Use these links to rapidly review the document
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration Statement No. 333-204216
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
|
||||||||
Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered |
Amount to be Registered |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit |
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price |
Amount of Registration Fee(1)(2) |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022 |
$287,500,000 | 100% | $287,500,000 | $33,321.25 | ||||
Common Shares, par value $.01 per share |
(3) | (3) | (3) | (3) | ||||
|
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus Dated May 15, 2015)
$250,000,000
Two Harbors Investment Corp.
6.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022
We are offering $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 6.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022, or the notes, under this prospectus supplement. The notes will bear interest at a rate equal to 6.25% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on January 15th and July 15th of each year, beginning on July 15, 2017. The notes will mature on January 15, 2022.
Holders may convert their notes into shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share, at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The conversion rate will initially equal 100.0000 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to a conversion price of $10.00 per share of common stock). The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, following the occurrence of a make-whole fundamental change, we will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for a holder that converts its notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change.
We may not redeem the notes prior to maturity. No sinking fund will be provided for the notes.
Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, holders may require us to purchase the notes in whole or in part for cash at a fundamental change purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date.
The notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the notes, equal in right of payment to our existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated, effectively junior to any future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) and any preferred equity of our subsidiaries as well as to any of our existing or future indebtedness that may be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries (to the extent of any such guarantee).
We do not intend to apply for listing on any securities exchange. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol "TWO." The closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on January 12, 2017 was $8.81 per share.
Investing in the notes involves certain risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement and in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, to read about factors you should consider before making an investment in the notes.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the notes or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
|
Per Note | Total | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public offering price(1) | 100 | % | $ | 250,000,000 | |||
Underwriting discounts and commissions(2) | 1.75 | % | $ | 4,375,000 | |||
Proceeds, before expenses, to us. | 98.25 | % | $ | 245,625,000 |
The underwriter will have the option to purchase within 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement up to an additional $37,500,000 principal amount of notes from us at the public offering price less the underwriting discount to cover over-allotments, if any.
The underwriter expects to deliver the notes in book-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company on or about January 19, 2017.
Credit Suisse
The date of this prospectus supplement is January 13, 2017.
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, or any free writing prospectus that we may provide you. Neither we nor the underwriter has authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. None of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectus we may provide you constitutes, or may be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectus we may provide you by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation. The information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any free writing prospectus, and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of their respective dates.
S-i
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using a "shelf" registration process. This prospectus supplement is a supplement to the accompanying prospectus that is also a part of this document. In the accompanying prospectus, we provide you with a general description of the securities we may offer from time to time under our shelf registration statement. This prospectus supplement contains specific information about us and the terms on which we are offering and selling the notes. Both this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus include or incorporate by reference important information about us, our debt securities, our common stock and other information you should know before investing. This prospectus supplement also adds, updates, and changes information contained in the accompanying prospectus. To the extent that any statement made in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with statements made in the accompanying prospectus, the statements made in the accompanying prospectus will be deemed modified or superseded by those made in this prospectus supplement. Before you purchase our notes, you should carefully read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the registration statement, together with the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
When used in this prospectus supplement, the terms "Two Harbors," "company," "issuer," "registrant," "we," "our," and "us" refer to Two Harbors Investment Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.
S-ii
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated herein or therein, contain not only historical information, but also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, and that are subject to the safe harbors created by such sections. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ from our beliefs, expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements are not historical in nature and can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "will," "should," "expect," "target," "believe," "intend," "seek," "plan," "goals," "future," "likely," "may," and similar expressions or their negative forms, or by references to strategy, plans, or intentions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, the information referred to on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement under the caption "Risk Factors." Other risks, uncertainties, and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are described below and may be described from time to time in reports we file with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as in the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Important factors, among others, that may affect our actual results include:
S-iii
All forward-looking statements included herein attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Except to the extent required by applicable laws and regulations, we undertake no obligations to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus supplement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Before you make an investment decision, you should be aware that the occurrence of the events described in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated herein or therein by reference, may adversely affect us.
S-iv
This summary highlights selected information about us. It may not contain all the information that may be important to you in deciding whether to invest in our securities. You should read this entire prospectus supplement, including the Risk Factors, and the accompanying prospectus, together with the information incorporated by reference herein and therein, including the risk factors, financial data and related notes, before making an investment decision.
Our Company
Two Harbors Investment Corp. is a Maryland corporation focused on investing in, financing and managing residential mortgage-backed securities, or RMBS, mortgage servicing rights, or MSR, commercial real estate debt and related assets and other financial assets, which we collectively refer to as our target assets. We operate as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code.
We are externally managed and advised by PRCM Advisers LLC, or PRCM Advisers, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pine River Capital Management L.P., or Pine River, a global multi-strategy asset management firm providing comprehensive portfolio management, transparency and liquidity to institutional and high net worth investors.
Our objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted total return to our stockholders over the long term, primarily through dividends and secondarily through capital appreciation. We selectively acquire and manage an investment portfolio of our target assets, which is constructed to generate attractive returns through market cycles. We focus on asset selection and implement a relative value investment approach across various sectors within the mortgage market. Our target assets include the following:
We seek to deploy moderate leverage as part of our investment strategy. We generally finance our RMBS and commercial real estate assets through short- and long-term borrowings structured as repurchase agreements and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, or the FHLB. We also finance our MSR through revolving credit facilities.
We have elected to be treated as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To qualify as a REIT, we are required to meet certain investment and operating tests and annual distribution requirements. We generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on our taxable income to the extent that we annually distribute all of our net taxable income to stockholders, do not participate in prohibited transactions and maintain our intended qualification as a REIT. However, certain activities that we may perform may cause us to earn income which will not be qualifying income for REIT purposes. We have designated certain of our subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs, as defined in the Code, to engage in such activities, and we may form additional TRSs in the future.
Our headquarters are located at 590 Madison Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, New York 10022 and our telephone number is (612) 629-2500. We maintain a website at www.twoharborsinvestment.com;
S-1
however, the information found on our website is not a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
Recent Developments
During the fourth quarter of 2016, market volatility resulted in higher interest rates and wider mortgage spreads. Our risk management and hedging strategies are designed to largely mitigate the impact of these factors on our book value, as we focus on delivering stable and attractive risk-adjusted returns to our investors over the long term. Adjusting for the $0.24 common dividend per share we announced on December 15, 2016, we estimate that our book value per diluted common share at December 31, 2016 will be in the range of $9.73 to $9.83, reflecting a modest decrease from our book value per common share of $10.01 at September 30, 2016. Our actual results may vary following completion of our internal processes to finalize our financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 and remain subject to audit of our financial statements by our independent auditors.
S-2
The following summary is provided solely for your convenience and is not intended to be complete. You should read the full text and more specific details contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. For purposes of this "offering summary," references to "we," "our," "us" and "Two Harbors" refer to Two Harbors Investment Corp. and not to its subsidiaries. For a more detailed description of the notes, see "Description of the Notes" in this prospectus supplement and "Description of Debt Securities" in the accompanying prospectus.
Issuer |
Two Harbors Investment Corp., a Maryland Corporation ("Two Harbors") | |
Securities Offered |
$250,000,000 principal amount of 6.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022 (plus up to an additional $37,500,000 principal amount if the underwriter exercises its option to purchase additional notes to cover over-allotments, if any). |
|
Maturity Date |
January 15, 2022 unless earlier repurchased by us or converted. |
|
Issue Price |
100% |
|
Interest |
6.25% per year. Interest will accrue from the date of issuance (which is scheduled for January 19, 2017) or from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, and will be payable semiannually in arrears on January 15th and July 15th of each year, beginning on July 15, 2017. |
|
|
We will also be required to pay additional interest on the notes under the circumstances described under "Description of the NotesEvents of Default." |
|
Conversion Rights |
Holders may convert their notes at their option prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day prior to the maturity date. |
|
|
The conversion rate will initially equal 100.0000 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of $10.00 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment as described in this prospectus supplement. |
|
|
In addition, following the occurrence of certain corporate events, we will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for a holder that converts its notes in connection with such corporate event. See "Description of the NotesAdjustment to Conversion Rate Upon Conversion in Connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change." |
|
|
You will not receive any additional cash payment representing accrued and unpaid interest, if any, upon conversion of a note, except in limited circumstances. Instead, interest will be deemed paid by our delivery of the shares of our common stock into which your note is convertible. See "Description of the NotesConversion RightsGeneral." |
S-3
Settlement Upon Conversion |
Upon conversion of the notes, a holder will receive, on or prior to the third trading day following the conversion date, a number of shares of our common stock equal to the product of (1) the aggregate principal amount of notes to be converted, divided by $1,000 and (2) the applicable conversion rate, plus cash in lieu of fractional shares. See "Description of the NotesConversion RightsSettlement Upon Conversion." |
|
No Redemption |
We may not redeem the notes prior to maturity, and no sinking fund will be provided for the notes. |
|
Fundamental Change |
Upon the occurrence of a "fundamental change" (as defined under "Description of the NotesFundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes"), subject to certain conditions, you may require us to purchase for cash all or part of your notes. The fundamental change purchase price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date. |
|
Ranking |
The notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank: |
|
|
senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness we may have that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the notes; |
|
|
equal in right of payment to our existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated; |
|
|
effectively junior in right of payment to any of our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and |
|
|
structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) and any preferred equity of our subsidiaries as well as to any of our existing or future indebtedness that may be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries (to the extent of any such guarantee). |
|
|
As of September 30, 2016, our total consolidated indebtedness (excluding trade payables and unfunded commitments) was $18.0 billion, all of which was indebtedness of our subsidiaries to third parties to which the notes would have been structurally subordinated. |
|
|
The indenture governing the notes will not limit the amount of debt that we or our subsidiaries may incur and will not include any financial covenants, including covenants restricting us from paying dividends or issuing or repurchasing our other securities. |
S-4
Events of Default |
Except as described under "Description of the NotesEvents of Default," if an event of default with respect to the notes occurs, holders may, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, accelerate the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest will automatically become due and payable in the case of certain types of bankruptcy or insolvency events of default involving us. |
|
Ownership Limit |
Subject to certain exceptions, our charter restricts ownership of more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common stock, or of our outstanding capital stock, in order to protect our status as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Notwithstanding any other provision of the notes, no holder of notes will be entitled to receive our common stock following conversion of such notes to the extent that receipt of such common stock would cause such holder (after application of certain constructive ownership rules) to exceed the ownership limit contained in our charter. |
|
|
If any delivery of shares of our common stock owed to a holder upon conversion of notes is not made, in whole or in part, as a result of the limitations described above, our obligation to make such delivery shall not be extinguished and we shall deliver such shares as promptly as practicable after any such converting holder gives notice to us that such delivery would not result in it being the beneficial or constructive owner of more than 9.8% (by value or number, whichever is more restrictive) of the shares of common stock, or of our outstanding capital stock, outstanding at such time. |
|
Book-Entry Form |
The notes will be issued in book-entry form and will be represented by one or more permanent global certificates deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, which we refer to as DTC, and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. Beneficial interests in any of the notes will be shown on, and transfers will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee and any such interest may not be exchanged for certificated securities, except in limited circumstances. |
S-5
Absence of a Public Market for the Notes |
Prior to this offering, there was no public market for the notes, and we do not intend to list the notes on any national securities exchange. If no active trading market develops, you may not be able to resell your notes at their fair market value or at all. Future trading prices of the notes will depend on many factors, including the market price of our common stock, prevailing interest rates, our operating results and the market for similar securities. We have been informed by the underwriter that it currently intends to make a market in the notes after this offering is completed. However, the underwriter is not obligated to do so, and may cease its market-making at any time and without notice. |
|
No Listing |
We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TWO." |
|
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences |
For certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes and the shares of our common stock into which the notes are convertible, see "Supplemental U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" in this prospectus supplement and "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the accompanying prospectus. |
|
Trustee, Paying Agent and Conversion Agent |
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. |
|
Use of Proceeds |
We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $245,150,000 (or approximately $281,993,750 if the underwriter exercises its option to purchase additional notes to cover over-allotments, if any, in full) after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to purchase our target assets, including RMBS, MSR, commercial real estate debt and related assets and other financial assets, in each case subject to our investment guidelines and to the extent consistent with maintaining our REIT qualification, and for general corporate purposes. See "Use of Proceeds." |
|
Governing Law |
New York. |
|
Risk Factors |
An investment in the notes involves a high degree of risk, and prospective investors should carefully consider the matters discussed under "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement and the reports we file with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before making a decision to invest in the notes. |
S-6
An investment in our notes involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the following risk factors and the risk factors included in Two Harbors Investment Corp.'s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, in addition to the remainder of the information provided in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before making an investment decision. The risks and uncertainties described below and in Two Harbors Investment Corp.'s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently deem immaterial, also may become important factors that affect us. If any of these risks occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In that case, the value of your investment could decline.
Risks Related to the Notes and to this Offering
We expect that the trading price of the notes will be significantly affected by changes in the market price of our common stock, the interest rate environment and our credit quality, each of which could change substantially at any time.
We expect that the trading price of the notes will depend on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, the market price of our common stock, the interest rate environment and our credit quality. Each of these factors may be volatile and may or may not be within our control.
For example, the trading price of the notes may increase with the market price and volatility of our common stock. We cannot, however, predict whether the market price of our common stock will rise or fall or whether the volatility of our common stock will continue at historical levels. In addition, general market conditions, including the level of, and fluctuations in, the market price of stocks generally, may affect the market price and the volatility of our common stock. Moreover, we may or may not choose to take actions that could influence the volatility of our common stock.
Likewise, if interest rates, or expected future interest rates, rise during the term of the notes, the present value of the coupons and principal repayment associated with the notes will likely decrease, but the value of the conversion right embedded in the notes will likely increase. Because interest rates and interest rate expectations are influenced by a wide variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that changes in interest rates or interest rate expectations will not adversely affect the trading price of the notes.
Furthermore, the trading price of the notes will likely be significantly affected by any change in our credit quality. Because our credit quality is influenced by a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that we will maintain or improve our credit quality during the term of the notes. In addition, because we may choose to take actions that adversely affect our credit quality, such as incurring additional debt, there can be no guarantee that our credit quality will not decline during the term of the notes, which would likely negatively impact the trading price of the notes.
The claims of any holders of the notes will be structurally subordinated to claims of any creditors of our subsidiaries because our subsidiaries will not guarantee the notes. In addition, we are a holding company with minimal independent operations. Our ability to repay our debt, including the notes, depends on the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to make distributions to us.
The notes will not be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. Accordingly, none of our subsidiaries is currently, and may not become, obligated to pay any amounts due pursuant to the notes, or to make any funds available therefor. Consequently, claims of holders of the notes will be structurally subordinated to the claims of any creditors and preferred shareholders of these subsidiaries, including trade creditors as well as to any of our existing or future indebtedness that may be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries (to the extent of any such guarantee). As a result, in the event of a bankruptcy,
S-7
liquidation or reorganization of any of our subsidiaries, such subsidiaries will pay the holders of their debt and their trade creditors before they will be able to distribute any of their assets to their preferred shareholders, if any, or to us.
As a holding company, substantially all of our business is conducted through our subsidiaries, which are separate and distinct legal entities. Therefore, our ability to service our indebtedness, including the notes, is dependent on the earnings and the distribution of funds (whether by dividend, distribution or loan) from our subsidiaries. None of our subsidiaries is obligated to make funds available to us for payment on the notes. We cannot assure you that the agreements governing the existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries will permit our subsidiaries to provide us with sufficient dividends, distributions or loans to fund payments on the notes when due. In addition, any payment of dividends, distributions or loans to us by our subsidiaries could be subject to restrictions on dividends or repatriation of earnings under applicable local law in the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate. Furthermore, we guaranty many of the obligations of our subsidiaries, including certain indebtedness of our subsidiaries, and such guarantees may require us to provide substantial funds or assets to our subsidiaries, or their creditors at a time when we need liquidity to fund our own obligations, such as the notes.
As of September 30, 2016, our total consolidated indebtedness (excluding trade payables and unfunded commitments) was $18.0 billion, all of which was indebtedness of our subsidiaries to third parties to which the notes would have been structurally subordinated.
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the notes.
We currently have and, after this offering, will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness. As of September 30, 2016, our total consolidated indebtedness (excluding trade payables and unfunded commitments) was $18.0 billion. This substantial level of indebtedness increases the risk that we may be unable to generate enough cash to pay amounts due in respect of our indebtedness, including the notes.
Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to you and significant effects on our business. For example, it could:
In addition, the agreements that govern our current indebtedness contain, and the agreements that may govern any future indebtedness that we may incur may contain, financial and other restrictive covenants that will limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests.
S-8
Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of some or all of our debt.
Despite our substantial current indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.
We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, including pursuant to a capital markets transaction such as a notes offering as well as secured indebtedness that will be structurally senior to the notes. Furthermore, the indenture establishing the terms of the notes will not limit the amount of debt that we or our subsidiaries may issue. Adding new indebtedness to current debt levels could make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the notes.
The notes are not protected by restrictive covenants, which in turn may allow us to engage in a variety of transactions that may impair our ability to fulfill our obligations under the notes.
The indenture governing the notes will not contain any financial covenants and will not restrict us from paying dividends, incurring debt or issuing or repurchasing our other securities. Because the indenture will not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving us or in the event of a decline in our credit rating for any reason, including as a result of a takeover, recapitalization, highly leveraged transaction or similar restructuring involving us, except to the extent described under "Description of the NotesFundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes," "Description of the NotesConsolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets" and "Description of the NotesAdjustment to Conversion Rate Upon Conversion In Connection With a Make-Whole Fundamental Change," we may engage in transactions that may impair our ability to fulfill our obligations under the notes. Other than the repurchase right, the restrictions provided by the merger covenant and our obligation to increase the conversion rate with respect to the notes in certain circumstances upon the occurrence of certain events, we generally have no duty to consider the interests of holders of the notes in determining whether to engage in such transactions.
Recent regulatory actions may adversely affect the trading price and liquidity of the notes.
We expect that many investors in, and potential purchasers of, the notes will employ, or seek to employ, a convertible arbitrage strategy with respect to the notes. Investors would typically implement this strategy by selling short the common stock underlying the notes and dynamically adjusting their short position while they hold the notes. Investors may also implement this strategy by entering into swaps on our common stock in lieu of or in addition to short selling our common stock.
The SEC and other regulatory and self-regulatory authorities have implemented various rules and may adopt additional rules in the future that may impact those engaging in short selling activity involving equity securities (including our common stock), including Rule 201 of SEC Regulation SHO, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's, or FINRA's, "Limit Up-Limit Down" program, market-wide circuit breaker systems that halt trading of securities for certain periods following specific market declines, and rules stemming from the enactment and implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Past regulatory actions, including emergency actions or regulations, have had a significant impact on the trading prices and liquidity of equity-linked instruments. Any governmental action that similarly restricts the ability of investors in, or potential purchasers of, the notes to effect short sales of our common stock or enter into swaps on our common stock could similarly adversely affect the trading price and the liquidity of the notes.
S-9
In addition, if investors and potential purchasers seeking to employ a convertible arbitrage strategy are unable to borrow or enter into swaps on our common stock, in each case on commercially reasonable terms, the trading price and liquidity of the notes may be adversely effected.
Some significant restructuring transactions that may adversely affect you may not constitute a "fundamental change" under the indenture, in which case we would not be obligated to offer to repurchase the notes.
Upon the occurrence of a "fundamental change" (as defined under "Description of the NotesFundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes"), you have the right, at your option, to require us to repurchase your notes for cash. However, the definition of fundamental change contained in the indenture is limited to certain enumerated transactions. As a result, the fundamental change provision of the indenture will not afford protection to holders of notes in the event of other transactions that could adversely affect the notes or our common stock. For example, certain transactions such as leveraged recapitalizations, refinancings, significant distributions of our capital stock or assets, restructurings, spin-offs or acquisitions involving us may not constitute a fundamental change requiring us to repurchase the notes. In the event of any such transactions, holders of the notes would not have the right to require us to repurchase their notes, even though each of these transactions could increase the amount of our indebtedness, or otherwise adversely affect our capital structure or any credit ratings, thereby adversely affecting the holders of notes.
The adjustment to the conversion rate for notes converted in connection with a make-whole fundamental change may not adequately compensate you for any lost option value of your notes as a result of such transaction. In addition, the definition of a make-whole fundamental change is limited and may not protect you from losing some of the option value of your notes in the event of a variety of transactions that do not constitute a make-whole fundamental change.
Upon the occurrence of a make-whole fundamental change, we will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for a holder that converts its notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change. The increase in the conversion rate will be determined based on the date on which the make-whole fundamental change becomes effective and the price paid (or deemed paid) per share of our common stock in such make-whole fundamental change, all as described below under "Description of the NotesAdjustment to Conversion Rate Upon Conversion in Connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change."
Although the adjustment to the conversion rate for notes converted in connection with a make-whole fundamental change is designed to compensate you for the option value of your notes that you lose as a result of a make-whole fundamental change, it is only an estimate of such value and may not adequately compensate you for such lost option value. In addition, if the price paid (or deemed paid) for our common stock in the make-whole fundamental change is greater than $13.00 per share or less than $8.81 per share (in each case, subject to adjustment in accordance with the indenture), then we will not be required to adjust the conversion rate if you convert your notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change. Moreover, in no event will we increase the conversion rate solely because of such an adjustment to a rate that exceeds 113.5073 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustments in accordance with the indenture.
Furthermore, the definition of make-whole fundamental change contained in the indenture is limited to certain enumerated transactions. As a result, the make-whole fundamental change provisions of the indenture will not afford protection to holders of the notes in the event that other transactions occur that could adversely affect the option value of the notes. For example, transactions, such as leveraged recapitalizations, refinancings, restructurings or acquisitions, could significantly affect the trading characteristics of our common stock and thereby reduce the option value embedded in the notes without triggering a make-whole fundamental change.
S-10
In addition, our obligation to increase the conversion rate upon the occurrence of a make-whole fundamental change could be considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability thereof could be subject to general equity principles such as the reasonableness of economic remedies.
Adjustments to the conversion rate do not cover all dilutive events that may adversely affect the value of the notes.
The conversion rate of the notes is subject to adjustment for certain events, including, but not limited to, the issuance of stock dividends above a specified threshold on our common stock, the issuance of certain rights, options or warrants, subdivisions, combinations, distributions of our capital stock, indebtedness, or assets, cash dividends and certain issuer tender or exchange offers as described under "Description of the NotesConversion RightsConversion Rate Adjustments." However, the conversion rate will not be adjusted for other events, such as a third-party tender or exchange offer or an issuance of our common stock for cash or in connection with an acquisition, that may adversely affect the trading price of the notes or our common stock. An event that adversely affects the value of the notes may occur and that event may not result in an adjustment to the conversion rate.
We may not have the ability to raise funds necessary to purchase the notes upon a fundamental change.
If a fundamental change occurs, you will have the right, at your option, to require us to purchase for cash any or all of your notes. The fundamental change purchase price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date. However, we may not have sufficient funds at the time we are required to purchase the notes, and we may not be able to arrange necessary financing on acceptable terms, if at all. In addition, our ability to purchase the notes may be limited by law, by regulatory authority or by the agreements governing our other indebtedness outstanding at the time. If we fail to pay the fundamental change purchase price when due, we will be in default under the indenture governing the notes. A default under the indenture or the fundamental change itself could also constitute a default under the agreements governing our other existing and future indebtedness which would further restrict our ability to make required payments under the notes.
If an active trading market does not develop for the notes, you may not be able to resell them.
Prior to this offering, there was no public market for the notes, and we do not currently plan to list the notes on any securities exchange. If no active trading market develops, you may not be able to resell your notes at their fair market value or at all. The liquidity of the trading market in the notes and future trading prices of the notes will depend on many factors, including prevailing interest rates, our operating results and the market for similar securities. We have been informed by the underwriter that it currently intends to make a market in the notes after this offering is completed. However, the underwriter is not obligated to do so, and may cease its market-making at any time and without notice.
We may issue additional shares of our common stock or instruments convertible into our common stock, including in connection with conversions of notes, and thereby materially and adversely affect the price of our common stock, and, in turn, the notes.
In the future, we may issue additional shares of our common stock or other instruments convertible into our common stock during the life of the notes. We cannot predict the size of future issuances or the effect, if any, that they may have on the market price for our common stock. If we issue additional shares of our common stock or instruments convertible into our common stock, it may materially and adversely affect the price of our common stock and, in turn, the price of the notes. Furthermore, the conversion of some or all of the notes will dilute the ownership interests of existing shareholders, and any sales in the public market of shares of our common stock issuable upon any such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock or the notes. In
S-11
addition, the anticipated issuance and sale of substantial amounts of our common stock or the anticipated conversion of securities into shares of our common stock could depress the price of our common stock.
Holders of notes will not be entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock, but will be subject to all changes made with respect to our common stock.
Holders of notes will not be entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock (including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to receive any dividends or other distributions on our common stock), until the time at which they become record holders of our common stock, which will be the close of business on the conversion date, but will be subject to all changes affecting our common stock. For example, if an amendment is proposed to our charter or bylaws requiring shareholder approval and the record date for determining the shareholders of record entitled to vote on the amendment occurs prior to the date you are deemed to be a record holder of our common stock, you generally will not be entitled to vote on the amendment, although you will nevertheless be subject to any changes affecting our common stock.
Certain provisions in the notes and the indenture could delay or prevent an otherwise beneficial takeover or takeover attempt of us and, therefore, the ability of holders to exercise their rights associated with a potential fundamental change or a make-whole fundamental change.
Certain provisions in the notes and the indenture could make it more difficult or more expensive for a third party to acquire us. For example, if an acquisition event constitutes a fundamental change, holders of the notes will have the right to require us to purchase their notes in cash. In addition, if an acquisition event constitutes a make-whole fundamental change, we may be required to increase the conversion rate for holders who convert their notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change. Our obligations under the notes and the indenture could increase the cost of acquiring us or otherwise discourage a third party from acquiring us or removing incumbent management.
We have not established a minimum distribution payment level and no assurance can be given that we will be able to make distributions to our shareholders in the future at current levels or at all.
We are generally required to distribute to our shareholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined, for this purpose, without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and excluding net capital gain) each year for us to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, which requirement we currently intend to satisfy through quarterly distributions of all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income in such year, subject to certain adjustments.
We have not established a minimum distribution payment level and we cannot assure you of our ability to pay distributions in the future.
We intend to continue to pay quarterly distributions and to make distributions to our stockholders in an amount such that we distribute all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income in each year, subject to certain adjustments. We have not established a minimum distribution payment level and our ability to pay distributions may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the risk factors described herein or incorporated by reference herein. All distributions will be made, subject to Maryland law, at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, any debt covenants, maintenance of our REIT qualification and other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure you that we will achieve results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions.
Although we have made, and anticipate continuing to make, quarterly distributions to our shareholders, our board of directors has the sole discretion to determine the timing, form and amount of any future distributions to our shareholders, and such determination will depend on our earnings,
S-12
financial condition, debt covenants, maintenance of our REIT qualification and other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time. We believe that a change in any one of the following factors could adversely affect our results of operations and impair our ability to continue to pay distributions to our shareholders:
As a result, no assurance can be given that we will be able to continue to make distributions to our shareholders in the future or that the level of any future distributions we do make to our shareholders will achieve a market yield or increase or even be maintained over time, any of which could materially and adversely affect us.
Ownership limitations in our charter may impair the ability of holders to convert notes into our common stock.
In order to assist us in maintaining our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our charter restricts ownership of more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common stock, or of our outstanding capital stock, subject to certain exceptions. Notwithstanding any other provision of the notes, no holder of notes will be entitled to receive our common stock following conversion of such notes to the extent that receipt of such common stock would cause such holder (after application of certain constructive ownership rules) to exceed the ownership limit contained in our charter. See "Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer" in the accompanying prospectus. If any delivery of shares of our common stock owed to a holder upon conversion of notes is not made, in whole or in part, as a result of the limitations described above, our obligation to make such delivery shall not be extinguished and we shall deliver such shares as promptly as practicable after any such converting holder gives notice to us that such delivery would not result in it being the beneficial or constructive owner of more than 9.8% (by value or number, whichever is more restrictive) of the shares of our common stock, or of our outstanding capital stock, outstanding at such time.
We will not be able to deliver our common stock, even if we would otherwise choose to do so, to any holder of notes if the delivery of our common stock would cause that holder to exceed the ownership limit described above.
You may be deemed to receive a taxable distribution without the receipt of any cash or property.
The conversion rate of the notes will be adjusted in certain circumstances. Adjustments (or failures to make adjustments) to the conversion rate of the notes that have the effect of increasing your proportionate interest in our assets or earnings may, in some circumstances, result in a taxable constructive distribution to you for U.S. federal income tax purposes, notwithstanding the fact that you do not receive an actual distribution of cash or property. In addition, you may be subject to U.S. federal withholding taxes in connection with such a constructive distribution. If we pay withholding taxes on your behalf as a result of an adjustment to the conversion rate of the notes, we may, at our option and pursuant to certain provisions of the indenture, set off such payments against payments of cash and common stock on the notes. You are urged to consult your tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences resulting from an adjustment to the conversion rate of the notes. See the discussions under the heading "Supplemental U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."
S-13
The allocation of the net proceeds of this offering among our target assets, and the timing of the deployment of these proceeds is subject to, among other things, then prevailing market conditions and the availability of target assets.
Our allocation of the net proceeds of this offering among our target assets is subject to our investment guidelines and our REIT qualification. PRCM Advisers will make determinations as to the percentage of the net proceeds of this offering that will be invested in each of our target assets and the timing of the deployment of the net proceeds of this offering. These determinations will depend on then prevailing market conditions and may change over time in response to opportunities available in different interest rate, economic and credit environments. Until appropriate assets can be identified, PRCM Advisers may decide to use the net proceeds of this offering to pay down our short-term debt or to invest the net proceeds in interest-bearing short-term investments, including funds which are consistent with our REIT election. These investments are expected to provide a lower net return than we seek to achieve from our target assets. Prior to the time we have fully used the net proceeds of this offering to acquire our target assets, we may fund our quarterly dividends out of such net proceeds.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock could fluctuate and could cause you to lose a significant part of your investment.
The market price of our common stock may be influenced by many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including those described above and the following:
Resulting fluctuations in the market price of our common stock could cause you to lose a significant part of your investment.
S-14
We expect to receive net proceeds from the sale of the notes totaling approximately $245,150,000, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses. If the underwriter's over-allotment option is exercised in full, our net proceeds from the offering will be approximately $281,993,750, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to purchase our target assets, including RMBS, MSR, commercial real estate debt and related assets and other financial assets, in each case subject to our investment guidelines and to the extent consistent with maintaining our REIT qualification, and for general corporate purposes. PRCM Advisers will make determinations as to the percentage of the net proceeds of this offering that will be invested in each of our target assets and the timing of deployment of the net proceeds of this offering. These determinations will depend on prevailing market conditions and may change over time in response to opportunities available in different interest rate, economic and credit environments. Until appropriate assets can be identified, PRCM Advisers may decide to use the net proceeds to pay off our short-term debt or invest the net proceeds in interest-bearing short-term investments, including funds which are consistent with our REIT election. These investments are expected to provide a lower net return than we seek to achieve from our target assets. Prior to the time we have fully used the net proceeds of this offering to acquire our target assets, we may fund our quarterly dividends out of such net proceeds.
S-15
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table shows our ratio of earnings to fixed charges (or the dollar amount of the coverage deficiency in periods that earnings are inadequate to cover fixed charges) for each of the periods indicated.
|
Nine Months Ended September 30 |
Year Ended December 31 | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(dollars in thousands)
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes |
$ | (14,263 | ) | $ | 475,720 | $ | 93,401 | $ | 659,451 | $ | 245,197 | $ | 126,415 | ||||||
Fixed charge (interest expense) |
$ | 155,679 | $ | 142,186 | $ | 107,450 | $ | 100,407 | $ | 72,106 | $ | 22,709 | |||||||
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1) |
4.3 | 1.9 | 7.6 | 4.4 | 6.6 | ||||||||||||||
Deficiency of earnings available to cover fixed charges |
$ | 14,263 |
S-16
The following table sets forth our capitalization at September 30, 2016 on an actual basis and as adjusted to reflect the effect of the sale of $250,000,000 principal amount of notes in this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses. You should read this table together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
|
As of September 30, 2016 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Actual(1) | As Adjusted for This Offering(2) |
|||||
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
||||||
Debt: |
|||||||
Repurchase agreements |
$ | 10,637,373 | $ | 10,637,373 | |||
Collateralized borrowings in securitization trust, at fair value |
$ | 3,375,906 | $ | 3,375,906 | |||
Federal Home Loan Bank advances |
$ | 4,000,000 | $ | 4,000,000 | |||
Revolving credit facilities |
$ | 30,000 | $ | 30,000 | |||
6.25% convertible senior notes due January 15, 2022 offered hereby(3) |
$ | | $ | 250,000 | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total debt |
$ | 18,043,279 | $ | 18,293,279 | |||
| | | | | | | |
Stockholders' equity: |
|||||||
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share; 900,000,000 shares authorized, and 347,635,488 shares issued and outstanding(4) |
$ | 3,476 | $ | 3,476 | |||
Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized, and no shares issued and outstanding |
$ | | $ | | |||
Additional paid in capital |
$ | 3,655,854 | $ | 3,655,854 | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
$ | 538,443 | $ | 538,443 | |||
Cumulative earnings |
$ | 1,696,630 | $ | 1,696,630 | |||
Cumulative distributions to stockholders |
$ | (2,416,162 | ) | $ | (2,416,162 | ) | |
| | | | | | | |
Total stockholders' equity |
$ | 3,478,241 | $ | 3,478,241 | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total capitalization |
$ | 21,521,520 | $ | 21,771,520 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
S-17
We will issue the notes under an indenture, which we refer to as the base indenture, to be dated as of January 19, 2017, between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, which we refer to as the trustee, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture with respect to the notes, to be dated as of January 19, 2017, which we refer to as the supplemental indenture. We refer to the base indenture and the supplemental indenture, collectively, as the indenture. The terms of the notes include those expressly set forth in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, which we refer to as the Trust Indenture Act.
You may request a copy of the indenture from us as described below under "Where You Can Find More Information."
The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the notes and the indenture and does not purport to be complete. This summary is subject to, and is qualified by reference to all the provisions of, the notes and the indenture, including the definitions of certain terms used in the indenture. We urge you to read these documents because they, and not this description, define your rights as a holder of the notes.
This description of the notes supplements and, to the extent it is inconsistent with, replaces the description of the general provisions of the notes and the base indenture in the accompanying prospectus. For purposes of this description, references to "we," "our," "us" and "Two Harbors" refer only to Two Harbors Investment Corp. and not to its subsidiaries.
General
The notes:
The notes may be converted into shares of our common stock at a conversion rate initially equal to 100.0000 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to a conversion price of $10.00 per share of our common stock) at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day prior to the maturity date. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment if certain events occur. See "Conversion RightsConversion Rate Adjustments." Holders will not receive any additional cash payment for interest or additional interest, if any, accrued and
S-18
unpaid to the conversion date except under the circumstances described below under "Conversion RightsGeneral." Notwithstanding any other provision of the notes, no holder of notes will be entitled to receive our common stock following conversion of such notes to the extent that receipt of such common stock would cause such holder (after application of certain constructive ownership rules) to exceed the ownership limit contained in our charter. See "Ownership Limit."
The indenture does not limit the amount of debt which may be issued by us or our subsidiaries under the indenture or otherwise. The indenture, as it relates to the notes, will not contain any financial covenants and will not restrict us from paying dividends or issuing or repurchasing our other securities. Other than the restrictions described under "Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets" below and except for the provisions set forth under "Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes" and "Adjustment to Conversion Rate Upon Conversion In Connection With a Make-Whole Fundamental Change," the indenture does not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the notes protection in the event we subsequently increase our borrowings substantially or engage in a transaction that substantially increases our debt to equity ratio (each of which would be an example of a highly leveraged transaction) or in the event of a decline in our credit rating for any reason, including as a result of a takeover, recapitalization, highly leveraged transaction or similar restructuring involving us that could adversely affect such holders.
We may, without notice to or the consent of the holders, issue additional notes under the indenture with the same terms and with the same CUSIP number as the notes offered hereby in an unlimited aggregate principal amount; provided that such additional notes must be part of the same issue (and part of the same series) as the notes offered hereby for federal income tax purposes. We may also from time to time repurchase notes in open market purchases or negotiated transactions at the same or differing prices without giving prior notice to holders. Any notes purchased by us will be retired and no longer outstanding under the indenture.
We do not intend to list the notes on any securities exchange or an interdealer quotation system. The notes will not have the benefit of a sinking fund.
Except to the extent the context otherwise requires, we use the term notes in this prospectus supplement to refer to each $1,000 principal amount of notes. We use the term "common stock" in this prospectus supplement to refer to our common stock, par value $0.01 per share. References in this prospectus supplement to a "holder" or "holders" of notes that are held through DTC are references to owners of beneficial interests in such notes, unless the context otherwise requires. However, we and the trustee will treat the person in whose name the notes are registered (Cede & Co., in the case of notes held through DTC) as the owner of such notes for all purposes.
Payments on the Notes; Paying Agent and Registrar; Transfer and Exchange
We will pay principal of and interest on notes in global form registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee in immediately available funds to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of such global note. We will pay principal of certificated notes, if any, at the office or agency designated by us for that purpose. We will pay interest on any certificated note by check mailed to the address of the registered holder of such note; provided, however, that we will pay interest to any holder of more than $2,000,000 aggregate principal amount of certificated notes by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account within the United States designated by such holder in a written application delivered by such person to the trustee and the paying agent not later than the record date for the relevant interest payment, which application will remain in effect until such holder notifies the trustee and paying agent, in writing, to the contrary.
We have initially designated the trustee as our paying agent and registrar and its agency in New York, New York as a place where notes may be presented for payment or for registration of transfer. We may, however, change the paying agent or registrar without prior notice to the holders of the notes,
S-19
and we may act as paying agent or registrar. A holder of notes in global form may transfer its notes in accordance with the applicable procedures of the depositary and the indenture. A holder of certificated notes may transfer or exchange notes at the office of the registrar in accordance with the indenture. The registrar and the trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents. No service charge will be imposed by us, the trustee or the registrar for any registration of transfer or exchange of notes, but we may require a holder to pay a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or other similar governmental charge required by law or permitted by the indenture. We are not required to transfer or exchange any note surrendered for conversion or repurchase upon a fundamental change.
Interest
The notes will bear cash interest at a rate of 6.25% per year until maturity. Interest on the notes will accrue from the most recent date on which interest has been paid or duly provided for, or if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, the date of issuance (which is scheduled for January 19, 2017). Interest will be payable semiannually in arrears on January 15th and July 15th of each year, beginning on July 15, 2017.
Interest will be paid to the person in whose name a note is registered at the close of business on the January 1st or July 1st, as the case may be, immediately preceding the relevant interest payment date. Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months.
If any interest payment date, the maturity date or any fundamental change purchase date of a note falls on a day that is not a business day, the required payment will be made on the next succeeding business day and no interest on such payment will accrue in respect of the delay. The term "business day" means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close or be closed.
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to interest in this prospectus supplement include additional interest, if any, payable at our election as the sole remedy relating to the failure to comply with our reporting obligations as described under "Events of Default."
Ranking
The notes will be our direct unsecured obligations and will not be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. The notes will rank equal in right of payment with all of our other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The notes will be effectively subordinated to any of our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of our assets that secure such indebtedness. The notes will also be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) and any preferred equity of our subsidiaries and to any of our existing and future indebtedness that may be guaranteed by our subsidiaries to the extent of any such guarantees.
As of September 30, 2016, our total consolidated indebtedness (excluding trade payables and unfunded commitments) was $18.0 billion, all of which was indebtedness of our subsidiaries to third parties to which the notes would have been structurally subordinated.
Ownership Limit
Subject to certain exceptions, our charter restricts ownership of more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common stock, or of our outstanding capital stock, in order to protect our status as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Notwithstanding any other provision of the notes, no holder of notes will be entitled to receive our common stock following conversion of such notes to the extent that receipt of such
S-20
common stock would cause such holder (after application of certain constructive ownership rules) to exceed the ownership limit contained in our charter.
If any delivery of shares of our common stock owed to a holder upon conversion of notes is not made, in whole or in part, as a result of the limitations described above, our obligation to make such delivery shall not be extinguished and we shall deliver such shares as promptly as practicable after any such converting holder gives notice to us that such delivery would not result in it being the beneficial or constructive owner of more than 9.8% (by value or number, whichever is more restrictive) of the shares of our common stock, or of our outstanding capital stock, outstanding at such time.
Conversion Rights
General
Holders may convert any of their notes into shares of our common stock at the applicable conversion rate at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date.
The conversion rate will initially equal 100.0000 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to a conversion price of $10.00 per share of our common stock). Upon conversion of a note, we will satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering a number of shares of our common stock, together with cash in lieu thereof in respect of any fractional shares, as set forth under "Settlement Upon Conversion." The trustee will initially act as the conversion agent.
The conversion rate and the equivalent conversion price in effect at any given time are referred to as the "applicable conversion rate" and the "applicable conversion price," respectively, and will be subject to adjustment as described below. A holder may convert less than the entire principal amount of its notes so long as the principal amount that remains outstanding of each note that is not converted in full equals $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.
If a holder of notes has submitted notes for purchase upon a fundamental change, the holder may convert those notes only if that holder first withdraws its purchase notice.
Upon conversion, you will not receive any separate cash payment for accrued and unpaid interest, if any (or dividends, if we declare any), except as described below. We will not issue fractional shares of our common stock upon conversion of notes. Instead, we will pay cash in lieu of fractional shares as described under "Settlement Upon Conversion." Our delivery to you of the shares of our common stock, together with any cash payment for any fractional share into which your note is convertible, will be deemed to satisfy in full our obligation to pay:
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, if notes are converted after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on a record date for the payment of interest, holders of such notes at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on such record date will receive the interest payable on such notes on the corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the conversion. Notes, upon surrender for conversion during the period from 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on any record date to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the immediately following interest payment date must be accompanied by funds equal to the amount of interest payable on the notes so converted; provided that no such payment need be made:
S-21
If a holder converts notes, we will pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of shares of our common stock upon the conversion, unless the tax is due because the holder requests any shares to be issued in a name other than the holder's name, in which case the holder will pay that tax.
Conversion Procedures
If you hold a beneficial interest in a global note, to convert you must comply with DTC's procedures for converting a beneficial interest in a global note and, if required, pay funds equal to interest payable on the next interest payment date to which you are not entitled and, if required, pay all taxes or duties, if any. As such, if you are a beneficial owner of the notes, you must allow for sufficient time to comply with DTC's procedures if you wish to exercise your conversion rights.
If you hold a certificated note, to convert you must:
We refer to the date you comply with the relevant procedures for conversion described above and any other procedures for conversion set forth in the indenture as the "conversion date."
If a holder has already delivered a purchase notice as described under "Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes" with respect to a note, the holder may not surrender that note for conversion until the holder has withdrawn the purchase notice in accordance with the indenture, except to the extent that a portion of the holder's note is not subject to such purchase notice.
Settlement Upon Conversion
Upon conversion, we will deliver to the converting holder, on or prior to the third trading day following the conversion date, a number of shares of our common stock equal to (1) (i) the aggregate principal amount of notes to be converted divided by (ii) $1,000, multiplied by (2) the applicable conversion rate on the date the converting holder becomes a record owner of our common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will not issue fractional shares of our common stock upon conversion of notes. Instead, we will pay cash in lieu of fractional shares based on the last reported sale price of our common stock on the relevant conversion date (or, if the conversion date is not a trading day, the next following trading day).
The "last reported sale price" of our common stock on any trading day means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the last bid and last ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average last bid and the average last ask prices) on that trading day as reported in composite transactions for the principal U.S. national or regional
S-22
securities exchange on which our common stock is traded. If our common stock is not listed for trading on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange on the relevant trading day, the "last reported sale price" will be the last quoted bid price for our common stock in the over-the-counter market on the relevant date as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization. If our common stock is not so quoted, the "last reported sale price" will be the average of the midpoint of the last bid and last ask prices for our common stock on the relevant trading day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by us for this purpose, which may include the underwriter. Any such determination will be conclusive absent manifest error.
"Trading day" means a day during which trading in our common stock generally occurs on the primary exchange or quotation system on which our common stock then trades or is quoted and there is no market disruption event. If our common stock is not so traded or quoted, "trading day" means a "business day."
"Market disruption event" means (1) a failure by the primary exchange or quotation system on which our common stock trades or is quoted to open for trading during its regular trading session or (2) the occurrence or existence, prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on any trading day for our common stock, of an aggregate one half-hour period of any suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the stock exchange or otherwise) in our common stock or in any options, contracts or future contracts relating to our common stock.
"Scheduled trading day" means any day that is scheduled to be a trading day.
A converting holder will be treated as the holder of record of the shares of our common stock deliverable upon conversion as of the close of business on the conversion date.
Conversion Rate Adjustments
The conversion rate will be adjusted as described below, except that we will not make any adjustments to the conversion rate if holders of the notes participate (other than in the case of a share split or share combination), at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of our common stock and as a result of holding the notes, in any of the transactions described below without having to convert their notes as if they held a number of shares of common stock equal to the applicable conversion rate, multiplied by the principal amount (expressed in thousands) of notes held by such holder.
CR1 = CR0 x | OS1 OS0 |
where,
CR0 | = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date of such dividend or distribution, or immediately prior to the open of business on the effective date of such share split or combination, as applicable; | ||
CR1 |
= |
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on such record date or immediately after the open of business on such effective date; |
S-23
OS0 | = | the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the close of business on such record date or immediately prior to the open of business on such effective date, as applicable, before giving effect to such dividend, distribution, share split or share combination; and | ||
OS1 |
= |
the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such dividend, distribution, share split or share combination, as applicable. |
Any adjustment made under this clause (1) shall become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution, or immediately after the open of business on the effective date for such share split or share combination. If any dividend or distribution of the type described in this clause (1) is declared but not so paid or made, the conversion rate shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date our board of directors, or a committee thereof, determines not to pay such dividend or distribution to the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.
CR1 = CR0 x | OS0 + X OS0 + Y |
where,
CR0 | = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such issuance; | ||
CR1 |
= |
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on such record date; |
||
OS0 |
= |
the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the close of business on such record date; |
||
X |
= |
the total number of shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants; and |
||
Y |
= |
the number of shares of our common stock equal to the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants divided by the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading-day period ending on the trading day immediately preceding the date of announcement of the issuance of such rights, options or warrants. |
Any increase made under this clause (2) will be made successively whenever any such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the record date for such issuance. To the extent that such rights, options or warrants are not exercised prior to their expiration or shares of our common stock are not delivered upon the expiration of such rights, options or warrants, the conversion rate shall be readjusted to the conversion rate that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of our common stock actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, or if no such rights, options or warrants are exercised
S-24
prior to their expiration, the conversion rate shall be decreased to be the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such record date for such issuance had not occurred.
For purposes of this clause (2), in determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle the holders to subscribe for or purchase shares of our common stock at a price per share less than such average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock for the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on the trading day immediately preceding the date of announcement for such issuance, and in determining the aggregate offering price of such shares of our common stock, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by us for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by our board of directors, or a committee thereof.
then the conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula:
CR1 = CR0 x | SP0 SP0 FMV |
where,
CR0 | = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such distribution; | ||
CR1 |
= |
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on such record date; |
||
SP0 |
= |
the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the ex-dividend date for such distribution; and |
||
FMV |
= |
the fair market value (as determined by our board of directors, or a committee thereof) of the shares of capital stock, evidences of indebtedness, other assets, or property of ours or rights, options or warrants to acquire our capital stock or other securities distributed with respect to each outstanding share of our common stock on the ex-dividend date for such distribution. |
If "FMV" (as defined above) is equal to or greater than the "SP0" (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each holder of a note shall receive, in respect of each $1,000 principal amount of notes it holds, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of our common stock, the amount and kind of our capital stock, evidences of our indebtedness, other assets or property of ours or rights, options or warrants to acquire our capital stock or other securities that such holder would have received as if such holder owned a number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate in effect on the record date for the distribution.
Any increase made under the portion of this clause (3) above will become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such distribution. If such distribution is not so paid or
S-25
made, the conversion rate shall be decreased to be the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.
With respect to an adjustment pursuant to this clause (3) where there has been a payment of a dividend or other distribution on our common stock of shares of capital stock of any class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating to our subsidiary or other business unit, and such capital stock or similar equity interest is listed or quoted (or will be listed or quoted upon the consummation of the distribution) on a United States national securities exchange, which we refer to as a "spin-off," the conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula:
CR1 = CR0 x | FMV0 + MP0 MP0 |
where,
CR0 | = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such spin-off; | ||
CR1 |
= |
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the record date for such spin-off; |
||
FMV0 |
= |
the average of the last reported sale prices of the capital stock or similar equity interest distributed to holders of our common stock applicable to one share of our common stock over the first ten (10) consecutive trading-day period after, and including, the ex-dividend date of the spin-off (the "valuation period"); and |
||
MP0 |
= |
the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the valuation period. |
The adjustment to the applicable conversion rate under the preceding paragraph of this clause (3) will be made immediately after the open of business on the day after the last day of the valuation period, but will be given effect as of the open of business on the record date for the spin-off. For purposes of determining the applicable conversion rate, in respect of any conversion during the 10 trading days commencing on the record date for any spinoff, references within the portion of this clause (3) related to "spin-offs" to 10 trading days shall be deemed replaced with such lesser number of trading days as have elapsed from, and including, the record date for such spin-off to, and including, the relevant conversion date.
CR1 = CR0 x | SP0 DTA SP0 C |
where,
CR0 | = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution; | ||
CR1 |
= |
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution; |
S-26
SP0 | = | the last reported sale price of our common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the ex-dividend date for such dividend or distribution; | ||
DTA |
= |
the dividend threshold amount, which shall initially be $0.24 per quarter; and |
||
C |
= |
the amount in cash per share that we distribute to holders of our common stock. |
The DTA is subject to adjustment on an inversely proportional basis whenever the conversion rate is adjusted other than adjustments made pursuant to this clause (4). If an adjustment is required to be made as set forth in this clause (4) as a result of a distribution that is not a regular quarterly dividend, the DTA will be deemed to be zero with respect to that particular adjustment.
If "C" (as defined above) is equal to or greater than "SP0" (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each holder of a note shall receive, for each $1,000 principal amount of notes it holds, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of shares of our common stock, the amount of cash that such holder would have received as if such holder owned a number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate on the record date for such cash dividend or distribution.
Such increase shall become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution. If such dividend or distribution is not so paid, the conversion rate shall be decreased to be the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.
CR1 = CR0 x | AC + (SP1 × OS1) OS0 × SP1 |
where,
CR0 | = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the expiration date; | ||
CR1 |
= |
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the expiration date; |
||
AC |
= |
the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration (as determined by our board of directors, or a committee thereof) paid or payable for shares purchased in such tender or exchange offer; |
||
OS0 |
= |
the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the expiration time of the tender or exchange offer on the expiration date (prior to giving effect to the purchase of all shares accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender offer or exchange offer); |
||
OS1 |
= |
the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after the expiration time of the tender or exchange offer on the expiration date (after giving effect to the purchase of all shares accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer); and |
S-27
SP1 | = | the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the ten (10) consecutive trading-day period commencing on the trading day next succeeding the expiration date (the "averaging period"). |
The adjustment to the applicable conversion rate under the preceding paragraph of this clause (5) will be given effect at the open of business on the trading day next succeeding the expiration date. For purposes of determining the applicable conversion rate, in respect of any conversion during the 10 trading days commencing on the trading day next succeeding the expiration date, references within this clause (5) to 10 trading days shall be deemed replaced with such lesser number of trading days as have elapsed from, and including, the trading day next succeeding the expiration date to, and including, the relevant conversion date.
Except as stated herein, we will not adjust the conversion rate for the issuance of shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock or the right to purchase shares of our common stock or such convertible or exchangeable securities. If, however, the application of the foregoing formulas would result in a decrease in the conversion rate, except to the extent of any readjustment to the conversion rate, no adjustment to the conversion rate will be made (other than as a result of a reverse share split, share combination or readjustment).
"Ex-dividend date" means the first date on which the shares of our common stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive the issuance, dividend or distribution in question.
To the extent permitted by applicable law and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange or any other securities exchange or market on which our common stock is then listed, we are permitted to increase the conversion rate of the notes by any amount for a period of at least 20 business days if our board of directors, or a committee thereof, determines that such increase would be in our best interest. We may also (but are not required to) increase the conversion rate to avoid or diminish income tax to holders of our common stock or rights to purchase shares of our common stock in connection with a dividend or distribution of shares (or rights to acquire shares) or similar event.
A holder may, in some circumstances, including a distribution of cash dividends to holders of our shares of our common stock, be deemed to have received a distribution subject to United States federal income tax as a result of an adjustment or the nonoccurrence of an adjustment to the conversion rate. For a discussion of the United States income tax treatment of an adjustment to the conversion rate, see "Supplemental U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."
We do not currently have a rights plan in effect. If you convert a note, to the extent that we have a rights plan in effect, you will receive, in addition to the shares of our common stock received in connection with such conversion, the rights under the rights plan unless, prior to conversion, the rights have expired, terminated or been redeemed or unless the rights have separated from our common stock, in which case, and only in such case, the conversion rate will be adjusted at the time of separation as if we distributed to all holders of our common stock, shares of our capital stock, evidences of indebtedness, assets, property, rights, options or warrants as described in clause (3) above, subject to readjustment in the event of the expiration, termination or redemption of such rights.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the applicable conversion rate will not be adjusted:
S-28
Adjustments to the applicable conversion rate will be calculated to the nearest 1/10,000th of a share.
Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock
In the case of:
and, in each case, as a result of which our common stock would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof), then, at the effective time of the transaction, the right to convert each $1,000 principal amount of notes into a number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate will be changed into a right to convert such principal amount of notes into the kind and amount of shares of stock, other securities or other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof), which stock, other securities or other property or assets we refer to as the reference property, that a holder of a number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate immediately prior to such transaction would have owned or been entitled to receive upon such transaction. If the transaction causes our common stock to be converted into, or exchanged for, the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of shareholder election), the amount and type of reference property that a holder of one or more shares would have been entitled to receive in such transaction (and into which the notes will be convertible) will be deemed to be based on the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of our common stock that affirmatively make such an election. We will notify holders of the weighted average as soon as practicable after such determination is made. We will agree in the indenture not to become a party to any such transaction unless its terms are consistent with the foregoing.
Adjustments of Prices
Whenever any provision of the indenture requires us to calculate the last reported sale prices or any function thereof over a span of multiple days, we will make appropriate adjustments to each to account for any adjustment to the conversion rate that becomes effective, or any event requiring an adjustment to the conversion rate where the effective date, record date or expiration date of the event occurs, at any time during the period when the last reported sale prices or functions thereof are to be calculated.
S-29
Adjustment to Conversion Rate Upon Conversion In Connection With a Make-Whole Fundamental Change
If an event occurs that (i) is a fundamental change (as defined below and determined after giving effect to any exceptions or exclusions to such definition) or (ii) would be a fundamental change, but for the exclusion in section (i) of clause (2) of the definition thereof (any such event, a "make-whole fundamental change"), and a holder elects to convert its notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change, we will, under certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for the notes so surrendered for conversion by a number of additional shares of our common stock, which we refer to as additional shares, as described below. A conversion of notes will be deemed for these purposes to be "in connection with" a make-whole fundamental change if the notice of conversion of the notes is received by the conversion agent from, and including, the effective date of the fundamental change up to, and including, the close of business on the business day immediately prior to the related fundamental change purchase date, or, if such make-whole fundamental change is not also a fundamental change, the 35th business day immediately following the effective date for such make-whole fundamental change.
The number of additional shares, if any, by which the conversion rate will be increased will be determined by reference to the table below, based on the date on which the make-whole fundamental change occurs or becomes effective, which we refer to as the effective date, and the price, which we refer to as the stock price, paid (or deemed paid) per share of our common stock in the make-whole fundamental change. If the holders of our common stock receive only cash in a make-whole fundamental change described in clause (2) of the definition of fundamental change, the stock price shall be the cash amount paid per share. Otherwise, the stock price shall be the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the ten trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the effective date of the make-whole fundamental change.
The stock prices set forth in the column headings of the table below will be adjusted as of any date on which the conversion rate of the notes is otherwise required to be adjusted. The adjusted stock prices will equal the stock prices immediately prior to such adjustment, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the conversion rate immediately prior to the adjustment giving rise to the stock price adjustment and the denominator of which is the conversion rate as so adjusted. The number of additional shares will be adjusted in the same manner and at the same time as the conversion rate is required to be adjusted as set forth under "Conversion RightsConversion Rate Adjustments."
The following table sets forth the number of additional shares by which we will increase the conversion rate for a holder that converts its notes in connection with a make-whole fundamental change having the stock price and effective date set forth below:
|
TWO Common Stock Price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Effective Date |
$8.81 | $9.25 | $9.50 | $9.75 | $10.00 | $10.50 | $11.00 | $12.00 | $13.00 | |||||||||||||||||||
January 19, 2017 |
13.5073 | 9.9254 | 8.1891 | 6.6531 | 5.3073 | 3.1531 | 1.6624 | 0.2567 | 0.0000 | |||||||||||||||||||
January 15, 2018 |
13.5073 | 10.2983 | 8.5393 | 6.9862 | 5.6262 | 3.4403 | 1.8964 | 0.3369 | 0.0000 | |||||||||||||||||||
January 15, 2019 |
13.5073 | 10.1078 | 8.3384 | 6.7822 | 5.4258 | 3.2656 | 1.7655 | 0.2994 | 0.0000 | |||||||||||||||||||
January 15, 2020 |
13.5073 | 10.1395 | 8.3103 | 6.7090 | 5.3221 | 3.1397 | 1.6574 | 0.2666 | 0.0002 | |||||||||||||||||||
January 15, 2021 |
13.5073 | 9.7361 | 7.7971 | 6.1233 | 4.7017 | 2.5537 | 1.2042 | 0.1215 | 0.0000 | |||||||||||||||||||
January 15, 2022 |
13.5073 | 8.1081 | 5.2632 | 2.5641 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 |
The exact stock prices and effective dates may not be set forth in the table above, in which case:
S-30
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the conversion rate be increased on account of a make-whole fundamental change to exceed 113.5073 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment in the same manner as the conversion rate is required to be adjusted as set forth under "Conversion RightsConversion Rate Adjustments."
Our obligation to satisfy the additional shares requirement could be considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability thereof could be subject to general equity principles including principles of reasonableness and equitable remedies.
Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes
If a "fundamental change" (as defined below in this section) occurs at any time, you will have the right, at your option, to require us to purchase for cash any or all of your notes, or any portion thereof such that the principal amount that remains outstanding of each note that is not purchased in full equals $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. The price we are required to pay, which we refer to as the fundamental change purchase price, will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the fundamental change purchase date (unless the fundamental change purchase date is after a record date and on or prior to the interest payment date to which such record date relates, in which case we will instead pay the full amount of accrued and unpaid interest to the holder of record on such record date and the fundamental change purchase price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased). The fundamental change purchase date will be a date specified by us that is not less than 20 or more than 35 calendar days following the date of our fundamental change notice as described below. Any notes purchased by us will be paid for in cash. A "fundamental change" will be deemed to have occurred at the time after the notes are originally issued if any of the following occurs:
S-31
provided, however, that in the case of a transaction or event described in clause (1) or (2) above, if at least 90% of the consideration received or to be received by holders of our common stock (excluding cash payments for fractional shares) in the transaction or transactions that would otherwise constitute a "fundamental change" consists of shares of common stock or common equity interests that are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Select Market or the NASDAQ Global Market (or any of their respective successors) or that will be so traded when issued or exchanged in connection with the transaction that would otherwise constitute a fundamental change under clause (1) or (2) of the definition thereof, which we refer to as publicly traded securities, and as a result of such transaction or transactions, the notes become convertible into or by reference to such publicly traded securities, excluding cash payments for fractional shares (subject to settlement in accordance with the provisions of "Conversion RightsSettlement Upon Conversion"), such event shall not be a fundamental change.
"Continuing director" means a director who either was a member of our board of directors on the date of this prospectus supplement or who becomes a member of our board of directors subsequent to that date and whose election, appointment or nomination for election by our shareholders is duly approved by a majority of the continuing directors on our board of directors at the time of such approval, either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement issued by us on behalf of our entire board of directors in which such individual is named as nominee for director.
On or before the 20th day after the occurrence of a fundamental change, we will provide to all holders of the notes and the trustee and paying agent a notice of the occurrence of the fundamental change and of the resulting purchase right. Such notice shall state, among other things:
Simultaneously with providing such notice, we will publish a notice containing this information in a newspaper of general circulation in The City of New York or publish the information on our website or through such other public medium as we may use at that time.
S-32
To exercise the fundamental change purchase right, you must deliver, on or before the business day immediately preceding the fundamental change purchase date, the notes to be purchased, duly endorsed for transfer, together with a written purchase notice and the form entitled "Form of Fundamental Change Purchase Notice" on the reverse side of the notes duly completed, to the paying agent if the notes are certificated. If the notes are not in certificated form, you must comply with DTC's procedures for tendering interests in global notes. Your purchase notice must state:
You may withdraw any purchase notice (in whole or in part) by a written notice of withdrawal delivered to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the fundamental change purchase date. The notice of withdrawal shall state:
We will be required to purchase the notes on the fundamental change purchase date, subject to extensions to comply with applicable law. You will receive payment of the fundamental change purchase price on the later of (i) the fundamental change purchase date or (ii) the time of book-entry transfer or the delivery of the notes. If the paying agent holds money sufficient to pay the fundamental change purchase price of the notes on the fundamental change purchase date, then:
In connection with any purchase offer pursuant to a fundamental change purchase notice, we will, if required:
No notes may be purchased at the option of holders upon a fundamental change if the principal amount of the notes has been accelerated, and such acceleration has not been rescinded, on or prior to such date (except in the case of an acceleration resulting from a default by us in the payment of the fundamental change purchase price with respect to such notes).
S-33
The purchase rights of the holders could discourage a potential acquirer of us. The fundamental change purchase feature, however, is not the result of management's knowledge of any specific effort to obtain control of us by any means or part of a plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions.
The term fundamental change is limited to specified transactions and may not include other events that might adversely affect our financial condition. In addition, the requirement that we offer to purchase the notes upon a fundamental change may not protect holders in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, merger or similar transaction involving us.
The definition of fundamental change includes a phrase relating to the conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or disposition of "all or substantially all" of our consolidated assets. There is no precise, established definition of the phrase "substantially all" under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of the notes to require us to purchase its notes as a result of the conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or other disposition of less than all of our assets may be uncertain.
We will not be required to make an offer to purchase the notes upon a fundamental change if a third party makes such an offer to purchase in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the indenture applicable to an offer to purchase made by us and such third party purchases all notes properly tendered and not validly withdrawn under such offer.
If a fundamental change were to occur, we may not have enough funds to pay the fundamental change purchase price. Our ability to repurchase the notes for cash may be limited by restrictions on our ability to obtain funds for such repurchase through dividends from our subsidiaries, the terms of our then existing borrowing arrangements or otherwise. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to the Notes and to this OfferingWe may not have the ability to raise funds necessary to settle conversions of the notes or to purchase the notes upon a fundamental change." If we fail to purchase the notes when required following a fundamental change, we will be in default under the indenture.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth under "Description of Debt SecuritiesConsolidation, Merger, Conveyance or Transfer on Certain Terms" in the accompanying prospectus, the indenture provides that we shall not amalgamate or consolidate with, merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to another person, unless (i) we are the surviving person or the resulting, surviving or transferee person (if not us) is organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and such person (if not us) shall expressly assume, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the trustee, in form satisfactory to the trustee, all of our obligations under the notes and the indenture; and (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing under the indenture with respect to the notes. Upon any such amalgamation, consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease, the resulting, surviving or transferee person (if not us) shall succeed to, and may exercise every right and power of ours under the indenture, and we shall be discharged from our obligations under the notes and the indenture except in the case of any such lease.
Although these types of transactions are permitted under the indenture, certain of the foregoing transactions could constitute a fundamental change permitting each holder to require us to purchase the notes of such holder as described above.
Events of Default
The following description replaces the description set forth under "Description of Debt SecuritiesEvents of Default, Notice and Waiver" in the accompanying prospectus in its entirety.
S-34
Each of the following is an event of default with respect to the notes:
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes may waive (including, by way of consents obtained in connection with a repurchase of, or tender or exchange offer for, the notes) all past defaults (except with respect to nonpayment of principal or interest, the failure to deliver the consideration due upon conversion or any other provision that requires the consent of each affected holder to amend), and rescind any acceleration with respect to the notes and its consequences if (i) rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and (ii) all existing events of default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of and interest on the notes that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indenture will provide that, to the extent we elect, the sole remedy for an event of default relating to (i) our failure to file with the trustee pursuant to Section 314(a)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act any documents or reports that we are required to file with
S-35
the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or (ii) our failure to comply with our obligations as set forth under "Reports" below, will, for the first 180 days after the occurrence of such an event of default, consist exclusively of the right to receive additional interest on the notes at a rate equal to 0.50% per annum of the principal amount of the notes outstanding for each day during the 180-day period beginning on, and including, the day on which such an event of default occurs during which such event of default is continuing (and neither waived nor cured). If we so elect, such additional interest will be payable in the same manner and on the same dates as the stated interest payable on the notes. On the 181st day after such event of default (if the event of default relating to the reporting obligations is not cured or waived prior to such 181st day), the notes will be subject to acceleration as provided above. The provisions of the indenture described in this paragraph will not affect the rights of holders of notes in the event of the occurrence of any other event of default. In the event we do not elect to pay the additional interest following an event of default in accordance with this paragraph or we elected to make such payment but do not pay the additional interest when due, the notes will be immediately subject to acceleration as provided above.
In order to elect to pay the additional interest as the sole remedy during the first 180 days after the occurrence of an event of default relating to the failure to comply with the reporting obligations in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph, we must notify all holders of notes, the trustee and the paying agent of such election prior to the beginning of such 180-day period. Upon our failure to timely give such notice, the notes will be immediately subject to acceleration as provided above.
If any portion of the amount payable on the notes upon acceleration is considered by a court to be unearned interest (through the allocation of the value of the instrument to the embedded warrant or otherwise), the court could disallow recovery of any such portion.
Subject to the provisions of the indenture relating to the duties of the trustee, if an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless such holders have offered to the trustee indemnity and/or security reasonably satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. In addition, except to enforce the right to receive payment of the principal of, or interest on, or fundamental change purchase price with respect to, its notes when due, or the right to receive payment or delivery of the consideration due upon conversion of its notes, no holder may pursue any remedy with respect to the indenture or the notes unless:
However, each holder shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive the principal of, interest on, fundamental change purchase price with respect to, and the shares of our common stock due upon conversion of its notes and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment or delivery, as the case may be, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such holder. In addition, subject to certain restrictions, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
S-36
proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee.
The indenture provides that in the event an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee will be required in the exercise of its powers to use the degree of care that a prudent person would use in the conduct of its own affairs. The trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the indenture or that the trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder or that would involve the trustee in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under the indenture, the trustee will be entitled to indemnification reasonably satisfactory to it against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.
If a default occurs and is continuing and is known to the trustee, the trustee must transmit notice of the default to each holder within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a default in the payment of principal (including the fundamental change purchase price) of or interest on any note or a default in the delivery of the consideration due upon conversion, the trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or responsible officers of the trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the holders of the notes. In addition, we are required to deliver to the trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, an officers' certificate, stating whether or not to the knowledge of the signers thereof we are in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of the indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided under the indenture) and, if we are in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and the status thereof of which they may have knowledge. We also are required to deliver to the trustee, as soon as possible, and in any event within 30 days after we become aware of the occurrence of any default or event of default, an officers' certificate setting forth such defaults or events of default, as applicable, their status and what action we are taking or propose to take in respect thereof.
Modification and Amendment
The following description replaces the description set forth under "Description of Debt SecuritiesModification of the Indentures" in the accompanying prospectus in its entirety.
Subject to certain exceptions, the indenture or the notes may be amended, and compliance with any provisions of the indenture may be waived, with the consent of the holders of a majority of the principal amount of the notes then outstanding (including, in each case, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a repurchase of, or tender or exchange offer for, notes). However, without the consent of each holder of a then outstanding note affected, no amendment may, among other things:
S-37
Without the consent of any holder of the notes, we and the trustee may amend the indenture or the notes:
Holders do not need to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It will be sufficient if such holders approve the substance of the proposed amendment. After an amendment under the indenture becomes effective, we are required to mail to the holders a notice briefly describing such amendment. However, the failure to give such notice to all the holders, or any defect in the notice, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.
Discharge
We may satisfy and discharge our obligations under the indenture by delivering to the securities registrar for cancellation all outstanding notes or by depositing with the trustee or delivering to the holders, as applicable, after the notes have become due and payable, whether at the maturity date, any fundamental change purchase date, upon conversion or otherwise, cash or cash and shares of our common stock, if any (solely to satisfy outstanding conversions, if applicable), sufficient to pay all of the outstanding notes and paying all other sums payable under the indenture by us. Such discharge is subject to terms contained in the indenture.
S-38
Calculations in Respect of Notes
Except as otherwise provided above, we will be responsible for making all calculations called for under the notes. These calculations include, but are not limited to, determinations of the last reported sale prices of our common stock, accrued interest payable on the notes and the conversion rate of the notes (including any adjustments thereto). We will make all these calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, our calculations will be final and binding on holders of notes. We will provide a schedule of our calculations to each of the trustee and the conversion agent, and each of the trustee and the conversion agent is entitled to rely conclusively upon the accuracy of our calculations without independent verification. The trustee will forward our calculations to any holder of notes upon the request of that holder.
Reports
The indenture requires us to file with the trustee, within 15 days after we are required to file the same with the SEC, copies of the quarterly and annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports, if any, that we are required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and to otherwise comply with Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any such report, information or document that we file with the SEC through the EDGAR system (or any successor thereto) will be deemed to be delivered to the trustee for the purposes of this covenant at the time of such filing through the EDGAR system (or such successor thereto).
Delivery of any such reports, information and documents to the trustee shall be for informational purposes only, and the trustee's receipt of such reports, information and documents shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including our compliance with any of our covenants hereunder.
Trustee
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. will be the trustee, security registrar, paying agent, and conversion agent. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., in each of its capacities, including without limitation as trustee, security registrar, paying agent and conversion agent, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information concerning us or our affiliates or any other party contained in this document or the related documents or for any failure by us or any other party to disclose events that may have occurred and may affect the significance or accuracy of such information.
Governing Law
The indenture provides that it and the notes will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York, including without limitation, sections 5-1401 and 5-1402 of the New York General Obligations Law and New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules 327(b).
Book-Entry, Settlement and Clearance
The Global Notes
The notes will be initially issued in the form of one or more registered notes in global form, without interest coupons, which we refer to as the global notes. Upon issuance, each of the global notes will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for DTC, which will serve as the initial securities depositary, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.
S-39
Ownership of beneficial interests in a global note will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC, which we refer to as DTC participants, or persons who hold interests through DTC participants. We expect that under procedures established by DTC:
Beneficial interests in global notes may not be exchanged for notes in physical, fully-registered certificated form except in the limited circumstances described below. We may not issue the notes in bearer form.
Book-Entry Procedures for the Global Notes
All interests in the global notes will be subject to the operations and procedures of DTC and, therefore, you must allow for sufficient time in order to comply with these procedures if you wish to exercise any of your rights with respect to the notes. We provide the following summary of those operations and procedures solely for the convenience of investors. The operations and procedures of DTC are controlled by that settlement system and may be changed at any time. Neither we nor the underwriter is responsible for those operations or procedures.
DTC has advised us that it is:
DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between its participants through electronic book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants. DTC's participants include securities brokers and dealers, including the underwriter; banks and trust companies; clearing corporations and other organizations. Indirect access to DTC's system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies; these indirect participants clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly. Investors who are not DTC participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through DTC participants or indirect participants in DTC.
So long as DTC's nominee is the registered owner of a global note, that nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by that global note for all purposes under the indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global note:
S-40
As a result, each investor who owns a beneficial interest in a global note must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights of a holder of notes under the indenture (and, if the investor is not a participant or an indirect participant in DTC, on the procedures of the DTC participant through which the investor owns its interest).
Payments of principal and interest with respect to the notes represented by a global note will be made by the trustee to DTC's nominee as the registered holder of the global note. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of amounts to owners of beneficial interests in a global note, for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of those interests by DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to those interests.
Payments by participants and indirect participants in DTC to the owners of beneficial interests in a global note will be governed by standing instructions and customary industry practice and will be the responsibility of those participants or indirect participants and DTC.
Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected under DTC's procedures and will be settled in same-day funds.
Certificated Notes
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under "Description of Debt SecuritiesGlobal Securities" in the accompanying prospectus, notes in physical, fully-registered certificated form will be issued and delivered to each person that the depositary identifies as a beneficial owner of the related notes only if:
S-41
SUPPLEMENTAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of additional U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to "U.S. Holders" or "Non-U.S. Holders" (as such terms are defined below) relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement and of the shares of our common stock into which the notes may be converted. This summary is based upon the Code, the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department (the "Treasury Regulations"), rulings and other administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") (including administrative interpretations and practices expressed in private letter rulings which are binding on the IRS only with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings), 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 section.
This summary is limited to beneficial owners of notes that purchase the notes in this offering at the initial offering price and that will hold the notes or shares of common stock as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. This summary does not address the tax considerations arising under other U.S. federal tax laws (such as estate and gift tax laws) or the laws of any foreign, state or local jurisdiction. In addition, this discussion does not address all of the tax considerations that may be applicable to U.S. Holders' particular circumstances or to U.S. Holders that may be subject to special tax rules under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as, for example, financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, brokers and dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting for their securities holdings, persons that will hold the notes or shares of common stock as a position in a hedging transaction, straddle, conversion transaction or other risk reduction transaction, persons deemed to sell the notes or shares of common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code, entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and other pass-through entities, and investors in such entities.
The U.S. federal income tax treatment of us as a REIT and of holders of our notes depends in some instances on determinations of fact and interpretations of complex provisions of U.S. federal income tax law for which no clear precedent or authority may be available. In addition, the tax consequences to any particular holder of our notes will depend on the holder's particular tax circumstances. If you are considering purchasing notes, you are urged to consult your own tax advisors with respect to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to your particular situation, as well as any tax considerations arising under other federal tax laws, under the laws of any state, local, or foreign taxing jurisdiction or under any applicable income tax treaty.
Consequences to U.S. Holders of the Notes
The following is a summary of the general U.S. federal income tax consequences that will apply to you if you are a "U.S. Holder" of the notes. Certain consequences to "Non-U.S. Holders" of the notes are described under "Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of the Notes," below. For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of a note or our common stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
S-42
If an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds notes, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. If you are an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or if you are a partner in such a partnership), you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes to you.
Interest. Interest payments on the notes will constitute "qualified stated interest." Accordingly, interest on the notes will generally be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary income at the time it is received or accrued in accordance with a U.S. Holder's regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Repurchase of the Notes. Except as provided below under "Conversion of the Notes," a U.S. Holder will generally recognize gain or loss upon the sale, exchange, redemption, repurchase or other taxable disposition of a note equal to the difference (if any) between the amount of cash and the fair market value of property received in exchange therefor (other than amounts attributable to accrued but unpaid stated interest, which, if not previously taxed, will be taxable as ordinary interest income) and a U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the note. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in a note generally will be equal to the price that such U.S. Holder paid for such note, decreased by the amount of any payments, other than stated interest payments, received with respect to such note. Gain or loss recognized on the disposition of a note generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of such disposition, a U.S. Holder's holding period for the note is more than one year. Certain non-corporate U.S. holders (including individuals) are eligible for reduced rates of taxation in respect of long-term capital gain. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
Conversion of the Notes. A U.S. Holder of a note will not recognize any income, gain or loss on the conversion of such holder's notes into shares of our common stock except to the extent of cash received in lieu of a fractional share of common stock, and except that the fair market value of common stock received with respect to accrued interest will be taxable as such. The amount of gain or loss on the deemed sale of a fractional share will be equal to the difference between the amount of cash such U.S. Holder receives in respect of such fractional share, and the portion of such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the note that is allocable to the fractional share. The tax basis of the shares of common stock received upon a conversion (other than common stock received with respect to accrued interest) will equal the adjusted tax basis of the note that was converted, reduced by the portion of the tax basis that is allocable to any fractional share. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in the common stock received with respect to accrued interest will equal the fair market value of such stock. A U.S. Holder's holding period for shares of common stock will include the period during which such holder held the notes, except that the holding period of any common stock received with respect to accrued interest will commence on the day after the receipt of such stock.
Constructive Distributions. The conversion rate of the notes is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances as described above in "Description of the NotesConversion Rights." Under Section 305(c) of the Code, adjustments (or failures to make adjustments) that have the effect of increasing a U.S. Holder's proportionate interest in our assets or earnings may in some circumstances
S-43
result in a constructive distribution to such holder. Adjustments to the conversion rate made pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula that has the effect of preventing the dilution of the interest of the holders of the notes will generally not be considered to result in a constructive distribution. However, certain of the possible adjustments provided in the notes will not qualify as being pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula. If such adjustments are made, U.S. Holders of the notes will be deemed to have received distributions even though they have not received any cash or property as a result of such adjustments. Generally, a U.S. Holder's tax basis in the notes will be increased to the extent any such constructive distribution is treated as a dividend. In certain circumstances, the failure to make a conversion rate adjustment may result in a deemed distribution to the holders of the notes, if, as a result of such failure, the proportionate interest of the note holders in our assets or earnings and profits is increased. Any taxable deemed distribution will be included in such holder's income in the same manner as an actual distribution received by such holder as discussed in the accompanying prospectus under "U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsTaxation of Taxable U.S. StockholdersDistributions." You are urged to consult your own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of any adjustment (or the absence of any adjustment) to the conversion rate and any resulting deemed distribution.
Ownership and Disposition of Shares Received Upon Conversion. The tax consequences of owning and disposing of common shares received upon conversion of the notes are described in the prospectus under "U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsTaxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders."
The current tax rates for taxpayers that are taxable as individuals, trusts or estates include a maximum 39.6% tax rate on ordinary income and a maximum 20% tax rate for long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income. As noted in the prospectus, dividends paid by REITs will generally not constitute qualified dividend income eligible for the 20% tax rate for stockholders that are taxable as individuals, trusts and estates and will generally be taxable at the higher ordinary income tax rates.
Medicare Contribution Tax on Unearned Income. A U.S. person that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, will be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. person's "net investment income" for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. person's modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold. Net investment income includes, among other things, interest and dividend income not derived from the conduct of a nonpassive trade or business as well as, in general, net gain attributable to the disposition of property that produces such income. Payments of interest on, and the recognition of capital gain with respect to, the notes are expected to constitute net investment income. A U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate or trust should consult its tax advisor regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to its income and gains in respect of its investment in our notes.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. A U.S. Holder may be subject, under certain circumstances, to information reporting and/or backup withholding of tax with respect to payments of interest, and depending on the circumstances, the proceeds of a sale or other taxable disposition of a note (including a retirement or redemption).
Backup withholding may apply to a non-corporate U.S. Holder that (i) fails to furnish its taxpayer identification number, or TIN, (ii) furnishes an incorrect TIN, (iii) is notified by the IRS that it failed properly to report certain interest or dividends, or (iv) fails, under certain circumstances, to provide a certified statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that it is a U.S. person, that the TIN provided is correct, and that it has not been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding. The application for exemption is available by providing a properly completed IRS Form W-9 (or successor form). These requirements generally do not apply with respect to certain U.S. Holders, including corporations, tax-exempt organizations, qualified pension and profit sharing trusts, certain financial institutions and individual retirement accounts.
S-44
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amount withheld from a payment to a U.S. Holder under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit against such U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS. A U.S. Holder is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of information reporting and backup withholding in its particular circumstances, the availability of an exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for obtaining any such available exemption.
Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of the Notes
The following is a summary of the general U.S. federal income tax consequences that will apply to you if you are a "Non-U.S. Holder" of the notes. As used in this prospectus supplement, the term "Non-U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of a note (other than an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. Holder.
If a partnership, including any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a holder of a note or our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in such a partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners in such a partnership are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to them of acquiring, holding or disposing of the notes.
Payments of Interest. Subject to the discussions of backup withholding and FATCA below, a Non-U.S. Holder will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax on interest paid on the notes, pursuant to the "portfolio interest exemption," so long as that interest is not effectively connected with the conduct by such Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business within the United States, provided that the Non-U.S. Holder:
The applicable Treasury Regulations provide alternative methods for satisfying the certification requirement described in this section. In addition, under these Treasury Regulations, special rules apply to pass-through entities and this certification requirement may also apply to beneficial owners of pass-through entities.
If a Non-U.S. Holder cannot satisfy the requirements described above, payments of interest will generally be subject to the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, unless the Non-U.S. Holder provides the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed (1) IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) claiming an exemption from or reduction in withholding under an applicable income tax treaty or (2) IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) stating that interest paid on the notes is not subject to U.S. federal withholding tax because it is effectively connected with the conduct
S-45
by such Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States (as discussed below under "Interest or Gain Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business").
Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Repurchase of the Notes. Subject to the discussions of backup withholding and FATCA below, a Non-U.S. Holder will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of a note (including a retirement or redemption), unless:
If a Non-U.S. Holder is described in the first bullet point above, the Non-U.S. Holder will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% on the amount by which such Non-U.S. Holder's capital gains allocable to U.S. sources, including gain from such disposition, exceed any U.S.-source capital losses recognized in the same taxable year, except as otherwise required by an applicable income tax treaty. If a Non-U.S. Holder is described in the second bullet point, see "Interest or Gain Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business," below. If the notes were to constitute a U.S. real property interest under FIRPTA, a sale or exchange of a note would generally be subject to the rules regarding taxation and withholding of U.S. federal income tax on sales of common shares under FIRPTA, as described in the prospectus under "U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsTaxation of Non-U.S. StockholdersDispositions of our Common Stock." Although we believe that currently the notes do not constitute U.S. real property interests, and that withholding would not currently be required under FIRPTA with respect to dispositions of the notes, there can be no assurance that the notes will not constitute U.S. real property interests depending on the facts in existence at the time of any redemption, repurchase, retirement or conversion or of a note (as more fully described below), in which case regular U.S. federal income taxwithholding at a rate of 15% may be required with respect to the redemption, repurchase, retirement or (unless certain filing and other requirements are met) conversion of a note. Non-U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors as to whether the sale, redemption, repurchase or conversion of a note for our common shares is exempt from U.S. federal income tax under FIRPTA, which may be exempt, if (i) (A) (I) our common shares are part of a class of shares that is regularly traded on an established securities market, and (II) such Non-U.S. Holders held notes that, on the date of their acquisition (and on the date or dates any additional notes were acquired), had a fair market value equal to or less than the fair market value on that date (and on the date or dates any additional notes were acquired) of 10% of the common shares, or (B) if the notes are "regularly traded" (as defined by applicable Treasury regulations) on an established securities market, such holder did not own, actually or constructively, more than 10% of the total fair market value of the notes at any time during a specified testing period, (ii) we are a domestically-controlled REIT, or (iii) we are not a U.S. real property holding corporation. We will be a domestically-controlled REIT if we are a REIT and at all times during a specified testing period less than 50% in value of our shares is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. persons. We believe that we currently are a domestically-controlled REIT, but because our common shares are publicly traded, there can be no assurance that we in fact are qualified or will continue to qualify as a domestically-controlled REIT. We will not be a U.S. real property holding corporation if less than 50% of our assets throughout a prescribed testing period consist of interests in real property located within the United States, excluding, for this purpose, interests in real property solely in a capacity as a creditor. We are not currently a U.S. real property holding corporation, but we cannot assure you that we will not
S-46
become a U.S. real property holding corporation in the future. If a sale, redemption, repurchase or conversion of a note for our common shares is exempt from U.S. federal income tax under FIRPTA, any amounts withheld from such payments to a Non-U.S. Holder may be refunded or credited against such Non-U.S. Holder's federal income tax liability, if any, if such Non-U.S. Holder files with the IRS, on a timely basis, the required IRS forms.
To the extent that the amount realized on any disposition of notes is attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, such amount generally will be treated in the same manner as payments of interest as described under the heading "Payments of Interest" above.
Interest or Gain Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business. If a Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a trade or business in the United States and interest on a note or gain recognized from the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a note is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business (and, if an income tax treaty applies, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States), the Non-U.S. Holder will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax (but not the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax if the Non-U.S. Holder provides an IRS Form W-8ECI with respect to interest, as described above) on that interest or gain on a net income basis in the same manner as if the Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. person as defined under the Code. In addition, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation, the corporate Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to a "branch profits tax" equal to 30% (or lower applicable income tax treaty rate) of the corporate Non-U.S. Holder's earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to adjustments, that are effectively connected with the conduct by the corporate Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States. For this purpose, interest or gain effectively connected with the corporate Non-U.S. Holder's trade or business in the United States will be included in such holder's earnings and profits.
Constructive Distributions. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Any such adjustment could, in certain circumstances, give rise to a deemed distribution to Non-U.S. Holders of the notes. See "Consequences to U.S. Holders of the NotesConstructive Distributions," above. In such case, the deemed distribution would be subject to the rules described in the prospectus under "U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsTaxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders." Because such deemed distributions will not give rise to any cash from which any applicable U.S. federal withholding tax can be satisfied, the indenture provides that we may set off any withholding tax that we are required to collect with respect to any such deemed distribution against cash payments of interest or from cash or common shares otherwise deliverable to a holder upon a conversion of notes or a redemption or repurchase of a note. Until such time as judicial, legislative, or regulatory guidance becomes available that would, in our reasonable determination, permit us to treat such deemed distributions as other than deemed dividend distributions treated as ordinary income, we in general intend to withhold on such distributions at a 30% rate or whatever treaty rate is applicable to ordinary income dividends from REITs, to the extent such dividends are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. A Non-U.S. Holder who is subject to withholding tax under such circumstances is urged to consult its own tax advisor as to whether it can obtain a refund for all or a portion of the withholding tax.
Ownership and Disposition of Shares Received Upon Conversion. The tax consequences of owning and disposing of common shares received upon conversion of the notes are described in the prospectus under "U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsTaxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders."
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. Generally, information returns will be filed with the IRS in connection with payments of interest on the notes and proceeds from the sale or other taxable disposition (including a retirement or redemption) of the notes. Copies of applicable information returns reporting such payments and any withholding may also be made available to the tax
S-47
authorities in the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides under the provisions of an applicable treaty or agreement.
A Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to backup withholding of tax on payments of interest and, depending on the circumstances, the proceeds of a sale or other taxable disposition (including a retirement or redemption) unless the Non-U.S. Holder complies with certain certification procedures to establish that the Non-U.S. Holder is not a U.S. person. The certification procedures required to claim an exemption from withholding of tax on interest described above generally will satisfy the certification requirements necessary to avoid backup withholding as well. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the Non-U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Legislation Relating to Foreign Accounts. Recently enacted legislation ("FATCA")may impose withholding taxes on certain U.S. source payments made to "foreign financial institutions" and certain other non-U.S. entities and on certain non-U.S. "pass thru" payments made, including disposition proceeds of U.S. securities realized after December 31, 2018. Under this legislation, the failure to comply with additional certification, information reporting and other specified requirements could result in withholding tax being imposed on payments of interest or dividends and sales proceeds to U.S. Holders (as defined in above) who own notes or shares of our common stock through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries and certain non-U.S. Holders. The legislation imposes a 30% withholding tax on dividends on, and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, the notes or our common stock paid to a foreign financial institution or to a foreign entity other than a financial institution, unless (i) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations or (ii) the foreign entity that is not a financial institution either certifies it does not have any substantial United States owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner. If the payee is a foreign financial institution, it may be required to enter into an agreement with the United States Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain United States persons or United States-owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to account holders whose actions prevent it from complying with these reporting and other requirements. An intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and an applicable foreign country may modify these requirements. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding this legislation.
Delayed Implementation Date for Withholding Taxes on Certain Foreign Accounts
On September 18, 2015, the Internal Revenue Service issued a notice ("Notice") with respect to the FATCA provisions discussed in "U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsOther U.S. Federal Income Tax Withholding and Reporting Requirements" in the Prospectus. This Notice extended the date on which withholding begins for gross proceeds, including proceeds of sale, withholding from after December 31, 2016 to after December 31, 2018. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding all aspects of the FATCA provisions.
Recent Legislation Modified Several of the Rules Applicable to REITs
On December 18, 2015, President Obama signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, an omnibus spending bill, with a division referred to as the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (the "PATH Act"). The PATH Act modified a number of important rules regarding the taxation of REITs and their shareholders, including, among others, the following rules described below. The rules in the PATH Act were enacted with different effective dates, some of which are retroactive. Prospective investors are urged to consult theirs tax advisors regarding the implications of the PATH Act.
S-48
Reduction in Permissible Holdings of the Securities of Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. For taxable years beginning after 2017, no more than 20% of the value of our total assets may consist of the securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries.
Prohibited Transaction Safe Harbor. Certain alternative tests for satisfying the rules contained in the safe harbor provisions, under which certain sales of real estate assets will not be treated as prohibited transactions, have been added by the PATH Act.
Modification to Preferential Dividend Rules. For distributions in taxable years beginning after 2014, the preferential dividend rules do not apply to "publicly offered REITs." A "publicly offered REIT" means a REIT which is required to file annual and periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company is a publicly offered REIT.
Limitations on Designation of Dividends by REITs. The aggregate amount of dividends that the Company may designate as qualified dividends or capital gain dividends with respect to any taxable year beginning after 2015 cannot exceed the dividends actually paid by us during such year.
Debt Instruments of Publicly Offered REITs and Mortgages Treated as Real Estate Assets. Debt instruments issued by publicly offered REITs (as defined above) will be treated as real estate assets for purposes of the 75% asset test. Income from such debt instruments is qualifying income for purposes of the 95% income test, but it is not qualifying income for purposes of the 75% income test. Under a new asset test, not more than 25% of the value of the Company's assets can consist of debt instruments of publicly offered REITs unless it would otherwise be treated as a real estate asset. These provisions are effective for taxable years beginning after 2015.
Asset and Income Test Clarification Regarding Ancillary Personal Property. Under current law, rent attributable to personal property which is leased under, or in connection with, a lease of real property, is treated as rents from real property for purposes of the 95% and 75% income tests if the rent attributable to the personal property for the taxable year does not exceed 15% of the total rent for the year for such real and personal property. The PATH Act provides that, for taxable years beginning after 2015, personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property will be treated as a real estate asset for purposes of the 75% asset test only to the extent that rents attributable to such personal property meets the 15% test described above. In addition, for taxable years beginning after 2015, debt secured by a mortgage on both real and personal property will qualify as a real estate asset for purposes of the 75% asset test, and interest on such debt will be qualifying income for purposes of both the 95% and 75% income tests, if the fair market value of the personal property does not exceed 15% of the total fair market value of all property securing the debt.
Hedging Provisions. For taxable years beginning after 2015, certain income from hedging transactions entered into to hedge existing hedging positions after any portion of the hedged indebtedness or property is disposed of will not be included in income for purposes of the 95% and 75% income tests.
Modification of REIT Earnings and Profits Calculation. The PATH Act modified the special earnings and profits rules in the Code to ensure that shareholders, for taxable years after 2015, will not be treated as receiving dividends from a REIT that exceed the earnings and profits of the REIT.
Treatment of Certain Services Provided by Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. For taxable years beginning after 2015, a 100% excise tax is imposed on "redetermined TRS service income," which is income of a taxable REIT subsidiary attributable to services provided to, or on behalf of, its associated REIT and which would otherwise be increased on distribution, apportionment, or allocation under the Code (i.e., as a result of a determination that the amount of income to be paid for such services was not set at arm's length).
S-49
Exceptions from FIRPTA for Certain REIT Stock Gains and Distributions. On or after December 18, 2015, the disposition of stock of a publicly traded REIT is not treated, under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act ("FIRPTA"), as a United States real property interest in the hands of a person who has not held more than 10% of the stock of such REIT during the applicable testing period. Similarly, on or after December 18, 2015, a distribution by a publicly traded REIT is not treated, under FIRPTA, as gain from the disposition of a United States real property interest for a person who has not held more than 10% of the stock of such REIT during the applicable testing period.
Stock of a REIT held (directly or through partnerships) by a "qualified shareholder" will not be a United States real property interest, and capital gain dividends from such a REIT will not be treated as gain from the sale of a United States real property interest, unless a person (other than a qualified shareholder) that holds an interest (other than an interest solely as a creditor) in such qualified shareholders owns, taking into account applicable constructive ownership rules, more than 10% of the stock of the REIT. If the qualified shareholder has such an "applicable investor," the portion of REIT stock held by the qualified shareholder indirectly owned through the qualified shareholder by the applicable investor will be treated as gains from the sale of United States real property interests. For these purposes, a "qualified shareholder" is a foreign person which is in a treaty jurisdiction and satisfies certain publicly traded requirements, is a "qualified collective investment vehicle,' and maintains records on the identity of certain 5% owners. A "qualified collective investment vehicle" is a foreign person that is eligible for a reduced withholding rate with respect to ordinary REIT dividends even if such person holds more than 10% of the REIT's stock, a publicly traded partnership that is a withholding foreign partnership that would be a United States real property holding corporation if it were a United States corporation, or is designated as a qualified collective investment vehicle by the Secretary of the Treasury and is either fiscally transparent within the meaning of the Code or required to include dividends in its gross income but entitled to a deduction for distribution to its investors. Finally, capital gain dividends and non-dividend redemption and liquidating distributions to a qualified shareholder that are not allocable to an applicable investor will be treated as ordinary dividends. These changes apply to dispositions and distributions on or after December 18, 2015.
Determination of Domestically Controlled REIT Status. In determining whether a REIT is domestically controlled, the REIT may presume that holders of less than 5% of a class of stock regularly traded on an established securities market in the United States are U.S. persons throughout the testing period, except to the extent that the REIT has actual knowledge to the contrary. In addition, any stock in the REIT held by another REIT that is publicly traded will be treated as held by a non-U.S. person unless the other REIT is domestically controlled, in which case the stock will be treated as held by a U.S. person. Finally, any stock in a REIT held by another REIT that is not publicly traded will be treated as held by a U.S. person to the extent that U.S. persons hold the other REIT's stock. These provisions were effective as of December 18, 2015.
FIRPTA Exception for Interests Held by Foreign Retirement or Pension Funds. "Qualified foreign pension funds" and entities that are wholly owned by a qualified foreign pension fund are exempted from FIRPTA and FIRPTA withholding. For these purposes, a "qualified foreign pension fund" is any trust, corporation, or other organization or arrangement if (i) it was created or organized under foreign law, (ii) it was established to provide retirement or pension benefits to participants or beneficiaries that are current or former employees (or persons designated by such employees) of one or more employers in consideration for services rendered, (iii) it does not have a single participant or beneficiary with a right to more than 5% of its assets or income, (iv) it is subject to government regulation and provides annual information reporting about its beneficiaries to the relevant tax authorities in the country in which it is established or operates, and (v) under the laws of the country in which it is established or operates, either contributions to such fund which would otherwise be subject to tax under such laws are deductible or excluded from the gross income of such fund or taxed at a reduced rate, or taxation of
S-50
any investment income of such fund is deferred or such income is taxed at a reduced rate. This provision is effective for dispositions and distributions occurring after December 18, 2015.
Increase in Rate of FIRPTA Withholding. For sales of United States real property interests occurring after February 16, 2016, the FIRPTA withholding rate for dispositions of United States real property interests and certain distributions increases from 10% to 15%.
Recent Legislation May Alter who Bears the Liability in the Event a Partnership is audited and an Adjustment is Assessed
On November 2, 2015, President Obama signed into law the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. Among other things, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 changed the rules applicable to federal income tax audits of partnerships (such as any partnership of which we are a partner) and the collection of any tax resulting from such audits or other tax proceedings. Under the new rules, the partnership itself must pay any "imputed underpayments," consisting of delinquent taxes, interest, and penalties deemed to arise out of an audit of the partnership, unless certain alternative methods are available and the partnership elects to utilize them.
The new rule generally does not apply to audits of taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018, and many of the details, including the means by which a partnership can avail itself of the alternative methods and the manner in which the alternative methods may apply to REITs, will be determined through yet-to-be-proposed Treasury Regulations. Therefore, it is not clear at this time what effect this new legislation will have on us or any partnership of which we are a partner. However, it is possible that in the future, we or any partnership of which we are a partner, or both, could be subject to, or otherwise bear the economic burden of, federal income tax, interest, and penalties resulting from a federal income tax audit as a result of the changes enacted by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.
S-51
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (the "underwriter") is acting as the sole underwriter of this offering. Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement dated January 13, 2017, we have agreed to sell to the underwriter and the underwriter has agreed to purchase from us, $250,000,000 principal amount of the notes.
The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriter is obligated to purchase all of the notes in the offering if any are purchased, other than those notes covered by the over-allotment option described below.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter and certain of its controlling persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments that the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
We have granted to the underwriter a 30 day option to purchase on a pro rata basis up to an additional $37,500,000 aggregate principal amount of notes at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The option may be exercised only to cover any over-allotments.
The underwriter proposes to offer the notes initially at the public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to selling group members at that price less a selling concession of $10.50 per $1,000 principal amount of the notes. After the initial public offering, the underwriter may change the public offering price and concession. The offering of the notes by the underwriter is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriter's right to reject any order in whole or in part.
The following table summarizes the compensation we will pay:
|
Per Note | No Exercise | Full Exercise | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions paid by us |
1.75 | % | $ | 4,375,000 | $ | 5,031,250 |
The expenses of the offering, payable by us, excluding the underwriter discounts and commissions, are estimated to be approximately $475,000.
We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriter for up to $5,000 for its FINRA counsel fee. In accordance with FINRA Rule 5110, this reimbursed fee is deemed underwriting compensation for this offering.
We have agreed that we will not, directory or indirectly, take any of the following actions with respect to the notes, any of our securities that are substantially similar to the notes, any shares of our common stock, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any of the notes or shares of our common stock (the "Lock-Up Securities"): (i) offer, sell, issue, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of Lock-Up Securities, (ii) offer, sell, issue, contract to sell, contract to purchase or grant any option, right or warrant to purchase Lock-Up Securities, (iii) enter into any swap, hedge or any other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequences of ownership of Lock-Up Securities, (iv) establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position in Lock-Up Securities within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act or (v) file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to Lock-Up Securities, or publicly disclose the intention to take any such action, without, in each case, the prior written consent of the underwriter for a period of 60 days after the date of the final prospectus supplement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the underwriter has agreed that the 60-day "lock-up" period will not apply to us with respect to: (a) our sale of notes pursuant to this offering, (b) grants of common stock-based awards to our directors and personnel of our manager under our second restated 2009 equity incentive plan, (b) the registration with the SEC of the shares of common stock authorized for issuance under our second restated 2009 equity incentive plan, (c) the issuance of shares of our common stock
S-52
upon the exercise of currently outstanding options under our second restated 2009 equity incentive plan, and (d) the registration, issuance, and sale of shares of common stock pursuant to a dividend reinvestment and direct share purchase plan.
Each of our directors and executive officers and PRCM Advisers have agreed that they will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, enter into a transaction that would have the same effect, or enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our common stock, whether any of these transactions are to be settled by delivery of our common stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or to enter into any transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement, without, in each case, the prior written consent of the underwriter for a period of 60 days after the date of this prospectus supplement. However, each of our directors and executive officers may transfer or dispose of our shares during this 60-day "lock-up" period (a) in connection with selling or forfeiting shares during the "lock-up" period for the purposes of satisfying tax obligations owed by the director or executive officer upon the initial grant of a share-based award or any subsequent vesting with respect to such awards or (b) to a family member of such person or a trust of which such person is a trustor and the beneficiaries are family members of such person, provided that (i) such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, (ii) the transferee agrees to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth in this paragraph for the remainder of the 60-day "lock-up" period prior to such transfer, and (iii) no filing by any party (donor, done, transferor or transferee) under the Exchange Act is required or voluntarily made in connection with such transfer (other than a filing on a Form 5 made after the expiration of the 60-day "lock-up" period).
We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any national securities exchange or automated dealer system. The underwriter has advised us that it may make a market in the notes after completion of the offering, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the notes or that an active public market for the notes will exist or develop. If an active public trading market for the notes does not exist or develop, the market price and liquidity of the notes may be adversely affected.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TWO."
In connection with the offering the underwriter may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions, and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act.
S-53
source of notes to close out the short position, the underwriter will consider, among other things, the price of notes available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase notes through the over-allotment option. If the underwriter sells more notes than could be covered by the over-allotment option, a naked short position, that position can only be closed out by buying notes in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriter is concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the notes in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the notes or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes. As a result the price of the notes may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
The underwriter and its affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include sales and trading, commercial and investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, financing and brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services. The underwriter and its affiliates have provided, and may in the future provide, a variety of these services to us and to persons and entities with relationships with us, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.
In the ordinary course of their businesses, the underwriter and/or its affiliates may have engaged in financial transactions (including, but not limited to, the purchase and sale of our target assets) with, and may have performed investment banking, lending, asset management and/or financial advisory services for us and/or our affiliates including serving as counterparties to certain derivative and hedging arrangements and may do so for us and/or our affiliates in the future. They have received or will receive customary fees and reimbursements of expenses for these transactions and services. They may also make or hold a broad array of investments and actively traded debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. These investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriter and its affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such assets, securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they should acquire, long and/or short positions in such assets, securities and instruments.
We have from time to time entered into master repurchase agreements, master securities forward transaction agreements, international swaps and derivative agreements and other similar agreements with Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC or its affiliates for the financing of our target assets. Additionally, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and/or its affiliates provide prime brokerage services to us.
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by the underwriter, or selling group members, if any, participating in the offering, and the underwriter may distribute prospectuses electronically. The underwriter may agree to allocate securities to selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriter and selling group members that will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.
S-54
Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada
Resale Restrictions
The distribution of the notes in Canada is being made only in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba on a private placement basis exempt from the requirement that we prepare and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each province where trades of these securities are made. Any resale of the notes and any common shares issued upon conversion of the notes in Canada must be made under applicable securities laws which may vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made under available statutory exemptions or under a discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. In addition, such resale may only be effected by a person not required to register as a dealer under Canadian securities laws or through a dealer that is appropriately registered or exempt from registration in the jurisdiction of the resale. Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the securities.
Representations of Canadian Purchasers
By purchasing notes in Canada and accepting delivery of a purchase confirmation, a purchaser is representing to us and the dealer from whom the purchase confirmation is received that:
Conflicts of Interest
Canadian purchasers are hereby notified that the underwriters are relying on the exemption set out in section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105Underwriting Conflicts from having to provide certain conflict of interest disclosure in this document.
Statutory Rights of Action
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if the offering memorandum (including any amendment thereto) such as this document contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory. The purchaser of these securities in Canada should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Enforcement of Legal Rights
All of our directors and officers as well as the experts named herein may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of process within Canada upon us or those persons. All or a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of
S-55
those persons may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against us or those persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian courts against us or those persons outside of Canada.
Taxation and Eligibility for Investment
Canadian purchasers of notes should consult their own legal and tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of an investment in the notes and any common shares issued upon conversion of the notes in their particular circumstances and about the eligibility of the notes and such common shares for investment by the purchaser under relevant Canadian legislation.
Non-Resident Investment Fund Manager
Pine River Capital Management L.P. is considered to be the investment fund manager of Two Harbors for purposes of Canadian securities laws; however, Pine River is not registered, and is relying on an exemption from registration, as an investment fund manager in Ontario. The head office of Pine River is 601 Carlson Parkway, 7th Floor, Minnetonka, MN 55305 and its agent for service of process in Ontario is Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, 100 King Street West, 1 First Canadian Place, Suite 6100, Toronto, ON M5X 1B8.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong
The securities may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (i) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance, or (ii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the depositary securities may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to depositary securities which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland
This document is not intended to constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in the securities described herein. The securities may not be publicly offered, sold or advertised, directly or indirectly, in, into or from Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange or on any other exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the securities constitutes a prospectus as such term is understood pursuant to article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange or any other regulated trading facility in Switzerland, and neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the securities may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, nor the Company nor the securities have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. The securities are not subject to the supervision by any Swiss regulatory authority, e.g., the Swiss Financial Markets Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA), and investors in the securities will not benefit from protection or supervision by such authority.
S-56
Notice to Prospective Investors in the Cayman Islands
This prospectus does not constitute an invitation or offer to the public in the Cayman Islands of the securities, whether by way of sale or subscription.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the Marshall Islands
The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
S-57
Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Stinson Leonard Street LLP, Minneapolis, Minnesota, including the validity of the offered securities. Certain tax matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Dentons US LLP, New York, New York, including the qualification of our company as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
In addition, the description of U.S. federal income tax consequences contained in the section of this prospectus supplement captioned "Supplemental U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" and of the accompanying prospectus captioned "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" will be reviewed by Dentons US LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters relating to this offering will be passed upon for the underwriter by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements and schedule included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements and schedule are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus supplement. As allowed by SEC rules, this prospectus supplement does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits thereto. We refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits thereto for further information. This prospectus supplement is qualified in its entirety by such other information.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These filings are available for inspection and copying at the public reference room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information about the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our SEC filings, including the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus forms a part, are also available to you on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. We also maintain a website on the Internet with the address of www.twoharborsinvestment.com where you can find additional information. All internet addresses provided in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus are for information purposes only and are not intended to be hyperlinks. We are not incorporating by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus the information on our website or any other website, and you should not consider our website or any other website to be a part of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, or other offering materials.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC's rules allow us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus from the date of filing those documents. Any reports filed by us with the SEC on or after the date of this prospectus supplement will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or in the documents listed below that are incorporated by reference. We have filed the documents listed below with the SEC
S-58
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, and these documents are incorporated herein by reference (other than information in such documents that is furnished and not deemed to be filed):
All documents we file (but not furnish) pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus supplement and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities to which this prospectus supplement relates (other than information in such documents that is furnished and not deemed to be filed) shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of those documents.
We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus supplement is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement but not delivered with this prospectus supplement (other than the exhibits to such documents which are not specifically incorporated by reference therein); we will provide this information at no cost to the requester upon written or oral request to: Secretary, Two Harbors Investment Corp., 590 Madison Avenue, 36th Floor, New York , New York 10022, or (612) 629-2500.
S-59
PROSPECTUS
Two Harbors Investment Corp.
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Debt Securities
We may offer, issue and sell, from time to time, shares of our common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares and debt securities, which may consist of debentures, notes, or other types of debt, in one or more offerings. We will provide specific terms of each issuance of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. In addition, selling securityholders may sell these securities, from time to time, on terms described in the applicable prospectus supplement. You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully before you decide to invest. This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of these securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol "TWO."
We have elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To assist us in qualifying as a REIT, among other purposes, ownership of shares of our common stock by any person is limited, with certain exceptions, to 9.8% by value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock and 9.8% by value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of our capital stock. In addition, our charter contains various other restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our stock.
Our principal office is located at 590 Madison Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, New York 10022. Our telephone number is (612) 629-2500.
Investing in our securities involves risk. You should carefully consider the information referred to under the caption "Risk Factors" on page 3 before you invest.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined that this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is May 15, 2015
You should rely only on the information contained in this document or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This document may only be used where it is legal to sell these securities. The information in this document may only be accurate on the date of this document.
i
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC or Commission, using a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer to sell securities, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. It is important for you to consider the information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or set forth in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with additional or different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement or any other offering material is accurate as of any date other than the dates on the front of those documents.
When used in this prospectus, the terms "Two Harbors," "company," "issuer," "registrant," "we," "our," and "us" refer to Two Harbors Investment Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains, or incorporates by reference, not only historical information, but also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, and that are subject to the safe harbors created by such sections. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ from our beliefs, expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements are not historical in nature and can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "will," "should," "expect," "target," "believe," "intend," "seek," "plan," "goals," "future," "likely," "may," and similar expressions or their negative forms, or by references to strategy, plans, or intentions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, the information referred to on page 2 of this prospectus under the caption "Risk Factors." Other risks, uncertainties, and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are described below and may be described from time to time in reports we file with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as in the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Important factors, among others, that may affect our actual results include:
ii
iii
All forward-looking statements included herein attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Except to the extent required by applicable laws and regulations, we undertake no obligations to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Before you make an investment decision, you should be aware that the occurrence of the events described in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in this prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference, may adversely affect us.
iv
This summary highlights selected information about us. It may not contain all the information that may be important to you in deciding whether to invest in our securities. You should read this entire prospectus, together with the information incorporated by reference, including the risk factors, financial data and related notes, before making an investment decision.
Our Company
Two Harbors Investment Corp. is a Maryland corporation focused on investing in, financing and managing residential mortgage-backed securities, or RMBS, residential mortgage loans, mortgage servicing rights, or MSR, commercial real estate debt and related assets and other financial assets, which we collectively refer to as our target assets. We operate as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code.
We are externally managed and advised by PRCM Advisers LLC, or PRCM Advisers, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pine River Capital Management L.P., or Pine River, a global multi-strategy asset management firm providing comprehensive portfolio management, transparency and liquidity to institutional and high net worth investors.
Our objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted total return to our stockholders over the long term, primarily through dividends and secondarily through capital appreciation. We selectively acquire and manage an investment portfolio of our target assets, which is constructed to generate attractive returns through market cycles. We focus on asset selection and implement a relative value investment approach across various sectors within the mortgage market. Our target assets include the following:
We seek to deploy moderate leverage as part of our investment strategy. We generally finance our RMBS and mortgage loan assets through short- and long-term borrowings structured as repurchase agreements and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, or the FHLB. We do not currently finance our MSR assets, but may in the future if we determine financing is available on terms we believe are favorable to us.
We have elected to be treated as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To qualify as a REIT, we are required to meet certain investment and operating tests and annual distribution requirements. We generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on our taxable income to the extent that we annually distribute all of our net taxable income to stockholders, do not participate in prohibited transactions and maintain our intended qualification as a REIT. However, certain activities that we may perform may cause us to earn income which will not be qualifying income for REIT purposes. We have designated certain of our subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs, as defined in the Code, to engage in such activities, and we may form additional TRSs in the future.
1
We also operate our business in a manner that will permit us to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act.
Our headquarters are located at 590 Madison Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, New York 10022 and our telephone number is (612) 629-2500. We maintain a website at www.twoharborsinvestment.com; however, the information found on our website is not a part of this prospectus.
2
Investing in our securities involves a number of risks. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully read and consider the information set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any subsequent Current Reports on Form 8-K (which descriptions are incorporated by reference herein), as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement hereto before making a decision to invest in our securities. See "Where You Can Find More Information," below.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(dollars in thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders |
$ | 167,139 | $ | 579,039 | $ | 291,906 | $ | 127,432 | $ | 35,755 | ||||||
Fixed charge (interest expense) |
107,450 | 100,407 | 72,106 | 22,709 | 4,421 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings adjusted |
$ | 274,589 | $ | 679,446 | $ | 364,012 | $ | 150,141 | $ | 40,176 | ||||||
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges |
2.6x | 6.8x | 5.0x | 6.6x | 9.1x |
Unless otherwise indicated in an accompanying prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds received from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus and the related accompanying prospectus supplement for the purchase of our target assets, including RMBS, residential mortgage loans, MSR, commercial real estate debt and related assets and other financial assets, in each case subject to our investment guidelines and to the extent consistent with maintaining our REIT qualification, and for general corporate purposes.
Unless otherwise indicated in an accompanying prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by selling securityholders.
3
The following is a summary of the rights and preferences of our capital stock. While we believe that the following descriptions cover the material terms of our capital stock, the descriptions may not contain all of the information that is important to you. We encourage you to read carefully this entire prospectus, our charter and bylaws and the other documents we refer to for a more complete understanding of our capital stock. Copies of our charter and bylaws are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
General
Our charter provides that we may issue up to 900,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Our charter authorizes our board of directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire board, to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series without stockholder approval. As of April 30, 2015, there were 366,576,359 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and no shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding. Under Maryland law, stockholders are not generally liable for our debts or obligations.
Shares of Common Stock
All issued and outstanding shares of our common stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of shares of stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of stock, holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive dividends on such shares of common stock out of assets legally available therefor if, as and when authorized by our board of directors and declared by us, and the holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up after payment of or adequate provision for all our known debts and liabilities.
All issued and outstanding shares of our common stock have been issued by us and do not represent any interest in or obligation of Pine River. Further, the shares are not a deposit or other obligation of any bank, are not an insurance policy of any insurance company and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company, any other governmental agency or any insurance company. The shares of common stock do not benefit from any insurance guaranty association coverage or any similar protection.
Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of stock and except as may otherwise be specified in the terms of any class or series of shares of common stock, each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors, and, except as provided with respect to any other class or series of shares of stock, the holders of such shares of common stock will possess the exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of our board of directors, and directors are elected by a majority of all votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present, which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election, and the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors. However, our Bylaws provide that, in the event that the Company's Secretary determines that, as of the record date for the stockholders' meeting, the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected, then directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present. In such case, each share may be voted for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the share is entitled to be cast.
4
Holders of shares of our common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of stock, shares of common stock will have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights.
Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge with another entity, transfer all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business unless approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the corporation's charter. Our charter provides that these matters (other than certain amendments to the provisions of our charter related to the removal of directors, the restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of our stock and the requirement of a two-thirds vote for amendment to these provisions) may be approved by a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Wells Fargo Shareowner Services.
Shares of Preferred Stock
The following description sets forth general terms and provisions of the preferred stock to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The statements below describing the preferred stock are in all respects subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to our charter, as amended and restated, bylaws, as amended and restated, and any articles supplementary to our charter, designating terms of a series of preferred stock. The preferred stock, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable. Because our board of directors has the power to establish the preferences, powers and rights of each series of preferred stock, our board of directors may afford the holders of any series of preferred stock preferences, powers and rights, voting or otherwise, senior to the rights of our common stockholders.
The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of each series of preferred stock will be fixed by the articles supplementary to our charter relating to the series. A prospectus supplement, relating to each series, will specify the terms of the preferred stock, as follows:
5
Power to Reclassify Our Unissued Shares of Stock
Our charter authorizes our board of directors to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common or preferred stock into other classes or series of shares of stock. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, our board of directors is required by Maryland law and by our charter to set, subject to our charter restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of stock and to the express terms of any class or series of stock outstanding at the time, the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series. Therefore, among other things, our board could authorize the issuance of shares of common or preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for shares of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. No shares of preferred stock are presently outstanding, and we have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Power to Increase or Decrease Authorized Shares of Common Stock and Issue Additional Shares of Common and Preferred Stock
We believe that the power of our board of directors to amend our charter to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of stock, to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of common or preferred stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of common or preferred stock and thereafter to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise. The additional classes or series, as well as the shares of common stock, will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded. Although our board of directors does not intend to do so, the board could authorize us to issue a class or series that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for shares of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
6
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
General
We may issue depositary shares, each of which would represent a fractional interest of a share of a particular series of preferred stock. We will deposit shares of preferred stock represented by depositary shares under a separate deposit agreement among the company, a preferred stock depositary and the holders of the depositary shares. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will possess, in proportion to the fractional interest of a share of preferred stock represented by the depositary share, all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock represented by the depositary shares. Depositary receipts will evidence the depositary shares issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Immediately after the company issues and delivers preferred stock to a preferred stock depositary, the preferred stock depositary will issue the depositary receipts.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The depositary will distribute all cash dividends on the preferred stock to the record holders of the depositary shares. Holders of depositary shares generally must file proofs, certificates and other information and pay charges and expenses of the depositary in connection with distributions. If a distribution on the preferred stock is other than in cash and it is feasible for the depositary to distribute the property it receives, the depositary will distribute the property to the record holders of the depositary shares. If such a distribution is not feasible, the depositary, with our approval, may sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders of the depositary shares.
Withdrawal of Stock
Unless we have previously called the underlying preferred stock for redemption or the holder of the depositary shares has converted such shares, a holder of depositary shares may surrender them at the corporate trust office of the depositary in exchange for whole or fractional shares of the underlying preferred stock together with any money or other property represented by the depositary shares. Once a holder has exchanged the depositary shares, the holder may not redeposit the preferred stock and receive depositary shares again. If a depositary receipt presented for exchange into preferred stock represents more shares of preferred stock than the number to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver a new depositary receipt for the excess number of depositary shares.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock held by a depositary, the depositary will redeem the corresponding amount of depositary shares with funds it receives from us for the preferred stock. The depositary will notify the record holders of the depositary shares to be redeemed not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption at the holders' addresses appearing in the depositary's books. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price and any other amounts payable with respect to the preferred stock. If we intend to redeem less than all of the underlying preferred stock, we and the depositary will select the depositary shares to be redeemed on as nearly a pro rata basis as practicable without creating fractional depositary shares or by any other equitable method determined by us that preserves our REIT status.
On the redemption date:
7
Voting of the Preferred Stock
When a depositary receives notice regarding a meeting at which the holders of the underlying preferred stock have the right to vote, it will mail that information to the holders of the depositary shares. Each record holder of depositary shares on the record date may then instruct the depositary to exercise its voting rights for the amount of preferred stock represented by that holder's depositary shares. The depositary will vote in accordance with these instructions. The depositary will abstain from voting to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares. A depositary will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instruction to vote, or for the manner or effect of any vote, as long as any action or non-action is in good faith and does not result from negligence or willful misconduct of the depositary.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, a holder of depositary shares will receive the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each share of underlying preferred stock represented by the depositary share.
Conversion of Preferred Stock
Depositary shares will not themselves be convertible into common stock or any other securities or property of the company. However, if the underlying preferred stock is convertible, holders of depositary shares may surrender them to the depositary with written instructions to convert the preferred stock represented by their depositary shares into whole shares of common stock, other shares of our preferred stock or other shares of stock, as applicable. Upon receipt of these instructions and any amounts payable in connection with a conversion, we will convert the preferred stock using the same procedures as those provided for delivery of preferred stock. If a holder of depositary shares converts only part of its depositary shares, the depositary will issue a new depositary receipt for any depositary shares not converted. We will not issue fractional shares of common stock upon conversion. If a conversion will result in the issuance of a fractional share, we will pay an amount in cash equal to the value of the fractional interest based upon the closing price of the common stock on the last business day prior to the conversion.
Amendment and Termination of a Deposit Agreement
The company and the depositary may amend any form of depositary receipt evidencing depositary shares and any provision of a deposit agreement. However, unless the existing holders of at least two-thirds of the applicable depositary shares then outstanding have approved the amendment, we and the depositary may not make any amendment that:
Subject to exceptions in the deposit agreement and except in order to comply with applicable law, no amendment may impair the right of any holders of depositary shares to surrender their depositary shares with instructions to deliver the underlying preferred stock and all money and other property represented by the depositary shares. Every holder of outstanding depositary shares at the time any
8
amendment becomes effective who continues to hold the depositary shares will be deemed to consent and agree to the amendment and to be bound by the amended deposit agreement.
We may terminate a deposit agreement upon not less than 30 days prior written notice to the depositary if:
In addition, a deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:
Expenses of a Preferred Stock Depositary
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and expenses arising in connection with a deposit agreement. In addition, we will generally pay the fees and expenses of a depositary in connection with the performance of its duties. However, holders of depositary shares will pay the fees and expenses of a depositary for any duties requested by the holders that the deposit agreement does not expressly require the depositary to perform.
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
A depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to resign. We may also remove a depositary at any time. Any resignation or removal will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary. We will appoint a successor depositary within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal. The successor must be a bank or trust company with its principal office in the U.S. and have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million.
Miscellaneous
The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary shares any reports and communications from us with respect to the underlying preferred stock. Neither the depositary nor the company will be liable if any law or any circumstances beyond their control prevent or delay them from performing their obligations under a deposit agreement. The obligations of the company and a depositary under a deposit agreement will be limited to performing their duties in good faith and without negligence and, in regard to voting of preferred stock, gross negligence or willful misconduct. Neither the company nor a depositary will be required to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding with respect to any depositary shares or the underlying preferred stock unless they are furnished with satisfactory indemnity.
The company and any depositary may rely on the written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting shares of preferred stock for deposit, holders of depositary shares or other persons they believe in good faith to be competent, and on documents they believe in good faith to be genuine and signed by a proper party. In the event a depositary receives conflicting claims, requests or instructions from us and any holders of depositary shares, the depositary will be entitled to act on the claims, requests or instructions received from us.
9
Depositary
The prospectus supplement will identify the depositary for the depositary shares.
Listing of the Depositary Shares
The applicable prospectus supplement will specify whether or not the depositary shares will be listed on any securities exchange.
10
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
General
The following description of the terms of our senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities, together, referred to as the debt securities, sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. Unless otherwise noted, the general terms and provisions of our debt securities discussed below apply to both our senior debt securities and our subordinated debt securities. Our debt securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The particular terms of any series of debt securities and the extent to which the general provisions may apply to a particular series of debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series.
The senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and a Senior Indenture Trustee, referred to as the senior indenture. The subordinated debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and a Subordinated Indenture Trustee, referred to as the subordinated indenture and, together with the senior indenture, the indentures. The Senior Indenture Trustee and the Subordinated Indenture Trustee are both referred to, individually, as the Trustee. The senior debt securities will constitute our unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and the subordinated debt securities will constitute our unsecured and subordinated obligations. A detailed description of the subordination provisions is provided below under the caption "Ranking and SubordinationSubordination." In general, however, if we declare bankruptcy, holders of the senior debt securities will be paid in full before the holders of subordinated debt securities will receive anything.
The statements set forth below are brief summaries of certain provisions contained in the indentures, which summaries do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the indentures, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Terms used herein that are otherwise not defined shall have the meanings given to them in the indentures. Such defined terms shall be incorporated herein by reference.
The indentures will not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued under the applicable indenture, and debt securities may be issued under the applicable indenture up to the aggregate principal amount that may be authorized from time to time by us. Any such limit applicable to a particular series will be specified in the prospectus supplement relating to that series.
The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered will contain the following terms, among others, for each such series of debt securities:
11
12
We may issue debt securities of any series at various times and we may reopen any series for further issuances from time to time without notice to existing holders of securities of that series.
Some of the debt securities may be issued as original issue discount debt securities. Original issue discount debt securities bear no interest or bear interest at below-market rates. These are sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. If we issue these securities, the prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities will describe any special tax, accounting or other information which we think is important. We encourage you to consult with your own tax and financial advisors on these important matters.
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities, the covenants contained in the indentures will not provide special protection to holders of debt securities if we enter into a highly leveraged transaction, recapitalization or restructuring.
Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities, interest on outstanding debt securities will be paid to holders of record on the regular record date as specified in the applicable debt security. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, debt securities will be issued in fully registered form only. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the principal amount of the debt securities will be payable at the corporate trust office of the Trustee in New York, New York. The debt securities may be presented for transfer or exchange at such office unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, subject to the limitations provided in the applicable indenture, without any service charge, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charges payable in connection therewith.
Ranking and Subordination
General
The debt securities and the related guarantees will effectively rank junior in right of payment to any of our or the guarantors' current and future secured obligations to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations. The debt securities and the guarantees will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including indebtedness and trade payables, of our non-guarantor subsidiaries. Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities, the indentures will not limit the amount of unsecured indebtedness or other liabilities that can be incurred by our non-guarantor subsidiaries.
13
Ranking of Debt Securities
The senior debt securities described in this prospectus will be unsecured, senior obligations of the company and will rank equally with the company's other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. Any guarantees of the senior debt securities will be unsecured and senior obligations of each of the guarantors, and will rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of such guarantors. The subordinated debt securities will be unsecured, subordinated obligations of the company and any guarantees of the subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and subordinated obligations of each of the guarantors.
Subordination
If issued, the indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities will be subordinate to the prior payment in full of all our Senior Indebtedness (as defined below). During the continuance beyond any applicable grace period of any default in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any other payment due on any of our Senior Indebtedness, we may not make any payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the subordinated debt securities, except for certain sinking fund payments made in connection with the redemption of debt securities prior to such default and except for payments made in connection with a defeasance with monies deposited with the Trustee prior to such default. In addition, upon any payment or distribution of our assets to creditors upon any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, and interest on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the extent provided in the subordinated indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all our Senior Indebtedness. Because of this subordination, if we dissolve or otherwise liquidate, holders of our subordinated debt securities may receive less, ratably, than holders of our Senior Indebtedness. The subordination provisions do not prevent the occurrence of an event of default under the subordinated indenture.
The subordination provisions also apply in the same way to any guarantor with respect to the Senior Indebtedness of such guarantor.
The term "Senior Indebtedness" of a person means with respect to such person the principal of, premium, if any, interest on, and any other payment due pursuant to any of the following, whether outstanding on the date of the subordinated indenture or incurred by that person in the future:
unless, in the case of any particular indebtedness, lease, renewal, extension or refunding, the instrument or lease creating or evidencing it or the assumption or guarantee relating to it expressly
14
provides that such indebtedness, lease, renewal, extension or refunding is not superior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities. Our senior debt securities, and any unsubordinated guarantee obligations of ours or any guarantor to which we and the guarantors are a party, including the guarantors' guarantees of our debt securities and other indebtedness for borrowed money, constitute Senior Indebtedness for purposes of the subordinated indenture.
Pursuant to the subordinated indenture, the subordinated indenture may not be amended, at any time, to alter the subordination provisions of any outstanding subordinated debt securities without the consent of the requisite holders of each outstanding series or class of Senior Indebtedness (as determined in accordance with the instrument governing such Senior Indebtedness) that would be adversely affected thereby.
Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance or Transfer on Certain Terms
Except as described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities, we will not consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey or transfer our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any entity, unless:
Upon any consolidation or merger, or any conveyance or transfer of our properties and assets substantially as an entirety as set forth above, the successor person formed by such consolidation or into which we are merged or to which such conveyance or transfer is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of ours under the applicable indenture with the same effect as if such successor had been named in the applicable indenture. In the event of any such conveyance or transfer, we, as the predecessor, shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under the applicable indenture and the debt securities issued under such indenture and may be dissolved, wound up or liquidated at any time thereafter.
Certain Covenants
Any covenants pertaining to a series of debt securities will be set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities.
Except as described in the prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities, the indentures and the debt securities do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of debt securities protection in the event of a recapitalization or highly leveraged transaction involving us.
15
Certain Definitions
The following are certain of the terms defined in the indentures:
"Significant Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary which would be a "significant subsidiary" as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as in effect on the date of the applicable indenture.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any person, any corporation more than 50% of the voting stock of which is owned directly or indirectly by such person, and any partnership, association, joint venture or other entity in which such person owns more than 50% of the equity interests or has the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other governing body.
Optional Redemption
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may redeem any of the debt securities as a whole at any time or in part from time to time, at our option, on at least 15 days, but not more than 45 days, prior notice mailed to the registered address of each holder of the debt securities to be redeemed, at the price specified in the debt security at which it is to be redeemed. If specified in the applicable prospectus supplement for a series of debt securities, we may rescind the redemption of such debt securities upon the occurrence of any of the following: (a) a general suspension of trading or limitation on prices for securities on the securities exchange on which the shares of our stock are traded for more than 6.5 consecutive trading hours, (b) the decline of the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the S&P 500 (or any successor index) by more than certain percentages; (c) a banking moratorium or suspension of payments in respect of banks declared by federal or state authorities; or (d) an act of terrorism or commencement of war or armed hostilities or other national or international calamity involving the United States which in our reasonable judgment could have a material adverse effect on the market for our common stock.
On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the debt securities or any portion thereof called for redemption, unless we default in the payment of the Redemption Price, and any right to convert such debt securities shall terminate. On or before the redemption date, we shall deposit with a paying agent or the applicable Trustee, or segregate and hold in trust, money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of the debt securities to be redeemed on such date. If we elect to redeem less than all of the debt securities of a series, then the Trustee will select the particular debt securities of such series to be redeemed in a manner it deems appropriate and fair.
Defeasance
Except as otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities, each indenture will provide that, at our option,
16
in each case, if:
Events of Default, Notice and Waiver
Except as otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities, each indenture will provide that, if an Event of Default specified therein with respect to any series of debt securities issued thereunder shall have happened and be continuing, either the Trustee thereunder or the holders of 33-1/3% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series (or 33-1/3% in aggregate principal amount of all outstanding debt securities under such indenture, in the case of certain Events of Default affecting all series of debt securities issued under such indenture) may declare the principal of all the debt securities of such series to be due and payable; provided, that upon the occurrence of an event of default due to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, such amounts shall be immediately due and payable without action by the Trustee or the holders of such series of debt securities.
Except as otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities, an "Event of Default" in respect of any series will be defined in the indentures as being any one of the following events:
17
Each indenture will provide that the Trustee thereunder will, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default with respect to the debt securities of any series issued under such indenture, give to the holders of the debt securities of such series notice of all uncured and unwaived defaults known to it; provided, however, that, except in the case of default in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any of the debt securities of such series, the Trustee will be protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the holders of the debt securities of such series. The term "default" for the purpose of this provision means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to debt securities of such series.
Each indenture will contain provisions entitling the Trustee under such indenture, subject to the duty of the Trustee during an Event of Default to act with the required standard of care, to be indemnified to its reasonable satisfaction by the holders of the debt securities before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the applicable indenture at the request of holders of such debt securities.
Each indenture will provide that the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series issued under such indenture may direct the time, method and place of conducting proceedings for remedies available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee in respect of such series, subject to certain conditions.
Except as otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities, in certain cases, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of such series, a declaration of acceleration resulting from an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of such series except, among other things, a declaration of acceleration resulting from an Event of Default not theretofore cured in payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any of the senior debt securities of such series or payment of any sinking or purchase fund or analogous obligations with respect to such senior debt securities.
Each indenture will include a covenant that we will file annually with the Trustee a certificate of no default or specifying any default that exists.
Modification of the Indentures
Except as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities, we and the Trustee may, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities issued under the indenture governing such debt securities, enter into indentures supplemental to the applicable indenture for, among others, one or more of the following purposes:
18
No supplemental indenture for the purpose identified in clauses (2), (3) or (5) above may be entered into if to do so would adversely affect the rights of the holders of debt securities of any series issued under the same indenture in any material respect.
Except as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities, each indenture will contain provisions permitting us and the Trustee under such indenture, with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series issued under such indenture to be affected voting as a single class, to execute supplemental indentures for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing or eliminating any of the provisions of the applicable indenture or modifying the rights of the holders of the debt securities of such series to be affected, except that no such supplemental indenture may, without the consent of each of the holders of affected debt securities, among other things:
19
principal or interest on any such debt securities on any date or change any place of payment where, or the currency in which, any debt securities or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the maturity of principal or premium, as the case may be, or alter the provisions of the indenture so as to adversely affect the terms, if any, of conversion of any series of debt securities into our common stock or other marketable securities;
In addition, the subordinated indenture will provide that we may not make any change in the terms of the subordination of the subordinated debt securities of any series in a manner adverse in any material respect to the holders of any series of subordinated debt securities without the consent of each holder of subordinated debt securities that would be adversely affected.
The Trustee
The Trustee shall be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Governing Law
The indentures will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Global Securities
We may issue debt securities through global securities. A global security is a security, typically held by a depositary, that represents the beneficial interests of a number of purchasers of the security. If we do issue global securities, the following procedures will apply.
We will deposit global securities with the depositary identified in the prospectus supplement. After we issue a global security, the depositary will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by the global security to the accounts of persons who have accounts with the depositary. These account holders are known as "participants." The underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the debt securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Only a participant or a person who holds an interest through a participant may be the beneficial owner of a global security. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary and its participants.
We and the Trustee will treat the depositary or its nominee as the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by a global security. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a
20
global security will not be entitled to have the debt securities represented by the global security registered in their names. They also will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the debt securities.
Principal, any premium and any interest payments on debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee as the registered owner of the global security. None of us, the Trustee or any paying agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global security or maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depositary, upon receipt of any payments, will immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the depositary's records. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global security will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street names," and will be the responsibility of the participants.
If the depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue registered securities in exchange for the global security. In addition, we may at any time in our sole discretion determine not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by global securities. In that event, we will issue debt securities of that series in definitive form in exchange for the global securities.
21
RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER
In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, shares of our stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made).
Our charter contains restrictions limiting the ownership and transfer of shares of our common stock and other outstanding shares of stock. The relevant sections of our charter provide that, subject to the exceptions described below, no person or entity may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common stock (the common share ownership limit), or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of our capital stock (the aggregate share ownership limit). The common share ownership limit and the aggregate share ownership limit are collectively referred to herein as the "ownership limits." A person or entity that becomes subject to the ownership limits by virtue of a violative transfer that results in a transfer to a trust, as set forth below, is referred to as a "purported beneficial transferee" if, had the violative transfer been effective, the person or entity would have been a record owner and beneficial owner or solely a beneficial owner of shares of our stock, or is referred to as a "purported record transferee" if, had the violative transfer been effective, the person or entity would have been solely a record owner of shares of our stock.
The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause shares of stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common stock, or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding capital stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, shares of our stock) by an individual or entity, could, nevertheless, cause that individual or entity, or another individual or entity, to own constructively in excess of 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common stock, or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding capital stock and thereby subject the shares of common stock or total shares of stock to the applicable ownership limit.
Our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, exempt a person from the above-referenced ownership limits. However, the board of directors may not exempt any person whose ownership of our outstanding stock would result in our being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise would result in our failing to qualify as a REIT. In order to be considered by the board of directors for exemption, a person also must not own, directly or indirectly, an interest in any tenant (or a tenant of any entity which we own or control) that would cause us to own, directly or indirectly, more than a 9.9% interest in the tenant. The person seeking an exemption must represent to the satisfaction of our board of directors that such person will not violate these two restrictions. The person also must agree that any violation or attempted violation of these restrictions will result in the automatic transfer of the shares of stock causing the violation to a trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary. As a condition of its waiver, our board of directors may require an opinion of counsel or IRS ruling satisfactory to the board of directors with respect to our qualification as a REIT.
In connection with an exemption from the ownership limits or at any other time, our board of directors may from time to time increase the ownership limits for one or more persons or entities and decrease the ownership limits for all others; provided, however, that any decrease will be effective as to
22
existing holders who own common stock or total shares of stock, as applicable, in excess of such decreased ownership limit as described below; and provided further that the ownership limit may not be increased if, after giving effect to such increase, five or fewer individuals could own or constructively own in the aggregate, more than 49.9% in value of the shares then outstanding. Prior to the modification of the ownership limit, our board of directors may require such opinions of counsel, affidavits, undertakings or agreements as the board may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure our qualification as a REIT. A reduced ownership limit will not apply to any person or entity whose percentage ownership in shares of our common stock or total shares of stock, as applicable, is in excess of such decreased ownership limit until such time as such person's or entity's percentage of shares of our common stock or total shares of stock, as applicable, equals or falls below the decreased ownership limit, but any further acquisition of shares of our common stock or total shares of stock, as applicable, in excess of such percentage ownership of shares of our common stock or total shares of stock will be in violation of such ownership limit.
Our charter provisions further prohibit:
Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of shares of our stock that will or may violate any of the foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will be required to give written notice of such event to us immediately or, in the case of a proposed or attempted transaction, at least 15 days prior to such proposed or attempted transaction, and provide us with such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect of such transfer on our qualification as a REIT. The foregoing provisions on transferability and ownership will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT.
Pursuant to our charter, if any transfer of shares of our stock would result in shares of our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons, such transfer will be null and void and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. In addition, if any purported transfer of shares of our stock or any other event would otherwise result in any person violating the ownership limits or such other limit established by our board of directors or in our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then that number of shares (rounded up to the nearest whole share) that would cause such person to violate such restrictions will be automatically transferred to, and held by, a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable organizations selected by us and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. The automatic transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of the purported transfer or other event that results in a transfer to the trust. Any dividend or other distribution paid to the purported record transferee, prior to our discovery that the shares had been automatically transferred to a trust as described above, must be repaid to the trustee upon demand for distribution to the charitable beneficiary by the trust. If the transfer to the trust as described above is not automatically effective, for any reason, to prevent violation of the applicable ownership limit or our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then our charter provides that the transfer of the shares will be null and void and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares.
Shares of stock transferred to the trustee are deemed offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the purported record transferee for the
23
shares (or, if the event that resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares of stock at market price, the last reported sales price reported on the NYSE (or other applicable exchange) on the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of such shares of stock to the trust) and (2) the market price on the date we or our designee accepts such offer. We have the right to accept such offer until the trustee has sold the shares of stock held in the trust pursuant to the clauses discussed below. Upon a sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold terminates, the trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the purported record transferee and any dividends or other distributions held by the trustee with respect to such shares of stock will be paid to the charitable beneficiary.
If we do not buy the shares, the trustee must, within 20 days of receiving notice from us of the transfer of shares to the trust, sell the shares to a person or entity designated by the trustee who could own the shares without violating the ownership limits or such other limit as established by our board of directors. After that, the trustee must distribute to the purported record transferee an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the purported record transferee for the shares (or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares at market price, the last reported sales price reported on the NYSE (or other applicable exchange) on the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of such shares of stock to the trust) and (2) the sales proceeds (net of commissions and other expenses of sale) received by the trust for the shares. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the purported record transferee will be immediately paid to the charitable beneficiary, together with any dividends or other distributions thereon. In addition, if prior to discovery by us that shares of stock have been transferred to a trust, such shares of stock are sold by a purported record transferee, then such shares will be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the trust and to the extent that the purported record transferee received an amount for or in respect of such shares that exceeds the amount that such purported record transferee was entitled to receive, such excess amount must be paid to the trustee upon demand. The purported beneficial transferee or purported record transferee has no rights in the shares held by the trustee.
The trustee will be designated by us and will be unaffiliated with us and with any purported record transferee or purported beneficial transferee. Prior to the sale of any shares by the trust, the trustee will receive, in trust for the beneficiary, all dividends and other distributions paid by us with respect to the shares held in trust and may also exercise all voting rights with respect to the shares held in trust. These rights will be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the charitable beneficiary. Any dividend or other distribution paid prior to our discovery that shares of stock have been transferred to the trust will be paid by the recipient to the trustee upon demand. Any dividend or other distribution authorized but unpaid will be paid when due to the trustee.
Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the trust, the trustee will have the authority, at the trustee's sole discretion:
However, if we have already taken irreversible action, then the trustee may not rescind and recast the vote.
If our board of directors determines in good faith that a proposed transfer would violate the restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of our stock set forth in the charter, the board of directors will take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such transfer, including, but not limited to, causing us to redeem the shares of stock, refusing to give effect to the transfer on our books or instituting proceedings to enjoin the transfer.
24
Every owner of more than 5% (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder) of our stock, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, is required to give us written notice, stating the name and address of such owner, the number of shares of our capital stock which he, she or it beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which the shares are held. Each such owner shall provide us with such additional information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such beneficial ownership on our status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the aggregate share ownership limit. In addition, each stockholder shall upon demand be required to provide us with such information as we may request in good faith in order to determine our status as a REIT and to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to determine such compliance.
These ownership limits could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for the common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of the stockholders.
25
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW AND TWO HARBORS' CHARTER AND BYLAWS
The following summary description of certain provisions of the MGCL and our charter and bylaws does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the MGCL and the actual provisions of our charter and our bylaws, copies of which are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
Our Board of Directors
Our charter and bylaws provide that the number of directors we have may be established by our board of directors but may not be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL, nor more than 15. Our bylaws currently provide that any vacancy may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors. Any individual elected to fill such vacancy will serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until a successor is duly elected and qualifies.
Pursuant to our bylaws, each of our directors is elected by our common stockholders entitled to vote to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. Holders of shares of common stock will have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote will be able to elect all of our directors. However, our Bylaws provide that, in the event that the Company's Secretary determines that, as of the record date for the stockholders' meeting, the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected, then directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present. In such case, each share may be voted for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the share is entitled to be cast.
Removal of Directors
Our charter provides that a director may be removed, with or without cause, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast at least two-thirds of all the votes of common stockholders entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. This provision, when coupled with the power of our board of directors to fill vacancies on the board of directors, precludes stockholders from (1) removing incumbent directors except upon a substantial affirmative vote and (2) filling the vacancies created by such removal with their own nominees.
Business Combinations
Under the MGCL, certain "business combinations" (including a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation's outstanding voting stock or an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding stock of the corporation) or an affiliate of such an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the board of directors of such corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting shares of stock of the corporation and (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom (or with whose affiliate) the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested
26
stockholder, unless, among other conditions, the corporation's common stockholders receive a minimum price (as described in the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.
These provisions of the MGCL do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by a board of directors prior to the most recent date on which that the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder. Our board of directors may provide that the board's approval is subject to compliance with any terms and conditions determined by the board. Pursuant to the statute, our board of directors has by resolution exempted business combinations between us and Pine River or its affiliates. In addition, in the future our board of directors may by resolution exempt business combinations between us and any other person, provided that such resolution is adopted prior to the most recent date on which the applicable interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the supermajority vote requirements will not apply to business combinations between us and such persons. As a result, any person described above may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interest of our stockholders without compliance by us with the supermajority vote requirements and other provisions of the statute.
The business combination statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.
Control Share Acquisitions
The MGCL provides that holders of "control shares" of a Maryland corporation acquired in a "control share acquisition" have no voting rights except to the extent approved at a special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of stock in a corporation in respect of which any of the following persons is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of such shares in the election of directors: (1) a person who makes or proposes to make a control share acquisition, (2) an officer of the corporation or (3) an employee of the corporation who is also a director of the corporation. "Control shares" are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other such shares of stock previously acquired by the acquirer, or in respect of which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquirer to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power: (A) one-tenth or more but less than one-third; (B) one-third or more but less than a majority; or (C) a majority or more of all voting power. Control shares do not include shares that the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A "control share acquisition" means the acquisition of control shares or of the power to direct the exercise of 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 and making an "acquiring person statement" as described in the MGCL), may compel our board of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an "acquiring person statement" as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquirer or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not
27
approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquirer becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquirer in the control share acquisition.
The control share acquisition statute does not apply to (a) shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (b) acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.
Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock. There is no assurance that such provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.
Subtitle 8
Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any or all of five provisions:
Our charter provides that, pursuant to Subtitle 8, vacancies on the board may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred. Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we already (1) require the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter for the removal of any director from the board, which removal will be allowed with or without cause, (2) vest in the board the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships and (3) require, unless called by the chairman of the board, chief executive officer, president or the board of directors, the written request of stockholders of not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such a meeting to call a special meeting.
Meetings of Stockholders
Pursuant to our bylaws, a meeting of our stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business will be held annually on a date and at the time set by our board of directors. In addition, the chairman of the board, chief executive officer, president or board of directors may call a special meeting of our stockholders. Subject to the provisions of our bylaws, a special meeting of our stockholders will also be called by the secretary upon the written request of the stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting.
Amendment to Our Charter and Bylaws
Except for amendments related to removal of directors, the restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of our stock and the requirement of a two-thirds vote for amendments to these provisions (each of which require the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of all the votes
28
entitled to be cast on the matter and the approval of our board of directors), our charter may be amended only with the approval of the board of directors and the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Our board of directors has the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our bylaws and to make new bylaws.
Dissolution of Two Harbors
Our dissolution must be approved by a majority of the entire board of directors and the affirmative vote of holders of not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
Our bylaws provide that, with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of individuals for election to the board of directors and the proposal of other business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of our board of directors or (3) by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record both at the time of giving his notice and at the time of the meeting and who is entitled to vote at the meeting on the election of directors or on the proposal of other business, as the case may be, and has complied with the advance notice provisions set forth in our bylaws.
With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to our board of directors may be made only (1) by or at the direction of our board of directors or (2) provided that the board of directors has determined that directors will be elected at such meeting, by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record both at the time of giving his notice and at the time of the meeting and who is entitled to vote at the meeting and has complied with the advance notice provisions set forth in our bylaws.
Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws
Our charter and bylaws and Maryland law contain provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for shares of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders, including business combination provisions, supermajority vote requirements and advance notice requirements for director nominations and stockholder proposals. Likewise, if the provision in the bylaws opting out of the control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL were rescinded or if we were to opt into the classified board or other provisions of Subtitle 8, these provisions of the MGCL could have similar anti-takeover effects.
Indemnification and Limitation of Directors' and Officers' Liability
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision eliminating the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty that is established by a final judgment and is material to the cause of action. Our charter contains such a provision that eliminates such liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
The MGCL requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors
29
and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:
However, under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify a director or officer in a suit by or in the right of the corporation in which the director or officer was adjudged liable to the corporation or in a proceeding in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.
In addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation's receipt of:
Our charter authorizes us to obligate ourselves and our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:
Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of ours or a predecessor of ours.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. In addition, the operating agreements of our subsidiaries provide that we, as managing member, and our officers and directors are indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law.
30
Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, officers or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
REIT Qualification
Our charter provides that our board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without approval of our stockholders, if it determines that it is no longer in our best interests to continue to qualify as a REIT.
31
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the qualification and taxation of Two Harbors as a REIT and the acquisition, holding and disposition of our common stock. For purposes of this section, references to "Two Harbors," "our," "us" or "we" mean only Two Harbors Investment Corp. and not any of its subsidiaries or other lower-tier entities except as otherwise indicated. This summary is based upon the Code, the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department, or the Treasury Regulations, current administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS (including administrative interpretations and practices expressed in private letter rulings which are binding on the IRS only with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings) 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 considerations described below. No advance ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS regarding any matter discussed in this summary. The summary is also based upon the assumption that our operation, and the operation of our subsidiaries and other lower-tier and affiliated entities will, in each case, be in accordance with such entity's applicable organizational documents. This summary does not discuss the impact that U.S. state and local taxes and taxes imposed by non-U.S. jurisdictions could have on the matters discussed in this summary. This summary is for general information only, and does not purport to discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to a particular stockholder in light of its investment or tax circumstances or to stockholders subject to special tax rules, such as:
32
This summary assumes that holders hold our common stock and warrants as capital assets, which generally means as property held for investment.
THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK DEPENDS IN SOME INSTANCES ON DETERMINATIONS OF FACT AND INTERPRETATIONS OF COMPLEX PROVISIONS OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAW FOR WHICH NO CLEAR PRECEDENT OR AUTHORITY MAY BE AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF HOLDING OUR COMMON STOCK TO ANY PARTICULAR STOCKHOLDER WILL DEPEND ON THE STOCKHOLDER'S PARTICULAR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES. YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU, IN LIGHT OF YOUR PARTICULAR INVESTMENT OR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES, OF ACQUIRING, HOLDING, AND DISPOSING OF TWO HARBORS COMMON STOCK.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations of Two Harbors as a REIT
Taxation of Two HarborsGeneral
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2009. We believe that we have been organized and intend to operate in a manner that allows us to continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code.
The law firm of Dentons US LLP has acted as our counsel for tax matters in connection with this registration. We have received an opinion of Dentons US LLP to the effect that, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2009, we have been organized and operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and our actual method of operation has enabled, and our proposed method of operation will continue to enable us, to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. It must be emphasized that the opinion of Dentons US LLP is based on various assumptions relating to our organization and operation, including that all factual representations and statements set forth in all relevant documents, records and instruments are true and correct and that we will at all times operate in accordance with the method of operation described in our organizational documents and this document. Additionally, the opinion of Dentons US LLP is conditioned upon factual representations and covenants made by our management and the management of PRCM Advisers, regarding our organization, assets, present and future conduct of our business operations and other items regarding our ability to continue to meet the various requirements for qualification as a REIT, and assumes that such representations and covenants are accurate and complete and that we will take no action that could adversely affect our qualification as a REIT. While we believe we are organized and intend to continue 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 or applicable law, no assurance can be given by Dentons US LLP or us that we will so qualify for any particular year. Dentons US LLP will have no obligation to advise us or the holders of our shares of common stock of any subsequent change in the matters stated, represented or assumed or of any subsequent change in the applicable law. You should be aware that opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS, or any court, and no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions set forth in such opinions.
Qualification and taxation as a REIT depend on our ability to meet, on a continuing basis, through actual results of operations, distribution levels, diversity of share ownership and various qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Code, the compliance with which will not be reviewed by Dentons US LLP. In addition, our ability to qualify as a REIT may depend in part upon the operating results, organizational structure and entity classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes of certain
33
entities in which we invest. Our ability to qualify as a REIT also requires that we satisfy certain asset and income tests, some of which depend upon the fair market values of assets directly or indirectly owned by us or which serve as security for loans made by us. Such values may not be susceptible to a precise determination. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of our operations for any taxable year will satisfy the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.
Taxation of REITs in General
As indicated above, qualification and taxation as a REIT depend on our ability to meet, on a continuing basis, through actual results of operations, distribution levels, diversity of share ownership and various qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Code. The material qualification requirements are summarized below, under "Requirements for Qualification as a REIT." While we believe that we will continue to operate so that we qualify as a REIT, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge our qualification as a REIT or that we will be able to continue to operate in accordance with the REIT requirements in the future. See "Failure to Qualify."
Provided that we qualify as a REIT, we will generally be entitled to a deduction for dividends that we pay and, therefore, will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our net taxable income that is currently distributed to our stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the "double taxation" at the corporate and stockholder levels that results generally from investment in a corporation. Rather, income generated by a REIT generally is taxed only at the stockholder level, upon a distribution of dividends by the REIT. See "Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders."
Stockholders who are individual U.S. stockholders (as defined below) are generally taxed on qualifying corporate dividends at a maximum rate of 20%, thereby substantially reducing, though not completely eliminating, the double taxation that has historically applied to corporate dividends. With limited exceptions, however, dividends received by individual U.S. stockholders from us or from other entities that are taxed as REITs will continue to be taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income, which will be as high as 39.6%. Net operating losses, foreign tax credits and other tax attributes of a REIT generally do not pass through to the stockholders of the REIT, subject to special rules for certain items, such as capital gains, recognized by REITs. See "Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders."
Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, however, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as follows:
34
will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount equal to (a) the greater of (1) the amount by which we fail the 75% gross income test or (2) the amount by which we fail the 95% gross income test, as the case may be, multiplied by (b) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.
35
proportionate share of the tax deemed to have been paid, and an adjustment would be made to increase the stockholder's basis in our common stock. Stockholders that are U.S. corporations will also appropriately adjust their earnings and profits for the retained capital gains in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be promulgated.
In addition, we may be subject to a variety of taxes other than U.S. federal income tax, including payroll taxes and state, local, and foreign income, franchise property and other taxes. We could also be subject to tax in situations and on transactions not presently contemplated.
Requirements for Qualification as a REIT
The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:
The Code provides that conditions (1) through (4) must be met during the entire taxable year, and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Conditions (5) and (6) do not need to be satisfied for the first taxable year for which an election to become a REIT has been made. Our charter provides restrictions regarding the ownership and transfer of our shares, which are intended, among other purposes, to assist in satisfying the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. For purposes of condition (6), an "individual" generally includes a supplemental unemployment compensation benefit plan, a private foundation or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes, but does not include a qualified pension plan or profit sharing trust.
To monitor compliance with the share ownership requirements, we are generally required to maintain records regarding the actual ownership of our shares. To do so, we must demand written statements each year from the record holders of significant percentages of our shares of stock, in which the record holders are to disclose the actual owners of the shares (i.e., the persons required to include in gross income the dividends paid by us). A list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with this
36
demand must be maintained as part of our records. Failure by us to comply with these record-keeping requirements could subject us to monetary penalties. If we satisfy these requirements and after exercising reasonable diligence would not have known that condition (6) is not satisfied, we will be deemed to have satisfied such condition. A stockholder that fails or refuses to comply with the demand is required by Treasury Regulations to submit a statement with its tax return disclosing the actual ownership of the shares and other information.
In addition, a corporation generally may not elect to become a REIT unless its taxable year is the calendar year. We satisfy this requirement.
Effect of Subsidiary Entities
Ownership of Partnership Interests
In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT is deemed to own its proportionate share of the partnership's assets and to earn its proportionate share of the partnership's gross income based on its pro rata share of capital interests in the partnership for purposes of the asset and gross income tests applicable to REITs, as described below. However, solely for purposes of the 10% value test, described below, the determination of a REIT's interest in partnership assets will be based on the REIT's proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership, excluding for these purposes, certain excluded securities as described in the Code. In addition, the assets and gross income of the partnership generally are deemed to retain the same character in the hands of the REIT. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets and items of income of partnerships in which we own an equity interest is treated as an asset and as an item of income for us for purposes of applying the REIT requirements described below. Consequently, to the extent that we directly or indirectly hold a preferred or other equity interest in a partnership, the partnership's assets and operations may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, even though we may have no control or only limited influence over the partnership.
Disregarded Subsidiaries
If a REIT owns a corporate subsidiary that is a "qualified REIT subsidiary," that subsidiary is disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the REIT itself, including for purposes of the gross income and asset tests applicable to REITs, as summarized below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is any corporation, other than a TRS, that is wholly-owned by a REIT, by other disregarded subsidiaries or by a combination of the two. Single member limited liability companies that are wholly-owned by a REIT are also generally disregarded as separate entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including for purposes of the REIT gross income and asset tests. Disregarded subsidiaries, along with partnerships in which we hold an equity interest, are sometimes referred to herein as "pass-through subsidiaries."
In the event that a disregarded subsidiary ceases to be wholly-owned by us (for example, if any equity interest in the subsidiary is acquired by a person other than us or another disregarded subsidiary of ours), the subsidiary's separate existence would no longer be disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Instead, it would have multiple owners and would be treated as either a partnership or a taxable corporation. Such an event could, depending on the circumstances, adversely affect our ability to satisfy the various asset and gross income tests applicable to REITs, including the requirement that REITs generally may not own, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the value or voting power of the outstanding securities of another corporation. See "Asset Tests" and "Gross Income Tests."
37
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries
A REIT, in general, will jointly elect with a subsidiary corporation, whether or not wholly-owned, to treat the subsidiary corporation as a TRS. The separate existence of a TRS or other taxable corporation, unlike a disregarded subsidiary as discussed above, is not ignored for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, such an entity would generally be subject to corporate income tax on its earnings, which may reduce the cash flow generated by us and our subsidiaries in the aggregate and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
We and a number of subsidiaries have jointly elected for each of such subsidiaries to be treated as a TRS. This election allows each such subsidiary to invest in assets and engage in activities that could not be held or conducted directly by us without jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT.
A REIT is not treated as holding the assets of a TRS or other taxable subsidiary corporation or as receiving any income that the subsidiary earns. Rather, the stock issued by the subsidiary is an asset in the hands of the REIT, and the REIT generally recognizes as income the dividends, if any, that it receives from the subsidiary. This treatment can affect the gross income and asset test calculations that apply to the REIT, as described below. Because a parent REIT does not include the assets and income of such subsidiary corporations in determining the parent's compliance with the REIT requirements, such entities may be used by the parent REIT to undertake indirectly activities that the REIT rules might otherwise preclude it from doing directly or through pass-through subsidiaries or render commercially unfeasible (for example, activities that give rise to certain categories of income such as non-qualifying hedging income or inventory sales). If dividends are paid to us by one or more TRSs we may own, then a portion of the dividends that we distribute to stockholders who are taxed at individual rates generally will be eligible for taxation at preferential qualified dividend income tax rates rather than at ordinary income rates. See "Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders" and "Annual Distribution Requirements."
Certain restrictions imposed on TRSs are intended to ensure that such entities will be subject to appropriate levels of U.S. federal income taxation. First, a TRS may not deduct interest payments made in any year to an affiliated REIT to the extent that such payments exceed, generally, 50% of the TRS's adjusted taxable income for that year (although the TRS may carry forward to, and deduct in, a succeeding year the disallowed interest amount if the 50% test is satisfied in that year). In addition, if amounts are paid to a REIT or deducted by a TRS due to transactions between a REIT, its tenants and/or the TRS, that exceed the amount that would be paid to or deducted by a party in an arm's-length transaction, the REIT generally will be subject to an excise tax equal to 100% of such excess.
Gross Income Tests
In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must annually satisfy two gross income tests. First, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year, excluding gross income from sales of inventory or dealer property in "prohibited transactions" and certain hedging and foreign currency transactions, must be derived from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including "rents from real property," dividends received from and gains from the disposition of shares of other REITs, interest income derived from mortgage loans secured by real property (including certain types of mortgage-backed securities), and gains from the sale of real estate assets, as well as income from certain kinds of temporary investments. Second, at least 95% of our gross income in each taxable year, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions and certain hedging and foreign currency transactions, must be derived from some combination of income that qualifies under the 75% income test described above, as well as other dividends, interest, and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, which need not have any relation to real property.
For purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, a REIT is deemed to have earned a proportionate share of the income earned by any partnership, or any limited liability company treated
38
as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in which it owns an interest, which share is determined by reference to its capital interest in such entity, and is deemed to have earned the income earned by any qualified REIT subsidiary.
Interest Income
Interest income constitutes qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the 75% gross income test to the extent that the obligation is secured by a mortgage on real property. If we receive interest income with respect to a mortgage loan that is secured by both real property and other property and the highest principal amount of the loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property on the date that we acquired the mortgage loan, the interest income will be apportioned between the real property and the other property, and our income from the arrangement will qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test only to the extent that the interest is allocable to the real property. Even if a loan is not secured by real property or is under secured, the income that it generates may nonetheless qualify for purposes of the 95% gross income test. If we acquire or originate a construction loan, for purposes of the foregoing apportionment, the fair market value of the real property includes the fair market value of the land plus the reasonably estimated cost of improvement or developments (other than personal property) which secure the construction loan.
To the extent that the terms of a loan provide for contingent interest that is based on the cash proceeds realized upon the sale of the property securing the loan (or a shared appreciation provision), income attributable to the participation feature will be treated as gain from sale of the underlying property, which generally will be qualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests, provided that the property is not inventory or dealer property in the hands of the borrower or us.
To the extent that we derive interest income from a loan where all or a portion of the amount of interest payable is contingent, such income generally will qualify for purposes of the gross income tests only if it is based upon the gross receipts or sales and not the net income or profits of any person. This limitation does not apply, however, to a mortgage loan where the borrower derives substantially all of its income from the property from the leasing of substantially all of its interest in the property to tenants, to the extent that the rental income derived by the borrower would qualify as rents from real property had it been earned directly by us.
Any amount includible in our gross income with respect to a regular or residual interest in a REMIC generally is treated as interest on an obligation secured by a mortgage on real property. If, however, less than 95% of the assets of a REMIC consists of real estate assets (determined as if we held such assets), we will be treated as receiving directly our proportionate share of the income of the REMIC for purposes of determining the amount which is treated as interest on an obligation secured by a mortgage on real property. In addition, some REMIC securitizations include embedded interest rate swap or cap contracts or other derivative instruments that potentially could produce non-qualifying income to us.
We believe that the interest, original issue discount, and market discount income that we receive from our mortgage-related securities generally will be qualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests. However, to the extent that we own non-REMIC collateralized mortgage obligations or other debt instruments secured by mortgage loans (rather than by real property) or secured by non-real estate assets, or debt securities that are not secured by mortgages on real property or interests in real property, the interest income received with respect to such securities generally will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test. In addition, the loan amount of a mortgage loan that we own may exceed the value of the real property securing the loan. In that case, income from the loan will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but the interest attributable to the amount of the loan that exceeds the value of the
39
real property securing the loan will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test.
We may purchase Agency RMBS through to be announced securities, or TBAs, and may recognize income or gains from the disposition of those TBAs through dollar roll transactions. There is no direct authority with respect to the qualifications of income or gains from dispositions of TBAs as gains from the sale of real property (including interests in real property and interests in mortgages on real property) or other qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. We will not treat these items as qualifying for purposes of the 75% gross income test unless we receive advice of counsel that such income and gains should be treated as qualifying for purposes of the 75% gross income test. As a result, our ability to enter into TBAs could be limited. Moreover, even if we were to receive advice of counsel as described in the preceding sentence, it is possible that the IRS could assert that such income is not qualifying income under the 75% gross income test. In the event that such income was determined not to be qualifying income for the 75% gross income test, we could be subject to a penalty tax or could fail to qualify as a REIT if such income, when added to any other non-qualifying income, exceeded 25% of our gross income.
Dividend Income
We may receive distributions from TRSs or other corporations that are not REITs or qualified REIT subsidiaries. These distributions are generally classified as dividend income to the extent of the earnings and profits of the distributing corporation. Such distributions generally constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test. Any dividends received by us from a REIT will be qualifying income in our hands for purposes of both the 95% and 75% gross income tests.
Hedging Transactions
We may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Hedging transactions could take a variety of forms, including interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements, options, futures contracts, forward rate agreements or similar financial instruments. Except to the extent provided by Treasury Regulations, any income from a hedging transaction we enter into (1) in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of interest rate or price changes or currency fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made, or ordinary obligations incurred or to be incurred, to acquire or carry real estate assets, which is clearly identified as specified in Treasury Regulations before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction, or (2) primarily to manage risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain that would be qualifying income under the 75% or 95% income tests which is clearly identified as such before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into, will not constitute gross income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income test. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our qualification as a REIT.
Failure to Satisfy the Gross Income Tests
We intend to monitor our sources of income, including any non-qualifying income received by us, so as to ensure our compliance with the gross income tests. If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may still qualify as a REIT for the year if we are entitled to relief under applicable provisions of the Code. These relief provisions will generally be available if our failure to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and, following the identification of such failure, we set forth a description of each item of our gross
40
income that satisfies the gross income tests in a schedule for the taxable year filed in accordance with the Treasury Regulations. It is not possible to state whether we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions in all circumstances. If these relief provisions are inapplicable to a particular set of circumstances involving us, we will not qualify as a REIT. As discussed above under "Taxation of REITs in General," even where these relief provisions apply, a tax would be imposed upon the profit attributable to the amount by which we fail to satisfy the particular gross income test.
Phantom Income
Due to the nature of the assets in which we will invest, we may be required to recognize taxable income from certain of our assets in advance of our receipt of cash flow on or proceeds from disposition of such assets, and we may be required to report taxable income in early periods that exceeds the economic income ultimately realized on such assets.
We may acquire mortgage-backed securities in the secondary market for less than their face amount. For example, it is likely that we will invest in assets, including mortgage-backed securities, requiring us to accrue original issue discount, or OID, or recognize market discount income, that generate taxable income in excess of economic income or in advance of the corresponding cash flow from the assets referred to as "phantom income." We may also be required under the terms of the indebtedness that we incur to use cash received from interest payments to make principal payment on that indebtedness, with the effect that we will recognize income but will not have a corresponding amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Due to each of these potential differences between income recognition or expense deduction and related cash receipts or disbursements, there is a significant risk that we may have substantial taxable income in excess of cash available for distribution. In that event, we may need to borrow funds or take other actions to satisfy the REIT distribution requirements for the taxable year in which this "phantom income" is recognized. See "Annual Distribution Requirements."
Asset Tests
We, at the close of each calendar quarter, must also satisfy four tests relating to the nature of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by some combination of "real estate assets," cash, cash items, U.S. government securities and, under some circumstances, stock or debt instruments purchased with new capital. For this purpose, real estate assets include interests in real property, such as land, buildings, leasehold interests in real property, stock of other corporations that qualify as REITs and certain kinds of mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans. A regular or residual interest in a REMIC is generally treated as a real estate asset. If, however, less than 95% of the assets of a REMIC consists of real estate assets (determined as if we held such assets), we will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the assets of the REMIC. Assets that do not qualify for purposes of the 75% test are subject to the additional asset tests described below. Second, the value of any one issuer's securities owned by us may not exceed 5% of the value of its gross assets. Third, we may not own more than 10% of any one issuer's outstanding securities, as measured by either voting power or value. Fourth, the aggregate value of all securities of TRSs held by us may not exceed 25% of the value of our gross assets.
The 5% and 10% asset tests do not apply to securities of TRSs and qualified REIT subsidiaries. The 10% value test does not apply to certain "straight debt" and other excluded securities, as described in the Code, including but not limited to any loan to an individual or an estate, any obligation to pay rents from real property and any security issued by a REIT. In addition, (a) a REIT's interest as a partner in a partnership is not considered a security for purposes of applying the 10% value test; (b) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or other excluded security) will not be considered a security issued by the partnership if at least 75% of the partnership's gross
41
income is derived from sources that would qualify for the 75% REIT gross income test; and (c) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or other excluded security) will not be considered a security issued by the partnership to the extent of the REIT's interest as a partner in the partnership.
For purposes of the 10% value test, "straight debt" means a written unconditional promise to pay on demand on a specified date a sum certain in money if (i) the debt is not convertible, directly or indirectly, into stock, (ii) the interest rate and interest payment dates are not contingent on profits, the borrower's discretion, or similar factors other than certain contingencies relating to the timing and amount of principal and interest payments, as described in the Code and (iii) in the case of an issuer which is a corporation or a partnership, securities that otherwise would be considered straight debt will not be so considered if we, and any of our "controlled taxable REIT subsidiaries" as defined in the Code, hold any securities of the corporate or partnership issuer which (a) are not straight debt or other excluded securities (prior to the application of this rule), and (b) have an aggregate value greater than 1% of the issuer's outstanding securities (including, for the purposes of a partnership issuer, its interest as a partner in the partnership).
After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our qualification as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values (including a failure caused solely by change in the foreign currency exchange rate used to value a foreign asset). If we fail to satisfy the asset tests because we acquire or increase our ownership interest in securities during a quarter, we can cure this failure by disposing of sufficient non-qualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. If we fail the 5% asset test, or the 10% vote or value asset tests at the end of any quarter and such failure is not cured within 30 days thereafter, we may dispose of sufficient assets (generally within six months after the last day of the quarter in which our identification of the failure to satisfy these asset tests occurred) to cure such a violation that does not exceed the lesser of 1% of our assets at the end of the relevant quarter or $10,000,000. If we fail any of the other asset tests or our failure of the 5% and 10% asset tests is in excess of the de minimis amount described above, as long as such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, we may be permitted to avoid disqualification as a REIT, after the 30 day cure period, by taking steps including the disposition of sufficient assets to meet the asset test (generally within six months after the last day of the quarter in which our identification of the failure to satisfy the REIT asset test occurred) and paying a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the highest corporate income tax rate (currently 35%) of the net income generated by the non-qualifying assets during the period in which we failed to satisfy the asset test.
We expect that the assets and mortgage-related securities that we own generally will be qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test. However, to the extent that we own non-REMIC collateralized mortgage obligations or other debt instruments secured by mortgage loans (rather than by real property) or secured by non-real estate assets, or debt securities issued by C corporations that are not secured by mortgages on real property, those securities may not be qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test. In addition, we may purchase Agency RMBS through TBAs. There is no direct authority with respect to the qualification of TBAs as real estate assets or Government securities for purposes of the 75% asset test and we will not treat TBAs as such unless we receive advice of our counsel that TBAs should be treated as qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test. As a result, our ability to purchase TBAs could be limited. Moreover, even if we were to receive advice of counsel as described in the preceding sentence, it is possible that the IRS could assert that TBAs are not qualifying assets in which case we could be subject to a penalty tax or fail to qualify as a REIT if such assets, when combined with other non-real estate assets, exceed 25% of our gross assets. We believe that our holdings of securities and other assets will be structured in a manner that will comply with the foregoing REIT asset requirements and intend to monitor compliance on an ongoing basis. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be successful in this effort. Moreover, values of
42
some assets may not be susceptible to a precise determination and are subject to change in the future. Furthermore, the proper classification of an instrument as debt or equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be uncertain in some circumstances, which could affect the application of the REIT asset tests. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend that our interests in subsidiaries or in the securities of other issuers (including REIT issuers) cause a violation of the REIT asset tests.
In addition, we may enter into repurchase agreements under which we will nominally sell certain of our assets to a counterparty and simultaneously enter into an agreement to repurchase the sold assets. We believe that we will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as the owner of the assets that are the subject of any such agreement notwithstanding that we may transfer record ownership of the assets to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. It is possible, however, that the IRS could assert that we did not own the assets during the term of the repurchase agreement, in which case we could fail to qualify as a REIT.
Annual Distribution Requirements
In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to:
These distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate or in the following taxable year if such distributions are declared in October, November or December of the taxable year, are payable to stockholders of record on a specified date in any such month and are actually paid before the end of January of the following year. Such distributions are treated as both paid by us and received by each stockholder on December 31 of the year in which they are declared. In addition, at our election, a distribution for a taxable year may be declared before we timely file our tax return for the year and be paid with or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration, provided that such payment is made during the 12-month period following the close of such taxable year. These distributions are taxable to our stockholders in the year in which paid, even though the distributions relate to our prior taxable year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement.
In order for distributions to be counted towards our distribution requirement and to give rise to a tax deduction by us, they must not be "preferential dividends." A dividend is not a preferential dividend if it is pro rata among all outstanding shares of stock within a particular class and is in accordance with the preferences among different classes of stock as set forth in the organizational documents.
To the extent that we distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our "REIT taxable income," as adjusted, we will be subject to tax at ordinary corporate tax rates on the retained portion. In addition, we may elect to retain, rather than distribute, our net long-term capital gains and pay tax on such gains. In this case, we could elect to have our stockholders include their proportionate share of such undistributed long-term capital gains in income and receive a corresponding credit for their proportionate share of the tax paid by us. Our stockholders would then increase the adjusted basis of their stock in us by the difference between the designated amounts included in their long-term capital gains and the tax deemed paid with respect to their proportionate shares.
43
If we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (b) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year and (c) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the sum of (x) the amounts actually distributed (taking into account excess distributions from prior periods) and (y) the amounts of income retained on which we have paid corporate income tax. We intend to make timely distributions so that we are not subject to the 4% excise tax.
It is possible that we, from time to time, may not have sufficient cash to meet the distribution requirements due to timing differences between (a) the actual receipt of cash, including receipt of distributions from our subsidiaries and (b) the inclusion of items in income by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For example, we may acquire debt instruments or notes whose face value may exceed its issue price as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes (such excess, "original issue discount," or OID), such that we will be required to include in our income a portion of the OID each year that the instrument is held before we receive any corresponding cash. In the event that such timing differences occur, in order to meet the distribution requirements, it might be necessary to arrange for short-term, or possibly long-term, borrowings or to pay dividends in the form of taxable in-kind distributions of property, including taxable stock dividends. In the case of a taxable stock dividend, stockholders would be required to include the dividend as income and would be required to satisfy the tax liability associated with the distribution with cash from other sources including sales of our common stock. Both a taxable stock distribution and sale of common stock resulting from such distribution could adversely affect the price of our common stock.
We may be able to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirements for a year by paying "deficiency dividends" to stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. In this case, we may be able to avoid losing our qualification as a REIT or being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. However, we will be required to pay interest and a penalty based on the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends.
Recordkeeping Requirements
We are required to maintain records and request on an annual basis information from specified stockholders. These requirements are designed to assist us in determining the actual ownership of our outstanding stock and maintaining our qualifications as a REIT.
Prohibited Transactions
Net income we derive from a prohibited transaction is subject to a 100% tax. The term "prohibited transaction" generally includes a sale or other disposition of property (other than foreclosure property) that is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers, in the ordinary course of a trade or business by a REIT, by a lower-tier partnership in which the REIT holds an equity interest or by a borrower that has issued a shared appreciation mortgage or similar debt instrument to the REIT. We intend to conduct our operations so that no asset owned by us or our pass-through subsidiaries will be held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers, and that a sale of any assets owned by us directly or through a pass-through subsidiary will not be in the ordinary course of business. However, whether property is held as inventory or "primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business" depends on the particular facts and circumstances. No assurance can be given that any particular asset in which we hold a direct or indirect interest will not be treated as property held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers or that certain safe harbor provisions of the Code that prevent such treatment will apply. The 100% tax will not apply to gains from the sale of property that is held through a TRS or other taxable corporation, although such income will be subject to tax in the hands of the corporation at regular corporate income tax rates.
44
Foreclosure Property
Foreclosure property is real property and any personal property incident to such real property (1) that is acquired by a REIT as a result of the REIT having bid on the property at foreclosure or having otherwise reduced the property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law after there was a default (or default was imminent) on a lease of the property or a mortgage loan held by the REIT and secured by the property, (2) for which the related loan or lease was acquired by the REIT at a time when default was not imminent or anticipated and (3) for which such REIT makes a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property. REITs generally are subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate (currently 35%) on any net income from foreclosure property, including any gain from the disposition of the foreclosure property, other than income that would otherwise be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Any gain from the sale of property for which a foreclosure property election has been made will not be subject to the 100% tax on gains from prohibited transactions described above, even if the property would otherwise constitute inventory or dealer property in the hands of the selling REIT. We do not anticipate that we will receive any income from foreclosure property that is not qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, but, if we do receive any such income, we intend to elect to treat the related property as foreclosure property.
Failure to Qualify
In the event that we violate a provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT, we may nevertheless continue to qualify as a REIT. Specified relief provisions will be available to us to avoid such disqualification if (1) the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, (2) we pay a penalty of $50,000 for each failure to satisfy a requirement for qualification as a REIT and (3) the violation does not include a violation under the gross income or asset tests described above (for which other specified relief provisions are available). This cure provision reduces the instances that could lead to our disqualification as a REIT for violations due to reasonable cause. If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and none of the relief provisions of the Code apply, we will be subject to tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to our stockholders in any year in which we are not a REIT will not be deductible by us, nor will they be required to be made. In this situation, to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits, and, subject to limitations of the Code, distributions to our stockholders will generally be taxable in the case of our stockholders who are individual U.S. stockholders (as defined below), at a maximum rate of 20% and dividends in the hands of our corporate U.S. stockholders may be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Unless we are entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we will also be disqualified from re-electing to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. It is not possible to state whether, in all circumstances, we will be entitled to statutory relief.
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders
This section summarizes the taxation of U.S. stockholders who hold our stock that are not tax-exempt organizations. For these purposes, a U.S. stockholder is a beneficial owner of our stock or warrants who for U.S. federal income tax purposes is:
45
If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner of a partnership holding our common stock should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to the partner of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our stock by the partnership.
Distributions
Provided that we qualify as a REIT, distributions made to our taxable U.S. stockholders out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, and not designated as capital gain dividends, will generally be taken into account by them as ordinary dividend income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations. In determining the extent to which a distribution with respect to our common stock constitutes a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to distributions with respect to our preferred stock, if any, and then to our common stock. Dividends received from REITs are generally not eligible to be taxed at the preferential qualified dividend income rates applicable to individual U.S. stockholders who receive dividends from taxable subchapter C corporations.
In addition, distributions from us that are designated as capital gain dividends will be taxed to U.S. stockholders as long-term capital gains, to the extent that they do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year, without regard to the period for which the U.S. stockholder has held our stock. To the extent that we elect under the applicable provisions of the Code to retain our net capital gains, U.S. stockholders will be treated as having received, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our undistributed capital gains as well as a corresponding credit for taxes paid by us on such retained capital gains. U.S. stockholders will increase their adjusted tax basis in our common stock by the difference between their allocable share of such retained capital gain and their share of the tax paid by us. Corporate U.S. stockholders may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains are generally taxable at maximum federal rates of 20% in the case of U.S. stockholders who are individuals, and 35% for corporations. Capital gains attributable to the sale of depreciable real property held for more than 12 months are subject to a 25% maximum U.S. federal income tax rate for individual U.S. stockholders who are individuals, to the extent of previously claimed depreciation deductions. A U.S. stockholder that is an individual is subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (i) his or her "net investment income" for the relevant taxable year or (ii) the excess of his or her modified gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold amount depending on the individual's U.S. federal income tax filing status. A similar regime applies to certain estates and trusts. Net investment income generally would include dividends on our common stock and gain from the sale of our common stock.
Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a U.S. stockholder to the extent that they do not exceed the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. stockholder's shares in respect of which the distributions were made, but rather will reduce the adjusted tax basis of those shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted tax basis of an individual U.S. stockholder's shares, they will be included in income as long-term capital gain, or short-term capital gain if the shares have been held for one year or less. In addition, any dividend declared by us in October, November or December of any year and payable to a U.S. stockholder of record on a specified date in any such month will be treated as both paid by us and received by the U.S. stockholder on December 31 of such year, provided that the dividend is actually paid by us before the end of January of the following calendar year.
46
With respect to U.S. stockholders who are taxed at the rates applicable to individuals, we may elect to designate a portion of our distributions paid to such U.S. stockholders as "qualified dividend income." A portion of a distribution that is properly designated as qualified dividend income is taxable to non-corporate U.S. stockholders at the same rates as capital gain, provided that the U.S. stockholder has held the common stock with respect to which the distribution is made for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date on which such common stock became ex-dividend with respect to the relevant distribution. The maximum amount of our distributions eligible to be designated as qualified dividend income for a taxable year is equal to the sum of:
Generally, dividends that we receive will be treated as qualified dividend income for purposes of (a) above if the dividends are received from a domestic C corporation (other than a REIT or a RIC), any TRS we may form, or a "qualifying foreign corporation" and specified holding period requirements and other requirements are met.
To the extent that we have available net operating losses and capital losses carried forward from prior tax years, such losses may reduce the amount of distributions that must be made in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. See "Taxation of Two HarborsGeneral" and "Annual Distribution Requirements." Such losses, however, are not passed through to U.S. stockholders and do not offset income of U.S. stockholders from other sources, nor do they affect the character of any distributions that are actually made by us, which are generally subject to tax in the hands of U.S. stockholders to the extent that we have current or accumulated earnings and profits.
Dispositions of Our Common Stock
In general, a U.S. stockholder will realize gain or loss upon the sale, redemption or other taxable disposition of our common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the sum of the fair market value of any property and the amount of cash received in such disposition and the U.S. stockholder's adjusted tax basis in the common stock at the time of the disposition. In general, a U.S. stockholder's adjusted tax basis will equal the U.S. stockholder's acquisition cost, increased by the excess of net capital gains deemed distributed to the U.S. stockholder (discussed above) less tax deemed paid on such gain and reduced by returns of capital. In general, capital gains recognized by individuals and other non-corporate U.S. stockholders upon the sale or disposition of shares of our common stock will be subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20%, if our common stock is held for more than 12 months, and will be taxed at ordinary income rates (of up to 39.6%) if our common stock is held for 12 months or less. Gains recognized by U.S. stockholders that are corporations are subject to U.S. federal income tax at a maximum rate of 35%, whether or not classified as long-term capital gains. The IRS has the authority to prescribe, but has not yet prescribed, regulations that would apply a capital gain tax rate of 25% (which is generally higher than the long-term capital gain tax rates for non-corporate holders) to a portion of capital gain realized by a non-corporate holder on the sale of REIT stock or depositary shares that would correspond to the REIT's "unrecaptured Section 1250 gain."
47
Holders are advised to consult with their tax advisors with respect to their capital gain tax liability. Capital losses recognized by a U.S. stockholder upon the disposition of our common stock held for more than one year at the time of disposition will be considered long-term capital losses, and are generally available only to offset capital gain income of the U.S. stockholder but not ordinary income (except in the case of individuals, who may offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income each year). In addition, any loss upon a sale or exchange of shares of our common stock by a U.S. stockholder who has held the shares for six months or less, after applying holding period rules, will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of distributions received from us that were required to be treated by the U.S. stockholder as long-term capital gain.
Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations
Distributions made by us and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a U.S. stockholder of our common stock will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, U.S. stockholders will not be able to apply any "passive losses" against income or gain relating to our common stock. Distributions made by us, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation. A U.S. stockholder that elects to treat capital gain dividends, capital gains from the disposition of stock or qualified dividend income as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitation will be taxed at ordinary income rates on such amounts.
Taxation of Tax-Exempt U.S. Stockholders
U.S. tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts, generally are exempt from U.S. federal income taxation. However, they are subject to taxation on their unrelated business taxable income, which is referred to in this prospectus as UBTI. While many investments in real estate may generate UBTI, the IRS has ruled that dividend distributions from a REIT to a tax-exempt entity do not constitute UBTI. Based on that ruling, and provided that (1) a tax-exempt U.S. stockholder has not held our common stock as "debt financed property" within the meaning of the Code (i.e., where the acquisition or holding of the property is financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt stockholder), (2) our common stock is not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business, and (3) we do not hold an asset that gives rise to excess inclusion income, distributions from us and income from the sale of our common stock generally should not give rise to UBTI to a tax-exempt U.S. stockholder.
Tax-exempt U.S. stockholders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified group legal services plans exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) and (c)(20) of the Code, respectively, are subject to different UBTI rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions from us as UBTI unless they are able to properly claim a deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for specific purposes so as to offset the income generated by its investment in our common stock. These prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning these "set aside" and reserve requirements.
In certain circumstances, a pension trust (1) that is described in Section 401(a) of the Code, (2) is tax exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code, and (3) that owns more than 10% of our stock could be required to treat a percentage of the dividends from us as UBTI if we are a "pension-held REIT." We will not be a pension-held REIT unless (1) either (A) one pension trust owns more than 25% of the value of our stock, or (B) a group of pension trusts, each individually holding more than 10% of the value of our stock, collectively owns more than 50% of such stock; and (2) we would not have qualified as a REIT but for the fact that Section 856(h)(3) of the Code provides that stock owned by such trusts shall be treated, for purposes of the requirement that not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding stock of a REIT is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer "individuals" (as defined
48
in the Code to include certain entities), as owned by the beneficiaries of such trusts. Certain restrictions limiting ownership and transfer of our stock should generally prevent a tax-exempt entity from owning more than 10% of the value of our stock, or us from becoming a pension-held REIT.
Tax-exempt U.S. stockholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of owning our stock.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common stock applicable to non-U.S. stockholders of our common stock. For these purposes, a non-U.S. stockholder is a beneficial owner of our stock or warrants who is neither a U.S. stockholder nor an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The discussion is based on current law and is for general information only. It addresses only selective and not all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation of non-U.S. stockholders.
General
For most foreign investors, investment in a REIT that invests principally in mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities is not the most tax-efficient way to invest in such assets. That is because receiving distributions of income derived from such assets in the form of REIT dividends subjects most foreign investors to withholding taxes that direct investment in those asset classes, and the direct receipt of interest and principal payments with respect to them, would not. The principal exceptions are foreign sovereigns and their agencies and instrumentalities, which may be exempt from withholding taxes on certain REIT dividends under the Code, and certain foreign pension funds or similar entities able to claim an exemption from withholding taxes on REIT dividends under the terms of a bilateral tax treaty between their country of residence and the United States.
Ordinary Dividends
The portion of dividends received by non-U.S. stockholders payable out of our earnings and profits that are not attributable to gains from sales or exchanges of U.S. real property interests and which are not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder will generally be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at the rate of 30%, unless reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty. Under some treaties, however, lower rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from REITs. In addition, any portion of the dividends paid to non-U.S. stockholders that are treated as excess inclusion income will not be eligible for exemption from the 30% withholding tax or a reduced treaty rate. In the case of a taxable stock dividend with respect to which any withholding tax is imposed, we may have to withhold or dispose of part of the shares otherwise distributable in such dividend and use such shares or the proceeds of such disposition to satisfy the withholding tax imposed.
In general, non-U.S. stockholders will not be considered to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business solely as a result of their ownership of our stock. In cases where the dividend income from a non-U.S. stockholder's investment in our common stock is, or is treated as, effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholder's conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S. stockholder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. stockholders are taxed with respect to such dividends, and may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax on the income after the application of the income tax in the case of a non-U.S. stockholder that is a corporation.
49
Other U.S. Federal Income Tax Withholding and Reporting Requirements
The FATCA provisions of the Code impose withholding taxes on certain types of payments to (i) foreign financial institutions that do not agree to comply with certain diligence, reporting and withholding obligations with respect to their U.S. accounts and (ii) non-financial foreign entities that do not identify (or confirm the absence of) substantial U.S. owners. The withholding tax of 30% would apply to dividends and the gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock paid to certain foreign entities unless various information reporting requirements are satisfied. For these purposes, a foreign financial institution generally is defined as any non-U.S. entity that (i) accepts deposits in the ordinary course of a banking or similar business, (ii) is engaged in the business of holding financial assets for the account of others, or (iii) is engaged or holds itself out as being engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, partnership interests, commodities, or any interest in such assets. Withholding under this legislation on withholdable payments to foreign financial institutions and non-financial foreign entities is expected to apply after December 31, 2016 with respect to gross proceeds of a disposition of property that can produce U.S. source interest or dividends and certain other sources of income, and currently applies with respect to other withholdable payments.
Non-Dividend Distributions
Unless (i) our common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest (or USRPI) or (ii) either (a) the non-U.S. stockholder's investment in our common stock is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. stockholder (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 (b) 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 U.S. (in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's net capital gain for the year), distributions by us which are not dividends out of our earnings and profits will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. If we cannot determine at the time at which a distribution is made whether or not the distribution will exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be subject to withholding at the rate applicable to dividends. However, the non-U.S. stockholder may seek a refund from the IRS of any amounts withheld if it is subsequently determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. If our common stock constitutes a USRPI, as described below, distributions by us in excess of the sum of our earnings and profits plus the non-U.S. stockholder's adjusted tax basis in its common stock will be taxed under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (or FIRPTA) at the rate of tax, including any applicable capital gains rates, that would apply to a U.S. stockholder of the same type (e.g., an individual or a corporation, as the case may be), and the collection of the tax will be enforced by a refundable withholding at a rate of 10% of the amount realized by the stockholder less any amount treated as ordinary dividend income.
Capital Gain Dividends
Under FIRPTA, a distribution made by us to a non-U.S. stockholder (including a foreign sovereign), to the extent attributable to gains from dispositions of USRPIs held by us directly or through pass-through subsidiaries (or USRPI capital gains), will be considered effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. stockholders, without regard to whether the distribution is designated as a capital gain dividend. In addition, we will be required to withhold tax equal to 35% of the amount of capital gain dividends to the extent the dividends constitute USRPI capital gains. Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation. However, the 35% withholding tax will not apply to any capital gain dividend with respect to any class of our stock which is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the U.S. if the non-U.S. stockholder did not own more than 5% of such class of stock at any time during
50
the one-year period ending on the date of such dividend. Instead any capital gain dividend will be treated as a distribution subject to the rules discussed above under "Taxation of Non-U.S. StockholdersOrdinary Dividends." Also, the branch profits tax will not apply to such a distribution. A distribution is not a USRPI capital gain if we held the underlying asset solely as a creditor, although the holding of a shared appreciation mortgage loan would not be solely as a creditor. Capital gain dividends received by a non-U.S. stockholder from a REIT that are not USRPI capital gains are generally not subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax, unless either (i) the non-U.S. stockholder's investment in our common stock is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. stockholder (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 (ii) 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 U.S. (in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's net capital gain for the year).
Dispositions of Our Common Stock
Unless our common stock constitutes a USRPI, a sale of the stock by a non-U.S. stockholder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation under FIRPTA. The stock will not be treated as a USRPI if less than 50% of our assets throughout a prescribed testing period consist of interests in real property located within the U.S., excluding, for this purpose, interests in real property solely in a capacity as a creditor. We do not expect that more than 50% of our assets will consist of interests in real property located in the U.S.
Even if our shares of common stock otherwise would be a USRPI under the foregoing test, our shares of common stock will not constitute a USRPI if we are a "domestically controlled REIT." A domestically controlled REIT is a REIT in which, at all times during a specified testing period (generally the lesser of the five year period ending on the date of disposition of our shares of common stock or the period of our existence), less than 50% in value of our outstanding shares of common stock is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. stockholders. We believe we will be a domestically controlled REIT and, therefore, the sale of our common stock should not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. However, because our stock will be widely held, we cannot assure our investors that we will be a domestically controlled REIT. Even if we do not qualify as a domestically controlled REIT, a non-U.S. stockholder's sale of our common stock nonetheless will generally not be subject to tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI, provided that (i) our common stock owned is of a class that is "regularly traded," as defined by the applicable Treasury Regulation, on an established securities market, and (ii) the selling non-U.S. stockholder owned, actually or constructively, 5% or less of our outstanding stock of that class at all times during a specified testing period.
If gain on the sale of our common stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. stockholder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to such gain, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of non-resident alien individuals, and the purchaser of the stock could be required to withhold 10% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the IRS.
Gain from the sale of our common stock that would not otherwise be subject to FIRPTA will nonetheless be taxable in the U.S. to a non-U.S. stockholder in two cases: (i) if the non-U.S. stockholder's investment in our common stock is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. stockholder, the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to such gain, or (ii) if 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 U.S., the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's capital gain.
51
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
We will report to our U.S. stockholders and the IRS the amount of dividends paid during each calendar year and the amount of any tax withheld. Under the backup withholding rules, a U.S. stockholder may be subject to backup withholding with respect to dividends paid unless the holder is a corporation or comes within other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact or provides a taxpayer identification number or social security number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. A U.S. stockholder that does not provide his or her correct taxpayer identification number or social security number may also be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. In addition, we may be required to withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to any U.S. stockholder who fails to certify its non-foreign status.
We must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. stockholder the amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. stockholder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty. A non-U.S. stockholder may be subject to backup withholding unless applicable certification requirements are met.
Payment of the proceeds of a sale of our common stock within the U.S. is subject to both backup withholding and information reporting unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalties of perjury that it is a non-U.S. stockholder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner is a U.S. person) or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Payment of the proceeds of a sale of our common stock conducted through certain U.S. related financial intermediaries is subject to information reporting (but not backup withholding) unless the financial intermediary has documentary evidence in its records that the beneficial owner is a non-U.S. stockholder and specified conditions are met or an exemption is otherwise established.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.
State, Local and Foreign Taxes
We and our stockholders may be subject to state, local or foreign taxation in various jurisdictions, including those in which we or they transact business, own property or reside. The state, local or foreign tax treatment of us and our stockholders may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax treatment discussed above. Any foreign taxes incurred by us would not pass through to stockholders as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability. Prospective stockholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application and effect of state, local and foreign income and other tax laws on an investment in our common stock.
Legislative or Other Actions Affecting REITs
The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department. No assurance can be given as to whether, when, or in what form, U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to us and our stockholders may be enacted. Changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations of U.S. federal income tax laws could adversely affect an investment in our shares of common stock.
52
Selling securityholders are persons or entities that, directly or indirectly, have acquired or will from time to time acquire from us common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities, as applicable, in various private transactions. Such selling securityholders may be parties to registration rights agreements with us, or we otherwise may have agreed or will agree to register their securities for resale. The initial purchasers of our securities, as well as their transferees, pledgees, donees or successors, all of whom we refer to as "selling securityholders," may from time to time offer and sell the securities pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the securities by the selling securityholders, but in certain cases we may pay fees and expenses relating to the registration or an offering of such securities, such as registration and filing fees, fees and expenses for complying with federal and state securities laws and NYSE rules and regulations, and fees and expenses incurred in connection with a listing, if any, of any of the securities on any securities exchange or association.
The selling securityholders may offer for sale all or some portion of the securities that they hold. To the extent that any of the selling securityholders are brokers or dealers, they are deemed to be, under interpretations of the SEC, "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the name of each of the selling securityholders, the number and classes of our securities beneficially owned by such selling securityholders that are covered by such prospectus supplement, the amount to be offered for the selling securityholder's account, and the amount and (if one percent or more) the percentage of the class to be owned by such selling securityholder after completion of the offering. The applicable prospectus supplement will also disclose whether any of the selling securityholders has held any position or office with, has been employed by or otherwise has had a material relationship with us during the three years prior to the date of the prospectus supplement.
We and any selling securityholders may sell the securities offered by this prospectus from time to time in one or more transactions, including without limitation:
In addition, we may issue the securities offered by this prospectus as a dividend or distribution to our existing stockholders or other securityholders.
The prospectus supplement with respect to any offering of securities will include the following information:
53
Sale through Underwriters or Dealers
If underwriters are used in the sale, the underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the offered securities if they purchase any of them. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.
We will describe the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the purchase price of the securities in a prospectus supplement relating to the securities.
In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the securities, for whom they may act as agents, in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and these dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents, which is not expected to exceed that customary in the types of transactions involved. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts or commissions they receive from us, and any profit on the resale of the securities they realize may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act. The prospectus supplement will identify any underwriter or agent and will describe any compensation they receive from us.
Underwriters could make sales in privately negotiated transactions and/or any other method permitted by law, including sales deemed to be an "at-the-market" offering, sales made directly on the NYSE, the existing trading market for our shares of common stock, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange. The name of any such underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of our shares of common stock, the amounts underwritten, and the nature of its obligations to take our shares of common stock will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, each series of the securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than our shares of common stock, which are currently listed on the NYSE. We currently intend to list any shares of common stock sold pursuant to this prospectus on the NYSE. We may elect to list any series of shares of preferred stock on an exchange, but are not obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a series of the securities, but underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Therefore, we can give no assurance about the liquidity of the trading market for any of the securities.
54
Under agreements we may enter into, we may indemnify underwriters, dealers, and agents who participate in the distribution of the securities against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribute with respect to payments that the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.
To facilitate the offering of securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involve the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than we sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover such over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option, if any. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time. From time to time, we may engage in transactions with these underwriters, dealers, and agents in the ordinary course of business.
If indicated in the prospectus supplement, we may authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by institutions to purchase securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which we may make these delayed delivery contracts include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others. The obligations of any purchaser under any such delayed delivery contract will be subject to the condition that the purchase of the securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which the purchaser is subject. The underwriters and other agents will not have any responsibility with regard to the validity or performance of these delayed delivery contracts.
Direct Sales and Sales through Agents
We may sell the securities directly. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We may also sell the securities through agents designated by us from time to time. In the applicable prospectus supplement, we will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities, and we will describe any commissions payable to the agent. Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.
We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. We will describe the terms of any sales of these securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Remarketing Arrangements
Securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreements, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
General
We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments that the underwriters, dealers, agents or remarketing firms may be required to make. Underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of their businesses.
55
Certain legal matters in connection with this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Stinson Leonard Street LLP, Minneapolis, Minnesota, including the validity of the offered securities. Certain legal matters in connection with this prospectus will also be passed upon for us by Dentons US LLP, New York, New York, including the qualification of our company as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as set forth in their report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These filings are available for inspection and copying at the public reference room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information about the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our SEC filings, including the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, are also available to you on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. We also maintain a website on the Internet with the address of www.twoharborsinvestment.com where you can find additional information. All internet addresses provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement are for information purposes only and are not intended to be hyperlinks. We are not incorporating by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement the information on our website or any other website, and you should not consider our website or any other website to be a part of this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or other offering materials.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC's rules allow us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus from the date of filing those documents. Any reports filed by us with the SEC on or after the date of this prospectus will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have filed the documents listed below with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, and these documents are incorporated herein by reference (other than information in such documents that is furnished and not deemed to be filed):
56
All documents we file (but not furnish) pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities to which this prospectus relates (other than information in such documents that is furnished and not deemed to be filed) shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of those documents.
We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus (other than the exhibits to such documents which are not specifically incorporated by reference therein); we will provide this information at no cost to the requester upon written or oral request to: Secretary, Two Harbors Investment Corp., 590 Madison Avenue, 36th Floor, New York , New York 10022, or (612) 629-2500.
57
$250,000,000
6.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
Credit Suisse
January 13, 2017