other equity securities ranking
junior to the Series B Preferred Stock and pursuant to the
provisions of our Charter providing for limitations on ownership
and transfer in order to ensure that we remain qualified as a
REIT). When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient
for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the
Series B Preferred Stock and any other equity securities
ranking on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock
(including the Series A Preferred Stock and the
Series C Preferred Stock), all dividends declared upon the
Series B Preferred Stock and any other equity securities
ranking on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock
(including the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series C
Preferred Stock) will be declared pro rata so that the amount of
dividends declared per share of Series B Preferred Stock
and each such other equity securities shall bear to each other
the same ratio that accumulated dividends per share of
Series B Preferred Stock and such other equity securities
(which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid
dividends for prior dividend periods if such other equity
securities do not have a cumulative dividend) bear to each
other. Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock will
accumulate whether or not we have funds legally available for
the payment of dividends and whether or not we declare
dividends. If we designate any portion of a dividend as a
capital gain dividend, a holders share of the
capital gain dividend will be an amount that bears the same
ratio to the total amount of dividends (as determined for
federal income tax purposes) paid to the holder for the year as
the aggregate amount designated as a capital gain dividend bears
to the aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined for
federal income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares for
the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up following the issuance of the Series B
Preferred Stock, the holders of the Series B Preferred
Stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of $50.00 per
share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid
dividends to the date of such payment, before any distribution
of assets is made to holders of common stock or any other equity
securities that rank junior to the Series B Preferred
Stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of the
Series B Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any
of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or
into any other entity, a merger of another entity with or into
us, a statutory share exchange or the sale, lease, transfer or
conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or
business do not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up for purposes of triggering the liquidation preference.
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up following the issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock
and our assets are insufficient to make full payment to holders
of the Series B Preferred Stock and the corresponding
amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of
equity securities ranking on a parity with the Series B
Preferred Stock as to liquidation rights (including the
Series A Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred
Stock) then the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and
all other such classes or series of equity securities will share
ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the
full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be
entitled.
The Series B Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and is
not subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking fund. If
issued, we cannot redeem the Series B Preferred Stock prior
to November 12, 2003. On and after November 12, 2003,
we can redeem the Series B Preferred Stock for cash at our
option, in whole or from time to time in part, at a redemption
price of $50.00 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid
dividends, if any, to the redemption date. We must pay the
redemption price (other than the portion of the redemption price
consisting of accumulated and unpaid dividends) solely out of
the sale proceeds of other equity securities, which may include
other classes or series of preferred stock. In certain
circumstances related to our maintenance of our ability to
qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we may redeem
shares of Series B Preferred Stock. See
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of
Capital Stock.
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Holders of Series B Preferred Stock will have no voting
rights, except as described below. If we do not pay dividends on
the Series B Preferred Stock for six or more quarterly
periods (whether or not consecutive), holders of the
Series B Preferred Stock (voting separately as a class with
all other classes or series of equity securities upon which like
voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be
entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors to
serve on our Board of Directors until we have eliminated all
dividend arrearages with respect to the Series B Preferred
Stock. So long as any shares of Series B Preferred Stock
remain outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
by the holders of the outstanding shares of Series B
Preferred Stock (the Series B Preferred Stock voting
separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
Series B Preferred Stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the Series B Preferred Stock; |
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designate or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, or reclassify, any authorized shares into, any preferred
stock ranking on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock
or create, authorize or issue any obligations or securities
convertible into any such shares, but only to the extent such
stock is issued to one of our affiliates; or |
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either consolidate, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or
lease our assets substantially as an entirety, to any
corporation or other entity, or amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of our Charter, whether by merger or consolidation or
otherwise, in each case so as to materially and adversely affect
the powers, special rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of the Series B Preferred Stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as we are either the
surviving entity and shares of Series B Preferred Stock
remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged or the
resulting, surviving or transferee entity is a corporation
organized under the laws of any state and substitutes for the
Series B Preferred Stock other preferred stock having
substantially the same terms and rights as the Series B
Preferred Stock, the occurrence of any such event will not be
considered to materially and adversely affect rights,
preferences, privileges or voting powers of holders of
Series B Preferred Stock. Any increase in the amount of
authorized preferred stock, the creation or issuance of any
other class or series of preferred stock or any increase in an
amount of authorized shares of each class or series, in each
case ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series B
Preferred Stock will not be considered to materially and
adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting
powers.
We have granted certain registration rights with respect to any
shares of Series B Preferred Stock that we may issue upon
exchange of the Series B Preferred Units. See
Description of Certain Provisions of the Partnership
Agreement of the Operating Partnership Series B
Preferred Units Registration Rights.
Description of Series C Preferred Stock
We currently have no shares of Series C Preferred Stock
issued or outstanding. The Series C Preferred Stock is
issuable upon exchange of the AMB Property II Series C
Preferred Units. The AMB Property II Series C Preferred
Units are exchangeable in whole at any time on or after
November 24, 2008, at the option of 51% of the holders of
all outstanding AMB Property II Series C Preferred Units,
on a one for one basis, subject to adjustment, for shares of our
Series C Preferred Stock. In addition, the AMB Property II
Series C Preferred Units are exchangeable in whole at any
time at the option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding AMB
Property II Series C Preferred Units if:
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any AMB Property II Series C Preferred Unit shall not have
received full distributions with respect to six prior quarterly
distribution periods (whether or not consecutive); or |
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AMB Property Holding Corporation, the general partner of AMB
Property II, or one of its subsidiaries takes the position, and
a holder or holders of AMB Property II Series C |
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Preferred Units receive an opinion of independent counsel that
AMB Property II is, or upon the happening of a certain event
likely will be, a publicly traded partnership within
the meaning of the Code. |
The AMB Property II Series C Preferred Units are
exchangeable in whole for shares of Series C Preferred
Stock at any time after November 24, 2001 and prior to
November 24, 2008 at the option of 51% of the holders of
all outstanding AMB Property II Series C Preferred Units if
those holders deliver to AMB Property Holding Corporation a
private letter ruling or an opinion of independent counsel to
the effect that an exchange of the AMB Property II Series C
Preferred Units at that time would not cause the AMB Property II
Series C Preferred Units to be considered stock and
securities within the meaning of the Code for purposes of
determining whether the holder of AMB Property II Series C
Preferred Units is an investment company under the
Code.
The AMB Property II Series C Preferred Units are also
exchangeable in whole at any time for shares of Series C
Preferred Stock, if initial purchasers of the AMB Property II
Series C Preferred Units holding 51% of all outstanding AMB
Property II Series C Preferred Units determine, (regardless
of whether held by the initial purchasers) if:
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AMB Property II reasonably determines that the assets and income
of AMB Property II for a taxable year after 1998 would not
satisfy the income and assets tests of the Code for such taxable
year if AMB Property II were a REIT; or |
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any holder of AMB Property II Series C Preferred Units
delivers to AMB Property II and AMB Property Holding Corporation
an opinion of independent counsel to the effect that (based on
the assets and income of AMB Property II for a taxable year
after 1998) AMB Property II would not satisfy the income and
assets tests of the Code for such taxable year if AMB Property
II were a REIT and that such failure would create a meaningful
risk that a holder of AMB Property II Series C Preferred
Units would fail to maintain qualification as a REIT. |
In lieu of an exchange for Series C Preferred Stock, AMB
Property II may redeem AMB Property II Series C Preferred
Units for cash in an amount equal to the original capital
account balance of the holder of AMB Property II Series C
Preferred Units. A holder of AMB Property II Series C
Preferred Units will not be entitled to exchange the units for
Series C Preferred Stock if the exchange would result in a
violation of the ownership limit. See Description of
Capital Stock Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
of Capital Stock.
The Series C Preferred Stock ranks, with respect to
dividends and in the event we voluntarily or involuntarily
liquidate, dissolve or wind up:
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senior to all classes or series of common stock and to all of
our equity securities that provide that they rank junior to the
Series C Preferred Stock; |
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junior to all equity securities issued by us which rank senior
to the Series C Preferred Stock; and |
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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us (including
the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B
Preferred Stock) other than those referred to in the bullet
points above. The term equity securities does not
include convertible debt securities until converted into equity
securities. |
If ever issued, the Series C Preferred Stock will entitle
the holders to receive, when and as authorized by the Board of
Directors out of funds legally available for dividends,
cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 8.75% of
the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $4.375 per
annum per share of Series C Preferred Stock). Dividends on
the Series C Preferred Stock accumulate on a daily basis
and are payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of each
January, April, July and October. Except as provided below,
unless full cumulative dividends on the Series C Preferred
Stock have been or at the same time are declared and paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for payment set apart for
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payment for all past dividend periods and the then current
dividend period, no distributions (other than in common stock or
other equity securities ranking junior to the Series C
Preferred Stock) may be declared or paid or set aside for
payment or other dividend be declared or made upon the common
stock or any other equity securities ranking junior to or on a
parity with the Series C Preferred Stock (including the
Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred
Stock), nor may any common stock or any other equity securities
ranking junior to or on a parity with the Series C
Preferred Stock (including the Series A Preferred Stock and
the Series B Preferred Stock) be redeemed, purchased or
otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any monies be paid
to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of
any such securities) by us (except by conversion into or
exchange for other equity securities ranking junior to the
Series C Preferred Stock and pursuant to the provisions of
our Charter providing for limitations on ownership and transfer
in order to ensure that we remain qualified as a REIT). When
dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such
full payment is not so set apart) upon the Series C
Preferred Stock and any other equity securities ranking on a
parity with the Series C Preferred Stock (including the
Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred
Stock), all dividends declared upon the Series C Preferred
Stock and any other equity securities ranking on a parity with
the Series C Preferred Stock (including the Series A
Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock) will be
declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per
share of Series C Preferred Stock and each such other
equity securities shall bear to each other the same ratio that
accumulated dividends per share of Series C Preferred Stock
and such other equity securities (which shall not include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend
periods if such other equity securities do not have a cumulative
dividend) bear to each other. Dividends on the Series C
Preferred Stock will accumulate whether or not we have funds
legally available for the payment of dividends and whether or
not we declare dividends. If we designate any portion of a
dividend as a capital gain dividend, a holders
share of the capital gain dividend will be an amount that bears
the same ratio to the total amount of dividends (as determined
for federal income tax purposes) paid to the holder for the year
as the aggregate amount designated as a capital gain dividend
bears to the aggregate amount of all dividends (as determined
for federal income tax purposes) paid on all classes of shares
for the year.
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up following the issuance of Series C
Preferred Stock, the holders of the Series C Preferred
Stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally
available for distribution to our stockholders remaining after
payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and
liabilities, a liquidation preference, in cash, of $50.00 per
share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated or accrued and
unpaid dividends to the date of such payment, before any
distribution of assets is made to holders of common stock or any
other equity securities that rank junior to the Series C
Preferred Stock. After payment of the full amount of the
liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the
holders of the Series C Preferred Stock will have no right
or claim to any of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or
merger with or into any other entity, a merger of another entity
with or into us, a statutory share exchange or the sale, lease,
transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of our
property or business do not constitute a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up for purposes of triggering the
liquidation preference.
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind
up following the issuance of Series C Preferred Stock and
our assets are insufficient to make full payment to holders of
the Series C Preferred Stock and the corresponding amounts
payable on all shares of other classes or series of equity
securities ranking on a parity with the Series C Preferred
Stock as to liquidation rights (including the Series A
Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock) then the
holders of the Series C Preferred Stock and all other such
classes or series of equity securities will share ratably in any
such distribution of assets in proportion to the full
liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be
entitled.
The Series C Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and is
not subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking fund. If
issued, we cannot redeem the Series C Preferred Stock prior
to November 24, 2003. On and after November 24, 2003,
we can redeem the Series C Preferred Stock for cash at our
option, in whole or from time to time in part, at a redemption
price of $50.00 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid
dividends, if any, to the redemption date. We must pay the
redemption price (other than the
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portion of the redemption price consisting of accumulated and
unpaid dividends) solely out of the sale proceeds of other
equity securities, which may include other classes or series of
preferred stock. In certain circumstances related to our
maintenance of our ability to qualify as a REIT for federal
income tax purposes, we may redeem shares of Series C
Preferred Stock. See Restrictions on Ownership
and Transfer of Capital Stock.
Holders of Series C Preferred Stock will have no voting
rights, except as described below. If we do not pay dividends on
the Series C Preferred Stock for six or more quarterly
periods (whether or not consecutive), holders of the
Series C Preferred Stock (voting separately as a class with
all other classes or series of equity securities upon which like
voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be
entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors to
serve on our Board of Directors until we have eliminated all
dividend arrearages with respect to the Series C Preferred
Stock. So long as any shares of Series C Preferred Stock
remain outstanding, we may not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
by the holders of the outstanding shares of Series C
Preferred Stock (the Series C Preferred Stock voting
separately as a class):
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authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the
Series C Preferred Stock; |
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reclassify any of our authorized stock into any class or series
of stock ranking senior to the Series C Preferred Stock; |
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designate or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, or reclassify, any authorized shares into, any preferred
stock ranking on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock
or create, authorize or issue any obligations or securities
convertible into any such shares, but only to the extent such
stock is issued to one of our affiliates; or |
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either consolidate, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or
lease our assets substantially, as an entirety, to any
corporation or other entity, or amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of our Charter, whether by merger or consolidation or
otherwise, in each case so as to materially and adversely affect
the powers, special rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of the Series C Preferred Stock. |
With respect to the occurrence of any of the events set forth in
the fourth bullet point above, so long as we are either the
surviving entity and shares of Series C Preferred Stock
remain outstanding with the terms materially unchanged or the
resulting, surviving or transferee entity is a corporation,
business trust or like entity organized under the laws of any
state and substitutes for the Series C Preferred Stock
other preferred stock or preferred shares having substantially
the same terms and rights as the Series C Preferred Stock,
the occurrence of any such event will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect rights, preferences, privileges
or voting powers of holders of Series C Preferred Stock.
Any increase in the amount of authorized preferred stock, the
creation or issuance of any other class or series of preferred
stock or any increase in an amount of authorized shares of each
class or series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior
to the Series C Preferred Stock, will not be considered to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences,
privileges or voting powers.
We have agreed to file a registration statement registering the
resale of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock issuable
to the holders of AMB Property II Series C Preferred Units
as soon as practicable but not later than 60 days after the
date the AMB Property II Series C Preferred Units are
exchanged for shares of Series C Preferred Stock. We have
also agreed to use our best efforts to cause the registration
statement to be declared effective within 120 days after
the date of the exchange.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
General
We may issue depositary shares, each of which will represent a
fractional interest of a share of a particular class of
preferred stock, as specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement. We will deposit with a depositary (the
preferred stock depositary) shares of a class of
preferred stock represented by depositary shares pursuant to a
separate deposit agreement among the Company, the preferred
stock depositary and the holders from time to time of the
depositary receipts issued by the preferred stock depositary
which will evidence the depositary shares (depositary
receipts). Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement,
each owner of a depositary receipt will be entitled, in
proportion to the fractional interest of a share of a particular
class of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares
evidenced by the depositary receipt, to all the rights and
preferences of the class of the preferred stock represented by
the depositary shares (including dividend, voting, conversion,
redemption and liquidation rights).
The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts
issued pursuant to the applicable deposit agreement. Immediately
after we issue and deliver the preferred stock to a preferred
stock depositary, we will cause the preferred stock depositary
to issue the depositary receipts on our behalf. You may obtain
copies of the applicable form of deposit agreement and
depositary receipt from us upon request. The statements made in
this section relating to the deposit agreement and the
depositary receipt are summaries of certain anticipated
provisions. These summaries are not complete and may be modified
by the applicable prospectus supplement. For more detail you
should refer to the deposit agreement itself, which will be
filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part or incorporated by reference in this
registration statement by a Form 8-K.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The preferred stock depositary will distribute all cash
dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of a
class or series of preferred stock to the record holders of
depositary receipts evidencing the related depositary shares in
proportion to the number of depositary receipts owned by such
holders, subject to certain obligations of holders to file
proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain
charges and expenses to the preferred stock depositary.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the preferred
stock depositary will distribute property that it receives to
the record holders of depositary receipts entitled to the
property, subject to certain obligations of holders to file
proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain
charges and expenses to the preferred stock depositary, unless
the preferred stock depositary determines that it is not
feasible to make the distribution, in which case the preferred
stock depositary may, with our approval, sell the property and
distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders.
No distribution will be made in respect of any depositary share
to the extent that it represents any preferred stock converted
into shares in excess of the ownership limit or otherwise
converted or exchanged.
Withdrawal of Stock
Upon surrender of the depositary receipts at the corporate trust
office of the preferred stock depositary (unless the related
depositary shares have previously been called for redemption or
converted, or converted into Excess Shares (defined under
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Capital
Stock) or otherwise), the holders will be entitled to
delivery at the corporate trust office, or upon each such
holders order, of the number of whole or fractional shares
of the class or series of preferred stock and any money or other
property represented by the depositary shares evidenced by such
depositary receipts. Holders of depositary receipts will be
entitled to receive whole or fractional shares of the related
class or series of preferred stock on the basis of the
proportion of preferred stock represented by each depositary
share as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, but
holders of such shares of preferred stock will not thereafter be
entitled to receive depositary shares therefor. If the
depositary receipts delivered by
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the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of
the number of depositary shares representing the number of
shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the preferred stock
depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a new
depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary
shares.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock held by the
preferred stock depositary, the preferred stock depositary will
redeem as of the same redemption date the number of the
depositary shares representing shares of such class or series of
preferred stock so redeemed, provided we shall have paid in full
to the preferred stock depositary the redemption price of the
preferred stock to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any
accrued and unpaid dividends on the preferred stock to the date
fixed for redemption. The redemption price per depositary share
will be equal to the corresponding portion of the redemption
price and any other amounts per share payable with respect to
such class or series of preferred stock. If we redeem fewer than
all the depositary shares, the depositary shares we will select
the depositary shares that we will redeem pro rata (as nearly as
may be practicable without creating fractional depositary
shares), by lot or by any other equitable method that we
determine that will not result in the issuance of any Excess
Shares.
From and after the date fixed for redemption, all dividends in
respect of the shares of a class or series of preferred stock so
called for redemption will cease to accrue, the depositary
shares called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be
outstanding and all rights of the holders of the depositary
receipts evidencing the depositary shares so called for
redemption will cease, except the right to receive any moneys
payable upon redemption and any money or other property to which
the holders of the depositary receipts were entitled upon
redemption upon surrender of the depositary receipts to the
preferred stock depositary.
Voting of the Preferred Stock
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of a
class of preferred stock deposited with the preferred stock
depositary are entitled to vote, the preferred stock depositary
will mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to
the record holders of the depositary receipts evidencing the
depositary shares which represent such class of preferred stock.
Each record holder of depositary receipts evidencing depositary
shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the
record date for such class of preferred stock) will be entitled
to instruct the preferred stock depositary as to the exercise of
the voting rights pertaining to the amount of preferred stock
represented by the holders depositary shares. The
preferred stock depositary will vote the amount of such class or
series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares
in accordance with such instructions, and we will agree to take
all reasonable action which the preferred stock depositary may
deem necessary in order to enable the preferred stock depositary
to do so. The preferred stock depositary will abstain from
voting the amount of preferred stock represented by the
depositary shares to the extent it does not receive specific
instructions from the holders of depositary receipts evidencing
the depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary will not
be responsible for any failure to carry out any instruction to
vote, or for the manner or effect of any such vote made, as long
as any such action or non-action is in good faith and does not
result from the preferred stock depositarys negligence or
willful misconduct.
Liquidation Preference
In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate,
dissolve or wind up, the holders of each depositary receipt will
be entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference
accorded each share of preferred stock represented by the
depositary share evidenced by the depositary receipt as set
forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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Conversion of Preferred Stock
The depositary shares, as such, will not be convertible into
common stock or any other securities or property, except in
connection with certain exchanges in connection with the
preservation of our status as a REIT. See Restrictions on
Ownership and Transfer of Capital Stock. Nevertheless, if
stated in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to an
offering of depositary shares, holders may surrender depositary
receipts to the applicable preferred stock depositary with
written instructions to the preferred stock depositary to
instruct us to cause conversion of a class or series of
preferred stock represented by the depositary shares evidenced
by the depositary receipts into whole shares of common stock,
other shares of a class or series of preferred stock (including
Excess Shares) or other shares of stock, and we have agreed that
upon receipt of these instructions and any amounts payable, we
will cause the conversion of the shares of preferred stock
utilizing the same procedures as those provided for delivery of
preferred stock to effect the conversion. If we convert only a
portion of depositary shares evidenced by a depositary receipt,
we will issue a depositary receipt or receipts for any
depositary shares that we do not covert. We will not issue
fractional shares of common stock upon conversion, and if
conversion will result in a fractional share, we will pay an
amount in cash by equal to the value of the fractional interest
based upon the closing price of our common stock on the last
business day prior to the conversion.
Amendment and Termination of a Deposit Agreement
The form of depositary receipt evidencing depositary shares
which represent the preferred stock and any provision of the
deposit agreement may at any time be amended by agreement
between us and the preferred stock depositary. However, any
amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the
holders of depositary receipts or that would be materially or
adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of
the related preferred stock will not be effective unless such
amendment has been approved by the existing holders of at least
two-thirds of the applicable depositary shares evidenced by the
applicable depositary receipts then outstanding. No amendment
will impair the right, subject to certain anticipated exceptions
in the deposit agreements, of any holder of depositary receipts
to surrender any depositary receipt with instructions to deliver
to the holder the related class of preferred stock and all money
and other property, if any, represented by the depositary
receipt, except in order to comply with law. Every holder of an
outstanding depositary receipt at the time any such amendment
becomes effective will be deemed, by continuing to hold such
depositary receipt, to consent and agree to such amendment and
to be bound by the applicable deposit agreement as amended.
We may terminate the deposit agreement upon not less than
30 days prior written notice to the preferred stock
depositary if such termination is necessary to preserve our
status as a REIT or a majority of each class or series of
preferred stock subject to the deposit agreement consents to
termination, at which time the preferred stock depositary will
deliver or make available to each holder of depositary receipts,
upon surrender of the depositary receipts held by the holder,
the number of whole or fractional shares of preferred stock as
are represented by the depositary shares evidenced by the
depositary receipts together with any other property held by the
preferred stock depositary with respect to the depositary
receipts. We will agree that if the deposit agreement is
terminated to preserve our status as a REIT, then we will use
our best efforts to list each class or series of preferred stock
issued upon surrender of the related depositary shares. In
addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:
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we have redeemed all outstanding depositary shares; |
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there shall have been a final distribution in respect of each
class or series of preferred stock in connection with our
liquidation, dissolution or winding up and such distribution
shall have been distributed to the holders of the depositary
receipts evidencing the depositary shares representing such
class or series of preferred stock; or |
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each share of the related preferred stock shall have been
converted into our stock which is not represented by depositary
shares. |
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Charges of a Preferred Stock Depositary
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental
charges arising solely from the existence of the deposit
agreement. In addition, we will pay the fees and expenses of the
preferred stock depositary in connection with the performance of
our duties under the deposit agreement. However, holders of
depositary receipts will pay the fees and expenses of the
preferred stock depositary for any duties requested by the
holders to be performed which are outside of those expressly
provided for in the deposit agreement.
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
The preferred stock depositary may resign at any time by
delivering to us notice of its election to do so, and we may at
any time remove the preferred stock depositary, any such
resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a
successor preferred stock depositary. A successor preferred
stock depositary must be appointed within 60 days after
delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a
bank or trust company with its principal office in the United
States and a combined capital and surplus of at least
$50,000,000.
Miscellaneous
The preferred stock depositary will forward to holders of
depositary receipts any reports and communications from us which
are received by the preferred stock depositary with respect to
the related preferred stock.
We will not be liable, and the preferred stock depositary will
not be liable, if we are prevented or it is prevented from or
delayed in, by law or any circumstances beyond its or our
control, performing the obligations under the deposit agreement.
Our obligations and the obligations of the preferred stock
depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to
performing our duties in good faith and without negligence (in
the case of any action or inaction in the voting of a class or
series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares),
gross negligence or willful misconduct. We will not be
obligated, and the preferred stock depositary will not be
obligated, to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in
respect of any depositary receipts, depositary shares or shares
of a class or series of preferred stock represented thereby
unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We may rely on, and
the preferred stock depositary may rely on, written advice of
counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons
presenting shares of preferred stock represented thereby for
deposit, holders of depositary receipts or other persons that we
believe in good faith to be competent to give such information,
and on documents that we believe in good faith to be genuine and
signed by a proper party.
If a preferred stock depositary receives conflicting claims,
requests or instructions from any holders of depositary
receipts, on the one hand, and from us, on the other hand, the
preferred stock depositary will be entitled to act on such
claims, requests or instructions received by us.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We currently have no warrants outstanding (other than options
issued under our Stock Option and Incentive Plan). We may issue
warrants for the purchase of common stock or preferred stock. We
may issue warrants independently or together with any other
securities offered pursuant to any prospectus supplement and
warrants may be attached to or separate from such securities. We
will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant
agreement that we will enter into with a warrant agent specified
in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will
act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of such
series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of
agency or trust for or with any provisions of the warrants. We
will set forth additional terms of the warrants and the
applicable warrant agreements in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
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The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of
the warrants in respect of which we are delivering this
prospectus, including, where applicable, the following:
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the title of the warrants; |
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the aggregate number of the warrants; |
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the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued; |
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the designation, terms and number of shares of preferred stock
or common stock purchasable upon exercise of the warrants; |
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the designation and terms of any securities with which the
warrants are issued and the number of any warrants issued with
each such security; |
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the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and the
related preferred stock or common stock will be separately
transferable, including any limitations on ownership and
transfer of the warrants as may be appropriate to preserve our
status as a REIT; |
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the price at which each share of preferred stock or common stock
purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased; |
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the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will
commence and the date on which the right will expire; |
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the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants which may be
exercised at any one time; |
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information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; |
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a discussion of certain federal income tax considerations; and |
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any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and
limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the
warrants. |
RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF CAPITAL STOCK
In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, no more
than 50% in value of all classes of our outstanding shares of
capital stock may be owned, actually or constructively, by five
or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain
entities) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the
first year for which we have made an election to be treated as a
REIT). In addition, if we, or an owner of 10% or more of our
capital stock, actually or constructively own 10% or more of one
of our tenants (or a tenant of any partnership or limited
liability company in which we are a partner or member), the rent
received by us (either directly or through the partnership or
limited liability company) from the tenant will not be
qualifying income for purposes of the gross income tests for
REITs contained in the Code. A REITs stock also must be
beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least
335 days of a taxable year of 12 months or during a
proportionate part of a shorter taxable year (other than the
first year for which an election to be treated as a REIT has
been made).
Because our Board of Directors believes it is desirable for us
to qualify as a REIT, our Charter, subject to certain exceptions
as discussed below, provides that no person may own, or be
deemed to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the
Code, more than 9.8% (by value or number of shares, whichever is
more restrictive) of either our issued and outstanding common
stock or our issued and outstanding Series A Preferred
Stock. We will also prohibit the ownership, actually or
constructively, of any shares of our Series B Preferred
Stock and any shares of our Series C Preferred Stock by any
single person so that no such person, taking into account all of
our stock so owned by such person, may own in excess of 9.8% of
our issued and outstanding capital stock. The constructive
ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause stock
owned actually or constructively by a group of related
individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one
individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than
9.8% of our common stock, Series A Preferred Stock or
capital stock (or the acquisition of an interest
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in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, common
stock, Series A Preferred Stock or capital 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 common
stock, Series A Preferred Stock or capital stock, as the
case may be, and thereby subject the common stock, Series A
Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock or Series C
Preferred Stock to the applicable ownership limit. The Board of
Directors may, but in no event will be required to, waive the
applicable ownership limit with respect to a particular
stockholder if it determines that such ownership will not
jeopardize our status as a REIT and the Board of Directors
otherwise decides such action would be in our best interest. As
a condition of such waiver, the Board of Directors may require
an opinion of counsel satisfactory to it and/or undertakings or
representations from the applicant with respect to preserving
our REIT status. The Board of Directors has waived the ownership
limit applicable to our common stock with respect to Ameritech
Pension Trust, allowing it to own up to 14.9% of our common
stock and, under some circumstances, allowing it to own up to
19.6%. However, we conditioned this waiver upon the receipt of
undertakings and representations from Ameritech Pension Trust
which we believed were reasonably necessary in order for us to
conclude that the waiver would not cause us to fail to qualify
as a REIT.
Our Charter also provides that:
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no person may actually or constructively own common stock,
Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock or
Series C Preferred Stock that would result in us being
closely held under Section 856(h) of the Code
or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT; |
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no person may transfer common stock, Series A Preferred
Stock, Series B Preferred Stock or Series C Preferred
Stock if a transfer would result in shares of our capital stock
being owned by fewer than 100 persons; and |
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any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire actual
or constructive ownership of common stock, Series A
Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock or Series C
Preferred Stock that will or may violate any of the foregoing
restrictions on transferability and ownership is required to
notify us immediately and provide us with such other information
as we may request in order to determine the effect of the
transfer on our status as a REIT. The foregoing restrictions on
transferability and ownership will not apply if our Board of
Directors determines that it is no longer in our best interest
to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT.
Except as otherwise described above, any change in the
applicable ownership limit would require an amendment to our
Charter, which requires the affirmative vote of holders owning
at least two-thirds of the shares of our outstanding capital
stock entitled to vote on the amendment. |
Under our Charter, if any attempted transfer of shares of stock
or any other event would otherwise result in any person
violating an ownership limit, any other limit imposed by our
Board of Directors or the other restrictions in the Charter,
then any such attempted transfer will be void and of no force or
effect with respect to the purported transferee (the
Prohibited Transferee) as to that number of shares
that exceeds the applicable ownership limit or such other limit
(referred to as Excess Shares). Under those
circumstances, the Prohibited Transferee will acquire no right
or interest (or, in the case of any event other than an
attempted transfer, the person or entity holding record title to
any shares in excess of the applicable ownership limit (the
Prohibited Owner) will cease to own any right or
interest) in the Excess Shares. Any Excess Shares described
above will be transferred automatically, by operation of law, to
a trust, the beneficiary of which will be a qualified charitable
organization selected by us (the Beneficiary). This
automatic transfer will be considered to be effective as of the
close of business on the business day prior to the date of the
violating transfer or event. Within 20 days of receiving
notice from us of the transfer of shares to the trust, the
trustee of the trust will be required to sell the Excess Shares
to a person or entity who could own the shares without violating
the applicable ownership limit, or any other limit imposed by
our Board of Directors, and distribute to the Prohibited
Transferee an amount equal to the lesser of the price paid by
the Prohibited Transferee for the Excess Shares or the sales
proceeds received by the trust for the Excess Shares. In the
case of any Excess Shares resulting from any event other than a
transfer, or from a transfer for no consideration (such as a
gift), the trustee will be
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required to sell Excess Shares to a qualified person or entity
and distribute to the Prohibited Owner an amount equal to the
lesser of the applicable market price of the Excess Shares as of
the date of the event or the sales proceeds received by the
trust for the Excess Shares. In either case, any proceeds in
excess of the amount distributable to the Prohibited Transferee
or Prohibited Owner will be distributed to the Beneficiary.
Prior to a sale of any Excess Shares by the trust, the trustee
will be entitled to receive, in trust for the Beneficiary, all
dividends and other distributions paid by us with respect to the
Excess Shares, and also will be entitled to 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 will have the authority
(at the trustees sole discretion) to rescind as void any
vote cast by a Prohibited Transferee or Prohibited Owner prior
to the time that we discover that the shares have been
automatically transferred to the trust and to recast the vote in
accordance with the desires of the trustee acting for the
benefit of the Beneficiary. However, if we have already taken
irreversible corporate action, then the trustee will not have
the authority to rescind and recast the vote. If we pay the
Prohibited Transferee or Prohibited Owner any dividend or other
distribution before we discover that the shares were transferred
to the trust, the Purported Transferee or Prohibited Owner will
be required to repay the trustee upon demand for distribution to
the Beneficiary. If the transfer to the trust is not
automatically effective (for any reason), to prevent violation
of the applicable ownership limit or any other limit provided in
our Charter or imposed by the Board of Directors, then our
Charter provides that the transfer of the Excess Shares will be
void ab initio.
In addition, shares of stock held in the trust will be
considered to have been offered for sale to us, or our designee,
at a price per share equal to the lesser of (1) the price
per share in the transaction that resulted in the transfer to
the trust (or, in the case of a devise or gift, the market price
at the time of such devise or gift) and (2) the applicable
market price on the date that we, or our designee, accept the
offer. We have the right to accept the offer until the trustee
has sold the shares held in the trust. Upon that sale to us, the
interest of the Beneficiary in the shares sold will terminate
and the trustee will distribute the net proceeds of the sale to
the Prohibited Transferee or Prohibited Owner.
If any attempted transfer of shares would cause us to be
beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons, our Charter
provides that the transfer will be null and void in its entirety
and the intended transferee will acquire no rights to the stock.
All certificates representing shares will bear a legend
referring to the restrictions described above. The ownership
limitations described above could delay, defer or prevent a
transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium
price for the shares or otherwise be in the best interest of
stockholders.
Under our Charter, owners of outstanding shares must, upon our
demand, provide us with a completed questionnaire containing
information regarding ownership of the shares, as set forth in
the treasury regulations. In addition, each stockholder must
upon demand disclose to us in writing such information that we
may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of the
stockholders actual and constructive ownership of shares
of common stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B
Preferred Stock and/or Series C Preferred Stock on our
status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with each ownership
limit, or any other limit specified in the Charter or required
by the Board of Directors.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND
OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS
We have summarized certain terms and provisions of the MGCL and
our Charter and Bylaws. This summary is not complete and is
qualified by the provisions of our Charter and Bylaws, and the
MGCL. For more detail, you should refer to our Charter and
Bylaws, which we have filed as exhibits to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part. See Where
You Can Find More Information.
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Board of Directors
The Charter provides that the number of our directors shall be
established by the Bylaws, but cannot be less than the minimum
number required by the MGCL, which in the case of the Company is
three. Our Bylaws currently provide that the Board of Directors
consists of not fewer than five nor more than 13 members who are
elected to a one-year term at each annual meeting of our
stockholders. A majority of the entire Board of Directors may
fill any vacancy (except for a vacancy caused by removal). Our
Bylaws provide that a majority of the Board of Directors must be
Independent Directors. An Independent
Director is a director who is not:
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an employee, officer or affiliate of us or one of our
subsidiaries or divisions, |
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a relative of a principal executive officer, or |
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an individual member of an organization acting as advisor,
consultant or legal counsel, receiving compensation on a
continuing basis from us in addition to directors fees. |
Removal of Directors
While our Charter and the MGCL empower our stockholders to fill
vacancies in the Board of Directors that are caused by the
removal of a director, our Charter precludes stockholders from
removing incumbent directors except upon a substantial
affirmative vote. Specifically, our Charter provides that
stockholders may remove a director only for cause and only by
the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast in the election of directors, subject to the
rights of the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock and
any holders of shares of our preferred stock to elect and remove
directors elected by such holders under certain circumstances.
The MGCL does not define the term cause. As a
result, removal for cause is subject to Maryland
common law and to judicial interpretation and review in the
context of the unique facts and circumstances of any particular
situation. This provision, when coupled with the provision in
our Bylaws authorizing the Board of Directors to fill vacant
directorships, precludes stockholders from removing incumbent
directors except upon a substantial affirmative vote and filling
the vacancies created by removal with their own nominees.
Opt Out of Business Combinations and Control Share
Acquisition Statutes
We have elected in our Bylaws not to be governed by the
control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL
(Sections 3-701 through 3-709), and the Board of Directors
has determined, by irrevocable resolution, that we will not be
governed by the business combination provision of
the MGCL (Section 3-602), each of which could have the
effect of delaying or preventing a change of control. Our Bylaws
provide that we cannot at a future date determine to be governed
by either provision without the approval of a majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote. In addition, the
irrevocable resolution adopted by the Board of Directors may
only be changed by the approval of a majority of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote.
Amendment to Our Charter and Bylaws
Our Charter may not be amended without the affirmative vote of
at least two-thirds of the shares of capital stock outstanding
and entitled to vote on the amendment, voting together as a
single class. Our Bylaws may be amended by the vote of a
majority of the Board of Directors or by a vote of a majority of
the shares of our capital stock entitled to vote on the
amendment, except with respect to the following Bylaw provisions
(each of which requires the approval of a majority of the shares
of capital stock entitled to vote on the amendment):
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provisions opting out of the control share acquisition statute; |
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the requirement in our Bylaws that our independent directors
approve transactions involving our executive officers or
directors or any limited partners of the Operating Partnership
and their affiliates; and |
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provisions governing amendment of our Bylaws. |
Meetings of Stockholders
Our Bylaws provide for annual meetings of stockholders to elect
the Board of Directors and transact other business as may
properly be brought before the meeting. The President, the Board
of Directors and the Chairman of the Board may call a special
meeting of stockholders. The holders of 50% or more of our
outstanding stock entitled to vote may also make a written
request to call a special meeting of stockholders.
The MGCL provides that stockholders may act by unanimous written
consent without a meeting with respect to any action that they
are required or permitted to take at a meeting, if each
stockholder entitled to vote on the matter signs the consent
setting forth the action and each stockholder entitled to notice
of the meeting but not entitled to vote at the meeting signs a
written waiver of any right to dissent.
Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
Our Bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of
stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board
of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by
stockholders may be made only:
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pursuant to the notice of the meeting; |
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by or at the direction of the 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. |
Our Bylaws also provide that with respect to special meetings of
stockholders, only the business specified in the notice of
meeting may be brought before the meeting.
The provisions in our Charter regarding amendments to the
Charter and the advance notice provisions of our Bylaws could
have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction
in which holders of some, or a majority, of the shares of common
stock might receive a premium for their shares over the then
prevailing market price or which holders might believe to be
otherwise in their best interests.
Dissolution of the Company
Under the MGCL, we may be dissolved by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the entire Board of Directors declaring dissolution
to be advisable and directing that the proposed dissolution be
submitted for consideration at any annual or special meeting of
stockholders. We may also be dissolved, upon proper notice, by
the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the total
number of shares of capital stock outstanding and entitled to
vote on the dissolution, voting as a single class.
Limitation of Directors and Officers Liability
Our officers and directors are indemnified under the MGCL, our
Charter and the Partnership Agreement against certain
liabilities. Our Charter and Bylaws require us to indemnify our
directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted from time
to time by the MGCL.
The MGCL permits a corporation to indemnify its directors and
officers and certain other parties 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:
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the act or omission of the director or officer was material to
the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in
bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; |
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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. |
A corporation may indemnify a director or officer against
judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses
that the director or officer actually incurs in connection with
the proceeding unless the proceeding is one by or in the right
of the corporation and the director or officer has been adjudged
to be liable to the corporation. In addition, a corporation may
not indemnify a director or officer with respect to any
proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director or
officer in which the director or officer was adjudged to be
liable on the basis that personal benefit was received. The
termination of any proceeding by conviction, or upon a plea of
nolo contendere or its equivalent, or an entry of any order of
probation prior to judgment, creates a rebuttable presumption
that the director or officer did not meet the requisite standard
of conduct required for indemnification to be permitted.
The MGCL permits the charter of a Maryland corporation to
include a provision limiting the liability of its directors and
officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money
damages, subject to specified restrictions. Our Charter contains
this provision. The MGCL does not, however, permit the liability
of directors and officers to the corporation or its stockholders
to be limited to the extent that:
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it is proved that the person actually received an improper
personal benefit in money, property or services, |
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a judgment or other final adjudication is entered in a
proceeding based on a finding that the persons action, or
failure to act, was committed in bad faith or was the result of
active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause
of action adjudicated in the proceeding or |
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in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director had
reasonable cause to believe that the act or failure to act was
unlawful. |
This provision does not limit our ability or our stockholders to
obtain other relief, such as an injunction or rescission. The
Partnership Agreement also provides for our indemnification, as
general partner, and our officers and directors to the same
extent indemnification is provided to our officers and directors
in our Charter, and limits our liability and the liability of
our officers and directors to the Operating Partnership and the
partners of the Operating Partnership to the same extent
liability of our officers and directors to us and our
stockholders is limited under our Charter. See Description
of Certain Provisions of the Partnership Agreement of the
Operating Partnership Our Exculpation and
Indemnification.
Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification for
liability arising under the Securities Act of directors,
officers or persons controlling us, we have been informed that
in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is
therefore unenforceable.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP
Substantially all of our assets are held, and all of our
operations are conducted, by or through the Operating
Partnership. We are the sole general partner of the Operating
Partnership and owned, as of November 30, 1998, an
approximate 95.1% interest in the Operating Partnership. As the
sole general partner, we have the exclusive right and power to
manage the Operating Partnership. Our interest in the Operating
Partnership is designated as a general partner interest. Except
with respect to distributions of cash and allocations of income
and loss, and except as otherwise noted in this prospectus, the
description in this section of common limited partnership Units
is also applicable to Performance Units, and holders of
Performance Units will be treated as limited partners. We have
summarized certain terms and provisions of the Partnership
Agreement. This summary is not complete and is qualified by the
provisions
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of the Partnership Agreement. For more detail, you should refer
to the Partnership Agreement itself, which we have filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus
is a part. See Where You Can Find More Information.
General
Holders of limited partnership Units hold limited partnership
interests in the Operating Partnership, and all holders of
partnership interests (including us in our capacity as general
partner) are entitled to share in cash distributions from, and
in the profits and losses of, the Operating Partnership. The
number of general partnership Units (the GP Units)
held by us is approximately equal to the total number of
outstanding shares of our common stock and preferred stock.
Accordingly, the distributions that we pay per share of common
stock are expected to be equal to the distributions per unit
that the Operating Partnership pays on the common Units, and the
distributions that we pay per share of Series A Preferred
Stock, any Series B Preferred Stock and any Series C
Preferred Stock are expected to be equal to the distributions
per unit that the Operating Partnership pays on the
Series A Preferred Units, the Series B Preferred Units and
any Series C Preferred Units, respectively. The Units have
not been registered pursuant to federal or state securities
laws, and they will not be listed on the New York Stock Exchange
or any other exchange or quoted on any national market system.
However, the shares of common stock, Series B Preferred
Stock and Series C Preferred Stock that we may issue upon
exchange of the common Units, Series B Preferred Units and
AMB Property II Series C Preferred Units may be sold in
registered transactions or transactions exempt from registration
under the Securities Act. The limited partners of the Operating
Partnership have the rights to which limited partners are
entitled under the Partnership Agreement and the Delaware
Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the Partnership
Act). The Partnership Agreement imposes certain
restrictions on the transfer of Units, as described below.
Purpose, Business and Management
The Operating Partnership is organized as a Delaware limited
partnership pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreement.
We are the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and
conduct substantially all of our business through the Operating
Partnership, except for investment advisory services (which we
conduct through AMB Investment Management, Inc. (AMB
Investment Management)) and certain other activities that
we conduct through Headlands Realty Corporation. The Operating
Partnership owns 100% of the non-voting preferred stock of AMB
Investment Management and Headlands Realty Corporation
(representing approximately 95% of the economic interest in each
entity). Certain of our executive officers and an officer of AMB
Investment Management own all of the outstanding voting common
stock of AMB Investment Management (representing approximately
5% of the economic interest in AMB Investment Management).
Certain of our executive officers and a director of Headlands
Realty Corporation own all of the outstanding voting common
stock of Headlands Realty Corporation (representing
approximately 5% of the economic interest in Headlands Realty
Corporation). We refer to AMB Investment Management and
Headlands Realty Corporation as the Preferred Stock
Subsidiaries.
The primary purpose of the Operating Partnership is, in general,
to acquire, purchase, own, operate, manage, develop, redevelop,
invest in, finance, refinance, sell, lease and otherwise deal
with industrial and retail properties and assets related to
those properties, and interests in those properties and assets.
The Operating Partnership is authorized to conduct any business
that a limited partnership formed under the Partnership Act may
lawfully conduct, except that the Partnership Agreement requires
of the Operating Partnership to conduct its business in such a
manner that will permit the Company to be classified as a REIT
under Section 856 of the Code, unless the Company ceases to
qualify as a REIT for reasons other than the conduct of the
business of the Operating Partnership. Subject to the foregoing
limitation, the Operating Partnership may enter into
partnerships, joint ventures or similar arrangements and may own
interests directly or indirectly in any other entity.
As the general partner of the Operating Partnership we have the
exclusive power and authority to conduct the business of the
Operating Partnership, subject to the consent of the limited
partners in certain limited circumstances (as discussed below)
and except as expressly limited in the Partnership Agreement.
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We have the right to make all decisions and take all actions
with respect to the Operating Partnerships acquisition and
operation of our properties and all other assets and businesses
of or related to the Operating Partnership. No limited partner
may take part in the conduct or control of the business or
affairs of the Operating Partnership by virtue of being a holder
of Units. In particular, each limited partner expressly
acknowledged in the Partnership Agreement that as general
partner, we are acting on behalf of the Operating
Partnerships limited partners and our stockholders,
collectively, and are under no obligation to consider the tax
consequences to limited partners when making decisions for the
benefit of the Operating Partnership. We intend to make
decisions in our capacity as general partner of the Operating
Partnership so as to maximize our profitability and the
profitability of the Operating Partnership as a whole,
independent of the tax effects on the limited partners. The
Company and the Operating Partnership have no liability to a
limited partner as a result of any liabilities or damages
incurred or suffered by, or benefits not derived by, a limited
partner as a result of an action or inaction of the Company as
general partner of the Operating Partnership as long as the
Company acted in good faith. Limited partners have no right or
authority to act for or to bind the Operating Partnership.
Limited partners of the Operating Partnership have no authority
to transact business for, or participate in the management
activities or decisions of, the Operating Partnership, except as
provided in the Partnership Agreement or as required by
applicable law.
Engaging in Other Businesses; Conflicts of Interest
We may not conduct any business other than in connection with
the ownership, acquisition and disposition of Operating
Partnership interests as a general partner and the management of
the business of the Operating Partnership, its operation as a
public reporting company with a class (or classes) of securities
registered under the Exchange Act, as amended, its operation as
a REIT and activities that are incidental to these activities
(including ownership of any interest in AMB Property Holding
Corporation, AMB Property Holding II Corporation, the Preferred
Stock Subsidiaries or a title holding, management or finance
subsidiary organized as a partnership, limited liability company
or corporation) without the consent of the holders of a majority
of the limited partnership interests. Unless they otherwise
agree in writing, each limited partner, and its affiliates, is
free to engage in any business or activity, even if the business
or activity competes with or is enhanced by the business of the
Operating Partnership. The Partnership Agreement does not
prevent another person or entity that acquires control of the
Company in the future from conducting other businesses or owning
other assets, even if it would be in the best interests of the
limited partners for the Operating Partnership to own those
businesses or assets. In the exercise of our power and authority
under the Partnership Agreement, we may contract and otherwise
deal with or otherwise obligate the Operating Partnership to
entities in which we or any one or more of our officers,
directors or stockholders may have an ownership or other
financial interest, whether direct or indirect.
Our Reimbursement; Transactions With Us and Our Affiliates
We do not receive any compensation for our services as general
partner of the Operating Partnership. However, as a partner in
the Operating Partnership, we have rights to allocations and
distributions as a partner of the Operating Partnership. In
addition, the Operating Partnership reimburses us for all
expenses we incur relating to our activities as general partner,
our continued existence and qualification as a REIT and all
other liabilities that we incur in connection with the pursuit
of our business and affairs. We may retain persons or entities
that we select (including ourselves, any entity in which we have
an interest, or any entity with which we are affiliated) to
provide services to or on behalf of the Operating Partnership.
The Operating Partnership will reimburse us for all expenses
incurred relating to the ongoing operation of the Operating
Partnership and any issuance of additional partnership interests
in the Operating Partnership. These expenses include those
incurred in connection with the administration and activities of
the Operating Partnership, such as the maintenance of the
Operating Partnerships books and records, management of
the Operating Partnerships property and assets, and
preparation of information regarding the Operating Partnership
provided to the partners in the
46
preparation of their individual tax returns. Except as expressly
permitted by the Partnership Agreement, however, our affiliates
will not engage in any transactions with the Operating
Partnership except on terms that are fair and reasonable to the
Operating Partnership and no less favorable to the Operating
Partnership than it would obtain from an unaffiliated third
party.
Our Exculpation and Indemnification
The Partnership Agreement generally provides that we, as general
partner of the Operating Partnership, will incur no liability to
the Operating Partnership or any limited partner for losses
sustained, liabilities incurred, or benefits not derived as a
result of errors in judgment or for any mistakes of fact or law
or for anything that we may do or not do in connection with the
business and affairs of the Operating Partnership if we carry
out our duties in good faith. Our liability in any event is
limited to our interest in the Operating Partnership. We have no
liability for the loss of any limited partners capital. In
addition, we are not responsible for any misconduct, negligent
act or omission of any of our consultants, contractors or
agents, or any of the Operating Partnerships consultants,
contractors or agents and we have no obligation other than to
use good faith in the selection of all contractors, consultants
and agents. We may consult with counsel, accountants,
appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers, and
other consultants and advisors that we select. An opinion by a
consultant on a matter that we believe is within the
consultants professional or expert competence is
considered to be complete protection as to any action that we
take or fail to take based on the opinion and in good faith.
The Partnership Agreement also requires the Operating
Partnership to indemnify us, our directors and officers, and
other persons that we may from time to time designate against
any loss or damage, including reasonable legal fees and court
costs incurred by the person by reason of anything the person
may do or not do for or on behalf of the Operating Partnership
or in connection with its business or affairs unless it is
established that:
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the act or omission of the indemnified person was material to
the matter giving rise to the proceeding and either the
indemnified person committed the act or omission in bad faith or
as the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; |
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the indemnified person actually received an improper personal
benefit in money, property or services; or |
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in the case of any criminal proceeding, the indemnified person
had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was
unlawful. Any indemnification claims must be satisfied solely
out of the assets of the Operating Partnership. |
Sales Of Assets; Liquidation
Under the Partnership Agreement, as general partner we generally
have the exclusive authority to determine whether, when and on
what terms, the Operating Partnership will sell its assets
(including our properties, which we own through the Operating
Partnership). However, we have agreed, in connection with the
contribution of properties from taxable investors in our
formation transactions and certain property acquisitions for
Units (with an estimated aggregate value of approximately
$253.7 million), not to dispose of certain assets in a
taxable sale or exchange for a mutually agreed upon period and,
thereafter, to use commercially reasonable or best efforts to
minimize the adverse tax consequences of any sale. We may enter
into similar or other agreements in connection with other
acquisitions of properties for Units.
A merger of the Operating Partnership with another entity
generally requires an affirmative vote of the partners (other
than the preferred limited partners) holding a majority of the
outstanding percentage interest (including the interest held
directly or indirectly by us) of all partners other than
preferred limited partners, subject to certain consent rights of
holders of Units as described below under Amendment of the
Partnership Agreement. A dissolution or liquidation of the
Operating Partnership, including a sale or disposition of all or
substantially all of the Operating Partnerships assets and
properties, generally requires
47
an affirmative vote of the limited partners (other than the
preferred limited partners) holding a majority of the
outstanding percentage interest of all limited partners other
than preferred limited partners.
Capital Contribution
The Partnership Agreement provides that if the Operating
Partnership requires additional funds at any time or from time
to time in excess of funds available to the Operating
Partnership from borrowings or capital contributions, we may
borrow funds from a financial institution or other lender or
through public or private debt offerings and lend the funds to
the Operating Partnership on the same terms and conditions as
are applicable to our borrowing of the funds. As an alternative
to borrowing funds required by the Operating Partnership, we may
contribute the amount of the required funds as an additional
capital contribution to the Operating Partnership. If we
contribute additional capital to the Operating Partnership, our
partnership interest in the Operating Partnership will be
increased on a proportionate basis. Conversely, the partnership
interests of the limited partners will be decreased on a
proportionate basis if we make additional capital contributions.
Distributions; Allocations of Income and Loss
The Partnership Agreement generally provides that the Operating
Partnership will make quarterly distributions of Available Cash
(as defined below), as determined in the manner provided in the
Partnership Agreement, to the partners of the Operating
Partnership in proportion to their percentage interests in the
Operating Partnership (which for any partner is determined by
the number of Units it owns relative to the total number of
Units outstanding). If any preferred Units are outstanding, the
Operating Partnership will pay distributions to holders of
preferred Units in accordance with the rights of each class of
preferred Units (and, within each such class, pro rata in
proportion to the respective percentage interest of each
holder), with any remaining Available Cash distributed in
accordance with the previous sentence. Available
Cash is generally defined as net cash flow from
operations, plus any reduction in reserves, and minus interest
and principal payments on debt, capital expenditures, any
additions to reserves and other adjustments. Other than as
described below, neither the Company nor the limited partners
are currently entitled to any preferential or disproportionate
distributions of Available Cash with respect to the Units.
Series A Preferred Units
In connection with the sale of the Series A Preferred
Shares, we received Series A Preferred Units in the
Operating Partnership that mirror the rights, preferences and
other terms of the Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A
Preferred Units rank, with respect to distribution rights and
rights upon liquidation, winding up or dissolution of the
Operating Partnership:
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senior to the common Units and to all Units that provide that
they rank junior to the Series A Preferred Units; |
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junior to all Units which rank senior to the Series A
Preferred Units; and |
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on a parity with the Series B Preferred Units, any
Series C Preferred Units that the Operating Partnership may
issue to us (see Series C Preferred
Units) and all other Units expressly designated by the
Operating Partnership to rank on a parity with the Series A
Preferred Units. |
We receive preferred distributions of cash and preferred
allocations of income on the Series A Preferred Units in an
amount equal to the dividends payable by us on the Series A
Preferred Stock. If we acquire any Series B Preferred Units
from the holders pursuant to the exercise of their exchange
rights, or if the Operating Partnership issues any Series C
Preferred Units to us, we will receive preferred distributions
of cash and preferred allocations of income on the Series B
Preferred Units or Series C Preferred Units in an amount
equal to the dividends payable by us on the Series B
Preferred Stock or Series C Preferred Stock. See
Series C Preferred Units.
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As a consequence, we will receive distributions from the
Operating Partnership sufficient to pay dividends on the
Series A Preferred Stock and any Series B Preferred
Stock and Series C Preferred Stock before any other partner
in the Operating Partnership (other than holders of parity
preferred units, including the Series B Preferred Units)
receives a distribution. In addition, if necessary, income will
be specially allocated to us and losses will be allocated to the
other partners of the Operating Partnership in amounts necessary
to ensure that, to the extent possible, the balance in our
capital account will at all times be equal to or in excess of
the amount payable by us on the Series A Preferred Stock
and any Series B Preferred Stock and Series C
Preferred Stock upon liquidation or redemption. See
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations Tax
Aspects of the Operating Partnership and the Joint
Ventures Allocations of Operating Partnership
Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction.
Series B Preferred Units
General. The Series B Preferred Units rank,
with respect to distribution rights and rights upon liquidation,
winding up or dissolution of the Operating Partnership:
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senior to the common Units and to all Units that provide that
they rank junior to the Series B Preferred Units; |
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junior to all Units which rank senior to the Series B
Preferred Units; and |
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on a parity with the Series A Preferred Units, any
Series C Preferred Units and all other Units expressly
designated by the Operating Partnership to rank on a parity with
the Series B Preferred Units. |
Subject to the rights of holders of parity preferred Units
(including the Series A Preferred Units and any
Series C Preferred Units), holders of the Series B
Preferred Units are entitled to receive, when, as and if
declared by the Operating Partnership, acting through us as
general partner, cumulative preferential cash distributions in
an amount equal to
85/8%
per annum on an amount equal to $50.00 per Series B
Preferred Unit then outstanding (equivalent to $4.3125 per
annum). These distributions are payable on the 15th day of
January, April, July and October of each year.
Exchange Rights. The Series B Preferred Units
are exchangeable in whole at any time on or after
November 12, 2008, at the option of 51% of the holders of
all outstanding Series B Preferred Units, on a one for one
basis, subject to adjustment, for shares of our Series B
Preferred Stock. In addition, the Series B Preferred Units
are exchangeable in whole at any time at the option of 51% of
the holders of all outstanding Series B Preferred Units if:
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any Series B Preferred Unit shall not have received full
distributions with respect to six prior quarterly distribution
periods (whether or not consecutive); or |
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we or one of our subsidiaries take the position, and a holder or
holders of Series B Preferred Units receive an opinion of
independent counsel that the Operating Partnership is, or upon
the happening of a certain event likely will be, a
publicly traded partnership within the meaning of
the Code. |
The Series B Preferred Units are exchangeable in whole for
shares of Series B Preferred Stock at any time after
November 12, 2001 and prior to November 12, 2008 at
the option of 51% of the holders of all outstanding Series B
Preferred Units if those holders deliver to us as general
partner a private letter ruling or an opinion of independent
counsel to the effect that an exchange of the Series B
Preferred Units at that time would not cause the Series B
Preferred Units to be considered stock and
securities within the meaning of the Code for purposes of
determining whether the holder of Series B Preferred Units
is an investment company under the Code.
With certain limitations, the Series B Preferred Units are
also exchangeable in whole at any time for shares of
Series B Preferred Stock (regardless of whether held by the
initial purchaser) if:
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the initial purchaser of the Series B Preferred Units
reasonably concludes that there exists an imminent and
substantial risk that the initial purchasers interest in
the Operating Partnership |
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represents or will represent more than 19.5% of the total
profits or capital interests in the Operating Partnership for a
taxable year; |
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the initial purchaser of the Series B Preferred Units
delivers to us an opinion to the effect that there is a
substantial risk that the initial purchasers interest in
the Operating Partnership represents or will represent more than
19.5% of the total profits or capital interests in the Operating
Partnership for a taxable year; and |
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we, as the general partner, agree with the conclusions in the
bullet points above; provided, that we may not unreasonably
withhold our agreement. |
In lieu of an exchange for Series B Preferred Stock, we may
elect to cause the Operating Partnership to redeem Series B
Preferred Units for cash in an amount equal to the original
capital account balance of the Series B Preferred Units
plus all accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of
redemption. A holder of Series B Preferred Units will not
be entitled to exchange the Units for Series B Preferred
Stock if the exchange would result in a violation of the
ownership limit. See Description of Capital
Stock Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.
Redemption. On or after November 12, 2003,
the Operating Partnership has the right to redeem the
Series B Preferred Units, in whole or in part from time to
time, at a redemption price payable in cash equal to the capital
account balance of the holder, provided that the amount shall
not be less than $50.00 per Series B Preferred Unit. The
Operating Partnership must pay the redemption price solely out
of the sale proceeds of our capital stock or interests in the
Operating Partnership and from no other source. The Operating
Partnership may not redeem fewer than all of the Series B
Preferred Units unless the Operating Partnership has paid all
accumulated and unpaid distributions on all Series B
Preferred Units for all quarterly distribution periods
terminating on or prior to the date of redemption.
Limited Approval Rights. For so long as any
Series B Preferred Units are outstanding, without the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
Series B Preferred Units outstanding at the time, the
Operating Partnership may not:
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authorize, create or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, or reclassify, any class or series of partnership interests,
or create, authorize or issue any obligations or security
convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any
partnership interests, ranking prior to the Series B
Preferred Units; |
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authorize, create or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, or reclassify, any class or series of partnership interests,
or create, authorize or issue any obligations or security
convertible into or evidencing a right to purchase any
partnership interests, ranking equal to the Series B
Preferred Units, but only to the extent that such securities are
issued to an affiliate of the Operating Partnership, other than
us to the extent that the issuance is to allow us to issue
corresponding shares of Series B Preferred Stock to persons
who are not affiliates of the Operating Partnership; or |
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either consolidate, merge into or with, or convey, transfer or
lease its assets substantially as an entirety to, any
corporation or other entity or amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of the Partnership Agreement, in a manner that would
materially and adversely affect the powers, special rights,
preferences, privileges or voting power of the Series B
Preferred Units. So long as the Operating Partnership is the
surviving entity and the Series B Preferred Units remain
outstanding on the same terms, or the resulting, surviving or
transferee entity is a partnership, limited liability company or
other pass-through entity and substitutes the Series B
Preferred Units for other interests in such entity, with
substantially the same terms and rights, then the occurrence of
any of the events listed above in this bullet point will not be
considered to materially and adversely affect such rights,
privileges or voting powers. |
Other than as discussed above or elsewhere in this prospectus,
the holders of Series B Preferred Units have no voting
rights other than with respect to certain matters that would
adversely affect them or as otherwise provided by applicable law.
50
Liquidation Preference. The distribution and
income allocation provisions of the Partnership Agreement have
the effect of providing each Series B Preferred Unit with a
liquidation preference to each holder of such Units equal to the
holders capital contributions, plus any accrued but unpaid
distributions, in preference to any other class or series of
partnership interest of the Operating Partnership, other than
any Series A Preferred Units and any Series C
Preferred Units.
Registration Rights. We have agreed to file a
registration statement registering the resale of the shares of
Series B Preferred Stock issuable to the holders of
Series B Preferred Units as soon as practicable but not
later than 60 days after the date the Series B
Preferred Units are exchanged for shares of Series B
Preferred Stock. We have also agreed to use our best efforts to
cause the registration statement to be declared effective within
120 days after the date of the exchange.
Series C Preferred Units
As described under Description of Capital
Stock Preferred Stock Series C
Preferred Stock, holders of AMB Property II
Series C Preferred Units may exchange their units for
shares of our Series C Preferred Stock. If we issue
Series C Preferred Stock, we will:
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contribute 99% of the AMB Property II Series C
Preferred Units to the Operating Partnership in exchange for
Series C Preferred Units in the Operating Partnership that
mirror the rights, preferences and other terms of the
Series C Preferred Stock; and |
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contribute 1% of the AMB Property II Series C
Preferred Units to AMB Property Holding Corporation. |
Any Series C Preferred Units will rank on a parity with the
Series A Preferred Units and Series B Preferred Units.
As a consequence, we would receive distributions from the
Operating Partnership that we would use to pay dividends on any
Series C Preferred Stock and the Series A Preferred
Stock before any other partner in the Operating Partnership
(other than holders of parity preferred units, including the
Series B Preferred Units).
Common Limited Partnership Units
Redemption/Exchange
Rights
Holders of common Units have the right, commencing generally on
or before the first anniversary of the holder becoming a limited
partner of the Operating Partnership (or such other date agreed
to by the Operating Partnership and the applicable Unit
holders), to require the Operating Partnership to redeem part or
all of their common Units for cash (based upon the fair market
value of an equivalent number of shares of common stock at the
time of redemption) or we may, in our sole and absolute
discretion (subject to the limits on ownership and transfer of
common stock set forth in our Charter) elect to exchange those
common Units for shares of common stock (on a one-for-one basis,
subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock
dividends, issuance of certain rights, certain extraordinary
distributions and similar events). See Redemption/Exchange
of Common Units for Common Stock. We presently anticipate
that we will elect to issue shares of common stock in exchange
for common Units in connection with each redemption request,
rather than having the Operating Partnership pay cash. With each
redemption or exchange, our percentage ownership interest in the
Operating Partnership will increase. Common limited partners may
exercise this redemption/exchange right from time to time, in
whole or in part, subject to the limitations that limited
partners may not exercise the right if exercise would result in
any person actually or constructively owning shares of common
stock in excess of the ownership limit or any other amount
specified by the Board of Directors, assuming common stock was
issued in the exchange. Holders of Performance Units also have
limited redemption/exchange rights, as discussed under the
caption Performance Units below.
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Registration Rights
We have granted to common limited partners certain registration
rights with respect to the shares of stock issuable upon
exchange of common Units or otherwise. We have agreed to file
and generally keep continuously effective generally beginning on
or as soon as practicable after one year after issuance of
common Units a registration statement covering the issuance of
shares of common stock upon exchange of the Units and the resale
of the shares. In addition, we have agreed to file a
registration statement covering shares of common stock issuable
upon exchange of Performance Units. We may also agree to provide
registration rights to any other person who may become an owner
of Units, provided the person provides us with satisfactory
undertakings. See Risk Factors Ownership of
Common Stock The Large Number of Shares Available
for Future Sale Could Adversely Affect the Market Price of Our
Common Stock. We will bear expenses incident to our
registration obligations upon exercise of registration rights,
including the payment of federal securities law and state Blue
Sky registration fees, except that we will not bear any
underwriting discounts or commissions or transfer taxes relating
to registration of the shares.
Performance Units
Notwithstanding the foregoing discussion of distributions and
allocations of income or loss of the Operating Partnership,
depending on the trading price of our common stock after
November 26, 1998 (the first anniversary of our initial
public offering), certain of our officers, in their capacity as
limited partners of the Operating Partnership, may receive
performance units (Performance Units) as of each of
February 26, May 26, August 26 and
November 26, 1999. The Performance Units are similar to
common Units in many respects, including the right to share in
operating distributions, and allocations of operating income and
loss, of the Operating Partnership on a pro rata basis with
common Units, and certain redemption and exchange rights,
including limited rights to cause the Operating Partnership to
redeem the Performance Units for cash or, at the Companys
option, to exchange the Performance Units for shares of common
stock. Any redemption rights with respect to Performance Units,
however, will be dependent upon an increase in the value of the
assets of the Operating Partnership (in some cases measured by
reference to the trading price of the shares of common stock)
after the issuance of the Performance Units. If there is no
increase, the holders of Performance Units will not be entitled
to receive any proceeds upon the liquidation of the Operating
Partnership or the redemption of their Performance Units.
Immediately prior to our initial public offering, certain
investors owned assets that were subject to advisory agreements
with AMB Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc. containing an
incentive fee provision or a catch up adjustment. We
refer to these investors as Performance Investors.
If officers receive Performance Units, an equal number of GP
Units allocable to the Company and Units allocable to
Performance Investors who are limited partners in the Operating
Partnership will be transferred to the Operating Partnership. If
any of our GP Units are transferred to the Operating Partnership
as a result of the issuance of Performance Units, an equal
number of shares of common stock (the Performance
Shares) will be transferred to us by the applicable
Performance Investors. Accordingly, no Company stockholder or
limited partner in the Operating Partnership (other than
Performance Investors, to the extent of their obligations to
transfer Performance Shares to the Company or the Operating
Partnership, as applicable) will be diluted as a result of the
issuance of Performance Units.
Removal of the General Partner; Transferability of Our
Interests; Treatment of Limited Partnership Units in Significant
Transactions
The limited partners may not remove us as general partner, with
or without cause, other than with our consent. The Partnership
Agreement provides that we may not withdraw from the Operating
Partnership (whether by sale, statutory merger, consolidation,
liquidation or otherwise) without the consent of a majority in
interest of the limited partners other than the preferred
limited partners. However, except as set forth below, we may
transfer or assign our general partner interest in connection
with a merger, consolidation or sale of substantially all of our
assets without limited partner consent.
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Neither the Company nor the Operating Partnership may engage in
any merger, consolidation or other combination with or into
another person, or effect any reclassification, recapitalization
or change of its outstanding equity interests, and the Company
may not sell all or substantially all of its assets (each a
Termination Transaction) unless in connection with
the Termination Transaction all holders of limited partnership
Units other than preferred Units either will receive, or will
have the right to elect to receive, for each Unit an amount of
cash, securities or other property equal to the product of the
number of shares of common stock into which each Unit is then
exchangeable and the greatest amount of cash, securities or
other property paid to the holder of one share in consideration
of one share pursuant to the Termination Transaction. If, in
connection with the Termination Transaction, a purchase, tender
or exchange offer shall have been made to and accepted by the
holders of the outstanding shares of common stock, each holder
of limited partnership Units other than preferred Units will
receive, or will have the right to elect to receive, the
greatest amount of cash, securities or other property that the
holder would have received had it exercised its right to
redemption and received shares of common stock in exchange for
its Units immediately prior to the expiration of the purchase,
tender or exchange offer and had accepted the purchase, tender
or exchange offer. Any Performance Units issued will also have
the benefit of these provisions, irrespective of the capital
account then applicable to the Performance Units.
A Termination Transaction may also occur if the following
conditions are met:
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substantially all of the assets directly or indirectly owned by
the surviving entity are held directly or indirectly by the
Operating Partnership or another limited partnership or limited
liability company which is the survivor of a merger,
consolidation or combination of assets with the Operating
Partnership; |
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the holders of common Units, including the holders of any
Performance Units issued, own a percentage interest of the
surviving partnership based on the relative fair market value of
the net assets of the Operating Partnership and the other net
assets of the surviving partnership immediately prior to the
consummation of the transaction; |
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the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders in the
surviving partnership, including the holders of Performance
Units issued or to be issued, are at least as favorable as those
in effect immediately prior to the consummation of such
transaction and as those applicable to any other limited
partners or non-managing members of the surviving partnership
(except, as to Performance Units, for such differences with
Units regarding liquidation, redemption or exchange as are
described in this prospectus); and |
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such rights of the common limited partners, including the
holders of Performance Units issued or to be issued, include at
least one of the following: |
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the right to redeem their interests in the surviving partnership
for the consideration available to them pursuant to the
preceding paragraph; or |
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the right to redeem their Units for cash on terms equivalent to
those in effect immediately prior to the consummation of the
transaction, or, if the ultimate controlling person of the
surviving partnership has publicly traded common equity
securities, the common equity securities, with an exchange ratio
based on the relative fair market value of the securities and
the common stock. |
Our Board of Directors will reasonably determine fair market
values and rights, preferences and privileges of the common
limited partners as of the time of the Termination Transaction
and, to the extent applicable, the values will be no less
favorable to the holders of common Units than the relative
values reflected in the terms of the Termination Transaction.
In addition, in the event of a Termination Transaction, the
arrangements with respect to Performance Units and Performance
Shares (as defined under Performance
Units) will be equitably adjusted to reflect the terms of
the transaction, including, to the extent that the shares are
exchanged for consideration other than publicly traded common
equity, the transfer or release of remaining Performance
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Shares, and resulting issuance of any Performance Units, as of
the consummation of the Termination Transaction.
Duties and Conflicts
Except as otherwise provided by our conflicts of interest
policies with respect to directors and officers and as provided
in the non-competition agreements described under Risk
Factors Conflicts of Interest Some of
Our Executive Officers are Involved in Other Real Estate
Activities and Investments, any limited partner of the
Operating Partnership may engage in other business activities
outside the Operating Partnership, including business activities
that directly compete with the Operating Partnership.
Meetings; Voting
As general partner, we may call meetings of the limited partners
of the Operating Partnership, on our own motion, or upon written
request of limited partners owning at least 25% of the then
outstanding Units. Limited partners may vote either in person or
by proxy at meetings. Limited partners may take any action that
they are required or permitted to take either at a meeting of
the limited partners or without a meeting if consents in writing
setting forth the action taken are signed by limited partners
owning not less than the minimum number of Units that would be
necessary to authorize or take the action at a meeting of the
limited partners at which all limited partners entitled to vote
on the action were present. On matters for which limited
partners are entitled to vote, each limited partner has a vote
equal to the number of Units the limited partner holds. A
transferee of Units who has not been admitted as a substituted
limited partner with respect to the Units will have no voting
rights with respect to the Units, even if the transferee holds
other Units as to which it has been admitted as a limited
partner. The Partnership Agreement does not provide for, and we
do not anticipate calling, annual meetings of the limited
partners.
Amendment of the Partnership Agreement
Amendments to the Partnership Agreement may be proposed by the
Company or by limited partners owning at least 25% of the then
outstanding Units entitled to vote. Generally, the Partnership
Agreement may be amended with our approval, as general partner,
and partners (including us, but not including the preferred
limited partners) holding a majority of the percentage interest
of all partners other than the preferred limited partners.
Certain provisions regarding, among other things, our rights and
duties as general partner (e.g., restrictions on our power
to conduct businesses other than as denoted herein) or the
dissolution of the Operating Partnership, may not be amended
without the approval of limited partners (other than preferred
limited partners) holding a majority of the percentage interests
of the limited partners other than preferred limited partners.
As general partner, we have the power, without the consent of
the limited partners, to amend the Partnership Agreement as may
be required to, among other things:
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add to our obligations as general partner or surrender any right
or power granted to us as general partner; |
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reflect the admission, substitution, termination or withdrawal
of partners in accordance with the terms of the Partnership
Agreement; |
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establish the rights, powers, duties and preferences of any
additional partnership interests issued in accordance with the
terms of the Partnership Agreement; |
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reflect a change of an inconsequential nature that does not
materially adversely affect any limited partner, or cure any
ambiguity, correct or supplement any provisions of the
Partnership Agreement not inconsistent with law or with other
provisions of the Partnership Agreement, or make other changes
concerning matters under the Partnership Agreement that are not
otherwise inconsistent with the Partnership Agreement or
applicable law; or |
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satisfy any requirements of federal, state or local law. |
54
We must approve, and each limited partner that would be
adversely affected must approve, certain amendments to the
Partnership Agreement, including amendments effected directly or
indirectly through a merger or sale of assets of the Operating
Partnership or otherwise, that would, among other things,
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convert a limited partners interest into a general
partners interest; |
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modify the limited liability of a limited partner; |
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alter the interest of a partner in profits or losses, or the
rights to receive any distributions (except as permitted under
the Partnership Agreement with respect to the admission of new
partners or the issuance of additional Units, either of which
actions will have the effect of changing the percentage
interests of the partners and thereby altering their interests
in profits, losses and distributions); or |
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alter the limited partners redemption right. |
These protections apply to both holders of common Units and
holders of Performance Units. In addition, no amendment may be
effected, directly or indirectly, through a merger or sale of
assets of the Operating Partnership or otherwise, which would
adversely affect the rights of former stockholders of AMB
Institutional Realty Advisors to receive Performance Units.
Books and Reports
The Operating Partnerships books and records are
maintained at the principal office of the Operating Partnership,
which is located at 505 Montgomery Street, San Francisco,
California 94111. All elections and options available to the
Operating Partnership for federal or state income tax purposes
may be taken or rejected by the Operating Partnership in our
sole discretion as general partner. The limited partners have
the right, subject to certain limitations, to receive copies of
the most recent SEC filings by us and the Operating Partnership,
the Operating Partnerships federal, state and local income
tax returns, a list of limited partners, the Partnership
Agreement, the partnership certificate and all amendments and
certain information about the capital contributions of the
partners. We may keep confidential from the limited partners any
information that we believe to be in the nature of trade secrets
or other information the disclosure of which we in good faith
believe is not in the best interests of the Operating
Partnership or which the Operating Partnership is required by
law or by agreements with unaffiliated third parties to keep
confidential.
We will use reasonable efforts to furnish to each limited
partner, within 90 days after the close of each taxable
year, the tax information reasonably required by the limited
partners for federal and state income tax reporting purposes.
Term
The Operating Partnership will continue in full force and effect
for approximately 99 years or until sooner dissolved
pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreement.
55
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary of certain federal income tax
considerations regarding the Company is based on current law, is
for general information only and is not tax advice. The
information set forth below, to the extent that it constitutes
matters of law, summaries of legal matters or legal conclusions,
is the opinion of Latham & Watkins. The tax treatment
of a holder of any of the securities will vary depending upon
the terms of the specific securities acquired by such holder, as
well as his or her particular situation, and this discussion
does not attempt to address any aspects of federal income
taxation relating to holders of securities. We will provide
certain federal income tax considerations relevant to holders of
the securities in the prospectus supplement relating to those
securities.
The information in this section is based on the Code, current,
temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations promulgated under
the Code, the legislative history of the Code, current
administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal
Revenue Service (the IRS) (including its practices
and policies as expressed in certain private letter rulings
which are not binding on the IRS except with respect to the
particular taxpayers who requested and received such rulings),
and court decisions, all as of the date of this prospectus.
Future legislation, Treasury Regulations, administrative
interpretations and practices and/or court decisions may
adversely affect, perhaps retroactively, the tax considerations
described herein. We have not requested, and do not plan to
request, any rulings from the IRS concerning our tax treatment
and the statements in this prospectus are not binding on the IRS
or a court. Thus, we can provide no assurance that these
statements will not be challenged by the IRS or sustained by a
court if challenged by the IRS.
YOU ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT,
AS WELL AS YOUR TAX ADVISOR, REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND SALE OF
OUR SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND
OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND SALE
AND OF POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
Taxation of the Company
General. We elected to be taxed as a REIT under
Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, commencing with our
taxable year ended December 31, 1997. We believe we have
been organized and have operated in a manner which allows us to
qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code commencing with
our taxable year ended December 31, 1997. We intend to
continue to operate in this manner. However, our qualification
and taxation as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet (through
actual annual operating results, asset diversification,
distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership) the
various qualification tests imposed under the Code. Accordingly,
there is no assurance that we have operated or will continue to
operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a
REIT. See Failure to Qualify.
The sections of the Code that relate to the qualification and
operation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. The
following sets forth the material aspects of the sections of the
Code that govern the federal income tax treatment of a REIT and
its stockholders. This summary is qualified in its entirety by
the applicable Code provisions, relevant rules and regulations
promulgated under the Code, and administrative and judicial
interpretations of the Code, and these rules and these
regulations. Latham & Watkins has acted as tax counsel
to the Company in connection with the IPO, subsequent offerings
of Common Stock, and the Companys election to be taxed as
a REIT.
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, as a condition to the closing of each offering of
equity securities by the Company, our tax counsel will render an
opinion to the underwriters of the offering to the effect that,
commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 1997,
we have been organized and operated in conformity with the
requirements for qualification as a REIT, and our proposed
method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the
requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the
Code. It must be emphasized that each such opinion will be based
on various factual assumptions relating to our organization and
operation, including matters
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relating to the Operating Partnership and the Preferred Stock
Subsidiaries, and will be conditioned upon certain
representations to be made by us as to factual matters. Our tax
counsel has no obligation to update any such opinion subsequent
to its date. In addition, such opinions will be based upon our
factual representations as set forth in this prospectus and any
applicable prospectus supplement or supplements, and assume that
the actions described in this prospectus and any such supplement
or supplements will be completed by us in a timely fashion.
Moreover, such qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon
the our ability to meet (through actual annual operating
results, asset diversification, distribution levels and
diversity of stock ownership) the various qualification tests
imposed under the Code and discussed below, the results of which
have not been and will not be reviewed by our tax counsel.
Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the actual results of our
operation during any particular taxable year will satisfy such
requirements. See Failure to Qualify.
Further, the anticipated income tax treatment described in the
prospectus or in any prospectus supplement or supplements may be
changed, perhaps retroactively, by legislation, administrative
or judicial action at any time.
If we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be
subject to federal corporate income taxes on our net income that
is currently distributed to our stockholders. This treatment
substantially eliminates the double taxation (once
at the corporate level when earned and once again at the
stockholder level when distributed) that generally results from
investment in a corporation. However, the Company will be
subject to federal income tax as follows:
First, we will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any
undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed net
capital gains.
Second, we may be subject to the alternative minimum
tax on our items of tax preference under certain
circumstances.
Third, if we have (a) net income from the sale or other
disposition of foreclosure property (defined
generally as property we acquired through foreclosure or after a
default on a loan secured by the property or a lease of the
property) which is held primarily for sale to customers in the
ordinary course of business or (b) other nonqualifying
income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax at
the highest corporate rate on this income.
Fourth, we will be subject to a 100% tax on any net income from
prohibited transactions (which are, in general, certain sales or
other dispositions of property held primarily for sale to
customers in the ordinary course of business other than
foreclosure property).
Fifth, we will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount equal to
(a) the gross income attributable to the greater of the
amount by which we fail the 75% or 95% gross income test
multiplied by (b) a fraction intended to reflect our
profitability, if we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test
or the 95% gross income test (as discussed below), but have
maintained our qualification as a REIT because we satisfied
certain other requirements.
Sixth, we would be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of
the required distribution over the amounts actually distributed
if we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the
sum of (i) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for the year,
(ii) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for the year,
and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior
periods.
Seventh, if we acquire any asset (a Built-In Gain
Asset) from a corporation which is or has been a
C corporation (i.e., generally a corporation subject to
full corporate-level tax) in a transaction in which the basis of
the Built-In Gain Asset in our hands is determined by reference
to the basis of the asset in the hands of the
C corporation, and we subsequently recognize gain on the
disposition of the asset during the ten-year period (the
Recognition Period) beginning on the date on which
we acquired the asset, then we will be subject to tax at the
highest regular corporate tax rate on this gain to the extent of
the Built-In Gain (i.e., the excess of (a) the fair market
value of the asset over (b) our adjusted basis in the
asset, in each case determined as of the beginning of the
Recognition Period). The results described in this paragraph
with respect to the recognition of Built-In Gain assume that we
will make an election pursuant to IRS Notice 88-19.
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Requirements for Qualification as a REIT. 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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that issues transferable shares or transferable certificates to
evidence its beneficial ownership; |
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that would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for
Sections 856 through 859 of the Code; |
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that is not a financial institution or an insurance company
within the meaning of certain provisions of the Code; |
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that is beneficially owned by 100 or more persons; |
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not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is
owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals
(as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the
last half of each taxable year; and |
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that meets certain other tests, described below, regarding the
nature of its income and assets and the amount of its
distributions. |
The Code provides that conditions (1) to (4), inclusive,
must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition
(5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable
year of twelve months, or during a proportionate part of a
taxable year of less than twelve months. Conditions (5) and
(6) do not apply until after the first taxable year for
which an election is made to be taxed as a REIT. For purposes of
condition (6), pension funds and certain other tax-exempt
entities are treated as individuals, subject to a
look-through exception with respect to pension funds.
We believe that we have satisfied each of the above conditions.
In addition, our charter provides for restrictions regarding
ownership and transfer of shares. These restrictions are
intended to assist us in continuing to satisfy the share
ownership requirements described in (5) and (6) above.
These ownership and transfer restrictions are described in
Description of Capital Stock Restrictions on
Ownership and Transfer of Capital Stock. These
restrictions, however, may not ensure that we will, in all
cases, be able to satisfy the share ownership requirements
described in (5) and (6) above. If we fail to satisfy
these share ownership requirements, our status as a REIT will
terminate. However, if we comply with the rules contained in
applicable Treasury Regulations that require us to ascertain the
actual ownership of our shares and we do not know, or would not
have known through the exercise of reasonable diligence, that we
failed to meet the requirement described in condition (6) above,
we will be treated as having met this requirement. See
Failure to Qualify.
In addition, a corporation may not elect to become a REIT unless
its taxable year is the calendar year. We have and will continue
to have a calendar taxable year.
Termination of S Status. Prior to its merger into
the Company in connection with our formation transactions, AMB
Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc. believed that it validly
elected to be taxed as an S corporation and that such
election had not been revoked or otherwise terminated (except as
provided below). In order to allow us to become a REIT, AMB
Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc. revoked its S election
shortly before its merger into the Company. If AMB Institutional
Realty Advisors, Inc. was not an S corporation in 1997 (the
calendar year in which our formation transactions occurred), we
likely would not qualify as a REIT for our taxable year ended
December 31, 1997 and perhaps subsequent years. See
Failure to Qualify. In connection with
our initial public offering, Latham & Watkins rendered
an opinion regarding AMB Institutional Realty Advisors,
Inc.s federal income tax status as an S corporation,
which opinion was based upon certain representations made by AMB
Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc. as to factual matters and
upon the opinion of counsel for certain shareholders of AMB
Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc., with respect to matters
relating to the tax status of such shareholders.
Ownership of Interests in Partnerships and Qualified REIT
Subsidiaries. In the case of a REIT which is a partner
in a partnership, IRS regulations provide that the REIT will be
deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of the
partnership. Also, the REIT will be deemed to be entitled to the
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income of the partnership attributable to its proportionate
share. The character of the assets and gross income of the
partnership retains the same character in the hands of the REIT
for purposes of Section 856 of the Code, including
satisfying the gross income tests and the asset tests. Thus, our
proportionate share of the assets and items of income of the
Operating Partnership (including the Operating
Partnerships share of these items for any partnership in
which it owns an interest) are treated as our assets and items
of income for purposes of applying the requirements described in
this prospectus (including the income and asset tests described
below). We have included a brief summary of the rules governing
the federal income taxation of partnerships and their partners
below in Tax Aspects of the Operating Partnerships
and the Joint Ventures. We have direct control of the
Operating Partnership and will continue to operate it consistent
with the requirements for qualification as a REIT. However, we
are a limited partner or non-managing member in certain of our
joint ventures. If a joint venture takes or expects to take
actions which could jeopardize our status as a REIT or subject
us to tax, we may be forced to dispose of our interest in such
joint venture. In addition, it is possible that a joint venture
could take an action which could cause us to fail a REIT income
or asset test, and that we would not become aware of such action
in a time frame which would allow us to dispose of our interest
in the joint venture or take other corrective action on a timely
basis. In such a case, we could fail to qualify as a REIT. The
Company owns 100% of the stock of two subsidiaries that are
qualified REIT subsidiaries (each, a QRS) and may
acquire stock of one or more new subsidiaries. A corporation
will qualify as a QRS if 100% of its stock is held by the
Company. A QRS will not be treated as a separate corporation,
and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and
credit of a QRS will be treated as assets, liabilities and such
items (as the case may be) of the Company for all purposes of
the Code, including the REIT qualification tests. For this
reason, references under Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations to our income and assets shall include the
income and assets of any QRS. A QRS will not be subject to
federal income tax, and our ownership of the voting stock of a
QRS will not violate the restrictions against ownership of
securities of any one issuer which constitute more than 10% of
such issuers voting securities or more than 5% of the
value of our total assets, as described below under
Asset Tests.
Income Tests. We must satisfy two gross income
requirements annually to maintain our qualification as a REIT.
First, in each taxable year we must derive directly or
indirectly at least 75% of our gross income (excluding gross
income from prohibited transactions) from investments relating
to real property or mortgages on real property (including
rents from real property and, in certain
circumstances, interest) or from certain types of temporary
investments. Second, each taxable year we must derive at least
95% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited
transactions) from these real property investments, dividends,
interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or
securities (or from any combination of the foregoing). 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 by reason of being based on a fixed
percentage or percentages of receipts or sales.
Rents we receive will qualify as rents from real
property in satisfying the gross income requirements for a
REIT described above only if the following conditions are met:
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the amount of rent must not be based in whole or in part on the
income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or
accrued generally will not be excluded from the term rents
from real property solely by reason of being based on a
fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales; |
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the Code provides that rents received from a tenant will not
qualify as rents from real property in satisfying
the gross income tests if the REIT, or an actual or constructive
owner of 10% or more of the REIT, actually or constructively
owns 10% or more of the interests in such tenant (a
Related Party Tenant); |
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if rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection
with a lease of real property, is greater than 15% of the total
rent received under the lease, then the portion of rent
attributable to personal property will not qualify as
rents from real property; and |
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for rents received to qualify as rents from real
property, the REIT generally must not operate or manage
the property or furnish or render services to the tenants of the
property (subject to a 1% de minimis exception), other than
through an independent contractor from whom the REIT derives no
revenue. The REIT may, however, directly perform certain
services that are usually or customarily rendered in
connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are
not otherwise considered rendered to the occupant of
the property. |
We do not and will not, and as general partner of the Operating
Partnership, will not permit the Operating Partnership to:
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charge rent for any property that is based in whole or in part
on the income or profits of any person (except by reason of
being based on a percentage of receipts or sales, as described
above); |
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rent any property to a Related Party Tenant; |
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derive rental income attributable to personal property (other
than personal property leased in connection with the lease of
real property, the amount of which is less than 15% of the total
rent received under the lease); or |
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perform services considered to be rendered to the occupant of
the property, other than through an independent contractor from
whom we derive no revenue. |
NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, WE MAY HAVE TAKEN AND MAY
CONTINUE TO TAKE CERTAIN OF THE ACTIONS SET FORTH ABOVE TO THE
EXTENT THESE ACTIONS WILL NOT, BASED ON THE ADVICE OF OUR TAX
COUNSEL, JEOPARDIZE OUR STATUS AS A REIT.
AMB Investment Management is the sole general partner of, and
conducts its operations through, AMB Investment Management
Limited Partnership (the Investment Management
Partnership.) The Investment Management Partnership
conducts the asset management business and receives fees
(including incentive fees) in exchange for the provision of
certain services to asset management clients. In addition,
Headlands Realty Corporation may provide certain services in
exchange for a fee or derive other income which would not
qualify under the REIT gross income tests. Such fees and other
income do not accrue to us, but we derive our allocable share of
dividend income from the Preferred Stock Subsidiaries through
our interest in the Operating Partnership. Such dividend income
qualifies under the 95%, but not the 75%, REIT gross income
test. The Operating Partnership may provide certain management
or administrative services to the Investment Management
Partnership and Headlands Realty Corporation. The fees derived
by the Operating Partnership as a result of the provision of
such services will be nonqualifying income to us under both the
95% and 75% REIT income tests. The amount of such dividend and
fee income will depend on a number of factors which cannot be
determined with certainty, including the level of services
provided by the Investment Management Partnership, Headlands
Realty Corporation and the Operating Partnership. We will
monitor the amount of the dividend income from the Preferred
Stock Subsidiaries and the fee income described above, and will
take actions intended to keep this income (and any other
nonqualifying income) within the limitations of the REIT income
tests. However, there can be no assurance that such actions will
in all cases prevent us from violating a REIT income test.
If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income
tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a
REIT for the year if we are entitled to relief under certain
provisions of the Code. Generally, we may avail ourselves of the
relief provisions if:
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our failure to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and
not due to willful neglect; |
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we attach a schedule of the sources of our income to our federal
income tax return; and |
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any incorrect information on the schedule was not due to fraud
with intent to evade tax. |
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IT IS NOT POSSIBLE, HOWEVER, TO STATE WHETHER IN ALL
CIRCUMSTANCES WE WOULD BE ENTITLED TO THE BENEFIT OF THESE
RELIEF PROVISIONS. FOR EXAMPLE, IF WE FAIL TO SATISFY THE GROSS
INCOME TESTS BECAUSE NONQUALIFYING INCOME THAT WE INTENTIONALLY
INCUR EXCEEDS THE LIMITS ON NONQUALIFYING INCOME, THE IRS COULD
CONCLUDE THAT OUR FAILURE TO SATISFY THE TESTS WAS NOT DUE TO
REASONABLE CAUSE. IF THESE RELIEF PROVISIONS DO NOT APPLY TO A
PARTICULAR SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES, WE WILL NOT QUALIFY AS A REIT.
AS DISCUSSED ABOVE IN TAXATION OF THE
COMPANY GENERAL, EVEN IF THESE RELIEF
PROVISIONS APPLY, AND WE RETAIN OUR STATUS AS A REIT, A TAX
WOULD BE IMPOSED WITH RESPECT TO OUR EXCESS NET INCOME. WE MAY
NOT ALWAYS BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN COMPLIANCE WITH THE GROSS INCOME
TESTS FOR REIT QUALIFICATION DESPITE OUR PERIODIC MONITORING OF
OUR INCOME.
Prohibited Transaction Income. Any gain realized
by us on the sale of any property held as inventory or other
property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary
course of business (including our share of any such gain
realized by the Operating Partnership) will be treated as income
from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty
tax. This prohibited transaction income may also adversely
affect our ability to satisfy the income tests for qualification
as a REIT. Under existing law, whether property is held as
inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary
course of a trade or business is a question of fact that depends
on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular
transaction. The Operating Partnership intends to hold its
properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation,
to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning
its properties and to make occasional sales of the properties as
are consistent with the Operating Partnerships investment
objectives. However, the IRS may contend that that one or more
of these sales is subject to the 100% penalty tax.
Asset Tests. At the close of each quarter of our
taxable year, we also must satisfy three tests relating to the
nature and diversification of our assets. First, at least 75% of
the value of our total assets must be represented by real estate
assets, cash, cash items and government securities. For purposes
of this test, real estate assets include stock or debt
instruments that are purchased with the proceeds of a stock
offering or a long-term (at least five years) public debt
offering, but only for the one-year period beginning on the date
we receive such proceeds. Second, not more than 25% of our total
assets may be represented by securities, other than those
securities includable in the 75% asset test. Third, of the
investments included in the 25% asset class, the value of any
one issuers securities may not exceed 5% of the value of
our total assets and we may not own more than 10% of any one
issuers outstanding voting securities.
The Operating Partnership owns 100% of the non-voting preferred
stock of each of the Preferred Stock Subsidiaries, and by virtue
of its ownership of interests in the Operating Partnership, the
Company is considered to own its pro rata share of such stock.
See Structure of the Company. The stock of each of
the Preferred Stock Subsidiaries held by us is not a qualifying
real estate asset. The Operating Partnership does not and will
not own any of the voting securities of either of the Preferred
Stock Subsidiaries, and therefore we will not be considered to
own more than 10% of the voting securities of either of the
Preferred Stock Subsidiaries. In addition, we believe that the
value of our pro rata share of the securities of each of the
Preferred Stock Subsidiaries held by the Operating Partnership
does not, in either case, exceed 5% of the total value of our
assets, and will not exceed such amount in the future. No
independent appraisals have been obtained to support this
conclusion. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not
contend that the value of the securities of one or both of the
Preferred Stock Subsidiaries held by us exceeds the 5% value
limitation. The 5% value test must be satisfied not only on the
date that we (directly or through the Operating Partnership)
acquire securities in the applicable Preferred Stock Subsidiary,
but also each time we increase our ownership of securities of
such Preferred Stock Subsidiary, including as a result of
increasing our interest in the Operating Partnership. For
example, our indirect ownership of securities of each Preferred
Stock Subsidiary will increase as a result of our capital
contributions to the Operating Partnership or as limited
partners exercise their redemption/exchange rights. Although we
believe that we presently satisfy the 5% value test and plan to
take steps to ensure that we satisfy such test for any quarter
with respect to which retesting is to occur, there can be no
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assurance that such steps will always be successful, or will not
require a reduction in the Operating Partnerships overall
interest in either or both of the Preferred Stock Subsidiaries.
After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any
quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to
satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by
reason of changes in asset values. If we fail to satisfy the
asset tests because we acquire securities or other property
during a quarter (including an increase in our interests in the
Operating Partnership), we can cure this failure by disposing of
sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the
close of that quarter. We believe we have maintained and intend
to continue to maintain adequate records of the value of our
assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests and to take
such other actions within the 30 days after the close of
any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance. If we
fail to cure noncompliance with the asset tests within this time
period, we would cease to qualify as a REIT.
Annual Distribution Requirements. To maintain our
qualification as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends
(other than capital gain dividends) to our stockholders in an
amount at least equal to the sum of 95% of our REIT
taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends
paid deduction and our net capital gain) and 95% of our net
income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus the
excess of the sum of certain items of noncash income (i.e.,
income attributable to leveled stepped rents, original issue
discount on purchase money debt, or a like-kind exchange that is
later determined to be taxable) over 5% of REIT taxable
income as described above.
These distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which
they relate, or in the following taxable year if they are
declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and
if paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after
such declaration. Except as provided below, these distributions
are taxable to our stockholders (other than tax-exempt entities,
as discussed below) in the year in which paid. This is so even
though these distributions relate to the prior year for purposes
of our 95% distribution requirement. The amount distributed must
not be preferential e.g., every stockholder of the
class of stock to which a distribution is made must be treated
the same as every other stockholder of that class, and no class
of stock may be treated otherwise than in accordance with its
dividend rights as a class. To the extent that we do not
distribute all of our net capital gain or distribute at least
95%, but less than 100%, of our REIT taxable income,
as adjusted, we will be subject to tax thereon at regular
ordinary and capital gain corporate tax rates. We believe we
have made and intend to continue to make timely distributions
sufficient to satisfy these annual distribution requirements. In
this regard, the Partnership Agreement authorizes us, as general
partner of the Operating Partnership, to take such steps as may
be necessary to cause the Operating Partnership to distribute to
its partners an amount sufficient to permit us to meet these
distribution requirements.
We expect that our REIT taxable income will be less than our
cash flow due to the allowance of depreciation and other
non-cash charges in computing REIT taxable income. Accordingly,
we anticipate that we will generally have sufficient cash or
liquid assets to enable us to satisfy the distribution
requirements described above. However, from time to time, we may
not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet these
distribution requirements due to timing differences between the
actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible
expenses, and the inclusion of income and deduction of expenses
in arriving at our taxable income. If these timing differences
occur, in order to meet the distribution requirements, we may
need to arrange for short-term, or possibly long-term,
borrowings or need to pay dividends in the form of taxable stock
dividends.
Under certain circumstances, we may be able to rectify a failure
to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying
deficiency dividends to stockholders in a later
year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid
for the earlier year. Thus, we may be able to avoid being taxed
on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. However, we will
be required to pay interest based upon the amount of any
deduction taken for deficiency dividends.
Furthermore, we would be subject to a 4% excise tax on the
excess of the required distribution over the amounts actually
distributed if we should fail to distribute during each calendar
year (or in the case of distributions with declaration and
record dates falling in the last three months of the calendar
year, by the
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end of January immediately following such year) at least the sum
of 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, 95% of our
REIT capital gain income for the year and any undistributed
taxable income from prior periods. Any REIT taxable income and
net capital gain on which this excise tax is imposed for any
year is treated as an amount distributed during that year for
purposes of calculating such tax.
Earnings and Profits Distribution Requirement. In
order to qualify as a REIT, we cannot have at the end of any
taxable year any undistributed earnings and profits
that are attributable to a C corporation
taxable year (i.e., a year in which a corporation is neither a
REIT nor an S corporation). In connection with our
formation transactions, we succeeded to various tax attributes
of AMB Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc., AMB Current Income
Fund, Inc. (CIF) and AMB Value Added Fund, Inc.
(VAF) (if the mergers of CIF and VAF into AMB
Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc. (the Private REIT
Mergers) were treated as tax-free reorganizations under
the Code), including any undistributed C corporation
earnings and profits of such corporations. If AMB Institutional
Realty Advisors, Inc. qualified as an S corporation for
each year in which its activities would have created earnings
and profits, and each of CIF and VAF qualified as a REIT during
its existence and its merger into us was treated as a tax-free
reorganization under the Code, then those corporations would not
have any undistributed C corporation earnings and profits.
If, however, either CIF or VAF failed to qualify as a REIT
throughout the duration of its existence, or AMB Institutional
Realty Advisors, Inc. failed to qualify as an S corporation
for any year in which its activities would have created earnings
and profits, then we would have acquired undistributed
C corporation earnings and profits that, if not distributed
by us prior to the end of its first taxable year, would prevent
us from qualifying as a REIT.
We believe that each of CIF and VAF qualified as a REIT
throughout the duration of its existence and that, in any event,
neither CIF nor VAF had any undistributed C corporation
earnings and profits at the time of the applicable Private REIT
Merger. We believe that AMB Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc.
qualified as an S corporation since its 1989 taxable year
and that its activities prior to such year did not create any
earnings and profits. In addition, in connection with our
initial public offering, counsel to CIF and VAF rendered
opinions with respect to the qualification of those corporations
as REITs for federal income tax purposes, and Latham &
Watkins rendered an opinion with respect to AMB Institutional
Realty Advisors, Inc.s status as an S corporation for
federal income tax purposes. Those opinions were based on
certain representations and assumptions. However, the IRS may
contend otherwise on a subsequent audit of AMB Institutional
Realty Advisors, Inc., CIF or VAF.
Failure to Qualify
If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable
year, and the relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject
to tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our
taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to
stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify will not be
deductible by us and we will not be required to distribute any
amounts to our stockholders. As a result, our failure to qualify
as a REIT would reduce the cash available for distribution by us
to our stockholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a
REIT, all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as
ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated
earnings and profits, and subject to certain limitations of the
Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends
received deduction. Unless entitled to relief under specific
statutory provisions, we will also be disqualified from taxation
as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during
which we lost our qualification. It is not possible to state
whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to this
statutory relief.
Tax Aspects of the Operating Partnership and the Joint
Ventures
General. Substantially all of our investments will
be held indirectly through the Operating Partnership. In
addition, the Operating Partnership holds certain of its
investments indirectly through joint ventures. In general,
partnerships are pass-through entities which are not
subject to federal income tax. Rather, partners are allocated
their proportionate shares of the items of income, gain, loss,
deduction and credit of a partnership, and are potentially
subject to tax thereon, without regard to whether the partners
receive a distribution from the partnership. We will include in
our income our proportionate share of the
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foregoing partnership items for purposes of the various REIT
income tests and in the computation of our REIT taxable income.
Moreover, for purposes of the REIT asset tests, we will include
our proportionate share of assets held by the Operating
Partnership and joint ventures. See Taxation of the
Company.
Entity Classification. Our interests in the
Operating Partnership and the joint ventures involve special tax
considerations, including the possibility of a challenge by the
IRS of the status of the Operating Partnership or a partnership
as a partnership (as opposed to an association taxable as a
corporation) for federal income tax purposes. If the Operating
Partnership or a partnership were treated as an association, it
would be taxable as a corporation and therefore be subject to an
entity-level tax on its income. In such a situation, the
character of our assets and items of gross income would change
and preclude us from satisfying the asset tests and possibly the
income tests (see Taxation of the
Company Asset Tests and
Income Tests). This, in turn, would
prevent us from qualifying as a REIT. See
Failure to Qualify for a discussion of
the effect of our failure to meet these tests for a taxable
year. In addition, a change in the Operating Partnerships
or a partnerships status for tax purposes might be treated
as a taxable event. If so, we might incur a tax liability
without any related cash distributions.
Treasury Regulations that apply for tax periods beginning on or
after January 1, 1997 provide that a domestic business
entity not otherwise classified as a corporation and which has
at least two members (an Eligible Entity) may elect
to be taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
Unless it elects otherwise, an Eligible Entity in existence
prior to January 1, 1997 will have the same classification
for federal income tax purposes that it claimed under the entity
classification Treasury Regulations in effect prior to this
date. In addition, an Eligible Entity which did not exist, or
did not claim a classification, prior to January 1, 1997,
will be classified as a partnership for federal income tax
purposes unless it elects otherwise. The Operating Partnership
and each of our joint ventures intend to claim classification as
a partnership under the Final Regulations, and, as a result, we
believe such partnerships will be classified as partnerships for
federal income tax purposes.
Allocations of Operating Partnership Income, Gain, Loss
and Deduction. The Partnership Agreement provides for
preferred distributions of cash and preferred allocations of
income to the Company with respect to its Series A
Preferred Units and to the holders of Series B Preferred
Units. In addition, to the extent the Company issues
Series C Preferred Stock in exchange for AMB
Property II Series C Preferred Units, the Operating
Partnership will issue Series C Preferred Units to the
Company, and the Partnership Agreement will be amended to
provide for similar preferred distributions of cash and
preferred allocations of income to the Company with respect to
its Series C Preferred Units. As a consequence, the Company
will receive distributions from the Operating Partnership and
attributable to its other assets that we would use to pay
dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock and any
shares of Series B Preferred Stock or Series C
Preferred Stock issued by the Company before any other partner
in the Operating Partnership (other than a holder of
Series B Preferred Units, if such units are not then held
by the Company) receives a distribution. In addition, if
necessary, income will be specially allocated to the Company,
and losses will be allocated to the other partners of the
Operating Partnership, in amounts necessary to ensure that the
balance in the capital account of the Company will at all times
be equal to or in excess of the amount payable by the Company on
the Series A Preferred Stock and any Series B
Preferred Stock or Series C Preferred Stock then issued by
the Company upon liquidation or redemption. As long as the
Company does not hold the Series B Preferred Units, similar
preferred distributions and allocations will be made for the
benefit of the holders of such units. All remaining items of
operating income and loss will be allocated to the holders of
common Units in proportion to the number of Units or Performance
Units held by each such unitholder. All remaining items of gain
or loss relating to the disposition of the Operating
Partnerships assets upon liquidation will be allocated
first to the partners in the amounts necessary, in general, to
equalize the Companys and the limited partners per
unit capital accounts, with any special allocation of gain to
the holders of Performance Units being offset by a reduction in
the gain allocation to the Company and unitholders which were
Performance Investors. Certain limited partners have agreed to
guarantee debt of the Operating Partnership, either directly or
indirectly through an agreement to make capital contributions to
the Operating Partnership under limited circumstances. As a
result of these guarantees or contribution agreements, and
notwithstanding the
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foregoing discussion of allocations of income and loss of the
Operating Partnership to holders of common Units, such limited
partners could under limited circumstances be allocated a
disproportionate amount of net loss upon a liquidation of the
Operating Partnership, which net loss would have otherwise been
allocable to the Company.
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. This reallocation will be determined by taking into
account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the
economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item.
The Operating Partnerships allocations of taxable income
and loss are intended to comply with the requirements of
Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations
promulgated under this section of the Code.
Tax Allocations with Respect to the Properties.
Under Section 704(c) of the Code, income, gain,
loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated
property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an
interest in the partnership, must be allocated in a manner so
that the contributing partner is charged with the unrealized
gain or benefits from the unrealized loss associated with the
property at the time of the contribution. The amount of the
unrealized gain or unrealized loss is generally equal to the
difference between the fair market value of contributed property
at the time of contribution and the adjusted tax basis of the
property at the time of contribution (a Book-Tax
Difference). These allocations are solely for federal
income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts
or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners. The
Operating Partnership was formed by way of contributions of
appreciated property. Moreover, subsequent to the formation of
the Operating Partnership, additional appreciated property has
been contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for
interests in the Operating Partnership. The Partnership
Agreement requires that these allocations be made in a manner
consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code.
In general, the partners of the Operating Partnership (including
the Company) which contributed assets having an adjusted tax
basis less than their fair market value at the time of
contribution will be allocated depreciation deductions for tax
purposes which are lower than such deductions would have been if
determined on a pro rata basis. In addition, in the event of the
disposition of any of the contributed assets which have such a
Book-Tax Difference, all income attributable to such Book-Tax
Difference generally will be allocated to such contributing
partners. These allocations will tend to eliminate the Book-Tax
Difference over the life of the Operating Partnership. However,
the special allocation rules of Section 704(c) do not
always entirely eliminate the Book-Tax Difference on an annual
basis or with respect to a specific taxable transaction such as
a sale. Thus, the carryover basis of the contributed assets in
the hands of the Operating Partnership may cause the Company or
other partners to be allocated lower depreciation and other
deductions, and possibly an amount of taxable income in the
event of a sale of such contributed assets in excess of the
economic or book income allocated to the Company or other
partners as a result of such sale. Such an allocation might
cause the Company or other partners to recognize taxable income
in excess of cash proceeds, which might adversely affect the
Companys ability to comply with the REIT distribution
requirements. See Taxation of the
Company Requirements for Qualification and
Annual Distribution Requirements.
Treasury Regulations issued under Section 704(c) of the
Code provide partnerships with a choice of several methods of
accounting for Book-Tax Differences, including retention of the
traditional method or the election of certain
methods which would permit any distortions caused by a Book-Tax
Difference to be entirely rectified on an annual basis or with
respect to a specific taxable transaction such as a sale. We and
the Operating Partnership have determined to use the
traditional method for accounting for Book-Tax
Differences for the properties initially contributed to the
Operating Partnership and for certain assets contributed
subsequently. We and the Operating Partnership have not yet
decided what method will be used to account for Book-Tax
Differences for properties acquired by the Operating Partnership
in the future.
Any property acquired by the Operating Partnership in a taxable
transaction will initially have a tax basis equal to its fair
market value, and Section 704(c) of the Code will not apply.
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Other Tax Consequences
We may be subject to state or local taxation in various state or
local jurisdictions, including those in which we transact
business. Our state and local tax treatment may not conform to
the federal income tax consequences discussed above.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell securities offered pursuant to any applicable
prospectus supplement directly to one or more purchasers or
though agents or underwriters. We may sell securities offered
pursuant to any applicable prospectus supplement in
at-the-market equity offerings or on a negotiated or competitive
bid basis through underwriters or dealers or directly to other
purchasers or through agents. Such underwriters or agents may
include Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. We will name
any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of the
securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. The amount
of voting stock registered pursuant to this prospectus that we
may sell in at-the-market equity offerings will not exceed an
aggregate offering price of $203,645,123, which represents 10%
of the aggregate market value of the Companys outstanding
voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Company calculated as
of October 14, 1998.
We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or
more transactions:
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at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed; |
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at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
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at prices related to prevailing market prices; or |
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at negotiated prices. |
In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters may
be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of
underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive
commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act
as agent. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through
dealers, and dealers may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters
and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as
agent.
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any
underwriting compensation we pay to underwriters or agents in
connection with the offering of the securities, and any
discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to
participating dealers. Dealers and agents participating in the
distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters,
and any discounts and commissions received by them and any
profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be
deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions. We may
enter into agreements to indemnify underwriters, dealers and
agents against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act, and to reimburse these persons for
certain expenses. We will describe any indemnification
agreements in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless we specify otherwise in the related prospectus
supplement, each series of securities offered will be a new
issue with no established trading market, other than the common
stock which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Any shares
of common stock sold pursuant to a prospectus supplement may be
listed on the exchange, subject to official notice of issuance.
We may elect to list any series of preferred stock and any
series of debt securities, depository shares or warrants on any
exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. It is possible that
one or more underwriters may make a market in a series of
offered securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market making at any time without notice.
Therefore, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the
trading market for the securities.
If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may
authorize dealers acting as our agents to solicit offers by
certain institutions to purchase the securities from us at the
public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement
pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and
delivery on the date or dates stated in the prospectus
supplement. We may make delayed delivery with various
institutions, including commercial and savings banks, insurance
companies, pension funds,
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investment companies and educational and charitable
institutions. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to
any conditions except:
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the purchase by an institution of the securities covered by its
delayed delivery contracts shall not at the time of delivery be
prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United
States to which the institution is subject; and |
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if the securities are sold to underwriters, we shall have sold
to the underwriters the total principal amount of the offered
securities less the principal amount covered by the delayed
delivery contracts. |
To facilitate the offering of the securities, certain persons
participating in the offering may engage in transactions that
stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the
securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of
the securities, which involves the sale by persons participating
in the offering of more securities than we sold to them. In
these circumstances, these persons would cover the
over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the
open market or by exercising their over-allotment option. In
addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of
the debt securities by bidding for or purchasing debt securities
in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling
concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may
be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in
connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these
transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of
the securities at a level above that which might otherwise
prevail in the open market. These transactions may be
discontinued at any time.
Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may be
customers of, engage in transactions with and perform services
for, us in the ordinary course of business.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the debt securities, depositary shares and
warrants will be passed upon for us by Latham &
Watkins, San Francisco, and the validity of the common stock and
preferred stock will be passed upon for us by Ballard Spahr
Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland.
In addition, the description of federal income tax consequences
contained in this prospectus under the heading Certain
Federal Income Tax Considerations is based upon the
opinion of Latham & Watkins. Latham & Watkins
will rely upon the opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews &
Ingersoll, LLP, as to certain matters of Maryland law.
EXPERTS
The audited financial statements and schedules incorporated by
reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration
statement to the extent and for the periods indicated in their
reports have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing in
giving said reports.
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3,000,000 Shares
7.00% Series O Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
December 6, 2005
Wachovia Securities
JPMorgan
RBC Capital Markets