UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015

 

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission File Number 1-11527

 

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

 

Maryland

 

04-3262075

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

Two Newton Place, 255 Washington Street, Suite 300, Newton, Massachusetts

 

02458

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

617-964-8389

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:  (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer

 

Accelerated filer

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  No

 

Number of registrant’s common shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value per share, outstanding as of August 9, 2015:    151,485,368

 

 

 

 


 

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

 

FORM 10-Q

 

June  30, 2015

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I 

Financial Information (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income — Three and Six Months Ended June  30, 2015 and 2014

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Six Months Ended June  30, 2015 and 2014

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

23

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

44

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

 

Controls and Procedures

45

 

 

 

 

Warning Concerning Forward Looking Statements

46

 

 

 

 

Statement Concerning Limited Liability

51

 

 

 

PART II 

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

 

 

Risk Factors

51

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

52

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

 

 

Other Information

52

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

 

Exhibits

54

 

 

 

 

Signatures

57

 

References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “HPT”, “we”, “us” or “our” include Hospitality Properties Trust and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly stated or the context indicates otherwise.

 

 

2


 

Part IFinancial Information

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

    

2014

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate properties, at cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

1,505,174

 

$

1,484,210

 

Buildings, improvements and equipment

 

 

6,504,575

 

 

6,171,983

 

Total real estate properties, gross

 

 

8,009,749

 

 

7,656,193

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(2,080,718)

 

 

(1,982,033)

 

Total real estate properties, net

 

 

5,929,031

 

 

5,674,160

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

18,395

 

 

11,834

 

Restricted cash (FF&E reserve escrow)

 

 

39,106

 

 

33,982

 

Due from related persons

 

 

42,997

 

 

40,253

 

Other assets, net

 

 

371,619

 

 

222,333

 

Total assets

 

$

6,401,148

 

$

5,982,562

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsecured revolving credit facility

 

$

319,000

 

$

18,000

 

Unsecured term loan

 

 

400,000

 

 

400,000

 

Senior unsecured notes, net of discounts

 

 

2,413,065

 

 

2,412,135

 

Convertible senior unsecured notes

 

 

8,478

 

 

8,478

 

Security deposits

 

 

42,143

 

 

33,069

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

 

185,956

 

 

106,903

 

Due to related persons

 

 

17,698

 

 

8,658

 

Dividends payable

 

 

5,166

 

 

5,166

 

Total liabilities

 

 

3,391,506

 

 

2,992,409

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred shares of beneficial interest, no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series D preferred shares; 7 1/8% cumulative redeemable; 11,600,000 shares issued and outstanding, aggregate liquidation preference of $290,000 

 

 

280,107

 

 

280,107

 

Common shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 151,485,368 and 149,920,449 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

 

 

1,515

 

 

1,499

 

Additional paid in capital

 

 

4,164,468

 

 

4,118,551

 

Cumulative net income

 

 

2,839,966

 

 

2,715,239

 

Cumulative other comprehensive income

 

 

33,412

 

 

25,804

 

Cumulative preferred distributions

 

 

(310,981)

 

 

(300,649)

 

Cumulative common distributions

 

 

(3,998,845)

 

 

(3,850,398)

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

3,009,642

 

 

2,990,153

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

6,401,148

 

$

5,982,562

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


 

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2015

    

2014

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel operating revenues

 

$

436,977

 

$

387,248

 

$

806,573

 

$

717,184

Rental income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum rent

 

 

67,015

 

 

63,736

 

 

131,766

 

 

127,122

Percentage rent

 

 

2,048

 

 

 -

 

 

2,048

 

 

 -

 

 

 

69,063

 

 

63,736

 

 

133,814

 

 

127,122

FF&E reserve income

 

 

1,026

 

 

916

 

 

2,191

 

 

1,844

Total revenues

 

 

507,066

 

 

451,900

 

 

942,578

 

 

846,150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel operating expenses

 

 

304,428

 

 

270,778

 

 

562,086

 

 

501,395

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

80,582

 

 

78,763

 

 

159,551

 

 

157,050

General and administrative

 

 

12,685

 

 

13,166

 

 

33,989

 

 

24,631

Acquisition related costs

 

 

797

 

 

162

 

 

1,135

 

 

223

Total expenses

 

 

398,492

 

 

362,869

 

 

756,761

 

 

683,299

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income 

 

 

108,574

 

 

89,031

 

 

185,817

 

 

162,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

10

 

 

25

 

 

21

 

 

50

Interest expense (including amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts of $1,458 and $1,319, and $2,916 and $2,672, respectively)

 

 

(35,836)

 

 

(34,941)

 

 

(71,290)

 

 

(69,797)

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(726)

Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of an investee and gain on sale of real estate

 

 

72,748

 

 

54,115

 

 

114,548

 

 

92,378

Income tax expense

 

 

(640)

 

 

(455)

 

 

(931)

 

 

(1,071)

Equity in earnings of an investee

 

 

23

 

 

125

 

 

95

 

 

28

Income before gain on sale of real estate

 

 

72,131

 

 

53,785

 

 

113,712

 

 

91,335

Gain on sale of real estate

 

 

11,015

 

 

130

 

 

11,015

 

 

130

Net income

 

 

83,146

 

 

53,915

 

 

124,727

 

 

91,465

Preferred distributions

 

 

(5,166)

 

 

(5,166)

 

 

(10,332)

 

 

(10,332)

Net income available for common shareholders

 

$

77,980

 

$

48,749

 

$

114,395

 

$

81,133

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

83,146

 

$

53,915

 

$

124,727

 

$

91,465

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities

 

 

(8,858)

 

 

2,497

 

 

7,626

 

 

(2,941)

Equity interest in investee’s unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

(64)

 

 

23

 

 

(19)

 

 

42

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(8,922)

 

 

2,520

 

 

7,607

 

 

(2,899)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

74,224

 

$

56,435

 

$

132,334

 

$

88,566

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)

 

 

150,260

 

 

149,610

 

 

150,028

 

 

149,591

Weighted average common shares outstanding (diluted)

 

 

150,292

 

 

149,789

 

 

150,594

 

 

149,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available for common shareholders per common share:  Basic and diluted

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.54

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


 

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

124,727

 

$

91,465

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

159,551

 

 

157,050

Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts as interest

 

 

2,916

 

 

2,672

Straight line rental income

 

 

(2,056)

 

 

(75)

Security deposits replenished

 

 

9,064

 

 

5,123

FF&E reserve income and deposits

 

 

(33,664)

 

 

(26,852)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 -

 

 

726

Equity in earnings of an investee

 

 

(95)

 

 

(28)

Gain on sale of real estate

 

 

(11,015)

 

 

(130)

Other non-cash (income) expense, net

 

 

1,749

 

 

1,884

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in due from related persons

 

 

(1,411)

 

 

(342)

Increase in other assets

 

 

(9,539)

 

 

(4,221)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities

 

 

2,538

 

 

(9,355)

Increase (decrease) in due to related persons

 

 

9,292

 

 

(815)

Cash provided by operating activities

 

 

252,057

 

 

217,102

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate acquisitions and deposits

 

 

(247,631)

 

 

(60,000)

Real estate improvements

 

 

(120,174)

 

 

(96,081)

FF&E reserve escrow fundings

 

 

(4,711)

 

 

(2,511)

Net proceeds from sale of real estate

 

 

 -

 

 

4,288

Eminent domain proceeds

 

 

 -

 

 

6,178

Investment in Affiliates Insurance Company

 

 

 -

 

 

(825)

Investment in Reit Management & Research Inc.

 

 

(15,196)

 

 

 -

Cash used in investing activities

 

 

(387,712)

 

 

(148,951)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes, net of discount

 

 

 -

 

 

346,616

Repayment of senior unsecured notes

 

 

 -

 

 

(300,000)

Borrowings under unsecured revolving credit facility

 

 

381,000

 

 

420,000

Repayments of unsecured revolving credit facility

 

 

(80,000)

 

 

(380,000)

Deferred financing costs

 

 

(5)

 

 

(6,231)

Distributions to preferred shareholders

 

 

(10,332)

 

 

(10,332)

Distributions to common shareholders

 

 

(148,447)

 

 

(145,184)

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

142,216

 

 

(75,131)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

 

 

6,561

 

 

(6,980)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

11,834

 

 

22,500

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

18,395

 

$

15,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

68,196

 

$

71,365

Cash paid for income taxes

 

 

2,137

 

 

3,754

Non-cash investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel managers’ deposits in FF&E reserve

 

$

31,091

 

$

23,608

Hotel managers’ purchases with FF&E reserve

 

 

(30,678)

 

 

(27,753)

Investment in Reit Management & Research Inc. paid in common shares

 

 

43,285

 

 

 -

Real estate acquisitions

 

 

(45,042)

 

 

 -

Sales of real estate

 

 

45,042

 

 

 -

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


 

Table of Contents

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Hospitality Properties Trust and its subsidiaries, or HPT, we, our or us, are unaudited. Certain information and disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted. We believe the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. However, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, or our 2014 Annual Report. In the opinion of our management, all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation, have been included in these condensed consolidated financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of HPT and our subsidiaries, all of which are 100% owned directly or indirectly by HPT. All intercompany transactions and balances with or among our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. Our operating results for interim periods and those of our managers and tenants are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. Reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates in our condensed consolidated financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts, purchase price allocations, useful lives of fixed assets, impairment of real estate and the valuation of intangible assets.

 

We have determined that each of our taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs, is a variable interest entity, or VIE, as defined under the Consolidation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards CodificationTM.   We have concluded that we must consolidate each of our TRSs because we are the entity with the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance and we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from each VIE that could be significant to the VIE, and are, therefore, the primary beneficiary of each VIE.  The assets of our TRSs were $36,630 and $27,023 as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and consist primarily of amounts due from, and working capital advances to, certain of their hotel managers.  The liabilities of our TRSs were $61,567 and $50,528 as of June  30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and consist primarily of security deposits they hold from and amounts payable to certain of their hotel managers.  The assets of our TRSs are available to satisfy our TRSs’ obligations and we have guaranteed certain obligations of our TRSs.

 

Note 2.  New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2015-02, Consolidation.  Among other things, this update changes how an entity determines the primary beneficiary of a VIE.  This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted.  We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, this ASU will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheets as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability.  This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and requires retrospective application.  This ASU is not expected to cause any changes to our condensed consolidated financial statements other than the reclassification of debt issuance costs from assets to contra liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.    

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers, which outlines a comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This ASU states that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” While this ASU specifically references contracts with customers, it may apply to certain other transactions such as the sale of real estate or equipment. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one year deferral of the effective date for this ASU to interim and annual reporting beginning after December 15, 2017.  We are continuing to evaluate this guidance; however, we do not expect its adoption to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

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HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Note 3.  Revenue Recognition

 

We report hotel operating revenues for managed hotels in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We generally recognize hotel operating revenues, consisting primarily of room and food and beverage sales, when goods and services are provided.

 

We recognize rental income from operating leases on a straight line basis over the term of the lease agreements except for one lease in which there is uncertainty regarding the collection of scheduled future rent increases.  Rental income includes $1,511 and $2,056 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, and $539 and $1,106 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, of adjustments necessary to record scheduled rent increases under certain of our leases, the deferred rent obligations under our TravelCenters of America LLC, or TA, agreements and the estimated future payments to us by TA for the cost of removing underground storage tanks on a straight line basis.  See Note 10 for further information regarding our TA agreements.  Other assets, net, includes $23,450 and $21,866 of straight line rent receivables at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

 

We determine percentage rent due to us under our leases annually and recognize it at year end when all contingencies have been met and the rent is earned. We had no deferred estimated percentage rent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and $698 and $1,572 of deferred estimated percentage rent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.  In connection with our lease modification with TA in June 2015, we recorded $2,048 of percentage rent during the three months ended June 30, 2015.  See Note 10 for further information regarding these agreements.

 

We own all the capital expenditure reserves, or FF&E reserves, for our hotels. We do not report the amounts which are escrowed as FF&E reserves for our managed hotels as FF&E reserve income. We report deposits by our third party hotel tenants into the escrow accounts as FF&E reserve income.

 

Note 4.  Per Common Share Amounts

 

We calculate basic earnings per common share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  We calculate diluted earnings per share using the more dilutive of the two class method or the treasury stock method.  Unvested share awards and other potentially dilutive common shares, including contingently issuable common shares under the previous terms of our business management agreement with Reit Management & Research LLC, or RMR LLC, if any, and the related impact on earnings, are considered when calculating diluted earnings per share. The following table provides a reconciliation of the weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

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Table of Contents

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended June 30,

 

For the six months ended June 30,

 

 

2015

  

2014

  

2015

  

2014

 

 

(in thousands)

Weighted average common shares for basic earnings per share

 

150,260

 

149,610

 

150,028

 

149,591

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingently issuable common shares

 

 -

 

146

 

542

 

125

Unvested share awards

 

32

 

33

 

24

 

24

Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share

 

150,292

 

149,789

 

150,594

 

149,740

   

 

Note 5.  Shareholders’ Equity

 

Common Share Issuances

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we issued 63,119 of our common shares to RMR LLC as part of the business management fees payable by us under our business management agreement. See Note 10 for further information regarding and recent amendments to this agreement.

 

On June 1, 2015, we granted 2,500 of our common shares valued at $30.59 per share, the closing price of our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange on that day, to each of our five Trustees as part of their annual compensation.

 

On June 8, 2015, we issued 1,490,000 of our common shares as partial payment to acquire 5,019,121 shares of class A common stock of Reit Management & Research Inc., or RMR Inc.  See Note 10 for further information regarding this transaction.

 

Distributions

 

On each of January 15, 2015, April 15, 2015 and July 15, 2015, we paid a $0.4453 per share distribution, or $5,166, to our Series D preferred shareholders.

 

On February 24, 2015, we paid a $0.49 per share distribution, or $73,466, to our common shareholders. On May 21, 2015, we paid a $0.50 per share distribution, or $74,981, to our common shareholders.  On July 13, 2015, we declared a $0.50 per share dividend, or $75,743, to our common shareholders of record on July 24, 2015.  We expect to pay this amount on or about August 20, 2015.

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) represents the unrealized gain (loss) on the TA shares we own and our share of the comprehensive income (loss) of Affiliates Insurance Company, or AIC. See Note 10 for further information regarding these investments.

 

Note 6.  Indebtedness

 

Our principal debt obligations at June 30, 2015 were: (1) our $319,000 of outstanding borrowings under our $750,000 unsecured revolving credit facility; (2) our $400,000 unsecured term loan; (3) an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $2,425,000 of public issuances of senior unsecured notes; and (4) an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $8,478 of public issuances of convertible senior unsecured notes. 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Our $750,000 unsecured revolving credit facility is available for general business purposes, including acquisitions.  The maturity date of our unsecured revolving credit facility is July 15, 2018 and, subject to the payment of an extension fee and meeting certain other conditions, we have an option to extend the stated maturity date by one year to July 15, 2019. Borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a premium, which was 110 basis points at June 30, 2015. We also pay a facility fee on the total amount of lending commitments, which was 20 basis points per annum at June 30, 2015. Both the interest rate premium and the facility fee are subject to adjustment based upon changes to our credit ratings. As of June 30, 2015, the interest rate payable on borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility was 1.29%. The weighted average annual interest rate for borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility was 1.28% for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 1.25% for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.  As of June 30, 2015 and August 9, 2015, we had $319,000 and $334,000 outstanding under our unsecured revolving credit facility, respectively.

 

Our $400,000 unsecured term loan, which matures on April 15, 2019, is prepayable without penalty at any time.  The amount outstanding under our unsecured term loan bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a premium, which was 120 basis points at June 30, 2015.  The interest rate premium is subject to adjustment based on changes to our credit ratings. As of June 30, 2015, the annual interest rate for the amount outstanding under our unsecured term loan was 1.38%. The weighted average annual interest rate for borrowings under our unsecured term loan was 1.38% for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, and 1.35% and 1.36% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.

 

Our credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan also includes a feature under which maximum borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan may be increased up to $2,300,000 on a combined basis in certain circumstances. Our credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan and our unsecured notes indenture and its supplements provide for acceleration of payment of all amounts outstanding upon the occurrence and continuation of certain events of default, including, in the case of our credit agreement, a change of control of us, which includes RMR LLC ceasing to act as our business manager. Our credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan and our senior unsecured notes indenture and its supplements also contain a number of covenants that restrict our ability to incur debt in excess of calculated amounts, restrict our ability to make distributions under certain circumstances and generally require us to maintain certain financial ratios. We believe we were in compliance with the terms and conditions of our credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan and our senior unsecured notes indenture and its supplements at June 30, 2015.

 

Note 7.  Real Estate Properties

 

At June 30, 2015, we owned 293 hotels and 191 travel centers which are operated under 14 operating agreements.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we funded $72,482 for improvements to certain of our properties which, pursuant to the terms of our management and lease agreements with our hotel managers and tenants, resulted in increases in our contractual annual minimum returns and rents of $5,608.  See Notes 10 and 11 for further information about our fundings of improvements to certain of our properties.

 

On March 16, 2015, we acquired a 300 room hotel located in Rosemont, IL for $35,500 excluding related acquisition costs. We accounted for this transaction as a business combination.  The following table summarizes our allocation of the acquisition cost to the estimated fair value of the assets we acquired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

    

$

2,375

Building and improvements

 

 

31,401

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

 

1,463

Intangible assets

 

 

261

 

 

$

35,500

 

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HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

We added this Holiday Inn and Suites® branded hotel to our management agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group, plc, or InterContinental. The pro forma impact of including the results of operations of this acquisition from the beginning of the period is not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements.  See Note 11 for further information regarding our InterContinental agreement.

 

On April 28, 2015, we acquired a land parcel adjacent to one of our hotels for $750, excluding acquisition costs. See Note 10 for further information regarding this acquisition.

 

On May 15, 2015, we acquired a 364 room full service hotel located in Denver, CO for $77,250, excluding acquisition costs.  We accounted for this transaction as a business combination.  The following table summarizes our preliminary allocation of the acquisition cost to the estimated fair value of the assets we acquired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

    

$

8,193

Building and improvements

 

 

61,185

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

 

7,872

 

 

$

77,250

 

 

We added this Crowne Plaza® branded hotel to our management agreement with InterContinental.  See Note 11 for further information regarding our InterContinental agreement.  The pro forma impact of including the results of operations of this acquisition from the beginning of the period is not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2015, we ceased marketing for sale and removed from held for sale status one Marriott by Courtyard®  branded hotel with a carrying value of $4,143.  

 

On June 1, 2015, we entered agreements with TA to acquire and leaseback 14 travel centers it owned and certain assets it owned at 11 properties we lease to TA for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $397,400.  In June 2015, we acquired 12 of these travel centers and certain assets at 10 properties TA leases from us for an aggregate purchase price of $227,877.  We also agreed to acquire from, and leaseback to, TA five travel centers it is developing for purchase prices equal to TA’s development costs, which are estimated to be approximately $118,000.  The acquisition of these five travel centers is expected to occur as development of these travel centers is completed before June 30, 2017.  See Note 10 for further information regarding this transaction and our TA agreements.  The following table summarizes our preliminary allocation of the acquisition cost to the estimated fair value of the assets we acquired as of June 30, 2015, in connection with this transaction.

 

 

 

 

 

Land

    

$

26,286

Land improvements

 

 

67,160

Building and improvements

 

 

134,389

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

 

42

 

 

$

227,877

 

On June 9, 2015, we sold five TA branded travel centers for net proceeds of $45,042.  As a result of this sale, we recorded an $11,015 gain on sale of real estate in the three months ended June 30, 2015.  See Note 10 for further information regarding this transaction.

 

On July 23, 2015, we acquired a portfolio of nine extended stay hotels with 1,094 suites located in eight states for $85,000, excluding closing costs.  We converted these hotels to Sonesta ES Suites® branded hotels and added them to our management agreement with Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, or Sonesta.  See Note 10 for further information regarding this transaction and our Sonesta agreement.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Note 8. Income Taxes

 

We have elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and accordingly are generally not subject to federal and most state income taxation on our operating income provided we distribute our taxable income to our shareholders and meet certain organization and operating requirements.  We are subject to income tax in Canada, Puerto Rico and certain states despite our REIT status.  Also, we lease our managed hotels to our wholly owned TRSs that, unlike most of our other subsidiaries, file separate consolidated federal corporate income tax returns and are subject to federal, state and foreign income taxes.  Our consolidated income tax provision included in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income includes the income tax provision related to the operations of our TRSs and certain state and foreign income taxes incurred by us despite our REIT status.

 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, we recognized income tax expense of $640 and $931, respectively, which includes $51 and $75, respectively, of foreign taxes and $589 and $856, respectively, of state taxes.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we recognized income tax expense of $455 and $1,071,  respectively, which includes $40 and $71, respectively, of foreign taxes and $437 and $1,022, respectively, of state taxes and ($22) and ($22), respectively, of federal taxes.

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Note 9.  Segment Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015

 

 

    

Hotels

    

Travel Centers

    

Corporate

    

Consolidated

 

Hotel operating revenues 

 

$

436,977

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

436,977

 

Minimum rent

 

 

8,179

 

 

58,836

 

 

 -

 

 

67,015

 

Percentage rent

 

 

 -

 

 

2,048

 

 

 -

 

 

2,048

 

FF&E reserve income 

 

 

1,026

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1,026

 

Total revenues

 

 

446,182

 

 

60,884

 

 

 -

 

 

507,066

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel operating expenses 

 

 

304,428

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

304,428

 

Depreciation and amortization 

 

 

52,924

 

 

27,658

 

 

 -

 

 

80,582

 

General and administrative 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

12,685

 

 

12,685

 

Acquisition related costs 

 

 

797

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

797

 

Total expenses 

 

 

358,149

 

 

27,658

 

 

12,685

 

 

398,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) 

 

 

88,033

 

 

33,226

 

 

(12,685)

 

 

108,574

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

10

 

 

10

 

Interest expense 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(35,836)

 

 

(35,836)

 

Income (loss) before income taxes, equity in earnings of an investee and gain on sale of real estate

 

 

88,033

 

 

33,226

 

 

(48,511)

 

 

72,748

 

Income tax expense 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(640)

 

 

(640)

 

Equity in earnings of an investee 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

23

 

 

23

 

Income (loss) before gain on sale of real estate

 

 

88,033

 

 

33,226

 

 

(49,128)

 

 

72,131

 

Gain on sale of real estate

 

 

 -

 

 

11,015

 

 

-

 

 

11,015

 

Net income (loss) 

 

$

88,033

 

$

44,241

 

$

(49,128)

 

$

83,146

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015

 

 

 

Hotels

 

Travel Centers

 

Corporate

 

Consolidated

 

Hotel operating revenues 

 

$

806,573

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

806,573

 

Minimum rent

 

 

16,140

 

 

115,626

 

 

 -

 

 

131,766

 

Percentage rent

 

 

 -

 

 

2,048

 

 

 -

 

 

2,048

 

FF&E reserve income 

 

 

2,191

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

2,191

 

Total revenues 

 

 

824,904

 

 

117,674

 

 

 -

 

 

942,578

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel operating expenses 

 

 

562,086

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

562,086

 

Depreciation and amortization 

 

 

105,321

 

 

54,230

 

 

 -

 

 

159,551

 

General and administrative 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

33,989

 

 

33,989

 

Acquisition related costs 

 

 

1,135

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1,135

 

Total expenses 

 

 

668,542

 

 

54,230

 

 

33,989

 

 

756,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) 

 

 

156,362

 

 

63,444

 

 

(33,989)

 

 

185,817

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

21

 

 

21

 

Interest expense 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(71,290)

 

 

(71,290)

 

Income (loss) before income taxes, equity in earnings of an investee and gain on sale of real estate

 

 

156,362

 

 

63,444

 

 

(105,258)

 

 

114,548

 

Income tax expense 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(931)

 

 

(931)

 

Equity in earnings of an investee 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

95

 

 

95

 

Income (loss) before gain on sale of real estate

 

 

156,362

 

 

63,444

 

 

(106,094)

 

 

113,712

 

Gain on sale of real estate

 

 

 -

 

 

11,015

 

 

 -

 

 

11,015

 

Net income (loss) 

 

$

156,362

 

$

74,459

 

$

(106,094)

 

$

124,727

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2015

 

 

    

Hotels

    

Travel Centers

    

Corporate

    

Consolidated

 

Total assets 

 

$

3,838,060

 

$

2,386,326

 

$

176,762

 

$

6,401,148

 

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014

 

 

    

Hotels

    

Travel Centers

    

Corporate

    

Consolidated

 

Hotel operating revenues 

 

$

387,248

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

387,248

 

Rental income

 

 

8,341

 

 

55,395

 

 

 -

 

 

63,736

 

FF&E reserve income 

 

 

916

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

916

 

Total revenues 

 

 

396,505

 

 

55,395

 

 

 -

 

 

451,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel operating expenses 

 

 

270,778

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

270,778

 

Depreciation and amortization 

 

 

53,362

 

 

25,401

 

 

 -

 

 

78,763

 

General and administrative 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

13,166

 

 

13,166

 

Acquisition related costs 

 

 

162

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

162

 

Total expenses 

 

 

324,302

 

 

25,401

 

 

13,166

 

 

362,869

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) 

 

 

72,203

 

 

29,994

 

 

(13,166)

 

 

89,031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

25

 

 

25

 

Interest expense 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(34,941)

 

 

(34,941)

 

Income (loss) before income taxes, equity in earnings of an investee and gain on sale of real estate

 

 

72,203

 

 

29,994

 

 

(48,082)

 

 

54,115

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(455)

 

 

(455)

 

Equity in earnings of an investee 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

125

 

 

125

 

Income (loss) before gain on sale of real estate

 

 

72,203

 

 

29,994

 

 

(48,412)

 

 

53,785

 

Gain on sale of real estate

 

 

130

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

130

 

Net income (loss) 

 

$

72,333

 

$

29,994

 

$

(48,412)

 

$

53,915

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014

 

 

 

Hotels

 

Travel Centers

 

Corporate

 

Consolidated

 

Hotel operating revenues 

 

$

717,184

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

717,184

 

Minimum rent

 

 

16,444

 

 

110,678

 

 

 -

 

 

127,122

 

FF&E reserve income 

 

 

1,844

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1,844

 

Total revenues 

 

 

735,472

 

 

110,678

 

 

 -

 

 

846,150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel operating expenses 

 

 

501,395

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

501,395

 

Depreciation and amortization 

 

 

106,378

 

 

50,672

 

 

 -

 

 

157,050

 

General and administrative 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

24,631

 

 

24,631

 

Acquisition related costs 

 

 

223

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

223

 

Total expenses 

 

 

607,996

 

 

50,672

 

 

24,631

 

 

683,299

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) 

 

 

127,476

 

 

60,006

 

 

(24,631)

 

 

162,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

50

 

 

50

 

Interest expense 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(69,797)

 

 

(69,797)

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(726)

 

 

(726)

 

Income (loss) before income taxes, equity in earnings of an investee and gain on sale of real estate

 

 

127,476

 

 

60,006

 

 

(95,104)

 

 

92,378

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,071)

 

 

(1,071)

 

Equity in earnings of an investee 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

28

 

 

28

 

Income (loss) before gain on sale of real estate

 

 

127,476

 

 

60,006

 

 

(96,147)

 

 

91,335

 

Gain on sale of real estate

 

 

130

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

130

 

Net income (loss) 

 

$

127,606

 

$

60,006

 

$

(96,147)

 

$

91,465

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

Hotels

 

Travel Centers

 

Corporate

 

Consolidated

 

Total assets 

 

$

3,748,062

 

$

2,194,682

 

$

39,818

 

$

5,982,562

 

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

Note 10. Related Person Transactions

 

We have relationships and historical and continuing transactions with TA, RMR LLC, its parent, RMR Inc., Sonesta and others related to them, including other companies to which RMR LLC provides management services and which have trustees, directors and officers who are also trustees, directors or officers of us, RMR Inc. or RMR LLC. For further information about these and other such relationships and certain other related person transactions, please refer to our 2014 Annual Report and our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on June 5, 8, 12, 22, 25 and July 28, 2015.  

   

TA TA was formerly our 100% owned subsidiary until it was spun out to our shareholders in 2007.  As of June 30, 2015, we owned 3,420,000 of TA’s common shares, representing approximately 8.9% of TA’s outstanding common shares, and we are TA’s largest shareholder.  TA is our largest tenant and property operator.

 

On June 1, 2015, we entered a transaction agreement, or the TA Transaction Agreement, with TA, pursuant to which, among other things, (i) we and TA agreed to expand and subdivide the lease pursuant to which we then leased to TA 144 properties that TA primarily operates under the “TravelCenters of America,” “TA” and related brand names, which we historically referred to as the TA No. 1 lease and which we refer to in this Note as the Prior TA lease, into four amended and restated leases, or the New TA leases, (ii) we agreed to purchase from TA 14 travel centers and certain assets it owned at 11 properties we lease to TA for an aggregate of $279,400 and we agreed to leaseback those 25 properties to TA under the New TA leases, (iii) TA agreed to purchase from us five travel centers that we then leased to TA under the Prior TA lease for an aggregate of $45,042 and (iv) we agreed to purchase from TA five travel centers upon the completion of their development at a purchase price equal to their development costs, including the cost of the land, which costs are estimated to be not more than $118,000 in the aggregate and we agreed to leaseback these development properties to TA under the New TA leases. The terms of the TA Transaction Agreement were approved by special committees of our Independent Trustees and TA’s independent directors, none of whom are directors or trustees of the other company.  Each special committee was represented by separate counsel.  In June 2015 we completed the following transactions pursuant to the TA Transaction Agreement:

 

·

We entered into the four New TA leases with a subsidiary of TA, or our TA No. 1 agreement, TA No. 2 agreement, TA No. 3 agreement and TA No. 4 agreement, which as of June 30, 2015 were for 39, 37, 38 and 37 travel centers, respectively.  Minimum annual rent payments under our TA No. 1 agreement, TA No. 2 agreement, TA No. 3 agreement and TA No. 4 agreement as of June 30, 2015 were $47,849, $43,192, $48,919 and $44,863, respectively, subject to future adjustment if additional properties are added or if we purchase capital improvements made to the leased travel centers. The initial terms for the TA No. 1 agreement, TA No. 2 agreement, TA No. 3 agreement and TA No. 4 agreement end on December 31, 2029, 2028, 2026 and 2030, respectively. Each New TA lease grants TA two renewal options of fifteen years each.  Percentage rent, which totaled $2,896 in 2014 under the Prior TA lease, was incorporated into the minimum annual rent under the New TA leases and was otherwise eliminated for the remainder of 2015; thereafter, percentage rent will be equal to 3% of the excess of gross non-fuel revenues over gross non-fuel revenues in 2015.  In the case of the five properties to be developed by TA and sold to us, the base year for percentage rent will be the calendar year in which the third anniversary of the completion of development of the property occurs and percentage rent will not apply to those properties until the next succeeding year.  Also, under the Prior TA lease, TA’s deferred rent obligation totaled $107,085 and was due at the end of the Prior TA lease on December 31, 2022, but under the New TA leases, the due date of the deferred rent obligation was extended to the end of the initial terms of the New TA leases as follows: $27,421 due December 31, 2029, $29,107 due December 31, 2028, $29,324 due December 31, 2026, and $21,233 due December 31, 2030.  The deferred rent obligation continues to be subject to acceleration at our option upon an uncured default under the New TA leases or a change in control of TA, each as provided under the New TA leases. TA and its primary operating subsidiary also guaranteed the obligations of its lessee subsidiaries under the New TA leases.  We are recognizing these deferred rent amounts as rental income on a straight line basis over the initial terms of the New TA leases because we believe the future payment of these amounts to us by TA is reasonably assured.

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·

We purchased from TA, for $227,877, 12 travel centers it owned and certain assets it owned at 10 properties TA leased from us. We leased back these properties to TA under the New TA leases. TA’s minimum annual rent increased by $19,597 as a result of the completion of the sale and leaseback of these properties.

 

·

TA purchased from us, for $45,042, five travel centers that we previously leased to TA under the Prior TA lease.  These properties were subleased by TA to its franchisees.  TA’s minimum annual rent decreased by $3,874 as a result of our completion of the sale of these properties.  We recognized a gain of $11,015 on these sales.

 

·

We and TA entered into an amendment to the lease that we have historically referred to as our TA No. 2 lease, and which we now refer to as our TA No. 5 agreement.  Among other things, this amendment eliminated percentage rent payable on fuel, which, in 2014 totaled $2 but was not paid by TA because we had previously waived payment of the first $2,500 of percentage rent due under the TA No. 5 agreement.

 

·

Pursuant to the TA Transaction Agreement, TA elected to postpone beyond June 30, 2015, but not later than December 31, 2015, the sale to us of two other travel centers and the assets at one other property that we lease to TA for $51,506 in the aggregate. 

 

As of June 30, 2015, we leased to TA a total of 151 travel centers under the New TA leases and 40 travel centers under the TA No. 5 agreement.

 

We recognized rental income of $58,836 and $55,395 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $115,626 and $110,678 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under our leases with TA.  On June 9, 2015, we began recognizing the $42,915 deferred rent obligation due on June 30, 2024 under the TA No. 5 agreement as rental income on a straight line basis over the remaining initial term of the lease because we believe the future payment of this amount to us by TA is reasonably assured.  Rental income for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 includes $1,390 and $408, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 includes $1,805 and $845, respectively, of adjustments necessary to record the scheduled rent increase under our Prior TA lease, the deferred rent obligations under our TA leases and the estimated future payment to us by TA for the cost of removing underground storage tanks on a straight line basis.  As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had accounts receivable from TA of $42,997 and $40,253, respectively, which amounts are included in due from related persons on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Under our leases with TA, we funded $40,415 and $21,923 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for qualifying capital improvements at the leased travel centers and, as a result, TA's minimum annual rent payable to us increased by approximately $3,435, and $1,863, respectively.  

 

Acquisition of Interest in our Manager:   On June 5, 2015, we and three other REITs to which RMR  LLC provides management services – Government Properties Income Trust, or GOV, Select Income REIT, or SIR, Senior Housing Properties Trust, or SNH, and collectively with GOV and SIR, the Other REITs – participated in a transaction, or the Up-C Transaction, by which we and the Other REITs each acquired an interest in RMR Inc.

 

The Up-C Transaction was completed pursuant to a transaction agreement by and among us, our manager, RMR LLC, its then sole member, Reit Management & Research Trust, or RMR Trust, and RMR Inc. and similar transaction agreements that each Other REIT entered with RMR LLC, RMR Trust and RMR Inc. RMR Trust is owned by our Managing Trustees, Barry and Adam Portnoy. Pursuant to these transactions agreements: we contributed to RMR Inc. 1,490,000 of our common shares, valued at the volume weighted average trading prices during the 20 days prior to the acquisition, and $12,622 in cash; GOV contributed to RMR Inc. 700,000 of its common shares and $3,917  in cash;  SIR contributed to RMR Inc. 880,000 of its common shares and $15,880 in cash; SNH contributed to RMR Inc. 2,345,000 of its common shares and $13,967 in cash; RMR Trust contributed to RMR Inc. $11,520 in cash, which RMR Inc. contributed to RMR LLC; RMR

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LLC issued 1,000,000 of its class B membership units to RMR Inc.; RMR Inc. issued 5,019,121 shares of its class A common stock to us, 1,541,201 shares of its class A common stock to GOV, 5,272,787 shares of its class A common stock to SNH, 3,166,891 shares of its class A common stock to SIR and 1,000,000 shares of its class B-1 common stock and 15,000,000 shares of its class B-2 common stock  to RMR Trust; RMR Trust delivered 15,000,000 of the 30,000,000 class A membership units of RMR LLC which RMR Trust then owned to RMR Inc.; and RMR Inc. delivered to RMR Trust our common shares, the common shares of the Other REITs and the cash which had been contributed by us and the Other REITs to RMR Inc.

 

The class A common stock and class B-1 common stock of RMR Inc. share ratably as a single class in dividends and other distributions of RMR Inc. when and if declared by the board of directors of RMR Inc. and have the same rights in a liquidation of RMR Inc. The class B-1 common stock of RMR Inc. is convertible into class A common stock of RMR Inc. on a 1:1 basis. The class A common stock of RMR Inc. has one vote per share. The class B-1 common stock of RMR Inc. has 10 votes per share. The class B-2 common stock of RMR Inc. has no economic interest in RMR Inc., but has 10 votes per share and is paired with the class A membership units of RMR LLC owned by RMR Trust. The class A membership units of RMR LLC owned by RMR Trust are required to be redeemed by RMR LLC upon request by RMR Trust for class A common stock of RMR Inc. on a 1:1 basis, or if RMR Inc. elects, cash. Under the governing documents of RMR Inc., upon the redemption of a class A membership unit of RMR LLC by RMR Trust, the class B-2 common stock of RMR Inc. “paired” with an equal number of class A membership units are cancelled for no additional consideration.

 

As part of the Up-C Transaction and concurrently with entering into the transaction agreements, on June 5, 2015:

 

·

We entered an amended and restated business management agreement, or the amended business management agreement, with RMR LLC, and an amended and restated property management agreement, or the amended property management agreement, with RMR LLC. The amendments made by these agreements are described below in this Note under “Amendment and Restatement of Management Agreements with RMR LLC.” Each Other REIT also entered amended and restated business and property management agreements with RMR LLC which made similar amendments to their management agreements with RMR LLC.

 

·

We entered a registration rights agreement with RMR Inc. covering the class A common stock of RMR Inc. that we received in the Up-C Transaction, pursuant to which we received demand and piggyback registration rights, subject to certain limitations. Each Other REIT entered into a similar registration rights agreement with RMR Inc.

 

·

We entered a lock up and registration rights agreement with RMR Trust and Barry and Adam Portnoy pursuant to which RMR Trust and Barry and Adam Portnoy agreed not to transfer the 1,490,000 of our common shares RMR Trust received in the Up-C Transaction for a period of 10 years and we granted them certain registration rights, subject to certain limited exceptions. Each Other REIT also entered into a similar lock up and registration rights agreement with RMR Trust and Barry and Adam Portnoy.

 

As a result of the Up-C Transaction: RMR LLC became a subsidiary of RMR Inc.; RMR Inc. became the managing member of RMR LLC; through our ownership of class A common stock of RMR Inc., we currently own an indirect 16.2% economic interest in RMR LLC; through their ownership of class A common stock of RMR Inc., GOV, SIR and SNH currently have an indirect 5.0%, 10.2% and 17.0% economic interest in RMR LLC, respectively; and RMR Trust through its ownership of 1,000,000 shares of class B-1 common stock of RMR Inc., 15,000,000 shares of class B-2 common stock of RMR Inc. and 15,000,000 class A membership units of RMR LLC currently directly and indirectly has a 51.6% economic interest in RMR LLC and controls 91.4% of the voting power of outstanding capital stock of RMR Inc.

 

Pursuant to the transaction agreements, we and each Other REIT agreed to distribute half of the shares of class A common stock of RMR Inc. received in the Up-C Transaction to our respective shareholders as a special distribution, and RMR Inc. agreed to facilitate this distribution by filing a registration statement with the SEC to register the shares of class A common stock of RMR Inc. to be distributed and by seeking a listing of those shares on a national stock exchange upon the registration statement being declared effective by the SEC.

 

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The distribution of shares of class A common stock of RMR Inc. that we and the Other REITs have agreed to make to our and the Other REITs’ shareholders will be made only after a registration statement, including a prospectus, is declared effective by the SEC.

   

Amendment and Restatement of Management Agreements with RMR LLC: As part of the Up-C Transaction, on June 5, 2015, we and RMR LLC entered into the amended business management agreement, which amended and restated our pre-existing business management agreement with RMR LLC and the amended property management agreement, which amended and restated our pre-existing property management agreement with RMR LLC. Our amended business management agreement and amended property management agreement are referred to together in this Note as our amended management agreements. Our amended management agreements were effective as of June 5, 2015.

 

Our amended management agreements have terms that end on December 31, 2035, and automatically extend on December 31st of each year for an additional year, so that the terms of the agreements thereafter end on the 20th anniversary of the date of the extension. We have the right to terminate each amended management agreement: (i) at any time on 60 days’ written notice for convenience, (ii) immediately upon written notice for cause, as defined therein, (iii) on 60 days’ written notice given within 60 days after the end of any calendar year for a performance reason, as defined therein, and (iv) by written notice during the 12 months following a change of control of RMR LLC, as defined therein. RMR LLC has the right to terminate the amended management agreements for good reason, as defined therein.

 

If we terminate one or both of our amended management agreements for convenience, or if RMR LLC terminates one or both of our amended management agreements for good reason, we have agreed to pay RMR LLC a termination fee in an amount equal to the sum of the present values of the monthly future fees, as defined therein, for the terminated amended management agreement(s) for the remaining term. If we terminate one or both of our amended management agreements for a performance reason, as defined therein, we have agreed to pay RMR LLC the termination fee calculated as described above, but assuming a remaining term of 10 years.    We are not required to pay any termination fee if we terminate one or both of our amended management agreements for cause or as a result of a change of control of RMR LLC.

 

Accounting for Investment in RMR Inc.: On June 5, 2015, we acquired 5,019,121 shares of class A common stock, or 33.5%, of RMR Inc.  The value of our common shares issued to RMR Inc. is valued differently for accounting purposes than as stated in the respective transaction agreements.  The transaction agreements calculate the value of our common shares using a 20 day volume weighted average trading price, or $57,817.  For accounting purposes, the common shares are valued at the closing price of those shares on the date of the transaction, or $55,922.  We account for this investment under the cost method of accounting and have recorded this investment at fair value (Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy under GAAP).  We have determined the fair value of the RMR Inc. investment to be $129,722 as of June 5, 2015, based on valuing RMR Inc. using comparable company multiples.  We have concluded, for accounting purposes, that the consideration paid for this investment in RMR Inc.’s class A common stock represented a discount to the fair value of these shares.  As a result, we have recorded other liabilities of $73,800.  Our investment in RMR Inc. is included in other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.  The carrying value of our investment in RMR Inc., including transaction costs, is $132,296 as of June 30, 2015.  The other liabilities are included in accounts payable and other liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and are being amortized on a straight line basis over the 20 year life of the business and property management agreements with RMR LLC as a reduction to business management fee expense and property management fee expense, which are included in general and administrative and hotel operating expenses, respectively, in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  Amortization of this other liability included in general and administrative expense for the three months ended June 30, 2015 totaled $231.

 

RMR LLC Management Fees and Reimbursements: We recognized business and property management fees of $9,468 and $10,925 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $28,464 and $20,585 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The business management fees for the six months ended June 30, 2015, include estimated 2015 incentive fees of $8,822, based on our common share total return as of June 30, 2015.  The actual amount of incentive fees payable to RMR LLC for 2015, if any, will be based on our common share total return for the two year period ended December 31, 2015, and will be payable in 2016.  The business management fees recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2015, reflect the reversal of ($205), which is the amount by which the estimated 2015 incentive fee

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accrued as of March 31, 2015 exceeded the amount of that fee estimated as of June 30, 2015.  Although no incentive fee was ultimately payable to RMR LLC for 2014, business management fees we recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 include $1,445 and $2,296, respectively, of then estimated 2014 incentive fees that would have been payable in common shares after the year end 2014 based on our common share total return as of those respective 2014 periods.

 

The business management fees we recognized for the 2015 and 2014 periods are included in general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated financial statements.    The property management amounts are included in property operating expenses or have been capitalized, as appropriate, in our condensed consolidated financial statements and are comprised of fees we recognized under both our pre-existing property management agreement and our amended property management agreement.    In accordance with the terms of our pre-existing business management agreement, we issued 63,119 and 54,423 of our common shares to RMR LLC for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as payment for portions of the base business management fees we recognized for those periods.    Our amended business management agreement requires that 100% of the management fees due to RMR LLC be paid by us in cash.

 

Pursuant to our pre-existing and amended management agreements with RMR LLC, we are responsible for paying all of the property level operating costs at the one office building we own which is attached to a hotel we own.  These property level costs include certain payroll and related costs, which costs are generally incorporated into rents charged to our office tenants at this building.  The total of the property management related reimbursements we paid to RMR LLC was $29 and $15 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and these costs are included in hotel operating expenses in our condensed consolidated financial statements for these periods.  In addition we have historically awarded share grants to certain RMR LLC employees under our equity compensation plan and we accrue estimated amounts for such share grants throughout each year based upon historical practices.  The amounts accrued for share grants to RMR LLC employees were $647 and $877 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $1,383 and $1,115 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and these amounts are included in our general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated financial statements for these periods.

    

Sonesta:  As of June 30, 2015, Sonesta was managing 22 of our hotels pursuant to long term management agreements.  Pursuant to these management agreements, we incurred management, system, reservation fees and reimbursement of certain guest loyalty, marketing program and third party reservation transmission expenses payable to Sonesta of $5,887 and $4,717 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $10,401 and $8,330 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  These amounts are included in hotel operating expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  In addition, we also incurred procurement and construction supervision fees payable to Sonesta in connection with capital expenditures at our hotels managed by Sonesta of $323 and $1,203 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $676 and $1,750 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  These amounts have been capitalized in our condensed consolidated financial statements. 

 

On April 28, 2015, we acquired a building and land parcel adjacent to a hotel we own which is managed by Sonesta for $750, excluding closing costs.  This land was added to that hotel property and constitutes invested capital under our Sonesta agreement.

 

In July 2015, we acquired a portfolio of nine extended stay hotels with 1,094 suites located in eight states for $85,000, excluding closing costs.  In connection with this acquisition, we entered into a long term management agreement for Sonesta to manage these hotels.  The terms of the management agreement are substantially consistent with the terms of our other management agreements with Sonesta for extended stay hotels, and this management agreement was combined with our other Sonesta hotel management agreements under our existing pooling agreement with Sonesta.  We expect to invest approximately $45,000 to substantially renovate these hotels in connection with their conversion to the upscale, extended stay Sonesta ES Suites® hotel brand.

   

AIC:  As of June 30, 2015, our investment in AIC had a carrying value of $6,910, which amount is included in other assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.  We recognized income of $23 and $125 related to our investment in AIC for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $95 and $28 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Our other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains (losses) on securities held for sale

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which are owned by AIC of ($64) and $23 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and ($19) and $41 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

In June 2015, we and the other shareholders of AIC renewed our participation in an insurance program arranged by AIC.  In connection with that renewal, we purchased a three-year combined property insurance policy providing $500,000 of coverage annually with the premium to be paid annually and a one year combined policy providing terrorism coverage of $200,000 for our properties.  We currently expect to pay AIC an aggregate annual premium, including taxes and fees, of approximately $2,656 in connection with these policies for the policy year ending June 30, 2016, which amount may be adjusted from time to time as we acquire and dispose of properties that are included in this insurance program. 

 

Note 11. Hotel Management Agreements and Leases

 

As of June 30, 2015, 290 of our hotels are leased to our TRSs and managed by independent hotel operating companies and three are leased to third parties.

 

Marriott No. 1 agreement. Our management agreement with Marriott International, Inc., or Marriott, for 53 hotels provides that as of June 30, 2015 we are to be paid an annual minimum return of $68,147 to the extent that gross revenues of the hotels, after payment of hotel operating expenses and funding of the FF&E reserve, are sufficient to do so.  We do not have any security deposits or guarantees for our minimum returns from the 53 hotels included in our Marriott No. 1 agreement.  Accordingly, the returns we receive from these hotels managed by Marriott are limited to available hotel cash flows after payment of operating expenses and funding of the FF&E reserve. We realized returns of $17,027 and $18,771 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and returns of $34,033 and $33,807 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under this agreement.  Marriott’s management and incentive fees are only earned after we receive our minimum returns.

 

We funded $1,711 for capital improvements at certain of the hotels included in our Marriott No. 1 agreement during the six months ended June 30, 2015. We currently expect to fund $2,000 for capital improvements during the remainder of 2015 under this agreement. As we fund these improvements, the annual minimum returns payable to us increase by 10% of the amounts funded.

 

Marriott No. 234 agreement.  Our management agreement with Marriott for 68 hotels provides that as of June 30, 2015 we are to be paid an annual minimum return of $106,198.  We realized returns of $28,026 and $26,330 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and returns of $53,032 and $50,136 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under this agreement.  During the six months ended June 30, 2015, our available security deposit was replenished by $780 from the payments we received during the period in excess of the minimum payments due for the period.  The available balance of this deposit was $780 as of June 30, 2015.  Pursuant to our Marriott No. 234 agreement, Marriott has provided us with a limited guarantee which expires in 2019 for shortfalls up to 90% of our minimum returns, after the available security deposit has been depleted.  Marriott was not required to make any guarantee payments to us during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, because the hotels generated net operating results in excess of the guarantee threshold amount (90% of the minimum returns due to us).  The available balance of the guarantee was $30,672 as of June 30, 2015. 

 

We funded $3,000 for capital improvements at certain of the hotels included in our Marriott No. 234 agreement during the six months ended June 30, 2015. We currently expect to fund $6,500 for capital improvements during the remainder of 2015 under this agreement. As we fund these improvements, the annual minimum returns payable to us increase by 9% of the amounts funded.

 

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Marriott No. 5 agreement. We lease one hotel in Kauai, Hawaii to Marriott.  This lease is guaranteed by Marriott and we realized $2,529 and $2,501 of rent for this hotel during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $5,058 and $5,002 of rent during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The guarantee provided by Marriott with respect to this leased hotel is unlimited.

 

InterContinental agreement. Our management agreement with InterContinental for 93 hotels provides that as of June 30, 2015, we are to be paid annual minimum returns and rents of $149,778.  We realized minimum returns and rents of $36,702 and $34,875 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and minimum returns and rents of $72,016 and $69,749 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under this agreement.  We also realized additional returns of $3,177 under this agreement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.  Pursuant to our InterContinental agreement, InterContinental has provided us with a security deposit to cover minimum payment shortfalls, if any.  During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we were paid the minimum returns and rents due to us and our available security deposit was replenished by $8,284 from the payments we received during the period in excess of the minimum payments due for the period. The available balance of this security deposit was $41,251 as of June 30, 2015.

 

Under this agreement, InterContinental is required to maintain a minimum security deposit of $37,000. In January 2014, we entered into a letter agreement with InterContinental under which the minimum security deposit balance required to be maintained during 2015 will be reduced by two dollars for every dollar of additional security deposit InterContinental provides to us.  As of June 30, 2015, InterContinental had provided us $2,772 of additional security deposits, which reduced the minimum security deposit amount required to $31,456. We refunded the additional security deposit to InterContinental in July 2015. 

 

On each of March 16, 2015 and May 15, 2015, we amended our management agreement with InterContinental in connection with our acquisitions of two hotels. As a result of the amendments, the annual minimum returns due to us increased by an aggregate of  8% of our investment in the two hotels. 

 

We currently expect to fund $34,750 for capital improvements to certain hotels, including $24,750 related to the recently acquired hotels described above, under our InterContinental agreement during the remainder of 2015 and 2016. We did not make any of these fundings during the six months ended June 30, 2015.  As we fund these improvements, the annual minimum returns payable to us increase by 8% of the amounts funded.

 

Sonesta agreement. Our management agreement with Sonesta provides that we are to be paid an annual minimum return equal to 8% of our invested capital, as defined in the management agreement ($73,385 as of June 30, 2015), to the extent that gross revenues of the hotels, after payment of hotel operating expenses and certain fees to Sonesta, are sufficient to do so.  We do not have any security deposits or guarantees for our hotels managed by Sonesta.  Accordingly, the returns we receive from hotels managed by Sonesta are limited to available hotel cash flows after payment of operating expenses. Sonesta’s incentive management fees, but not its other fees, are only earned after we receive our minimum returns. We realized returns of $18,738 and $11,205 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and returns of $26,799 and $13,300 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under this agreement.

 

Our Sonesta agreement does not require FF&E escrow deposits.  Under our Sonesta agreement, we are required to fund capital expenditures made at our hotels.  We funded $23,909 for renovations and other capital improvements to hotels included in our Sonesta agreement during the six months ended June 30, 2015.  We currently expect to fund approximately $48,851 for renovations and other capital improvements during the remainder of 2015 and 2016 under this agreement, including $45,000 related to the nine hotels we acquired in July 2015. The annual minimum returns due to us under the Sonesta agreement increase by 8% of the amounts funded in excess of threshold amounts, as defined therein. See Note 10 for further information regarding our relationship with Sonesta.

 

Wyndham agreement. Our management agreement with Wyndham Hotel Group, or Wyndham, for 22 hotels provides that as of June 30, 2015, we are to be paid annual minimum returns and rents of $27,695.  We realized returns of $6,907 and $6,704 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and returns of $13,770 and $13,239 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under this agreement. Pursuant to our Wyndham agreement, Wyndham has provided us with a limited guarantee, which is limited to $35,656 ($4,679 remaining at June 30,

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2015), subject to an annual payment limit of $17,828 and which expires on July 28, 2020.  During the six months ended June 30, 2015, Wyndham made $1,903 of guarantee payments to us. The guarantee provided by Wyndham with respect to the lease with Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Inc., or Wyndham Vacation, for part of one hotel is unlimited.

 

We funded $3,446 for renovations and other capital improvements to hotels included in our Wyndham agreement during the six months ended June 30, 2015.  We currently expect to fund approximately $5,554 for capital improvements to certain hotels during the remainder of 2015 under this agreement.  As we fund these improvements, the annual minimum returns payable to us increase by 8% of the amounts funded.

 

TA agreements.  See Note 10 for information about our TA agreements.

 

Other management agreement and lease matters. As of August 9, 2015, all payments due to us from our managers and tenants under our other operating agreements were current.  Minimum return and minimum rent payments due to us under some of these other hotel management agreements and leases are supported by guarantees.  The guarantee provided by Hyatt Hotels Corporation, or Hyatt, with respect to the 22 hotels managed by Hyatt is limited to $50,000  ($13,962 remaining at June 30, 2015).  The guarantee provided by Carlson Hotels Worldwide, or Carlson, with respect to the 11 hotels managed by Carlson is limited to $40,000  ( $23,799 remaining at June 30, 2015).

 

Guarantees and security deposits generally.  Net operating results of our managed hotel portfolios exceeded the minimum returns due to us in the three months ended June 30, 2015.    Certain of our managed hotel portfolios had net operating results that were, in the aggregate, $4,449 less than the minimum returns due to us in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and $11,443 and $25,291 less than the minimum returns due to us for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  When the managers of these hotels fund the shortfalls under the terms of our operating agreements or their guarantees, we reflect such fundings (including security deposit applications) in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income as a reduction of hotel operating expenses.  There was no reduction to hotel operating expenses in the three months ended June 30, 2015 or 2014 and reductions to hotel operating expenses were $1,903 and $5,331 in the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  We had shortfalls at certain of our managed hotel portfolios not funded by the managers of these hotels of $4,450 in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and $9,540 and $19,960 in the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which represents the unguaranteed portions of our minimum returns from Marriott and from Sonesta.  When we reduce the amounts of the security deposits we hold for any of our operating agreements for payment deficiencies, we record income equal to the amounts by which the deposit is reduced up to the minimum returns or minimum rent due to us.  Reducing the security deposits does not result in additional cash flow to us of the deficiency amounts, but reducing amounts of security deposits may reduce the refunds due to the respective lessees or managers who have provided us with these deposits upon expiration of the respective lease or management agreement.  The security deposits are non-interest bearing and are not held in escrow.  Certain of our guarantees and our security deposits may be replenished by future cash flows from the applicable hotel operations pursuant to the terms of the respective operating agreements.  When our guarantees and our security deposits are replenished by cash flows from hotel operations, we reflect such replenishments in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income as an increase to hotel operating expenses.  We had $14,976 and $8,120 of guarantee and security deposit replenishments during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  We had $16,189 and $2,574 of guarantee and security deposit replenishments during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

 

 

21


 

Table of Contents

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Note 12.  Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

 

The table below presents certain of our assets carried at fair value at June 30, 2015, categorized by the level of inputs, as defined in the fair value hierarchy under GAAP, used in the valuation of each asset.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value at Reporting Date Using

 

 

    

 

 

    

Quoted Prices in

    

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Active Markets for

 

Significant Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical Assets

 

Observable Inputs

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

Description

 

Total

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Investment securities (1)    

 

$

50,787

 

$

50,787

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 


(1)

Our investment securities, consisting of our 3,420,000 shares of TA, which are included in other assets, net in our condensed consolidated balance sheets, are reported at fair value which is based on quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs).  Our historical cost basis for these securities is $17,407.  The unrealized gain for these securities as of June 30, 2015 is included in cumulative other comprehensive income in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

In addition to the investment securities included in the table above, our financial instruments include our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, rents receivable, investment in RMR Inc., unsecured revolving credit facility, unsecured term loan, senior unsecured notes and security deposits. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair values of these additional financial instruments approximated their carrying values in our condensed consolidated balance sheets due to their short term nature or variable interest rates, except as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

 

    

Amount

 

Value

 

Amount

 

Value

 

Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2016 at 6.3%    

 

$

275,000

 

$

281,035

 

$

275,000

 

$

287,680

 

Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2017 at 5.625%    

 

 

300,000

 

 

317,970

 

 

300,000

 

 

321,675

 

Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018 at 6.7%    

 

 

350,000

 

 

379,888

 

 

350,000

 

 

386,755

 

Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022 at 5.0%    

 

 

500,000

 

 

521,988

 

 

500,000

 

 

529,160

 

Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2023 at 4.5%

 

 

300,000

 

 

299,435

 

 

300,000

 

 

306,516

 

Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 at 4.65%

 

 

350,000

 

 

349,272

 

 

350,000

 

 

360,757

 

Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2025 at 4.5%

 

 

350,000

 

 

344,334

 

 

350,000

 

 

353,701

 

Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2027 at 3.8%    

 

 

8,478

 

 

8,799

 

 

8,478

 

 

8,849

 

Unamortized discounts 

 

 

(11,935)

 

 

 -

 

 

(12,865)

 

 

-

 

Total financial liabilities 

 

$

2,421,543

 

$

2,502,721

 

$

2,420,613

 

$

2,555,093

 

 

At June 30, 2015, we estimated the fair values of our senior unsecured notes using an average of the bid and ask price of our then outstanding issuances of senior unsecured notes (Level 2 inputs).  We estimated the fair value of our convertible senior unsecured notes using discounted cash flow analyses and currently prevailing market interest rates (Level 3 inputs) because no market quotes or other observable inputs for these notes were available at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22


 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our 2014 Annual Report. We are a REIT organized under Maryland law.

 

Overview (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Hotel operations. During three and six months ended June  30, 2015, the U.S. hotel industry generally realized improvements in average daily rate, or ADR, occupancy and revenue per available room, or RevPAR, when compared to the same period in 2014.  We believe certain of our hotels have benefited from recent renovations and, as a result, have produced year over year increases in RevPAR in excess of the hotel industry generally.  At the same time, however, certain of our hotels were negatively impacted by the disruption and displacement caused by our renovation activities at those hotels during 2014 and the six months ended June 30, 2015. We currently expect our renovation activities to continue for the remainder of 2015 and in 2016.

 

For the three months ended June  30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 for our 290 comparable hotels that we owned continuously since April 1, 2014: ADR increased 8.1% to $122.82; occupancy increased 1.9 percentage points to 80.1%; and RevPAR increased 10.7% to $98.38.

 

During the three months ended June  30, 2015, we had nine comparable hotels that we owned continuously since April 1, 2014 under renovation for all or part of the quarter.  For the three months ended June  30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 for these nine hotels under renovation: ADR increased 7.8% to $169.22; occupancy decreased 8.9 percentage points to 71.2%; and RevPAR decreased 4.2% to $120.48.

 

For the three months ended June  30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 for our 281 comparable hotels that we owned continuously since April 1, 2014 not under renovation: ADR increased 8.3% to $121.17; occupancy increased 2.3 percentage points to 80.4%; and RevPAR increased 11.5% to $97.42.

 

For the six months ended June  30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 for our 290 comparable hotels that we owned continuously since January 1, 2014: ADR increased 8.1% to $121.18; occupancy increased 1.6 percentage points to 76.0%; and RevPAR increased 10.4% to $92.10.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we had 16 comparable hotels that we owned continuously since January 1, 2014 under renovation for all or part of the six months.  For the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 for these 16 hotels under renovation: ADR increased 6.7% to $152.78; occupancy decreased 4.9 percentage points to 69.3%; and RevPAR decreased 0.3% to $105.88.

 

              For the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 for our 274 comparable hotels that we owned continuously since January 1, 2014 not under renovation: ADR increased 8.4% to $119.36; occupancy increased 2.0 percentage points to 76.4%; and RevPAR increased 11.3% to $91.19.

 

Our hotel tenants and managers.  Many of our hotel operating agreements contain security features, such as guarantees and security deposits, which are intended to protect minimum returns and rents due to us in accordance with our operating agreements regardless of hotel performance. However, the effectiveness of various security features to provide us uninterrupted receipt of minimum returns and rents is not assured, particularly if the profitability of our hotels do not recover to the levels experienced prior to the recent recession, if economic conditions generally decline, or if our hotel renovation activities described above do not result in improved operating results at our hotels. Also, certain of the guarantees that we hold are limited in amount and duration and do not provide for payment of the entire amount of the applicable minimum returns. If our tenants, managers or guarantors do not earn or pay the minimum returns and rents due to us, our cash flows will decline and we may be unable to repay our debt or fund our debt service obligations or pay distributions to our shareholders or the distributions may decline.

 

Marriott No. 1 agreementOur management agreement with Marriott for 53 hotels provides that as of June 30, 2015 we are to be paid an annual minimum return of $68,147 to the extent that gross revenues of the hotels, after payment of hotel operating expenses and funding of the FF&E reserve, are sufficient to do so.  We do not have any security deposits or guarantees for our minimum returns from the 53 hotels included in our Marriott No. 1 agreement.  Accordingly, the returns

23


 

we receive from these hotels managed by Marriott are limited to available hotel cash flows after payment of operating expenses and funding of the FF&E reserve. We realized returns of $17,027 and $18,771 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and returns of $34,033 and $33,807 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under this agreement.  Marriott’s management and incentive fees are only earned after we receive our minimum returns. 

 

Additional details of this agreement are set forth in Note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Marriott No. 234 agreementOur management agreement with Marriott for 68 hotels provides that as of June 30, 2015 we are to be paid an annual minimum return of $106,198.  We realized returns of $28,026 and $26,330 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and returns of $53,032 and $50,136 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under this agreement.  During the six months ended June 30, 2015, our available security deposit was replenished by $780 from the payments we received during the period in excess of the minimum payments due for the period.  The available balance of this deposit was $780 as of June 30, 2015.  Pursuant to our Marriott No. 234 agreement, Marriott has provided us with a limited guarantee which expires in 2019 for shortfalls up to 90% of our minimum returns, after the available security deposit has been depleted.  Marriott was not required to make any guarantee payments to us during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, because the hotels generated net operating results in excess of the guarantee threshold amount (90% of the minimum returns due to us).  The available balance of the guarantee was $30,672 as of June 30, 2015. 

 

Additional details of this agreement are set forth in Note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

 

InterContinental agreementOur management agreement with InterContinental for 93 hotels provides that as of June 30, 2015, we are to be paid annual minimum returns and rents of $149,778.  We realized minimum returns and rents of $36,702 and $34,875 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and minimum returns and rents of $72,016 and $69,749 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under this agreement.  We also realized additional returns of $3,177 under this agreement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.  Pursuant to our InterContinental agreement, InterContinental has provided us with a security deposit to cover minimum payment shortfalls, if any.  During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we were paid the minimum returns and rents due to us and our available security deposit was replenished by $8,284 from the payments we received during the period in excess of the minimum payments due for the period. The available balance of this security deposit was $41,251 as of June 30, 2015.

 

Under this agreement, InterContinental is required to maintain a minimum security deposit of $37,000. In January 2014, we entered into a letter agreement with InterContinental under which the minimum security deposit balance required to be maintained during 2015 will be reduced by two dollars for every dollar of additional security deposit InterContinental provides to us.  As of June 30, 2015, InterContinental had provided us $2,772 of additional security deposits, which reduced the minimum security deposit amount required to $31,456. We refunded the additional security deposit to InterContinental in July 2015. 

Additional details of this agreement are set forth in Note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Sonesta agreement.  Our management agreement with Sonesta provides that we are to be paid an annual minimum return equal to 8% of our invested capital, as defined in the management agreement ($73,385 as of June 30, 2015), to the extent that gross revenues of the hotels, after payment of hotel operating expenses and certain base management fees to Sonesta, are sufficient to do so.  We do not have any security deposits or guarantees for our hotels managed by Sonesta.  Accordingly, the returns we receive from hotels managed by Sonesta are limited to available hotel cash flows after payment of operating expenses. Sonesta’s incentive management fees, but not its other fees, are only earned after we receive our minimum returns. We realized returns of $18,738 and $11,205 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and returns of $26,799 and $13,300 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under this agreement.    

 

Additional details of this agreement are set forth in Notes 10 and 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

 

24


 

Wyndham agreement.  Our management agreement with Wyndham for 22 hotels provides that as of June 30, 2015, we are to be paid annual minimum returns and rents of $27,695.  We realized returns of $6,907 and $6,704 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and returns of $13,770 and $13,239 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively under this agreement. Pursuant to our Wyndham agreement, Wyndham has provided us with a limited guarantee, which is limited to $35,656 ($4,679 remaining at June 30, 2015), subject to an annual payment limit of $17,828 and which expires on July 28, 2020.  During the six months ended June 30, 2015, Wyndham made $1,903 of guarantee payments to us. The guarantee provided by Wyndham with respect to the lease with Wyndham Vacation for part of one hotel is unlimited.

 

Additional details of this agreement are set forth in Note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

 

TA agreements.  Details of our agreements with TA are set forth in Note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Other management agreement and lease matters.  As of August 9, 2015, all payments due to us from our managers and tenants under our other operating agreements were current.  Additional details of our guarantees from Hyatt and Carlson and our other agreements with Marriott, and Morgans Hotel Group, or Morgans, are set forth in Note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. 

 

Management Agreements and Leases

 

At June  30, 2015, we owned 293 hotels operated under nine operating agreements; 290 of these hotels are leased by us to our wholly owned TRSs and managed by hotel operating companies and three are leased to hotel operating companies.  At June  30, 2015, our 191 owned travel centers are leased to TA under five agreements. Our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income include operating revenues and expenses of our managed hotels and rental income from our leased hotels and travel centers.  Additional information regarding the terms of our management agreements and leases is included in the table and notes thereto on pages 37 through 39 below.

 

 

25


 

Results of Operations (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Three Months Ended June  30, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended June  30, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase

 

% Increase

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

(Decrease)

    

(Decrease)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel operating revenues

 

$

436,977

 

$

387,248

 

$

49,729

 

12.8%

 

Rental income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum rents - hotels

 

 

8,179

 

 

8,341

 

 

(162)

 

(1.9%)

 

Minimum rents - travel centers

 

 

58,836

 

 

55,395

 

 

3,441

 

6.2%

 

Percentage rent - travel centers

 

 

2,048

 

 

 -

 

 

2,048

 

n/a

 

Total rental income

 

 

69,063

 

 

63,736

 

 

5,327

 

8.4%

 

FF&E reserve income

 

 

1,026

 

 

916

 

 

110

 

12.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel operating expenses

 

 

304,428

 

 

270,778

 

 

33,650

 

12.4%

 

Depreciation and amortization - hotels

 

 

52,924

 

 

53,362

 

 

(438)

 

(0.8%)

 

Depreciation and amortization - travel centers

 

 

27,658

 

 

25,401

 

 

2,257

 

8.9%

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

 

80,582

 

 

78,763

 

 

1,819

 

2.3%

 

General and administrative

 

 

12,685

 

 

13,166

 

 

(481)

 

(3.7%)

 

Acquisition related costs

 

 

797

 

 

162

 

 

635

 

392.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

108,574

 

 

89,031

 

 

19,543

 

22.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

10

 

 

25

 

 

(15)

 

(60.0%)

 

Interest expense

 

 

(35,836)

 

 

(34,941)

 

 

(895)

 

2.6%

 

Income before income taxes, equity earnings of an investee and gain on sale of real estate

 

 

72,748

 

 

54,115

 

 

18,633

 

34.4%

 

Income tax expense

 

 

(640)

 

 

(455)

 

 

(185)

 

40.7%

 

Equity in earnings of an investee

 

 

23

 

 

125

 

 

(102)

 

n/a  

 

Income before gain on sale of real estate

 

 

72,131

 

 

53,785

 

 

18,346

 

34.1%

 

Gain on sale of real estate

 

 

11,015

 

 

130

 

 

10,885

 

8373.1%

 

Net income

 

 

83,146

 

 

53,915

 

 

29,231

 

54.2%

 

Preferred distributions

 

 

(5,166)

 

 

(5,166)

 

 

 -

 

0.0%

 

Net income available for common shareholders

 

 

77,980

 

 

48,749

 

 

29,231

 

60.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)

 

 

150,260

 

 

149,610

 

 

650

 

0.4%

 

Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)

 

 

150,292

 

 

149,789

 

 

503

 

0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available for common shareholders per common share (basic and diluted)

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.19

 

57.6%

 

 

References to changes in the income and expense categories below relate to the comparison of consolidated results for the three month period ended June 30, 2015, compared to the three month period ended June 30, 2014.

 

The increase in hotel operating revenues is a result of increased revenues at certain of our managed hotels due to increases in ADR and higher occupancies ($42,293) and the effects of our hotel acquisitions since April 1, 2014 ($8,714).  These increases were partially offset by the effects of our hotel dispositions since April 1, 2014 ($191) and decreased revenues at certain of our managed hotels undergoing renovations during the 2015 period due to lower occupancies ($1,087).  Additional operating statistics of our hotels are included in the table on page 40.

 

The decrease in minimum rents – hotels is primarily a result of a decrease in certain below market lease revenue amortization ($549), partially offset by contractual rent increases under certain of our hotel leases and increases in the 

26


 

minimum rents due to us as we funded improvements at certain of our leased hotels since April 1, 2014 ($442).  Rental income for each of the 2015 and 2014 periods includes $121 and $131, respectively, of adjustments to record rent on a straight line basis.

 

The increase in minimum rents - travel centers is primarily a result of increases in the minimum rents due to us from TA for improvements we purchased at certain of our travel centers since April 1, 2014 ($1,242), our purchase and leaseback to TA of 12 travel centers and certain other assets in June 2015 ($1,217) and an increase in straight line rent adjustments related to deferred rent amounts under our TA leases ($982). Rental income for our travel centers for the 2015 and 2014 periods includes $1,390 and $408, respectively, of adjustments necessary to record rent on a straight line basis.

 

The increase in percentage rent - travel centers is due to the recognition of percentage rent upon amendment of our Prior TA Lease in June 2015.  We generally recognize percentage rent at year end when all contingencies have been met and the rent is earned.

 

FF&E reserve income represents amounts paid by certain of our hotel tenants into restricted accounts owned by us, the purpose of which is to accumulate funds for future capital expenditures. The terms of our hotel leases require these amounts to be calculated as a percentage of total sales at our hotels. We do not report the amounts, if any, which are escrowed as FF&E reserves for our managed hotels as FF&E reserve income. The increase in FF&E reserve income is the result of increased sales at certain of our leased hotels and resulting increased FF&E contribution percentages by certain of our tenants. 

 

The increase in hotel operating expenses was primarily caused by the effect of our acquisitions since April 1, 2014 ($9,226), higher management fees earned by our operators ($7,586), increased expenses at certain of our managed hotels resulting primarily from higher wage and benefit costs and sales and marketing expenses ($7,121), and an increase in the amount security deposits and guarantees replenished under certain of our hotel agreements ($6,856), partially offset by operating expense decreases at certain properties undergoing renovations during the 2014 period due to lower occupancies ($842) and the effects of our hotel dispositions since April 1, 2014 ($191).  Certain of our guarantees and our security deposits may be replenished by subsequent cash flows from the applicable hotel operations pursuant to the terms of the respective operating agreements.  When our guarantees and our security deposits are replenished by cash flows from hotel operations, we reflect such replenishments in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income as an increase to hotel operating expenses.

 

The decrease in depreciation and amortization - hotels is primarily due to certain of our depreciable assets becoming fully depreciated since April 1, 2014 ($5,032), partially offset by the depreciation and amortization of assets acquired with funds from our FF&E reserves or directly funded by us since April 1, 2014 ($3,649) and the effect of our hotel acquisitions since April 1, 2014 ($945).

 

The increase in depreciation and amortization - travel centers is due to the depreciation and amortization of travel center improvements we acquired since April 1, 2014.

 

The decrease in general and administrative costs is primarily due to a decrease in estimated business management incentive fees ($1,649) partially offset by higher professional services expenses ($974) and an increase in business management base fees recognized ($194) compared to the 2014 period. 

 

Acquisition related costs represent legal and other costs incurred in connection with our acquisition activities.

 

The increase in operating income is primarily due to the revenue and expense changes discussed above during the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period.

 

The decrease in interest income is due to lower average cash balances during the 2015 period.

 

The increase in interest expense is due to higher average outstanding borrowings, partially offset by lower weighted average interest rates in the 2015 period.

 

We recognized higher state income taxes during the 2015 period, primarily as a result of a higher estimated effective state tax rate compared to the 2014 period. 

 

27


 

Equity in earnings of an investee represents our proportionate share of earnings of AIC.

 

We recorded an $11,015 gain on sale of real estate in the second quarter of 2015 in connection with the sale of five travel centers in June 2015.  We recorded a $130 gain on sale of real estate in the second quarter of 2014 in connection with the sale of our Sonesta ES Suites® hotel in Myrtle Beach, SC in April 2014.

 

The increases in net income, net income available for common shareholders and net income available for common shareholders per basic and diluted common share for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the prior year period, are primarily a result of the changes discussed above.

28


 

Six Months Ended June  30, 2015 Compared to the Six Months Ended June  30, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase

 

% Increase

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

(Decrease)

    

(Decrease)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel operating revenues

 

$

806,573

 

$

717,184

 

$

89,389

 

12.5%

 

Rental income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum rents - hotels

 

 

16,140

 

 

16,444

 

 

(304)

 

(1.8%)

 

Minimum rents - travel centers

 

 

115,626

 

 

110,678

 

 

4,948

 

4.5%

 

Percentage rent - travel centers

 

 

2,048

 

 

 -

 

 

2,048

 

n/a  

 

Total rental income

 

 

133,814

 

 

127,122

 

 

6,692

 

5.3%

 

FF&E reserve income

 

 

2,191

 

 

1,844

 

 

347

 

18.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel operating expenses

 

 

562,086

 

 

501,395

 

 

60,691

 

12.1%

 

Depreciation and amortization - hotels

 

 

105,321

 

 

106,378

 

 

(1,057)

 

(1.0%)

 

Depreciation and amortization - travel centers

 

 

54,230

 

 

50,672

 

 

3,558

 

7.0%

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

 

159,551

 

 

157,050

 

 

2,501

 

1.6%

 

General and administrative

 

 

33,989

 

 

24,631

 

 

9,358

 

38.0%

 

Acquisition related costs

 

 

1,135

 

 

223

 

 

912

 

409.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

185,817

 

 

162,851

 

 

22,966

 

14.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

21

 

 

50

 

 

(29)

 

(58.0%)

 

Interest expense

 

 

(71,290)

 

 

(69,797)

 

 

(1,493)

 

2.1%

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 -

 

 

(726)

 

 

726

 

(100.0%)

 

Income before income taxes, equity earnings of an investee and gain on sale of real estate

 

 

114,548

 

 

92,378

 

 

22,170

 

24.0%

 

Income tax expense

 

 

(931)

 

 

(1,071)

 

 

140

 

n/a  

 

Equity in earnings of an investee

 

 

95

 

 

28

 

 

67

 

239.3%

 

Income before gain on sale of real estate

 

 

113,712

 

 

91,335

 

 

22,377

 

24.5%

 

Gain on sale of real estate

 

 

11,015

 

 

130

 

 

10,885

 

8273.1%

 

Net income

 

 

124,727

 

 

91,465

 

 

33,262

 

36.4%

 

Preferred distributions

 

 

(10,332)

 

 

(10,332)

 

 

 -

 

0.0%

 

Net income available for common shareholders

 

 

114,395

 

 

81,133

 

 

33,262

 

41.0%

 

Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)

 

 

150,028

 

 

149,591

 

 

437

 

0.3%

 

Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)

 

 

150,594

 

 

149,740

 

 

854

 

0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available for common shareholders per

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

common share (basic and diluted)

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.22

 

40.7%

 

 

References to changes in the income and expense categories below relate to the comparison of results for the six month period ended June 30, 2015, compared to the six month period ended June 30, 2014.

 

The increase in hotel operating revenues is a result of increased revenues at certain of our managed hotels due to increases in ADR and higher occupancies ($76,097), the effects of our hotel acquisitions since January 1, 2014 ($14,902), partially offset by decreased revenues at certain of our managed hotels undergoing or completing renovations during the 2014 period due to lower occupancies ($1,610).  Additional operating statistics of our hotels are included in the table on page 40.

 

The decrease in minimum rents - hotels is primarily a result of a decrease in certain below market lease revenue amortization ($1,098) partially offset by contractual rent increases under certain of our hotel leases and increases in the minimum rents due to us as we funded improvements at certain of our leased hotels since January 1, 2014 ($794).  Rental income for the 2015 and 2014 periods includes $251 and $261 of adjustments to record rent on a straight line basis, respectively.  

 

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The increase in minimum rents - travel centers is primarily a result of increases in the minimum rents due to us from TA for improvements we purchased at certain of our travel centers since January 1, 2014 ($2,771), our purchase from and leaseback to TA of 12 travel centers and certain other assets in June 2015 ($1,217) and an increase in straight line rent adjustments related to deferred rent amounts under our TA leases ($960). Rental income for our travel centers for the 2015 and 2014 periods includes $1,805 and $845, respectively, of adjustments necessary to record rent on a straight line basis.

 

The increase in percentage rent - travel centers is due to the recognition of percentage rent upon amendment of our Prior TA Lease in June 2015.

 

The increase in FF&E reserve income is primarily the result of increased FF&E contributions by certain of our tenants.  We do not report the amounts, if any, which are escrowed as FF&E reserves for our managed hotels as FF&E reserve income.

 

The increase in hotel operating expenses was primarily caused by the effect of our acquisitions since January 1, 2014 ($15,697), an increase in the amount of security deposits and guarantees replenished under certain of our hotel agreements ($13,614), increased expenses at certain of our managed hotels resulting primarily from higher wage and benefit costs and sales and marketing expenses ($12,937), higher management fees earned by our operators ($11,160) and a reduction in the amount of minimum return shortfalls funded by our managers ($3,428), partially offset by operating expense decreases at certain properties undergoing renovations during the 2015 period due to lower occupancies ($2,100) and the effects of our hotel dispositions since January 1, 2014 ($540).  When our managers fund shortfalls of our minimum returns under the terms of our operating agreements or their guarantees, we reflect such fundings (including security deposit applications) in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income as a reduction of hotel operating expenses.  Certain of our guarantees and our security deposits may be replenished by subsequent cash flows from the applicable hotel operations pursuant to the terms of the respective operating agreements.  When our guarantees and our security deposits are replenished by cash flows from hotel operations, we reflect such replenishments in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income as an increase to hotel operating expenses.

 

The decrease in depreciation and amortization - hotels is primarily due to certain of our depreciable assets becoming fully depreciated since January 1, 2014 ($5,492), partially offset by the depreciation and amortization of assets acquired with funds from our FF&E reserves or directly funded by us since January 1, 2014 ($2,902) and the effect of our hotel acquisitions since January 1, 2014 (1,533).

 

The increase in depreciation and amortization - travel centers is due to the depreciation and amortization of improvements made to our travel centers since January 1, 2014.

 

The increase in general and administrative costs is primarily due to an increase in business management incentive fees recognized in the 2015 period ($6,526), higher business management base fees recognized ($1,354) and higher professional services costs ($1,478).

 

Acquisition related costs represent legal and other costs incurred in connection with our acquisition activities.

 

The increase in operating income is primarily due to the revenue and expense changes discussed above during the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period.

 

The decrease in interest income is due to lower average cash balances during the 2015 period.

 

The increase in interest expense is primarily due to higher average borrowings, partially offset by a lower weighted average interest rate in the 2015 period.

 

We recorded a $726 loss on early extinguishment of debt in the first quarter of 2014 in connection with amending the terms of our revolving credit facility and term loan.

 

We recognized lower state income taxes during the 2015 period primarily due to decreased taxable income in certain jurisdictions.

 

Equity in earnings of an investee represents our proportionate share of earnings of AIC.

 

30


 

We recorded an $11,015 gain on sale of real estate in the second quarter of 2015 in connection with the sale of five travel centers in June 2015.  We recorded a $130 gain on sale of real estate in the second quarter of 2014 in connection with the sale of our Sonesta ES Suites® hotel in Myrtle Beach, SC in April 2014.

 

The increases in net income, net income available for common shareholders and net income available for common shareholders per common share in the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the prior year period, are primarily a result of the changes discussed above. 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Our Managers and Tenants

 

As of June  30, 2015,  291 of our hotels are included in one of seven portfolio agreements and two hotels are not included in a portfolio and are leased to hotel operating companies. Our 191 owned travel centers are leased under five portfolio agreements. All costs of operating and maintaining our properties are paid by the hotel managers as agents for us or by our tenants for their own account. Our hotel managers and tenants derive their funding for property operating expenses and for returns and rents due to us generally from property operating revenues and, to the extent that these parties themselves fund our minimum returns and minimum rents, from their separate resources. Our hotel managers and tenants are Marriott, InterContinental, Sonesta, Wyndham, Hyatt, Carlson and Morgans. Our travel centers are leased to TA.

 

We define coverage for each of our hotel management agreements or leases as total property level revenues minus FF&E reserve escrows, if any, and all property level expenses which are not subordinated to the minimum returns and minimum rents due to us divided by the minimum returns or minimum rent payments due to us. More detail regarding coverage, guarantees and other features of our hotel operating agreements is presented in the tables and related notes on pages 37 through 39. For the twelve months ended June  30, 2015,  three of our nine hotel operating agreements, representing 15% of our total annual minimum returns and minimum rents, generated coverage of less than 1.0x (with a range among those three hotel operating agreements of 0.50x to 0.85x).

 

We define coverage for our travel center leases as property level revenues minus all property level expenses divided by the minimum rent payments due to us.  During the twelve months ended June 30, 2015, the operating results from our 191 properties in our five travel center leases generated coverage of 1.93x. Because a large percentage of TA’s business is conducted at properties leased from us, property level rent coverage may not be an appropriate way to evaluate TA’s ability to pay rents due to us. We believe property level rent coverage is nonetheless one useful indicator of the performance and value of our properties as we believe it is what an operator interested to acquire these properties or the leaseholds might use to evaluate the contribution of these properties to their earnings before corporate level expenses.

 

Three hundred fifteen (315) of our properties, representing 60% of our total historical investments at cost as of June  30, 2015, are operated under 10 management arrangements or leases which are subject to full or limited guarantees. These guarantees may provide us with continued payments if the property level cash flows fail to equal or exceed guaranteed amounts due to us. Our minimum returns and minimum rents for 93 hotels, representing 19% of our total historical investments at cost as of June 30, 2015, are secured by a security deposit which we control. Some of our managers and tenants, or their affiliates, may also supplement cash flow from our properties in order to make payments to us and preserve their rights to continue operating our properties even if they are not required to do so by guarantees. Guarantee payments, security deposit applications or supplemental payments to us, if any, made under any of our management agreements or leases do not subject us to repayment obligations, but, under some of our agreements, the manager or tenant may recover these guarantee or supplemental payments and the security deposits may be replenished from the subsequent cash flows from our properties after our future minimum returns and minimum rents are paid.

 

Cash flows from our hotels under certain of our agreements are less than the minimum amounts contractually required and we have been utilizing the applicable security features in our agreements to cover some of these shortfalls. However, several of the guarantees and all the security deposits we hold are for limited amounts and are for limited durations and may be exhausted or expire, especially if the profitability of our hotels does not fully recover from the recent recession in a reasonable time period or if our hotel renovation and rebranding activities do not result in improved operating results at these hotels. Accordingly, the effectiveness of our various security features to provide uninterrupted payments to us is not assured. If any of our hotel managers, tenants or guarantors default in their payment obligations to us, our cash flows will decline and we may become unable to continue to pay distributions to our shareholders or the amount of the distributions may decline.

31


 

 

Our Operating Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our principal source of funds for current expenses and distributions to shareholders are minimum returns from our managed hotels and minimum rents from our leased hotels and travel centers. We receive minimum returns and minimum rents from our managers and tenants monthly. We receive additional returns, percentage returns and rents and our share of the operating profits of our managed hotels after payment of management fees and other deductions, if any, either monthly or quarterly, and these amounts are usually subject to annual true up. This flow of funds has historically been sufficient for us to pay our operating expenses, interest expense on our debt and distributions to shareholders. We believe that our operating cash flow will be sufficient to meet our operating expenses, interest expense and distributions to our shareholders for the next twelve months and the foreseeable future thereafter. However, as a result of economic conditions or otherwise, our managers and tenants may become unable to pay minimum returns and minimum rents to us when due, in which case our cash flow and net income will decline and we may need to reduce the amount of, or even eliminate, our distributions to common shareholders.

Changes in our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 were as follows: (1) cash flow provided by operating activities increased from $217,102 in 2014 to $252,057 in 2015; (2) cash used in investing activities increased from $148,951 in 2014 to $387,712 in 2015; and (3) cash flows from financing activities changed from $75,131 of cash used in financing activities in 2014 to $142,216 of cash provided by financing activities in 2015.

 

The increase in cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the prior year period is due primarily to an increase in the minimum returns and rents paid to us due to our funding of improvements to our hotels and travel centers, the improved operating performance at certain of our hotels, our acquisitions since January 1, 2014, an increase in security deposit replenishments and other favorable changes in working capital, partially offset by higher FF&E reserve contributions. The increase in cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the prior year period is primarily due to an increase in real estate acquisitions, partially offset by an increase in proceeds from the sale of real estate. The change in cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the prior year period is primarily due to higher net borrowings.

 

We maintain our status as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by meeting certain requirements. As a REIT, we do not expect to pay federal income taxes on the majority of our income; however, the income realized by our TRSs in excess of the rent they pay to us is subject to U.S. federal income tax at corporate tax rates. In addition, the income we receive from our hotels in Canada and Puerto Rico is subject to taxes in those jurisdictions and we are subject to taxes in certain states where we have properties despite our REIT status.

 

32


 

Our Investment and Financing Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Various percentages of total sales at some of our hotels are escrowed as FF&E reserves to fund future capital improvements. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, our hotel managers and hotel tenants deposited $31,091 to these accounts and $30,678 was spent from the FF&E reserve escrow accounts to renovate and refurbish our hotels.  As of June 30, 2015, there was $39,106 on deposit in these escrow accounts, which was held directly by us and is reflected in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash.

 

Our hotel operating agreements generally provide that, if necessary, we may provide our managers and tenants with funding for capital improvements to our hotels in excess of amounts otherwise available in escrowed FF&E reserves or when no FF&E reserves are available. To the extent we make such additional fundings, our annual minimum returns or minimum rents generally increase by a percentage of the amount we fund. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we funded $31,306 for capital improvements in excess of FF&E reserve fundings available from hotel operations to our hotels as follows:

 

·

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we funded $1,711 for capital improvements to hotels included in our Marriott No. 1 agreement using cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility. We currently expect to fund approximately $2,000 for capital improvements under this agreement during the remainder of 2015 using existing cash balances or borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility. As we fund these improvements, the minimum return payable to us increases.

 

·

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we funded $3,000 for capital improvements to hotels included in our Marriott No. 234 agreement using cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility.  We currently expect to fund approximately $6,500 for capital improvements under this agreement during the remainder of 2015 using existing cash balances or borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility. As we fund these improvements, the minimum return payable to us increases.

 

·

We currently expect to fund approximately $34,750 for capital improvements under our InterContinental agreement during the remainder of 2015 and 2016 using existing cash balances or borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility.  We did not make any of these fundings during the six months ended June 30, 2015.  As we fund these improvements, the minimum return payable to us increases.

 

·

Our Sonesta management agreements do not require FF&E escrow deposits. Under our Sonesta agreement, we are required to fund capital expenditures made at our hotels. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we funded $23,909 for renovations and other capital improvements to hotels included in our Sonesta agreement using cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility.  We currently expect to fund approximately $48,851 during the remainder of 2015 and in 2016 using existing cash balances or borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility. As we fund these improvements, the minimum returns payable to us increase to the extent amounts funded exceed threshold amounts, as defined in our Sonesta agreement.

 

·

Our Wyndham agreement requires FF&E escrow deposits only if there is excess cash flow after payment of our minimum returns.  No FF&E escrow deposits were required during the six months ended June 30, 2015.  During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we funded $3,446 for renovations and other capital improvements to hotels included in our Wyndham agreement using existing cash balances and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility.  We currently expect to fund approximately $5,554 for capital improvements under this agreement during the remainder of 2015 using existing cash balances or borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility. As we fund these improvements, the minimum return payable to us increases.

 

Our travel center leases with TA do not require FF&E escrow deposits. However, TA is required to maintain the leased travel centers, including structural and non-structural components. Under all of our leases with TA, TA may request that we purchase qualifying capital improvements to the leased facilities in return for minimum rent increases. However, TA is not obligated to request and we are not obligated to purchase any such improvements. We funded $40,415 for purchases of capital improvements under these lease provisions during the six months ended June 30, 2015, resulting in TA’s annual minimum rent payable to us increasing by $3,435 pursuant to the leases.

33


 

 

On each of January 15, 2015, April 15, 2015 and July 15, 2015, we paid a $0.4453 per share distribution, or $5,166, to our Series D preferred shareholders. We funded these distributions using cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility.

 

On February 24, 2015, we paid a $0.49 per share distribution, or $73,466, to our common shareholders.  On May 21, 2015, we paid a $0.50 per share distribution, or $74,981, to our common shareholders.    We funded these distributions using cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility.  On July 13, 2015, we declared a $0.50 per share distribution, or $75,743, to our common shareholders of record as of July 24, 2015.  We expect to pay this amount on or about August 20, 2015 using cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility.

 

On March 16, 2015, we acquired a 300 room hotel located in Rosemont, IL for $35,500, excluding related acquisition costs.  We funded this acquisition using cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility.

 

On April 28, 2015, we acquired a land parcel adjacent to one of our hotels for $750, excluding related acquisition costs.  We funded this acquisition using cash on hand.

 

On May 15, 2015, we acquired a 364 room full service hotel located in Denver, CO for $77,250,  excluding related acquisition costsWe funded this acquisition using cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility.

 

In June 2015, in a series of transactions, we purchased from TA 12 travel centers it owned and certain assets it owned at 10 properties TA leased from us for $227,877. We funded these acquisitions using cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility.

 

On June 9, 2015 we sold five TA branded travel centers for net proceeds of $45,042.  As a result of this sale, we recorded an $11,015 gain on sale of real estate in the three months ended June 30, 2015.  Net proceeds from the sale were used to partially fund our acquisition of the travel centers noted above.

 

On June 5, 2015, we acquired 5,019,121 shares of RMR Inc. for $55,922, excluding transaction costs. As payment for the RMR Inc. shares, we issued 1,490,000 of our common shares valued at the volume weighted average trading prices during the 20 days prior to the acquisition and funded the remainder of the purchase price with cash on hand.  Through our acquisition of the RMR Inc. shares, we indirectly acquired an economic ownership of 16.2% of our manager RMR LLC.  We have agreed to distribute approximately half of the RMR Inc. shares we acquired to our shareholders as a special distribution, and RMR Inc. agreed to facilitate this distribution by filing a registration statement with the SEC to register those shares to be distributed and by seeking a listing of those shares on a national stock exchange.  We will not distribute our RMR Inc. shares until such a registration statement is declared effective by the SEC.

 

On July 23, 2015, we acquired a portfolio of nine extended stay hotels with 1,094 suites located in eight states for $85,000, excluding closing costs.  We funded this acquisition using cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility.

 

In order to fund capital improvements to our properties and acquisitions and to meet cash needs that may result from timing differences between our receipt of returns and rents and our need or desire to pay operating expenses, debt service and distributions, as of June 30, 2015, we maintained a $750,000 unsecured revolving credit facility.

 

Our $750,000 unsecured revolving credit facility and our $400,000 unsecured term loan are both documented in a single credit agreement.  The stated maturity date of the unsecured revolving credit facility is July 15, 2018 and the stated maturity date of our $400,000 unsecured term loan is April 15, 2019. Subject to the payment of an extension fee and meeting certain other conditions, we have an option to further extend the stated maturity date of the unsecured revolving credit facility by an additional one year to July 15, 2019. The credit agreement provides that we can borrow, repay and reborrow funds available under the unsecured revolving credit facility until maturity, and no principal repayment is due until maturity. Our unsecured term loan is prepayable without penalty at any time.  The credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan includes a feature under which the maximum borrowing availability under the facilities may be increased up to $2,300,000 on a combined basis in certain circumstances.

34


 

 

The interest rate paid on borrowings under the unsecured revolving credit facility is LIBOR plus a premium, which was 110 basis points as of June 30, 2015, and the facility fee on the total amount of lending commitments under the unsecured revolving credit facility was 20 basis points per annum as of June 30, 2015. The interest rate paid on borrowings under the unsecured term loan is LIBOR plus a premium, which was 120 basis points as of June 30, 2015. Both the interest rate premiums and the facility fee are subject to adjustment based upon changes to our credit ratings. As of June 30, 2015, and August 9, 2015, we had $319,000 and $334,000, respectively, outstanding under our unsecured revolving credit facility.  As of June 30, 2015, the annual interest rate for the amount outstanding under our unsecured revolving credit facility was 1.29%.    As of both June 30, 2015 and August 9, 2015, we had $400,000 outstanding under our unsecured term loan. As of June 30, 2015, the annual interest rate for the amount outstanding under our unsecured term loan was 1.38%.

 

Our credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan provides that, with certain exceptions, a subsidiary of ours is required to guaranty our obligations under the unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan only if that subsidiary has separately incurred debt (other than nonrecourse debt), within the meaning specified in the credit agreement, or provided a guarantee of debt incurred by us or any of our other subsidiaries.

 

Our term debt maturities (other than our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan) as of June 30, 2015 were as follows: $275,000 in 2016, $300,000 in 2017, $350,000 in 2018, $500,000 in 2022, $300,000 in 2023, $350,000 in 2024, $350,000 in 2025 and $8,478 in 2027. Our $8,478 of 3.8% convertible senior unsecured notes due 2027 are convertible into our common shares, if certain conditions are met (including certain changes in control), into cash equal to the principal amount of the notes and, to the extent the market price of our common shares exceeds the exchange price of $50.50 per share, subject to adjustment, either cash or our common shares at our option with a value based on such excess amount. Holders of our convertible senior unsecured notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the notes on March 15, 2017 and March 15, 2022, or upon the occurrence of certain change in control events. None of our other debt obligations require principal or sinking fund payments prior to their maturity dates.

 

We expect to use existing cash balances, the cash flow from our operations, borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility, net proceeds from any property sales and net proceeds of offerings of equity or debt securities to fund future debt maturities, property acquisitions and improvements and other general business purposes. Although we have not historically done so, we may also assume mortgage debt on properties we may acquire or obtain mortgage financing on our existing properties.

 

When significant amounts are outstanding for an extended period of time under our unsecured revolving credit facility and as the maturity dates of our unsecured revolving credit facility and term debts approach, we currently expect to explore alternatives for the repayment of amounts due or renewal or extension of the maturity dates. Such alternatives in the short term and long term may include incurring additional debt and issuing new equity securities. We have an effective shelf registration statement that allows us to issue public securities on an expedited basis, but it does not assure that there will be buyers for such securities.

 

While we believe we will have access to various types of financings, including debt or equity, to fund our future acquisitions and to pay our debts and other obligations, there can be no assurance that we will be able to complete any debt or equity offerings or that our cost of any future public or private financings will be reasonable.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of June  30, 2015, we had no off balance sheet arrangements that have had or that we expect would be reasonably likely to have a future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

Debt Covenants

 

Our debt obligations at June  30, 2015 consist of outstanding borrowings under our $750,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, our $400,000 unsecured term loan and $2,433,478 of publicly issued unsecured term debt and convertible notes. Our publicly issued unsecured term debt and convertible notes are governed by an indenture.  Our credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan and our senior unsecured notes and convertible notes indenture and its supplements provide for acceleration of payment of all amounts outstanding upon the occurrence and continuation of certain events of default, such as, in the case of our credit agreement, a change of control of us, which

35


 

includes RMR LLC ceasing to act as our business manager.  Our credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan and our senior unsecured notes indenture and its related supplements also contain covenants which generally restrict our ability to incur debts, including debts secured by mortgages on our properties, in excess of calculated amounts, require us to maintain a minimum net worth, restrict our ability to make distributions under certain circumstances and require us to maintain various financial ratios. As of June  30, 2015, we believe we were in compliance with all of the covenants under our credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan and our senior unsecured notes indenture and its related supplements.

 

Neither our credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan nor our senior unsecured notes indenture and its supplements contain provisions for acceleration which could be triggered by a change in our debt ratings. However, under our credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan, our senior unsecured debt ratings are used to determine the fees and interest rates we pay.  Accordingly, if our debt ratings are downgraded by certain credit rating agencies, our interest expense and related costs under our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan would increase.

 

Our credit agreement for our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan has cross default provisions to other indebtedness that is recourse of $25,000 or more and indebtedness that is non-recourse of $75,000 or more. Similarly, our senior unsecured notes indenture and its supplements contain cross default provisions to any other debts of $20,000 or more.

 

Management Agreements, Leases and Operating Statistics (dollar amounts in thousands)

 

As of June  30, 2015, 291 of our hotels are included in one of seven portfolio agreements and two hotels are not included in a portfolio and are leased to hotel operating companies. Our 191 travel centers are leased under five portfolio agreements. Our hotels are managed by or leased to separate affiliates of InterContinental, Marriott, Hyatt, Carlson, Sonesta, Wyndham and Morgans under nine agreements. Our 191 travel centers are leased to and operated by TA under five agreements.

 

The table and related notes on pages 37 to 39 summarize significant terms of our leases and management agreements as of June  30, 2015. The tables on pages 37 and 40 also include statistics reported to us or derived from information reported to us by our managers and tenants. These statistics include coverage of our minimum returns or minimum rents and occupancy, ADR and RevPAR for our hotel properties. We consider these statistics and the management agreement or lease security features also presented in the tables on the following pages to be important measures of our managers’ and tenants’ success in operating our properties and their ability to continue to pay us.  However, none of this third party reported information is a direct measure of our financial performance and we have not independently verified this data.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rent / Return Coverage (3)

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

Annual

 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

Operating Agreement 

 

Number of

 

Rooms /

 

 

 

 

Minimum

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

Reference Name

    

Properties

    

Suites

    

Investment (1)

    

Return/Rent (2)

    

2015

    

2014

    

2015

    

2014

 

Marriott (No. 1) (4)  

 

53

 

7,610

 

$

686,412

 

$

68,147

 

1.61x

 

1.41x

 

1.26x

 

1.09x

 

Marriott (No. 234) (5)    

 

68

 

9,120

 

 

999,939

 

 

106,198

 

1.26x

 

1.09x

 

1.05x

 

0.92x

 

Marriott (No. 5) (6)    

 

1

 

356

 

 

90,078

 

 

10,116

 

0.50x

 

0.36x

 

0.50x

 

0.32x

 

Subtotal / Average Marriott

 

122

 

17,086

 

 

1,776,429

 

 

184,461

 

1.34x

 

1.17x

 

1.09x

 

0.95x

 

InterContinental (7)  

 

93

 

14,182

 

 

1,545,639

 

 

149,778

 

1.32x

 

1.19x

 

1.16x

 

1.05x

 

Sonesta(8)    

 

22

 

4,728

 

 

966,193

 

 

73,385

 

1.02x

 

0.73x

 

0.62x

 

0.41x

 

Wyndham (9)    

 

22

 

3,579

 

 

378,905

 

 

27,695

 

1.30x

 

1.05x

 

0.85x

 

0.49x

 

Hyatt (10)    

 

22

 

2,724

 

 

301,942

 

 

22,037

 

1.36x

 

1.18x

 

1.00x

 

0.90x

 

Carlson (11)  

 

11

 

2,090

 

 

209,895

 

 

12,920

 

1.49x

 

1.14x

 

1.25x

 

0.93x

 

Morgans (12)    

 

1

 

372

 

 

120,000

 

 

7,595

 

1.01x

 

1.08x

 

1.08x

 

1.03x

 

Subtotal / Average Hotels  

 

293

 

44,761

 

 

5,299,003

 

 

477,871

 

1.28x

 

1.10x

 

1.03x

 

0.88x

 

TA (No. 1) (13)    

 

39

 

N/A

 

 

619,221

 

 

47,849

 

1.73x

 

1.70x

 

1.84x

 

1.51x

 

TA (No. 2) (14)    

 

37

 

N/A

 

 

558,084

 

 

43,192

 

1.71x

 

1.76x

 

1.96x

 

1.66x

 

TA (No. 3) (15)    

 

38

 

N/A

 

 

576,189

 

 

48,919

 

1.80x

 

1.93x

 

2.04x

 

1.79x

 

TA (No. 4) (16)    

 

37

 

N/A

 

 

506,654

 

 

44,863

 

1.76x

 

1.91x

 

2.00x

 

1.72x

 

TA (No. 5) (17)    

 

40

 

N/A

 

 

798,805

 

 

62,140

 

1.67x

 

1.69x

 

1.87x

 

1.57x

 

Subtotal / Average TA 

 

191

 

N/A

 

 

3,058,953

 

 

246,963

 

1.73x

 

1.79x

 

1.93x

 

1.64x

 

Total / Average  

 

484

 

44,761

 

$

8,357,956

 

$

724,834

 

1.43x

 

1.33x

 

1.33x

 

1.14x

 


36


 

(1)

Represents the historical cost of our properties plus capital improvements funded by us less impairment writedowns, if any, and excludes capital improvements made from FF&E reserves funded from hotel operations.

 

(2)

Each of our management agreements or leases provides for payment to us of an annual minimum return or minimum rent, respectively. Certain of these minimum payment amounts are secured by full or limited guarantees or security deposits as more fully described below. In addition, certain of our hotel management agreements provide for payment to us of additional amounts to the extent of available cash flow as defined in the management agreement. Payments of these additional amounts are not guaranteed or secured by deposits.  Annual minimum rent amounts exclude adjustments necessary to record rent on a straight line basis.

 

(3)

We define coverage as combined total property level revenues minus the required FF&E reserve escrows, if any, and all property level expenses which are not subordinated to minimum returns and minimum rent payments to us (which data is provided to us by our managers or tenants), divided by the minimum return or minimum rent payments due to us. Coverage amounts for our Sonesta, Wyndham, InterContinental and TA agreements include data for periods prior to our ownership of certain properties.

 

(4)

We lease 53 Courtyard by Marriott® branded hotels in 24 states to one of our TRSs.  The hotels are managed by a subsidiary of Marriott under a combination management agreement which expires in 2024; Marriott has two renewal options for 12 years each for all, but not less than all, of the hotels.

 

We have no security deposit or guaranty from Marriott for these 53 hotels.  Accordingly, payment by Marriott of the minimum return due to us under this management agreement is limited to available hotel cash flow after payment of operating expenses and funding of the FF&E reserve.  In addition to our minimum return, this agreement provides for payment to us of 50% of available cash flow after payment of hotel operating expenses, funding of the required FF&E reserve, payment of our minimum return and payment of certain management fees.

 

One Marriott branded hotel with a carrying value of $4,143 was removed from held for sale status in May 2015.  We are no longer marketing this hotel for sale and are currently evaluating renovation alternatives for this hotel.

 

(5)

We lease 68 of our Marriott branded hotels (one full service Marriott®, 35 Residence Inn by Marriott®, 18 Courtyard by Marriott®, 12 TownePlace Suites by Marriott® and two SpringHill Suites by Marriott® hotels) in 22 states to one of our TRSs.  The hotels are managed by subsidiaries of Marriott under a combination management agreement which expires in 2025; Marriott has two renewal options for 10 years each for all, but not less than all, of the hotels.

 

We originally held a security deposit of $64,700 under this agreement.  As of June 30, 2015, the available balance of this security deposit was $780.  This security deposit may be replenished from future cash flows from these hotels in excess of our minimum return and certain management fees.  Marriott has also provided us with a $40,000 limited guaranty for payment shortfalls up to 90% of our minimum return after the available security deposit has been depleted, which expires in 2019.  As of June 30, 2015, the available Marriott guaranty was $30,672.

 

In addition to our minimum return, this agreement provides for payment to us of 62.5% of excess cash flow after payment of hotel operating expenses, funding of the required FF&E reserve, payment of our minimum return, payment of certain management fees and replenishment of the security deposit. This additional return amount is not guaranteed or secured by the security deposit.

 

(6)

We lease one Marriott® branded hotel in Kauai, HI to a subsidiary of Marriott under a lease that expires in 2019; Marriott has four renewal options for 15 years each. This lease is guaranteed by Marriott and provides for increases in the annual minimum rent payable to us based on changes in the consumer price index.

 

(7)

We lease 92 InterContinental branded hotels (19 Staybridge Suites®, 61 Candlewood Suites®, two InterContinental®, seven Crowne Plaza® and three Holiday Inn® hotels) in 27 states in the U.S. and Ontario, Canada to one of our TRSs.  These 92 hotels are managed by subsidiaries of InterContinental under a combination management agreement.  On May 15, 2015, we amended the agreement to include a Crowne Plaza® branded hotel in Denver, CO (which is included in the 92 hotels noted in the prior sentence).  We lease one additional InterContinental® branded hotel in Puerto Rico to a subsidiary of InterContinental. The annual minimum return amount presented in the table on page 37 includes $7,848 of minimum rent related to the leased Puerto Rico hotel.  The management agreement and the lease expire in 2036; InterContinental has two renewal options for 15 years each for all, but not less than all, of the hotels.

 

We originally held a security deposit of $73,872 under this agreement.  As of June 30, 2015, we have applied $32,621 of the security deposit to cover shortfalls in the payments of our minimum return and rent.  As of June 30, 2015, the balance of this security deposit was $41,251.  This security deposit may be replenished and increased up to $100,000 from future cash flows from these hotels in excess of our minimum return and rent and certain management fees.

 

Under this agreement, InterContinental is required to maintain a minimum security deposit of $37,000. On January 6, 2014, we entered into a letter agreement with InterContinental under which the minimum security deposit balance required to be maintained during 2015 will be reduced by two dollars for every dollar of additional security deposit InterContinental provides to us.  As of June 30, 2015, InterContinental had provided us $2,772 of additional security deposits, which reduced the minimum security deposit amount required to $31,456.  We returned this additional security deposit to InterContinental in July 2015.     In addition to our minimum return, this management agreement provides for an annual additional return payment to us of $12,067 to the extent of available cash flow after payment of hotel operating expenses, funding of the required FF&E reserve, if any, payment of our minimum return, payment of certain management fees and replenishment and expansion of the security deposit. 

 

In addition, the agreement provides for payment to us of 50% of the available cash flow after payment to us of the annual additional return amount.  These additional return amounts are not guaranteed or secured by the security deposit we hold.

 

(8)

We lease our 22 Sonesta branded hotels (four Royal Sonesta®, four Sonesta® and 14 Sonesta ES Suites® hotels) in 13 states to one of our TRSs.  The hotels are managed by Sonesta under a combination management agreement which expires in 2037; Sonesta has two renewal options for 15 years each for all, but not less than all, of the hotels.

37


 

 

We have no security deposit or guaranty from Sonesta.  Accordingly, payment by Sonesta of the minimum return due to us under this management agreement is limited to available hotel cash flow after the payment of operating expenses, including certain management fees, and we are financially responsible for operating cash flow deficits, if any.

 

In addition to our minimum return, this management agreement provides for payment to us of 80% of available cash flow after payment of hotel operating expenses, management fees to Sonesta, our minimum return and reimbursement of operating loss or working capital advances, if any.

 

(9)

We lease our 22 Wyndham branded hotels (six Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® and 16 Hawthorn Suites® hotels) in 14 states to one of our TRSs.  The hotels are managed by a subsidiary of Wyndham under a combination management agreement which expires in 2038; Wyndham has two renewal options for 15 years each for all, but not less than all, of the hotels.  We also lease 48 vacation units in one of the hotels to Wyndham Vacation under a lease that expires in 2037; Wyndham Vacation has two renewal options for 15 years each for all, but not less than all, of the vacation units.  The lease is guaranteed by Wyndham and provides for rent increases of 3% per annum. The annual minimum return amount presented in the table on page 37 includes $1,326 of minimum rent related to the Wyndham Vacation lease.

 

We had a guaranty of $35,656 under this agreement for payment shortfalls of minimum return, subject to an annual payment limit of $17,828.  As of June 30, 2015, the available Wyndham guaranty was $4,679.  This guaranty expires in 2020.

 

In addition to our minimum return, this management agreement provides for payment to us of 50% of available cash flow after payment of hotel operating expenses, payment of our minimum return, funding of the FF&E reserve, if any, payment of certain management fees and reimbursement of any Wyndham guaranty advances.  This additional return amount is not guaranteed.  Amounts reimbursed to Wyndham for guaranty advances replenish the amount of the Wyndham guaranty available to us.

 

(10)

We lease our 22 Hyatt Place® branded hotels in 14 states to one of our TRSs.  The hotels are managed by a subsidiary of Hyatt under a combination management agreement that expires in 2030; Hyatt has two renewal options for 15 years each for all, but not less than all, of the hotels.

 

We originally had a guaranty of $50,000 under this agreement for payment shortfalls of our minimum return.  As of June 30, 2015, the available Hyatt guaranty was $13,962.  The guaranty is limited in amount but does not expire in time and may be replenished from future cash flows from the hotels in excess of our minimum return.

 

In addition to our minimum return, this management agreement provides for payment to us of 50% of available cash flow after payment of operating expenses, funding the required FF&E reserve, payment of our minimum return and reimbursement to Hyatt of working capital and guaranty advances, if any.  This additional return is not guaranteed.

 

(11)

We lease our 11 Carlson branded hotels (five Radisson® Hotels & Resorts, one Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts and five Country Inns & Suites® hotels) in seven states to one of our TRSs.  The hotels are managed by a subsidiary of Carlson under a combination management agreement that expires in 2030; Carlson has two renewal options for 15 years each for all, but not less than all, of the hotels.

 

We originally had a limited guaranty of $40,000 under this agreement for payment shortfalls of our minimum return.  As of June 30, 2015, the available Carlson guaranty was $23,799.  The guaranty is limited in amount but does not expire in time and may be replenished from future cash flows from the hotels in excess of our minimum return.

 

In addition to our minimum return, this management agreement provides for payment to us of 50% of available cash flow after payment of operating expenses, funding the required FF&E reserve, payment of our minimum return and reimbursement to Carlson of working capital and guaranty advances, if any.  This additional return is not guaranteed.

 

(12)

We lease the Clift Hotel, a full service hotel in San Francisco, CA, to a subsidiary of Morgans under a lease agreement that expires in 2103. The lease currently provides for annual rent to us of $7,595.  On October 14, 2019, and on each fifth anniversary thereafter during the lease term, the rent due to us will be increased based on changes in the consumer price index with minimum increases of 10% and maximum increases of 20%.  Although the contractual lease terms would qualify this lease as a direct financing lease under GAAP, we account for this lease as an operating lease due to uncertainty regarding the collection of future rent increases and we recognize rental income from this lease on a cash basis, in accordance with GAAP.

 

(13)

We lease 39 travel centers (36 TravelCenters of America® branded travel centers and three Petro Stopping Centers® branded travel centers) in 29 states to a subsidiary of TA under a lease that expires in 2029; TA has two renewal options for 15 years each for all, but not less than all, of these travel centers.  In addition to the payment of our minimum rent, this lease agreement provides for payment to us of percentage rent based on increases in total non-fuel revenues over base year levels (3% of non-fuel revenues above 2015 non-fuel revenues). TA’s previously deferred rent obligation of $27,421 of $107,085 is due at the expiration of the initial term of this lease. This lease is guaranteed by TA.

 

(14)

We lease 37 TravelCenters of America® branded travel centers in 27 states to a subsidiary of TA under a lease that expires in 2028; TA has two renewal options for 15 years each for all, but not less than all, of these travel centers.  In addition to the payment of our minimum rent, this lease agreement provides for payment to us of percentage rent based on increases in total non-fuel revenues over base year levels (3% of non-fuel revenues above 2015 non-fuel revenues). TA’s previously deferred rent obligation of $29,107 of $107,085 is due at the expiration of the initial term of this lease. This lease is guaranteed by TA.

 

(15)

We lease 38 TravelCenters of America® branded travel centers in 29 states to a subsidiary of TA under a lease that expires in 2026; TA has two renewal options for 15 years each for all, but not less than all, of these travel centers.  In addition to the payment of our minimum rent, this lease agreement provides for payment to us of percentage rent based on increases in total non-fuel revenues over base year levels (3% of non-fuel revenues above 2015 non-fuel revenues). TA’s previously deferred rent obligation of $29,324 of $107,085 is due at the expiration of the initial term of this lease. This lease is guaranteed by TA.

 

38


 

(16)

We lease 37 travel centers (35 TravelCenters of America® branded travel centers and two Petro Stopping Centers® branded travel centers) in 27 states to a subsidiary of TA under a lease that expires in 2030; TA has two renewal options for 15 years each for all, but not less than all, of these travel centers.  In addition to the payment of our minimum rent, this lease agreement provides for payment to us of percentage rent based on increases in total non-fuel revenues over base year levels (3% of non-fuel revenues above 2015 non-fuel revenues). TA’s previously deferred rent obligation of $21,233 of $107,085 is due at the expiration of the initial term of this lease. This lease is guaranteed by TA.

 

(17)

We lease 40 Petro Stopping Centers® branded travel centers in 25 states to a subsidiary of TA under a lease that expires in 2024; TA has two renewal options for 15 years each for all, but not less than all, of these travel centers.  In addition to the payment of our minimum rent, the amended lease agreement provides for payment to us of percentage rent based on increases in total non-fuel revenues over base year levels (3% of non-fuel revenues above 2012 non-fuel revenues).  We have agreed to waive payment of the first $2,500 of percentage rent that may become due under the TA No. 5 lease. We have waived $1,544 of percentage rent as of June 30, 2015.  TA’s previously deferred rent obligation of $42,915 is due at the expiration of this lease. This lease is guaranteed by TA.

 

39


 

The following tables summarize the operating statistics, including ADR, occupancy and RevPAR reported to us by our hotel managers or tenants by management agreement or lease for the periods indicated. All operating data presented are based upon the operating results provided by our managers and tenants for the indicated periods. We have not independently verified our managers’ or tenants’ operating data.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of

 

Rooms /

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, (1)

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, (1)

 

 

    

Hotels

    

Suites

    

 

2015

    

 

2014

    

Change

 

 

2015

    

 

2014

    

Change

 

ADR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriott (No. 1) 

 

53

 

7,610

 

$

130.28

 

$

121.15

 

7.5%

 

$

128.47

 

$

120.30

 

6.8%

 

Marriott (No. 234) 

 

68

 

9,120

 

 

128.14

 

 

117.86

 

8.7%

 

 

126.91

 

 

116.51

 

8.9%

 

Marriott (No. 5) 

 

1

 

356

 

 

239.89

 

 

218.07

 

10.0%

 

 

237.77

 

 

221.41

 

7.4%

 

Subtotal / Average Marriott 

 

122

 

17,086

 

 

131.60

 

 

121.65

 

8.2%

 

 

130.32

 

 

120.68

 

8.0%

 

InterContinental  (1)

 

93

 

14,182

 

 

108.85

 

 

101.62

 

7.1%

 

 

109.53

 

 

101.86

 

7.5%

 

Sonesta (1)

 

22

 

4,728

 

 

159.92

 

 

151.95

 

5.2%

 

 

152.84

 

 

144.62

 

5.7%

 

Wyndham

 

22

 

3,579

 

 

102.79

 

 

91.76

 

12.0%

 

 

96.55

 

 

86.40

 

11.7%

 

Hyatt 

 

22

 

2,724

 

 

108.35

 

 

102.42

 

5.8%

 

 

108.30

 

 

100.68

 

7.6%

 

Carlson 

 

11

 

2,090

 

 

107.91

 

 

97.61

 

10.6%

 

 

108.06

 

 

97.58

 

10.7%

 

Morgans 

 

1

 

372

 

 

257.54

 

 

250.67

 

2.7%

 

 

262.10

 

 

250.73

 

4.5%

 

All Hotels Total / Average

 

293

 

44,761

 

$

123.20

 

$

114.11

 

8.0%

 

$

121.71

 

$

112.63

 

8.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OCCUPANCY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriott (No. 1) 

 

53

 

7,610

 

 

75.7%

 

 

75.2%

 

0.5 pts

 

 

70.4%

 

 

69.1%

 

1.3 pts

 

Marriott (No. 234) 

 

68

 

9,120

 

 

79.5%

 

 

78.0%

 

1.5 pts

 

 

75.3%

 

 

74.5%

 

0.8 pts

 

Marriott (No. 5) 

 

1

 

356

 

 

84.6%

 

 

87.1%

 

-2.5 pts

 

 

87.3%

 

 

84.8%

 

2.5 pts

 

Subtotal / Average Marriott 

 

122

 

17,086

 

 

77.9%

 

 

77.0%

 

0.9 pts

 

 

73.4%

 

 

72.3%

 

1.1 pts

 

InterContinental  (1)

 

93

 

14,182

 

 

86.2%

 

 

85.3%

 

0.9 pts

 

 

82.6%

 

 

82.2%

 

0.4 pts

 

Sonesta (1)

 

22

 

4,728

 

 

73.8%

 

 

63.7%

 

10.1 pts

 

 

68.2%

 

 

60.7%

 

7.5 pts

 

Wyndham

 

22

 

3,579

 

 

74.3%

 

 

73.1%

 

1.2 pts

 

 

70.5%

 

 

67.4%

 

3.1 pts

 

Hyatt 

 

22

 

2,724

 

 

82.7%

 

 

82.1%

 

0.6 pts

 

 

79.0%

 

 

79.3%

 

-0.3 pts

 

Carlson 

 

11

 

2,090

 

 

75.6%

 

 

74.5%

 

1.1 pts

 

 

74.4%

 

 

72.2%

 

2.2 pts

 

Morgans 

 

1

 

372

 

 

92.8%

 

 

95.1%

 

-2.3 pts

 

 

90.5%

 

 

89.2%

 

1.3 pts

 

All Hotels Total / Average

 

293

 

44,761

 

 

80.1%

 

 

78.2%

 

1.9 pts

 

 

76.0%

 

 

74.4%

 

1.6 pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RevPAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriott (No. 1) 

 

53

 

7,610

 

$

98.62

 

$

91.10

 

8.3%

 

$

90.44

 

$

83.13

 

8.8%

 

Marriott (No. 234) 

 

68

 

9,120

 

 

101.87

 

 

91.93

 

10.8%

 

 

95.56

 

 

86.80

 

10.1%

 

Marriott (No. 5) 

 

1

 

356

 

 

202.95

 

 

189.94

 

6.8%

 

 

207.57

 

 

187.76

 

10.6%

 

Subtotal / Average Marriott 

 

122

 

17,086

 

 

102.52

 

 

93.67

 

9.4%

 

 

95.65

 

 

87.25

 

9.6%

 

InterContinental  (1)

 

93

 

14,182

 

 

93.83

 

 

86.68

 

8.2%

 

 

90.47

 

 

83.73

 

8.0%

 

Sonesta (1)

 

22

 

4,728

 

 

118.02

 

 

96.79

 

21.9%

 

 

104.24

 

 

87.78

 

18.8%

 

Wyndham

 

22

 

3,579

 

 

76.37

 

 

67.08

 

13.8%

 

 

68.07

 

 

58.23

 

16.9%

 

Hyatt 

 

22

 

2,724

 

 

89.61

 

 

84.09

 

6.6%

 

 

85.56

 

 

79.84

 

7.2%

 

Carlson 

 

11

 

2,090

 

 

81.58

 

 

72.72

 

12.2%

 

 

80.40

 

 

70.45

 

14.1%

 

Morgans 

 

1

 

372

 

 

239.00

 

 

238.39

 

0.3%

 

 

237.20

 

 

223.65

 

6.1%

 

All Hotels Total / Average

 

293

 

44,761

 

$

98.68

 

$

89.23

 

10.6%

 

$

92.50

 

$

83.80

 

10.4%

 


(1)

Operating data includes data for periods prior to our ownership of certain hotels.

 

40


 

Seasonality

 

Our hotels and travel centers have historically experienced seasonal differences typical of their industries with higher revenues in the second and third quarters of calendar years compared with the first and fourth quarters. This seasonality is not expected to cause material fluctuations in our income or cash flow because most of our management agreements and leases require our managers and tenants to make the substantial portion of our return payments and rents to us in equal amounts throughout a year. Seasonality may affect our hotel operating revenues and our net cash flows from our Sonesta managed hotels and our hotels included in our Marriott No. 1 agreement, but we do not expect seasonal variations to have a material impact upon our financial results of operations or upon our managers’ or tenants’ ability to meet their contractual obligations to us.

 

Related Person Transactions

 

We have relationships and historical and continuing transactions with TA, Sonesta, RMR Inc., RMR LLC and others related to them, including with other companies to which RMR LLC provides management services and which have trustees, directors and officers who are also trustees, directors or officers of us, RMR LLC or RMR Inc.  For further information about these and other such relationships and related person transactions, please see Note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference, our 2014 Annual Report, our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 5, 8, 12, 22, 25 and July 28, 2015, and our other filings with the SEC.  In addition, please see the section captioned “Risk Factors” of our 2014 Annual Report for a description of risks that may arise as a result of these related person transactions and relationships.  Our filings with the SEC are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.  Copies of certain of our agreements with these related parties are publicly available as exhibits to our public filings with the SEC and accessible at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov.

We believe that our agreements with related persons are on commercially reasonable terms.  We also believe that our relationships with our related persons and their affiliated and related persons and entities benefit us and, in fact, provide us with competitive advantages in operating and growing our business.  We may engage in additional transactions with related persons, including TA, Sonesta and businesses to which RMR LLC or its affiliates provide management services.  

Financial information about TA may be found on the SEC’s website by entering TA’s name at http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html.  Reference to TA’s financial information on this external website is presented to comply with applicable accounting regulations of the SEC.  Except for such financial information contained therein as is required to be included herein under such regulations, TA’s public filings and other information located in external websites are not incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Non-GAAP Measures

 

Funds From Operations Available for Common Shareholders and Normalized Funds From Operations Available for Common Shareholders

 

We calculate funds from operations available for common shareholders, or FFO, and Normalized FFO available for common shareholders as shown below.  FFO available for common shareholders is calculated on the basis defined by The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, which is net income available for common shareholders, calculated in accordance with GAAP, excluding any gain or loss on sale of properties, loss on impairment of real estate assets, plus real estate depreciation and amortization, as well as certain other adjustments currently not applicable to us.  Our calculation of Normalized FFO available for common shareholders differs from NAREIT’s definition of FFO because we include estimated percentage rent in the period to which we estimate that it relates rather than when it is recognized as income in accordance with GAAP, we include business management incentive fees, if any, only in the fourth quarter versus the quarter when they are recognized as expense in accordance with GAAP and we exclude acquisition related costs and losses on early extinguishment of debt.  We consider FFO available for common shareholders and Normalized FFO available for common shareholders to be appropriate measures of operating performance for a REIT, along with net income, net income available for common shareholders, operating income and cash flow from operating activities.  We believe that FFO available for common shareholders and Normalized FFO available for common shareholders provide useful information to investors because by excluding the effects of certain historical amounts, such as depreciation expense, FFO available for common shareholders and Normalized FFO available for common shareholders may facilitate a comparison of our operating performance between periods and with other REITs.  FFO available for common shareholders and Normalized FFO available

41


 

for common shareholders are among the factors considered by our Board of Trustees when determining the amount of distributions to shareholders.  Other factors include, but are not limited to, requirements to maintain our status as a REIT, limitations in our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan agreement and public debt covenants, the availability of debt and equity capital, our expectation of our future capital requirements and operating performance, and our expected needs for and availability of cash to pay our obligations. FFO available for common shareholders and Normalized FFO available for common shareholders do not represent cash generated by operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to net income, operating income, net income available for common shareholders or cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP, or as indicators of our financial performance or liquidity, nor are these measures necessarily indicative of sufficient cash flow to fund all of our needs.  These measures should be considered in conjunction with net income, operating income, net income available for common shareholders and cash flow from operating activities as presented in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.  Other real estate companies and REITs may calculate FFO available for common shareholders and Normalized FFO available for common shareholders differently than we do.

 

Our calculations of FFO available for common shareholders and Normalized FFO available for common shareholders for the three and six months ended June  30, 2015 and 2014 and reconciliations of FFO available for common shareholders and Normalized FFO available for common shareholders to net income available for common shareholders, the most directly comparable financial measure under GAAP reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements, appear in the following table (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended June 30,

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2015

    

2014

 

2015

    

2014

 

Net income available for common shareholders 

 

$

77,980

 

$

48,749

 

$

114,395

 

$

81,133

 

Add: (Less):

Depreciation and amortization expense 

 

 

80,582

 

 

78,763

 

 

159,551

 

 

157,050

 

 

Gain on sale of real estate (1)

 

 

(11,015)

 

 

(130)

 

 

(11,015)

 

 

(130)

 

FFO  available for common shareholders

 

 

147,547

 

 

127,382

 

 

262,931

 

 

238,053

 

Add: (Less):

Acquisition related costs (2)

 

 

797

 

 

162

 

 

1,135

 

 

223

 

 

Deferred percentage rent (3)

 

 

(1,240)

 

 

698

 

 

 -

 

 

1,572

 

 

Estimated business management incentive fees (4)

 

 

(205)

 

 

1,445

 

 

8,822

 

 

2,173

 

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt (5)

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

726

 

Normalized FFO available for common shareholders

 

$

146,899

 

$

129,687

 

$

272,888

 

$

242,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding  (basic)

 

 

150,260

 

 

149,610

 

 

150,028

 

 

149,591

 

Weighted average shares outstanding  (diluted) (6)

 

 

150,292

 

 

149,789

 

 

150,594

 

 

149,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted per common share amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FFO available for common shareholders (basic and diluted)

 

$

0.98

 

$

0.85

 

$

1.75

 

$

1.59

 

 

Normalized FFO available for common shareholders (basic)

 

$

0.98

 

$

0.87

 

$

1.82

 

$

1.62

 

 

Normalized FFO available for common shareholders (diluted)

 

$

0.98

 

$

0.87

 

$

1.81

 

$

1.62

 

Distributions declared per share 

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.49

 

$

0.99

 

$

0.97

 


(1)

We recorded a $11,015 gain on sale of real estate in the second quarter of 2015 in connection with the sale of five travel centers.  We recorded a $130 gain on sale of real estate in the second quarter of 2014 in connection with the sale of one hotel.

(2)

Represents costs associated with our acquisition activities.

(3)

In calculating net income in accordance with GAAP, we generally recognize percentage rental income received for the first, second and third quarters in the fourth quarter, which is when all contingencies have been met and the income is earned. In calculating net income in accordance with GAAP for the second quarter of 2015, we recognized $2,048 of percentage rent as a result of our lease modifications with TA.  The second quarter 2015 Normalized FFO available for common shareholders calculations exclude the $1,240 of percentage rent that was included in the first quarter 2015 calculation of Normalized FFO available for common shareholders

42


 

(4)

Estimated incentive fees under our business management agreement calculated based on common share total return, as defined,  are included in general and administrative expense in our condensed consolidated financial statements.  In 2014, this incentive fee was payable in our common shares; in 2015 any such fees will be payable in cash.  In calculating net income in accordance with GAAP, we recognize estimated business management incentive fee expense, if any, each quarter.  Although we recognizes this expense, if any, each quarter for purposes of calculating net income, we do not include these amounts in the calculation of Normalized FFO available for common shareholders until the fourth quarter, which is when the actual expense amount for the year is determined. During the three months ended June 30, 2015, we reversed $205 of incentive fees accrued in the first quarter of 2015.  We recorded $1,445 of estimated business management incentive fees during the three months ended June 30, 2014.  We recorded $8,822 and $2,173 of estimated business management incentive fees during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.    

(5)

We recorded a $726 loss on early extinguishment of debt in the first quarter of 2014 in connection with amending the terms of our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan and the redemption of our 7.875% senior unsecured notes due 2014.

(6)

Represents weighted average common shares adjusted to reflect the potential dilution of unvested share awards and contingently issuable common shares under our business management agreement with RMR LLC.

43


 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (dollar amounts in thousands)

 

We are exposed to risks associated with market changes in interest rates. We manage our exposure to this market risk by monitoring available financing alternatives. Our strategy to manage exposure to changes in interest rates has not materially changed since December 31, 2014. Other than as described below, we do not currently foresee any significant changes in our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates or in how we manage this exposure in the near future.

 

As of June 30, 2015, our outstanding publicly tradable debt consisted of seven issues of fixed rate, senior unsecured notes and one issue of fixed rate, convertible senior unsecured notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal Balance

    

Annual Interest
Rate

    

Annual Interest
Expense

    

Maturity

    

Interest Payments
Due

 

$

275,000 

 

6.300% 

 

 

17,325 

 

2016

 

Semi-Annually

 

 

300,000 

 

5.625% 

 

 

16,875 

 

2017

 

Semi-Annually

 

 

350,000 

 

6.700% 

 

 

23,450 

 

2018

 

Semi-Annually

 

 

500,000 

 

5.000% 

 

 

25,000 

 

2022

 

Semi-Annually

 

 

300,000 

 

4.500% 

 

 

13,500 

 

2023

 

Semi-Annually

 

 

350,000 

 

4.650% 

 

 

16,275 

 

2024

 

Semi-Annually

 

 

350,000 

 

4.500% 

 

 

15,750 

 

2025

 

Semi-Annually

 

 

8,478 

 

3.800% 

 

 

322 

 

  2027 (1)

 

Semi-Annually

 

$

2,433,478 

 

 

 

$

128,497 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)

The convertible senior unsecured notes are convertible, if certain conditions are met (including certain changes in control), into cash equal to the principal amount of the notes and, to the extent the market price of our common shares exceeds the initial exchange price of $50.50 per share, subject to adjustment, either cash or our common shares at our option with a value based on such excess amount. Holders of our convertible senior unsecured notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the notes on March 15, 2017 and March 15, 2022, or upon the occurrence of certain change in control events.

 

Except as described in note 1 to the table above, no principal repayments are due under these notes until maturity. Because these notes bear interest at fixed rates, changes in market interest rates during the term of these debts will not affect our interest obligations. If these notes were refinanced at interest rates which are 100 basis points higher than the rates shown above, our per annum interest cost would increase by approximately $24,335. Changes in market interest rates would affect the fair value of our fixed rate debt obligations; increases in market interest rates decrease the fair value of our fixed rate debt while decreases in market interest rates increase the fair value of our fixed rate debt. Based on the balances outstanding at June 30, 2015, and discounted cash flow analyses through the respective maturity dates, and assuming no other changes in factors that may affect the fair value of our fixed rate debt obligations, a hypothetical immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rates would change the fair value of those debt obligations by approximately $91,749. Changes in the trading price of our common shares may also affect the fair value of our convertible senior unsecured notes.

 

Each of these fixed rate unsecured debt arrangements allows us to make repayments earlier than the stated maturity date. We are generally allowed to make prepayments only at a premium equal to a make whole amount, as defined, which is generally designed to preserve a stated yield to the note holder. Also, we have in the past repurchased and retired some of our outstanding debts and we may do so again in the future. These prepayment rights and our ability to repurchase and retire outstanding debt may afford us opportunities to mitigate the risks of refinancing our debts at their maturities at higher rates by refinancing prior to maturity.

 

44


 

At June 30, 2015, our floating rate debt consisted of $319,000 outstanding under our $750,000 unsecured revolving credit facility and our $400,000 unsecured term loan. The maturity date of our unsecured revolving credit facility is July 15, 2018, and subject to our meeting certain conditions, including our payment of an extension fee, we have the option to extend the stated maturity by one year to July 15, 2019. The maturity date of our unsecured term loan is April 15, 2019. No principal repayments are required under our unsecured revolving credit facility prior to maturity, and repayments may be made, and redrawn subject to conditions at any time without penalty.  No principal prepayments are required under our unsecured term loan prior to maturity and repayments may be made subject to conditions at any time without penalty, but after amounts outstanding under our unsecured term loan are repaid, amounts may not be redrawn. Borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan are in U.S. dollars and bear interest at LIBOR plus premiums that are subject to adjustment based upon changes to our credit ratings. Accordingly, we are vulnerable to changes in U.S. dollar based short term interest rates, specifically LIBOR.  In addition, upon renewal or refinancing of our unsecured revolving credit facility or our unsecured term loan, we are vulnerable to increases in interest rate premiums due to market conditions or our perceived credit characteristics. Generally, a change in interest rates would not affect the value of this floating rate debt but would affect our operating results.

 

The following table presents the impact a 100 basis points increase in interest rates would have on our annual floating rate interest expense as of June 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impact of Increase in Interest Rates

 

 

 

 

    

Interest Rate

    

Outstanding

    

Total Interest

    

Annual Per Common

 

 

 

Per Year (1)

 

Debt

 

Expense Per Year

 

Share Impact (2)

 

At June 30, 2015

 

1.34% 

 

$

719,000 

 

$

9,635 

 

$

0.06 

 

100 basis point increase

 

2.34% 

 

$

719,000 

 

$

16,825 

 

$

0.11 

 


(1)

Weighted average based on the outstanding borrowings as of June  30, 2015.

(2)

Based on weighted average shares outstanding for the six months ended June  30, 2015.

 

The following table presents the impact that a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would have on our annual floating rate interest expense at June 30, 2015 if we were fully drawn on our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan remained outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impact of Increase in Interest Rates

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Rate

 

Outstanding

 

Total Interest

 

Annual Per Common

 

 

    

Per Year (1)

    

Debt

    

Expense Per Year

    

Share Impact(2)

 

At June 30, 2015

 

1.32% 

 

$1,150,000

 

 

$

15,180 

 

$

0.10 

100 basis point increase

 

2.32% 

 

$1,150,000

 

 

$

26,680 

 

$

0.18 

(1)

Weighted average based on the (assuming fully drawn) outstanding borrowings as of June  30, 2015.

(2)

Based on weighted average shares outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

The foregoing two tables show the impact of an immediate change in floating interest rates. If interest rates were to change gradually over time, the impact would be spread over time. Our exposure to fluctuations in floating interest rates will increase or decrease in the future with increases or decreases in the outstanding amounts under our unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan or other floating rate debt, if any. Although we have no present plans to do so, we may in the future enter into hedge arrangements from time to time to mitigate our exposure to changes in interest rates.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Managing Trustees, President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15. Based upon that evaluation, our Managing Trustees, President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

45


 

WARNING CONCERNING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

THIS QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10Q CONTAINS STATEMENTS THAT CONSTITUTE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 AND OTHER SECURITIES LAWS. ALSO, WHENEVER WE USE WORDS SUCH AS “BELIEVE”, “EXPECT”, “ANTICIPATE”, “INTEND”, “PLAN”, “ESTIMATE” OR SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS, WE ARE MAKING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED UPON OUR PRESENT INTENT, BELIEFS OR EXPECTATIONS, BUT FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO OCCUR AND MAY NOT OCCUR. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS IN THIS REPORT RELATE TO VARIOUS ASPECTS OF OUR BUSINESS, INCLUDING:

·

OUR HOTEL MANAGERS’ OR TENANTS’ ABILITIES TO PAY THE CONTRACTUAL AMOUNTS OF RETURNS OR RENTS DUE TO US,

 

·

OUR ABILITY TO PAY DISTRIBUTIONS TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS AND THE AMOUNT OF SUCH DISTRIBUTIONS,

 

·

OUR INTENT TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO CERTAIN OF OUR PROPERTIES AND THE SUCCESS OF OUR HOTEL RENOVATION PROGRAM,

 

·

OUR ABILITY TO MAKE ACQUISITIONS OF PROPERTIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS,

 

·

OUR ABILITY TO RETAIN QUALIFIED MANAGERS AND TENANTS FOR OUR HOTELS AND TRAVEL CENTERS ON SATISFACTORY TERMS,

 

·

OUR ABILITY TO RAISE EQUITY OR DEBT CAPITAL,

 

·

THE FUTURE AVAILABILITY OF BORROWINGS UNDER OUR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY,

 

·

OUR ABILITY TO PAY INTEREST ON AND PRINCIPAL OF OUR DEBT,

 

·

OUR POLICIES AND PLANS REGARDING INVESTMENTS AND FINANCINGS,

 

·

THE ABILITY OF TA TO PAY CURRENT AND DEFERRED RENT AMOUNTS DUE TO US,

 

·

OUR EXPECTATION THAT WE WILL BENEFIT FROM OUR OWNERSHIP OF RMR INC.,

 

·

OUR EXPECTATION THAT WE WILL BENEFIT FROM OUR OWNERSHIP OF AIC AND OUR PARTICIPATION IN INSURANCE PROGRAMS ARRANGED BY AIC,

 

·

OUR TAX STATUS AS A REIT,  

 

·

OUR EXPECTED DISTRIBUTION OF RMR INC. CLASS A COMMON STOCK TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS, AND

 

·

OTHER MATTERS.

 

OUR ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE CONTAINED IN OR IMPLIED BY OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF VARIOUS FACTORS. FACTORS THAT COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND UPON OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, FFO AVAILABLE FOR COMMON

46


 

SHAREHOLDERS, NORMALIZED FFO AVAILABLE FOR COMMON SHAREHOLDERS, CASH FLOWS, LIQUIDITY AND PROSPECTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

 

·

THE IMPACT OF CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY AND THE CAPITAL MARKETS ON US AND OUR MANAGERS AND TENANTS,

 

·

COMPETITION WITHIN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY IN THOSE MARKETS IN WHICH OUR PROPERTIES ARE LOCATED,

 

·

COMPLIANCE WITH, AND CHANGES TO, FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS AFFECTING THE REAL ESTATE, HOTEL, TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL CENTER INDUSTRIES, ACCOUNTING RULES, TAX LAWS AND SIMILAR MATTERS,

 

·

LIMITATIONS IMPOSED ON OUR BUSINESS AND OUR ABILITY TO SATISFY COMPLEX RULES IN ORDER FOR US TO QUALIFY AS A REIT FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES,

 

·

ACTS OF TERRORISM, OUTBREAKS OF SO CALLED PANDEMICS OR OTHER MANMADE OR NATURAL DISASTERS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, AND

 

·

ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WITH OUR MANAGING TRUSTEES, TA, SONESTA, RMR INC., RMR LLC, AIC AND THEIR RELATED PERSONS AND ENTITIES.

 

FOR EXAMPLE:

 

·

OUR ABILITY TO MAKE FUTURE DISTRIBUTIONS AND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST ON OUR INDEBTEDNESS DEPENDS UPON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING OUR FUTURE EARNINGS AND THE CAPITAL COSTS WE INCUR TO MAINTAIN OUR PROPERTIES. WE MAY BE UNABLE TO PAY OUR DEBT OBLIGATIONS OR TO MAINTAIN OUR CURRENT RATE OF DISTRIBUTIONS ON OUR COMMON AND PREFERRED SHARES AND FUTURE DISTRIBUTIONS MAY BE REDUCED OR ELIMINATED,

 

·

THE SECURITY DEPOSITS WHICH WE HOLD ARE NOT IN SEGREGATED CASH ACCOUNTS OR OTHERWISE SEPARATE FROM OUR OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES. ACCORDINGLY, WHEN WE RECORD INCOME BY REDUCING OUR SECURITY DEPOSIT LIABILITIES, WE DO NOT RECEIVE ANY ADDITIONAL CASH PAYMENT. BECAUSE WE DO NOT RECEIVE ANY ADDITIONAL CASH PAYMENT AS WE APPLY SECURITY DEPOSITS TO COVER PAYMENT SHORTFALLS, THE FAILURE OF OUR MANAGERS OR TENANTS TO PAY MINIMUM RETURNS OR RENTS DUE TO US MAY REDUCE OUR CASH FLOWS AND OUR ABILITY TO PAY DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS,

 

·

WE EXPECT THAT MARRIOTT WILL PAY US UP TO 90% OF OUR MINIMUM RETURNS UNDER A LIMITED GUARANTY AFTER WE DEPLETE THE SECURITY DEPOSIT WE HOLD FOR ANY PAYMENT SHORTFALLS. THIS STATEMENT IMPLIES THAT MARRIOTT WILL FULFILL ITS OBLIGATION UNDER THIS GUARANTY OR THAT FUTURE SHORTFALLS IN THE MINIMUM RETURNS DUE TO US FROM OUR HOTELS MANAGED BY MARRIOTT WILL NOT EXHAUST THE GUARANTY OR SECURITY DEPOSIT WE HOLD. HOWEVER, THIS GUARANTY IS LIMITED IN AMOUNT AND EXPIRES ON DECEMBER 31, 2019, AND WE CAN PROVIDE NO ASSURANCE WITH REGARD TO MARRIOTT’S FUTURE ACTIONS OR THE FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF OUR HOTELS TO WHICH THE MARRIOTT LIMITED GUARANTY APPLIES OR AFTER MARRIOTT’S GUARANTY EXPIRES,

 

·

WE EXPECT THAT INTERCONTINENTAL WILL CONTINUE TO PAY US THE MINIMUM RETURNS INCLUDED IN OUR MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH INTERCONTINENTAL AND THAT WE WILL UTILIZE THE SECURITY DEPOSIT WE HOLD FOR ANY PAYMENT SHORTFALLS. HOWEVER, THE SECURITY DEPOSIT WE HOLD FOR INTERCONTINENTAL’S OBLIGATIONS IS FOR A LIMITED AMOUNT AND WE CAN PROVIDE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE SECURITY

47


 

DEPOSIT WILL BE ADEQUATE TO COVER FUTURE SHORTFALLS IN THE MINIMUM RETURNS DUE TO US FROM OUR HOTELS MANAGED BY INTERCONTINENTAL,

 

·

WYNDHAM HAS AGREED TO PARTIALLY GUARANTEE ANNUAL MINIMUM RETURNS PAYABLE TO US BY WYNDHAM. WYNDHAM’S GUARANTEE IS LIMITED BY TIME TO ANNUAL MINIMUM RETURN PAYMENTS DUE THROUGH 2020, AND AS OF JUNE  30, 2015, IT IS LIMITED TO NET PAYMENTS FROM WYNDHAM OF $35.7 MILLION (OF WHICH $4.7 MILLION REMAINED AVAILABLE TO PAY US) AND IS SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL PAYMENT LIMIT OF $17.8 MILLION. ACCORDINGLY, THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT WE WILL RECEIVE THE ANNUAL MINIMUM RETURNS DUE FROM OUR WYNDHAM MANAGED HOTELS DURING THE TERM OF OUR WYNDHAM AGREEMENT,

 

·

THE ANNUAL RENT DUE TO US UNDER A LEASE WITH A SUBSIDIARY OF MORGANS IS $7.6 MILLION, SUBJECT TO FUTURE INCREASES. WE CAN PROVIDE NO ASSURANCE THAT MORGANS WILL FULFILL ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS LEASE OR WITH REGARD TO THE FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE HOTEL WE LEASE TO MORGANS,

 

·

WE HAVE RECENTLY RENOVATED CERTAIN HOTELS AND ARE CURRENTLY RENOVATING ADDITIONAL HOTELS.  WE EXPECT TO FUND $97.7  MILLION FOR RENOVATIONS AND OTHER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT COSTS OF OUR HOTELS DURING THE REMAINDER OF 2015 AND IN 2016.  THE COST OF CAPITAL PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH RENOVATIONS MAY BE GREATER THAN WE NOW ANTICIPATE. WHILE THE CAPITAL PROJECTS WILL CAUSE OUR CONTRACTUAL MINIMUM RETURNS TO INCREASE, THE HOTELS’ OPERATING RESULTS MAY NOT INCREASE OR MAY NOT INCREASE TO THE EXTENT THAT THE MINIMUM RETURNS INCREASE. ACCORDINGLY, COVERAGE OF OUR MINIMUM RETURNS AT THESE HOTELS MAY REMAIN DEPRESSED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD,

 

·

WE HAVE NO GUARANTEE OR SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR THE MINIMUM RETURNS DUE TO US FROM SONESTA OR UNDER OUR MARRIOTT NO. 1 AGREEMENT. ACCORDINGLY, THE FUTURE RETURNS WE RECEIVE FROM HOTELS MANAGED BY SONESTA OR MANAGED BY MARRIOTT UNDER OUR MARRIOTT NO. 1 AGREEMENT ARE ENTIRELY DEPENDENT UPON THE AVAILABLE HOTEL CASH FLOW AFTER PAYMENT OF OPERATING EXPENSES OF THOSE HOTELS,

 

·

OTHER SECURITY DEPOSITS AND GUARANTEES REFERENCED HEREIN ARE ALSO LIMITED IN DURATION AND AMOUNT AND GUARANTEES ARE SUBJECT TO THE GUARANTORS’ ABILITY AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY,

 

·

HOTEL ROOM DEMAND AND TRUCKING ACTIVITY ARE OFTEN REFLECTIONS OF THE GENERAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE COUNTRY. IF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE COUNTRY DECLINES, HOTEL ROOM DEMAND AND TRUCKING ACTIVITY MAY DECLINE AND THE OPERATING RESULTS OF OUR HOTELS AND TRAVEL CENTERS MAY DECLINE, THE FINANCIAL RESULTS OF OUR HOTEL MANAGERS AND OUR TENANTS, INCLUDING TA, MAY SUFFER AND THESE MANAGERS AND TENANTS MAY BE UNABLE TO PAY OUR RETURNS OR RENTS. ALSO, CONTINUED DEPRESSED OPERATING RESULTS FROM OUR PROPERTIES FOR EXTENDED PERIODS MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATORS OF SOME OR ALL OF OUR HOTELS AND TRAVEL CENTERS BECOMING UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO MEET THEIR OBLIGATIONS OR THEIR GUARANTEES AND SECURITY DEPOSITS WE HOLD MAY BE EXHAUSTED,

 

·

IF THE CURRENT LEVEL OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY IN THE COUNTRY DECLINES, IF THE PRICE OF DIESEL FUEL INCREASES SIGNIFICANTLY, IF FUEL CONSERVATION MEASURES ARE INCREASED, IF FREIGHT BUSINESS IS DIRECTED AWAY FROM TRUCKING, IF TA IS UNABLE TO EFFECTIVELY COMPETE OR OPERATE ITS BUSINESS OR FOR VARIOUS OTHER REASONS, TA MAY BECOME UNABLE TO PAY CURRENT AND DEFERRED RENTS DUE TO US,

 

48


 

·

OUR ABILITY TO GROW OUR BUSINESS AND INCREASE OUR DISTRIBUTIONS DEPENDS IN LARGE PART UPON OUR ABILITY TO BUY PROPERTIES THAT GENERATE RETURNS OR LEASE THEM FOR RENTS WHICH EXCEED OUR OPERATING AND CAPITAL COSTS. WE MAY BE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY PROPERTIES THAT WE WANT TO ACQUIRE OR TO NEGOTIATE ACCEPTABLE PURCHASE PRICES, ACQUISITION FINANCING, MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS OR LEASE TERMS FOR NEW PROPERTIES,

 

·

CONTINGENCIES IN OUR PENDING AND FUTURE ACQUISITION AND SALE AGREEMENTS MAY NOT BE SATISFIED AND OUR PENDING ACQUISITIONS AND SALES MAY NOT OCCUR, MAY BE DELAYED OR THE TERMS OF SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY CHANGE,

 

·

WE EXPECT TO ACQUIRE FROM AND LEASEBACK TO TA TWO ADDITIONAL TRAVEL CENTERS AND CERTAIN ASSETS AT A TRAVEL CENTER WE CURRENTLY LEASE TO TA FOR $51.5 MILLION LATER IN 2015.  THESE ACQUISITIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.  THESE ACQUISITIONS MAY NOT OCCUR, MAY BE FURTHER DELAYED OR THEIR TERMS MAY CHANGE,

 

·

WE ALSO EXPECT TO ACQUIRE FROM AND LEASEBACK TO TA FIVE TRAVEL CENTERS WHICH TA IS DEVELOPING, AND THE PURCHASE AND LEASEBACK OF THESE FIVE TRAVEL CENTERS IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR AS DEVELOPMENT OF THESE TRAVEL CENTERS IS COMPLETED BEFORE JUNE 30, 2017.  TA HAS BEGUN CONSTRUCTION AT SOME, BUT NOT ALL, OF THESE TRAVEL CENTERS.  OBTAINING GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS TO BUILD TRAVEL CENTERS IS OFTEN A COMPLEX AND TIME CONSUMING PROCESS.  WE CAN PROVIDE NO ASSURANCE THAT TA WILL OBTAIN ALL REQUIRED APPROVALS TO DEVELOP ALL FIVE TRAVEL CENTERS.  IF REQUIRED DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS ARE NOT OBTAINED OR IF CERTAIN TRAVEL CENTERS ARE NOT DEVELOPED FOR OTHER REASONS, WE MAY ACQUIRE LESS THAN FIVE TRAVEL CENTERS OR DIFFERENT TRAVEL CENTERS MAY BE AGREED FOR SALE AND LEASEBACK BETWEEN US AND TA.  IT IS DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE THE COST TO DEVELOP NEW TRAVEL CENTERS.  WE AND TA HAVE AGREED THAT WE WILL PURCHASE THESE PROPERTIES FOR TA’S COST OF DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO BE UP TO APPROXIMATELY $118 MILLION, BUT THAT COST MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THE $118 MILLION ESTIMATE.  ALSO, CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TRAVEL CENTERS MAY BE DELAYED FOR VARIOUS REASONS SUCH AS LABOR STRIFE, WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE UNAVAILABILITY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, ETC.; AND THE PURCHASE AND LEASEBACK OF THESE TRAVEL CENTERS MAY BE DELAYED BEYOND JUNE 30, 2017,

 

·

THE PURCHASE PRICE WE PAID FOR THE RMR INC. SHARES AND OUR ECONOMIC OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN RMR LLC ARE STATED IN THIS QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q. AN IMPLICATION OF THESE STATEMENTS MAY BE THAT THE RMR INC. SHARES WE EXPECT TO DISTRIBUTE TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS WILL HAVE A MARKET VALUE AT LEAST EQUAL TO THE VALUE WE PAID FOR THE RMR INC. SHARES.  IN FACT, THE VALUE OF THE RMR INC. SHARES MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE PRICE WE PAID FOR THE RMR INC. SHARES.  THE MARKET VALUE OF THE RMR INC. SHARES WILL DEPEND UPON VARIOUS FACTORS, INCLUDING SOME THAT ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL, SUCH AS MARKET CONDITIONS GENERALLY AT THE TIME THE RMR INC. SHARES ARE AVAILABLE FOR TRADING.  THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE PROVIDED REGARDING THE PRICE AT WHICH THE RMR INC. SHARES WILL TRADE IF AND WHEN THEY ARE DISTRIBUTED AND LISTED ON A NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE,

·

WE CURRENTLY EXPECT TO DISTRIBUTE HALF OF THE RMR INC. SHARES WE ACQUIRED TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS.  THE PROCESS OF PREPARING A REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE RMR INC. SHARES REQUIRES EXTENSIVE LEGAL AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES.  AFTER A REGISTRATION STATEMENT IS FILED BY RMR INC. WITH THE SEC, IT WILL BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY SEC STAFF, WHICH MAY TAKE CONSIDERABLE TIME.  THE LISTING OF THE RMR INC. SHARES ON A NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE WILL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE LISTING REQUIREMENTS AND APPROVAL OF THE APPLICABLE STOCK EXCHANGE.  WE CAN PROVIDE NO ASSURANCE WHEN OR IF THE

49


 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT WILL BE DECLARED EFFECTIVE BY THE SEC, THAT THE RMR INC. SHARES WILL BE APPROVED FOR LISTING ON A NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE OR WHEN THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE RMR INC. SHARES WILL OCCUR, IF EVER,

·

THE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS BETWEEN US AND RMR LLC HAVE BEEN AMENDED AND EXTENDED FOR 20 YEAR TERMS. THE AMENDED MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS INCLUDE TERMS WHICH PERMIT EARLY TERMINATION AND EXTENSIONS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.  ACCORDINGLY, THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THESE AGREEMENTS WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR 20 YEARS OR FOR SHORTER OR LONGER TERMS,

 

·

AT JUNE 30, 2015, WE HAD $18.4 MILLION OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, $431.0 MILLION AVAILABLE UNDER OUR $750.0 MILLION UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY AND SECURITY DEPOSITS AND GUARANTEES COVERING SOME OF OUR MINIMUM RETURNS AND RENTS. THESE STATEMENTS MAY IMPLY THAT WE HAVE ABUNDANT WORKING CAPITAL AND LIQUIDITY. HOWEVER, OUR MANAGERS AND TENANTS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FUND MINIMUM RETURNS AND RENTS DUE TO US FROM OPERATING OUR PROPERTIES OR FROM OTHER RESOURCES; IN THE PAST AND CURRENTLY CERTAIN OF OUR TENANTS AND HOTEL MANAGERS HAVE IN FACT NOT BEEN ABLE TO PAY THE MINIMUM AMOUNTS DUE TO US FROM THEIR OPERATIONS OF OUR LEASED OR MANAGED PROPERTIES. ALSO, THE SECURITY DEPOSITS AND GUARANTEES WE HAVE TO COVER ANY SUCH SHORTFALLS ARE LIMITED IN AMOUNT AND DURATION, AND ANY SECURITY DEPOSITS WE APPLY FOR SUCH SHORTFALLS DO NOT RESULT IN ADDITIONAL CASH FLOW TO US AS WE ALREADY RECEIVED THOSE FUNDS. FURTHER, OUR PROPERTIES REQUIRE, AND WE HAVE AGREED TO PROVIDE, SIGNIFICANT FUNDING FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, RENOVATIONS AND OTHER MATTERS. ACCORDINGLY, WE MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT WORKING CAPITAL OR LIQUIDITY,

 

·

WE MAY BE UNABLE TO REPAY OUR DEBT OBLIGATIONS WHEN THEY BECOME DUE,

 

·

CONTINUED AVAILABILITY OF BORROWINGS UNDER OUR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY IS SUBJECT TO OUR SATISFYING CERTAIN FINANCIAL COVENANTS AND MEETING OTHER CUSTOMARY CREDIT FACILITY CONDITIONS THAT WE MAY BE UNABLE TO SATISFY,

 

·

ACTUAL COSTS UNDER OUR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY OR OTHER FLOATING RATE CREDIT FACILITIES WILL BE HIGHER THAN LIBOR PLUS A PREMIUM BECAUSE OF OTHER FEES AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH FACILITIES,

 

·

THE MAXIMUM BORROWING AVAILABILITY UNDER OUR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY AND UNSECURED TERM LOAN MAY BE INCREASED TO UP TO $2.3 BILLION ON A COMBINED BASIS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; HOWEVER, INCREASING THE MAXIMUM BORROWING AVAILABILITY UNDER OUR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY AND UNSECURED TERM LOAN IS SUBJECT TO OUR OBTAINING ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS FROM LENDERS, WHICH MAY NOT OCCUR,

 

·

THE MARGINS USED TO DETERMINE THE INTEREST RATE PAYABLE ON OUR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY AND UNSECURED TERM LOAN AND THE FACILITY FEE PAYABLE ON OUR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY ARE BASED ON OUR CREDIT RATINGS.  FUTURE CHANGES IN OUR CREDIT RATINGS MAY CAUSE THE INTEREST AND FEES WE PAY TO CHANGE,

 

·

WE HAVE THE OPTION TO EXTEND THE MATURITY DATE OF OUR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY UPON PAYMENT OF A FEE AND MEETING CERTAIN CONDITIONS.  HOWEVER, THE APPLICABLE CONDITIONS MAY NOT BE MET, AND

 

·

WE BELIEVE THAT OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR RELATED PARTIES, INCLUDING RMR LLC, RMR INC., TA, SONESTA, AIC, AND OTHERS AFFILIATED WITH THEM MAY BENEFIT US AND

50


 

PROVIDE US WITH COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES IN OPERATING AND GROWING OUR BUSINESS. IN FACT, THE ADVANTAGES WE BELIEVE WE MAY REALIZE FROM THESE RELATIONSHIPS MAY NOT MATERIALIZE.

 

THESE RESULTS COULD OCCUR DUE TO MANY DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES, SOME OF WHICH ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL, SUCH AS ACTS OF TERRORISM, NATURAL DISASTERS, CHANGES IN OUR MANAGERS’ OR TENANTS’ REVENUES OR EXPENSES, CHANGES IN OUR MANAGERS’ OR TENANTS’ FINANCIAL CONDITIONS OR THE MARKET DEMAND FOR HOTEL ROOMS OR FUEL, OR CHANGES IN CAPITAL MARKETS OR THE ECONOMY GENERALLY.

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10Q AND IN OUR 2014 ANNUAL REPORT OR IN OUR OTHER FILINGS WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING UNDER THE CAPTION “RISK FACTORS”, OR INCORPORATED HEREIN OR THEREIN, IDENTIFIES OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE DIFFERENCES FROM OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. OUR FILINGS WITH THE SEC ARE AVAILABLE ON THE SEC’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV.

YOU SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE UPON OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS.

EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY LAW, WE DO NOT INTEND TO UPDATE OR CHANGE ANY FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF NEW INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS OR OTHERWISE.

 

STATEMENT CONCERNING LIMITED LIABILITY

 

THE AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST ESTABLISHING HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST, DATED AUGUST 21, 1995, AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, AS FILED WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENTS AND TAXATION OF MARYLAND, PROVIDES THAT NO TRUSTEE, OFFICER, SHAREHOLDER, EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST SHALL BE HELD TO ANY PERSONAL LIABILITY, JOINTLY OR SEVERALLY, FOR ANY OBLIGATION OF, OR CLAIM AGAINST, HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST. ALL PERSONS DEALING WITH HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST IN ANY WAY SHALL LOOK ONLY TO THE ASSETS OF HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY SUM OR THE PERFORMANCE OF ANY OBLIGATION.

 

 

Part II Other Information

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our business faces many risks, a number of which are described under the caption “Risk Factors” in our 2014 Annual Report and below. The risks so described may not be the only risks we face. Additional risks of which we are not yet aware, or that we currently believe are immaterial, may also materially and adversely impact our business operations or financial results. If any of the events or circumstances described in the risk factors contained in our 2014 Annual Report or described below occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely impacted and the trading price of our securities could decline. Investors and prospective investors should consider the risks described in our 2014 Annual Report and below and the information contained under the heading “Warning Concerning Forward Looking Statements” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q before deciding whether to invest in our securities.

Our bylaws designate the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our shareholders, which could limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our Trustees, officers, manager or agents.

Our bylaws currently provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or if that court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, will be the sole and exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of a duty owed by any Trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of

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ours to us or our shareholders; (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any Trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of ours arising pursuant to the Maryland General Corporation Law, our declaration of trust or bylaws brought by or on behalf of a shareholder; or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us or any Trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of ours that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This choice of forum provision may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that the shareholder believes is favorable for disputes with us or our Trustees, officers, manager or agents, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our Trustees, officers, manager or agents. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in our shares of beneficial interest shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to this provision of our bylaws, as they may be amended from time to time. This provision of our bylaws does not abrogate or supersede other provisions of our bylaws dealing with certain disputes affecting us.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

On April 8,  May 7 and June 5, 2015, we issued 10,716, 10,388 and 11,004 of our common shares, respectively, to RMR LLC as payment of a portion of the management fee due to RMR LLC pursuant to our business management agreement with RMR LLC.  We issued these shares pursuant to an exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.

 

On June 5, 2015, we issued 1,490,000 of our common shares to RMR Inc. as payment, along with cash, for 5,019,121 shares of class A common stock of RMR Inc.  We issued these shares pursuant to an exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

On August 7, 2015, our Board of Trustees approved amended and restated bylaws, effective that same date.

The amended and restated bylaws amend the share ownership requirements for shareholders seeking to nominate individuals for election to the Board of Trustees or propose other business to be considered by shareholders at an annual meeting of shareholders. Pursuant to the amended and restated bylaws, the proponent shareholder(s) must have each continuously owned (as defined in the amended and restated bylaws) our shares of beneficial interest entitled to vote in the election of Trustees or on a proposal of other business, for at least three years prior to each of the date of the giving of the notice of the proposed nomination or proposal of other business, the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the time of the annual meeting, with the aggregate shares owned by such shareholder(s) as of each such date and during such three year period representing at least 1% of our shares of beneficial interest. Our bylaws previously required that a proponent shareholder own at least $2,000 in market value or 1% of our shares of beneficial interest entitled to vote at the meeting on such election or proposal of other business for at least one year from the date such shareholder gave notice of the proposed nomination or proposal of other business.

The amended and restated bylaws also amend the provisions regarding arbitration procedures for disputes to, among other things, add a provision allowing for an award or decision rendered pursuant to arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, or AAA, to be appealed pursuant to the AAA appeals process, and shall not be considered final until after the time for filing a notice of appeal pursuant to the AAA appellate rules has expired, and otherwise until the appellate process has been completed.

The amended and restated bylaws also add a provision which provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, will be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a duty owed by any of our Trustees, officers, managers, agents or employees to us or our shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our Trustees, officers, managers, agents or employees arising pursuant to the Maryland General Corporation Law or our declaration of trust or the amended and restated bylaws, including any disputes, claims or controversies brought by or on behalf of any of our shareholders or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our Trustees, officers, managers, agents or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Maryland. This provision further provides that any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in our shares of beneficial interest is deemed to have notice of and consented to this provision. This provision of our amended and restated bylaws does not abrogate or supersede other provisions of our amended and restated bylaws which may require the resolution of such disputes by arbitration.

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The amended and restated bylaws also include certain conforming and administrative changes, including, among other things, revisions to the descriptions of the powers and duties of our officers.

The foregoing description of the amended and restated bylaws is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the amended and restated bylaws, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 3.4 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and is incorporated by reference herein. In addition, a marked copy of the amended and restated bylaws indicating changes made to our bylaws as they existed immediately prior to the adoption of these amended and restated bylaws is attached as Exhibit 3.5.

 

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Item 6.  Exhibits

 

 

 

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

3.1 

 

Composite Copy of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated as of August 21, 1995, as amended to date. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.)

3.2 

 

Articles Supplementary dated as of June 2, 1997. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, File Number 001-11527.)

3.3 

 

Articles Supplementary dated as of January 13, 2012. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 13, 2012.)

3.4 

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company adopted August 7, 2015. (Filed herewith.)

3.5 

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company adopted August 7, 2015 (marked copy). (Filed herewith.)

4.1 

 

Form of Common Share Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.)

4.2 

 

Form of 7.125% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Share Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.)

4.3 

 

Indenture, dated as of February 25, 1998, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, File Number 001-11527.)

4.4 

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 9, dated as of June 15, 2006, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, relating to the Company’s 6.30% Senior Notes due 2016, including form thereof. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, File Number 001-11527.)

4.5 

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 10, dated as of March 7, 2007, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, relating to the Company’s 3.80% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027, including form thereof. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 2, 2007, File Number 001-11527.)

4.6 

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 11, dated as of March 12, 2007, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, relating to the Company’s 5.625% Senior Notes due 2017, including form thereof. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 7, 2007, File Number 001-11527.)

4.7 

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 12, dated as of September 28, 2007, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, relating to the Company’s 6.70% Senior Notes due 2018, including form thereof. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, File Number 001-11527.)

4.8 

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 14, dated as of August 16, 2012, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, relating to the Company’s 5.000% Senior Notes due 2022, including form thereof. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012.)

4.9 

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 15, dated as of June 6, 2013, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, relating to the Company’s 4.500% Senior Notes due 2023, including form thereof. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013.)

4.10 

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 16, dated as of March 12, 2014, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, relating to the Company’s 4.650% Senior Notes due 2024, including form thereof. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.)

4.11 

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 17, dated as of September 12, 2014, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, relating to the Company’s 4.50% Senior Notes due 2025, including form thereof. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014.)

10.1 

 

Transaction Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2015, among the Company, Reit Management & Research LLC, Reit Management & Research Trust and Reit Management & Research Inc. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 5, 2015.)

10.2 

 

Second Amended and Restated Business Management Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2015, between the Company and Reit Management & Research LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 5, 2015.)

10.3 

 

Second Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2015, between the Company and Reit Management & Research LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 5, 2015.)

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10.4 

 

Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2015, among the Company, Reit Management & Research Trust, Barry M. Portnoy and Adam D. Portnoy. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 5, 2015.)

10.5 

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2015, between the Company and Reit Management & Research Inc. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 5, 2015.)

10.6 

 

Summary of Trustee Compensation. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 1, 2015, filed June 4, 2015.)

10.7 

 

Representative Form of Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc. (limited service). (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A, Amendment No. 2, for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.) (Schedule of applicable agreements filed herewith.)

10.8 

 

Pooling Agreement, dated April 23, 2012, as updated through July 23, 2015, between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc. (Filed herewith.)

10.9 

 

Transaction Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2015, among the Company, HPT TA Properties Trust, HPT TA Properties LLC, HPT PSC Properties Trust, HPT PSC Properties LLC, TravelCenters of America LLC, TravelCenters of America Holding Company LLC, TA Leasing LLC and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 1, 2015, filed June 5, 2015.)

10.10 

 

Amended and Restated Lease No. 1, dated June 9, 2015, among HPT TA Properties Trust, HPT TA Properties LLC and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2015.)

10.11 

 

Amended and Restated Lease No. 2, dated June 9, 2015, among HPT TA Properties Trust, HPT TA Properties LLC and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2015.)

10.12 

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Lease Agreement No. 2, dated June 16, 2015, among HPT TA Properties Trust, HPT TA Properties LLC and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015.)

10.13 

 

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Lease Agreement No. 2, dated June 23, 2015, among HPT TA Properties Trust, HPT TA Properties LLC and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 23, 2015.)

10.14 

 

Amended and Restated Lease No. 3, dated June 9, 2015, among HPT TA Properties Trust, HPT TA Properties LLC and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2015.)

10.15 

 

Amended and Restated Lease No. 4, dated June 9, 2015, among HPT TA Properties Trust, HPT TA Properties LLC and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2015.)

10.16 

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Lease Agreement No. 4, dated June 16, 2015, among HPT TA Properties Trust, HPT TA Properties LLC and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 16, 2015.)

10.17 

 

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Lease Agreement No. 4, dated June 23, 2015, among HPT TA Properties Trust, HPT TA Properties LLC and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 23, 2015.)

10.18 

 

Guaranty Agreement, dated June 9, 2015, among TravelCenters of America LLC and TravelCenters of America Holding Company LLC for the benefit of HPT TA Properties Trust and HPT TA Properties LLC (relating to Amended and Restated Lease No. 1). (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2015.)

10.19 

 

Guaranty Agreement, dated June 9, 2015, among TravelCenters of America LLC and TravelCenters of America Holding Company LLC for the benefit of HPT TA Properties Trust and HPT TA Properties LLC (relating to Amended and Restated Lease No. 2). (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2015.)

10.20 

 

Guaranty Agreement, dated June 9, 2015, among TravelCenters of America LLC and TravelCenters of America Holding Company LLC for the benefit of HPT TA Properties Trust and HPT TA Properties LLC (relating to Amended and Restated Lease No. 3). (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2015.)

10.21 

 

Guaranty Agreement, dated June 9, 2015, among TravelCenters of America LLC and TravelCenters of America Holding Company LLC for the benefit of HPT TA Properties Trust and HPT TA Properties LLC (relating to Amended and Restated Lease No. 4). (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2015.)

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10.22 

 

Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated June 9, 2015, among HPT PSC Properties Trust, HPT PSC Properties LLC and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2015.)

10.23 

 

Property Exchange Agreement, dated June 9, 2015, among the Company, HPT TA Properties Trust, HPT TA Properties LLC, TravelCenters of America LLC and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2015.)

10.24 

 

Form of Sales Agreement between the Company entity and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 1, 2015, filed June 5, 2015.) (Schedule of applicable agreements filed herewith.)

10.25 

 

Form of Development Property Agreement between an HPT entity and TA Operating LLC. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 1, 2015, filed June 5, 2015.)

12.1 

 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. (Filed herewith.)

12.2 

 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Distributions. (Filed herewith.)

31.1 

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification. (Filed herewith.)

31.2 

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification. (Filed herewith.)

31.3 

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification. (Filed herewith.)

31.4 

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification. (Filed herewith.)

32.1 

 

Section 1350 Certification. (Furnished herewith.)

101.1 

 

The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (iv) related notes to these financial statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail. (Filed herewith.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56


 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John G. Murray

 

John G. Murray

 

President and Chief Operating Officer

 

Dated: August 10, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Mark L. Kleifges

 

Mark L. Kleifges

 

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Dated: August 10, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

57




EXHIBIT 3.4

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

                                                

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

                                                

 

As Amended and Restated August  7, 2015

 

 


 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

ARTICLE I  OFFICES

Section 1.1  Principal Office

Section 1.2  Additional Offices

ARTICLE II  MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

Section 2.1  Place

Section 2.2  Annual Meeting

Section 2.3  Special Meetings

Section 2.4  Notice of Regular or Special Meetings

Section 2.5  Notice of Adjourned Meetings

Section 2.6  Meeting Business

Section 2.7  Organization of Shareholder Meetings

Section 2.8  Quorum

Section 2.9  Voting

Section 2.10  Proxies

Section 2.11  Record Date

Section 2.12  Voting of Shares by Certain Holders

Section 2.13  Inspectors

Section 2.14  Nominations and Other Proposals to be Considered at Meetings of Shareholders

Section 2.14.1  Annual Meetings of Shareholders.

Section 2.14.2  Shareholder Nominations or Other Proposals Causing Covenant Breaches or Defaults

Section 2.14.3  Shareholder Nominations or Other Proposals Requiring Governmental Action

10 

Section 2.14.4  Special Meetings of Shareholders

10 

Section 2.14.5  General.

11 

Section 2.15  No Shareholder Actions by Written Consent

13 

Section 2.16  Voting by Ballot

13 

Section 2.17  Proposals of Business Which Are Not Proper Matters For Action By Shareholders

13 

-  i  -


 

ARTICLE III  TRUSTEES

13 

Section 3.1  General Powers; Qualifications; Trustees Holding Over

13 

Section 3.2  Independent Trustees and Managing Trustees

13 

Section 3.3  Number and Tenure

14 

Section 3.4  Annual and Regular Meetings

14 

Section 3.5  Special Meetings

14 

Section 3.6  Notice

14 

Section 3.7  Quorum

15 

Section 3.8  Voting

15 

Section 3.9  Telephone Meetings

15 

Section 3.10  Action by Written Consent of Trustees

15 

Section 3.11  Waiver of Notice

15 

Section 3.12  Vacancies

16 

Section 3.13  Compensation

16 

Section 3.14  Removal of Trustees

16 

Section 3.15  Surety Bonds

16 

Section 3.16  Reliance

16 

Section 3.17  Interested Trustee Transactions

16 

Section 3.18  Certain Rights of Trustees, Officers, Employees and Agents

17 

Section 3.19  Emergency Provisions

17 

ARTICLE IV  COMMITTEES

17 

Section 4.1  Number; Tenure and Qualifications

17 

Section 4.2  Powers

17 

Section 4.3  Meetings

17 

Section 4.4  Telephone Meetings

18 

Section 4.5  Action by Written Consent of Committees

18 

Section 4.6  Vacancies

18 

-  ii  -


 

ARTICLE V  OFFICERS

18 

Section 5.1  General Provisions

18 

Section 5.2  Removal and Resignation

18 

Section 5.3  Vacancies

19 

Section 5.4  President

19 

Section 5.5  Chief Operating Officer

19 

Section 5.6  Chief Financial Officer

19 

Section 5.7  Vice Presidents

19 

Section 5.8  Secretary

19 

Section 5.9  Treasurer

19 

Section 5.10  Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers

20 

ARTICLE VI  CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

20 

Section 6.1  Contracts

20 

Section 6.2  Checks and Drafts

20 

Section 6.3  Deposits

20 

ARTICLE VII  SHARES

20 

Section 7.1  Certificates

20 

Section 7.2  Transfers

21 

Section 7.3  Lost Certificates

21 

Section 7.4  Closing of Transfer Books or Fixing of Record Date

21 

Section 7.5  Share Ledger

22 

Section 7.6  Fractional Shares; Issuance of Units

22 

ARTICLE VIII  RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES

22 

Section 8.1  Definitions

22 

Section 8.2  Restrictions on Ownership

24 

Section 8.3  Transfer of Shares

27 

Section 8.4  Costs, Expenses and Compensation of Charitable Trustee and the Trust

30 

Section 8.5  Transactions on a National Securities Exchange

31 

Section 8.6  Enforcement

31 

Section 8.7  Non-Waiver

31 

Section 8.8  Enforceability

31 

-  iii  -


 

ARTICLE IX  REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND DISCLOSURE

31 

Section 9.1  Actions Requiring Regulatory Compliance Implicating the Trust

31 

Section 9.2  Compliance With Law

32 

Section 9.3  Limitation on Voting Shares or Proxies

32 

Section 9.4  Representations, Warranties and Covenants Made to Governmental or Regulatory Bodies

33 

Section 9.5  Board of Trustees’ Determinations

33 

ARTICLE X  FISCAL YEAR

33 

Section 10.1  Fiscal Year

33 

ARTICLE XI  DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

33 

Section 11.1  Dividends and Other Distributions

33 

ARTICLE XII  SEAL

33 

Section 12.1  Seal

33 

Section 12.2  Affixing Seal

33 

ARTICLE XIII  WAIVER OF NOTICE

33 

Section 13.1  Waiver of Notice

33 

ARTICLE XIV  AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

34 

Section 14.1  Amendment of Bylaws

34 

ARTICLE XV  MISCELLANEOUS

34 

Section 15.1  References to Declaration of Trust

34 

Section 15.2  Costs and Expenses

34 

Section 15.3  Ratification

34 

Section 15.4  Ambiguity

35 

Section 15.5  Inspection of Bylaws

35 

Section 15.6  Election to be Subject to Part of Title 3, Subtitle 8

35 

ARTICLE XVI  ARBITRATION PROCEDURES FOR DISPUTES

35 

Section 16.1  Procedures for Arbitration of Disputes

35 

Section 16.2  Arbitrators

35 

Section 16.3  Place of Arbitration

36 

Section 16.4  Discovery

36 

Section 16.5  Awards

36 

Section 16.6  Costs and Expenses

36 

Section 16.7  Appeals

37 

Section 16.8  Final and Binding

37 

Section 16.9  Beneficiaries

37 

ARTICLE XVII  EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN DISPUTES

37 

 

 

-  iv  -


 

 

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

These AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS (the Bylaws) are made as of the date set forth above by the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1.1 Principal Office.  The principal office of the Trust shall be located at such place or places as the Board of Trustees may designate.

Section 1.2 Additional OfficesThe Trust may have additional offices at such places as the Board of Trustees may from time to time determine or the business of the Trust may require.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

Section 2.1 PlaceAll meetings of shareholders shall be held at the principal office of the Trust or at such other place as is designated by the Board of Trustees or the president.

Section 2.2 Annual MeetingAn annual meeting of the shareholders for the election of Trustees and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Trust shall be held at such times as the Trustees may designateFailure to hold an annual meeting does not invalidate the Trusts existence or affect any otherwise valid acts of the Trust.

Section 2.3 Special MeetingsSpecial meetings of shareholders may be called only by a majority of the Trustees then in officeIf there shall be no Trustees, the officers of the Trust shall promptly call a special meeting of the shareholders entitled to vote for the election of successor Trustees for the purpose of electing Trustees.

Section 2.4 Notice of Regular or Special MeetingsNotice given in writing or by electronic transmission specifying the place, day and hour of any regular or special meeting, the purposes of the meeting, to the extent required by law to be provided, and all other matters required by law shall be given to each shareholder of record entitled to vote, sent to his or her address appearing on the books of the Trust or theretofore given by him or her to the Trust for the purpose of notice, by presenting it to such shareholder personally, by leaving it at the shareholders residence or usual place of business or by any other means permitted by Maryland lawIf mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given once deposited in the U.S. mail addressed to the shareholder at his or her post office address as it appears on the records of the Trust, with postage thereon prepaidIf transmitted electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the shareholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the shareholder at which the shareholder receives electronic transmissionsIt shall be the duty of the secretary to give notice of each meeting of the shareholdersThe Trust may give

 


 

a single notice to all shareholders who share an address, which single notice shall be effective to any shareholder at such address, unless a shareholder objects to receiving such single notice or revokes a prior consent to receiving such single noticeFailure to give notice of any meeting to one or more shareholders, or any irregularity in such notice, shall not affect the validity of any meeting fixed in accordance with this ARTICLE II or the validity of any proceedings at any such meeting.

Section 2.5 Notice of Adjourned MeetingsIt shall not be necessary to give notice of the time and place of any adjourned meeting or of the business to be transacted thereat other than by announcement at the meeting at which such adjournment is taken.

Section 2.6 Meeting BusinessExcept as otherwise expressly set forth elsewhere in these Bylaws, no business shall be transacted at an annual or special meeting of shareholders except as specifically designated in the notice or otherwise properly brought before the meeting of shareholders by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees.

Section 2.7 Organization of Shareholder MeetingsEvery meeting of shareholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Trustees to be chairperson of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment or the absence of the appointed individual, by one of the following officers present at the meeting in the following order: the chairman of the board, if there be one, the president, the vice presidents in their order of seniority, the secretary, or, in the absence of such officers, a chairperson chosen by the shareholders by the vote of holders of shares of beneficial interest representing a majority of the votes cast on such appointment by shareholders present in person or represented by proxyThe secretary, an assistant secretary or a person appointed by the Trustees or, in the absence of such appointment, a person appointed by the chairperson of the meeting shall act as secretary of the meeting and record the minutes of the meetingIf the secretary presides as chairperson at a meeting of the shareholders, then the secretary shall not also act as secretary of the meeting and record the minutes of the meetingThe order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of shareholders shall be determined by the chairperson of the meetingThe chairperson of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of such chairperson, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation: (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance at the meeting to shareholders of record of the Trust, their duly authorized proxies or other such persons as the chairperson of the meeting may determine; (c) limiting participation at the meeting on any matter to shareholders of record of the Trust entitled to vote on such matter, their duly authorized proxies or other such persons as the chairperson of the meeting may determine; (d) limiting the time allotted to questions or comments by participants; (e) determining when and for how long the polls should be opened and when the polls should be closed; (f) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (g) removing any shareholder or other person who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules or guidelines as set forth by the chairperson of the meeting; (h) concluding a meeting or recessing or adjourning the meeting to a later date and time and at a place announced at the meeting; and (i) complying with any state and local laws and regulations concerning safety and securityWithout limiting the generality of the powers of the chairperson of the meeting pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the chairperson may adjourn any meeting of shareholders for any reason deemed necessary by the chairperson, including, without limitation, if (i) no quorum is present

-  2  -


 

for the transaction of the business, (ii) the Board of Trustees or the chairperson of the meeting determines that adjournment is necessary or appropriate to enable the shareholders to consider fully information that the Board of Trustees or the chairperson of the meeting determines has not been made sufficiently or timely available to shareholders or (iii) the Board of Trustees or the chairperson of the meeting determines that adjournment is otherwise in the best interests of the TrustUnless otherwise determined by the chairperson of the meeting, meetings of shareholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the general rules of parliamentary procedure or any otherwise established rules of order.

Section 2.8 QuorumAt any meeting of shareholders, the presence in person or by proxy of shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting shall constitute a quorum; but this section shall not affect any requirement under any statute or the Declaration of Trust for the vote necessary for the adoption of any measureIf, however, such quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the shareholders, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time without the Trust having to set a new record date or provide any additional notice of such meeting, subject to any obligation of the Trust to give notice pursuant to Section 2.5At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notifiedThe shareholders present, either in person or by proxy, at a meeting of shareholders which has been duly called and convened and at which a quorum was established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum then being present at the meeting.

Section 2.9 Voting.    

(a) With regard to the election of a Trustee, pursuant to Section 5.9 of the Declaration of Trust, voting by shareholders shall be conducted under the non-cumulative method and shall be by the affirmative vote of holders of the Trusts shares of beneficial interest representing a majority of the total number of votes authorized to be cast by shares then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon; provided, however, the election of a Managing Trustee or an Independent Trustee (each as defined in Section 3.2) in an uncontested election, which is an election in which the number of nominees for election equals (or is less than) the number to be elected at the meeting, shall be by the affirmative vote of the Trusts shares of beneficial interest representing a majority of the total number of votes cast.

(b) With regard to any other matter which may properly come before a meeting of shareholders duly called and at which a quorum is present, and except as may be mandated by applicable law, by the listing requirements of the principal exchange on which the Trusts common shares of beneficial interest are listed or by a specific provision of the Declaration of Trust, the vote required for approval shall be the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of votes cast.

Section 2.10 ProxiesA shareholder may cast the votes entitled to be cast by him or her either in person or by proxy executed by the shareholder or by his or her duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by lawSuch proxy shall be filed with such officer of the Trust or third party agent as the Board of Trustees shall have designated for such purpose for verification at or prior to such meetingAny proxy relating to the Trusts shares of beneficial interest shall be

-  3  -


 

valid until the expiration date therein or, if no expiration is so indicated, for such period as is permitted pursuant to Maryland lawAt a meeting of shareholders, all questions concerning the qualification of voters, the validity of proxies, and the acceptance or rejection of votes, shall be decided by or on behalf of the chairperson of the meeting, subject to Section 2.13.

Section 2.11 Record DateThe Board of Trustees may fix the date for determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting of shareholdersIf no date is fixed for the determination of the shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders, only persons in whose names shares entitled to vote are recorded on the share records of the Trust on the later of: (i) the close of business on the day on which notice of such meeting of shareholders is first mailed by the Trust or (ii) the thirtieth (30th) day before the date of such meeting shall be entitled to vote at such meeting.

Section 2.12 Voting of Shares by Certain HoldersShares of beneficial interest of the Trust registered in the name of a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, a general partner, managing member or trustee thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such shares pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity or pursuant to an agreement of the partners of the partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such sharesAny trustee or other fiduciary may vote shares registered in his or her name as such fiduciary, either in person or by proxy.

Section 2.13 Inspectors.

(a) Before or at any meeting of shareholders, the chairperson of the meeting may appoint one or more persons as inspectors for such meetingSuch inspectors, if any, shall (i) ascertain and report the number of shares of beneficial interest represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity and effect of proxies, (ii) receive and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, (iii) report such tabulation to the chairperson of the meeting and (iv) perform such other acts as are proper to conduct the election or voting at the meeting.

(b) Each report of an inspector shall be in writing and signed by him or herThe report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

Section 2.14 Nominations and Other Proposals to be Considered at Meetings of ShareholdersNominations of individuals for election to the Board of Trustees and the proposal of other business to be considered by the shareholders at meetings of shareholders may be properly brought before the meeting only as set forth in this Section 2.14Nothing in this Section 2.14 shall be deemed to affect any right of a shareholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or the right of the Trust to omit a proposal from, any proxy statement filed by the Trust with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)All judgments and determinations made by the Board of Trustees or the chairperson of the meeting, as applicable, under this Section 2.14 (including, without limitation, judgments and determinations as to the propriety of a proposed nomination or a proposal of other business for

-  4  -


 

consideration by shareholders) shall be final and binding unless determined to have been made in bad faith.

Section 2.14.1 Annual Meetings of Shareholders.

(a) Any shareholder of the Trust may recommend to the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees an individual as a nominee for election to the Board of TrusteesSuch recommendation shall be made by written notice to the Chair of such committee and the Secretary of the Trust, which notice should contain or be accompanied by the information and documents with respect to such recommended nominee and shareholder that such shareholder believes to be relevant or helpful to the Nominating and Governance Committees deliberationsIn considering such recommendation, the Nominating and Governance Committee may request additional information concerning the recommended nominee or the shareholder(s) making the recommendationThe Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees will consider any such recommendation in its discretionAny shareholder seeking to make a nomination of an individual for election to the Board of Trustees at an annual meeting must make such nomination in accordance with Section 2.14.1(b)(ii).

(b) Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Trustees and the proposal of other business to be considered by the shareholders at an annual meeting of shareholders may be properly brought before the meeting (i) pursuant to the Trusts notice of meeting or otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees or (ii) by any one or more shareholders of the Trust who (A) have each continuously owned (as defined below) shares of beneficial interest of the Trust entitled to vote in the election of Trustees or on a proposal of other business, for at least three years as of the date of the giving of the notice provided for in Section 2.14.1(c), the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the time of the annual meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof), with the aggregate shares owned by such shareholder(s) as of each of such dates and during such three year period representing at least one percent (1%) of the Trusts shares of beneficial interest, (B) holds, or hold, a certificate or certificates evidencing the aggregate number of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust referenced in subclause (A) of this Section 2.14.1(b)(ii) as of the time of giving the notice provided for in Section 2.14.1(c), the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the time of the annual meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof), (C) is, or are, entitled to make such nomination or propose such other business and to vote at the meeting on such election or proposal of other business, and (D) complies, or comply, with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.14 as to such nomination or proposal of other businessFor purposes of this Section 2.14.1(b), a shareholder shall be deemed to own or have owned only those outstanding shares of the Trusts shares of beneficial interest to which the shareholder possesses both the full voting and investment rights pertaining to the shares and the full economic interest in (including the opportunity for profit from and risk of loss on) such shares; provided that the number of shares calculated in accordance with the foregoing shall not include any shares (x) sold by such shareholder or any of its affiliates in any transaction that has not been settled or closed or (y) borrowed by such shareholder or any of its affiliates for any purposes or purchased by such shareholder or any of its affiliates pursuant to an agreement to resellWithout limiting the foregoing, to the extent not excluded by the immediately preceding sentence, a shareholders  

-  5  -


 

short position as defined in Rule 14e-4 under the Exchange Act shall be deducted from the shares otherwise owned. A shareholder shall own shares held in the name of a nominee or other intermediary so long as the shareholder retains the right to instruct how the shares are voted with respect to the election of trustees or the proposal of other business and possesses the full economic interest in the sharesFor purposes of this Section 2.14.1(b), the term affiliate or affiliates shall have the meaning ascribed thereto under the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange ActWhether outstanding shares of the Trusts shares of beneficial interest are owned for purposes of this Section 2.14.1(b) shall be determined by the Board of Trustees.

(c) For nominations for election to the Board of Trustees or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by one or more shareholders pursuant to this Section 2.14.1, such shareholder(s) shall have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Trust in accordance with this Section 2.14 and such other business shall otherwise be a proper matter for action by shareholdersTo be timely, the notice of such shareholder(s) shall set forth all information required under this Section 2.14 and shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Trust not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the one-hundred twentieth (120th) day nor earlier than the one-hundred fiftieth (150th) day prior to the first (1st) anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding years annual meeting; provided, however, that if the annual meeting is called for a date that is more than thirty (30) days earlier or later than the first (1st) anniversary of the date of the preceding years annual meeting, notice by such shareholder(s) to be timely shall be so delivered not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the tenth (10th) day following the earlier of the day on which (i) notice of the date of the annual meeting is mailed or otherwise made available or (ii) public announcement of the date of the annual meeting is first made by the Trust. Neither the postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting, nor the public announcement of such postponement or adjournment, shall commence a new time period for the giving of a notice of one or more shareholders as described above.

A notice of one or more shareholders pursuant to this Section 2.14.1(c) shall set forth:

(i) separately as to each individual whom such shareholder(s) propose to nominate for election or reelection as a Trustee (a Proposed Nominee), (1) the name, age, business address, residence address and educational background of such Proposed Nominee, (2) a statement of whether such Proposed Nominee is proposed for nomination as an Independent Trustee or a Managing Trustee and a description of such Proposed Nominees qualifications to be an Independent Trustee or Managing Trustee, as the case may be, and such Proposed Nominees qualifications to be a Trustee pursuant to the criteria set forth in Section 3.1, (3) the class, series and number of any shares of beneficial interest of the Trust that are, directly or indirectly, beneficially owned or owned of record by such Proposed Nominee, (4) a description of the material terms of each Derivative Transaction that such Proposed Nominee directly or indirectly, has an interest in, including, without limitation, the counterparties to each Derivative Transaction, the class or series and number or amount of securities of the Trust to which each Derivative Transaction relates or provides exposure, and whether or not (x) such Derivative Transaction conveys any voting rights directly or indirectly, to such Proposed Nominee, (y) such Derivative Transaction is required to be, or is capable of being, settled through delivery of securities of the Trust and (z) such Proposed Nominee and/or, to their knowledge, the

-  6  -


 

counterparty to such Derivative Transaction has entered into other transactions that hedge or mitigate the economic effect of such Derivative Transaction, (5) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other agreements, arrangements and understandings or any other relationships, between or among any shareholder making the nomination, or any of its respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the one hand, and such Proposed Nominee, or his or her respective affiliates and associates, on the other hand, and (6) all other information relating to such Proposed Nominee that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of Trustees in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or is otherwise required, in each case, pursuant to Section 14 (or any successor provision) of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;

(ii) as to any other business that such shareholder(s) propose to bring before the meeting, (1) a description of such business, (2) the reasons for proposing such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such shareholder(s) or any Shareholder Associated Person (as defined in Section 2.14.1(g)), including any anticipated benefit to such shareholder(s) or any Shareholder Associated Person therefrom, (3) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between such shareholder(s) and Shareholder Associated Person amongst themselves or with any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such shareholder(s) and (4) a representation that such shareholder(s) intend to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring the business before the meeting;

(iii) separately as to each shareholder giving the notice and any Shareholder Associated Person, (1) the class, series and number of all shares of beneficial interest of the Trust that are owned of record by such shareholder or by such Shareholder Associated Person, if any, and (2) the class, series and number of, and the nominee holder for, any shares of beneficial interests of the Trust that are, directly or indirectly, beneficially owned but not owned of record by such shareholder or by such Shareholder Associated Person, if any;

(iv) separately as to each shareholder giving the notice and any Shareholder Associated Person, (1) a description of all purchases and sales of securities of the Trust by such shareholder or Shareholder Associated Person during the previous six (6) month period, including the date of the transactions, the class, series and number of securities involved in the transactions and the consideration involved, (2) a description of the material terms of each Derivative Transaction that such shareholder or Shareholder Associated Person, directly or indirectly, has an interest in, including, without limitation, the counterparties to each Derivative Transaction, the class or series and number or amount of securities of the Trust to which each Derivative Transaction relates or provides exposure, and whether or not (x) such Derivative Transaction conveys any voting rights, directly or indirectly, to such shareholder or Shareholder Associated Person, (y) such Derivative Transaction is required to be, or is capable of being, settled through delivery of securities of the Trust and (z) such shareholder or Shareholder Associated Person and/or, to their knowledge, the counterparty to such Derivative Transaction has entered into other transactions that hedge or mitigate the economic effect of such Derivative Transaction, (3) a description of the material terms of any performance related fees (other than an asset based fee) to which such shareholder or Shareholder Associated Person is entitled based on any increase or decrease in the value of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust or instrument or arrangement of the type contemplated within the definition of Derivative Transaction, and

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(4) any rights to dividends or other distributions on the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust that are beneficially owned by such shareholder or Shareholder Associated Person that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of beneficial interest of the Trust;

(v) separately as to each shareholder giving the notice and any Shareholder Associated Person with a material interest described in clause (ii)(2) above, an ownership interest described in clause (iii) above or a transaction or right described in clause (iv) above, (1) the name and address of such shareholder and Shareholder Associated Person, and (2) all information relating to such shareholder and Shareholder Associated Person that is required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for election of Trustees in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or is otherwise required, in each case, pursuant to Section 14 (or any successor provision) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and

(vi) to the extent known by the shareholder(s) giving the notice, the name and address of any other person who beneficially owns or owns of record any shares of beneficial interest of the Trust and who supports the nominee for election or reelection as a Trustee or the proposal of other business.

(d) A notice of one or more shareholders making a nomination or proposing other business pursuant to Section 2.14.1(b)(ii) shall be accompanied by (i) a copy of the share certificate(s) referenced in subclause (B) of Section 2.14.1(b)(ii) above; (ii) if any such shareholder was not a shareholder of record of the shares referenced in subclause (A) of Section 2.14.1(b)(ii) above continuously for the three-year period referenced therein, reasonable evidence of such shareholders continuous beneficial ownership of such shares during such three-year period, such reasonable evidence may include, but shall not be limited to, (A) a copy of a report of the shareholder on Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act filed on or prior to the beginning of the three-year period and all amendments thereto, (B) a copy of a statement required to be filed pursuant to Section 16 of the Exchange Act (or any successor provisions) by a person who is a Trustee of the Trust or who is directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of more than ten percent (10%) of the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust filed on or prior to the beginning of the three-year period and all amendments thereto, or (C) a written verification of such beneficial ownership from a person who was the record holder of such shares, including any participant of the Depositary Trust Company, if applicable; and (iii) with respect to nominations, a signed statement of each Proposed Nominee (1) certifying that the information, including share ownership and duration, contained in the notice regarding such Proposed Nominee and any affiliate or associate of such person is true and complete, and complies with this Section 2.14.1 in all material respects, and (2) consenting to being named as a nominee and to serving as a Trustee if elected.

(e) Any shareholder(s) providing notice of a proposed nomination or other business to be considered at an annual meeting of shareholders shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.14 is true and correct as of the record date for such annual meeting and as of a date that is ten (10) business days prior to such annual meeting, and any such update shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Trust not later than the close of business on the fifth (5th) business day after the record date (in the

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case of an update or supplement required to be made as of the record date), and not later than the close of business on the eighth (8th) business day prior to the date of the annual meeting (in the case of an update or supplement required to be made as of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting).

(f) Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of Section 2.14.1(c) to the contrary, if the number of Trustees to be elected to the Board of Trustees is increased and there is no public announcement of such action at least one-hundred thirty (130) days prior to the first (1st) anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding years annual meeting, the notice required by this Section 2.14.1 also shall be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if such notice is delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Trust not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the tenth (10th) day immediately following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Trust.

(g) For purposes of this Section 2.14, (i) Shareholder Associated Person of any shareholder shall mean (A) any person acting in concert with, such shareholder, (B) any direct or indirect beneficial owner of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust beneficially owned or owned of record by such shareholder and (C) any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such shareholder or a Shareholder Associated Person; and (ii) Derivative Transaction by a person shall mean any (A) transaction in, or arrangement, agreement or understanding with respect to, any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right or similar right with an exercise, conversion or exchange privilege, or settlement payment or mechanism related to, any security of the Trust, or similar instrument with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of a security of the Trust, in any such case whether or not it is subject to settlement in a security of the Trust or otherwise or (B) any transaction, arrangement, agreement or understanding which included or includes an opportunity for such person, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of any security of the Trust, to mitigate any loss or manage any risk associated with any increase or decrease in the value of any security of the Trust or to increase or decrease the number of securities of the Trust which such person was, is or will be entitled to vote, in any such case whether or not it is subject to settlement in a security of the Trust or otherwise.

Section 2.14.2 Shareholder Nominations or Other Proposals Causing Covenant Breaches or Defaults.  At the same time as the submission of any shareholder nomination or proposal of other business to be considered at a shareholders meeting that, if approved and implemented by the Trust, would cause the Trust or any subsidiary (as defined in Section 2.14.5(c)) of the Trust to be in breach of any covenant or otherwise cause a default (in any case, with or without notice or lapse of time) in any existing debt instrument or agreement of the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust or other material contract or agreement of the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust, the notice provided pursuant to Section 2.14.1(c) shall disclose: (a) whether the lender or contracting party has agreed to waive the breach of covenant or default, and, if so, shall include reasonable evidence thereof, or (b) in reasonable detail, the plan of the proponent shareholder(s) for the repayment of the indebtedness to the lender or curing the contractual breach or default and satisfying any resulting damage claim, specifically identifying the actions to be taken and the source of funds for any such repayment, and such notice shall be

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accompanied by a copy of any commitment letter(s) or agreement(s) for the financing of such plan.

Section 2.14.3 Shareholder Nominations or Other Proposals Requiring Governmental Action.  If (a) any shareholder nomination or proposal of other business to be considered at a shareholders meeting could not be considered or, if approved, implemented by the Trust without the Trust, any subsidiary of the Trust, any proponent shareholder, any Proposed Nominee of such shareholder, any Shareholder Associated Person of any such shareholder, the holder of proxies or their respective affiliates or associates filing with or otherwise notifying or obtaining the consent, approval or other action of any federal, state, municipal or other governmental or regulatory body (a Governmental Action) or (b) any proponent shareholders ownership of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust or any solicitation of proxies or votes or holding or exercising proxies by such shareholder, any Proposed Nominee of such shareholder, any Shareholder Associated Person of such shareholder, or their respective affiliates or associates would require Governmental Action, then, in the notice provided pursuant to Section 2.14.1(c) the proponent shareholder(s) shall disclose (x) whether such Governmental Action has been given or obtained, and, if so, such notice shall be accompanied by reasonable evidence thereof, or (y) in reasonable detail, the plan of such shareholder(s) for making or obtaining the Governmental ActionAs an example and not as a limitation, at the time these Bylaws are being amended and restated, the Trust has a controlling ownership interest in gaming businesses located in LouisianaApplicable Louisiana law requires that a Trustee be approved by the Louisiana Gaming Control BoardSuch approval process requires that any Proposed Nominee submit detailed personal history and financial disclosuresAccordingly, a shareholder nomination shall be accompanied by evidence that the Proposed Nominee has been approved by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to be a Trustee, or if the Louisiana Gaming Control Board have not approved such an application, then the shareholder nomination shall be accompanied by a plan for obtaining such approval, including information which would be required in any disclosure forms or a copy of completed personal history and financial disclosure forms of the Proposed Nominee as submitted or to be submitted to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.

Section 2.14.4 Special Meetings of Shareholders.  As set forth in Section 2.6, only business brought before the meeting pursuant to the Trusts notice of meeting or otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees may be considered at a special meeting of shareholdersNominations of individuals for election to the Board of Trustees only may be made at a special meeting of shareholders at which Trustees are to be elected: (a) pursuant to the Trusts notice of meeting; (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees; or (c) provided that the Board of Trustees has determined that Trustees shall be elected at such special meeting or if there are no Trustees and the special meeting is called by the officers of the Trust for the election of successor Trustees, by any shareholder of the Trust who is a shareholder of record both at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 2.14.4 through and including the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting on such election and who has complied with the notice procedures and other requirements set forth in this Section 2.14.4If the Trust calls a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing one or more Trustees, any one or more shareholder(s) of the Trust may nominate an individual or individuals (as the case may be) for election as a Trustee, if (i) the shareholder(s) satisfy the ownership, holding and certificate requirements set forth in Section 2.14(b)(ii), (ii) the shareholder(s) notice contains or

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is accompanied by the information and documents required by Section 2.14 for a notice provided pursuant to Section 2.14.1(c) and (iii) the shareholder(s) have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Trust at the principal executive offices of the Trust, with all references in such Sections to the annual meeting and to the notice given under such Sections changed to be references to the special meeting and the notice given under this Section 2.14.4To be timely, a shareholders notice shall be delivered to the secretary of the Trust at the principal executive offices of the Trust not earlier than the one-hundred fiftieth (150th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the later of (i) the one-hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting or (ii) the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of any nominee proposed by the Trustees to be elected at such meetingNeither the postponement or adjournment of a special meeting, nor the public announcement of such postponement or adjournment, shall commence a new time period for the giving of a shareholders notice as described above.

Section 2.14.5 General.

(a) If information submitted pursuant to this Section 2.14 by any shareholder proposing a nominee for election as a Trustee or any proposal for other business at a meeting of shareholders shall be deemed by the Board of Trustees incomplete or inaccurate, any authorized officer or the Board of Trustees or any committee thereof may treat such information as not having been provided in accordance with this Section 2.14Any notice submitted by a shareholder pursuant to this Section 2.14 that is deemed by the Board of Trustees inaccurate, incomplete or otherwise fails to satisfy completely any provision of this Section 2.14 shall be deemed defective and shall thereby render all proposals and nominations set forth in such notice defectiveUpon written request by the secretary of the Trust or the Board of Trustees or any committee thereof (which may be made from time to time), any shareholder proposing a nominee for election as a Trustee or any proposal for other business at a meeting of shareholders shall provide, within three (3) business days after such request (or such other period as may be specified in such request), (i) written verification, satisfactory to the secretary or any other authorized officer or the Board of Trustees or any committee thereof, in his, her or its discretion, to demonstrate the accuracy of any information submitted by the shareholder pursuant to this Section 2.14, (ii) written responses to information reasonably requested by the secretary, the Board of Trustees or any committee thereof and (iii) a written update, to a current date, of any information submitted by the shareholder pursuant to this Section 2.14 as of an earlier dateIf a shareholder fails to provide such written verification, information or update within such period, the secretary or any other authorized officer or the Board of Trustees may treat the information which was previously provided and to which the verification, request or update relates as not having been provided in accordance with this Section 2.14It is the responsibility of a shareholder who wishes to make a nomination or other proposal to comply with the requirements of Section 2.14; nothing in this Section 2.14.5(a) or otherwise shall create any duty of the Trust, the Board of Trustees or any committee thereof nor any officer of the Trust to inform a shareholder that the information submitted pursuant to this Section 2.14 by or on behalf of such shareholder is incomplete or inaccurate or not otherwise in accordance with this Section 2.14 nor require the Trust, the Board of Trustees, any committee of the Board of Trustees or any officer of the Trust to request clarification or updating of information provided by any shareholder, but the

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Board of Trustees, a committee thereof or the secretary acting on behalf of the Board of Trustees or a committee, may do so in its, his or her discretion.

(b) Only such individuals who are nominated in accordance with this Section 2.14 shall be eligible for election by shareholders as Trustees and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of shareholders as shall have been properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.14The chairperson of the meeting and the Board of Trustees shall each have the power to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with this Section 2.14 and, if any proposed nomination or other business is determined not to be in compliance with this Section 2.14, to declare that such defective nomination or proposal be disregarded.

(c) For purposes of this Section 2.14: (i) public announcement shall mean disclosure in (A) a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or any other widely circulated news or wire service or (B) a document publicly filed by the Trust with the SEC; (ii) subsidiary shall include, with respect to a person, any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity of which such person (A) owns, directly or indirectly, ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding voting securities or other interests or (B) has a person designated by such person serving on, or a right, contractual or otherwise, to designate a person, so to serve on, the board of directors (or analogous governing body); and (iii) a person shall be deemed to beneficially own or have beneficially owned any shares of beneficial interest of the Trust not owned directly by such person if that person or a group of which such person is a member would be the beneficial owner of such shares under Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 of the Exchange Act.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.14, a shareholder shall also comply with all applicable legal requirements, including, without limitation, applicable requirements of state law and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.14Nothing in this Section 2.14 shall be deemed to require that a shareholder nomination of an individual for election to the Board of Trustees or a shareholder proposal relating to other business be included in the Trusts proxy statement, except as may be required by law.

(e) The Board of Trustees may from time to time require any individual nominated to serve as a Trustee to agree in writing with regard to matters of business ethics and confidentiality while such nominee serves as a Trustee, such agreement to be on the terms and in a form (the Agreement) determined satisfactory by the Board of Trustees, as amended and supplemented from time to time in the discretion of the Board of TrusteesThe terms of the Agreement may be substantially similar to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Trust or any similar code promulgated by the Trust (the Code of Business Conduct) or may differ from or supplement the Code of Business Conduct.

(f) Determinations required or permitted to be made under this Section 2.14 by the Board of Trustees may be delegated by the Board of Trustees to a committee of the Board of Trustees, subject to applicable law.

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Section 2.15 No Shareholder Actions by Written Consent.  Shareholders shall not be authorized or permitted to take any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of shareholders by written consent, and may take such action only at a shareholders meeting of the Trust.

Section 2.16 Voting by Ballot.  Voting on any question or in any election may be by voice vote unless the chairperson of the meeting or any shareholder shall demand that voting be by ballot.

Section 2.17 Proposals of Business Which Are Not Proper Matters For Action By Shareholders.  Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, subject to applicable law, any shareholder proposal for business the subject matter or effect of which would be within the exclusive purview of the Board of Trustees or would reasonably likely, if considered by the shareholders or approved or implemented by the Trust, result in an impairment of the limited liability status for the Trusts shareholders, shall be deemed not to be a matter upon which the shareholders are entitled to voteThe Board of Trustees in its discretion shall be entitled to determine whether a shareholder proposal for business is not a matter upon which the shareholders are entitled to vote pursuant to this Section 2.17, and its decision shall be final and binding unless determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been made in bad faith.

ARTICLE III

TRUSTEES

Section 3.1 General Powers; Qualifications; Trustees Holding Over.  The business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed under the direction of its Board of TrusteesA Trustee shall be an individual at least twenty-one (21) years of age who is not under legal disabilityTo qualify for nomination or election as a Trustee, an individual, at the time of nomination and election, shall, without limitation, (a) have substantial expertise or experience relevant to the business of the Trust and its subsidiaries (as determined by the Board of Trustees), (b) not have been convicted of a felony, (c) meet the qualifications of an Independent Trustee or a Managing Trustee, as the case may be, depending upon the position for which such individual may be nominated and elected, and (d) have been nominated for election to the Board of Trustees in accordance with Section 2.14In case of failure to elect Trustees at an annual meeting of the shareholders, the incumbent Trustees shall hold over and continue to direct the management of the business and affairs of the Trust until they may resign or until their successors are elected and qualify.

Section 3.2 Independent Trustees and Managing Trustees.  A majority of the Trustees holding office shall at all times be Independent Trustees; provided, however, that upon a failure to comply with this requirement as a result of the creation of a temporary vacancy which shall be filled by an Independent Trustee, whether as a result of enlargement of the Board of Trustees or the resignation, removal or death of a Trustee who is an Independent Trustee, such requirement shall not be applicableAn Independent Trustee is one who is not an employee of the Advisor (as defined in the Declaration of Trust), who is not involved in the Trusts day to day activities, who meets the qualifications of an independent trustee under the Declaration of Trust and who meets the qualifications of an independent director (not including the specific independence

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requirements applicable only to members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees) under the applicable rules of each securities exchange upon which shares of beneficial interest of the Trust are listed for trading and the SEC, as those requirements may be amended from time to timeIf the number of Trustees, at any time, is set at less than five (5), at least one (1) Trustee shall be a Managing TrusteeSo long as the number of Trustees shall be five (5) or greater, at least two (2) Trustees shall be Managing TrusteesManaging Trustees shall mean Trustees who have been employees, officers or directors of the Advisor or involved in the day to day activities of the Trust for at least one year prior to their electionIf at any time the Board of Trustees shall not be comprised of a majority of Independent Trustees, the Board of Trustees shall take such actions as will cure such condition; provided that the fact that the Board of Trustees does not have a majority of Independent Trustees or has not taken such action at any time or from time to time shall not affect the validity of any action taken by the Board of TrusteesIf at any time the Board of Trustees shall not be comprised of a number of Managing Trustees as is required under this Section 3.2, the Board of Trustees shall take such actions as will cure such condition; provided that the fact that the Board of Trustees does not have the requisite number of Managing Trustees or has not taken such action at any time or from time to time shall not affect the validity of any action taken by the Board of Trustees.

Section 3.3 Number and Tenure.  Pursuant to the Articles Supplementary accepted for record by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (the SDAT) as of May 16, 2000, the number of Trustees constituting the entire Board of Trustees may be increased or decreased from time to time only by a vote of the Trustees; provided however that the tenure of office of a Trustee shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of TrusteesThe number of Trustees shall be five (5) until increased or decreased by the Board of Trustees.

Section 3.4 Annual and Regular Meetings.  An annual meeting of the Trustees shall be held immediately after the annual meeting of shareholders, no notice other than this Bylaw being necessaryThe time and place of the annual meeting of the Trustees may be changed by the Board of TrusteesThe Trustees may provide, by resolution, the time and place, either within or without the State of Maryland, for the holding of regular meetings of the Trustees without other notice than such resolutionIf any such regular meeting is not so provided for, the meeting may be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Trustees.

Section 3.5 Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the Trustees may be called at any time by any Managing Trustee, the president or pursuant to the request of any two (2) Trustees then in officeThe person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Trustees may fix any place, either within or without the State of Maryland, as the place for holding any special meeting of the Trustees called by them.

Section 3.6 Notice.  Notice of any special meeting shall be given by written notice delivered personally or by electronic mail, telephoned, facsimile transmitted, overnight couriered (with proof of delivery) or mailed to each Trustee at his or her business or residence addressPersonally delivered, telephoned, facsimile transmitted or electronically mailed notices shall be given at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meetingNotice by mail shall be deposited in the U.S. mail at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the meetingIf mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the U.S. mail properly addressed, with postage thereon

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prepaidElectronic mail notice shall be deemed to be given upon transmission of the message to the electronic mail address given to the Trust by the TrusteeTelephone notice shall be deemed given when the Trustee is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which he is a partyFacsimile transmission notice shall be deemed given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to the Trust by the Trustee and receipt of a completed answer back indicating receiptIf sent by overnight courier, such notice shall be deemed given when delivered to the courierNeither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Trustees need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

Section 3.7 Quorum.  A majority of the Trustees shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Trustees, provided that, if less than a majority of such Trustees are present at a meeting, a majority of the Trustees present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority of a particular group of Trustees is required for action, a quorum for that action shall also include a majority of such groupThe Trustees present at a meeting of the Board of Trustees which has been duly called and convened and at which a quorum was established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of such number of Trustees as would otherwise result in less than a quorum then being present at the meeting.

Section 3.8 Voting.  The action of the majority of the Trustees present at a meeting at which a quorum is or was present shall be the action of the Trustees, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by specific provision of an applicable statute, the Declaration of Trust or these BylawsIf enough Trustees have withdrawn from a meeting to leave fewer than are required to establish a quorum, but the meeting is not adjourned, the action of the majority of that number of Trustees necessary to constitute a quorum at such meeting shall be the action of the Board of Trustees, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by applicable law, the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws.

Section 3.9 Telephone Meetings.  Trustees may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same timeParticipation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meetingSuch meeting shall be deemed to have been held at a place designated by the Trustees at the meeting.

Section 3.10 Action by Written Consent of Trustees.  Unless specifically otherwise provided in the Declaration of Trust, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Trustees may be taken without a meeting, if a majority of the Trustees shall individually or collectively consent in writing or by electronic transmission to such actionSuch written or electronic consent or consents shall be filed with the records of the Trust and shall have the same force and effect as the affirmative vote of such Trustees at a duly held meeting of the Trustees at which a quorum was present.

Section 3.11 Waiver of Notice.  The actions taken at any meeting of the Trustees, however called and noticed or wherever held, shall be as valid as though taken at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice if a quorum is present and if, either before or after the meeting,

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each of the Trustees not present waives notice, consents to the holding of such meeting or approves the minutes thereof.

Section 3.12 Vacancies.  Pursuant to the Articles Supplementary accepted for record by the SDAT as of May 16, 2000, if for any reason any or all the Trustees cease to be Trustees, such event shall not terminate the Trust or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining Trustees hereunder (even if fewer than three Trustees remain)Any vacancy on the Board of Trustees may be filled only by a majority of the remaining Trustees, even if the remaining Trustees do not constitute a quorumAny Trustee elected to fill a vacancy, whether occurring due to an increase in size of the Board of Trustees or by the death, resignation or removal of any Trustee, shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of Trustees in which the vacancy occurred or was created and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

Section 3.13 Compensation.  The Trustees shall be entitled to receive such reasonable compensation for their services as Trustees as the Trustees may determine from time to timeTrustees may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Trustees or of any committee thereof; and for their expenses, if any, in connection with each property visit and any other service or activity performed or engaged in as TrusteesThe Trustees shall be entitled to receive remuneration for services rendered to the Trust in any other capacity, and such services may include, without limitation, services as an officer of the Trust, services as an employee of the Advisor, legal, accounting or other professional services, or services as a broker, transfer agent or underwriter, whether performed by a Trustee or any person affiliated with a Trustee.

Section 3.14 Removal of Trustees.  A Trustee may be removed at any time with or without cause by the affirmative vote either of all the remaining Trustees or if and to the extent permitted by the Declaration of Trust, at a meeting of the shareholders properly called for that purpose, by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust then outstanding and entitled to vote generally in the election of TrusteesA shareholder(s) proposing to remove one or more Trustees shall meet all requirements in these Bylaws for a nomination of an individual for election to the Board of Trustees at an annual meeting of shareholders or a proposal of other business to be properly brought by such shareholder(s) at a meeting of the shareholders as set forth in Section 2.14.1.

Section 3.15 Surety Bonds.  Unless specifically required by law, no Trustee shall be obligated to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of any of his or her duties.

Section 3.16 Reliance.  Each Trustee, officer, employee and agent of the Trust shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Trust, be entitled to rely on any information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by an officer or employee of the Trust or by the Advisor, accountants, appraisers or other experts or consultants selected by the Board of Trustees or officers of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel or expert may also be a Trustee.

Section 3.17 Interested Trustee Transactions.  Section 2-419 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the MGCL) (or any successor statute) shall be available for and apply to any

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contract or other transaction between the Trust and any of its Trustees or between the Trust and any other trust, corporation, firm or other entity in which any of its Trustees is a trustee or director or has a material financial interest.

Section 3.18 Certain Rights of Trustees, Officers, Employees and Agents.  A Trustee shall have no responsibility to devote his or her full time to the affairs of the TrustAny Trustee or officer, employee or agent of the Trust, in his or her personal capacity or in a capacity as an affiliate, employee or agent of any other person, or otherwise, may have business interests and engage in business activities similar or in addition to those of or relating to the Trust.

Section 3.19 Emergency Provisions.  Notwithstanding any other provision in the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, this Section 3.19 shall apply during the existence of any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Trustees under ARTICLE III cannot readily be obtained (an Emergency)During any Emergency, unless otherwise provided by the Board of Trustees, (a) a meeting of the Board of Trustees may be called by any Managing Trustee or officer of the Trust by any means feasible under the circumstances and (b) notice of any meeting of the Board of Trustees during such an Emergency may be given less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting to as many Trustees and by such means as it may be feasible at the time, including publication, television or radio.

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

Section 4.1 Number; Tenure and Qualifications.  The Board of Trustees shall appoint an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Governance CommitteeEach of these committees shall be composed of three or more Trustees, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of TrusteesThe Board of Trustees may also appoint other committees from time to time composed of one or more members, at least one of which shall be a Trustee, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of TrusteesThe Board of Trustees shall adopt a charter with respect to the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee, which charter shall specify the purposes, the criteria for membership and the responsibility and duties and may specify other matters with respect to each committeeThe Board of Trustees may also adopt a charter with respect to other committees.

Section 4.2 Powers.  The Trustees may delegate any of the powers of the Trustees to committees appointed under Section 4.1 and composed solely of Trustees, except as prohibited by lawIf a charter has been adopted with respect to a committee composed solely of Trustees, the charter shall constitute a delegation by the Trustees of the powers of the Board of Trustees necessary to carry out the purposes, responsibilities and duties of a committee provided in the charter or reasonably related to those purposes, responsibilities and duties, to the extent permitted by law.

Section 4.3 Meetings.  Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of TrusteesOne-third (1/3), but not less than one, of the members of any committee shall be present in person at any meeting of a committee

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in order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting, and the act of a majority present at a meeting at the time of a vote if a quorum is then present shall be the act of a committeeThe Board of Trustees or, if authorized by the Board in a committee charter or otherwise, the committee members may designate a chairman of any committee, and the chairman or, in the absence of a chairman, a majority of any committee may fix the time and place of its meetings unless the Board shall otherwise provideIn the absence or disqualification of any member of any committee, the members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another Trustee to act at the meeting in the place of absent or disqualified members.

Section 4.4 Telephone Meetings.  Members of a committee may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment and participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

Section 4.5 Action by Written Consent of Committees.  Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Trustees may be taken without a meeting, if a consent in writing or by electronic transmission to such action is signed by a majority of the committee and such written or electronic consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee.

Section 4.6 Vacancies.  Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Trustees shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to fill all vacancies, to designate alternate members to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 5.1 General Provisions.  The officers of the Trust shall include a president, a secretary and a treasurerIn addition, the Board of Trustees may from time to time elect such other officers with such titles, powers and duties as set forth herein or as the Board of Trustees shall deem necessary or desirable, including a chairman of the board, a vice chairman of the board, a chief executive officer, a chief operating officer, a chief financial officer, one or more vice presidents, one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurersThe officers of the Trust shall be elected annually by the Board of TrusteesEach officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter providedAny two (2) or more offices, except that of president and vice president, may be held by the same personIn their discretion, the Trustees may leave unfilled any office except that of president, treasurer and secretaryElection of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Trust and such officer or agent.

Section 5.2 Removal and Resignation.  Any officer or agent of the Trust may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Trustees if in its judgment the best interests of the Trust would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removedAny officer of the Trust may resign at any time by

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delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Trustees, the president or the secretaryAny resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignationThe acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignationSuch resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Trust.

Section 5.3 Vacancies.  A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Trustees for the balance of the term.

Section 5.4 President.  Except as the Board of Trustees may otherwise provide, the president shall have the duties usually vested in a presidentThe president shall have such other duties as may be assigned to the president by the Board of Trustees from time to timeThe president may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, lease, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Trustees or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Trust or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed.

Section 5.5 Chief Operating Officer.  If elected, except as the Board of Trustees may otherwise provide, the chief operating officer shall have the duties usually vested in a chief operating officerThe chief operating officer shall have such other duties as may be assigned to the chief operating officer by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to time.

Section 5.6 Chief Financial Officer.  If elected, except as the Board of Trustees may otherwise provide, the chief financial officer shall have the duties usually vested in a chief financial officerThe chief financial officer shall have such other duties as may be assigned to the chief financial officer by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to time.

Section 5.7 Vice Presidents.  In the absence or disability of the president, the vice president, if any (or if there is more than one, the vice presidents in the order designated or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election), shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the presidentThe vice president(s) shall have such other duties as may be assigned to such vice president by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to timeThe Board of Trustees may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president, senior vice president or vice presidents for particular areas of responsibility.

Section 5.8 Secretary.  Except as the Board of Trustees may otherwise provide, the secretary (or his or her designee) shall (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the shareholders, the Board of Trustees and committees of the Board of Trustees in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; (c) be custodian of the Trust records and of the seal of the Trust, if any; and (d) maintain a share register, showing the ownership and transfers of ownership of all shares of beneficial interest of the Trust, unless a transfer agent is employed to maintain and does maintain such a share registerThe secretary shall have such other duties as may be assigned to the secretary by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to time.

Section 5.9 Treasurer.  Except as the Board of Trustees may otherwise provide, the treasurer shall (a) have general charge of the financial affairs of the Trust; (b) have or oversee in

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accordance with Section 6.3 the custody of the funds, securities and other valuable documents of the Trust; (c) maintain or oversee the maintenance of proper financial books and records of the Trust; and (d) have the duties usually vested in a treasurerThe treasurer shall have such other duties as may be assigned to the treasurer by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to time.

Section 5.10 Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers.  The assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively, or by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to time.

ARTICLE VI

CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

Section 6.1 Contracts.  The Board of Trustees may authorize any Trustee, officer or agent (including the Advisor or any officer of the Advisor) to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Trust and such authority may be general or confined to specific instancesAny agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document shall be valid and binding upon the Trust when duly authorized or ratified by action of the Board of Trustees and executed by an authorized person.

Section 6.2 Checks and Drafts.   All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Trust shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Trust in such manner as the Board of Trustees, the president, the treasurer or any other officer designated by the Board of Trustees may determine.

Section 6.3 Deposits.  All funds of the Trust not otherwise employed shall be deposited or invested from time to time to the credit of the Trust as the Board of Trustees, the president, the treasurer or any other officer designated by the Board of Trustees may determine.

ARTICLE VII

SHARES

Section 7.1 Certificates.   Ownership of shares of any class of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust shall be evidenced by certificates, or at the election of a shareholder in book entry formUnless otherwise determined by the Board of Trustees, any such certificates shall be signed by the president or a vice president and countersigned by the secretary or an assistant secretary or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer and may be sealed with the seal, if any, of the TrustThe signatures may be either manual or facsimileCertificates shall be consecutively numbered and if the Trust shall from time to time issue several classes of shares, each class may have its own number seriesA certificate is valid and may be issued whether or not an officer who signed it is still an officer when it is issued.

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Section 7.2 Transfers.    

(a) Shares of beneficial interest of the Trust shall be transferable in the manner provided by applicable law, the Declaration of Trust and these BylawsCertificates shall be treated as negotiable and title thereto and to the shares they represent shall be transferred, as described in Sections 5.2 and 5.6 of the Declaration of Trust.

(b) The Trust shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided in these Bylaws or by the laws of the State of Maryland.

Section 7.3 Lost Certificates.  For shares evidenced by certificates, any officer designated by the Trustees may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate previously issued by the Trust alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyedWhen authorizing the issuance of a new certificate, an officer designated by the Trustees may, in such officers discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or the owners legal representative to advertise the same in such manner as he shall require and/or to give bond, with sufficient surety, to the Trust to indemnify it against any loss or claim which may arise as a result of the issuance of a new certificate.

Section 7.4 Closing of Transfer Books or Fixing of Record Date.    

(a) The Trustees may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose.

(b) In lieu of fixing a record date, the Trustees may provide that the share transfer books shall be closed for a stated period but not longer than twenty (20) daysIf the share transfer books are closed for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, such books shall be closed for at least ten (10) days before the date of such meeting.

(c) If no record date is fixed and the share transfer books are not closed for the determination of shareholders, (i) the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall be at the close of business on the day on which the notice of meeting is mailed or the thirtieth (30th) day before the meeting, whichever is the closer date to the meeting; and (ii) the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend or an allotment of any other rights shall be the close of business on the day on which the resolution of the Trustees, declaring the dividend or allotment of rights, is adopted.

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(d) When a determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof unless the Board of Trustees shall set a new record date with respect thereto.

Section 7.5 Share Ledger.  The Trust shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent a share ledger containing the name and address of each shareholder and the number of shares of each class of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust held by such shareholder.

Section 7.6 Fractional Shares; Issuance of Units.  The Trustees may issue fractional shares or provide for the issuance of scrip, as described in Section 5.3 of the Declaration of TrustNotwithstanding any other provision of the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, the Trustees may issue units consisting of different securities of the TrustAny security issued in a unit shall have the same characteristics as any identical securities issued by the Trust, except that the Trustees may provide that for a specified period securities of the Trust issued in such unit may be transferred on the books of the Trust only in such unit.

ARTICLE VIII

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES

Section 8.1 Definitions.  For the purpose of this ARTICLE VIII, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Beneficial Ownership shall mean ownership of Shares by a Person, whether the interest in Shares is held directly or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include, but not be limited to, interests that would be treated as owned through the application of Section 544 of the Code, as modified by Section 856(h)(1)(B) of the CodeThe terms Beneficial Owner,  Beneficially Owns and Beneficially Owned shall have the correlative meanings.

Charitable Beneficiary shall mean one or more beneficiaries of the Charitable Trust as determined pursuant to Section 8.3(g), provided that each such organization shall be described in Sections 501(c)(3), 170(b)(1)(A) (other than clause (vii) or (viii) thereof) and 170(c)(2) of the Code and contributions to each such organization shall be eligible for deduction under each of Sections 170(b)(1)(A), 2055 and 2522 of the Code.

Charitable Trust shall mean any trust provided for in Section 8.2(a)(ii) and Section 8.3(a).

Charitable Trustee shall mean each Person, unaffiliated with the Trust and a Prohibited Owner, that is appointed by the Trust from time to time to serve as a trustee of a Charitable Trust as provided by Section 8.3(a).

Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Common Shares shall mean the common shares of beneficial interest designated as such in the Declaration of Trust.

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Constructive Ownership shall mean ownership of Shares by a Person, whether the interest in Shares is held directly or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include any interests that would be treated as owned through the application of Section 318(a) of the Code, as modified by Section 856(d)(5) of the Code or treated as beneficially owned under Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange ActThe terms Constructive Owner,  Constructively Owns and Constructively Owned shall have the correlative meanings.

Excepted Holder shall mean a shareholder of the Trust for whom an Excepted Holder Limit is created by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 8.2(e)(i) and shall include the Excepted Persons (as defined in the Declaration of Trust).

Excepted Holder Limit shall mean, provided that and only so long as the affected Excepted Holder complies with all of the requirements established by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 8.2(e), the percentage limit established by the Board of Trustees.

Market Price with respect to Shares on any date shall mean the last sale price for such Shares, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, for such Shares, in either case as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to such Shares, or if such Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange, the last sale price in the over the counter market, or if no trading price is available for such Shares, the fair market value of such Shares as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees.

National Securities Exchange means an exchange registered with the SEC under Section 6(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.

Ownership Limit shall mean (a) with respect to Common Shares, nine and eight-tenths percent (9.8%) (in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the Common Shares outstanding at the time of determination and (b) with respect to any other class or series of Shares, nine and eight-tenths percent (9.8%) (in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the Shares of such class or series outstanding at the time of determination.

Person shall mean and include individuals, corporations, limited partnerships, general partnerships, joint stock companies or associations, joint ventures, associations, companies, trusts, banks, trust companies, land trusts, business trusts and other entities and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof.

Prohibited Owner shall mean any Person who, but for the provisions of Section 8.2(a), would Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit, and if appropriate in the context, shall also mean any Person who would have been the holder of record in the books of the Trust or the Trusts transfer agent of Shares that the Prohibited Owner would have so owned.

REIT shall mean a real estate investment trust within the meaning of Section 856 of the Code.

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Shares shall mean the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust.

Transfer shall mean any issuance, sale, transfer, gift, assignment, devise or other disposition, as well as any other event (or any agreement to take any such actions or cause any such events) that causes any Person to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares or the right to vote or receive distributions on Shares, including, without limitation, (a) any change in the capital structure of the Trust which has the effect of increasing the total equity interest of any Person in the Trust, (b) a change in the relationship between two or more Persons which causes a change in ownership of Shares by application of Section 318(a) of the Code, as modified by Section 856(d)(5) of the Code, (c) the grant or exercise of any option or warrant (or any disposition of any option or warrant, or any event that causes any option or warrant not theretofore exercisable to become exercisable), pledge, security interest or similar right to acquire Shares, (d) any disposition of any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for Shares or any interest in Shares or any exercise of any such conversion or exchange right, and (e) transfers of interests in other entities that result in changes in Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares, in each case, whether voluntary or involuntary, whether owned of record or Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned, and whether by operation of law or otherwiseThe terms Transferring and Transferred shall have the correlative meanings.

Section 8.2 Restrictions on Ownership.    

(a) Ownership Limitations.    

(i) Basic Restrictions.   (A) No Person, other than an Excepted Holder, shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit, (B) no Excepted Holder shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares in excess of the Excepted Holder Limit for such Excepted Holder, (C) no Person shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares to the extent that such Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares would result in the Trust being closely held within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year), or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT (including, without limitation, Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership that would result in the Trust owning (actually or Constructively) an interest in a tenant that is described in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code if the income derived by the Trust from such tenant would cause the Trust to fail to satisfy any of the gross income requirements of Section 856(c) of the Code or (D) subject to Section 8.5, notwithstanding any other provisions contained herein, any Transfer of Shares (whether or not such Transfer is the result of a transaction entered into through the facilities of a National Securities Exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system) that, if effective, would result in Shares being beneficially owned by less than one-hundred (100) Persons (determined under the principles of Section 856(a)(5) of the Code) shall be void ab initio, and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such Shares.

(ii) Transfer in Trust or Voided Transfer.  If any Transfer of Shares occurs (whether or not such Transfer is the result of a transaction entered into through the facilities of a National Securities Exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system) which, if effective, would result in any Person Beneficially Owning or Constructively Owning Shares in

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violation of Section 8.2(a)(i)(A), Section 8.2(a)(i)(B) or Section 8.2(a)(i)(C), as applicable, then the Board of Trustees shall be authorized and empowered to deem (and if so deemed, such action and result shall be deemed to occur and the officers of the Trust shall be authorized to take such actions in the name and on behalf of the Trust authorized by the Board of Trustees to effectuate the same): (A) that number of Shares the Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of which otherwise would cause such Person to violate Section 8.2(a)(i)(A), Section 8.2(a)(i)(B) or Section 8.2(a)(i)(C) (rounded upward to the nearest whole share, and such excess shares, including as so rounded, the Excess Shares) to be automatically transferred to a Charitable Trust or Charitable Trusts for the benefit of a Charitable Beneficiary, as described in Section 8.3, effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of such determination of such Transfer or at such other time determined by the Board of Trustees, and such Person shall acquire no rights in the Excess Shares; or (B) to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Transfer of Excess Shares to be void ab initio, in which case, the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in the Excess Shares.

(iii) Cooperation.  The shareholder that would otherwise qualify as a Prohibited Owner absent the application of the provisions of Section 8.2(a)(ii) shall use best efforts and take all actions necessary or requested by the Trust to cooperate with effecting the actions taken by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(ii), including, without limitation, informing the Trust where any Excess Shares may be held and instructing its agents to cooperate in the prompt implementation and effectuation of the actions so taken by the Board of Trustees.

(b) Remedies for Breach.  If the Board of Trustees or any duly authorized committee thereof shall at any time determine that a Transfer or other event has taken place that results in a violation of Section 8.2(a)(i) or that a Person intends to acquire or has attempted to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of any Shares in violation of Section 8.2(a)(i) (whether or not such violation is intended), the Board of Trustees or a committee thereof may take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such Transfer or other event, including, without limitation, causing the Trust to redeem Shares, refusing to give effect to such Transfer on the books of the Trust or the Trusts transfer agent or instituting proceedings to enjoin such Transfer or other event and such Person shall be liable, without limitation, for all costs incurred in connection therewith and pursuant to Section 15.2, including the costs and expenses of the Charitable TrusteeThis Section 8.2(b) shall not in any way limit the provisions of Section 8.2(a)(ii).

(c) Notice of Restricted Transfer.  Any Person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares that will or may violate Section 8.2(a)(i), or any Person who would have owned Excess Shares, shall immediately give written notice to the Trust of such event, or in the case of such a proposed or attempted transaction, give at least fifteen (15) days prior written notice, and shall provide to the Trust such other information as the Trust may request.

(d) Owners Required to Provide Information.  Every shareholder of five percent (5%) or more of the Shares of any series or class outstanding at the time of determination, within thirty (30) days after the end of each taxable year and also within three (3) business days after a request from the Trust, shall give written notice to the Trust stating the

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name and address of such owner, the number of Shares Beneficially Owned, and a description of the manner in which such Shares are held; provided that a shareholder who holds Shares as nominee for another Person, which other Person is required to include in gross income the distributions received on such Shares (an Actual Owner), shall give written notice to the Trust stating the name and address of such Actual Owner and the number of Shares of such Actual Owner with respect to which the shareholder is nomineeEach such shareholder and each Actual Owner shall provide to the Trust such additional information as the Trust may request in order to determine the Trusts status as a REIT, to determine the Trusts compliance with other applicable laws or requirements of any governmental authority or to ensure compliance with the Ownership LimitEach Person who is a Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner of Shares and each Person (including the shareholder) who is holding Shares for a Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner shall provide to the Trust such information as the Trust may request, in good faith, in order to determine the Trusts status as a REIT, to determine the Trusts compliance with other applicable laws or requirements of any governmental authority and to comply with requirements of any taxing authority or other governmental authority or to determine such compliance.

(e) Exceptions.    

(i) The Board of Trustees, in its sole discretion, may grant to any Person who makes a request therefor (a Requesting Person) an exception to the Ownership Limit (or one or more elements thereof) with respect to the ownership of any series or class of Shares, subject to the following conditions and limitations: (A) the Board of Trustees shall have determined, in its discretion, that: (1) the Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares by such shareholder in excess of the Ownership Limit would not violate Section 8.2(a)(i)(C), (2) the Requesting Person does not and will not own, actually or Constructively, an interest in a tenant of the Trust (or a tenant of any entity owned or controlled by the Trust) that would cause the Trust to own, actually or Constructively, more than a nine and eight-tenths percent (9.8%) interest (as set forth in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code) in such tenant, (3) the Requesting Persons ownership of Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit pursuant to the exception requested hereunder (together with the ownership of Shares by all other Persons as permitted under this ARTICLE VIII, taking into account any previously granted exceptions pursuant hereto) would not cause a default under the terms of any contract to which the Trust or any of its subsidiaries is a party or reasonably expects to become a party and (4) the Requesting Persons ownership of Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit pursuant to the exception requested hereunder (together with the ownership of Shares by all other Persons as permitted under this ARTICLE VIII, taking into account any previously granted exceptions pursuant hereto) is in the best interests of the Trust; and (B)(1) prior to granting any exception pursuant to this Section 8.2(e)(i), the Board of Trustees may require a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or an opinion of counsel, in either case in form and substance satisfactory to the Board of Trustees in their sole discretion, as they may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure the Trusts status as a REIT and (2) such Requesting Person provides to the Board of Trustees, for the benefit of the Trust, such representations and undertakings, if any, as the Board of Trustees may, in its discretion, determine to be necessary in order for it to make the determination that the conditions set forth in Section 8.2(e)(i)(A) have been and/or will continue to be satisfied (including, without limitation, an agreement as to a reduced Ownership Limit or Excepted Holder Limit for such Requesting Person with respect to the Constructive Ownership of one or more other classes or series of Shares not subject to the exception), and such

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Requesting Person agrees that any violation of such representations and undertakings or any attempted violation thereof will give rise to the application of the remedies set forth in Section 8.2(a)(ii) and Section 8.2(b) with respect to Shares held in excess of the Ownership Limit or the Excepted Holder Limit (as may be applicable) with respect to such Requesting Person (determined without regard to the exception granted such Requesting Person under this Section 8.2(e)(i))If a member of the Board of Trustees requests that the Board of Trustees grant an exception pursuant to this Section 8.2(e) with respect to such member, or with respect to any other Person if such member of the Board of Trustees would be considered to be the Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner of Shares owned by such other Person, such member of the Board of Trustees shall not participate in the decision of the Board of Trustees as to whether to grant any such exception.

(ii) In determining whether to grant any exemption pursuant to Section 8.2(e)(i), the Board of Trustees may, but need not, consider, among other factors, (A) the general reputation and moral character of the Requesting Person, (B) whether ownership of Shares would be direct or through ownership attribution, (C) whether the Requesting Persons ownership of Shares would interfere with the conduct of the Trusts business, including, without limitation, the Trusts ability to acquire additional properties or additional investments in issuers currently invested in by the Trust or other issuers, (D) whether granting an exemption for the Requesting Person would adversely affect any of the Trusts existing contractual arrangements, (E) whether the Requesting Person to whom the exception would apply has been approved as an owner of the Trust by all regulatory or other governmental authorities (including Louisiana or other state gaming regulatory authorities) who have jurisdiction over the Trust and (F) whether the Requesting Person to whom the exemption would apply is attempting to change control of the Trust or affect its policies in a way which the Board of Trustees, in its discretion, considers adverse to the best interest of the Trust or the shareholdersNothing in this Section 8.2(e)(ii) shall be interpreted to mean that the Board of Trustees may not act in its discretion in making any determination under Section 8.2(e)(i).

(iii) An underwriter or initial purchaser that participates in a public offering or a private placement of Shares (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) may Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) in excess of the Ownership Limit, but only to the extent necessary to facilitate such public offering or private placement as determined by the Board of Trustees.

Section 8.3 Transfer of Shares.    

(a) Ownership in Trust.  Upon any purported Transfer or other event described in Section 8.2(a)(ii) that results in a transfer of Shares to a Charitable Trust, such Shares shall be deemed to have been transferred to the Charitable Trustee as trustee or trustees, as applicable, of a Charitable Trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more Charitable Beneficiaries (except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 8.3(e))Such transfer to the Charitable Trustee shall be deemed to be effective as of the time provided in Section 8.2(a)(ii)Any Charitable Trustee shall be appointed by the Trust and shall be a Person unaffiliated with the Trust and any Prohibited OwnerEach Charitable Beneficiary shall be designated by the Trust as provided in Section 8.3(g).

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(b) Status of Shares Held by a Charitable Trustee.  Shares held by a Charitable Trustee shall be issued and outstanding Shares of the TrustThe Prohibited Owner shall:

(i) have no rights in the Shares held by the Charitable Trustee;

(ii) not benefit economically from ownership of any Shares held in trust by the Charitable Trustee (except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 8.3(e));

(iii) have no rights to dividends or other distributions;

(iv) not possess any rights to vote or other rights attributable to the Shares held in the Charitable Trust; and

(v) have no claim, cause of action or other recourse whatsoever against the purported transferor of such Shares.

(c) Dividend and Voting Rights.  The Charitable Trustee shall have all voting rights and rights to dividends or other distributions with respect to Shares held in the Charitable Trust, which rights shall be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary (except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 8.3(e))Any dividend or other distribution paid with respect to any Shares which constituted Excess Shares at such time and prior to Shares having been transferred to the Charitable Trustee shall be paid to the Charitable Trustee by the Prohibited Owner upon demand and any dividend or other distribution authorized but unpaid with respect to such Shares shall be paid when due to the Charitable TrusteeAny dividends or distributions so paid to the Charitable Trustee shall be held in trust for the Charitable BeneficiaryThe Prohibited Owner shall have no voting rights with respect to Shares held in the Charitable Trust and, effective as of the date that Shares have been transferred to the Charitable Trustee, the Charitable Trustee shall have the authority (at the Charitable Trustees discretion) (i) to rescind as void any vote cast by a Prohibited Owner with respect to such Shares at any time such Shares constituted Excess Shares with respect to such Prohibited Owner and (ii) to recast such vote in accordance with the desires of the Charitable Trustee acting for the benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary; provided, however, that if the Trust has already taken irreversible action, then the Charitable Trustee shall not have the power to rescind and recast such voteNotwithstanding the provisions of this ARTICLE VIII, until the Shares have been transferred into a Charitable Trust, the Trust shall be entitled to rely on its stock transfer and other shareholder records for purposes of preparing lists of shareholders entitled to vote at meetings, determining the validity and authority of proxies, and otherwise conducting votes of shareholders.

(d) Rights upon Liquidation.   Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of or any distribution of the assets of the Trust, the Charitable Trustee shall be entitled to receive, ratably with each other holder of Shares of the class or series of Shares that is held in the Charitable Trust, that portion of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to the holders of such class or series (determined based upon the ratio that the number of Shares of such class or series of Shares held by the Charitable Trustee bears to the total number of Shares of such class or series of Shares then outstanding)The Charitable Trustee shall distribute any such assets received in respect of the Shares held in the Charitable

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Trust in any liquidation, dissolution or winding up or distribution of the assets of the Trust, in accordance with Section 8.3(e).

(e) Sale of Shares by Charitable Trustee.  Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Trustees, within twenty (20) days of receiving notice from the Trust that Shares have been transferred to the Charitable Trust, or soon thereafter as practicable, the Charitable Trustee shall sell the Shares held in the Charitable Trust (together with the right to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to such Shares as to any Shares transferred to the Charitable Trustee as a result of the operation of Section 8.2(a)(ii)) to a Person, designated by the Charitable Trustee, whose ownership of the Shares will not violate the ownership limitations set forth in Section 8.2(a)(i)Upon such sale, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the Shares sold shall terminate and the Charitable Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner and to the Charitable Beneficiary as provided in this Section 8.3(e).

A Prohibited Owner shall receive the lesser of (A) the net price paid by the Prohibited Owner for the Shares or, if the Prohibited Owner did not give value for the Shares in connection with the event causing the Shares to be held in the Charitable Trust (for example, in the case of a gift, devise or other such transaction), the Market Price of the Shares on the day of the event causing the Shares to be held in the Charitable Trust, less the costs, expenses and compensation of the Charitable Trustee and the Trust as provided in Section 8.4 and (B) the net sales proceeds received by the Charitable Trustee from the sale or other disposition of the Shares held in the Charitable TrustAny net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the Prohibited Owner shall be paid to the Charitable Beneficiary, less the costs, expenses and compensation of the Charitable Trustee and the Trust as provided in Section 8.4If such Shares are sold by a Prohibited Owner, then (A) such Shares shall be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the Charitable Trust and (B) to the extent that the Prohibited Owner received an amount for such Shares that exceeds the amount that such Prohibited Owner was entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 8.3(e), such excess shall be paid promptly to the Charitable Trustee upon demand.

(f) Trusts Purchase Right in Excess Shares.  Notwithstanding any transfer of Excess Shares to a Charitable Trust pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII, Excess Shares shall be deemed to have been offered for sale to the Trust, or its designee, at a price per Share equal to the lesser of (i) the price per Share in the transaction that resulted in such Shares becoming Excess Shares (or, if the Prohibited Owner did not give value for such Shares, such as in the case of a devise, gift or other such transaction, the Market Price per such Share on the day of the event causing the Shares to become Excess Shares) and (ii) the Market Price per such Share on the date the Trust, or its designee, accepts such offer, in each case of clauses (i) and (ii) of this sentence, less the costs, expenses and compensation of the Charitable Trustee, if any, and the Trust as provided in Section 8.4The Trust shall have the right to accept such offer until the Charitable Trustee, if any, has sold the Shares held in the Charitable Trust, if any, pursuant to Section 8.3(e)Upon such a sale to the Trust, if a Charitable Trust has been established pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the Shares sold shall terminate and the Charitable Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner and the Charitable Beneficiary as provided in Section 8.3(e).

(g) Designation of Charitable Beneficiaries.  By written notice to the Charitable Trustee, the Trust shall designate from time to time one or more nonprofit

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organizations to be the Charitable Beneficiary of the interest in the Charitable Trust such that (i) Shares held in the Charitable Trust would not violate the restrictions set forth in Section 8.2(a)(i) in the hands of such Charitable Beneficiary and (ii) contributions to each such organization shall be eligible for deduction under each of Sections 170(b)(1)(A), 2055 and 2522 of the CodeThe Charitable Beneficiary shall not obtain any enforceable right to the Charitable Trust or any of its trust corpus until so designated and thereafter any such rights remain subject to the provisions of this ARTICLE VIII, including, without limitation, Section 8.3(h).

(h) Retroactive Changes.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this ARTICLE VIII, the Board of Trustees is authorized and empowered to retroactively amend, alter or repeal any rights which the Charitable Trust, the Charitable Trustee or the Charitable Beneficiary may have under this ARTICLE VIII, including, without limitation, granting retroactive Excepted Holder status to any otherwise Prohibited Owner, with the effect of any transfer of Excess Shares to a Charitable Trust being fully and retroactively revoked; provided, however, that the Board of Trustees shall not have the authority or power to retroactively amend, alter or repeal any obligations to pay amounts incurred prior to such time and owed or payable to the Charitable Trustee pursuant to Section 8.4.

Section 8.4 Costs, Expenses and Compensation of Charitable Trustee and the Trust.    

(a) The Charitable Trustee shall be indemnified by the Trust or from the proceeds from the sale of Shares held in the Charitable Trust, as further provided in this ARTICLE VIII, for its costs and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with conducting its duties and satisfying its obligations pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII.

(b) The Charitable Trustee shall be entitled to receive reasonable compensation for services provided by the Charitable Trustee in connection with serving as a Charitable Trustee, the amount and form of which shall be determined by agreement of the Board of Trustees and the Charitable Trustee.

(c) Costs, expenses and compensation payable to the Charitable Trustee pursuant to Section 8.4(a) and Section 8.4(b) may be funded from the Charitable Trust or by the TrustThe Trust shall be entitled to reimbursement on a first priority basis (after payment in full of amounts payable to the Charitable Trustee pursuant to Section 8.4(a) and Section 8.4(b)) from the Charitable Trust for any such amounts funded by the Trust.

(d) Costs and expenses incurred by the Trust in the process of enforcing the ownership limitation set forth in Section 8.2(a)(i), in addition to reimbursement of costs, expenses and compensation of the Charitable Trustee which have been funded by the Trust, may be collected from the Charitable Trust; provided, however, that the ability of the Trust to fund its costs from the Charitable Trust shall not relieve the Prohibited Owner from his or her obligation to reimburse the Trust for costs under Section 15.2 of these Bylaws, except to the extent the Trust has in fact been previously paid from the Charitable Trust; nor will the possibility of the Trust receiving payment from the Charitable Trust create a marshaling obligation which would require the Trust to reimburse itself from the Charitable Trust before enforcing the Trusts claims under Section 15.2 or otherwise.

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Section 8.5 Transactions on a National Securities Exchange.  Nothing in this ARTICLE VIII shall preclude the settlement of any transaction entered into through the facilities of a National Securities Exchange or any automated inter-dealer quotation systemThe fact that the settlement of any transaction takes place shall not negate the effect of any other provision of this ARTICLE VIII and any transferee in such a transaction shall be subject to all of the provisions and limitations set forth in this ARTICLE VIII.

Section 8.6 EnforcementThe Trust is authorized specifically to seek equitable relief, including injunctive relief, to enforce the provisions of this ARTICLE VIII.

Section 8.7 Non-Waiver.  No delay or failure on the part of the Trust or the Board of Trustees in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any right of the Trust or the Board of Trustees, as the case may be, except to the extent specifically waived in writing.

Section 8.8 EnforceabilityIf any of the restrictions on transfer of Shares contained in this ARTICLE VIII are determined to be void, invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Prohibited Owner may be deemed, at the option of the Trust, to have acted as an agent of the Trust in acquiring such Shares and to hold such Shares on behalf of the Trust.

ARTICLE IX

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND DISCLOSURE

Section 9.1 Actions Requiring Regulatory Compliance Implicating the Trust.  If any shareholder (whether individually or constituting a group, as determined by the Board of Trustees), by virtue of such shareholders ownership interest in the Trust or actions taken by the shareholder affecting the Trust, triggers the application of any requirement or regulation of any federal, state, municipal or other governmental or regulatory body on the Trust or any subsidiary (for purposes of this ARTICLE IX, as defined in Section 2.14.5(c)) of the Trust or any of their respective businesses, assets or operations, including, without limitation, any obligations to make or obtain a Governmental Action (as defined in Section 2.14.3), such shareholder shall promptly take all actions necessary and fully cooperate with the Trust to ensure that such requirements or regulations are satisfied without restricting, imposing additional obligations on or in any way limiting the business, assets, operations or prospects of the Trust or any subsidiary of the TrustIf the shareholder fails or is otherwise unable to promptly take such actions so to cause satisfaction of such requirements or regulations, the shareholder shall promptly divest a sufficient number of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust necessary to cause the application of such requirement or regulation to not apply to the Trust or any subsidiary of the TrustIf the shareholder fails to cause such satisfaction or divest itself of such sufficient number of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust by not later than the tenth (10th) day after triggering such requirement or regulation referred to in this Section 9.1, then any shares of beneficial interest of the Trust beneficially owned by such shareholder at and in excess of the level triggering the application of such requirement or regulation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be deemed to constitute shares held in violation of the ownership limitations set forth in ARTICLE VIII and be subject to the provisions of ARTICLE VIII and any actions triggering the application of such a requirement or regulation may be deemed by the Trust to be of no force or effect

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Moreover, if the shareholder who triggers the application of any regulation or requirement fails to satisfy the requirements or regulations or to take curative actions within such ten (10) day period, the Trust may take all other actions which the Board of Trustees deems appropriate to require compliance or to preserve the value of the Trusts assets; and the Trust may charge the offending shareholder for the Trusts costs and expenses as well as any damages which may result to the Trust.

As an example and not as a limitation, at the time these Bylaws are being amended and restated, the Trust holds a controlling interest in gaming businesses in LouisianaLouisiana law provides that any person who owns five percent (5%) or more of gaming businesses in Louisiana shall provide detailed personal history and financial information and be approved by the Louisiana Gaming Control BoardAccordingly, if a shareholder acquires five percent (5%) or more of the Trust and refuses to provide the Trust with information required to be submitted to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board or if the Louisiana Gaming Control Board decline to approve such a shareholders ownership of the Trust, then, in either event, shares of beneficial interest of the Trust owned by such a shareholder necessary to reduce its ownership to less than five percent (5%) of the Trust may be deemed shares held in violation of the ownership limitation in ARTICLE VIII and shall be subject to the provisions of ARTICLE VIII.

As a further example and not as a limitation, at the time these Bylaws are being amended and restated, the Trust holds a controlling ownership position in a company formed and licensed as an insurance company in the State of IndianaThe laws of the State of Indiana have certain regulatory requirements for any person who seeks to control (as defined under Indiana law) a company which itself controls an insurance company domiciled in the State of Indiana, including by exercising proxies representing ten percent (10%) or more of the Trusts voting securitiesAccordingly, if a shareholder seeks to exercise proxies for a matter to be voted upon at a meeting of the Trusts shareholders without having obtained any applicable approvals from the Indiana insurance regulatory authorities, such proxies representing ten percent (10%) or more of the Trusts voting securities will, subject to Section 9.3, be void and of no further force or effect.

Section 9.2 Compliance With Law.  Shareholders shall comply with all applicable requirements of federal and state laws, including all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, in connection with such shareholders ownership interest in the Trust and all other laws which apply to the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust or their respective businesses, assets or operations and which require action or inaction on the part of the shareholder.

Section 9.3 Limitation on Voting Shares or Proxies.  Without limiting the provisions of Section 9.1, if a shareholder (whether individually or constituting a group, as determined by the Board of Trustees), by virtue of such shareholders ownership interest in the Trust or its receipt or exercise of proxies to vote shares owned by other shareholders, would not be permitted to vote the shareholders shares of beneficial interest of the Trust or proxies for shares of beneficial interest of the Trust in excess of a certain amount pursuant to applicable law (including by way of example, applicable state insurance regulations) but the Board of Trustees determines that the excess shares or shares represented by the excess proxies are necessary to obtain a quorum, then such shareholder shall not be entitled to vote any such excess shares or proxies, and instead such excess shares or proxies may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be

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voted by the Advisor (or by another person designated by the Trustees) in proportion to the total shares otherwise voted on such matter.

Section 9.4 Representations, Warranties and Covenants Made to Governmental or Regulatory Bodies.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, any representation, warranty or covenant made by a shareholder with any governmental or regulatory body in connection with such shareholders interest in the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust shall be deemed to be simultaneously made to, for the benefit of and enforceable by, the Trust and any applicable subsidiary of the Trust.

Section 9.5 Board of Trustees Determinations.  The Board of Trustees shall be empowered to make all determinations regarding the interpretation, application, enforcement and compliance with any matters referred to or contemplated by this ARTICLE IX.

ARTICLE X

FISCAL YEAR

Section 10.1 Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the Trust shall be the calendar year.

ARTICLE XI

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

Section 11.1 Dividends and Other Distributions.  Dividends and other distributions upon the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust may be authorized and declared by the TrusteesDividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or shares of beneficial interest of the Trust.

ARTICLE XII

SEAL

Section 12.1 Seal.  The Trustees may authorize the adoption of a seal by the TrustThe Trustees may authorize one or more duplicate seals.

Section 12.2 Affixing Seal.  Whenever the Trust is permitted or required to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word (SEAL) adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Trust.

ARTICLE XIII

WAIVER OF NOTICE

Section 13.1 Waiver of Notice.  Whenever any notice is required to be given pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, these Bylaws or applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the

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person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such noticeNeither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice or waiver by electronic transmission, unless specifically required by statuteThe attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

ARTICLE XIV

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

Section 14.1 Amendment of Bylaws.  Except for any change for which these Bylaws requires approval by more than a majority vote of the Trustees, these Bylaws may be amended or repealed or new or additional Bylaws may be adopted only by the vote or written consent of a majority of the Trustees as specified in Section 3.10.

ARTICLE XV

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 15.1 References to Declaration of Trust.  All references to the Declaration of Trust shall include any amendments and supplements thereto.

Section 15.2 Costs and Expenses.  In addition to, and as further clarification of each shareholders obligation to indemnify and hold the Trust harmless pursuant to Section 8.8 of the Declaration of Trust, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each shareholder will be liable to the Trust (and any subsidiaries or affiliates thereof) for, and indemnify and hold harmless the Trust (and any subsidiaries or affiliates thereof) from and against, all costs, expenses, penalties, fines or other amounts, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys and other professional fees, whether third party or internal, arising from such shareholders breach of or failure to fully comply with any covenant, condition or provision of these Bylaws or the Declaration of Trust (including Section 2.14 of these Bylaws) or any action by or against the Trust (or any subsidiaries or affiliates thereof) in which such shareholder is not the prevailing party, and shall pay such amounts to such indemnitee on demand, together with interest on such amounts, which interest will accrue at the lesser of fifteen percent (15%) per annum and the maximum amount permitted by law, from the date such costs or the like are incurred until the receipt of payment.

Section 15.3 Ratification.  The Board of Trustees or the shareholders may ratify and make binding on the Trust any action or inaction by the Trust or its officers to the extent that the Board of Trustees or the shareholders could have originally authorized the matterMoreover, any action or inaction questioned in any shareholders derivative proceeding or any other proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a Trustee, officer or shareholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting, or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Trustees or by the shareholders and, if so ratified, shall have the same force and effect as if the questioned action or inaction had been originally duly authorized, and such

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ratification shall be binding upon the Trust and its shareholders and shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned action or inaction.

Section 15.4 Ambiguity.  In the case of an ambiguity in the application of any provision of these Bylaws or any definition contained in these Bylaws, the Board of Trustees shall have the sole power to determine the application of such provisions with respect to any situation based on the facts known to it and such determination shall be final and binding unless determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been made in bad faith.

Section 15.5 Inspection of Bylaws.  The Trustees shall keep at the principal office for the transaction of business of the Trust the original or a copy of the Bylaws as amended or otherwise altered to date, certified by the secretary, which shall be open to inspection by the shareholders at all reasonable times during office hours.

Section 15.6 Election to be Subject to Part of Title 3, Subtitle 8.   Notwithstanding any other provision contained in the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, the Trust hereby elects to be subject to Section 3-804(b) and (c) of Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCLThis Section 15.6 only may be repealed, in whole or in part, by a subsequent amendment to these Bylaws.

ARTICLE XVI

ARBITRATION PROCEDURES FOR DISPUTES

Section 16.1 Procedures for Arbitration of Disputes.  Any disputes, claims or controversies brought by or on behalf of any shareholder of the Trust (which, for purposes of this ARTICLE XVI, shall mean any shareholder of record or any beneficial owner of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust, or any former shareholder of record or beneficial owner of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust), either on his, her or its own behalf, on behalf of the Trust or on behalf of any series or class of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust or shareholders of the Trust against the Trust or any Trustee, officer, manager (including Reit Management & Research LLC or its successor), agent or employee of the Trust, including any disputes, claims or controversies relating to the meaning, interpretation, effect, validity, performance or enforcement of the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws (all of which are referred to as Disputes) or relating in any way to such a Dispute or Disputes shall, on the demand of any party to such Dispute or Disputes, be resolved through binding and final arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules (the Rules) of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) then in effect, except as those Rules may be modified in this ARTICLE XVIFor the avoidance of doubt, and not as a limitation, Disputes are intended to include derivative actions against Trustees, officers or managers of the Trust and class actions by shareholders against those individuals or entities and the TrustFor the avoidance of doubt, a Dispute shall include a Dispute made derivatively on behalf of one party against another party.

Section 16.2 Arbitrators.  There shall be three (3) arbitratorsIf there are only two (2) parties to the Dispute, each party shall select one (1) arbitrator within fifteen (15) days after receipt by respondent of a copy of the demand for arbitrationThe arbitrators may be affiliated or interested persons of the partiesIf there are more than two (2) parties to the Dispute, all claimants, on the one hand, and all respondents, on the other hand, shall each select, by the vote

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of a majority of the claimants or the respondents, as the case may be, one (1) arbitrator within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the demand for arbitrationThe arbitrators may be affiliated or interested persons of the claimants or the respondents, as the case may beIf either a claimant (or all claimants) or a respondent (or all respondents) fail(s) to timely select an arbitrator then the party (or parties) who has selected an arbitrator may request AAA to provide a list of three (3) proposed arbitrators in accordance with the Rules (each of whom shall be neutral, impartial and unaffiliated with any party) and the party (or parties) that failed to timely appoint an arbitrator shall have ten (10) days from the date AAA provides the list to select one (1) of the three (3) arbitrators proposed by AAAIf the party (or parties) fail(s) to select the second (2nd) arbitrator by that time, the party (or parties) who have appointed the first (1st) arbitrator shall then have ten (10) days to select one (1) of the three (3) arbitrators proposed by AAA to be the second (2nd) arbitrator; and, if he/they should fail to select the second (2nd) arbitrator by such time, AAA shall select, within fifteen (15) days thereafter, one (1) of the three (3) arbitrators it had proposed as the second (2nd) arbitratorThe two (2) arbitrators so appointed shall jointly appoint the third (3rd) and presiding arbitrator (who shall be neutral, impartial and unaffiliated with any party) within fifteen (15) days of the appointment of the second (2nd) arbitratorIf the third (3rd) arbitrator has not been appointed within the time limit specified herein, then AAA shall provide a list of proposed arbitrators in accordance with the Rules, and the arbitrator shall be appointed by AAA in accordance with a listing, striking and ranking procedure, with each party having a limited number of strikes, excluding strikes for cause.

Section 16.3 Place of Arbitration.  The place of arbitration shall be Boston, Massachusetts unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

Section 16.4 Discovery.  There shall be only limited documentary discovery of documents directly related to the issues in dispute, as may be ordered by the arbitratorsFor the avoidance of doubt, it is intended that there shall be no depositions and no other discovery other than limited documentary discovery as described in the preceding sentence.

Section 16.5 Awards.  In rendering an award or decision (an Award), the arbitrators shall be required to follow the laws of the State of MarylandAny arbitration proceedings or Award shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §1 et seqAn Award shall be in writing and shall state the findings of fact and conclusions of law on which it is basedAny monetary Award shall be made and payable in U.S. dollars free of any tax, deduction or offsetSubject to Section 16.7, each party against which an Award assesses a monetary obligation shall pay that obligation on or before the thirtieth (30th) day following the date of such Award or such other date as such Award may provide.

Section 16.6 Costs and Expenses.  Except as otherwise set forth in the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, including Section 15.2 of these Bylaws, or as otherwise agreed by the parties thereto, each party involved in a Dispute shall bear its own costs and expenses (including attorneys fees), and the arbitrators shall not render an Award that would include shifting of any such costs or expenses (including attorneys fees) or, in a derivative case or class action, award any portion of the Trusts Award to the claimant or the claimants attorneysEach party (or, if there are more than two (2) parties to the Dispute, all claimants, on the one hand, and all respondents, on the other hand, respectively) shall bear the costs and expenses of its (or their) selected arbitrator and the parties (or, if there are more than two (2) parties to the Dispute, all

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claimants, on the one hand, and all respondents, on the other hand) shall equally bear the costs and expenses of the third (3rd) appointed arbitrator.

Section 16.7 Appeals.  Any Award, including but not limited to any interim Award, may be appealed pursuant to the AAAs Optional Appellate Arbitration Rules (Appellate Rules)An Award shall not be considered final until after the time for filing the notice of appeal pursuant to the Appellate Rules has expiredAppeals must be initiated within thirty (30) days of receipt of an Award by filing a notice of appeal with any AAA officeFollowing the appeal process, the decision rendered by the appeal tribunal may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereofFor the avoidance of doubt, and despite any contrary provision of the Appellate Rules, Section 16.6 shall apply to any appeal pursuant to this Section 16.7 and the appeal tribunal shall not render an Award that would include shifting of any costs or expenses (including attorneys fees) of any party.

Section 16.8 Final and Binding.  Following the expiration of the time for filing the notice of appeal, or the conclusion of the appeal process set forth in Section 16.7, an Award shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto and shall be the sole and exclusive remedy between those parties relating to the Dispute, including any claims, counterclaims, issues or accounting presented to the arbitratorsJudgment upon an Award may be entered in any court having jurisdictionTo the fullest extent permitted by law, no application or appeal to any court of competent jurisdiction may be made in connection with any question of law arising in the course of arbitration or with respect to any Award, except for actions seeking interim or other provisional relief in aid of arbitration proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Section 16.9 Beneficiaries.   This ARTICLE XVI is intended to benefit and be enforceable by the shareholders, Trustees, officers, managers (including Reit Management & Research LLC or its successor), agents or employees of the Trust and the Trust and shall be binding on the shareholders of the Trust and the Trust, as applicable, and be in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other rights to indemnification or contribution that such individuals or entities may have by contract or otherwise.

ARTICLE XVII

EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN DISPUTES

The Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Trust, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of the Trust to the Trust or the Trusts shareholders, (3) any action asserting a claim against the Trust or any trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of the Trust arising pursuant to Maryland law or the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, including any disputes, claims or controversies brought by or on behalf of any shareholder of the Trust (which, for purposes of this ARTICLE XVII, shall mean any shareholder of record or any beneficial owner of any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust, or any former holder of record or beneficial owner of any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust), either on his, her or its own behalf, on behalf of the

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Trust or on behalf of any series or class of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust or shareholders of the Trust against the Trust or any trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of the Trust, including any disputes, claims or controversies relating to the meaning, interpretation, effect, validity, performance or enforcement of the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, including this ARTICLE XVII, or (4) any action asserting a claim against the Trust or any trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of the Trust governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of MarylandFailure to enforce the foregoing provisions would cause the Trust irreparable harm and the Trust shall be entitled to equitable relief, including injunctive relief and specific performance, to enforce the foregoing provisionsAny person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of beneficial interest of the Trust shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this ARTICLE XVII.  This ARTICLE XVII shall not abrogate or supersede any other provision of these Bylaws which may require the resolution of such disputes by arbitration.

 

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EXHIBIT 3.5 

 

 

HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

                                                

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

                                                

 

As Amended and Restated April 9August 7,  20142015

 

 


 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

ARTICLE I  OFFICES

1

Section 1.1  Principal Office

1

Section 1.2  Additional Offices

1

ARTICLE II  MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

1

Section 2.1  Place

1

Section 2.2  Annual Meeting

1

Section 2.3  Special Meetings

1

Section 2.4  Notice of Regular or Special Meetings

1

Section 2.5  Notice of Adjourned Meetings

12

Section 2.6  Scope of MeetingsMeeting Business

2

Section 2.7  Organization of Shareholder Meetings

2

Section 2.8  Quorum

3

Section 2.9  Voting

3

Section 2.10  Proxies

34

Section 2.11  Record Date

34

Section 2.12  Voting of Shares by Certain Holders

34

Section 2.13  Inspectors

4

Section 2.14  Nominations and Other Proposals to be Considered at Meetings of Shareholders

 45

Section 2.14.1  Annual Meetings of Shareholders.

5

Section 2.14.2  Shareholder Nominations or Other Proposals Causing Covenant Breaches or Defaults

10

Section 2.14.3  Shareholder Nominations or Other Proposals Requiring Governmental Action

11

Section 2.14.4  Special Meetings of Shareholders

11

Section 2.14.5  General.

12

Section 2.15  No Shareholder Actions by Written Consent

1214

Section 2.16  Voting by Ballot

1214

Section 2.17  Proposals of Business Which Are Not Proper Matters For Action By Shareholders

1214

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ARTICLE III  TRUSTEES

1214

Section 3.1  General Powers; Qualifications; Trustees Holding Over

1214

Section 3.2  Independent Trustees and Managing Trustees

1314

Section 3.3  Number and Tenure

1315

Section 3.4  Annual and Regular Meetings

1315

Section 3.5  Special Meetings

1415

Section 3.6  Notice

1416

Section 3.7  Quorum

1416

Section 3.8  Voting

1416

Section 3.9  Telephone Meetings

1516

Section 3.10  Action by Written Consent of Trustees

1516

Section 3.11  Waiver of Notice

1517

Section 3.12  Vacancies

1517

Section 3.13  Compensation

1517

Section 3.14  Removal of Trustees

17

Section 3.143.15    Surety Bonds

1517

Section 3.153.16    Reliance

1518

Section 3.163.17    Interested Trustee Transactions

1618

Section 3.173.18    Certain Rights of Trustees, Officers, Employees and Agents

1618

Section 3.183.19    Emergency Provisions

1618

ARTICLE IV  COMMITTEES

1618

Section 4.1  Number; Tenure and Qualifications

1618

Section 4.2  Powers

1619

Section 4.3  Meetings

1719

Section 4.4  Telephone Meetings

1719

Section 4.5  Action by Written Consent of Committees

1719

Section 4.6  Vacancies

1719

 

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ARTICLE V  OFFICERS

1719

Section 5.1  General Provisions

1720

Section 5.2  Removal and Resignation

1820

Section 5.3  Vacancies

1820

Section 5.4  President

1820

Section 5.5  Chief Operating Officer

20

Section 5.6  Chief Financial Officer

21

Section 5.55.7    Vice Presidents

1821

Section 5.65.8    Secretary

1821

Section 5.75.9    Treasurer

1821

Section 5.85.10    Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers

1921

ARTICLE VI  CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

1921

Section 6.1  Contracts

1922

Section 6.2  Checks and Drafts

1922

Section 6.3  Deposits

1922

ARTICLE VII  SHARES

1922

Section 7.1  Certificates

1922

Section 7.2  Transfers

1922

Section 7.3  Lost Certificates

2023

Section 7.4  Closing of Transfer Books or Fixing of Record Date

2023

Section 7.5  Share Ledger

2023

Section 7.6  Fractional Shares; Issuance of Units

2123

ARTICLE VIII  RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES 21

24

Section 8.1  Definitions

2124

Section 8.2  Restrictions on Ownership

2326

Section 8.3  Transfer of Shares

2629

Section 8.4  Costs, Expenses and Compensation of Charitable Trustee and the Trust

2932

Section 8.5  Transactions on a National Securities Exchange

2933

Section 8.6  Enforcement

2933

Section 8.7  Non-Waiver

3033

Section 8.8  Enforceability

3033

 

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ARTICLE IX  REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND DISCLOSURE

3033

Section 9.1  Actions Requiring Regulatory Compliance Implicating the Trust

3033

Section 9.2  Compliance With Law

3134

Section 9.3  Limitation on Voting Shares or Proxies

3134

Section 9.4  Representations, Warranties and Covenants Made to Governmental or Regulatory Bodies

3135

Section 9.5  Board of Trustees’ Determinations

3135

ARTICLE X  FISCAL YEAR

3235

Section 10.1  Fiscal Year

3235

ARTICLE XI  DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

3235

Section 11.1  Dividends and Other Distributions

3235

ARTICLE XII  SEAL

3235

Section 12.1  Seal

3235

Section 12.2  Affixing Seal

3235

ARTICLE XIII  WAIVER OF NOTICE

3235

Section 13.1  Waiver of Notice

3236

ARTICLE XIV  AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

3236

Section 14.1  Amendment of Bylaws

3236

ARTICLE XV  MISCELLANEOUS

3336

Section 15.1  References to Declaration of Trust

3336

Section 15.2  Costs and Expenses

3336

Section 15.3  Ratification

3337

Section 15.4  Ambiguity

3337

Section 15.5  Inspection of Bylaws

3437

Section 15.6  Election to be Subject to Part of Title 3, Subtitle 8

3437

ARTICLE XVI  ARBITRATION 34 PROCEDURES FOR DISPUTES

37

Section 16.1  Procedures for Arbitration of Disputes

3437

Section 16.2  Arbitrators

3438

Section 16.3  Place of Arbitration

3538

Section 16.4  Discovery

3538

Section 16.5  Awards

3538

Section 16.6  Costs and Expenses

3539

Section 16.7  Appeals

39

Section 16.716.8    Final and Binding

3539

Section 16.816.9    Beneficiaries

3539

ARTICLE XVII  EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN DISPUTES

40

 

 

 

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HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES TRUST

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

These AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS (the “Bylaws”) are made as of the date set forth above by the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1.1    Principal Office.  The principal office of the Trust shall be located at such place or places as the Board of Trustees may designate.

Section 1.2    Additional Offices.  The Trust may have additional offices at such places as the Board of Trustees may from time to time determine or the business of the Trust may require.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

Section 2.1    Place.  All meetings of shareholders shall be held at the principal office of the Trust or at such other place as is designated by the Board of Trustees or the president.

Section 2.2    Annual Meeting.  An annual meeting of the shareholders for the election of Trustees and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Trust shall be held at such times as the Trustees may designate.  Failure to hold an annual meeting does not invalidate the Trust’s existence or affect any otherwise valid acts of the Trust.

Section 2.3    Special Meetings.  Special meetings of shareholders may be called only by a majority of the Trustees then in office.  If there shall be no Trustees, the officers of the Trust shall promptly call a special meeting of the shareholders entitled to vote for the election of successor Trustees for the purpose of electing Trustees.

Section 2.4    Notice of Regular or Special Meetings.  Written notice Notice given in writing or by electronic transmission specifying the place, day and hour of any regular or special meeting, the purposes of the meeting, to the extent required by law to be provided, and all other matters required by law shall be given to each shareholder of record entitled to vote, either personally or by sending a copy thereof by mail, postage prepaid,sent to his or her address appearing on the books of the Trust or theretofore given by him or her to the Trust for the purpose of notice or, if no address appears or has been given, addressed to the place where the principal office of the Trust is situated, or by electronic transmission to any address or number of , by presenting it to such shareholder at which the shareholder receives electronic transmissionspersonally, by leaving it at the shareholder’s residence or usual place of business or by any other means permitted by Maryland law.  If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given once deposited in the U.S. mail addressed to the shareholder at his or her post office address as it appears on the records of the Trust, with postage thereon prepaid. If transmitted

 

 


 

 

 

electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the shareholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the shareholder at which the shareholder receives electronic transmissions.    It shall be the duty of the secretary to give notice of each meeting of the shareholders.  The Trust may give a single notice to all shareholders who share an address, which single notice shall be effective to any shareholder at such address, unless a shareholder objects to receiving such single notice or revokes a prior consent to receiving such single notice.  Failure to give notice of any meeting to one or more shareholders, or any irregularity in such notice, shall not affect the validity of any meeting fixed in accordance with this ARTICLE II or the validity of any proceedings at any such meeting.

Section 2.5    Notice of Adjourned Meetings.  It shall not be necessary to give notice of the time and place of any adjourned meeting or of the business to be transacted thereat other than by announcement at the meeting at which such adjournment is taken.

Section 2.6    Scope of MeetingsMeeting Business.  Except as otherwise expressly set forth elsewhere in these Bylaws, no business shall be transacted at an annual or special meeting of shareholders except as specifically designated in the notice or otherwise properly brought before the meeting of shareholders by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees.

Section 2.7    Organization of Shareholder Meetings.  Every meeting of shareholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Trustees to be chairperson of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment or the absence of the appointed individual, by the chairman of the board or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the chairman of the board, by one of the following officers present at the meeting in the following order: the vice chairman of the board, if there be one, the president, the vice presidents in their order of seniority, the secretary, or, in the absence of such officers, a chairperson chosen by the shareholders by the vote of holders of shares of beneficial interest representing a majority of the votes cast on such appointment by shareholders present in person or represented by proxy.  The secretary, an assistant secretary or a person appointed by the Trustees or, in the absence of such appointment, a person appointed by the chairperson of the meeting shall act as secretary of the meeting and record the minutes of the meeting.  If the secretary presides as chairperson at a meeting of the shareholders, then the secretary shall not also act as secretary of the meeting and record the minutes of the meeting.  The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of shareholders shall be determined by the chairperson of the meeting.  The chairperson of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of such chairperson, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation: (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance at the meeting to shareholders of record of the Trust, their duly authorized proxies or other such persons as the chairperson of the meeting may determine; (c) limiting participation at the meeting on any matter to shareholders of record of the Trust entitled to vote on such matter, their duly authorized proxies or other such persons as the chairperson of the meeting may determine; (d) limiting the time allotted to questions or comments by participants; (e) determining when and for how long the polls should be opened and when the polls should be closed; (f) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (fg) removing any shareholder or other person who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules

 

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or guidelines as set forth by the chairperson of the meeting; (gh) concluding a meeting or recessing or adjourning the meeting to a later date and time and at a place announced at the meeting; and (hi) complying with any state and local laws and regulations concerning safety and security.  Without limiting the generality of the powers of the chairperson of the meeting pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the chairperson may adjourn any meeting of shareholders for any reason deemed necessary by the chairperson, including, without limitation, if (i) no quorum is present for the transaction of the business, (ii) the Board of Trustees or the chairperson of the meeting determines that adjournment is necessary or appropriate to enable the shareholders to consider fully information that the Board of Trustees or the chairperson of the meeting determines has not been made sufficiently or timely available to shareholders or (iii) the Board of Trustees or the chairperson of the meeting determines that adjournment is otherwise in the best interests of the Trust.  Unless otherwise determined by the chairperson of the meeting, meetings of shareholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the general rules of parliamentary procedure or any otherwise established rules of order.

Section 2.8    Quorum.  At any meeting of shareholders, the presence in person or by proxy of shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting shall constitute a quorum; but this section shall not affect any requirement under any statute or the Declaration of Trust for the vote necessary for the adoption of any measure.  If, however, such quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the shareholders, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time without the Trust having to set a new record date or provide any additional notice of such meeting, subject to any obligation of the Trust to give notice pursuant to Section 2.5.  At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.  The shareholders present, either in person or by proxy, at a meeting of shareholders which has been duly called and convened and at which a quorum was established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum then being present at the meeting.

Section 2.9    Voting. 

(a)With regard to the election of a Trustee, pursuant to Section 5.9 of the Declaration of Trust, voting by shareholders shall be conducted under the non-cumulative method and shall be by the affirmative vote of holders of the Trust’s shares of beneficial interest representing a majority of the total number of votes authorized to be cast by shares then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon; provided, however, the election of a Managing Trustee or an Independent Trustee (each as defined in Section 3.2) in an uncontested election, which is an election in which the number of nominees for election equals (or is less than) the number to be elected at the meeting, shall be by the affirmative vote of the Trust’s shares of beneficial interest representing a majority of the total number of votes cast.

(b)Voting. For all matters to be voted upon byWith regard to any other matter which may properly come before a meeting of shareholders other than the election of Trustees, unless otherwise required duly called and at which a quorum is present, and except as may be mandated by applicable law, by the listing requirements of the principal exchange on which the Trust’s common shares of beneficial interest are listed or by a specific provision of the

 

- 3 -

 

 


 

 

 

Declaration of Trust, the vote required for approval shall be the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of votes cast at a meeting of shareholders duly called and at which a quorum is present.

Section 2.10    Proxies.  A shareholder may cast the votes entitled to be cast by him or her either in person or by proxy executed by the shareholder or by his or her duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by law.  Such proxy shall be filed with such officer of the Trust or third party agent as the Board of Trustees shall have designated for such purpose for verification at or prior to such meeting.  Any proxy relating to the Trust’s shares of beneficial interest shall be valid until the expiration date therein or, if no expiration is so indicated, for such period as is permitted pursuant to Maryland law.  At a meeting of shareholders, all questions concerning the qualification of voters, the validity of proxies, and the acceptance or rejection of votes, shall be decided by or on behalf of the chairperson of the meeting, subject to Section 2.13.

Section 2.11    Record Date.  The Board of Trustees may fix the date for determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting of shareholders.  If no date is fixed for the determination of the shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders, only persons in whose names shares entitled to vote are recorded on the share records of the Trust on the later of: (i) the close of business on the day on which notice of such meeting of shareholders is first mailed by the Trust or (ii) the thirtieth (30th) day before the date of such meeting shall be entitled to vote at such meeting.

Section 2.12    Voting of Shares by Certain Holders.  Shares of beneficial interest of the Trust registered in the name of a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, a general partner, managing member or trustee thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such shares pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity or pursuant to an agreement of the partners of the partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such shares.  Any trustee or other fiduciary may vote shares registered in his or her name as such fiduciary, either in person or by proxy.

Section 2.13    Inspectors.

(a)Before or at any meeting of shareholders, the chairperson of the meeting may appoint one or more persons as inspectors for such meeting.  Such inspectors, if any, shall (i) ascertain and report the number of shares of beneficial interest represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity and effect of proxies, (ii) receive and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, (iii) report such tabulation to the chairperson of the meeting and (iv) perform such other acts as are proper to conduct the election or voting at the meeting.

(b)Each report of an inspector shall be in writing and signed by him or her or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors.  The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

 

- 4 -

 

 


 

 

 

Section 2.14    Nominations and Other Proposals to be Considered at Meetings of Shareholders.  Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Trustees and the proposal of other business to be considered by the shareholders at meetings of shareholders may be properly brought before the meeting only as set forth in this Section 2.14. Nothing in this Section 2.14 shall be deemed to affect any right of a shareholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or the right of the Trust to omit a proposal from, any proxy statement filed by the Trust with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).    All judgments and determinations made by the Board of Trustees or the chairperson of the meeting, as applicable, under this Section 2.14 (including, without limitation, judgments and determinations as to the propriety of a proposed nomination or a proposal of other business for consideration by shareholders) shall be final and binding unless determined to have been made in bad faith.

Section 2.14.1  Section 2.14.1 Annual Meetings of Shareholders.

(a)AAny shareholder of the Trust may recommend to the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees an individual as a nominee for election to the Board of Trustees.  Such recommendation shall be made by written notice to the Chair of such committee and the Secretary of the Trust, which notice should contain or be accompanied by the information and documents with respect to such recommended nominee and shareholder that such shareholder believes to be relevant or helpful to the Nominating and Governance Committee’s deliberations.  In considering such recommendation, the Nominating and Governance Committee may request additional information concerning the recommended nominee or the shareholdershareholder(s) making the recommendation.  The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees will consider any such recommendation in its discretion. A Any shareholder seeking to make a nomination of an individual for election to the Board of Trustees at an annual meeting must make such nomination in accordance with Section 2.14.1(b)(ii).

(b)Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Trustees and the proposal of other business to be considered by the shareholders at an annual meeting of shareholders may be properly brought before the meeting (i) pursuant to the Trust’s notice of meeting or otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees or (ii) by a shareholderany one or more shareholders of the Trust who (A) hashave each continuously beneficially owned at least $2,000 in market value, or 1%, of the Trust’s shares owned (as defined below) shares of beneficial interest of the Trust entitled to vote in the election of Trustees or on a proposal of other business, for at least three years as of the date of the giving of the notice provided for in Section 2.14.1(c), the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting on such election or proposal for other business for at least one year from the date such shareholder gives the notice provided for in this Section 2.14.1, and continuously beneficially owns such shares through and includingand the time of the annual meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof), with the aggregate shares owned by such shareholder(s) as of each of such dates and during such three year period representing at least one percent (1%) of the Trust’s shares of beneficial interest, (B) holds, or hold, a certificate

 

- 5 -

 

 


 

 

 

or certificates forevidencing the aggregate number of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust referenced in subclause (A) of this Section 2.14.1(b)(ii) atas of the time of giving the notice provided for in this Section 2.14.1 through and including(c), the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the time of the annual meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof), (C) is, or are, entitled to make such nomination or propose such other business and to vote at the meeting on such election or proposal for suchof other business, and (D) complies, or comply, with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.14 as to such nomination or proposal of other business. For purposes of this Section 2.14.1(b)(ii) shall be the exclusive means for, a shareholder to make nominations or propose other business before an annual meeting of shareholders, except to the extent of matters which are required to be presented to shareholders by applicable law and which have been properly presented in accordance with the requirements of such law. For purposes of determining compliance with the requirement in subclause (A) of Section 2.14.1(b)(ii), the market value of the Trust’s shares held by the applicable shareholder shall be determined by multiplying the number of shares such shareholder continuously held for that one-year period by the highest selling price of the Trust shares as reported on the principal National Securities Exchange (for purposes of this Section 2.14, as defined in Section 8.1) on which the Trust’s shares are listed for trading during the sixty (60) calendar days before the date such notice was submittedshall be deemed to “own” or have “owned” only those outstanding shares of the Trust’s shares of beneficial interest to which the shareholder possesses both the full voting and investment rights pertaining to the shares and the full economic interest in (including the opportunity for profit from and risk of loss on) such shares; provided that the number of shares calculated in accordance with the foregoing shall not include any shares (x) sold by such shareholder or any of its affiliates in any transaction that has not been settled or closed or (y) borrowed by such shareholder or any of its affiliates for any purposes or purchased by such shareholder or any of its affiliates pursuant to an agreement to resell.  Without limiting the foregoing, to the extent not excluded by the immediately preceding sentence, a shareholder’s “short position” as defined in Rule 14e-4 under the Exchange Act shall be deducted from the shares otherwise “owned.” A shareholder shall “own” shares held in the name of a nominee or other intermediary so long as the shareholder retains the right to instruct how the shares are voted with respect to the election of trustees or the proposal of other business and possesses the full economic interest in the shares.  For purposes of this Section 2.14.1(b), the term “affiliate” or “affiliates” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto under the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act.  Whether outstanding shares of the Trust’s shares of beneficial interest are “owned” for purposes of this Section 2.14.1(b) shall be determined by the Board of Trustees.

(c)For nominations for election to the Board of Trustees or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a shareholderone or more shareholders pursuant to this Section 2.14.1, such shareholdershareholder(s) shall have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Trust in accordance with this Section 2.14 and such other business shall otherwise be a proper matter for action by shareholders.  To be timely, the notice of such shareholdershareholder(s) shall set forth all information required under this Section 2.14 and shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Trust not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the one-hundred twentieth (120th) day nor earlier than the one-hundred fiftieth (150th) day prior to the first (1st) anniversary of the date of the proxy

 

- 6 -

 

 


 

 

 

statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event thatif the annual meeting is called for a date that is more than thirty (30) days earlier or later than the first (1st) anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the shareholder to besuch shareholder(s) to be timely shall be so delivered not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the tenth (10th) day following the earlier of the day on which (i) notice of the date of the annual meeting is mailed or otherwise made available or (ii) public announcement of the date of the annual meeting is first made by the Trust. Neither the postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting, nor the public announcement of such postponement or adjournment, shall commence a new time period for the giving of a notice of a shareholderone or more shareholders as described above.

A notice of a shareholderone or more shareholders pursuant to this Section 2.14.1(c) shall set forth:

(i)separately as to each individual whom such shareholder proposesshareholder(s) propose to nominate for election or reelection as a Trustee (a “Proposed Nominee”), (1) the name, age, business address, residence address and educational background of such Proposed Nominee, (2) a statement of whether such Proposed Nominee is proposed for nomination as an Independent Trustee (as defined in Section 3.2) or a Managing Trustee (as defined in Section 3.2) and a description of such Proposed Nominee’s qualifications to be an Independent Trustee or Managing Trustee, as the case may be, and such Proposed Nominee’s qualifications to be a Trustee pursuant to the criteria set forth in Section 3.1, (3) the class, series and number of any shares of beneficial interest of the Trust that are, directly or indirectly, beneficially owned or owned of record by such Proposed Nominee, (4) a description of the material terms of each Derivative Transaction that such Proposed Nominee directly or indirectly, has an interest in, including, without limitation, the counterparties to each Derivative Transaction, the class or series and number or amount of securities of the Trust to which each Derivative Transaction relates or provides exposure, and whether or not (x) such Derivative Transaction conveys any voting rights directly or indirectly, to such Proposed Nominee, (y) such Derivative Transaction is required to be, or is capable of being, settled through delivery of securities of the Trust and (z) such Proposed Nominee and/or, to their knowledge, the counterparty to such Derivative Transaction has entered into other transactions that hedge or mitigate the economic effect of such Derivative Transaction, (5) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other agreements, arrangements and understandings or any other relationships, between or among theany shareholder making the nomination, or any of its respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the one hand, and such Proposed Nominee, or his or her respective affiliates and associates, on the other hand, and (6) all other information relating to such Proposed Nominee that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of Trustees in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or is otherwise required, in each case, pursuant to Section 14 (or any successor provision) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;

(ii)as to any other business that the shareholder proposessuch shareholder(s) propose to bring before the meeting, (1) a description of such business, (2) the

 

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reasons for proposing such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such shareholdershareholder(s) or any Shareholder Associated Person (as defined in Section 2.14.1(g)), including any anticipated benefit to such shareholdershareholder(s) or any Shareholder Associated Person therefrom, (3) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between such shareholdershareholder(s) and Shareholder Associated Person amongst themselves or with any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such shareholdershareholder(s) and (4) a representation that such shareholder intendsshareholder(s) intend to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring the business before the meeting;

(iii)separately as to theeach shareholder giving the notice and any Shareholder Associated Person, (1) the class, series and number of all shares of beneficial interest of the Trust that are owned of record by such shareholder or by such Shareholder Associated Person, if any, and (2) the class, series and number of, and the nominee holder for, any shares of beneficial interests of the Trust that are owned, directly or indirectly, beneficially owned but not owned of record by such shareholder or by such Shareholder Associated Person, if any;

(iv)separately as to theeach shareholder giving the notice and any Shareholder Associated Person, (1) a description of all purchases and sales of securities of the Trust by such shareholder or Shareholder Associated Person during the previous six (6) month period, including the date of the transactions, the class, series and number of securities involved in the transactions and the consideration involved, (2) a description of the material terms of each Derivative Transaction that such shareholder or any Shareholder Associated Person, directly or indirectly, has an interest in, including, without limitation, the counterparties to each Derivative Transaction, the class or series and number or amount of securities of the Trust to which each Derivative Transaction relates or provides exposure, and whether or not (x) such Derivative Transaction conveys any voting rights, directly or indirectly, to such shareholder or Shareholder Associated Person, (y) such Derivative Transaction is required to be, or is capable of being, settled through delivery of securities of the Trust and (z) such shareholder or Shareholder Associated Person and/or, to their knowledge, the counterparty to such Derivative Transaction has entered into other transactions that hedge or mitigate the economic effect of such Derivative Transaction, (3) a description of the material terms of any performance related fees (other than an asset based fee) to which such shareholder or Shareholder Associated Person is entitled based on any increase or decrease in the value of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust or instrument or arrangement of the type contemplated within the definition of Derivative Transaction, and (4) any rights to dividends or other distributions on the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ownedthat are beneficially owned by such shareholder or Shareholder Associated Person that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of beneficial interest of the Trust;

(v)separately as to theeach shareholder giving the notice and any Shareholder Associated Person with a material interest described in clause (ii)(2) above, an ownership interest described in clause (iii) above or a transaction or right described in clause (iv) above, (1) the name and address of such shareholder and Shareholder Associated Person, and (2) all information relating to such shareholder and Shareholder Associated Person that is

 

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required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for election of Trustees in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or is otherwise required, in each case, pursuant to Section 14 (or any successor provision) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and

(vi)to the extent known by the shareholdershareholder(s) giving the notice, the name and address of any other person who owns, beneficially owns or owns of record, any shares of beneficial interest of the Trust and who supports the nominee for election or reelection as a Trustee or the proposal of other business.

(d)A notice of a shareholderone or more shareholders making a nomination or proposing other business pursuant to Section 2.14.1(b)(ii) shall be accompanied by (i) a copy of the share certificate(s) referenced in subclause (B) of Section 2.14.1(b)(ii) above; (ii) if any such shareholder was not a shareholder of record of the shares referenced in subclause (A) of Section 2.14.1(b)(ii) above continuously for the one-yearthree-year period referenced therein, reasonable evidence of such shareholder’s continuous beneficial ownership of such shares during such one-yearthree-year period, such reasonable evidence may include, but shall not be limited to, (A) a copy of a report of the shareholder on Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act filed on or prior to the beginning of the one-yearthree-year period and all amendments thereto, (B) a copy of a statement required to be filed pursuant to Section 16 of the Exchange Act (or any successor provisions) by a person who is a Trustee of the Trust or who is directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of more than ten percent (10%) of the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust filed on or prior to the beginning of the one-yearthree-year period and all amendments thereto, or (C) a written verification of such beneficial ownership from a person who was the “record” holder of such shares, including any participant of the Depositary Trust Company, if applicable; and (iii) with respect to nominations, a signed statement of each Proposed Nominee (1) certifying that the information, including share ownership and duration, contained in the notice regarding such Proposed Nominee and any affiliate or associate of such person is true and complete, and complies with this Section 2.14.1 in all material respects, and (2) consenting to being named as a nominee and to serving as a Trustee if elected.

(e)A shareholderAny shareholder(s) providing notice of a proposed nomination or other business to be considered at an annual meeting of shareholders shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.14 is true and correct as of the record date for such annual meeting and as of a date that is ten (10) business days prior to such annual meeting, and any such update shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Trust not later than the close of business on the fifth (5th) business day after the record date (in the case of an update or supplement required to be made as of the record date), and not later than the close of business on the eighth (8th) business day prior to the date of the annual meeting (in the case of an update or supplement required to be made as of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting).

(f)Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of Section 2.14.1(c) to the contrary, in the event thatif the number of Trustees to be elected to the Board of Trustees is increased and there is no public announcement of such action at least one-hundred thirty (130) 

 

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days prior to the first (1st) anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting, a shareholder’sthe notice required by this Section 2.14.1 also shall be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if thesuch notice is delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Trust not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the tenth (10th) day immediately following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Trust.

(g)For purposes of this Section 2.14, (i) “Shareholder Associated Person” of any shareholder shall mean (A) any person acting in concert with, such shareholder, (B) any direct or indirect beneficial owner of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust beneficially owned or owned of record or beneficially by such shareholder and (C) any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such shareholder or a Shareholder Associated Person; and (ii) “Derivative Transaction” by a person shall mean any (A) transaction in, or arrangement, agreement or understanding with respect to, any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right or similar right with an exercise, conversion or exchange privilege, or settlement payment or mechanism related to, any security of the Trust, or similar instrument with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of a security of the Trust, in any such case whether or not it is subject to settlement in a security of the Trust or otherwise or (B) any transaction, arrangement, agreement or understanding which included or includes an opportunity for such person, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of any security of the Trust, to mitigate any loss or manage any risk associated with any increase or decrease in the value of any security of the Trust or to increase or decrease the number of securities of the Trust which such person was, is or will be entitled to vote, in any such case whether or not it is subject to settlement in a security of the Trust or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, any shareholder proposing to remove one or more Trustees shall comply with all requirements in these Bylaws applicable to a shareholder seeking to nominate an individual for election to the Board of Trustees.

Section 2.14.2  Section 2.14.2 Shareholder Nominations or Other Proposals Causing Covenant Breaches or Defaults.  At the same time as the submission of any shareholder nomination or proposal of other business to be considered at a shareholders meeting that, if approved and implemented by the Trust, would cause the Trust or any subsidiary (as defined in Section 2.14.5(c)) of the Trust to be in breach of any covenant or otherwise cause a default (in any case, with or without notice or lapse of time) in any existing debt instrument or agreement of the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust or other material contract or agreement of the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust, the notice provided pursuant to Section 2.14.1(c) shall disclose: (a) whether the lender or contracting party has agreed to waive the breach of covenant or default, and, if so, shall include reasonable evidence thereof, or (b) in reasonable detail, anythe plan of such shareholder for thethe proponent shareholder(s) for the repayment of the indebtedness to the lender or curing the contractual breach or default and satisfying any resulting damage claim, specifically identifying the actions to be taken and the source of funds for any such repayment, and such notice shall be accompanied by a copy of any commitment letter(s) or agreement(s) for the financing of such plan.

 

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Section 2.14.3  Section 2.14.3 Shareholder Nominations or Other Proposals Requiring Governmental Action.  If (a) submission of any shareholder nomination or proposal of other business to be considered at a shareholders meeting that could not be considered or, if approved, implemented by the Trust without the Trust, any subsidiary of the Trust, theany proponent shareholder, any Proposed Nominee of such shareholder, any Shareholder Associated Person of any such shareholder, the holder of proxies or their respective affiliates or associates filing with or otherwise notifying or obtaining the consent, approval or other action of any federal, state, municipal or other governmental or regulatory body (a “Governmental Action”) or (b) suchany proponent shareholder’s ownership of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust or any solicitation of proxies or votes or holding or exercising proxies by such shareholder, any Proposed Nominee of such shareholder, any Shareholder Associated Person of such shareholder, or their respective affiliates or associates would require Governmental Action, then, in the notice provided pursuant to Section 2.14.1(c) the proponent shareholdershareholder(s) shall disclose (x) whether such Governmental Action has been given or obtained, and, if so, such notice shall be accompanied by reasonable evidence thereof, or (y) in reasonable detail, anythe plan of such shareholdershareholder(s) for making or obtaining the Governmental Action.  As an example and not as a limitation, at the time these Bylaws are being amended and restated, the Trust has a controlling ownership interest in gaming businesses located in Louisiana.  Applicable Louisiana law requires that a Trustee be approved by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.  Such approval process requires that any Proposed Nominee submit detailed personal history and financial disclosures.  Accordingly, a shareholder nomination shall be accompanied by evidence that the Proposed Nominee has been approved by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to be a Trustee, or if the Louisiana Gaming Control Board have not approved such an application, then the shareholder nomination shall be accompanied by a plan for obtaining such approval, including information which would be required in any disclosure forms or a copy of completed personal history and financial disclosure forms of the Proposed Nominee as submitted or to be submitted to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.

Section 2.14.4  Section 2.14.4 Special Meetings of Shareholders.  As set forth in Section 2.6, only business brought before the meeting pursuant to the Trust’s notice of meeting shall be conductedor otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees may be considered at a special meeting of shareholders.  Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Trustees only may be made at a special meeting of shareholders at which Trustees are to be elected: (a) pursuant to the Trust’s notice of meeting; (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees; or (c) provided that the Board of Trustees has determined that Trustees shall be elected at such special meeting or if there are no Trustees and the special meeting is called by the officers of the Trust for the election of successor Trustees, by any shareholder of the Trust who is a shareholder of record both at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 2.14.4 through and including the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting on such election and who has complied with the notice procedures and other requirements set forth in this Section 2.14.4. In the event If the Trust calls a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing one or more Trustees to the Board of Trustees, any shareholder, any one or more shareholder(s) of the Trust may nominate an individual or individuals (as the case may be) for election as a Trustee as specified in the Trust’s notice of meeting, if (i) the shareholder satisfiesshareholder(s)

 

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satisfy the ownership, holding and certificate requirements set forth in Section 2.14.12.14(b)(ii), (ii) the shareholder’sshareholder(s)’ notice contains or is accompanied by the information and documents required by Section 2.14 for a notice provided pursuant to Section 2.14.1(c) and (iii) the shareholder hasshareholder(s) have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Trust at the principal executive offices of the Trust, with all references in such Sections to the annual meeting and to the notice given under such Sections changed to be references to the special meeting and the notice given under this Section 2.14.4.  To be timely, a shareholder’s notice shall be delivered to the secretary of the Trust at the principal executive offices of the Trust not earlier than the one-hundred fiftieth (150th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the later of (i) the one-hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting or (ii) the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of any nominee proposed by the Trustees to be elected at such meeting.  Neither the postponement or adjournment of a special meeting, nor the public announcement of such postponement or adjournment, shall commence a new time period for the giving of a shareholder’s notice as described above.

Section 2.14.5  Section 2.14.5 General.

(a)If information submitted pursuant to this Section 2.14 by any shareholder proposing a nominee for election as a Trustee or any proposal for other business at a meeting of shareholders shall be deemed by the Board of Trustees incomplete or inaccurate, any authorized officer or the Board of Trustees or any committee thereof may treat such information as not having been provided in accordance with this Section 2.14.  Any notice submitted by a shareholder pursuant to this Section 2.14 that is deemed by the Board of Trustees inaccurate, incomplete or otherwise fails to satisfy completely any provision of this Section 2.14 shall be deemed defective and shall thereby render all proposals and nominations set forth in such notice defective.  Upon written request by the secretary of the Trust or the Board of Trustees or any committee thereof (which may be made from time to time), any shareholder proposing a nominee for election as a Trustee or any proposal for other business at a meeting of shareholders shall provide, within three (3) business days after such request (or such other period as may be specified in such request), (i) written verification, satisfactory to the secretary or any other authorized officer or the Board of Trustees or any committee thereof, in his, her or its discretion, to demonstrate the accuracy of any information submitted by the shareholder pursuant to this Section 2.14, (ii) written responses to information reasonably requested by the secretary, the Board of Trustees or any committee thereof and (iii) a written update, to a current date, of any information submitted by the shareholder pursuant to this Section 2.14 as of an earlier date.  If a shareholder fails to provide such written verification, information or update within such period, the secretary or any other authorized officer or the Board of Trustees may treat the information which was previously provided and to which the verification, request or update relates as not having been provided in accordance with this Section 2.14.  It is the responsibility of a shareholder who wishes to make a nomination or other proposal to comply with the requirements of Section 2.14; nothing in this Section 2.14.5(a) or otherwise shall create any duty of the Trust, the Board of Trustees or any committee thereof nor any officer of the Trust to inform a shareholder that the information submitted pursuant to this Section 2.14 by or on behalf of such shareholder is incomplete or inaccurate or not otherwise in accordance with this Section 2.14 nor

 

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require the Trust, the Board of Trustees, any committee of the Board of Trustees or any officer of the Trust to request clarification or updating of information provided by any shareholder, but the Board of Trustees, a committee thereof or the secretary acting on behalf of the Board of Trustees or a committee, may do so in its, his or her discretion.

(b)Only such individuals who are nominated in accordance with this Section 2.14 shall be eligible for election by shareholders as Trustees and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of shareholders as shall have been properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.14.  The chairperson of the meeting and the Board of Trustees shall each have the power to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with this Section 2.14 and, if any proposed nomination or other business is determined not to be in compliance with this Section 2.14, to declare that such defective nomination or proposal be disregarded.

(c)For purposes of this Section 2.14: (i) “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in (A) a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or any other widely circulated news or wire service or (B) a document publicly filed by the Trust with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to the Exchange ActSEC; (ii) “subsidiary” shall include, with respect to a person, any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity of which such person (A) owns, directly or indirectly, ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding voting securities or other interests or (B) has a person designated by such person serving on, or a right, contractual or otherwise, to designate a person, so to serve on, the board of directors (or analogous governing body); and (iii) a person shall be deemed to “beneficially own” or “have beneficially owned” any shares of beneficial interest of the Trust not owned directly by such person if that person or a group of which such person is a member would be the beneficial owner of such shares under Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 of the Exchange Act.

(d)Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.14, a shareholder shall also comply with all applicable legal requirements, including, without limitation, applicable requirements of state law and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.14.  Nothing in this Section 2.14 shall be deemed to require that a shareholder nomination of an individual for election to the Board of Trustees or a shareholder proposal relating to other business be included in the Trust’s proxy statement, except as may be required by law.

(e)The Board of Trustees may from time to time require any individual nominated to serve as a Trustee to agree in writing with regard to matters of business ethics and confidentiality while such nominee serves as a Trustee, such agreement to be on the terms and in a form (the “Agreement”) determined satisfactory by the Board of Trustees, as amended and supplemented from time to time in the discretion of the Board of Trustees.  The terms of the Agreement may be substantially similar to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Trust or any similar code promulgated by the Trust (the “Code of Business Conduct”) or may differ from or supplement the Code of Business Conduct.

 

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(f)Determinations required or permitted to be made under this Section 2.14 by the Board of Trustees may be delegated by the Board of Trustees to a committee of the Board of Trustees, subject to applicable law.

Section 2.15    No Shareholder Actions by Written Consent.  Shareholders shall not be authorized or permitted to take any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of shareholders by written consent, and may take such action only at a shareholders meeting of the Trust.

Section 2.16    Voting by Ballot.  Voting on any question or in any election may be by voice vote unless the chairperson of the meeting or any shareholder shall demand that voting be by ballot.

Section 2.17    Proposals of Business Which Are Not Proper Matters For Action By Shareholders.  Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, subject to applicable law, any shareholder proposal for business the subject matter or effect of which would be within the exclusive purview of the Board of Trustees or would reasonably likely, if considered by the shareholders or approved or implemented by the Trust, result in an impairment of the limited liability status for the Trust’s shareholders, shall be deemed not to be a matter upon which the shareholders are entitled to vote.  The Board of Trustees in its discretion shall be entitled to determine whether a shareholder proposal for business is not a matter upon which the shareholders are entitled to vote pursuant to this Section 2.17, and its decision shall be final and binding unless determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been made in bad faith.

ARTICLE III

TRUSTEES

Section 3.1    General Powers; Qualifications; Trustees Holding Over.  The business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Trustees.  A Trustee shall be an individual at least twenty-one (21) years of age who is not under legal disability.  To qualify for nomination or election as a Trustee, an individual, at the time of nomination and election, shall, without limitation, (a) have substantial expertise or experience relevant to the business of the Trust and its subsidiaries (as determined by the Board of Trustees), (b) not have been convicted of a felony, (c) meet the qualifications of an Independent Trustee or a Managing Trustee, each as defined in Section 3.2, as the case may be, depending upon the position for which such individual may be nominated and elected, and (d) have been nominated for election to the Board of Trustees in accordance with Section 2.14.  In case of failure to elect Trustees at an annual meeting of the shareholders, the incumbent Trustees shall hold over and continue to direct the management of the business and affairs of the Trust until they may resign or until their successors are elected and qualify.

Section 3.2    Independent Trustees and Managing Trustees.  A majority of the Trustees holding office shall at all times be Independent Trustees; provided, however, that upon a failure to comply with this requirement as a result of the creation of a temporary vacancy which shall be filled by an Independent Trustee, whether as a result of enlargement of the Board of Trustees or

 

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the resignation, removal or death of a Trustee who is an Independent Trustee, such requirement shall not be applicable.  An “Independent Trustee” is one who is not an employee of the Advisor (as defined in the Declaration of Trust), who is not involved in the Trust’s day-to-dayday to day activities, who meets the qualifications of an independent trustee under the Declaration of Trust and who meets the qualifications of an independent director (not including the specific independence requirements applicable only to members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees) under the applicable rules of each stocksecurities exchange upon which shares of beneficial interest of the Trust are listed for trading and the SEC, as those requirements may be amended from time to time.  If the number of Trustees, at any time, is set at less than five (5), at least one (1) Trustee shall be a Managing Trustee.  So long as the number of Trustees shall be five (5) or greater, at least two (2) Trustees shall be Managing Trustees.  “Managing Trustees” shall mean Trustees who are not Independent Trustees and who have been employees, officers or directors of the Advisor or involved in the day-to-dayday to day activities of the Trust for at least one year prior to their election.  If at any time the Board of Trustees shall not be comprised of a majority of Independent Trustees, the Board of Trustees shall take such actions as will cure such condition; provided that the fact that the Board of Trustees does not have a majority of Independent Trustees or has not taken such action at any time or from time to time shall not affect the validity of any action taken by the Board of Trustees.  If at any time the Board of Trustees shall not be comprised of a number of Managing Trustees as is required under this Section 3.2, the Board of Trustees shall take such actions as will cure such condition; provided that the fact that the Board of Trustees does not have the requisite number of Managing Trustees or has not taken such action at any time or from time to time shall not affect the validity of any action taken by the Board of Trustees.

Section 3.3    Number and Tenure.  Pursuant to the Articles Supplementary accepted for record by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (the “SDAT”) as of May 16, 2000, the number of Trustees constituting the entire Board of Trustees may be increased or decreased from time to time only by a vote of the Trustees; provided however that the tenure of office of a Trustee shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of Trustees.  The number of Trustees shall be five (5) until increased or decreased by the Board of Trustees.

Section 3.4    Annual and Regular Meetings.  An annual meeting of the Trustees shall be held immediately after the annual meeting of shareholders, no notice other than this Bylaw being necessary.  The time and place of the annual meeting of the Trustees may be changed by the Board of Trustees.  The Trustees may provide, by resolution, the time and place, either within or without the State of Maryland, for the holding of regular meetings of the Trustees without other notice than such resolution. In the event If any such regular meeting is not so provided for, the meeting may be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Trustees.

Section 3.5    Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the Trustees may be called at any time by any Managing Trustee, the president or pursuant to the request of any two (2) Trustees then in office.  The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Trustees may fix any place, either within or without the State of Maryland, as the place for holding any special meeting of the Trustees called by them.

 

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Section 3.6    Notice.  Notice of any special meeting shall be given by written notice delivered personally or by electronic mail, telephoned, facsimile transmitted, overnight couriered (with proof of delivery) or mailed to each Trustee at his or her business or residence address.  Personally delivered, telephoned, facsimile transmitted or electronically mailed notices shall be given at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting.  Notice by mail shall be deposited in the U.S. mail at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the meeting.  If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the U.S. mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid.  Electronic mail notice shall be deemed to be given upon transmission of the message to the electronic mail address given to the Trust by the Trustee.  Telephone notice shall be deemed given when the Trustee is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which he is a party.  Facsimile transmission notice shall be deemed given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to the Trust by the Trustee and receipt of a completed answer back indicating receipt.  If sent by overnight courier, such notice shall be deemed given when delivered to the courier.  Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Trustees need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

Section 3.7    Quorum.  A majority of the Trustees shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Trustees, provided that, if less than a majority of such Trustees are present at a meeting, a majority of the Trustees present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority of a particular group of Trustees is required for action, a quorum for that action shall also include a majority of such group.  The Trustees present at a meeting of the Board of Trustees which has been duly called and convened and at which a quorum was established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of asuch number of Trustees resultingas would otherwise result in less than a quorum then being present at the meeting.

Section 3.8    Voting.  The action of the majority of the Trustees present at a meeting at which a quorum is or was present shall be the action of the Trustees, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by specific provision of an applicable statute, the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws.  If enough Trustees have withdrawn from a meeting to leave fewer than are required to establish a quorum, but the meeting is not adjourned, the action of the majority of that number of Trustees necessary to constitute a quorum at such meeting shall be the action of the Board of Trustees, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by applicable law, the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws.

Section 3.9    Telephone Meetings.  Trustees may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time.  Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.  Such meeting shall be deemed to have been held at a place designated by the Trustees at the meeting.

Section 3.10    Action by Written Consent of Trustees.  Unless specifically otherwise provided in the Declaration of Trust, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Trustees may be taken without a meeting, if a majority of the Trustees shall individually or

 

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collectively consent in writing or by electronic transmission to such action.  Such written or electronic consent or consents shall be filed with the records of the Trust and shall have the same force and effect as the affirmative vote of such Trustees at a duly held meeting of the Trustees at which a quorum was present.

Section 3.11    Waiver of Notice.  The actions taken at any meeting of the Trustees, however called and noticed or wherever held, shall be as valid as though taken at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice if a quorum is present and if, either before or after the meeting, each of the Trustees not present waives notice, consents to the holding of such meeting or approves the minutes thereof.

Section 3.12    Vacancies.  Pursuant to the Articles Supplementary accepted for record by the SDAT as of May 16, 2000, if for any reason any or all the Trustees cease to be Trustees, such event shall not terminate the Trust or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining Trustees hereunder (even if fewer than three Trustees remain).  Any vacancy on the Board of Trustees may be filled only by a majority of the remaining Trustees, even if the remaining Trustees do not constitute a quorum.  Any Trustee elected to fill a vacancy, whether occurring due to an increase in size of the Board of Trustees or by the death, resignation or removal of any Trustee, shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of Trustees in which the vacancy occurred or was created and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

Section 3.13    Compensation.  The Trustees shall be entitled to receive such reasonable compensation for their services as Trustees as the Trustees may determine from time to time.  Trustees may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Trustees or of any committee thereof; and for their expenses, if any, in connection with each property visit and any other service or activity performed or engaged in as Trustees.  The Trustees shall be entitled to receive remuneration for services rendered to the Trust in any other capacity, and such services may include, without limitation, services as an officer of the Trust, services as an employee of the Advisor, legal, accounting or other professional services, or services as a broker, transfer agent or underwriter, whether performed by a Trustee or any person affiliated with a Trustee.

Section 3.14    Removal of Trustees.  A Trustee may be removed at any time with or without cause by the affirmative vote either of all the remaining Trustees or if and to the extent permitted by the Declaration of Trust, at a meeting of the shareholders properly called for that purpose, by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust then outstanding and entitled to vote generally in the election of Trustees.  A shareholder(s) proposing to remove one or more Trustees shall meet all requirements in these Bylaws for a nomination of an individual for election to the Board of Trustees at an annual meeting of shareholders or a proposal of other business to be properly brought by such shareholder(s) at a meeting of the shareholders as set forth in Section 2.14.1.

Section 3.15    Section 3.14 Surety Bonds.  Unless specifically required by law, no Trustee shall be obligated to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of any of his or her duties.

 

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Section 3.16    Section 3.15 Reliance.  Each Trustee, officer, employee and agent of the Trust shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Trust, be entitled to rely on any information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by an officer or employee of the Trust or by the Advisor, accountants, appraisers or other experts or consultants selected by the Board of Trustees or officers of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel or expert may also be a Trustee.

Section 3.17    Section 3.16 Interested Trustee Transactions.  Section 2-419 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) (or any successor statute) shall be available for and apply to any contract or other transaction between the Trust and any of its Trustees or between the Trust and any other trust, corporation, firm or other entity in which any of its Trustees is a trustee or director or has a material financial interest.

Section 3.18    Section 3.17 Certain Rights of Trustees, Officers, Employees and Agents.  A Trustee shall have no responsibility to devote his or her full time to the affairs of the Trust.  Any Trustee or officer, employee or agent of the Trust, in his or her personal capacity or in a capacity as an affiliate, employee or agent of any other person, or otherwise, may have business interests and engage in business activities similar or in addition to those of or relating to the Trust.

Section 3.19    Section 3.18 Emergency Provisions.  Notwithstanding any other provision in the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, this Section 3.183.19 shall apply during the existence of any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Trustees under ARTICLE III cannot readily be obtained (an “Emergency”).  During any Emergency, unless otherwise provided by the Board of Trustees, (a) a meeting of the Board of Trustees may be called by any Managing Trustee or officer of the Trust by any means feasible under the circumstances and (b) notice of any meeting of the Board of Trustees during such an Emergency may be given less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting to as many Trustees and by such means as it may be feasible at the time, including publication, television or radio.

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

Section 4.1    Number; Tenure and Qualifications.  The Board of Trustees shall appoint an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Governance Committee.  Each of these committees shall be composed of three or more Trustees, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees.  The Board of Trustees may also appoint other committees from time to time composed of one or more members, at least one of which shall be a Trustee, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees.  The Board of Trustees shall adopt a charter with respect to the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee, which charter shall specify the purposes, the criteria for membership and the responsibility and duties and may specify other matters with respect to each committee.  The Board of Trustees may also adopt a charter with respect to other committees.

 

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Section 4.2    Powers.  The Trustees may delegate any of the powers of the Trustees to committees appointed under Section 4.1 and composed solely of Trustees, except as prohibited by law. In the event that If a charter has been adopted with respect to a committee composed solely of Trustees, the charter shall constitute a delegation by the Trustees of the powers of the Board of Trustees necessary to carry out the purposes, responsibilities and duties of a committee provided in the charter or reasonably related to those purposes, responsibilities and duties, to the extent permitted by law.

Section 4.3    Meetings.  Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of Trustees.  One-third (1/3), but not less than one, of the members of any committee shall be present in person at any meeting of a committee in order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting, and the act of a majority present at a meeting at the time of a vote if a quorum is then present shall be the act of a committee.  The Board of Trustees or, if authorized by the Board in a committee charter or otherwise, the committee members may designate a chairman of any committee, and the chairman or, in the absence of a chairman, a majority of any committee may fix the time and place of its meetings unless the Board shall otherwise provide.  In the absence or disqualification of any member of any committee, the members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another Trustee to act at the meeting in the place of absent or disqualified members.

Each committee shall keep minutes of its proceedings and shall periodically report its activities to the full Board of Trustees and, except as otherwise provided by law or under the rules of the SEC and applicable stock exchanges on which the Trust’s shares are listed, any action by any committee shall be subject to revision and alteration by the Board of Trustees,  provided that no rights of third persons shall be affected by any such revision or alteration.

Section 4.4    Telephone Meetings.  Members of a committee may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment and participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

Section 4.5    Action by Written Consent of Committees.  Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Trustees may be taken without a meeting, if a consent in writing or by electronic transmission to such action is signed by a majority of the committee and such written or electronic consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee.

Section 4.6    Vacancies.  Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Trustees shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to fill all vacancies, to designate alternate members to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

 

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Section 5.1    General Provisions.  The officers of the Trust shall include a president, a secretary and a treasurer. The In addition, the Board of Trustees may from time to time appointelect such other officers with such titles, powers and duties as they set forth herein or as the Board of Trustees shall deem necessary or desirable, including a chairman of the board, a vice chairman of the board, a chief executive officer, a chief operating officer, a chief financial officer, one or more vice presidents, one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers.  The officers of the Trust shall be elected annually by the Trustees at the first meeting of the Trustees held after each annual meeting of shareholders. If the election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as may be convenientBoard of Trustees.  Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided.  Any two (2) or more offices, except that of president and vice president, may be held by the same person.  In their discretion, the Trustees may leave unfilled any office except that of president, treasurer and secretary.  Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Trust and such officer or agent.

Section 5.2    Removal and Resignation.  Any officer or agent of the Trust may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Trustees if in theirits judgment the best interests of the Trust would be served thereby, but thesuch removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.  Any officer of the Trust may resign at any time by giving written notice ofdelivering his or her resignation to the Board of Trustees, the chairman of the board, the president or the secretary.  Any resignation shall take effect at any time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective is not specified therein, immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation.  The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation. A Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Trust.

Section 5.3    Vacancies.  A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Trustees for the balance of the term.

Section 5.4    President.  Except as the Board of Trustees may otherwise provide, the president shall have the duties usually vested in a president.  The president shall have such other duties as may be assigned to the president by the Board of Trustees from time to time.  The president may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, lease, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Trustees or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Trust or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed, and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Trustees.

Section 5.5    Chief Operating Officer.  If elected, except as the Board of Trustees may otherwise provide, the chief operating officer shall have the duties usually vested in a chief operating officer.  The chief operating officer shall have such other duties as may be assigned to the chief operating officer by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to time.

 

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Section 5.6    Chief Financial Officer.  If elected, except as the Board of Trustees may otherwise provide, the chief financial officer shall have the duties usually vested in a chief financial officer.  The chief financial officer shall have such other duties as may be assigned to the chief financial officer by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to time.

Section 5.7    Section 5.5 Vice Presidents.  In the absence or unavailabilitydisability of the president, the vice president, if any (or in the eventif there beis more than one, the vice president, any vice president) presidents in the order designated or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election), shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have alland exercise the powers of the president; and.  The vice president(s) shall performhave such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or hersuch vice president by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to time.  The Board of Trustees may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice presidentspresident, senior vice presidents or aspresident or vice presidents for particular areas of responsibility.

Section 5.8    Section 5.6 Secretary.  The Except as the Board of Trustees may otherwise provide, the secretary (or his or her designee) shall (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the shareholders, the Board of Trustees and committees of the Board of Trustees in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; (c) be custodian of the Trust records and of the seal of the Trust, if any; and (d) maintain a share register, showing the ownership and transfers of ownership of all shares of beneficial interest of the Trust, unless a transfer agent is employed to maintain and does maintain such a share register; and (e) in general perform.  The secretary shall have such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to the secretary by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to time.

Section 5.9    Section 5.7 Treasurer.  The Except as the Board of Trustees may otherwise provide, the treasurer shall have(a) have general charge of the financial affairs of the Trust; (b) have or oversee in accordance with Section 6.3 the custody of the funds and, securities and other valuable documents of the Trust and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Trust and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Trust in such depositories as may be authorized by the Trustees; (c) maintain or oversee the maintenance of proper financial books and records of the Trust; and (d) have the duties usually vested in a treasurer.  The treasurer shall also have such other responsibilitiesduties as may be assigned to him or herthe treasurer by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to time.

Section 5.10    Section 5.8 Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers.  The assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively, or by the president or the Board of Trustees from time to time.

ARTICLE VI

CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

 

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Section 6.1    Contracts.  The Board of Trustees may authorize any Trustee, officer or agent (including the Advisor or any officer of the Advisor) to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Trust and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.  Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document executed by an authorized Trustee, officer or agent shall be valid and binding upon the Trustees and upon the Trust when duly authorized or ratified by action of the Board of Trustees and executed by an authorized person.

Section 6.2    Checks and Drafts.  All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Trust shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Trust in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the treasurerthe Board of Trustees, the president or, the treasurer or any other officer designated by the Board of Trustees may determine.

Section 6.3    Deposits.  All funds of the Trust not otherwise employed shall be deposited or invested from time to time to the credit of the Trust in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the treasureras the Board of Trustees, the president or, the treasurer or any other officer designated by the Board of Trustees may designatedetermine.

ARTICLE VII

SHARES

Section 7.1    Certificates.  Ownership of shares of any class of shares of beneficial ownershipinterest of the Trust shall be evidenced by certificates, or at the election of a shareholder in book entry form.  Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Trustees, any such certificates shall be signed by the president or a vice president and countersigned by the secretary or an assistant secretary or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer and may be sealed with the seal, if any, of the Trust.  The signatures may be either manual or facsimile.  Certificates shall be consecutively numbered and if the Trust shall from time to time issue several classes of shares, each class may have its own number series.  A certificate is valid and may be issued whether or not an officer who signed it is still an officer when it is issued.

Section 7.2    Transfers

(a)Shares of beneficial interest of the Trust shall be transferable in the manner provided by applicable law, the Declaration of Trust and these Bylaws.  Certificates shall be treated as negotiable and title thereto and to the shares they represent shall be transferred, as described in Sections 5.2 and 5.6 of the Declaration of Trust.

(b)The Trust shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided in these Bylaws or by the laws of the State of Maryland.

 

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Section 7.3    Lost Certificates.  For shares evidenced by certificates, any officer designated by the Trustees may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate previously issued by the Trust alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed.  When authorizing the issuance of a new certificate, an officer designated by the Trustees may, in such officer’s discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or the owner’s legal representative to advertise the same in such manner as he shall require and/or to give bond, with sufficient surety, to the Trust to indemnify it against any loss or claim which may arise as a result of the issuance of a new certificate.

Section 7.4    Closing of Transfer Books or Fixing of Record Date

(a)The Trustees may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose.

(b)In lieu of fixing a record date, the Trustees may provide that the share transfer books shall be closed for a stated period but not longer than twenty (20) days.  If the share transfer books are closed for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, such books shall be closed for at least ten (10) days before the date of such meeting.

(c)If no record date is fixed and the share transfer books are not closed for the determination of shareholders, (i) the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall be at the close of business on the day on which the notice of meeting is mailed or the thirtieth (30th) day before the meeting, whichever is the closer date to the meeting; and (ii) the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend or an allotment of any other rights shall be the close of business on the day on which the resolution of the Trustees, declaring the dividend or allotment of rights, is adopted.

(d)When a determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof unless the Board of Trustees shall set a new record date with respect thereto.

Section 7.5    Share Ledger.  The Trust shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent a share ledger containing the name and address of each shareholder and the number of shares of each class of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust held by such shareholder.

Section 7.6    Fractional Shares; Issuance of Units.  The Trustees may issue fractional shares or provide for the issuance of scrip, as described in Section 5.3 of the Declaration of Trust.  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, the Trustees may issue units consisting of different securities of the Trust.  Any security issued in a

 

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unit shall have the same characteristics as any identical securities issued by the Trust, except that the Trustees may provide that for a specified period securities of the Trust issued in such unit may be transferred on the books of the Trust only in such unit.

ARTICLE VIII

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES

Section 8.1    Definitions.  For the purpose of this ARTICLE VIII, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

“Beneficial Ownership” shall mean ownership of Shares by a Person, whether the interest in Shares is held directly or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include, but not be limited to, interests that would be treated as owned through the application of Section 544 of the Code, as modified by Section 856(h)(1)(B) of the Code.  The terms “Beneficial Owner”, “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” shall have the correlative meanings.

“Charitable Beneficiary” shall mean one or more beneficiaries of the Charitable Trust as determined pursuant to Section 8.3(g), provided that each such organization shall be described in Sections 501(c)(3), 170(b)(1)(A) (other than clause (vii) or (viii) thereof) and 170(c)(2) of the Code and contributions to each such organization shall be eligible for deduction under each of Sections 170(b)(1)(A), 2055 and 2522 of the Code.

“Charitable Trust” shall mean any trust provided for in Section 8.2(a)(ii) and Section 8.3(a).

“Charitable Trustee” shall mean each Person, unaffiliated with the Trust and a Prohibited Owner, that is appointed by the Trust from time to time to serve as a trustee of a Charitable Trust as provided by Section 8.3(a).

“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Common Shares” shall mean the common shares of beneficial interest designated as such in the Declaration of Trust.

“Constructive Ownership” shall mean ownership of Shares by a Person, whether the interest in Shares is held directly or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include any interests that would be treated as owned through the application of Section 318(a) of the Code, as modified by Section 856(d)(5) of the Code or treated as beneficially owned under Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.  The terms “Constructive Owner”, “Constructively Owns” and “Constructively Owned” shall have the correlative meanings.

“Excepted Holder” shall mean a shareholder of the Trust for whom an Excepted Holder Limit is created by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 8.2(e)(i) and shall include the Excepted Persons (as defined in the Declaration of Trust).

 

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“Excepted Holder Limit” shall mean, provided that and only so long as the affected Excepted Holder complies with all of the requirements established by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 8.2(e), the percentage limit established by the Board of Trustees.

“Market Price” with respect to Shares on any date shall mean the last sale price for such Shares, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, for such Shares, in either case as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to such Shares, or if such Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange, the last sale price in the over the counter market, or if no trading price is available for such Shares, the fair market value of such Shares as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees.

“National Securities Exchange” means an exchange registered with the SEC under Section 6(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.

“Ownership Limit” shall mean (a) with respect to Common Shares, nine and eight-tenths percent (9.8%) (in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the Common Shares outstanding at the time of determination and (b) with respect to any other class or series of Shares, nine and eight-tenths percent (9.8%) (in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the Shares of such class or series outstanding at the time of determination.

“Person” shall mean and include individuals, corporations, limited partnerships, general partnerships, joint stock companies or associations, joint ventures, associations, companies, trusts, banks, trust companies, land trusts, business trusts and other entities and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof.

“Prohibited Owner” shall mean any Person who, but for the provisions of Section 8.2(a), would Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit, and if appropriate in the context, shall also mean any Person who would have been the holder of record in the books of the Trust or the Trust’s transfer agent of Shares that the Prohibited Owner would have so owned.

“REIT” shall mean a “real estate investment trust” within the meaning of Section 856 of the Code.

“Shares” shall mean the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust.

“Transfer” shall mean any issuance, sale, transfer, gift, assignment, devise or other disposition, as well as any other event (or any agreement to take any such actions or cause any such events) that causes any Person to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares or the right to vote or receive distributions on Shares, including, without limitation, (a) any change in the capital structure of the Trust which has the effect of increasing the total equity interest of any Person in the Trust, (b) a change in the relationship between two or more Persons which causes a change in ownership of Shares by application of Section 318(a) of the Code, as modified by Section 856(d)(5) of the Code, (c) the grant or exercise of any option or warrant (or

 

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any disposition of any option or warrant, or any event that causes any option or warrant not theretofore exercisable to become exercisable), pledge, security interest or similar right to acquire Shares, (d) any disposition of any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for Shares or any interest in Shares or any exercise of any such conversion or exchange right, and (e) transfers of interests in other entities that result in changes in Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares, in each case, whether voluntary or involuntary, whether owned of record or Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned, and whether by operation of law or otherwise.  The terms “Transferring” and “Transferred” shall have the correlative meanings.

Section 8.2    Restrictions on Ownership

(a)Ownership Limitations

(i)Basic Restrictions.  (A) No Person, other than an Excepted Holder, shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit, (B) no Excepted Holder shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares in excess of the Excepted Holder Limit for such Excepted Holder, (C) no Person shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares to the extent that such Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares would result in the Trust being “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year), or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT (including, without limitation, Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership that would result in the Trust owning (actually or Constructively) an interest in a tenant that is described in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code if the income derived by the Trust from such tenant would cause the Trust to fail to satisfy any of the gross income requirements of Section 856(c) of the Code or (D) subject to Section 8.5, notwithstanding any other provisions contained herein, any Transfer of Shares (whether or not such Transfer is the result of a transaction entered into through the facilities of a National Securities Exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system) that, if effective, would result in Shares being beneficially owned by less than one-hundred (100) Persons (determined under the principles of Section 856(a)(5) of the Code) shall be void ab initio, and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such Shares.

(ii)Transfer in Trust or Voided Transfer.  If any Transfer of Shares occurs (whether or not such Transfer is the result of a transaction entered into through the facilities of a National Securities Exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system) which, if effective, would result in any Person Beneficially Owning or Constructively Owning Shares in violation of Section 8.2(a)(i)(A), Section 8.2(a)(i)(B) or Section 8.2(a)(i)(C), as applicable, then the Board of Trustees shall be authorized and empowered to deem (and if so deemed, such action and result shall be deemed to occur and the officers of the Trust shall be authorized to take such actions in the name and on behalf of the Trust authorized by the Board of Trustees to effectuate the same): (A) that number of Shares the Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of which otherwise would cause such Person to violate Section 8.2(a)(i)(A), Section 8.2(a)(i)(B) or Section 8.2(a)(i)(C) (rounded upward to the nearest whole share, and such excess shares, including as so rounded, the “Excess Shares”) to be automatically transferred to a Charitable Trust or Charitable Trusts for the benefit of a Charitable Beneficiary, as described in Section 8.3,

 

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effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of such determination of such Transfer or at such other time determined by the Board of Trustees, and such Person shall acquire no rights in the Excess Shares; or (B) to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Transfer of Excess Shares to be void ab initio, in which case, the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in the Excess Shares.

(iii)Cooperation.  The shareholder that would otherwise qualify as a Prohibited Owner absent the application of the provisions of Section 8.2(a)(ii) shall use best efforts and take all actions necessary or requested by the Trust to cooperate with effecting the actions taken by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(ii), including, without limitation, informing the Trust where any Excess Shares may be held and instructing its agents to cooperate in the prompt implementation and effectuation of the actions so taken by the Board of Trustees.

(b)Remedies for Breach.  If the Board of Trustees or any duly authorized committee thereof shall at any time determine that a Transfer or other event has taken place that results in a violation of Section 8.2(a)(i) or that a Person intends to acquire or has attempted to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of any Shares in violation of Section 8.2(a)(i) (whether or not such violation is intended), the Board of Trustees or a committee thereof may take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such Transfer or other event, including, without limitation, causing the Trust to redeem Shares, refusing to give effect to such Transfer on the books of the Trust or the Trust’s transfer agent or instituting proceedings to enjoin such Transfer or other event and such Person shall be liable, without limitation, for all costs incurred in connection therewith and pursuant to Section 15.2, including the costs and expenses of the Charitable Trustee.  This Section 8.2(b) shall not in any way limit the provisions of Section 8.2(a)(ii).

(c)Notice of Restricted Transfer.  Any Person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares that will or may violate Section 8.2(a)(i), or any Person who would have owned Excess Shares, shall immediately give written notice to the Trust of such event, or in the case of such a proposed or attempted transaction, give at least fifteen (15) days prior written notice, and shall provide to the Trust such other information as the Trust may request.

(d)Owners Required to Provide Information.  Every shareholder of five percent (5%) or more of the Shares of any series or class outstanding at the time of determination, within thirty (30) days after the end of each taxable year and also within three (3) business days after a request from the Trust, shall give written notice to the Trust stating the name and address of such owner, the number of Shares Beneficially Owned, and a description of the manner in which such Shares are held; provided that a shareholder who holds Shares as nominee for another Person, which other Person is required to include in gross income the distributions received on such Shares (an “Actual Owner”), shall give written notice to the Trust stating the name and address of such Actual Owner and the number of Shares of such Actual Owner with respect to which the shareholder is nominee.  Each such shareholder and each Actual Owner shall provide to the Trust such additional information as the Trust may request in order to determine the Trust’s status as a REIT, to determine the Trust’s compliance with other applicable

 

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laws or requirements of any governmental authority or to ensure compliance with the Ownership Limit.  Each Person who is a Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner of Shares and each Person (including the shareholder) who is holding Shares for a Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner shall provide to the Trust such information as the Trust may request, in good faith, in order to determine the Trust’s status as a REIT, to determine the Trust’s compliance with other applicable laws or requirements of any governmental authority and to comply with requirements of any taxing authority or other governmental authority or to determine such compliance.

(e)Exceptions

(i)The Board of Trustees, in its sole discretion, may grant to any Person who makes a request therefor (a “Requesting Person”) an exception to the Ownership Limit (or one or more elements thereof) with respect to the ownership of any series or class of Shares, subject to the following conditions and limitations: (A) the Board of Trustees shall have determined, in its discretion, that: (1) the Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares by such shareholder in excess of the Ownership Limit would not violate Section 8.2(a)(i)(C), (2) the Requesting Person does not and will not own, actually or Constructively, an interest in a tenant of the Trust (or a tenant of any entity owned or controlled by the Trust) that would cause the Trust to own, actually or Constructively, more than a nine and eight-tenths percent (9.8%) interest (as set forth in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code) in such tenant, (3) the Requesting Person’s ownership of Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit pursuant to the exception requested hereunder (together with the ownership of Shares by all other Persons as permitted under this ARTICLE VIII, taking into account any previously granted exceptions pursuant hereto) would not cause a default under the terms of any contract to which the Trust or any of its subsidiaries is a party or reasonably expects to become a party and (4) the Requesting Person’s ownership of Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit pursuant to the exception requested hereunder (together with the ownership of Shares by all other Persons as permitted under this ARTICLE VIII, taking into account any previously granted exceptions pursuant hereto) is in the best interests of the Trust; and (B)(1) prior to granting any exception pursuant to this Section 8.2(e)(i), the Board of Trustees may require a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or an opinion of counsel, in either case in form and substance satisfactory to the Board of Trustees in their sole discretion, as they may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure the Trust’s status as a REIT and (2) such Requesting Person provides to the Board of Trustees, for the benefit of the Trust, such representations and undertakings, if any, as the Board of Trustees may, in its discretion, determine to be necessary in order for it to make the determination that the conditions set forth in Section 8.2(e)(i)(A) have been and/or will continue to be satisfied (including, without limitation, an agreement as to a reduced Ownership Limit or Excepted Holder Limit for such Requesting Person with respect to the Constructive Ownership of one or more other classes or series of Shares not subject to the exception), and such Requesting Person agrees that any violation of such representations and undertakings or any attempted violation thereof will give rise to the application of the remedies set forth in Section 8.2(a)(ii) and Section 8.2(b) with respect to Shares held in excess of the Ownership Limit or the Excepted Holder Limit (as may be applicable) with respect to such Requesting Person (determined without regard to the exception granted such Requesting Person under this Section 8.2(e)(i)).  If a member of the Board of Trustees requests that the Board of Trustees grant an

 

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exception pursuant to this Section 8.2(e) with respect to such member, or with respect to any other Person if such member of the Board of Trustees would be considered to be the Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner of Shares owned by such other Person, such member of the Board of Trustees shall not participate in the decision of the Board of Trustees as to whether to grant any such exception.

(ii)In determining whether to grant any exemption pursuant to Section 8.2(e)(i), the Board of Trustees may, but need not, consider, among other factors, (A) the general reputation and moral character of the Requesting Person, (B) whether ownership of Shares would be direct or through ownership attribution, (C) whether the Requesting Person’s ownership of Shares would interfere with the conduct of the Trust’s business, including, without limitation, the Trust’s ability to acquire additional properties or additional investments in issuers currently invested in by the Trust or other issuers, (D) whether granting an exemption for the Requesting Person would adversely affect any of the Trust’s existing contractual arrangements, (E) whether the Requesting Person to whom the exception would apply has been approved as an owner of the Trust by all regulatory or other governmental authorities (including Louisiana or other state gaming regulatory authorities) who have jurisdiction over the Trust and (F) whether the Requesting Person to whom the exemption would apply is attempting to change control of the Trust or affect its policies in a way which the Board of Trustees, in its discretion, considers adverse to the best interest of the Trust or the shareholders.  Nothing in this Section 8.2(e)(ii) shall be interpreted to mean that the Board of Trustees may not act in its discretion in making any determination under Section 8.2(e)(i).

(iii)An underwriter or initial purchaser that participates in a public offering or a private placement of Shares (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) may Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) in excess of the Ownership Limit, but only to the extent necessary to facilitate such public offering or private placement as determined by the Board of Trustees.

Section 8.3    Transfer of Shares

(a)Ownership in Trust.  Upon any purported Transfer or other event described in Section 8.2(a)(ii) that results in a transfer of Shares to a Charitable Trust, such Shares shall be deemed to have been transferred to the Charitable Trustee as trustee or trustees, as applicable, of a Charitable Trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more Charitable Beneficiaries (except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 8.3(e)).  Such transfer to the Charitable Trustee shall be deemed to be effective as of the time provided in Section 8.2(a)(ii).  Any Charitable Trustee shall be appointed by the Trust and shall be a Person unaffiliated with the Trust and any Prohibited Owner.  Each Charitable Beneficiary shall be designated by the Trust as provided in Section 8.3(g).

(b)Status of Shares Held by a Charitable Trustee.  Shares held by a Charitable Trustee shall be issued and outstanding Shares of the Trust.  The Prohibited Owner shall:

(i)have no rights in the Shares held by the Charitable Trustee;

 

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(ii)not benefit economically from ownership of any Shares held in trust by the Charitable Trustee (except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 8.3(e));

(iii)have no rights to dividends or other distributions;

(iv)not possess any rights to vote or other rights attributable to the Shares held in the Charitable Trust; and

(v)have no claim, cause of action or other recourse whatsoever against the purported transferor of such Shares.

(c)Dividend and Voting Rights.  The Charitable Trustee shall have all voting rights and rights to dividends or other distributions with respect to Shares held in the Charitable Trust, which rights shall be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary (except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 8.3(e)).  Any dividend or other distribution paid with respect to any Shares which constituted Excess Shares at such time and prior to Shares having been transferred to the Charitable Trustee shall be paid to the Charitable Trustee by the Prohibited Owner upon demand and any dividend or other distribution authorized but unpaid with respect to such Shares shall be paid when due to the Charitable Trustee.  Any dividends or distributions so paid to the Charitable Trustee shall be held in trust for the Charitable Beneficiary.  The Prohibited Owner shall have no voting rights with respect to Shares held in the Charitable Trust and, effective as of the date that Shares have been transferred to the Charitable Trustee, the Charitable Trustee shall have the authority (at the Charitable Trustee’s discretion) (i) to rescind as void any vote cast by a Prohibited Owner with respect to such Shares at any time such Shares constituted Excess Shares with respect to such Prohibited Owner and (ii) to recast such vote in accordance with the desires of the Charitable Trustee acting for the benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary; provided, however, that if the Trust has already taken irreversible action, then the Charitable Trustee shall not have the power to rescind and recast such vote.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this ARTICLE VIII, until the Shares have been transferred into a Charitable Trust, the Trust shall be entitled to rely on its stock transfer and other shareholder records for purposes of preparing lists of shareholders entitled to vote at meetings, determining the validity and authority of proxies, and otherwise conducting votes of shareholders.

(d)Rights upon Liquidation.  Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of or any distribution of the assets of the Trust, the Charitable Trustee shall be entitled to receive, ratably with each other holder of Shares of the class or series of Shares that is held in the Charitable Trust, that portion of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to the holders of such class or series (determined based upon the ratio that the number of Shares of such class or series of Shares held by the Charitable Trustee bears to the total number of Shares of such class or series of Shares then outstanding).  The Charitable Trustee shall distribute any such assets received in respect of the Shares held in the Charitable Trust in any liquidation, dissolution or winding up or distribution of the assets of the Trust, in accordance with Section 8.3(e).

 

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(e)Sale of Shares by Charitable Trustee.  Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Trustees, within twenty (20) days of receiving notice from the Trust that Shares have been transferred to the Charitable Trust, or soon thereafter as practicable, the Charitable Trustee shall sell the Shares held in the Charitable Trust (together with the right to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to such Shares as to any Shares transferred to the Charitable Trustee as a result of the operation of Section 8.2(a)(ii)) to a Person, designated by the Charitable Trustee, whose ownership of the Shares will not violate the ownership limitations set forth in Section 8.2(a)(i).  Upon such sale, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the Shares sold shall terminate and the Charitable Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner and to the Charitable Beneficiary as provided in this Section 8.3(e).

A Prohibited Owner shall receive the lesser of (A) the net price paid by the Prohibited Owner for the Shares or, if the Prohibited Owner did not give value for the Shares in connection with the event causing the Shares to be held in the Charitable Trust (for example, in the case of a gift, devise or other such transaction), the Market Price of the Shares on the day of the event causing the Shares to be held in the Charitable Trust, less the costs, expenses and compensation of the Charitable Trustee and the Trust as provided in Section 8.4 and (B) the net sales proceeds received by the Charitable Trustee from the sale or other disposition of the Shares held in the Charitable Trust.  Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the Prohibited Owner shall be paid to the Charitable Beneficiary, less the costs, expenses and compensation of the Charitable Trustee and the Trust as provided in Section 8.4.  If such Shares are sold by a Prohibited Owner, then (A) such Shares shall be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the Charitable Trust and (B) to the extent that the Prohibited Owner received an amount for such Shares that exceeds the amount that such Prohibited Owner was entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 8.3(e), such excess shall be paid promptly to the Charitable Trustee upon demand.

(f)Trust’s Purchase Right in Excess Shares.  Notwithstanding any transfer of Excess Shares to a Charitable Trust pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII, Excess Shares shall be deemed to have been offered for sale to the Trust, or its designee, at a price per Share equal to the lesser of (i) the price per Share in the transaction that resulted in such Shares becoming Excess Shares (or, if the Prohibited Owner did not give value for such Shares, such as in the case of a devise, gift or other such transaction, the Market Price per such Share on the day of the event causing the Shares to become Excess Shares) and (ii) the Market Price per such Share on the date the Trust, or its designee, accepts such offer, in each case of clauses (i) and (ii) of this sentence, less the costs, expenses and compensation of the Charitable Trustee, if any, and the Trust as provided in Section 8.4.  The Trust shall have the right to accept such offer until the Charitable Trustee, if any, has sold the Shares held in the Charitable Trust, if any, pursuant to Section 8.3(e).  Upon such a sale to the Trust, if a Charitable Trust has been established pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the Shares sold shall terminate and the Charitable Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner and the Charitable Beneficiary as provided in Section 8.3(e).

(g)Designation of Charitable Beneficiaries.  By written notice to the Charitable Trustee, the Trust shall designate from time to time one or more nonprofit organizations to be the Charitable Beneficiary of the interest in the Charitable Trust such that

 

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(i) Shares held in the Charitable Trust would not violate the restrictions set forth in Section 8.2(a)(i) in the hands of such Charitable Beneficiary and (ii) contributions to each such organization shall be eligible for deduction under each of Sections 170(b)(1)(A), 2055 and 2522 of the Code.  The Charitable Beneficiary shall not obtain any enforceable right to the Charitable Trust or any of its trust corpus until so designated and thereafter any such rights remain subject to the provisions of this ARTICLE VIII, including, without limitation, Section 8.3(h).

(h)Retroactive Changes.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this ARTICLE VIII, the Board of Trustees is authorized and empowered to retroactively amend, alter or repeal any rights which the Charitable Trust, the Charitable Trustee or the Charitable Beneficiary may have under this ARTICLE VIII, including, without limitation, granting retroactive Excepted Holder status to any otherwise Prohibited Owner, with the effect of any transfer of Excess Shares to a Charitable Trust being fully and retroactively revoked; provided, however, that the Board of Trustees shall not have the authority or power to retroactively amend, alter or repeal any obligations to pay amounts incurred prior to such time and owed or payable to the Charitable Trustee pursuant to Section 8.4.

Section 8.4    Costs, Expenses and Compensation of Charitable Trustee and the Trust

(a)The Charitable Trustee shall be indemnified by the Trust or from the proceeds from the sale of Shares held in the Charitable Trust, as further provided in this ARTICLE VIII, for its costs and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with conducting its duties and satisfying its obligations pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII.

(b)The Charitable Trustee shall be entitled to receive reasonable compensation for services provided by the Charitable Trustee in connection with serving as a Charitable Trustee, the amount and form of which shall be determined by agreement of the Board of Trustees and the Charitable Trustee.

(c)Costs, expenses and compensation payable to the Charitable Trustee pursuant to Section 8.4(a) and Section 8.4(b) may be funded from the Charitable Trust or by the Trust.  The Trust shall be entitled to reimbursement on a first priority basis (after payment in full of amounts payable to the Charitable Trustee pursuant to Section 8.4(a) and Section 8.4(b)) from the Charitable Trust for any such amounts funded by the Trust.

(d)Costs and expenses incurred by the Trust in the process of enforcing the ownership limitation set forth in Section 8.2(a)(i), in addition to reimbursement of costs, expenses and compensation of the Charitable Trustee which have been funded by the Trust, may be collected from the Charitable Trust; provided, however, that the ability of the Trust to fund its costs from the Charitable Trust shall not relieve the Prohibited Owner from his or her obligation to reimburse the Trust for costs under Section 15.2 of these Bylaws, except to the extent the Trust has in fact been previously paid from the Charitable Trust; nor will the possibility of the Trust receiving payment from the Charitable Trust create a marshaling obligation which would require the Trust to reimburse itself from the Charitable Trust before enforcing the Trust’s claims under Section 15.2 or otherwise.

 

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Section 8.5    Transactions on a National Securities Exchange.  Nothing in this ARTICLE VIII shall preclude the settlement of any transaction entered into through the facilities of a National Securities Exchange or any automated inter-dealer quotation system.  The fact that the settlement of any transaction takes place shall not negate the effect of any other provision of this ARTICLE VIII and any transferee in such a transaction shall be subject to all of the provisions and limitations set forth in this ARTICLE VIII.

Section 8.6    Enforcement.  The Trust is authorized specifically to seek equitable relief, including injunctive relief, to enforce the provisions of this ARTICLE VIII.

Section 8.7    Non-Waiver.  No delay or failure on the part of the Trust or the Board of Trustees in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any right of the Trust or the Board of Trustees, as the case may be, except to the extent specifically waived in writing.

Section 8.8    Enforceability.  If any of the restrictions on transfer of Shares contained in this ARTICLE VIII are determined to be void, invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Prohibited Owner may be deemed, at the option of the Trust, to have acted as an agent of the Trust in acquiring such Shares and to hold such Shares on behalf of the Trust.

ARTICLE IX

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND DISCLOSURE

Section 9.1    Actions Requiring Regulatory Compliance Implicating the Trust.  If any shareholder (whether individually or constituting a group, as determined by the Board of Trustees), by virtue of such shareholder’s ownership interest in the Trust or actions taken by the shareholder affecting the Trust, triggers the application of any requirement or regulation of any federal, state, municipal or other governmental or regulatory body on the Trust or any subsidiary (for purposes of this ARTICLE IX, as defined in Section 2.14.5(c)) of the Trust or any of their respective businesses, assets or operations, including, without limitation, any obligations to make or obtain a Governmental Action (as defined in Section 2.14.3), such shareholder shall promptly take all actions necessary and fully cooperate with the Trust to ensure that such requirements or regulations are satisfied without restricting, imposing additional obligations on or in any way limiting the business, assets, operations or prospects of the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust.  If the shareholder fails or is otherwise unable to promptly take such actions so to cause satisfaction of such requirements or regulations, the shareholder shall promptly divest a sufficient number of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust necessary to cause the application of such requirement or regulation to not apply to the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust.  If the shareholder fails to cause such satisfaction or divest itself of such sufficient number of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust by not later than the tenth (10th) day after triggering such requirement or regulation referred to in this Section 9.1, then any shares of beneficial interest of the Trust beneficially owned by such shareholder at and in excess of the level triggering the application of such requirement or regulation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be deemed to constitute shares held in violation of the ownership limitations set forth in ARTICLE VIII and be subject to the provisions of ARTICLE VIII and any actions triggering the application

 

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of such a requirement or regulation may be deemed by the Trust to be of no force or effect.  Moreover, if the shareholder who triggers the application of any regulation or requirement fails to satisfy the requirements or regulations or to take curative actions within such ten (10) day period, the Trust may take all other actions which the Board of Trustees deems appropriate to require compliance or to preserve the value of the Trust’s assets; and the Trust may charge the offending shareholder for the Trust’s costs and expenses as well as any damages which may result to the Trust.

As an example and not as a limitation, at the time these Bylaws are being amended and restated, the Trust holds a controlling interest in gaming businesses in Louisiana.  Louisiana law provides that any person who owns five percent (5%) or more of gaming businesses in Louisiana shall provide detailed personal history and financial information and be approved by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.  Accordingly, if a shareholder acquires five percent (5%) or more of the Trust and refuses to provide the Trust with information required to be submitted to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board or if the Louisiana Gaming Control Board decline to approve such a shareholder’s ownership of the Trust, then, in either event, shares of beneficial interest of the Trust owned by such a shareholder necessary to reduce its ownership to less than five percent (5%) of the Trust may be deemed shares held in violation of the ownership limitation in ARTICLE VIII and shall be subject to the provisions of ARTICLE VIII.

As a further example and not as a limitation, at the time these Bylaws are being amended and restated, the Trust holds a controlling ownership position in a company formed and licensed as an insurance company in the State of Indiana.  The laws of the State of Indiana have certain regulatory requirements for any person who seeks to control (as defined under Indiana law) a company which itself controls an insurance company domiciled in the State of Indiana, including by exercising proxies representing ten percent (10%) or more of the Trust’s voting securities.  Accordingly, if a shareholder seeks to exercise proxies for a matter to be voted upon at a meeting of the Trust’s shareholders without having obtained any applicable approvals from the Indiana insurance regulatory authorities, such proxies representing ten percent (10%) or more of the Trust’s voting securities will, subject to Section 9.3, be void and of no further force or effect.

Section 9.2    Compliance With Law.  Shareholders shall comply with all applicable requirements of federal and state laws, including all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, in connection with such shareholder’s ownership interest in the Trust and all other laws which apply to the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust or their respective businesses, assets or operations and which require action or inaction on the part of the shareholder.

Section 9.3    Limitation on Voting Shares or Proxies.  Without limiting the provisions of Section 9.1, if a shareholder (whether individually or constituting a group, as determined by the Board of Trustees), by virtue of such shareholder’s ownership interest in the Trust or its receipt or exercise of proxies to vote shares owned by other shareholders, would not be permitted to vote the shareholder’s shares of beneficial interest of the Trust or proxies for shares of beneficial interest of the Trust in excess of a certain amount pursuant to applicable law (including by way of example, applicable state insurance regulations) but the Board of Trustees determines that the excess shares or shares represented by the excess proxies are necessary to obtain a quorum, then such shareholder shall not be entitled to vote any such excess shares or

 

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proxies, and instead such excess shares or proxies may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be voted by the Advisor (or by another person designated by the Trustees) in proportion to the total shares otherwise voted on such matter.

Section 9.4    Representations, Warranties and Covenants Made to Governmental or Regulatory Bodies.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, any representation, warranty or covenant made by a shareholder with any governmental or regulatory body in connection with such shareholder’s interest in the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust shall be deemed to be simultaneously made to, for the benefit of and enforceable by, the Trust and any applicable subsidiary of the Trust.

Section 9.5    Board of Trustees’ Determinations.  The Board of Trustees shall be empowered to make all determinations regarding the interpretation, application, enforcement and compliance with any matters referred to or contemplated by this ARTICLE IX.

ARTICLE X

FISCAL YEAR

Section 10.1    Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the Trust shall be the calendar year.

ARTICLE XI

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

Section 11.1    Dividends and Other Distributions.  Dividends and other distributions upon the shares of beneficial interest of the Trust may be authorized and declared by the Trustees.  Dividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or shares of beneficial interest of the Trust.

ARTICLE XII

SEAL

Section 12.1    Seal.  The Trustees may authorize the adoption of a seal by the Trust.  The Trustees may authorize one or more duplicate seals.

Section 12.2    Affixing Seal.  Whenever the Trust is permitted or required to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word “(SEAL)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Trust.

ARTICLE XIII

WAIVER OF NOTICE

 

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Section 13.1    Waiver of Notice.  Whenever any notice is required to be given pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, these Bylaws or applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.  Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice or waiver by electronic transmission, unless specifically required by statute.  The attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

ARTICLE XIV

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

Section 14.1    Amendment of Bylaws.  Except for any change for which these Bylaws requires approval by more than a majority vote of the Trustees, these Bylaws may be amended or repealed or new or additional Bylaws may be adopted only by the vote or written consent of a majority of the Trustees as specified in Section 3.10.

ARTICLE XV

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 15.1    References to Declaration of Trust.  All references to the Declaration of Trust shall include any amendments and supplements thereto.

Section 15.2    Costs and Expenses.  In addition to, and as further clarification of each shareholder’s obligation to indemnify and hold the Trust harmless from and against all costs, expenses, penalties, fines and other amounts, including, without limitation, attorneys’ and other professional fees, whether third party or internal, arising from such shareholder’s violation of any provision of the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws pursuant to Section 8.8 of the Declaration of Trust, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each shareholder will be liable to the Trust (and any subsidiaries or affiliates thereof) for, and indemnify and hold harmless the Trust (and any subsidiaries or affiliates thereof) from and against, all costs, expenses, penalties, fines or other amounts, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ and other professional fees, whether third party or internal, arising from such shareholder’s breach of or failure to fully comply with any covenant, condition or provision of these Bylaws or the Declaration of Trust (including Section 2.14 of these Bylaws) or any action by or against the Trust (or any subsidiaries or affiliates thereof) in which such shareholder is not the prevailing party, and shall pay such amounts to such indemnitee on demand, together with interest on such amounts, which interest will accrue at the lesser of the Trust’s highest marginal borrowing rate,fifteen percent (15%) per annum compounded, and the maximum amount permitted by law, from the date such costs or the like are incurred until the receipt of payment.

 

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Section 15.3    Ratification.  The Board of Trustees or the shareholders may ratify and make binding on the Trust any action or inaction by the Trust or its officers to the extent that the Board of Trustees or the shareholders could have originally authorized the matter.  Moreover, any action or inaction questioned in any shareholder’s derivative proceeding or any other proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a Trustee, officer or shareholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting, or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Trustees or by the shareholders and, if so ratified, shall have the same force and effect as if the questioned action or inaction had been originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the Trust and its shareholders and shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned action or inaction.

Section 15.4    Ambiguity.  In the case of an ambiguity in the application of any provision of these Bylaws or any definition contained in these Bylaws, the Board of Trustees shall have the sole power to determine the application of such provisions with respect to any situation based on the facts known to it and such determination shall be final and binding unless determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been made in bad faith.

Section 15.5    Inspection of Bylaws.  The Trustees shall keep at the principal office for the transaction of business of the Trust the original or a copy of the Bylaws as amended or otherwise altered to date, certified by the secretary, which shall be open to inspection by the shareholders at all reasonable times during office hours.

Section 15.6    Election to be Subject to Part of Title 3, Subtitle 8.  Notwithstanding any other provision contained in the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, the Trust hereby elects to be subject to Section 3-804(b) and (c) of Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (or any successor statute)MGCL.  This Section 15.6 only may be repealed, in whole or in part, by a subsequent amendment to these Bylaws.

ARTICLE XVI

ARBITRATION PROCEDURES FOR DISPUTES

Section 16.1    Procedures for Arbitration of Disputes.  Any disputes, claims or controversies brought by or on behalf of any shareholder of the Trust (which, for purposes of this ARTICLE XVI, shall mean any shareholder of record or any beneficial owner of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust, or any former shareholder of record or beneficial owner of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust), either on his, her or its own behalf, on behalf of the Trust or on behalf of any series or class of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust or shareholders of the Trust against the Trust or any Trustee, officer, manager (including Reit Management & Research LLC or its successor), agent or employee of the Trust, including any disputes, claims or controversies relating to the meaning, interpretation, effect, validity, performance or enforcement of the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws (all of which are referred to as “Disputes”) or relating in any way to such a Dispute or Disputes shall, on the demand of any party to such Dispute or Disputes, be resolved through binding and final arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules (the “Rules”) of the American Arbitration Association (the

 

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“AAA”) then in effect, except as those Rules may be modified in this ARTICLE XVI.  For the avoidance of doubt, and not as a limitation, Disputes are intended to include derivative actions against Trustees, officers or managers of the Trust and class actions by shareholders against those individuals or entities and the Trust.  For the avoidance of doubt, a Dispute shall include a Dispute made derivatively on behalf of one party against another party.

Section 16.2    Arbitrators.  There shall be three (3) arbitrators.  If there are only two (2) parties to the Dispute, each party shall select one (1) arbitrator within fifteen (15) days after receipt by respondent of a copy of the demand for arbitration. Such The arbitrators may be affiliated or interested persons of such parties. If either party fails to timely select an arbitrator, the other party to the Dispute shall select the second arbitrator who shall be neutral and impartial and shall not be affiliated with or an interested person of either partythe parties.  If there are more than two (2) parties to the Dispute, all claimants, on the one hand, and all respondents, on the other hand, shall each select, by the vote of a majority of the claimants or the respondents, as the case may be, one (1) arbitrator. Such within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the demand for arbitration.  The arbitrators may be affiliated or interested persons of the claimants or the respondents, as the case may be.  If either a claimant (or all claimants) or a respondent (or all respondents fail) fail(s) to timely select an arbitrator then suchthe party (or parties) who has selected an arbitrator (whomay request AAA to provide a list of three (3) proposed arbitrators in accordance with the Rules (each of whom shall be neutral, impartial and unaffiliated with any party) shall be appointed by the AAA. The two and the party (or parties) that failed to timely appoint an arbitrator shall have ten (10) days from the date AAA provides the list to select one (1) of the three (3) arbitrators proposed by AAA.  If the party (or parties) fail(s) to select the second (2nd) arbitrator by that time, the party (or parties) who have appointed the first (1st) arbitrator shall then have ten (10) days to select one (1) of the three (3) arbitrators proposed by AAA to be the second (2nd) arbitrator; and, if he/they should fail to select the second (2nd) arbitrator by such time, AAA shall select, within fifteen (15) days thereafter, one (1) of the three (3) arbitrators it had proposed as the second (2nd) arbitrator.  The two (2) arbitrators so appointed shall jointly appoint the third (3rd) and presiding arbitrator (who shall be neutral, impartial and unaffiliated with any party) within fifteen (15) days of the appointment of the second (2nd) arbitrator.  If the third (3rd) arbitrator has not been appointed within the time limit specified herein, then the AAA shall provide a list of proposed arbitrators in accordance with the Rules, and the arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA in accordance with a listing, striking and ranking procedure, with each party having a limited number of strikes, excluding strikes for cause.

Section 16.3    Place of Arbitration.  The place of arbitration shall be Boston, Massachusetts unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

Section 16.4    Discovery.  There shall be only limited documentary discovery of documents directly related to the issues in dispute, as may be ordered by the arbitrators.  For the avoidance of doubt, it is intended that there shall be no depositions and no other discovery other than limited documentary discovery as described in the preceding sentence.

Section 16.5    Awards.  In rendering an award or decision (thean “Award”), the arbitrators shall be required to follow the laws of the State of Maryland.  Any arbitration

 

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proceedings or Award rendered hereunder and the validity, effect and interpretation of this arbitration agreement shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §1 et seq. The An Award shall be in writing and may, but shall not be required to, briefly state the findings of fact and conclusions of law on which it is based.  Any monetary awardAward shall be made and payable in U.S. dollars free of any tax, deduction or offset. The Subject to Section 16.7, each party against which thean Award assesses a monetary obligation shall pay that obligation on or before the thirtieth (30th) day following the date of thesuch Award or such other date as thesuch Award may provide.

Section 16.6    Costs and Expenses.  Except as otherwise set forth in the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, including Section 15.2 of these Bylaws, or as otherwise agreed betweenby the parties thereto, each party involved in a Dispute shall bear its own costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), and the arbitrators shall not render an awardAward that would include shifting of any such costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) or, in a derivative case or class action, award any portion of the Trust’s awardAward to the claimant or the claimant’s attorneys.  Each party (or, if there are more than two (2) parties to the Dispute, all claimants, on the one hand, and all respondents, on the other hand, respectively) shall bear the costs and expenses of its (or their) selected arbitrator and the parties (or, if there are more than two (2) parties to the Dispute, all claimants, on the one hand, and all respondents, on the other hand) shall equally bear the costs and expenses of the third (3rd) appointed arbitrator.

Section 16.7    Appeals.  Any Award, including but not limited to any interim Award, may be appealed pursuant to the AAA’s Optional Appellate Arbitration Rules (“Appellate Rules”).  An Award shall not be considered final until after the time for filing the notice of appeal pursuant to the Appellate Rules has expired.  Appeals must be initiated within thirty (30) days of receipt of an Award by filing a notice of appeal with any AAA office.  Following the appeal process, the decision rendered by the appeal tribunal may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.    For the avoidance of doubt, and despite any contrary provision of the Appellate Rules, Section 16.6 shall apply to any appeal pursuant to this Section 16.7 and the appeal tribunal shall not render an Award that would include shifting of any costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) of any party.

Section 16.8    Section 16.7 Final and Binding.  An Following the expiration of the time for filing the notice of appeal, or the conclusion of the appeal process set forth in Section 16.7, an Award shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto and shall be the sole and exclusive remedy between suchthose parties relating to the Dispute, including any claims, counterclaims, issues or accounting presented to the arbitrators.  Judgment upon thean Award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, no application or appeal to any court of competent jurisdiction may be made in connection with any question of law arising in the course of arbitration or with respect to any award made except for actions relating to enforcement of this agreement to arbitrate or any arbitral award issued hereunder andAward, except for actions seeking interim or other provisional relief in aid of arbitration proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Section 16.9    Section 16.8 Beneficiaries.  This ARTICLE XVI is intended to benefit and be enforceable by the shareholders, Trustees, officers, managers (including Reit Management & 

 

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Research LLC or its successor), agents or employees of the Trust and the Trust and shall be binding on the shareholders of the Trust and the Trust, as applicable, and shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other rights to indemnification or contribution that such individuals or entities may have by contract or otherwise.

ARTICLE XVII

EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN DISPUTES

The Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Trust, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of the Trust to the Trust or the Trust’s shareholders, (3) any action asserting a claim against the Trust or any trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of the Trust arising pursuant to Maryland law or the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, including any disputes, claims or controversies brought by or on behalf of any shareholder of the Trust (which, for purposes of this ARTICLE XVII, shall mean any shareholder of record or any beneficial owner of any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust, or any former holder of record or beneficial owner of any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust), either on his, her or its own behalf, on behalf of the Trust or on behalf of any series or class of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust or shareholders of the Trust against the Trust or any trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of the Trust, including any disputes, claims or controversies relating to the meaning, interpretation, effect, validity, performance or enforcement of the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, including this ARTICLE XVII, or (4) any action asserting a claim against the Trust or any trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of the Trust governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Maryland.  Failure to enforce the foregoing provisions would cause the Trust irreparable harm and the Trust shall be entitled to equitable relief, including injunctive relief and specific performance, to enforce the foregoing provisions.  Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of beneficial interest of the Trust shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this ARTICLE XVII.  This ARTICLE XVII shall not abrogate or supersede any other provision of these Bylaws which may require the resolution of such disputes by arbitration.

 

 

- 40 -

 

 




EXHIBIT 10.24

 

Schedule to Exhibit 10.24

 

There are four sales agreements with TA Operating LLC for travel centers,  the form of which is filed herewith.  The sales agreements are substantially identical in all material respects to the form of sales agreement filed herewith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchaser

  

Seller

  

Site Name

  

Street Address

  

City

  

State

  

Date of
Agreement

  

Purchase Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HPT TA Properties Trust

 

TA Operating LLC

 

TA Battle Creek

 

15874 Eleven Mile Rd.

 

Battle Creek

 

MI

 

June 16, 2015

 

$17,455,495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HPT TA Properties Trust

 

TA Operating LLC

 

TA Ashland

 

100 N. Carter Rd. - P.O. Box 712

 

Ashland

 

VA

 

June 16, 2015

 

$6,959,146

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HPT TA Properties Trust

 

TA Operating LLC

 

TA Livingston

 

435 Winton Pkwy.

 

Livingston

 

CA

 

June 23, 2015

 

$12,628,926

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HPT TA Properties LLC

 

TA Operating LLC

 

TA Porter South

 

1441 W. Highway 20

 

Porter

 

IN

 

June 23, 2015

 

$7,434,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




EXHIBIT 10.7

 

Schedule to Exhibit 10.7

 

There are 24 management agreements with Sonesta International Hotels Corporation for limited service hotels, a representative form of which is filed herewith.  The other 23 management agreements, with the respective parties and applicable to the respective hotels listed below, are substantially identical in all material respects to the representative form of management agreement filed herewith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owner

 

Hotel

 

Landlord

 

Date of
Agreement

 

Effective Date

 

Invested
Capital Amount

 

Section 2.02(1)
Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Burlington

11 Old Concord Road

Burlington, MA

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

June 12, 2012

 

June 12, 2012

 

$

18,240,000 

 

January 31, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Orlando
8480 International Drive
Orlando, FL

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 6, 2012

 

July 9, 2012

 

$

7,900,000 

 

January 31, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Andover
4 Technology Drive
Andover, MA

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 25, 2012

 

July 25, 2012

 

$

17,100,000 

 

January 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Parsippany
61 Interpace Parkway
Parsippany, NJ

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 30, 2012

 

July 30, 2012

 

$

22,312,500 

 

January 1, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Somerset
260 Davidson Avenue
Somerset, NJ

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 30, 2012

 

August 1, 2012

 

$

7,200,000 

 

January 1, 2016

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owner

 

Hotel

 

Landlord

 

Date of
Agreement

 

Effective Date

 

Invested
Capital Amount

 

Section 2.02(1)
Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Princeton
4375 U.S. Route 1 South
Princeton, NJ

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 30, 2012

 

August 3, 2012

 

$

5,810,000 

 

January 1, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Malvern
20 Morehall Road
Malvern, PA

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 27, 2012

 

August 6, 2012

 

$

17,398,113 

 

January 1, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Dublin
435 Metro Place South
Dublin, OH

 

HPTMI Properties Trust

 

August 6, 2012

 

August 11, 2012

 

$

6,750,000 

 

January 1, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff
3440 Country Club Drive
Flagstaff, AZ

 

HPTMI Properties Trust

 

August 6, 2012

 

August 11, 2012

 

$

5,625,000 

 

January 1, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Houston
5190 Hidalgo Street

Houston, TX

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

August 6, 2012

 

August 13, 2012

 

$

10,260,000 

 

January 1, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Columbia
8844 Columbia 100 Parkway
Columbia, MD

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

August 6, 2012

 

August 14, 2012

 

$

12,540,000 

 

January 1, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Charlotte
7925 Forest Pine Drive
Charlotte, NC

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

August 6, 2012

 

August 16, 2012

 

$

6,810,000 

 

January 1, 2016

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owner

 

Hotel

 

Landlord

 

Date of
Agreement

 

Effective Date

 

Invested
Capital Amount

 

Section 2.02(1)
Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites St. Louis
1855 Craigshire Road
St. Louis, MO

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

August 6, 2012

 

August 22, 2012

 

$

3,780,000 

 

January 1, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta Fort Lauderdale
999 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

May 30, 2014

 

May 30, 2014

 

$

65,000,000 

 

January 1, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Tucson

6477 East Speedway Boulevard

Tucson, AZ

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 23, 2015

 

July 23, 2015

 

$

5,500,000 

 

January 1, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Colorado Springs

3880 North Academy Boulevard

Colorado Springs, CO

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 23, 2015

 

July 23, 2015

 

$

6,250,000 

 

January 1, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Minneapolis

3040 Eagandale Place

Eagan, MN

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 23, 2015

 

July 23, 2015

 

$

11,500,000 

 

January 1, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Omaha

6990 Dodge Street

Omaha, NE

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 23, 2015

 

July 23, 2015

 

$

6,000,000 

 

January 1, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Princeton

4225 US Highway 1

South Brunswick – Princeton, NJ

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 23, 2015

 

July 23, 2015

 

$

13,500,000 

 

January 1, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Somers Point

900 Mays Landing Road

Somers Point, NJ

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 23, 2015

 

July 23, 2015

 

$

8,750,000 

 

January 1, 2019

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owner

 

Hotel

 

Landlord

 

Date of
Agreement

 

Effective Date

 

Invested
Capital Amount

 

Section 2.02(1)
Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Cincinnati

2670 Kemper Road

Sharonville, OH

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 23, 2015

 

July 23, 2015

 

$

8,750,000 

 

January 1, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Oklahoma City

4361 West Reno Avenue

Oklahoma City, OK

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 23, 2015

 

July 23, 2015

 

$

13,250,000 

 

January 1, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Sonesta ES Suites Burlington

35 Hurricane Lane

Williston, VT

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

July 23, 2015

 

July 23, 2015

 

$

11,500,000 

 

January 1, 2019

 


 

 




EXHIBIT 10.8

 

POOLING AGREEMENT

 

THIS POOLING AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of April 23, 2012, by and among Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (“Manager”) and the parties listed on Schedule A (each an “Owner” and collectively, “Owners”).

 

RECITALS:

 

Each Owner has entered into a Management Agreement with Manager (each a “Management Agreement” and collectively, the “Management Agreements”) with respect to the real estate and personal property described in Schedule B opposite such Owner’s name which is operated as a full service or a limited service hotel (each a “Hotel” and collectively, the “Hotels”), which Management Agreements are listed on Schedule C.

 

The parties desire that working capital of each of the Hotels and all revenues from operation of each of the Hotels be pooled for purposes of paying operating expenses of the Hotels, fees and other amounts due to Manager and Owners.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
DEFINED TERMS

 

1.01.                     Definitions.  Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Management Agreements. The following capitalized terms as used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

“Additional Hotel” is defined in Section 7.01.

 

“Additional Owner” is defined in Section 7.01.

 

“Agreement” is defined in the Preamble.

 

“Aggregate Additional Manager Advances” means the sum of Additional Manager Advances under all Management Agreements.

 

“Aggregate Annual Operating Statement” is defined in Article IV.

 

“Aggregate Base Management Fee” means an amount equal to 3% of the Aggregate Gross Revenues attributable to full service Hotels and 5% of the Aggregate Gross Revenues attributable to limited service Hotels.

 

“Aggregate Deductions” means the sum of Deductions of the Hotels.

 

“Aggregate Gross Room Revenues” mean the sum of Gross Room Revenues of the Hotels.

 

“Aggregate Gross Revenues” means the sum of Gross Revenues of the Hotels.

 



 

 

“Aggregate Incentive Management Fee” means with respect to each Year or portion thereof, an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of Aggregate Operating Profit remaining after deducting amounts paid or payable in respect of Aggregate Owner’s Priority Return and Aggregate Reimbursable Advances for such Year; provided that for purposes of determining the Aggregate Incentive Management Fee, Aggregate Operating Profit shall be determined based upon ninety-five percent (95%) of Aggregate Gross Revenues.

 

“Aggregate Invested Capital” means the sum of the Invested Capital for each of the Hotels.

 

“Aggregate Monthly Statement” is defined in Article IV.

 

“Aggregate Operating Profit” means an amount equal to Aggregate Gross Revenues less Aggregate Deductions.

 

“Aggregate Owner Advances” means the sum of Owner Advances under all Management Agreements.

 

“Aggregate Owner’s Priority” means, for each Year or portion thereof, an amount equal to eight percent (8%) of Aggregate Invested Capital.

 

“Aggregate Owner’s Residual Payment” means with respect to each Year or portion thereof, an amount equal to Aggregate Operating Profit remaining after deducting amounts paid or payable in respect of Aggregate Owner’s Priority, Aggregate Reimbursable Advances and the Aggregate Incentive Management Fee for such Year.

 

“Aggregate Reservation Fee” means for each Year or portion thereof, an amount equal to one and one-half percent (1.5%) of Aggregate Gross Room Revenues.

 

“Aggregate Reimbursable Advances” means the sum of Reimbursable Advances of the Hotels.

 

“Aggregate System Fee” means with respect to each Year or portion thereof, an amount equal to one and one-half percent (1.5%) of Aggregate Gross Revenues.

 

“Hotel” and “Hotels” is defined in the Recitals.

 

“Landlord(s)” means the owner of the Hotel(s) set forth on Exhibit B.

 

“Management Agreement” and “Management Agreements” is defined in the Recitals.

 

“Manager” is defined in the Preamble.

 

“Marketing Party” is defined in Section 5.01.

 

“Non-Economic Hotel” is defined in Section 5.01.

 

“Non-Marketing Party” is defined in Section 5.02.

 

2



 

 

“Owner” and “Owners” are defined in the Preamble.

 

ARTICLE II
GENERAL

 

The parties agree that so long as a Hotel is subject to this Agreement, all Working Capital and all Gross Revenues of such Hotel shall be pooled pursuant to this Agreement and disbursed to pay all Aggregate Disbursements, fees and other amounts due Manager and Owners (not including amounts due pursuant to Section 11.20 of the Management Agreements) with respect to the Hotels and that the corresponding provisions of each Management Agreement shall be superseded as provided in Section 3.03.  The parties further agree that (a) if Manager gives a notice of non-renewal of the Term with respect to any Hotel, it shall be deemed to be a notice of non-renewal of the Term with respect to all the Hotels and (b) if Owner gives notice of termination of any Management Agreement without cause pursuant to Section 2.02 1. of the Management Agreements, or upon a Change in Control of Manager pursuant to Section 2.02 4. of the Management Agreements, or if Manager gives notice of termination of any Management Agreement upon a Change in Control of Owner pursuant to Section 2.02 3. of the Management Agreements, in any such case, it shall be deemed to be a notice of termination with respect to all Management Agreements.

 

ARTICLE III
PRIORITIES FOR
DISTRIBUTION OF AGGREGATE GROSS REVENUES

 

3.01.                     Priorities for Distribution of Aggregate Gross Revenues.  Aggregate Gross Revenues shall be distributed in the following order of priority:

 

A.                                    First, to pay all Aggregate Deductions (excluding the Aggregate Base Management Fee, the Aggregate Reservation Fee and the Aggregate System Fee);

 

B.                                    Second, to Manager, an amount equal to the Aggregate Base Management Fee, the Aggregate Reservation Fee and the Aggregate System Fee;

 

C.                                    Third, to Owners, an amount equal to Aggregate Owner’s Priority;

 

D.                                    Fourth, pari passu, to (i) Owners, in an amount necessary to reimburse Owners for all Aggregate Owner Advances which have not yet been repaid pursuant to this Section 3.01, and (ii) to Manager, in an amount necessary to reimburse Manager for all Aggregate Additional Manager Advances which have not yet been repaid pursuant to this Section 3.01.  If at any time the amounts available for distribution to Owners and Manager pursuant to this Section 3.01 are insufficient (a) to repay all outstanding Aggregate Owner Advances, and (b) all outstanding Aggregate Additional Manager Advances, then Owner and Manager shall be paid from such amounts the amount obtained by multiplying a number equal to the amount of the funds available for distribution by a fraction, the numerator of which is the sum of all outstanding Aggregate Owner Advances, or all outstanding Aggregate Additional Manager Advances, as the case may be, and the denominator of which is the sum of all outstanding Aggregate Owner Advances plus the sum of all outstanding Aggregate Additional Manager Advances;

 

3



 

 

E.                                     Fifth, to Manager, an amount equal to the Aggregate Incentive Management Fee;

 

F.                                      Finally, to Owners, the Aggregate Owner’s Residual Payment.

 

3.02.                     Timing of Payments.  Payment of the Aggregate Deductions, excluding the Aggregate Base Management Fee, the Aggregate Reservation Fee and the Aggregate System Fee, shall be made in the ordinary course of business.  The Aggregate Base Management Fee, the Aggregate Reservation Fee and the Aggregate System Fee shall be paid on the last Business Day of each calendar month, in arrears, based upon the prior month’s Aggregate Gross Revenues or Aggregate Gross Room Revenues, as the case may be, as reflected in the Aggregate Monthly Statement for such prior month.  The Aggregate Owner’s Priority shall be paid on the last Business Day of each calendar month, in arrears, in equal monthly installments, based upon Aggregate Invested Capital most recently reported to Manager by Owners.  If any installment of the Aggregate Base Management Fee, the Aggregate Reservation Fee, the Aggregate System Fee or the Aggregate Owner Priority is not paid when due, it shall accrue interest at the Interest Rate. The Aggregate Incentive Fee and Aggregate Owner’s Residual Payment shall be paid on the last Business Day of the calendar month following the calendar quarter to which such Aggregate Incentive Fee and/or Aggregate Owner’s Residual Payment relates, in arrears, based upon the year-to-date Aggregate Operating Profit as reflected in the Aggregate Monthly Statement for the last calendar month of such calendar quarter and shall be adjusted, after the first calendar quarter, to reflect distributions for prior calendar quarters.  Additional adjustments to all payments will be made on an annual basis based upon the Aggregate Annual Operating Statement for the Year and any audit conducted pursuant to Section 4.02 of the Management Agreements.

 

If the portion of Aggregate Gross Revenues to be distributed to Manager or Owner pursuant to Section 3.01 is insufficient to pay amounts then due in full, any amounts left unpaid shall be paid from and to the extent of Aggregate Gross Revenues available therefor at the time distributions are made in successive calendar months until such amounts are paid in full, together with interest thereon, if applicable, and such payments shall be made from such available Aggregate Gross Revenues in the same order of priority as other payments made on account of such items in successive calendar months.

 

Calculations and payments of the fees and other payments in Section 3.01 and distributions of Aggregate Gross Revenues within a Year shall be accounted for cumulatively within a Year, but shall not be cumulative from one Year to the next.  Calculations and payments of Aggregate Reimbursable Advances shall be accounted for cumulatively within a Year, and shall be cumulative from one Year to the next.

 

The Aggregate Owner’s Priority and Aggregate Owner’s Residual Payment shall be allocated among Owners as the Owners shall determine in their sole discretion and Manager shall have no responsibility or liability in connection therewith.

 

3.03.                     Relationship with Management Agreements.  For as long as this Agreement is in effect with respect to a Hotel, the provisions of Section 3.01 and 3.02 shall supersede Sections 3.02 and 3.03 of the Management Agreement then in effect with the applicable Hotel.

 

4



 

 

ARTICLE IV
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Manager shall prepare and deliver the following financial statements to the Owners:

 

(a)                            Within twenty (20) days after the close of each calendar month, Manager shall deliver an accounting to Owner showing Aggregate Gross Revenues, Aggregate Gross Room Revenues, occupancy percentage and average daily rate, Aggregate Deductions, Aggregate Operating Profit, and applications and distributions thereof for the preceding calendar month and year-to-date (“Aggregate Monthly Statement”).

 

(b)                            Within sixty (60) days after the end of each Year, Manager shall deliver to Owner and Landlord a statement (the “Aggregate Annual Operating Statement”) in reasonable detail summarizing the operations of the Hotels for the immediately preceding Year and an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the totals of Aggregate Gross Revenues, Aggregate Deductions, and the calculation of the Aggregate Incentive Management Fee and Aggregate Owner’s Residual Payment for the preceding Year and certifying that such Aggregate Annual Operating Statement is true and correct.  Manager and Owner shall, within ten (10) Business Days after Owner’s receipt of such statement, make any adjustments, by cash payment, in the amounts paid or retained for such Year as are required because of variances between the Aggregate Monthly Statements and the Aggregate Annual Operating Statement.  Any payments shall be made together with interest at the Interest Rate from the date such amounts were due or paid, as the case may be, until paid or repaid.  The Aggregate Annual Operating Statement shall be controlling over the Aggregate Monthly Statements and shall be final, subject to adjustments required as a result of an audit requested by Owner or Landlord pursuant to Section 4.02.B of the Management Agreements.

 

(c)                             Manager shall also prepare and deliver such other statements or reports as any Owner may, from time to time, reasonably request.

 

The financial statements delivered pursuant to this Article IV are in addition to any financial statements required to be prepared and delivered pursuant to the Management Agreements.

 

ARTICLE V
NON-ECONOMIC HOTELS

 

5.01.                     Non-Economic Hotels.  If the Gross Revenues of any Hotel are insufficient to pay the Owner’s Priority for such Hotel in full during any two (2) out of four (4) consecutive Years, each of Manager and the relevant Owner shall, upon thirty (30) days notice to the other, be entitled to designate such Hotel a “Non-Economic Hotel.”  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Manager and Owners shall not be entitled to designate Hotels for which the Invested Capital in the aggregate would exceed twenty percent (20%) of Aggregate Invested Capital and further provided for purposes of this Section 5.01 only, Aggregate Invested Capital shall be determined without giving effect to the termination of the Management Agreement of a Non-Economic

 

5



 

 

Hotel and without reduction for proceeds from the sale, or deemed sale, of any Non-Economic Hotel.

 

The party designating a Hotel as a Non-Economic Hotel (“Marketing Party”) shall market such Non-Economic Hotel for sale and any costs incurred by the Marketing Party or any other Person in connection with such marketing activities and the sale of such Hotel shall be paid out of the net proceeds of such sale.  The relevant Owner, Landlord and Manager, as the case may be, shall cooperate with the Marketing Party in compiling any relevant information, preparing marketing materials and otherwise in connection with the sale of a Non-Economic Hotel.

 

5.02.                     Sale Process.  If a Non-Economic Hotel is marketed for sale in accordance with Section 5.01 and the Marketing Party receives an offer therefor which it wishes to accept on behalf of the relevant Owner and relevant Landlord, the Marketing Party shall give the relevant Owner, or the Manager, as the case may be (the “Non-Marketing Party”), prompt notice thereof, which notice shall include a copy of the offer and any other information reasonably requested by the non-Marketing Party.  If Manager is the Non-Marketing Party, Manager shall have a right of first refusal to purchase such Non-Economic Hotel on the terms of the offer by notice given to the Marketing Party within seven (7) Business Days after receipt of such notice and other information from the Marketing Party.  If an Owner is the Non-Marketing Party, such Owner, on behalf of the relevant Landlord, may reject the offer by notice given to the Marketing Party within seven (7) Business Days after receipt of such notice and other information from the Marketing Party, in which event the Non-Economic Hotel shall be deemed to have been sold to the relevant Landlord on the date, at the price and on the other terms contained in the offer.  If a Non-Economic Hotel is sold to a third party or deemed to have been sold to the relevant Landlord, in each case pursuant to such offer, effective as of the date of sale or deemed sale: (i) the Management Agreement shall terminate with respect to such Non-Economic Hotel; (ii) the Aggregate Invested Capital shall be reduced by an amount equal to the net proceeds of sale after reduction for the costs and expenses of the relevant Landlord, relevant Owner and/or Manager (or, in the case of a deemed sale, the net proceeds of sale determined by reference to such offer, after reduction for any amounts actually expended and any amounts which would reasonably have been expected to have been expended if the sale had been consummated, by the relevant Owner, relevant Landlord and/or Manager).  If the reduction of Aggregate Invested Capital is less than the Invested Capital of the Non-Economic Hotel sold or deemed sold, the difference shall be proportionately reallocated to the Invested Capital of the remaining Hotels.

 

ARTICLE VI
ACCOUNTS

 

All Working Capital and all Gross Revenues of each of the Hotels may be pooled and deposited in one or more bank accounts in the name(s) of Owners designated by Manager, which accounts may, except as required by any Mortgage and related loan documentation or applicable law, be commingled accounts containing other funds owned by or managed by Manager.  Manager shall be authorized to access the accounts without the approval of Owners, subject to any limitation on the maximum amount of any check, if any, established between Manager and Owners as part of the Annual Operating Projections.  One or more Owners shall be a signatory on all accounts maintained with respect to the Hotel, and Owners shall have the right to require that one or more Owner’s signature be required on all checks/withdrawals after the

 

6



 

 

occurrence of an Event of Default by Manager.  The Owners shall provide such instructions to the applicable bank(s) as are necessary to permit Manager to implement the Manager’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.  The failure of any Owner to provide such instructions shall relieve Manager of its obligations hereunder until such time as such failure is cured.

 

ARTICLE VII
ADDITION AND REMOVAL OF HOTELS

 

7.01.                     Addition of Hotels.  At any time and from time to time, Manager and any Owner or any Affiliate of an Owner (an “Additional Owner”) which enters into a management agreement with Manager for the operation of an additional Hotel (an “Additional Hotel”), the Additional Owner may become a party to this Agreement by signing an accession agreement confirming the applicability of this Agreement to such Additional Hotel.  If an Additional Hotel is made subject to this Agreement other than on the first day of a calendar month, the parties shall include such prorated amounts of the Gross Revenues and Deductions (and other amounts as may be necessary) applicable to the Additional Hotel for such calendar month, as mutually agreed in their reasonable judgment, in the calculation of Aggregate Gross Revenues and Aggregate Deductions (and other amounts as may be necessary) for the calendar month in which the Additional Hotel became subject to this Agreement and shall make any other prorations, adjustments, allocations and changes required.  Additionally, any amounts held as Working Capital for the Additional Hotel or to fund capital expenditures, if any, shall be held by Manager under this Agreement.

 

7.02.                     Removal of Hotels.  From and after the date of termination of any Management Agreement, the Hotel managed thereunder shall no longer be subject to this Agreement.  If the termination occurs on a day other than the last day of a calendar month, the parties shall exclude such prorated amounts of the Gross Revenues and Deduction (and other amounts as may be necessary) applicable to such Hotel for such calendar month, as mutually agreed in their reasonable judgment, in the calculation of Aggregate Gross Revenues and Aggregate Deductions (and other amounts as may be necessary) for the calendar month in which the termination occurred.  Additionally, the relevant Owner and Manager, both acting reasonably, shall mutually agree to the portion of the Aggregate Working Capital and Aggregate Gross Revenues allocable to the Hotel being removed from this Agreement and the amount of the Aggregate Working Capital, Aggregate Gross Revenues so allocated and any amounts held to fund capital expenditures, shall be remitted to the relevant Owner and the relevant Owner and Manager shall make any other prorations, adjustments, allocations and changes required.

 

ARTICLE VIII
TERM AND TERMINATION

 

8.01.                     Term.  This Agreement shall continue and remain in effect indefinitely unless terminated pursuant to Section 8.02.

 

8.02.                     Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated as follows:

 

(a)                            By the mutual consent of Manager and Owners which are parties to this Agreement.

 

7



 

 

(b)                            Automatically, if all Management Agreements terminate or expire for any reason.

 

(c)                             By Manager, if any or all Owners do not cure a material breach of this Agreement by any Owner or Landlord within thirty (30) days of written notice of such breach from Manager and if such breach is not cured, it shall be an Owner Event of Default under the Management Agreements.

 

(d)                            By Owners, if Manager does not cure a material breach of this Agreement by Manager within thirty (30) days of written notice of such breach from any Owner and if such breach is not cured, it shall be a Manager Event of Default under the Management Agreements.

 

8.03.                     Effect of Termination.  Upon the termination of this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.02.1. or 9.04.B. of the Management Agreements, Manager shall be compensated for its services only through the date of termination and all amounts remaining in any accounts maintained by Manager pursuant to Article VI, after payment of such amounts as may be due to Manager hereunder, shall be distributed to Owners.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the termination of any single Management Agreement, pooled funds shall be allocated as described in Section 7.02.

 

8.04.                     Survival.  The following Sections of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement:  8.03 and Article IX.

 

ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

9.01.                     Notices.  All notices, demands, consents, approvals, and requests given by any party to another party hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered in person, upon confirmation of receipt when transmitted by facsimile transmission, or on the next business day if transmitted by nationally recognized overnight courier, to the parties at the following addresses:

 

To Owners:

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

Two Newton Place

225 Washington Street

Newton, Massachusetts 02458

Attn:  President

Facsimile:

 

8



 

 

To Manager:

 

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation

Two Newton Place

225 Washington Street

Newton, Massachusetts 02458

Attn:  President

Facsimile:

 

9.02.                     Applicable Law; Arbitration.  This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, applied and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with regard to its “choice of law” rules.  Any “Dispute” (as such term is defined in the Management Agreements) under this Agreement shall be resolved through final and binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the procedures and with the effect of, arbitration as provided for in the Management Agreements.

 

9.03.                     Severability.  If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof in any circumstance is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions hereof shall not be in any way impaired, unless the provisions held invalid, illegal or unenforceable shall substantially impair the benefits of the remaining provisions hereof.

 

9.04.                     Gender and Number.  Whenever the context of this Agreement requires, the gender of all words herein shall include the masculine, feminine, and neuter, and the number of all words herein shall include the singular and plural.

 

9.05.                     Headings and Interpretation.  The descriptive headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.  References to “Section” in this Agreement shall be a reference to a Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated.  Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement they shall be deemed to be followed by “without limitation.”   The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” and “hereunder, when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision unless otherwise indicated.  The word “or” shall not be exclusive.  This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting.

 

9.06.                     Confidentiality of Information.  Any information exchanged between the Manager and each Owner pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be subject to Section 11.07 of the Management Agreements.

 

9.07.                     Assignment.  Neither Manager nor any Owner may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any other Person without the prior written consent of the other parties.

 

9



 

 

9.08.                     Entire Agreement; Construction; Amendment.  With respect to the subject matter hereof, this Agreement supersedes all previous contracts and understandings between the parties and constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.  Accordingly, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the Management Agreements, the provisions of this Agreement shall control, and the provisions of the Management Agreements are deemed amended and modified, in each case as required to give effect to the intent of the parties in this Agreement.  All other terms and conditions of the Management Agreements shall remain in full force and effect; provided that, to the extent that compliance with this Agreement shall cause a default, breach or other violation of the Management Agreement by one party, the other party waives any right of termination, indemnity, arbitration or otherwise under the Management Agreement related to that specific default, breach or other violations, to the extent caused by compliance with this Agreement.  This Agreement may not be modified, altered or amended in any manner except by an amendment in writing, duly executed by the parties hereto.

 

9.09.                     Third Party Beneficiaries.  The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the respective successors, heirs, legal representatives or permitted assigns of each of the parties hereto and except for Landlord(s), which are intended third party beneficiaries, no Person other than the parties hereto and their successors and permitted assigns is intended to be a beneficiary of this Agreement.

 

[Signatures begin on the following page.]

 

10



 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement with the intention of creating an instrument under seal.

 

 

SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ William J. Sheehan

 

 

William J. Sheehan

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAMBRIDGE TRS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John G. Murray

 

 

John G. Murray

 

 

President and Chief Operating Officer

 

11



 

 

Schedule A

 

Owners

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 



 

 

Schedule B

 

(amended and restated as of July 23, 2015)

 

Hotels

 

Owner

 

Hotel

 

Landlord

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge TRS, Inc.

 

Royal Sonesta Cambridge

 

HPT Cambridge LLC

 

 

40 Edwin H. Land Boulevard

 

 

 

 

Cambridge, MA 02142

 

 

 

 

(effective January 31, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta Hilton Head Resort

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

130 Shipyard Drive

 

 

 

 

Hilton Head, SC 29928

 

 

 

 

(effective April 27, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore

 

Harbor Court Associates, LLC

 

 

550 Light Street

 

 

 

 

Baltimore, MD

 

 

 

 

(effective May 31, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Burlington

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

11 Old Concord Road

 

 

 

 

Burlington, MA

 

 

 

 

(effective June 12, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

1800 Market Street

 

 

 

 

Philadelphia, PA

 

 

 

 

(effective June 18, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Orlando

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

8480 International Drive

 

 

 

 

Orlando, FL

 

 

 

 

(effective July 9, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royal Sonesta Houston Hotel

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

2222 West Loop South

 

 

 

 

Houston, TX

 

 

 

 

(effective July 16, 2012)

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Andover

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

4 Technology Drive

 

 

 

 

Andover, MA

 

 

 

 

(effective July 25, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Parsippany

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

61 Interpace Parkway

 

 

 

 

Parsippany, NJ

 

 

 

 

(effective July 30, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Somerset

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

260 Davidson Avenue

 

 

 

 

Somerset, NJ

 

 

 

 

(effective August 1, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Princeton

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

4375 U.S. Route 1 South

 

 

 

 

Princeton, NJ

 

 

 

 

(effective August 3, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Malvern

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

20 Morehall Road

 

 

 

 

Malvern, PA

 

 

 

 

(effective August 6, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Dublin

 

HPTMI Properties Trust

 

 

435 Metro Place South

 

 

 

 

Dublin, OH

 

 

 

 

(effective August 11, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff

 

HPTMI Properties Trust

 

 

3440 Country Club Drive

 

 

 

 

Flagstaff, AZ

 

 

 

 

(effective August 11, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Houston

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

5190 Hidalgo Street

 

 

 

 

Houston, TX

 

 

 

 

(effective August 13, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Columbia

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

8844 Columbia 100 Parkway

 

 

 

 

Columbia, MD

 

 

 

 

(effective August 14, 2012)

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Charlotte

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

7925 Forest Pine Drive

 

 

 

 

Charlotte, NC

 

 

 

 

(effective August 16, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Atlanta

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

760 Mt. Vernon Highway, N.E.

 

 

 

 

Atlanta, GA

 

 

 

 

(effective August 20, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites St. Louis

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

1855 Craigshire Road

 

 

 

 

St. Louis, MO

 

 

 

 

(effective August 22, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta Gwinnett Place

 

HPT Cambridge LLC

 

 

1775 Pleasant Hill Road

 

 

 

 

Duluth, GA

 

 

 

 

(effective as of the Effective Date of the applicable Management Agreement)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royal Sonesta New Orleans

 

Royal Sonesta, Inc.

 

 

300 Bourbon Street

 

 

 

 

New Orleans, LA 70130

 

 

 

 

(effective June 28, 2013)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta Fort Lauderdale

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

999 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard

 

 

 

 

Fort Lauderdale, FL

 

 

 

 

(effective May 30, 2014)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Tucson

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

6477 East Speedway Boulevard

 

 

 

 

Tucson, AZ

 

 

 

 

(effective July 23, 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Colorado Springs

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

3880 North Academy Boulevard

 

 

 

 

Colorado Springs, CO

 

 

 

 

(effective July 23, 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Minneapolis

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

3040 Eagandale Place

 

 

 

 

Eagan, MN

 

 

 

 

(effective July 23, 2015)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Omaha

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

6990 Dodge Street

 

 

 

 

Omaha, NE

 

 

 

 

(effective July 23, 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Princeton

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

4225 US Highway 1

 

 

 

 

South Brunswick – Princeton, NJ

 

 

 

 

(effective July 23, 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Somers Point

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

900 Mays Landing Road

 

 

 

 

Somers Point, NJ

 

 

 

 

(effective July 23, 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Cincinnati

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

2670 Kemper Road

 

 

 

 

Sharonville, OH

 

 

 

 

(effective July 23, 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Oklahoma City

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

4361 West Reno Avenue

 

 

 

 

Oklahoma City, OK

 

 

 

 

(effective July 23, 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonesta ES Suites Burlington

 

HPT IHG-2 Properties Trust

 

 

35 Hurricane Lane

 

 

 

 

Williston, VT

 

 

 

 

(effective July 23, 2015)

 

 

 


 


 

 

Schedule C

 

(amended and restated as of July 23, 2015)

 

Management Agreements

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta Acquisition Corp. (now known as Sonesta International Hotels Corporation) and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of January 31, 2012.

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of April 23, 2012 (effective April 27, 2012).  (Hilton Head, SC)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of May 31, 2012.  (Baltimore, MD)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of June 12, 2012.  (Burlington, MA)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of June 18, 2012.  (Philadelphia, PA)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 6, 2012 (effective July 9, 2012).  (Orlando, FL).

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 16, 2012 (effective July 16, 2012).  (Houston, TX)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 25, 2012 (effective July 25, 2012).  (Andover, MA)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 27, 2012 (effective August 6, 2012).  (Malvern, PA)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 30, 2012 (effective July 30, 2012).  (Parsippany, NJ)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 30, 2012 (effective August 1, 2012).  (Somerset, NJ)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 30, 2012 (effective August 3, 2012).  (Princeton, NJ)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of August 6, 2012 (effective August 11, 2012).  (Dublin, OH)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of August 6, 2012 (effective August 11, 2012).  (Flagstaff, AZ)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of August 6, 2012 (effective August 13, 2012).  (Houston, TX)

 



 

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of August 6, 2012 (effective August 14, 2012).  (Columbia, MD)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of August 6, 2012 (effective August 16, 2012).  (Charlotte, NC)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of August 6, 2012 (effective August 20, 2012).  (Atlanta, GA)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of August 6, 2012 (effective August 22, 2012).  (St. Louis, MO)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of February 21, 2013 (effective as of the Effective Date of the applicable Management Agreement).  (Duluth, GA)

 

Amended and Restated Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of June 28, 2013.  (New Orleans, LA)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of May 30, 2014 (effective May 30, 2014).  (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

 

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 23, 2015 (effective July 23, 2015).  (Tucson, AZ)

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 23, 2015 (effective July 23, 2015).  (Colorado Springs, CO)

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 23, 2015 (effective July 23, 2015).  (Minneapolis, MN)

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 23, 2015 (effective July 23, 2015).  (Omaha, NE)

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 23, 2015 (effective July 23, 2015).  (Princeton, NJ)

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 23, 2015 (effective July 23, 2015).  (Somers Point, NJ)

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 23, 2015 (effective July 23, 2015).  (Cincinnati, OH)

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 23, 2015 (effective July 23, 2015).  (Oklahoma City, OK)

Management Agreement between Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Cambridge TRS, Inc., dated as of July 23, 2015 (effective July 23, 2015).  (Burlington, VT)


 




Exhibit 12.1

 

Hospitality Properties Trust

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

(in thousands, except ratio amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months
Ended 
June 30,

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

    

2012

    

2011

    

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations (including gains on sales of properties, if any) before income tax expense and equity in earnings (losses) of an investee

 

$

125,563 

 

$

199,036 

 

$

127,750 

 

$

153,219 

 

$

191,803 

 

$

21,990 

 

Fixed Charges

 

71,290 

 

139,486 

 

145,954 

 

136,111 

 

134,110 

 

138,712 

 

Adjusted Earnings

 

$

196,853 

 

$

338,522 

 

$

273,704 

 

$

289,330 

 

$

325,913 

 

$

160,702 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on indebtedness and amortization of deferred finance costs and debt discounts

 

$

71,290 

 

$

139,486 

 

$

145,954 

 

$

136,111 

 

$

134,110 

 

$

138,712 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

2.76x

 

2.43x

 

1.88x

 

2.13x

 

2.43x

 

1.16x

 

 




   Exhibit 12.2

 

Hospitality Properties Trust

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Distributions

(in thousands, except ratio amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months
Ended 
June 30,

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

    

2012

    

2011

    

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations (including gains on sales of properties, if any) before income tax expense and equity in earnings (losses) of an investee

 

$

125,563 

 

$

199,036 

 

$

127,750 

 

$

153,219 

 

$

191,803 

 

$

21,990 

 

Fixed Charges

 

71,290 

 

139,486 

 

145,954 

 

136,111 

 

134,110 

 

138,712 

 

Adjusted Earnings

 

$

196,853 

 

$

338,522 

 

$

273,704 

 

$

289,330 

 

$

325,913 

 

$

160,702 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on indebtedness and amortization of deferred finance costs and debt discounts

 

$

71,290 

 

$

139,486 

 

$

145,954 

 

$

136,111 

 

$

134,110 

 

$

138,712 

 

Preferred distributions

 

10,332 

 

20,664 

 

26,559 

 

40,145 

 

29,880 

 

29,880 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred distributions

 

$

81,622 

 

$

160,150 

 

$

172,513 

 

$

176,256 

 

$

163,990 

 

$

168,592 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred distributions

 

2.41x

 

2.11x

 

1.59x

 

1.64x

 

1.99x

 

0.95x

(1)

 


(1)

The deficiency for this period was approximately $7,890.




EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a)

 

I, Barry M. Portnoy, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hospitality Properties Trust;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

Date: August 10, 2015

/s/ Barry M. Portnoy

 

Barry M. Portnoy

 

Managing Trustee

 




EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a)

 

I, Adam D. Portnoy, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hospitality Properties Trust;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

Date: August 10, 2015

/s/ Adam D. Portnoy

 

Adam D. Portnoy

 

Managing Trustee

 




EXHIBIT 31.3

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a)

 

I, John G. Murray, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hospitality Properties Trust;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

Date: August 10, 2015

/s/ John G. Murray

 

John G. Murray

 

President and Chief Operating Officer

 




EXHIBIT 31.4

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a)

 

I, Mark L. Kleifges, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hospitality Properties Trust;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

Date: August 10, 2015

/s/ Mark L. Kleifges

 

Mark L. Kleifges

 

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 




EXHIBIT 32.1

 

Certification Required by 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350

_______________________________________________

 

In connection with the filing by Hospitality Properties Trust (the “Company”) of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2015 (the “Report”), each of the undersigned hereby certifies, to the best of his knowledge:

 

1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

 

2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Barry M. Portnoy

 

/s/ John G. Murray

Barry M. Portnoy

 

John G. Murray

Managing Trustee

 

President and Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Adam D. Portnoy

 

/s/ Mark L. Kleifges

Adam D. Portnoy

 

Mark L. Kleifges

Managing Trustee

 

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: August 10, 2015

 

 

 

 

 


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