e424b5
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-46357
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus Dated March 3, 1998)
1,398,000
FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated
Depositary Shares
Each Representing
1/100
of a Share of 8% Series C
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
(Liquidation Preference Equivalent to $25 Per Depositary
Share)
Each of the 1,398,000 depositary shares being offered to you
represents a 1/100 fractional interest in a share of 8%
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of FelCor
Lodging Trust Incorporated deposited with SunTrust Bank, as
depositary, and entitles the holder to all proportional rights
and preferences of the Series C preferred stock, including
dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights,
preferences, privileges and obligations of an owner. The
liquidation preference of each share of Series C preferred
stock is $2,500 (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). See
Description of Series C Preferred Stock and
Depositary Shares.
Dividends on the Series C preferred stock represented by
the depositary shares will be cumulative from August 1,
2005 and will be payable quarterly on the last calendar day of
January, April, July and October of each year, commencing on
October 31, 2005, at the rate of 8% of the liquidation
preference per year (equivalent to $2.00 per year per depositary
share). See Description of Series C Preferred Stock
and Depositary Shares Dividends.
The Series C preferred stock and the depositary shares
representing the Series C preferred stock are not redeemable
prior to April 7, 2010. On and after April 7, 2010, we
may redeem the Series C Preferred Stock at our option, in
whole or in part, at a redemption price of $2,500 per share
(equivalent to $25 per depositary share), plus accrued and
unpaid dividends, if any.
The depositary shares representing the Series C preferred
stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under
the symbol FCHPRC. On August 9, 2005, the last
sale price of a depositary share representing the Series C
preferred stock, as reported on the NYSE, was $24.45. We intend
to apply to list the offered depositary shares on the NYSE.
Investing in the depositary shares involves significant
risks. See Risk Factors beginning on
page S-7 of this prospectus supplement, and beginning on
page 5 of the accompanying prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Per Share | |
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Total | |
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Public Offering Price (including accrued dividends)
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$ |
24.777 |
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$ |
34,638,246 |
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Underwriting
Discount(1)
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$ |
0.492 |
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$ |
688,263 |
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Proceeds to FelCor (before expenses)
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$ |
24.285 |
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$ |
33,949,983 |
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| (1) |
To be paid by FelCor from available cash, rather than from the
proceeds of this offering. |
The underwriters expect to deliver the depositary shares to
purchasers on or about August 30, 2005.
Citigroup
The date of this prospectus supplement is August 11, 2005
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This prospectus supplement is part of a registration statement
that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or
SEC, using a shelf registration process. Under the
shelf registration, we may sell common stock, preferred stock,
shares of preferred stock represented by depositary shares, debt
securities or warrants to purchase common stock, or any
combination of these securities, in one or more offerings with a
total offering price of up to $1.0 billion. As of the date
of this prospectus supplement, we had $532.6 million
remaining under the shelf registration statement. This
prospectus supplement provides specific information about the
offering of depositary shares representing Series C
preferred stock under the shelf registration statement. You
should carefully read this prospectus supplement, the
accompanying prospectus and the information that we incorporate
by reference into these documents. In case there are any
differences or inconsistencies between this prospectus
supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information
incorporated by reference, you should only rely on the
information contained in the document with the latest date. We
refer you to the information and documents described under the
headings Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference and Where You Can Find More
Information in this prospectus supplement.
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to
provide you with different or additional information. If anyone
provides you with different or additional information, you
should not rely on it. We are not making an offer of these
securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You
should not assume that the information contained in this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate
as of any date other than the date on their respective front
covers. Our business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects may have changed since those dates.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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| Prospectus Supplement | |
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S-3 |
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S-4 |
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S-46 |
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| Prospectus | |
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This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus
contain registered trademarks and servicemarks owned or licensed
by companies other than us, including, but not limited to,
Candlewood Suites®, Courtyard by Marriott®, Crowne
Plaza®, Disneyland®, Doubletree®, Doubletree
Guest Suites®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Fairfield
Inn®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Hampton Inn®,
Harvey Hotel®, Harvey Suites®, Hilton®, Hilton
Garden Inn®, Hilton Suites®, Holiday Inn®,
Holiday Inn & Suites®, Holiday Inn Express®,
Holiday Inn Express & Suites®, Holiday Inn
Select®, Homewood Suites® by Hilton,
Inter-Continental®, Priority Club®, Sheraton®,
Sheraton Suites®, St. Regis®, Staybridge Suites®,
The Luxury Collection®, W®, Walt Disney World®,
Worlds of Fun® and Westin®.
S-2
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into
this prospectus supplement information that we file with them,
which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents, including our annual,
quarterly and current reports, that are considered part of this
prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Information
that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and
supersede this information.
We incorporate by reference the documents set forth below that
we previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain
important information about us and our finances.
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1. |
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004; |
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2. |
Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 11, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 2, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 3, 2005*; |
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5. |
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
March 31, 2005; |
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Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 13, 2005; |
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7. |
Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 4, 2005*; |
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8. |
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
June 30, 2005; |
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9. |
Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed April 4,
2005, as amended, containing a description of our Series C
preferred stock; and |
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10. |
All documents subsequently filed by us with the SEC pursuant to
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act, prior to the termination
of this offering. |
You may request a copy of these filings (other than an exhibit
to a filing unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by
reference into that filing) at no cost, by writing to or
telephoning us at the following address: Lawrence D. Robinson,
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, FelCor
Lodging Trust Incorporated, 545 East John Carpenter
Freeway, Suite 1300, Irving, Texas 75062, telephone
(972)444-4900, or by e-mail at information@felcor.com.
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| * |
Portions of this report were furnished to the SEC under
Item 2.02, Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
Pursuant to General Instruction B(2) of Form 8-K, the
portions of this report submitted under Item 2.02 are not
deemed to be filed for the purpose of Section 18 of
the Exchange Act, and are not subject to the liabilities of that
section. We are not incorporating by reference in this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus those
portions of this report that are not deemed to be
filed for purposes of Section 18 of the
Exchange Act, and we will not incorporate by reference those
portions of any future reports filed on Form 8-K into a
filing under the Securities Act of 1933, or Securities Act, the
Exchange Act or into this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus, that are not deemed to be
filed for purposes of Section 18 of the
Exchange Act. |
S-3
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information from this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It does
not contain all of the information that may be important to you.
We encourage you to carefully read this entire prospectus
supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the other documents
to which we refer you. Please note that the accompanying
prospectus became effective prior to the change in our name from
FelCor Suite Hotels, Inc. to FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated
and all references in the accompanying prospectus to FelCor
Suite Hotels, Inc. relate to FelCor Lodging Trust
Incorporated.
The Company
We are one of the nations largest public lodging real
estate investment trusts, or REITs, based on total assets and
number of hotels owned. As the sole general partner of, and the
owner of a greater than 95% partnership interest in, FelCor
Lodging Limited Partnership, or FelCor LP, we had ownership
interests in 140 hotels at June 30, 2005. All of our
operations are conducted solely through FelCor LP or its
subsidiaries. At June 30, 2005, we owned a 100% interest in
108 hotels, a 90% or greater interest in entities owning seven
hotels, a 75% interest in an entity owning one hotel, a 60%
interest in an entity owning two hotels, a 51% interest in an
entity owning three hotels and a 50% interest in entities owning
19 hotels. As a result of our ownership interests in the
operating lessees of 135 of these hotels, we reflect their
operating revenues and expenses in our consolidated statements
of operations. The operations of 133 of the 135 consolidated
hotels were included in continuing operations at June 30,
2005. The remaining two hotels were subject to firm sale
contracts at June 30, 2005, and their operations were
included in discontinued operations. The operating revenues and
expenses of the remaining five unconsolidated hotels were
reported on the equity method.
Our hotels are located in the United States (31 states) and
Canada (two hotels), with concentrations in Texas
(26 hotels), California (19 hotels), Florida (16 hotels)
and Georgia (14 hotels). We own the largest number of Embassy
Suites Hotels and independently owned Doubletree-branded hotels
in North America. At June 30, 2005, we had 15 hotels that
had been identified as non-strategic assets to be sold, two of
which were subject to firm sale contracts and were classified as
held for sale and one of which has since been sold.
We have identified three long-term strategic objectives: growth
in our earnings; improvement in our return on invested capital;
and a reduction in our overall financial leverage. In order to
achieve these strategic objectives, our business strategy is to:
dispose of non-strategic hotels; acquire hotels that meet our
refined investment strategy; improve the competitive positioning
of our core hotels through aggressive asset management and the
judicious application of capital; and pay down debt through a
combination of operational cash flow, the sale of non-strategic
hotels and, if appropriate, other capital transactions. We
continue to examine our portfolio to address market supply and
concentration of risk issues. Additionally, we are considering
external growth, through acquisition of hotels, that does three
things: increases long-term shareholder value; improves the
quality of our portfolio; and improves both our market
distribution and future earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, growth.
Our principal executive offices are located at 545 East John
Carpenter Freeway, Suite 1300, Irving, Texas 75062,
telephone number (972) 444-4900.
S-4
The Offering
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Issuer |
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FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated |
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Securities Offered |
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1,398,000 depositary shares, each representing a
1/100
interest in a share of our 8% Series C Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock. Each owner of a depositary share is
entitled to all proportional rights, preferences, privileges and
obligations of an owner of Series C preferred stock. See
Description of Series C Preferred Stock and
Depositary Shares. |
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Dividends |
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Dividends on the Series C preferred stock represented by
the depositary shares are cumulative from August 1, 2005,
payable at the rate of 8% of the liquidation preference per year
(equivalent to $2.00 per year per depositary share).
Dividends will be payable quarterly on the last calendar day of
January, April, July, October (or, if not a business day, on the
next succeeding business day) commencing on October 31,
2005. Dividends on the Series C preferred stock will accrue
from August 1, 2005, regardless of whether we have
sufficient earnings or funds otherwise legally available for the
payment of dividends or have declared any such dividends. See
Description of Series C Preferred Stock and
Depositary Shares Dividends. |
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Liquidation Preference |
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The Series C preferred stock will have a liquidation
preference of $2,500 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary
share), plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends, if
any. See Description of Series C Preferred Stock and
Depositary Shares Liquidation Preference. |
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Optional Redemption |
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The Series C preferred stock is not redeemable prior to
April 7, 2010, except in limited circumstances relating to
the ownership limitation necessary to preserve our qualification
as a REIT. On and after April 7, 2010, the Series C
preferred stock may be redeemed at our option, in whole or in
part, at a redemption price of $2,500 per share (equivalent to
$25 per depositary share), plus accrued and unpaid distributions
thereon, if any, to the date of redemption. See
Description of Series C Preferred Stock and
Depositary Shares Optional Redemption. |
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Ranking |
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With respect to the payment of dividends and amounts upon
liquidation, the Series C preferred stock will rank pari
passu with our outstanding $1.95 Series A Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock and senior to our outstanding common
stock. See Description of Series C Preferred Stock
and Depositary Shares Ranking. |
S-5
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Voting Rights |
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As a holder of depositary shares, generally you will not have
any voting rights, except as required by law. However, if
dividends on the Series C preferred stock or any parity
preferred stock are in arrears for six or more quarterly
periods, whether or not consecutive, the holders of depositary
shares (voting together, as a single class, with the holders of
our Series A preferred stock and of any other series of our
preferred stock on a parity with the Series C preferred
stock having like voting rights that are then exercisable) will
be entitled to elect a total of two directors to our board of
directors until all dividends accumulated on the shares of
Series C preferred stock and any parity preferred stock
have been fully paid or set aside for payment. See
Description of Series C Preferred Stock and
Depositary Shares Voting Rights. |
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No Conversion Rights |
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The Series C preferred stock is not convertible into or
exchangeable for any of our other securities. Under certain
transfer restrictions contained in our charter, however, the
shares of Series C preferred stock may become excess shares
in order, among other things, to ensure that we remain qualified
as a REIT for Federal income tax purposes. See Certain
Charter, Bylaw and Statutory Provisions Charter and
Bylaw Provisions Restrictions on Ownership and
Transfer in the accompanying prospectus. |
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Restrictions on Ownership |
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To ensure that we can satisfy certain ownership limitations
applicable to REITs, no person may own (including ownership
attributed to that person for Federal income tax purposes) more
than 9.9% of any class of our capital stock. Ownership of the
Series C preferred stock will be attributed to holders of
the depository shares on a prorated basis. See Certain
Charter, Bylaw and Statutory Provisions Charter and
Bylaw Provisions Restrictions on Ownership and
Transfer in the accompanying prospectus. |
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Listing |
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The previously issued depositary shares representing our
Series C preferred stock are listed on the NYSE under the
symbol FCHPRC. We intend to apply to list the
offered depositary shares on the NYSE and, if and when approved,
they will trade under the same symbol. |
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Use of Proceeds |
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The gross proceeds from the sale of the depositary shares will
be used to redeem all of the 13,758 outstanding shares of
our 9% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and
the corresponding 1,375,800 depositary shares representing the
Series B preferred stock being redeemed. The
underwriters discount and other expenses of the offering,
as well as the accrued but unpaid dividends on the shares
redeemed, will be paid from our available cash. |
S-6
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the depositary shares representing
Series C preferred stock involves material risks. Investors
should carefully consider the matters discussed below and
beginning on page 5 of the accompanying prospectus.
Future terrorist activities and United States military
involvement in the Middle East and elsewhere may result in
reducing business and leisure travel, which would reduce our
revenues.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, caused a
significant disruption in travel-related businesses in the
United States. Consistent with the rest of the lodging industry,
we experienced substantial declines in occupancy and average
daily rate, or ADR, due to a decline in both business and
leisure travel in 2001 and the continued decline in business
travel in 2002. In 2003, the continuing sluggish economy, the
crisis in the Middle East, culminating in Operation Iraqi
Freedom, continued United States military involvement in the
Middle East and ongoing threats of terrorism acted to restrict
travel and lodging demand. While the lodging industry
experienced the beginnings of a recovery in 2004, another act of
terrorism in the United States, protracted or expanded United
States military involvement in the War on Terrorism, heightened
Threat Levels, contractions in the airline industry,
or increased fuel costs or security precautions making air
travel more expensive or difficult could limit or delay any
recovery, or result in further decreases, in travel and our
revenues. We are unable to predict with certainty when or if
travel and lodging demand will be fully restored to levels
experienced prior to 2001. The factors described above, as well
as other political or economic events, may limit or delay any
recovery in the lodging industry, thereby extending the already
lengthy period of uncertainty that has adversely affected the
lodging industry, including us, as a result of reduced public
travel.
Our financial leverage is high and is exacerbated by
depressed operating cash flows.
At June 30, 2005, our consolidated debt of approximately
$1.7 billion represented 53% of our total market
capitalization. The decline in our revenues and cash flow from
operations during 2001, 2002 and 2003 have resulted in a
reduction of our public debt ratings and may limit our access to
additional debt capital. Our senior unsecured public notes
currently are rated B1 by Moodys Investors Service, and B-
by Standard & Poors, which are considered below
investment grade. Historically, we have incurred debt for
acquisitions and to fund our renovation, redevelopment and
rebranding programs. Limitations upon our access to debt
financing could adversely affect our ability to fund these
activities and programs in the future.
Our financial leverage could have important consequences. For
example, it could:
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limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working
capital, renovation, redevelopment and rebranding plans,
acquisitions, debt service requirements and other purposes; |
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require us to agree to additional restrictions and limitations
on our business operations and capital structure to obtain
additional financing; |
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increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry
conditions, as well as to fluctuations in interest rates; |
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require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow
from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing funds
available for capital expenditures, future business
opportunities, the payment of dividends or other purposes; |
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limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes
in our business and the industry in which we compete; and |
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place us at a competitive disadvantage, compared to our
competitors that have less debt. |
We may be able to incur substantial debt in the future, which
could increase the risks described above. Based upon our
calculation of the limitations imposed by the restrictive debt
covenants described below, assuming additional debt was borrowed
at a 7% annual interest rate and invested in assets generating
annual EBITDA equal to 7% of their cost, at June 30, 2005,
we could have incurred approximately $1.2 billion of
additional indebtedness, all of which could have been secured
indebtedness.
S-7
In addition, we may be able to borrow up to the greater of $50
million or 1.5 times our consolidated EBITDA for the trailing
four quarters under a line of credit and incur indebtedness to
refinance or refund existing indebtedness, even if the
incurrence tests described below are not satisfied.
We have restrictive debt covenants that could adversely
affect our ability to finance our operations or engage in other
business activities.
The indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes
contain various restrictive covenants and incurrence tests,
including, among others, provisions that can restrict our
ability to:
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incur any additional indebtedness if, after giving effect
thereto, our consolidated indebtedness would exceed 60% of our
adjusted total assets or our interest coverage ratio, as defined
in the indentures, would be less than 2.0 to 1; |
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incur any additional secured indebtedness or subsidiary debt if,
after giving effect thereto, our consolidated secured
indebtedness and subsidiary debt exceeds 40% of our adjusted
total assets; |
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make common and preferred distributions; |
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make investments; |
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engage in transactions with affiliates; |
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incur liens; |
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merge or consolidate with another person; |
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dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and |
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permit limitations on the ability of our subsidiaries to make
payments to us. |
These restrictions may adversely affect our ability to finance
our operations or engage in other business activities that may
be in our best interest.
Under the terms of the indenture governing one series of our
outstanding senior notes, we are prohibited from repurchasing
any of our capital stock, whether common or preferred, subject
to certain exceptions, so long as our debt-to-EBITDA ratio, as
defined in the indenture, exceeds 4.85 to 1. Because our
debt-to-EBITDA ratio was greater than 4.85 to 1 during fiscal
2003 and 2004, we were restricted in making capital stock
repurchases during these periods. Although our current
debt-to-EBITDA ratio is slightly below that threshold, a decline
in our EBITDA or an increase in our debt could raise our ratio
above the 4.85 to 1 threshold. Accordingly, we may again be
prohibited from purchasing any of our capital stock, except as
permitted under limited exceptions, such as from the proceeds of
a substantially concurrent issuance of other capital stock.
If actual operating results fail to meet our current
expectations, as reflected in our current public guidance, or if
interest rates increase more than we expect, we may be unable to
continue to satisfy the incurrence test under the indentures
governing our senior unsecured notes. In such an event, we may
be prohibited from incurring additional indebtedness, except to
repay or refinance maturing debt with debt of similar priority
in the capital structure, and may be prohibited from, among
other things, paying distributions on our preferred or common
stock, except to the extent necessary to satisfy the REIT
qualification requirement that we distribute currently at least
90% of our taxable income.
Our failure to timely satisfy any judgment or recourse
indebtedness, if in the amount of $10 million or more,
could result in the acceleration of most of our unsecured
recourse indebtedness. We may not be able to refinance or repay
our debt in full under those circumstances.
Future or existing relationships may result in certain of our
directors and officers having interests that conflict with
ours.
Adverse tax consequences to affiliates upon a sale of certain
hotels. Thomas J. Corcoran, Jr., our President and Chief
Executive Officer and a director, and Robert A. Mathewson, a
director, may incur additional tax liability if we sell our
investments in six hotels that we acquired in July 1994 from
partnerships in which they were investors. Consequently, our
interests could differ from Messrs. Corcorans
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and Mathewsons interests in the event that we consider a
sale of any of these hotels. Decisions regarding a sale of any
of these six hotels must be made by a majority of our
independent directors.
Conflicts of interest. A director who has a conflict of
interest with respect to an issue presented to our board will
have no legal obligation to abstain from voting upon that issue.
We do not have provisions in our bylaws or charter that require
an interested director to abstain from voting upon an issue, and
we do not expect to add provisions in our charter and bylaws to
this effect. Although each director has a duty of loyalty to us,
there is a risk that, should an interested director vote upon an
issue in which he or one of his affiliates has an interest, his
vote may reflect a bias that could be contrary to our best
interests. In addition, even if an interested director abstains
from voting, the directors participation in the meeting
and discussion of an issue in which he has, or companies with
which he is associated have, an interest could influence the
votes of other directors regarding the issue.
We are subject to the risks inherent in the hospitality
industry.
The economic slowdown that began in 2001 has had a
significant adverse effect on our revenue per available room and
results of operations. Unless the current economic recovery
continues, the effects on our financial condition could be
material. We experienced declines in revenue per available
room, or RevPAR, beginning in March 2001 through 2003. A sharp
reduction in business travel was the primary cause of the RevPAR
decline. The decreased occupancies led to declines in room
rates, as hotels competed more aggressively for guests. Both of
these factors have had a significant adverse effect on our
RevPAR, operating margins and results of operations. Primarily
as a result of the concentration of our hotels in certain
markets, the RevPAR performance of our hotels was below the
national average during the three years ended December 31,
2004. The following table reflects the RevPAR changes
experienced by our hotels, as a group on a same-store basis,
compared to all U.S. hotels, as a group, for the past three
calendar years and for the six months ended June 30, 2004
and 2005.
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Change in RevPAR | |
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Six Months Ended | |
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June 30, | |
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Year Ended December 31, | |
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2005 | |
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2004 | |
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2003 | |
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2002 | |
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All FelCor hotels
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+8.2% |
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+5.8% |
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+4.9% |
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-4.0% |
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-7.6% |
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All U.S. hotels
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+7.8% |
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+8.2% |
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+7.8% |
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+0.4% |
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-2.7% |
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If the current economic recovery stalls, or if the lodging
industry fails to benefit from the recovery for a protracted
period of time, or if the markets in which we have significant
concentrations should fail to participate in any recovery in the
industry, our results of operations and financial condition
could deteriorate.
Investing in hotel assets involves special risks. We have
invested in hotel-related assets, and our hotels are subject to
all of the risks common to the hotel industry. These risks could
adversely affect hotel occupancy and the rates that can be
charged for hotel rooms, and generally include:
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competition from other hotels; |
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construction of more hotel rooms in a particular area than
needed to meet demand; |
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the current high cost of, and any further increases in, fuel
costs and other travel expenses, inconveniences and other events
that reduce business and leisure travel; |
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adverse effects of declines in general and local economic
activity; |
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fluctuations in our revenue caused by the seasonal nature of the
hotel industry; |
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a downturn in the hotel industry; and |
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risks generally associated with the ownership of hotels and real
estate, as discussed below. |
We could face increased competition. Each of our hotels
competes with other hotels in its geographic area. A number of
additional hotel rooms have been, or may be, built in a number
of the geographic areas in which our hotels are located, which
could adversely affect both occupancy and rates in the markets
in which our hotels are located. A significant increase in the
supply of Midprice, Upscale and Upper Upscale
S-9
hotel rooms and suites, if demand fails to increase at least
proportionately, could have a severe adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face reduced coverages and increased costs of insurance.
In an effort to keep our cost of insurance within reasonable
limits, we have only purchased terrorism insurance for those
hotels that are secured by mortgage debt, as required by our
lenders. Our terrorism insurance policies have both per
occurrence and aggregate limits of $52.5 million with
regard to 77 hotels and $75 million with regard to
16 hotels. We have established a self-insured retention of
$250,000 per occurrence for general liability insurance with
regard to 71 of our hotels. The remainder of our hotels
participate in general liability programs sponsored by our
managers, with no deductible. Our property insurance has a
$100,000 all risk deductible, a deductible of 2% of insured
value for named windstorm coverage and a deductible of 5% of
insured value for California earthquake coverage. Should
uninsured or not fully insured losses be substantial, they could
have a material adverse impact on our operating results, cash
flows and financial condition.
We have geographic concentrations that may create risks from
regional or local economic, seismic or weather conditions.
At June 30, 2005, approximately 58% of our hotel rooms
were located in, and 51% of our 2004 hotel operating profits
were generated from, four states: California, Florida, Georgia
and Texas. Additionally, at December 31, 2004, we had
concentrations in three major metropolitan areas, Atlanta,
Los Angeles and Dallas, which together represented
approximately 19% of our hotel operating profits for the year
ended December 31, 2004. Therefore, adverse economic,
seismic or weather conditions in these states or metropolitan
areas will have a greater adverse effect on us than on the
industry as a whole.
We had 13 hotels at June 30, 2005 that we intend to sell
within 15 months. We may be unable to sell these hotels at
acceptable prices, or at all, within the proposed time frame. If
we are unable to sell these hotels at anticipated prices, we may
realize additional losses upon sale. Even if we are successful
in selling these hotels as contemplated, if we fail to reinvest
the net proceeds in a manner that will generate returns equal
to, or better than, the hotels sold, our results of operations
will be adversely affected.
The sale of IHG managed hotels could result in reinvestment
requirements or liquidated damages. We are required to
reinvest the proceeds from the sale of InterContinental Hotels
Group PLC, or IHG, managed hotels in other hotels to be managed
by IHG or pay substantial termination fees. Termination fees,
stated in terms of liquidated damages for the termination of the
management agreement, vary by hotel, depending upon the
remaining term of the applicable management agreement, and are
based upon a multiple of the trailing 12 months
management fees paid to IHG. The multiples for 2005, range from
6.0 to 8.7 times the past years management fees and
decline annually through the term of the agreement. No
termination fee or liquidated damages will be incurred by us if
we timely reinvest the net proceeds from the sale of an IHG
managed hotel in an approved substitute hotel to be managed by
IHG under the master management agreement.
As of August 1, 2005, we had an unsatisfied reinvestment
obligation of $32 million. If we do not fulfill this
reinvestment obligation within 12 months of the date of
sale, we will be required to pay liquidated damages to IHG
aggregating $8 million. Additionally, until the earlier of
either our satisfaction of the reinvestment requirement, or the
payment of liquidated damages, we are required to pay monthly
termination fees of $108,000 (based on the hotels we have sold
through August 1, 2005), which payments will be offset
against any liquidated damages payable with respect to these
properties. In addition, nine of the 13 remaining hotels
previously identified for sale are managed by IHG and subject to
the reinvestment obligations in the event they are sold. We will
incur additional reinvestment obligations of approximately
$62 million if these hotels are sold at currently estimated
prices or, if the proceeds of sale are not so reinvested, we
will incur approximately $17 million in additional
liquidated damages for which we would be liable to IHG.
We are subject to possible adverse effects of franchise and
license agreement requirements. Substantially all of our
hotels are operated under existing franchise or license
agreements with nationally recognized hotel brands. Each
agreement requires that the licensed hotel be maintained and
operated in accordance with specific standards and restrictions
in order to maintain uniformity within the franchisor system.
Compliance with these standards, and changes in these standards,
could require us to incur
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significant expenses or capital expenditures, which could
adversely affect our results of operations and ability to pay
dividends to our stockholders and service our indebtedness. In
2004, we were notified of certain unsatisfied demands relating
to two hotels franchised by affiliates of Hilton Hotels
Corporation, or Hilton, and four hotels licensed by affiliates
of IHG that we make certain capital improvements to those hotels
or that the applicable franchise or license could be terminated.
Capital improvement plans have been approved by the brand owners
for these hotels, with an aggregate estimated cost of $4
million. The work is substantially completed on each of these
improvement plans. No assurance can be provided that additional
requirements will not be imposed.
If a franchise or license agreement terminates due to our
failure to make required improvements, we may be liable to the
brand manager or franchisor for a termination payment. These
termination payments vary by agreement and hotel, but are
generally measured by a multiple of between 3.0 and 8.7 times
the annual fees received by the franchisor or brand manager. The
loss of a substantial number of brand licenses could have a
material adverse effect on our business because of the loss of
associated name recognition, marketing support and centralized
reservation systems provided by the brand manager or franchisor.
Our franchise agreements also expire or terminate, subject to
certain specified renewal rights, at various times. As a
condition of the renewal or extension of the franchise
agreements, the brand owner may require the payment of
substantial fees and may require substantial capital
improvements to be made to the hotels for which we would be
responsible. During the next five years, the franchise or
license agreements applicable in respect of 15 of our hotels are
scheduled to expire in accordance with their terms.
We are subject to the risks of brand concentration. We
are subject to the potential risks associated with the
concentration of our hotels under a limited number of brands. A
negative public image or other adverse event that becomes
associated with the brand could adversely affect hotels operated
under that brand.
The following table reflects the operating profit from our
consolidated portfolio of 130 hotels included in continuing
operations as of June 30, 2005, generated by hotels
operated under each of the indicated brands during the year
ended December 31, 2004:
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% of 2004 Hotel | |
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Hotels | |
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Operating Profit | |
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Embassy Suites Hotels
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55 |
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52 |
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Holiday Inn-branded hotels
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36 |
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22 |
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Sheraton-branded hotels
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Doubletree-branded hotels
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10 |
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6 |
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Crowne Plaza hotels
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Should any of these brands suffer a significant decline in
popularity with the traveling public, it could adversely affect
our revenues and profitability.
We are subject to the risks of hotel operations. Through
our ownership of the lessees of our hotels, we are subject to
the risk of fluctuating hotel operating expenses at our hotels,
including, but not limited to:
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wage and benefit costs; |
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repair and maintenance expenses; |
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gas and electricity costs; |
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insurance costs, including health, general liability and workers
compensation; |
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costs associated with the bankruptcy of one or more major air
carriers, which could increase significantly our bad debt
exposure; and |
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other operating expenses. |
In addition, we are subject to the risks of a decline in
operating margins, which occurs when hotel operating expenses
increase disproportionately to revenues. These operating
expenses and margins are
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within the control of our brand-owner managers, over which we
have limited control, resulting in an increased risk of
volatility in our results of operations.
The lodging business is seasonal in nature. Generally,
hotel revenues for our hotel portfolio are greater in the second
and third calendar quarters than in the first and fourth
calendar quarters, although this may not be true for hotels in
major tourist destinations. Revenues for hotels in tourist areas
generally are substantially greater during tourist season than
other times of the year. Seasonal variations in revenue at our
hotels can be expected to cause quarterly fluctuations in our
revenues. Quarterly earnings also may be adversely affected by
events beyond our control, such as extreme weather conditions,
economic factors and other considerations affecting travel.
We lack control over the management and operations of our
hotels. We are dependent on the ability of independent third
party managers to operate and manage our hotels. In order to
maintain our REIT status, we cannot operate our hotels or any
subsequently acquired hotels. As a result, we are unable to
directly implement strategic business decisions for the
operation and marketing of our hotels, such as decisions with
respect to the setting of room rates, the salary and benefits
provided to hotel employees, the conduct of food and beverage
operations and similar matters.
Our ability to grow or sustain our business may be limited by
our ability to attract debt or equity financing, and we may have
difficulty accessing capital on attractive terms.
We may not be able to fund future growth and operations solely
from cash provided from operating activities because of reduced
cash flows and our obligation to distribute at least 90% of our
taxable income each year to maintain our status as a REIT.
Consequently, we may be forced to rely upon the proceeds of
hotel sales or the availability of debt or equity capital to
fund hotel acquisitions and necessary capital improvements, and
we may be dependent upon our ability to attract debt financing
from public or institutional lenders. The capital markets have
been, and in the future may be, adversely affected by various
events beyond our control, such as the United States
military involvement in the Middle East and elsewhere, the
terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the ongoing War on
Terrorism by the United States and the bankruptcy of major
companies, such as Enron Corp. Similar events, such as an
escalation in the War on Terrorism, new terrorist attacks, or
additional bankruptcies in the future, as well as other events
beyond our control, could adversely affect the availability and
cost of capital for our business. We cannot assure you that we
will be successful in attracting sufficient debt or equity
financing to fund future growth and operations, or to pay or
refinance existing debt, at an acceptable cost, or at all.
We own, and may acquire, interests in hotel joint ventures
with third parties that expose us to some risk of additional
liabilities or capital requirements.
We own, through our subsidiaries, interests in several real
estate joint ventures with third parties. Joint ventures that
are not consolidated into our financial statements owned a total
of 19 hotels, in which we had an aggregate investment of
$106 million at June 30, 2005. The operations of
14 of these hotels are included in our consolidated results
of operations due to our majority ownership of the lessees of
these hotels. None of our directors or officers hold any
interest in any of these ventures. Our joint venture partners
are affiliates of Hilton, with respect to 12 hotels, affiliates
of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or
Starwood, with respect to one hotel, and private entities or
individuals with respect to six hotels. The ventures and hotels
were subject to non-recourse mortgage loans aggregating
$208 million at June 30, 2005.
The personal liability of our subsidiaries under existing
non-recourse loans secured by the hotels of our joint ventures
is generally limited to the guaranty of the borrowing
ventures personal obligations to pay for the lenders
losses caused by misconduct, fraud or misappropriation of funds
by the ventures and other typical exceptions from the
non-recourse covenants in the mortgages, such as those relating
to environmental liability. We may invest in other ventures in
the future that own hotels and have recourse or non-recourse
debt financing. If a venture defaults under its mortgage loan,
the lender may accelerate the loan and demand payment in full
before taking action to foreclose on the hotel. As a partner or
member in any of these ventures, our subsidiary may be exposed
to liability for claims asserted against the venture, and the
venture may not have sufficient assets or insurance to discharge
the liability.
S-12
Our subsidiaries may not legally be able to control decisions
being made regarding these ventures and their hotels. In
addition, the hotels in a venture may perform at levels below
expectations, resulting in the potential for insolvency of the
venture unless the partners or members provide additional funds.
In some ventures, the partners or members may elect to make
additional capital contributions. We may be faced with the
choice of losing our investment in a venture or investing
additional capital in it with no guaranty of receiving a return
on that investment.
In the second quarter of 2005, we surrendered five of eight
limited service hotels, owned by a consolidated joint venture,
to their non-recourse mortgage holder. Two of the three
remaining hotels were surrendered to their non-recourse mortgage
holder in July 2005, and the remaining hotel is expected to be
transferred in the third quarter of 2005. The three hotels
remaining at June 30, 2005, had an aggregate fair market
value below the outstanding debt balance of $25 million,
are generally located in depressed markets, and are expected to
generate negative cash flow for the foreseeable future.
As a REIT, we are subject to specific tax laws and
regulations, the violation of which could subject us to
significant tax liabilities.
The federal income tax laws governing REITs are complex.
We have operated, and intend to continue to operate, in a
manner that is intended to enable us to qualify as a REIT under
the federal income tax laws. The REIT qualification requirements
are extremely complicated, and interpretations of the federal
income tax laws governing qualification as a REIT are limited.
Accordingly, we cannot be certain that we have been, or will
continue to be, successful in operating so as to qualify as a
REIT. At any time, new laws, interpretations or court decisions
may change the federal tax laws relating to, or the federal
income tax consequences of, qualification as a REIT.
Failure to make required distributions would subject us to
tax. Each year, a REIT must pay out to its stockholders at
least 90% of its taxable income, other than any net capital
gain. To the extent that we satisfy the 90% distribution
requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our taxable
income, we will be subject to federal corporate income tax on
our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we will be
subject to a 4% nondeductible tax if the actual amount we pay
out to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than the
minimum amount specified under federal tax laws. FelCors
only source of funds to make such distributions comes from
distributions from FelCor LP. Accordingly, we may be required to
borrow money or sell assets to enable us to pay out enough of
our taxable income to satisfy the distribution requirements and
to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% tax in a particular
year.
Failure to qualify as a REIT would subject FelCor to federal
income tax. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable
year, we would be subject to federal income tax at regular
corporate rates on our taxable income for any such taxable year
for which the statute of limitations remains open. We might need
to borrow money or sell hotels in order to obtain the funds
necessary to pay any such tax. If we cease to be a REIT, we no
longer would be required to distribute most of our taxable
income to our stockholders. Unless our failure to qualify as a
REIT was excused under federal income tax laws, we could not
re-elect REIT status until the fifth calendar year following the
year in which we failed to qualify.
A sale of assets acquired from Bristol Hotel Company, or
Bristol, within ten years after the merger may result in us
incurring corporate income tax. If we sell any asset
acquired from Bristol within ten years after our 1998 merger
with Bristol, and we recognize a taxable gain on the sale, we
will be taxed at the highest corporate rate on an amount equal
to the lesser of:
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the amount of gain recognized at the time of the sale; or |
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the amount of gain that we would have recognized if we had sold
the asset at the time of the Bristol merger for its then fair
market value. |
The sales of Bristol hotels that have been made to date have not
resulted in any material amount of tax liability to us. If we
are successful in selling the hotels that we have designated as
sale hotels, the majority of which are Bristol hotels, we could
incur corporate income tax with respect to the related built-in
gain.
S-13
Departure of key personnel, including Mr. Corcoran,
would deprive us of the institutional knowledge, expertise and
leadership they provide.
Our management includes four senior-level executive positions,
including the President and Chief Executive Officer, currently
Mr. Corcoran, and three Executive Vice Presidents. The
persons in these positions generally possess institutional
knowledge about our organization or the hospitality or real
estate industries, have significant expertise in their fields
and possess leadership skills that are important to our
operations. The loss of any of our senior executive officers
could adversely affect our ability to execute our business
strategy.
We are subject to the risks of real estate ownership, which
could increase our costs of operations.
General Risks. Our investments in hotels are subject to
the numerous risks generally associated with owning real estate,
including among others:
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adverse changes in general or local economic or real estate
market conditions; |
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changes in zoning laws; |
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increases in supply or competition; |
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changes in traffic patterns and neighborhood characteristics; |
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increases in assessed valuation and real estate tax rates; |
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increases in the cost of property insurance; |
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recent and future increases in the cost of wood, steel, concrete
and other building materials, which increase the cost of
renovations, expansions and new construction; |
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costly governmental regulations and fiscal policies; |
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the potential for uninsured or underinsured property losses; |
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the potential that we are unable to meet all requirements under
the Americans with Disabilities Act; |
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the impact of environmental laws and regulations; and |
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other circumstances beyond our control. |
Moreover, real estate investments are relatively illiquid, and
we may not be able to adjust our portfolio in a timely manner to
respond to changes in economic and other conditions.
Compliance with environmental laws may adversely affect our
financial condition. Owners of real estate are subject to
numerous federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws
and regulations. Under these laws and regulations, a current or
former owner of real estate may be liable for the costs of
remediating hazardous substances found on its property, whether
or not it was responsible for their presence. In addition, if an
owner of real property arranges for the disposal of hazardous
substances at another site, it may also be liable for the costs
of remediating the disposal site, even if it did not own or
operate the disposal site. Such liability may be imposed without
regard to fault or the legality of a partys conduct and
may, in certain circumstances, be joint and several. A property
owner may also be liable to third parties for personal injuries
or property damage sustained as a result of its release of
hazardous or toxic substances, including asbestos-containing
materials, into the environment. Environmental laws and
regulations may require us to incur substantial expenses and
limit the use of our properties. We could have substantial
liability for a failure to comply with applicable environmental
laws and regulations, which may be enforced by the government
or, in certain instances, by private parties. The existence of
hazardous substances on a property can also adversely affect the
value of, and the owners ability to use, sell or borrow
against, the property.
We cannot provide assurances that future or amended laws or
regulations, or more stringent interpretations or enforcement of
existing environmental requirements, will not impose any
material environmental liability, or that the environmental
condition or liability relating to the hotels will not be
affected by new information or changed circumstances, by the
condition of properties in the vicinity of
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such hotels, such as the presence of leaking underground storage
tanks, or by the actions of unrelated third parties.
Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act may
adversely affect our financial condition. Under the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all public
accommodations, including hotels, are required to meet certain
federal requirements for access and use by disabled persons.
Various state and local jurisdictions have also adopted
requirements relating to the accessibility of buildings to
disabled persons. We believe that our hotels substantially
comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities
Act and other applicable laws. However, a determination that the
hotels are not in compliance with these laws could result in
liability for both governmental fines and payments to private
parties. If we were required to make unanticipated major
modifications to our hotels to comply with the requirements of
the Americans with Disabilities Act and other similar laws, it
could adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our
stockholders and to pay our obligations.
Our charter contains limitations on ownership and transfer of
shares of our stock that could adversely affect attempted
transfers of our capital stock.
To maintain our status as a REIT, no more than 50% in value of
our outstanding stock may be owned, actually or constructively,
under the applicable tax rules, by five or fewer persons during
the last half of any taxable year. Our charter prohibits,
subject to some exceptions, any person from owning more than
9.9%, as determined in accordance with the provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code and the Exchange Act, of the number of
outstanding shares of any class of our stock. Our charter also
prohibits any transfer of our stock that would result in a
violation of the 9.9% ownership limit, reduce the number of
stockholders below 100 or otherwise result in our failure to
qualify as a REIT. Any attempted transfer of shares in violation
of the charter prohibitions will be void, and the intended
transferee will not acquire any right in those shares. We have
the right to take any lawful action that we believe is necessary
or advisable to ensure compliance with these ownership and
transfer restrictions and to preserve our status as a REIT,
including refusing to recognize any transfer of stock in
violation of our charter. Similarly, the Deposit Agreement
permits the Depositary to refuse to recognize the transfer of
depositary receipts.
Some provisions in our charter and bylaws and Maryland law
make a takeover of us more difficult.
Ownership Limit. The ownership and transfer restrictions
of our charter may have the effect of discouraging or preventing
a third party from attempting to gain control of us without the
approval of our board of directors. Accordingly, it is less
likely that a change in control, even if beneficial to
stockholders, could be effected without the approval of our
board.
Staggered Board. Our board of directors is divided into
three classes. Directors in each class are elected for terms of
three years. As a result, the ability of stockholders to effect
a change in control of us through the election of new directors
is limited by the inability of stockholders to elect a majority
of our board at any particular meeting.
Authority to Issue Additional Shares. Under our charter,
our board of directors may issue up to an aggregate of
20 million shares of preferred stock without stockholder
action. The preferred stock may be issued, in one or more
series, with the preferences and other terms designated by our
board that may delay or prevent a change in control of us, even
if the change is in the best interests of stockholders. As of
June 30, 2005, as adjusted to give effect to this offering
and the application of the proceeds therefrom, we would have had
outstanding 12,880,475 shares of our Series A preferred
stock and 67,980 shares, represented by 6,798,000
depositary shares, of our Series C preferred stock.
Maryland Takeover Statutes. As a Maryland corporation, we
are subject to various provisions under the Maryland General
Corporation Law, including the Maryland Business Combination
Act, that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a
transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium
price for the stock or otherwise be in the best interests of
stockholders. Under the Maryland business combination statute,
some business combinations, including some issuances
of equity securities, between a Maryland corporation and an
interested stockholder, which is any person who
beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the
corporations shares, or an affiliate of that stockholder,
are prohibited for
S-15
five years after the most recent date on which the interested
stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Any of these
business combinations must be approved by a stockholder vote
meeting two separate super majority requirements, unless, among
other conditions, the corporations common stockholders
receive a minimum price, as defined in the statute, for their
shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same
form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its
common shares. IHG is an interested stockholder. Our charter
currently provides that the Maryland Control Share Acquisition
Act will not apply to any of our existing or future stock. That
statute may deny voting rights to shares involved in an
acquisition of one-tenth or more of the voting stock of a
Maryland corporation. To the extent these or other laws are
applicable to us, they may have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change in control of us even though beneficial to
our stockholders.
You cannot be sure that an active trading market will exist
for the depositary shares representing Series C preferred
stock.
There is currently a limited trading market for the existing
depositary shares representing our Series C preferred
stock. We intend to list the shares offered by this prospectus
supplement on the NYSE. We cannot assure you that an active
trading market for the depositary shares representing our
Series C preferred stock will exist.
The liquidity of any market for the offered depositary shares
will depend on various factors, including, without limitation:
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the number of holders of the depositary shares; |
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the interest of securities dealers in making a market for the
depositary shares; |
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the overall market for similar securities; |
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our financial performance and prospects; and |
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the prospects for companies in our industry, generally. |
The depositary shares representing our Series C preferred
stock may, after this offering, trade at a discount from the
offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates and
other factors including those listed above.
S-16
A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
documents incorporated by reference in these documents contain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, or Securities
Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act that involve a
number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements
can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such
as believes, expects,
anticipates, may, will,
should, seeks, pro forma or
other variations of these terms, including their use in the
negative, or by discussions of strategies, plans or intentions.
A number of factors could cause results to differ materially
from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements.
Among these factors are:
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general economic and lodging industry conditions, including the
failure of the current recovery in the economy to continue, the
realization of anticipated job growth, the impact of the U.S.
military involvement in the Middle East and elsewhere, future
acts of terrorism, and the impact on the travel industry of high
fuel costs and increased security precautions and the impact
that the bankruptcy of one or more major air carriers may have
on our revenue and receivables; |
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whether and on what terms this offering is completed; |
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our overall debt levels and our ability to obtain new financing
and service debt; |
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our inability to retain earnings; |
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our liquidity and capital expenditures; |
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our growth strategy and acquisition activities; |
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our inability to sell the non-strategic hotels held for sale at
anticipated prices; and |
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competitive conditions in the lodging industry. |
In addition, these forward-looking statements are necessarily
dependent upon assumptions and estimates that may prove to be
incorrect. Accordingly, while we believe that the plans,
intentions and expectations reflected in these forward-looking
statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that those
plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. The
information contained in this prospectus supplement, including
Risk Factors, the accompanying prospectus and the
documents incorporated by reference, identifies important
factors that could cause these differences.
S-17
USE OF PROCEEDS
The gross proceeds to us from the sale of the depositary shares
to you is expected to be approximately $34.4 million, plus
accrued dividends. We will pay the underwriting discounts and
commissions (of approximately $0.7 million), and other
costs of the offering (estimated to be $150,000), from available
cash, making the net proceeds to us approximately
$33.6 million. We will use the gross proceeds to redeem
13,758 shares of Series B preferred stock and the
corresponding 1,375,800 depositary shares representing the
Series B preferred stock being redeemed. Accrued but unpaid
dividends on the shares redeemed will be paid from our available
cash.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of
June 30, 2005, on an actual basis and on a pro forma basis
to give effect to:
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the sale of the 1,398,000 depositary shares representing
13,980 shares of our Series C preferred stock offered
hereby; and |
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the redemption of 13,758 shares of Series B preferred
stock and the 1,375,800 depositary shares representing the
Series B preferred stock being redeemed. |
The following capitalization table should be read in conjunction
with Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations and
FelCors financial statements and notes thereto included in
our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, which are incorporated by reference into this
prospectus supplement.
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June 30, 2005 | |
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(in thousands) | |
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Actual | |
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Adjustments | |
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Pro Forma | |
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Cash and cash equivalents
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$ |
124,945 |
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$ |
(2,896 |
) (1) |
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$ |
122,049 |
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Short-term debt
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$ |
33,264 |
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$ |
33,264 |
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Long-term debt:
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Senior notes:
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75/8% senior
notes due 2007
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122,793 |
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122,793 |
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81/2% senior
notes due 2011
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298,284 |
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298,284 |
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Senior floating rate notes due 2011
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290,000 |
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290,000 |
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Mortgage and capital lease debt
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998,429 |
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998,429 |
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Other debt
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650 |
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650 |
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Total long-term debt
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1,710,156 |
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1,710,156 |
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Stockholders equity:
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Preferred stock:
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Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock
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309,362 |
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309,362 |
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Series B cumulative redeemable preferred stock
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34,395 |
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(34,395 |
) |
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Series C cumulative redeemable preferred stock
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135,000 |
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34,950 |
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169,950 |
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Common stock
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694 |
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694 |
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Additional paid-in capital
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2,086,742 |
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(67 |
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2,086,675 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive income
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15,534 |
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15,534 |
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Accumulated deficit
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(1,088,904 |
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(1,320 |
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(1,090,224 |
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Less: Common stock in treasury
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(183,551 |
) |
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(183,551 |
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Total stockholders equity
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1,309,272 |
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(832 |
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1,308,440 |
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Total capitalization
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$ |
3,052,692 |
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$ |
(832 |
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$ |
3,051,860 |
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| (1) |
Represents underwriting discounts and commissions, other
expenses of this offering and accrued dividends on the shares
being redeemed, through June 30, 2005, substantially all of
which are being paid from our available cash. |
S-18
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES
AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
The following table represents the ratio of our earnings to
combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the
periods indicated:
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Six Months Ended |
| Year Ended December 31, |
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June 30, |
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| 2000 |
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2001 |
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2002 |
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2003 |
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2004 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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1.2x
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(a) |
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(b) |
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(c) |
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(d) |
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(e) |
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(f) |
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(a) |
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For the year ended December 31, 2001, we incurred a loss
from continuing operations. Our earnings would have had to have
been $85 million greater than they were to have covered our
fixed charges and preferred stock dividends. During 2001, we had
cash flow provided by operating activities of $145 million,
which was sufficient to cover the $25 million of dividends
to preferred stockholders for that year. |
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(b) |
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For the year ended December 31, 2002, we incurred a loss
from continuing operations. Our earnings would have had to have
been $73 million greater than they were to have covered our
fixed charges and preferred stock dividends. During 2002, we had
cash flow provided by operating activities of $106 million,
which was sufficient to cover the $26 million of dividends
to preferred stockholders for that year. |
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(c) |
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For the year ended December 31, 2003, we incurred a loss
from continuing operations. Our earnings would have had to have
been $216 million greater than they were to have covered
our fixed charges and preferred stock dividends. During 2003, we
had cash flow provided by operating activities of
$53 million, which was sufficient to cover the
$27 million of dividends to preferred stockholders for that
year. |
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(d) |
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For the year ended December 31, 2004, we incurred a loss
from continuing operations. Our earnings would have had to have
been $146 million greater than they were to have covered
our fixed charges and preferred stock dividends. During 2004, we
had cash flow provided by operating activities of
$33 million and at December 31, 2004, we had cash and
cash equivalents of $119 million, the combination of which
was sufficient to cover the $35 million of dividends to
preferred stockholders for that year. |
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(e) |
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For the six months ended June 30, 2004, we incurred a loss
from continuing operations. Our earnings would have had to have
been $68 million greater than they were to have covered our
fixed charges and preferred stock dividends. During the first
six months of 2004, we had cash flow provided by operating
activities of $20 million which was sufficient to cover the
$16 million of dividends to preferred stockholders for that
period. |
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(f) |
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For the six months ended June 30, 2005, we had income from
continuing operations of $5 million. Our earnings would
have had to have been $17 million greater than they were to
have covered our fixed charges and preferred stock dividends.
During the first six months of 2005, we had cash flow provided
by operating activities of $73 million which was sufficient
to cover the $20 million of dividends to preferred
stockholders for that period. |
S-19
MARKET INFORMATION
Our previously issued depositary shares representing
Series C preferred stock are traded on the NYSE under the
symbol FCHPRC. The following table sets forth for
the indicated periods the high and low sale prices for the
depositary shares representing Series C preferred stock, as
traded on the NYSE.
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| 2005 |
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High | |
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Low | |
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Second quarter (beginning April 8, 2005)
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$ |
24.68 |
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$ |
23.15 |
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Third quarter (through August 9, 2005)
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24.83 |
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24.00 |
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The closing sale price of depositary shares representing
Series C preferred stock was $24.45 a share on
August 9, 2005.
On July 31, 2005, we paid a dividend of $0.6333 per
depositary share representing
1/100 of
a share of Series C preferred stock, which included the
prorated dividend from the date of original issuance,
April 7, 2005, through April 30, 2005 at $0.1333 and
$0.50 for the dividend period ended July 31, 2005.
IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO OUR
QUALIFICATION AS A REIT, OUR CHARTER LIMITS, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
EXCEPTIONS, THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF ANY CLASS OF CAPITAL STOCK
THAT MAY BE OWNED BY ANY SINGLE PERSON OR AFFILIATED GROUP TO
9.9% OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES OF THAT CLASS.
S-20
DESCRIPTION OF SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK
AND DEPOSITARY SHARES
This description of the particular terms of the Series C
preferred stock and the depositary shares offered hereby
supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces,
the description of the general terms and provisions of the
preferred stock and depositary shares set forth in the
accompanying prospectus.
General
We are authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, $.01 par value per share, in one or more series, with the
preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, or
terms or conditions of redemption in each case, if any, as our
board of directors may determine by adoption of applicable
articles supplementary to our charter, without any further vote
or action by the stockholders.
In March 2005, our board of directors adopted a form of articles
supplementary that classified and created series of preferred
stock consisting of 54,000 shares, designated 8%
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. New
articles supplementary have been adopted to classify an
additional 13,980 shares of Series C preferred stock
for the purposes of this offering. As of August 9, 2005, we
had 12,880,475 shares of Series A preferred stock,
13,758 shares of Series B preferred stock and
54,000 shares of Series C preferred stock outstanding.
Accordingly, after this offering and the redemption of the
remaining Series B preferred stock, up to
7,051,545 additional shares of preferred stock may be
issued from time to time, in one or more series, as authorized
by our Board of Directors, subject to the rights of the holders
of our then outstanding preferred stock.
The following summary of the terms and provisions of the
Series C preferred stock does not purport to be complete
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the pertinent
sections of our charter and the articles supplementary of the
Series C preferred stock, a copy of each of which is
available from us.
FelCor LP will issue to us additional Series E
preferred units in FelCor LP, the economic terms of which
are substantially identical to the Series C preferred
stock. FelCor LP will be required to make all required
distributions on the Series E preferred units (which will
mirror the payments of dividends, including accrued and unpaid
dividends upon redemption, and of the liquidation preference
amount of the Series C preferred stock) prior to any
distribution of cash or assets to the holders of the common
units or to the holders of any other interests in
FelCor LP, except for any other series of preference units
ranking on a parity with the Series E preferred units as to
distributions and/or liquidation rights and except for
distributions required to enable us to maintain our
qualification as a REIT.
Each depositary share represents a
1/100 fractional
interest in a share of Series C preferred stock. The shares
of Series C preferred stock will be deposited with SunTrust
Bank, or the Preferred Stock Depositary, under a Deposit
Agreement, or the Depositary Agreement, among FelCor, the
Preferred Stock Depositary and the holders from time to time of
the depositary receipts issued by the Preferred Stock Depositary
under the Depositary Agreement. The depositary receipts will
evidence the depositary shares. Subject to the terms of the
Depositary Agreement, each holder of a depositary receipt
evidencing a depositary share will be entitled to all the rights
and preferences of a
1/100 fractional
interest in a share of Series C preferred stock (including
dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights and
preferences). See Description of Depositary Shares
in the accompanying prospectus.
Ranking
The Series C preferred stock will rank pari passu
with our outstanding Series A preferred stock and senior to
our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and
amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
While any shares of Series C preferred stock are
outstanding, we may not authorize, create or increase the
authorized amount of any class or series of stock that ranks
senior to the Series C preferred stock with respect to the
payment of dividends or amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up without the consent of the holders of two-thirds of
the outstanding shares of Series C preferred stock.
S-21
However, we may create additional classes of stock, increase the
authorized number of shares of preferred stock or issue series
of preferred stock ranking junior to, or on a parity with, the
Series C preferred stock with respect, in each case, to the
payment of dividends and amounts upon liquidation, dissolution
and winding up without the consent of any holder of
Series C preferred stock. See Voting
Rights below.
Dividends
Holders of the Series C preferred stock being offered are
entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of
directors, out of funds legally available for payment, cash
distributions declared or paid for the corresponding period
payable at the rate of 8% of the liquidation preference per year
(equivalent to $2.00 per year per depositary share).
Dividends on the Series C preferred stock are payable
quarterly in arrears on the last calendar day of January, April,
July and October (or, if not a business day, on the next
succeeding business day) of each year, commencing
October 31, 2005 (and, in the case of any accrued but
unpaid dividends, at such additional times and for such interim
periods, if any, as determined by our board of directors). Each
dividend is payable to holders of record as they appear on our
stock records at the close of business on such record dates, not
exceeding 60 days preceding the payment dates thereof, as
shall be fixed by our board of directors. Dividends will be
cumulative, whether or not in any dividend period or periods we
shall have funds legally available for the payment of such
dividends and whether or not such dividends are authorized.
Accumulations of dividends on the Series C preferred stock
will not bear interest. Dividends payable on the Series C
preferred stock will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year
consisting of twelve 30-day months.
Except as provided in the next sentence, no dividend will be
declared or paid on any Parity Stock (as defined below) unless
full cumulative dividends have been, or contemporaneously are,
declared and paid, or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof is set apart for such payment, on the
Series C preferred stock for all prior dividend periods and
the then current dividend period. If accrued dividends on the
Series C preferred stock and any Parity Stock for all prior
dividend periods have not been paid in full, then any dividend
declared on the Series C preferred stock and any Parity
Stock for any dividend period will be declared ratably in
proportion to accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series C
preferred stock and the Parity Stock.
Unless full cumulative dividends then required to be paid on the
Series C preferred stock and any Parity Stock have been, or
contemporaneously are, declared and paid, or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment, we
will not (i) declare, pay or set apart funds for the
payment of any dividend or other distribution with respect to
any Junior Stock (as defined below) or (ii) except as set
forth in the following sentence, redeem, purchase or otherwise
acquire for consideration any Junior Stock (subject to certain
exceptions), through a sinking fund or otherwise.
Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations, we may, at any time,
acquire shares of our capital stock, without regard to rank, for
the purpose of preserving our status as a REIT.
As used herein, (i) the term dividend does not
include dividends or distributions payable solely in shares of
Junior Stock on Junior Stock, or in options, warrants or rights
to holders of Junior Stock to subscribe for or purchase any
Junior Stock and (ii) the term Junior Stock
means the common stock, and any other class or series of our
capital stock now or hereafter issued and outstanding that ranks
junior to the Series C preferred stock as to the payment of
dividends or amounts upon our liquidation, dissolution or
winding up and (iii) the term Parity Stock
means any other class or series of our capital stock now or
hereafter issued and outstanding (including the Series A
preferred stock) that ranks equally with the Series C
preferred stock as to the payment of dividends and amounts upon
our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
FelCor LP will be required to make all required
distributions to us on the Series E preferred units that
will mirror our payment of dividends on the Series C
preferred stock (including accrued and unpaid dividends upon
redemption, and of the liquidation preference amount of the
Series C preferred stock) prior to any distribution of cash
or assets to the holders of common units or to the holders of
any other interests in FelCor LP, except for distributions
required in connection with any other shares of ours ranking
senior to or on a parity with the Series C preferred stock
as to dividends and/or liquidation rights and except for
distributions required to enable us to maintain our
qualification as a REIT.
S-22
The indentures under which our senior notes are issued include
covenants that restrict our ability to declare and pay
dividends. In general, these agreements contain exceptions to
the limitations to allow FelCor LP to make distributions
necessary to allow us to maintain our status as a REIT. If we
were forced to rely upon these exceptions, based upon our
current estimates of taxable income for 2005, we would be unable
to distribute the full amount of distributions accruing under
our outstanding preferred stock.
Optional Redemption
Shares of Series C preferred stock are not redeemable by us
prior to April 7, 2010. On and after April 7, 2010,
we, at our option, upon not less than 30 nor more than
60 days prior written notice, may redeem the
Series C preferred stock (and the Preferred Stock
Depositary will redeem a number of depositary shares
representing the shares of Series C preferred stock so
redeemed upon not less than 30 days prior written
notice to the holders thereof), in whole or in part, at any time
or from time to time, at a redemption price of
$2,500.00 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary
share), plus all accrued and unpaid distributions thereon, if
any, to the date fixed for redemption without interest, to the
extent we have funds legally available therefore. The redemption
price of the Series C preferred stock may be paid from any
source. Holders of depositary receipts evidencing depositary
shares to be redeemed shall surrender such depositary receipts
at the place designated in the notice and shall be entitled to
the redemption price and any accrued and unpaid distributions
payable upon redemption following the surrender. If notice of
redemption of any depositary shares has been given and if the
funds necessary for such redemption have been set aside by us in
trust for the benefit of the holders of any depositary shares so
called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date
distributions will cease to accrue on such depositary shares,
such depositary shares will no longer be deemed outstanding and
all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except
the right to receive the redemption price. If fewer than all of
the outstanding depositary shares are to be redeemed, the
depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected pro rata (as
nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional
depositary shares) or by any other equitable method determined
by us.
Notice of redemption will be given by mail or by publication
(with subsequent prompt notice by mail) in The Wall Street
Journal or The New York Times or, if neither is
then being published, in any other daily newspaper of national
circulation, not less than 30 days nor more than
60 days prior to the redemption date. A similar notice
furnished by us will be mailed by the Preferred Stock
Depositary, by first class mail, postage prepaid, not less than
30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date,
addressed to the respective holders of record of the depositary
receipts evidencing the depositary shares to be redeemed at
their respective addresses as they appear on the share transfer
records of the Preferred Stock Depositary. No failure to give
such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof will
affect the sufficiency of the notice or the validity of the
proceedings for the redemption of any shares of Series C
preferred stock or depositary shares except as to the holder to
whom notice was defective or not given. Each notice will state:
(i) the redemption date; (ii) the redemption price;
(iii) the number of shares of Series C preferred stock
to be redeemed (and the corresponding number of depositary
shares) from such holder; (iv) the place or places where
the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares are to
be surrendered for payment of the redemption price; and
(v) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease
to accrue on the redemption date.
The shares of Series C preferred stock have no stated
maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or
mandatory redemption provisions (except as provided under
Description of Preferred Stock Optional
Redemption in the accompanying prospectus).
Unless full cumulative dividends then required to be paid on the
Series C preferred stock and any Parity Stock have been or
contemporaneously are declared and paid, or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment, the
Series C preferred stock may not be redeemed in part and we
may not, except as set forth in the following sentence, purchase
or otherwise acquire for value any shares of Series C
preferred stock, otherwise than pursuant to a purchase or
exchange offer made on the same terms to all holders of
Series C preferred stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing
limitations, we may,
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at any time, acquire shares of our capital stock, without regard
to rank, for the purpose of preserving our status as a REIT or
for purposes of an employee benefit plan of ours.
Liquidation Preference
The holders of shares of Series C preferred stock are
entitled to receive in the event of our liquidation, dissolution
or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary,
$2,500.00 per share of Series C preferred stock
(equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share) plus an amount
per share of Series C preferred stock equal to all
dividends (whether or not earned or declared) accrued and unpaid
thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders, or
the Liquidation Preference, and shall not be entitled to any
further payment.
Until the holders of the Series C preferred stock have been
paid the Liquidation Preference in full, no payment will be made
to any holder of Junior Stock upon our liquidation, dissolution
or winding up. If, upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding
up, our assets, or proceeds thereof, distributable among the
holders of the shares of Series C preferred stock and any
Parity Stock are insufficient to pay in full the Liquidation
Preference and the liquidation preference applicable with
respect to any such Parity Stock, then such assets, or the
proceeds thereof, will be distributed among the holders of
shares of Series C preferred stock and any such Parity
Stock, ratably, in accordance with the respective amounts which
would be payable on such shares of Series C preferred stock
and any such Parity Stock if all amounts payable thereon were to
be paid in full. Neither a consolidation or merger of us with
another corporation, a statutory share exchange by us, nor a
sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of our
assets will be considered a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up, voluntary or involuntary, of us.
Voting Rights
In any matter in which the Series C preferred stock is
entitled to vote (as expressly described herein or as may be
required by law), including any action by written consent, each
share of Series C preferred stock shall be entitled to
100 votes, each of which 100 votes may be directed
separately by the holder thereof (or by any proxy or proxies of
such holder). With respect to each share of Series C
preferred stock, the holder thereof may designate up to
100 proxies, with each such proxy having the right to vote
a whole number of votes (totaling 100 votes per share of
Series C preferred stock). As a result, each depositary
share will be entitled to one vote.
If six quarterly dividends (whether or not consecutive) payable
on the Series C preferred stock, or any Parity Stock, are
in arrears, whether or not earned or declared, the number of
directors then constituting our board of directors will be
increased by two and the holders of the depositary shares
representing the Series C preferred stock, and any other Parity
Stock, voting together as a single class, identified as Voting
Preferred Shares, will have the right to elect two additional
directors to serve on our board of directors at an annual
meeting of stockholders or a special meeting held in place
thereof, of the holders of the Voting Preferred Shares, until
all such dividends, together with the dividends for the current
quarterly period, on the Voting Preferred Shares have been paid
or declared and set aside for payment.
The approval of two-thirds of the outstanding depositary shares
representing the Series C preferred stock and any Parity
Stock similarly affected, voting together as a single class, is
required in order to (i) amend our charter, whether by way
of merger, consolidation or otherwise, to affect materially and
adversely the rights, preferences or voting power of the holders
of the Series C preferred stock and such Parity Stock,
(ii) enter into a share exchange that affects the
Series C preferred stock, consolidate with or merge into
another entity, or permit another entity to consolidate with or
merge into us, unless in each such case, each share of
Series C preferred stock remains outstanding without a
material and adverse change to its terms and rights or is
converted into or exchanged for a share of preferred stock of
the surviving entity having preferences, rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications
and terms and conditions of redemption identical to those of a
share of Series C preferred stock (except for changes that
do not materially and adversely affect the holders of the
Series C preferred stock) or (iii) amend our charter
to authorize, reclassify, create or increase the authorized
amount of any class of stock having rights senior to the
Series C preferred stock with respect to the payment of
dividends or amounts upon our liquidation, dissolution or
winding up. However, we may increase the authorized
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number of shares of preferred stock and may create additional
classes of Parity Stock and Junior Stock, increase the
authorized number of shares of Parity Stock and Junior Stock and
issue additional series of Parity Stock and Junior Stock, all
without the consent of any holder of Series C preferred
stock.
Conversion Rights
Shares of Series C preferred stock are not convertible into
or exchangeable for any other property or securities of us.
Exchange Listing
Our previously issued depositary shares representing shares of
Series C preferred stock are listed on the NYSE under the
symbol FCHPRC. We intend to apply to list the
depositary shares representing Series C preferred stock
offered by this prospectus supplement on the NYSE. If approved,
these depositary shares will trade under the same symbol.
Trading of the newly issued depositary shares on the NYSE is
expected to commence promptly following the initial delivery of
the depositary shares.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent and registrar for the depositary shares is
SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, Georgia.
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF MARYLAND ANTI-TAKEOVER STATUTES
The following discussion supercedes the information set forth in
the accompanying prospectus under the caption Certain
Charter, Bylaw and Statutory Provisions Maryland
Anti-Takeover Statutes. Since the date of the prospectus,
the Maryland General Corporation Law has been amended in the
following respects relevant to that discussion.
Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, or Maryland Law,
certain business combinations (including a merger,
consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an
asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity
securities) between a Maryland corporation and (i) any
person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of
the corporations shares, (ii) an affiliate of the
corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to
the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of
the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the
corporation, or an Interested Stockholder, or (iii) an
affiliate thereof are prohibited for five years after the most
recent date on which the Interested Stockholder became an
Interested Stockholder. Thereafter, any business
combination must be recommended by the board of directors
of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at
least (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders
of outstanding voting shares of the corporation and
(b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders
of outstanding voting shares of the corporation other than
shares held by the Interested Stockholder with whom the business
combination is to be effected, unless, among other conditions,
the corporations stockholders receive a minimum price (as
defined under the Maryland Law) for their shares and the
consideration is received in cash or in the same form as
previously paid by the Interested Stockholder for its shares.
These provisions of the Maryland Law do not apply, however, to
business combinations that are (i) with respect to
specifically identified or unidentified existing or future
Interested Stockholders, approved or exempted by the board of
directors of the corporation prior to the time that the
Interested Stockholder becomes an Interested Stockholder, or
(ii) if the original articles of incorporation of the
corporation contain a provision expressly electing not to be
governed by Section 3-602 of the Maryland Law or the
stockholders of the corporation adopt a charter amendment so
electing by a vote of at least 80% of the votes entitled to be
cast by outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation,
voting together in a single group, and two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast by persons (if any) who are not Interested
Stockholders. Our charter has exempted from these provisions of
Maryland law, any business combination involving
Mr. Corcoran or any present or future affiliates,
associates or other persons acting in concert or as a group with
Mr. Corcoran. IHG is an Interested Stockholder under the
Maryland Business Combination Act.
Sections 3-701 et seq. of the Maryland Law, or the Control
Share Statute, provides that control shares of a
Maryland corporation acquired in a control share
acquisition have no voting rights except to
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the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of stock
owned by the acquiring person, or by officers or directors who
are employees of the corporation. Control shares are
voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other
shares of stock previously acquired by that person or in respect
of which the acquiring person is able to exercise or direct the
exercise of voting power, would entitle the acquiror to exercise
voting power in electing directors within one of the following
ranges of voting power: (i) one-tenth or more but less than
one-third, (ii) one-third or more but less than a majority,
or (iii) a majority or more of all voting power. Control
shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then
entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained
stockholder approval. A control share acquisition
means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain
exceptions. Voting rights will not be denied to control
shares if the acquisition of such shares, as to
specifically identified or unidentified future or existing
stockholders or their affiliates, has been approved in the
charter or bylaws of the corporation prior to the acquisition of
such shares.
A person who has made, or proposes to make, a control share
acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including
an undertaking to pay expenses), may compel the board of
directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of
stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to
consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a
meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question
at any stockholders meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the
acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement
as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions
and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the
control shares (except those for which voting rights have
previously been approved) for fair value determined, without
regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares,
as of the date of the last control share acquisition or of any
meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such
shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for
control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the
acquiring person becomes entitled to vote a majority of the
shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise
appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for
purposes of the appraisal rights may not be less than the
highest price per share paid by the acquiring person in the
control share acquisition. Certain limitations and restrictions
otherwise applicable to the exercise of dissenters rights
do not apply in the context of a control share acquisition.
The Maryland Control Share Statute does not apply to shares
acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the
corporation is a party to the transaction, or to acquisitions
approved or exempted by a corporations articles of
incorporation or bylaws.
Our charter contains a provision exempting any and all
acquisitions of shares of our capital stock from the Control
Share Statute. There can be no assurance that this provision
will not be amended or eliminated in the future. If the
foregoing exemption in the charter is rescinded, the control
share acquisition statute could have the effect of discouraging
offers to acquire us and of increasing the difficulty of
consummating any such offer.
Maryland Law also provides that a Maryland corporation that is
subject to the Exchange Act and has at least three outside
directors can elect by resolution of the board of directors to
be subject to some corporate governance provisions that may be
inconsistent with the corporations charter and bylaws.
Under the applicable statute, a board of directors may classify
itself without the vote of stockholders. A board of directors
classified in that manner cannot be altered by amendment to the
charter of the corporation. Further, the board of directors may,
by electing into the applicable statutory provisions and
notwithstanding the charter or bylaws:
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provide that a special meeting of stockholders will be called
only at the request of stockholders entitled to cast at least a
majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting; |
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reserve for itself the right to fix the number of directors; |
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provide that a director may be removed only by the vote of the
holders of two-thirds of the stock entitled to vote; and |
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retain for itself sole authority to fill vacancies created by
the death, removal or resignation of a director. |
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In addition, a director elected to fill a vacancy under this
provision will serve for the balance of the unexpired term
instead of until the next annual meeting of stockholders. A
board of directors may implement all or any of these provisions
without amending the charter or bylaws and without stockholder
approval. A corporation may be prohibited by its charter or by
resolution of its board of directors from electing any of the
provisions of the statute. We are not prohibited from
implementing any or all of the statute. If implemented, these
provisions could discourage offers to acquire our stock and
could increase the difficulty of completing an offer.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OUR STATUS AS A REIT
This section summarizes the federal income tax issues that you,
as a stockholder, may consider relevant and supersedes the
discussion in the accompanying prospectus under the caption
Federal Income Tax Considerations. Because this
section is a summary, it does not address all of the tax issues
that may be important to you. In addition, this section does not
address the tax issues that may be important to certain types of
stockholders that are subject to special treatment under the
federal income tax laws, such as insurance companies,
partnerships or other pass-through entities, expatriates,
taxpayers subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt
organizations (except to the extent discussed in
Taxation of Tax-Exempt Stockholders
below), financial institutions or broker-dealers, and non-U.S.
individuals and foreign corporations, estates and trusts (except
to the extent discussed in Taxation of
Non-U.S. Stockholders below). This discussion applies only
to stockholders who purchase depositary shares representing
Series C preferred stock in this offering and who hold such
shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax
purposes.
The statements in this section are based on the current federal
income tax laws governing qualification as a REIT. We cannot
assure you that new laws, interpretations thereof, or court
decisions, any of which may take effect retroactively, will not
cause any statement in this section to be inaccurate.
THIS SUMMARY IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS
NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS TAX ADVICE. WE URGE YOU TO
CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF INVESTING IN THE SERIES C PREFERRED
STOCK AND OF OUR ELECTION TO BE TAXED AS A REIT. SPECIFICALLY,
YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE FEDERAL,
STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN, AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH
INVESTMENT AND ELECTION, AND REGARDING POTENTIAL CHANGES IN
APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
Our Taxation
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the federal income tax
laws commencing with our short taxable year ended
December 31, 1994. We believe that we have operated in a
manner intended to qualify as a REIT since our election to be a
REIT, and we intend to continue to so operate. This section
discusses the laws governing the federal income tax treatment of
a REIT and its stockholders. These laws are highly technical and
complex.
Our qualification as a REIT depends on our ability to meet on a
continuing basis qualification tests set forth in the federal
tax laws. Those qualification tests involve the percentage of
income that we earn from specified sources, the percentage of
our assets that fall within specified categories, the diversity
of our share ownership, and the percentage of our earnings that
we distribute. We describe the REIT qualification tests in more
detail below. For a discussion of the tax treatment of us and
our stockholders if we fail to qualify as a REIT, see
Requirements for Qualification
Failure to Qualify.
If we qualify as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to
federal income tax on the taxable income that we distribute to
our stockholders. The benefit of that tax treatment is that we
avoid the double
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taxation, or taxation at both the corporate and
stockholder levels, that generally results from owning stock in
a corporation. However, we will be subject to federal tax in the
following circumstances:
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We will pay federal income tax on taxable income, including net
capital gain, that we do not distribute to our stockholders
during, or within a specified time period after, the calendar
year in which the income is earned. |
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We may be subject to the alternative minimum tax on
any items of tax preference that we do not distribute or
allocate to our stockholders. |
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We will pay income tax at the highest corporate rate on
(1) net income from the sale or other disposition of
property acquired through foreclosure (foreclosure
property) that we hold primarily for sale to customers in
the ordinary course of business and (2) other
non-qualifying income from foreclosure property. |
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We will pay a 100% tax on net income from sales or other
dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, that
we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course
of business. |
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If we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross
income test, as described below under
Requirements for Qualification
Income Tests, and nonetheless continue to qualify as a
REIT because we meet other requirements, we will pay a 100% tax
on (1) the greater of the amount by which we fail the 75%
gross income test or the amount by which 95% (90% for taxable
years prior to 2005) of our gross income exceeds the amount of
our income qualifying under the 95% gross income test,
multiplied by (2) a fraction intended to reflect our
profitability. |
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In the event of a more than de minimis failure of any of the
asset tests occurring after January 1, 2005, as described
below under Requirements for
Qualification Asset Tests, as long as the
failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect,
we dispose of the assets or otherwise comply with the asset
tests within six months after the last day of the quarter in
which we discovered the failure of the asset test and we provide
a schedule of the disqualifying assets to the Internal Revenue
Service, we will pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or
35% of the net income from the nonqualifying assets during the
period in which we failed to satisfy the asset test or tests. |
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If we fail to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT
qualification during a taxable year beginning on or after
January 1, 2005, other than a gross income test or an asset
test, and continue to qualify as a REIT because we meet other
requirements, we will be required to pay a penalty of $50,000
for each such failure. |
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If we fail to distribute during a calendar year at least the sum
of (1) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year,
(2) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year,
and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior
periods, we will pay a 4% excise tax on the excess of such
required distribution over the amount we actually distributed. |
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We may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net long-term
capital gain. |
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If we acquire any asset from a C corporation, or a corporation
such as Bristol that generally is subject to full
corporate-level tax, in a merger or other transaction in which
we acquire a basis in the asset that is determined by reference
to the C corporations basis in the asset or another asset,
such as the Bristol merger, we will pay tax at the highest
regular corporate rate applicable if we recognize gain on the
sale or disposition of such asset during the 10-year period
after we acquire such asset. The amount of gain on which we will
pay tax is the lesser of (1) the amount of gain that we
recognize at the time of the sale or disposition and
(2) the amount of gain that we would have recognized if we
had sold the asset at the time we acquired the asset.
Accordingly, any gain we recognize on the disposition of any
such asset, including the assets acquired from Bristol, during
the 10-year period beginning on the date of acquiring the asset,
to the extent of such assets built-in gain,
will be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate rate. |
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Requirements for Qualification
A REIT is a corporation, trust, or association that meets the
following requirements:
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it is managed by one or more trustees or directors; |
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its beneficial ownership is evidenced by transferable shares, or
by transferable certificates of beneficial interest; |
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3. |
it would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for the REIT
provisions of the federal income tax laws; |
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it is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company
subject to special provisions of the federal income tax laws; |
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at least 100 persons are beneficial owners of its shares or
ownership certificates; |
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not more than 50% in value of its outstanding shares or
ownership certificates is owned, directly or indirectly, by five
or fewer individuals, as defined in the federal income tax laws
to include certain entities, during the last half of any taxable
year; |
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it elects to be a REIT, or has made such election for a previous
taxable year, and satisfies all relevant filing and other
administrative requirements established by the Internal Revenue
Service that must be met to elect and maintain REIT status; |
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it uses a calendar year for federal income tax purposes and
complies with the recordkeeping requirements of the federal
income tax laws; and |
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it meets certain other qualification tests, described below,
regarding the nature of its income and assets. |
We must meet requirements 1 through 4 during our entire taxable
year and must meet requirement 5 during at least
335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a
proportionate part of a taxable year of less than
12 months. If we comply with all the requirements for
ascertaining the ownership of our outstanding shares in a
taxable year and have no reason to know that we violated
requirement 6, we will be deemed to have satisfied
requirement 6 for such taxable year. For purposes of
determining share ownership under requirement 6, an
individual generally includes a supplemental
unemployment compensation benefit plan, a private foundation, or
a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively
for charitable purposes. An individual, however,
generally does not include a trust that is a qualified employee
pension or profit sharing trust under the federal income tax
laws, and beneficiaries of such a trust will be treated as
holding our shares in proportion to their actuarial interests in
the trust for purposes of requirement 6.
We have issued sufficient stock with sufficient diversity of
ownership to satisfy requirements 5 and 6 set forth above. In
addition, our charter restricts the ownership and transfer of
our stock so that we should continue to satisfy requirements 5
and 6. The provisions of the charter restricting the ownership
and transfer of our stock are described in Certain
Charter, Bylaw and Statutory Provisions Restrictions
on Ownership and Transfer in the accompanying prospectus.
A corporation that is a qualified REIT subsidiary is
not treated as a corporation separate from its parent REIT. All
assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit
of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as
assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit
of the REIT. A qualified REIT subsidiary is a
corporation, other than a taxable REIT subsidiary,
or TRS, all of the capital stock of which is owned by the REIT.
Thus, in applying the requirements described herein, any
qualified REIT subsidiary that we own will be
ignored, and all assets, liabilities, and items of income,
deduction, and credit of such subsidiary will be treated as our
assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit.
In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, the
REIT is treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets
of the partnership and as earning its allocable share of the
gross income of the partnership for purposes of the applicable
REIT qualification tests. Thus, our proportionate share of the
assets and items of gross income of FelCor LP and of any other
partnership or joint venture or limited
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liability company that is treated as a partnership for federal
income tax purposes in which we have acquired, or will acquire
an interest, directly or indirectly (together, the
Subsidiary Partnerships), are treated as our assets
and gross income for purposes of applying the various REIT
qualification requirements.
A REIT may own up to 100% of the stock of a TRS. A TRS can lease
hotels from its parent REIT as long as it engages an
eligible independent contractor to manage and
operate the hotels. In addition, a TRS may earn income that
would not be qualifying income if earned directly by the parent
REIT. Both the subsidiary and the REIT must jointly elect to
treat the subsidiary as a TRS by jointly filing Form 8875
with the IRS. A corporation of which a TRS directly or
indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value of
the stock will automatically be treated as a TRS. A TRS will pay
tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In
addition, special rules limit the deductibility of interest paid
or accrued by a TRS to its parent REIT to assure that the TRS is
subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. Further,
the rules impose a 100% excise tax on transactions between a TRS
and its parent REIT or the REITs tenants that are not
conducted on an arms-length basis. We hold ownership
interests in several TRSs through FelCor LP.
We must satisfy two gross income tests annually to maintain our
qualification as a REIT. First, at least 75% of our gross income
for each taxable year must consist of defined types of income
that we derive, directly or indirectly, from investments
relating to real property or mortgages on real property or
temporary investment income. Qualifying income for purposes of
that 75% gross income test generally includes:
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rents from real property; |
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interest on debt secured by mortgages on real property or on
interests in real property; |
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dividends or other distributions on and gain from the sale of
shares in other REITs; and |
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certain other categories of income, including gain from the sale
of certain real estate assets. |
Second, in general, at least 95% of our gross income for each
taxable year must consist of income that is qualifying income
for purposes of the 75% gross income test, dividends, other
types of interest, gain from the sale or disposition of stock or
securities, income from certain hedging contracts, or any
combination of the foregoing. Gross income from our sale of
property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the
ordinary course of business is excluded from both income tests.
In addition, for taxable years beginning on and after
January 1, 2005, income and gain from hedging
transactions that we enter into to hedge indebtedness
incurred, or to be incurred, to acquire or carry real estate
assets and that are clearly and timely identified as such will
be excluded from both the numerator and the denominator for
purposes of the 95% gross income test (but not the 75% gross
income test). The following paragraphs discuss the specific
application of the gross income tests to us.
Rent that we receive from real property that we own and lease to
tenants will qualify as rents from real property,
which is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross
income tests, only if the following conditions are met:
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First, the rent must not be based, in whole or in part, on the
income or profits of any person, but may be based on a fixed
percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. |
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Second, neither we nor a direct or indirect owner of 10% or more
of our stock may own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of
a tenant from whom we receive rent (other than a TRS). Rent
received by us from a TRS will qualify as rents from real
property if the TRS engages an eligible independent
contractor to manage and operate the hotels leased by the
TRS. |
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Third, all of the rent received under a lease of real property
will not qualify as rents from real property unless
the rent attributable to the personal property leased in
connection with such lease is no more than 15% of the total rent
received under the lease. |
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Finally, we generally must not operate or manage our real
property or furnish or render services to our tenants, other
than through an independent contractor who is
adequately compensated and from whom we do not derive revenue.
However, we need not provide services through an
independent contractor, but instead may provide
services directly, if the services are usually or
customarily rendered in connection with the rental of
space for occupancy only and are not considered to be provided
for the tenants convenience. In addition, we may provide a
minimal amount of noncustomary services to the
tenants of a property, other than through an independent
contractor, as long as our income from the services does not
exceed 1% of our income from the related property. Further, we
may own up to 100% of the stock of a TRS, which may provide
customary and noncustomary services to our tenants without
tainting our rental income. |
Pursuant to percentage leases, our lessees lease from FelCor LP
and the Subsidiary Partnerships the land, buildings,
improvements, furnishings and equipment comprising the hotels,
for terms of five to 10 years, with options to renew for
total terms, including the initial term, of not more than
15 years. The percentage leases provide that the lessees
are obligated to pay to FelCor LP and the Subsidiary
Partnerships (1) the greater of a minimum base rent or
percentage rent and (2) additional charges or other
expenses, as defined in the leases. Percentage rent is
calculated by multiplying fixed percentages by gross room or
suite revenues, and food and beverage revenues and rent for each
of the hotels. Both base rent and the thresholds in the
percentage rent formulas are adjusted for inflation. Base rent
and percentage rent accrue and are due monthly.
In order for the base rent, percentage rent, and additional
charges to constitute rents from real property, the
percentage leases must be respected as true leases for federal
income tax purposes and not treated as service contracts, joint
ventures, or some other type of arrangement. The determination
of whether the percentage leases are true leases depends on an
analysis of all the surrounding facts and circumstances. In
making such a determination, courts have considered a variety of
factors, including the following:
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the intent of the parties; |
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the form of the agreement; |
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the degree of control over the property that is retained by the
property owner, or whether the lessee has substantial control
over the operation of the property or is required simply to use
its best efforts to perform its obligations under the agreement;
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to the extent to which the property owner retains the risk of
loss with respect to the property, or whether the lessee bears
the risk of increases in operating expenses or the risk of
damage to the property or the potential for economic gain or
appreciation with respect to the property. |
In addition, federal income tax law provides that a contract
that purports to be a service contract (or a partnership
agreement) will be treated instead as a lease of property if the
contract is properly treated as such, taking into account all
relevant factors, including whether or not:
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the service recipient is in physical possession of the property; |
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the service recipient controls the property; |
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the service recipient has a significant economic or possessory
interest in the property, or whether the propertys use is
likely to be dedicated to the service recipient for a
substantial portion of the useful life of the property, the
recipient shares the risk that the property will decline in
value, the recipient shares in any appreciation in the value of
the property, the recipient shares in savings in the
propertys operating costs, or the recipient bears the risk
of damage to or loss of the property; |
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the service provider does not bear any risk of substantially
diminished receipts or substantially increased expenditures if
there is nonperformance under the contract; |
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the service provider does not use the property concurrently to
provide significant services to entities unrelated to the
service recipient; and |
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the total contract price does not substantially exceed the
rental value of the property for the contract period. |
Since the determination whether a service contract should be
treated as a lease is inherently factual, the presence or
absence of any single factor may not be dispositive in every
case.
We believe that the percentage leases will be treated as true
leases for federal income tax purposes. Such belief is based, in
part, on the following facts:
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FelCor LP and the Subsidiary Partnerships, on the one hand,
and the lessees, on the other hand, intend for their
relationship to be that of a lessor and lessee and such
relationship is documented by lease agreements; |
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the lessees have the right to the exclusive possession, use and
quiet enjoyment of the hotels during the term of the percentage
leases; |
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the lessees bear the cost of, and are responsible for,
day-to-day maintenance and repair of the hotels, other than the
cost of maintaining underground utilities, structural elements
and capital improvements, and generally dictate how the hotels
are operated, maintained, and improved; |
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the lessees bear all of the costs and expenses of operating the
hotels, including the cost of any inventory used in their
operation, during the term of the percentage leases, other than
real estate and personal property taxes and property and
casualty insurance premiums; |
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the lessees benefit from any savings in the costs of operating
the hotels during the term of the percentage leases; |
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the lessees generally have indemnified FelCor LP and the
Subsidiary Partnerships against all liabilities imposed on
FelCor LP and the Subsidiary Partnerships during the term
of the percentage leases by reason of (1) injury to persons
or damage to property occurring at the hotels, (2) the
lessees use, management, maintenance or repair of the
hotels, (3) any environmental liability caused by acts or
grossly negligent failures to act of the lessees, (4) taxes
and assessments in respect of the hotels that are the
obligations of the lessees, or (5) any breach of the
percentage leases or of any sublease of a hotel by the lessees; |
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the lessees are obligated to pay substantial fixed rent for the
period of use of the hotels; |
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the lessees stand to incur substantial losses or reap
substantial gains depending on how successfully they operate the
hotels; |
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FelCor LP and the Subsidiary Partnerships cannot use the hotels
concurrently to provide significant services to entities
unrelated to the lessees; and |
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the total contract price under the percentage leases does not
substantially exceed the rental value of the hotels for the term
of the percentage leases. |
Investors should be aware that there are no controlling Treasury
regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions involving
leases with terms substantially the same as the percentage
leases that discuss whether such leases constitute true leases
for federal income tax purposes. If the percentage leases are
characterized as service contracts or partnership agreements,
rather than as true leases, part or all of the payments that
FelCor LP and the Subsidiary Partnerships receive from the
lessees may not be considered rent or may not otherwise satisfy
the various requirements for qualification as rents from
real property. In that case, we likely would not be able
to satisfy either the 75% or 95% gross income test and, as a
result, could lose our REIT status.
As described above, in order for the rent received by us to
constitute rents from real property, several other
requirements must be satisfied. One requirement is that the
percentage rent must not be
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based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any
person. The percentage rent, however, will qualify as
rents from real property if it is based on
percentages of receipts or sales and the percentages:
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are fixed at the time the percentage leases are entered into; |
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are not renegotiated during the term of the percentage leases in
a manner that has the effect of basing percentage rent on income
or profits; and |
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conform with normal business practice. |
More generally, the percentage rent will not qualify as
rents from real property if, considering the
percentage leases and all the surrounding circumstances, the
arrangement does not conform with normal business practice, but
is in reality used as a means of basing the percentage rent on
income or profits. Since the percentage rent is based on fixed
percentages of the gross revenues from the hotels that are
established in the percentage leases, and we have represented
that the percentages (1) will not be renegotiated during
the terms of the percentage leases in a manner that has the
effect of basing the percentage rent on income or profits and
(2) conform with normal business practice, the percentage
rent will not be considered based in whole or in part on the
income or profits of any person. Furthermore, we have
represented that, with respect to other hotel properties that we
acquire in the future, we will not charge rent for any property
that is based in whole or in part on the income or profits of
any person, except by reason of being based on a fixed
percentage of gross revenues, as described above.
Another requirement for qualification of the rent received by us
as rents from real property is that we must not own,
actually or constructively, 10% or more of the stock or the
assets or net profits any lessee other than a TRS (a
related party tenant). The constructive ownership
rules generally provide that, if 10% or more in value of our
stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by or for any person, we
are considered as owning the stock owned, directly or
indirectly, by or for such person. We do not own any stock or
assets or net profits of any non-TRS lessee directly. In
addition, our Charter prohibits transfers of our stock that
would cause us to constructively own 10% or more of the
ownership interests in a lessee. Those Charter provisions will
not apply to our indirect ownership of several of our lessees
through our TRS because transfers of our stock will not affect
our indirect ownership of such lessees and we will not
constructively own stock in such lessees as a result of
attribution of stock ownership from our stockholders (although,
as noted below, rents received from the TRS generally will not
be disqualified as related party rents). Thus, we should never
own, actually or constructively, 10% of more of any non-TRS
lessee. Furthermore, we have represented that, with respect to
other hotel properties that we acquire in the future, we will
not rent any property to a related party tenant. However,
because the constructive ownership rules are broad and it is not
possible to monitor continually direct and indirect transfers of
our stock, no absolute assurance can be given that such
transfers or other events of which we have no knowledge will not
cause us to own constructively 10% or more of a lessee at some
future date.
As described above, we may own up to 100% of the stock of a TRS.
Rent received by us from a TRS will qualify as rents from
real property if the TRS engages an eligible
independent contractor to manage and operate the hotels
leased by the TRS. An eligible independent
contractor must either be, or be related to a person who
is, actively engaged in the trade or business of operating
qualified lodging facilities for any person who is
not related to us or the TRS. A qualified lodging
facility is a hotel, motel, or other establishment more
than one-half of the dwelling units in which are used on a
transient basis, unless wagering activities are conducted at or
in connection with such facility by any person who is engaged in
the business of accepting wagers and who is legally authorized
to engage in such business at or in connection with such
facility. In addition, we cannot directly or indirectly derive
any income from an eligible independent contractor, an eligible
independent contractor cannot own 35% or more of our stock, and
no more than 35% of an eligible independent contractors
ownership interests can be owned by persons owning 35% or more
of our stock, taking into account applicable constructive
ownership rules. We hold ownership interests in several TRSs
that lease our hotels. Each of those TRSs has engaged a
third-party hotel manager to manage and operate the hotels
leased by that TRS. We believe that all of the existing
third-party hotel managers of hotels leased by our TRSs qualify
as eligible independent contractors, and we
anticipate that all of the third-party hotel managers that will
be retained by our TRSs in the future to manage the hotels
leased by the TRSs from us will qualify as eligible
independent contractors.
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We will be subject to a 100% excise tax to the extent that the
IRS successfully asserts that the rents received from our TRSs
exceed an arms-length rate. We believe that the terms of
the leases that exist between us and our TRSs were negotiated at
arms length and are consistent with the terms of
comparable leases in the hotel industry, and that the excise tax
on excess rents therefore should not apply. There can be no
assurance, however, that the IRS would not challenge the rents
paid to us by our TRSs as being excessive, or that a court would
not uphold such challenge. In that event, we could owe a tax of
100% on the amount of rents determined to be in excess of an
arms-length rate.
A third requirement for qualification of the rent received by us
as rents from real property is that the rent
attributable to the personal property leased in connection with
the lease of a hotel must not be greater than 15% of the total
rent received under the lease. The rent attributable to the
personal property contained in a hotel is the amount that bears
the same ratio to total rent for the taxable year as the average
of the fair market values of the personal property at the
beginning and at the end of the taxable year bears to the
average of the aggregate fair market values of both the real and
personal property contained in the hotel at the beginning and at
the end of such taxable year (the 15% test ratio).
With respect to each hotel, we believe either that the 15% test
ratio is 15% or less or that any income attributable to excess
personal property will not jeopardize our ability to qualify as
a REIT. There can be no assurance, however, that the Internal
Revenue Service would not challenge our calculation of the 15%
test ratio, or that a court would not uphold such assertion. If
such a challenge were successfully asserted, we could fail to
satisfy the 95% or 75% gross income test and thus lose our REIT
status.
A fourth requirement for qualification of the rent received by
us as rents from real property is that, other than
within the 1% de minimis exception described above, we cannot
furnish or render noncustomary services to the tenants of the
hotels, or manage or operate the hotels, other than through an
independent contractor who is adequately compensated and from
whom we do not derive or receive any income. However, we may own
up to 100% of the stock of a TRS, and the TRS may provide
customary and noncustomary services to our tenants without
tainting our rental income. Provided that the percentage leases
are respected as true leases, we should satisfy that
requirement, because FelCor LP and the Subsidiary Partnerships
do not perform any services other than customary ones for the
lessees (other than within the 1% de minimis exception or
through a TRS). Furthermore, we have represented that, with
respect to other hotel properties that we acquire in the future,
we will not perform impermissible noncustomary services with
respect to the tenant of the property.
If a portion of the rent received by us from a hotel does not
qualify as rents from real property because the rent
attributable to personal property exceeds 15% of the total rent
for a taxable year, the portion of the rent that is attributable
to personal property will not be qualifying income for purposes
of either the 75% or 95% gross income test. Thus, if such rent
attributable to personal property, plus any other income that is
nonqualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test,
during a taxable year exceeds 5% of our gross income during the
year, we could lose our REIT status. In addition, the rent from
a particular hotel does not qualify as rents from real
property because either (1) the percentage rent is
considered based on the income or profits of the related lessee,
(2) we own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of a
non-TRS lessee, or (3) we furnish noncustomary services to
the tenants of the hotel, or manage or operate the hotels, other
than through a qualifying independent contractor or a TRS, none
of the rent from that hotel would qualify as rents from
real property. In that case, we also could lose our REIT
status because we would be unable to satisfy either the 75% or
95% gross income test.
In addition to the rent, the lessees are required to pay to
FelCor LP and the Subsidiary Partnerships certain additional
charges. To the extent that such additional charges represent
either (1) reimbursements of amounts that the FelCor LP and
the Subsidiary Partnerships are obligated to pay to third
parties or (2) penalties for nonpayment or late payment of
such amounts, such charges should qualify as rents from
real property. However, to the extent that such charges
represent interest that is accrued on the late payment of the
rent or additional charges, such charges will not qualify as
rents from real property, but instead should be
treated as interest that qualifies for the 95% gross income test.
The term interest generally does not include any
amount received or accrued, directly or indirectly, if the
determination of such amount depends in whole or in part on the
income or profits of any person.
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However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be
excluded from the term interest solely by reason of
being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or
sales. Furthermore, to the extent that interest from a loan that
is based on the residual cash proceeds from the sale of the
property securing the loan constitutes a shared
appreciation provision, income attributable to such
participation feature will be treated as gain from the sale of
the secured property.
A REIT will incur a 100% tax on the net income derived from any
sale or other disposition of property, other than foreclosure
property, that the REIT holds primarily for sale to customers in
the ordinary course of a trade or business. We believe that none
of our or FelCor LPs assets is held for sale to customers
and that a sale of any such asset would not be in the ordinary
course of its business. Whether a REIT holds an asset
primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of
a trade or business depends, however, on the facts and
circumstances in effect from time to time, including those
related to a particular asset. Nevertheless, we will attempt to
comply with the terms of safe-harbor provisions in the federal
income tax laws prescribing when an asset sale will not be
characterized as a prohibited transaction. We cannot provide
assurance, however, that we can comply with such safe-harbor
provisions or that we or FelCor LP will avoid owning property
that may be characterized as property that we hold
primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of
a trade or business.
We will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate on any
income from foreclosure property, other than income that would
be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test,
less expenses directly connected with the production of such
income. However, gross income from such foreclosure property
will qualify under the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
Foreclosure property is any real property, including
interests in real property, and any personal property incident
to such real property:
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that is acquired by a REIT as the result of such REIT having bid
in such property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced
such property to ownership or possession by agreement or process
of law, after there was a default or default was imminent on a
lease of such property or on an indebtedness that such property
secured; and |
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for which such REIT makes a proper election to treat such
property as foreclosure property. |
However, a REIT will not be considered to have foreclosed on a
property where the REIT takes control of the property as a
mortgagee-in-possession and cannot receive any profit or sustain
any loss except as a creditor of the mortgagor. Property
generally ceases to be foreclosure property with respect to a
REIT at the end of the third taxable year following the taxable
year in which the REIT acquired such property, or longer if an
extension is granted by the Secretary of the Treasury. The
foregoing grace period is terminated and foreclosure property
ceases to be foreclosure property on the first day:
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on which a lease is entered into with respect to such property
that, by its terms, will give rise to income that does not
qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test or any amount
is received or accrued, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a
lease entered into on or after such day that will give rise to
income that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross
income test; |
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on which any construction takes place on such property, other
than completion of a building, or any other improvement, where
more than 10% of the construction of such building or other
improvement was completed before default became imminent; or |
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which is more than 90 days after the day on which such
property was acquired by the REIT and the property is used in a
trade or business which is conducted by the REIT, other than
through an independent contractor from whom the REIT itself does
not derive or receive any income. |
As a result of the rules with respect to foreclosure property,
if a lessee defaults on its obligations under a percentage
lease, we terminate the lessees leasehold interest and we
are unable to find a replacement lessee for the hotel within
90 days of such foreclosure, gross income from hotel
operations conducted by us from such hotel would cease to
qualify for the 75% and 95% gross income tests. In such event,
we likely would be unable to satisfy the 75% and 95% gross
income tests and, thus, could fail to qualify as a REIT.
From time to time, we or FelCor LP may enter into hedging
transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or
liabilities. Our hedging activities may include entering into
interest rate swaps, caps, and
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floors, options to purchase such items, and futures and forward
contracts. For taxable years prior to 2005, to the extent that
we or FelCor LP entered into an interest rate swap or cap
contract, option, futures contract, forward rate agreement, or
any similar financial instrument to hedge our indebtedness
incurred to acquire or carry real estate assets, any
periodic income or gain from the disposition of such contract
should have been qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross
income test, but not the 75% gross income test. For taxable
years beginning on and after January 1, 2005, income and
gain from hedging transactions will be excluded from
gross income for purposes of the 95% gross income test (but will
still be nonqualifying income for the purpose of the 75% gross
income test). For those taxable years, a hedging
transaction will mean any transaction entered into in the
normal course of our trade or business primarily to manage the
risk of interest rate or price changes, or currency fluctuations
with respect to borrowings made or to be made, or ordinary
obligations incurred or to be incurred, to acquire or carry real
estate assets. We will be required to clearly identify any such
hedging transaction before the close of the day on which it was
acquired, originated, or entered into. We intend to structure
any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize
our status as a REIT.
If we fail to satisfy one or both of the gross income tests for
any taxable year, we nevertheless may qualify as a REIT for such
year if we qualify for relief under certain provisions of the
federal income tax laws. Those relief provisions generally will
be available if:
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our failure to meet those tests is due to reasonable cause and
not to willful neglect, and |
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following such failure for any taxable year, a schedule of the
sources of our income is filed in accordance with regulations
prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. |
We cannot predict, however, whether in all circumstances we
would qualify for the relief provisions. In addition, as
discussed above in Our Taxation, even if
the relief provisions apply, we would incur a 100% tax on
(1) the amount by which we fail the 75% gross income test
or (2) the amount by which 95% (90% for taxable years prior
to 2005) of our gross income exceeds the amount of our income
qualifying under the 95% gross income test, multiplied by a
fraction intended to reflect our profitability.
To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we also must satisfy
the following asset tests at the close of each quarter of each
taxable year. First, at least 75% of the value of our total
assets must consist of:
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cash or cash items, including certain receivables; |
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government securities; |
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interests in real property, including leaseholds and options to
acquire real property and leaseholds; |
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interests in mortgages on real property; |
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stock in other REITs; and |
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investments in stock or debt instruments during the one-year
period following our receipt of new capital that we raise
through equity offerings or public offerings of debt with at
least a five-year term. |
Second, of our investments not included in the 75% asset class,
the value of our interest in any one issuers securities
may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets.
Third, of our investments not included in the 75% asset class,
we may not own more than 10% of the voting power or value of any
one issuers outstanding securities.
Fourth, no more than 20% of the value of our total assets may
consist of the securities of one or more TRSs.
Fifth, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may
consist of the securities of TRSs and other non-TRS taxable
subsidiaries and other assets that are not qualifying assets for
purposes of the 75% asset test.
For purposes of the second and third asset tests, the term
securities does not include stock in another REIT,
equity or debt securities of a qualified REIT subsidiary or TRS,
mortgage loans that
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constitute real estate assets, or equity interests in a
partnership. The term securities, however, generally
includes debt securities issued by a partnership or another
REIT, except that for purposes of the 10% value test, the term
securities does not include:
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Straight debt, defined as a written unconditional
promise to pay on demand or on a specified date a sum certain in
money if (i) the debt is not convertible, directly or
indirectly, into stock, and (ii) the interest rate and
interest payment dates are not contingent on profits, the
borrowers discretion, or similar factors. Straight
debt securities do not include any securities issued by a
partnership or a corporation in which we or any controlled TRS
(i.e., a TRS in which we own directly or indirectly more than
50% of the voting power or value of the stock) holds
non-straight debt securities that have an aggregate
value of more than 1% of the issuers outstanding
securities. However, straight debt securities
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a contingency relating to the time of payment of interest or
principal, as long as either (i) there is no change to the
effective yield of the debt obligation, other than a change to
the annual yield that does not exceed the greater of 0.25% or 5%
of the annual yield, or (ii) neither the aggregate issue
price nor the aggregate face amount of the issuers debt
obligations held by us exceeds $1 million and no more than
12 months of unaccrued interest on the debt obligations can be
required to be prepaid; and |
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a contingency relating to the time or amount of payment upon a
default or prepayment of a debt obligation, as long as the
contingency is consistent with customary commercial practice; |
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Any loan to an individual or an estate; |
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Any section 467 rental agreement, other than an
agreement with a related party tenant; |
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Any obligation to pay rents from real property; |
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Any security issued by a state or any political subdivision
thereof, the District of Columbia, a foreign government of any
political subdivision thereof, or the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, but only if the determination of any payment thereunder
does not depend in whole or in part on the profits of any entity
not described in this paragraph or payments on any obligation
issued by an entity not described in this paragraph; |
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Any security issued by a REIT; |
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Any debt instrument of an entity treated as a partnership for
federal income tax purposes to the extent of our interest as a
partner in the partnership; or |
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Any debt instrument of an entity treated as a partnership for
federal income tax purposes not described in the preceding
bullet points if at least 75% of the partnerships gross
income, excluding income from prohibited transactions, is
qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test
described above in Requirements for
Qualification-Income Tests. |
For purposes of the 10% value test, our proportionate share of
the assets of a partnership is our proportionate interest in any
securities issued by the partnership, without regard to
securities described in the last two bullet points above.
If we should fail to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a
calendar quarter, we would not lose our REIT status if
(1) we satisfied the asset tests at the close of the
preceding calendar quarter and (2) the discrepancy between
the value of our assets and the asset test requirements arose
from changes in the market values of our assets and was not
wholly or partly caused by the acquisition of one or more
non-qualifying assets. If we did not satisfy the condition
described in clause (2) of the preceding sentence, we still
could avoid disqualification as a REIT by eliminating any
discrepancy within 30 days after the close of the calendar
quarter in which the discrepancy arose.
In the event that, at the end of any calendar quarter in a
taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2005, we
violate the second or third asset test described above, we will
not lose our REIT status if (1) the failure is de minimis
(up to the lesser of 1% of our assets or $10 million) and
(2) we dispose of assets or otherwise comply with the asset
tests within six months after the last day of the quarter in
which we
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discovered the failure of the asset test. In the event of a more
than de minimis failure of any of the asset tests at the end of
any calendar quarter in a taxable year beginning on or after
January 1, 2005, as long as the failure was due to
reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, we will not lose
our REIT status if we (1) dispose of assets or otherwise
comply with the asset tests within six months after the last day
of the quarter in which we discovered the failure of the asset
test, (2) pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or 35%
of the net income from the nonqualifying assets during the
period in which we failed to satisfy the asset tests and (3)
file a schedule with a description of each asset in accordance
with regulations.
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Distribution Requirements |
Each taxable year, we must distribute dividends, other than
capital gain dividends and deemed distributions of retained
capital gain, to our stockholders in an aggregate amount at
least equal to:
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the sum of (1) 90% of our REIT taxable income,
computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our
net capital gain or loss, and (2) 90% of our after-tax net
income, if any, from foreclosure property; minus |
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the sum of certain items of non-cash income. |
We must pay such distributions in the taxable year to which they
relate, or in the following taxable year if we declare the
distribution before we timely file our federal income tax return
for such year, pay the distribution on or before the first
regular dividend payment date after such declaration and we
elect on our federal income tax return for the prior year to
have a specified amount of the subsequent dividend treated as if
paid in the prior year.
We will pay federal income tax on taxable income, including net
capital gain, that we do not distribute to stockholders.
Furthermore, if we fail to distribute during a calendar year, or
by the end of January following such calendar year in the case
of distributions with declaration and record dates falling in
the last three months of the calendar year, at least the sum of:
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85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year; |
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95% of our REIT capital gain income for such year; and |
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any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, |
we will incur a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of
such required distribution over the amounts we actually
distributed. We may elect to retain and pay income tax on the
net long-term capital gain we receive in a taxable year. See
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders.
If we so elect, we will be treated as having distributed any
such retained amount for purposes of the 4% excise tax described
above. We have made, and we intend to continue to make, timely
distributions sufficient to satisfy the annual distribution
requirements.
It is possible that, from time to time, we may experience timing
differences between (1) the actual receipt of income and
actual payment of deductible expenses and (2) the inclusion
of that income and deduction of such expenses in arriving at our
REIT taxable income. For example, we may not deduct recognized
capital losses from our REIT taxable income.
Further, it is possible that, from time to time, we may be
allocated a share of net capital gain attributable to the sale
of depreciated property that exceeds our allocable share of cash
attributable to that sale. As a result of the foregoing, we may
have less cash than is necessary to distribute all of our
taxable income and thereby avoid corporate income tax and the
excise tax imposed on certain undistributed income. In such a
situation, we may need to borrow funds or issue additional
preferred or common stock.
Under certain circumstances, we may be able to correct a failure
to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying
deficiency dividends to our stockholders in a later
year. We may include such deficiency dividends in our deduction
for dividends paid for the earlier year. Although we may be able
to avoid income tax on amounts distributed as deficiency
dividends, we will be required to pay interest to the Internal
Revenue Service based upon the amount of any deduction we take
for deficiency dividends.
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Recordkeeping Requirements |
We must maintain certain records in order to qualify as a REIT.
In addition, to avoid a monetary penalty, we must request on an
annual basis information from our stockholders designed to
disclose the actual ownership of our outstanding stock. We have
complied, and we intend to continue to comply, with such
requirements.
If we failed to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year for which
the statute of limitations remains open, and no relief provision
applied, we would be subject to federal income tax and any
applicable alternative minimum tax on our taxable income at
regular corporate rates. In calculating our taxable income in a
year in which we failed to qualify as a REIT, we would not be
able to deduct amounts paid out to stockholders. In fact, we
would not be required to distribute any amounts to stockholders
in such year. In such event, to the extent of our current and
accumulated earnings and profits, all distributions to
stockholders would be taxable as dividend income. Subject to
certain limitations of the federal income tax laws, corporate
stockholders might be eligible for the dividends received
deduction. Unless we qualified for relief under specific
statutory provisions, we also would be disqualified from
taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year
during which we ceased to qualify as a REIT. We cannot predict
whether in all circumstances we would qualify for such statutory
relief.
For taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2005,
if we fail to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT
qualification, other than the gross income tests and the asset
tests, we could avoid disqualification if our failure is due to
reasonable cause and not to willful neglect and we pay a penalty
of $50,000 for each such failure. In addition, there are relief
provisions for a failure of the gross income tests and asset
tests, as described above in Income
Tests and Asset Tests.
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders
Tax Treatment of Depositary Shares. An owner of
depositary shares will be treated for federal income tax
purposes as owning the portion of the Series C preferred
stock represented by such depositary shares.
Distributions to Holders. As long as we qualify as a
REIT, a taxable U.S. stockholder (as defined below)
must take into account as ordinary income distributions made out
of our current or accumulated earnings and profits and that we
do not designate as capital gain dividends or retained long-term
capital gain. A U.S. stockholder will not qualify for the
dividends received deduction generally available to
corporations. As used herein, the term U.S.
stockholder means a holder of Series C preferred
stock that for U.S. federal income tax purposes is:
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a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation created
or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of a
political subdivision thereof; |
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an estate whose income from sources without the United States is
includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes
regardless of its source; or |
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any trust (1) with respect to which a U.S. court is able to
exercise primary supervision over the administration of such
trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control
all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) that has a
valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person. |
Dividends paid to a U.S. stockholder generally will not qualify
for the 15% tax rate for qualified dividend income.
Qualified dividend income generally includes dividends paid by
domestic C corporations and certain qualified foreign
corporations to most U.S. noncorporate stockholders. Because we
generally are not subject to federal income tax on the portion
of our REIT taxable income distributed to our stockholders, our
dividends generally will not be eligible for the 15% rate on
qualified dividend income. As a result, our ordinary REIT
dividends will continue to be taxed at the higher tax rate
applicable to ordinary income. Currently, the highest marginal
individual income tax rate on ordinary income is 35%.
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However, the 15% tax rate for qualified dividend income will
apply to our ordinary REIT dividends, if any, that are
(1) attributable to dividends received by us from non-REIT
corporations, such as our TRSs, or (2) attributable to
certain income upon which we have paid corporate income tax. In
general, to qualify for the reduced tax rate on qualified
dividend income, a stockholder must hold our shares for more
than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning on the
date that is 60 days before the date on which our shares
become ex-dividend.
A U.S. stockholder generally will recognize distributions that
we designate as capital gain dividends as long-term capital gain
without regard to the period for which the U.S. stockholder has
held our Series C preferred stock. We generally will
designate our capital gain dividends as either 15% or 25% rate
distributions. A corporate U.S. stockholder, however, may be
required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as
ordinary income.
We may elect to retain and pay income tax on the net long-term
capital gain that we receive in a taxable year. In that case, a
U.S. stockholder would be taxed on its proportionate share of
our undistributed long-term capital gain. The U.S. stockholder
would receive a credit or refund for its proportionate share of
the tax we paid. The U.S. stockholder would increase the basis
in its stock by the amount of its proportionate share of our
undistributed long-term capital gain, minus its share of the tax
we paid.
A U.S. stockholder will not incur tax on a distribution in
excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits if
such distribution does not exceed the adjusted basis of the U.S.
stockholders Series C preferred stock. Instead, such
distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of such
Series C preferred stock. A U.S. stockholder will recognize
a distribution in excess of both our current and accumulated
earnings and profits and the U.S. stockholders adjusted
basis in its Series C preferred stock as long-term capital
gain, or short-term capital gain if the Series C preferred
stock has been held for one year or less. In addition, if we
declare a distribution in October, November or December of any
year that is payable to a U.S. stockholder of record on a
specified date in any such month, such distribution shall be
treated as both paid by us and received by the U.S. stockholder
on December 31 of such year, provided that we actually pay
the distribution during January of the following calendar year.
Stockholders may not include in their individual income tax
returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.
Instead, such losses would be carried over by us for potential
offset against our future income generally. Taxable
distributions from us and gain from the disposition of the
Series C preferred stock will not be treated as passive
activity income and, therefore, stockholders generally will not
be able to apply any passive activity losses, such
as losses from certain types of limited partnerships in which
the stockholder is a limited partner, against such income. In
addition, taxable distributions from us and gain from the
disposition of Series C preferred stock (generally
excluding long term capital gain unless you have elected to
treat it as ordinary income) generally will be treated as
investment income for purposes of the investment interest
limitations. We will notify stockholders after the close of our
taxable year as to the portions of the distributions
attributable to that year that constitute ordinary income,
return of capital, and capital gain.
Sale of Series C Preferred Stock. In general, a U.S.
stockholder must treat any gain or loss realized upon a taxable
disposition of the Series C preferred stock as long-term
capital gain or loss if the U.S. stockholder has held the
Series C preferred stock for more than one year and
otherwise as short-term capital gain or loss. However, a U.S.
stockholder must treat any loss upon a sale or exchange of
Series C preferred stock held by such stockholder for six
months or less as a long-term capital loss to the extent of
capital gain dividends and other distributions from us that such
U.S. stockholder treats as long-term capital gain. All or a
portion of any loss that a U.S. stockholder realizes upon a
taxable disposition of the Series C preferred stock may be
disallowed if the U.S. stockholder purchases other shares of our
preferred stock within 30 days before or after the
disposition.
Redemption of Series C Preferred Stock for Cash. The
tax treatment accorded to any redemption by us (as distinguished
from a sale, exchange, or other disposition) of Series C
preferred stock can only be determined on the basis of
particular facts as to each holder at the time of redemption. In
general, a redemption of the Series C preferred stock will
be treated under Section 302 of the Internal Revenue
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Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) as a
distribution that is taxable at ordinary income tax rates as a
dividend (to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings
and profits), unless the redemption satisfies certain tests set
forth in Section 302(b) of the Code enabling the redemption
to be treated as a sale of the Series C preferred stock (in
which case the redemption will be treated in the same manner as
a sale described above in Sale of
Series C Preferred Stock). The redemption will
satisfy such tests and be treated as a sale of the Series C
preferred stock if the redemption:
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is substantially disproportionate with respect to
the holders interest in our stock; |
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results in a complete termination of the
holders interest in all classes of our stock; or |
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is not essentially equivalent to a dividend with
respect to the holder, all within the meaning of
Section 302(b) of the Code. |
In determining whether any of these tests have been met, stock
considered to be owned by the holder by reason of certain
constructive ownership rules set forth in the Code, as well as
stock actually owned, generally must be taken into account.
Because the determination as to whether any of the three
alternative tests of Section 302(b) of the Code described
above will be satisfied with respect to any particular holder of
the Series C preferred stock depends upon the facts and
circumstances at the time that the determination must be made,
prospective investors are advised to consult their own tax
advisors to determine such tax treatment.
If a redemption of the Series C preferred stock does not
meet any of the three tests described above, the redemption
proceeds will be treated as a distribution, as described above
in Distributions to Holders. In that
case, a stockholders adjusted tax basis in the redeemed
Series C preferred stock will be transferred to such
stockholders remaining stock holdings in our company. If
the stockholder does not retain any of our stock, such basis
could be transferred to a related person that holds our stock or
it may be lost.
Redemption Premium. Under the federal income tax laws, if
the redemption price of the Series C preferred stock
exceeds its issue price by more than a de minimis amount, as
determined under the Treasury regulations, in certain
circumstances, the amount of the excess may be treated as a
constructive distribution of additional Series C preferred
stock that is taxable to the holder based on a constant yield
method over the period the Series C preferred stock cannot
be redeemed. The redemption premium would be treated as a
dividend to the extent of our earnings and profits and otherwise
would be subject to the treatment described above for
distributions.
However, constructive distribution treatment only applies if the
subject preferred stock is (1) mandatorily redeemable,
(2) redeemable at the holders option, or
(3) redeemable at the issuers option if at the time
of issue, based on all the facts and circumstances, it is more
likely than not that the issuer will exercise such option.
Pursuant to a safe harbor, a right to redeem will
not be treated as more likely than not to occur if:
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the issuer and the stockholder are not related within the
meaning of the Treasury regulations; |
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there are no plans, arrangements, or agreements that effectively
require or are intended to compel the issuer to redeem the
stock; and |
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exercise of the right to redeem would not reduce the yield of
the stock, as determined under the Treasury regulations. |
Redemption of the Series C preferred stock is not
mandatory, such stock is not redeemable at the holders
option, and we do not believe that at the time of issue it is
more likely than not that the Series C preferred stock will
be redeemed. Accordingly, we do not believe that the existence
of our optional redemption right will result in a constructive
distribution to the holders of Series C preferred stock.
However, no assurance can be given that the Internal Revenue
Service will not take a contrary position.
A taxpayer generally must hold a capital asset for more than one
year for gain or loss derived from its sale or exchange to be
treated as long-term capital gain or loss. The highest marginal
individual income
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tax rate is currently 35%. The maximum tax rate on long-term
capital gain applicable to non-corporate taxpayers is currently
15% for sales and exchanges of assets held for more than one
year. The maximum tax rate on long-term capital gain from the
sale or exchange of section 1250 property, or
depreciable real property, is currently 25% to the extent that
such gain would have been treated as ordinary income if the
property were section 1245 property. With
respect to distributions that we designate as capital gain
dividends and any retained capital gain that we are deemed to
distribute, we generally may designate whether such a
distribution is taxable to our non-corporate stockholders at a
15% or 25% rate. Thus, the tax rate differential between capital
gain and ordinary income for non-corporate taxpayers may be
significant. In addition, the characterization of income as
capital gain or ordinary income may affect the deductibility of
capital losses. A non-corporate taxpayer may deduct capital
losses not offset by capital gains against its ordinary income
only up to a maximum annual amount of $3,000. A non-corporate
taxpayer may carry forward unused capital losses indefinitely. A
corporate taxpayer must pay tax on its net capital gain at
ordinary corporate rates. A corporate taxpayer can deduct
capital losses only to the extent of capital gains, with unused
losses being carried back three years and forward five years.
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Information Reporting Requirements and Backup
Withholding |
We will report to our stockholders and to the Internal Revenue
Service the amount of distributions we pay during each calendar
year, and the amount of tax we withhold, if any. Under the
backup withholding rules, a stockholder may be subject to backup
withholding at the rate of 28% with respect to distributions on
the depositary shares representing Series C preferred stock
and proceeds upon a sale or redemption of such shares unless
such holder (1) is a corporation or comes within certain
other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this
fact or (2) provides a taxpayer identification number,
certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding,
and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the
backup withholding rules. A stockholder who does not provide us
with its correct taxpayer identification number also may be
subject to penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.
Any amount paid as backup withholding will be creditable against
the stockholders income tax liability.
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Taxation of Tax-Exempt Stockholders |
Tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and
profit sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts and
annuities generally are exempt from federal income taxation.
However, they are subject to taxation on their unrelated
business taxable income. While many investments in real estate
generate unrelated business taxable income, the Internal Revenue
Service has issued a published ruling that dividend
distributions from a REIT to an exempt employee pension trust do
not constitute unrelated business taxable income (except as
noted below), provided that the exempt employee pension trust
does not otherwise use the shares of the REIT in an unrelated
trade or business of the pension trust. Based on that ruling,
amounts that we distribute to tax-exempt stockholders generally
should not constitute unrelated business taxable income.
However, if a tax-exempt stockholder were to finance its
acquisition of Series C preferred stock with debt, a
portion of the income that it receives from us would constitute
unrelated business taxable income pursuant to the
debt-financed property rules. Furthermore, social
clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental
unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified group legal services
plans that are exempt from taxation under special provisions of
the federal income tax laws are subject to different unrelated
business taxable income rules, which generally will require them
to characterize distributions that they receive from us as
unrelated business taxable income.
Finally, in certain circumstances, a qualified employee pension
or profit sharing trust that owns more than 10% of our stock (by
value) is required to treat a percentage of the dividends that
it receives from us as unrelated business taxable income. Such
percentage is equal to the gross income we derive from an
unrelated trade or business (less certain expenses), determined
as if we were a pension trust, divided by our total gross income
(less certain expenses) for the year in which we pay the
dividends. That rule applies to a pension trust holding more
than 10% of our stock (by value) only if:
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the percentage of our dividends that the tax-exempt trust must
treat as unrelated business taxable income is at least 5%; |
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we qualify as a REIT by reason of the modification of the rule
requiring that no more than 50% of our stock be owned by five or
fewer individuals that allows the beneficiaries of the pension
trust to be treated as holding our stock in proportion to their
actuarial interests in the pension trust; and |
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either (1) one pension trust owns more than 25% of the
value of our stock or (2) a group of pension trusts
individually holding more than 10% of the value of our stock
collectively owns more than 50% of the value of our stock. |
Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders
The rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of nonresident
alien individuals or corporations, estates or trusts that are
not U.S. stockholders (collectively, non-U.S.
stockholders) are complex. This section is only a summary
of such rules. We urge non-U.S. stockholders to consult their
own tax advisors to determine the impact of federal, state, and
local income tax laws on ownership of the Series C
preferred stock, including any reporting requirements.
A non-U.S. stockholder that receives a distribution that is not
attributable to gain from our sale or exchange of U.S. real
property interests, as defined below, and that we do not
designate as a capital gain dividend or retained capital gain
will recognize ordinary income to the extent that we pay such
distribution out of our current or accumulated earnings and
profits. A withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of
the distribution ordinarily will apply to such distribution
unless an applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates the tax.
However, if a distribution is treated as effectively connected
with the non-U.S. stockholders conduct of a U.S. trade or
business, the non-U.S. stockholder generally will be subject to
federal income tax on the distribution at graduated rates, in
the same manner as U.S. stockholders are taxed with respect to
such distributions and also may be subject to the 30% branch
profits tax in the case of a non-U.S. stockholder that is a
non-U.S. corporation. We plan to withhold U.S. income tax at the
rate of 30% on the gross amount of any such distribution paid to
a non-U.S. stockholder unless either:
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a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. stockholder files
IRS Form W-8BEN (or successor form) evidencing eligibility
for that reduced rate with us; or |
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the non-U.S. stockholder files an IRS Form W-8ECI (or
successor form) with us claiming that the distribution is
effectively connected income. |
A non-U.S. stockholder will not incur tax on a distribution in
excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits if
such distribution does not exceed such non-U.S.
stockholders adjusted basis of our Series C preferred
stock. Instead, such a distribution will reduce the adjusted
basis of such Series C preferred stock. A non-U.S.
stockholder will be subject to tax on a distribution that
exceeds both our current and accumulated earnings and profits
and the adjusted basis of our Series C preferred stock, if
the non-U.S. stockholder otherwise would be subject to tax on
gain from the sale or disposition of our Series C preferred
stock, as described below. Because we generally cannot determine
at the time we make a distribution whether or not the
distribution will exceed our current and accumulated earnings
and profits, we normally will withhold tax on the entire amount
of any distribution at the same rate as we would withhold on a
dividend. However, a non-U.S. stockholder may obtain a refund of
amounts that we withhold if we later determine that a
distribution in fact exceeded our current and accumulated
earnings and profits.
We must withhold 10% of any distribution that exceeds our
current and accumulated earnings and profits. Consequently,
although we intend to withhold at a rate of 30% on the entire
amount of any distribution, to the extent that we do not do so,
we will withhold at a rate of 10% on any portion of a
distribution not subject to withholding at a rate of 30%.
For any year in which we qualify as a REIT, a non-U.S.
stockholder will incur tax on distributions that are
attributable to gain from our sale or exchange of United
States real property interests under special provisions of
the federal income tax laws (FIRPTA). The term
United States real property interests includes
certain interests in real property and stock in corporations at
least 50% of whose assets consists of interests in real
property. For taxable years prior to 2005, a non-U.S.
stockholder was taxed on distributions attributable to gain from
sales of U.S. real property interests as if such gain were
effectively
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connected with a U.S. business of the non-U.S. stockholder. A
non-U.S. stockholder thus was taxed on such a distribution at
the normal capital gain rates applicable to U.S. stockholders,
subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special
alternative minimum tax in the case of a nonresident alien
individual. For taxable years beginning on and after
January 1, 2005, capital gain distributions that are
attributable to our sale of real property are not subject to
FIRPTA and, therefore, will be treated as ordinary dividends
rather than as gain from the sale of a United States real
property interest, as long as the non-U.S. stockholder did not
own more than 5% of the class of our stock on which the
distributions are made during the taxable year and the stock is
regularly traded on an established securities market in the
United States. As a result, such non-U.S. stockholders generally
are subject to withholding tax on such capital gain
distributions in the same manner as they are subject to
withholding tax on ordinary dividends. We must withhold 35% of
any distribution that we could designate as a capital gain
dividend, even though the actual withholding tax liability
attributable to such dividends may be lower. A non-U.S.
stockholder may receive a credit against its tax liability for
the amount we withhold.
A non-U.S. stockholder generally will not incur tax under FIRPTA
on gain from the sale of our stock as long as at all times
non-U.S. persons hold, directly or indirectly, less than 50% in
value of our stock. We cannot assure you that this test will be
met. However, even if this test is not satisfied, a non-U.S.
stockholder that owned, actually or constructively, 5% or less
of the Series C preferred stock at all times during a
specified testing period will not incur tax under FIRPTA on gain
from the sale of our stock if the Series C preferred stock
is regularly traded on an established securities
market. The depositary shares representing Series C
preferred stock currently are regularly traded on an established
securities market, but we cannot assure that they will remain so
traded at all times in the future. If the gain on the sale of
the Series C preferred stock were taxed under FIRPTA, a
non-U.S. stockholder would be taxed in the same manner as U.S.
stockholders with respect to such gain, subject to applicable
alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in
the case of nonresident alien individuals. Furthermore, a
non-U.S. stockholder will incur tax on gain not subject to
FIRPTA if (1) the gain is effectively connected with the
non-U.S. stockholders U.S. trade or business, in which
case the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to the same
treatment as U.S. stockholders with respect to such gain, or (2)
the non-U.S. stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who
was present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the
taxable year and certain other conditions are met, in which case
the non-U.S. stockholder will incur a 30% tax on such
stockholders capital gains.
State and Local Taxes
We and/or you may be subject to state and local tax in various
states and localities, including those states and localities in
which we or you transact business, own property or reside. The
state and local tax treatment in those jurisdictions may differ
from the federal income tax treatment described above.
Consequently, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding
the effect of state and local tax laws upon an investment in our
Series C preferred stock.
UNDERWRITING
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is acting as the manager of the
offering. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the
underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus
supplement, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. has agreed to
purchase, and we have agreed to sell to it, the depositary
shares representing shares of Series C preferred stock
offered by this prospectus supplement.
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the
underwriter to purchase the depositary shares offered by this
prospectus supplement are subject to the approval of legal
matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriter is
obligated to purchase all the depositary shares offered by this
prospectus supplement if it purchases any of the shares.
The underwriter proposes to offer some of the depositary shares
directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on
the cover page of this prospectus supplement, which includes
accrued dividends, and some of the shares to dealers at that
public offering price, less a concession not to exceed
$0.30 per share. The underwriter may allow, and dealers may
reallow, a concession not to exceed $0.25 per share to
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other dealers. After the initial offering of the depositary
shares, the offering price, concession and other selling terms
may from time to time be varied by the underwriter.
We have agreed, during the period of 30 days from the date
of this prospectus supplement, without the prior written consent
of Citigroup Global Markets Inc., subject to certain exceptions,
not to offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or
contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell,
grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise
transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any depositary
shares or any other preferred stock ranking on a parity with the
Series C preferred stock and related depositary shares.
In connection with this offering, the underwriter may purchase
and sell depositary shares in the open market. These
transactions may include over-allotment covering stabilizing
transactions. Over-allotment involves sales of depositary shares
in excess of the number of depositary shares to be purchased by
the underwriter in this offering, which creates a short position
for the underwriter. Covering transactions involve purchases of
the depositary shares in the open market after the distribution
has been completed in order to cover short positions.
Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of
depositary shares made for the purpose of preventing or
retarding a decline in the market price of the depositary shares
while this offering is in progress. The underwriter also may
impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the underwriter to
reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when
Citigroup Global Markets Inc., in covering syndicate short
positions or making stabilizing purchases, repurchases shares
originally sold by that syndicate member in order to cover
syndicate short positions or make stabilizing purchases.
Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or
retarding a decline in the market price of the depositary
shares. They may also cause the price of the depositary shares
to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the
open market in the absence of these transactions. The
underwriter may conduct these transactions in the
over-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriters
commence these transactions, they may discontinue them at any
time. We estimate that our total expenses for this offering will
be approximately $150,000, which expenses will be paid from
available cash, rather than from the proceeds of this offering.
It is expected that delivery of the depositary shares will be
made against payment therefor on or about the date specified in
the last paragraph of the cover page of this prospectus
supplement, which is August 30, 2005. Under
Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary
market generally are required to settle in three business days,
unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise.
Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the depositary shares
on the date hereof or any day prior to the third business day
before the date of delivery of the depositary shares will be
required, by virtue of the fact that the depositary shares will
settle in T + 18, to agree to a delayed settlement
cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed
settlement. Those who purchase the depositary shares and wish to
trade depositary shares on the date hereof or the next
succeeding business day should consult their own advisors.
The underwriter has performed investment banking and advisory
services for us from time to time for which it receives
customary fees and expenses. The underwriter may, from time to
time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us in
the ordinary course of its business.
We and the underwriter have agreed to indemnify each other
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act or to contribute to payments we or the
underwriter may be required to make because of any of these
liabilities.
There is currently a limited trading market for the existing
depositary shares representing our Series C preferred
stock. We intend to list the shares offered by this prospectus
supplement on the NYSE. We cannot assure you that an active
trading market for the depositary shares representing our
Series C preferred stock will exist. The liquidity of any
market for the offered depositary shares will depend on various
factors, including, but not limited to: the number of holders of
the depositary shares; the interest of securities dealers in
making a market for the depositary shares; the overall market
for similar securities; our financial performance and prospects;
and the prospects for companies in our industry, generally. The
depositary shares representing our Series C preferred stock
may, after this offering, trade at a discount
S-45
from the offering price, depending upon prevailing interest
rates and other factors, including those described above.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed
upon for us by Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional
Corporation, Dallas, Texas. In addition, the description of
federal income tax consequences contained in the sections of the
prospectus and prospectus supplement entitled Federal
Income Tax Considerations and Federal Income Tax
Consequences of Our States as a REIT are based on the
opinion of Hunton & Williams LLP, Richmond, Virginia. The
validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon
for the Underwriters by Cahill Gordon & Reindel
llp, New York,
New York. Jenkens & Gilchrist and Cahill
Gordon & Reindel
llp will rely on
the opinion of Miles & Stockbridge P.C., Baltimore,
Maryland, with respect to all matters involving Maryland law.
EXPERTS
The financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by
reference to FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporateds Current
Report on Form 8-K dated June 10, 2005 and filed
June 13, 2005 and the financial statement schedules and
managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting (which is included in
Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial
Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of FelCor Lodging Trust
Incorporated for the year ended December 31, 2004, have
been so incorporated in reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts
in auditing and accounting.
S-46
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on
Form S-3 of which this prospectus supplement forms a part.
The registration statement, including the attached exhibits and
schedules, contains additional relevant information about us.
The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit specified
information included in the registration statement from this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. In
addition, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange
Act. Our SEC filings are available to the public from the
SECs web site at www.sec.gov and are also
available from our web site at www.felcor.com. You
may also read and copy any document that we file with the SEC at
its public reference facility at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain
copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the
Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street,
N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call
the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the
operation of the public reference facility. Our SEC filings are
also available at the office of The New York Stock Exchange,
20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. For further
information on obtaining copies of our public filings at The New
York Stock Exchange, you should call (212) 656-5060.
S-47
PROSPECTUS
$1,000,000,000
Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Common
Stock
and Common Stock Warrants
FelCor Suite Hotels,
Inc. (FelCor) may offer from time to time in one or
more series (i) its unsecured senior or subordinated debt
securities (Debt Securities), (ii) whole or
fractional shares of its preferred stock, $0.01 par value
per share (Preferred Stock), (iii) shares
of Preferred Stock represented by Depositary Shares
(Depositary Shares), (iv) shares of its common
stock, $0.01 par value per share (Common
Stock), or (v) warrants to purchase Common Stock
(Common Stock Warrants) with an aggregate public
offering price of up to $1,000,000,000 (or its equivalent based
on the exchange rate at the time of sale) in amounts, at prices
and on terms to be determined at the time of offering. The Debt
Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Common Stock and
Common Stock Warrants (collectively, Securities) may
be offered separately or together, in separate series, in
amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more
supplements to this Prospectus (each a Prospectus
Supplement).
The specific terms of the
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, ranking, 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
FelCor or repayment at the option of the holder, terms for
sinking fund payments, terms for conversion into Common Stock,
Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Debt Securities of another
series, covenants and any initial public offering price;
(ii) in the case of Preferred Stock, the specific number of
shares, designation, stated value per share, any dividend,
liquidation, redemption, conversion, exchange, voting and other
rights, and any initial public offering price per share;
(iii) in the case of Depositary Shares, the fractional
share of Preferred Stock represented by each such Depositary
Share and any initial public offering price per Depositary
Share; (iv) in the case of Common Stock, the specific
number of shares and any initial public offering price
per share; and (v) in the case of Common Stock
Warrants, the duration, offering price, exercise price and
detachability. In addition, such specific terms may include
limitations on direct or beneficial ownership and restrictions
on transfer of the Securities, in each case as may be consistent
with FelCors Charter (as herein defined) or otherwise
appropriate to preserve the status of FelCor as a real estate
investment trust (REIT) for federal income tax
purposes. See Certain Charter, Bylaw and Statutory
Provisions Charter and Bylaw Provisions
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.
The applicable Prospectus
Supplement will also contain information, where appropriate,
about certain United States federal income tax considerations
relating to, and any listing on a securities exchange of, the
Securities covered by such Prospectus Supplement.
The Securities may be offered by
FelCor directly to one or more purchasers, through agents
designated from time to time by FelCor or to or through
underwriters or dealers. If any agents or underwriters are
involved in the sale of any of the 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 the Prospectus
Supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of
such Securities. See Plan of Distribution. No
Securities may be sold pursuant to this Prospectus without the
delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and
terms of the offering of such Securities.
See
Risk Factors beginning on page 5 for a discussion of
certain factors that should be considered by prospective
investors.
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 COM-
MISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this Prospectus is March 3, 1998.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
FelCor has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) a Registration Statement on Form S-3
(Registration Statement) under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (Securities Act), with respect to
the Securities. This Prospectus, which constitutes part of the
Registration Statement, omits certain of the information
contained in the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto
on file with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act and the
rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder. The Registration
Statement, including exhibits thereto, may be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the SECs Regional
Offices at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300,
New York, New York 10048, and Citicorp Center,
500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois
60661-2511, and copies may be obtained at the prescribed rates
from the public reference Section of the SEC at its
principal office in Washington, D.C. Statements contained
in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other
document referred to are not necessarily complete, and in each
instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each
such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
FelCor is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange
Act), and in accordance therewith files reports and proxy
statements and other information with the SEC. Such reports,
proxy statements and other information can be inspected and
copied at the locations described above. Copies of such
materials can be obtained by mail from the Public Reference
Section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. In addition, certain of such materials can be inspected
at the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street,
New York, New York, 10005. The SEC maintains a web
site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains registration statements,
periodic reports, proxy statements and other information
regarding registrants that file documents electronically with
the SEC.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents, which have been previously filed by
FelCor with the SEC, under the Exchange Act (File
No. 001-14236) are incorporated herein by reference:
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(i) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996; |
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(ii) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 1997; |
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(iii) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 1997; |
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(iv) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 1997; |
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(v) Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 4, 1997; |
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(vi) Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 1997,
as amended by Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated
August 13, 1997; |
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(vii) Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 19,
1997; |
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(viii) Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 1,
1997; and |
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(ix) Description of FelCors Common Stock and $1.95
Series A Cumulative, Convertible Preferred Stock contained
in FelCors registration statements on Form 8-A, including
any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such
descriptions. |
All documents filed by FelCor pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of
this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of
the Securities made hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained herein, or in any document incorporated
or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in
any subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statement so
2
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
FelCor will provide, without charge, to each person, including
any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus is
delivered, on the written or oral request of any such person, a
copy of any or all of the documents incorporated herein by
reference, except the exhibits to such documents (unless such
exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such
documents). Requests for such copies should be directed to
FelCor at 545 E. John Carpenter Frwy.,
Suite 1300, Irving, Texas 75062, Attention: General Counsel.
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995, WHICH CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY THE USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING TERMINOLOGY SUCH AS
MAY, WILL, EXPECT,
ANTICIPATE, ESTIMATE OR
CONTINUE OR THE NEGATIVE THEREOF OR OTHER VARIATIONS
THEREON OR COMPARABLE TERMINOLOGY. THE STATEMENTS IN RISK
FACTORS BEGINNING ON PAGE 5 OF THIS PROSPECTUS CONSTITUTE
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS IDENTIFYING IMPORTANT FACTORS, INCLUDING
MATERIAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, WITH RESPECT TO SUCH
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO
DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE REFLECTED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS.
3
THE COMPANY
FelCor Suite Hotels, Inc. (FelCor) is a
self-administered equity REIT that, at December 31, 1997,
owned an approximately 92.7% general partner interest in FelCor
Suites Limited Partnership (FelCor LP), which then
owned, directly or indirectly, interests in 73 hotels with an
aggregate of 17,933 suites/rooms in 27 states (collectively, the
Current Hotels). Fifty-two of the Current Hotels are
operated as Embassy Suites® hotels (of which 28 were
converted from other brands), 13 are operated as Doubletree
Guest Suites® hotels, seven are operated as Sheraton®
hotels (five of which are upscale, full-service traditional
non-suite hotels) and one is operated as a Hilton Suites®
hotel. Sixty-three of the Current Hotels are managed by
subsidiaries of Promus Hotel Corporation (Promus)
which, following the recent merger of Promus with Doubletree
Corporation, include Doubletree Hotels Corporation and its
subsidiaries (Doubletree). Promus is the
largest operator of full-service, all-suite hotels in the United
States. Of the remaining Current Hotels, seven are managed by a
subsidiary of ITT Sheraton Corporation (Sheraton)
and three are managed by independent management companies. At
December 31, 1997, the Company (as herein defined) was the
owner of the largest number of Embassy Suites hotels in the
world.
Unless otherwise described in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, FelCor will (i) contribute all of the net
proceeds from the sale of Common Stock, Common Stock Warrants,
Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares offered hereby to FelCor
LP in exchange for comparable units of partnership interest
(Units) and (ii) loan all of the net proceeds
from the sale of Debt Securities offered hereby to FelCor LP.
The specific terms of the Units to be so issued by FelCor LP and
of any such loan to FelCor LP, to the extent such terms are not
described herein, will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to such offering. Unless otherwise indicated, all
references herein to the business and assets of the
Company refer to FelCor, FelCor LP and their
respective subsidiaries, collectively.
To enable FelCor to satisfy certain requirements for
qualification as a REIT, neither FelCor nor FelCor LP can
operate the hotels in which they invest. Accordingly, the
Company leases the Current Hotels (and expects to lease
additional hotels) to DJONT Operations, L.L.C., or a subsidiary
thereof (Lessee), pursuant to leases providing for
the payment of rent based primarily upon the suite revenues of
such hotels (Percentage Leases). The Lessee pays
rent to the Company under the Percentage Leases and, in
addition, enters into franchise agreements (where applicable)
and engages independent, unaffiliated third party professional
managers to operate the hotels. Under the Percentage Leases, the
Lessee is required to pay all franchise fees, management fees
and other operating expenses of the hotels leased by it. All of
the voting interests in the Lessee (constituting a 50% equity
interest) are owned beneficially by Hervey A. Feldman and Thomas
J. Corcoran, Jr., who are directors and executive officers of
FelCor, and the non-voting interests (constituting the remaining
50% equity interest) are owned beneficially by the children of
Charles N. Mathewson, a major initial investor in the Company
and a director of FelCor. Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran,
together with other executive officers and directors of FelCor,
beneficially owned an aggregate of approximately 3.9% of the
Common Stock and limited partner Units outstanding at
December 31, 1997.
FelCor was formed as a Delaware corporation on May 16, 1994
and was reincorporated as a Maryland corporation on
June 23, 1995, primarily to eliminate the franchise tax
liability it incurred as a Delaware corporation. The
reincorporation did not result in any change in the business,
properties or management of FelCor. FelCors executive
offices are located at 545 E. John Carpenter Frwy.,
Suite 1300, Irving, Texas 75062 and its telephone number is
(972) 444-4900.
4
RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in, or
incorporated by reference into, this Prospectus and in any
Prospectus Supplement, prospective investors should carefully
consider the following factors in evaluating an investment in
the Securities offered hereby.
Risks of Leverage; Floating Rate Debt; Inability to Retain
Earnings
At December 31, 1997, the Companys outstanding
indebtedness was approximately $478.7 million, including
approximately $136.0 million under the Line of Credit (as herein
defined) which bears interest at floating rates. Since the
Company intends to continue to acquire additional hotels, and
FelCor must distribute annually at least 95% of its taxable net
income to maintain its REIT status, the Company may borrow
additional funds to make investments or distributions. The Board
of Directors of FelCor (Board of Directors) has the
discretion to permit the Company to incur debt, subject to the
current policy of the Board of Directors limiting indebtedness
to not more than 40% of the Companys investment in hotel
properties, at cost, on a consolidated basis, after giving
effect to the Companys use of proceeds from any
indebtedness. The Company has obtained the Line of Credit to
provide, as necessary, funds for investments in additional hotel
properties, working capital and cash to make distributions. The
Companys use of the Line of Credit for working capital,
distributions and general corporate purposes is limited to 10%
of the amount available thereunder. The majority of the
Companys floating rate debt bears interest at LIBOR
(5.656% at December 31, 1997) plus an amount between 0.45%
and 1.5%.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to meet
its present or future debt service obligations and, to the
extent that it cannot, it risks the loss of certain of its
assets to foreclosure. Changes in economic conditions could
result in higher interest rates which could increase debt
service requirements on the Companys floating rate debt.
Adverse economic conditions could cause the terms on which
borrowings become available to be unfavorable. In such
circumstances, if the Company is in need of capital to repay
indebtedness in accordance with its terms or otherwise, it could
be required to liquidate one or more investments in hotel
properties at times which may not permit realization of the
maximum return on such investments.
In order to qualify as a REIT, FelCor generally is required each
year to distribute to its shareholders at least 95% of its net
taxable income (excluding any net capital gain). In addition,
FelCor is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the
amount, if any, by which certain distributions paid by it with
respect to any calendar year are less than the sum of
(i) 85% of its ordinary income, (ii) 95% of its
capital gain net income for that year, and (iii) any
undistributed taxable income from prior periods. FelCor intends
to continue to make distributions to its shareholders to comply
with the 95% distribution requirement and to avoid the
nondeductible excise tax. FelCors income consists
primarily of its share of the income of FelCor LP, and
FelCors cash available for distribution consists primarily
of its share of cash distributions from FelCor LP. Differences
in timing between taxable income and cash available for
distribution due to the seasonality of the hospitality industry
could require the Company to borrow funds on a short-term basis
to meet the 95% distribution requirement and to avoid the
nondeductible excise tax. In such a case, the Company also would
be required to borrow funds to make payments of principal and
interest on Indebtedness.
Dependence on Lessees Hotel Operations
The Companys revenues consist primarily of lease revenue
under the Percentage Leases. The obligations of the Lessee under
the Percentage Leases are unsecured. The Lessees only
assets are cash, receivables, inventory, supplies and prepaid
expenses needed in the operation of the Current Hotels, the
franchise licenses for the Current Hotels, its rights and
benefits under the Percentage Leases and the management
contracts relating to such hotels and, subject to certain
limitations, its right to borrow on a subordinated basis an
aggregate of up to approximately $16.1 million from its equity
owners, partners and managers of certain hotels. At
December 31, 1997, the Lessee had a deficit in total
shareholders equity of approximately $9.1 million.
Consequently, both the Company and the Lessee are substantially
dependent upon the operations of the Current Hotels. See
Hotel Industry Risks.
5
Conflicts of Interest
Mr. Feldman and Mr. Corcoran, who are officers and
directors of FelCor, are also officers and managers of the
Lessee. All of the voting interests in the Lessee (constituting
a 50% equity interest) are beneficially owned by Messrs. Feldman
and Corcoran, and the non-voting interests (constituting the
remaining 50% equity interest) are owned beneficially by the
children of Mr. Mathewson, a major initial investor in the
Company and a director of FelCor.
General
Because of the direct and indirect ownership interests of
Messrs. Feldman, Corcoran and Mathewson in, and their positions
with, the Company and the Lessee, there are inherent conflicts
of interest in connection with the Companys purchase of
the Initial Hotels (as herein defined), in which such persons
held an interest, and in the ongoing lease and operation of the
Companys hotels. Accordingly, the interests of the
Companys equity owners may not have been, and in the
future may not be, solely reflected in all decisions made or
actions taken by such officers and directors. In an effort to
address one of the primary continuing conflicts,
Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran have entered into an agreement
with the Company to utilize any amounts distributed to them from
the Lessee, in excess of their tax liability for the earnings of
the Lessee, to purchase from the Company additional shares of
Common Stock (or Units) at the then current market price.
No Arms-Length Bargaining on Percentage
Leases
The terms of the Percentage Leases were not negotiated on an
arms-length basis and, accordingly, may not reflect fair market
values or terms. Management of the Company believes, however,
that the terms of such agreements are fair to the Company and
are upon terms as favorable to the Company as could be obtained
from a financially responsible unrelated third party. The lease
payments under the Percentage Leases have been, and will be,
calculated with reference to historical financial data and the
projected operating and financial performance of the hotels. The
terms of the Percentage Leases are believed by management of the
Company to be typical of provisions found in other leases
entered into in similar transactions. The Percentage Lease terms
are approved by FelCors Independent Directors,
being those directors who are not officers or employees of
FelCor or affiliates of any subsidiary or lessee thereof. The
Company does not own any interest in the Lessee. All of the
voting Class A membership interest in the Lessee
(representing a 50% equity interest) is owned beneficially by
Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran and all of the non-voting
Class B membership interest in the Lessee (representing the
remaining 50% equity interest) is held by RGC Leasing, Inc., a
Nevada corporation owned by the children of Mr. Mathewson,
a major initial investor in the Company and a director of
FelCor. As a result, such persons may have a conflict of
interest with the Company in the performance of their management
services to the Company in connection with the Percentage Leases.
Adverse Tax Consequences to Certain
Affiliates on a Sale of Initial Hotels
Certain affiliates of the Company may have unrealized gain in
their investments in the six hotels acquired by the Company at
its inception on July 28, 1994 (the Initial
Hotels). A subsequent sale of such hotels by the Company,
although not restricted by agreement, may cause adverse tax
consequences to such persons. Therefore, the interests of the
Company and certain of its affiliates, including
Messrs. Feldman, Corcoran and Mathewson, could be different
in connection with the disposition of any of such hotels.
However, decisions with respect to the disposition of all hotel
properties in which the Company invests will be made by a
majority of the Board of Directors, which majority must include
a majority of the Independent Directors when the disposition
involves any of the Initial Hotels.
Restrictive Debt Covenants
The terms of the Line of Credit and the Senior Note Indenture
(as herein defined) contain certain restrictive covenants,
including, among others, covenants which may prohibit or
significantly restrict the ability of the Company, to incur
indebtedness, make investments, engage in transactions with
shareholders and affiliates, incur liens, create restrictions on
the ability of certain subsidiaries to pay dividends or make
6
certain payments to the Company, merge or consolidate with any
other person or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of
such entities. In addition, the Company is required under the
Line of Credit to maintain certain specified financial ratios.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
maintain such ratios or that such covenants will not adversely
affect the Companys ability to finance its future
operations or capital needs or to engage in other business
activities that may be in the interest of the Company. The
breach of any of these covenants or the inability of the Company
to comply with the required financial ratios could result in a
default under the Line of Credit or the Senior Note Indenture.
In the event of any such default, all amounts borrowed under the
Line of Credit or the Senior Note Indenture, together with
accrued interest, could be declared to be due and payable. If
the Indebtedness under the Line of Credit or the Senior Note
Indenture were to be accelerated, there can be no assurance that
the assets of the Company would be sufficient to repay such
Indebtedness in full.
Hotel Industry Risks
Operating Risks
The Companys hotels are subject to all operating risks
common to the hotel industry. These risks include, among other
things, intense competition from other hotels; over-building in
the hotel industry which has adversely affected occupancy,
average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available
room or suite (RevPAR) in the past; increases in
operating costs due to inflation and other factors, which
increases have not always been, and may not necessarily in the
future be, offset by increased suite/room rates; dependence on
business and commercial travelers and tourism; increases in
energy costs and other expenses of travel; and adverse effects
of general and local economic conditions. Such factors could
adversely affect the Lessees ability to make lease
payments and, consequently, the Companys ability to make
any required payments of principal and interest on indebtedness.
Further, annual adjustments to the base rent and the thresholds
for computation of percentage rent, based upon a formula taking
into account changes in the U.S. Consumer Price Index
(CPI), would (in the absence of offsetting increases
in suite revenue and in the event of any decrease in suite
revenues) result in decreased revenues to the Company under the
Percentage Leases and decreased amounts available for required
payments of principal and interest on indebtedness.
Competition
Competition for Guests; Operations. The hotel industry is
highly competitive. Each of the Companys hotels
experiences competition primarily from other upscale hotels in
its immediate vicinity, but also competes with other hotel
properties in its geographic market. Some of the competitors of
the Companys hotels have substantially greater marketing
and financial resources than the Company and the Lessee. A
number of additional hotel rooms are in development, have been
announced or have recently been completed in a number of the
Companys markets, and additional hotel rooms may be
developed in the future. Such additional hotel rooms could have
an adverse effect on the revenues of the Companys hotels
in such markets.
Competition for Acquisitions. The Company may be
competing for investment opportunities with entities which have
substantially greater financial resources than the Company.
These entities may generally be able to accept more risk than
the Company prudently can manage. Competition may generally
reduce the number of suitable investment opportunities offered
to the Company and increase the bargaining power of property
owners seeking to sell.
Seasonality of Hotel Business
The hotel industry is seasonal in nature. Generally, hotel
revenues are greater in the second and third quarters than in
the first and fourth quarters. Through diversity in the
geographic location and in the primary customer base of the
Companys hotels, the Company may be able to lessen, but
not eliminate, the effects of seasonality. Accordingly,
seasonality can be expected to cause quarterly fluctuations in
the Companys lease revenue, to the extent it receives
percentage rent.
7
Investment Concentration in Single
Industry
The Companys current strategy is to acquire interests
exclusively in hotel properties. The Company will not seek to
invest in assets selected to reduce the risks associated with
investments in the hotel industry, and will be subject to risks
inherent in concentrating investments in a single industry.
Therefore, the adverse effect on the Companys lease
revenue and amounts available for required payments of principal
and interest on indebtedness and to make distributions to
shareholders resulting from a downturn in the hotel industry
will be more pronounced than if the Company had diversified its
investments outside of the hotel industry. In addition, the
Current Hotels are concentrated in the Upper Upscale category of
the hotel industry (as published by Smith Travel Research),
particularly the all-suite segments therein.
Emphasis on Embassy Suites Hotels; Market
Concentration
Fifty-two of the Companys 73 Current Hotels are
operated under the Embassy Suites brand. Accordingly, the
Company is subject to risks inherent in concentrating the
Companys investments in the Embassy Suites brand, such as
a reduction in business following adverse publicity related to
the brand, which could have an adverse effect on the
Companys lease revenues and amounts available for required
payments of principal and interest on indebtedness and to make
distributions to shareholders.
The Current Hotels are located in 27 states; however,
almost one-half of such hotels are located in three states, with
11 hotels located in each of Florida and California and nine
hotels located in Texas. Therefore, adverse events or conditions
which affect those areas particularly (such as natural disasters
or adverse changes in local economic conditions) could have a
more pronounced negative impact on the operations of the Company
and amounts available for required payments of principal and
interest on indebtedness and for distributions to shareholders
than events affecting other areas.
Risks of Operating Hotels Under Franchise Agreements
At December 31, 1997, 52 of the Current Hotels were being
operated under the Embassy Suites brand. Of the 21 remaining
Current Hotels, 13 are operated as Doubletree Guest Suites
hotels, under management contracts with Doubletree, seven are
operated as Sheraton hotels, under management contracts with
Sheraton, and one is, and may continue to be, operated under a
franchise license as a Hilton Suites hotel. No assurance can be
provided that the Company will not be required to make and fund
significant additional improvements to the Current Hotels in the
future to obtain or maintain its franchise licenses. Failure to
complete improvements, when required, in a manner satisfactory
to the franchisor could result in the failure to issue, or the
cancellation, of one or more franchise licenses. In addition,
the Company may desire to operate additional hotels acquired by
it under franchise licenses from Promus or another franchisor,
and such franchisors may require that significant capital
expenditures be made to such additional hotels as a condition of
granting such franchise licenses.
The continuation of franchise licenses for the Current Hotels is
subject to the maintenance of specified operating standards and
other terms and conditions. Promus periodically inspects its
licensed properties to confirm adherence to its maintenance and
operating standards. Under each Percentage Lease, the Company is
obligated, among other things, to pay the costs of maintaining
the structural elements of each hotel and to set aside as a
reserve 4% of hotel suite revenues per month, on a cumulative
basis, and to fund from the reserve or from other sources
capital expenditures (subject to approval by the Board of
Directors) for the periodic replacement or refurbishment of
furniture, fixtures and equipment required for the retention of
such franchise licenses. During the period from the closing of
FelCors initial public offering to December 31, 1997,
the Company made, and in the future may be obligated or deem it
advisable to make, capital investments in the Current Hotels in
excess of 4% of the suite revenues thereof. Should the Company
be required or elect to do so in the future, such investments
may necessitate the use of borrowed funds or the reduction of
distributions. The Lessee is responsible for routine maintenance
and repair expenditures with respect to the Current Hotels. The
failure to maintain the standards or adhere to the other terms
and conditions of the Embassy Suites or other franchise licenses
could result in the loss or cancellation of such franchise
licenses. It is possible that a franchisor could condition the
continuation of a franchise license upon the completion of
substantial capital improvements, which the Board of Directors
may determine to be too expensive or otherwise unwarranted in
light of general economic conditions or the
8
operating results or prospects of the affected hotel. In that
event, the Board of Directors may elect to allow the franchise
license to lapse, in which event the Company will be obligated
to indemnify the Lessee against any loss or liability incurred
by it as a consequence of such decision. In any case, if a
franchise is terminated, the Company and the Lessee may seek to
obtain a suitable replacement franchise, or to operate the
affected hotel independent of a franchise license. The loss of
any franchise license could have a material adverse effect upon
the operations or the underlying value of the hotel covered by
such license because of the loss of associated name recognition,
marketing support and centralized reservation systems provided
by the franchisor. The loss of a number of the franchise
licenses for the Current Hotels could have a material adverse
effect on the Companys revenues under the Percentage
Leases and the Companys cash available to make required
payments of principal and interest on indebtedness and to make
distributions to its equity owners.
Operational Risks of Rapid Growth
The Companys acquisition of interests in 60 hotels between
late 1995 and December 31, 1997, has resulted in a
substantial increase in the number and geographic dispersion of
the hotels owned by the Company and leased to the Lessee. As a
result, FelCor has added five senior management personnel as
well as additional accounting and administrative personnel
between mid-1995 and December 31, 1997. To the extent
FelCor is unable to retain or hire experienced personnel to
manage the Companys business and assets, its operations
could be adversely affected. Continued growth may result in
increased demands upon, or additions to, FelCors staff.
The increased demand upon the time of such employees,
particularly if additional qualified staff cannot be obtained,
could adversely affect the operations and revenues of the
Company.
Constraints on Acquisitions and Improvements
The Company intends to continue to pursue its current growth
strategy, which includes acquiring and improving hotel
properties. There is a risk that the Company will not have
access to sufficient equity or debt capital to pursue its
acquisition strategies indefinitely. The Company generally
cannot retain cash generated by operating activities. To qualify
as a REIT, FelCor must distribute at least 95% of its net
taxable income annually. The Company has a $550 million
line of credit (Line of Credit) which, as of
December 31, 1997, had approximately $304.6 million
available thereunder. The Board of Directors has adopted a
policy to limit the Companys indebtedness to 40% of its
investment in hotel properties, at cost. The terms of the Line
of Credit impose the same limitation upon the Company. Since the
Company generally cannot retain earnings and the term and amount
available under the Companys Line of Credit are limited,
the Companys ability to continue to make hotel
acquisitions following the expiration or utilization of such
facility will depend primarily on its ability to obtain
additional private or public equity or debt financing. There can
be no assurance that such financing will be available to make
future investments.
Tax Risks
Failure to Qualify as a REIT
FelCor operates, and will continue to operate, so as to qualify
as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. However, FelCor has
not requested, and does not expect to request, a ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service (Service) that it qualifies
as a REIT. Furthermore, the continued qualification of FelCor as
a REIT will depend on FelCors continuing ability to meet
various requirements concerning, among other things, the
ownership of its outstanding stock, the nature of its assets,
the sources of its income, and the amount of its distributions
to its shareholders. See Federal Income Tax
Considerations Taxation of the Company.
If FelCor were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year,
it would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to
shareholders in computing its taxable income and would be
subject to federal income tax (including any applicable
alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at regular
corporate rates. Unless entitled to relief under certain
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(Code), FelCor also would be disqualified from
treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years
9
following the year during which qualification was lost. As a
result, the funds available for required payments of principal
and interest on indebtedness and to make distributions to
shareholders would be reduced for each of the years involved.
Although FelCor operates in a manner designed to allow it to
qualify as a REIT, it is possible that future economic, market,
legal, tax or other considerations may cause the Board of
Directors, with the consent of a majority of the shareholders,
to revoke the REIT election. See Federal Income Tax
Considerations.
REIT Minimum Distribution Requirements
In order to qualify for the tax benefits accorded to REITs under
the Code, FelCor generally is required each year to distribute
to its shareholders at least 95% of its net taxable income
(excluding any net capital gain). In addition, FelCor is subject
to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which
certain distributions paid by it with respect to any calendar
year are less than the sum of (i) 85% of its ordinary
income, (ii) 95% of its capital gain net income for that
year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior
periods. To the extent that FelCor elects to retain and pay
income tax on its net capital gain, such retained amounts will
be treated as having been distributed for purposes of the 4%
excise tax.
FelCor intends to continue to make distributions to its
shareholders to comply with the 95% distribution requirement and
to avoid the nondeductible excise tax. FelCors income
consists primarily of its share of the income of FelCor LP, and
FelCors cash available for distribution consists primarily
of its share of cash distributions from FelCor LP. Differences
in timing between taxable income and cash available for
distribution due to the seasonality of the hospitality industry
could require FelCor, through FelCor LP, to borrow funds on a
short-term basis to meet the 95% distribution requirement and to
avoid the nondeductible excise tax. For federal income tax
purposes, distributions paid to shareholders may consist of
ordinary income, capital gains, nontaxable return of capital, or
a combination thereof. FelCor provides, and will continue to
provide, its shareholders with an annual statement as to its
designation of the taxability of distributions.
Distributions by FelCor will be determined by its Board of
Directors and will be dependent on a number of factors,
including the amount of the Companys cash available for
distribution, the Companys financial condition, any
decision by the Board of Directors to reinvest funds rather than
to distribute such funds, the Companys capital
expenditures, the annual distribution requirements under the
REIT provisions of the Code and such other factors as the Board
of Directors deems relevant. See Federal Income Tax
Considerations Requirements for
Qualification Distribution Requirements.
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Failure of FelCor LP to be Classified as a Partnership for
Federal Income Tax Purposes; Impact on REIT Status |
The Company believes that FelCor LP (and its subsidiaries) is
classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If
the Service were to challenge successfully the tax status of
FelCor LP as a partnership for federal income tax purposes,
FelCor LP would be taxable as a corporation. In such event,
FelCor would cease to qualify as a REIT for a variety of
reasons. Furthermore, the imposition of a corporate tax on
FelCor LP would substantially reduce the amount of cash
available for distribution to FelCor and its shareholders.
Effect of Market Interest Rates on Price of Capital Stock
One of the factors that may influence the price of FelCors
Common Stock and any Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares in
public trading markets is the annual yield from distributions by
FelCor on the Common Stock and any Preferred Stock, as compared
to yields on other financial instruments. Thus, an increase in
market interest rates will result in higher yields on other
financial instruments, which could adversely affect the market
price of FelCors Common Stock and any Preferred Stock or
Depositary Shares.
10
Reliance on Key Personnel and Board of Directors
Shareholders have no right or power to take part in the
management of the Company except through the exercise of voting
rights on certain specified matters. The Board of Directors is
responsible for managing the Company. The Companys future
success, including particularly the implementation of the
Companys acquisition growth strategy, is substantially
dependent on the active participation of Messrs. Feldman
and Corcoran. The loss of the services of both of these
individuals could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Real Estate Investment Risks
The Companys investments are subject to varying degrees of
risk generally incident to the ownership of real property,
including, in addition to the risks discussed below, adverse
changes in general or local economic conditions, zoning laws,
traffic patterns and neighborhood characteristics, tax rates,
governmental rules and fiscal policies, and by civil unrest,
acts of war, and other adverse factors which are beyond the
control of the Company.
Illiquidity of Real Estate
Real estate investments are relatively illiquid. The ability of
the Company to vary its portfolio in response to changes in
economic and other conditions will be limited. Also, no
assurances can be given that the market value of any of the
Current Hotels will not decrease in the future. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to dispose of an
investment when it finds disposition advantageous or necessary
or that the sale price realized in any disposition will recoup
or exceed the amount of the Companys investment therein.
Uninsured and Underinsured Losses
Each of the Current Hotels is covered by comprehensive policies
of insurance, including liability, fire and extended coverage.
Management believes such specified coverage is of the type and
amount customarily obtained by owners of real property assets.
However, there are certain types of losses, generally of a
catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods,
that may be uninsurable or not economically insurable. Eleven of
the Current Hotels are located in California, which is subject
to relatively higher seismic risks. Although each of such hotels
was constructed under the more recent and stringent post-1984
building codes that were intended to reduce the likelihood or
extent of damage from seismic activity, no assurance can be
given that an earthquake would not cause substantial damage and
losses. Additionally, 16 of the Current Hotels are located in
the coastal areas of Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina
or Texas and may, therefore, be particularly susceptible to
potential damage from hurricanes or high-wind activity. The
Company presently maintains and intends to continue to maintain
earthquake insurance on each of the Current Hotels located in
California and wind damage insurance on such Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas hotels, to the extent
practicable. The Board of Directors may exercise discretion in
determining amounts, coverage limits and the deductibility
provisions of insurance, with a view to maintaining appropriate
insurance coverage on the Companys investments at a
reasonable cost and on suitable terms. This may result in
insurance coverage that, in the event of a substantial loss,
would not be sufficient to pay the full current market value or
current replacement cost of the Companys lost investment.
Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances,
environmental considerations, and other factors also might make
it impractical to use insurance proceeds to replace the property
after such property has been damaged or destroyed. Under such
circumstances, the insurance proceeds received by the Company
might not be adequate to restore its economic position with
respect to such property.
Environmental Matters
Under various federal, state, and local environmental laws,
ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or
operator of real property may be liable for the costs of removal
or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on, under or in
such property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not
the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the
presence of such hazardous or toxic
11
substances. Liability also may extend to persons holding a
security interest in the property, under certain limited
circumstances. In addition, the presence of contamination from
hazardous or toxic substances, or the failure to properly
remediate such contaminated property, may adversely affect the
owners ability to dispose of such property, to fully
utilize such property without restriction or to borrow using
such property as collateral. Persons who arrange for the
disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances may also
be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such
substances at the disposal or treatment facility, whether or not
such facility is or ever was owned or operated by such person.
Certain environmental laws and common law principles could be
used to impose liability for release of hazardous or toxic
substances, including the release of asbestos-containing
materials (ACMs) into the air, and third parties may
seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for
personal injury or property damage associated with such
releases, including exposure to released ACMs. Environmental
laws also may impose restrictions on the manner in which
property may be used or businesses may be operated, and these
restrictions may require expenditures. Environmental laws
provide for sanctions in the event of noncompliance and may be
enforced by governmental agencies or, in certain circumstances,
by private parties. In connection with the ownership of the
Current Hotels and any subsequently acquired hotels, the Company
may be potentially liable for such costs. The cost of defending
against claims of liability, of compliance with environmental
regulatory requirements or of remediating a contaminated
property could materially adversely affect the business, assets
or results of operations of the Company and, consequently,
amounts available for required payments of principal and
interest on indebtedness and to make distributions to the
Companys equity owners.
Phase I environmental audits from independent environmental
engineers were obtained with respect to each of the Current
Hotels prior to the acquisition thereof by the Company. The
principal purpose of Phase I audits is to identify indications
of potential environmental contamination for which the Current
Hotels may be responsible and, secondarily, to assess, to a
limited extent, the potential for environmental regulatory
compliance liabilities. The Phase I audits of the Current
Hotels were designed to meet the requirements of the then
current industry standards governing Phase I audits, and
consistent with those requirements, none of the audits involved
testing of groundwater, soil or air.
Accordingly, they do not represent evaluations of conditions at
the studied sites that would be revealed only through such
testing. In addition, their assessment of environmental
regulatory compliance issues was general in scope and was not a
detailed determination of the Current Hotels complete
compliance status. Similarly, the audits did not involve
comprehensive analysis of potential off-site liability. The
Phase I audit reports have not revealed any environmental
liability that management believes would have a material adverse
effect on the Companys business, assets or results of
operations, nor is the Company aware of any such liability.
Nevertheless, it is possible that these reports do not reveal
all environmental liabilities or that there are material
environmental liabilities of which the Company is unaware.
Compliance with Americans with
Disabilities Act
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
(ADA), all public accommodations are required to
meet certain federal requirements related to access and use by
disabled persons. While management of FelCor believes that,
based upon an examination thereof and consultation with
professionals, the Current Hotels are substantially in
compliance with these requirements, a determination that the
Company is not in compliance with the ADA could result in the
imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants.
If the Company were required to make substantial modifications
at the Current Hotels to comply with the ADA, the Companys
ability to make required payments of principal and interest on
indebtedness and to make distributions to its equity owners
could be adversely affected.
Increases in Property Taxes
Each Current Hotel is subject to real and personal property
taxes. The real and personal property taxes on hotel properties
in which the Company invests may increase as property tax rates
change and as the properties are assessed or reassessed by
taxing authorities. If property taxes increase, the
Companys
12
ability to make required payments of principal and interest on
indebtedness and to make distributions to its equity owners
could be adversely affected.
Ownership Limitation
In order for FelCor to maintain its qualification as a REIT, not
more than 50% in value of its outstanding stock may be owned,
actually and constructively under the applicable attribution
provisions of the Code, by five or fewer individuals (as defined
in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of
any taxable year. For the purpose of preserving FelCors
REIT qualification, FelCors articles of incorporation, as
amended and restated (Charter), prohibit ownership
(taking into account applicable constructive ownership
provisions of the Code) of more than 9.9% of the number of
outstanding shares of any class of FelCors capital stock
by any person (Ownership Limit), and, subject to
certain exceptions, prohibits any transfer that would result in
(i) any person owning shares in excess of the Ownership
Limit, (ii) FelCors shares being beneficially owned
by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any
constructive ownership rules), (iii) FelCor being
closely held within the meaning of the Code or
otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT under the Code, or
(iv) FelCor owning, actually and constructively under the
applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, 10% or
more of the ownership interests in any tenant or subtenant of
FelCors property. Any attempted transfer of shares that
would violate any one or more of such prohibitions will be void
and of no force or effect whatsoever with respect to any shares
in excess of such limits (and, in the case of the prohibition
against FelCor having fewer than 100 shareholders, will be
entirely void), and the attempted transferee will not acquire
any right or interest in such excess shares. FelCor may take any
lawful action deemed necessary or advisable to ensure compliance
with the Ownership Limit provisions and to preserve its status
as a REIT, including without limitation refusing to recognize or
record any prohibited transfer.
Should any person at any time hold any shares in violation of
the Ownership Limit (other than a violation of the requirement
that a REIT have at least 100 shareholders), then that
number of shares in excess of the number such person could hold
without violating the Ownership Limit will be immediately
designated as Shares-in-Trust and transferred
automatically and by operation of law to, and be held in, a
trust for the benefit of such beneficiaries as may be designated
by the trustee of such trust (which trustee shall be designated
by FelCor and be a person that is unaffiliated with FelCor or
any prohibited owner). The trustee will be entitled to receive
all distributions on, and to exercise all voting rights of, any
Shares-in-Trust. The record holder of any shares so designated
as Shares-in-Trust and transferred to a trustee shall have no
right or interest in such shares or trust, except the right
(upon satisfaction of certain conditions) to receive from the
proceeds of sale of such shares to a qualified person or entity
an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the amount paid
therefor by such record holder (if acquired by him for value),
or the market price of such shares determined as provided in the
Charter (if acquired by him otherwise than for value), and
(ii) the amount received by the trustee from the sale of
such Shares-in-Trust.
FelCor or its designee may elect, within specified time limits,
to purchase from the trustee any Shares-in-Trust at the lesser
of (a) the amount to which the record holder would be
entitled pursuant to clause (i) of the immediately
preceding paragraph or (b) the market price of such
shares, determined as provided in the Charter, on the date of
its election to purchase such shares. Accordingly, the record
holder of any shares that are designated as Shares-in-Trust may
experience a financial loss if the price at which such shares
are sold to a qualified person or entity, or FelCor, is less
than that paid by such record holder therefor. See Certain
Charter, Bylaw and Statutory Provisions Charter and
Bylaw Provisions Restrictions on Ownership and
Transfer and Federal Income Tax
Considerations Requirements for Qualification.
Limitation on Acquisition and Change in Control
Ownership Limit
The Ownership Limit, which provides that no person may own more
than 9.9% in value of the number of outstanding shares of any
class of stock of FelCor, may have the effect of precluding an
acquisition of control of FelCor by a third party without the
approval of the Board of Directors, even if such change of
control were to be in the shareholders interests.
13
Staggered Board
The Board of Directors of FelCor has three classes of directors.
The terms of FelCors current directors expire in 1998,
1999 and 2000, respectively. Directors for each class are
elected for a three-year term upon the expiration of the term of
that class. The staggered terms of directors may affect the
shareholders ability to change control of FelCor even if
such a change in control were to be in the shareholders
interests. See Certain Charter, Bylaw and Statutory
Provisions Charter and Bylaw Provisions
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.
Authority to Issue Preferred Stock
The Charter authorizes the Board of Directors to issue up to
10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, in one or more series, and
to establish the relative preferences and rights of any series
of Preferred Stock so issued. FelCor has issued and outstanding
6,050,000 shares of its $1.95 Series A Cumulative,
Convertible Preferred Stock (Series A Preferred
Stock), with an additional 3,950,000 shares of Preferred
Stock available for future issuance. The issuance of such
Preferred Stock could have the effect of delaying or preventing
a change in control of FelCor even if such a change in control
were to be in the shareholders interests.
Maryland Anti-Takeover Statutes
As a Maryland corporation, FelCor is subject to various
legislative acts set forth under the Maryland General
Corporation Law (MGCL), including (i) the
Maryland Business Combination Statute, which imposes certain
restrictions upon, and mandates that certain procedures be
followed in connection with, certain takeovers and business
combinations, and (ii) the Maryland Control Share Statute,
which denies voting rights with respect to shares acquired in
certain transactions involving the acquisition of one-fifth or
more of the voting control of the subject company. Although
FelCors Charter contains a provision exempting any and all
acquisitions from the provisions of the Maryland Control Share
Statute, if such provision is subsequently amended or
eliminated, it may deter any shareholder from acquiring any
substantial amount of the outstanding stock of FelCor. In
addition, to the extent that the foregoing statutes discourage
or make more difficult a proxy contest or the assumption of
control by a holder of a substantial block of FelCors
stock, they could increase the likelihood that incumbent
directors of FelCor would retain their positions, and may also
have the effect of discouraging a tender offer or other attempts
to obtain control of FelCor even though such attempts might be
beneficial to FelCor and its shareholders. See Certain
Charter, Bylaw and Statutory Provisions Maryland
Anti-Takeover Statutes.
Impact of the Year 2000 Issue
The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being
written using two digits rather than four to define the
applicable year. Any computer program that has date-sensitive
software may recognize a date using 00 as the year
1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system
failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations,
including, among other things, a temporary inability to process
transactions, send invoices, or engage in similar normal
business activities. The Company has recently assessed its
internal computer systems and believes that the current systems
used will properly utilize dates beyond December 31, 1999.
The Company has been informed that companies that manage the
hotels owned by the Company are in the process of studying the
Year 2000 issue, including inquiries of their vendors. Upon the
completion of the management companies study, which is
expected in late 1998, the Company will determine the extent to
which the Company is vulnerable to third parties failure
to remediate their own Year 2000 issues and the costs associated
with resolving this issue.
14
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise described in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, FelCor will (i) contribute all of the net
proceeds from the sale of Common Stock, Common Stock Warrants,
Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares offered hereby to FelCor
LP in exchange for comparable Units and (ii) loan all of
the net proceeds from the sale of Debt Securities offered hereby
to FelCor LP. FelCor LP expects to use such net proceeds for
various purposes, which may include the acquisition of
additional hotel assets, the repayment of outstanding
indebtedness, the improvement and/or expansion of one or more of
its hotel properties or for working capital purposes. Pending
such uses, the net proceeds of any offering of Securities may be
invested in short-term, investment grade securities or
instruments, interest-bearing bank accounts, certificates of
deposit, mortgage participations or similar securities, to the
extent consistent with FelCors qualification as a REIT,
FelCors Charter, and the Companys agreements with
its lenders.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the Companys ratios of
earnings to fixed charges and of earnings to fixed charges and
preferred stock dividends for the periods indicated:
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Year Ended | |
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December 31, | |
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1995 | |
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1996 | |
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1997 | |
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
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8.6x |
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5.3x |
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3.3x |
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Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock
Dividends
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8.6x |
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3.1x |
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2.4x |
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For purposes of computing this ratio, earnings have been
calculated by adding income from continuing operations plus
fixed charges and minority interest, and deducting capitalized
interest. Fixed charges consist of interest (including
capitalized interest) and amortization of deferred financing
costs. Preferred stock dividends represent the amount required
to meet the dividend requirements of the Series A Preferred
Stock, which was initially issued in May 1996.
DISTRIBUTION POLICY
In order to qualify for the tax benefits accorded to REITs under
the Code, FelCor must distribute to its shareholders at least
95% of its annual net taxable income (which does not include net
capital gains). While future distributions paid by FelCor will
be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend
on the actual cash flow of the Company, its financial condition,
capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under
the REIT provisions of the Code, and such other factors as the
Board of Directors deem relevant, it is the present intention of
FelCor to pay regular quarterly distributions.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
General
The Debt Securities will be direct unsecured obligations of
FelCor. The Debt Securities will be issued under one or more
indentures (Indentures), each dated as of a date
prior to the issuance of the Debt Securities to which it
relates, in each case between FelCor and a trustee
(Trustee) meeting the requirements of the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (TIA), and in the
form that has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, subject to such
amendments or supplements as may be adopted from time to time.
The Indentures will be subject to and governed by the TIA.
At December 31, 1997, the total outstanding debt of the
Company was $478.7 million, all of which was unsubordinated
indebtedness, including $175 million of
73/8%
Senior Notes Due 2004 and $125 million of
75/8%
Senior Notes Due 2007 (collectively, Senior Notes)
issued by FelCor LP pursuant to an Indenture dated as of
October 1, 1997 (Senior Notes Indenture). Of
such outstanding debt, $17.0 million was secured debt.
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The statements made under this heading relating to the Debt
Securities and the Indentures are summaries of the anticipated
provisions thereof, do not purport to be complete and are
qualified in their entirety by reference to the description of
such Debt Securities contained in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement and to the Indentures relating to such Debt
Securities.
Capitalized terms used, but not defined, under this caption
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the applicable
Indentures.
Terms
The indebtedness represented by the Debt Securities will rank
equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness
of FelCor. The particular terms of the Debt Securities offered
by a Prospectus Supplement will be described in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, along with any applicable modifications
of or additions to the general terms of the Debt Securities as
described herein and in the applicable Indenture and any
applicable federal income tax considerations. Accordingly, for a
description of the terms of any series of Debt Securities,
reference must be made to both the Prospectus Supplement
relating thereto and the description of the Debt Securities set
forth in this Prospectus.
Except as set forth in any Prospectus Supplement, 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 by FelCor or as set forth in the applicable
Indenture or in one or more indentures supplemental to such
Indenture. All Debt Securities of one series need not be issued
at the same time, and, unless otherwise provided in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, a series may be reopened,
without the consent of the holders of the Debt Securities of
such series, for the issuance of additional Debt Securities of
such series.
Each Indenture will designate one or more than one Trustee
thereunder, each with respect to one or more series of Debt
Securities. Any Trustee under an Indenture may resign or be
removed with respect to one or more series of Debt Securities
and a successor Trustee may be appointed to act with respect to
such series. In the event that two or more persons are acting as
Trustee with respect to different series of Debt Securities,
each such Trustee shall be a Trustee of a trust under the
applicable Indenture separate and apart from the trust
administered by any other Trustee, and, except as otherwise
indicated herein, any action described herein to be taken by
each Trustee may be taken by each such Trustee with respect to,
and only with respect to, the one or more series of Debt
Securities for which it is trustee under the applicable
Indenture.
The following summaries set forth certain general terms and
provisions of the Debt Securities and the Indentures. The
Prospectus Supplement relating to the series of Debt Securities
being offered will contain further terms of such Debt
Securities, including the following specific terms:
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(1) The title of such Debt Securities and whether such Debt
Securities are senior securities or subordinated securities; |
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(2) The aggregate principal amount of such Debt Securities
and any limit on such aggregate principal amount; |
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(3) The price (expressed as a percentage of the principal
amount thereof) 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 that is
convertible into Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Debt
Securities of another series, or the method by which any such
portion shall be determined; |
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(4) If convertible, the terms on which such Debt Securities
are convertible into Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Debt
Securities of another series, including the terms and conditions
upon which such conversion will be effected, the initial
conversion price or rate, the conversion period or periods and
any applicable limitations on the ownership or transferability
of any Common Stock or Preferred Stock receivable on conversion; |
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(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; |
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(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; |
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(7) The date or dates, or the method for determining such
date or dates, from which any such interest will accrue, the
date or dates on which any such interest will be payable, the
regular record dates for such interest payment dates, or the
method by which such dates shall be determined, the persons 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 twelve 30-day months; |
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(8) The place or places where the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Debt Securities
will be payable, where such Debt Securities may be surrendered
for conversion or registration of transfer or exchange and where
notices or demands to or upon FelCor in respect of such Debt
Securities and the applicable Indenture may be served; |
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(9) The period or periods, if any, within which, the price
or prices at which and the other terms and conditions upon which
such Debt Securities may, pursuant to any optional or mandatory
redemption provisions, be redeemed, as a whole or in part, at
the option of FelCor; |
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(10) The obligation, if any, of FelCor 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 within which, the price or prices at which,
and the other terms and conditions upon which, such Debt
Securities will be redeemed, repaid or purchased, as a whole or
in part, pursuant to such obligation; |
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(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; |
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(12) Whether the amount of payments of principal of
(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; |
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(13) Whether such Debt Securities will be issued in
certificated and/or book-entry form and, if so, the identity of
the depository for such Debt Securities; |
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(14) 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; |
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(15) The applicability, if any, of the defeasance and
covenant defeasance provisions described herein or set forth in
the applicable Indenture, or any modification thereof; |
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(16) Whether and under what circumstances FelCor will pay
any additional amounts on such Debt Securities in respect of any
tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether
FelCor will have the option to redeem such Debt Securities in
lieu of making such payment; |
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(17) Any deletions from, modifications of or additions to
the events of default or covenants of FelCor, to the extent
different from those described herein or set forth in the
applicable Indenture with respect to such Debt Securities, and
any change in the right of any Trustee or any of the holders to
declare the principal amount of any such Debt Securities due and
payable; and |
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(18) Any other terms of such Debt Securities not
inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable Indenture. |
If so provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt
Securities may be issued at a discount below their principal
amount and provide for less than the entire principal amount
thereof to be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the
maturity thereof (Original Issue Discount
Securities). In such cases, any special U.S. federal
income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable to
Original Issue Discount Securities will be described in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
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Except as may be set forth in any Prospectus Supplement, the
Debt Securities and Indentures will not prohibit, restrict, or
require FelCor to obtain the consent of the holders of any Debt
Securities, or to redeem or permit holders to cause a redemption
of Debt Securities, in the event of, (i) a consolidation,
merger, sale of assets or other similar transaction that may
adversely affect the creditworthiness of FelCor or the successor
or combined entity, (ii) a change in control of FelCor or
(iii) the incurrence of unsecured debt, whether or not in a
highly leveraged transaction, involving FelCor whether or not
involving a change in control. Accordingly, the holders of the
Debt Securities would not have protection in the event of a
highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, restructuring,
merger or similar transaction involving FelCor that may
adversely affect the holders of the Debt Securities. The
existing protective covenants applicable to the Debt Securities
would continue to apply to FelCor in the event of a leveraged
buyout initiated or supported by FelCor, the management of
FelCor, or any affiliate of FelCor or its management, but may
not prevent such a transaction from taking place. Restrictions
set forth in FelCors Charter with respect to the ownership
and transfer of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, which are
designed to preserve FelCors status as a REIT, may also
act to prevent or hinder a change of control. See Certain
Charter, Bylaw and Statutory Provisions Charter and
Bylaw Provisions Restrictions on Ownership and
Transfer. 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 of FelCor that are described below, including any
addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk
or similar protection.
If any Debt Securities are to be offered that provide for the
optional redemption, prepayment or conversion of such Debt
Securities upon the occurrence of the events described in the
foregoing paragraph, the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
Debt Securities will provide information with respect to the
following:
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(a) the effects that such provisions may have in deterring
certain mergers, tender offers or other takeover attempts, as
well as any possible adverse effect on the market price of
FelCors securities or FelCors ability to obtain
additional financing in the future as a result of such
provisions; |
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(b) certain specific risk factors associated with the
occurrence of the specified events, including, if applicable,
that the occurrence of such events may give rise to
cross-defaults on other indebtedness such that the payment on
the Debt Securities may be effectively subordinated, that there
may be no assurance that sufficient funds will be available at
the time of the occurrence of an event to make any required
repurchases and that there may be limitations on FelCors
financial or legal ability to repurchase the Debt Securities
upon the occurrence of an event requiring such a repurchase or
offer to repurchase; |
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(c) FelCors compliance, if necessary, with the
requirements of Rule 13e-4 and Rule 14e-1 under the
Exchange Act and any other applicable securities laws in
connection with any repurchase of such Debt Securities; |
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(d) the impact, if any, under the Indenture of the failure
to make the required repurchase, including whether, and under
what circumstances, such failure would be an event of default
under the Indenture; and |
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(e) if the Debt Securities are to be subordinated to other
obligations of FelCor that would be accelerated upon the
occurrence of one of the specified events, the material effects
of such an acceleration upon the specified events and the Debt
Securities. |
In addition, the Indenture under which any such Debt Securities
will be issued will contain, and the applicable Prospectus
Supplement will include, if applicable, a definition of
change in control for purposes of such Debt
Securities, including sufficient information to enable a holder
of Debt Securities to determine when a change in control has
occurred.
Denomination, Registration and Transfer
Unless otherwise described in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the Debt Securities of any series will be issuable
in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
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Subject to certain limitations imposed upon Debt Securities
issued in book-entry form, the Debt Securities of any series
will be exchangeable for any authorized denomination of other
Debt Securities of the same series and of a like aggregate
principal amount and tenor upon surrender of such Debt
Securities at the corporate trust office of the applicable
Trustee or at the office of any transfer agent designated by
FelCor for such purpose. In addition, subject to certain
limitations imposed upon Debt Securities issued in book-entry
form, Debt Securities of any series may be surrendered for
conversion or registration of transfer or exchange thereof at
the corporate trust office of the applicable Trustee or at the
office of any transfer agent designated by FelCor for such
purpose. Debt Securities surrendered for conversion,
registration of transfer or exchange must be duly endorsed or
accompanied by a written instrument of transfer, and the person
requesting such action must provide evidence of title and
identity satisfactory to the applicable Trustee or transfer
agent. No service charge will be made for any registration of
transfer or exchange of any Debt Securities, but FelCor 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 applicable Trustee) initially designated by
FelCor with respect to any series of Debt Securities, FelCor 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 FelCor will be required to
maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for such
series. FelCor may at any time designate additional transfer
agents with respect to any series of Debt Securities.
Neither FelCor nor any Trustee or transfer agent shall be
required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange
Debt Securities of any series during a period beginning at the
opening of business 15 days before the date of mailing of a
notice of redemption of any Debt Securities that may be selected
for redemption and ending at the close of business on the date
of such mailing; (ii) to register the transfer of or
exchange any Debt Securities, or portion thereof, so selected
for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed
portion of any Debt Securities being redeemed in part; or
(iii) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any
Debt Securities that have been surrendered for repayment at the
option of the holder, except the portion, if any, of such Debt
Securities not to be so repaid.
Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets
The Indentures will provide that FelCor may, without the consent
of the holders of any outstanding Debt Securities, lease all or
any portion of its assets to the Lessee, or any other entity, to
the extent required to maintain FelCors status as a REIT,
and neither the Lessee nor any such other entity shall be
required to assume any obligation or liability of FelCor with
respect to the Debt Securities. In addition, the Indentures are
expected to provide that FelCor may, without the consent of the
holders of any outstanding Debt Securities, otherwise sell,
transfer or convey all or substantially all of its assets to, or
consolidate with or merge with or into, any other entity;
provided that (a) either FelCor shall be the continuing
entity, or the successor entity (if other than FelCor) formed by
or resulting from any such consolidation or merger or which
shall have received the transfer of such assets is organized
under the laws of any domestic jurisdiction and assumes
FelCors obligations to pay principal of (premium, if any)
and interest, if any, on all of the Debt Securities and the due
and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants
and conditions contained in each Indenture; (b) immediately
after giving effect to such transaction and treating any
indebtedness that becomes an obligation of FelCor or any
subsidiary as a result thereof as having been incurred by FelCor
or such subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no event of
default under the Indentures, 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 (c) an
officers certificate and legal opinion covering such
conditions shall be delivered to each Trustee.
Certain Covenants
Existence. Except as permitted under Merger,
Consolidation or Sale of Assets, the Indentures will
require FelCor to do or cause to be done all things necessary to
preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate
existence.
Maintenance of Properties. The Indentures will require
FelCor to cause all of its material properties used or useful in
the conduct of its business or the business of any subsidiary to
be maintained and kept in
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good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all
necessary equipment, and will make or cause to be made all
necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and
improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of FelCor may be
necessary so that the business carried on in connection
therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all
times; provided, however, that FelCor and its subsidiaries shall
not be prevented from selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of
their properties for value in the ordinary course of business.
Limitations on Liens. The Indenture will provide that
FelCor may not, nor may it permit any subsidiary to, issue,
assume or guarantee evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed
which are secured by any mortgage, security interest, pledge or
lien (mortgage) of or upon any principal property or
of or upon any shares of stock or evidences of indebtedness for
borrowed money issued by any subsidiary that owns principal
property and owned by FelCor or any subsidiary, whether owned at
the date of the Indenture or thereafter acquired, without
effectively providing that the principal amount of the Debt
Securities from time to time outstanding shall be secured
equally and ratably by (or at the option of FelCor, prior to)
such mortgage, except that this restriction will not apply to
(i) mortgages for taxes or other governmental charges
either not yet delinquent or the nonpayment of which is being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; mortgages
comprising landlords liens or liens of carriers,
warehousemen, mechanics or materialmen incurred in the ordinary
course of business for sums not yet due and payable or which are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; and
any other mortgages incurred or created in the ordinary course
of business not arising in connection with indebtedness that do
not materially impair the use or value of the assets of FelCor
and its subsidiaries; (ii) mortgages existing on the date
of the Indenture; (iii) mortgages on any property existing
at the time of its acquisition; (iv) mortgages on property
of a corporation existing at the time such corporation is merged
into or consolidated with, or disposes of substantially all its
properties (or those of a division) to, FelCor or a subsidiary;
(v) mortgages on property of a corporation, shares of
capital stock or debt of any corporation existing at the time
such corporation first becomes a subsidiary; (vi) mortgages
securing indebtedness of a subsidiary to FelCor or to another
subsidiary; (vii) mortgages to secure the cost of
acquisition, construction, development or substantial repair,
alteration or improvement of property if the commitment to
extend the credit secured by any such mortgage is obtained
within 12 months after the later of the completion or the
placing in operation of the acquired, constructed, developed or
substantially repaired, altered or improved property;
(viii) mortgages securing current indebtedness;
(ix) any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive
extensions, renewals or replacements), in whole or in part, of
any mortgage referred to in clauses (i) through (viii),
provided, however, that the principal amount of indebtedness
secured thereby and not otherwise authorized by said clauses
(i) to (viii), inclusive, shall not exceed the principal
amount of indebtedness, plus any premium or fee payable in
connection with any such extension, renewal or replacement, so
secured at the time of such extension, renewal or replacement;
(x) mortgages in favor of the United States or any State
thereof, or any department, agency or instrumentality or
political subdivision of the United States or any State thereof,
to secure partial progress, advance or other payments pursuant
to any contract or statute or to secure any indebtedness
incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the
purchase price or the cost of constructing or improving the
property subject to such mortgages; (xi) mortgages arising out
of a final judgment for the payment of money aggregating not in
excess of $10,000,000 or mortgages related to any legal
proceeding being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings, provided that the enforcement of any lien has been
stayed; and (xii) easements or similar encumbrances, the
existence of which do not materially impair the use of the
property subject thereto. However, FelCor or any subsidiary may
issue, assume or guarantee indebtedness secured by mortgages
which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restriction in
an aggregate amount which, together with all other such
indebtedness outstanding does not at the time exceed the
limitations set forth in FelCors Charter.
Additional Covenants. Any additional covenants of FelCor
with respect to any series of Debt Securities will be set forth
in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
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Events of Default, Notice and Waiver
The Indenture will provide that if an Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing with respect to a series of Debt
Securities or if certain indebtedness in excess of $25,000,000
for money borrowed by FelCor shall have been accelerated, then
either the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in
outstanding principal amount of the Debt Securities of such
series may declare to be due and payable immediately the
principal amount of such Debt Securities, together with
interest, if any, accrued thereon.
Under the Indenture, an Event of Default with respect to each
series of Debt Securities will be any one of the following
events: (a) default for 30 days in payment of any
interest due with respect to any Debt Security of such series;
(b) default in payment of principal of any Debt Security of
such series when due; (c) default for 90 days after
notice to FelCor by the Trustee or by holders of not less than
25% in principal amount of the Debt Securities then outstanding
of such series in the performance of any other covenant for the
benefit of such Debt Securities of such series; and
(d) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and
reorganization.
The Indenture provides that the Trustee will, within
90 days after the occurrence of a default with respect to a
series of Debt Securities, give to the holders of the Debt
Securities of such series notice of such default known to it,
unless cured or waived; provided that, except in the case of
default in the payment of principal or interest, if any, in
respect of any of the Debt Securities of such series, the
Trustee will be protected in withholding such notice if it in
good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in
the interests of the holders of the Debt Securities of such
series. The term default for the purpose of this
provision means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of
time, or both, would become, an Event of Default.
The Indenture contains a provision entitling the Trustee,
subject to the duty of the Trustee during the continuance of an
Event of Default to act with the required standard of care, to
be indemnified by the holders of the Debt Securities of such
series before proceeding to exercise any right or power under
the Indenture at the request of such holders. The Indenture
provides that the holders of a majority in outstanding principal
amount of the Debt Securities of such series may, subject to
certain exceptions, on behalf of the holders of the Debt
Securities of such series direct the time, method and place of
conducting proceedings for remedies available to the Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee.
The Indenture includes a covenant that FelCor will file annually
with the Trustee a certificate of no default, or specifying any
default that exists.
In certain cases, the holders of a majority in outstanding
principal amount of the Debt Securities of a given series may on
behalf of the holders of the Debt Securities of such series
rescind a declaration of acceleration or waive, as to the Debt
Securities of such series, any past default or Event of Default
relating to the Debt Securities of such series, except a default
not theretofore cured in payment of the principal of or
interest, if any, on any of such Debt Securities of such series
or in respect of a provision which under the Indenture cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each
Debt Security of such series.
No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees or
Stockholders
No director, officer, employee or stockholder of FelCor, as
such, shall have any liability for any obligations of FelCor
under any Debt Securities, under any Indenture relating thereto
or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such
obligations or their creation. Each holder of Debt Securities by
accepting the same, waives and releases all such liability. This
waiver and release is part of the consideration for the issuance
of such Debt Securities. Such waiver may not be effective to
waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is
the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
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 issued under
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such Indenture affected by such modification or amendment;
provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may,
without the consent of the holder of each of the Debt Securities
affected thereby, (a) change the stated maturity of any
installment of the principal of (premium, if any) or interest,
if any, on any such Debt Securities; (b) reduce the
principal amount of, the amount of any premium payable on the
redemption of, or the rate or amount of any interest on, any
such Debt Securities, or reduce the amount of principal of any
Original Issue Discount Securities 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 Securities;
(c) change the place of payment, or the coin or currency,
for payment of principal of (premium, if any) or interest on any
such Debt Securities; (d) impair the right to institute
suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to
any such Debt Securities; (e) reduce the above-stated
percentage of outstanding Debt Securities of any series
necessary to modify or amend the applicable 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 the applicable Indenture; or
(f) 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 holders
of such Debt Securities.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Debt Securities of each series may, on behalf of all
holders of Debt Securities of that series, waive, insofar as
that series is concerned, compliance by FelCor with certain
affirmative or restrictive covenants of the applicable Indenture.
Modifications and amendments of an Indenture will be permitted
to be made by FelCor and the respective 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 FelCor, and the assumption by any such
successor of the covenants of FelCor herein and in the
Securities; (ii) to add to the covenants of FelCor, for the
benefit of the holders of the Securities of any one or more
series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the
benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such
covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of
such series), or to surrender any right or power herein
conferred upon FelCor; (iii) to add any additional Events
of Default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series
of Securities (and if such Events of Default are to be for the
benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such
Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the
benefit of such series); (iv) to add to or change any of
the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be
necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in
bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal and
with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the
issuance of Securities in uncertificated form; (v) to cure
any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein
which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision
herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters
or questions arising under this Indenture, provided that such
action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders
of the Securities of any series in any material respect;
(vi) to modify, eliminate or add to the provisions of this
Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to effect the
qualification of this Indenture under TIA, or under any similar
federal statute hereafter enacted, and to add to this Indenture
such other provisions as may be expressly permitted by TIA,
excluding, however, the provisions referred to in
Section 316(a)(2) of TIA or any corresponding provision in
any similar federal statute hereafter enacted; (vii) to
provide for the issuance under this Indenture of Securities in
the form only of an entry or entries in the Security Register
and without delivery thereof in any form (including all
appropriate notification and publication and other provisions),
and to provide for exchangeability of such Securities with the
Securities of the same series issued hereunder; (viii) to
set forth the forms and terms (including, without limitation,
additional covenants and changes in or eliminations of covenants
previously set forth in this Indenture) of any one or more
series of Securities not previously issued; (ix) to add to,
change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in
respect of one or more series of Securities, provided, however,
that any such addition, change or elimination shall become
effective only when there is no Security outstanding of any
series authorized prior to the execution of such supplemental
indenture which is entitled to the benefit of such provision;
(x) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of
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appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the
Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of
the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to
provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts
hereunder by more than one Trustee; or (xi) to supplement
any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall
be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and
discharge of any series of Securities; provided, however, that
any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the
holders of Securities of such series or any other series of
Securities in any material respect.
The Indentures 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 Securities 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 any Debt Securities denominated in a foreign currency
that shall be deemed Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar
equivalent, determined as of the issue date of such Debt
Securities, of the principal amount thereof (or, in the case of
an Original Issue Discount Securities, the U.S. dollar
equivalent on the issue date of such Debt Securities 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 pursuant to such Indenture, and
(iv) Debt Securities owned by FelCor or any other obligor
upon the Debt Securities or any affiliate of FelCor or of such
other obligor shall be disregarded.
The Indentures will contain provisions for convening meetings of
the holders of Debt Securities of a series. A meeting will be
permitted to be called at any time by the applicable Trustee,
and also, upon request, by FelCor or the holders of at least 10%
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 of the Debt Securities 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 of that series. Any
resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of holders of
Debt Securities of any series duly held in accordance with an
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, the Indentures 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 a specified
percentage in principal amount of all outstanding Debt
Securities affected thereby, or by the holders of such series
and one or more additional series: (i) there shall be no
minimum quorum requirement for such meeting, (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 and (iii) any such action may be taken by the
written consent, without a meeting, of the holders of the
requisite percentage in principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities.
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Defeasance
FelCor will be discharged from any and all obligations in
respect of Debt Securities of a series (except for certain
obligations to register the transfer or exchange of Debt
Securities, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated Debt
Securities, to maintain paying agencies and hold monies for
payment in trust and to pay the principal of and interest, if
any, on Debt Securities), upon the irrevocable deposit with the
Trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. Government
Obligations which through the payment of interest and principal
thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money in an
amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal and
interest, if any, in respect of Debt Securities of such series
on the dates on which such payments are due in accordance with
the terms of the Indenture and such Debt Securities. Such a
trust may only be established if establishment of the trust
would not cause any Debt Securities of such series listed on any
nationally recognized securities exchange to be de-listed as a
result thereof. Also, such establishment of such a trust will be
conditioned on the delivery by FelCor to the Trustee of an
Opinion of Counsel (who may be counsel to FelCor) to the effect
that, based upon applicable U.S. federal income tax law or
a ruling published by the United States Internal Revenue
Service, such a defeasance and discharge will not be deemed, or
result in, a taxable event with respect to holders of Debt
Securities of such series.
FelCor may also omit to comply with the restrictive covenants
described under Limitation on Liens above (together
with certain other covenants set forth in the Indenture) and any
such omission shall not be an Event of Default with respect to
Debt Securities of a series, upon the deposit with the Trustee,
in trust, of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations which
through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof
in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount
sufficient to pay any installment of principal and interest in
respect of the Debt Securities of such series on the dates on
which such payments are due in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture and such Debt Securities. The obligations of FelCor
under the Indenture and such Debt Securities other than with
respect to such covenants shall remain in full force and effect.
Such a trust may only be established if establishment of the
trust would not cause any Debt Securities of such series listed
on any nationally recognized securities exchange to be de-listed
as a result thereof. Also, such establishment of such a trust
will be conditioned on the delivery by FelCor to the Trustee of
an Opinion of Counsel (who may be counsel to FelCor) to the
effect that such a defeasance and discharge will not be deemed,
or result in, a taxable event with respect to holders of Debt
Securities of such series.
In the event FelCor exercises its option to omit compliance with
certain covenants as described in the preceding
paragraph with respect to Debt Securities of a series and
such Debt Securities are declared due and payable because of the
occurrence of any Event of Default, then the amount of money and
U.S. Government Obligations on deposit with the Trustee will be
sufficient to pay amounts due on such Debt Securities at the
time of the acceleration resulting from such Event of Default.
FelCor shall in any event remain liable for such payments as
provided in such Debt Securities.
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 Stock, Preferred Stock or Debt
Securities of another series will be set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include
whether such Debt Securities are convertible into shares of
Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Debt Securities of another
series, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof),
the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will
be at the option of the holders or FelCor, 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 FelCors REIT status.
24
Payment
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the principal of (premium, if any) and interest, if
any, on any series of Debt Securities will be payable at the
corporate trust office of the Trustee, the address of which will
be stated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement; provided
that, at the option of FelCor, payments of interest may be made
by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as
it appears in the applicable register for such Debt Securities
or by wire transfer of funds to such person at an account
maintained within the United States.
All moneys paid by FelCor to a paying agent or a Trustee for the
payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any
Debt Securities which remain unclaimed at the end of two years
after such principal, premium or interest has become due and
payable will be repaid to FelCor, and the holder of such Debt
Securities thereafter may look only to FelCor for the payment
thereof.
Global Securities
Each series of Debt Securities may be represented by one or more
global securities (collectively with respect to each series, a
Global Security) registered in the name of The
Depository Trust Company (the Depository). Except as
set forth below, a Global Security may be transferred in whole
and not in part, only to the Depository or another nominee of
the Depository or to a successor of the Depository or its
nominee.
Upon the issuance of a Global Security, the Depository will
credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the
respective principal amounts of the Debt Securities represented
by such Global Security to the accounts of institutions that
have accounts with the Depository or its nominee
(Participants). The accounts to be credited will be
designated by the Underwriters, dealers or agents. Ownership of
beneficial interests in a Global Security will be limited to
Participants or persons that may hold interests through
participants. Ownership of interests in such Global Security
will be shown on, and the transfer of those ownership interests
will be effected only through, records maintained by the
Depository (with respect to Participants interests) and
such Participants (with respect to the owners of beneficial
interests in such Global Security). The laws of some
jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form.
Such limits and laws may impair the ability to transfer or
pledge beneficial interests in a Global Security.
So long as the Depository, or its nominee, is the registered
holder and owner of such Global Security, the Depository or such
nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner
and holder of the related Debt Securities for all purposes of
such Debt Securities and for all purposes under the Indenture.
Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a
Global Security will not be entitled to have the Debt Securities
represented by such Global Security registered in their names,
will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
Debt Securities in definitive form and will not be considered to
be the owners or holders of any Debt Securities under the
Indenture or such Global Security.
Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a
Global Security must rely on the procedures of the Depository
and, if such person is not a Participant, on the procedures of
the Participant through which such person owns its interest, to
exercise all rights of a holder of Debt Securities of a series
under the Indenture or such Global Security. FelCor understands
that under existing industry practice, in the event FelCor
requests any action of holders of Debt Securities of a series or
an owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Security desires
to take any action that the Depository, as the holder of such
Global Security, is entitled to take, the Depository would
authorize the Participants to take such action, and that the
Participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through
such Participants to take such action or would otherwise act
upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to any Global Security will
disclose the terms under which any Depository may or shall take
any action permitted or required to be taken by it as the owner
and holder of record of any such Global Security.
Payment of principal and interest on notes represented by a
Global Security will be made to the Depository or its nominee,
as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of such
Global Security.
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FelCor expects that the Depository, upon receipt of any payment
of principal or interest, will immediately credit the accounts
of the Participants with such payment in amounts proportionate
to their respective holdings in principal amount of beneficial
interest in the Global Security as shown in the records of the
Depository. Payments by Participants to owners of beneficial
interests in a Global Security held through such Participants
will be governed by standing instructions and customary
practices, as is now the case with securities held for the
accounts of customers registered in street name, and
will be the responsibility of such Participants. FelCor and the
Trustee will not have any responsibility or liability for any
aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account
of, beneficial ownership interests in a Global Security for any
Debt Securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for
any other aspect of the relationship between the Depository and
its Participants or the relationship between such Participants
and the owners of beneficial interests in such Global Security
owned through such Participants.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Debt
Securities in definitive form, a Global Security may not be
transferred except as a whole by the Depository to a nominee of
such Depository, by a nominee of such Depository to such
Depository or another nominee of such Depository, or to a
successor of the Depository or its nominee.
Debt Securities represented by a Global Security will be
exchangeable for Debt Securities in definitive form of like
tenor as such Global Security in denominations of $1,000 and in
any greater amount that is an integral multiple thereof if
(i) the Depository notifies FelCor that it is unwilling or
unable to continue as Depository for such Global Security or the
Depository ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the
Exchange Act, (ii) FelCor executes and delivers to the
Trustee a Company Order that such Global Security shall be so
transferable, registrable and exchangeable and such transfers
shall be registrable or (iii) there shall have occurred and
be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the Debt
Securities evidenced by such Global Security. Any Global
Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence
is exchangeable for Debt Securities issuable in authorized
denominations and registered in such names as the Depository
shall direct and an owner of a beneficial interest in a Global
Security will be entitled to physical delivery of such Security
in definitive form. Subject to the forgoing, a Global Security
is not exchangeable except for a Global Security or Global
Securities of the same aggregate denominations to be registered
in the name of the Depository or its nominee.
The Depository has advised FelCor as follows: The Depository 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. The
Depository was created to hold securities of Participants and to
facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions among the Participants, thereby eliminating the
need for physical delivery of securities and certificates.
Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations, some of which (and/or their representatives) own
the Depository. Access to the Depositorys book-entry
system is also available to others such as banks, brokers,
dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with Participants, either directly or
indirectly (Indirect Participants). Persons who are
not Participants may beneficially own securities held by the
Depository only through Participants or Indirect Participants.
The rules applicable to the Depository and the Participants are
on file with the SEC. The Depository currently accepts only
notes denominated and payable in U.S. dollars.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
General
Under the Charter, FelCor has authority to issue up to
10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, of which 6,050,000 shares
designated as the Series A Preferred Stock were outstanding
as of the date of this Prospectus. Accordingly, up to 3,950,000
additional shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to
time, in one or more series, as authorized by the Board of
Directors thereof, subject to the rights of the
26
holders of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock. See
Description of Series A Preferred Stock. Prior
to the classification of unissued shares of a series, the Board
of Directors is required by the MGCL and FelCors Charter
to file Articles Supplementary with the Maryland Department of
Assessments and Taxation which fix for each series, subject to
the Ownership Limitation Provisions (as hereinafter defined) of
FelCors Charter, the designation, voting powers, set or
change preferences, conversion or limitations as to other
rights, dividends, qualifications or the terms and conditions of
redemption, of the series, as are permitted by Maryland law (a
Articles Supplementary). The Preferred Stock, when
issued, will be fully paid and nonassessable and will have no
preemptive rights. The Board of Directors could authorize the
issuance of shares of Preferred Stock with terms and conditions
that could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of
control or other transaction that holders of Common Stock might
believe to be in their best interests or in which holders of
some, or a majority, of the shares of Common Stock might receive
a premium for their shares over the then market price of such
shares of Common Stock.
Terms
The following description of the Preferred Stock sets forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Preferred Stock to
which any Prospectus Supplement may relate. The statements below
describing the Preferred Stock are in all respects subject to
and qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable
provisions of FelCors Charter (including the applicable
Articles Supplementary) and its bylaws, as amended and restated
(Bylaws). See Certain Charter, Bylaw and
Statutory Provisions Charter and Bylaw
Provisions.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the
Preferred Stock offered thereby for specific terms, including,
without limitation:
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(1) The title and stated value of such Preferred Stock; |
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(2) The number of shares of such Preferred Stock offered,
the liquidation preference per share and the offering price of
such Preferred Stock; |
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(3) The dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s)
or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to such Preferred
Stock; |
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(4) The date from which dividends on such Preferred Stock
shall accumulate, if applicable; |
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(5) The provision for a sinking fund, if any, for such
Preferred Stock; |
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(6) The provisions for redemption, if applicable, of such
Preferred Stock; |
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(7) Any listing of such Preferred Stock on any securities
exchange; |
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(8) The terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which
such Preferred Stock will be convertible into Common Stock,
Preferred Stock of another series or Debt Securities, including
the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof); |
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(9) A discussion of certain federal income tax
considerations relevant to a holder of such Preferred Stock; |
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(10) The relative ranking and preferences of such Preferred
Stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the affairs of FelCor; |
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(11) Any limitations on issuance of any series of Preferred
Stock ranking senior to or on a parity with such series of
Preferred Stock as to dividend rights and rights upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of FelCor; |
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(12) Any limitations on direct or beneficial ownership and
restrictions on transfer, in each case as may be appropriate to
preserve the status of FelCor as a REIT; and |
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(13) Any other specific terms, preferences, rights,
qualifications, limitations or restrictions applicable to such
Preferred Stock. |
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Ranking
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement, the
Preferred Stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of FelCor, rank
(i) senior to all classes or series of Common Stock of
FelCor, and to all equity securities ranking junior to such
Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of FelCor; (ii) on a
parity with all equity securities issued by FelCor the terms of
which specifically provide that such equity securities rank on a
parity with the Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights
or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of FelCor;
and (iii) junior to all equity securities issued by FelCor
the terms of which specifically provide that such equity
securities rank senior to the Preferred Stock with respect to
dividend rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of FelCor. The term equity securities
does not include convertible debt securities.
Dividends
Holders of the Preferred Stock of each series will be entitled
to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors
of FelCor, out of assets of FelCor legally available for the
payment thereof, cash dividends at such rates and on such dates
as will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Each such dividend shall be payable to holders of record as they
appear on the stock transfer books of FelCor on such record
dates as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors of FelCor.
Dividends on any series of the Preferred Stock may be cumulative
or non-cumulative, as provided in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Dividends, if cumulative, will be cumulative from
and after the date set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. If the Board of Directors of FelCor fails to declare
a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of
the Preferred Stock for which dividends are non-cumulative, then
the holders of such series of the Preferred Stock will have no
right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period
ending on such dividend payment date, and FelCor will have no
obligation to declare or pay the dividend accrued for such
period, whether or not dividends on such series are declared and
paid on any future dividend payment date.
If Preferred Stock of any series is outstanding, no dividends
will be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any capital
stock of FelCor of any other series ranking, as to dividends, on
a parity with or junior to the Preferred Stock of such series,
for any period, unless (i) if such series of Preferred
Stock 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 is set apart for such
payment, on the Preferred Stock of such series for all past
dividend periods and the then current dividend period or
(ii) if such series of Preferred Stock 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
is set apart for such payment, on the Preferred Stock of such
series.
When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for the
full payment thereof is not so set apart) upon Preferred Stock
of any series and the shares of any other series of Preferred
Stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Preferred
Stock of such series, all dividends declared upon Preferred
Stock of such series and any other series of Preferred Stock
ranking on a parity as to dividends with such Preferred Stock
shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends
declared per share of Preferred Stock of such series and of each
other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity as to
dividends with such Preferred Stock shall in all cases bear to
each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on
the Preferred Stock of such series (which shall not include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend
periods if such Preferred Stock does not have a cumulative
dividend) and such other series of Preferred Stock 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 Stock of any series which may be in arrears.
Unless all dividends then required to be paid on Preferred Stock
of any series shall have been or contemporaneously are so
declared and paid, or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof is set apart for payment, no dividends or other
distributions (other than in shares of Common Stock or other
shares of capital stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock of
such series as to dividends and upon
28
liquidation) shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment,
upon the Common Stock or any other capital stock ranking junior
to the Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends and upon
liquidation, nor shall any shares of Common Stock or any other
shares of capital stock of FelCor ranking junior to or on a
parity with the Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends
or upon liquidation be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired
for any consideration (or any moneys to be paid to or made
available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such
stock) by FelCor (except by conversion into or exchange for
other capital stock of FelCor ranking junior to the Preferred
Stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation);
provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent FelCor
from the purchase or other acquisition of any of its capital
stock for the purpose of preserving its status as a REIT.
Any dividend payment made on shares of a series of Preferred
Stock 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 Stock will be subject to mandatory redemption or
redemption at the option of FelCor subject to the restrictions
set forth in MGCL, 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.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Preferred
Stock that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the
number of shares of such Preferred Stock that shall be redeemed
by FelCor 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 Stock does not have a
cumulative dividend, include any accumulation in respect of
unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods) to the date of
redemption. The redemption price may be payable in cash or other
property, as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
If the redemption price for Preferred Stock of any series is
payable only from the net proceeds of the issuance of shares of
capital stock of FelCor, the terms of such Preferred Stock may
provide that, if no such shares of 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 Stock shall automatically and mandatorily be
converted into the applicable shares of capital stock of FelCor
pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless all dividends then
required to be paid on Preferred Stock of any series shall have
been or contemporaneously are declared and paid, or declared and
a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment,
(i) no shares of such series of Preferred Stock shall be
redeemed unless all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of
such series are simultaneously redeemed; and (ii) provided,
however, that the foregoing shall not prevent FelCor from the
purchase or acquisition of any Preferred Stock of such series
which is made pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on
the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Preferred
Stock of such series or made for the purpose of preserving
FelCors status as a REIT. In addition, unless (i) if
such series of Preferred Stock has a cumulative dividend, full
cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of such series of
Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and
paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof
set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then
current dividend period, and (ii) FelCor shall not purchase
or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of
Preferred Stock of such series (except by conversion into or
exchange for capital stock of FelCor ranking junior to the
Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends and upon
liquidation); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not
prevent the purchase or acquisition of shares of Preferred Stock
of such series to preserve the REIT status of FelCor or pursuant
to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to
holders of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of such
series.
If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock
of any series are to be redeemed, the number of shares to be
redeemed will be determined by FelCor 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 or for which
redemption is requested by such holder (with adjustments to
avoid redemption of fractional shares) or in
29
any other equitable manner determined by FelCor that will not
result in a violation of the Ownership Limitation Provisions of
FelCors Charter.
Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but
not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each
holder of record of Preferred Stock of any series to be redeemed
at the address shown on the stock transfer books of FelCor. Each
notice shall state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the
number of shares and series of the Preferred Stock to be
redeemed; (iii) the redemption price; (iv) the place
or places where certificates for such Preferred Stock are to be
surrendered for payment of the redemption price; (v) that
dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on
such redemption date; and (vi) the date upon which the
holders conversion rights, if any, as to such shares shall
terminate. If fewer than all the shares of Preferred Stock of
any series are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to each such
holder thereof shall also specify the number of shares of
Preferred Stock to be redeemed from each such holder. If notice
of redemption of any Preferred Stock has been given and if the
funds necessary for such redemption have been set aside by
FelCor in trust for the benefit of the holders of any Preferred
Stock so called for redemption, then from and after the
redemption date dividends will cease to accrue on such shares of
Preferred Stock, such shares of Preferred Stock shall no longer
be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of
such shares of Preferred Stock 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 FelCor, then, before any
distribution or payment shall be made to the holders of any
Common Stock or any other capital stock of FelCor ranking junior
to the Preferred Stock of any series in the distribution of
assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
FelCor, the holders of each series of Preferred Stock shall be
entitled to receive, out of assets of FelCor legally available
for distribution to shareholders, liquidating distributions in
the amount of the liquidation preference per share, if any, 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 Stock does not have a
cumulative dividend). After payment of the full amount of the
liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the
holders of Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of
the remaining assets of FelCor. In the event that, upon any such
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
the legally available assets of FelCor are insufficient to pay
the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock and the corresponding amounts payable
on all shares of other capital stock of FelCor ranking on a
parity with the Preferred Stock in the distribution of assets
upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of FelCor, then
the holders of the Preferred Stock and all of such other capital
stock shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets, in
direct proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which
they would otherwise be respectively entitled.
If liquidating distributions shall have been made in full to all
holders of Preferred Stock, the remaining assets of FelCor shall
be distributed among the holders of any other shares of capital
stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of FelCor, 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 FelCor with or into any other
corporation, trust or entity, or the sale, lease or conveyance
of all or substantially all of the property or business of
FelCor, shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of FelCor.
Voting Rights
Holders of the Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights,
except (i) as set forth below, (ii) as from time to
time required by law or (iii) as expressly provided in the
Articles Supplementary for any series of Preferred Stock and
described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Articles
Supplementary for any series of Preferred Stock and described in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement, so long as any shares of
Preferred Stock of a series remain outstanding, FelCor will not,
without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
two-thirds of the shares of such series of Preferred Stock
outstanding (such series voting separately as a class),
30
amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Articles
Supplementary for such series of Preferred Stock, whether by
merger, consolidation or otherwise (an Event), so as
to materially and adversely affect any right, preference,
privilege or voting power of such series of Preferred Stock or
the holders thereof; provided, however, with respect to the
occurrence of any Event set forth above, so long as the
Preferred Stock remains outstanding with the terms thereof
materially unchanged (whether or not as a consequence of such
Event FelCor is the surviving entity), the occurrence of any
such Event shall not be deemed to materially and adversely
affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of
such series of Preferred Stock or the holders thereof; and
provided further that (x) any increase in the amount of the
authorized Preferred Stock or the creation or issuance of any
other series of Preferred Stock, or (y) any increase in the
amount of authorized shares of such series or of any other
series of Preferred Stock, in each case whether ranking senior
to, on a parity with or junior to the Preferred Stock of such
series with respect to the payment of dividends or the
distribution of assets upon the liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of FelCor, 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 Event with respect to which such vote
otherwise would be required shall be effected, all outstanding
shares of such series of Preferred Stock shall have been
redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient funds shall
have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
Conversion Rights
The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any series of
Preferred Stock is convertible into Common Stock, Preferred
Stock of another series or Debt Securities will be set forth in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Such
terms will include the number of shares of Common Stock or
Preferred Stock of another series or the amount of Debt
Securities into which shares of such series of Preferred Stock
are convertible, 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 Preferred
Stock or FelCor, the events requiring an adjustment of the
conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the
event of the redemption of such series of Preferred Stock.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfers
The Preferred Stock, including the Series A Preferred
Stock, is subject to certain restrictions upon the ownership and
transfer thereof which were adopted for the purpose of enabling
FelCor to preserve its status as a REIT. For a description of
such restrictions, see Certain Charter, Bylaw and
Statutory Provisions Charter and Bylaw
Provisions Restrictions on Ownership and
Transfer.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent and registrar for the Preferred Stock will be
set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
The summary of certain terms and provisions of the Series A
Preferred Stock set forth below does not purport to be complete
and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference
to, the terms and provisions of FelCors Charter (including
the Articles Supplementary to the Charter setting forth the
particular terms of the Series A Preferred Stock
(Series A Amendment)), and Bylaws.
No series of Preferred Stock (other than the Series A
Preferred Stock) have been designated or issued. The Preferred
Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series,
without shareholder approval, with such voting powers (full or
limited), designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof as shall be established by
the Board of Directors. See Description of the Preferred
Stock. Thus, without shareholder approval, FelCor could
authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock with voting,
conversion and other rights that could dilute the voting power
and other rights of the holders of Common Stock and
Series A Preferred Stock.
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General
In April 1996, the Board of Directors authorized FelCor to
classify and issue the Series A Preferred Stock as part of
the 10,000,000 shares of FelCors authorized Preferred
Stock.
The outstanding Series A Preferred Stock is validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of the Series A
Preferred Stock have no preemptive rights with respect to any
shares of capital stock of FelCor or any other securities of
FelCor convertible into or carrying rights or options to
purchase any such shares. The Series A Preferred Stock is
not subject to any sinking fund or other obligation of FelCor to
redeem or retire the Series A Preferred Stock. Unless
converted or redeemed by FelCor into shares of Common Stock, the
Series A Preferred Stock will have a perpetual term, with
no maturity.
Ranking
The Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and amounts upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of FelCor.
While any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are
outstanding, FelCor may not authorize, create or increase the
authorized amount of any class or series of stock that ranks
senior to the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to the
payment of dividends or amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up without the consent of the holders of two-thirds of
the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and all
other shares of Voting Preferred Stock, voting as a single
class. However, FelCor may create additional classes of stock,
increase the authorized number of shares of Preferred Stock or
issue series of Preferred Stock ranking junior to or on a parity
with the Series A Preferred Stock with respect, in each
case, to the payment of dividends and amounts upon liquidation,
dissolution and winding up without the consent of any holder of
Series A Preferred Stock. See Voting
Rights below.
Dividends
Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled
to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors
of FelCor, out of funds of FelCor legally available for payment,
cash distributions declared or paid for the corresponding period
payable in an amount per share equal to the greater of $0.4875
per quarter (equivalent to $1.95 per annum) or the cash
dividends (determined as of the record date for each of the
respective quarterly dividend payment dates referred to below)
on the number of shares of Common Stock, or portion thereof,
into which a share of Series A Preferred Stock is then
convertible. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are
payable quarterly in arrears on the last calendar day of
January, April, July and October of each year, commencing
July 31, 1996 (and, in the case of any accrued but unpaid
dividends, at such additional times and for such interim
periods, if any, as determined by the Board of Directors). Each
such dividend is payable to holders of record as they appear on
the stock records of FelCor at the close of business on such
record dates, not exceeding 60 days preceding the payment
dates thereof, as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors of
FelCor. Dividends will be cumulative, whether or not in any
dividend period or periods there shall be funds of FelCor
legally available for the payment of such dividends.
Accumulations of dividends on shares of Series A Preferred
Stock will not bear interest. Dividends payable on the
Series A Preferred Stock for any period greater or less
than a full dividend period will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
Except as provided in the next sentence, no dividend will be
declared or paid on any Parity Stock (as herein defined) unless
full cumulative dividends have been or contemporaneously are
declared and paid, or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof is set apart for such payment, on the
Series A Preferred Stock for all prior dividend periods and
the then current dividend period. If accrued dividends on the
Series A Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock for all prior
dividend periods have not been paid in full, then any dividend
declared on the Series A Preferred Stock and any Parity
Stock for any dividend period will be declared ratably in
proportion to accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series A
Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock.
Unless all dividends then required to be paid on the
Series A Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock have been or
contemporaneously are declared and paid, or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment,
FelCor will not (i) declare, pay or set apart funds for the
payment of any
32
dividend or other distribution with respect to any Junior Stock
(as herein defined) or (ii) except as set forth in the
following sentence, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any Junior Stock, through a sinking fund or
otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations, FelCor
may, at any time, acquire shares of its capital stock, without
regard to rank, for the purpose of preserving its status as a
REIT or for purposes of an employee benefit plan of FelCor.
As used herein, (i) the term dividend does not
include dividends payable solely in shares of Junior Stock on
Junior Stock, or in options, warrants or rights to holders of
Junior Stock to subscribe for or purchase any Junior Stock and
(ii) the term Junior Stock means the Common
Stock, and any other class of capital stock of FelCor now or
hereafter issued and outstanding that ranks junior to the
Series A Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends or
amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of FelCor
and (iii) the term Parity Stock means any other
class or series of capital stock of FelCor now or hereafter
issued and outstanding that ranks equally with the Series A
Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends and amounts upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of FelCor.
Redemption
Shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not redeemable by
FelCor prior to April 30, 2001. On and after April 30,
2001, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be
redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of FelCor, for
(i) such number of shares of Common Stock as are issuable
at a conversion rate of 0.7752 shares of Common Stock for
each share of Series A Preferred Stock, subject to
adjustment in certain circumstances, or (ii) cash in an
amount equal to the aggregate market value (determined as of the
date of the notice of redemption) of such number of shares of
Common Stock as specified by FelCor in the notice of redemption.
FelCor may exercise this redemption option only if for
20 trading days within any period of 30 consecutive
trading days, including the last trading day of such period, the
closing price of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) equals or exceeds the Conversion Price (as
defined in the Series A Amendment) per share, subject to
adjustment in certain circumstances. In order to exercise its
redemption option, FelCor must issue a press release announcing
the redemption prior to the opening of business on the second
trading day after the conditions in the preceding sentences have
been met.
Notice of redemption will be given by mail or by publication
(with subsequent prompt notice by mail) to the holders of the
Series A Preferred Stock not more than four business days
after FelCor issues the press release. The redemption date will
be a date selected by FelCor not less than 30 nor more than
60 days after the date on which FelCor issues the press
release announcing its intention to redeem the Series A
Preferred Stock. If fewer than all of the shares of
Series A Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the shares
shall be selected by lot or pro rata or in some other equitable
manner determined by FelCor.
On the redemption date, FelCor must pay on each share of
Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed any accrued and
unpaid dividends, in arrears, for any dividend period ending on
or prior to the redemption date. In the case of a redemption
date falling after a dividend payment record date and prior to
the related payment date, the holders of the Series A
Preferred Stock at the close of business on such record date
will be entitled to receive the dividend payable on such shares
on the corresponding dividend payment date, notwithstanding the
redemption of such shares prior to such dividend payment date.
Except as provided for in the preceding sentence, no payment or
allowance will be made for accrued dividends on any shares of
Series A Preferred Stock called for redemption or on the
shares of Common Stock issuable upon such redemption.
Unless all dividends then required to be paid on the
Series A Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock have been or
contemporaneously are declared and paid, or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment, the
Series A Preferred Stock may not be redeemed in whole or in
part and FelCor may not, except as set forth in the following
sentence, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any shares of Series A Preferred Stock,
otherwise than pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on
the same terms to all holders of shares of Series A
Preferred Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations,
FelCor may, at any time, acquire shares of its capital stock,
without regard to rank, for the purpose of preserving its status
as a REIT or for purposes of an employee benefit plan of FelCor.
33
On and after the date fixed for redemption, provided that FelCor
has made available at the office of the registrar and transfer
agent a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock and/or an
amount of cash to effect the redemption, dividends will cease to
accrue on the Series A Preferred Stock called for
redemption (except that, in the case of a redemption date after
a dividend payment record date and prior to the related dividend
payment date, holders of Series A Preferred Stock on the
dividend payment record date will be entitled on such dividend
payment date to receive the dividend payable on such shares),
such shares shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all
rights of the holders of such shares of Series A Preferred
Stock shall cease, except for the right to receive the shares of
Common Stock and/or any cash payable upon such redemption,
without interest from the date of such redemption. At the close
of business on the redemption date, each holder of Series A
Preferred Stock (unless FelCor defaults in the delivery of the
shares of Common Stock or cash) will be, without any further
action, (i) deemed a holder of the number of shares of
Common Stock for which such Series A Preferred Stock is
redeemable or (ii) be entitled to receive the cash amount
applicable to such shares.
Fractional shares of Common Stock are not to be issued upon
redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock, but, in lieu
thereof, FelCor will pay a cash adjustment based on the current
market price of the Common Stock on the day prior to the
redemption date.
Liquidation Preference
The holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock are
entitled to receive in the event of any liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of FelCor, whether voluntary or involuntary,
$25.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock plus an
amount per share of Series A Preferred Stock equal to all
dividends (whether or not earned or declared) accrued and unpaid
thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders
(Liquidation Preference), and no more.
Until the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have been
paid the Liquidation Preference in full, no payment will be made
to any holder of Junior Stock upon the liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of FelCor. If, upon any liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of FelCor, the assets of FelCor, or proceeds
thereof, distributable among the holders of the shares of
Series A Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock are
insufficient to pay in full the Liquidation Preference and the
liquidation preference applicable with respect to any such
Parity Stock, then such assets, or the proceeds thereof, will be
distributed among the holders of shares of Series A
Preferred Stock and any such Parity Stock, ratably, in
accordance with the respective amounts which would be payable on
such shares of Series A Preferred Stock and any such Parity
Stock if all amounts payable thereon were to be paid in full.
Neither a consolidation or merger of FelCor with another
corporation, a statutory share exchange by FelCor nor a sale,
lease or transfer of all or substantially all of FelCors
assets will be considered a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up, voluntary or involuntary, of FelCor.
Voting Rights
Except as indicated below, or except as otherwise from time to
time required by applicable Maryland law, the holders of shares
of Series A Preferred Stock have no voting rights.
If six quarterly dividends (whether or not consecutive) payable
on the Series A Preferred Stock, or any Parity Stock, are
in arrears, whether or not earned or declared, the number of
directors then constituting the Board of Directors of FelCor
will be increased by two and the holders of shares of Series A
Preferred Stock and any such other Parity Stock, voting together
as a single class (Voting Preferred Shares), will
have the right to elect two additional directors to serve on
FelCors Board of Directors at an annual meeting of
shareholders or a properly called special meeting of the holders
of the Voting Preferred Shares and at each subsequent annual
meeting of shareholders until all such dividends, together with
the dividends for the current quarterly period, on the Voting
Preferred Shares have been paid or declared and set aside for
payment.
The approval of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of
Series A Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock similarly
affected, voting together as a single class, is required in
order to amend the Series A Amendment to affect materially
and adversely the rights, preferences or voting power of the
holders of the Series A
34
Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock, or to amend the Charter
to authorize, create or increase the authorized amount of any
class of stock having rights senior to the Series A
Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock with respect to the
payment of dividends or amounts upon the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of FelCor. However, FelCor may create
additional classes of Parity Stock and Junior Stock, increase
the authorized number of shares of Parity Stock and Junior Stock
and issue additional series of Parity Stock and Junior Stock,
all without the consent of any holder of Series A Preferred
Stock.
Except as required by law, the holders of Series A
Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote on any merger or
consolidation involving FelCor or a sale, lease or transfer of
all or substantially all of the assets of FelCor. See
Conversion Price Adjustments below.
Conversion Rights
Shares of Series A Preferred Stock are convertible, in
whole or in part, at any time, at the option of the holders
thereof, into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of
$32.25 per share of Common Stock (equivalent to a
conversion rate of 0.7752 shares of Common Stock for each
share of Series A Preferred Stock), subject to adjustment
as described below ( Conversion Price
Adjustments). The right to convert shares of Series A
Preferred Stock called for redemption will terminate at the
close of business on such redemption date. For information as to
notices of redemption, see Redemption
above.
Conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or a
specified portion thereof, may be effected by delivering a
certificate or certificates evidencing such shares, together
with written notice of conversion and a proper assignment of
such certificate or certificates to FelCor or in blank, to the
office or agency to be maintained by FelCor for that purpose.
Initially such office will be the principal corporate trust
office of SunTrust Bank, Atlanta located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Each conversion will be deemed to have been effected immediately
prior to the close of business on the date on which the
certificates for shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall
have been surrendered and notice shall have been received by
FelCor as aforesaid (and if applicable, payment of an amount
equal to the dividend payable on such shares shall have been
received by FelCor as described below) and the conversion shall
be at the Conversion Price in effect at such time and on such
date.
Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock at the close
of business on a dividend payment record date will be entitled
to receive the dividend payable on such shares on the
corresponding dividend payment date, notwithstanding the
conversion of such shares following such dividend payment record
date and prior to such dividend payment date. However, shares of
Series A Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion during
the period between the close of business on any dividend payment
record date and the opening of business on the corresponding
dividend payment date (except shares converted after the
issuance by FelCor of a notice of redemption providing for a
redemption date during such period, which shares will be
entitled to such dividend) must be accompanied by payment of an
amount equal to the dividend payable on such shares on such
dividend payment date. A holder of shares of Series A
Preferred Stock on a dividend payment record date who (or whose
transferee) tenders any such shares for conversion into shares
of Common Stock on such dividend payment date will receive the
dividend payable by FelCor on such shares of Series A
Preferred Stock on such date, and the converting holder need not
include payment of the amount of such dividend upon surrender of
shares of Series A Preferred Stock for conversion. Except
as provided above, FelCor will make no payment or allowance for
unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on converted shares
or for dividends on the shares of Common Stock issued upon such
conversion.
Fractional shares of Common Stock are not to be issued upon
conversion but, in lieu thereof, FelCor will pay a cash
adjustment based on the current market price of the Common Stock
on the day prior to the conversion date.
Conversion Price Adjustments
The Conversion Price is subject to adjustment upon certain
events, including (i) dividends (and other distributions)
payable in Common Stock of FelCor, (ii) the issuance to all
holders of Common Stock of
35
certain rights or warrants entitling them to subscribe for or
purchase Common Stock at a price per share less than the fair
market value per share of Common Stock, (iii) subdivisions,
combinations and reclassifications of Common Stock and
(iv) distributions to all holders of Common Stock of
evidences of indebtedness of FelCor or assets (including
securities, but excluding those dividends, rights, warrants and
distributions referred to above for which an adjustment
previously has been made and excluding Permitted Common Stock
Cash Distributions (as herein defined), and cash dividends which
result in a payment of an equal cash dividend to the holders of
the Series A Preferred Stock). Permitted Common Stock
Cash Distributions means cash dividends and distributions
paid with respect to the Common Stock after December 31,
1995 not in excess of the sum of FelCors cumulative
undistributed net earnings at December 31, 1995, plus the
cumulative amount of funds from operations, as determined by the
Board of Directors on a basis consistent with the financial
reporting practices of FelCor, after December 31, 1995,
minus the cumulative amount of dividends accrued or paid on the
Series A Preferred Stock or any other class of Preferred
Stock after January 1, 1996. In addition to the foregoing
adjustments, FelCor will be permitted to make such reductions in
the Conversion Price as it considers to be advisable in order
that any event treated for Federal income tax purposes as a
dividend of stock or stock rights will not be taxable to the
holders of the Common Stock, or, if that is not possible, to
diminish any income taxes that are otherwise payable because of
such event.
In case FelCor shall be a party to any transaction (including
without limitation a merger, consolidation, statutory share
exchange, tender offer for all or substantially all of the
shares of Common Stock or sale of all or substantially all of
FelCors assets), in each case as a result of which shares
of Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive
stock, securities or other property (including cash or any
combination thereof), each share of Series A Preferred Stock, if
convertible after the consummation of the transaction, will
thereafter be convertible into the kind and amount of shares of
stock and other securities and property receivable (including
cash or any combination thereof) upon the consummation of such
transaction by a holder of that number of shares or fraction
thereof of Common Stock into which one share of Series A
Preferred Stock was convertible immediately prior to such
transaction (assuming such holder of Common Stock failed to
exercise any rights of election and received per share the kind
and amount received per share by a plurality of non-electing
shares). FelCor may not become a party to any such transaction
unless the terms thereof are consistent with the foregoing.
No adjustment of the Conversion Price will be required to be
made in any case until cumulative adjustments amount to 1% or
more of the Conversion Price. Any adjustments not so required to
be made will be carried forward and taken into account in
subsequent adjustments.
Exchange Listing
The Series A Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE under
the symbol FCHpA.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent and registrar for the Series A Preferred
Stock is SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, Georgia.
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
General
FelCor may issue receipts (Depositary Receipts) to
evidence Depositary Shares, each of which Depositary Shares will
represent a fractional interest of a share of a particular
series of Preferred Stock, as specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement. Shares of Preferred Stock of each series
represented by Depositary Shares will be deposited under a
separate deposit agreement (each, a Deposit
Agreement) among FelCor, the depositary named therein (a
Preferred Stock Depositary) and the holders from
time to time of the Depositary Receipts. Subject to the terms of
the applicable Deposit Agreement, each holder of a Depositary
Receipt will be entitled, in proportion to the fractional
interest of a share of a particular series of Preferred Stock
represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such
Depositary Receipt, to all the rights and preferences of the
Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Shares (including
dividend, voting, conversion, redemption and liquidation rights).
36
The Depositary Shares will be evidenced by Depositary Receipts
issued pursuant to the applicable Deposit Agreement. Immediately
following the issuance and delivery of the Preferred Stock by
FelCor to a Preferred Stock Depositary, FelCor will cause such
Preferred Stock Depositary to issue, on behalf of FelCor, the
Depositary Receipts. Copies of the applicable form of Deposit
Agreement and Depositary Receipt will be incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
is a part, and the statements made hereunder relating to the
Deposit Agreement and the Depositary Receipts to be issued
thereunder are summaries, do not purport to be complete and are
subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to such
documents. Copies of the applicable Deposit Agreement and
Depositary Receipt may be obtained from FelCor upon request.
Dividends and Other Distributions
A Preferred Stock Depositary will be required to distribute all
cash dividends or other cash distributions received by it in
respect of the applicable Preferred Stock to the record holders
of Depositary Receipts evidencing the related Depositary Shares
in proportion to the number of such Depositary Receipts held 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 Preferred Stock Depositary.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, a Preferred
Stock 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 Preferred Stock Depositary,
unless such Preferred Stock Depositary determines that it is not
feasible to make such distribution, in which case such Preferred
Stock Depositary may, with the approval of FelCor, sell such
property and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to such
holders.
No distribution will be made in respect of any Depositary Share
to the extent that it represents any Preferred Stock which has
been converted or exchanged.
Withdrawal of Stock
Upon surrender of the Depositary Receipts at the corporate trust
office of the applicable Preferred Stock Depositary (unless the
related Depositary Shares have previously been called for
redemption or converted), subject to the terms of the Deposit
Agreement, the holders thereof will be entitled to delivery at
such office, to or upon each such holders order, of the
number of whole or fractional shares of the applicable Preferred
Stock and any money or other property represented by the
Depositary Shares evidenced by such Depositary Receipts. Holders
of Depositary Receipts will be entitled to receive whole or
fractional shares of the related Preferred Stock on the basis of
the proportion of Preferred Stock represented by each Depositary
Share as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, but
holders of such shares of Preferred Stock will not thereafter be
entitled to receive Depositary Shares therefor. If the
Depositary Receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of
Depositary Shares in excess of the number of Depositary Shares
representing the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be
withdrawn, the applicable Preferred Stock Depositary will be
required to deliver to such holder at the same time a new
Depositary Receipt evidencing such excess number of Depositary
Shares. FelCor does not presently expect that there will be any
public trading market for Preferred Stock (other than the
Series A Preferred Stock) withdrawn from such Preferred
Stock Depository.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
Whenever FelCor redeems shares of Preferred Stock held by a
Preferred Stock Depositary, such Preferred Stock Depositary will
be required to redeem as of the same redemption date the number
of Depositary Shares representing shares of the Preferred Stock
so redeemed, provided FelCor shall have paid in full to such
Preferred Stock Depositary the redemption price of the Preferred
Stock to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any accrued and
unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption. The
redemption price per Depositary Share will be equal to the
redemption price and any other amounts per share payable with
respect to the Preferred Stock. If fewer than all the Depositary
Shares are to be redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be redeemed
will be selected pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable
37
without creating fractional Depositary Shares) or by any other
equitable method determined by FelCor that preserves the REIT
status of FelCor.
From and after the date fixed for redemption, all dividends in
respect of the shares of Preferred Stock so called for
redemption will cease to accrue, the Depositary Shares so called
for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and
all rights of the holders of the Depositary Receipts evidencing
the Depositary Shares so called for redemption will cease,
except the right to receive any moneys payable upon such
redemption and any money or other property to which the holders
of such Depositary Receipts were entitled upon such redemption
upon surrender thereof to the applicable Preferred Stock
Depositary.
Voting of the Preferred Stock
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of
the applicable Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, a Preferred
Stock 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 Stock. Each record holder of Depositary
Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares on the record date (which
will be the same date as the record date for the Preferred
Stock) will be entitled to instruct such Preferred Stock
Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to
the amount of Preferred Stock represented by such holders
Depositary Shares. Such Preferred Stock Depositary will be
required to vote the amount of Preferred Stock represented by
such Depositary Shares in accordance with such instructions, and
FelCor will agree to take all reasonable action which may be
deemed necessary by such Preferred Stock Depositary in order to
enable such Preferred Stock Depositary to do so. Such Preferred
Stock Depositary will be required to abstain from voting the
amount of Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Shares
to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the
holders of Depositary Receipts evidencing such Depositary
Shares. A Preferred Stock Depositary will not be responsible for
any failure to carry out any instruction to vote, or for the
manner or effect of any such vote made, as long as any such
action or non-action is in good faith and does not result from
negligence or willful misconduct of such Preferred Stock
Depositary.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
FelCor, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each
Depositary Receipt will be entitled to the fraction of the
liquidation preference accorded each share of Preferred Stock
represented by the Depositary Share evidenced by such Depositary
Receipt, as set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Conversion of Preferred Stock
The Depositary Shares, as such, will not be convertible into
Common Stock or any other securities or property of FelCor.
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 Preferred Stock Depositary with written instructions
to such Preferred Stock Depositary to instruct FelCor to cause
conversion of the Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary
Shares evidenced by such Depositary Receipts into whole shares
of Common Stock, other shares of Preferred Stock of FelCor or
other shares of stock, and FelCor will agree that upon receipt
of such instructions and any amounts payable in respect thereof,
it will cause the conversion thereof utilizing the same
procedures as those provided for delivery of Preferred Stock to
effect such conversion. If the Depositary Shares evidenced by a
Depositary Receipt are to be converted in part only, a new
Depositary Receipt or Receipts will be issued for any Depositary
Shares not to be converted. No fractional shares of Common Stock
will be issued upon conversion, and if such conversion will
result in a fractional share being issued, an amount will be
paid in cash by FelCor equal to the value of the fractional
interest based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on the
last business day prior to the conversion.
Amendment and Termination of a Deposit Agreement
Any form of Depositary Receipt evidencing Depositary Shares
which will represent Preferred Stock and any provision of a
Deposit Agreement will be permitted at any time to be amended by
agreement
38
between FelCor and the applicable Preferred Stock Depositary.
However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the
rights of the holders of Depositary Receipts or that would be
materially and adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to
the holders of the related Preferred Stock will not be effective
unless such amendment has been approved by the existing holders
of at least two-thirds of the applicable Depositary Shares
evidenced by the applicable Depositary Receipts then
outstanding. No amendment shall impair the right, subject to
certain anticipated exceptions in the Deposit Agreements, of any
holders of Depositary Receipts to surrender any Depositary
Receipt with instructions to deliver to the holder the related
Preferred Stock and all money and other property, if any,
represented thereby, except in order to comply with law. 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.
A Deposit Agreement will be permitted to be terminated by FelCor
upon not less than 30 days prior written notice to
the applicable Preferred Stock Depositary if (i) such
termination is necessary to preserve FelCors status as a
REIT or (ii) a majority of each series of Preferred Stock
affected by such termination consents to such termination,
whereupon such Preferred Stock 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 shares of Preferred Stock as
are represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such
Depositary Receipts together with any other property held by
such Preferred Stock Depositary with respect to such Depositary
Receipts. FelCor will agree that if a Deposit Agreement is
terminated to preserve FelCors status as a REIT, then
FelCor will use its best efforts to list the Preferred Stock
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 Stock in connection with any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of and such distribution
shall have been distributed to the holders of Depositary
Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares representing such
Preferred Stock or (iii) each share of the related
Preferred Stock shall have been converted into stock of FelCor
not so represented by Depositary Shares.
Charges of a Preferred Stock Depositary
FelCor will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental
charges arising solely from the existence of a Deposit
Agreement. In addition, FelCor will pay the fees and expenses of
a Preferred Stock Depositary in connection with the performance
of its duties under a Deposit Agreement. However, holders of
Depositary Receipts will pay the fees and expenses of a
Preferred Stock 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 Preferred Stock Depositary will be permitted to resign at any
time by delivering to FelCor notice of its election to do so,
and FelCor will be permitted at any time to remove a Preferred
Stock Depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect
upon the appointment of a successor Preferred Stock Depositary.
A successor Preferred Stock Depositary 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
$50,000,000.
Miscellaneous
A Preferred Stock Depositary will be required to forward to
holders of Depositary Receipts any reports and communications
from FelCor which are received by such Preferred Stock
Depositary with respect to the related Preferred Stock.
Neither a Preferred Stock Depositary nor FelCor 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 FelCor and a
Preferred Stock Depositary under a Deposit Agreement will be
limited to performing their duties thereunder in good faith and
without negligence (in the case of any action or
39
inaction in the voting of Preferred Stock represented by the
applicable Depositary Shares), gross negligence or willful
misconduct, and neither FelCor nor any applicable Preferred
Stock Depositary will be obligated to prosecute or defend any
legal proceeding in respect of any Depositary Receipts,
Depositary Shares or shares of Preferred Stock represented
thereby unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. FelCor and
any Preferred Stock Depositary will be permitted to rely on
written advice of counsel or accountants, or information
provided by persons presenting shares of Preferred Stock
represented thereby for deposit, holders of Depositary Receipts
or other persons 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 Preferred Stock Depositary shall receive
conflicting claims,requests or instructions from any holders of
Depositary Receipts, on the one hand, and FelCor on the other
hand, such Preferred Stock Depositary shall be entitled to act
on such claims, requests or instructions received from FelCor.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
The description of FelCors Common Stock set forth below
describes certain general terms and provisions of the Common
Stock to which any Prospectus Supplement may relate, including a
Prospectus Supplement providing that Common Stock will be
issuable upon conversion of Debt Securities or Preferred Stock
of FelCor or upon the exercise of Common Stock Warrants issued
by FelCor. The following description does not purport to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
FelCors Charter and Bylaws. See Certain Charter,
Bylaw and Statutory Provisions Charter and Bylaw
Provisions.
General
Under the Charter, FelCor has authority to issue up to
100,000,000 shares of Common Stock. Under Maryland law,
stockholders generally are not responsible for the
corporations debts or obligations. At December 31,
1997, FelCor had outstanding 36,596,214 shares of Common
Stock.
Terms
Subject to the preferential rights of any series of Preferred
Stock outstanding, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to
one vote per share on all matters voted on by stockholders,
including in the election of directors. FelCors Charter
does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of
directors. Except as otherwise required by law or provided in a
Articles Supplementary relating to Preferred Stock of any
series, the holders of Common Stock exclusively possess all
voting power. See Certain Charter, Bylaw and Statutory
Provisions Charter and Bylaw Provisions.
Subject to any preferential rights of any series of Preferred
Stock outstanding, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to
such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by
the Board of Directors from funds legally available therefor
and, upon liquidation, are entitled to receive, pro rata, all
assets of FelCor available for distribution to such holders. All
shares of Common Stock will, when issued, be fully paid and
nonassessable and will have no preemptive rights.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
The Common Stock is subject to certain restrictions upon the
ownership and transfer thereof which were adopted for the
purpose of enabling FelCor to preserve its status as a REIT. For
a description of such restrictions and the Maryland
Anti-Takeover Statutes, see Certain Charter, Bylaw and
Statutory Provisions Charter and Bylaw
Provisions Restrictions on Ownership and
Transfer and Maryland Anti-Takeover
Statutes.
Exchange Listing
FelCor Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol
FCH.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is
SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, Georgia.
40
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
The following description of Common Stock Warrants does not
purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the description of a particular series of Common
Stock Warrants contained in an applicable Prospectus Supplement.
For information relating to the Common Stock which may be
purchased pursuant to Common Stock Warrants, see
Description of Common Stock.
FelCor may issue one or more series of Common Stock Warrants for
the purchase of Common Stock. Common Stock Warrants of any
series may be issued independently of, or together with, any
Securities offered pursuant to any Prospectus Supplement. If
offered together with other Securities, Common Stock Warrants
may be attached to, or separate from, such Securities. Each
series of Common Stock Warrants will be issued under a separate
warrant agreement (each a Warrant Agreement) to be
entered into between FelCor and the holder of such Common Stock
Warrants or, if the holders are expected to be numerous, a
warrant agent identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement
(Warrant Agent). Any Warrant Agent, if engaged, will
act solely as an agent of FelCor in connection with the Common
Stock Warrants of the series specified in the Warrant Agreement
relating thereto and such Warrant Agent will not assume any
relationship or obligation of agency or trust for or with any
holders or beneficial owners of Common Stock Warrants. Further
terms of the Common Stock Warrants and the related Warrant
Agreements will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement.
The Common Stock Warrants will be subject to certain
restrictions upon the exercise, ownership and transfer thereof
which were adopted for the purpose of enabling FelCor to
preserve its status as a REIT. For a description of such
restrictions and the Maryland Anti-Takeover Statutes, see
Certain Charter, Bylaw and Statutory
Provisions Charter and Bylaw Provisions
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer and
Maryland Anti-Takeover Statutes.
CERTAIN CHARTER, BYLAW AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS
Charter and Bylaw Provisions
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
For FelCor to qualify as a REIT under the Code, it must meet
certain requirements concerning the ownership of its outstanding
stock. Specifically, not more than 50% in value of FelCors
outstanding stock may be owned, actually and constructively
under the applicable attribution provisions of the Code, by five
or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain
entities) during the last half of a taxable year, and FelCor
must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at
least 335 days of a taxable year or during a proportionate
part of a shorter taxable year. See Federal Income Tax
Considerations Requirements for Qualification.
For the purpose of preserving FelCors REIT qualification,
FelCors Charter contains the Ownership Limitation
Provisions, which restrict the ownership and transfer of
FelCors capital stock under certain circumstances.
The Ownership Limitation Provisions provide that,
subject to certain exceptions specified in the Charter, no
person may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable
attribution provisions of the Code, more than 9.9% of the
outstanding shares of any class of FelCors capital stock
(the Ownership Limit). The Board of Directors may,
but in no event will be required to, waive the Ownership Limit
if it determines that such ownership will not jeopardize
FelCors status as a REIT. As a condition of such waiver,
the Board of Directors may require opinions of counsel
satisfactory to it and/or undertakings or representations from
the applicant with respect to preserving the REIT status of
FelCor. The Ownership Limitation Provisions will not apply if
the Board of Directors and the holders of
662/3%
of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote on
such matter determine that it is no longer in the best interests
of FelCor to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a
REIT.
Any purported transfer of capital stock of FelCor and any other
event that would otherwise result in any person or entity
violating the Ownership Limit will be void and of no force or
effect as to that number of shares in excess of the Ownership
Limit, and the purported transferee (Prohibited
Transferee) shall acquire no right or interest (or, in the
case of any event other than a purported transfer, the person or
entity holding record title to any such shares in excess of the
Ownership Limit (Prohibited Owner) shall
41
cease to own any right or interest) in such excess shares. In
addition, if any purported transfer of capital stock of FelCor
or any other event otherwise would cause FelCor to become
closely held under the Code or otherwise fail to
qualify as a REIT under the Code (other than as a result of a
violation of the requirement that a REIT have at least
100 shareholders), then any such purported transfer will be
void and of no force or effect as to that number of shares in
excess of the number that could have been transferred without
such result, and the Prohibited Transferee shall acquire no
right or interest (or, in the case of any event other than a
transfer, the Prohibited Owner shall cease to own any right or
interest) in such excess shares. Also, if any purported transfer
of capital stock of FelCor or any other event would otherwise
cause FelCor to own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the
applicable attribution provisions of the Code, 10% or more of
the ownership interests in the Lessee or in any sublessee, then
any such purported transfer will be void and of no force or
effect as to that number of shares in excess of the number that
could have been transferred without such result, and the
Prohibited Transferee shall acquire no right or interest (or, in
the case of any event other than a transfer, the Prohibited
Owner shall cease to own any right or interest) in such excess
shares.
Any such excess shares described above will be transferred
automatically, by operation of law, to a trust, the beneficiary
of which will be a qualified charitable organization selected by
FelCor (the Beneficiary). The trustee of the trust
who shall be designated by FelCor and be unaffiliated with
FelCor and any Prohibited Owner, will be empowered to sell such
excess shares to a qualified person or entity and distribute to
a Prohibited Transferee an amount equal to the lesser of the
price paid by the Prohibited Transferee for such excess shares
or the sales proceeds received by the trust for such excess
shares. In the case of any excess shares resulting from any
event other than a transfer, or from a transfer for no
consideration, the trustee will be empowered to sell such excess
shares to a qualified person or entity and distribute to the
Prohibited Owner an amount equal to the lesser of the fair
market value of such excess shares on the date of such event or
the sales proceeds received by the trust for such excess shares.
Prior to a sale of any such excess shares by the trust, the
trustee will be entitled to receive, in trust for the benefit of
the Beneficiary, all dividends and other distributions paid by
FelCor with respect to such excess shares, and also will be
entitled to exercise all voting rights with respect to such
excess shares.
Any purported transfer of capital stock of FelCor that would
otherwise cause FelCor to be beneficially owned by fewer than
100 persons will be null and void in its entirety, and the
intended transferee will acquire no rights in such stock.
All certificates representing shares of capital stock will bear
a legend referring to the restrictions described above.
Every owner of more than 5% (or such lower percentage as may be
required by the Code or Treasury Regulations) of the outstanding
shares of capital stock of FelCor must file a written notice
with FelCor containing the information specified in the Charter
no later than January 30 of each year. In addition, each
shareholder shall upon demand be required to disclose to FelCor
in writing such information as FelCor may request in order to
determine the effect, if any, of such shareholders actual
and constructive ownership on FelCors status as a REIT and
to ensure compliance with the Ownership Limit.
The Ownership Limitation Provisions may have the effect of
precluding an acquisition of control of FelCor without approval
of the Board of Directors.
Staggered Board of Directors
The Charter provides that the Board of Directors will be divided
into three classes of directors, each class constituting
approximately one-third of the total number of directors and
with the classes serving staggered three-year terms. The
classification of directors will have the effect of making it
more difficult for shareholders to change the composition of the
Board of Directors. FelCor believes, however, that the longer
time required to elect a majority of the Board of Directors will
help to ensure continuity and stability of FelCors
management and policies.
The classification provisions could also have the effect of
discouraging a third party from accumulating large blocks of
FelCors stock or attempting to obtain control of FelCor,
even though such an attempt might be beneficial to FelCor and
its shareholders. Accordingly, shareholders could be deprived
42
of certain opportunities to sell their shares of Common Stock at
a higher price than might otherwise be the case.
Number of Directors; Removal; Filling
Vacancies
The Charter and Bylaws provide that, subject to any rights of
holders of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under
specified circumstances, the number of directors will consist of
not less than three nor more than nine persons, subject to
increase or decrease by the affirmative vote of 80% of the
members of the entire Board of Directors, provided, however,
that in no event shall the number of directors be less than the
minimum required by the MGCL. At all times a majority of the
directors shall be Independent Directors, as defined by
FelCors Charter, except that upon the death, removal or
resignation of an Independent Director, such requirement shall
not be applicable for 60 days. As of December 31,
1997, there were seven directors, four of whom are Independent
Directors. The holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to vote
on the election or removal of directors, with each share
entitled to one vote. The Charter provides that, subject to any
rights of holders of Preferred Stock, and unless the Board of
Directors otherwise determines, any vacancies will be filled by
the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors,
though less than a quorum. Any director so elected may qualify
as an Independent Director only if he has received the
affirmative vote of at least a majority of the remaining
Independent Directors, if any. Accordingly, the Board of
Directors could temporarily prevent any holder of Common Stock
from enlarging the Board of Directors and filling the new
directorships with such shareholders own nominees. Any
director so elected shall serve for the unexpired term of the
class to which he is elected.
A director may be removed with cause by the vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock at a
special meeting of the shareholders called for the purpose of
removing him. Additionally, the Charter and the MGCL provide
that if shareholders of any class of capital stock of FelCor are
entitled separately to elect one or more directors, such
directors may not be removed except by the affirmative vote of a
majority of all of the shares of such class or series entitled
to vote for such directors.
Limitation of Liability
The Charter provides that to the maximum extent that Maryland
law in effect from time to time permits limitation of liability
of directors and officers, no director or officer of FelCor
shall be liable to FelCor or its shareholders for money damages.
Indemnification of Directors and
Officers
The Charter and Bylaws require FelCor to indemnify its
directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent
permitted from time to time by Maryland law. Maryland law
permits a corporation to indemnify its directors, officers,
employees and agents against judgments, penalties, fines,
settlements and reasonable expenses (including attorneys fees)
actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to
which they may be made a party by reason of their service to or
at the request of the corporation, unless it is established that
(i) the act or omission of the indemnified party was
material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and the act
or omission was committed in bad faith or was the result of
active and deliberate dishonesty, or (ii) the indemnified
party actually received an improper personal benefit in money,
property or services, or (iii) in the case of any criminal
proceeding, the indemnified party had reasonable cause to
believe that the act or omission was unlawful. Indemnification
is mandatory if the indemnified party has been successful on the
merits or otherwise in the defense of any proceeding unless such
indemnification is not otherwise permitted as provided in the
preceding sentence. In addition to the foregoing, a court of
competent jurisdiction, under certain circumstances, may order
indemnification if it determines that the director is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the
relevant circumstances. A director may not be indemnified if the
proceeding was an action by or in the right of the corporation
and the director was adjudged to be liable, or the proceeding
involved a determination that the director received an improper
personal benefit.
43
Amendment
Subject to the rights of any Preferred Stock outstanding from
time to time (including the rights of the Series A
Preferred Stock), the Charter may be amended by the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
the Common Stock entitled to vote on the matter after the
directors have adopted a resolution proposing the amendment and
submitted the resolution to the shareholders at either an annual
or special meeting, with the shareholders voting as a class with
one vote per share; provided, that the Charter provision
providing for the classification of FelCors Board of
Directors into three classes may not be amended, altered,
changed or repealed without the affirmative vote of at least 80%
of the members of the Board of Directors and the affirmative
vote of holders of 75% of the outstanding shares of capital
stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
voting as a class. The provisions relating to restrictions on
transfer, designation of shares-in-trust, shares-in- trust and
ownership of the Lessee may not be amended, altered, changed or
repealed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the
members of the Board of Directors and adopted by an affirmative
vote of the holders of not less than
662/3%
of the outstanding shares of capital stock of FelCor entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as
a class.
Operations
FelCor generally is prohibited from engaging in certain
activities, including acquiring or holding property or engaging
in any activity that would cause FelCor to fail to qualify as a
REIT.
Maryland Anti-takeover Statutes
Under the MGCL, certain business combinations
(including a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in
certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or
reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland
corporation and (i) any person who beneficially owns 10% or
more of the voting power of the corporations shares,
(ii) an affiliate of the corporation who, at any time
within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was
the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the
then outstanding voting stock of the corporation (an
Interested Shareholder), or (iii) an affiliate
thereof are prohibited for five years after the most recent date
on which the Interested Shareholder became an Interested
Shareholder. Thereafter, any business combination
must be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation
and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (a) 80% of
the votes entitled to cast by holders of outstanding voting
shares of the corporation and (b) two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting shares of
the corporation other than shares held by the Interested
Shareholder with whom the business combination is to be
effected, unless, among other conditions, the corporations
shareholders receive a minimum price (as defined under Maryland
law) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash
or in the same form as previously paid by the Interested
Shareholder for its shares. These provisions of Maryland law do
not apply, however, to business combinations that are
(i) with respect to specifically identified or unidentified
existing or future Interested Shareholders, approved or exempted
by the board of directors of the corporation prior to the time
that the Interested Shareholder becomes an Interested
Shareholder, or (ii) if the original articles of
incorporation of the corporation contain a provision expressly
electing not to be governed by Section 3-602 of the MGCL or
the shareholders of the corporation adopt a charter amendment by
a vote of at least 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by
outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation, voting
together in a single group, and two-thirds of the votes entitled
to be cast by persons (if any) who are not Interested
Shareholders. The Charter has exempted from these provisions of
Maryland law, any business combination involving
Mr. Feldman or Mr. Corcoran or any present or future
affiliates, associates or other persons acting in concert or as
a group with Mr. Feldman or Mr. Corcoran.
Sections 3-701 et seq. of the MGCL (the Control Share
Statute) provides that control shares of a
Maryland corporation acquired in a control share
acquisition have no voting rights except to the extent
approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be
cast on the matter, excluding shares of stock owned by the
acquiring person, or by officers or directors who are employees
of the corporation. Control shares are voting shares
of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock
previously acquired by that person or in respect of which the
acquiring person is able to exercise or direct the exercise of
voting
44
power, would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in
electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting
power: (i) one-fifth or more but less than one-third,
(ii) one-third or more but less than a majority, or
(iii) a majority or more of all voting power. Control
shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then
entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained
shareholder approval. A control share acquisition
means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain
exceptions. Voting rights will not be denied to control
shares if the acquisition of such shares, as to
specifically identified or unidentified future or existing
shareholders or their affiliates, has been approved by the
charter or bylaws of the corporation prior to the acquisition of
such shares.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share
acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including
an undertaking to pay expenses), may compel the board of
directors to call a special meeting of shareholders to be held
within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of
the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation
may itself present the question at any shareholders
meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the
acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement
as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions
and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the
control shares (except those for which voting rights have
previously been approved) for fair value determined, without
regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares,
as of the date of the last control share acquisition or of any
meeting of shareholders at which the voting rights of such
shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for
control shares are approved at a shareholders meeting and the
acquiring person becomes entitled to vote a majority of the
shares entitled to vote, all other shareholders may exercise
appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for
purposes of the appraisal rights may not be less than the
highest price per share paid by the acquiring person in the
control share acquisition. Certain limitations and restrictions
otherwise applicable to the exercise of dissenters rights
do not apply in the context of a control share acquisition.
The Maryland Control Share Statute does not apply to shares
acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the
corporation is a party to the transaction, or to acquisitions
approved or exempted by a corporations articles of
incorporation or bylaws.
The Charter and Bylaws contain a provision exempting any and all
acquisitions of FelCors shares of capital stock from the
control shares provision of Maryland law. There can be no
assurance that this provision will not be amended or eliminated
in the future. If the foregoing exemption in the bylaws is
rescinded, the control share acquisition statute could have the
effect of discouraging offers to acquire FelCor and of
increasing the difficulty of consummating any such offer.
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
The following summary of the Partnership Agreement of FelCor LP
(Partnership Agreement), and the descriptions of
certain provisions thereof set forth herein, are qualified in
their entirety by reference to the Partnership Agreement, which
is an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part.
Management
FelCor LP is a Delaware limited partnership and was formed
pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreement. Pursuant to
the Partnership Agreement, FelCor, as the sole general partner
of FelCor LP (General Partner), has full, exclusive
and complete responsibility and discretion in the management and
control of FelCor LP, and the limited partners of FelCor LP
(Limited Partners) have no authority to transact
business for, or participate in the management activities or
decisions of, FelCor LP. However, any amendment to the
Partnership Agreement that would (i) affect the Redemption
Rights described under Redemption Rights
below, (ii) adversely affect the Limited Partners
rights to receive cash distributions, (iii) alter FelCor
LPs allocations of income, or (iv) impose on the
Limited Partners any obligations to make additional
contributions to the capital of FelCor LP, requires the consent
of Limited Partners holding at least a majority of the Units.
45
Transferability of Interests
FelCor may not voluntarily withdraw from FelCor LP or transfer
or assign its interest in FelCor LP unless the transaction in
which such withdrawal or transfer occurs results in the Limited
Partners receiving property in an amount equal to the amount
they would have received had they exercised their Redemption
Rights immediately prior to such transaction, or unless the
successor to FelCor contributes substantially all of its assets
to FelCor LP in return for an interest in FelCor LP. The Limited
Partners may not transfer their interests in FelCor LP without
the consent of FelCor, which FelCor may withhold in its sole
discretion. FelCor may not consent to any transfer that would
cause FelCor LP to be treated as a separate corporation for
federal income tax purposes.
Capital Contributions
FelCor and the original Limited Partners contributed cash and
certain interests in FelCors six initial hotels to FelCor
LP in connection with FelCors initial public offering of
Common Stock in 1994 (IPO). Subsequently, FelCor LP
issued additional Units in exchange for cash contributions from
Promus and for interests in additional hotels. FelCor will
contribute all of the net proceeds from the sale of capital
stock to FelCor LP in exchange for additional Units having
distribution, liquidation and conversion provisions
substantially identical to the capital stock so offered by
FelCor. As required by the Partnership Agreement, immediately
prior to a capital contribution by FelCor, the Partners
capital accounts and the Carrying Value (as that term is defined
in FelCor LP Agreement) of FelCor LP property shall be adjusted
to reflect the unrealized gain or unrealized loss attributable
to FelCor LP property as if such items had actually been
recognized immediately prior to such issuance and had been
allocated to the Partners at such time.
The Partnership Agreement provides that if FelCor LP requires
additional funds at any time or from time to time in excess of
funds available to FelCor LP from borrowing or capital
contributions, FelCor may borrow such funds from a financial
institution or other lender and lend such funds to FelCor LP on
the same terms and conditions as are applicable to FelCors
borrowing of such funds. As an alternative to borrowing funds
required by FelCor LP, FelCor may contribute the amount of such
required funds as an additional capital contribution to FelCor
LP. If FelCor so contributes additional capital to FelCor LP,
FelCor will receive additional Units.
Redemption Rights
Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, the Limited Partners are
entitled to certain rights of redemption (Redemption
Rights), which enable them to cause FelCor to redeem their
interests in FelCor LP (subject to certain restrictions) in
exchange for shares of Common Stock, cash or a combination
thereof, at the election of FelCor. The Redemption Rights may
not be exercised if the issuance of shares of Common Stock by
FelCor, as General Partner, for any part of the interest in
FelCor LP sought to be redeemed would (i) result in any
person violating the Ownership Limit contained in FelCors
Charter, (ii) cause FelCor to be closely held
within the meaning of the Code, (iii) cause FelCor to be
treated as owning 10% or more of the Lessee or any sublessee
within the meaning of the Code, or (iv) otherwise cause
FelCor to fail to qualify as a REIT. In any case, FelCor LP or
FelCor (as the case may be) may elect, in its sole and absolute
discretion, to pay the Redemption Amount in cash. The Redemption
Rights may be exercised by the Limited Partners, in whole or in
part (in either case, subject to the above restrictions), at any
time or from time to time, following the satisfaction of any
applicable holding period requirements. At December 31,
1997, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of the Redemption Rights by the Limited Partners
was 2,899,510. The number of shares issuable upon the exercise
of the Redemption Rights will be adjusted upon the occurrence of
stock splits, mergers, consolidations or similar pro rata share
transactions, which otherwise would have the effect of diluting
the ownership interests of the Limited Partners or the
shareholders of FelCor.
46
Registration Rights
The Limited Partners have, or will have, certain rights to the
registration for resale of any shares of Common Stock held by
them or received by them upon redemption of their Units. Such
rights include piggyback rights and the right to include such
shares in a registration statement. In connection therewith,
FelCor has filed and caused to become effective a registration
statement relating to the resale of shares issued upon
redemption of certain outstanding Units. FelCor is required to
bear the costs of such registration statements, exclusive of
underwriting discounts, commissions and certain other costs
attributable to, and to be borne by, the selling stockholders.
Tax Matters
Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, FelCor is the tax matters
partner of FelCor LP and, as such, has authority to make tax
elections under the Code on behalf of FelCor LP.
Profit and loss of FelCor LP generally are allocated among the
partners in accordance with their respective interests in FelCor
LP based on the number of Units held by the partners.
Operations
The Partnership Agreement requires that FelCor LP be operated in
a manner that enables FelCor to satisfy the requirements for
being classified as a REIT and to avoid any federal income tax
liability.
Distributions
The Partnership Agreement provides that FelCor LP will
distribute cash from operations (including net sale or
refinancing proceeds, but excluding net proceeds from the sale
of FelCor LPs property in connection with the liquidation
of FelCor LP) quarterly, in amounts determined by FelCor in its
sole discretion, to the partners in accordance with their
respective percentage interests in FelCor LP. Upon liquidation
of FelCor LP, after payment of, or adequate provision for, debts
and obligations of FelCor LP, including any partner loans, any
remaining assets of FelCor LP will be distributed to all
partners with positive capital accounts in accordance with their
respective positive capital account balances. If any partner,
including FelCor, has a negative balance in its capital account
following a liquidation of FelCor LP, it will be obligated to
contribute cash to FelCor LP equal to the negative balance in
its capital account.
Term
FelCor LP will continue until December 31, 2044, or until
sooner dissolved upon (i) the bankruptcy, dissolution or
withdrawal of FelCor as General Partner (unless the Limited
Partners elect to continue FelCor LP), (ii) the sale or
other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of
FelCor LP, (iii) the redemption of all limited partnership
interests in FelCor LP (other than those held by FelCor, if
any), or (iv) the election by the General Partner.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of the material federal tax income
tax considerations relevant to a prospective holder of
Securities. The discussion does not purport to deal with all
aspects of taxation that may be relevant to a holder of
Securities in light of its personal investment or tax
circumstances, or to certain types of shareholders (including
insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial
institutions or broker-dealers, foreign corporations, and
persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States)
subject to special treatment under the federal income tax laws.
Each prospective purchaser should consult his own tax advisor
regarding the specific tax consequences of the purchase,
ownership, and sale of the securities and of FelCors
election to be taxed as a REIT, including the federal, state,
local, foreign, and other tax consequences of such purchase,
ownership, sale, and election, and of potential changes in
applicable tax laws.
47
Taxation of the Company
FelCor has made an election to be taxed as a REIT under Sections
856 through 860 of the Code, commencing with its initial taxable
year ended December 31, 1994. FelCor currently is qualified
as a REIT and intends to continue to operate in such manner, but
no assurance can be given that FelCor will operate in a manner
so as to remain qualified as a REIT.
The sections of the Code relating to qualification and operation
as a REIT are highly technical and complex. The following
discussion sets forth the material aspects of the Code sections
that govern the federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its
shareholders. The discussion is qualified in its entirety by the
applicable Code provisions, rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder (Treasury Regulations), and
administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all of
which are subject to change prospectively or retrospectively.
FelCor believes that it qualified to be taxed as a REIT for its
taxable years ended December 31, 1994 through
December 31, 1997, and that its organization and current
and proposed method of operation will enable it to continue to
qualify as a REIT for its taxable year ended December 31,
1998 and in the future. Prior to issuing Securities, FelCor
expects to obtain an opinion of Hunton & Williams, special
tax counsel to FelCor, as to its REIT qualification. Continued
qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon FelCors
ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual annual
operating results, distribution levels, and stock ownership, the
various qualification tests imposed under the Code discussed
below. No assurance can be given that the actual results of
FelCors operation for any particular taxable year will
satisfy such requirements. For a discussion of the tax
consequences of failure to qualify as a REIT, see
Failure to Qualify.
If FelCor continues to qualify for taxation as a REIT, it
generally will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes
on its net income that is distributed currently to the
shareholders. That treatment substantially eliminates the
double taxation (i.e., taxation at both the
corporate and shareholder levels) that generally results from
investment in a corporation. However, FelCor will be subject to
federal income tax in the following circumstances. First, FelCor
will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed
REIT taxable income, including undistributed net capital gains.
Second, under certain circumstances, FelCor may be subject to
the alternative minimum tax on its undistributed
items of tax preference. Third, if FelCor has (i) net
income from the sale or other disposition of foreclosure
property that is held primarily for sale to customers in
the ordinary course of business or (ii) other nonqualifying
income from foreclosure property, it will be subject to tax at
the highest corporate rate on such income. Fourth, if FelCor has
net income from prohibited transactions (which are, in general,
certain sales or other dispositions of property (other than
foreclosure property) held primarily for sale to customers in
the ordinary course of business), such income will be subject to
a 100% tax. Fifth, if FelCor should fail to satisfy the 75%
gross income test or the 95% gross income test (as discussed
below), and has nonetheless maintained its qualification as a
REIT because certain other requirements have been met, it will
be subject to a 100% tax on the gross income attributable to the
greater of the amount by which FelCor fails the 75% or 95% gross
income test, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect
FelCors profitability. Sixth, if FelCor should fail to
distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of
(i) 85% of its REIT ordinary income for such year,
(ii) 95% of its REIT capital gain net income for such year,
and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior
periods, FelCor would be subject to a 4% excise tax on the
excess of such required distribution over the amounts actually
distributed. To the extent that FelCor elects to retain and pay
income tax on the net long-term capital gain it receives in a
taxable year, such retained amounts will be treated as having
been distributed for purposes of the 4% excise tax. Seventh, if
FelCor acquires any asset from a C corporation
(i.e., a corporation generally subject to full
corporate-level tax) in a transaction in which the basis of the
asset in FelCors hands is determined by reference to the
basis of the asset (or any other asset) in the hands of the
C corporation and FelCor recognizes gain on the disposition
of such asset during the 10-year period beginning on the date on
which such asset was acquired by FelCor, then to the extent of
such assets built-in gain (i.e., the excess of
the fair market value of such asset at the time of acquisition
by FelCor over the adjusted basis in such asset at such time),
such gain will be subject to tax at the highest regular
corporate rate applicable (as provided in Treasury
48
Regulations that have not yet been promulgated). The results
described above with respect to the recognition of
built-in gain assume that FelCor would make an
election pursuant to IRS Notice 88-19 if it were to make any
such acquisition. See Proposed Tax Legislation.
Requirements for Qualification
The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association
(i) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;
(ii) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by
transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of
beneficial interest; (iii) that would be taxable as a
domestic corporation, but for Sections 856 through 860 of
the Code; (iv) that is neither a financial institution nor
an insurance company subject to certain provisions of the Code;
(v) the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or
more persons; (vi) not more than 50% in value of the
outstanding stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by
five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include
certain entities) during the last half of each taxable year
(5/50 Rule); (vii) that makes an election
to be a REIT (or has made such election for a previous taxable
year) and satisfies all relevant filing and other administrative
requirements established by the Service that must be met in
order to elect and to maintain REIT status; (viii) that
uses a calendar year for federal income tax purposes and
complies with the recordkeeping requirements of the Code and
Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder; and (ix) that
meets certain other tests, described below, regarding the nature
of its income and assets. The Code provides that conditions
(i) to (iv), inclusive, must be met during the entire
taxable year and that condition (v) must be met during at
least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or
during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than
12 months. FelCor has issued and will issue sufficient
stock in sufficient diversity of ownership to allow it to
satisfy requirements (v) and (vi). In addition,
FelCors Charter provides for restrictions regarding
ownership and transfer of its outstanding stock that are
intended to assist FelCor in continuing to satisfy the share
ownership requirements described in (v) and (vi) above.
For purposes of determining stock ownership under the
5/50 Rule, a (i) supplement unemployment compensation
benefits plan, a private foundation, or a portion of a trust
permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable
purposes generally is considered an individual, and
(ii) stock held by a trust that is a qualified trust under
Code section 401(a) is treated as held by the trusts
beneficiaries in proportion to their actuarial interests in the
pension trust for purposes of the 5/50 Rule.
In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership,
Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own
its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and
will be deemed to be entitled to the gross income of the
partnership attributable to such share. In addition, the
character of the assets and gross income of the partnership will
retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes
of Section 856 of the Code, including satisfying the gross
income and asset tests, described below. Thus, FelCors
proportionate share of the assets, liabilities and items of
income of FelCor LP (and any lower tier partnership) will
be treated as assets and gross income of FelCor for purposes of
applying the requirements described herein.
Income Tests
In order for FelCor to maintain its qualification as a REIT,
there are two requirements relating to FelCors gross
income that must be satisfied annually. First, at least 75% of
FelCors gross income (excluding gross income from
prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must consist of
defined types of income derived directly or indirectly from
investments relating to real property or mortgages on real
property (including rents from real property and, in
certain circumstances, interest) or temporary investment income.
Second, at least 95% of FelCors gross income (excluding
gross income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year
must be derived from such real property or temporary
investments, and from dividends, other types of interest, and
gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, or
from any combination of the foregoing. The specific application
of these tests to FelCor is discussed below.
Rents received by FelCor will qualify as rents from real
property in satisfying the gross income requirements for a
REIT described above only if several conditions are met. First,
the amount of rent must not be based in whole or in part on the
income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or
49
accrued generally will not be excluded from the term rents
from real property solely by reason of being based on a
fixed percentage or percentages of receipts of sales. Second,
the Code provides that rents received from a tenant will not
qualify as rents from real property in satisfying
the gross income tests if FelCor, or an owner of 10% or more of
FelCor, directly or constructively owns 10% or more of such
tenant (a Related Party Tenant). Third, if rent
attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a
lease of real property, is greater than 15% of the total rent
received under the lease, then the portion of rent attributable
to such personal property will not qualify as rents from
real property. Finally, for rents received to qualify as
rents from real property, FelCor generally must not
operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to
the tenants of such property, other than through an
independent contractor from whom FelCor derives no
revenue. The independent contractor requirement,
however, does not apply to the extent the services provided by
FelCor are usually or customarily rendered in
connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are
not otherwise considered rendered to the occupant.
In addition, the Company may furnish or render a
de minimis amount of noncustomary
services to the tenants of a hotel other than through an
independent contractor as long as the amount that the Company
receives that is attributable to such services does not exceed
1% of its total receipts from the hotel. For that purpose,
the amount attributable to the Companys noncustomary
services will be at least equal to 150% of the Companys
cost of providing the services.
Pursuant to the Percentage Leases, the Lessee leases from FelCor
LP and the Subsidiary Partnerships (as defined below) the land,
buildings, improvements, furnishings, and equipment comprising
the Current Hotels, generally for a 10-year period. The
Percentage Leases provide that the Lessee is obligated to pay to
FelCor LP or the Subsidiary Partnership (i) the
greater of a fixed rent (Base Rent) or a percentage
rent (Percentage Rent) (collectively,
Rents) and (ii) certain other amounts,
including interest accrued on any late payments or charges
(Additional Charges). The Percentage Rent is
calculated by multiplying fixed percentages by the gross suite
revenues and food and beverage revenues or food and beverage
rent revenues for each of the Hotels in excess of certain
levels. The Base Rent accrues and is required to be paid
monthly. Although Percentage Rent is due quarterly, the Lessee
will not be in default for non-payment of Percentage Rent due in
any calendar year if the Lessee pays, within 90 days of the
end of the calendar year, the excess of Percentage Rent due and
unpaid over the Base Rent with respect to such year.
FelCor LP and the Subsidiary Partnerships will enter into
leases with the Lessee with respect to any additional hotels
acquired by them that are substantially similar to the
Percentage Leases with respect to the Current Hotels. For
purposes of this section, the term FelCor LP
includes the Subsidiary Partnerships when the context requires.
In order for the Base Rent, the Percentage Rent, and the
Additional Charges to constitute rents from real
property, the Percentage Leases must be respected as true
leases for federal income tax purposes and not treated as
service contracts, joint ventures or some other type of
arrangement. The determination of whether the Percentage Leases
are true leases depends on an analysis of all the surrounding
facts and circumstances. In making such a determination, courts
have considered a variety of factors, including the following:
(i) the intent of the parties, (ii) the form of the
agreement, (iii) the degree of control over the property
that is retained by the property owner (e.g., whether the
lessee has substantial control over the operation of the
property or whether the lessee was required simply to use its
best efforts to perform its obligations under the agreement),
and (iv) the extent to which the property owner retains the
risk of loss with respect to the property (e.g., whether
the lessee bears the risk of increases in operating expenses or
the risk of damage to the property).
In addition, Code Section 7701(e) provides that a
contract that purports to be a service contract (or a
partnership agreement) is treated instead as a lease of property
if the contract is properly treated as such, taking into account
all relevant factors, including whether or not: (i) the
service recipient is in physical possession of the property,
(ii) the service recipient controls the property,
(iii) the service recipient has a significant economic or
possessory interest in the property (e.g., the
propertys use is likely to be dedicated to the service
recipient for a substantial portion of the useful life of the
property, the recipient shares the risk that the property will
decline in value, the recipient shares in any appreciation in
the value of the property, the recipient shares in savings in
the propertys operating costs, or the recipient bears the
risk of damage to or loss of the property), (iv) the
service provider does not bear any risk of
50
substantially diminished receipts or substantially increased
expenditures if there is nonperformance under the contract,
(v) the service provider does not use the property
concurrently to provide significant services to entities
unrelated to the service recipient, and (vi) the total
contract price does not substantially exceed the rental value of
the property for the contract period. Since the determination
whether a service contract should be treated as a lease is
inherently factual, the presence or absence of any single factor
may not be dispositive in every case.
FelCor believes that the Percentage Leases will be treated as
true leases for federal income tax purposes. Such belief is
based, in part, on the following facts: (i) FelCor LP and
the Lessee intend for their relationship to be that of a lessor
and lessee and such relationship will be documented by lease
agreements, (ii) the Lessee has the right to exclusive
possession and use and quiet enjoyment of the Current Hotels
during the term of the Percentage Leases, (iii) the Lessee
bears the cost of, and will be responsible for, day-to-day
maintenance and repair of the Current Hotels, other than the
cost of maintaining underground utilities and structural
elements, and will dictate how the Current Hotels are operated,
maintained, and improved, (iv) the Lessee bears all of the
costs and expenses of operating the Current Hotels (including
the cost of any inventory and supplies used in their operation)
during the term of the Percentage Leases (other than real and
personal property taxes, and the cost of replacement or
refurbishment of furniture, fixtures and equipment, to the
extent such costs do not exceed the allowance for such costs
provided by FelCor LP under each Percentage Lease), (v) the
Lessee benefits from any savings in the costs of operating the
Current Hotels during the term of the Percentage Leases,
(vi) in the event of damage or destruction to a Current
Hotel, the Lessee will be at economic risk because it will be
obligated either (A) to restore the property to its prior
condition, in which event it will bear all costs of such
restoration or (B) purchase the Current Hotel for an amount
generally equal to FelCor LPs investment in the
Property, (vii) the Lessee will indemnify FelCor LP against
all liabilities imposed on FelCor LP during the term of the
Percentage Leases by reason of (A) injury to persons or
damage to property occurring at the Current Hotels or
(B) the Lessees use, management, maintenance or
repair of the Current Hotels, (viii) the Lessee is
obligated to pay substantial fixed rent for the period of use of
the Current Hotels, and (ix) the Lessee stands to incur
substantial losses (or reap substantial gains) depending on how
successfully it operates the Current Hotels.
Investors should be aware that there are no controlling Treasury
Regulations, published rulings, or judicial decisions involving
leases with terms substantially the same as the Percentage
Leases that discuss whether such leases constitute true leases
for federal income tax purposes. There can be no complete
assurance that the Service will not assert successfully a
contrary position. If the Percentage Leases are recharacterized
as service contracts or partnership agreements, rather than true
leases, part or all of the payments that FelCor LP receives from
the Lessee may not be considered rent or may not otherwise
satisfy the various requirements for qualification as
rents from real property. In that case, FelCor
likely would not be able to satisfy either the 75% or 95% gross
income tests and, as a result, would lose its REIT status.
In order for the Rents to constitute rents from real
property, several other requirements also must be
satisfied. One requirement is that the Rents attributable to
personal property leased in connection with the lease of the
real property comprising a hotel must not be greater than 15% of
the Rents received under the Percentage Lease. The Rents
attributable to the personal property in a hotel is the amount
that bears the same ratio to total rent for the taxable year as
the average of the adjusted bases of the personal property in
the hotel at the beginning and at the end of the taxable bears
to the average of the aggregate adjusted bases of both the real
and personal property comprising the hotel at the beginning and
at the end of the such taxable year (Adjusted Basis
Ratio). The initial adjusted basis of the personal
property in each Current Hotel was less than 15% of the initial
adjusted bases of both the real and personal property comprising
such Current Hotel. The basis of personal property contained in
the Current Hotels acquired for cash was determined either by
appraisals performed by a professional appraiser, with respect
to nine of the Current Hotels acquired in connection with the
initial and secondary public offerings of the Common Stock, or
by internal appraisals performed by FelCor using the same
methodology employed by professional appraisers, with respect to
other Current Hotels acquired for cash. The initial adjusted
basis of personal property contained in Current Hotels acquired
in exchange for Units generally was the same as
51
the basis of the transferor of the hotel at the time of the
transfer. FelCor expects that the value of the personal property
at each hotel to be acquired for cash will be less than 15% of
the expected purchase price of such hotel and expects to perform
internal appraisals of such property using the same methodology
employed by professional appraisers that are expected to confirm
such expectation. However, in the event that appraisals show
that the Adjusted Basis Ratio with respect to any hotel to be
acquired for cash would exceed 15% for the taxable year of any
acquisition, a portion of the personal property of that hotel
will be purchased or leased from another entity by the Lessee
and the lease payments under the Percentage Leases will be
adjusted appropriately. In addition, FelCor expects that its
initial adjusted basis in the personal property contained in
each hotel to be acquired in exchange for Units will be less
than 15% of its initial adjusted basis in such hotel. Further,
in no event will FelCor LP acquire additional personal
property for a Hotel to the extent that such acquisition would
cause the Adjusted Basis Ratio for that hotel to exceed 15%.
There can be no assurance, however, that the Service would not
assert that the personal property originally acquired by
FelCor LP had a value in excess of the appraised value, or
that a court would not uphold such assertion. If such a
challenge were successfully asserted, FelCor could fail the 15%
Adjusted Basis Ratio as to one or more of the Percentage Leases,
which in turn potentially could cause it to fail to satisfy the
95% or 75% gross income test and thus lose its REIT status.
Another requirement for qualification of the Rents as
rents from real property is that the Percentage Rent
must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits
of any person. The Percentage Rent, however, will qualify as
rents from real property if it is based on
percentages of receipts or sales and the percentages
(i) are fixed at the time the Percentage Leases are entered
into, (ii) are not renegotiated during the term of the
Percentage Leases in a manner that has the effect of basing
Percentage Rent on income or profits, and (iii) conform
with normal business practice. More generally, the Percentage
Rent will not qualify as rents from real property
if, considering the Percentage Leases and all the surrounding
circumstances, the arrangement does not conform with normal
business practice, but is in reality used as a means of basing
the Percentage Rent on income or profits. Since the Percentage
Rent is based on fixed percentages of the gross revenues from
the Current Hotels that are established in the Percentage
Leases, and FelCor has represented that the percentages
(i) will not be renegotiated during the terms of the
Percentage Leases in a manner that has the effect of basing the
Percentage Rent on income or profits and (ii) conform with
normal business practice, the Percentage Rent should not be
considered based in whole or in part on the income or profits of
any person. Furthermore, FelCor has represented that, with
respect to other hotel properties that it acquires in the
future, it will not charge rent for any property that is based
in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person
(except by reason of being based on a fixed percentage of gross
revenues, as described above).
A third requirement for qualification of the Rents as
rents from real property is that FelCor must not
own, directly or constructively, 10% or more of the Lessee. The
constructive ownership rules generally provide that, if 10% or
more in value of the stock of FelCor is owned, directly or
indirectly, by or for any person, FelCor is considered as owning
the ownership interests in any lessee that are owned, directly
or indirectly, by or for such person. FelCor does not currently
own, directly or constructively, any ownership interest in the
Lessee. In addition, although certain Limited Partners of FelCor
LP own ownership interests in the Lessee, the Partnership
Agreement provides that a redeeming Limited Partner will not be
permitted to redeem Units (unless FelCor elects, in its sole
discretion, to pay cash in lieu of Common Stock) to the extent
that the acquisition of Common Stock by such partner would
result in FelCor being treated as owning, directly or
constructively, 10% or more of the ownership interests of the
Lessee or of the ownership interests in any sublessee. Thus,
FelCor should never own, directly or constructively, 10% or more
of the Lessee or any sublessee. Furthermore, FelCor has
represented that, with respect to other hotel properties that it
acquires in the future, it will not rent any property to a
Related Party Tenant. However, because the Codes
constructive ownership rules for purposes of the Related Party
Tenant rules are broad and it is not possible to monitor
continually direct and indirect transfers of shares of Common
Stock, no absolute assurance can be given that such transfers or
other events of which FelCor has no knowledge will not cause
FelCor to own constructively 10% or more of the Lessee at some
future date.
A fourth requirement for qualification of the Rents as
rents from real property is that, other than
pursuant to the 1% de minimis exception described above,
FelCor cannot furnish or render noncustomary
52
services to the tenants of the hotels, or manage or operate the
hotels, other than through an independent contractor from whom
FelCor itself does not derive or receive any income. Provided
that the Percentage Leases are respected as true leases, FelCor
should satisfy that requirement because FelCor LP is not
performing any services other than customary ones for the
Lessee. Furthermore, FelCor has represented that, with respect
to other hotel properties that it acquires in the future, it
will not perform noncustomary services with respect to the
tenant of the property. As described above, however, if the
Percentage Leases are recharacterized as service contracts or
partnership agreements, the Rents likely would be disqualified
as rents from real property because FelCor would be
considered to furnish or render services to the occupants of the
hotels and to manage or operate the hotels other than through an
independent contractor who is adequately compensated and from
whom FelCor derives or receives no income.
If the Rents do not qualify as rents from real
property because the rents attributable to personal
property exceed 15% of the total Rents for a taxable year, the
portion of the Rents that is attributable to personal property
will not be qualifying income for purposes of either the 75% or
95% gross income test. Thus, if the Rents attributable to
personal property, plus any other nonqualifying income, during a
taxable year exceeds 5% of FelCors gross income during the
year, FelCor would lose its REIT status. If, however, the Rents
do not qualify as rents from real property because
either (i) the Percentage Rent is considered based on
income or profits of the Lessee, (ii) FelCor owns, directly
or constructively, 10% or more of the Lessee, or
(iii) FelCor furnishes noncustomary services to the Lessee
(other than through a qualified independent contractor) or
manages or operates the hotels (other than pursuant to the 1%
de minimis exception), none of the Rents would qualify as
rents from real property. In that case, FelCor
likely would lose its REIT status because it would be unable to
satisfy either the 75% or 95% gross income test.
In addition to the Rents, the Lessee is required to pay to
FelCor LP the Additional Charges. To the extent that the
Additional Charges represent either (i) reimbursements of
amounts that the Lessee is obligated to pay to third parties or
(ii) penalties for nonpayment or late payment of such
amounts, the Additional Charges should qualify as rents
from real property. To the extent, however, that the
Additional Charges represent interest that is accrued on the
late payment of the Rents or the Additional Charges, the
Additional Charges should not qualify as rents from real
property, but instead should be treated as interest that
qualifies for the 95% gross income test.
The term interest, as defined for purposes of the
75% gross income test, generally does not include any amount
received or accrued (directly or indirectly) if the
determination of such amount depends in whole or in part on the
income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or
accrued generally will not be excluded from the term
interest solely by reason of being based on a fixed
percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. Furthermore, to
the extent that interest from a loan that is based on the
residual cash proceeds from sale of the property securing the
loan constitutes a shared appreciation provision (as
defined in the Code), income attributable to such participation
feature will be treated as gain from the sale of the secured
property.
The net income derived from any prohibited transaction is
subject to a 100% tax. The term prohibited
transaction generally includes a sale or other disposition
of property (other than foreclosure property) that is held
primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a
trade or business. All inventory required in the operation of
the hotels has been and will continue to be purchased by the
Lessee or its designee as required by the terms of the
Percentage Leases. Accordingly, FelCor and FelCor LP
believe that no asset owned by FelCor or FelCor LP is or
will be held for sale to customers and that a sale of any such
asset will not be in the ordinary course of business of FelCor
or FelCor LP. Whether property is held primarily for
sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or
business depends, however, on the facts and circumstances
in effect from time to time, including those related to the
particular property. Nevertheless, FelCor and FelCor LP
will attempt to comply with the terms of safe-harbor provisions
in the Code prescribing when asset sales will not be
characterized as prohibited transactions. Complete assurance
cannot be given, however, that FelCor or FelCor LP can
comply with the safe-harbor provisions of the Code or avoid
owning property that may be characterized as property held
primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of
a trade or business.
53
FelCor will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate on
any income from foreclosure property (other than income that
would be qualified income under the 75% gross income test), less
expenses directly connected with the production of such income.
However, gross income from such foreclosure property will
qualify under the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
Foreclosure property is defined as any real property
(including interests in real property) and any personal property
incident to such real property (i) that is acquired by a
REIT as the result of such REIT having bid in such property at
foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced such property to
ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after
there was a default (or default was imminent) on a lease of such
property or on an indebtedness that such property secured and
(ii) for which such REIT makes a proper election to treat
such property as foreclosure property. However, a REIT will not
be considered to have foreclosed on a property where such REIT
takes control of the property as a mortgagee-in-possession and
cannot receive any profit or sustain any loss except as a
creditor of the mortgagor. Under the Code, property generally
ceases to be foreclosure property with respect to a REIT at the
end of the third taxable year following the taxable year in
which such REIT acquired such property (or longer if an
extension is granted by the Secretary of the Treasury). The
foregoing grace period is terminated and foreclosure property
ceases to be foreclosure property on the first day (i) on
which a lease is entered into with respect to such property
that, by its terms, will give rise to income that does not
qualify under the 75% gross income test or any amount is
received or accrued, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a lease
entered into on or after such day that will give rise to income
that does not qualify under the 75% gross income test,
(ii) on which any construction takes place on such property
(other than completion of a building, or any other improvement,
where more than 10% of the construction of such building or
other improvement was completed before default became imminent)
or (iii) which is more than 90 days after the day on
which such property was acquired by the REIT and the property is
used in a trade or business that is conducted by the REIT (other
than through an independent contractor from whom the REIT itself
does not derive or receive any income). As a result of the rules
with respect to foreclosure property, if the Lessee defaults on
its obligations under a Percentage Lease for a hotel, FelCor
terminates the Lessees leasehold interest, and FelCor is
unable to find a replacement Lessee for such hotel within
90 days of such termination, gross income from hotel
operations conducted by FelCor from such hotel would cease to
qualify for the 75% and 95% gross income tests. In such event,
FelCor likely would be unable to satisfy the 75% and 95% gross
income tests and, thus, would fail to qualify as a REIT.
It is possible that, from time to time, FelCor or FelCor LP will
enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of
its assets or liabilities. Any such hedging transactions could
take a variety of forms, including interest rate swap contracts,
interest rate cap or floor contracts, futures or forward
contracts, and options. To the extent that FelCor or FelCor LP
enters into an interest rate swap or cap contract, option,
futures contract, forward rate agreement, or similar financial
instrument to reduce its interest rate risk with respect to
indebtedness incurred or to be incurred to acquire or carry real
estate assets, any periodic income or gain from the disposition
of such contract should be qualifying income for purposes of the
95% gross income test. To the extent that FelCor or FelCor LP
hedges with other types of financial instruments or in other
situations, it may not be entirely clear how the income from
those transactions will be treated for purposes of the various
income tests that apply to REITs under the Code. FelCor intends
to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not
jeopardize its status as REIT.
If FelCor fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross
income tests for any taxable year, it may nevertheless qualify
as a REIT for such year if it is entitled to relief under
certain provisions of the Code. Those relief provisions will be
generally available if FelCors failure to meet such tests
is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect,
FelCor attaches a schedule of the sources of its income to its
return, and any incorrect information on the schedule was not
due to fraud with intent to evade tax. It is not possible,
however, to state whether in all circumstances FelCor would be
entitled to the benefit of those relief provisions. As discussed
above in Taxation of the Company, even
if those relief provisions apply, a tax would be imposed with
respect to the gross income attributable to the greater of the
amounts by which FelCor failed the 75% or 95% gross income test,
multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect FelCors
profitability.
54
Asset Tests
FelCor, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, also
must satisfy two tests relating to the nature of its assets.
First, at least 75% of the value of FelCors total assets
must be represented by cash or cash items (including certain
receivables), government securities, real estate
assets, and, in cases where FelCor raises new capital
through stock or long-term (at least five-year) debt offerings,
temporary investments in stock or debt instruments during the
one-year period following FelCors receipt of such capital.
The term real estate assets includes interests in
real property, interests in mortgages on real property to the
extent the principal balance of the mortgage does not exceed the
value of the associated real property, and shares of other
REITs. For purposes of the 75% asset requirement, the term
interest in real property includes an interest in
land and improvements thereon, such as buildings or other
inherently permanent structures (including items that are
structural components of such buildings or structures), a
leasehold in real property, and an option to acquire real
property (or a leasehold in real property). Second, of the
investments not included in the 75% asset class (the 25%
asset test), the value of any one issuers securities
owned by FelCor may not exceed 5% of the value of FelCors
total assets and FelCor may not own more than 10% of any one
issuers outstanding voting securities (except for its
ownership interest in FelCor LP and the Subsidiary Partnerships
or the stock of a subsidiary with respect to which it has held
100% of the stock at all times during the subsidiarys
existence). See Proposed Tax Legislation.
For purposes of the asset requirements, FelCor will be deemed to
own its proportionate share of the assets of FelCor LP (and any
Subsidiary Partnership), rather than its general partnership
interest in FelCor LP. FelCor has represented that, at all
relevant times, (i) at least 75% of the value of its total
assets has been and will continue to be represented by real
estate assets, cash and cash items (including receivables), and
government securities and (ii) it does not and will not own
any securities that do not satisfy the 25% asset test (except
for the stock of subsidiaries with respect to which it has held
100% of the stock at all times during the subsidiarys
existence). In addition, FelCor has represented that it will not
acquire or dispose, or cause FelCor LP to acquire or dispose, of
assets in the future in a way that would cause it to violate
either asset test. FelCor believes that it satisfies both asset
tests for REIT status.
If FelCor should fail inadvertently to satisfy the asset tests
at the end of a calendar quarter, such a failure would not cause
it to lose its REIT status if (i) it satisfied all of the
asset tests at the close of the preceding calendar quarter and
(ii) the discrepancy between the value of FelCors
assets and the standards imposed by the asset requirements arose
from changes in the market values of its assets and was not
wholly or partly caused by an acquisition of one or more
nonqualifying assets. If the condition described in clause
(ii) of the preceding sentence were not satisfied, FelCor
still could avoid disqualification by eliminating any
discrepancy within 30 days after the close of the calendar
quarter in which it arose.
Distribution Requirements
FelCor, in order to qualify for the tax benefits accorded to
REITs under the Code, is required to distribute dividends (other
than capital gain dividends and retained capital gains) to its
shareholders in an amount at least equal to (i) the sum of
(A) 95% of its REIT taxable income (computed
without regard to the dividends paid deduction and its net
capital gain) and (B) 95% of the net income (after tax), if
any from foreclosure property, minus (ii) the sum of
certain items of noncash income. Such dividends must be paid in
the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following
taxable year if declared before FelCor timely files its tax
return for such year and if paid on or before the first regular
dividend payment after such declaration. To the extent that
FelCor does not distribute all of its net capital gain or
distributes at least 95%, but less than 100%, of its REIT
taxable income, as adjusted, it will be subject to tax
thereon at regular ordinary and capital gains corporate tax
rates. Furthermore, if FelCor should fail to distribute during
each calendar year at least the sum of (i) 85% of its REIT
ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of its REIT capital
gain income for such year, and (iii) any undistributed
taxable income from prior periods, FelCor would be subject to a
4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of such required
distribution over the amounts actually distributed. FelCor may
elect to retain and pay income tax on the long-term capital gain
it receives during a taxable year. Any such retained amounts
will be treated as having been distributed by FelCor for
purposes of the 4% excise tax. FelCor has made, and intends to
continue to make, timely distributions sufficient to satisfy all
annual distribution requirements.
55
It is possible that, from time to time, FelCor may experience
timing differences between (i) the actual receipt of income
and actual payment of deductible expenses and (ii) the
inclusion of that income and deduction of such expenses in
arriving at its REIT taxable income. For example, under the
Percentage Leases, the Lessee may defer payment of the excess of
the Percentage Rent over the Base Rent for a period of up to
90 days after the end of the calendar year in which such
payment was due. In that case, FelCor LP still would be required
to recognize as income the excess of the Percentage Rent over
the Base Rent in the calendar quarter to which it relates.
Further, it is possible that, from time to time, FelCor may be
allocated a share of net capital gain attributable to the sale
of depreciated property which exceeds its allocable share of
cash attributable to that sale. Therefore, FelCor may have less
cash available for distribution than is necessary to meet its
annual distribution requirements to avoid corporate income tax
or the excise tax imposed on certain undistributed income. In
such a situation, FelCor may find it necessary to arrange for
short-term (or possibly long-term) borrowings or to raise funds
through the issuance of additional shares of common or preferred
stock.
Under certain circumstances, FelCor may be able to rectify a
failure to meet the distribution requirements for a year by
paying deficiency dividends to its shareholders in a
later year, which may be included in FelCors deduction for
dividends paid for the earlier year. Although FelCor may be able
to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency
dividends, it will be required to pay to the Service interest
based upon the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency
dividends.
Recordkeeping Requirement
Pursuant to applicable Treasury Regulations, FelCor must
maintain certain records and request on an annual basis certain
information from its shareholders designed to disclose the
actual ownership of its outstanding stock. FelCor has complied
and intends to continue to comply with such requirements.
Partnership Anti-Abuse Rule
The Treasury Department has issued a final regulation
(Anti-Abuse Rule), under the partnership provisions
of the Code (Partnership Provisions), that
authorizes the Service, in certain abusive transactions
involving partnerships, to disregard the form of the transaction
and recast it for federal tax purposes as the Service deems
appropriate. The Anti-Abuse Rule applies where a partnership is
formed or availed of in connection with a transaction (or series
of related transactions) a principal purpose of which is to
reduce substantially the present value of the partners
aggregate federal tax liability in a manner inconsistent with
the intent of the Partnership Provisions. The Anti-Abuse Rule
states that the Partnership Provisions are intended to permit
taxpayers to conduct joint business (including investment)
activities through a flexible economic arrangement that
accurately reflects the partners economic agreement and
clearly reflects the partners income without incurring an
entity-level tax. The purposes for structuring a transaction
involving a partnership are determined based on all of the facts
and circumstances, including a comparison of the purported
business purpose for a transaction and the claimed tax benefits
resulting from the transaction. A reduction in the present value
of the partners aggregate federal tax liability through
the use of a partnership does not, by itself, establish
inconsistency with the intent of the Partnership Provisions.
The Anti-Abuse Rule contains an example in which a corporation
that elects to be treated as a REIT contributes substantially
all of the proceeds from a public offering to a partnership in
exchange for a general partner interest. The limited partners of
the partnership contribute real property assets to the
partnership, subject to liabilities that exceed their respective
aggregate bases in such property. In addition, some of the
limited partners have the right, beginning two years after the
formation of the partnership, to require the redemption of their
limited partnership interests in exchange for cash or REIT stock
(at the REITs option) equal to the fair market value of
their respective interests in the partnership at the time of the
redemption. The example concludes that the use of the
partnership is not inconsistent with the intent of the
Partnership Provisions and, thus, cannot be recast by the
Service. FelCor believes that the Anti-Abuse Rule will not have
any adverse impact on its ability to qualify as a REIT. However,
because the Anti-Abuse Rule is extraordinarily broad in scope
and is applied based on an analysis of all of the facts and
circumstances, there can be no assurance that the Service will
not attempt to apply the Anti-Abuse
56
Rule to FelCor. If the conditions of the Anti-Abuse Rule are
met, the Service is authorized to take appropriate enforcement
action, including disregarding FelCor LP for federal tax
purposes or treating one or more of its partners as nonpartners.
Any such action potentially could jeopardize FelCors
status as a REIT.
Failure to Qualify
If FelCor fails to qualify for taxation as REIT in any taxable
year, and the relief provisions do not apply, FelCor will be
subject to tax (including any applicable alternative minimum
tax) on its taxable income at regular corporate rates. Dividends
to the shareholders in any year in which FelCor fails to qualify
will not be deductible by FelCor nor will they be required to be
made. In such event, to the extent of current and accumulated
earnings and profits, all dividends to shareholders will be
taxable as ordinary income and, subject to certain limitations
of the Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the
dividends received deduction. Unless entitled to relief under
specific statutory provisions, FelCor also will be disqualified
from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the
year during which FelCor ceased to qualify as a REIT. It is not
possible to state whether in all circumstances FelCor would be
entitled to such statutory relief.
Other Tax Consequences
FelCor and Securities holders may be subject to state or local
taxation in various state or local jurisdictions, including
those in which it or they own property, transact business or
reside. The state and local tax treatment of FelCor and
Securities holders may not conform to the federal income tax
consequences discussed above. CONSEQUENTLY, PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS
OF SECURITIES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING
THE EFFECT OF STATE AND LOCAL TAX LAWS ON AN INVESTMENT IN FELCOR
Proposed Tax Legislation
On February 2, 1998, President Clinton released his budget
proposal for fiscal year 1999 (the Proposal). Two
provisions contained in the Proposal would affect FelCor if
enacted in final form. First, the Proposal would prohibit a REIT
from owning, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the voting
power or value of all classes of a C corporations stock
(other than the stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary).
Currently, a REIT may own no more than 10% of the voting stock
of a C corporation, but its ownership of the nonvoting stock of
a C corporation is not limited (other than by the rule that
the value of a REITs combined equity and debt interests in
a C corporation my not exceed 5% of the value of
REITs total assets). That provision is proposed to be
effective with respect to stock in a C corporation acquired
by a REIT on or after the date of first committee
action (i.e., first action by the House Ways and Means
Committee with respect to the provision) (First Committee
Action). A REIT that owns stock in a C corporation in
excess of the new ownership limit prior to First Committee
Action would be grandfathered, but only to the
extent that the corporation does not engage in a new trade or
business or acquire substantial new assets on or after the date
of First Committee Action. If enacted as presently written, that
provision would severely limit the use by a REIT of taxable
subsidiaries to conduct businesses the income from which would
be nonqualifying income if received by the REIT.
Second, the Proposal would require recognition of any built-in
gain associated with the assets of a large
C corporation (i.e., a C corporation whose stock has a
fair market value of more than $5 million) upon its conversion
to REIT status or merger into a REIT. That provision is proposed
to be effective for conversions to REIT status effective for
taxable years beginning after January 1, 1999 and mergers
of C corporations into REITs that occur after
December 31, 1998. This provision would require immediate
recognition of gain if, at any time after December 31,
1998, a large C corporation merges into FelCor.
Tax Aspects of the Partnership
The following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax
considerations applicable to FelCors investment in FelCor
LP and FelCor LPs investment in certain Subsidiary
Partnerships. The discussion does not cover state or local
tax laws or any federal tax laws other than income tax laws.
57
Classification as a Partnership
FelCor is entitled to include in its income its distributive
share of FelCor LPs income (including FelCor LPs
distributive share of income of a Subsidiary Partnership) and to
deduct its distributive share of FelCor LPs losses
(including FelCor LPs distributive share of losses of a
Subsidiary Partnership) only if FelCor LP (and each Subsidiary
Partnership) is classified for federal income tax purposes as a
partnership rather than as a corporation or an association
taxable as a corporation. An organization will be classified as
a partnership rather than as a corporation for federal income
tax purposes if the entity (i) is treated as a partnership
under Treasury regulations, effective January 1, 1997,
relating to entity classification (the Check-the-Box
Regulations) and (ii) is not a publicly
traded partnership. Pursuant to the Check-the-Box
Regulations, an unincorporated organization with at least two
members may elect to be classified either as an association or
as a partnership. If such an entity fails to make an election,
it generally will be treated as a partnership for federal income
tax purposes. The federal income tax classification of an entity
that was in existence prior to January 1, 1997, such as
FelCor LP (and the Subsidiary Partnerships), will be respected
for all periods prior to January 1, 1997 if (i) the
entity had a reasonable basis for its claimed classification,
(ii) the entity and all members of the entity recognized
the federal tax consequences of any changes in the entitys
classification within the 60 months prior to January 1,
1997, and (iii) neither the entity nor any member of the
entity was notified in writing by a taxing authority on or
before May 8, 1996 that the classification of the entity
was under examination. FelCor LP and the Subsidiary Partnerships
in existence on January 1, 1997 reasonably claimed
partnership classification under the Treasury Regulations
relating to entity classification in effect prior to
January 1, 1997. In addition, FelCor has represented that
neither FelCor LP nor a Subsidiary Partnership will elect to be
treated as an association taxable as a corporation under the
Check-the-Box Regulations.
A publicly traded partnership is a partnership whose
interests are traded on an established securities market or are
readily tradable on a secondary market (or the substantial
equivalent thereof). A publicly traded partnership will be
treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes unless
at least 90% of such partnerships gross income for a
taxable year consists of qualifying income under
Section 7704(d) of the Code, which generally includes any
income that is qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross
income test applicable to REITs (the 90% Passive-Type
Income Exception). See Requirements for
Qualification Income Tests. The U.S. Treasury
Department has issued regulations effective for taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1995 (the PTP
Regulations) that provide limited safe harbors from the
definition of a publicly traded partnership. Pursuant to one of
those safe harbors (the Private Placement
Exclusion), interests in a partnership will not be treated
as readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial
equivalent thereof if (i) all interests in the partnership
were issued in a transaction (or transactions) that was not
required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and (ii) the partnership does not have more than
100 partners at any time during the partnerships taxable
year. In determining the number of partners in a partnership, a
person owning an interest in a flow-through entity (i.e., a
partnership, grantor trust, or S corporation) that owns an
interest in the partnership is treated as a partner in such
partnership only if (a) substantially all of the value of
the owners interest in the flow-through entity is
attributable to the flow-through entitys interest (direct
or indirect) in the partnership and (b) a principal purpose
of the use of the flow- through entity is to permit the
partnership to satisfy the 100-partner limitation. FelCor LP and
each Subsidiary Partnership qualify for the Private Placement
Exclusion. If FelCor LP or a Subsidiary Partnership is
considered a publicly traded partnership under the PTP
Regulations because it is deemed to have more than 100 partners,
FelCor LP or such Subsidiary Partnership should not be treated
as a corporation because it should be eligible for the 90%
Passive-Type Income Exception.
FelCor believes that FelCor LP and each Subsidiary Partnership
will be treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes
and not as corporations or associations taxable as corporations.
FelCor LP has not requested, and does not intend to request, a
ruling from the Service that it or any Subsidiary Partnership
will be classified as a partnership for federal income tax
purposes. However, prior to issuing Securities, FelCor expects
to obtain an opinion of Hunton & Williams that, based on the
provisions of the Partnership Agreement, the partnership
agreements of each Subsidiary Partnership, certain factual
assumptions, and certain representations, FelCor LP and each
Subsidiary Partnership will be treated for
58
federal income tax purposes as partnerships and not as
corporations or associations taxable as corporations. No
assurance can be given that the Service will not challenge the
status of FelCor LP or a Subsidiary Partnership as a partnership
for federal income tax purposes. If such challenge were
sustained by a court, FelCor LP or such Subsidiary Partnership
would be treated as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes, as described below.
Effect of Failure to Qualify as a
Partnership
If for any reason FelCor LP or a Subsidiary Partnership were
taxable as a corporation, rather than as a partnership, for
federal income tax purposes, FelCor would not be able to qualify
as a REIT. See Requirements for
Qualification Income Tests and
Requirements for Qualification
Asset Tests. In addition, any change in FelCor LPs
or a Subsidiary Partnerships status for tax purposes might
be treated as a taxable event, in which case FelCor might incur
a tax liability without any related cash distribution. See
Requirements for Qualification
Distribution Requirements. Further, items of income and
deduction of FelCor LP or the Subsidiary Partnership, as
applicable, would not pass through to its partners, and its
partners would be treated as shareholders for tax purposes.
Consequently, FelCor LP or the Subsidiary Partnership would be
required to pay income tax at corporate tax rates on its net
income, and distributions to its partners would constitute
distributions that would not be deductible in computing FelCor
LPs or the Subsidiary Partnerships taxable income.
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Income Taxation of FelCor LP, the Subsidiary Partnerships and
their Partners |
Partners, Not FelCor LP, Subject to Tax. A partnership is
not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes. Rather,
FelCor is required to take into account its allocable share of
FelCor LPs income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits
for any taxable year of FelCor LP ending within or with the
taxable year of FelCor, without regard to whether FelCor has
received or will receive any distribution of FelCor LP. Such
items will include FelCor LPs available share of income,
gain, loss, deductions and credits of the Subsidiary
Partnerships.
Partnership Allocations. Although a partnership agreement
generally will determine the allocation of income and losses
among partners, such allocations will be disregarded for tax
purposes under Section 704(b) of the Code if they do
not comply with the provisions of Section 704(b) of
the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. If
an allocation is not recognized for federal income tax purposes,
the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in
accordance with the partners interests in the partnership,
which will be determined by taking into account all of the facts
and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the
partners with respect to such item. FelCor LPs allocations
of taxable income and loss are intended to comply with the
requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury
Regulations promulgated thereunder.
Tax Allocations With Respect to Contributed Properties.
Pursuant to Section 704(c) of the Code, income, gain,
loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated
property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an
interest in the partnership must be allocated for federal income
tax purposes in a manner such that the contributor is charged
with, or benefits from the unrealized gain or unrealized loss
associated with the property at the time of the contribution.
The amount of such unrealized gain or unrealized loss is
generally equal to the difference between the fair market value
of the contributed property at the time of contribution and the
adjusted tax basis of such property at the time of contribution.
The Treasury Department has issued regulations requiring
partnerships to use a reasonable method for
allocating items affected by Section 704(c) of the
Code and outlining certain reasonable allocation methods.
Under the Partnership Agreement, depreciation or amortization
deductions of FelCor LP generally will be allocated among the
partners in accordance with their respective interests in FelCor
LP, except to the extent that Section 704(c) of the
Code requires that FelCor receive a disproportionately large
share of such deductions. In addition, gain on sale of a hotel
will be specially allocated to the Limited Partners that
contributed the hotel to the extent of any built-in
gain with respect to such hotel for federal income tax purposes.
The application of Section 704(c) to FelCor LP is not
entirely clear, however, and may be
59
affected by Treasury Regulations promulgated in the future.
Similar provisions are included in the partnership agreements of
the Subsidiary Partnerships.
Basis in Partnership Interest. FelCors adjusted tax
basis in its partnership interest in FelCor LP generally
(i) equals the amount of cash and the basis of any other
property contributed to FelCor LP by FelCor, (ii) is
increased by (A) its allocable share of FelCor LPs
income and (B) its allocable share of indebtedness of
FelCor LP and (iii) is reduced, but not below zero, by
FelCors allocable share of (A) FelCor LPs loss
and (B) the amount of cash distributed to FelCor and by
constructive distributions resulting from a reduction in
FelCors share of indebtedness of FelCor LP. Similar rules
apply to FelCor LPs tax basis in the Subsidiary
Partnerships.
If the allocation of FelCors distributive share of FelCor
LPs loss would reduce the adjusted tax basis of
FelCors partnership interest in FelCor LP below zero, the
recognition of such loss will be deferred until such time as the
recognition of such loss would not reduce FelCors adjusted
tax basis below zero. To the extent that FelCor LPs
distributions, or any decrease in FelCors share of the
indebtedness of FelCor LP (such decrease being considered a
constructive cash distribution to the partners), would reduce
FelCors adjusted tax basis below zero, such distributions
(including such constructive distributions) constitute taxable
income to FelCor. Such distributions and constructive
distributions normally will be characterized as capital gain,
and, if FelCors partnership interest in FelCor LP has been
held for longer than the long-term capital gain holding period
(currently one year), the distributions and constructive
distributions will constitute long-term capital gain.
Depreciation Deductions Available to FelCor LP. FelCor
LPs initial basis in hotels acquired in exchange for Units
for federal income tax purposes generally is a carryover of the
basis of the transferors of the hotels on the date of such
transaction. Although the law is not entirely clear, FelCor LP
has depreciated, and intends to continue to depreciate, such
depreciable hotel property for federal income tax purposes under
the same methods used by the transferors. FelCor LPs tax
depreciation deductions are allocated among its partners in
accordance with their respective interests in FelCor LP, except
to the extent that Section 704(c) of the Code requires
that FelCor receive a disproportionately large share of such
deductions. FelCor LPs initial basis for federal income
tax purposes in hotels acquired for cash generally is equal to
the purchase price. FelCor LP has depreciated, and intends to
continue to depreciate, for federal income tax purposes, such
depreciable hotel property under either the modified accelerated
cost recovery system of depreciation (MACRS) or the
alternative depreciation system of depreciation
(ADS). FelCor LP plans to use MACRS for subsequently
acquired furnishings and equipment. Under MACRS, FelCor LP
generally will depreciate such furnishings and equipment over a
seven-year recovery period using a 200% declining balance method
and a half-year convention. If, however, FelCor LP places more
than 40% of its furnishings and equipment in service during the
last three months of a taxable year, a mid-quarter depreciation
convention must be used for the furnishings and equipment placed
in service during that year. FelCor LP plans to use ADS for the
depreciation of subsequently acquired buildings and
improvements. Under ADS, FelCor LP generally will depreciate
such buildings and improvements over a 40-year recovery period
using a straight line method and a mid-month convention.
Sale of FelCor LPs Property
Generally, any gain realized by FelCor LP or the Subsidiary
Partnerships on the sale of property held for more than one year
will be long-term capital gain, except for any portion of such
gain that is treated as depreciation or cost recovery recapture.
Any gain recognized by FelCor LP on the disposition of hotels
that were contributed to FelCor LP will be allocated first to
the Limited Partners that contributed such hotels under
Section 704(c) of the Code to the extent of their
built-in gain on those hotels. The Limited
Partners built-in gain on such hotels sold
will equal the excess of the Limited Partners
proportionate share of the book value of those hotels over the
Limited Partners tax basis allocable to those hotels at
the time of sale. Any remaining gain recognized by FelCor LP on
the disposition of such hotels will be allocated among the
partners in accordance with their respective percentage
interests in FelCor LP. The Board of Directors has adopted a
policy that any decision to sell the Initial Hotels will be made
by a majority of the Independent Directors.
60
FelCors share of any gain realized by FelCor LP or a
Subsidiary Partnership on the sale of any property held as
inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers
in the ordinary course of FelCor LPs or a Subsidiary
Partnerships trade or business, however, will be treated
as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a
100% penalty tax. See Requirements for
Qualification Income Tests. Such prohibited
transaction income also may have an adverse effect upon
FelCors ability to satisfy the income test for REIT
status. See Requirements for
Qualification Income Tests above.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
FelCor may sell Securities in or outside the United States
through underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more
purchasers, through agents or through a combination of any such
methods of sale. The Prospectus Supplement with respect to the
Securities will set forth the terms of the offering of the
Securities, including the name or names of any underwriters,
dealers or agents, the initial public offering price, any
underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters
compensation, any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed
or paid to dealers, and any securities exchanges on which the
Securities may be listed.
Securities may be sold directly by FelCor through agents
designated by FelCor from time to time at fixed prices, which
may be changed, or at varying prices determined at the time of
sale. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the Securities
will be named, and any commissions payable by FelCor to such
agent will be set forth, in the Prospectus Supplement relating
thereto. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus
Supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts
basis for the period of its appointment.
In connection with the sale of Securities, underwriters or
agents may receive compensation from FelCor or from purchasers
of Securities, for whom they may act as agents, in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell
Securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive
compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or
commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the
purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters,
dealers, and agents that participate in the distribution of
Securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities
Act, and any discounts or commissions they receive from FelCor
and any profit on the resale of Securities they realize may be
deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the
Securities Act. Any such underwriter or agent will be
identified, and any such compensation received from FelCor will
be described, in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Unless
otherwise set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating
thereto, the obligations of the underwriters or agents to
purchase the Securities will be subject to conditions precedent
and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the
Securities if any are purchased. The initial public offering
price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or
paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
each series of Securities will be a new issue with no
established trading market, other than the Common Stock which is
traded on the NYSE under the symbol FCH. Any shares
of Common Stock sold pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement will be
approved for trading, upon notice of issuance, on the NYSE.
FelCor may elect to list any series of Debt Securities,
Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares on an exchange, but is not
obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters
may make a market in a series of Securities, but will not be
obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any
time without notice. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to
the liquidity of, or the trading market for, the Securities.
Under agreements into which FelCor may enter, underwriters,
dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of
Securities may be entitled to indemnification by FelCor against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act.
Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions
with, or perform services for, FelCor in the ordinary course of
business.
In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states,
if applicable, the Securities offered hereby will be sold in
such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers
or dealers. In addition,
61
in certain states Securities may not be sold unless they have
been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or
an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement
is available and complied with.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Securities will be passed upon for FelCor by
Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation, Dallas,
Texas. In addition, the description of federal income tax
consequences contained in the Prospectus under the caption
Federal Income Tax Considerations is based upon the
opinion of Hunton & Williams, Richmond, Virginia. The
validity of the Securities will be passed upon for any
underwriter by King & Spalding, Atlanta, Georgia. Jenkens
& Gilchrist, King & Spalding and Hunton & Williams
will rely upon the opinion of Miles & Stockbridge P.C.,
Baltimore, Maryland, with respect to all matters involving
Maryland law.
EXPERTS
The Consolidated Financial Statements of FelCor
Suite Hotels, Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and the
period from July 28, 1994 (inception of operations) through
December 31, 1994, the Financial Statements of DJONT
Operations, L.L.C. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and the period from
July 28, 1994 (inception of operations) through
December 31, 1994, the combined financial statements of the
DS Hotels as of and for the year ended December 31, 1996,
and the combined financial statements of the Sheraton
Acquisition Hotels as of and for the year ended
December 31, 1996 have been incorporated by reference
herein in reliance on the reports of Coopers & Lybrand
L.L.P., independent accountants, given on the authority of that
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
62
1,398,000 Depositary Shares
Each Representing
1/100
of a Share of 8% Series C
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
(Liquidation Preference $25 Per Share)
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
August 11, 2005
Citigroup