Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(B)3
Registration Number 333-56051
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DATED AUGUST 12, 1998
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
- ---------------------
(To Prospectus dated June 15, 1998)
$200,000,000
HRPT Properties Trust
% Senior Notes due 2003
----------------
HRPT Properties Trust ("HRP" or the "Company") is a real estate investment
trust (a "REIT") which invests in office buildings and healthcare facilities.
Proceeds of the % Senior Notes due 2003 (the "Notes") offered hereby will be
used to refinance existing indebtedness and for new investments.
The Notes will mature on August , 2003. Interest on the Notes will be
payable semi-annually on each February and August , commencing February
, 1999. The Notes will be redeemable at any time, at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the
principal amount being redeemed, (ii) accrued and unpaid interest to but
excluding the redemption date and (iii) a Make-Whole Amount, as defined herein.
----------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================
Price Underwriting Proceeds to
to Public(1) Discount(2) Company(3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Note ............. % % %
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ................ $ $ $
================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from date of issuance.
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933. See
"Underwriting."
(3) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at approximately
$ .
----------------
The Notes are offered by the Underwriters, subject to prior sale, when, as
and if issued to and accepted by the Underwriters, subject to approval of
certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and certain other
conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify
such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the Notes will be made in book-entry form through the facilities of
The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") in New York, New York on or about August
, 1998.
----------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Salomon Smith Barney
----------------
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is August , 1998.
<PAGE>
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR
EFFECT TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE NOTES
AT A LEVEL WHICH MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE PREVAIL. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED,
MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME. THE UNDERWRITERS MAY ALSO PURCHASE NOTES TO
COVER SHORT POSITIONS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE
"UNDERWRITING."
S-2
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
The following summary pertaining to the offering of the Notes by the
Company (the "Offering") should be read together with the detailed information
and financial statements appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus Supplement and the attached Prospectus dated June 15, 1998 (the
"Prospectus"). All references to HRP or the Company include consolidated
subsidiaries. Unless otherwise noted, the information presented is as of July
31, 1998 and does not include the transactions described in "Recent
Developments--Investments--1998 Commitments."
THE COMPANY
HRP owns 246 properties located in 35 states and the District of Columbia.
Sixty-five percent (65%) of the Company's investments, at cost, are in
commercial office properties. HRP has a total market capitalization of $3.2
billion, of which over $2.2 billion is equity. Throughout its operating history
the Company has maintained a conservative balance sheet:
[PIE CHART]
Investment Portfolio
(at cost, dollars in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Office Healthcare Other
------ ---------- -----
<S> <C> <C>
$1,912 $910 $100
65% 32% 3%
</TABLE>
[/PIE CHART]
Conservative Capitalization
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Debt as a Percentage of
Total Capital
--------------------------
Book Basis Market Basis
------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Since inception .......... 32.1% 24.6%
Past 10 years ............ 32.1 24.4
Past 5 years ............. 31.1 23.3
Past year ................ 35.1 26.7
At June 30, 1998 ......... 31.8 25.8
</TABLE>
HRP's ability to service its debt depends upon its receipt of rents from
tenants. The Company's largest tenant is the U.S. Government, which leases 28
office buildings acquired by HRP for $446.1 million. The Company's largest
commercial tenant is Marriott International, Inc. (an investment grade rated
company), which leases 14 retirement communities acquired by HRP for $325.5
million. Almost 76% of HRP's rents come from companies which are themselves
investment grade rated or are publicly owned. Over 71% of HRP's revenues come
from leases that do not expire before 2003.
Lease Maturities
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage of
Year Annual Revenues
---- -----------------
<S> <C>
1998 ............... 3.9%
1999 ............... 4.3
2000 ............... 4.0
2001 ............... 10.8
2002 ............... 5.4
2003-2008 .......... 34.2
After 2008 ......... 37.4
</TABLE>
Tenant Strength
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage of
Tenant Annual Revenues
------ ----------------
<S> <C>
U.S. Government ................... 16.9%
Marriott International ............ 7.8
Other Investment Grade Tenants .... 24.4
Other Public Tenants .............. 26.8
Private Tenants ................... 24.1
</TABLE>
Since 1994 HRP's senior debt has been rated investment grade from Moody's
Investors Service, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services and Fitch IBCA, Inc. In
June 1998 Moody's upgraded the Company's outstanding subordinated convertible
debt to investment grade, Baa3. At the same time, Moody's affirmed the
Company's senior debt rating at Baa2. Also in June of 1998 Standard & Poor's
and Fitch affirmed the Company's senior debt ratings as BBB and BBB+,
respectively, and Standard & Poor's senior debt rating was raised to "positive
outlook."
S-3
<PAGE>
THE OFFERING
All capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings
provided in "Description of the Notes." For a more complete description of the
terms of the Notes, see "Description of the Notes" below and "Description of
Debt Securities" contained in the accompanying Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Securities Offered ............. $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of %
Senior Notes due 2003.
Maturity ....................... The Notes will mature on August , 2003 unless
previously redeemed.
Interest Payment Dates ......... Interest on the Notes will be payable
semi-annually in arrears on February and August of
each year, commencing February , 1999.
Ranking ........................ The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of
the Company, and will rank equally with the
Company's other unsecured and unsubordinated
indebtedness. The Notes will be effectively
subordinated to mortgages and other secured
indebtedness of the Company and to indebtedness
and other liabilities of any subsidiary of the
Company.
Optional Redemption ............ The Notes will be redeemable, at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, at a redemption
price equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount
of the Notes being redeemed, (ii) accrued and
unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption
date and (iii) the Make- Whole Amount.
Use of Proceeds ................ The net proceeds to the Company of approximately $
million from the sale of the Notes will be used to
reduce indebtedness outstanding under the
Company's $500 million revolving bank credit
facility (the "Bank Credit Facility") and for new
investments.
Limitations on Incurrence
of Debt ....................... The Notes will contain various covenants including
the following:
(1) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary (as
defined) may incur any Debt (as defined) if,
after giving effect thereto, the aggregate
principal amount of all outstanding Debt of
the Company and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis is greater than 60% of the
sum ("Adjusted Total Assets") of (i) the
Total Assets (as defined) of the Company and
its Subsidiaries as of the end of the most
recent calendar quarter and (ii) the purchase
price of any real estate assets or mortgages
receivable acquired, and the amount of any
securities offering proceeds received (to the
extent that such proceeds were not used to
acquire real estate assets or mortgages
receivable or used to reduce Debt), by the
Company or any Subsidiary since the end of
such calendar quarter, including those
proceeds obtained in connection with the
incurrence of such additional Debt. On an as
adjusted basis, Debt would have been 30% of
Adjusted Total Assets as of June 30, 1998.
(2) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary may
incur any Secured Debt if, after giving
effect thereto, the aggregate principal
amount of all outstanding Secured Debt of the
Company and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis is greater than 40% of the
Company's Adjusted Total Assets. On an as
adjusted basis, Secured Debt would have been
less than 1% of Adjusted Total Assets as of
June 30, 1998.
(3) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary may
incur any Debt, if, after giving effect
thereto, the ratio of Consolidated Income
Available for Debt Service (as defined) to
the Annual Debt Service (as defined) for 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 1.5x on a pro forma basis
after giving effect to certain assumptions.
On an as adjusted basis, the Consolidated
Income Available for Debt Service would have
been 4.5x the Annual Debt Service for the 12
months ended June 30, 1998.
(4) The Company and its Subsidiaries will
maintain Total Unencumbered Assets of not
less than 200% of the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the Unsecured Debt (as
defined) of the Company and its Subsidiaries
on a consolidated basis. On an as adjusted
basis, Total Unencumbered Assets would have
been 325% of the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of Unsecured Debt as of June
30, 1998.
</TABLE>
S-4
<PAGE>
SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND AS ADJUSTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table sets forth certain financial information of the
Company, which is derived from the audited and unaudited financial statements
of the Company incorporated herein by reference, and it should be read in
conjunction with those financial statements and the accompanying footnotes. All
amounts in the table below are in thousands, except per share amounts.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
Year Ended December 31, June 30,
------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
Operating Data: ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenues $ 56,485 $ 86,683 $ 113,322 $ 120,183 $ 208,863 $ 88,391 $ 155,243
Net income (1) 33,417 49,919 64,236 73,254 114,000 47,257 65,192
Dividends (2) 44,869 76,317 83,954 94,299 144,271 71,114 90,365
Per Share:
Net income (basic and
diluted) (1) $ .97 $ .95 $ 1.08 $ 1.11 $ 1.24 $ 0.55 $ 0.60
Dividends (2) 1.30 1.33 1.38 1.42 1.46 0.72 0.76
Average shares outstanding 34,407 52,738 59,227 66,255 92,168 85,388 107,994
Other Data:
Funds From Operations (3) $ 46,566 $ 71,851 $ 84,638 $ 99,106 $ 146,312 $ 65,141 $ 95,068
FFO per basic share 1.35 1.36 1.43 1.50 1.59 0.76 0.88
FFO per diluted share 1.35 1.36 1.43 1.49 1.57 0.75 0.86
Ratio of earnings to Fixed
Charges (4) 6.8x 6.7x 3.4x 4.3x 3.9x 3.8x 3.2x
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, June 30, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Actual As Adjusted(5)
Balance Sheet Data: ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Real estate investments, cost $542,092 $806,560 $1,019,477 $1,259,006 $2,184,445 $2,862,374 $2,862,374
Real estate investments, net 507,123 766,990 963,622 1,182,085 2,072,776 2,725,126 2,725,126
Total assets 527,662 840,206 999,677 1,229,522 2,135,963 2,804,342 2,874,342
Total borrowings 73,000 216,513 269,759 492,175 787,879 860,282 930,282
Total shareholders' equity 441,135 602,039 685,592 708,048 1,266,260 1,848,193 1,848,193
</TABLE>
- ---------
(1) Includes, as an extraordinary charge, the write-off of deferred finance
charges resulting from prepayment of debt of $4.3 million ($.13 per
share), $2.0 million ($.04 per share), $3.9 million ($.06 per share), $1.1
million ($.01 per share) and $2.1 million ($.02 per share) for the years
1993, 1994, 1996, 1997 and the six months ended June 30,1998,
respectively. Includes gain on sale of properties of $4.0 million ($.08
per share), $2.5 million ($.04 per share) and $2.9 million ($.03 per
share), in 1994, 1995, and 1997, respectively, and a provision for loss on
sale of properties of $10.0 million ($.19 per share) in 1994.
(2) Amounts represent dividends declared with respect to the periods shown.
(3) The Company's "Funds From Operations" ("FFO") represents net income
(computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP")), before gain or loss on sale of properties and extraordinary
items, depreciation and other non-cash items and includes HRP's pro rata
share of the FFO of Hospitality Properties Trust ("HPT"), a former
subsidiary of the Company, which is now a separate publicly traded REIT in
which the Company maintains a minority equity interest. Management
considers FFO to be a measure of the financial performance of an equity
REIT that provides a relevant basis for comparison among REITs. FFO does
not represent cash flow from operating activities (as determined in
accordance with GAAP) and should not be considered as an alternative to
net income as an indicator of the Company's financial performance or to
cash flows as a measure of liquidity.
(4) These ratios were computed by dividing the Company's earnings by fixed
charges. For this purpose, earnings have been calculated by adding fixed
charges to income before taxes, extraordinary items and gain or loss on
the disposition of real property. Fixed charges consist of interest costs
and amortization of deferred financing costs.
(5) Adjusted to give effect to this Offering and the expected application of
the proceeds thereof to reduce borrowings under the Bank Credit Facility.
S-5
<PAGE>
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
From January 1, 1998 through July 31, 1998 HRP engaged in the following
significant activities:
Investments
1998 Investments. Between January 1, 1998 and July 31, 1998 HRP purchased
35 office properties with 5.4 million square feet for total consideration of
$758.9 million:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Location Major Tenants Investment Square Feet
- -------- ------------- ---------- ------------
Individual Investments Over $20 Million (000's)
Philadelphia, PA Mellon Bank, FMC Corporation $ 247,527 1,258,560
Philadelphia, PA PNC Bank 115,408 825,374
Washington, D.C. Inter-American Development Bank 59,729 187,832
Wilmington, DE Chase Manhattan Bank 42,250 256,924
Rockville, MD US Food and Drug Administration 32,509 187,616
Quincy, MA (2 buildings) Putnam Investments, Inc. 31,869 222,726
Other Investments
Austin, TX metro area Three buildings 27,283 235,239
Boston, MA metro area Two buildings 15,642 138,111
Minneapolis, MN metro area Three buildings 38,580 511,994
Orlando, FL metro area Three buildings 10,229 46,323
Philadelphia, PA metro area Four buildings 24,892 198,019
Pittsburgh, PA metro area Two buildings 18,151 307,414
Other locations Eleven buildings 94,842 1,053,238
</TABLE>
1998 Commitments. As of July 31, 1998 HRP had entered into purchase
agreements with respect to 12 properties for total consideration of $199.9
million. In addition, in the normal course of its business the Company
regularly issues letters of intent or engages in negotiations to purchase new
properties and to lease existing or new properties. All of the pending
transactions are subject to various contingencies typical of commercial real
estate transactions, and no assurances can be provided as to when or if these
properties will be acquired.
Financing
Common Stock. During February and March 1998 HRP sold 6,977,575 shares to
four unit investment trusts sponsored by various investment banks. In June 1998
HRP sold 25 million shares in an underwritten public offering. The net proceeds
of these offerings of $580.3 million were used to repay outstanding amounts
under the Bank Credit Facility and for new investments.
Unsecured Term Debt. During February 1998 HRP issued $100 million of
unsecured 6.70% Notes due 2005 and $50 million of unsecured Remarketed Reset
Notes due 2007. The Remarketed Reset Notes currently require interest at 6.3%
per annum, but this interest rate and other terms are subject to change in July
1999. The $148.9 million net proceeds of these offerings were used to repay
outstanding amounts under the Bank Credit Facility and for new investments.
Bank Credit Facility. The Bank Credit Facility is used for interim
acquisition funding and for working capital until equity or long term debt is
raised. At January 1, 1998 the Bank Credit Facility permitted borrowings up to
$450 million and was scheduled to mature in 2001. In April 1998 the Bank Credit
Facility was amended to permit borrowings up to $500 million and to extend the
maturity to 2002.
Other Matters
Ratings Agencies. In June 1998 Moody's Investors Service, Inc. upgraded
the Company's outstanding subordinated convertible debt to investment grade,
Baa3. At the same time, Moody's affirmed the Company's senior debt rating at
Baa2. Also in June of 1998 Standard & Poor's Ratings Services and Fitch IBCA,
Inc. affirmed the Company's senior debt ratings as BBB and BBB+, respectively,
and Standard & Poor's senior debt rating was raised to "positive outlook."
S-6
<PAGE>
Change of Name. On July 1, 1998 the Company's name changed from "Health
and Retirement Properties Trust" to "HRPT Properties Trust." This name change
is intended to call attention to the fact that the Company invests in
commercial office properties as well as health care related real estate.
New Trustee. On June 16, 1998 Mr. Patrick F. Donelan was elected a Trustee
of the Company. Mr. Donelan filled a vacancy created by the death of Mr. Ralph
J. Watts. Mr. Donelan is currently Executive Vice President of Dresdner
Kleinworth Benson North America LLC of New York, a subsidiary of Dresdner Bank
AG of Germany.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table shows the capitalization of the Company as of June 30,
1998 and on an as adjusted basis to give effect to the completion of this
Offering and the application of the proceeds thereof.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, 1998
------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)
As
Actual Adjusted
------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Bank Credit Facility .............................................. $ 130,000 $ --
Mortgage debt payable ............................................. 25,561 25,561
Senior notes payable, net ......................................... 499,858 699,858
7.25% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2001 ................ 40,000 40,000
7.5% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2003 ................. 164,863 164,863
---------- ----------
Total indebtedness ............................................. 860,282 930,282
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per share;
50,000,000 authorized, none issued ............................. -- --
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per share;
150,000,000 shares authorized; 131,533,678 shares issued and
outstanding .................................................... 1,315 1,315
Additional paid-in capital ....................................... 1,964,627 1,964,627
Cumulative net income ............................................ 485,490 485,490
Dividends ........................................................ (603,239) (603,239)
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity ...................................... 1,848,193 1,848,193
---------- ----------
Total capitalization .............................................. $2,708,475 $2,778,475
========== ==========
</TABLE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to the Company from this Offering are estimated to be
approximately $ million. Approximately $185 million of the net proceeds
from this Offering will be used to fully repay amounts outstanding under the
Company's Bank Credit Facility at July 31, 1998. The remaining net proceeds
plus new borrowings under the Bank Credit Facility will be used to fund the
acquisitions listed in "Recent Developments--Investments--1998 Commitments." In
the event such acquisitions are not consummated, net proceeds of this Offering
remaining after repayment of the Bank Credit Facility will be used for general
business purposes including new acquisitions. Outstanding amounts under the
Company's Bank Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company's option, at LIBOR
plus 75 basis points or prime, and the Bank Credit Facility expires in 2002. At
July 31, 1998 the interest rate applicable to the Bank Credit Facility was 6.4%
per annum.
THE COMPANY
The Company is one of the largest publicly traded REITs in the United
States with a total market capitalization of $3.2 billion, of which over $2.2
billion is equity. The Company has investments in 246 properties located in 35
states and the District of Columbia. The Company principally invests in office
buildings and healthcare facilities. In addition, 3% of the Company's assets,
at cost, is an equity investment in HPT, a NYSE listed REIT formed by the
Company. The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 400
Centre Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02458; and its telephone number is (617)
332-3990.
S-7
<PAGE>
Commercial Office Properties
The Company began to invest in multi-tenant medical office buildings in
the early 1990s. After the acquisition of a portfolio of 28 properties leased
to the U.S. Government, the Company developed the infrastructure to acquire and
manage office buildings on a nationwide basis. The Company believes that
certain current business trends have created favorable investment opportunities
for commercial office properties: institutional investors have begun disposing
of their direct ownership of properties and to invest in more liquid real
estate securities; purchasers of distressed properties in the early 1990s are
now divesting their improved assets; and many businesses are selling their
owned real estate to invest proceeds in core activities. Although there are
other REITs and companies that specialize in acquiring and owning commercial
office properties, the Company believes that these trends will afford it
numerous investment opportunities at attractive prices for several years.
Moreover, unlike most REITs that focus exclusively upon commercial office
properties, the Company's focus to date has been upon stabilized office
properties, with long term leases to strong credit tenants rather than
properties that afford immediate turn around potential because of vacancies or
short term leases.
Government Office Properties
Most U.S. Government office space requirements are managed by the General
Services Administration ("GSA"). Most large GSA leases are written for initial
terms of 10 to 20 years plus tenant renewal options totaling an additional 5 to
20 years. Many GSA leases, including leases for some of the Company's
properties, permit the Government to terminate the lease by notice given any
time after a so-called "firm term." The weighted average remaining firm term
for the Government office properties owned by the Company is approximately
seven years. From 1980 to September 1996 the amount of space leased by the GSA
increased from 139 million square feet to 146 million square feet. This
increase in U.S. Government leased space occurred despite a declining civilian
government work force, as federal civilian employment decreased approximately
9% from 2.2 million employees in 1980 to 2.0 million employees in 1995. The
Company believes that the GSA's long term demand for leased space will continue
to be strong as a result of federal budget pressure to limit capital
expenditures and the need to use funds available for capital expenditures to
modernize the GSA inventory of owned buildings, over half of which exceed 50
years of age. Based upon the Government's investments in tenant improvements to
the Company's properties, the high cost of relocation and the stability of the
missions and space requirements of the Government agencies that occupy these
properties, the Company believes that there is a high probability of GSA lease
renewals for its properties through their renewal options, and in many cases
beyond those periods. Moreover, because of the locations of many of these
properties and the high standards to which they have been developed, the
Company believes it may be able to lease or sell most of these properties to
commercial users in the event the Government terminates or fails to renew a
lease.
Healthcare Properties
The population of the United States is aging. According to information
from the U.S. Census Bureau, the segment of the U.S. population age 65 and over
is increasing and is expected to increase sharply through the year 2020. The
Company believes that the demand for services provided at retirement
communities, assisted living centers and nursing homes should increase as the
population ages. Certain recent federal and state legislation seeks to limit
the amount of growth in government expenditures for Medicare and Medicaid.
These limitations may adversely affect the profitability of healthcare
operating companies and might, in certain circumstances, affect their ability
to pay rent or service debt. These government funding limitations will likely
also make it less profitable to construct new healthcare facilities and this
may increase the value of existing facilities. The Company believes that the
net effect of these demographic and legislative changes will be to make it less
profitable to provide services and facilities for government funded patients
and more profitable to provide services and facilities for non-government
funded patients. The Company intends to respond to these changes in three ways:
(i) by focusing new investments in healthcare properties that are not directly
dependent upon a high percentage of Medicaid or Medicare revenues, including
retirement housing, assisted living facilities, medical office buildings and
nursing homes with a high percentage of private pay revenues; (ii) by
encouraging and making funding available to the operators of the Company's
properties to improve these properties in order to attract a greater amount of
non-government revenues and (iii) whenever possible, by making new investments
in properties leased to well capitalized operators.
S-8
<PAGE>
Equity Investment in HPT
The Company has invested $100 million and owns 4,000,000 common shares of
beneficial interest of HPT, which constitute 9.3% of the total HPT shares
outstanding. HPT is a REIT in the business of owning hotels and leasing them to
independent hotel operating companies. HPT was organized by the Company in
February 1995 as an outgrowth of the Company's relationship with Host Marriott
Corporation and Marriott International, Inc. ("Marriott"), which arose from the
Company's previous investment in retirement communities leased to Marriott. In
August 1995 HPT completed an initial public offering of shares and on August
10, 1998 had a total equity market capitalization of $1.2 billion. HPT
currently owns or has commitments to purchase 167 hotels, which are located in
35 states and contain 22,367 rooms. The Company receives dividends on its HPT
shares at the current annual rate of $2.60 per share. The Company's financial
reports include its share of HPT's operating results under the equity method of
accounting. HPT shares are listed on the NYSE, and on August 10, 1998 the last
reported sale price for HPT shares was $28-7/8 per share.
INVESTMENT POLICY
In order to benefit from potential property appreciation, the Company
prefers to own and lease properties rather than make mortgage investments.
Approximately 97.1% of the Company's investments are in owned properties.
[PIE CHART]
Type of Investment
(dollars in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Owned* Mortgages
------ ---------
<S> <C>
$2,838 $84
97% 3%
</TABLE>
[/PIE CHART]
- ----------
* Owned properties include the Company's equity investment in HPT. HPT owns all
of its hotels.
FINANCING POLICY
The Company considers equity offerings when, in the Company's judgment,
doing so will improve the Company's capital structure, while not materially
adversely affecting the market value of its shares or impeding the Company's
ability to increase regularly its per share dividend rate. In addition to the
use of equity, the Company utilizes short term and long term borrowings to
finance investments and to pay operating expenses. The Company's current
unsecured senior indebtedness has been rated investment grade by Standard &
Poor's Ratings Services (BBB), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Baa2) and Fitch
IBCA, Inc. (BBB+). When variable rate debt is used, the Company may purchase
interest rate futures contracts to hedge against changes in interest rates. The
Company's borrowing guidelines established in the Bank Credit Facility and by
its Board of Trustees prohibit the Company from maintaining a debt to book
capitalization ratio of greater than .50 to 1, except in certain limited
circumstances. On June 30, 1998 the Company's debt to book capitalization ratio
was .32 to 1. After completion of the Offering and the application of the
proceeds thereof, the Company's as adjusted debt to book capitalization ratio
will be approximately .33 to 1. As of June 30, 1998 approximately $204.9
million of the Company's total debt outstanding was represented by subordinated
convertible debentures, convertible into shares at $18.00 per share. Upon
conversion of these debentures and completion of this Offering, the Company's
as adjusted debt to book capitalization ratio would be approximately .26 to 1.
The Company may in the future choose to modify its debt to book capitalization
guidelines. There can be no assurance that any debentures will be converted or
that equity or debt capital will be available in the future on reasonable terms
to fund the Company's operations or growth.
S-9
<PAGE>
LEASE EXPIRATIONS
The following table sets forth the percentage of the Company's annual
revenues from investments represented by leases and mortgages that expire or
mature in the years 1998 through 2007 and thereafter.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As Adjusted Percentage of
Year Annual Revenues(1) Annual Revenues
- ---- ------------------ ---------------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
1998 ............................ $ 15,165 3.9%
1999 ............................ 16,738 4.3
2000 ............................ 15,869 4.0
2001 ............................ 42,230 10.8
2002 ............................ 21,181 5.4
2003 ............................ 32,753 8.3
2004 ............................ 18,425 4.7
2005 ............................ 27,665 7.0
2006 ............................ 38,783 9.9
2007 and thereafter (2) ......... 164,016 41.7
-------- -----
Totals: ......................... $392,825 100.0%
======== =====
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) As adjusted annual revenues are for the period ended July 31, 1998 and
assume all acquisitions described in "Recent Developments--
Investments--1998 Investments" occurred on January 1, 1997. Most of the
Company's commercial office properties and properties leased to the U.S.
Government are leased on a gross or modified gross lease basis. Most of the
Company's healthcare properties are leased on a net lease basis.
Accordingly, the revenues received by the Company from the commercial office
and government office properties are not necessarily indicative of the net
operating income from those properties, and the revenues and percentage of
total revenues are not necessarily indicative of the net operating income or
FFO likely to be realized by the Company.
(2) Includes the Company's pro rata share of revenues of HPT. All of HPT's
leases expire after 2007. The Company reports income and FFO derived from
its investment in HPT using the equity method of accounting. The Company
believes its pro rata share of HPT's revenues included above is an
appropriate means to reflect the lease expirations in the Company's current
investment portfolio.
THE TENANTS
The Company's financial condition depends, in large part, upon the
financial condition of its tenants. The Company's two largest tenants are the
U.S. Government and Marriott. Approximately 49.1% of the Company's annual
revenues are derived from tenants whose unsecured obligations are rated
investment grade. Another 26.8% of the Company's annual revenues come from
other public companies that are not investment grade rated but for whom credit
evaluation information is readily available.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage of
As Adjusted
Tenant Annual Revenues(1)
- ------ -------------------
<S> <C>
U.S. Government ............................................ 16.9%
Marriott ................................................... 7.8
Other Investment Grade Tenants ............................. 24.4
Other Public Owned Tenants (2) ............................. 26.8
-----
Subtotal Investment Grade and Other Public Tenants ......... 75.9
Other Tenants .............................................. 24.1
-----
Totals: .................................................... 100.0%
=====
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) As adjusted annual revenues are for the period ended July 31, 1998 and
assume all acquisitions described in "Recent Developments--
Investments--1998 Investments" occurred on January 1, 1997. Most of the
Company's commercial office properties and properties leased to the U.S.
Government are leased on a gross or modified gross lease basis. Most of the
Company's healthcare properties are leased on a net lease basis.
Accordingly, the revenues received by the Company from the commercial office
and government office properties are not necessarily indicative of the net
operating income from those properties, and the revenues and percentage of
total revenues are not necessarily indicative of the net operating income or
FFO likely to be realized by the Company.
(2) Includes the Company's $100 million investment in HPT and the Company's pro
rata share of HPT's revenues. HPT is itself investment grade rated by
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (BBB-) and by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. (Baa3). However, the Company's investment in HPT is an equity
investment and not a debt obligation of HPT. The Company reports income and
FFO derived from its investment in HPT using the equity method of
accounting. The Company believes its pro rata share of HPT's revenues should
be included in its percentage of revenues derived from publicly owned
companies as 100% of HPT's hotels are currently operated by affiliates of
publicly owned companies.
S-10
<PAGE>
U.S. Government. Most of the Company's U.S. Government leases were
undertaken by the GSA and assigned to other Government agencies including the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, the National Institute of Standards and Technology,
U.S. Defense Information Systems, and the U.S. Department of Energy. All of
these leases are general obligations of the U.S. Government.
Marriott International. Marriott is a NYSE-listed company with an equity
market capitalization on August 10, 1998 of $8.3 billion. In addition to its
retirement housing and assisted living properties, some of which are leased
from the Company, Marriott owns and operates hotels and other businesses on a
worldwide basis and has announced annual revenues of approximately $10.2
billion. Marriott has unconditionally guaranteed its lease obligations to the
Company. Marriott's senior credit obligations are rated investment grade by
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (BBB) and Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
(Baa2).
Investment Grade Tenants. The Company leases office space to the following
investment grade companies or their subsidiaries: Goldman Sachs & Co., New York
Life Insurance Company, Ford Motor Credit Corp., Northern Telecom Ltd.,
SmithKline Beecham Corporation, Merck & Co., Inc., Aetna Inc., PNC Bank Corp.,
FMC Corporation, Druck Corporation, AT&T Corp., IBM Corp., Motorola, Inc.,
FedEx Incorporated, Legg Mason Wood Walker Incorporated, Merrill Lynch & Co.,
USF&G Corporation, SBC Communications, Inc., Hoechst AG, Schering-Plough
Corporation, Marsh McLennan, Inc., Bell Atlantic Corporation, Mellon Bank
Corporation, The Chase Manhattan Corporation, Mobil Corporation, General
Electric Capital Corporation, The Reynolds & Reynolds Company, Sprint
Corporation, Oracle Corporation, CIGNA Corporation, Eastman Kodak Corporation,
Pitney Bowes, Inc., Staples, Inc., and HEALTHSOUTH Corporation. Certain of the
Company's properties are leased to not-for-profit entities that are investment
grade rated: two medical clinic buildings and a headquarters office building in
Mid-Town Manhattan are leased to Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York, a
not-for-profit health maintenance organization; medical office buildings in
Boston, Massachusetts and Aurora, Colorado are principally leased to affiliates
of Boston's Beth Israel Hospital, Boston's Children's Medical Center, Harvard
Pilgrim Healthcare (a Boston area not-for-profit health maintenance
organization), and Columbia HealthOne LLC (a joint venture between Columbia/HCA
Healthcare Corporation and HealthOne, Inc., a not-for-profit healthcare
system); and Cedars Sinai Medical Center, a not-for-profit hospital based in
Los Angeles, is the largest tenant in two medical office buildings and garages
attached to that hospital that are owned by the Company.
Other Public Company Tenants. The Company also leases to the following
publicly owned tenants or their subsidiaries: Paragon Health Network, Inc.,
Brookdale Living Communities, Inc., Sun Healthcare Group, Inc., Genesis Health
Ventures, Inc., ARV Assisted Living Inc., Integrated Health Services, Inc.,
Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp., Corvas International, Inc., Neurocrine
Biosciences, Inc., Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, IBAH Inc.,
CytoTherapeutics, Inc., Apollo Group, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Concentra
Managed Care, Inc., Danka Business Systems plc, Focal, Inc., MedPartners, Inc.,
National Instrument Corporation, NCQ Corp., Inc., Ohio Casualty Corporation,
Paychex, Inc., PSW Technologies, Inc., Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, Silicon
Graphics, Inc., Sun Microsystems, Inc., United Healthcare Corporation,
Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Ethnic Broadcasting Inc., Commerce Clearing
House, Inc., Owens & Minor, Inc., Paging Network, Inc.and Unilab Corp.
Other Tenants. The Company's other tenants include over 400 private
company tenants in commercial office buildings and 30 private healthcare
tenants.
S-11
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
The Notes are to be issued under an Indenture dated as of July 9, 1997 and
a Supplemental Indenture dated as of August , 1998 (collectively, the
"Indenture"), between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the
"Trustee"). The Indenture has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") and is incorporated by reference herein and is
available for inspection at the corporate trust office of the Trustee at Two
International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The statements made hereunder
relating to the Indenture and the Notes to be issued thereunder are summaries
of certain provisions thereof, do not purport to be complete and are subject
to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the
Indenture and such Notes. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall
have the respective meanings set forth in the Indenture.
General
The Notes will be limited to an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000
and will mature, unless previously redeemed, on August , 2003. The Notes will
be senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank equally with each
other and with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the
Company from time to time outstanding. The Notes will be effectively
subordinated to mortgages and other secured indebtedness of the Company and to
indebtedness and other liabilities of any Subsidiaries (as defined below).
Accordingly, such prior indebtedness will have to be satisfied in full before
holders of the Notes will be able to realize any value from the secured or
indirectly held properties.
As of June 30, 1998 on an adjusted basis after giving effect to the
issuance of the Notes offered hereby, the application of the proceeds
therefrom, the total outstanding indebtedness of the Company and its
Subsidiaries (including net borrowings made for acquisitions during the period
of January 1, 1998 through June 30, 1998 under the Bank Credit Facility) was
approximately $930.3 million, of which approximately 97% was unsecured, and the
indebtedness of the Company's Subsidiaries was $25.6 million. In addition, the
Company's Subsidiaries (with certain exceptions) are guarantors of the
Company's Bank Credit Facility. The Bank Credit Facility is currently an
unsecured revolving credit facility in the amount of $500 million. The Company
and its Subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness, including secured
indebtedness, subject to the provisions described below under "--Certain
Covenants--Limitations on Incurrence of Debt."
Except as described under "--Merger, Consolidation or Sale" and "--Certain
Covenants" below, the Indenture does not contain any other provisions that
would limit the ability of the Company to incur indebtedness or that would
afford holders of the Notes protection in the event of (i) a highly leveraged
or similar transaction involving the Company or any Affiliate of the Company,
(ii) a change of control, or (iii) a reorganization, restructuring, merger or
similar transaction involving the Company that may adversely affect the holders
of the Notes. In addition, subject to the limitations set forth under
"--Merger, Consolidation or Sale" and "--Certain Covenants" below, the Company
may, in the future, enter into certain transactions such as the sale of all or
substantially all of its assets or the merger or consolidation of the Company
that would increase the amount of the Company's indebtedness or substantially
reduce or eliminate the Company's assets, which may have an adverse effect on
the Company's ability to service its indebtedness, including the Notes. The
Company and its management have no present intention of engaging in a highly
leveraged or similar transaction involving the Company.
Interest
Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate of % per annum. Interest
on the Notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on February and August
, commencing on February , 1999 (each, an "Interest Payment Date"). The
interest so payable will be paid to the person (the "Holder") in whose name the
applicable Note is registered at the close of business on the date (whether or
not a Business Day) 15 calendar days preceding the applicable Interest Payment
Date (each, a "Regular Record Date"). Interest on the Notes will accrue from
the most recent date to which the interest has been paid or, if no interest has
been paid, from the date of original issuance. Interest will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. The Notes will be
payable both as to principal and interest at the corporate trust office of the
Trustee, initially at Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, or,
at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by check mailed
to the Holders of Notes at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders
of Notes.
S-12
<PAGE>
Optional Redemption of Notes
The Notes will be subject to redemption at any time at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days'
notice, at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest to but excluding the applicable redemption date, plus the
Make-Whole Amount.
The Company is not required to make sinking fund or redemption payments
with respect to the Notes.
"Make-Whole Amount" means, in connection with any optional redemption or
accelerated payment of any Notes, the excess, if any, of (i) the aggregate
present value as of the date of such redemption or accelerated payment of each
dollar of principal being redeemed or paid and the amount of interest
(exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption or accelerated
payment) that would have been payable in respect of such dollar if such
redemption or accelerated payment had not been made, determined by discounting,
on a semiannual basis, such principal and interest at the Reinvestment Rate
(determined on the third Business Day preceding the date such notice of
redemption is given or declaration of acceleration is made) from the respective
dates on which such principal and interest would have been payable if such
redemption or accelerated payment had not been made, over (ii) the aggregate
principal amount of the Notes being redeemed or paid.
"Reinvestment Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the sum of .25%
(twenty-five one hundredths of one percent) plus the yield on treasury
securities at constant maturity under the heading "Week Ending" published in
the Statistical Release under the caption "Treasury Constant Maturities" for
the maturity (rounded to the nearest month) corresponding to the remaining life
to maturity, as of the payment date of the principal being redeemed or paid. If
no maturity exactly corresponds to such maturity, yields for the two published
maturities most closely corresponding to such maturity shall be calculated
pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence and the Reinvestment Rate shall
be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight-line basis,
rounding in each of such relevant periods to the nearest month. For purposes of
calculating the Reinvestment Rate, the most recent Statistical Release
published prior to the date of determination of the Make-Whole Amount shall be
used.
"Statistical Release" means the statistical release designated "H.
15(519)" or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Federal
Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded United States
government securities adjusted to constant maturities or, if such statistical
release is not published at the time of any determination under the Indenture,
then any publicly available source of similar market data which shall be
designated by the Company.
Certain Covenants
Limitations on Incurrence of Debt. The Company will not, and will not
permit any Subsidiary to, incur any Debt (as defined below) if, immediately
after giving effect to the incurrence of such additional Debt and the
application of the proceeds thereof, the aggregate principal amount of all
outstanding Debt of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis
determined in accordance with GAAP is greater than 60% of the sum ("Adjusted
Total Assets") of (without duplication) (i) the Total Assets (as defined below)
of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the calendar quarter
covered in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, or the Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q, as the case may be, most recently filed with the Commission (or, if
such filing is not permitted under the Exchange Act, with the Trustee) prior to
the incurrence of such additional Debt and (ii) the purchase price of any real
estate assets or mortgages receivable acquired, and the amount of any
securities offering proceeds received (to the extent that such proceeds were
not used to acquire real estate assets or mortgages receivable or used to
reduce Debt), by the Company or any Subsidiary since the end of such calendar
quarter, including those proceeds obtained in connection with the incurrence of
such additional Debt.
In addition to the foregoing limitations on the incurrence of Debt, the
Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, incur any Secured Debt
(as defined below) if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of
such additional Secured Debt and the application of the proceeds thereof, the
aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Secured Debt of the Company and
its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis is greater than 40% of Adjusted Total
Assets.
S-13
<PAGE>
In addition to the foregoing limitations on the Incurrence of Debt, the
Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, incur any Debt if the
ratio of Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service (as defined below) to
the Annual Debt Service (as defined below) for 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 1.5x, on a pro forma basis after
giving effect thereto and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, and
calculated on the assumption that (i) such Debt and any other Debt incurred by
the Company and its Subsidiaries since the first day of such four-quarter
period and the application of the proceeds therefrom, including to refinance
other Debt, had occurred at the beginning of such period; (ii) the repayment or
retirement of any other Debt by the Company and its Subsidiaries since the
first date of such four-quarter period had been repaid or retired at the
beginning of such period (except that, in making such computation, the amount
of Debt repaid under any revolving credit facility shall be computed based upon
the average daily balance of such Debt during such period); (iii) in the case
of Acquired Debt (as defined below) or Debt incurred in connection with any
acquisition since the first day of such four-quarter period, the related
acquisition had occurred as of the first day of such period with appropriate
adjustments with respect to such acquisition being included in such pro forma
calculation; and (iv) in the case of any acquisition or disposition by the
Company or its Subsidiaries of any asset or group of assets since the first day
of such four-quarter period, whether by merger, stock purchase or sale, or
asset purchase or sale, such acquisition or disposition or any related
repayment of Debt 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 as adjusted calculation.
Maintenance of Total Unencumbered Assets. The Company and its Subsidiaries
will maintain Total Unencumbered Assets (as defined below) of not less than
200% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Unsecured Debt (as
defined below) of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
As used herein:
"Acquired Debt" means Debt of a Person (i) existing at the time such
Person becomes a Subsidiary or (ii) assumed in connection with the acquisition
of assets from such Person, in each case, other than Debt incurred in
connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Subsidiary or
such acquisition. Acquired Debt shall be deemed to be incurred on the date of
the related acquisition of assets from any Person or the date the acquired
Person becomes a Subsidiary.
"Annual Debt Service" as of any date means the maximum amount which is
expended in any 12-month period for interest on Debt of the Company and its
Subsidiaries.
"Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any capital stock
(including preferred stock), shares, interests, participation or other
ownership interests (however designated) of such Person and any rights (other
than debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock),
warrants or options to purchase any thereof.
"Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service" for any period means
Earnings from Operations (as defined below) of the Company and its Subsidiaries
plus amounts which have been deducted, and minus amounts which have been added,
for the following (without duplication): (i) interest on Debt of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, (ii) provision for taxes of the Company and its
Subsidiaries based on income, (iii) amortization of debt discount and deferred
financing costs, (iv) provisions for gains and losses on properties and
property depreciation and amortization, (v) the effect of any noncash charge
resulting from a change in accounting principles in determining Earnings from
Operations for such period and (vi) amortization of deferred charges.
"Debt" of the Company or any Subsidiary means, without duplication, any
indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary, whether or not contingent, in
respect of (i) borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or
similar instruments, (ii) indebtedness for borrowed money secured by any
encumbrance existing on property owned by the Company or any Subsidiary, (iii)
the reimbursement obligations, contingent or otherwise, in connection with any
letters of credit actually issued (other than letters of credit issued to
provide credit enhancement or support with respect to other indebtedness of the
Company or any Subsidiary otherwise reflected as Debt hereunder) or amounts
representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any
property or services, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued
expense or trade payable, or all conditional sale obligations or obligations
under any title retention agreement, (iv) the principal amount of all
obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary with respect to redemption,
repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock, or (v) any lease of
property by the Company or any Subsidiary as lessee which is reflected on the
Company's consolidated balance sheet as a capitalized lease in accordance with
GAAP, to the extent, in the case of items of
S-14
<PAGE>
indebtedness under (i) through (iii) above, that any such items (other than
letters of credit) would appear as a liability on the Company's consolidated
balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, and also includes, to the extent not
otherwise included, any obligation by the Company or any Subsidiary 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 another
Person (other than the Company or any Subsidiary) (it being understood that
Debt shall be deemed to be incurred by the Company or any Subsidiary whenever
the Company or such Subsidiary shall create, assume, guarantee or otherwise
become liable in respect thereof).
"Disqualified Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock
of such Person which by the terms of such Capital Stock (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable or
exercisable), upon the happening of any event or otherwise (i) matures or is
mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise
(other than Capital Stock which is redeemable solely in exchange for common
stock or shares), (ii) is convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for
Debt or Disqualified Stock, or (iii) is redeemable at the option of the holder
thereof, in whole or in part (other than Capital Stock which is redeemable
solely in exchange for common stock or shares), in each case on or prior to the
stated maturity of the Notes.
"Earnings from Operations" for any period means net earnings excluding
gains and losses on sales of investments, extraordinary items and property
valuation losses, as reflected in the financial statements of the Company and
its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP.
"Secured Debt" means Debt secured by any mortgage, lien, charge, pledge or
security interest of any kind.
"Subsidiary" means any corporation or other entity of which a majority of
(i) the voting power of the voting equity securities or (ii) the outstanding
equity interests of which are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or
one or more other Subsidiaries of the Company. For the purposes of this
definition, "voting equity securities" means equity securities having voting
power for the election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no
senior class of security has such voting power by reason of any contingency.
"Total Assets" as of any date means the sum of (i) the Undepreciated Real
Estate Assets and (ii) all other assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries
determined in accordance with GAAP (but excluding accounts receivable and
intangibles).
"Total Unencumbered Assets" means the sum of (i) those Undepreciated Real
Estate Assets not subject to an encumbrance for borrowed money and (ii) all
other assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries not subject to an encumbrance
for borrowed money determined in accordance with GAAP (but excluding accounts
receivable and intangibles).
"Undepreciated Real Estate Assets" as of any date means the cost (original
cost plus capital improvements) of real estate assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries on such date, before depreciation and amortization determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Unsecured Debt" means Debt which is not secured by any of the properties
of the Company or any Subsidiary.
See "Description of Debt Securities--Certain Covenants" in the
accompanying Prospectus for a description of additional covenants applicable to
the Company.
Merger, Consolidation or Sale
The Company may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to, or merge with or into, any other entity,
provided that (i) either the Company shall be the continuing entity, or the
successor entity (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any
such consolidation or merger or which shall have received the transfer of such
assets is a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States
or any state thereof and shall expressly assume the due and punctual payment of
the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and any interest on
all of the Notes and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of
the covenants and conditions contained in the Indenture to be performed by the
Company; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating
any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary
as a result thereof as having been incurred by the Company or such Subsidiary
S-15
<PAGE>
at the time of such transaction, no Event of Default under the Indenture, and
no event which after notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become such an
Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and (iii) an Officers'
Certificate and legal opinion covering such conditions shall be delivered to
the Trustee.
Events of Default, Notice and Waiver
The Indenture provides that the following events are "Events of Default"
with respect to the Notes: (i) default for 30 days in the payment of any
installment of interest payable on any Note when due and payable; (ii) default
in the payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any,
on) any Note when due and payable; (iii) default in the performance, or breach,
of any covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture (other than a
covenant added to the Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of Debt
Securities (as defined) other than the Notes), which continues for 60 days
after written notice as provided in the Indenture; (iv) default under any bond,
debenture, note, mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be
issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money
borrowed by the Company (or by any Subsidiary, the repayment of which the
Company has guaranteed or for which the Company is directly responsible or
liable as obligor or guarantor) having an aggregate principal amount
outstanding of at least $20,000,000, whether such indebtedness now exists or
shall hereafter be incurred or created, which default shall have resulted in
such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date
on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such
indebtedness having been discharged or such acceleration having been rescinded
or annulled within a period of 10 days after written notice to the Company by
the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the outstanding Notes, as provided in the Indenture; or (v)
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court
appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of the Company or any
Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of either of its
property. "Significant Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary which is a "significant
subsidiary" (within the meaning of Regulation S-X, promulgated under the
Securities Act) of the Company.
See "Description of Debt Securities--Events of Default, Notice and Waiver"
in the accompanying Prospectus for a description of rights, remedies and other
matters relating to Events of Default.
Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
The provisions of the Indenture relating to defeasance and covenant
defeasance described under "Description of Debt Securities--Discharge,
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance" in the accompanying Prospectus will apply
to the Notes.
Book-Entry System and Form of Note
The Notes will be issued in the form of a single fully registered global
security without coupons ("Global Note") which will be deposited with, or on
behalf of, DTC, and registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co. Except
under the circumstance described below, the Notes will not be issuable in
definitive form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the
individual notes represented thereby, a Global Note may not be transferred
except as a whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or
another nominee of DTC or by DTC or any nominee of DTC to a successor
depository or any nominee of such successor.
DTC has advised the Company of the following information regarding DTC:
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 persons having accounts with DTC deposit with DTC (its
"Participants"). DTC also facilitates the clearance and settlement among its
Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in
deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry charges in its
Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
securities certificates. Direct Participants of DTC include securities brokers
and dealers (including the Underwriter), banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its
direct Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock
Exchange and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the
DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers,
banks and trust
S-16
<PAGE>
companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct
Participant of DTC, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC
and its participants are on file with the Commission.
The Company expects that, pursuant to procedures established by DTC,
ownership of the beneficial interests in the Notes evidenced by the Global Note
will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only
through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (with respect to beneficial
interests of Participants) and records of Participants (with respect to
beneficial interests of persons who hold through Participants). Neither the
Company nor the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any
aspect of the records of DTC or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records of DTC or any of its Participants relating to beneficial ownership
interests in the Notes. The laws of some states require that certain purchasers
of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form.
Such limits and laws may impair the ability to own, pledge or transfer
beneficial interest in a Global Note.
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of such Global Note,
DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or
holder of the Notes represented by such Global Note for all purposes under the
Indenture. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interest in Notes
evidenced by a Global Note will not be entitled to have any of the individual
Notes represented by such Global Note registered in their names, will not
receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of any such Notes in
definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under
the Indenture. Beneficial owners of Notes evidenced by a Global Note will not
be considered the owners or holders thereof under the Indenture for any
purpose, including with respect to the giving of any direction, instructions or
approvals to the Trustee thereunder. Accordingly, each person owning a
beneficial interest in a Global Note must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if
such person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through
which such person owns its interests, to exercise any rights of a Holder under
the Indenture. The Company understands that, under existing industry practice,
if it requests any action of Holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in
a Global Note desires to give or take any action which a Holder is entitled to
give or take under the Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding
the relevant beneficial interest to give or take such action, and such
Participants would authorize beneficial owners through such Participants to
give or take such actions or would otherwise act upon the instructions of
beneficial owners holding through them.
Payments of principal of, any premium or Make-Whole Amount and any
interest on individual Notes represented by a Global Note registered in the
name of the holder of the Global Note or its nominee will be made by the
Trustee to or at the direction of the holder of the Global Note or its nominee,
as the case may be, as the registered owner of the Global Note under the
Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee may
treat the persons in whose name Notes, including a Global Note, are registered
as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments. Consequently,
neither the Company nor the Trustee has or will have any responsibility or
liability for the payment of such amounts to beneficial owners of Notes
(including principal, premium or Make-Whole Amount and interest). The Company
believes, however, that it is currently the policy of DTC to immediately credit
the accounts of relevant Participants with such payments in amounts
proportionate to their respective holdings of beneficial interests in the
relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by Participants to
the beneficial owners of Notes will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practice and will be the responsibility of DTC's Participants.
Redemption notices with respect to any Notes will be sent to the holder of the
Global Note. If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed, the Company
expects the holder of the Global Note to determine the amount of interest of
each Participant in such Notes to be redeemed to be determined by lot. None of
the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Security Registrar for such
Notes will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records
relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in
the Global Note for such Notes.
Neither the Company nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by the
holder of a Global Note or DTC in identifying the beneficial owners of Notes
and the Company and the Trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected
in relying on, instructions from the holder of a Global Note or DTC for all
purposes.
If DTC is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as
depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 90
days, the Company will issue individual Notes in exchange for the Global Note
representing such Notes. In addition, the Company may at any time and in its
sole discretion, subject to certain limitations set forth in the Indenture,
determine not to have any of such Notes represented by one or more Global Notes
and in such event will issue individual Notes in exchange for the Global Note
or Notes representing such
S-17
<PAGE>
Notes. Individual Notes so issued will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. Same-Day Settlement and Payment Settlement for the
Notes will be made by the Underwriter in immediately available funds. All
payments of principal and interest in respect of the Notes will be made by the
Company in immediately available funds.
The Notes will trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement system until
maturity or until the Notes are issued in certificated form, and secondary
market trading activity in the Notes will therefore be required by DTC to
settle in immediately available funds.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary of certain United States Federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes is based
upon laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in effect, all of which are
subject to change (including changes in effective dates) or possible differing
interpretations. The following discussion deals only with Notes held as capital
assets and does not purport to deal with persons in special tax situations,
such as financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, regulated
investment companies, dealers in securities or currencies, persons holding
Notes as a hedge against currency risks or as a position in a "straddle" for
tax purposes, or persons whose functional currency is not the United States
dollar. It also does not deal with holders other than original purchasers
(except where otherwise specifically noted). Persons considering the purchase
of the Notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application
of United States Federal income tax laws to their particular situations as well
as any consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes
arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of a Note
that is for United States Federal income tax purposes (i) a citizen or resident
of the United States, (ii) a corporation or partnership (or other entity
treated as a corporation or partnership for United States Federal income tax
purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any
state thereof or the District of Columbia (unless otherwise provided by
Treasury Regulations), (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to United
States Federal income taxation regardless of its source, (iv) a trust if a
court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the
administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the
authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust (or certain
electing trusts in existence on August 20, 1996 to the extent provided in
Treasury Regulations), or (v) any other person whose income or gain in respect
of a Note is effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade or
business. As used herein, the term "non-U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner
of a Note that is not a U.S. Holder.
The Notes
For United States Federal income tax purposes, each Note will be treated
as indebtedness issued by the Company.
U.S. Holders
Interest. Interest on a Note will generally be includible in the gross
income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income at the time the interest is
received or when it accrues in accordance with the U.S. Holder's regular method
of tax accounting. Such interest will be treated as U.S. source income for U.S.
Federal income tax purposes.
Disposition. A U.S. Holder will recognize taxable gain or loss on the
sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of a Note in an
amount equal to the difference between the amount realized from such
disposition (other than amounts attributable to accrued interest which would
otherwise be taxable as ordinary interest income) and the U.S. Holder's
adjusted tax basis in the Note. Such gain or loss generally will be capital
gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder has
held the Note for more than one year at the time of disposition; preferential
rates of tax may apply to gains recognized upon the disposition of Notes held
for more than one year.
Gain or Income Received by a Foreign Corporation. A foreign corporation
whose income or gain in respect of a Note is effectively connected with the
conduct of a United States trade or business, in addition to being subject to
regular U.S. income tax, may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% of
its "effectively connected earnings and profits" within the meaning of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for the taxable
S-18
<PAGE>
year, as adjusted for certain items, unless it qualifies for a lower rate under
an applicable tax treaty (as modified by the branch profits tax rules).
Non-U.S. Holders
Generally, a non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States Federal
income taxes on payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest on a Note,
or on any gain upon disposition or retirement of a Note, if (i) such non-U.S.
Holder does not own 10% or more of the shares of beneficial interest of the
Company and (ii) the last United States payor in the chain of payment (the
"Withholding Agent") has received in the year in which a payment of interest or
principal occurs, or in either of the two preceding calendar years, a statement
signed by the beneficial owner of the Note under penalties of perjury
certifying that such owner is not a U.S. Holder and providing the name and
address of the beneficial owner. The statement may be made on an Internal
Revenue Service ("IRS") Form W-8 or a substantially similar form, and the
beneficial owner must inform the Withholding Agent of any change in the
information on the statement within 30 days of such change. If a Note is held
through a securities clearing organization or certain other financial
institutions, the organization or institution may provide a signed statement to
the Withholding Agent. However, in such case, the signed statement must be
accompanied by a copy of the IRS Form W-8 or the substitute form provided by
the beneficial owner to the organization or institution. Interest received or
gain recognized by a non-U.S. Holder which does not qualify for exemption from
taxation will be subject to United States Federal income tax and withholding
tax at a rate of 30% unless reduced or eliminated by applicable tax treaty.
Treasury Regulations issued on October 6, 1997 (the "New Regulations")
alter the withholding rules on interest paid to a non-U.S. Holder of a Note.
Under recent administrative guidance, the New Regulations are generally
effective with respect to interest paid after December 31, 1999. Withholding
will generally be excused under the New Regulations if the non-U.S. Holder owns
less than 10% of the shares of beneficial interest of the Company and if such
non-U.S. Holder executes a necessary IRS Form W-8. Moreover, under the New
Regulations, to obtain a reduced rate of withholding under an income tax
treaty, a non-U.S. Holder generally will be required to provide an IRS Form W-8
certifying such non-U.S. Holder's entitlement to benefits under the treaty. The
New Regulations also provide special rules to determine whether, for purposes
of determining the applicability of a tax treaty, interest paid to a non-U.S.
Holder that is an entity should be treated as paid to the entity or to those
holding the ownership interests in that entity, and whether such entity or such
holders in the entity are entitled to benefits under the tax treaty. The New
Regulations also alter the information reporting and backup withholding rules
applicable to non-U.S. Holders and, among other things, provide certain
presumptions under which a non-U.S. Holder is subject to backup withholding and
information reporting until certification of non-U.S. status is received from
such non-U.S. Holder. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion
of the New Regulations, and prospective investors are urged to consult their
tax advisors with respect to the effect of the New Regulations on an investment
in the Notes.
The Notes will not be includible in the estate of a non-U.S. Holder unless
the individual owns directly or indirectly 10% or more of the shares of
beneficial interest of the Company or, at the time of such individual's death,
payments in respect of the Notes would have been effectively connected with the
conduct by such individual of a trade or business in the United States.
Backup Withholding
Backup withholding of United States Federal income tax at a rate of 31%
may apply to payments made in respect of the Notes to registered owners who are
not "exempt recipients" and who fail to provide certain identifying information
(such as the registered owner's taxpayer identification number) in the required
manner. Generally, individuals are not exempt recipients, whereas corporations
and certain other entities generally are exempt recipients. Payments made in
respect of the Notes to a U.S. Holder must be reported to the IRS, unless the
U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient or establishes an exemption. Compliance with
the identification procedures described in the preceding section would
establish an exemption from backup withholding for those non-U.S. Holders who
are not exempt recipients.
In addition, upon the sale of a Note by (or through) a broker, the broker
must withhold 31% of the entire purchase price, unless either (i) the broker
determines that the seller is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii)
the seller provides, in the required manner, certain identifying information
and, in the case of a non-U.S. Holder,
S-19
<PAGE>
certifies that such seller is a non-U.S. Holder (and certain other conditions
are met). Such a sale must also be reported by the broker to the IRS, unless
either (i) the broker determines that the seller is an exempt recipient or (ii)
the seller certifies its non-U.S. status (and certain other conditions are
met). Certification of the registered owner's non-U.S. status would be made
normally on an IRS Form W-8 under penalties of perjury, although in certain
cases it may be possible to submit other documentary evidence.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to
a beneficial owner would be allowed as a refund or a credit against such
beneficial owner's United States Federal income tax provided the required
information is furnished to the IRS.
S-20
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting
agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the Company has agreed to sell to
each of the Underwriters named below, and each of the Underwriters has
severally agreed to purchase from the Company, the principal amount of the
Notes set forth below opposite their respective names.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Amount
Underwriter of Notes
- ----------- --------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ........................................... $
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation .........
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated ...........................
Smith Barney Inc. ...........................................
------------
Total .................................................. $200,000,000
============
</TABLE>
The Underwriters have advised the Company that they propose initially to
offer the Notes to the public at the public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus Supplement, and to certain dealers at such price
less a concession not in excess of % of the principal amount of the Notes.
The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a discount not in
excess of % of the principal amount of the Notes to certain other dealers.
After the initial public offering, the public offering price, concession and
discount may be changed.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the
Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the Notes are subject to the
approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other
conditions. The Underwriters are committed to take and pay for all the Notes if
any are taken.
The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading
market. The Company has been advised by the Underwriters that they intend to
make a market in the Notes, but they are not obligated to do so and such market
making may be interrupted or discontinued without notice. No assurance can be
given about the liquidity of the trading market for the Notes.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Until the distribution of the Notes is completed, rules of the Commission
may limit the ability of the Underwriters to bid for and purchase the Notes.
Pursuant to an exception to these rules, the Underwriters are permitted to
engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of the Notes. Such
transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or
maintaining the price of the Notes.
If the Underwriters create a short position in the Notes in connection
with the Offering, i.e., if they sell more Notes than set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus Supplement, the Underwriters may reduce that short
position by purchasing Notes in the open market. In general, purchases of a
security for the purpose of stabilization or to reduce a short position could
cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of
such purchases.
Neither the Company nor the Underwriters make any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions
described above may have on the price of the Notes. In addition, neither the
Company nor the Underwriters make any representations that the Underwriters
will engage in such transactions or that such transactions, once commenced,
will not be discontinued without notice.
In the ordinary course of business, the Underwriters have performed, and
in the future may perform, investment banking services for the Company and its
affiliates.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the Notes will be passed upon for
the Company by Sullivan & Worcester LLP, Boston, Massachusetts and for the
Underwriters by Brown & Wood LLP, New York, New York. Sullivan & Worcester LLP
and Brown & Wood LLP will rely, as to all matters of Maryland law, upon the
opinion of Piper & Marbury L.L.P., Baltimore, Maryland. Barry M. Portnoy was a
partner in the firm of Sullivan & Worcester LLP
S-21
<PAGE>
until March 31, 1997 and is a Managing Trustee of the Company and of HPT, a
director and 50% shareholder of HRPT Advisors, Inc. and REIT Management &
Research, Inc. and a director and/or significant shareholder of certain lessees
of the Company. Sullivan & Worcester LLP represents HPT, the other entities
referred to above, such lessees and certain of their affiliates on various
matters.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
In addition to the documents incorporated by reference or deemed
incorporated by reference into the accompanying Prospectus, which Prospectus is
supplemented by this Prospectus Supplement, the following documents, which have
been filed with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act"), are hereby incorporated in this Prospectus
Supplement and specifically made a part hereof by reference: (i) the Company's
Current Reports on Form 8-K dated July 1, 1998 and August 12, 1998 and (ii) the
Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30,
1998. All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus
Supplement and prior to the termination of this Offering shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus Supplement and to be a part
hereof from the respective dates of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this Prospectus Supplement to the extent that a
statement contained herein, or in any other subsequently filed document that
also is or is deemed to be incorporated herein by reference, modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of
this Prospectus Supplement.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus Supplement is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such
person, a copy of any and all of the information that has been incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus Supplement (excluding exhibits unless such
exhibits are specifically requested or such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into the information that this Prospectus Supplement
incorporates). Requests for such copies should be made to the Company at its
principal executive offices, 400 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458, Attention:
Investor Relations, telephone (617) 332-3990.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT CONTAINS FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH
STATEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES WHICH COULD CAUSE
ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED OR PROJECTED.
PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON THESE
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS WHICH SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE HEREOF. THE COMPANY
UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO PUBLISH REVISED FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS TO
REFLECT EVENTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES AFTER THE DATE HEREOF OR TO REFLECT THE
OCCURRENCE OF PRESENTLY UNANTICIPATED EVENTS.
---------------------
THE AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST ESTABLISHING THE COMPANY,
DATED JULY 1, 1994, A COPY OF WHICH, TOGETHER WITH ALL AMENDMENTS THERETO (THE
"DECLARATION"), IS DULY FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENTS
AND TAXATION OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, PROVIDES THAT THE NAME "HRPT PROPERTIES
TRUST" REFERS TO THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE DECLARATION COLLECTIVELY AS TRUSTEES,
BUT NOT INDIVIDUALLY OR PERSONALLY, AND THAT NO TRUSTEE, OFFICER, SHAREHOLDER,
EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF THE COMPANY SHALL BE HELD TO ANY PERSONAL LIABILITY,
JOINTLY OR SEVERALLY, FOR ANY OBLIGATION OF, OR CLAIM AGAINST, THE COMPANY. ALL
PERSONS DEALING WITH THE COMPANY, IN ANY WAY, SHALL LOOK ONLY TO THE ASSETS OF
THE COMPANY FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY SUM OR THE PERFORMANCE OF ANY OBLIGATION.
S-22
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
$3,000,000,000
Health and Retirement Properties Trust
Debt Securities, Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, Depositary
Shares, Common Shares of Beneficial Interest and Warrants
---------------------------
Health and Retirement Properties Trust (the "Company" or "HRP") may from
time to time offer in one or more series (i) its unsecured debt securities (the
"Debt Securities"), (ii) its preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value
$.01 per share (the "Preferred Shares"), (iii) fractional shares of the
Preferred Shares (the "Depositary Shares"), (iv) its common shares of
beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Shares"), or (v)
warrants to purchase any of the above securities (the "Warrants"), with an
aggregate public offering price of up to $3,000,000,000 on terms to be
determined at the time of offering. The Debt Securities, Preferred Shares,
Depositary Shares, Common Shares and Warrants (collectively, the "Offered
Securities") may be offered, separately or together, in separate series, in
amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in a supplement to this
Prospectus (a "Prospectus Supplement").
The specific terms of the Offered Securities in respect of which this
Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement and will include, where applicable: (i) in the case of Debt
Securities, the specific title, aggregate principal amount, currency, form
(which may be registered or bearer, or certificated or global), authorized
denominations, maturity, rate (or manner of calculation thereof) and time of
payment of interest, terms for redemption at the option of the Company or
repayment at the option of the holder, terms for sinking fund payments, terms
for conversion into Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares or Common Shares, terms
for subordination to other indebtedness of the Company, any original issue
discount and any initial public offering price; (ii) in the case of Preferred
Shares, the specific title and stated value, any dividend, liquidation,
redemption, conversion, voting and other rights, and any initial public
offering price; (iii) in the case of Depositary Shares, the fractional shares
of Preferred Shares represented by each Depositary Share, (iv) in the case of
Common Shares, any offering price; and (v) in the case of Warrants, the
securities to which they relate, duration, offering price, exercise price and
detachability.
The applicable Prospectus Supplement will also contain information, where
applicable, about certain United States federal income tax considerations
relating to, and any listing on a securities exchange of, the Offered
Securities covered by such Prospectus Supplement.
---------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------------------
The Offered Securities may be offered directly, through agents designated
from time to time by the Company or to or through underwriters or dealers. If
any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of the Offered
Securities, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or
discount arrangement between or among them, will be set forth, or will be
calculable from the information set forth, in an accompanying Prospectus
Supplement. See "Plan of Distribution." No Offered Securities may be sold
without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of
the offering of such Offered Securities.
---------------------------
The date of this Prospectus is June 15, 1998.
<PAGE>
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus in connection with the offer contained in this Prospectus and, if
given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as
having been authorized by the Company or any underwriters, agents or dealers.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an
offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is
unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this
Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create
an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company and
its subsidiaries since the date hereof or the information contained or
incorporated by reference herein is correct at any time subsequent to the date
hereof.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") in Washington, D.C., a registration statement on Form S-3
(together with all exhibits, schedules and amendments thereto, the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), with respect to the Offered Securities. This Prospectus,
which is a part of the Registration Statement, does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement. Statements in this
Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not
necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of
such contract or other documents filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such
reference and the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information
concerning the Company and the Offered Securities, reference is made to the
Registration Statement. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained
from the Commission at its principal office in Washington, D.C. upon payment of
the prescribed fee.
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports and other information with the Commission. The
Registration Statement, the exhibits and schedules forming a part thereof and
the reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Company with
the Commission can be inspected and copies obtained at the public reference
facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, Room 1024, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following regional
offices of the Commission: Chicago Regional Office, Suite 1400, 500 West
Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511; and New York Regional Office,
Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can
be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at its principal office at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549. The Commission maintains a World Wide Web site that contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants,
including the Company, that file electronically with the Commission. The
address of the site is http://www.sec.gov. The Company's Common Shares are
traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "HRP," and
similar information concerning the Company may be inspected at the office of
the NYSE at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents, which have been filed with the Commission
pursuant to the Exchange Act, are hereby incorporated in this Prospectus and
specifically made a part hereof by reference: (i) the Company's Current Reports
on Form 8-K dated February 11, 1998, February 12, 1998, February 17, 1998,
February 18, 1998, February 19, 1998, February 27, 1998, March 19, 1998, March
24, 1998, March 30, 1998, April 10, 1998, April 14, 1998, May 11, 1998, May 22,
1998 and May 27, 1998, (ii) the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1998 and (iii) the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997. All documents filed by the
Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the
offering of the Offered Securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the respective
dates of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained herein (or in the applicable Prospectus Supplement), or in any
subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated herein
by reference, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
(ii)
<PAGE>
The Company hereby undertakes to provide without charge to each person to
whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such
person, a copy of any and all of the information that has been incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus (excluding exhibits unless such exhibits are
specifically incorporated by reference into the information that this
Prospectus incorporates). Requests for such copies should be made to the
Company at its principal executive offices, 400 Centre Street, Newton,
Massachusetts 02158, Attention: Investor Relations, telephone (617) 332-3990.
(iii)
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
The Company is a real estate investment trust ("REIT") which invests in
healthcare related real estate and office buildings. As of June 2, 1998, the
Company directly owned 207 properties representing an aggregate investment of
$2.5 billion (at cost), had mortgage investments in 29 properties aggregating
$85.2 million and had a 9.3% equity investment in Hospitality Properties Trust
("HPT"), a New York Stock Exchange-listed REIT founded by the Company which
invests in hotels, of approximately $100 million (at cost), for total real
estate investments of approximately $2.7 billion located in 34 states and the
District of Columbia. At the Company's 1998 annual meeting of shareholders, the
shareholders voted to approve a change of the Company's name to "HRPT
Properties Trust." The Company expects the name change to become effective
during the summer of 1998.
The Company is organized as a Maryland real estate investment trust. The
Company's principal place of business is 400 Centre Street, Newton,
Massachusetts 02158 and its telephone number is (617) 332-3990.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Offered Securities
for general business purposes, which may include the acquisition of, or other
investments in, income producing real estate, including retirement communities,
assisted living centers, long-term care facilities, medical office and other
office buildings and office buildings leased to various agencies of the United
States Government, and the repayment of indebtedness outstanding at such time
or the reduction of amounts outstanding under the Company's credit facilities.
Pending utilization as set forth above, the proceeds from the sale of the
Offered Securities will be invested in short term investments, including
repurchase agreements. Such investments may not be investment grade.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the Company's consolidated ratios of
earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the years ended December 31,
For the quarter ended --------------------------------------------------
March 31, 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges ......... 3.2x 3.9x 4.3x 3.4x 6.7x 6.8x
</TABLE>
The ratios of earnings to fixed charges presented above were computed by
dividing the Company's earnings by fixed charges. For this purpose, earnings
have been calculated by adding fixed charges to income before income taxes,
extraordinary items and gain or loss on the disposition of real property. Fixed
charges consist of interest costs, whether expensed or capitalized, the
interest component of rental expense, if any, amortization of debt discounts
and deferred financing costs, whether expensed or capitalized. To date, the
Company has not issued any Preferred Shares; therefore, the ratio of earnings
to combined fixed charges and Preferred Shares distributions are the same as
the ratios of earnings to fixed charges presented above.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The Debt Securities will be issued under one or more indentures (an
"Indenture") between the Company and a trustee (an "Indenture Trustee"). Any
Indenture will be subject to, and governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
as amended (the "TIA"). The statements made hereunder relating to any
Indentures and the Debt Securities to be issued thereunder are summaries of
certain anticipated provisions thereof and do not purport to be complete and
are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all
provisions of the Indentures and such Debt Securities.
General
The Company has filed with its Registration Statement with respect to the
Offered Securities a form of Indenture (as supplemented from time to time, the
"Senior Indenture") relating to the Senior Securities (as defined) and a form
of Indenture (as supplemented from time to time, the "Subordinated Indenture")
relating to the Subordinated Securities (as defined). The Debt Securities will
be direct, unsecured obligations of the Company and, if issued under the Senior
Indenture, will rank equally and ratably with other unsecured and
unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company (the "Senior Securities"), or, if
issued under the Subordinated Indenture, will be
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subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of Senior
Indebtedness (as defined in the applicable Prospectus Supplement)
("Subordinated Securities"). See "--Subordination". The Debt Securities may be
issued without limit as to aggregate principal amount, in one or more series,
in each case as established from time to time in or pursuant to authority
granted by a resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Company (the
"Trustees") or as established in one or more indentures supplemental to any
Indenture. All Debt Securities of one series need not be issued at the same
time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened, without the
consent of the holders of the Debt Securities of such series, for issuances of
additional Debt Securities of such series.
It is anticipated that any Indenture will provide that the Company may,
but need not, designate more than one Indenture Trustee thereunder, each with
respect to one or more series of Debt Securities. Any Indenture Trustee under
any Indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of
Debt Securities, and a successor Indenture Trustee may be appointed to act with
respect to such series. In the event that two or more persons are acting as
Indenture Trustee with respect to different series of Debt Securities, each
such Indenture Trustee shall be a trustee of a trust under the applicable
Indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other Indenture
Trustee, and, except as otherwise indicated herein, any action described herein
to be taken by the Indenture Trustee may be taken by each such Indenture
Trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more series of
Debt Securities for which it is Indenture Trustee under the applicable
Indenture.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the series of
Debt Securities being offered for the specific terms thereof, including, where
applicable, the following:
(1) the title of such Debt Securities and whether such Debt Securities are
Senior Securities or Subordinated Securities;
(2) the aggregate principal amount of such Debt Securities and any limit
on such aggregate principal amount;
(3) the percentage of the principal amount at which such Debt Securities
will be issued and, if other than the principal amount thereof, the
portion of the principal amount thereof payable upon declaration of
acceleration of the maturity thereof, or (if applicable) the portion of
the principal amount of such Debt Securities which is convertible, or
the method by which any such portion shall be determined;
(4) if convertible, the terms on which such Debt Securities are
convertible, including the initial conversion price or rate and the
conversion period and any applicable limitations on the ownership or
transferability of the securities into which such Debt Securities are
convertible;
(5) the date or dates, or the method for determining such date or dates,
on which the principal of such Debt Securities will be payable;
(6) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable), or the method by
which such rate or rates shall be determined, at which such Debt
Securities will bear interest, if any;
(7) the date or dates, or the method for determining such date or dates,
from which any interest will accrue, the dates on which any such
interest will be payable, the record dates for such interest payment
dates, or the method by which any such date shall be determined, the
person to whom such interest shall be payable, and the basis upon which
interest shall be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of 12
months consisting of 30 days each;
(8) the place or places where the principal of, any premium and interest
on, and any additional amounts payable in respect of such Debt
Securities will be payable, such Debt Securities may be surrendered for
conversion or registration of transfer or exchange and notices or
demands to or upon the Company in respect of such Debt Securities and
the applicable Indenture may be served;
(9) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and
the terms and conditions upon which such Debt Securities may be
redeemed, as a whole or in part, at the option of the Company, if the
Company is to have such an option;
(10) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, repay or purchase
such Debt Securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous
provision or at the option of a holder thereof, and the period or
periods
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within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions
upon which such Debt Securities will be redeemed, repaid or purchased,
as a whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(11) if other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currencies in which such
Debt Securities are denominated and payable, which may be a foreign
currency or units of two or more foreign currencies or a composite
currency or currencies, and the terms and conditions relating thereto;
(12) if the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on such Debt
Securities is to be payable, at the election of the Company or a
holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency units other than
that or those in which such Debt Securities are stated to be payable,
the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of the
principal of and premium, if any, and interest on Debt Securities of
such series as to which such election is made shall be payable, and
the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such
election is to be made;
(13) whether the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any)
or interest, if any, on such Debt Securities may be determined with
reference to an index, formula or other method (which index, formula
or method may, but need not, be based on a currency, currencies,
currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies) and the
manner in which such amounts shall be determined;
(14) the events of default or covenants of such Debt Securities, to the
extent different from or in addition to those described herein, and
any provisions granting special rights to the holders of such Debt
Securities upon the occurrence of events specified in such Prospectus
Supplement;
(15) whether such Debt Securities will be issued in certificated and/or
book-entry form;
(16) whether such Debt Securities will be in registered or bearer form and,
if in registered form, the denominations thereof if other than $1,000
and any integral multiple thereof and, if in bearer form, the
denominations thereof and terms and conditions relating thereto;
(17) whether any of such Debt Securities are to be issuable in permanent
global form (a "Global Security") and, if so, the terms and
conditions, if any, upon which interests in such Debt Securities in
global form may be exchanged, in whole or in part, for the individual
Debt Securities represented thereby;
(18) the applicability, if any, of the defeasance and covenant defeasance
provisions described herein or any modification thereof;
(19) if such Debt Securities are to be issued upon the exercise of debt
warrants, the time, manner and place for such Debt Securities to be
authenticated and delivered;
(20) whether and under what circumstances the Company will pay additional
amounts on such Debt Securities in respect of any tax, assessment or
governmental charge and, if so, whether the Company will have the
option to redeem such Debt Securities in lieu of making such payment;
and
(21) any other terms of such Debt Securities.
The Debt Securities may provide for less than the entire principal amount
thereof to be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof
("Original Issue Discount Securities"). If material or applicable, special U.S.
federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable to Original
Issue Discount Securities will be described in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement.
Except as described under "--Merger, Consolidation or Sale" or as may be
set forth in any Prospectus Supplement, an Indenture will not contain any other
provisions that would limit the ability of the Company to incur indebtedness or
that would afford holders of the Debt Securities protection in the event of a
highly leveraged or similar transaction involving the Company. However,
restrictions on ownership and transfers of the Company's capital stock,
designed to preserve its status as a REIT, may act to prevent or hinder a
change of control. See "Redemption; Business Combinations and Control Share
Acquisitions." Reference is made to the applicable Prospectus Supplement for
information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions
to the events of default or covenants that are described below, including any
addition of a covenant or other provisions providing event risk or similar
protection.
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<PAGE>
Denominations, Interest, Registration and Transfer
Unless otherwise described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Debt Securities of any series which are registered securities, other than
registered securities issued in global form (which may be of any denomination),
shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on any series of Debt
Securities will be payable at the corporate trust office of the Indenture
Trustee, initially at the address which will be set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement; provided that, at the option of the Company, payment of
interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the person entitled
thereto as it appears in the applicable register or by wire transfer of funds
to such person at an account maintained within the United States.
Any interest not punctually paid or duly provided for on any interest
payment date with respect to a Debt Security ("Defaulted Interest") will
forthwith cease to be payable to the holder on the applicable regular record
date and may either be paid to the person in whose name such Debt Security is
registered at the close of business on a special record date (the "Special
Record Date") for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the
applicable Indenture Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to the holder of
such Debt Security not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or
may be paid at any time in any other lawful manner, all as more completely
described in the applicable Indenture.
Subject to certain limitations imposed upon Debt Securities issued in
book-entry form, the Debt Securities of any series will be exchangeable for
other Debt Securities of the same series and of a like aggregate principal
amount and tenor of different authorized denominations upon surrender of such
Debt Securities at the corporate trust office of the applicable Indenture
Trustee. In addition, subject to certain limitations imposed upon Debt
Securities issued in book-entry form, the Debt Securities of any series may be
surrendered for conversion or registration of transfer thereof at the corporate
trust office of the applicable Indenture Trustee. Every Debt Security
surrendered for conversion, registration of transfer or exchange shall be duly
endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer. No service charge
will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of any Debt
Securities, but the Indenture Trustee or the Company may require payment of a
sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in
connection therewith. If the applicable Prospectus Supplement refers to any
transfer agent (in addition to the Indenture Trustee) initially designated by
the Company with respect to any series of Debt Securities, the Company may at
any time rescind the designation of any such transfer agent or approve a change
in the location through which any such transfer agent acts, except that the
Company will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment
for such series. The Company may at any time designate additional transfer
agents with respect to any series of Debt Securities.
Neither the Company nor any Indenture Trustee shall be required to (i)
issue, register the transfer of or exchange Debt Securities of any series
during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any
selection of Debt Securities of that series to be redeemed and ending at the
close of business on (a) if such Debt Securities are issuable only as
registered securities, the day of the mailing of the relevant notice of
redemption and (b) if such Debt Securities are issuable as bearer securities,
the day of the first publication of the relevant notice of redemption or, if
such Debt Securities are also issuable as registered securities and there is no
publication, the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, or (ii) to
register the transfer of or exchange any registered security so selected for
redemption in whole or in part, except, in the case of any registered security
to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed, or (iii) to
exchange any bearer security so selected for redemption except that such a
bearer security may be exchanged for a registered security of that series and
like tenor; provided that such registered security shall be simultaneously
surrendered for redemption, or (iv) to issue, register the transfer of or
exchange any Debt Security which has been surrendered for repayment at the
option of the holder, except the portion, if any, of such Debt Security not to
be so repaid.
Merger, Consolidation or Sale
The Company may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to, or merge with or into, any other entity;
provided that (i) either the Company shall be the continuing entity or the
successor entity (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any
such consolidation or merger or which shall have received the transfer of such
assets shall expressly assume payment of the principal of (and premium, if any)
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<PAGE>
and interest on all of the Debt Securities and the due and punctual performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions contained in any
Indenture; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and
treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any
subsidiary as a result thereof as having been incurred by the Company or such
subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no event of default under any
Indenture, and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time, or both,
would become such an event of default, shall have occurred and be continuing;
and (iii) an officer's certificate and legal opinion covering such conditions
shall be delivered to the Indenture Trustee.
Certain Covenants
Existence. Except as permitted under "--Merger, Consolidation or Sale,"
the Company will be required to do or cause to be done all things necessary to
preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence, rights
(charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the Company
shall not be required to preserve any right or franchise if it determines that
the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of its business.
Provision of Financial Information. Whether or not the Company is subject
to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company will, to the extent
permitted under the Exchange Act, file with the Commission the annual reports,
quarterly reports and other documents which the Company would have been
required to file with the Commission pursuant to such Section 13 or 15(d) (the
"Financial Statements") if the Company were so subject, such documents to be
filed with the Commission on or prior to the respective dates (the "Required
Filing Dates") by which the Company would have been required so to file such
documents if the Company were so subject. The Company will also in any event
(i) within 15 days of each Required Filing Date (a) transmit by mail to all
holders of Debt Securities, as their names and addresses appear in the
Company's security register, without cost to such holders, copies of the annual
reports and quarterly reports which the Company would have been required to
file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if
the Company were subject to such Sections, and (b) file with the applicable
Indenture Trustee copies of the annual reports, quarterly reports and other
documents which the Company would have been required to file with the
Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if the Company
were subject to such Sections, and (ii) if filing such documents by the Company
with the Commission is not permitted under the Exchange Act, promptly upon
written request and payment of the reasonable cost of duplication and delivery,
supply copies of such documents to any prospective holder of Debt Securities.
Additional Covenants. Any additional or different covenants of the Company
with respect to any series of Debt Securities will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Events of Default, Notice and Waiver
Each Indenture will provide that the following events are "Events of
Default" with respect to any series of Debt Securities issued thereunder: (a)
default for 30 days in the payment of any installment on any Debt Security of
such series; (b) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if
any, on) any Debt Security of such series at its maturity; (c) default in
making any sinking fund payments as required for any Debt Security of such
series; (d) default in the performance of any other covenant of the Company
contained in the applicable Indenture (other than a covenant added to such
Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of Debt Securities issued
thereunder other than such series), such default having continued for 60 days
after written notice as provided in such Indenture; (e) default in the payment
of an aggregate principal amount exceeding a specified dollar amount of any
evidence of indebtedness of the Company or any mortgage, indenture or other
instrument under which such indebtedness is issued or by which such
indebtedness is secured, such default having occurred after the expiration of
any applicable grace period and having resulted in the acceleration of the
maturity of such indebtedness, but only if such indebtedness is not discharged
or such acceleration is not rescinded or annulled; (f) certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court appointment of a receiver,
liquidator or trustee of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (as
hereinafter defined) or any of their respective property; and (g) any other
event of default provided with respect to a particular series of Debt
Securities. The term "Significant Subsidiary" means each significant subsidiary
(as defined in Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act) of the
Company.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in clause
(f) above) under any Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of any series at
the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case
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<PAGE>
the applicable Indenture Trustee or the holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of that series may declare
the principal amount (or, if the Debt Securities of that series are Original
Issue Discount Securities or indexed securities, such portion of the principal
amount as may be specified in the terms thereof) of all of the Debt Securities
of that series to be due and payable immediately by written notice thereof to
the Company (and to the applicable Indenture Trustee if given by the holders).
If an Event of Default described in clause (f) above with respect to the Debt
Securities of any series at the time outstanding shall occur, the principal
amount of all the Debt Securities of that series (or, in the case of any such
Original Issue Discount Security or other Debt Security, such specified amount)
will automatically, and without any action by the Indenture Trustee or any
holder of such series of Debt Securities, become immediately due and payable.
However, at any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to
Debt Securities of such series (or of all Debt Securities then outstanding
under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be) has been made, but before a
judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the
applicable Indenture Trustee, the holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of outstanding Debt Securities of such series (or of all Debt
Securities then outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be)
may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if (i) the Company
shall have deposited with the applicable Indenture Trustee all required
payments of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Debt
Securities of such series (or of all Debt Securities then outstanding under the
applicable Indenture, as the case may be), plus certain fees, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the applicable Indenture Trustee, and (ii) all
Events of Default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal (or
specified portion thereof), or premium, if any, or interest on the Debt
Securities of such series (or of all Debt Securities then outstanding under the
applicable Indenture, as the case may be) have been cured or waived as provided
in the applicable Indenture. Each of the Indentures will also provide that the
holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities of any series (or of all Debt Securities then outstanding under the
applicable Indenture, as the case may be) may waive any past default with
respect to such series and its consequences, except a default (i) in the
payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Debt
Security of such series or (ii) in respect of a covenant or provision contained
in the applicable Indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the
consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security affected thereby.
The Indenture Trustee will be required to give notice to the holders of
Debt Securities within 90 days of a default under the applicable Indenture
unless such default has been cured or waived; provided, however, that such
Indenture Trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any series of Debt
Securities of any default with respect to such series (except a default in the
payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Debt
Security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in
respect of any Debt Security of such series) if specified responsible officers
of such Indenture Trustee consider such withholding to be in the interest of
such holders.
Each Indenture will provide that no holders of Debt Securities of any
series may institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to
the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, except in the case of failure of
the Indenture Trustee, for 60 days, to act after it has received a written
request to institute proceedings in respect of an event of default from the
holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities of such series, as well as an offer of reasonable indemnity. This
provision will not prevent, however, any holder of Debt Securities from
instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on such Debt Securities at the respective due
dates thereof.
Subject to provisions in the applicable Indenture relating to its duties
in case of default, no Indenture Trustee will be under any obligation to
exercise any of its rights or powers under such Indenture at the request or
direction of any holders of any series of Debt Securities then outstanding
under such Indenture, unless such holders shall have offered to the Indenture
Trustee reasonable security or indemnity. The holders of not less than a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series
(or of all Debt Securities then outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as
the case may be) shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable Indenture
Trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon such Indenture
Trustee. However, an Indenture Trustee may refuse to follow any direction which
is in conflict with any law or the Indenture, which may involve such Indenture
Trustee in personal liability or which may be unduly prejudicial to the holders
of Debt Securities of such series not joining therein.
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The Company will be required to deliver to each Indenture Trustee annually
a certificate, signed by one of several specified officers of the Company,
stating whether or not such officer has knowledge of any default under the
applicable Indenture and, if so, specifying each such default and the nature
and status thereof.
Modification of the Indenture
Modifications and amendments of an Indenture will be permitted to be made
only with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal
amount of all outstanding Debt Securities or series of outstanding Debt
Securities which are affected by such modification or amendment; provided,
however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the
holder of each such Debt Security affected thereby, (i) change the stated
maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest (or premium, if
any) on any such Debt Security; (ii) reduce the principal amount of, or the
rate or amount of interest on, or any premium payable on redemption of, any
such Debt Security, or reduce the amount of principal of an Original Issue
Discount Security that would be due and payable upon declaration of
acceleration of the maturity thereof or would be provable in bankruptcy, or
adversely affect any right of repayment of the holder of any such Debt
Security; (iii) change the place of payment, or the coin or currency, for
payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any such Debt
Security; (iv) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
payment on or with respect to any such Debt Security; (v) reduce the
above-stated percentage of outstanding Debt Securities of any series necessary
to modify or amend the Indenture, to waive compliance with certain provisions
thereof or certain defaults and consequences thereunder or to reduce the quorum
or voting requirements set forth in such Indenture; or (vi) 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.
Each Indenture will provide that the holders of not less than a majority
in principal amount of a series of outstanding Debt Securities have the right
to waive compliance by the Company with certain covenants relating to such
series of Debt Securities in such Indenture.
Modifications and amendments of an Indenture will be permitted to be made
by the Company and the applicable Indenture Trustee thereunder without the
consent of any holder of Debt Securities for any of the following purposes: (i)
to evidence the succession of another person to the Company as obligor under
such Indenture; (ii) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of
the holders of all or any series of Debt Securities or to surrender any right
or power conferred upon the Company in such Indenture; (iii) to add events of
default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of Debt Securities;
(iv) to add or change any provisions of the Indenture to facilitate the
issuance of, or to liberalize certain terms of, Debt Securities in bearer form,
or to permit or facilitate the issuance of Debt Securities in uncertificated
form; provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the
holders of the Debt Securities in any material respect; (v) to change or
eliminate any provisions of the Indenture; provided that any such change or
elimination shall become effective only when there are no Debt Securities
outstanding of any series created prior thereto which are entitled to the
benefit of such provision; (vi) to secure the Debt Securities; (vii) to
establish the form or terms of Debt Securities of any series, including the
provisions and procedures, if applicable, for the conversion of such Debt
Securities into Common Shares or Preferred Shares; (viii) to provide for the
acceptance of appointment by a successor Indenture Trustee or facilitate the
administration of the trusts under an Indenture by more than one Indenture
Trustee; (ix) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in an Indenture;
provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of holders
of Debt Securities of any series in any material respect; or (x) to supplement
any of the provisions of an Indenture to the extent necessary to permit or
facilitate defeasance and discharge of any series of such Debt Securities;
provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the
holders of the Debt Securities of any series in any material respect.
Each Indenture will provide 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
thereunder or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of holders of Debt
Securities, (i) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security
that shall be deemed to be outstanding shall be the amount of the principal
thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon
declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, (ii) the principal amount
of a Debt Security denominated in a foreign currency that shall be deemed
outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined on the issue date
for such Debt Security,
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of the principal amount (or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount
Security, the U.S. dollar equivalent on the issue date of such Debt Security of
the amount determined as provided in (i) above), (iii) the principal amount of
an indexed security that shall be deemed outstanding shall be the principal
face amount of such indexed security at original issuance, unless otherwise
provided with respect to such indexed security in the applicable Indenture, and
(iv) Debt Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Debt
Securities or any affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be
disregarded.
Each Indenture will contain provisions for convening meetings of the
holders of Debt Securities of a series. A meeting may be called at any time by
an Indenture Trustee, and also, upon request, by the Company or the holders of
at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of such
series, in any such case, upon notice given as provided in such Indenture.
Except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each Debt Security
affected by certain modifications and amendments of an 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 that series;
provided, however, that, 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 than a majority, in principal amount of the
outstanding Debt Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or
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 for that series. Any resolution
passed or decision taken at any meeting of holders of Debt Securities of any
series duly held in accordance with the applicable Indenture will be binding on
all holders of Debt Securities of that 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 a 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 in principal amount of the
outstanding Debt Securities of a 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 foregoing provisions, each Indenture will provide 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 such Indenture expressly provides may be
made, given or taken by the holders of such series and one or more additional
series: (i) there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting and
(ii) the principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of such series
that 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 such Indenture.
Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
The Company may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of
Debt Securities that have not already been delivered to the applicable
Indenture Trustee for cancellation and that either have become due and payable
or will become due and payable within one year (or scheduled for redemption
within one year) by irrevocably depositing with such Indenture Trustee, in
trust, funds in such currency or currencies, currency unit or units or
composite currency or currencies in which such Debt Securities are payable in
an amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on such Debt Securities in
respect of principal (and premium, if any) and interest to the date of such
deposit (if such Debt Securities have become due and payable) or to the stated
maturity or redemption date, as the case may be.
An Indenture may provide that, if certain provisions thereof are made
applicable to the Debt Securities of or within a series pursuant to the
Indenture, the Company may elect either (i) to defease and be discharged from
any and all obligations with respect to such Debt Securities (except for the
obligation to pay additional amounts, if any, upon the occurrence of certain
events of tax, assessment or governmental charge with respect to payments on
such Debt Securities and the obligations to register the transfer or exchange
of such Debt Securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or
stolen Debt Securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of such Debt
Securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust) ("defeasance") or (ii) to
be released from its obligations with respect to such Debt Securities under
certain sections of such Indenture (including the restrictions described under
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"--Certain Covenants") and, if provided pursuant to such Indenture, its
obligations with respect to any other covenant, and any omission to comply with
such obligations shall not constitute a default or an event of default with
respect to such Debt Securities ("covenant defeasance"), in either case upon
the irrevocable deposit by the Company with the applicable Indenture Trustee,
in trust, of an amount, in such currency or currencies, currency unit or units
of composite currency or currencies in which such Debt Securities are payable
at stated maturity, or Government Obligations (as defined below), or both,
applicable to such Debt Securities which through the scheduled payment of
principal and interest, in accordance with their terms will provide money in an
amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on
such Debt Securities, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments
thereon, on the scheduled dates therefor.
Such a trust may be established only if, among other things, the Company
has delivered to the applicable Indenture Trustee an opinion of counsel (as
specified in the applicable Indenture) to the effect that the holders of such
Debt Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income
tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be
subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and
at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant
defeasance had not occurred.
"Government Obligations" means securities which are (i) direct obligations
of the United States of America or the government which issued the foreign
currency in which the Debt Securities of a particular series are payable, for
the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations
of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or
instrumentality of the United States of America or such government which issued
the foreign currency in which the Debt Securities of a particular series are
payable, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and
credit obligation by the United States of America or such other government,
which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the
issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or
trust company as custodian with respect to any such Government Obligation or a
specific payment of interest on or principal of any such Government Obligation
held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt;
provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to
make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository
receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government
Obligations or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the
Government Obligations evidenced by such depository receipt.
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, if
after the Company has deposited funds and/or Government Obligations to effect
defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to Debt Securities of any
series, (i) the holder of a Debt Security of such series is entitled to, and
does, elect pursuant to the applicable Indenture or the terms of such Debt
Security to receive payment in a currency, currency unit or composite currency
other than that in which such deposit has been made in respect of such Debt
Security, or (ii) a Conversion Event (as defined below) occurs in respect of
the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such deposit has
been made, the indebtedness represented by such Debt Security shall be deemed
to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment
of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such Debt Security as
they become due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount so
deposited in respect of such Debt Security into the currency, currency unit or
composite currency in which such Debt Security becomes payable as a result of
such election or such cessation of usage based on the applicable market
exchange rate. "Conversion Event" means the cessation of use of (i) a currency,
currency unit or composite currency both by the government of the country which
issued such currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank
or other public institutions of or within the international banking community,
(ii) the ECU both within the European Monetary System and for the settlement of
transactions by public institutions of or within the European Communities or
(iii) any currency unit or composite currency other than the ECU for the
purposes for which it was established. Unless otherwise provided in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, all payments of principal of (and premium, if
any) and interest on any Debt Security that is payable in a foreign currency
that ceases to be used by its government of issuance shall be made in U.S.
dollars.
In the event the Company effects covenant defeasance with respect to any
Debt Securities and such Debt Securities are declared due and payable because
of the occurrence of any event of default other than the event of default
described in clause (d) under "--Events of Default, Notice and Waiver" with
respect to certain sections of the applicable Indenture (which sections would
no longer be applicable to such Debt Securities) or described in clause (g)
under "--Events of Default, Notice and Waiver" with respect to any other
covenant as to which there
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has been covenant defeasance, the amount in such currency, currency unit or
composite currency in which such Debt Securities are payable, and Government
Obligations on deposit with the Trustee, will be sufficient to pay amounts due
on such Debt Securities at the time of their stated maturity but may not be
sufficient to pay amounts due on such Debt Securities at the time of the
acceleration resulting from such event of default. However, the Company would
remain liable to make payment of such amounts due at the time of acceleration.
Notwithstanding the description set forth under "--Subordination" below,
in the event that the Company deposits money or Government Obligations in
compliance with the applicable Indenture in order to defease all or certain of
its obligations with respect to any Subordinated Securities, the moneys or
Government Obligations so deposited will not be subject to the subordination
provisions of such Indenture and the indebtedness evidenced by such
Subordinated Securities will not be subordinated in right of payment to the
holders of senior indebtedness to the extent of the moneys or Government
Obligations so deposited.
The applicable Prospectus Supplement may further describe the provisions,
if any, permitting such defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any
modifications to the provisions described above, with respect to the Debt
Securities of or within a particular series.
Conversion Rights
The terms and conditions, if any, upon which the Debt Securities are
convertible into Common or Preferred Shares will be set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include whether such Debt
Securities are convertible into Common or Preferred Shares, the conversion
price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as
to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of the Company, the
events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting
conversion in the event of the redemption of such Debt Securities and any
restrictions on conversion, including restrictions directed at maintaining the
Company's REIT status.
Subordination
The terms and conditions, if any, upon which Subordinated Securities of a
series are subordinated to Debt Securities of other series or to other
indebtedness of the Company will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Such terms will include a description of the indebtedness ranking
senior to such Subordinated Securities, the restrictions on payments to the
holders of such Subordinated Securities while a default with respect to such
senior indebtedness is continuing, the restrictions, if any, on payments to the
holders of such Subordinated Securities following an Event of Default, and
provisions requiring holders of such Subordinated Securities to remit certain
payments to holders of senior indebtedness.
Global Securities
If so set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt
Securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or
more Global Securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a
depositary identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to such
series. Global Securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form and
in either temporary or permanent form. The specific terms of the depositary
arrangement with respect to any such series of Debt Securities will be
described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Declaration of Trust ("Declaration") authorizes the Company to issue
an aggregate of 200,000,000 shares of beneficial interest ("Shares") in the
Company, including (i) 150,000,000 Common Shares, par value $.01 per share, and
(ii) 50,000,000 Preferred Shares, par value $.01 per share. The Declaration
permits the Trustees to amend the Declaration to increase or decrease the
authorized Shares of the Company without the requirement of shareholder
approval.
The Declaration authorizes the Trustees, without shareholder approval,
from time to time to divide the Preferred Shares into classes or series and to
set (or change, if the class or series has been previously established) the par
value, if any, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms and
conditions of redemption of such Preferred Shares as are not prohibited by the
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Declaration or applicable law. In connection with the adoption of the Company's
shareholders rights plan (see "Redemption; Business Combinations and Control
Share Acquisitions--Rights Plan," below), the Trustees established an
authorized but unissued class of 1,500,000 Preferred Shares, par value $.01 per
share (the "Junior Participating Preferred Shares"), described more fully below
under "Description of Preferred Shares--Junior Participating Preferred Shares,"
and as of June 2, 1998 no other class or series of Preferred Shares had been
established.
As of June 2, 1998 there were 131,532,678 Shares outstanding, all of which
were Common Shares. The Company also had outstanding as of such date $204.9
million aggregate principal amount convertible subordinated debentures of
various series, all of which are convertible into Common Shares at an exercise
price equal on such date to $18 per share. See "Description of Convertible
Subordinated Debentures."
The following descriptions do not purport to be complete and are subject
to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, the more complete
descriptions thereof set forth in the Declaration. Capitalized terms not
defined herein are as defined in the Declaration.
Except as otherwise determined by the Trustees with respect to any class
or series of Preferred Shares, all Shares: (i) will participate equally in
dividends payable to shareholders when, as and if declared by the Trustees and
ratably in net assets available for distribution to shareholders on liquidation
or dissolution; (ii) will have one vote per share on all matters submitted to a
vote of the shareholders, (iii) will not have cumulative voting rights in the
election of Trustees; and (iv) will have no preference, conversion, exchange,
sinking fund, redemption rights or preemptive or similar rights.
Upon issuance in accordance with the Declaration, applicable law and the
terms and conditions described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Shares
will be fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of Shares do not have
preemptive rights with respect to the issuance of additional Shares or other
securities of the Company.
The authorized but unissued Shares will be available for issuance from
time to time by the Company at the sole discretion of the Trustees for any
proper trust purpose, which could include raising capital, providing
compensation or benefits to employees and others, paying stock dividends or
acquiring companies, businesses or properties. The issuance of such unissued
Shares could have the effect of diluting the earnings per share and book value
per share of currently outstanding Shares.
For certain other information with respect to the Shares, see "Limitation
of Liabilities; Shareholder Liability" and "Redemption; Business Combinations
and Control Share Acquisitions" below.
The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Company's Shares is State Street
Bank and Trust Company, c/o Boston EquiServe, P.O. Box 8200, Boston,
Massachusetts 02266-8200 (telephone number (800) 426-5523).
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SHARES
The Declaration authorizes the Trustees, without shareholder approval,
from time to time to divide the Preferred Shares into classes or series and to
set (or change, if the class or series has been previously established) the par
value, if any, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms and
conditions of redemption of such Preferred Shares that are not prohibited by
the Declaration or applicable law.
The following description of the Preferred Shares sets forth certain
general terms and provisions of the Preferred Shares to which any Prospectus
Supplement may relate and a brief summary of certain terms of the Company's
Junior Participating Preferred Shares. The statements below describing the
Preferred Shares are in all respects subject to and qualified in their entirety
by reference to the applicable provisions of the Declaration (including any
applicable articles supplementary) and By-Laws.
General
Subject to limitations prescribed by Maryland law and the Declaration, the
Trustees are authorized to fix the number of shares constituting each series of
Preferred Shares and the designations and powers, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other specific rights and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof,
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including such provisions as may be desired concerning voting, redemption,
dividends, dissolution or the distribution of assets, conversion or exchange,
and such other subjects or matters as may be fixed by resolutions of the
Trustees.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Preferred
Shares offered thereby for specific terms, including:
(1) the title of such Preferred Shares;
(2) the number of shares of such Preferred Shares offered, the par value,
the liquidation preference per share and the offering price of such
Preferred Shares;
(3) the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of
calculation thereof applicable to such Preferred Shares;
(4) the date from which dividends on such Preferred Shares shall accumulate,
if applicable;
(5) the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any, for such
Preferred Shares;
(6) the provision for a sinking fund, if any, for such Preferred Shares;
(7) the provision for redemption, if applicable, of such Preferred Shares;
(8) any listing of such Preferred shares on any securities exchange;
(9) the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which such Preferred
Shares will be convertible into Common Shares of the Company or another
series of Offered Securities, including the conversion price (or manner
of calculation thereof);
(10) whether interests in such Preferred Shares will be represented by
Depositary Shares as more fully described below under "Description of
Depositary Shares";
(11) any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or
restrictions of such Preferred Shares;
(12) a discussion of federal income tax considerations applicable to such
Preferred Shares;
(13) the relative ranking and preferences of such Preferred Shares as to
dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the affairs of the Company;
(14) any limitations on issuance of any series of Preferred Shares ranking
senior to or on a parity with such series of Preferred Shares as to
dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the affairs of the Company; and
(15) any limitations on direct or beneficial ownership and restrictions on
transfer.
As described under "Description of Depositary Shares," the Company may, at
its option, elect to offer Depositary Shares evidenced by depositary receipts
("Depositary Receipts"), each representing a fractional interest (to be
specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular series of the
Preferred Shares) in a share of the particular series of the Preferred Shares
issued and deposited with a Depositary (as defined below).
Rank
Unless otherwise determined by the Trustees and specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, it is expected that the Preferred Shares
will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the Company, rank (i) senior to all Common Shares, and to all
equity securities ranking junior to such Preferred Shares; (ii) on a parity
with all equity securities issued by the Company the terms of which
specifically provide that such equity securities rank on a parity with the
Preferred Shares; and (iii) junior to all equity securities issued by the
Company the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities
rank senior to the Preferred Shares.
Dividends
Holders of Preferred Shares of each series shall be entitled to receive,
when, as and if declared by the Trustees, out of assets of the Company legally
available for payment, cash dividends at such rates and on such dates as will
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be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Each such dividend shall
be payable to holders of record as they appear on the stock transfer books of
the Company (or, if applicable, on the records of the Depositary referred to
below under "Description of Depositary Shares") on such record dates as shall
be fixed by the Trustees.
Dividends on any series of the Preferred Shares 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 the Trustees fail to declare a dividend
payable on a dividend payment date on any series of the Preferred Shares for
which dividends are noncumulative, then the holders of such series of the
Preferred Shares will have no right to receive a dividend in respect of the
dividend period ending on such dividend payment date, and the Company will have
no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for such period, whether or not
dividends on such series are declared payable on any future dividend payment
date.
If Preferred Shares of any series are outstanding, no full dividends shall
be declared or paid or set apart for payment on the Preferred Shares of the
Company of any other series ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or
junior to the Preferred Shares of such series for any period unless (i) if such
series of Preferred Shares has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends
have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the Preferred
Shares of such series for all past dividend periods and the then current
dividend period or (ii) if such series of Preferred Shares does not have a
cumulative dividend, full dividends for the then current dividend period have
been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the Preferred
Shares of such series. When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient
for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the Preferred Shares of any
series and the shares of any other series of Preferred Shares ranking on a
parity as to dividends with the Preferred Shares of such series, all dividends
declared upon Preferred Shares of such series and any other series of Preferred
Shares shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued
dividends per share on the Preferred Shares of such series (which shall not
include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend
periods if such Preferred Shares do not have a cumulative dividend) and such
other series of Preferred Shares 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 Preferred Shares of such series which may be in arrears.
Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless (i) if
such series of Preferred Shares has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative
dividends on the Preferred Shares of such series have been or contemporaneously
are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the repayment
thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then
current dividend period, and (ii) if such series of Preferred Shares does not
have a cumulative dividend, full dividends on the Preferred Shares of such
series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a
sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for the then
current dividend period, no dividends (other than in Common Shares or other
capital stock ranking junior to the Preferred Shares of such series as to
dividends and upon liquidation) shall be declared or paid or set aside for
payment or other distribution shall be declared or made upon the Common Shares
or any other capital stock of the Company ranking junior to or on a parity with
the Preferred Shares of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor
shall any Common Shares or any other capital stock of the Company ranking
junior to or on a parity with the Preferred Shares of such series as to
dividends or upon liquidation be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for
any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking
fund for the redemption of any shares of any such stock) by the Company (except
by conversion into or exchange for other capital stock of the Company ranking
junior to the Preferred Shares of such series as to dividends and upon
liquidation and except pursuant to certain pro rata offers to purchase or a
concurrent redemption of all, or a pro rata portion of, the outstanding shares
of the Preferred Shares of such series and any other series of Preferred Shares
ranking on a parity with such series as to dividends and liquidation).
Any dividend payment made on shares of a series of Preferred Shares shall
first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with
respect to shares of such series which remains payable.
Redemption
If so provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Preferred
Shares will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at the option of
the Company, as a whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times
and at the redemption prices set forth in such Prospectus Supplement.
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The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Preferred Shares that is
subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of such Preferred
Shares that shall be redeemed by the Company in each year commencing after a
date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together
with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (which shall
not, if such Preferred Shares do not have a cumulative dividend, include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods) to the
date of redemption. The redemption price may be payable in cash or other
property, as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. If the
redemption price for Preferred Shares of any series is payable only from the
net proceeds of the issuance of capital stock of the Company, the terms of such
Preferred Shares may provide that, if no such capital 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, such Preferred Shares
shall automatically and mandatorily be converted into shares of the applicable
capital stock of the Company pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless (i) if such series of Preferred
Shares has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends on all shares of
any series of Preferred Shares 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, and (ii) if such series of Preferred Shares does not have a cumulative
dividend, full dividends on the Preferred Shares of any series have been or
contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for
the payment thereof set apart for payment for the then current dividend period,
no shares of any series of Preferred Shares shall be redeemed unless all
outstanding Preferred Shares of such series are simultaneously redeemed;
provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or
acquisition of Preferred Shares of such series pursuant to a purchase or
exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding Preferred
Shares of such series, and, unless (i) if such series of Preferred Shares has a
cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of any
series of Preferred Shares have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid
or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment
for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period, and (ii) if
such series of Preferred Shares does not have a cumulative dividend, full
dividends on the Preferred Shares of any series have been or contemporaneously
are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof
set apart for payment for the then current dividend period, the Company shall
not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any Preferred Shares
of such series (except by conversion into or exchange for capital stock of the
Company ranking junior to the Preferred Shares of such series as to dividends
and upon liquidation).
If fewer than all of the outstanding Preferred Shares of any series are to
be redeemed, the number of Preferred Shares to be redeemed will be determined
by the Company and such shares may be redeemed pro rata from the holders of
record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held by such
holders (with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares) or by lot
in manner determined by the Company.
Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60
days before the redemption date to each holder of record of Preferred Shares of
any series to be redeemed at the address shown on the stock transfer books of
the Company. Each notice shall state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the number
of shares and series of the Preferred Shares to be redeemed; (iii) the
redemption price; (iv) the place or places where certificates for such
Preferred Shares are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price; (v)
that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such
redemption date; and (vi) the date upon which the holder's conversion rights,
if any, as to such shares shall terminate. If fewer than all the Preferred
Shares of any series are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to each such holder
thereof shall also specify the number of Preferred Shares to be redeemed from
each such holder. If notice of redemption of any Preferred Shares has been
given and if the funds necessary for such redemption have been set aside by the
Company in trust for the benefit of the holders of any of the Preferred Shares
so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date dividends
will cease to accrue on such Preferred Shares, and any and all rights of the
holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the
redemption price.
Liquidation Preference
Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the affairs of the Company, then, before any distribution or payment shall
be made to the holders of any Common Shares or any other class or series of
capital stock of the Company ranking junior to the Preferred Shares in the
distribution of assets upon any
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liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of each
series of Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive out of assets of the
Company legally available for distribution to shareholders liquidating
distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share (set forth
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement), plus an amount equal to all dividends
accrued and unpaid thereon (which shall not include any accumulation in respect
of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such Preferred Shares do not
have a cumulative dividend). After payment of the full amount of the
liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of Preferred
Shares will have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the
Company. In the event that upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, the available assets of the Company are insufficient
to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding Preferred
Shares and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or
series of capital stock of the Company ranking on a parity with the Preferred
Shares in the distribution of assets, then the holders of the Preferred Shares
and all other such classes or series of capital stock shall share ratably in
any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating
distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.
If liquidating distributions shall have been made in full to all holders
of Preferred Shares, the remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed
among the holders of any other classes or series of capital stock ranking
junior to the Preferred Shares upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
according to their respective rights and preferences and in each case according
to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, the consolidation or
merger of the Company with or into any other trust or corporation, or the sale,
lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the property or business of
the Company, shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company.
Voting Rights
Holders of the Preferred Shares will not have any voting rights, except as
set forth below or as otherwise from time to time required by law or as
indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, at any
time dividends on any Preferred Shares shall be in arrears for six consecutive
quarterly periods, the holders of such Preferred Shares (voting separately as a
class with all other series of preferred shares upon which like voting rights
have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled to vote for the
election of two additional trustees of the Company at the next annual meeting
of shareholders and at each subsequent meeting until (i) if such series of
Preferred Shares has a cumulative dividend, all dividends accumulated on such
Preferred Shares for the past dividend periods and the then current dividend
period shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof set aside for payment or (ii) if such series of Preferred
Shares does not have a cumulative dividend, four consecutive quarterly
dividends shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof set aside for payment. In such case, the entire Trustees of the
Company will be increased by two trustees.
Unless provided otherwise for any series of Preferred Shares, so long as
any Preferred Shares remain outstanding, the Company shall not, without the
affirmative vote or consent of the holders of a majority of the shares of each
series of Preferred Shares outstanding at the time, given in person or by
proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (such series voting separately as a
class), (i) authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of capital stock ranking prior to such series of
Preferred Shares with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of
assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or reclassify any
authorized capital stock of the Company into any such shares, or create,
authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing
the right to purchase any such shares; or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of the Declaration or the certificate of designations for such
series of Preferred Shares, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so
as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or
voting power of such series of Preferred Shares or the holders thereof;
provided, however, that any increase in the amount of the authorized Preferred
Shares or the creation or issuance of any other series of Preferred Shares, or
any increase in the amount of authorized shares of such series or any other
series of Preferred Shares, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to
the Preferred Shares of such series with respect to payment of dividends or the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not
be deemed 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 time
when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall
be effected, all outstanding shares of such series of Preferred Shares
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shall have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient funds shall
have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
As more fully described under "Description of Depositary Shares" below, if
the Company elects to issue Depositary Shares, each representing a fraction of
a share of a series of the Preferred Shares, each such Depositary will, in
effect be entitled to such fraction of a vote per Depositary Share.
Conversion Rights
The terms and conditions, if any, upon which shares of any series of
Preferred Shares may be converted into or exchanged for Common Shares or
another series of Preferred Shares or other series of Offered Securities will
be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Such terms will
include the number of Common Shares or other securities into which the
Preferred Share is convertible or exchangeable, conversion or exchange price
(or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion or exchange period,
provisions as to whether conversion or exchange will be at the option of the
holders of the Preferred Shares or the Company, the events requiring an
adjustment of the conversion or exchange price and provisions affecting
conversion or exchange in the event of the redemption such Preferred Shares.
Junior Participating Preferred Shares
In connection with the adoption of the Company's shareholders rights plan,
the Trustees established an authorized but unissued class of 1,500,000
Preferred Shares. See "Redemption; Business Combinations and Control Share
Acquisitions" below. Certain powers, preferences and rights and certain
qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Junior Participating
Preferred Shares, when and if issued, are as follows. The statements below with
respect to the Junior Participating Preferred Shares are in all respects
subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable
provisions of the Declaration (including the applicable articles supplementary)
and By-Laws.
The holder of each Junior Participating Preferred Share is entitled to
quarterly dividends in the greater amount of $5.00 or 100 times the quarterly
per share dividend, whether cash or otherwise, declared upon the Common Shares.
Dividends on the Junior Participating Preferred Shares are cumulative. Whenever
dividends on the Junior Participating Preferred Shares are in arrears, the
Company, among other things, is prohibited from declaring or paying dividends,
making other distributions on, or redeeming or repurchasing Common Shares or
other Shares ranking junior to the Junior Participating Preferred Shares, and
upon failure of the Company to pay such dividends for six quarters, the holders
of the Junior Participating Preferred Shares will be entitled to elect two
Trustees. The holder of each Junior Participating Preferred Share is entitled
to 100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders, voting
(unless otherwise provided in the Declaration or by law) together with holders
of Common Shares as one class. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company, the holders of Junior Participating Preferred Shares are entitled
to a liquidation preference of $100 per share plus the amount of any accrued
and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon (the "Liquidation Preference"),
prior to payment of any distribution in respect of the Common Shares or any
other Shares ranking junior to the Junior Participating Preferred Shares.
Following payment of the Liquidation Preference, the holders of Junior
Participating Preferred Shares are not entitled to further distributions until
the holders of Common Shares shall have received an amount per share (the
"Common Share Adjustment") equal to the Liquidation Preference divided by 100
(adjusted to reflect events such as stock splits, stock dividends and
recapitalizations affected the Common Shares) (the "Adjustment Number").
Following the payment of the full amount of the Liquidation Preference and the
Common Share Adjustment, holders of Junior Participating Preferred Shares are
entitled to participate proportionately on a per share basis with holders of
Common Shares in the distribution of the remaining assets to be distributed in
respect of Shares in the ratio of the Adjustment Number to one, respectively.
The powers, preferences and rights of the Junior Participating Preferred Shares
are subject to the superior powers, preferences and rights of any senior series
or class of Preferred Shares which the Trustees shall, from time to time,
authorize and issue.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
General
The description set forth below and in any applicable Prospectus
Supplement of certain provisions of any Deposit Agreement (as defined below)
and of the Depositary Shares and depositary receipts representing Depositary
Shares ("Depositary Receipts") does not purport to be complete and is subject
to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the forms of Deposit Agreement
and Depositary Receipts relating to each series of the Preferred Shares which
have been or will be filed with the Commission at or prior to the time of the
offering of such series of the Preferred Shares.
The Company may, at its option, elect to offer fractional interests in
shares of Preferred Shares, rather than shares of Preferred Shares. In the
event such option is exercised, the Company will provide for the issuance by a
Depositary (as defined below) to the public of receipts for Depositary Shares,
each of which will represent a fractional interest to be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular series of the Preferred Shares
which will be filed with the Commission at or prior to the time of the offering
of such series of the Preferred Shares as described below. Preferred Shares of
each series represented by Depositary Shares will be deposited under a separate
deposit agreement (each, a "Deposit Agreement") among the Company and the
depositary named therein (a "Depositary"). The Prospectus Supplement relating
to a series of Depositary Shares will set forth the name and address of the
Depositary. Subject to the terms of the applicable Deposit Agreement, each
owner of a Depositary Share will be entitled, in proportion to the fractional
interest of a share of a particular series of Preferred Shares represented by
such Depositary Share to all the rights and preferences of the Preferred Shares
represented by such 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. Upon surrender of Depositary
Receipts at the office of the Depositary and upon payment of the charges
provided in the Deposit Agreement and subject to the terms thereof, a holder of
Depositary Shares is entitled to have the Depositary deliver to such holder the
whole shares of Preferred Shares underlying the Depositary Shares evidenced by
the surrendered Depositary Receipts.
Dividends and Other Distributions
A Depositary will be required to distribute all cash dividends or other
cash distributions received in respect of the applicable Preferred Shares to
the record holders of Depositary Receipts evidencing the related Depositary
Shares in proportion to the number of such 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 such
Depositary. Fractions will be rounded down to the market whole cent.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, a Depositary will be
required to distribute property received by it to the record holders of
Depositary Receipts entitled thereto, subject to certain obligations of holders
to file proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain charges
and expenses to such Depositary, unless such Depositary determines that it is
not feasible to make such distribution, in which case such Depositary may, with
the approval of the Company, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds
from such sale to such holders.
No distributions will be made in respect of any Depositary Share to the
extent that it represents any Preferred Shares which have been converted or
exchanged. The Deposit Agreement will also contain provisions relating to the
manner in which any subscription or similar rights offered by the Company to
holders of the Preferred Shares shall be made available to holders of
Depositary Shares.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
If a series of the Preferred Shares underlying the Depositary Shares is
subject to redemption, the Depositary Shares will be redeemed from the proceeds
received by the Depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in part,
of such series of the Preferred Shares held by the Depositary. The Depositary
shall mail notice of redemption not less than 30 and not more than 60 days
prior to the date fixed for redemption to the record holders of the Depositary
Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares to be so redeemed at their respective
addresses appearing in the Depositary's books. The redemption price per
Depositary Share will be equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption
price per share payable with respect to such series of the Preferred Shares.
Whenever
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the Company redeems shares of Preferred Shares held by the Depositary, the
Depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of Depositary
Shares relating to shares of Preferred Shares so redeemed. If less than all of
the Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be redeemed
will be selected by lot or pro rata as may be determined by the Depositary.
After the date fixed for redemption, the Depositary Shares so called for
redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the
holders of the Depositary Shares and the related Depositary Receipts will
cease, except the right to receive the moneys payable upon such redemption and
any money or other property to which the holders of such Depositary Shares were
entitled upon such redemption upon surrender to the Depositary of the
Depositary Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares.
Voting of the Preferred Shares
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the
applicable Preferred Shares are entitled to vote, a Depositary will be required
to mail the information contained in such notice of meeting to the record
holders of the Depositary Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares which
represent such Preferred Shares. Each record holder of Depositary Receipts
evidencing Depositary Shares on the record date (which will be the same date as
the record date for the Preferred Shares) will be entitled to instruct such
Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of
Preferred Shares represented by such holder's Depositary Shares. Such
Depositary will endeavor, insofar as practical, to vote the amount of Preferred
Shares represented by such Depositary Shares in accordance with such
instructions, and the Company will agree to take all reasonable action which
may be deemed necessary by such Depositary in order to enable such Depositary
to do so. Such Depositary will be required to abstain from voting the amount of
Preferred Shares represented by such Depositary Shares to the extent it does
not receive specific instructions from the holders of Depositary Receipts
evidencing such Depositary Shares. The 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 such action or non-action is in good faith
and does not result from gross negligence or willful misconduct of such
Depositary.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company,
whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each Depositary Share will be
entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each Preferred
Share represented by such Depositary Share, as set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement.
Conversion of Preferred Shares
The Depositary Shares, as such, will not be convertible into or
exchangeable for Common Shares, Preferred Shares or any other securities or
property of the Company. Nevertheless, if so specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement relating to an offering of Depositary Shares, the
Depositary Receipts may be surrendered by holders thereof to the applicable
Depositary with written instructions to such Depositary to instruct the company
to cause conversion or exchange of the Preferred Shares represented by the
Depositary Shares evidenced by such Depositary Receipts into Common Shares,
other shares of Preferred Shares of the Company or such other securities as
shall be provided therein, and the Company will agree that upon receipt of such
instruction and any amounts payable in respect thereof, it will cause the
conversion or exchange thereof utilizing the same procedures as those provided
for delivery of Preferred Shares to effect such conversion or exchange. If the
Depositary Shares evidenced by a Depositary Receipt are to be converted in part
only, a new Depositary Receipt or Depositary Receipts will be issued for any
Depositary Shares not to be converted.
Amendment and Termination of a Deposit Agreement
Any form of Depositary Receipt evidencing Depositary Shares and any
provision of a Deposit Agreement will be permitted at any time to be amended by
agreement between the Company and the applicable Depositary. However, any
amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of
Depositary Shares will not be effective unless such amendment has been approved
by the existing holders of at least a majority of the applicable Depositary
Shares then outstanding. Every holder of an outstanding Depositary Receipt at
the time any such amendment becomes effective shall 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 thereby.
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Any Deposit Agreement may be terminated by the Company upon not less than
30 days' prior written notice to the applicable Depositary if (i) such
termination is necessary to preserve the Company's status as a REIT or (ii) a
majority of each series of Preferred Shares affected by such termination
consents to such termination, whereupon such Depositary will be required to
deliver or make available to each holder of Depositary Receipts, upon surrender
of the Depositary Receipts held by such holder, such number of whole or
fractional Preferred Shares as are represented by the Depositary Shares
evidenced by such Depositary Receipts together with any other property held by
such Depositary with receipts to such Depositary Receipts. The Company will
agree in each Depositary Agreement that if such Deposit Agreement is terminated
to preserve the Company's status as a REIT, then the Company will use its best
efforts to list the Preferred Shares issued upon surrender of the related
Depositary Shares on a national securities exchange. In addition, a Deposit
Agreement will automatically terminate if (i) all outstanding Depositary Shares
thereunder shall have been redeemed; (ii) there shall have been a final
distribution in respect of the related Preferred Shares in connection with any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and such distribution
shall have been distributed to the holders of Depositary Receipts evidencing
the Depositary Shares underlying such Preferred Shares; or (iii) each of the
related Preferred Shares shall have been converted or exchanged into securities
not so represented by Depositary Shares.
Charges of a Depositary
The Company will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges
arising solely from the existence of a Deposit Agreement. In addition, the
Company will pay the fees and expenses of a Depositary in connection with the
initial deposit of the Preferred Shares and any redemption of Preferred Shares.
However, holders of Depositary Receipts will pay any transfer or other
governmental charges and the fees and expenses of a Depositary for any duties
requested by such holders to be performed which are outside of those expressly
provided for in the applicable Deposit Agreement.
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
A Depositary may resign at any time by delivering to the Company notice of
its election to do so, and the Company may at any time remove a Depositary, any
such resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor
Depositary. A successor Depositary will be required to be appointed within 60
days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and will be
required to be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the
United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50
million.
Miscellaneous
A Depositary will be required to forward to holders of Depositary Receipts
any reports and communications from the Company which are received by such
Depositary with respect to the related Preferred Shares.
Neither Depositary nor the Company will be liable if it is prevented from
or delayed in, by law or any circumstances beyond its control, performing its
obligations under a Deposit Agreement. The obligations of the Company and a
Depositary under a Deposit Agreement will be limited to performing their duties
thereunder in good faith and without gross negligence or willful misconduct,
and neither the Company nor any applicable Depositary will be obligated to
prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any Depositary Receipts,
Depositary Shares or Preferred Shares represented thereby unless satisfactory
indemnity is furnished. The Company and any Depositary will be permitted to
rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, on information provided by
persons presenting Preferred Shares represented thereby for deposit, holders of
Depositary Receipts or other persons believed in good faith to be competent to
give such information, and on documents believed in good faith to be genuine
and signed by a proper party.
In the event a Depositary shall receive conflicting claims, requests or
instructions from any holders of Depositary Receipts, on the one hand, and the
Company, on the other hand, such Depositary shall be entitled to act on such
claims, requests or instructions received from the Company.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
The Company may issue, together with any other series of Offered
Securities or separately, Warrants entitling the holder to purchase from or
sell to the Company, or to receive from the Company the cash value of the right
to purchase or sell, Debt Securities, Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares or
Common Shares. The Warrants are to
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be issued under Warrant Agreements (each a "Warrant Agreement") to be entered
into between the Company and a warrant agent (the "Warrant Agent"), all as set
forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular issue
of Warrants.
In the case of each series of Warrants, the applicable Prospectus
Supplement will describe the terms of the Warrants being offered thereby,
including the following, if applicable: (i) the offering price; (ii) the
currencies in which such Warrants are being offered; (iii) the number of
Warrants offered; (iv) the securities underlying the Warrants; (v) the exercise
price, the procedures for exercise of the Warrants and the circumstances, if
any, that will cause the Warrants to be deemed to be automatically exercised;
(vi) the date on which the right shall expire; (vii) U.S. federal income tax
consequences; and (viii) other terms of the Warrants.
Warrants may be exercised at the appropriate office of the Warrant Agent
or any other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Prior to
the exercise of Warrants entitling the holder to purchase any securities,
holders of such Warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the
securities purchasable upon such exercise and will not be entitled to payments
made to holders of such securities.
The Warrant Agreements may be amended or supplemented without the consent
of the holders of the Warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that are not
inconsistent with the provisions of the Warrants and that do not adversely
affect the interests of the holders of the Warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
In October 1996 the Company issued $240 million aggregate principal amount
of convertible subordinated debentures (the "Convertible Subordinated
Debentures"), consisting of $70 million aggregate principal amount of 7.5%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2003, Series A (the "Series A
Debentures"), $130 million aggregate principal amount of 7.5% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due 2003, Series B (the "Series B Debentures"), and $40
million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% Convertible Subordinated Debentures
due 2001 (the "7.25% Debentures"). The Series A Debentures and the 7.25%
Debentures were sold in offerings registered under the Securities Act, and the
Series B Debentures were sold in an offering outside of the United States
pursuant to Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.
The Convertible Subordinated Debentures are convertible into Common
Shares, initially at a conversion price of $18 per Common Share, at any time
prior to maturity or earlier redemption. Such conversion price is subject to
adjustment in certain events, including the payment of dividends or
distributions on the Company's Shares in Common Shares or certain other
securities issued by the Company, the issuance to all holders of Common Shares
of rights, options or warrants entitling them to subscribe for Common Shares
(or securities convertible into Common Shares), subdivisions or combinations of
the Common Shares into a greater or smaller number of shares, reclassification
of Common Shares resulting in an issuance of any of the Company's Shares and
certain mergers or combination or sales of substantially all assets of the
Company.
As of June 2, 1998 $35.1 million in principal amount of the Series A and
Series B Debentures had been converted into an aggregate of 2.0 million Common
Shares, and none of the 7.25% Debentures had been converted.
The indebtedness evidenced by the Convertible Subordinated Debentures is
subordinated and junior in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the
trust indenture applicable thereto, to the prior payment in full of amounts
then due in respect of all indebtedness of the Company for borrowed money and
certain other indebtedness, excluding (i) indebtedness of the Company to a
subsidiary or an officer, director, trustee or employee of the Company or a
subsidiary, (ii) indebtedness of the Company which, pursuant to the terms of
the instrument creating or evidencing such indebtedness, is expressly made pari
passu with or subordinate in right of payment to the Convertible Subordinated
Debentures and (iii) any liability of the Company for taxes.
The preceding discussion of certain terms of the Convertible Subordinated
Debentures is a summary of certain provisions of the Convertible Subordinated
Debentures and the related trust indenture. Such discussion does not purport to
be complete and is in all respects subject to and qualified in its entirety by
reference to the complete terms thereof and of such trust indenture.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY
Maryland law permits a REIT to provide, and the Declaration provides, that
no trustee, officer, shareholder, employee or agent of the Company shall be
held to any personal liability, jointly or severally, for any obligation of or
claim against the Company, and that, as far as practicable, each written
agreement of the Company is to contain
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a provision to that effect. Despite these facts, counsel has advised the
Company that in some jurisdictions the possibility exists that shareholders of
a non-corporate entity such as the Company may be held liable for acts or
obligations of the Company. Counsel has advised the Company that the State of
Texas may not give effect to the limitation of shareholder liability afforded
by Maryland law, but that Texas law would likely recognize contractual
limitations of liability such as those discussed above. The Company intends to
conduct its business in a manner designed to minimize potential shareholder
liability by, among other things, inserting appropriate provisions in written
agreements of the Company; however, no assurance can be given that shareholders
can avoid liability in all instances in all jurisdictions.
The Declaration provides that, upon payment by a shareholder of any such
liability, the shareholder will be entitled to indemnification by the Company.
There can be no assurance that, at the time any such liability arises, there
will be assets of the Company sufficient to satisfy the Company's
indemnification obligation. The Trustees intend to conduct the operations of
the Company, with the advice of counsel, in such a way as to minimize or avoid,
as far as practicable, the ultimate liability of the shareholders of the
Company. The Trustees do not intend to provide insurance covering such risks to
the shareholders.
REDEMPTION; BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITIONS
Redemption and Business Combinations
For the Company to qualify as a REIT under the Code, in any taxable year,
not more than 50% in value of its outstanding Shares may be owned, directly or
indirectly by five or fewer individuals during the last six months of such
year, and the shares must be owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335
days of a taxable year or a proportionate part of a taxable year less than 12
months. In order to meet these and other requirements, the Trustees have the
power to redeem or prohibit the transfer of a sufficient number of Shares to
maintain or bring the ownership of the Shares into conformity with such
requirements. In connection with the foregoing, if the Trustees shall, at any
time and in good faith, be of the opinion that direct or indirect ownership of
shares representing more than 8.5% in value of the total Shares outstanding
(the "Excess Shares") has or may become concentrated in the hands of one
beneficial owner, other than Excepted Persons, the Trustees shall have the
power (i) to purchase from any shareholder of the Company such Excess Shares,
and (ii) to refuse to transfer or issue Shares to any person whose acquisition
of such Shares would, in the opinion of the Trustees, result in the direct or
indirect beneficial ownership by any person of Shares representing more than
8.5% in value of the outstanding Shares. Any transfer of Shares, options, or
other securities convertible into Shares that would create a beneficial owner
(other than any of the Excepted Persons) of Shares representing more than 8.5%
in value of the total Shares outstanding shall be deemed void ab initio, and
the intended transferee shall be deemed never to have had an interest therein.
Further the Declaration provides that transfers or purported acquisitions,
directly, indirectly or by attribution, of Shares, or securities convertible
into Shares, that could result in disqualification of the Company as a REIT are
null and void and permits the Trustees to repurchase Shares or other securities
to the extent necessary to maintain the Company's status as a REIT. The
purchase price for any Shares so purchased shall be determined by the price of
the Shares on the principal exchange on which they are then traded, or if no
such price is available, then the purchase price shall be equal to the net
asset value of such Shares as determined by the Trustees in accordance with
applicable law. From and after the date fixed for purchase by the Trustees, and
so long as payment of the purchase price for the Shares to be so redeemed shall
have been made or duly provided for, the holder of any Excess Shares so called
for purchase shall cease to be entitled to distributions, voting rights and any
and all other benefits with respect to such Shares, except the right to payment
of the purchase price for the Shares.
The Declaration also requires that Business Combinations between the
Company and a beneficial holder of 10% or more of the outstanding Shares (a
"Related Person") be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least 75% of the Shares unless (1) the Trustees by unanimous vote or written
consent shall have expressly approved in advance the acquisition of the
outstanding Shares that caused the Related Person to become a Related Person or
shall have approved the Business Combination prior to the Related Person
involved in the Business Combination having become a Related Person; or (2) the
Business Combination is solely between the Company and a 100% owned affiliate
of the Company. As permitted by law, the Company has elected to be governed by
such provisions rather than the provisions of Subtitle 6 of Title 3 of the
Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland
regarding business combinations.
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Under the Declaration the number of trustees may be fixed from time to
time by two-thirds of the Trustees or by an amendment of the Declaration by the
shareholders of the Company, with a minimum of three and a maximum of 12
trustees, a majority of whom must be Independent Trustees. The Declaration
fixes the current number of trustees of the Company at five and divides the
Trustees into three groups. Trustees in each group are elected to three-year
terms. As the Trustees' terms expire, replacements are elected by a majority of
the outstanding Shares. The classified nature of the Trustees may make it more
difficult for the shareholders to remove the management of the Company than if
all trustees were elected on an annual basis. Vacancies may be filled by a
majority of the remaining trustees, except that a vacancy among the Independent
Trustees must be filled by a majority of the remaining Independent Trustees or
by majority vote of the Company's shareholders. Any trustee may be removed for
cause by all the remaining trustees, or without cause by vote of two-thirds of
the Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon.
The provisions regarding business combinations and the classified nature
of the Trustees and certain other matters may not be repealed or amended
without the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the shareholders of the
Company, provided that the Trustees, by two-thirds vote, may, without the
approval or consent of the shareholders, adopt any amendment that they in good
faith determine to be necessary to permit the Company to qualify as a REIT
under the Code.
The foregoing provisions may have the effect of discouraging unilateral
tender offers or other takeover proposals which certain shareholders might deem
in their interests or pursuant to which they might receive a substantial
premium for their Shares. The provisions could also have the effect of
insulating current management against the possibility of removal and could, by
possibly reducing temporary fluctuations in market price caused by
accumulations of Shares, deprive shareholders of opportunities to sell at a
temporarily higher market price. However, the Trustees believe that inclusion
of the business combination provisions in the Declaration may help assure fair
treatment of shareholders and preserve the assets of the Company.
Control Share Acquisition
Maryland law provides for a limitation of voting rights in a "control
share acquisition." The Maryland statute defines a control share acquisition at
the 20%, 33-1/3% and 50% acquisition levels, and requires a two-thirds vote
(excluding shares owned by the acquiring person and certain members of
management) to accord voting rights to shares acquired in a control share
acquisition. The statute would require the target company to hold a special
meeting at the request of an actual or proposed control share acquiror subject
to compliance with certain conditions by such acquiror. In addition, unless the
charter, declaration of trust or by-laws provide otherwise, the statute gives
the company, within certain time limitations, various redemption rights if
there is a shareholder vote on the issue and the grant of voting rights is not
approved, or if an "acquiring person statement" is not delivered to the target
company within 10 days following a control share acquisition. Moreover, unless
the charter, declaration of trust or by-laws provide otherwise, the statute
provides that if, before a control share acquisition occurs, voting rights for
control shares are approved at a shareholders' meeting and the acquiror becomes
entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, then all other
shareholders may exercise appraisal rights. The statute does not apply to
shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the company is
a party to the transaction. An acquisition of shares may be exempted from the
control share statute provided that a charter, declaration of trust or by-law
provision is adopted for such purpose prior to the control share acquisition.
There are no such provisions in the Declaration or By-Laws of the Company.
Rights Plan
In October 1994 the Trustees adopted a shareholder rights plan (the
"Rights Plan"). The Rights Plans provides for the distribution of one Junior
Participating Preferred Share purchase right (a "Right") for each Common Share.
Each Right entitles the holder to buy 1/100th of a Junior Participating
Preferred Share (or, in certain circumstances, to receive cash, property,
Common Shares or other securities of the Company) at an exercise price of $50
per 1/100th of a Junior Participating Preferred Share. Certain powers,
preferences and rights and certain qualifications, limitations and restrictions
of the Junior Participating Preferred Shares are summarized above under
"Description of Preferred Shares--Junior Participating Shares."
Initially, the Rights are attached to certificates representing Common
Shares. The Rights will separate from such Common Shares and a "Distribution
Date" will occur upon earlier of (i) 10 business days (or such later date
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as the Trustees may determine before a Distribution Date occurs) following a
public announcement by the Company that a person or group affiliated or
associated persons, with certain exceptions (an "Acquiring Person"), has
acquired, or has obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 10% or
more of the outstanding Common Shares (the date of such announcement being a
"Share Acquisition Date") or (ii) 10 business days (or such later date as the
Trustees may determine before a Distribution Date occurs) following the
commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person
becoming an Acquiring Person.
Until the Distribution Date, (i) the Rights will be evidenced by the
certificates for Common Shares and will be transferred with and only with such
Common Share certificates, (ii) Common Share certificates will contain a
notation incorporating the rights agreement pursuant to which the Rights were
issued (the "Rights Agreement") by reference and (iii) the surrender for
transfer of any certificates for Common Shares outstanding will also constitute
the transfer of the Rights associated with the Common Shares represented by
such certificates.
The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire
at the close of business on October 17, 2004, unless earlier redeemed or
exchanged by the Company as described below. Until a Right is exercised, the
holder thereof, as such, has no rights as a shareholder of the Company,
including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.
In the event (a "Flip-In Event") a Person becomes an Acquiring Person
(except pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for all outstanding Common
Shares at a price and on terms which a majority of the Company's Outside
Trustees (as defined in the Rights Agreement) determines to be fair to and
otherwise in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders (a "fair
offer")), each holder of a Right will thereafter have the right to receive,
upon exercise of such Right, Common Shares (or, in certain circumstances, cash,
property or other securities of the Company) having a Current Market Price (as
defined in the Rights Agreement) equal to two times the exercise price of the
Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, following the occurrence of any Flip-In
Event, all Rights that are, or (under certain circumstances specified in the
Rights Agreement) were, beneficially owned by any Acquiring Person (or by
certain related parties) will be null and void in the circumstances set forth
in the Rights Agreement. However, Rights will not be exercisable following the
occurrence of any Flip-In Event until such time as the Rights are no longer
redeemable by the Company as set forth below.
In the event (a "Flip-Over Event") that, at any time on or after the Share
Acquisition Date, (i) the Company shall take part in a merger or other business
combination transaction (other than certain mergers that follow a fair offer)
and the Company shall not be the surviving entity or (ii) the Company shall
take part in a merger or other business combination transaction in which the
Common Shares are changed or exchanged (other than certain mergers that follow
a fair offer) or (iii) 50% or more of the Company's assets or earning power is
sold or transferred, each holder of a Right (except Rights which previously
have been voided, as set forth above) shall thereafter have the right to
receive, upon exercise, a number of shares of common stock of the acquiring
company having a Current Market Price equal to two times the exercise price of
the Right. Flip-In Events and Flip-Over Events are collectively referred to as
"Triggering Events."
The Purchase Price payable and the number of Junior Participating
Preferred Shares (or the amount of cash, property or other securities) issuable
upon exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment from time to time to
prevent dilution (i) in the event of a share dividend on, or a subdivision,
combination or reclassification of, the Junior Participating Preferred Shares,
(ii) if holders of the Junior Participating Preferred Shares are granted
certain rights or warrants to subscribe for Junior Participating Preferred
Shares or convertible securities at less than the Current Market Price of the
Junior Participating Preferred Shares or (iii) upon the distribution to holders
of the Junior Participating Preferred Shares of evidences of indebtedness or
assets (excluding regular quarterly cash dividends) or of subscription rights
or warrants (other than those referred to above). With certain exceptions, no
adjustment in the Purchase Price will be required until cumulative adjustments
amount to at least 1% of the Purchase Price. The Company is not required to
issue fractional Shares upon the exercise of any Right, and in lieu thereof, a
cash payment will be made.
At any time until 10 business days following the Share Acquisition Date,
the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $.01
per Right, payable, at the option of the Company, in cash, Common Shares or
other consideration as the Trustees may determine. Immediately upon the
effectiveness of the action of the Trustees ordering redemption of the Rights,
the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be
to receive the $.01 per Right redemption price.
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The term of the Rights, other than key financial terms and the date on
which the Rights expire, may be amended by the Trustees prior to the
Distribution Date. Thereafter, the provisions of the Rights Agreement may be
amended by the Trustees only in order to cure any ambiguity, defect or
inconsistency, to make changes which do not adversely affect the interests of
holders of Rights (excluding the interests of any Acquiring Person and certain
other related parties) or to shorten or lengthen any time period under the
Rights Agreement; provided, however, that no amendment to lengthen the time
period governing redemption is permitted to be made at such time as the Rights
are not redeemable.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company may sell the Offered Securities to one or more underwriters
for public offering and sale by them or may sell the Offered Securities to
investors directly or through agents. Any such underwriter or agent involved in
the offer and sale of the Offered Securities will be named in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement.
The distribution of Offered Securities may be effected from time to time
in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed,
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
market prices or at negotiated prices. In connection with the sale of Offered
Securities, underwriters or agents may receive or be deemed to have received
compensation from the Company or from purchasers in the form of underwriting
discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell Offered Securities
to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters or from purchasers.
Any underwriting compensation paid by the Company to underwriters or
agents in connection with the offering of Offered Securities, and any
discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating
dealers, will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the
Offered Securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts,
concessions and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on
resale of the Offered Securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions, under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be
entitled, under agreements entered into with the Company, to indemnification
against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.
If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will
authorize underwriters or other persons acting as the Company's agents to
solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase Offered Securities from the
Company at the public offering price set forth in such Prospectus Supplement
pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date or
dates. Institutions with whom such contracts, when authorized, may be made
include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds,
investment companies, educational and charitable institutions, and other
institutions, but will in all cases be subject to the approval of the Company.
Any such contracts will be subject to the condition that the purchase by an
institution of the Offered Securities covered by its contracts shall not at the
time of delivery be prohibited under the law of any jurisdiction in the United
States to which such institution is subject and, if a portion of the Offered
Securities is being sold to underwriters, may be subject to the condition that
the Company shall have sold to such underwriters the Offered Securities not
sold for delayed delivery. The underwriters and such other persons will not
have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such
contracts.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
series of Offered Securities will be a new issue with no established trading
market, other than Common Shares which are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange. Any Common Shares sold pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement will be
listed on such Exchange. The Company may elect to list any other series of
Offered Securities on an exchange, but is not obligated to do so. Any
underwriters to whom Offered Securities are sold by the Company for public
offering and sale may make a market in such Offered Securities, but such
underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market
making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the
liquidity of or the trading markets for any Offered Securities.
Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may be customers of,
engage in transactions with and perform services for the Company and its
subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
The specific terms and manner of sale of the Offered Securities will be
set forth or summarized in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the Offered Securities offered by
the Company will be passed upon for the Company by Sullivan & Worcester LLP,
Boston, Massachusetts. Sullivan & Worcester LLP, will rely, as to all matters
of Maryland law, upon one or more opinions of Piper & Marbury L.L.P.,
Baltimore, Maryland. Barry M. Portnoy, was a partner in the firm of Sullivan &
Worcester LLP until March 31, 1997 and is a Managing Trustee of the Company and
HPT, a director and 50% shareholder of REIT Management & Research, Inc, the
Company's investment advisor ("RMR") and its affiliate, HRPT Advisors, Inc.,
the predecessor investment advisor of the Company. Mr. Portnoy is also a
director and/or significant shareholder of certain lessees of and borrowers
from the Company. Sullivan & Worcester LLP represents HPT, RMR, certain of such
lessees and borrowers and certain affiliates of each of the foregoing on
various matters.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of
the Company included or incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon
included or incorporated by reference therein and incorporated herein by
reference which, as to the years 1997 and 1996, are based in part on the report
of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants. Such consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedules are incorporated herein
by reference in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority of such
firms as experts in accounting and auditing.
The statement of revenue and certain expenses for 1600 Market Street for
the year ended December 31, 1997 included in the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated March 30, 1998 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their report included therein and
incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated
herein by reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of
such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The statement of revenues and certain expenses of 1735 Market Street for
the year ended December 31, 1997 incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
and elsewhere in the registration statement has been audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants, and is included herein in reliance upon
the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.
---------------------
THE AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST OF THE COMPANY, DATED JULY 1,
1994, A COPY OF WHICH, TOGETHER WITH ALL AMENDMENTS THERETO (THE
"DECLARATION"), IS DULY FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENTS
AND TAXATION OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, PROVIDES THAT THE NAME "HEALTH AND
RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST" REFERS TO THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE DECLARATION
COLLECTIVELY AS TRUSTEES, BUT NOT INDIVIDUALLY OR PERSONALLY, AND THAT NO
TRUSTEE, OFFICER, SHAREHOLDER, EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF THE COMPANY SHALL BE HELD
TO ANY PERSONAL LIABILITY, JOINTLY OR SEVERALLY, FOR ANY OBLIGATION OF, OR
CLAIM AGAINST, THE COMPANY. ALL PERSONS DEALING WITH THE COMPANY, IN ANY WAY,
SHALL LOOK ONLY TO THE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY SUM OR THE
PERFORMANCE OF ANY OBLIGATION.
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No dealer, salesman or other person has been authorized to
give any information or to make any representation not
contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
Supplement and Prospectus. If given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as
having been authorized by the Company or the Underwriters.
This Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus do not
constitute an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to
buy, Notes in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is
unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such
jurisdiction. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus
Supplement or the Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder or
thereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any
implication that there has been no change in the affairs of
the Company since the date hereof.
---------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
--------
<S> <C>
Prospectus Supplement
Prospectus Supplement Summary ....................... S-3
Recent Developments ................................. S-6
Capitalization ...................................... S-7
Use of Proceeds ..................................... S-7
The Company ......................................... S-7
Investment Policy ................................... S-9
Financing Policy .................................... S-9
Lease Expirations ................................... S-10
The Tenants ......................................... S-10
Description of the Notes ............................ S-12
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations ........... S-18
Underwriting ........................................ S-21
Legal Matters ....................................... S-21
Incorporation of Certain Information
by Reference ..................................... S-22
Forward Looking Statements .......................... S-22
Prospectus
Available Information ............................... (ii)
Incorporation of Certain Documents
by Reference ..................................... (ii)
The Company ......................................... 1
Use of Proceeds ..................................... 1
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Changes .................. 1
Description of Debt Securities ...................... 1
Description of Shares ............................... 10
Description of Preferred Shares ..................... 11
Description of Depositary Shares .................... 17
Description of Warrants ............................. 19
Description of Convertible Subordinated
Debentures ....................................... 20
Limitation of Liability; Shareholder Liability ...... 20
Redemption; Business Combinations and
Control Share Acquisitions ....................... 21
Plan of Distribution ................................ 24
Legal Matters ....................................... 25
Experts ............................................. 25
</TABLE>
$200,000,000
HRPT
Properties Trust
% Senior Notes due 2003
---------------------
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
---------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Salomon Smith Barney
August , 1998
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