424B3
Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration File Number: 333-157286
PROSPECTUS
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
1,733,475 Shares of Common Stock
634,325 Shares of Class A Common Stock
This prospectus relates to the registration for resale of 1,733,475 shares of our Common Stock
and 634,325 shares of our Class A Common Stock which have been issued pursuant to private
placements or pursuant to the Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. Amended and Restated Restricted
Stock Award Plan (the Plan).
We are not selling any securities under this prospectus and will not receive any of the proceeds
from the sale of shares hereunder.
The shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock covered by this prospectus may be offered or
sold from time to time directly to purchasers or through agents, brokers or dealers at
prevailing market or privately negotiated prices and on other terms to be determined at the time
of sale. See Plan of Distribution.
Our Common Stock and Class A Common Stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbols UBP and UBA, respectively. On
February 27, 2009, the last reported sale price of
our Common Stock and Class A Common Stock was $12.75 and $12.11, per share respectively.
Investing in our Common Stock and Class A Common Stock involves a high degree of risk. Before
buying any shares, you should carefully read the discussion of material risks of investing in
our Common Stock and Class A Common Stock beginning on page 9 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008 and any risk factors set forth in our other filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act).
NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE
SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The
date of this prospectus is February 27, 2009.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the
Exchange Act. Such statements can generally be identified by such words as anticipate,
believe, can, continue, could, estimate, expect, intend, may, plan, seek,
should, will or variations of such words or other similar expressions and the negatives of such
words. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this prospectus that
address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur
in the future, including such matters as future capital expenditures, dividends and acquisitions
(including the amount and nature thereof), business strategies, expansion and growth of our
operations and other such matters, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on
certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of
historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe
are appropriate. Such statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors,
many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated.
Future events and actual results, performance or achievements, financial and otherwise, may differ
materially from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that might cause such
differences, some of which could be material, include, but are not limited to: economic and other
market conditions; financing risks, such as the inability to obtain debt or equity financing on
favorable terms; the level and volatility of interest rates; financial stability of tenants; the
inability of our properties to generate revenue increases to offset expense increases; governmental
approvals, actions and initiatives; environmental/safety requirements; risks of real estate
acquisitions (including the failure of acquisitions to close); risks of disposition strategies; as
well as other risks identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October
31, 2008 and in our other filings with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act. See Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference
elsewhere in this prospectus. Forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the
date of this prospectus. Unless required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly or
revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events or otherwise.
2
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC using a shelf
registration process. Under this shelf process, the selling stockholders may, from time to time,
sell Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock in one or more offerings. You should read this
prospectus together with additional information described in Where You Can Find More Information
and Incorporation by Reference elsewhere in this prospectus.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone
provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it.
You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate after the date of
this prospectus. Our business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects may have
changed since that date.
OUR COMPANY
We are a self-administered real estate investment trust, or REIT, which owns and manages
income-producing commercial real estate investments. Our sole business is the ownership of real
estate investments, which consist principally of investments in income-producing properties, with
primary emphasis on properties in the northeastern part of the United States with a concentration
in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York and Bergen County, New
Jersey (our Target Area). Our core properties consist principally of neighborhood and community
shopping centers and five office buildings. The remaining properties consist of two industrial
properties. We seek to identify desirable properties for acquisition, which we acquire in the
normal course of business. In addition, we regularly review our portfolio and from time to time may
sell certain of our properties.
We intend to continue to invest substantially all of our assets in income-producing real
estate, with an emphasis on neighborhood and community shopping centers, although we will retain
the flexibility to invest in other types of real property. While we are not limited to any
geographic location, our current strategy is to invest primarily in properties located in our
Target Area.
At October 31, 2008, we owned or had an equity interest in forty-four properties comprised of
neighborhood and community shopping centers, office buildings and industrial facilities located in
seven states throughout the United States, containing a total of 3.9 million square feet of gross
leasable area.
Our principal executive office is located at 321 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich, Connecticut
06830. Our telephone number is (203) 863-8200. Our website is located at www.ubproperties.com.
Information contained on our website is not part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus.
THE OFFERING
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of Common Stock outstanding (1) |
|
|
8,176,847 |
|
Shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding (2) |
|
|
18,249,108 |
|
Shares of Common Stock that may be offered by selling
stockholders |
|
|
1,733,475 |
|
Shares of Class A Common Stock that may be offered by selling
stockholders |
|
|
634,325 |
|
3
|
|
|
Use of proceeds
|
|
We will not receive any proceeds from the
sale of shares by the selling
stockholders. |
|
|
|
Selling Stockholders
|
|
See Selling Stockholders for information
concerning the stockholders who may sell
shares of our Common Stock and/or Class A
Common Stock pursuant to this prospectus. |
|
|
|
Plan of distribution
|
|
See Plan of Distribution. |
|
|
|
New York Stock Exchange Symbols
|
|
UBP (Common Stock) |
|
|
UBA (Class A Common Stock) |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Based on the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of January 30, 2009. |
|
(2) |
|
Based on the number of shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of January 30, 2009. |
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the specific risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008 and any risk factors set forth in our other filings with
the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act before making an
investment decision. See Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference
elsewhere in this prospectus.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock by
the selling stockholders.
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
In 2000 and 2001, we conducted three private placements (the private placements), in which
affiliates of ours participated. Our affiliates continue to hold an aggregate amount of 264,400
shares of Common Stock and 90,600 shares of Class A Common Stock acquired pursuant to the private
placements. We are registering all such shares for resale by the holders thereof.
We maintain the Plan pursuant to which, beginning in March 1997, we have issued shares to our
employees, including our executive officers, and our directors, which shares are restricted
securities for purposes of the Securities Act. We are registering for resale 1,474,200 shares of
Common Stock and 535,750 shares of Class A Common Stock issued under the Plan which are held by
current directors, executive officers or other employees of our company.
This prospectus relates to the possible resale by certain holders of the shares issued in the
private placements or under the Plan. When we refer to selling stockholders in this prospectus,
we mean those persons listed in the table below, and the pledgees, donees, successors and others
who later come to hold any of the selling stockholders interest in such shares of our Common Stock
or Class A Common Stock other than through a public sale.
The selling stockholders may from time to time offer and sell pursuant to this prospectus any
or all of the shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock covered by this prospectus. The
selling stockholders, however, make no representation that the shares covered by this prospectus
will be offered for sale.
The table below presents information regarding the selling stockholders and the shares that
each such selling stockholder may offer and sell from time to time under this prospectus. The
beneficial ownership of our Common Stock and our Class A Common Stock set forth in the table is
determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. The number of shares in the column under the
heading Number of Shares Covered by This Prospectus
4
represents all of the shares of the relevant class that a selling stockholder may offer under
this prospectus. The percentage in the columns under the heading Percentage of Class Owned
Following This Offering reflects the ownership percentage of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock
that the selling stockholder would hold if the selling stockholder, but no other selling
stockholder, sold all his or her shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, as applicable,
covered by this prospectus. However, because the selling stockholders may offer, from time to
time, some or none of such shares under this prospectus, or in another permitted manner, no
assurances can be given as to the actual number of shares that will be sold by the selling
stockholders or that will be held by the selling stockholders after completion of the sales.
Unless otherwise indicated below, the persons named in the table have sole voting and
investment power as to all shares beneficially owned. All persons named in the table are
employees, officers or directors of our company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Class |
|
|
Number of Shares Owned Prior |
|
Number of Shares Covered by This |
|
Owned Following This |
|
|
to This Offering |
|
Prospectus |
|
Offering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
|
Common |
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
Common |
|
Common |
Name |
|
Stock |
|
Stock |
|
Common Stock |
|
Stock |
|
Stock |
|
Stock |
|
Charles J.Urstadt** |
|
|
3,236,665 |
(1) |
|
|
283,725 |
(2) |
|
|
900,625 |
(3) |
|
|
137,500 |
(4) |
|
|
28.6 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
Willing L. Biddle** |
|
|
1,781,833 |
(5) |
|
|
174,230 |
(6) |
|
|
810,900 |
(7) |
|
|
137,500 |
|
|
|
11.8 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
Kevin J.Bannon** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
900 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
E.Virgil Conway** |
|
|
7,625 |
|
|
|
78,796 |
(8) |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
57,625 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Robert R. Douglass** |
|
|
7,825 |
(9) |
|
|
37,943 |
(9) |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
5,625 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Peter Herrick** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
83,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,625 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
George H.C Lawrence** |
|
|
27,131 |
|
|
|
42,845 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
7,825 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Robert J.Mueller** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,200 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Charles D.Urstadt** |
|
|
21,876 |
(9) |
|
|
1,200 |
(9) |
|
|
6,550 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
George J. Vojta** |
|
|
525 |
|
|
|
5,225 |
|
|
|
525 |
|
|
|
5,225 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
John T. Hayes |
|
|
|
(10) |
|
|
12,030 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Thomas D. Myers |
|
|
9,000 |
(11) |
|
|
99,450 |
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
97,200 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
James M. Aries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Linda L. Lacey |
|
|
2,750 |
|
|
|
35,750 |
|
|
|
2,750 |
|
|
|
35,750 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Wayne W. Wirth |
|
|
2,250 |
|
|
|
46,000 |
|
|
|
2,250 |
|
|
|
45,250 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Stephan A. Rapaglia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Diane Midollo |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Luisa Caycedo-Kimura |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Heidi R. Bramante |
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
14,500 |
|
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
14,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Andrew A. Albrecht |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
John Grillo |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Janine S. Iarossi |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Suzanne Moore |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Donna S. Borchers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total: |
|
|
5,097,980 |
(12) |
|
|
1,011,718 |
(12) |
|
|
1,733,475 |
|
|
|
634,325 |
|
|
|
41.1 |
% |
|
|
2.1 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1% |
|
** |
|
Member of the Board of Directors |
5
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Of these shares, 535,551 are owned by Urstadt Property Company, Inc. (UPCO), a Delaware
corporation of which Mr. Urstadt is the chairman, a director and a principal stockholder,
760,788 are owned by Urstadt Realty Shares II L.P. (URS II), a Delaware limited partnership
of which Mr. Urstadt is the limited partner and UPCO is the general partner, 1,901,006 shares
are owned by Urstadt Realty Associates Co LP (URACO), a Delaware limited partnership of
which UPCO is the general partner and Mr. Urstadt, Elinor Urstadt (Mr. Urstadts wife), the
Catherine U. Biddle Irrevocable Trust and the Charles D. Urstadt Irrevocable Trust (for each
of which trusts Mr. Urstadt is the sole trustee) are the limited partners, 21,300 shares are
owned by Elinor Urstadt and 18,020 shares are held by The Trust Established Under the Urstadt
Biddle Properties Inc. Excess Benefit and Deferred Compensation Plan (the Compensation Plan
Trust) for the benefit of Mr. Urstadt. Mr. Urstadt is our Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and a Director. |
|
(2) |
|
Of these shares, 41,425 shares are owned by URACO, 19,750 shares are owned by Elinor Urstadt,
Mr. Urstadts wife, and 100,000 shares are owned by the Urstadt Conservation Foundation (the
Conservation Foundation), of which Mr. Urstadt and his wife, Elinor Urstadt, are the sole
trustees. Mr. Urstadt disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares held by the Conservation
Foundation. |
|
(3) |
|
Of these shares, 213,500 are owned by UPCO, 636,250 are owned by URS II, 45,875 are owned by
URACO and 5,000 are held by the Compensation Plan Trust for the benefit of Mr. Urstadt. |
|
(4) |
|
Of these shares, 15,000 are owned by the Urstadt Conservation Foundation. |
|
(5) |
|
Of these shares, 4,232 shares are held by the Compensation Plan Trust, 2,307 shares are owned
by the Willing L. Biddle IRA, 21,951 shares are owned beneficially and of record by Catherine
U. Biddle, Mr. Biddles wife, 555 shares are owned by the Catherine U. Biddle IRA, 1,070
shares are owned by the Charles and Phoebe Biddle Trust UAD 12/20/93, of which Mr. Biddle and
Charles J. Urstadt are the sole trustees, for the benefit of the issue of Mr. Biddle, and
5,163 shares are owned by the P.T. Biddle (Deceased) IRA for the benefit of Mr. Biddle. Mr.
Biddle is our President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director. |
|
(6) |
|
Of these shares, 4,475 shares are owned beneficially and of record by Catherine U. Biddle and
555 shares are owned by the Catherine U. Biddle IRA. |
|
(7) |
|
Of these shares, 1,800 shares are held by the Compensation Plan Trust. |
|
(8) |
|
Of these shares, 10,000 shares are held of record by The Conway Foundation, of which Mr.
Conway and his wife, Elaine Conway, are the sole directors. Mr. Conway disclaims beneficial
ownership of any shares held by The Conway Foundation. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes 1,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are currently exercisable. |
|
(10) |
|
Mr. Hayes is a Senior Vice President and our Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. |
|
(11) |
|
Mr. Myers is a Senior Vice President and our Secretary and Chief Legal Officer. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes 2,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are currently exercisable. |
6
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK AND CLASS A COMMON STOCK
Voting
Under our charter, holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters submitted to the common stockholders for vote at all meetings of stockholders. Holders of
our Class A Common Stock are entitled to 1/20th of one vote per share on all matters submitted to
the common stockholders for vote at all meetings of stockholders. Except as otherwise required by
law or as to certain matters as to which separate class voting rights may be granted in the future
to holders of one or more other classes or series of our capital stock, holders of Common Stock and
Class A Common Stock vote together as a single class, and not as separate classes, on all matters
voted upon by our stockholders. The holders of our outstanding Class A Common Stock, as a group,
control 10.0% of the voting power of our outstanding common equity securities and the holders of
our outstanding Common Stock, as a group, control 90.0% of the voting power of our outstanding
common equity securities. Therefore, holders of our Common Stock have sufficient voting power to
approve or disapprove all matters voted upon by our common stockholders, including any proposal
that could affect the relative dividend or other rights of our Common Stock and Class A Common
Stock.
Dividends and Distributions
Subject to the requirements with respect to preferential dividends on any of our preferred
stock, dividends and distributions are declared and paid to the holders of Common Stock and Class A
Common Stock in cash, property or our other securities (including shares of any class or series
whether or not shares of such class or series are already outstanding) out of funds legally
available therefor. Each share of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock has identical rights with
respect to dividends and distributions, subject to the following:
|
|
|
with respect to regular quarterly dividends, each share of Class A Common Stock
entitles the holder thereof to receive not less than 110% of amounts paid on each share
of Common Stock, the precise amount of such dividends on the Class A Common Stock being
subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors; |
|
|
|
|
a stock dividend on the Common Stock may be paid in shares of Common Stock or shares
of Class A Common Stock; and |
|
|
|
|
a stock dividend on shares of Class A Common Stock may be paid only in shares of
Class A Common Stock. |
If a stock dividend on the Common Stock is paid in shares of Common Stock, we are required to
pay a stock dividend on the Class A Common Stock in a proportionate number of shares of Class A
Common Stock. The dividend provisions of the Common Stock and Class A Common Stock provide our
Board of Directors with the flexibility to determine appropriate dividend levels, if any, under the
circumstances from time to time.
Mergers and Consolidations
In the event we merge, consolidate or combine with another entity (whether or not we are the
surviving entity), holders of shares of Class A Common Stock will be entitled to receive the same
per share consideration as the per share consideration, if any, received by holders of Common Stock
in that transaction.
Liquidation Rights
Holders of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock have the same rights with respect to
distributions in connection with a partial or complete liquidation of our company.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
To qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, we must meet several requirements
regarding the number of our stockholders and concentration of ownership of our shares. Our charter
contains provisions that
7
restrict the ownership and transfer of our equity securities to assist us in complying with
these Internal Revenue Code requirements. We refer to these restrictions as the ownership limit.
The ownership limit provides that, in general, no person may own more than 7.5% of the
aggregate value of all outstanding stock of our company. It also provides that:
|
|
|
a transfer that violates the limitation is void; |
|
|
|
|
a transferee gets no rights to the shares that violate the limitation; |
|
|
|
|
shares transferred to a stockholder in excess of the ownership limit are
automatically exchanged, by operation of law, for shares of excess stock; and |
|
|
|
|
the excess stock will be held by us as trustee of a trust for the exclusive benefit
of future transferees to whom the shares of stock will ultimately be transferred
without violating the ownership limit. |
Pursuant to authority under our charter, our Board of Directors has determined that the
ownership limit does not apply to Mr. Charles J. Urstadt, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
and his affiliates and associates who currently own in the aggregate 39.6% and 1.6% of our
outstanding Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, respectively. Such holdings represent
approximately 35.8% of our outstanding voting interests. The ownership limitation may discourage a
takeover or other transaction that some of our stockholders may otherwise believe to be desirable.
Ownership of our stock is subject to attribution rules under the Internal Revenue Code, which
may result in a person being deemed to own stock held by other persons. Our Board of Directors may
waive the ownership limit if it determines that the waiver will not jeopardize our status as a
REIT. As a condition of such a waiver, the Board of Directors may require an opinion of counsel
satisfactory to it or undertakings or representations from the applicant with respect to preserving
our REIT status. We required no such waiver, opinion or undertakings with respect to Mr. Urstadts
ownership rights.
Any person who acquires our stock must, on our demand, immediately provide us with any
information we may request in order to determine the effect of the acquisition on our status as a
REIT. If our Board of Directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to qualify as
a REIT the ownership limitation will not be relevant. Otherwise, the ownership limit may be changed
only by an amendment to our charter by a vote of two-thirds of the voting power of our common
equity securities.
Our charter provides that any purported transfer which results in a direct or indirect
ownership of shares of stock in excess of the ownership limit or that would result in the loss of
our companys status as a REIT will be null and void, and the intended transferee will acquire no
rights to the shares of stock. The foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will not
be relevant if our Board of Directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to
attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT. Our Board of Directors may, in its sole
discretion, waive the ownership limit if evidence satisfactory to our Board of Directors and our
tax counsel is presented that the changes in ownership will not then or in the future jeopardize
our REIT status and our Board of Directors otherwise decides that such action is in our best
interests. We have granted WFC Holdings and any subsequent holder of our Series E preferred stock a
waiver, solely as to shares of the Series E preferred stock, of the 7.5% ownership limitation.
Shares of stock owned, or deemed to be owned, or transferred to a stockholder in excess of the
ownership limit will automatically be exchanged for shares of excess stock that will be
transferred, by operation of law, to us as trustee of a trust for the exclusive benefit of the
transferees to whom such shares of stock may be ultimately transferred without violating the
ownership limit. While the excess stock is held in trust, it will not be entitled to vote, it will
not be considered for purposes of any stockholder vote or the determination of a quorum for such
vote, and except upon liquidation it will not be entitled to participate in dividends or other
distributions. Any distribution paid to a proposed transferee of excess stock prior to the
discovery by us that stock has been transferred in violation of the provision of our charter is
required to be repaid to us upon demand.
8
The excess stock is not treasury stock, but rather constitutes a separate class of our issued
and outstanding stock. The original transferee-stockholder may, at any time the excess stock is
held by us in trust, transfer the interest in the trust representing the excess stock to any person
whose ownership of shares of capital stock exchanged for such excess stock would be permitted under
the ownership limit, at a price not in excess of:
|
|
|
the price paid by the original transferee-stockholders for shares of stock that were
exchanged into excess stock, or |
|
|
|
|
if the original transferee-stockholder did not give value for
such shares (e.g., the shares were received through a gift, devise or other transaction), the average closing
price for the class of stock from which such shares of excess stock were exchanged for
the ten days immediately preceding such sale, gift or other transaction. |
Immediately upon the transfer to the permitted transferee, the excess stock will automatically
be exchanged back into shares of stock from which it was converted. If the foregoing transfer
restrictions are determined to be void or invalid by virtue of any legal decision, statute, rule or
regulation, then the intended transferee of any shares of excess stock may be deemed, at our
option, to have acted as an agent on behalf of us in acquiring the excess stock and to hold the
excess stock on behalf of us.
In addition, we will have the right, for a period of 90 days during the time any shares of
excess stock are held by us in trust, to purchase the excess stock from the purported
transferee-stockholder at the lesser of:
|
|
|
the price initially paid for such shares by the purported transferee-stockholder, or
if the purported transferee-stockholder did not give value for such shares (e.g., the
shares were received through a gift, devise or other transaction), the average closing
price for the class of stock from which such shares of excess stock were converted for
the 30 days immediately preceding the date we elect to purchase the shares, and |
|
|
|
|
the average closing price for the class of stock from which such shares of excess
stock were converted for the ten trading days immediately preceding the date we elect
to purchase such shares. |
The 90-day period begins on the date notice is received of the violative transfer if the
purported transferee-stockholder gives notice to us of the transfer, or, if no such notice is
given, the date our Board of Directors determines that a violative transfer has been made.
All stock certificates bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.
Each stockholder must, upon demand, disclose in writing any
information we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such stockholders actual
and constructive ownership of stock on our status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the
ownership limitation.
Transferability
The Common Stock and Class A Common Stock are freely transferable, and except for the
ownership limit and federal and state securities laws restrictions on our directors, officers and
other affiliates and on persons holding restricted stock, our stockholders are not restricted in
their ability to sell or transfer shares of the Common Stock or Class A Common Stock.
Sinking Fund, Preemptive, Subscription and Redemption Rights
Neither the Common Stock nor the Class A Common Stock carries any sinking fund, preemptive,
subscription or redemption rights enabling a holder to subscribe for or receive shares of any class
of our stock or any other securities convertible into shares of any class of our stock.
9
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock and Class A Common Stock is The Bank of
New York Mellon, formerly The Bank of New York.
10
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS, MARYLAND LAW, OUR
STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN AND CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS
Provisions of Our Charter and Bylaws
Classification of Board, Vacancies and Removal of Directors
Our charter provides that our Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Directors of
each class serve for staggered terms of three years each, with the terms of each class beginning in
different years. We currently have ten directors. The number of directors in each class and the
expiration of the current term of each class are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
3 directors
|
|
Expires 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class II
|
|
3 directors
|
|
Expires 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class III
|
|
4 directors
|
|
Expires 2009 |
At each annual meeting of our stockholders, successors of the directors whose terms expire at
that meeting will be elected for a three-year term and the directors in the other two classes will
continue in office. A classified board may delay, defer or prevent a change in control or other
transaction that might involve a premium over the then-prevailing market price for our Common Stock
and Class A Common Stock or other attributes that our stockholders may consider desirable. In
addition, a classified board could prevent stockholders who do not agree with the policies of our
Board of Directors from replacing a majority of the Board of Directors for two years, except in the
event of removal for cause.
Our charter provides that, subject to the rights of holders of our preferred stock, any
director may be removed (a) only for cause and (b) only by the affirmative vote of not less than
two-thirds of the common equities then outstanding and entitled to vote for the election of
directors. Our charter additionally provides that any vacancy occurring on our Board of Directors
(other than as a result of the removal of a director) will be filled only by a majority of the
remaining directors except that a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors
will be filled by a majority of the entire Board of Directors. A vacancy resulting from the removal
of a director may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes cast at a
meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.
The provisions of our charter relating to the removal of directors and the filling of
vacancies on our Board of Directors could preclude a third party from removing incumbent directors
without cause and simultaneously gaining control of our Board of Directors by filling, with its own
nominees, the vacancies created by such removal. The provisions also limit the power of
stockholders generally, and those with a majority interest, to remove incumbent directors and to
fill vacancies on our Board of Directors without the support of incumbent directors.
Stockholder Action by Written Consent
Our charter provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders may
be effected by a consent in writing signed by the holders of all of our outstanding shares of
common equity securities entitled to vote on the matter.
Meetings of Stockholders
Our bylaws provide for annual stockholder meetings to elect directors. Special stockholder
meetings may be called by our Chairman, President or a majority of the Board of Directors or may be
called by our Secretary at the written request of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority
of all votes entitled to be cast at the meeting. This requirement could deter a change of control
because it could delay or deter a stockholders ability to take action with respect to us.
11
Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations
Under our bylaws, in order to have a stockholder proposal or director nomination considered at
an annual meeting of stockholders, stockholders are generally required to deliver to us certain
information concerning themselves and their stockholder proposal or director nomination not less
than 75 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding
annual meeting (the annual meeting anniversary date); provided, however, that, if the annual
meeting is scheduled to be held on a date more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the
annual meeting anniversary date, notice must be delivered to us not later than the close of
business on the later of:
|
|
|
the 75th day prior to the scheduled date of such annual meeting or |
|
|
|
|
the 15th day after public disclosure of the date of such meeting. |
Failure to comply with such timing and informational requirements will result in such proposal
or director nomination not being considered at the annual meeting. The purpose of requiring
stockholders to give us advance notice of nominations and other business, and certain related
information is to ensure that we and our stockholders have sufficient time and information to
consider any matters that are proposed to be voted on at an annual meeting, thus promoting orderly
and informed stockholder voting. Such Bylaw provisions could have the effect of precluding a
contest for the election of our directors or the making of stockholder proposals if the proper
procedures are not followed, and of delaying or deterring a third party from conducting a
solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to have its own proposals approved.
Authorization of Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets
Our charter provides that any consolidation, merger, share exchange or transfer of all or
substantially all of our assets must first be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of our
Board of Directors (including a majority of the Continuing Directors, as defined in our charter)
and thereafter must be approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes cast on such
matter by holders of voting stock voting as a single class at a meeting of the stockholders. These
provisions could make it more difficult for us to enter into any consolidation, merger or sale of
assets as described above.
Amendment of our Charter and Bylaws
Our charter may be amended with the approval of a majority of the Board of Directors
(including a majority of the Continuing Directors) and the affirmative vote of a majority of the
vote entitled to be cast on the matter, except that provisions relating to the directors, the
ownership limit, amendments to the charter, indemnification, limitation of liability, the required
percentage vote of stockholders for certain transactions and amendment of the bylaws by directors
may only be amended by a vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the stock then outstanding and
entitled to vote. Our bylaws may be amended only by the Board of Directors.
Indemnification; Limitation of Directors and Officers Liability
Our charter limits the liability of our directors and officers to our company and stockholders
for money damages to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Maryland law permits limiting
such liability except for liability resulting from:
|
|
|
actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; or |
|
|
|
|
a final judgment based upon a finding of active and deliberate dishonesty by the
director that was material to the cause of action adjudicated. |
According to our bylaws, our company will, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law,
indemnify and pay or reimburse reasonable expenses to, any of our present or former directors,
officers, employees or agents or any individual who, at our request, serves or has served another
entity, including an employee benefit plan, as a director, officer, or employee. The
indemnification covers any liability, loss or expense reasonably incurred by the
12
person in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or is threatened to be
made, a party by reason of his or her service to us.
Under Maryland law, unless limited by the charter, indemnification by the corporation is
mandatory if a director or officer is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of
such a proceeding. Moreover, a court may order indemnification if it determines that the director
is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.
Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers
against liabilities and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in such a proceeding unless:
|
|
|
the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving
rise to the proceeding; and |
|
|
|
|
was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and
deliberate dishonesty; or |
|
|
|
|
the director or officer actually received an improper
personal benefit in money, property or services; or |
|
|
|
|
in a criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe
that the act or omission was unlawful. |
However, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a derivative
action. Our bylaws and Maryland law require us, as a condition to advancing expenses in certain
circumstances, to obtain:
|
|
|
a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief
that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification; and |
|
|
|
|
a written undertaking to repay the amount reimbursed if it is determined that the
standard of conduct was not met. |
Provisions of Maryland Law
Business Combinations
Under Maryland law, certain business combinations between us and any person who beneficially
owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of our stock, an affiliate of ours
who, at any time within the previous two years was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the
voting power of our stock (who the statute terms an interested stockholder), or an affiliate of
an interested stockholder, are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the
person became an interested stockholder. The business combinations that are subject to this law
include mergers, consolidations, share exchanges or, in certain circumstances, asset transfers or
issuances or reclassifications of equity securities. After the five-year period has elapsed, a
proposed business combination must be recommended by the Board of Directors and approved by the
affirmative vote of at least:
|
|
|
80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of our outstanding voting stock; and |
|
|
|
|
two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of the outstanding voting
stock, excluding shares held by the interested stockholder, unless, among other
conditions, the stockholders receive a fair price, as defined by 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 do not apply, however, to business combinations that the Board of Directors
approves or exempts before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested
stockholder or transactions between us and Mr. Charles J. Urstadt, Chairman and Chief Executive
Office of the company or any of his affiliates or associates.
13
Control Share Acquisitions
Maryland law provides that control shares acquired in a control share acquisition have no
voting rights unless approved by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all votes entitled to be
cast on the matter, excluding shares owned by the acquiror or by officers of ours or employees of
ours who are also directors. Control shares are voting shares which, if aggregated with all other
shares previously acquired by the acquiring person, or in respect of which the acquiring person is
able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power, other than by revocable proxy, would
entitle the acquiring person to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the
following ranges of voting power:
|
|
|
one-tenth or more but less than one-third; |
|
|
|
|
one-third or more but less than a majority; or |
|
|
|
|
a majority 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 ownership of, or the power to direct the voting power of control shares, subject to
certain exceptions.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of
certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay expenses, may compel our Board of Directors to
call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting
rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, we may present the question at any
stockholders meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the stockholders meeting or if the acquiring person does
not deliver the statement required by Maryland law, then, subject to certain conditions and
limitations, we may redeem any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights
have previously been approved, for fair value. Fair value is determined without regard to the
absence of voting rights for the control shares and as of the date of the last control share
acquisition or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of the shares were
considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders
meeting and the acquiror is then entitled to direct the exercise of a majority of all voting power,
then all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares for
purposes of these appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the
acquiror in the control share acquisition. The control share acquisition statute does not apply to
shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if we are a party to the transaction,
nor does it apply to acquisitions of our stock approved or exempted by our charter or bylaws.
Our bylaws exempt from the Maryland control share statute any and all acquisitions of our
common stock or preferred stock by any person (and his associates) who, as of December 31, 1996,
owned in excess of 20% of the then outstanding shares of common stock and preferred stock of the
company. As of December 31, 1996, only Mr. Charles J. Urstadt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of the company, beneficially owned in excess of 20% of the outstanding common and preferred shares
of the company. The Board of Directors has the right, however, to amend this exemption at any time
in the future.
Dissolution Requirements
Maryland law generally permits the dissolution of a corporation if approved (a) first by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors declaring such dissolution to be
advisable and directing that the proposed dissolution be submitted for consideration at an annual
or special meeting of stockholders, and (b) upon proper notice being given as to the purpose of the
meeting, then by the stockholders of the corporation by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all
the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. This provision of the Maryland law could delay or
deter our liquidation.
Additional Provisions of Maryland Law
Maryland law also provides that Maryland corporations that are subject to the Exchange Act and
have at least three outside directors can elect by resolution of the board of directors to be
subject to some corporate
14
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 applicable statutory provisions
and notwithstanding the charter or bylaws:
|
|
|
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; |
|
|
|
|
reserve for itself the right to fix the number of directors; |
|
|
|
|
provide that a director may be removed only by the vote of the holders of two-thirds
of the stock entitled to vote; |
|
|
|
|
retain for itself sole authority to fill vacancies created by the death, removal or
resignation of a director and |
|
|
|
|
provide that all vacancies on the board of directors may be filled only by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, in office, even if the
remaining directors do not constitute a quorum. |
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.
Under Maryland law, our Board of Directors may amend our charter without stockholder action to
effect a reverse stock split with respect to any class of shares, provided the Board does not cause
a combination of more than 10 shares of stock into one share in any 12-month period. According to
the terms of our Series C, D and E preferred stock, no such amendment may materially and adversely
affect the provision of such series without the consent of the holders thereof.
While certain of these provisions are already contemplated by our charter and bylaws, the law
would permit our Board of Directors to override further changes to the charter or bylaws. If
implemented, these provisions could discourage offers to acquire our Common Stock or Class A Common
Stock and could increase the difficulty of completing an offer.
Stockholder Rights Plan
We have adopted a stockholder rights plan. Under the terms of this plan, we can in effect
prevent a person or a group from acquiring more than 10% of the combined voting power of our
outstanding shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock because, after (a) the person acquires
more than 10% of the combined voting power of our outstanding Common Stock and Class A Common
Stock, or (b) the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer by any person (other than us,
any one of our wholly owned subsidiaries or any of our employee benefit plans, or any exempted
person (as defined below)), if, upon consummation of the tender offer or exchange offer, the person
or group would beneficially own 30% or more of the combined voting power of our outstanding shares
of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock all other stockholders will have the right to purchase
securities from us at a price that is less than their fair market value, which would substantially
reduce the value and influence of the stock owned by the acquiring person. Our Board of Directors
can prevent the plan from operating by approving of the transaction and redeeming the rights. This
gives our Board of Directors significant power to approve or disapprove of the efforts of a person
or group to acquire a large interest in our company. The rights plan exempts acquisitions of Common
Stock and Class A Common Stock by Mr. Charles J. Urstadt, members of his family and certain of his
affiliates.
Change of Control Agreements
We have entered into change of control agreements with certain of our senior executives
providing for the payment of money to these executives upon the occurrence of a change of control
of our company as defined in
15
these agreements. If, within 18 months following a change of control, we terminate the
executives employment other than for cause, or if the executive elects to terminate his employment
with us for reasons specified in the agreement, we will pay the executive an amount equal to twelve
months of the executives base salary in effect at the date of the change of control and will: (a)
continue in effect for a period of twelve months, for the benefit of the executive and his family,
life and health insurance, disability, medical and other benefit programs in which the executive
participates, provided that the executives continued participation is possible, or (b) if such
continued participation is not possible, arrange to provide for the executive and his family
similar benefits for the same period. In addition, our Compensation Committee has the discretion
under our restricted stock plan to accelerate the vesting of outstanding restricted stock awards in
the event of a change of control. These provisions may deter changes of control of our company
because of the increased cost for a third party to acquire control of our company.
Possible Anti-Takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Our Charter and Bylaws, Maryland Law,
Stockholder Rights Plan and Change of Control Agreements
Certain provisions of our charter and bylaws, certain provisions of Maryland law, our
stockholder rights plan and our change of control agreements with our officers could have the
effect of delaying or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium
price for stockholders or that they otherwise may believe is desirable.
Interests of Mr. Charles J. Urstadt
Mr. Charles J. Urstadt, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially owns 3,236,665
shares of Common Stock and 283,725 shares of Class A Common Stock constituting approximately 35.8%
of the voting power of our outstanding common equity securities. In view of the common equity
securities beneficially owned by Mr. Urstadt, Mr. Urstadt may control a sufficient percentage of
the voting power of our common equity securities to effectively block certain proposals which
require a vote of our stockholders. In addition, under Maryland law, certain business combinations
between us and an interested stockholder will require the recommendation of our Board of Directors
and the affirmative vote of at least (a) 80% of the outstanding shares of our common equity
securities and (b) two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our common equity securities not held by
such interested stockholder or its affiliates unless, among other things, certain fair price and
other conditions are met. In view of the common equity securities beneficially owned by Mr.
Urstadt, Mr. Urstadt may control a sufficient percentage of the voting power of common equity
securities to effectively block a proposal respecting a business combination under these provisions
of Maryland law with an interested stockholder.
16
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
This section summarizes certain material federal income tax consequences to us and to our
stockholders generally relating to our treatment as a REIT.
The laws governing the federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its stockholders are highly
technical and complex. Baker & McKenzie LLP has acted as our counsel, has reviewed this summary,
and is of the opinion that the statements contained herein, insofar as such statements constitute
matters of law, summaries of legal matters, or legal conclusions, fairly present and summarize, in
all material respects, the matters referred to herein. This summary is for general information
only, and does not purport to 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, tax-exempt organizations (except to the extent discussed in Taxation of
Tax-Exempt Stockholders, below), partnerships, financial institutions or broker-dealers, and
non-U.S. stockholders (except to the extent discussed in Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders,
below).
This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code, the regulations promulgated by the U.S.
Treasury Department, rulings and other administrative pronouncements issued by the IRS, and
judicial decisions, all as currently in effect, and all of which are subject to differing
interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the
IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax
consequences described below. We have not sought and will not seek an advance ruling from the IRS
regarding any matter discussed in this registration statement.
WE URGE YOU TO CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF
INVESTING IN OUR SECURITIES 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.
Taxation of the Company
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the federal income tax laws beginning with our taxable
year ended October 31, 1970. We believe that we have operated in a manner qualifying us as a REIT
since our election and intend to continue so to operate.
In connection with this registration statement, Baker & McKenzie LLP has rendered an opinion
that we qualified to be taxed as a REIT under the federal income tax laws for our taxable years
ended October 31, 2005 through October 31, 2007, and our organization and current and proposed
method of operation will enable us to continue to qualify as a REIT for our taxable year ended
October 31, 2008 and in the future. You should be aware that the opinion is based on current law
and is not binding on the IRS or any court. In addition, the opinion is based on customary
assumptions and on our representations as to factual matters.
It must be emphasized that the opinion of tax counsel is based on various assumptions relating
to our organization and operation, and is conditioned upon representations and covenants made by
our management regarding our organization, assets, income, and the past, present and future conduct
of our business operations. While we intend to operate so that we will qualify as a REIT, given the
highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual
determinations, and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances, no assurance can be
given by tax counsel or by us that we will qualify as a REIT for any particular year.
Our qualification as a REIT depends on our ability to meet, on a continuing basis,
qualification tests in the federal tax laws. Those qualification tests involve the percentage of
income that we earn from specified sources, the percentages of our assets that fall within
specified categories, the diversity of our stock ownership, and the percentage of our earnings that
we distribute. We describe the REIT qualification tests in more detail below. For a
17
discussion of the tax treatment of us and our stockholders if we fail to qualify as a REIT,
see Failure to Qualify, below.
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 it avoids
the double taxation, or taxation at both the corporate and stockholder levels, that generally
results from owning stock in a corporation. However, we generally will be subject to federal tax in
the following circumstances:
|
|
|
We will pay federal income tax on taxable income, including net capital gain, that
we do not distribute to stockholders during, or within a specified time period after,
the calendar year in which the income is earned. |
|
|
|
We may be subject to the alternative minimum tax on any items of tax preference
that we do not distribute or allocate to stockholders. |
|
|
|
We will pay income tax at the highest corporate rate on: |
|
o |
|
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 |
|
|
o |
|
other non-qualifying income from foreclosure property. |
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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
generally will pay a 100% tax on: |
|
o |
|
the greater of (1) the amount by which we fail the 75%
gross income test, or (2) the excess of 95% of our gross income over the
amount of gross income attributable to sources that qualify under the 95%
gross income test, multiplied, in either case, by |
|
|
o |
|
a fraction intended to reflect our profitability. |
If we fail to distribute during a calendar year at least the sum of: (1) 85% of our REIT
ordinary income for the year, (2) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for the year, and (3) any
undistributed taxable income from earlier periods, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise
tax on the excess of the required distribution over the amount we actually distributed.
|
|
|
In the event of a more than de minimis failure of any of the asset tests, as
described below under 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 identify
such failure and we file a schedule with the IRS describing the assets causing such
failure, 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
tests. |
|
|
|
|
In the event we fail to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification,
other than the gross income tests and the asset tests, and such failure is due to
reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, we will be required to pay a penalty of
$50,000 for each such failure. |
|
|
|
|
We may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net long-term capital gain. In that
case, a U.S. shareholder would be taxed on its proportionate share of our undistributed
long-term capital gain (to the extent that we make a timely designation of such gain to
the shareholder) and would receive a credit or refund for its proportionate share of
the tax we paid. |
|
|
|
|
We will be subject to a 100% excise tax on transactions with a taxable REIT
subsidiary that are not conducted on an arms-length basis. |
18
|
|
|
If we acquire any asset from a C corporation, or a corporation 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 either to the C
corporations basis in the asset or to another asset, we will pay tax at the highest
regular corporate rate applicable if we recognize gain on the sale or disposition of
the asset during the 10-year period after we acquire the asset. The amount of gain on
which we will pay tax is the lesser of: |
|
o |
|
the amount of gain that we recognize at the time of the
sale or disposition, and |
|
|
o |
|
the amount of gain that we would have recognized if we
had sold the asset at the time we acquired it. |
Requirements for Qualification
A REIT is an entity that meets each of the following requirements:
|
1. |
|
It is managed by trustees or directors. |
|
|
2. |
|
Its beneficial ownership is evidenced by transferable shares, or by
transferable certificates of beneficial interest. |
|
|
3. |
|
It would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for the REIT provisions of
the federal income tax laws. |
|
|
4. |
|
It is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to
special provisions of the federal income tax laws. |
|
|
5. |
|
At least 100 persons are beneficial owners of its shares or ownership
certificates. |
|
|
6. |
|
Not more than 50% of its outstanding shares or ownership certificates (as
measured by value) is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals,
which the federal income tax laws define to include certain entities, during the last
half of any taxable year (the closely held test). |
|
|
7. |
|
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 IRS that must be met in order to elect and maintain REIT status. |
|
|
8. |
|
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
the closely held test, we will be deemed to have satisfied requirement 6 for that taxable year. For
purposes of determining share ownership under the closely held test, an individual generally
includes a supplemental unemployment compensation benefits plan, a private foundation, or a portion
of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes. An individual,
however, generally does not include a trust that is a qualified employee pension or profit sharing
trust under the federal income tax laws, and beneficiaries of such a trust will be treated as
holding our shares in proportion to their actuarial interests in the trust for purposes of the
closely held test.
We have issued sufficient shares of our stock with sufficient diversity of ownership to
satisfy requirements 5 and 6. In addition, our charter restricts the ownership and transfer of the
shares of our stock so that we should continue to satisfy these requirements. The provisions of our
charter restricting the ownership and transfer of shares of our stock are described under
Description of Capital Stock Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer elsewhere in this
prospectus.
19
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a corporation that is a qualified REIT subsidiary is
not treated as a corporation separate from its parent REIT. All assets, liabilities and items of
income, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities
and items of income, deduction and credit of the REIT. A qualified REIT subsidiary is a
corporation all of the capital stock of which is owned by the REIT and for which no election has
been made to treat such corporation as a Taxable REIT Subsidiary. We have four corporate
subsidiaries, 323 Railroad Corp., UB Danbury, Inc., UB Darien, Inc., and UB Somers, Inc., and own
all of their capital stock. For federal income tax purposes, 323 Railroad Corp., UB Danbury, Inc.,
UB Darien, Inc., and UB Somers, Inc., are ignored as separate entities, and all of their assets,
liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit are treated as our assets, liabilities and
items of income, deduction and credit.
An unincorporated domestic entity, such as a partnership or limited liability company, that
has a single owner generally is not treated as an entity separate from its parent for federal
income tax purposes. An unincorporated domestic entity with two or more owners is generally treated
as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a
partnership that has other partners, 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. Our proportionate share for purposes of
the 10% value test (see Asset Tests) is based on our proportionate interest in the equity
interests and certain debt securities issued by the partnership. For all of the other asset and
income tests, our proportionate shares are based on our proportionate interest in the capital
interests in the partnership.
A REIT may own up to 100% of the stock of a taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS. 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. A TRS will pay income
tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In addition, the TRS 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 do not currently own a TRS, but may form one or more TRSs in future
taxable years.
Income Tests
We must satisfy two gross income tests annually to maintain our qualification as a REIT.
First, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year must consist of defined types of
income that we derive, directly or indirectly, from investments relating to real property or
mortgages on real property or qualified temporary investment income. Qualifying income for purposes
of that 75% gross income test generally includes:
|
|
|
rents from real property; |
|
|
|
|
interest on debt secured by mortgages on real property, or on interests in real
property; |
|
|
|
|
dividends or other distributions on, and gain from the sale of, shares in other
REITs; |
|
|
|
|
gain from the sale of real estate assets; and |
|
|
|
|
income derived from the temporary investment of new capital that is attributable to
the issuance of our shares of beneficial interest or a public offering of our debt with
a maturity date of at least five years and that we receive during the one year period
beginning on the date on which we receive such new capital. |
Second, in general, at least 95% of our gross income for each taxable year must consist of
income that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, other types of interest
and dividends, gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, or any combination of
these. Gross income from any origination fees is not qualifying income for purposes of either gross
income test. In addition, certain types of gross income, including gross income from our sale of
property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business is
excluded from both the numerator and the denominator in both income tests. The following paragraphs
discuss the specific application of the gross income tests to us.
20
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 assets are held primarily
for sale to customers and that a sale of any of our assets would not be in the ordinary course of
our business. Whether a REIT holds an asset primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course
of a trade or business depends, however, on the facts and circumstances in effect from time to
time, including those related to a particular asset. Nevertheless, we will attempt to comply with
the terms of safe-harbor provisions in the federal income tax laws prescribing when an asset sale
will not be characterized as a prohibited transaction. We cannot assure you, however, that we can
comply with the safe-harbor provisions or that we 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 generally be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate on any income from
foreclosure property, other than income that otherwise would be qualifying income for purposes of
the 75% gross income test, less expenses directly connected with the production of that income.
However, gross income from 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:
|
|
|
that is acquired by a REIT as the result of the REIT having bid on 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 indebtedness that such property secured; |
|
|
|
|
for which the related loan was acquired by the REIT at a time when the default was
not imminent or anticipated; |
|
|
|
|
and for which the REIT makes a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure
property. |
We have no foreclosure property as of the date of this prospectus.
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 at
the end of the third taxable year following the taxable year in which the REIT acquired the
property, or longer if an extension is granted by the Secretary of the Treasury. This grace period
terminates and foreclosure property ceases to be foreclosure property on the first day:
|
|
|
on which a lease is entered into for the 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; |
|
|
|
|
on which any construction takes place on the property, other than completion of a
building or any other improvement, where more than 10% of the construction was
completed before default became imminent; or |
|
|
|
|
which is more than 90 days after the day on which the REIT acquired the property 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. |
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 each of the following conditions is met:
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
Neither we nor a direct or indirect owner of 10% or more of our shares may own,
actually or constructively, 10% or more of a tenant from whom we receive rent (other
than a TRS). Rent we receive from a TRS will qualify as rents from real property if
at least 90% of the leased space of |
21
|
|
|
the property is rented to persons other than TRSs and 10%-owned tenants, the amount
of rent paid by the TRS is substantially comparable to the rent paid by the other
tenants of the property for comparable space and the rent is not attributable to a
modification of a lease with a controlled TRS (i.e., a TRS in which we own,
directly or indirectly, 50% of the voting power or value of the stock). |
|
|
|
|
None of the rent received under a lease of real property will 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. The allocation of rent between real and personal property is based on the
relative fair market values of the real and personal property. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
We believe that the rents we receive meet all of these conditions.
Income and gain from hedging transactions is excluded from gross income for purposes of the
95% gross income test and, for transactions entered into after July 30, 2008, also for purposes of
the 75% gross income test. Gross income from hedging transactions entered into prior to July 30,
2008 was treated as nonqualifying income for the 75% gross income test. A hedging transaction is
any transaction entered into in the normal course of our trade or business primarily to manage the
risk of interest rate, 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
or similar transactions so as not to 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 that year if we qualify for relief under certain provisions
of the federal income tax laws.
Those relief provisions generally will be available if:
|
|
|
our failure to meet such tests is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful
neglect; and |
|
|
|
|
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 Taxation of the Company, even if the relief
provisions apply, we generally would incur a 100% tax on the gross income attributable to the
greater of the amounts by which we fail the 75% and 95% gross income tests, multiplied by a
fraction intended to reflect our profitability.
Asset Tests
To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we also must satisfy the following asset tests at the
end of each quarter of each taxable year. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must
consist of:
|
|
|
cash or cash items, including certain receivables; |
|
|
|
|
government securities; |
22
|
|
|
interests in real property, including leaseholds and options to acquire real
property and leaseholds; |
|
|
|
|
interests in mortgages on real property; |
|
|
|
|
stock in other REITs; and |
|
|
|
|
investments in stock or debt instruments during the one-year period following our
receipt of new capital that we raise through equity offerings or offerings of debt with
at least a five-year term. |
Under a second asset test, except for securities in the 75% asset class, securities in a TRS
or qualified REIT subsidiary, and equity interests in partnerships:
|
|
|
not more than 5% of the value of our total assets may be represented by securities
of any one issuer (the 5% value test); |
|
|
|
|
we may not own securities that possess more than 10% of the total voting power of
the outstanding securities of any one issuer (the 10% vote test); and |
|
|
|
|
we may not own securities that have a value of more than 10% of the total value of
the outstanding securities of any one issuer (the 10% value test). |
In addition, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may consist of securities
(other than those that are qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test), and not more than
25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by securities of one or more TRSs.
We believe that our existing assets are qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test.
We also believe that any additional real property that we acquire, loans that we extend and
temporary investments that we make generally will be qualifying assets for purposes of the 75%
asset test, except to the extent that the principal balance of any loan exceeds the value of the
associated real property or to the extent the asset is a loan that is not deemed to be an interest
in real property. We intend to monitor the status of our acquired assets for purposes of the
various asset tests and manage our portfolio in order to comply at all times with such tests. If we
fail to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a calendar quarter, we will not lose our REIT status
if:
|
|
|
we satisfied the asset tests at the end of the preceding calendar quarter; and |
|
|
|
|
the discrepancy between the value of our assets and the asset test requirements
arose from changes in the market values of our assets and was not wholly or partly
caused by the acquisition of one or more non-qualifying assets. |
If we did not satisfy the condition described in the first item, above, we still could avoid
disqualification by eliminating any discrepancy within 30 days after the close of the calendar
quarter in which it arose.
In the event that we violate the 5% value test, 10% vote test, or 10% value test described
above at the end of any quarter of each taxable year, we will not lose our REIT qualification if
(i) the failure is de minimis (up to the lesser of 1% of our assets or $10 million) and (ii) we
dispose of assets or otherwise comply with the asset tests within six months after the last day of
the quarter in which we identified such failure. In the event of a more than de minimis failure of
any of the asset tests, as long as the failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful
neglect, we will not lose our REIT qualification if we (i) dispose of assets or otherwise comply
with the asset tests within six months after the last day of the quarter in which we identified
such failure, (ii) file a schedule with the IRS describing the assets that caused such failure and
(iii) 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.
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:
23
|
o |
|
90% of our REIT taxable income, computed without
regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain or loss,
and |
|
|
o |
|
90% of our after-tax income, if any, from foreclosure property, minus |
|
|
|
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
the year and pay the distribution on or before the first regular dividend payment date after such
declaration.
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 the 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:
|
|
|
85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, |
|
|
|
|
95% of our REIT capital gain income for such year, and |
|
|
|
|
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 distribute. 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 below. If
we so elect, we will be treated as having distributed any such retained amount for purposes of the
4% nondeductible 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:
|
|
|
the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses, and |
|
|
|
|
the inclusion of that income and deduction of such expenses in arriving at our REIT
taxable income. |
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 IRS based upon the amount of any deduction we take for
deficiency dividends.
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 shares. We have complied, and we intend to
continue to comply, with these requirements.
Failure to Qualify
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 in Income Tests and Asset Tests.
If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and no relief provision applies, we would
be subject to federal income tax and any applicable alternative minimum tax on our taxable income
at regular corporate rates. In addition, we may be required to pay penalties and/or interest in
respect of such tax. In calculating our taxable
24
income in a year in which we fail 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 that year. In such event, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and
profits, all distributions to individual, trust and estate stockholders would be eligible to be
treated as qualified dividend income, which currently is taxed at capital gains rates. 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.
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders
For purposes of this summary, which is for general information only, the term U.S.
stockholder means a holder of our stock that, for United States federal income tax purposes, is:
|
|
|
a citizen or resident of the United States, |
|
|
|
|
a corporation or partnership created or organized under the laws of the United
States, or of any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, |
|
|
|
|
an estate whose income is includible in gross income for United States federal
income tax purposes regardless of its source, or |
|
|
|
|
any trust (i) with respect to which a United States court is able to exercise
primary supervision over its administration, and one or more United States persons have
the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or (ii) that has a valid
election in place to be treated as a U.S. person. |
If a partnership, including for this purpose any entity that is treated as a partnership for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, holds our stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the
partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the
partnership. A stockholder that is a partnership and the partners in such partnership should
consult their tax advisors about the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition,
ownership and disposition of our stock.
As long as we qualify as a REIT, a taxable U.S. stockholder must take into account as ordinary
income distributions made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits 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.
A U.S. stockholder generally will recognize distributions that we properly designate as
capital gain dividends as long-term capital gain without regard to the period for which the U.S.
stockholder has held its stock. 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 shares
of our stock by the amount of its proportionate share of our undistributed long-term capital gain,
minus its share of the tax we paid. If we make such an election, we may, if supported by reasonable
authority that it will not jeopardize our status as a REIT, make such an election only with respect
to capital gains allocable to our Common Stock and Class A Common Stock.
A U.S. stockholder will not incur tax on a distribution in excess of our current and
accumulated earnings and profits if the distribution does not exceed the adjusted basis of the U.S.
stockholders shares of our stock. Instead, the distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of such
shares of our 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 his or her shares
of our stock as long-term capital gain, or short-term capital gain if the shares of our stock have
been held for one year or less, assuming the shares of our stock are a capital asset in the hands
of the U.S. stockholder. For purposes of determining whether a distribution is made out of our
current or accumulated
25
earnings and profits, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to dividends on our preferred
stock and then to dividends on our common equity. If, for any taxable year, we elect to designate
as capital gain dividends any portion of the distributions paid for the year to our stockholders,
the portion of the amount so designated (not in excess of our net capital gain for the year) that
will be allocable to the holders of our preferred stock will be the amount so designated,
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which will be the total dividends (within the meaning of
the Internal Revenue Code) paid to the holders of our preferred stock for the year and the
denominator of which will be the total dividends paid to the holders of all classes of our stock
for the year.
Dividends paid to a U.S. stockholder generally will not qualify for the 15% tax rate for
qualified dividend income. Currently the maximum federal income tax rate for qualified dividend
income is 15% for tax years through 2010. Qualified dividend income generally includes dividends
paid by domestic C corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations to individual, trust and
estate U.S. stockholders. 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 a TRS, and (2) attributable to income upon which we have paid
corporate income tax (e.g., to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our taxable income).
In general, to qualify for the reduced tax rate on qualified dividend income, a U.S. stockholder
must hold our stock for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is
60 days before the date on which our stock becomes ex-dividend.
Stockholders may not include in their individual income tax returns any of our net operating
losses or capital losses. Instead, these losses are generally carried over by us for potential
offset against our future income. Taxable distributions from us and gain from the disposition of
the shares of our 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 shares of our stock
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.
Taxation of U.S. Stockholders on the Disposition of Stock
In general, a U.S. stockholder who is not a dealer in securities must treat any gain or loss
realized upon a taxable disposition of his or her shares of our stock as long-term capital gain or
loss if the U.S. stockholder has held the shares of our stock for more than one year. However, a
U.S. stockholder must treat any loss upon a sale or exchange of shares of our 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 shares of our stock may be disallowed if the U.S. stockholder purchases other shares of
substantially identical stock within 30 days before or after the disposition.
Capital Gains and Losses
The tax rate differential between capital gain and ordinary income for non-corporate taxpayers
may be significant. 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 tax rate is currently 35%. The maximum tax rate on long-term
capital gain applicable to individual taxpayers is 15% for sales and exchanges of assets held for
more than one year and occurring May 6, 2003 through December 31, 2010. The maximum tax rate on
long-term capital gain from the sale or exchange of section 1250 property, or depreciable real
property, is 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. 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.
26
Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding
We will report to our stockholders and to the IRS 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 a rate of 28% with respect to distributions
unless the holder:
|
|
|
is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and, when required,
demonstrates this fact; |
|
|
|
|
or provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption
from backup withholding, and otherwise complies with the 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 IRS. Any amount paid as backup withholding will be
creditable against the stockholders income tax liability. In addition, we may be required to
withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to any stockholders who fail to certify their
non-foreign status to us.
Taxation of Tax Exempt Stockholders
Tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit sharing trusts and
individual retirement accounts, 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 IRS has issued a ruling that dividend
distributions from a REIT to an exempt employee pension trust do not constitute unrelated business
taxable income so long as 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 shares of our 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, certain types of
tax-exempt entities are subject to unrelated business taxable income under rules that are different
from the general rules discussed above, which may require them to characterize distributions that
they receive from us as unrelated business taxable income. In certain circumstances, a pension
trust could be required to treat a percentage of the dividends received from a pension-held REIT
as UBTI. We intend that certain restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock should
generally prevent us from becoming a pension-held REIT. If we were to become a pension-held REIT,
these rules generally would apply only to certain pension trusts that held more than 10% of our
stock.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders
The rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of nonresident alien individuals, foreign
corporations, foreign partnerships, and other stockholders that are not U.S. stockholders
(non-U.S. stockholders) are complex. This section is a summary of such rules for general
information only. WE URGE YOU TO CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISORS TO DETERMINE THE IMPACT OF FEDERAL,
STATE, AND LOCAL INCOME TAX LAWS ON OWNERSHIP OF THE SHARES OF OUR 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 a U.S. real property interest, 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
of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. A withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross
amount of the distribution ordinarily will apply 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 on 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 distribution paid to a non-U.S. stockholder
unless either:
27
|
|
|
a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. stockholder files the required form
evidencing eligibility for that reduced rate with us, or |
|
|
|
|
the non-U.S. stockholder files the required form with us claiming that the
distribution is effectively connected income. |
A non-U.S. stockholder will not incur tax on a distribution on shares of our stock in excess
of our current and accumulated earnings and profits if the distribution does not exceed the
adjusted basis of those shares. Instead, the distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of those
shares. A non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to tax on a distribution on shares of our stock that
exceeds both our current and accumulated earnings and profits and the adjusted basis of those
shares if the non-U.S. stockholder otherwise would be subject to tax on gain from the sale or
disposition of those shares as described below. Because we generally cannot determine at the time
we make a distribution whether 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 are generally required to 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 generally will
withhold at a rate of 10% on any portion of a distribution not subject to withholding at a rate of
30%.
A non-U.S. stockholder may 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 known as FIRPTA. The term United States real property interests includes
interests in U.S. real property and shares in corporations at least 50% of whose assets consist of
interests in U.S. real property. Under those rules, subject to the exception discussed below for
distributions on shares of a class of stock that is regularly traded on an established securities
market to a less-than-5% holder of such class, a non-U.S. stockholder is taxed on distributions
attributable to gain from sales of United States real property interests as if the gain were
effectively connected with a U.S. business of the non-U.S. stockholder. A non-U.S. stockholder thus
would be taxed on this 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. A non-U.S. corporate stockholder not entitled to
treaty relief or exemption also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax on such a
distribution. Unless the exception described in the next paragraph applies, we must withhold 35% of
any distribution that we could designate as a capital gain dividend. A non-U.S. stockholder may
receive a credit against its tax liability for the amount we withhold.
Capital gain distributions to the holders of shares of a class of our stock that are
attributable to our sale of real property will be treated as ordinary dividends rather than as gain
from the sale of a United States real property interest, as long as (1) that class of stock is
regularly traded on an established securities market and (2) the non-U.S. stockholder did not own
more than 5% of that class of stock during the one-year period ending on the date of distribution.
As a result, non-U.S. stockholders generally would be subject to withholding tax on such capital
gain distributions in the same manner as they are subject to withholding tax on ordinary dividends.
Moreover, if a non-U.S. stockholder disposes of our stock during the 30-day period preceding a
dividend payment, and such non-U.S. stockholder (or a person related to such non-U.S. stockholder)
acquires or enters into a contract or option to acquire our stock within 61 days of the 1st day of
the 30-day period described above, and any portion of such dividend payment would, but for the
disposition, be treated as a U.S real property interest capital gain to such non-U.S. stockholder,
then such non-U.S. stockholder shall be treated as having U.S. real property interest capital gain
in an amount that, but for the disposition, would have been treated as U.S. real property interest
capital gain.
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% of such
stock, as measured by value. We cannot assure you that that test will be met. In addition, a
non-U.S. stockholder that owned, actually or constructively, 5% or less of the shares of a class of
stock at all times during a specified testing period will not incur tax on such gain under FIRPTA
if the shares of that class of stock are regularly traded on an established securities
28
market. If the gain on the sale of stock is taxed under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. stockholder would
be taxed on that gain in the same manner as U.S. stockholders subject to alternative minimum tax,
but under a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals.
A non-U.S. stockholder generally will incur tax on gain not subject to FIRPTA if:
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
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 has a tax home in the United
States, in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will incur a 30% tax on his or her
capital gains. |
State and Local Taxes
We and/or our stockholders may be subject to taxation by various states and localities,
including those in which we or a stockholder transacts business, owns property or resides. The
state and local tax treatment may differ from the federal income tax treatment described above.
Consequently, prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of
state and local tax laws on an investment in our stock.
29
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We are registering the shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock hereunder to permit the
resale of such shares by the selling stockholders from time to time after the date of this
prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the selling stockholders of
the shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock. We will bear all fees and expenses incident
to the registration of the shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock with the SEC.
The selling stockholders may sell all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock and/or Class
A Common Stock owned by them and offered hereby from time to time directly or through one or more
broker-dealers or agents. If the shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock are sold
through broker-dealers, the selling stockholders will be responsible for underwriting discounts or
commissions or agents commissions. The shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock may be
sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the
sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. These sales may be
effected in transactions which may involve crosses or block transactions,
|
|
|
on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the securities may
be listed or quoted at the time of sale; |
|
|
|
|
in the over-the-counter market; |
|
|
|
|
in transactions otherwise than on these exchanges or systems or in the
over-the-counter market; |
|
|
|
|
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits
purchasers; |
|
|
|
|
block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but
may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the
transaction; |
|
|
|
|
purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its
account; |
|
|
|
|
an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
|
|
|
|
privately negotiated transactions; |
|
|
|
|
short sales; |
|
|
|
|
sales pursuant to Rule 144; |
|
|
|
|
broker-dealers may agree with the selling security holders to sell a specified
number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; |
|
|
|
|
a combination of any such methods of sale; and |
|
|
|
|
any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. |
If the selling stockholders effect such transactions by selling shares of Common Stock and/or
Class A Common Stock to or through broker-dealers or agents, such broker-dealers or agents may
receive commissions in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling
stockholders or commissions from purchasers of the shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common
Stock for whom they may act as agent or to whom they may sell as principal (which discounts,
concessions or commissions as to particular broker-dealers or agents may be in excess of those
customary in the types of transactions involved). In connection with sales of the shares of Common
Stock and/or Class A Common Stock or otherwise, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging
transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the shares of Common
Stock and/or Class A Common Stock in the course of hedging in positions they assume. The selling
stockholders may also sell shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock short and deliver
shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock covered by this prospectus to close out short
positions and to return borrowed shares in connection with such short sales. The selling
stockholders may also loan or pledge shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock to
broker-dealers that in turn may sell such shares.
30
The selling stockholders may pledge or grant a security interest in some or all shares of
Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of
their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of Common
Stock and/or Class A Common Stock from time to time pursuant to this prospectus or any amendment to
this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act, amending,
if necessary, the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other
successors in interest as selling stockholders under this prospectus. The selling stockholders also
may transfer and donate the shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock in other
circumstances in which case the transferees, donees, pledgees or other successors in interest will
be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealer participating in the distribution of the shares
of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning
of the Securities Act, and any commission paid, or any discounts or concessions allowed to, any
such broker-dealer may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities
Act. At the time a particular offering of the shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock is
made, a prospectus supplement, if required, will be distributed which will set forth the aggregate
amount of shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock being offered and the terms of the
offering, including the name or names of any broker-dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions
and other terms constituting compensation from the selling stockholders and any discounts,
commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to broker-dealers. In compliance with
guidelines of the National Association of Securities Dealers, or NASD, the maximum consideration or
discount to be received by any NASD member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8% of the
aggregate amount of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable
prospectus supplement.
There can be no assurance that any selling stockholders will sell any or all of the shares of
Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock registered pursuant to the shelf registration statement,
of which this prospectus forms a part.
The selling stockholders and any other person participating in such distribution will be
subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder,
including, without limitation, Regulation M of the Exchange Act, which may limit the timing of
purchases and sales of any of the shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock by the selling
stockholders and any other participating person. Regulation M may also restrict the ability of any
person engaged in the distribution of the shares of Common Stock and/or Class A Common Stock to
engage in market-making activities with respect to the shares of Common Stock and Class A Common
Stock. All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the shares of Common Stock and Class A
Common Stock and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with
respect to the shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock.
Once sold under the shelf registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, the
shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock will be freely tradable in the hands of persons
other than our affiliates.
31
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference certain information we file with the SEC. This
permits us to disclose important information to you by referencing these filed documents. Any
information referenced this way is considered part of this prospectus, and any information filed
with the SEC subsequent to this prospectus will automatically be deemed to update and supersede
this information. We incorporate by reference the following documents which have been filed with
the SEC:
|
|
|
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008; |
|
|
|
|
Our Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for our March 5,
2009 annual meeting of stockholders; |
|
|
|
|
Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2008 and December 17, 2008; |
|
|
|
|
The description of the companys Common Stock contained in the companys
registration statement filed under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any
amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description; and |
|
|
|
|
The description of the companys Class A Common Stock contained in the companys
registration statement filed under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any
amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus all documents that we may subsequently
file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and prior to the
termination of the offering, including all documents that we may file pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of first filing this registration statement
and prior to the effectiveness of this registration statement, provided, however, that we are not
incorporating by reference any information furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any Current
Report on Form 8-K, unless, and to the extent, specified in any such Current Report on Form 8-K.
Any statement herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by reference
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained in any subsequently filed document which also is incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a
part of this prospectus.
We will provide without charge upon written or oral request to each person, including any
beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the
documents which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus (other than exhibits unless such
exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such documents). Requests should be directed
to Investor Relations, Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc., 321 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830,
Attn: Ms. Athena Bludé or by calling Investor Relations directly at (203) 863-8225.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Common Stock and Class A Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon
for the selling stockholders by Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Certain
federal income tax matters will be passed upon by Baker & McKenzie
LLP, New York, NY.
32
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. incorporated in this
prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31,
2008 have been audited by PKF, Certified Public Accountants, A Professional Corporation, an
independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in its report thereon, and have been
incorporated herein in reliance on said report of such firm given on its authority as experts in
auditing and accounting in giving said report.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. The reports, proxy statements and other information filed by us may be inspected without
charge at the public reference room of the SEC, which is located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington,
D.C. 20549. You may obtain copies of all or any part of the reports, proxy statements and other
information from the public reference room, upon the payment of the prescribed fees. You may obtain
information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The
SEC maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other
information regarding registrants like us that file electronically with the SEC. You can inspect
the reports, proxy statements and other information on this website.
33