424B5
Table of Contents

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-222481

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Share(1)

 

Proposed

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering Price

 

Amount of

Registration Fee(1)

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  (1)   (1)   (1)   (1)

 

 

(1) The registrant previously registered 2,500,000 shares of common stock on the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-201464) filed on January 13, 2015, and a related prospectus supplement filed on February 17, 2015 (the “Prior Prospectus Supplement”) pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and 2,471,851 such shares remain unsold (the “Unsold Securities”) and are being registered hereunder. As reflected under the caption “Calculation of Registration Fee” in the Prior Prospectus Supplement, a filing fee of $7,617 was previously paid in connection with the registration of such 2,500,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock, which filing fee was calculated in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) of the Securities Act. A portion of that filing fee, $7,531.24, related to the registration of the Unsold Securities and is hereby applied to the registration of the Unsold Securities pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6) under the Securities Act.


Table of Contents

Prospectus Supplement

January 9, 2018

(To Prospectus dated January 9, 2018)

 

 

LOGO

Brixmor Property Group Inc.

Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan

2,471,851 Shares of Common Stock

 

 

This prospectus supplement relates to shares of common stock we may offer and sell from time to time according to the terms of the Brixmor Property Group Inc. Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”). Participants should retain this prospectus supplement for future reference.

The Plan has two components: a dividend reinvestment component and a direct stock purchase component. The dividend reinvestment component provides our stockholders with an easy and economical way to designate all or any portion of the cash dividends on their shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share for reinvestment in additional shares of our common stock. The direct stock purchase component permits our stockholders and new investors to, in each case, purchase shares of our common stock in an economical and convenient manner. For Plan participants, the minimum purchase amount for direct purchases is $50 per transaction not to exceed $20,000 per month. For interested investors that are not stockholders of Brixmor, the minimum purchase amount for initial cash investments is $100 and the maximum limit for initial cash investments is $20,000. This prospectus supplement describes and constitutes the Plan.

Your participation in the Plan is entirely voluntary, and you may terminate your participation at any time. If you do not elect to participate in the Plan, you will continue to receive cash dividends, if and when authorized by our Board of Directors and declared by us, in the usual manner.

Shares of common stock will be (i) purchased on the open market or (ii) purchased directly from us out of our authorized but unissued shares of common stock.

We have appointed Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Plan Administrator”), to serve as the administrator of the Plan. You may enroll in the Plan by obtaining an enrollment form from the Plan Administrator and returning the completed form to the Plan Administrator.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “BRX.” On January 8, 2018, the last sale price of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $17.87 per share.

To assist us in qualifying as a real estate investment trust, or “REIT,” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, among other purposes, under our charter, stockholders generally are restricted from owning more than 9.8% in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock or more than 9.8% in value of the outstanding shares of our stock. In addition, our charter contains various other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our common stock. See “Description of Capital Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” in the accompanying prospectus for a description of these restrictions.

 

 

Investing in our common stock involves risks. Please see the information under the caption “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement and in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of our common stock.

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus supplement is January 9, 2018.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

     Page  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

     S-ii  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     S-ii  

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

     S-iii  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     S-iv  

DIRECT REGISTRATION

     S-v  

SUMMARY

     S-1  

RISK FACTORS

     S-5  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     S-7  

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN

     S-8  

PURPOSE

     S-8  

ADMINISTRATION

     S-9  

PARTICIPATION

     S-10  

COSTS

     S-11  

REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS UNDER THE PLAN

     S-11  

PURCHASES OF SHARES UNDER THE PLAN

     S-12  

REPORTS TO PARTICIPANTS

     S-18  

DIVIDENDS

     S-18  

MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION

     S-18  

SALE AND TRANSFER OF PLAN SHARES

     S-19  

OTHER INFORMATION

     S-21  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     S-26  

LEGAL MATTERS

     S-27  

EXPERTS

     S-27  
PROSPECTUS  
     Page  

About This Prospectus

     1  

Where You Can Find More Information

     2  

Incorporation by Reference

     2  

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     4  

Brixmor Property Group Inc. and Brixmor Operating Partnership LP

     5  

Use of Proceeds

     6  

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

     7  

Description of Capital Stock

     8  

Material Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws

     13  

Description of Depositary Shares

     20  

Description of Purchase Contracts

     23  

Description of Units

     24  

Description of Warrants

     25  

Description of Debt Securities

     26  

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

     38  

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

     41  

Plan of Distribution

     74  

Legal Matters

     76  

Experts

     76  

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

You should read this prospectus supplement along with the accompanying prospectus, as well as the information incorporated by reference herein and therein, carefully before you invest. These documents contain important information you should consider before making your investment decision. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain the terms of this offering of common stock. The accompanying prospectus contains information about our securities generally, some of which does not apply to the common stock covered by this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement may add, update or change information contained in or incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus. If the information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with any information contained in or incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus, the information in this prospectus supplement will apply and will supersede the inconsistent information contained in or incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus.

It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the additional information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement.

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We are not making an offer to sell the common stock in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any such free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

As used in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, except where the context requires otherwise, references to “Brixmor,” “we,” “our,” “us” and the “company” refer to Brixmor Property Group Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries. References to our “common stock” refer to the common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of Brixmor Property Group Inc.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are only part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and therefore omit some of the information contained in the registration statement and the documents incorporated by reference therein. For further information about us and shares of our common stock, we refer you to the registration statement and to its exhibits and the exhibits to the reports and other documents incorporated therein by reference. Statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus about the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are not necessarily complete and in each instance we refer you to the copy of such contract, agreement or document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or report incorporated therein by reference, which each such statement being qualified in all respects by reference to the document to which it refers. Anyone may inspect the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules without charge at the public reference facilities the SEC maintains at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain copies of all or any part of these materials from the SEC upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the SEC. You may obtain further information about the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also inspect these reports and other information without charge at a website maintained by the SEC. The address of this site is www.sec.gov.

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and we are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may inspect and copy

 

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these reports, proxy statements and other information at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at the address noted above. You may also obtain copies of this material from the Public Reference Room of the SEC as described above, or inspect them without charge at the SEC’s website. We also make available to our common stockholders annual reports containing consolidated financial statements audited by an independent registered public accounting firm.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC’s rules allow us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus from the date we file that document. All documents subsequently filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus supplement and before the date that this offering is terminated will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or incorporated by reference herein and therein. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus incorporate by reference the documents listed below:

 

    our and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016;

 

    our and the Operating Partnership’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017;

 

    our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on March 29, 2017 (solely to the extent incorporated by reference into Part III of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016);

 

    our and the Operating Partnership’s Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed on February 27, 2017, March 3, 2017, March 8, 2017, May 19, 2017, June 2, 2017, June 5, 2017, July 31, 2017 (other than Item 2.02 and exhibits 99.1 and 99.2), December 5, 2017 (other than Item 7.01 and exhibits 99.1 and 99.2) and December 7, 2017; and

 

    the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on October 30, 2013, including all amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

Any statement made in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, or in a document incorporated by reference herein or therein, will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

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You can obtain any of the filings incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement through us or from the SEC through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. We will provide, without charge, to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the reports and documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should direct requests for those documents to:

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

450 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10070

Attn: Investor Relations

(212) 869-3000

Our reports and documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may also be found in the “Investors” section of our website at www.brixmor.com. Our website and the information contained in it or connected to it shall not be deemed to be incorporated into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or any registration statement of which it forms a part.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain or incorporate by reference forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, that reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook”, “believes”, “expects”, “potential”, “continues”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “seeks”, “approximately”, “projects,” “predicts”, “intends”, “plans”, “estimates”, “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties.

Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements and are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in Brixmor’s business. We believe these factors include, but are not limited to, those described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the SEC on February 13, 2017, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, (which documents are incorporated by reference herein), as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

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DIRECT REGISTRATION

We are a participant in the Direct Registration System (“DRS”). DRS is a method of recording shares of stock in book-entry form. Book-entry means that your shares are registered in your name on our books without the need for physical certificates and are held separately from any Plan shares you may own, which are held in book-entry form in your Plan account with the Plan Administrator. Shares held in book-entry have all the traditional rights and privileges as shares held in certificate form. With DRS you can: eliminate the risk and cost of storing certificates in a secure place; eliminate the cost associated with replacing lost, stolen, or destroyed certificates; and move shares electronically to a broker or to other registered accounts. Any future share transactions will be issued in book-entry form.

 

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SUMMARY

Overview

Brixmor Property Group Inc. is an internally-managed real estate investment trust. The Operating Partnership, together with its subsidiaries, is the entity through which Brixmor conducts substantially all of its operations and owns substantially all of its assets. Brixmor owns 100% of the outstanding stock of BPG Subsidiary Inc. (“BPG Subsidiary”), which, in turn, is the sole member of Brixmor OP GP LLC, the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. Brixmor engages in the ownership, management, leasing, acquisition, disposition and redevelopment of retail shopping centers through the Operating Partnership, and has no other substantial assets or liabilities other than through its investment in the Operating Partnership. We believe we own and operate the second largest open air retail portfolio by gross leasable area in the United States, comprised primarily of community and neighborhood shopping centers. As of September 30, 2017, our portfolio was comprised of 498 wholly owned shopping centers totaling approximately 84 million square feet of gross leasable area. In addition, we have one land parcel currently under development. Our high-quality national portfolio is primarily located within established trade areas in the top 50 Metropolitan Statistical Areas, and our shopping centers are primarily anchored by non-discretionary and value-oriented retailers, as well as consumer-oriented service providers.

Our and the Operating Partnership’s principal executive offices are located at 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10070, and our telephone number is (212) 869-3000.

 



 

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Plan Summary

The following summary description of our Plan highlights selected information about the Plan, but may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should carefully read the entire text of the Plan, which appears in this prospectus supplement, before you decide to participate in the Plan.

 

Purpose of the Plan

The Plan is designed to provide a convenient and economical way for existing investors to increase their holdings and for new investors to make an initial investment in our common stock. Through the Plan, investors can reinvest the cash dividends paid on our common stock and purchase shares of our common stock through optional cash investments.

 

Dividend Reinvestment Options

You may choose from the following options:

 

  Full Dividend Reinvestment: You may elect to reinvest all of your cash dividends by designating your election on your enrollment form. Dividends paid on all shares registered in your name in DRS form and/or credited to your account will be reinvested under the Plan in additional shares of common stock. You may enroll online or obtain enrollment forms at www.computershare.com/investor, the website for the Plan Administrator.

 

  Partial Dividend Reinvestment: You may elect to receive part of your dividends in cash and reinvest part of your cash dividends by designating your election on your enrollment form. If you elect partial dividend reinvestment, you must specify the number of whole shares for which you want your dividends to be paid in cash. Dividends paid on all other shares registered in your name in DRS form and/or credited to your account will be reinvested.

 

  No Dividend Reinvestment: You may elect to receive all of your dividends on all shares registered in your name in DRS form and/or credited to your account in cash by designating your election on your enrollment form. Dividends paid in cash will be sent to you in the manner in which such dividends are sent to stockholders of Brixmor.

 

  You may change your investment option at any time by submitting a new enrollment election form to the Plan Administrator or by going online to the Plan Administrator’s website, www.computershare.com/investor. See Question 28 for more information. Dividends paid on all shares of common stock acquired under and held in the Plan will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, unless otherwise requested.

 

Optional Cash Investments

You may make optional cash investments on a monthly basis, subject to a minimum per month purchase of $50 (or, in the case of interested investors who are not stockholders of Brixmor, an initial cash investment of $100) and a maximum per month purchase of $20,000. You may only make Large Cash Purchases (as defined below) in excess of $20,000 per month at our sole discretion and with our prior approval. See Questions 16 and 17 for more information.

 



 

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Purchase Price for Dividend Reinvestments

If the shares are purchased from us, the Purchase Price will be the volume weighted average price per share, rounded to four decimal places, of shares of the Company’s common stock obtained from Bloomberg, LP (or, if Bloomberg, LP is no longer providing this information, another authoritative source) as traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) during regular NYSE hours on the dividend payment date.

 

  If the shares are purchased on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, the Purchase Price will be the weighted average of all purchases relating to the reinvestment of dividends for the applicable dividend.

 

Purchase Price for Optional Cash Investments

The purchase price of shares issued by us under the Plan will be the volume weighted average price per share, rounded to four decimal places, of our common stock obtained from Bloomberg, LP (or, if Bloomberg, LP is no longer providing this information, another authoritative source) as traded on the NYSE during regular NYSE hours.

 

  The purchase price of shares of our common stock purchased on the open market with optional cash investments will be the weighted average of all purchases plus any applicable fees. See Question 10 for more information on certain fees that may be applicable to optional cash investments.

 

  A Pricing Period is used to determine the price at which shares of our common stock will be purchased in connection with pre-approved large cash purchases in excess of $20,000 (“Large Cash Purchases”). See Question 17 for more information on the pricing of Large Cash Purchases.

 

Source of Purchase of Shares

Shares of common stock purchased through the Plan for Large Cash Purchases will be newly issued by us. Shares of common stock purchased through the Plan as dividend reinvestments and optional cash investments that are not Large Cash Purchases will be newly issued shares or supplied via purchases of shares of our common stock on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, or by a combination of such purchases, at our option.

 

Purchase Dates

A “Purchase Date” is the date or dates on which the Plan Administrator purchases shares of our common stock for the Plan.

 

  Dividend Reinvestment:

 

  The Purchase Date will be (i) if shares are acquired directly from us, the dividend payment date authorized by our board of directors or (ii) in the case of open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, the date or dates of actual investment, but generally no later than 30 business days following the dividend payment date.

 



 

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  Optional Cash Investments:

 

  The Purchase Dates for optional cash investments are discussed in the response to Question 19.

 

  Large Cash Purchases:

 

  The Purchase Dates for pre-approved Large Cash Purchases are discussed in the response to Question 17.

 

Fees

See Question 10 for certain fees that may be applicable to your participation in the Plan

 

No Interest Pending Investment

No interest will be paid on cash dividends or optional cash investments (including Large Cash Purchases) pending investment or reinvestment under the terms of the Plan.

 

Amount Offered

This prospectus supplement relates to up to 2,471,851 shares of our common stock that may initially be offered in connection with the Plan. Because we expect to continue the Plan indefinitely, we expect to authorize for issuance and register under the Securities Act, additional shares from time to time as we deem necessary for purposes of the Plan and may otherwise amend the Plan.

 

Modification or Closure of Your Plan Account

You may modify or close your Plan account by notifying the Plan Administrator. See Questions 27 and 28 for more information.

 

Plan Administrator and Who to Contact with Questions

If you have any questions about the Plan, please call the Plan Administrator, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., toll free at (877) 373-6374, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (except holidays). You can also obtain important information about the Plan by going to the Plan Administrator’s website at www.computershare.com/investor.

 



 

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RISK FACTORS

Before you invest in shares of our common stock, in addition to the other information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should carefully read and consider the risk factors described below as well as under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in Part I, Item 1A in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the risk factors contained in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as the same may be updated from time to time by our future filings under the Exchange Act. Each of the risks described in these documents could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and could result in a partial or complete loss of your investment.

In connection with the forward-looking statements that appear in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should also carefully review the cautionary statement referred to under “Forward-Looking Statements” in this prospectus supplement.

Your investment in the Plan is not protected from losses.

Your investment in the Plan is no different from any investment in other shares of our common stock held by you. If you choose to participate in the Plan, then you should recognize that none of us, our subsidiaries and affiliates, nor the Plan Administrator can assure you of a profit or protect you against loss on the shares that you purchase under the Plan. You bear the risk of loss in value and enjoy the benefits of gains with respect to all your shares. You need to make your own independent investment and participation decisions consistent with your situation and needs. None of us, our subsidiaries and affiliates, nor the Plan Administrator can guarantee liquidity in the markets, and the value and marketability of your shares may be adversely affected by market conditions. Your ability to liquidate or otherwise dispose of shares in the Plan is subject to the terms of the Plan and the withdrawal procedures thereunder. You may not be able to withdraw or sell your shares in the Plan in time to react to market conditions.

Plan accounts are not insured or protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation or any other entity and are not guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any government agency.

Brixmor, its affiliates and the Plan Administrator will have limited liability to you with respect to the Plan.

Neither we, our affiliates, nor the Plan Administrator will be liable for any act, or for any failure to act, as long as we or they have made good faith efforts to carry out the terms of the Plan, as described in this prospectus supplement and on the forms that are designed to accompany enrollment and each investment, sale or activity.

The Purchase Price for shares purchased or sold under the Plan will vary.

The Purchase Price for any shares that you purchase or sell under the Plan will vary and cannot be predicted. You may purchase or sell shares at a price that is different from (more or less than) the price that you would pay if you acquired or sold shares on the open market on the related dividend payment date or purchase date, or sale date, as appropriate.

We may not be able to pay dividends on shares of our common stock.

We cannot assure you that we will declare or pay dividends in the future, and nothing contained in the Plan obligates us to do so. In order to qualify as a REIT, among other things, we must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year. This distribution requirement may require us to distribute all or substantially all of our available cash and therefore may affect our ability to maintain dividend payments in the future if earnings decline. The requirements to qualify for REIT tax status are complex and technical, and we may not be able to qualify for reasons beyond our control. If we are unable to qualify for REIT tax status, then we may not be able to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

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You will not earn any interest on your dividends or cash pending investment.

No interest will be paid on dividends, cash or other funds held by the Plan Administrator pending investment or disbursement.

The market price for our common stock varies, and you should purchase shares for long-term investment only.

Although our common stock currently is traded on the NYSE, we cannot assure you that there will, at any time in the future, be an active trading market for our common stock. Even if there is an active trading market for our common stock, we cannot assure you that you will be able to sell all of your shares at one time or at a favorable price, if at all. As a result, you should participate in the Plan only if you are capable of, and seeking, to make a long-term investment in our common stock.

You may incur tax obligations without receiving cash with which to pay those obligations.

If you reinvest dividends under the Plan, you will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as having received a dividend on the dividend payment date, which may give rise to a tax payment obligation without providing you with cash to pay such tax when it becomes due. See Question 39 for a description of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of participating in the Plan.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Proceeds from any newly issued shares of common stock purchased directly from us under the Plan will be available for general corporate purposes. We have no basis for estimating either the number of shares of common stock that will ultimately be purchased directly from us, if any, under the Plan or the prices at which such shares will be sold. If the Plan Administrator purchases shares of common stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions for the Plan, we will not receive any proceeds.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN

The provisions of Brixmor’s Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan are set forth below in question and answer format.

Purpose

1. What is the purpose of the Plan?

The Plan is designed to provide a convenient and economical way for existing investors to increase their holdings and for new investors to make an initial investment in our common stock. Participants in the Plan may have all or any portion of their cash dividends automatically reinvested in our common stock. Participants may also elect to make monthly optional cash investments. The primary purpose of the Plan is to benefit long-term investors who want to increase their investment in our common stock. We may also use the Plan to raise additional capital through the direct sale of our common stock to existing stockholders or new investors.

Participation in the Plan is voluntary, and we give no advice regarding your decision to join the Plan.

2. What are the options available to participants?

Stockholders may purchase additional shares of our common stock by (i) having the cash dividends on all, or part, of their shares of our common stock automatically reinvested, (ii) by receiving directly, as usual, their cash dividends, if, as and when declared, on shares of our common stock and investing in the Plan by making optional cash investments of not less than $50 per transaction and not to exceed $20,000 per month without our prior approval, or (iii) by investing their cash dividends and making such optional cash investments. Interested investors that are not stockholders of Brixmor may make initial cash investments in our common stock of not less than $100 and not to exceed $20,000 without our prior approval. Please refer to Question 7 for additional information regarding initial investments and to Question 16 for further information regarding optional cash investments.

3. What are the advantages of participating in the Plan?

The primary benefits of participating in the Plan are as follows:

 

    You may automatically reinvest cash dividends on all or a portion of your holdings of common stock in additional shares of common stock.

 

    If you are a current stockholder, you may make optional cash investments on a monthly basis from $50 to $20,000, or, with our prior approval, in excess of $20,000, with or without enrolling in the dividend reinvestment portion of the plan. If you are an interested investor that is not a current stockholder, you may make an initial investment from $100 to $20,000, or, with our prior approval, in excess of $20,000, with or without enrolling in the dividend reinvestment portion of the plan.

 

    There are no transaction or processing fees, expenses or service charges on shares of common stock purchased through dividend reinvestments under the Plan or on optional cash investments. Participants will, however, pay a transaction and processing fee on sales of common shares. See Question 10.

 

    Your funds are subject to full investment under the Plan because your account will be credited with the purchase of whole shares, as well as fractional shares computed to six decimal places. Dividends will be paid not only on whole shares but also proportionately on fractional shares held in your account. Dividends paid on all such shares, including fractional shares, will be used to purchase additional shares of common stock, unless you specify otherwise.

 

    You may direct the Plan Administrator to transfer, at any time at no cost to you, all or a portion of your shares in the Plan to a Plan account for another person as long as you meet all of the transfer requirements as set forth in Question 30.

 

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    You will receive statements containing information on all Plan transactions in your account within a reasonable time after a transaction occurs, as well as on a quarterly basis, that are designed to simplify your recordkeeping.

4. What are the disadvantages of participating in the Plan?

The primary disadvantages of participating in the Plan are as follows:

 

    Your investment in shares of common stock purchased under the Plan is not different from any investment in our common stock that you purchase directly. We cannot assure you of a profit or protect against a loss on shares purchased. You bear the risk of loss and enjoy the benefits of any gain from market price changes with respect to shares purchased under the Plan.

 

    If you reinvest your cash dividends under the Plan, you will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as having received a dividend on the dividend payment date, which may give rise to a tax payment obligation without providing you with cash to pay such tax when it becomes due. See Question 39 for a description of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of participating in the Plan.

 

    You will have limited control over the specific timing of purchases and sales of shares of common stock under the Plan. Because the Plan Administrator must receive funds for a cash purchase prior to the actual purchase date of the shares, your investments may be exposed to changes in market conditions.

 

    We may, in our sole discretion, without prior notice, change our determination as to whether shares of common stock for dividend reinvestments will be purchased by the Plan Administrator directly from us or through open market or privately negotiated purchases.

 

    No interest will be paid on funds that the Plan Administrator holds pending investment or that may ultimately be returned to you. See Questions 17 and 21.

 

    The purchase price for shares of common stock purchased under the Plan may exceed the price that you would pay if you acquired shares of common stock on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions on the related dividend payment date or purchase date.

Administration

5. Who administers the Plan for participants?

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. has been designated by Brixmor as its agent to administer the Plan for participants, maintain records, send regular statements of holdings to participants and perform other duties relating to the Plan. Shares of our common stock purchased under the Plan will be held by the Plan Administrator as agent for participants and registered in the name of the Plan Administrator or its nominee. The Plan Administrator also serves as transfer agent for our common stock. Should the Plan Administrator resign, or be asked to resign, another agent will be asked to serve.

All communications regarding the Plan should be sent to the Plan Administrator addressed as follows:

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 30170

College Station, TX 77842-3170

(877) 373-6374 (U.S. and Canada)

(781) 575-2879 (Outside U.S. and Canada)

www.computershare.com/investor

 

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Participation

6. Who is eligible to participate?

You may participate in the Plan if (a) you are a “registered holder;” that is, your shares are registered in your name on our stock transfer books, (b) you are a “beneficial owner;” that is, your shares are registered in a name other than your name (for example, in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee) (see Question 8), or (c) you are a new investor.

If you live outside the United States, you should first determine if there are any laws or governmental regulations that would prohibit your participation in the Plan, or affect the terms of the Plan. We have the right to terminate participation of any stockholder if we deem it advisable under any foreign laws or regulations. Tax consequences of Plan participation may vary under foreign laws or regulations, and you should determine the tax treatment of Plan features before you decide to invest through the Plan.

The Plan is intended for the benefit of our investors and not for persons or entities who engage in transactions that cause or are designed to cause aberrations in the price or trading volume of our common stock. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, we reserve the right to exclude from participation in the Plan at any time any persons or entities, as determined in our sole discretion.

7. How does someone become a Plan participant?

The Plan is an “opt-in” plan. If you are a registered holder of our common stock, you may join the Plan by completing and signing an enrollment form and returning it to the Plan Administrator or by going online to the Plan Administrator’s website, www.computershare.com/investor. If you are enrolling for dividend reinvestment, the enrollment form must be received by the Plan Administrator prior to the dividend record date in order to take effect as of the related dividend payment date. A dividend record date is, with respect to any dividend declared by our Board of Directors, the date set by our Board of Directors for determining stockholders of record entitled to receive the dividend.

If you are a beneficial holder of our common stock, you should follow the procedure described in the answer to Question 8.

If you are a new investor, that is, you do not currently own shares of our common stock, you may join the Plan in either of the following ways:

(a) Going to the Plan Administrator’s website at www.computershare.com/investor, and following the instructions provided for opening a Plan account online. You will be asked to complete an Online Initial Enrollment Form and to submit an initial optional cash investment between $100 and $20,000. To make an initial optional cash investment you may authorize a one-time online bank debit from your U.S. bank account of at least $100 and/or you may authorize a minimum of two consecutive monthly automatic deductions of at least $50 each from your U.S. bank account.

(b) Completing and signing an Initial Enrollment Form and submitting an initial investment in the amount between $100 and $20,000. To make an initial optional cash investment in this manner, you may enclose a check, payable in U.S. funds and drawn against a U.S. bank, to “Computershare—Brixmor Property Group Inc.” or you may complete the enclosed direct debit authorization form and authorize a minimum of two consecutive monthly automatic deductions of at least $50 each from your U.S. bank account by following the instructions provided.

If you are enrolling by making an optional cash investment of less than $10,000, the enrollment form and investment funds must be received by the Plan Administrator at least one business day before the date such funds are to be invested for a particular month (see Question 19). Enrollment forms may be obtained at any time by telephonic, Internet or written request to the Plan Administrator.

 

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8. How do I enroll in the Plan if I am a beneficial owner?

If you are a beneficial owner, that is your shares are held on the books of the Company in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee (a “Nominee”), your dividends will be reinvested automatically by the Nominee in additional shares under the Plan only if your Nominee provides such a service and you elect to participate in the Plan. Many Nominees do not provide such a service and routinely request dividends to be paid in cash on all shares registered in their names. Therefore, if your shares are held for your account by a Nominee and you would like to participate in the Plan, then, in addition to enrolling in the Plan as provided in Question 7, you must either make appropriate arrangements for your Nominee to participate on your behalf, or you must become a stockholder of record by having a part or all of your shares transferred to your own name in DRS form. If your shares are held in the name of a Nominee, you should contact the Nominee for details.

9. When may a stockholder or an interested investor join the Plan?

A stockholder or other interested investor may join the Plan at any time and will remain a participant until participation is terminated (see Questions 27 and 29) or all shares held in the participant’s Plan account are sold.

If a request specifying the reinvestment of dividends is received by the Plan Administrator prior to the record date of a dividend payment, reinvestment commences with that dividend payment. If the request is received after that date, reinvestment of dividends through the Plan may not begin until the dividend payment following the next record date.

Costs

10. Are there any expenses associated with participation in the Plan?

 

    

Transaction Fee

  

Processing Fee

Enrollment fee

   No charge    N/A

Sales of common shares (partial or full):

     

Batch order sales fee

   $15.00    $0.12 per share sold

Market order sales fee

   $25.00    $0.12 per share sold

Day limit order sales fee

   $25.00    $0.12 per share sold

GTC limit order sales fee

   $25.00    $0.12 per share sold

Sales requests processed over the telephone by a customer service representative will be assessed an additional transaction fee of $15.00 per request

     

Reinvestment of dividends

   No charge    None

Optional cash investments via check or one-time direct debit

   No charge    None

Optional cash investments via recurring monthly direct debit

   No charge    None

Gift or transfer of common shares

   No charge    None

Insufficient funds

   $35.00 per check or other returned deposit (plus fees for sales of common shares)    None

Reinvestment of Dividends under the Plan

11. What are the dividend payment options?

You may select from the following dividend options:

Full Dividend Reinvestment. You may elect to reinvest all of your cash dividends by designating your election on your enrollment form. Dividends paid on all shares of our common stock registered in your name in

 

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DRS form and/or credited to your account will be reinvested under the Plan in additional shares of common stock. Automatic reinvestment of your dividends does not relieve you of liability for income taxes that may be owed on your dividends.

Partial Dividend Reinvestment. You may elect to receive part of your dividends in cash and reinvest part of your cash dividend by designating your election on your enrollment form. If you elect partial dividend reinvestment, you must specify the number of whole shares for which you want your dividends to be paid in cash. Dividends paid on all other shares registered in your name in DRS form and/or credited to your account will be reinvested into additional shares of common stock.

No Dividend Reinvestment. You may elect to receive all of your dividends on all shares registered in your name in DRS form and/or credited to your account in cash by designating your election on your enrollment form. Dividends paid on all shares registered in your name and/or credited to your account will be paid in cash. Dividends paid in cash will be sent to you in the manner in which such dividends are sent to stockholders of Brixmor.

12. If a participant reinvests dividends, will the participant still owe taxes on the amount reinvested?

Automatic reinvestment of your dividends does not relieve you of liability for income taxes that may be owed on your dividends. Dividends paid on shares credited to your account will be included in information provided both to you and the IRS. You will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as having received a dividend on the dividend payment date, which may give rise to a tax payment obligation without providing you with immediate cash to pay such tax when it becomes due. See Question 39 for a description of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of participating in the Plan.

The Plan Administrator will begin to reinvest your dividends automatically on the next dividend payment date after the Plan Administrator receives your fully completed enrollment form and initial investment, if applicable. If your completed enrollment form and initial investment, if applicable, arrive after the record date, reinvestment may not begin until the following dividend.

Purchases of Shares under the Plan

13. How many shares of common stock will be purchased for each Plan participant?

The number of shares to be purchased for your account under the Plan will depend on the amount of your dividends being reinvested, the amount of any optional cash investments and the price of the shares of our common stock. Each participant’s Plan account will be credited with that number of shares, including fractions, equal to the total amount to be reinvested or invested through optional cash investments, divided by the applicable purchase price per share.

14. What will be the price of shares of common stock purchased under the Plan?

The Plan provides you with a convenient and attractive method of investing cash dividends in, and/or making optional cash investments in, additional shares of our common stock. The purchase price of shares issued by Brixmor under the Plan will be the volume weighted average price per share, rounded to four decimal places, of shares of the Company’s common stock obtained from Bloomberg, LP (or, if Bloomberg, LP is no longer providing this information, another authoritative source) as traded on the NYSE during regular NYSE hours on the dividend payment date, typically the 15th of January, April, July and October, (for reinvestment of dividends) or the volume weighted average price per share, rounded to four decimal places, of shares of the Company’s common stock obtained from Bloomberg, LP (or, if Bloomberg, LP is no longer providing this information, another authoritative source) as traded on the NYSE during regular NYSE hours on the investment date.

The price of shares of our common stock purchased on the open market with optional cash investments will be the weighted average of all purchases plus any applicable fees. See Question 10.

 

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The price of shares of our common stock purchased on the open market with cash dividends will be the weighted average of all purchases.

Since purchase prices for our common stock are established on the applicable investment date, a participant loses any advantages otherwise available from being able to select the timing of investments.

Participants should recognize that neither Brixmor nor the Plan Administrator can assure a profit or protect against a loss on shares of our common stock purchased under the Plan.

15. What is the source of shares purchased under the Plan?

The Plan provides the Plan Administrator the flexibility of using dividends and optional cash investments to purchase shares of our common stock from us out of our authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Share purchases in the open market may be made on any stock exchange where our common stock is traded or by negotiated transactions on such terms as the Plan Administrator may reasonably determine. The Plan Administrator will invest all cash dividends and optional cash investments as soon as practicable after receipt, and in no event will investment occur later than 30 days after receipt, except when compliance with federal and state securities laws or other regulatory authorities and temporary curtailment or suspensions of any trading in Brixmor’s common stock mandate it. Neither Brixmor nor any participant will have any authority or power to direct the date, time or price at which shares may be purchased by the Plan Administrator.

Transaction processing may be curtailed or suspended until the completion of any stock dividend, stock split or rights offering.

The Plan Administrator may use an affiliated broker (“Affiliated Broker”) for trading activity under the Plan on behalf of Plan participants. The Affiliated Broker receives a commission in connection with the transactions it processes.

16. How may Plan participants make optional cash investments?

Plan participants may make optional cash investments of $50 to $20,000 or, with our prior approval, in excess of $20,000 in any month. (See Question 17 for a description of the process for making optional cash investments in excess of $20,000 in any month.)

Plan participants may make payment for an optional cash investment of $50 to $20,000 in one of the three following ways:

By Check. You can send a check in the amount of your optional cash investment payable to “Computershare—Brixmor Property Group Inc.,” in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. Cash, traveler’s checks, money orders or third party checks are not acceptable. Checks should be mailed to the Plan Administrator pursuant to the Plan enrollment form (for new participants) or the tear-off portion of the account statement (for current participants). Checks must be received by the Plan Administrator at least one business day before a Purchase Date (we describe a Purchase Date more fully in the answer to Questions 17 and 19 below) in order to be invested on that date. When investing by check, participants do not need to invest the same amount each time they choose to purchase shares in the Plan. Participants are under no obligation to make investments in any month or otherwise participate in the Plan on an ongoing basis.

By One-Time Online Bank Debit. A registered holder of our common stock can make an optional cash investment of $50 to $20,000 online by logging on to www.computershare.com/investor, selecting “Investor Centre,” and following the online instructions. Registered holders should refer to the online confirmation for their bank account debit date and Purchase Date. When making an optional cash investment by one-time online bank debit, registered holders do not need to invest the same amount each time and are under no obligation to make investments in any month or otherwise participate in the plan on an ongoing basis.

 

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By Recurring Automatic Debits from a U.S. Bank Account. A registered holder may authorize the Plan Administrator to make optional cash investments of $50 to $20,000 by recurring monthly purchase of a specified dollar amount paid for by automatic withdrawal from the registered holder’s U.S. bank account. Participants can authorize the Plan Administrator to make the recurring withdrawals by completing and delivering to the Plan Administrator a Direct Debit Authorization Form or by following instructions on the Plan Administrator’s website, www.computershare.com/investor. Under this process, a participant’s funds will be withdrawn from such participant’s bank account, via electronic funds transfer, on the 20th day of each month (or the next business day if the 20th day is not a business day). Requests will be processed and will become effective as promptly as practicable; however, registered holders should allow four to six weeks for the first purchase to be initiated when using this form of payment. Automatic deductions will continue at the level set until a registered holder changes his or her instructions by notifying the Plan Administrator. To terminate monthly purchases by automatic withdrawal, written, signed instructions must be sent to the Plan Administrator. Alternatively, you can terminate monthly deductions through www.computershare.com/investor. It is the responsibility of the registered holder to notify the Plan Administrator if any direct debit information changes.

17. May I invest more than the Plan maximum of $20,000 per month per account?

Large Cash Purchases in excess of $20,000 per month (including any initial investments in excess of $20,000) may be made only by investors that submit Large Cash Purchase requests that are approved by us, in our sole discretion.

Submission of Requests for Waiver. We, in our sole discretion, will determine whether to accept Large Cash Purchase requests at any time. Investors who wish to make Large Cash Purchases for any month should telephone us at (844) 641-6425 to determine (by a pre-recorded message) if we will be considering Large Cash Purchase requests for such month. When you call, you will be informed of one of the following:

 

    that we are not currently considering Large Cash Purchase requests; or

 

    that we will be considering Large Cash Purchase requests, in which case we will provide information about submitting a Large Cash Purchase request form.

Large Cash Purchase request forms may be obtained online through the “Investors” section of our website at www.brixmor.com. We must receive completed Large Cash Purchase requests by facsimile at fax no. (212) 869-9585 no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the third business day before the first day of the “pricing period” for the applicable waiver period, as described below. We will notify by telephone any investor whose Large Cash Purchase request has been approved (including the amount of the investment approved) by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the third business day before the first day of the applicable pricing period. The Plan Administrator must receive good funds relating to any approved Large Cash Purchase request by wire transfer to the account designated by us no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the business day before the first day of the applicable pricing period. All such funds received after 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on such business day will be returned without interest.

Action on Large Cash Purchase Requests. We have the sole discretion to grant or refuse to grant, in whole or in part, a Large Cash Purchase request. In acting on a Large Cash Purchase request, we will consider relevant factors, including without limitation:

 

    whether the Plan is then purchasing shares of our common stock from us or in the open market;

 

    our need for additional funds;

 

    the attractiveness of obtaining funds through the sale of shares of our common stock under the Plan compared to other available sources of funds;

 

    the purchase price likely to apply to any sale of shares of our common stock under the Plan;

 

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    the party submitting the request, including the extent and nature of that party’s prior participation in the Plan and the number of shares of our common stock held by that party; and

 

    the aggregate amount of Large Cash Purchases in excess of $20,000 for the month for which we have received Large Cash Purchase requests under the Plan.

Large Cash Purchases will be priced as follows:

 

    To determine the purchase price of shares of our common stock purchased from us pursuant to a Large Cash Purchase request, we will fix the number of trading days in the “pricing period” for the applicable investment. The pricing period will consist of one to 15 consecutive trading days, unless the pricing period is extended as described below. On each trading day, we will apply an equal portion of the amount approved for investment pursuant to a Large Cash Purchase request to the purchase of shares of our common stock, subject to the qualifications described below. Each day in the pricing period on which shares are purchased is referred to as a “Purchase Date.” The price for shares purchased on each Purchase Date in a pricing period will be equal to 100% (less any applicable discount, as described below) of the volume weighted average price, rounded to four decimal places, of shares of our common stock, as traded on the NYSE during regular NYSE hours on the Purchase Date. We will obtain this pricing information from Bloomberg, LP or, if Bloomberg, LP is no longer providing this information, another authoritative source.

 

    We may establish for each pricing period a minimum, or “threshold,” price applicable to purchases made pursuant to a Large Cash Purchase request. We will make this determination in our discretion after a review of, among other factors, current market conditions, the level of participation in the Plan and our current and projected capital needs.

 

    If established for any pricing period, the threshold price will be stated as a dollar amount which the volume weighted average price of shares of our common stock, rounded to four decimal places, as traded on the NYSE during regular NYSE hours, must equal or exceed for each trading day of such pricing period (not adjusted for discounts, if any) in order for such trading day to be considered a Purchase Date. Except as provided below, any trading day for which such volume weighted average price is less than the applicable threshold price will not be considered a Purchase Date and no funds will be invested in shares of our common stock on that date. Funds that are not invested will be returned without interest, as described below.

 

    The establishment of the threshold price and the potential return of a portion of investment funds applies only to investments made pursuant to Large Cash Purchase requests. Establishing a threshold price for a particular pricing period will not affect the establishment of a threshold price for any subsequent pricing period.

 

    If we establish a threshold price for any pricing period, we may elect to extend that pricing period. If we do so, the initial pricing period may be extended by the number of trading days during the initial pricing period, up to five trading days, during which the threshold price is not satisfied or there are no trades of shares of our common stock on the NYSE.

 

    If we elect to grant a pricing period extension and the threshold price is satisfied for any additional trading day during an extension, that trading day will be included as a Purchase Date for the extended pricing period. For example, if the extension feature is in use and the initial pricing period is ten trading days, but the threshold price is not satisfied on three out of those ten days, the pricing period will be extended by three trading days. If the threshold price is satisfied on any of the three trading days during the extension period, each of those three trading days will be a Purchase Date for that pricing period.

 

   

We may establish a discount from the market price otherwise applicable to Large Cash Purchases (including initial investments) made pursuant to a request for waiver, but are not obligated to do so. Any discount (including any applicable brokerage fees or other administrative charges paid by us) may be up to a maximum of 5% of the regular market price and may vary in our sole discretion. We may

 

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establish any discount in our sole discretion after a review of, among other factors, current market conditions, the level of participation in the Plan, the attractiveness of obtaining financing through the sale of shares of our common stock as compared to other sources of funds, and our current and projected capital needs. Establishing a discount for a particular pricing period will not affect the establishment of a discount for any subsequent pricing period.

 

    Any investor purchasing shares of our common stock pursuant to a request for a Large Cash Purchase will be treated as the beneficial owner of all shares purchased on each Purchase Date in the applicable pricing period as of the close of business on such Purchase Date, although Plan shares will not be credited to such investor’s account until the conclusion of the pricing period unless we use the “continuous settlement feature” described below for that pricing period.

If we elect to use the continuous settlement feature, shares will be credited to the Plan accounts of investors purchasing shares pursuant to requests for a Large Cash Purchase within two business days after each Purchase Date. We may activate the continuous settlement feature for a particular investment at the time we determine other pricing terms in respect of shares to be sold pursuant to a Large Cash Purchase request.

 

    We will return, without interest, any amount to be invested pursuant to a Large Cash Purchase request that is not applied to the purchase of shares of our common stock because the threshold price is not met or shares of our common stock are not traded on the NYSE on any trading day during a pricing period or extension, as applicable. Any such uninvested funds will be returned within five business days after the last day of the applicable pricing period, as it may be extended. The amount returned will be based on the number of days on which the threshold price was not satisfied or no trades were reported on the NYSE compared to the total number of days in the pricing period or extended pricing period, as applicable. For example, the amount returned for a ten-day pricing period will equal one-tenth of the total amount of your proposed Large Cash Purchase investment for each trading day on which the threshold price is not satisfied or shares of our common stock are not traded on the NYSE.

18. Are there any other limits on the purchase of shares of common stock under the Plan?

To assist us in complying with the limitations on the concentration of ownership of a REIT imposed by the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the “Internal Revenue Code,” among other purposes, our charter prohibits, with certain exceptions, any person or entity from beneficially or constructively owning, applying certain attribution rules under the Internal Revenue Code, more than 9.8% in value of the outstanding shares of our common stock, or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our stock. Our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, subject to such conditions as it may determine and the receipt of certain representations and undertakings, waive the 9.8% ownership limits with respect to a particular stockholder if such ownership will not jeopardize our qualification as a REIT.

Our charter also prohibits any person from, among other things:

 

    owning shares of our stock that would result in our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Internal Revenue Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT;

 

    transferring shares of our stock if such transfer would result in our stock being owned beneficially by fewer than 100 persons (taking into account certain constructive ownership rules); and

 

    beneficially owning shares of our stock to the extent such ownership would result in our failing to qualify as a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” within the meaning of Section 897 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Any attempted transfer of our stock which, if effective, would result in violation of the above limitations (except for a transfer which results in shares being owned by fewer than 100 persons, in which case such transfer

 

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will be void and of no force and effect and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such shares) will cause the number of shares causing the violation, rounded to the nearest whole share, to be automatically transferred to a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries designated by us and the intended transferee will not acquire any rights in the shares.

See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” and “Description of Capital Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information.

19. When will shares of common stock be purchased under the Plan?

Initial and Optional Cash Investments up to $20,000. For common stock acquired directly from us, the purchase date will generally be on the 25th calendar day of each month, or the next trading day if the 25th day is not a trading day. For common stock acquired in open market transactions, purchases will begin on the 25th calendar day of each month, or the next trading day if the 25th day is not a trading day, and will be completed no later than 30 days following such date, except where investment of such funds at a later date is necessary or advisable under any applicable securities laws. The Plan Administrator will commingle all funds received from participants. Once a participant has placed an order, he or she may not request a cash refund or otherwise change the order. No interest will be paid on funds pending investment held by the Plan Administrator.

Large Cash Purchases. If we grant the request for waiver to make a Large Cash Purchase, there will be a “Pricing Period,” which will generally consist of one to 15 consecutive trading days, unless the pricing period is extended as described in Question 17 above, as determined by us in our sole discretion during which our common stock is traded on the NYSE following our grant of the request for waiver. If we grant your request for waiver to make a Large Cash Purchase, the dates of the Pricing Period will be as described in Question 17 above. Each of these separate days will be a “Purchase Date.” See Question 17 for additional information regarding the specific dates in the Pricing Period when shares will be purchased under the Plan.

20. How are dishonored payments handled?

If any check, draft or electronic funds transfer that is tendered or ordered by a participant as payment to the Plan Administrator to purchase common stock is dishonored, refused or returned, such participant agrees that the purchased shares when credited to the participant’s account may be sold, on the Plan Administrator’s order, without the participant’s consent or approval, to satisfy the amount owing on the purchase. The “amount owing” will include the purchase price paid, any purchase and sale transaction fees, any brokerage commissions and the Plan Administrator’s returned check or failed electronic payment fee of $35.00. If the sale proceeds of purchased shares are insufficient to satisfy the amount owing, such participant authorizes the Plan Administrator to sell additional shares then credited to the participant’s account as necessary to cover the amount owing, without the participant’s further consent or authorization. The Plan Administrator may sell shares to cover an amount owing as a result of the participant’s order in any manner consistent with applicable securities laws. Any sale for that purpose on a national securities market will be considered to be commercially reasonable. A participant grants the Plan Administrator a security interest in all shares credited to such participant’s account, including securities subsequently acquired and held or tendered for deposit, for purposes of securing any amount owing as described in this paragraph.

21. Will interest be paid on Plan accounts?

No. Interest will not be paid on Plan accounts or on any amounts held pending investment.

22. Who will hold the additional shares purchased through the Plan?

Shares purchased through the Plan are held in safekeeping in book-entry form on Plan Administrator’s records. The number of shares (including fractional interests) held for each participant will be shown on each account statement. Keeping shares in book-entry form protects against certificate loss, theft and destruction.

 

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Reports to Participants

23. What kind of reports will be sent to participants in the Plan?

The Plan Administrator will maintain a separate Plan account for each participant. All shares issued to participants under the Plan will be credited to their Plan account. The Plan Administrator will mail to each participant a statement confirming the issuance of shares within five days after the allocation of shares is made. The statement will show the amount of the dividend, the price at which shares were credited, the number of full and fractional shares credited, the number of shares previously credited and the cumulative total of shares credited. For market order sales the time of sale will be provided. Please notify the Plan Administrator promptly if your address changes. In addition, participants will receive copies of our annual and quarterly reports to stockholders, proxy statements and dividend income information for tax purposes. Participants may also view year-to-date transaction activity in their Plan account under the Plan for the current year, as well as activity in prior years, by accessing their Plan account at www.computershare.com/investor.

Dividends

24. How are dividends credited to participants’ accounts under the Plan?

On shares of our common stock for which a participant has directed that dividends be reinvested, cash dividends will automatically be credited to a participant’s Plan account and reinvested in additional shares of our common stock. Participants who do not elect dividend reinvestment will receive cash dividends, if authorized and declared, as usual. Stockholders who do not participate in the Plan will receive cash dividends, if authorized and declared, as usual.

25. Will participants be credited with dividends on fractions of shares?

Yes, and dividends will be paid on the fractional shares.

26. Will dividends continue to be paid while the Plan is in effect?

In order to continue to qualify as a REIT, we must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (with certain adjustments) each year. This distribution requirement may limit our ability to maintain a constant level of dividend payments in the future if earnings decline, and limits the capital available to us to internally fund growth. The requirements to qualify for REIT status are complex and technical, and we may not be able to qualify for reasons beyond our control. Failing to qualify as a REIT could adversely affect our tax status and reduce the amount of money available for distributions to our stockholders. Our board of directors has the ultimate discretion over our investment, financing and dividend policies, subject to statutory and regulatory requirements and other factors, such as maintaining our status as a REIT. While we expect to continue paying distributions to our stockholders, the amount and timing of these distributions may be changed, or the payment of dividends terminated, at any time without notice.

Modification and Termination

27. How does a participant terminate participation in the Plan?

Participants may terminate participation in the Plan at any time by notifying the Plan Administrator through the Internet, by telephone or in writing. If the Plan Administrator receives the notice to terminate near a record date for a dividend payment and your dividends are to be reinvested, the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, may either distribute such dividends in cash or reinvest them in shares on your behalf. In the event reinvestment is made, the Plan Administrator will process the termination as soon as practicable, but in no event later than five trading days after the reinvestment is completed.

Upon termination of participation, your shares will be moved to a book-entry DRS account for the number of full shares of our common stock held by the Plan Administrator. At the same time, you will receive a check in

 

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payment for any fractional shares in your account, valued at the then current market price of our common stock, less any applicable processing fees and any other costs of sale. If you prefer, you can request that your full shares of our common stock held by the Plan Administrator be sold (see Question 31).

28. How do participants change their dividend reinvestment options or stop dividend reinvestment?

You may change your dividend reinvestment election by completing and signing a new election form and returning it to the Plan Administrator or by going online to the Plan Administrator’s website, www.computershare.com/investor. To be effective for a specific dividend, the Plan Administrator must receive any change before or on the record date for such dividend. Record dates are usually 15 days prior to dividend payment dates. If the Plan Administrator does not receive your new election form before the record date for the next dividend, the changes will not be effective with respect to that dividend and will take effect with respect to the following dividend. After processing a request to stop dividend reinvestment, any shares credited to your account under the Plan will continue to be held in book entry form, and dividends on any of your shares held in DRS form will be paid in cash by check or electronic funds transfer, as you may elect.

29. May the Plan be changed or discontinued and can the Plan Administrator terminate a participant’s Plan account?

We may suspend, modify or terminate the Plan or any provision of the Plan at any time in our sole discretion. All participants will receive notice of any such suspension, modification or termination. Amendments may include, among other things, our appointment of a successor Plan administrator. We reserve the right to terminate the participation of any stockholder if we deem it advisable under any laws or regulations. If the Plan is terminated, whole shares will continue to be held in book-entry form in your Plan account or distributed in DRS form at our sole discretion. A cash payment will be made for any fractional share.

The Plan Administrator may terminate your Plan account if you do not own at least one whole share. In the event your Plan account is terminated for this reason, a check for the cash value of the fractional share will be sent to you, less any service and processing fees, and your account will be closed.

Sale and Transfer of Plan Shares

30. Can participants transfer shares that they hold in the Plan to someone else?

Yes. Participants may transfer ownership of some or all of their shares held through the Plan (subject to the restrictions set forth in our charter, as amended from time to time, and restrictions imposed by U.S. federal and state securities laws). In order to transfer some or all of your shares, you may visit the Computershare Transfer Wizard at www.computershare.com/transferwizard. The Transfer Wizard will guide you through the transfer process, assist you in completing the transfer form, and identify other necessary documentation you may need to provide.

Participants may transfer shares to new or existing Brixmor stockholders. You may not transfer fractional shares.

31. May a portion of a participant’s Plan shares be sold?

Participants may sell or transfer shares in their account by contacting the Plan Administrator. Shares may be sold through a market order or a batch order, depending on how the sale request is submitted.

Market Order. A market order is a request to sell shares promptly at the current market price. Market order sales are only available at www.computershare.com/investor through Investor Centre or by calling the Plan Administrator directly at (877) 373-6374 (within the United States and Canada). Market order sale requests

 

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received at www.computershare.com/investor through Investor Centre or by telephone will be placed promptly upon receipt during market hours (normally 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Any orders received after 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time will be placed promptly on the next day the market is open. The price shall be the market price of the sale obtained by the Plan Administrator’s broker, less a service charge of $25.00 and applicable processing fees, currently $0.12 per share.

Batch Order. A batch order is an accumulation of all sales requests for a security submitted together as a collective request. The Plan Administrator will automatically treat all sale requests in writing as batch order sale requests. Batch orders are submitted on each market day, assuming there are sale requests to be processed. Sale instructions for batch orders received by the Plan Administrator will be processed no later than five business days after the date on which the order is received (except where deferral is required under applicable federal or state laws or regulations), assuming the applicable market is open for trading and sufficient market liquidity exists. To maximize cost savings for batch order sale requests, the Plan Administrator will seek to sell shares in round lot transactions. For this purpose the Plan Administrator may combine each selling participant’s shares with those of other selling participants. In every case of a batch order sale, the price to each selling program participant shall be the weighted average sale price obtained by the Plan Administrator’s broker for each aggregate order placed by the Plan Administrator and executed by the broker, less a service charge of $15.00 and applicable processing fees, currently $0.12 per share. Proceeds are normally paid by check, which are distributed within 24 hours after a participant’s sale transaction has settled.

Day Limit Order. A day limit order is an order to sell securities when and if they reach a specific trading price on a specific day. The order is automatically cancelled if the price is not met by the end of that day (or, for orders placed after market hours, the next day the market is open). Depending on the number of securities being sold and the current trading volume in the securities, such an order may only be partially filled, in which case the remainder of the order will be cancelled. The order may be cancelled by the applicable stock exchange, by the Plan Administrator at its sole discretion or, if the Plan Administrator’s broker has not filled the order, at your request made online at www.computershare.com/investor or by calling the Plan Administrator directly at (877) 373-6374. Day limit orders are subject to a $25.00 service charge and applicable processing fees, currently $0.12 per share.

Good-Til-Cancelled (GTC) Limit Order. A GTC limit order is an order to sell securities when and if the securities reach a specific trading price at any time while the order remains open (generally up to 30 days). Depending on the number of securities being sold and current trading volume in the securities, sales may be executed in multiple transactions and over more than one day. If an order remains open for more than one day during which the market is open, a separate fee will be charged for each such day. The order (or any unexecuted portion thereof) is automatically cancelled if the trading price is not met by the end of the order period. The order may be cancelled by the applicable stock exchange, by the Plan Administrator at its sole discretion or, if the Plan Administrator’s broker has not filled the order, at your request made online at www.computershare.com/investor or by calling the Plan Administrator directly at (877) 373-6374. GTC limit orders are subject to a $25.00 service charge and applicable processing fees, currently $0.12 per share.

The Plan Administrator may, for various reasons, require a transaction request to be submitted in writing. If there is more than one individual owner on the Plan account, all participants must authorize the transaction and sign the instruction. Participants should contact the Plan Administrator to determine if their particular request, including any sales request, must be submitted in writing. The Plan Administrator reserves the right to decline to process a sale if it determines, in its sole discretion, that supporting legal documentation is required.

Termination of Account Upon Sale of All Shares. If the Plan Administrator sells all shares held in your Plan account, the Plan Administrator will automatically terminate your account. In this case, you will have to complete and file a new enrollment form to rejoin the Plan.

Timing and Control. Because the Plan Administrator will sell the shares on behalf of the Plan, neither we nor any participant in the Plan have the authority or power to control the timing or pricing of shares sold or the

 

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selection of the broker making the sales. Therefore, you will not be able to precisely time your sales through the Plan, and will bear the market risk associated with fluctuation in the price of our common stock. That is, if you send in a request to sell your shares, it is possible that the market price of our shares could go down or up before the broker sells your shares and if you submit a batch order the per share sales price you receive will be the weighted average price of all shares sold for Plan participants with respect to that sale date. In addition, you will not earn interest on a sales transaction.

The price of our common stock fluctuates on a daily basis. The price may rise or fall after you submit your request to sell and prior to the ultimate sale of your shares of our common stock. The price risk will be borne solely by you. You cannot revoke your request to sell once it is made.

Other Information

32. What happens if Brixmor issues a stock dividend or declares a stock split or rights offering?

Any stock dividends or split shares of common stock distributed by us to you will be based on both the shares of common stock registered in your name in DRS form and the shares (whole and fractional) credited to your Plan account. Such stock dividend or stock split shares will be added to your Plan account in book-entry form. You will receive a statement indicating the number of shares issued or dividends earned as a result of the transaction. In the event of a rights offering, you will receive rights based upon the total number of whole shares you own. Any transactions under the Plan may be curtailed or suspended until the completion of any stock dividend, stock split or corporate action.

33. How will a Plan participant’s shares be voted at meetings of stockholders?

In connection with any meeting of our stockholders, you will receive proxy materials in the same manner as other stockholders. Those shares will only be voted as you indicate whether you authorize a proxy to vote those shares by telephone, online or through the mail. If you sign and return the proxy card and no voting instructions are given with respect to any item on the proxy card, all of your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the board of directors. This is the same procedure that is followed for all other stockholders who return signed proxy cards and do not provide instructions. If you do not authorize a proxy to vote on your shares, none of your shares will be voted. As an alternative, you may also vote all of your shares in person at the stockholders’ meeting.

34. What are the responsibilities of Brixmor and the Plan Administrator under the Plan?

Neither we, our subsidiaries, our affiliates, nor the Plan Administrator will be liable for any act, or for any failure to act, as long as we or they have made good faith efforts to carry out the terms of the Plan, as described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and on the forms that are designed to accompany each investment or activity. This limitation of liability includes, but is not limited to, any claims of liability for:

 

    failure to terminate an account upon the death of a participant before receiving written notice of such death and a request to terminate participation from a qualified representative of the deceased;

 

    failure by a participant to receive communications regarding the Plan, when the participant fails to update changes to the address or e-mail address on file with the Plan Administrator;

 

    purchase or sale prices reflected in a participant’s Plan account or the dates of purchases or sales of a participant’s Plan shares; or

 

    any fluctuation in the market value of a participant’s Plan Shares after any purchase or sale of shares.

We, any of our agents and the Plan Administrator, will not have any duties, responsibilities or liabilities other than those expressly set forth in the Plan or as imposed by applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state

 

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securities laws. Since the Plan Administrator has assumed all responsibility for administering the Plan, we specifically disclaim any responsibility for any of the Plan Administrator’s actions or inactions in connection with the administration of the Plan. None of our directors, officers, employees or stockholders will have any personal liability under the Plan.

We, any of our agents and the Plan Administrator, will be entitled to rely on completed forms and the proof of due authority to participate in the Plan, without further responsibility of investigation or inquiry.

The payment of dividends is at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon future earnings, our financial condition, applicable law and other factors. The board of directors may change the amount and timing of dividends at any time without notice.

35. Can checks be written against the participant’s Plan account?

No. Participants may not draw checks or drafts against their Plan accounts.

36. May participants pledge their Plan shares?

No. Participants may not pledge or assign book-entry shares held in their Plan accounts.

37. How will Brixmor interpret and regulate the Plan?

Our officers are authorized to take any actions that are consistent with the Plan’s terms and conditions. We reserve the right to interpret and regulate the Plan as we deem necessary and desirable in connection with the Plan’s operations. Any such determination by us will be conclusive and binding on Plan participants.

38. What law governs the Plan?

The laws of the state of Maryland govern the Plan.

39. What are the U.S. federal income tax consequences of participation in the Plan?

The following summary describes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of participation in the Plan as of the date hereof. However, this summary does not reflect every situation that could result from participation in the Plan, nor does it address the tax implications of your ownership of our common stock, including the effect of distributions made in respect of such common stock. In addition, except where otherwise stated, this summary applies only to U.S. taxpayers. A “U.S. taxpayer” is a person (other than a partnership or entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) who or that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (a) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (b) a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (c) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (d) a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration, and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect under current Treasury Regulations to continue to be treated as a United States person. If a partnership or entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares of our common stock and participates in the Plan, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner in a partnership that holds shares of common stock and participates in the Plan should consult its tax advisors regarding the tax consequences to the partner of the partnership’s participation in the Plan. This summary does not represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including if you are a dealer in securities or currencies, a financial institution, a regulated investment company, a tax-exempt entity, an insurance

 

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company, a person holding our common stock as a part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or constructive sale transaction or a straddle, a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities holdings, a person liable for alternative minimum tax, an investor in a pass-through entity or a person whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar. Furthermore, the discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions thereunder as of the date hereof, and such authorities may be repealed, revoked or modified, possibly with retroactive effect, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. We have not and will not seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not take positions concerning the tax consequences of participating in the Plan that are different from those discussed below. You should consult your tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences in light of your particular situation as well as consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

Dividend Income

If you participate in the Plan and your reinvested distributions are used to purchase newly issued shares of our common stock, your distribution will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as follows:

 

    Distributions that are reinvested in shares of our common stock purchased directly from us or through privately negotiated transactions will be equal to the fair market value of the common stock that you receive pursuant to such reinvestment under the terms of the Plan on the date that the dividends are reinvested.

 

    Distributions that are reinvested in shares of our common stock purchased in the open market will be treated as a distribution to you in an amount equal to the purchase price of such shares.

 

    If we pay any brokerage fees on your behalf, the amount of any such fees will also be treated as a distribution.

Reinvested distributions will be treated in the manner described for distributions in the accompanying prospectus under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders—Distributions Generally.”

Optional Cash Investments/Large Cash Purchases

If you participate in the Plan’s automatic dividend reinvestment and the optional cash investment or Large Cash Purchases features under the Plan, you will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as having received a distribution in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the common stock purchased (on the date that the stock is purchased) over the amount you pay in your Large Cash Purchase. If we pay any brokerage fees on your behalf, the amount of any such fees will also be treated as a distribution in the manner described above.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of buying shares at an investment discount through the Plan are not entirely clear if you make Large Cash Purchases but do not participate in the Plan’s automatic dividend reinvestment feature. In light of this uncertainty, we intend to treat investors in this situation as having received a distribution in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the common stock purchased over the amount you pay in your Large Cash Purchase. Because the tax treatment of such an investment discount is unclear, no assurance can be given of the position that the IRS would take in this regard and investors in this situation should consult their tax advisors to determine how to treat the investment discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If no discount is offered, consistent with the conclusion reached by the IRS in a private letter ruling issued to another REIT, we intend to take the position that you will not be treated as having received a distribution from us. However, because the private letter ruling was not issued to us, we have no legal right to rely on its conclusions. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the tax treatment if they only make Large Cash Purchases and do not participate in the Plan’s automatic dividend reinvestment feature.

 

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The amount of any distribution deemed to be made in connection with a Large Cash Purchase of our common stock will be treated in the manner described for distributions in the accompanying prospectus under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders—Distributions Generally.”

Tax Basis of Shares

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares of our common stock purchased is generally the purchase price of the shares plus any brokerage commissions paid in connection with the purchase. The tax basis of shares purchased with reinvested dividends generally will equal the total amount of distributions you are treated as having received, as described above. The tax basis of shares of our common stock acquired with optional cash investments or Large Cash Purchases generally will equal the total amount of distributions you are treated as having received, as described above, plus the amount of the cash payment for such shares. If we offer a discount on the purchase price of our common stock acquired with Large Cash Purchases, the tax basis in our common stock would include the amount of any discount.

The Plan assumes that each participant will use the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method when determining the tax basis of any shares sold. Participants may designate their preference for a different method of determining the tax basis of shares by identifying this preference to the Plan Administrator. In general, participants may designate their preference for “specific identification” cost basis at any time. Participants should consult their tax advisors regarding the elections that are appropriate for them.

Holding Period of Shares

The holding period of any common stock purchased with reinvested dividends, optional cash investments or Large Cash Purchases, for purposes of determining whether any gain or loss on sale will be a capital gain or loss, begins on the day after the applicable investment or purchase date. Consequently, shares of our common stock purchased at different times will have different holding periods. Your method of determining the tax basis of any shares sold (as described above under “—Tax Basis of Shares”) will also apply for purposes of determining your holding period of such shares.

Gains and Losses from the Sale of Shares

You may realize a gain or loss at the time your shares are sold by the Plan Administrator or by you after withdrawal of the shares from the Plan. The amount of such gain or loss is based on the difference between the amount you receive for the shares, reduced by the expenses of sale, including brokerage commissions and service fees charged for the sale of shares, and your tax basis in the shares. You also will recognize a gain or loss when you receive cash payments for fractional shares credited to your account upon your withdrawal from the Plan or the Plan’s termination. The amount of such a gain or loss is the difference between the amount which you receive for your fractional shares and your tax basis in such shares. Any such gain or loss with respect to a sale of shares will be taxed as described in the accompanying prospectus under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders—Dispositions of Our Shares.” You should consult your tax advisor as to the consequences of a sale of shares in view of your particular circumstances.

IRS Reports

The Plan Administrator reports dividend income to participants and the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) on Form 1099-DIV. The Plan Administrator reports the proceeds from the sale of Plan shares to the selling participants and the IRS on Form 1099-B. For non-resident aliens or foreign corporations, partnerships or other entities, the Plan Administrator will report dividend income to the selling participants and the IRS on Form 1042-S.

 

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Dividends Subject to Withholding

As described in the accompanying prospectus under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax Applicable to Stockholders,” reinvested dividends may be subject to U.S. federal backup withholding tax. In addition, as described in the accompanying prospectus under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders—Distributions Generally,” if you are a non-resident alien or a foreign corporation, partnership or other entity, your dividends may be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax. In any case in which U.S. federal taxes are required to be withheld, the Plan Administrator reinvests an amount equal to the dividends less the amount of tax withheld. For IRS reporting purposes, the amount of the tax withheld is included in the holder’s dividend income.

The foregoing is only a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of participation in the Plan and does not constitute tax advice. This summary does not reflect every possible outcome that could result from participation in the Plan and, therefore, Participants are advised to consult their tax advisors concerning the tax consequences applicable to their particular situation.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Except to the extent the Plan Administrator purchases common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions with third parties, the common stock acquired under the Plan will be sold directly by us through the Plan. We may sell our common stock to owners of shares (including brokers or dealers) who, in connection with any resales of such shares, may be deemed to be underwriters. These shares may be resold in market transactions (including coverage of short positions) on any national security exchange or automated quotation system on which our common stock trades or is quoted, or in privately negotiated transactions. Our common stock is currently listed on the NYSE. The difference between the price owners who may be deemed to be underwriters pay us for our common stock acquired under the Plan and the price at which such shares are resold, may be deemed to constitute underwriting commissions received by these owners in connection with such transactions. Subject to the availability of common stock registered for issuance under the Plan, there is no total maximum number of shares that can be issued to any particular stockholder pursuant to the reinvestment of dividends. Upon your withdrawal from the Plan by the sale of common stock held under the Plan, you will receive the proceeds of such sale, less any applicable fees. Common stock may not be available under the Plan in all states. This prospectus supplement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any common stock or other securities in any state or any other jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Hogan Lovells US LLP.

EXPERTS

The financial statements of Brixmor Property Group Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years then ended, and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, and the effectiveness of Brixmor Property Group Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements of Brixmor Operating Partnership LP and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 for the years then ended, and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, and the effectiveness of Brixmor Operating Partnership LP’s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of Brixmor Property Group Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014 (including schedules appearing therein) appearing in Brixmor Property Group Inc.’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2016, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of Brixmor Operating Partnership LP for the year ended December 31, 2014 (including schedules appearing therein) appearing in Brixmor Operating Partnership LP’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2016, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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LOGO

Brixmor Property Group Inc.

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Depositary Shares

Purchase Contracts

Units

Warrants

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP

Debt Securities

 

 

We may offer, from time to time, one or more series or classes, separately or together, and in amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus, the following securities:

 

    Shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share;

 

    Shares of our preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share;

 

    Depositary shares representing our preferred stock;

 

    Purchase contracts;

 

    Units, comprised of two or more of any of the securities referred to herein, in any combination; and

 

    Warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares representing preferred stock.

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP, or the Operating Partnership, may offer, from time to time, debt securities in one or more series.

We refer to our common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, purchase contracts, units and warrants, together with the debt securities of the Operating Partnership, collectively as the “securities.” We and the Operating Partnership may offer the securities separately or together, in separate series or classes and in amounts, at prices and on terms described in one or more supplements to this prospectus.

This prospectus describes some of the general terms and conditions that may apply to these securities. The specific terms and conditions of these securities will be provided in prospectus supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.

We and the Operating Partnership may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BRX.” On January 8, 2018, the closing sales price of our common stock as reported on the NYSE was $17.87 per share.

 

 

Investing in the securities involves risks. See the risks described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Item 1A of each subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (which documents are incorporated by reference herein), as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement hereto before making a decision to invest in the securities. See “Incorporation by Reference” and “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission or other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is January 9, 2018


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

About This Prospectus

     1  

Where You Can Find More Information

     2  

Incorporation by Reference

     2  

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     4  

Brixmor Property Group Inc. and Brixmor Operating Partnership LP

     5  

Use of Proceeds

     6  

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

     7  

Description of Capital Stock

     8  

Material Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws

     13  

Description of Depositary Shares

     20  

Description of Purchase Contracts

     23  

Description of Units

     24  

Description of Warrants

     25  

Description of Debt Securities

     26  

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

     38  

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

     41  

Plan of Distribution

     74  

Legal Matters

     76  

Experts

     76  

 

 

We and the Operating Partnership have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any amendment or supplement to this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We and the Operating Partnership do not take any responsibility for, or can provide any assurance as to the reliability of, any information other than the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any amendment or supplement to this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf. We and the Operating Partnership are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, the securities only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted.

You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us is accurate only as of their respective dates or on the date or dates which are specified in such documents, and that any information in documents that is incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of such document incorporated by reference. Our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

 

Except as otherwise indicated or where the context requires otherwise, references in this prospectus to “Brixmor,” “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to Brixmor Property Group Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, and the term the “Operating Partnership” refers to Brixmor Operating Partnership LP. References to our “common stock” refer to the common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of Brixmor Property Group Inc.

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we and the Operating Partnership filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we and the Operating Partnership may, from time to time, sell in one or more offerings any combination of the securities described in this prospectus.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we and the Operating Partnership may offer. Each time we or the Operating Partnership sell securities, to the extent required, we or the Operating Partnership will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus.

You should carefully read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We and the Operating Partnership have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, and any document incorporated by reference into this prospectus, filed as part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules, portions of which have been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information about us, the Operating Partnership and the securities, we refer you to the registration statement and to its exhibits. Statements in this prospectus about the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract, agreement or document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, which each such statement being qualified in all respects by reference to the document to which it refers. Anyone may inspect the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules without charge at the public reference facilities the SEC maintains at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain copies of all or any part of these materials from the SEC upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the SEC. You may obtain further information about the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also inspect these reports and other information without charge at a website maintained by the SEC. The address of this site is http://www.sec.gov.

We and the Operating Partnership are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and we and the Operating Partnership are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at the address noted above. You may also obtain copies of this material from the Public Reference Room of the SEC as described above, or inspect them without charge at the SEC’s website. We also make available to our common stockholders annual reports containing consolidated financial statements audited by an independent registered public accounting firm.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC’s rules allow us and the Operating Partnership to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below:

 

    our and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016;

 

    our and the Operating Partnership’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017;

 

    our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on March 29, 2017 (solely to the extent incorporated by reference into Part III of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016);

 

    our and the Operating Partnership’s Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed on February 27, 2017, March 3, 2017, March 8, 2017, May 19, 2017, June 2, 2017, June 5, 2017, July 31, 2017 (other than Item 2.02 and exhibits 99.1 and 99.2), December 5, 2017 (other than Item 7.01 and exhibits 99.1 and 99.2) and December 7, 2017; and

 

    the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on October 30, 2013, including all amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

We and the Operating Partnership also incorporate by reference into this prospectus all other documents filed by us or the Operating Partnership under sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the

 

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date of this prospectus and before the termination of the offerings to which this prospectus relates (other than documents and information furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules, unless expressly stated otherwise therein).

Any statement made in this prospectus or in a document incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

You can obtain any of the filings incorporated by reference into this prospectus through us or from the SEC through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. We will provide, without charge, to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the reports and documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You should direct requests for those documents to:

Brixmor Property Group Inc.

450 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Attn: Investor Relations

(212) 869-3000

Our reports and documents and those of the Operating Partnership incorporated by reference herein may also be found in the “Investors” section of our website at http://www.brixmor.com. Our website and the information contained in it or connected to it shall not be deemed to be incorporated into this prospectus or any registration statement of which it forms a part.

 

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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook”, “believes”, “expects”, “potential”, “continues”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “seeks”, “approximately”, “predicts”, “intends”, “plans”, “estimates”, “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties.

Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements and are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in Brixmor’s business. We believe these factors include, but are not limited to, those described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the SEC on February 13, 2017, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC (which documents are incorporated by reference herein), as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement hereto. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement hereto. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

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BRIXMOR PROPERTY GROUP INC. AND BRIXMOR OPERATING PARTNERSHIP LP

Overview

Brixmor is an internally-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”). The Operating Partnership, together with its subsidiaries, is the entity through which Brixmor conducts substantially all of its operations and owns substantially all of its assets. Brixmor owns 100% of the outstanding stock of BPG Subsidiary Inc. (“BPG Subsidiary”), which, in turn, is the sole member of Brixmor OP GP LLC, the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. Brixmor engages in the ownership, management, leasing, acquisition, disposition and redevelopment of retail shopping centers through the Operating Partnership, and has no other substantial assets or liabilities other than through its investment in the Operating Partnership. We believe we own and operate the second largest open air retail portfolio by gross leasable area in the United States, comprised primarily of community and neighborhood shopping centers. As of September 30, 2017, our portfolio was comprised of 498 wholly owned shopping centers totaling approximately 84 million square feet of gross leasable area. In addition, we had one land parcel under development as of September 30, 2017. Our high-quality national portfolio is primarily located within established trade areas in the top 50 Metropolitan Statistical Areas, and our shopping centers are primarily anchored by non-discretionary and value-oriented retailers, as well as consumer-oriented service providers.

Our and the Operating Partnership’s principal executive offices are located at 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, and our telephone number is (212) 869-3000.

Early Adoption of Accounting Standards Update

Effective January 1, 2017, we early adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-18 (“ASU 2016-18”), “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash,” which requires the statement of cash flows to explain any change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period total amounts on the statement of cash flows. As required by ASU 2016-18, we applied this change retrospectively to our prior period condensed consolidated statements of cash flows presented in our filings on Form 10-Q as of and for the three, six and nine months ended March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017, and September 30, 2017. Upon issuance of our December 31, 2017 financial statements to be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year then ended, we will modify certain balances included in our December 31, 2016 financial statements to make them comparable to the 2017 presentation, as required by the ASU. The adoption of this standard is not material to our financial statements for the periods presented.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, our net cash provided by operating activities, used in investing activities and used in financing activities was reported as approximately $567.2 million, $151.6 million and $433.7 million, respectively. Adjusted for the retrospective application of ASU 2016-18, our net cash provided by operating activities, used in investing activities and used in financing activities was approximately $567.5 million, $141.9 million and $433.7 million, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2016.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, our net cash provided by operating activities, used in investing activities and used in financing activities was reported as approximately $534.0 million, $189.1 million and $336.0 million, respectively. Adjusted for the retrospective application of ASU 2016-18, our net cash provided by operating activities, used in investing activities and used in financing activities was approximately $524.0 million, $190.7 million and $336.0 million, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Except as otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, we and the Operating Partnership, as the case may be, intend to use the net proceeds from sales of the securities for general corporate purposes, which may include, but is not limited to, funding for working capital, repayment of indebtedness, capital expenditures, repurchases of our capital stock and acquisitions.

 

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RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

Our and the Operating Partnership’s ratios of earnings to fixed charges and earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the periods indicated are as follows (unaudited):

 

     For the three
months ended
September 30,
2017
     Year Ended December 31,  
      2016      2015      2014      2013      2012  

Brixmor Property Group Inc.:

                 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(1)

     2.3x        2.2x        1.8x        1.4x        —          —    

Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends(2)

     2.3x        2.2x        1.8x        1.4x        —          —    

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP:

                 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(3)

     2.3x        2.2x        1.8x        1.4x        —          —    

 

(1) For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 fixed charges exceeded earnings by $151,619 and $86,384, respectively.
(2) For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends exceeded earnings by $151,915 and $86,546, respectively.
(3) For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 fixed charges exceeded earnings by $151,095 and $86,378, respectively.

For purposes of computing these ratios, earnings have been calculated by adding fixed charges (excluding preferred stock dividends and capitalized interest) to income (loss) before equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures plus distributions from equity investees. Fixed charges consist of interest costs, whether expensed or capitalized, the interest component of rental expense, if any, and amortization of debt discounts and issue costs, whether expensed or capitalized. Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends consist of fixed charges and preferred stock dividends declared.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following summary of the terms of our common stock is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our charter and bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and the Maryland General Corporation Law, or “MGCL.” See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

General

Our charter authorizes us to issue up to 3,000,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and up to 300,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Our charter authorizes our board of directors, without common stockholder approval, to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock that we are authorized to issue or the number of authorized shares of any class or series. Under Maryland law, a stockholder generally is not liable for a corporation’s debts or obligations solely as a result of the stockholder’s status as a stockholder.

Common Stock

Subject to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock discussed below under the caption “—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” and the voting rights of holders of outstanding shares of any other class or series of our stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, including the election or removal of directors. The holders of our common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when authorized by our board of directors and declared by us out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of outstanding shares of any other class or series of our stock having a liquidation preference, if any, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution. Holders of our common stock do not have preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. Holders of our common stock generally have no appraisal rights. All shares of our common stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus are fully paid and nonassessable and have equal dividend and liquidation rights. The preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of our common stock are subject to those of the holders of any shares of our preferred stock or any other class or series of stock we may authorize and issue in the future.

Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot amend its charter, consolidate, merge, convert, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a statutory share exchange or dissolve unless the action is declared advisable by its board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. As permitted by Maryland law, our charter provides that any of these actions may be approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. See “Material Provisions of Maryland Law and of our Charter and Bylaws.” In addition, because many of our operating assets are held by our subsidiaries, these subsidiaries may be able to merge or sell all or substantially all of their assets without the approval of our stockholders.

Preferred Stock

We are authorized to issue up to 300,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. We may issue shares of preferred stock from time-to-time, in one or more classes or series, as authorized by our board of directors. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, the board of directors is required by the MGCL and our charter to fix for each class or series, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting power, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption.

 

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The board of directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have the effect of discouraging a change of control or other transaction that holders of shares of our outstanding common stock might believe to be in their best interests or in which holders of some, or a majority, of shares of our outstanding common stock might receive a premium for their shares over the then market price of our common stock.

A prospectus supplement relating to any series of preferred stock being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. They will include, where applicable:

 

    the title and stated value of the preferred stock;

 

    the number of shares of the preferred stock offered, the liquidation preference per share and the offering price of the preferred stock;

 

    the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to the preferred stock;

 

    whether dividends will be cumulative or non-cumulative and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends on the preferred stock shall accumulate;

 

    the procedures for an auction and remarketing, if any, of the preferred stock;

 

    the provisions for a sinking fund, if any, for the preferred stock;

 

    any voting rights of the preferred stock;

 

    the provisions for redemption, if applicable, of the preferred stock;

 

    any listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange;

 

    information with respect to book-entry registration procedures, if any;

 

    the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the preferred stock will be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock, preferred stock or other securities including the conversion price or the manner of calculating the conversion price and conversion period;

 

    if appropriate, a discussion of federal income tax consequences applicable to the preferred stock;

 

    any limitations on direct or beneficial ownership and restrictions on transfer, in each case as may be appropriate to assist us in qualifying as a REIT or otherwise;

 

    the priority of the preferred stock with all series of preferred stock ranking on a parity with each other unless otherwise specified in the charter and that the preferred stock will rank senior to common stock with respect to payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon liquidation; and

 

    any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions on the preferred stock.

The terms, if any, on which the preferred stock may be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock, preferred stock or other securities will be stated in the prospectus supplement relating to the preferred stock. The terms will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option, and may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of our common stock or other securities to be received by the holders of preferred stock would be subject to adjustment.

Power to Reclassify and Issue Stock

Our board of directors may, without approval of holders of our common stock, classify and reclassify any unissued shares of our stock into other classes or series of stock, including one or more classes or series of stock that have priority over our common stock with respect to dividends or upon liquidation, or have voting rights and other rights that differ from the rights of the common stock, and authorize us to issue the newly-classified shares.

 

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Before authorizing the issuance of shares of any new class or series, our board of directors must set, subject to the provisions in our charter relating to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series of stock. These actions may be taken without the approval of holders of our common stock unless such approval is required by applicable law, the terms of any other class or series of our stock or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which any of our stock is listed or traded.

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

In order for us to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of our stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) to include certain entities such as qualified pension plans) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made).

Our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our stock. Subject to the exceptions described below, no person or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% (in value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of our outstanding common stock or 9.8% in value of our outstanding stock. We refer to these restrictions, collectively, as the “ownership limit.”

The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of our outstanding common stock or 9.8% of our outstanding stock, or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns our stock, could, nevertheless, cause the acquiror or another individual or entity to own our stock in excess of the ownership limit.

Our board of directors may, upon receipt of certain representations and agreements and in its sole discretion, prospectively or retroactively, waive the ownership limit and may establish or increase a different limit on ownership, or excepted holder limit, for a particular stockholder if the stockholder’s ownership in excess of the ownership limit would not result in our being “closely held” under 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. As a condition of granting a waiver of the ownership limit or creating an excepted holder limit, our board of directors may, but is not required to, require an opinion of counsel or Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) ruling satisfactory to our board of directors as it may deem necessary or advisable to determine or ensure our status as a REIT and may impose such other conditions or restrictions as it deems appropriate.

In connection with granting a waiver of the ownership limit or creating or modifying an excepted holder limit, or at any other time, our board of directors may increase or decrease the ownership limit unless, after giving effect to any increased or decreased ownership limit, five or fewer persons could beneficially own, in the aggregate, more than 49.9% in value of the shares of our stock then outstanding, or we would otherwise fail to qualify as a REIT. A decreased ownership limit will not apply to any person or entity whose percentage of ownership of our stock is in excess of the decreased ownership limit until the person or entity’s ownership of our stock equals or falls below the decreased ownership limit, but any further acquisition of our stock will be subject to the decreased ownership limit.

Our charter also prohibits:

 

   

any person from beneficially or constructively owning shares of our stock that would result in our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership

 

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interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT; and

 

    any person from transferring shares of our stock if the transfer would result in shares of our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons; and

 

    any person from beneficially owning shares of our stock to the extent such ownership would result in our failing to qualify as a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” within the meaning of Section 897(h) of the Code.

Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of shares of our stock that will or may violate the ownership limit or any of the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, and any person who is the intended transferee of shares of our stock that are transferred to a trust for the benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries described below, must give immediate written notice to us of such an event or, in the case of a proposed or attempted transfer, give at least 15 days’ prior written notice to us and must provide us with such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect of the transfer on our status as a REIT. The provisions of our charter relating to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT, or that compliance is no longer required in order for us to qualify as a REIT.

Any attempted transfer of our stock that, if effective, would result in our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons will be null and void. Any attempted transfer of our stock that, if effective, would result in a violation of the ownership limit (or other limit established by our charter or our board of directors), our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or our otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT or as a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” within the meaning of Section 897(h) of the Code will cause the number of shares causing the violation (rounded up to the nearest whole share) to be transferred automatically to a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries, and the proposed transferee will not acquire any rights in the shares. The automatic transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day before the date of the attempted transfer or other event that resulted in a transfer to the trust. If the transfer to the trust as described above is not automatically effective, for any reason, to prevent a violation of the applicable restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, then the attempted transfer that, if effective, would have resulted in a violation of the ownership limit (or other limit established by our charter or our board of directors), our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or our otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT or as a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity,” will be null and void.

Shares of our stock held in the trust will be issued and outstanding shares. The proposed transferee will not benefit economically from ownership of any shares of our stock held in the trust and will have no rights to dividends and no rights to vote or other rights attributable to the shares of our stock held in the trust. The trustee of the trust will exercise all voting rights and receive all dividends and other distributions with respect to shares held in the trust for the exclusive benefit of the charitable beneficiary of the trust. Any dividend or other distribution paid before we discover that the shares have been transferred to a trust as described above must be repaid by the recipient to the trustee upon demand. Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the trust, the trustee will have the authority to rescind as void any vote cast by a proposed transferee before our discovery that the shares have been transferred to the trust and to recast the vote in the sole discretion of the trustee. However, if we have already taken irreversible corporate action, then the trustee may not rescind or recast the vote.

Within 20 days of receiving notice from us of a transfer of shares to the trust, the trustee must sell the shares to a person that would be permitted to own the shares without violating the ownership limit or the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock in our charter. After the sale of the shares, the interest of the

 

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charitable beneficiary in the shares transferred to the trust will terminate and the trustee must distribute to the proposed transferee an amount equal to the lesser of:

 

    the price paid by the proposed transferee for the shares or, if the event that resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares at market price, which will generally be the last sales price reported on the NYSE, the market price on the last trading day before the day of the event that resulted in the transfer of such shares to the trust; and

 

    the sales proceeds (net of commissions and other expenses of sale) received by the trust for the shares.

The trustee must distribute any remaining funds held by the trust with respect to the shares to the charitable beneficiary. If the shares are sold by the proposed transferee before we discover that they have been transferred to the trust, the shares will be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the trust and the proposed transferee must pay to the trustee, upon demand, the amount, if any, that the proposed transferee received in excess of the amount that the proposed transferee would have received had the shares been sold by the trustee.

Shares of our stock held in the trust will be deemed to be offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of:

 

    the price per share in the transaction that resulted in the transfer to the trust or, if the event that resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares at market price, the market price on the last trading day before the day of the event that resulted in the transfer of such shares to the trust; and

 

    the market price on the date we accept, or our designee accepts, such offer.

We may accept the offer until the trustee has otherwise sold the shares of our stock held in the trust. Upon a sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold will terminate and the trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the proposed transferee and distribute any dividends or other distributions held by the trustee with respect to the shares to the charitable beneficiary.

Every owner of 5% or more (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder) of our stock, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, must give us written notice stating the person’s name and address, the number of shares of each class and series of our stock that the person beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which the shares are held. Each such owner also must provide us with any additional information that we request in order to determine the effect, if any, of the person’s beneficial ownership on our status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limit. In addition, any person or entity that is a beneficial owner or constructive owner of shares of our stock and any person or entity (including the stockholder of record) who is holding shares of our stock for a beneficial owner or constructive owner must, on request, disclose to us in writing such information as we may request in order to determine our status as a REIT or to comply, or determine our compliance, with the requirements of any governmental or taxing authority.

If our board of directors authorizes any of our shares to be represented by certificates, the certificates will bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.

These restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of us that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

Listing

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BRX.”

 

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MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS

The following summary of certain provisions of Maryland law and of our charter and bylaws is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our charter and bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and by the MGCL. See “Where You Can Find More Information.” Under “Material Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “our company” refer to Brixmor Property Group Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries.

Election and Removal of Directors

Our charter and bylaws provide that the number of our directors may be established only by our board of directors but may not be more than 15 or fewer than the minimum number permitted by Maryland law, which is one. There will be no cumulative voting in the election of directors, and a director will be elected by a majority of votes cast in uncontested elections, and in the event that an incumbent director fails to receive a majority of votes cast in an uncontested election, such incumbent director is required to submit his or her resignation to our board of directors, which will decide what action to take on the resignation, and the decision will be publicly disclosed. A director will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast in contested elections.

Our charter provides that any vacancy on our board of directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum of the board of directors. Our charter provides that a director may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors.

Amendment to Charter and Bylaws

Except as described below and as provided in the MGCL, amendments to our charter must be advised by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of our stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Our bylaws may be amended, altered or repealed, or new bylaws may be adopted, by our board of directors or by the affirmative vote of holders of our shares representing not less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast on the matter at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present. In addition, any amendment to the provision of our bylaws prohibiting our board of directors from revoking, altering or amending its resolution exempting any business combination from the “business combination” provisions of the MGCL without the approval of our stockholders and the provision exempting any acquisition of our stock from the “control share” provisions of the MGCL must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by our stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

Business Combinations

Under the MGCL, certain “business combinations” between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, and, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:

 

    any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock; or

 

    an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period before the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation’s then outstanding voting stock.

 

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A person is not an interested stockholder under the MGCL if the corporation’s board of directors approves in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. In approving the transaction, the board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board.

After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and the interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the corporation’s board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:

 

    80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation; and

 

    two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder.

These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation’s common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under the MGCL, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.

The MGCL permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Pursuant to the statute, our board of directors has adopted a resolution exempting any transactions between us and any other person. Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the super-majority vote requirements will not apply to business combinations involving us. Our bylaws provide that this resolution or any other resolution of our board of directors exempting any business combination from the business combination provisions of the MGCL may only be revoked, altered or amended, and our board of directors may only adopt any resolution inconsistent with this resolution, with the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by our stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. In the event that our board of directors amends or revokes this resolution, business combinations between us and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder that are not exempted by our board of directors would be subject to the five-year prohibition and the super-majority vote requirements.

Control Share Acquisitions

The MGCL provides that a holder of control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition has no voting rights with respect to the control shares except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by employees who are directors of the corporation are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:

 

    one-tenth or more but less than one-third;

 

    one-third or more but less than a majority; or

 

    a majority or more of all voting power.

Control shares do not include shares the acquiror is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval or shares acquired directly from the corporation. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the

 

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voting rights of the shares. The right to compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.

If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiror does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the corporation may, subject to certain limitations and conditions, redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of a majority of the voting power, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.

The control share acquisition statute does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (b) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.

Our bylaws contain a provision exempting any acquisition of our stock by any person from the foregoing provisions on control shares, and this provision of our bylaws cannot be amended without the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by our stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. In the event that our bylaws are amended to modify or eliminate this provision, acquisitions of our common stock may constitute a control share acquisition.

Subtitle 8

Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors to elect, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to be subject to any or all of five provisions, including:

 

    a classified board;

 

    a two-thirds vote of outstanding shares to remove a director;

 

    a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the board of directors;

 

    a requirement that a vacancy on the board of directors be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors and for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies; and

 

    a provision that a special meeting of stockholders must be called upon stockholder request only on the written request of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting.

We have elected in our charter to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 that provides that vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by the remaining directors. We have not elected to be subject to any of the other provisions of Subtitle 8, including the provisions that would permit us to classify our board of directors or increase the vote required to remove a director without stockholder approval. Moreover, our charter provides that, without the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by our stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, we may not elect to be subject to any of these additional provisions of Subtitle 8. We do not currently have a classified board and a director may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors.

Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we (1) vest in our board of directors the exclusive power to fix the number of directors and (2) require the request of stockholders entitled to cast a

 

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majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting to call a special meeting (unless the special meeting is called either by our board of directors, the chairman of our board of directors or our president, chief executive officer or secretary as described below under the caption “—Special Meetings of Stockholders”).

Special Meetings of Stockholders

Our board of directors, the chairman of our board of directors or our president, chief executive officer or secretary may call a special meeting of our stockholders. Our bylaws provide that a special meeting of our stockholders to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of our stockholders must also be called by our secretary upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at the meeting and containing the information required by our bylaws.

Stockholder Action by Written Consent

The MGCL generally provides that, unless the charter of the corporation authorizes stockholder action by less than unanimous consent, stockholder action may be taken by consent in lieu of a meeting only if it is given by all stockholders entitled to vote on the matter. Our charter permits stockholder action by consent in lieu of a meeting to the extent permitted by our bylaws. Our bylaws provide that, so long as our pre-IPO owners (as defined in the stockholders’ agreement) and their affiliates together continue to beneficially own at least 40% of the total Outstanding Brixmor Interests, stockholder action may be taken without a meeting if a consent, setting forth the action so taken, is given by the stockholders entitled to cast not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of our stock entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.

Competing Interests and Activities of Our Non-Employee Directors

Our charter, to the maximum extent permitted from time to time by Maryland law, renounces any interest or expectancy that we have in, or any right to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunities that are from time to time presented to or developed by our directors or their affiliates, other than to those directors who are employed by us or our subsidiaries, unless the business opportunity is expressly offered or made known to such person in his or her capacity as a director.

Our charter provides that, to the maximum extent permitted from time to time by Maryland law, any director who is not employed by us or any of his or her affiliates, will not have any duty to refrain from (1) engaging in similar lines of business in which we or our affiliates now engage or propose to engage or (2) otherwise competing with us or our affiliates and each of our non- employee directors, and any of their respective affiliates, may (a) acquire, hold and dispose of shares of our stock, shares of common stock of BPG Subsidiary, our majority-owned subsidiary or OP Units for his, her or its own account or for the account of others, and exercise all of the rights of a stockholder of us or BPG Subsidiary, or a limited partner of our Operating Partnership, to the same extent and in the same manner as if he, she or it were not our director or stockholder, and (b) in his, her or its personal capacity, or in his or her capacity as a director, officer, trustee, stockholder, partner, member, equity owner, manager, advisor or employee of any other person, have business interests and engage, directly or indirectly, in business activities that are similar to ours or compete with us, that we could seize and develop or that include the acquisition, syndication, holding, management, development, operation or disposition of interests in mortgages, real property or persons engaged in the real estate business. In addition, our charter provides that, to the maximum extent permitted from time to time by Maryland law, in the event that any non-employee director or any of his or her affiliates acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity, no such person will have any duty to communicate or offer such transaction or business opportunity to us or any of our affiliates and such person may take any such opportunity for himself, herself or itself or offer it to another person or entity unless the business opportunity is expressly offered to such person in his or her capacity as our director. Furthermore, our charter contains a provision intended to eliminate the liability of any director who is not employed by us or any of his or her affiliates to us or our stockholders for

 

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money damages in connection with any benefit received, directly or indirectly, from any transaction or business opportunity that we have renounced in our charter or otherwise and permit our directors and officers to be indemnified and advanced expenses, notwithstanding his or her receipt, directly or indirectly, of a personal benefit from any such transaction or opportunity.

Advance Notice of Director Nomination and New Business

Our bylaws provide that nominations of individuals for election as directors and proposals of business to be considered by stockholders at any annual meeting may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of our board of directors or any duly authorized committee of our board of directors or (3) by any stockholder who was a stockholder of record at the time of provision of notice and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of the individuals so nominated or on such other proposed business and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of our bylaws. Stockholders generally must provide notice to our secretary not earlier than the 150th day or later than the close of business on the 120th day before the first anniversary of the date our proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting is first sent or given to our stockholders.

Only the business specified in the notice of the meeting may be brought before a special meeting of our stockholders. Nominations of individuals for election as directors at a special meeting of stockholders may be made only (1) by or at the direction of our board of directors or any duly authorized committee of our board of directors or (2) if the special meeting has been called in accordance with our bylaws for the purpose of electing directors, by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record both at the time of provision of notice and at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of our bylaws. Stockholders generally must provide notice to our secretary not earlier than the 120th day before such special meeting and or later than the later of the close of business on the 90th day before the special meeting or the tenth day after the first public announcement of the date of the special meeting and the nominees of our board of directors to be elected at the meeting.

A stockholder’s notice must contain certain information specified by our bylaws about the stockholder, its affiliates and any proposed business or nominee for election as a director, including information about the economic interest of the stockholder, its affiliates and any proposed nominee in us.

Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and our Charter and Bylaws

The restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock discussed under the caption “Description of Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” prevent any person from acquiring more than 9.8% (in value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of our outstanding common stock or 9.8% in value of our outstanding stock without the approval of our board of directors. These provisions may delay, defer or prevent a change in control of us. Further, our board of directors has the power to increase the aggregate number of authorized shares and classify and reclassify any unissued shares of our stock into other classes or series of stock, and to authorize us to issue the newly-classified shares, as discussed under the captions “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock” and “Description of Capital Stock—Power to Reclassify and Issue Stock,” and could authorize the issuance of shares of common stock or another class or series of stock, including a class or series of preferred stock, that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us. We believe that the power to increase the aggregate number of authorized shares and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of common or preferred stock, without approval of holders of our common stock, provides us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise.

Our charter and bylaws also provide that the number of directors may be established only by our board of directors, which prevents our stockholders from increasing the number of our directors and filling any vacancies created by such increase with their own nominees. The provisions of our bylaws discussed above under the

 

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captions “—Special Meetings of Stockholders” and “—Advance Notice of Director Nomination and New Business” require stockholders seeking to call a special meeting, nominate an individual for election as a director or propose other business at an annual meeting to comply with certain notice and information requirements. We believe that these provisions will help to assure the continuity and stability of our business strategies and policies as determined by our board of directors and promote good corporate governance by providing us with clear procedures for calling special meetings, information about a stockholder proponent’s interest in us and adequate time to consider stockholder nominees and other business proposals. However, these provisions, alone or in combination, could make it more difficult for our stockholders to remove incumbent directors or fill vacancies on our board of directors with their own nominees and could delay, defer or prevent a change in control, including a proxy contest or tender offer that might involve a premium price for our common stockholders or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.

Exclusive Forum

Our bylaws 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 (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or to our stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors, officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or our charter or bylaws or (d) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors, officers or other employees that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our stock will be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of our charter and bylaws, including the exclusive forum provisions in our bylaws.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Maryland law permits us to include a provision in our charter eliminating the liability of our directors and officers to us and our stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty that is established by a final judgment and is material to the cause of action. Our charter contains a provision that eliminates our directors’ and officers’ liability to us and our stockholders for money damages to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

The MGCL requires us (unless our charter were to provide otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or certain other capacities unless it is established that:

 

    the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (a) was committed in bad faith or (b) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;

 

    the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or

 

    in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.

The MGCL prohibits us from indemnifying a director or officer who has been adjudged liable in a suit by us or on our behalf or in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and

 

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reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received; however, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or on our behalf, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.

In addition, the MGCL permits us to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon our receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification and (b) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.

To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, our charter authorizes us to indemnify any person who serves or has served, and our bylaws obligate us to indemnify any individual who is made or threatened to be made a party to or witness in a proceeding by reason of his or her service:

 

    as our director or officer; or

 

    while a director or officer and at our request, as a director, officer, partner, manager, member or trustee of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, from and against any claim or liability to which he or she may become subject or that he or she may incur by reason of his or her service in any of these capacities, and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any individual who served any of our predecessors in any of the capacities described above and any employee or agent of us or any of our predecessors.

Indemnification Agreements

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors or executive officers, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

The following description of shares represented by depositary shares sets forth certain general terms and provisions of depositary agreements, depositary shares and depositary receipts. This summary does not contain all of the information that you may find useful. The particular terms of the depositary shares and related agreements and receipts will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those depositary shares. For more information, you should review the relevant form of deposit agreement and relevant form of depositary receipts, which are or will be filed with the SEC.

General

We may elect to have shares represented by depositary shares. The shares underlying the depositary shares will be deposited under a separate deposit agreement between us and a bank or trust company we select. The prospectus supplement relating to a class or series of depositary shares will set forth the name and address of this share depositary. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, proportionately, to all the rights, preferences and privileges of the share represented by such depositary share (including dividend, voting, redemption, conversion, exchange and liquidation rights).

The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement, each of which will represent the applicable interest in a number of shares, or fraction thereof, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

A holder of depositary shares will be entitled to receive the shares (but only in whole shares) underlying those depositary shares. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the whole number of shares to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to that holder at the same time a new depositary receipt for the excess number of depositary shares.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the depositary agreement, the depositary shares and the depositary receipts will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The share depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions in respect of the shares to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion, insofar as possible, to the number of depositary shares owned by those holders.

If there is a distribution other than in cash in respect of the shares, the share depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion, insofar as possible, to the number of depositary shares owned by those holders, unless the share depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such a distribution. In that case, the share depositary may, with our approval, adopt any method that it deems equitable and practicable to effect the distribution, including a public or private sale of the property and distribution of the net proceeds from the sale to the holders.

The amount distributed in any of the above cases will be reduced by any amount we or the share depositary are required to withhold on account of taxes.

Conversion and Exchange

If any share underlying the depositary shares is subject to provisions relating to its conversion or exchange as set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement, each record holder of depositary shares will have the right or obligation to convert or exchange those depositary shares pursuant to those provisions.

 

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Redemption of Depositary Shares

Whenever we redeem a share held by the share depositary, the share depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date a proportionate number of depositary shares representing the shares that were redeemed. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the aggregate redemption price payable with respect to the number of shares underlying the depositary shares. If fewer than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or proportionately as we may determine.

After the date fixed for redemption, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of the depositary shares will cease, except the right to receive the redemption price.

Voting

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of any shares underlying the depositary shares are entitled to vote, the share depositary will mail the information contained in the notice to the record holders of the depositary receipts. Each record holder of the depositary receipts on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the shares) may then instruct the share depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of shares underlying that holder’s depositary shares. The share depositary will try to vote the number of shares underlying the depositary shares in accordance with the instructions, and we will agree to take all reasonable action which the share depositary deems necessary to enable the share depositary to do so. The share depositary will abstain from voting the shares to the extent that it does not receive specific written instructions from holders of depositary receipts representing the share.

Record Date

Whenever any cash dividend or other cash distribution becomes payable, any distribution other than cash is made, or any rights, preferences or privileges are offered with respect to the shares; or the share depositary receives notice of any meeting at which holders of shares are entitled to vote or of which holders of such shares are entitled to notice, or of the mandatory conversion of or any election by us to call for the redemption of any such share, the share depositary will in each instance fix a record date (which will be the same as the record date for the shares) for the determination of the holders of depositary receipts:

 

    who will be entitled to receive dividend, distribution, rights, preferences or privileges or the net proceeds of any sale; or

 

    who will be entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting or to receive notice of the meeting or the redemption or conversion, subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

We and the share depositary may at any time agree to amend the form of depositary receipt and any provision of the deposit agreement. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of holders of depositary shares will not be effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. The deposit agreement may be terminated by us or by the share depositary only if all outstanding shares have been redeemed or if a final distribution in respect of the underlying shares has been made to the holders of the depositary shares in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us.

Charges of Share Depositary

We will pay all charges of the share depositary including charges in connection with the initial deposit of the shares, the initial issuance of the depositary receipts, the distribution of information to the holders of

 

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depositary receipts with respect to matters on which the share is entitled to vote, withdrawals of the share by the holders of depositary receipts or redemption or conversion of the share, except for taxes (including transfer taxes, if any) and other governmental charges and any other charges expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be at the expense of holders of depositary receipts or persons depositing shares.

Miscellaneous

Neither we nor the share depositary will be liable if either of us is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond our control in performing any obligations under the deposit agreement. The obligations of the share depositary under the deposit agreement are limited to performing its duties under the agreement without negligence or bad faith. Our obligations under the deposit agreement are limited to performing our duties in good faith. Neither we nor the share depositary is obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or shares unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the share depositary may rely on advice of or information from counsel, accountants or other persons that they believe to be competent and on documents that they believe to be genuine. The share depositary may resign at any time or be removed by us, effective upon the acceptance by its successor of its appointment. If we have not appointed a successor share depositary and the successor depositary has not accepted its appointment within 60 days after the share depositary delivered a resignation notice to us, the share depositary may terminate the deposit agreement. See “—Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement” above.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the purchase contracts that we may offer from time to time. This summary does not contain all of the information that you may find useful. The particular terms of any purchase contract that we may offer and the related agreements will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those purchase contracts. For more information, you should review the relevant form of purchase contract and the relevant form of pledge agreement for purchase contracts, if any, which are or will be filed with the SEC.

If we offer any purchase contracts, certain terms of that series of purchase contracts will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, the following:

 

    the price of the securities or other property subject to the purchase contracts (which may be determined by reference to a specific formula described in the purchase contracts);

 

    whether the purchase contracts are issued separately, or as a part of units each consisting of a purchase contract and one or more of our other securities or securities of an unaffiliated entity, including U.S. Treasury securities, securing the holder’s obligations under the purchase contract;

 

    any requirement for us to make periodic payments to holders or vice versa, and whether the payments are unsecured or pre-funded;

 

    any provisions relating to any security provided for the purchase contracts;

 

    whether the purchase contracts obligate the holder or us to purchase or sell, or both purchase and sell, the securities subject to purchase under the purchase contract, and the nature and amount of each of those securities, or the method of determining those amounts;

 

    whether the purchase contracts are to be prepaid or not;

 

    whether the purchase contracts are to be settled by delivery, or by reference or linkage to the value, performance or level of the securities subject to purchase under the purchase contract;

 

    any acceleration, cancellation, termination or other provisions relating to the settlement of the purchase contracts;

 

    a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the purchase contracts;

 

    whether the purchase contracts will be issued in fully registered or global form; and

 

    any other terms of the purchase contracts and any securities subject to such purchase contracts.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the units that we may offer from time to time. This summary does not contain all of the information that you may find useful. The particular terms of any of the units that we may offer and the related agreements will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those units. For more information, you should review the relevant form of unit agreement and the relevant form of unit certificate, if any, which are or will be filed with the SEC.

If we offer any units, certain terms of that series of units will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, the following, as applicable:

 

    the title of the series of units;

 

    identification and description of the separate constituent securities comprising the units;

 

    the price or prices at which the units will be issued;

 

    the date, if any, on and after which the constituent securities comprising the units will be separately transferable;

 

    a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and

 

    any other terms of the units and their constituent securities.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer from time to time. This summary does not contain all of the information that you may find useful. The particular terms of any of the warrants that we may offer and the related agreements will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those warrants. For more information, you should review the relevant form of warrant agreement and the relevant form of warrant certificate, if any, which are or will be filed with the SEC.

General

We may issue warrants to purchase our securities or rights (including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of specified commodities, currencies or indices) or securities of other issuers or any combination of the foregoing. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any securities and may be attached to or separate from such securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent we select.

You should review the applicable prospectus supplement for the specific terms of any warrants that may be offered, including:

 

    the title of the warrants;

 

    the aggregate number of the warrants;

 

    the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;

 

    the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which the price of the warrants may be payable;

 

    our securities or rights (including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies or indices) or securities of other issuers or any combination of the foregoing purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;

 

    the price at which and the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased;

 

    the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and the date on which that right will expire;

 

    if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

 

    if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security;

 

    if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;

 

    information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

 

    if applicable, a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations; and

 

    any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The debt securities will be issued in one or more series under an indenture between the Operating Partnership and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, dated as of January 21, 2015. References herein to the “Indenture” refer to such indenture and references to the “Trustee” refer to such trustee or any other trustee for any particular series of debt securities issued under the Indenture. The terms of the debt securities of any series will be those specified in or pursuant to the Indenture and in the applicable debt securities of that series and those made part of the Indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”).

The following description of selected provisions of the Indenture and the debt securities that may be issued thereunder is not complete, and the description of selected terms of the debt securities of a particular series included in the applicable prospectus supplement also will not be complete. You should review the form of the Indenture, any supplemental indentures and the form of the applicable debt securities, which forms have been or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or as exhibits to documents which have been or will be incorporated by reference in this prospectus. To obtain a copy of the form of the Indenture or the form of the applicable debt securities, see “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus. The following description of debt securities and the description of the debt securities of the particular series in the applicable prospectus supplement are qualified in their entirety by reference to all of the provisions of the Indenture, any supplemental indentures and the applicable debt securities, which provisions, including defined terms, are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this section shall have the meanings assigned to those terms in the Indenture.

The following description of debt securities describes general terms and provisions of the series of debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. When the debt securities of a particular series are offered for sale, the specific terms of such debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If any particular terms of such debt securities described in a prospectus supplement are inconsistent with any of the terms of the debt securities generally described in this prospectus, then the terms described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supersede the terms described in this prospectus.

General

The Operating Partnership may issue an unlimited principal amount of debt securities under the Indenture. The Indenture provides that debt securities of any series may be issued up to the aggregate principal amount which may be authorized from time to time by the Operating Partnership. Please read the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities of the particular series being offered thereby for the specific terms of such debt securities, including, where applicable:

 

    the title of the series of debt securities;

 

    the aggregate principal amount of debt securities of the series and any limit thereon;

 

    whether such debt securities are to be issuable in global form or as registered securities;

 

    the date or dates on which the Operating Partnership will pay the principal of and premium, if any, on debt securities of the series, or the method used to determine such date or dates;

 

    the rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, at which debt securities of the series will bear interest, if any, or the method or methods, if any, used to determine such rate or rates;

 

    the basis used to calculate interest, if any, on the debt securities of the series if other than a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;

 

    the date or dates, if any, from which interest on the debt securities of the series will accrue, or the method or methods, if any, used to determine such date or dates;

 

    the date or dates, if any, on which the interest on the debt securities of the series will be payable and the record dates for any such payment of interest;

 

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    the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the Operating Partnership is required to, or may, at its option, redeem debt securities of the series;

 

    the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the Operating Partnership will be required to repurchase debt securities of the series at the option of the holders of debt securities of the series;

 

    the terms of any sinking fund or analogous provision;

 

    if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities of the series which will be payable upon acceleration if other than the full principal amount;

 

    the authorized denominations in which debt securities of the series will be issued, if other than minimum denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof;

 

    the place or places where (1) amounts due on the debt securities of the series will be payable, (2) the debt securities of the series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, (3) the debt securities of the series may be surrendered for conversion or exchange and (4) notices or demands to or upon the Operating Partnership in respect of the debt securities of the series or the Indenture may be served, if different than the corporate trust office of the Trustee;

 

    the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities will be convertible into and/or exchangeable for equity or other securities or property of the Operating Partnership or of any other person;

 

    if other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currencies in which purchases of, and payments on, the debt securities of the series must be made, the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in U.S. dollars for any purpose, and the ability, if any, of the Operating Partnership or the holders of debt securities of the series to elect for payments to be made in any other currency or currencies and the terms and conditions upon which such election may be made;

 

    whether the amount of payments on the debt securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index, formula, or other method or methods (any of those debt securities being referred to as “Indexed Securities”) and the manner used to determine those amounts;

 

    any addition to, modification of, or deletion of, any covenant or Event of Default with respect to debt securities of the series or any guarantee;

 

    the covenants subject to covenant defeasance;

 

    the terms and conditions, if any, upon which debt securities are to be issuable upon the exercise of warrants;

 

    the identity of the depositary for the global debt securities;

 

    the circumstances under which the Operating Partnership or any guarantor will pay Additional Amounts on the debt securities of the series in respect of any tax, assessment, or other governmental charge and whether the Operating Partnership will have the option to redeem such debt securities rather than pay the Additional Amounts;

 

    if there is more than one trustee, the identity of the trustee that has any obligations, duties and remedies with respect to the debt securities and, if not the trustee, the identity of each security registrar, paying agent or authenticating agent with respect to the debt securities;

 

    the terms of any guarantee of the debt securities and the identity of any guarantor or guarantors of the debt securities;

 

    if the principal amount payable at the stated maturity of the debt securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the stated maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such debt securities as of any date;

 

    whether the debt securities will not be issued in a transaction registered under the Securities Act and any restriction or condition on the transferability of the debt securities of such series;

 

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    the exchanges, if any, on which the debt securities of the series may be listed;

 

    the price or prices at which the debt securities of the series will be sold;

 

    if debt securities issuable in global form are to be issuable in definitive form, then the forms and terms related to such issuance;

 

    the person to whom any interest on any registered security shall be payable, if other than the person in whose name such security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such payment and the manner in which any interest payable on a temporary global security will be paid if other than in the manner provided in the Indenture;

 

    any additional covenants subject to waiver by the act of the holders of debt securities pursuant to the Indenture; and

 

    any other terms of debt securities of the series and any deletions from or modifications or additions to the Indenture in respect of such securities.

As used in this prospectus, references to the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities of a series include Additional Amounts, if any, payable on the debt securities of such series in that context.

The Operating Partnership may issue debt securities as original issue discount securities to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of any original issue discount security, the amount payable to the holder upon acceleration will be determined in the manner described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Important federal income tax and other considerations applicable to original issue discount securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The terms of the debt securities of any series may be inconsistent with the terms of the debt securities of any other series. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Operating Partnership may, without the consent of, or notice to, the holders of the debt securities of any series, reopen an existing series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series.

Other than to the extent provided with respect to the debt securities of a particular series and described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Indenture will not contain any provisions that would limit the ability of the Operating Partnership to incur indebtedness or to substantially reduce or eliminate the Operating Partnership’s consolidated assets, which may have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Operating Partnership to service the Operating Partnership’s indebtedness (including the debt securities) or that would afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of:

 

  (1) a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving the Operating Partnership’s management, or any affiliate of any of those parties,

 

  (2) a change of control, or

 

  (3) a reorganization, restructuring, merger, or similar transaction involving the Operating Partnership or its affiliates.

Registration, Transfer, Payment and Paying Agent

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each series of debt securities will be issued in registered form only, without coupons.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be payable and may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange at an office of the Operating Partnership or an agent of the Operating Partnership in the United States. However, the Operating Partnership, at its option, may make payments of interest on any interest payment date on any debt security by check mailed to the address of the

 

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person entitled to receive that payment or by wire transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a bank located in the United States; provided, that the paying agent shall have received appropriate wire transfer instructions at least five business days prior to the interest payment date.

Any interest not punctually paid or duly provided for on any interest payment date with respect to the debt securities of any series will forthwith cease to be payable to the holders of those debt securities on the applicable regular record date and may either be paid to the persons in whose names those debt securities are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of the interest not punctually paid or duly provided for to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to the holders of those debt securities not less than 10 days prior to the special record date, or may be paid at any time in any other lawful manner, all as completely described in the Indenture.

Subject to certain limitations imposed on debt securities issued in book-entry form, the debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor of different authorized denominations upon surrender of those debt securities at the designated place or places. In addition, subject to certain limitations imposed upon debt securities issued in book-entry form, the debt securities of any series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange thereof at the designated place or places if duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, redemption or repayment of debt securities, but the Operating Partnership may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with certain of those transactions.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Operating Partnership will not be required to:

 

    issue, register the transfer of or exchange debt securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of debt securities of that series of like tenor and terms to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of that selection;

 

    register the transfer of or exchange any debt security, or portion of any debt security, called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part; or

 

    issue, register the transfer of or exchange a debt security which has been surrendered for repurchase at the option of the holder, except the portion, if any, of the debt security not to be repurchased.

Outstanding Debt Securities

In determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, or waiver under the Indenture:

 

    the principal amount of an original issue discount security that shall be deemed to be outstanding for these purposes shall be that portion of the principal amount of the original issue discount security that would be due and payable upon acceleration of the original issue discount security as of the date of the determination,

 

    the principal amount of any Indexed Security that shall be deemed to be outstanding for these purposes shall be the principal amount of the Indexed Security determined on the date of its original issuance, unless otherwise provided in the Indenture,

 

    the principal amount of a debt security denominated in a foreign currency shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined on the date of its original issuance, of the principal amount of the debt security, and

 

    a debt security owned by the Operating Partnership or any obligor on the debt security or any affiliate of the Operating Partnership or such other obligor shall be deemed not to be outstanding.

 

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Redemption and Repurchase

The debt securities of any series may be redeemable at the Operating Partnership’s option or may be subject to mandatory redemption by the Operating Partnership as required by a sinking fund or otherwise. In addition, the debt securities of any series may be subject to repurchase by the Operating Partnership at the option of the holders. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms and conditions regarding any optional or mandatory redemption or option to repurchase the debt securities of the related series.

Covenants

Any material covenants applicable to the debt securities of the applicable series will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Events of Default

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of any series is defined in the Indenture as being:

 

  (1) default for thirty (30) days in the payment of any installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable with respect to such interest under the debt securities of that series;

 

  (2) default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on or, any Additional Amounts payable in respect of any principal of or premium, if any, on the debt securities of that series, when the same becomes due and payable or default is made in the deposit of any sinking fund payment with respect to the debt securities of that series when due and such default continues for three business days;

 

  (3) the Operating Partnership fails to comply with any of the Operating Partnership’s other agreements contained in the debt securities or the Indenture (other than an agreement a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere specifically dealt with in the Indenture or which has expressly been included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities other than that series) upon receipt by the Operating Partnership of notice of such default by the Trustee or receipt by the Operating Partnership and the Trustee of notice of such default by holders of not less than twenty five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding and the Operating Partnership fails to cure (or obtain a waiver of) such default within sixty (60) days after the Operating Partnership receives such notice;

 

  (4) failure to pay any recourse indebtedness for monies borrowed by the Operating Partnership, any guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary in an outstanding principal amount in excess of $50,000,000 at final maturity or upon acceleration after the expiration of any applicable grace period, which recourse indebtedness is not discharged, or such default in payment or acceleration is not cured or rescinded, within thirty (30) days after written notice of such failure to the Operating Partnership from the Trustee (or to the Operating Partnership and the Trustee from holders of at least twenty five percent (25%) in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series);

 

  (5) specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization with respect to the Operating Partnership, any guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary.

No Event of Default with respect to any particular series of debt securities necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The Trustee is required to give notice to holders of the debt securities of the applicable series within 90 days after the Trustee has actual knowledge (as such knowledge is described in the Indenture) of a default relating to such debt securities; provided, however, that in the case of an Event of Default as described in (3) above, the Trustee will not give notice to the holders until at least 60 days after the occurrence thereof.

 

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If an Event of Default specified in clause (5) above occurs, then the principal of, and premium, if any, on all the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series and unpaid interest, if any, accrued thereon shall automatically become immediately due and payable. If any other Event of Default with respect to the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding may declare the principal of, and premium, if any, on, or if debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities such lesser amount as may be specified in the terms of that series of debt securities, and unpaid interest, if any, accrued thereon to be due and payable immediately. However, upon specified conditions, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding may rescind and annul any such declaration of acceleration and its consequences if:

 

    the Operating Partnership has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum of money sufficient to pay all required payments as specified in the Indenture, including payments of the principal of, any premium and interest on, and any Additional Amounts with respect to the debt securities of such series, and specified compensation, expenses, disbursement and advances of the Trustee; and

 

    all Events of Default with respect to the debt securities of such series, other than the non-payment of principal of, any premium and interest on, and any Additional Amounts with respect to the debt securities of such series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture.

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may waive any past default with respect to the debt securities of such series and its consequences, except:

 

    a continuing default in the payment of the principal of, any premium or interest on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to, any debt security of such series, or

 

    in the case of any debt securities which are convertible into or exchangeable for common equity or other securities or property, a continuing default in any such conversion or exchange, or

 

    a continuing default in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the Indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of such series affected.

The Indenture provides that no holders of debt securities of any series may institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or Trustee, or for any remedy thereunder, except in the case of failure of the Trustee, for 60 days, to act after it has received written notice of an Event of Default with respect to such series from a holder of a debt security of such series, a written request to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default from the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, as well as an offer of indemnity or security satisfactory to it, and no inconsistent direction has been given to the Trustee during such 60 day period by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Indenture, each holder of a debt security will have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, and any Additional Amounts on that debt security on the respective due dates for those payments, and in the case of any debt security which is convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or property, to convert or exchange as the case may be, such debt security in accordance with its terms, and to institute suit for the enforcement of those payments and any such right to convert or exchange, and this right shall not be impaired without the consent of such holder.

Subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act requiring the Trustee, during the continuance of an Event of Default under the Indenture, to act with the requisite standard of care, the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of debt securities of any series unless those holders have offered the Trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to it. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the

 

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right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, provided that the direction would not conflict with any rule or law or with the Indenture or with any series of debt securities or involve the Trustee in personal liability, such direction would not be unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder of debt securities of that series (or the debt securities of any other series) not joining in such action, and the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

Within 120 calendar days after the close of each fiscal year, the Operating Partnership must deliver to the Trustee an officers’ certificate stating whether or not each certifying officer has knowledge of any default under the Indenture and, if so, specifying each such default and the nature and status thereof.

Modification, Waivers and Meetings

The Indenture permits the Operating Partnership and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series issued under the Indenture and affected by a modification or amendment (voting as separate classes), to modify or amend any of the provisions of the Indenture or of the debt securities of the applicable series or the rights of the holders of the debt securities of the applicable series under the Indenture. However, no modification or amendment shall, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby:

 

    change the stated maturity of the principal of, or premium, if any, or any installment of interest, if any, on, or any Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to, any debt securities;

 

    reduce the principal of or any premium on any debt securities or reduce the rate (or modify the calculation of such rate) of interest on or the redemption or repurchase price of any debt securities, or any Additional Amounts payable with respect to any debt securities or related guarantee or change the Operating Partnership’s or any guarantor’s obligation to pay Additional Amounts;

 

    reduce the amount of principal of any original issue discount securities that would be due and payable upon acceleration of the maturity of any debt security;

 

    adversely affect any right of repayment or repurchase at the option of any holder;

 

    change any place where, or the currency in which, the principal of, any premium or interest on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to any debt securities or guarantees are payable;

 

    impair the holder’s right to institute suit to enforce the payment of any debt securities or guarantee on or after their stated maturity (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date, or on or after the date for a repayment or repurchase);

 

    reduce the percentage of the outstanding debt securities of any series whose holders must consent to any modification or amendment or any waiver of compliance with specific provisions of the Indenture or specified defaults under the Indenture and their consequences;

 

    reduce the requirements for a quorum or voting at a meeting of holders of the applicable debt securities;

 

    modify the sections of the Indenture setting forth the provisions of the Indenture that may not be amended without the consent of holders, or providing for the waiver of past defaults and the waiver of certain covenants, except to increase any such percentage or provide that certain other provisions of the Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of holder of each outstanding debt security of such series;

 

    release a guarantor from any of the obligations under a guarantee except as permitted under the Indenture; or

 

    make any change that adversely affects the right, if any, to convert or exchange any debt security for common equity or other securities or property.

 

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The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Operating Partnership and any guarantor, as applicable, and the Trustee, without the consent of the holders of any debt securities, to modify or amend the Indenture, among other things:

 

    to evidence a successor to the Operating Partnership or any guarantor, if applicable, as under the Indenture, or successive successions, and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Operating Partnership or any guarantor;

 

    to add to the covenants of the Operating Partnership or any guarantor for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Operating Partnership or any guarantor in the Indenture;

 

    to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal of or any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any debt securities or any guarantee, provided any such action does not adversely affect the interest of the holders of debt securities of any series;

 

    to add to the Events of Default in a manner that benefits the holders of all or any series of debt securities issued under the Indenture;

 

    to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series, and the form of the guarantee of debt securities of any series (provided that any such deletions, additions and changes shall not be applicable to any other series of debt securities then outstanding);

 

    to make any change necessary to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

 

    to provide for any guarantee of the holders of debt securities of a series, to secure the debt securities or to confirm and evidence the release, termination or discharge of any guarantee of or lien securing the debt securities which such release, termination or discharge is permitted by the Indenture;

 

    to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee or facilitate the administration of the trusts under the Indenture by more than one trustee;

 

    to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the Indenture;

 

    to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of debt securities or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any holder in any material respect;

 

    to supplement any of the provisions of the Indenture to the extent necessary to permit or facilitate defeasance and discharge of any series of debt securities; provided, that the action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of debt securities;

 

    to provide for the issuance of additional debt securities, subject to the limitations established in the Indenture;

 

    to comply with the rules of any applicable depositary or the rules or regulations of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which any of the debt securities may be listed or traded;

 

    to add to or change any provisions of the Indenture to such extent as is necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in uncertificated form;

 

    to amend or supplement any provision contained in the Indenture, in any supplemental indenture or in any debt securities, provided that the amendment or supplement (i) does not (a) apply to any outstanding debt securities issued before the date of the amendment or supplement and entitled to the benefits of that provision, or (b) modify the rights of holders of any such debt securities with respect to such provision, or (ii) becomes effective only when no security described in clause (i)(a) is outstanding;

 

    in the case of any debt security which is convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common equity or other securities or property, impair the right to institute suit to enforce the right to convert or exchange such debt security in accordance with its terms; or

 

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    to conform the terms of the Indenture or the debt securities of a series, as applicable, to the description thereof contained in any prospectus, prospectus supplement or other offering document relating to the offer and sale of such debt securities.

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive the Operating Partnership’s compliance with some of the restrictive provisions of the Indenture, which may include covenants, if any, which are specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of all holders of debt securities of that series, waive any past default under the Indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series and its consequences, except a default which is continuing (i) in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on, and any Additional Amounts with respect to, the debt securities of that series, (ii) with respect to the conversion or exchange of a series of debt securities convertible or exchangeable into common equity of the Operating Partnership, or (iii) in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the affected series.

The Indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the holders of a series of debt securities. A meeting may be called at any time by the Trustee, and also, upon the Operating Partnership’s or any guarantor’s request, or the request of holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series. Notice of a meeting must be given in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture. Except for any consent which must be given by the holder of each outstanding debt security affected in the manner described above, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum, as described below, is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series. However, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver, or other action which may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, other than a majority, in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of the holders of that specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of holders of debt securities of any series duly held in accordance with the Indenture will be binding on all holders of debt securities of that series. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at any reconvened meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series, subject to exceptions; provided, however, that if any action is to be taken at that meeting with respect to a consent or waiver which may be given by the holders of a supermajority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, the persons holding or representing that specified supermajority percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series will constitute a quorum.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Satisfaction and Discharge

Upon the Operating Partnership’s direction, the Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to the debt securities of any series specified by the Operating Partnership, subject to the survival of specified provisions of the Indenture, including (unless the accompanying prospectus supplement provides otherwise) the Operating Partnership’s obligation to repurchase such debt securities at the option of the holders thereof, if applicable, and the Operating Partnership’s, or any guarantor’s, if applicable, obligation to pay Additional Amounts in respect of such debt securities to the extent described below, when:

 

    either

 

  (A) all outstanding debt securities of that series have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, subject to exceptions, or

 

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  (B) all debt securities of that series have become due and payable or will become due and payable at their maturity within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, and the Operating Partnership has deposited with the Trustee, in trust, funds in the currency in which the debt securities of that series are payable in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the debt securities of that series, including the principal thereof and, premium, if any, and interest, if any, thereon, and, to the extent that (x) the debt securities of that series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts and (y) the amount of any Additional Amounts which are or will be payable is at the time of deposit reasonably determinable by the Operating Partnership, in the exercise of its sole discretion, those Additional Amounts, to the date of such deposit, if the debt securities of that series have become due and payable, or to the maturity or redemption date of the debt securities of that series, as the case may be;

and, in either case

 

    the Operating Partnership has paid all other sums payable under the Indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series (including amounts payable to the Trustee); and

 

    the Trustee has received an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel to the effect that all conditions precedent to the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture in respect of the debt securities of such series have been satisfied.

If the debt securities of any series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, the Operating Partnership or any guarantor, as applicable, will remain obligated, following the deposit described above, to pay Additional Amounts on those debt securities to the extent that they exceed the amount deposited in respect of those Additional Amounts as described above.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Operating Partnership may elect with respect to the debt securities of the particular series either:

 

    to defease and discharge itself and any guarantor from any and all obligations with respect to those debt securities (“legal defeasance”), except for, among other things:

 

  (A) the obligation to pay Additional Amounts, if any, upon the occurrence of specified events of taxation, assessment, or governmental charge with respect to payments on those debt securities to the extent that those Additional Amounts exceed the amount deposited in respect of those amounts as provided below;

 

  (B) the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of those debt securities;

 

  (C) the obligation to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost, or stolen debt securities;

 

  (D) the obligation to maintain an office or agent of the Operating Partnership in the United States, in respect of those debt securities;

 

  (E) the rights of holders of such outstanding debt securities to receive payments from moneys held in trust when such payments are due;

 

  (F) the obligation, if applicable, to repurchase those debt securities at the option of the holders thereof; and

 

  (G) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustee; or

 

    to be released from its obligations and the obligations of any guarantor with respect to those debt securities under (A) certain covenants in the Indenture related to the preservation of the rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Operating Partnership and (B) if applicable, other covenants as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, and any omission to comply with those obligations shall not constitute a default or an Event of Default with respect to those debt securities (“covenant defeasance”),

 

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in either case upon the irrevocable deposit with the Trustee, in trust for that purpose, of an amount in the currency in which those debt securities are payable at maturity or, if applicable, upon redemption, and/or government obligations (as defined in the Indenture) which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money, in an amount sufficient, in the written opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of and any premium and any interest on, and, to the extent that (x) those debt securities provide for the payment of Additional Amounts and (y) the amount of the Additional Amounts which are or will be payable is at the time of deposit reasonably determinable by the Operating Partnership, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, the Additional Amounts with respect to, those debt securities, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments on those debt securities, on the due dates for those payments. If the cash and government obligations deposited are sufficient to pay the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series on a particular redemption date, the Operating Partnership shall have given the Trustee irrevocable instructions to redeem those debt securities on that date.

The legal defeasance or covenant defeasance described above shall only be effective if, among other things:

 

    it shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, the Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Operating Partnership is a party or is bound;

 

    in the case of legal defeasance, the Operating Partnership shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of independent counsel acceptable to the Trustee confirming that:

 

  (A) the Operating Partnership has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling; or

 

  (B) since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in applicable federal income tax law,

in either case to the effect that, and based on this ruling or change the opinion of counsel shall confirm that, the holders of the debt securities of the applicable series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the legal defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the legal defeasance had not occurred;

 

    in the case of covenant defeasance, the Operating Partnership shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of independent counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee to the effect that the holders of the debt securities of the applicable series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the covenant defeasance had not occurred;

 

    no Event of Default or default which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to debt securities of the applicable series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of the deposit into trust;

 

    solely in the case of legal defeasance, no Event of Default arising from specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization with respect to the Operating Partnership or any guarantor or default which with notice or lapse of time or both would become such an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of the deposit into trust; and

 

    the Operating Partnership shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers’ certificate and legal opinion to the effect that all conditions precedent to the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, have been satisfied.

In the event the Operating Partnership effects covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series and those debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any Event of Default other than an Event of Default with respect to the covenants as to which covenant defeasance has been effected, which covenants would no longer be applicable to the debt securities of that series after covenant defeasance, the

 

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amount of monies and/or government obligations deposited with the Trustee to effect covenant defeasance may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of any acceleration resulting from that Event of Default. However, the Operating Partnership would remain liable to make payment of those amounts due at the time of acceleration.

The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting or restricting legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to the debt securities of a particular series.

Concerning the Trustee

The Indenture provides that there may be more than one Trustee under the Indenture, each with respect to one or more series of debt securities. If there are different Trustees for different series of debt securities, each Trustee will be a Trustee of a trust or trusts separate and apart from the trust or trusts administered by any other Trustee under the Indenture. Unless otherwise indicated in any applicable prospectus supplement, any action permitted to be taken by a Trustee may be taken by such Trustee only with respect to the one or more series of debt securities for which it is the Trustee under the Indenture. Any Trustee under the Indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities. All payments of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, and all registration, transfer, exchange, authentication and delivery (including authentication and delivery on original issuance of the debt securities) of, the debt securities of a series will be effected by the Trustee with respect to that series at an office designated by the Trustee.

The Bank of New York Mellon has been appointed to act as the trustee under the Indenture. We may maintain corporate trust relationships in the ordinary course of business with the Trustee. The Trustee shall have and be subject to all the duties and responsibilities specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act. Subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Indenture at the request of any holder of debt securities, unless offered indemnity or security satisfactory to it by the holder against the losses, damages, costs, expense and liabilities which might be incurred thereby.

Under the Trust Indenture Act, the Indenture is deemed to contain limitations on the right of the Trustee, should it become a creditor of the Operating Partnership, to obtain payment of claims in some cases or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee may engage in other transactions with the Operating Partnership. If it acquires any conflicting interest under the Trust Indenture Act relating to any of its duties with respect to the debt securities, however, it must eliminate the conflict or resign as Trustee.

Governing Law

The Indenture, the debt securities and any related guarantees will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

Notices

All notices to holders of debt securities shall be validly given if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, or delivered electronically pursuant to the applicable procedures of the depositary, to them at their respective addresses in the register maintained by the trustee.

 

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BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM

The debt securities will be issued in the form of one or more fully registered global securities (“Global Notes”) that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), and registered in the name of DTC’s nominee, Cede & Co. The Global Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to DTC, to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Notes may not be exchanged for definitive debt securities in registered certificated form (“Certificated Notes”) except in the limited circumstances described below. See “—Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes.” Except in the limited circumstances described below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities in certificated form. Investors may elect to hold their interest in the Global Notes through either DTC, Clearstream Banking, société anonyme (“Clearstream”) or Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (“Euroclear”) if they are participants in these systems, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in these systems. Clearstream and Euroclear in turn will hold interests in such Global Notes as Participants on the books of DTC.

Depositary procedures

The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream is provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. The Operating Partnership takes no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urge investors to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

DTC has advised the Operating Partnership that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the “Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between the Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC’s system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the “Indirect Participants”). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and Indirect Participants.

DTC has also advised the Operating Partnership that, pursuant to procedures established by it:

 

    upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of the Participants designated by the underwriters with portions of the principal amount of the Global Notes; and

 

    ownership of these interests in the Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of these interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the Participants) or by the Participants and the Indirect Participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interest in the Global Notes).

Investors in the Global Notes who are Participants may hold their interests therein directly through DTC. Investors in the Global Notes who are not Participants may hold their interests therein indirectly through organizations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) which are Participants. All interests in a Global Note, including those held through Euroclear or Clearstream, may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or Clearstream may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of such systems. The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to such persons will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of the Participants, which in turn act on behalf of the Indirect Participants, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in a

 

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Global Note to pledge such interests to persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.

Except as described below, owners of interests in the Global Notes will not have debt securities registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of debt securities in certificated form and will not be considered the registered owners or “holders” thereof under the indenture governing the debt securities for any purpose.

Payments in respect of the principal of, and interest and premium, if any, on, a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to DTC in its capacity as the registered holder under the indenture governing the debt securities. Under the terms of the indenture, the Operating Partnership and the trustee will treat the persons in whose names the debt securities, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners of the debt securities for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other purposes. Consequently, neither the Operating Partnership, the trustee nor any agent of them has or will have any responsibility or liability for:

 

    any aspect of DTC’s records or any Participant’s or Indirect Participant’s records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interest in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTC’s records or any Participant’s or Indirect Participant’s records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes; or

 

    any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of its Participants or Indirect Participants.

DTC has advised the Operating Partnership that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities such as the debt securities (including principal and interest), is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on such payment date. Each relevant Participant is credited with an amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal amount of the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of debt securities will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect Participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the trustee or us. Neither we nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of the Participants or the Indirect Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the debt securities, and we and the trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.

DTC has advised the Operating Partnership that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of debt securities only at the direction of one or more Participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in the debt securities and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the debt securities as to which such Participant or Participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the debt securities, DTC reserves the right to exchange the debt securities for legended debt securities in certificated form, and to distribute such debt securities to its Participants.

Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes

A Global Note is exchangeable for Certificated Notes if:

 

    DTC (a) notifies the Operating Partnership that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Notes or (b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, the Operating Partnership fails to appoint a successor depositary within 90 days after it receives such notice or of its becoming aware of such cessation;

 

    the Operating Partnership, at its option and subject to DTC’s procedures, notifies the trustee in writing that the Operating Partnership elects to cause the issuance of the Certificated Notes; or

 

    upon request from DTC if there has occurred and is continuing a default or Event of Default with respect to the debt securities.

 

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In addition, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be exchanged for Certificated Notes upon prior written notice given to the trustee by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with the indenture. In all cases, Certificated Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests in Global Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of DTC (in accordance with its customary procedures).

Exchange of Certificated Notes for Global Notes

Certificated Notes, if any, may be exchanged for beneficial interests in Global Notes.

Same day settlement and payment

The underwriters will settle the debt securities in immediately available funds. the Operating Partnership will make payments in respect of the debt securities represented by the Global Notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by DTC or its nominee. The Operating Partnership will make all payments of principal, interest and premium, if any, with respect to Certificated Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders of the Certificated Notes or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such holder’s registered address. The debt securities represented by the Global Notes are expected to trade in DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such debt securities will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. The Operating Partnership expects that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will also be settled in immediately available funds.

Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in a Global Note from a Participant will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. DTC has advised the Operating Partnership that cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a Global Note by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a Participant will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTC’s settlement date.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a general discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to our qualification and taxation as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), and the acquisition, holding, and disposition of shares of our common stock, shares of our preferred stock, and depositary shares (together with our shares of common stock and preferred stock, the “shares”), as well as our warrants. For purposes of the following discussion, references to “our Company,” “the Company,” “we,” and “us” mean only Brixmor Property Group Inc. and not its subsidiaries or affiliates. This discussion is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the U.S. Treasury Regulations, rulings and other administrative interpretations and practices of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) (including administrative interpretations and practices expressed in private letter rulings which are binding on the IRS only with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings), and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect, and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below. We have not sought and will not seek an advance ruling from the IRS regarding any matter discussed in this section. The discussion is also based upon the assumption that we will operate the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities in accordance with their applicable organizational documents. This discussion is for general information only, and does not purport to discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to a particular investor in light of its investment or tax circumstances, or to investors subject to special tax rules, including:

 

    financial institutions;

 

    pass-through entities (such as entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes);

 

    persons acting as nominees or otherwise not as beneficial owners;

 

    insurance companies;

 

    broker-dealers;

 

    except to the extent described in the discussion below entitled “—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders—Taxation of Tax-Exempt Stockholders,” tax-exempt organizations;

 

    dealers in securities or currencies;

 

    traders in securities that elect to use a mark to market method of accounting;

 

    persons that hold shares as part of a straddle, hedge, constructive sale, conversion transaction, or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

    regulated investment companies (“RICs”);

 

    REITs;

 

    certain U.S. expatriates;

 

    foreign (non-U.S.) governments;

 

    except to the extent described in the discussion below entitled “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders,” non-U.S. stockholders (as defined below);

 

    U.S. stockholders whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar;

 

    persons who acquired their shares through the exercise of stock options or otherwise in connection with compensation;

 

    persons who do not hold their shares as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code; and

 

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    for purposes of the discussion below entitled “—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders,” persons subject to the alternative minimum tax under the Code.

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. stockholder” means a beneficial owner of shares that is:

 

    an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

    an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

    a trust that (A) is subject to the supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more U.S. persons or (B) was in existence on August 20, 1996, was treated as a U.S. person prior to such date and has a valid election in place to continue to be treated as a U.S. person, as defined in the Code.

If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Any partnership or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the partners in such partnership (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes), should consult their tax advisors.

This discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations is not binding on the IRS. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any described herein.

THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX RULES APPLICABLE TO HOLDING AND DISPOSING SHARES, AND TO REITS GENERALLY, ARE HIGHLY TECHNICAL AND COMPLEX. HOLDERS OF SHARES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE OWNERSHIP OF SHARES, AND THE COMPANY’S QUALIFICATION AS A REIT, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS, AND POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS, IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

The U.S. federal income tax treatment of holders of our shares depends in some instances on determinations of fact and interpretations of complex provisions of U.S. federal income tax law for which no clear precedent or authority is available. In addition, the tax consequences to any particular stockholder of holding our shares will depend on the stockholder’s particular tax circumstances. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign income and other tax consequences to you in light of your particular investment or tax circumstances of acquiring, holding, exchanging, or otherwise disposing of our shares, our election to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and potential changes in applicable law.

Taxation of the Company as a REIT

General

We elected to be taxed as a REIT commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2011. A REIT generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on the income that it distributes to stockholders provided that the REIT meets the applicable REIT distribution requirements and other requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code. We believe that we have been organized and operated in a manner so as to satisfy the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and we intend to continue to be organized and operated in a manner that will allow us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code.

Qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code, including through our actual annual (or in some cases quarterly) operating results,

 

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requirements relating to income, asset ownership, distribution levels and diversity of share ownership, and the various other REIT qualification requirements imposed under the Code. Given the complex nature of the REIT qualification requirements, the ongoing importance of factual determinations and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances, we cannot provide any assurances that we have been or will be organized or operated in a manner so as to satisfy the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, or that we will meet in the future the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. See “—Failure to Qualify as a REIT.”

The sections of the Code that relate to our qualification and operation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. This discussion sets forth the material aspects of the sections of the Code that govern the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its stockholders.

Taxation

For each taxable year in which we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our net income that is distributed currently to our stockholders. Stockholders generally will be subject to taxation on dividends (other than designated capital gain dividends and “qualified dividend income”) at rates applicable to ordinary income, instead of at lower capital gain rates. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, generally, stockholders that are individuals, trusts or estates may deduct 20% of the aggregate amount of ordinary dividends distributed by us, subject to certain limitations. Capital gain dividends and qualified dividend income will continue to be subject to a maximum 20% rate.

Qualification for taxation as a REIT enables the REIT and its stockholders to substantially eliminate the “double taxation” (that is, taxation at both the corporate and stockholder levels) that generally results from an investment in a regular corporation. Regular corporations (non-REIT “C” corporations) generally are subject to U.S. federal corporate income taxation on their income and stockholders of regular corporations are subject to tax on any dividends that are received. Currently, however, stockholders of regular domestic and certain foreign corporations who are taxed at individual rates generally are taxed on dividends they receive at capital gains rates, which may be lower for individuals than ordinary income rates, and stockholders of regular corporations who are taxed at regular corporate rates will receive the benefit of a dividends-received deduction that substantially reduces the effective rate that they pay on such dividends. Subject to certain limited exceptions, dividends received from REITs are generally not eligible for taxation at the preferential dividend income rates currently available to individual U.S. stockholders who receive dividends from taxable subchapter “C” corporations, and corporate stockholders of a REIT are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Income earned by a REIT and distributed currently to its stockholders generally will be subject to lower aggregate rates of U.S. federal income taxation than if such income were earned by a non-REIT “C” corporation, subjected to corporate income tax, and then distributed to stockholders and subjected to tax either at capital gain rates or the effective rate paid by a corporate recipient entitled to the benefit of the dividends-received deduction.

Any net operating losses, foreign tax credits and other tax attributes of a REIT generally do not pass through to our stockholders, subject to special rules for certain items such as the capital gains that we recognize.

Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the following circumstances:

 

  1. We will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed “REIT taxable income.” REIT taxable income is the taxable income of the REIT subject to specified adjustments, including a deduction for dividends paid.

 

  2.

If we elect to treat property that we acquire in connection with certain leasehold terminations as “foreclosure property,” we may thereby avoid (a) the 100% tax on gain from a resale of that property (if the sale would otherwise constitute a prohibited transaction) as discussed below; and (b) the

 

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  inclusion of any income from such property not qualifying for purposes of the gross income tests discussed below. Income from the sale or operation of the property may be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax at the highest applicable rate (effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, 21%).

 

  3. Our net income from “prohibited transactions” will be subject to a 100% tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business other than foreclosure property. See “—Gross Income Tests—Income from Prohibited Transactions.”

 

  4. If we fail to satisfy either the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, as discussed below, but our failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and we nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT because of specified cure provisions, we will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount equal to (a) the greater of (1) the amount by which we fail the 75% gross income test or (2) the amount by which we fail the 95% gross income test, as the case may be, multiplied by (b) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.

 

  5. We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the sum of amounts actually distributed, excess distributions from the preceding taxable year and amounts retained for which U.S. federal income tax was paid, if we fail to make the required distributions by the end of a calendar year. The required distributions for each calendar year is equal to the sum of: 85% of our REIT ordinary income for the year; 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for the year other than capital gains we elect to retain and pay tax on as described below; and any undistributed taxable income from prior taxable years.

 

  6. We will be subject to a 100% penalty tax on certain rental income we receive when a taxable REIT subsidiary provides services to our tenants, on certain expenses deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary on payments made to us and, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, on income for services rendered to us by a taxable REIT subsidiary, if the arrangements among us, our tenants, and our taxable REIT subsidiaries do not reflect arm’s-length terms.

 

  7. If we acquire any assets from a non-REIT “C” corporation in a transaction in which the basis of the assets in our hands is determined by reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of the non-REIT “C” corporation, we would be liable for corporate income tax, at the highest applicable corporate rate, for the “built-in gain” with respect to those assets if we dispose of those assets in a taxable transaction during the five-year period beginning on the day the asset was transferred to us by the non-REIT “C” corporation. To the extent that assets are transferred to us in a carry-over basis transaction by a partnership in which a corporation owns an interest, we will be subject to this tax in proportion to the non-REIT “C” corporation’s interest in the partnership. Built-in gain is the amount by which an asset’s fair market value exceeds its adjusted tax basis at the time we acquire the asset. The results described in this paragraph assume that the non-REIT “C” corporation will not elect, in lieu of this treatment, to be subject to an immediate tax when the asset is acquired by us. Any gain from the sale of property acquired by us in an exchange under Section 1031 (a like-kind exchange) or Section 1033 (an involuntary conversion) of the Code would be excluded from the application of this built-in gain tax.

 

  8. We may elect to retain and pay U.S. federal income tax on our net long-term capital gain. In that case, a U.S. stockholder would include its proportionate share of our undistributed long-term capital gain (to the extent that we make a timely designation of such gain to the stockholder) in its income, would be deemed to have paid the tax we paid on such gain, and would be allowed a credit for its proportionate share of the tax deemed to have been paid, and an adjustment would be made to increase the basis of the U.S. stockholder in our shares.

 

  9.

If we violate the asset tests (other than certain de minimis violations) or other requirements applicable to REITs, as described below, but our failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and we nevertheless maintain our REIT qualification because of specified cure provisions, we will be

 

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  subject to a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the amount determined by multiplying the net income generated by such non-qualifying assets by the highest rate of tax applicable to non-REIT “C” corporations during periods when such assets would have caused us to fail the asset test.

 

  10. If we fail to satisfy a requirement under the Code which would result in the loss of our REIT qualification, other than a failure to satisfy a gross income test, or an asset test as described in paragraph 10 above, but nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT because the requirements of certain relief provisions are satisfied, we will be subject to a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure.

 

  11. If we fail to comply with the requirements to send annual letters to our stockholders requesting information regarding the actual ownership of our shares and the failure was not due to reasonable cause or was due to willful neglect, we will be subject to a $25,000 penalty or, if the failure is intentional, a $50,000 penalty.

 

  12. The earnings of any subsidiaries that are subchapter “C” corporations, including any taxable REIT subsidiary, are subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax.

Notwithstanding our qualification as a REIT, we and our subsidiaries may be subject to a variety of taxes, including payroll taxes and state, local, and foreign income, property and other taxes on our assets, operations and/or net worth. We could also be subject to tax in situations and on transactions not presently contemplated.

Requirements for Qualification as a REIT

The Code defines a “REIT” as a corporation, trust or association:

 

  1. that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;

 

  2. that issues transferable shares or transferable certificates to evidence its beneficial ownership;

 

  3. that would be taxable as a domestic corporation but for Sections 856 through 859 of the Code;

 

  4. that is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company within the meaning of certain provisions of the Code;

 

  5. that is beneficially owned by 100 or more persons;

 

  6. in which not more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares or other beneficial interest of which is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities and as determined by applying certain attribution rules) during the last half of each taxable year;

 

  7. that makes an election to be a REIT for the current taxable year, or has made such an election for a previous taxable year that has not been revoked or terminated, and satisfies all relevant filing and other administrative requirements established by the IRS that must be met to elect and maintain REIT status;

 

  8. that uses a calendar year for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

  9. that meets other applicable tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distributions; and

 

  10. that has no earnings and profits from any non-REIT taxable year at the close of any taxable year.

The Code provides that conditions (1), (2), (3) and (4) above must be met during the entire taxable year and condition (5) above must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. Conditions (5) and (6) do not apply until after the first taxable year for which an election is made to be taxed as a REIT. Condition (6) must be met during the last half of each taxable year. For purposes of determining share ownership under condition (6) above, a supplemental

 

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unemployment compensation benefits plan, a private foundation or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes generally is considered an individual. However, a trust that is a qualified trust under Code Section 401(a) generally is not considered an individual, and beneficiaries of a qualified trust are treated as holding shares of a REIT in proportion to their actuarial interests in the trust for purposes of condition (6) above. If we fail to satisfy these share ownership requirements, we will fail to qualify as a REIT unless we qualify for certain relief provisions described in the following paragraph.

To monitor our compliance with condition (6) above, we are generally required to maintain records regarding the actual ownership of our shares. To do so, we must demand written statements each year from the record holders of certain specified percentages of our shares pursuant to which the record holders must disclose the actual owners of the shares (i.e., the persons required to include in gross income the dividends paid by us). We must maintain a list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with this demand as part of our records. We could be subject to monetary penalties if we fail to comply with these record-keeping requirements. A stockholder that fails or refuses to comply with the demand is required by Treasury Regulations to submit a statement with its tax return disclosing the actual ownership of our shares and other information. If we comply with the record-keeping requirement and we do not know or, exercising reasonable diligence, would not have known of our failure to meet condition (6) above, then we will be treated as having met condition (6) above.

For purposes of condition (8), we adopted December 31 as our year end, and thereby satisfy this requirement.

Effect of Subsidiary Entities

Ownership of Interests in Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies. In the case of a REIT which is a partner in a partnership or a member in a limited liability company treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own its pro rata share of the assets of the partnership or limited liability company, as the case may be, based on its capital interest in such partnership or limited liability company. Also, the REIT will be deemed to be entitled to the income of the partnership or limited liability company attributable to its pro rata share of the assets of that entity. The assets and gross income of the partnership or limited liability company retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of Section 856 of the Code, including satisfying the gross income tests and the asset tests. Thus, our pro rata share of the assets and items of income of our operating partnership, including our operating partnership’s share of these items of any partnership or limited liability company in which our operating partnership owns an interest, are treated as our assets and items of income for purposes of applying the requirements described in this prospectus, including the income and asset tests described below.

We have included a brief summary of the rules governing the U.S. federal income taxation of partnerships and limited liability companies and their partners or members below in “—Tax Aspects of Our Ownership of Interests in our Operating Partnership and other Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies.” We believe that we have operated and we intend to continue to operate our operating partnership and the subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies in which our operating partnership invests in a manner consistent with the requirements for our qualification and taxation as a REIT. We have interests in several joint ventures in which we are a non-managing member in a limited liability company. In the future, we may be a limited partner or non-managing member in some of our partnerships and limited liability companies. If such a partnership or limited liability company were to take actions which could jeopardize our qualification as a REIT or require us to pay tax, we may be forced to dispose of our interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership or limited liability company could take an action which could cause us to fail a REIT income or asset test, and that we would not become aware of such action in a time frame that would allow us to dispose of our interest in the partnership or limited liability company or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In that case, we could fail to qualify as a REIT unless entitled to relief, as described below.

 

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Under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, Congress revised the rules applicable to U.S. federal income tax audits of partnerships (such as certain of our subsidiaries) and the collection of any tax resulting from any such audits or other tax proceedings, generally for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Under the new rules, the partnership itself may be liable for a hypothetical increase in partner-level taxes (including interest and penalties) resulting from an adjustment of partnership tax items on audit, regardless of changes in the composition of the partners (or their relative ownership) between the year under audit and the year of the adjustment. The new rules also include an elective alternative method under which the additional taxes resulting from the adjustment are assessed from the affected partners, subject to a higher rate of interest than otherwise would apply. Many questions remain as to how the new rules will apply, especially with respect to partners that are REITs, and it is not clear at this time what effect this new legislation will have on us. However, these changes could increase the U.S. federal income tax, interest, and/or penalties otherwise borne by us in the event of a federal income tax audit of a subsidiary partnership.

Ownership of Interests in Qualified REIT Subsidiaries. We may own 100% of the stock of one or more corporations that are qualified REIT subsidiaries. A corporation will qualify as a qualified REIT subsidiary if we own 100% of its stock and it is not a taxable REIT subsidiary. A qualified REIT subsidiary will not be treated as a separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary will be treated as our assets, liabilities and such items (as the case may be) for all purposes of the Code, including the REIT qualification tests. For this reason, references in this discussion to our income and assets should be understood to include the income and assets of any qualified REIT subsidiary we own. Our ownership of the voting stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary will not violate the restrictions against ownership of securities of any one issuer which constitute more than 10% of the voting power or value of such issuer’s securities or more than 5% of the value of our total assets, as described below in “—Asset Tests Applicable to REITs.”

Ownership of Interests in Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. In general, we may jointly elect with a subsidiary corporation, whether or not wholly owned, to treat such subsidiary corporation as a taxable REIT subsidiary. A taxable REIT subsidiary of ours is a corporation other than a REIT in which we directly or indirectly hold stock, and that has made a joint election with us to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary under Section 856(l) of the Code. A taxable REIT subsidiary also includes any corporation other than a REIT in which a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours owns, directly or indirectly, securities (other than certain “straight debt” securities), which represent more than 35% of the total voting power or value of the outstanding securities of such corporation. For purposes of the following discussion, the term “taxable REIT subsidiary” includes subsidiaries of the taxable REIT subsidiaries. Other than some activities relating to lodging and health care facilities, a taxable REIT subsidiary may generally engage in any business, including the provision of customary or non-customary services to our tenants without causing us to receive impermissible tenant service income under the REIT gross income tests. A taxable REIT subsidiary is required to pay regular U.S. federal income tax, and state and local income tax where applicable, as a non-REIT “C” corporation. In addition, a taxable REIT subsidiary may be prevented from deducting interest on debt funded directly or indirectly by us. If dividends are paid to us by our taxable REIT subsidiaries, then a portion of the dividends we distribute to stockholders who are taxed at individual rates will generally be eligible for taxation at lower capital gains rates, rather than at ordinary income rates. See “—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders—Qualified Dividend Income.”

Generally, a taxable REIT subsidiary can perform impermissible tenant services without causing us to receive impermissible tenant services income under the REIT income tests. However, several provisions applicable to the arrangements between us and our taxable REIT subsidiaries ensure that such taxable REIT subsidiaries will be subject to an appropriate level of U.S. federal income taxation. For example, taxable REIT subsidiaries are limited in their ability to deduct interest payments in excess of a certain amount made directly or indirectly to us. In addition, we will be obligated to pay a 100% penalty tax on some payments we receive or on certain expenses deducted by our taxable REIT subsidiaries if the economic arrangements between us, our tenants and such taxable REIT subsidiaries are not comparable to similar arrangements among unrelated parties.

 

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Our taxable REIT subsidiaries, and any future taxable REIT subsidiaries acquired by us, may make interest and other payments to us and to third parties in connection with activities related to our properties. There can be no assurance that our taxable REIT subsidiaries will not be limited in their ability to deduct interest payments made to us. In addition, there can be no assurance that the IRS might not seek to impose the 100% excise tax on a portion of payments received by us from, or expenses deducted by, our taxable REIT subsidiaries.

Ownership of Interests in Subsidiary REITs

We may own stock of one or more corporations that elect to be taxed as REITs. We currently do not own interests in any subsidiary REIT but, prior to April 3, 2017, substantially all of our assets consisted of the common stock of BPG Subsidiary, Inc. (“BPG Subsidiary”), an entity that elected to be taxed as a REIT commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2007. We believe that BPG Subsidiary (and any other REIT that we may acquire in the future, as applicable) operated (or, with respect to any future subsidiary REITs, will operate) in a manner to permit us to qualify for taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that stock in any such REIT was (or, with respect to any future subsidiary REITs, will be) a qualifying asset for purposes of the 75% asset test. However, if BPG Subsidiary (and any such other REIT that we may acquire in the future) failed (or, with respect to any future subsidiary REITs, fails) to qualify as a REIT then (i) the entity would be subject to regular corporate income tax, as described herein (refer below to the section entitled “—Failure to Qualify as a REIT”) and (ii) the Company’s equity interest in such entity would not be a qualifying real estate asset for purposes of the 75% asset test and would be subject to the 5% asset test and the 10% vote or value test generally applicable to the Company’s ownership in corporations other than REITs, qualified REIT subsidiaries or taxable REIT subsidiaries (refer below to the section entitled “—Asset Tests”). If BPG Subsidiary (and any other REIT that we may acquire in the future) failed (or, with respect to any future subsidiary REITs, fails) to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that we would not have met (or, with respect to any future subsidiary REITs, meet) the 75% asset test, the 5% asset test, and/or the 10% vote or value test with respect to its interest in such entity, in which event we would fail to qualify as a REIT, unless we qualified for certain relief provisions.

Gross Income Tests

To qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy two gross income tests which are applied on an annual basis. First, in each taxable year at least 75% of our gross income, excluding gross income from sales of inventory or dealer property in “prohibited transactions” and certain hedging and foreign currency transactions, must be derived from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including:

 

    “rents from real property”;

 

    dividends or other distributions on, and gain from the sale of, shares in other REITs;

 

    gain from the sale of real property or mortgages on real property, in either case, not held for sale to customers;

 

    interest income derived from mortgage loans secured by real property and interests in real property(and effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, certain loans partially secured by personal property);

 

    income attributable to temporary investments of new capital in stocks and debt instruments during the one-year period following our receipt of new capital that we raise through equity offerings or issuance of debt obligations with at least a five-year term; and

 

    effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, gain from the sale of a debt instrument issued by a “publicly offered REIT” (i.e., a REIT that is required to file annual and periodic reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act) unless the debt instrument is secured by real property or an interest in real property, is not treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 75% income test.

 

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Second, at least 95% of our gross income in each taxable year, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions and certain hedging transactions, must be derived from some combination of income that qualifies under the 75% gross income test described above, as well as (a) other dividends, (b) interest, and (c) gain from the sale or disposition of shares or securities, in either case, not held for sale to customers.

Rents from Real Property. Rents we receive will qualify as “rents from real property” for the purpose of satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if several conditions are met. These conditions relate to the identity of the tenant, the computation of the rent payable, and the nature of the property lease.

 

    First, the amount of rent must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount we receive or accrue generally will not be excluded from the term “rents from real property” solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales;

 

    Second, we, or an actual or constructive owner of 10% or more in value of our shares, must not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the interests in the tenant, or, if the tenant is a corporation, 10% or more of the voting power or value of all classes of stock of the tenant. Rents received from such a tenant that is a taxable REIT subsidiary, however, will not be excluded from the definition of “rents from real property” as a result of this condition if either (i) at least 90% of the space at the property to which the rents relate is leased to third parties, and the rents paid by the taxable REIT subsidiary are comparable to rents paid by our other tenants for comparable space or (ii) the property is a qualified lodging or qualified health care facility and such property is operated on behalf of the taxable REIT subsidiary by a person who is an “eligible independent contractor” (as described below) and certain other requirements are met;

 

    Third, rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, must not be greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease. If this requirement is not met, then the portion of rent attributable to personal property will not qualify as “rents from real property”; and

 

    Fourth, for rents to qualify as rents from real property for the purpose of satisfying the gross income tests, we generally must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render “non-customary” services to the tenants of such property, other than through an “independent contractor” who is adequately compensated and from whom we derive no revenue or through a taxable REIT subsidiary. To the extent that impermissible services are provided by an independent contractor, the cost of the services generally must be borne by the independent contractor. We anticipate that any services we provide directly to tenants will be “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and not otherwise considered to be provided for the tenants’ convenience. We may provide a minimal amount of “non-customary” services to tenants of some of our properties, other than through an independent contractor or taxable REIT subsidiary, but we believe that our income from these services has not and will not in the future exceed 1% of our total gross income from any such property. If the impermissible tenant services income exceeds 1% of our total income from a property, then all of the income from that property will fail to qualify as rents from real property. If the total amount of impermissible tenant services income does not exceed 1% of our total income from the property, the services will not “taint” the other income from the property (that is, it will not cause the rent paid by tenants of that property to fail to qualify as rents from real property), but the impermissible tenant services income will not qualify as rents from real property. We are deemed to have received income from the provision of impermissible services in an amount equal to at least 150% of our direct cost of providing the service.

We monitor (and intend to continue to monitor) the activities provided at, and the non-qualifying income arising from, our properties and believe that we have not provided services at levels that will cause us to fail to meet the gross income tests. We provide services and may provide access to third party service providers at some or all of our properties. Based upon our experience in the markets where the properties are located, we believe that all access to service providers and services provided to tenants by us (other than through a qualified

 

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independent contractor or a taxable REIT subsidiary) either are usually or customarily rendered in connection with the rental of real property and not otherwise considered rendered to the occupant, or, if considered impermissible services, will not result in an amount of impermissible tenant service income that will cause us to fail to meet the gross income test requirements. However, we cannot provide any assurance that the IRS will agree with these positions.

Interest Income. “Interest” generally will be non-qualifying income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests if it depends in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, interest based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales may still qualify under the gross income tests. We do not expect to derive significant amounts of interest that will not qualify under the 75% and 95% gross income tests.

Dividend Income. Our share of any dividends received from any corporations in which we own an interest (including taxable REIT subsidiaries but excluding qualified REIT subsidiaries) will qualify for purposes of the 95% gross income test but not for purposes of the 75% gross income test. We do not anticipate that we will receive sufficient dividends from such corporations to cause us to exceed the limit on non-qualifying income under the 75% gross income test. Dividends that we receive from other qualifying REITs will qualify for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests.

Income from Hedging Transactions. From time to time we may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Any such hedging transactions could take a variety of forms, including the use of derivative instruments such as interest rate swap or cap agreements, option agreements, and futures or forward contracts. Income of a REIT, including income from a pass-through subsidiary, arising from “clearly identified” hedging transactions that are entered into to manage the risk of interest rate or price changes with respect to borrowings, including gain from the disposition of such hedging transactions, to the extent the hedging transactions hedge indebtedness incurred, or to be incurred, by the REIT to acquire or carry real estate assets (each such hedge, a “Borrowings Hedge”), will not be treated as gross income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, and will not be treated as gross income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Income of a REIT arising from hedging transactions that are entered into to manage the risk of currency fluctuations with respect to our investments (each such hedge, a “Currency Hedge”) will not be treated as gross income for purposes of either the 95% gross income test or the 75% gross income test, provided that the transaction is “clearly identified.” Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, this exclusion from the 95% and 75% gross income tests also will apply if we previously entered into a Borrowings Hedge or a Currency Hedge, a portion of the hedged indebtedness or property is disposed of, and in connection with such extinguishment or disposition we enter into a new “clearly identified” hedging transaction to offset the prior hedging position. In general, for a hedging transaction to be “clearly identified,” (1) it must be identified as a hedging transaction before the end of the day on which it is acquired, originated, or entered into; and (2) the items of risks being hedged must be identified “substantially contemporaneously” with entering into the hedging transaction (generally not more than 35 days after entering into the hedging transaction). To the extent that we hedge with other types of financial instruments or in other situations, the resultant income will be treated as income that does not qualify under the 95% or 75% gross income tests unless the hedge meets certain requirements and we elect to integrate it with a specified asset and to treat the integrated position as a synthetic debt instrument. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our qualification as a REIT but there can be no assurance we will be successful in this regard.

Income from Prohibited Transactions. Any gain that we realize on the sale of any property held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business (commonly referred to as “dealer property”) including our share of any such gain realized by our operating partnership, either directly or through its subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies, will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax. For purposes of determining the amount of income subject to the penalty tax, gains from sales of dealer property may not be offset by losses from such sales. Whether property is held as dealer property is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. Among the factors considered by the IRS and the courts in making the dealer

 

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determination are the nature and purpose of the acquisition of the property; the duration of ownership of the property; the extent and nature of the taxpayer’s efforts to sell the property; the number, extent, continuity, and substantiality of the property sales; the extent of subdividing, developing, and advertising the property to increase sales; the use of a business office for the sale of the property; the character and degree of supervision or control exercised by the taxpayer over any representative selling the property; and the time and effort the taxpayer habitually devotes to the sale. The frequency and substantiality of sales is often cited by the courts as the most important objective factor in determining whether the taxpayer is engaged in the business of selling real estate to customers. The fact that the taxpayer holds some or even a substantial portion of its properties for lease and for long-term investment (i.e., not as dealer property) does not necessarily preclude other properties from being viewed as dealer property if the specific facts and circumstances relating thereto indicate that such properties were acquired and held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.

However, we will not be treated as a dealer in real property with respect to a property which is a real estate asset that we sell for the purposes of the 100% tax if (i) we have held the property for at least two years for the production of rental income prior to the sale, (ii) capitalized expenditures on the property in the two years preceding the sale are less than 30% of the net selling price of the property, and (iii) we either (a) have seven or fewer sales of property (excluding certain property obtained through foreclosure) for the year of sale, or (b) the aggregate adjusted basis of property sold during the year is 10% or less of the aggregate adjusted basis of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year, or (c) the fair market value of property sold during the year is 10% or less of the aggregate fair market value of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year, or (d) effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, the aggregate adjusted basis of property sold during the year is 20% or less of the aggregate adjusted basis of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year and the aggregate adjusted basis of property sold during the three-year period ending with the year of sale is 10% or less of the aggregate tax basis of all of our assets as of the beginning of each of the three taxable years ending with the year of sale, or (e) effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, the fair market value of property sold during the year is 20% or less of the aggregate fair market value of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year and the fair market value of property sold during the three-year period ending with the year of sale is 10% or less of the aggregate fair market value of all of our assets as of the beginning of each of the three taxable years ending with the year of sale. If we rely on clauses (b), (c), (d), or (e) in the preceding sentence, substantially all of the marketing and development expenditures with respect to the property sold must be made through an independent contractor from whom we derive no income or, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, our taxable REIT subsidiary. The sale of more than one property to one buyer as part of one transaction constitutes one sale for purposes of this “safe harbor.” We intend to hold our properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning our properties and to make occasional sales of the properties as are consistent with our investment objectives. However, the IRS may successfully contend that some or all of the sales made by us or subsidiary partnerships or limited liability companies are prohibited transactions. In that case, we would be required to pay the 100% penalty tax on our allocable share of the gains resulting from any such sales.

Income from Foreclosure Property. We generally will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate (effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, 21%) on any net income from foreclosure property, including any gain from the disposition of the foreclosure property, other than income that constitutes qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Foreclosure property is real property and any personal property incident to such real property (1) that we acquire as the result of having bid on the property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced the property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after a default (or upon imminent default) on a lease of the property or a mortgage loan held by us and secured by the property, (2) for which we acquired the related loan or lease at a time when default was not imminent or anticipated, and (3) with respect to which we made a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property. Any gain from the sale of property for which a foreclosure property election has been made will not be subject to the 100% tax on gains from prohibited transactions described above, even if the property would otherwise constitute inventory or dealer property. To the extent that we receive any income from

 

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foreclosure property that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test, we intend to make an election to treat the related property as foreclosure property if the election is available (which may not be the case with respect to acquired “distressed loans”).

Failure to Satisfy the Gross Income Tests. If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for that year if we are entitled to relief under the Code. These relief provisions will be generally available if (1) our failure to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and (2) following our identification of the failure to meet the 75% and/or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we file a schedule with the IRS setting forth a description of each item of our gross income that satisfies the gross income tests for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income test for such taxable year in accordance with Treasury Regulations. It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. If these relief provisions are inapplicable to a particular set of circumstances, we will fail to qualify as a REIT. As discussed above, under “—Taxation of the Company as a REIT—General,” even if these relief provisions apply, a tax would be imposed based on the amount of non-qualifying income. We intend to take advantage of any and all relief provisions that are available to us to cure any violation of the income tests applicable to REITs.

Redetermined Rents; Redetermined Deductions; Excess Interest; or Redetermined Taxable REIT Subsidiary Service Income. Any redetermined rents, redetermined deductions, excess interest or, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, redetermined taxable REIT subsidiary service income will be subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, redetermined rents are rents from real property that are overstated as a result of services furnished by one of our taxable REIT subsidiaries to any of our tenants, and redetermined deductions and excess interest represent amounts that are deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary for amounts paid to us that are in excess of the amounts that would have been deducted based on arm’s-length negotiations. Redetermined taxable REIT subsidiary service income means gross income (less allocable deductions) of a taxable REIT subsidiary attributable to services provided to, or on behalf of, the REIT (other than to tenants) to the extent the taxable REIT subsidiary’s income (less deductions) attributable thereto is increased to clearly reflect income. Rents we receive will not constitute redetermined rents if they qualify for the safe harbor provisions contained in the Code. Safe harbor provisions are provided where:

 

    amounts are excluded from the definition of impermissible tenant service income as a result of satisfying the 1% de minimis exception;

 

    a taxable REIT subsidiary renders a significant amount of similar services to unrelated parties and the charges for such services are substantially comparable;

 

    rents paid to us by tenants leasing at least 25% of the net leasable space of the REIT’s property who are not receiving services from the taxable REIT subsidiary are substantially comparable to the rents paid by the REIT’s tenants leasing comparable space who are receiving such services from the taxable REIT subsidiary and the charge for the service is separately stated; or

 

    the taxable REIT subsidiary’s gross income from the service is not less than 150% of the taxable REIT subsidiary’s direct cost of furnishing the service.

While we believe that any fees paid to our taxable REIT subsidiaries for tenant services have and will continue to reflect arm’s-length rates, a taxable REIT subsidiary may under certain circumstances provide tenant services which do not satisfy any of the safe-harbor provisions described above. Nevertheless, these determinations are inherently factual, and the IRS has broad discretion to assert that amounts paid between related parties should be reallocated to clearly reflect their respective incomes. If the IRS successfully made such an assertion, we would be required to pay a 100% penalty tax on the redetermined rent, redetermined deductions, excess interest or redetermined taxable REIT subsidiary service income, as applicable.

 

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Asset Tests

At the close of each calendar quarter, we must satisfy the following tests relating to the nature and diversification of our assets. For purposes of the asset tests, a REIT is not treated as owning the stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary, an equity interest in any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or an equity interest in any entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a “disregarded entity”). Instead, a REIT is treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets held by such entity.

 

    At least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by some combination of “real estate assets,” cash, cash items and U.S. government securities. For purposes of this test, real estate assets include interests in real property, such as land and buildings, leasehold interests in real property, stock of other corporations that qualify as REITs, some types of mortgage-backed securities, mortgage loans on real property or on interests in real property, property attributable to the temporary investment of new capital (but only if such property is stock or a debt instrument, and only for the one-year period beginning on the date we receive such capital), and, effective for each calendar quarter beginning with the calendar quarter ending March 31, 2016: (i) personal property leased in connection with real property to the extent that rents attributable to such personal property are treated as “rents from real property,” and (ii) debt instruments issued by publicly offered REITs. Assets that do not qualify for purposes of the 75% asset test are subject to the additional asset tests described below.

 

    Not more than 25% of our total assets may be represented by securities other than those described in the first bullet above.

 

    Except for securities described in the first bullet above and securities in qualified REIT subsidiaries and taxable REIT subsidiaries, the value of any one issuer’s securities owned by us may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets.

 

    Except for securities described in the first bullet above and securities in qualified REIT subsidiaries and taxable REIT subsidiaries, we may not own more than 10% of any one issuer’s outstanding voting securities.

 

    Except for securities described in the first bullet above and securities in qualified REIT subsidiaries and taxable REIT subsidiaries, and certain types of indebtedness that are not treated as securities for purposes of this test, as discussed below, we may not own more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer.

 

    Effective for calendar quarters beginning with the calendar quarter ended March 31, 2016, real estate assets include debt instruments issued by publicly offered REITs to the extent not secured by real property or interests in real property, but the value of such debt instruments cannot exceed 25% of the value of our total assets.

 

    Not more than 25% (20% for calendar quarters beginning with the calendar quarter ending March 31, 2018) of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries.

The 10% value test does not apply to certain “straight debt” and other excluded securities, as described in the Code, including (1) loans to individuals or estates; (2) obligations to pay rent from real property; (3) rental agreements described in Section 467 of the Code; (4) any security issued by other REITs; (5) certain securities issued by a state, the District of Columbia, a foreign government, or a political subdivision of any of the foregoing, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (6) any other arrangement as determined by the IRS. In addition, (1) a REIT’s interest as a partner in a partnership is not considered a security for purposes of the 10% value test; (2) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or other excluded security) will not be considered a security issued by the partnership if at least 75% of the partnership’s gross income is derived from sources that would qualify for the 75% gross income test; and (3) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or other excluded security) will not be considered a security issued by a partnership to the extent of the REIT’s interest as a partner in the partnership.

 

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For purposes of the 10% value test, debt will meet the “straight debt” safe harbor if (1) neither us, nor any of our controlled taxable REIT subsidiaries (i.e., taxable REIT subsidiaries more than 50% of the vote or value of the outstanding stock of which is directly or indirectly owned by us), own any securities not described in the preceding paragraph that have an aggregate value greater than one percent of the issuer’s outstanding securities, as calculated under the Code, (2) the debt is a written unconditional promise to pay on demand or on a specified date a sum certain in money, (3) the debt is not convertible, directly or indirectly, into stock, and (4) the interest rate and the interest payment dates of the debt are not contingent on the borrower’s profits, the borrower’s discretion or similar factors. However, contingencies regarding time of payment and interest are permissible for purposes of qualifying as a straight debt security if either (1) such contingency does not have the effect of changing the effective yield of maturity, as determined under the Code, other than a change in the annual yield to maturity that does not exceed the greater of (i) 5% of the annual yield to maturity and (ii) 0.25%, or (2) neither the aggregate issue price nor the aggregate face amount of the issuer’s debt instruments held by the REIT exceeds $1,000,000 and not more than 12 months of unaccrued interest can be required to be prepaid thereunder. In addition, debt will not be disqualified from being treated as “straight debt” solely because the time or amount of payment is subject to a contingency upon a default or the exercise of a prepayment right by the issuer of the debt, provided that such contingency is consistent with customary commercial practice.

We believe that the assets that we hold and intend to hold will satisfy the foregoing asset test requirements. However, we have not and will not obtain independent appraisals to support our conclusions as to the value of our assets. Moreover, the value of some assets may not be susceptible to a precise determination. As a result, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend that our ownership of assets violates one or more of the asset tests applicable to REITs in which case we might not satisfy the 75% asset test and the other asset tests and could fail to qualify as a REIT.

Failure to Satisfy the Asset Tests. The asset tests must be satisfied not only on the last day of the calendar quarter in which we, directly or through pass-through subsidiaries, acquire securities in the applicable issuer, but also on the last day of the calendar quarter in which we increase our ownership of securities of such issuer, including as a result of increasing our interest in pass-through subsidiaries. After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests solely by reason of changes in the relative values of our assets. If failure to satisfy the asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, we can cure this failure by disposing of sufficient non-qualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We believe that we have maintained, and we intend to continue to maintain, adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests, and we intend to take any available action within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests. Although we plan to take steps to ensure that we satisfy such tests for any quarter with respect to which testing is to occur, there can be no assurance that such steps will always be successful. If we fail to timely cure any noncompliance with the asset tests, we would cease to qualify as a REIT, unless we satisfy certain relief provisions.

The failure to satisfy the 5% asset test, or the 10% vote or value asset tests can be remedied even after the 30-day cure period under certain circumstances. Specifically, if we fail these asset tests at the end of any quarter and such failure is not cured within 30 days thereafter, we may dispose of sufficient assets (generally within six months after the last day of the quarter in which our identification of the failure to satisfy these asset tests occurred) to cure such a violation that does not exceed the lesser of 1% of our assets at the end of the relevant quarter or $10,000,000. If we fail any of the other asset tests or our failure of the 5% and 10% asset tests is in excess of the de minimis amount described above, as long as such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, we are permitted to avoid disqualification as a REIT, after the 30-day cure period, by taking steps including disposing of sufficient assets to meet the asset test (generally within six months after the last day of the quarter in which our identification of the failure to satisfy the REIT asset test occurred), paying a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 and the highest corporate income tax rate of the net income generated by the non-qualifying assets during the period in which we failed to satisfy the asset test, and filing in accordance with applicable Treasury Regulations a schedule with the IRS that describes the assets that caused us to fail to satisfy the asset

 

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test(s). We intend to take advantage of any and all relief provisions that are available to us to cure any violation of the asset tests applicable to REITs. In certain circumstances, utilization of such provisions could result in us being required to pay an excise or penalty tax, which could be significant in amount.

Annual Distribution Requirements

To qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders each year in an amount at least equal to:

 

    the sum of: (1) 90% of our “REIT taxable income,” computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain; and (2) 90% of our after tax net income, if any, from foreclosure property; minus

 

    the sum of specified items of non-cash income.

For purposes of this test, non-cash income means income attributable to leveled stepped rents, original issue discount included in our taxable income without the receipt of a corresponding payment, cancellation of indebtedness or a like-kind exchange that is later determined to be taxable.

We generally must make dividend distributions in the taxable year to which they relate. Dividend distributions may be made in the following year in two circumstances. First, if we declare a dividend in October, November, or December of any year with a prospective record date in one of these months and pay the dividend on or before January 31 of the following year, such distributions are treated as both paid by us and received by each stockholder on December 31 of the year in which they are declared. Second, distributions (“858 spill-over dividends”) may be made in the following year if (A) the distributions are (i) declared before we timely file our tax return for the prior year, (ii) distributed within the 12-month period following the close of the prior taxable year to which they relate back, and (iii) distributed with or before the “first regular dividend payment” after such declaration, and (B) we elect in our tax return to have a specified dollar amount of such dividend (or dividends) treated as if paid in the prior year. The maximum dollar amount that we may elect to treat as an 858 spill-over dividend is the amount by which the earnings and profits for the taxable year exceed the total amount of distributions out of such earnings and profits that were actually made during the taxable year to which they relate back. These distributions are taxable to our stockholders in the year in which paid, even though the distributions relate to our prior taxable year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement.

For taxable years ending on or before December 31, 2014, in order for distributions to be counted as satisfying the annual distribution requirement for REITs, and to provide us with a REIT-level tax deduction, the distributions must not have been “preferential dividends.” A dividend is not a preferential dividend if the distribution is (1) pro rata among all outstanding shares within a particular class, and (2) in accordance with the preferences among different classes of shares as set forth in our organizational documents. Beginning with the taxable year that began on January 1, 2015, so long as we continue to be a “publicly offered REIT” (i.e., a REIT which is required to file annual and periodic reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act), the preferential dividend rule has not and will not apply to us.

To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our “REIT taxable income,” as adjusted, we will be required to pay tax on that amount at regular corporate tax rates. We believe that we have made, and we intend to continue to make, timely distributions sufficient to satisfy these annual distribution requirements. In certain circumstances, we may elect to retain, rather than distribute, our net long-term capital gains and pay tax on such gains. In this case, we could elect for our stockholders to include their proportionate share of such undistributed long-term capital gains in income, and to receive a corresponding credit for their share of the tax that we paid. Our stockholders would then increase their adjusted basis of their shares by the difference between (1) the amounts of capital gain dividends that we designated and that they included in their taxable income, minus (2) the tax that we paid on their behalf with respect to that income.

 

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To the extent that in the future we may have available net operating losses carried forward from prior taxable years, such losses may reduce the amount of distributions that we must make in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. Such losses, however, (1) will generally not affect the character, in the hands of our stockholders, of any distributions that are actually made as ordinary dividends or capital gains; and (2) cannot be passed through or used by our stockholders. See “—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders—Distributions Generally.”

If we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (b) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year, and (c) any undistributed taxable income (ordinary and capital gain) from all prior periods, we would be subject to a non-deductible 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the sum of (x) the amounts “actually distributed,” and (y) the amounts of income we retained and on which we paid corporate income tax.

We expect that our REIT taxable income (determined before our deduction for dividends paid) will be less than our cash flow because of depreciation and other non-cash charges included in computing REIT taxable income. Accordingly, we anticipate that we will generally have sufficient cash or liquid assets to enable us to satisfy the distribution requirements described above. However, from time to time, we may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet these distribution requirements due to timing differences between the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses, and the inclusion of income and deduction of expenses in arriving at our taxable income. If these timing differences occur, we may need to arrange for short-term, or possibly long-term, borrowings or need to pay dividends in the form of taxable dividends in order to meet the distribution requirements.

We may be able to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying “deficiency dividends” to our stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. However, we will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction claimed for deficiency dividends.

Record-Keeping Requirements

We are required to comply with applicable record-keeping requirements. Failure to comply could result in monetary fines.

Failure to Qualify as a REIT

If we fail to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification other than gross income and asset tests that have the specific savings clauses, we can avoid termination of our REIT qualification by paying a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure, provided that our noncompliance was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect.

If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and the relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we will not be required to make any distributions to our stockholders, and any distributions that are made to our stockholders will not be deductible by us. As a result, our failure to qualify for taxation as a REIT would significantly reduce the cash available for distributions by us to our stockholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT, all distributions to our stockholders, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, will be taxable as regular corporate dividends, which means that stockholders taxed as individuals currently would receive qualified dividend income that would be taxed at capital gains rates, and corporate stockholders generally would be entitled to a dividends-received deduction with respect to such dividends. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we also

 

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will be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. There can be no assurance that we would be entitled to any statutory relief. We intend to take advantage of any and all relief provisions that are available to us to cure any violation of the requirements applicable to REITs.

Tax Aspects of Our Ownership of Interests in our Operating Partnership and other Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies

General

Substantially all of our investments are and will continue to be owned indirectly through our operating partnership, Brixmor Operating Partnership LP. In addition, our operating partnership holds certain of its investments indirectly through subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies that are classified as partnerships or as disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, entities that are classified as partnerships or as disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes are “pass-through” entities which are not required to pay U.S. federal income tax. Rather, partners or members of such entities are allocated their pro rata shares of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the entity, and are required to include these items in calculating their U.S. federal income tax liability, without regard to whether the partners or members receive a distribution of cash from the entity. We include in our income our pro rata share of the foregoing items for purposes of the various REIT gross income tests and in the computation of our REIT taxable income. Moreover, for purposes of the REIT asset tests, we include our pro rata share of assets, based on capital interests, of assets held by our operating partnership, including its share of its subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies. See “—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT—Effect of Subsidiary Entities—Ownership of Interests in Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies.”

Entity Classification

Our interests in our operating partnership and the subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies involve special tax considerations, including the possibility that the IRS might challenge the status of one or more of these entities as a partnership or disregarded entity, and assert that such entity is an association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If our operating partnership, or a subsidiary partnership or limited liability company, were treated as an association, it would be taxable as a corporation and would be required to pay an entity-level tax on its income. In this situation, the character of our assets and items of gross income could change and could preclude us from satisfying the REIT asset tests and possibly the REIT income tests. See “—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT—Gross Income Tests” and “—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT —Asset Tests.” This, in turn, would prevent us from qualifying as a REIT. See “—Failure to Qualify as a REIT” for a discussion of the effect of our failure to meet these tests for a taxable year. In addition, a change in our operating partnership’s or a subsidiary partnership’s or limited liability company’s status as a partnership for tax purposes might be treated as a taxable event. If so, we might incur a tax liability without any related cash distributions.

We believe each of our operating partnership and our other partnerships and limited liability companies (other than our taxable REIT subsidiaries) is properly treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a partnership or disregarded entity. Pursuant to Treasury Regulations under Section 7701 of the Code, a partnership is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless it elects to be treated as a corporation or would be treated as a corporation because it is a “publicly traded partnership.” A “publicly traded partnership” is any partnership (i) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or (ii) the interests in which are readily tradable on a “secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof.”

Our company and our operating partnership intend to take the reporting position for U.S. federal income tax purposes that our operating partnership is not a publicly traded partnership. There is a risk, however, that the right of a holder of OP units to redeem the units for shares of common stock could cause OP units to be

 

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considered readily tradable on the substantial equivalent of a secondary market. Under the relevant Treasury Regulations, interests in a partnership will not be considered readily tradable on a secondary market or on the substantial equivalent of a secondary market if the partnership qualifies for specified “safe harbors,” which are based on the specific facts and circumstances relating to the partnership. We and our operating partnership believe that our operating partnership has qualified and will qualify for at least one of these safe harbors at all times in the foreseeable future. Our operating partnership cannot provide any assurance that it will continue to qualify for one of the safe harbors mentioned above.

If our operating partnership is a publicly traded partnership, it will be taxed as a corporation unless at least 90% of its gross income consists of “qualifying income” under Section 7704 of the Code. Qualifying income is generally real property rents and other types of passive income. We believe that our operating partnership has sufficient qualifying income so that it would be taxed as a partnership, even if it were a publicly traded partnership. The income requirements applicable to us in order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code and the definition of qualifying income under the publicly traded partnership rules are very similar. Although differences exist between these two income tests, we do not believe that these differences would cause our operating partnership not to satisfy the 90% gross income test applicable to publicly traded partnerships.

If our operating partnership were taxable as a corporation, most, if not all, of the tax consequences described herein would be inapplicable. In particular, we would not qualify as a REIT because the value of our ownership interest in our operating partnership would exceed 5% of our assets and we would be considered to hold more than 10% of the voting securities (and more than 10% of the value of the outstanding securities) of another corporation (see “—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT—Asset Tests” above). In this event, the value of our shares could be materially adversely affected (see “—Failure to Qualify as a REIT” above).

Allocations of Partnership Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction

The partnership agreement of our operating partnership generally provides that items of operating income and loss will be allocated to reflect the distribution and liquidation preferences of certain holders of OP units, and then to the holders of units in proportion to the number of units held by each such unit holder. Certain limited partners may agree in the future to guarantee debt of our operating partnership, either directly or indirectly through an agreement to make capital contributions to our operating partnership under limited circumstances. As a result of these guarantees or contribution agreements, such limited partners could under limited circumstances be allocated net loss that would have otherwise been allocable to us.

If an allocation of partnership income or loss does not comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners’ interests in the partnership. This reallocation will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item. Our operating partnership’s allocations of taxable income and loss are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.

Tax Allocations with Respect to the Properties

Under Section 704(c) of the Code, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership, must be allocated in a manner so that the contributing partner is charged with the unrealized gain or benefits from the unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of the unrealized gain or unrealized loss is generally equal to the difference between the fair market value or book value and the adjusted tax basis of the property at the time of contribution. These allocations are solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners. The partnership agreement requires that these allocations be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code.

 

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Treasury Regulations issued under Section 704(c) of the Code provide partnerships with a choice of several methods of accounting for book-tax differences. We and our operating partnership use the “traditional method” for accounting for book-tax differences for properties contributed to our operating partnership. Under the traditional method, which is the least favorable method from our perspective, the carryover basis of contributed properties in the hands of our operating partnership (i) may cause us to be allocated lower amounts of depreciation and other deductions for tax purposes than would be allocated to us if all contributed properties were to have a tax basis equal to their fair market value at the time of the contribution and (ii) in the event of a sale of such properties, could cause us to be allocated taxable gain in excess of our corresponding economic or book gain (or taxable loss that is less than our economic or book loss) with respect to the sale, with a corresponding benefit to the contributing partners. Therefore, the use of the traditional method could result in our having taxable income that is in excess of economic income and our cash distributions from our operating partnership. This excess taxable income is sometimes referred to as “phantom income” and will be subject to the REIT distribution requirements described in “—Annual Distribution Requirements.” Because we rely on our cash distributions from our operating partnership to meet the REIT distribution requirements, the phantom income could adversely affect our ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements and cause our stockholders to recognize additional dividend income without an increase in distributions. See “—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT” and “—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT—Annual Distribution Requirements.” We and our operating partnership may use the traditional method to account for book-tax differences for other properties acquired by our operating partnership in the future. Any property acquired by our operating partnership in a taxable transaction will initially have a tax basis equal to its fair market value and, accordingly, Section 704(c) of the Code will not apply.

Taxation of U.S. Stockholders

Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders

This section summarizes the taxation of U.S. stockholders that are not tax-exempt organizations.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner of a partnership holding our shares should consult its tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to the partner of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our shares by the partnership.

Distributions Generally. So long as we qualify as a REIT, distributions out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits that are not designated as capital gains dividends or “qualified dividend income” will be taxable to our taxable U.S. stockholders as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of U.S. stockholders that are corporations. For purposes of determining whether distributions to holders of our shares are out of current or accumulated earnings and profits, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to any shares of preferred stock then to our shares of common stock. Dividends received from REITs are generally not eligible to be taxed at the preferential qualified dividend income rates currently available to individual U.S. stockholders who receive dividends from taxable subchapter “C” corporations. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, generally, stockholders that are individuals, trusts or estates may deduct 20% of the aggregate amount of ordinary dividends distributed by us, subject to certain limitations. Capital gain dividends and qualified dividend income will continue to be subject to a maximum 20% rate.

Capital Gain Dividends. We may elect to designate distributions of our net capital gain as “capital gain dividends.” Distributions that we properly designate as “capital gain dividends” will be taxable to our taxable U.S. stockholders as long-term capital gains without regard to the period for which the U.S. stockholder that receives such distribution has held its shares, to the extent that such distributions do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year (and, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, do not exceed our

 

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dividends paid with respect to the taxable year, taking Section 858 of the Code into account). Designations made by us will only be effective to the extent that they comply with Revenue Ruling 89-81, which requires that distributions made to different classes of shares be composed proportionately of dividends of a particular type. If we designate any portion of a dividend as a capital gain dividend, a U.S. stockholder will receive an IRS Form 1099-DIV indicating the amount that will be taxable to the stockholder as capital gain. Corporate stockholders, however, may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Recipients of capital gain dividends from us that are taxed at corporate income tax rates will be taxed at the normal corporate income tax rates on these dividends.

We may elect to retain and pay taxes on some or all of our net long-term capital gains, in which case U.S. stockholders will be treated as having received, solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our undistributed capital gains as well as a corresponding credit or refund, as the case may be, for taxes that we paid on such undistributed capital gains. A U.S. stockholder will increase the basis in its shares by the difference between the amount of capital gain included in its income and the amount of tax it is deemed to have paid. A U.S. stockholder that is a corporation will appropriately adjust its earnings and profits for the retained capital gain in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be prescribed by the IRS. Our earnings and profits will be adjusted appropriately.

We will classify portions of any designated capital gain dividend or undistributed capital gain as either:

 

    a long-term capital gain distribution, which would be taxable to non-corporate U.S. stockholders at a maximum rate of 20%, and, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, taxable to U.S. stockholders that are corporations at a maximum rate of 21%; or

 

    an “unrecaptured Section 1250 gain” distribution, which would be taxable to non-corporate U.S. stockholders at a maximum rate of 25%, to the extent of previously claimed depreciation deductions.

Distributions from us in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a U.S. stockholder to the extent that they do not exceed the adjusted basis of the U.S. stockholder’s shares in respect of which the distributions were made. Rather, the distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of these shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a U.S. stockholder’s shares, the U.S. stockholder generally must include such distributions in income as long-term capital gain, or short-term capital gain if the shares have been held for one year or less. In addition, any dividend that we declare in October, November or December of any year and that is payable to a stockholder of record on a prospective date in any such month will be treated as both paid by us and received by the stockholder on December 31 of such year, provided that we actually pay the dividend before the end of January of the following calendar year.

To the extent that we have available net operating losses and capital losses carried forward from prior taxable years, such losses may reduce the amount of distributions that we must make in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. See “—Taxation of the Company as a REIT” and “—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT—Annual Distribution Requirements.” Such losses, however, are not passed through to U.S. stockholders and do not offset income of U.S. stockholders from other sources, nor would such losses affect the character of any distributions that we make, which are generally subject to tax in the hands of U.S. stockholders to the extent that we have current or accumulated earnings and profits.

Qualified Dividend Income. With respect to U.S. stockholders who are taxed at the rates applicable to individuals, we may elect to designate a portion of our distributions paid to stockholders as “qualified dividend income.” A portion of a distribution that is properly designated as qualified dividend income is taxable to non-corporate U.S. stockholders as capital gain, provided that the stockholder has held the shares with respect to which the distribution is made for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date on which such shares become ex-dividend with respect to the relevant distribution. The maximum amount of our distributions eligible to be designated as qualified dividend income for a taxable year is equal to the sum of:

 

    the qualified dividend income received by us during such taxable year from non-REIT “C” corporations (including our taxable REIT subsidiaries);

 

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    the excess of any “undistributed” REIT taxable income recognized during the immediately preceding year over the U.S. federal income tax paid by us with respect to such undistributed REIT taxable income; and

 

    the excess of (i) any income recognized during the immediately preceding year attributable to the sale of a built-in-gain asset that was acquired in a carry-over basis transaction from a “C” corporation with respect to which the Company is required to pay U.S. federal income tax, over (ii) the U.S. federal income tax paid by us with respect to such built-in gain.

Generally, dividends that we receive will be treated as qualified dividend income for purposes of the first bullet above if (A) the dividends are received from (i) a U.S. corporation (other than a REIT or a RIC), (ii) any of our taxable REIT subsidiaries, or (iii) a “qualifying foreign corporation,” and (B) specified holding period requirements and other requirements are met. A foreign corporation (other than a “foreign personal holding company,” a “foreign investment company,” or a “passive foreign investment company”) will be a qualifying foreign corporation if it is incorporated in a possession of the United States, the corporation is eligible for benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States that the Secretary of Treasury determines is satisfactory, or the stock of the foreign corporation on which the dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. We generally expect that an insignificant portion, if any, of our distributions from us will consist of qualified dividend income. If we designate any portion of a dividend as qualified dividend income, a U.S. stockholder will receive an IRS Form 1099-DIV indicating the amount that will be taxable to the stockholder as qualified dividend income.

Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations. Distributions we make and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a U.S. stockholder of our shares will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, U.S. stockholders generally will not be able to apply any “passive losses” against this income or gain. Distributions we make, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation. A U.S. stockholder may elect, depending on its particular situation, to treat capital gain dividends, capital gains from the disposition of our shares and income designated as qualified dividend income as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitation, in which case the applicable capital gains will be taxed at ordinary income rates. We will notify stockholders regarding the portions of our distributions for each year that constitute ordinary income, return of capital and qualified dividend income.

Distributions to Holders of Depositary Shares. Owners of depositary shares will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if they were owners of the underlying preferred stock represented by such depositary shares. Accordingly, such owners will be entitled to take into account, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, income and deductions to which they would be entitled if they were direct holders of underlying preferred stock. In addition, (i) no gain or loss will be recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the withdrawal of certificates evidencing the underlying preferred stock in exchange for depositary receipts, (ii) the tax basis of each share of the underlying preferred stock to an exchanging owner of depositary shares will, upon such exchange, be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the depositary shares exchanged therefor, and (iii) the holding period for the underlying preferred stock in the hands of an exchanging owner of depositary shares will include the period during which such person owned such depositary shares.

Dispositions of Our Shares. If a U.S. stockholder sells or otherwise disposes of our shares in a taxable transaction (other than redemption), it will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and the holder’s adjusted basis in the shares for tax purposes. In general, a U.S. stockholder’s adjusted basis will equal the U.S. stockholder’s acquisition cost, increased by the excess for net capital gains deemed distributed to the U.S. stockholder (discussed above) less tax deemed paid on it and reduced by returns on capital.

 

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In general, capital gains recognized by individuals and other non-corporate U.S. stockholders upon the sale or disposition of our shares will be subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20%, if our shares are held for more than one year, and will be taxed at ordinary income rates (of up to 37% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026) if our shares are held for one year or less. Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, gains recognized by U.S. stockholders that are corporations are subject to U.S. federal income tax at a maximum rate of 21%, whether or not such gains are classified as long-term capital gains. The IRS has the authority to prescribe, but has not yet prescribed, Treasury Regulations that would apply a capital gain tax rate of 25% (which is higher than the long-term capital gain tax rates for non-corporate U.S. stockholders) to a portion of capital gain realized by a non-corporate U.S. stockholder on the sale of our shares that would correspond to our “unrecaptured Section 1250 gain.” U.S. stockholders should consult with their tax advisors with respect to their capital gain tax liability.

Capital losses recognized by a U.S. stockholder upon the disposition of our shares that were held for more than one year at the time of disposition will be considered long-term capital losses, and are generally available only to offset capital gain income of the stockholder but not ordinary income (except in the case of individuals, who may offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income each year). Similarly, capital losses recognized by a U.S. stockholder upon the disposition of our shares that were held for one year or less at the time of disposition will be considered short-term capital losses, and are generally available only to offset capital gain income of the stockholder but not ordinary income (except in the case of individuals, who may offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income each year). In addition, any loss upon a sale or exchange of our shares by a U.S. stockholder who has held the shares for six months or less, after applying holding period rules, will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of distributions that we make that are required to be treated by the U.S. stockholder as long-term capital gain.

If a stockholder recognizes a loss upon a subsequent disposition of our shares in an amount that exceeds a prescribed threshold, it is possible that the provisions of Treasury Regulations involving “reportable transactions” could apply, with a resulting requirement to separately disclose the loss-generating transaction to the IRS. These regulations, though directed towards “tax shelters,” are broadly written, and may apply to transactions that would not typically be considered tax shelters. The Code imposes significant penalties for failure to comply with these requirements. U.S. stockholders should consult their tax advisors concerning any possible disclosure obligation with respect to the receipt or disposition of our shares, or transactions that we might undertake directly or indirectly.

Medicare Tax on Unearned Income. The Health Care and Reconciliation Act of 2010 requires certain U.S. stockholders that are individuals, estates or trusts to pay an additional 3.8% tax on “net investment income,” which includes, among other things, dividends on and gains from the sale or other disposition of REIT shares. U.S. stockholders should consult their tax advisors regarding this legislation.

Legislation Relating To Foreign Accounts. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), which was enacted in 2010, imposes a 30% withholding tax on certain types of payments made to “foreign financial institutions” and certain other non-U.S. entities unless certain due diligence, reporting, withholding, and certification obligations requirements are satisfied. Investors are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding this legislation. See “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax Applicable to Stockholders—U.S. Stockholders—Legislation Relating To Foreign Accounts.”

Redemption of Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares. Whenever we redeem any preferred stock or depositary shares, the treatment accorded to any redemption by us for cash (as distinguished from a sale, exchange or other disposition) of our preferred stock or depositary shares to a holder of such shares can only be determined on the basis of the particular facts as to each holder at the time of redemption. In general, a holder of our preferred stock or depositary shares will recognize capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the amount received by the holder of such shares upon the redemption and such holder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares redeemed (provided the shares of preferred stock are held as a capital asset) if such redemption (i) is “not essentially

 

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equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the holder of the preferred stock under Section 302(b)(1) of the Code, (ii) is a “substantially disproportionate” redemption with respect to the stockholder under Section 302(b)(2) of the Code, or (iii) results in a “complete termination” of the holder’s interest in all classes of our shares under Section 302(b)(3) of the Code. In applying these tests, there must be taken into account not only any series or class of the shares being redeemed, but also such holder’s ownership of other classes of our shares and any options (including share purchase rights) to acquire any of the foregoing. The holder of our preferred stock or depositary shares also must take into account any such securities (including options) which are considered to be owned by such holder by reason of the constructive ownership rules set forth in Sections 318 and 302(c) of the Code.

If the holder of preferred stock or depositary shares owns (actually or constructively) none of our voting shares, or owns an insubstantial amount of our voting shares, based upon current law, it is probable that the redemption of preferred stock from such a holder would be considered to be “not essentially equivalent to a dividend.” However, whether a distribution is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” depends on all of the facts and circumstances, and a holder of our preferred stock or depositary shares intending to rely on any of these tests at the time of redemption should consult its tax advisor to determine their application to its particular situation.

Satisfaction of the “substantially disproportionate” and “complete termination” exceptions is dependent upon compliance with the respective objective tests set forth in Section 302(b)(2) and Section 302(b)(3) of the Code. A distribution to a holder of preferred stock or depositary shares will be “substantially disproportionate” if the percentage of our outstanding voting shares actually and constructively owned by the stockholder immediately following the redemption of shares (treating shares of preferred stock redeemed as not outstanding) is less than 80% of the percentage of our outstanding voting shares actually and constructively owned by the stockholder immediately before the redemption, and immediately following the redemption the stockholder actually and constructively owns less than 50% of the total combined voting power of the Company. Because the Company’s preferred stock and depositary shares are nonvoting shares, a stockholder would have to reduce such holder’s holdings (if any) in our classes of voting shares to satisfy this test.

If the redemption does not meet any of the tests under Section 302 of the Code, then the redemption proceeds received from our preferred stock or depositary shares will be treated as a distribution on our shares as described under “Taxation of U.S. Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders—Distributions Generally.” If the redemption of a holder’s preferred stock or depositary shares is taxed as a dividend, the adjusted basis of such holder’s redeemed shares will be transferred to any other shares held by the holder. If the holder owns no other shares, under certain circumstances, such basis may be transferred to a related person, or it may be lost entirely.

With respect to a redemption of our preferred stock or depositary shares that is treated as a distribution with respect to our shares, which is not otherwise taxable as a dividend, the IRS has proposed Treasury regulations that would require any basis reduction associated with such a redemption to be applied on a share-by-share basis which could result in taxable gain with respect to some shares, even though the holder’s aggregate basis for the shares would be sufficient to absorb the entire amount of the redemption distribution (in excess of any amount of such distribution treated as a dividend). Additionally, these proposed Treasury regulations would not permit the transfer of basis in the redeemed shares of the preferred stock or depositary shares to the remaining shares held (directly or indirectly) by the redeemed holder. Instead, the unrecovered basis in our preferred stock or depositary shares would be treated as a deferred loss to be recognized when certain conditions are satisfied. These proposed Treasury regulations would be effective for transactions that occur after the date the regulations are published as final Treasury regulations. There can, however, be no assurance as to whether, when, and in what particular form such proposed Treasury regulations will ultimately be finalized. If a redemption of shares is not treated as a distribution taxable as a dividend, it will be treated as a taxable sale or exchange in the manner described under “Taxation of U.S. Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders—Dispositions of Our Shares.”

 

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Conversion of Our Preferred Stock into Common Stock. Except as provided below, a U.S. stockholder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the conversion of our shares of preferred stock into our shares of common stock. Except as provided below, a U.S. stockholder’s basis and holding period in the common stock received upon conversion generally will be the same as those of the converted preferred stock (but the basis will be reduced by the portion of adjusted tax basis allocated to any fractional share of common stock exchanged for cash). Any common stock received in a conversion that is attributable to accumulated and unpaid dividends on the converted preferred stock will be treated as a distribution on our shares as described above in “—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders—Distributions Generally.” Cash received upon conversion in lieu of a fractional share of common stock generally will be treated as a payment in a taxable exchange for such fractional share of common stock, and gain or loss will be recognized on the receipt of cash in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the adjusted tax basis allocable to the fractional share of common stock deemed exchanged. This gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. stockholder has held the preferred stock for more than one year. See “—Taxation of U.S. Stockholders—Dispositions of Our Shares.” U.S. stockholders should consult with their tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of any transaction by which such holder exchanges common stock received on a conversion of preferred stock for cash or other property.

Taxation of Tax Exempt Stockholders

U.S. tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts, generally are exempt from U.S. federal income taxation. Such entities, however, may be subject to taxation on their unrelated business taxable income, or UBTI. While some investments in real estate may generate UBTI, the IRS has ruled that dividend distributions from a REIT to a tax-exempt entity generally do not constitute UBTI. Based on that ruling, and provided that (1) a tax-exempt stockholder has not held our shares as “debt financed property” within the meaning of the Code (i.e., where the acquisition or holding of the property is financed through a borrowing by the U.S. tax-exempt stockholder), (2) our shares are not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business, and (3) we do not hold an asset that gives rise to “excess inclusion income,” distributions that we make and income from the sale of our shares generally should not give rise to UBTI to a U.S. tax-exempt stockholder.

Tax-exempt stockholders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, or qualified group legal services plans exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) or (c)(20) of the Code, respectively, or single parent title-holding corporations exempt under Section 501(c)(2) and whose income is payable to any of the aforementioned tax-exempt organizations, are subject to different UBTI rules, which generally require such stockholders to characterize distributions from us as UBTI unless the organization is able to properly claim a deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for certain purposes so as to offset the income generated by its investment in our shares. These stockholders should consult with their tax advisors concerning these set aside and reserve requirements.

In certain circumstances, a pension trust (1) that is described in Section 401(a) of the Code, (2) is tax exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code, and (3) that owns more than 10% of our shares could be required to treat a percentage of the dividends as UBTI, if we are a “pension-held REIT.” We will not be a pension-held REIT unless:

 

    either (1) one pension trust owns more than 25% of the value of our shares, or (2) one or more pension trusts, each individually holding more than 10% of the value of our shares, collectively own more than 50% of the value of our shares; and

 

    we would not have qualified as a REIT but for the fact that Section 856(h)(3) of the Code provides that shares owned by such trusts shall be treated, for purposes of the requirement that not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of a REIT are owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer “individuals” (as defined in the Code to include certain entities), as owned by the beneficiaries of such trusts.

 

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The percentage of any REIT dividend from a “pension-held REIT” that is treated as UBTI is equal to the ratio of the UBTI earned by the REIT, treating the REIT as if it were a pension trust and therefore subject to tax on UBTI, to the total gross income of the REIT. An exception applies where the percentage is less than 5% for any year, in which case none of the dividends would be treated as UBTI. The provisions requiring pension trusts to treat a portion of REIT distributions as UBTI will not apply if the REIT is able to satisfy the “not closely held requirement” without relying upon the “look-through” exception with respect to pension trusts. As a result of certain limitations on the transfer and ownership of shares of our common and preferred stock contained in our declaration of trust, we do not expect to be classified as a “pension-held REIT,” and accordingly, the tax treatment described above with respect to pension-held REITs should be inapplicable to our tax-exempt stockholders.

Prospective stockholders who are tax-exempt organizations should consult with their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of investing in our shares.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders

The following discussion addresses the rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of non-U.S. stockholders. For purposes of this discussion, “non-U.S. stockholder” is a beneficial owner of our shares that is not a U.S. stockholder (as defined above) or an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. These rules are complex, and no attempt is made herein to provide more than a brief summary of such rules. Accordingly, the discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation and does not address state, local, foreign, or other tax consequences that may be relevant to a non-U.S. stockholder in light of its particular circumstances.

Distributions Generally. As described in the discussion below, distributions paid by us with respect to our shares will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as either:

 

    ordinary income dividends;

 

    long-term capital gain; or

 

    return of capital distributions.

This discussion assumes that our shares will be considered regularly traded on an established securities market for purposes of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, or FIRPTA, provisions described below. Generally, FIRPTA treats gain from the disposition of U.S. real property interests, or USRPIs, (and certain distributions received, that are attributable to gain from disposition of USRPIs) as income effectively connected with a non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business, and subjects such income to U.S. federal income tax at rates applicable to U.S. individuals or corporations. If our shares are no longer regularly traded on an established securities market, the tax considerations described below would materially differ.

Ordinary Income Dividends. A distribution paid by us to a non-U.S. stockholder will be treated as an ordinary income dividend if the distribution is payable out of our earnings and profits and:

 

    the distribution is not attributable to our net capital gain; or

 

    the distribution is attributable to our net capital gain from the sale of USRPIs, and the non-U.S. stockholder owns 10% or less of the value of our shares at all times during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution.

In general, non-U.S. stockholders will not be considered to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business solely as a result of their ownership of our shares. In cases where the dividend income from a non-U.S. stockholder’s investment in our shares is, or is treated as, effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S. stockholder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. stockholders are taxed with respect to such dividends. Such income must

 

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generally be reported on a U.S. federal income tax return filed by or on behalf of the non-U.S. stockholder. The income may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax in the case of a non-U.S. stockholder that is a corporation.

Generally, we will withhold and remit to the IRS 30% of dividend distributions (including distributions that may later be determined to have been made in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits) that could not be treated as capital gain distributions with respect to the non-U.S. stockholder (and that are not deemed to be capital gain dividends for purposes of the FIRPTA withholding rules described below) unless:

 

    a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. stockholder files an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, evidencing eligibility for that reduced treaty rate with us; or

 

    the non-U.S. stockholder files an IRS Form W-8ECI with us claiming that the distribution is income effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholder’s trade or business.

Return of Capital Distributions. Unless (A) our shares constitute a USRPI, as described in “—Dispositions of Our Shares” below, or (B) either (1) the non-U.S. stockholder’s investment in our shares is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. stockholder (in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. stockholders with respect to such gain) or (2) the non-U.S. stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a “tax home” in the United States (in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual’s net capital gain for the year), distributions that we make which are not dividends out of our earnings and profits will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. If we cannot determine at the time a distribution is made whether or not the distribution will exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be subject to withholding at the rate applicable to dividends. The non-U.S. stockholder may seek a refund from the IRS of any amounts withheld if it subsequently is determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. If our shares constitute a USRPI, as described below, distributions that we make in excess of the sum of (1) the non-U.S. stockholder’s proportionate share of our earnings and profits, and (2) the non-U.S. stockholder’s basis in its shares, will be taxed under FIRPTA at the rate of tax, including any applicable capital gains rates, that would apply to a U.S. stockholder of the same type (e.g., an individual or a corporation, as the case may be), and the collection of the tax will be enforced by a refundable withholding tax at a rate of 15% of the amount by which the distribution exceeds the stockholder’s share of our earnings and profits.

Capital Gain Dividends. A distribution paid by us to a non-U.S. stockholder will be treated as long-term capital gain if the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits and:

 

    the distribution is attributable to our net capital gain (other than from the sale of USRPIs) and we timely designate the distribution as a capital gain dividend; or

 

    the distribution is attributable to our net capital gain from the sale of USRPIs and the non-U.S. stockholder owns more than 10% of the value of shares at any point during the one-year period ending on the date on which the distribution is paid.

Long-term capital gain that a non-U.S. stockholder is deemed to receive from a capital gain dividend that is not attributable to the sale of USRPIs generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the hands of the non-U.S. stockholder unless:

 

    the non-U.S. stockholder’s investment in our shares is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder, in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. stockholders with respect to any gain, except that a non-U.S. stockholder that is a corporation also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax; or

 

    the non-U.S. stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a “tax home” in the United States in which case the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on his capital gains.

 

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Subject to the discussion below regarding distributions to “qualified stockholders” and “qualified foreign pension funds,” under FIRPTA, distributions that are attributable to net capital gain from the sale by us of USRPIs and paid to a non-U.S. stockholder that owns more than 10% of the value of our shares at any time during the one-year period ending on the date on which the distribution is paid will be subject to U.S. tax as income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. The FIRPTA tax will apply to these distributions whether or not the distribution is designated as a capital gain dividend, and, in the case of a non-U.S. stockholder that is a corporation, such distributions also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax.

Subject to the discussion below regarding distributions to “qualified stockholders” and “qualified foreign pension funds,” any distribution paid by us that is treated as a capital gain dividend or that could be treated as a capital gain dividend with respect to a particular non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to special withholding rules under FIRPTA. We will withhold and remit to the IRS 21% of any distribution that could be treated as a capital gain dividend with respect to the non-U.S. stockholder, to the extent that the distribution is attributable to the sale by us of USRPIs. The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability or refundable when the non-U.S. stockholder properly and timely files a tax return with the IRS.

Qualified Stockholders. Subject to the exception discussed below, any distribution to a “qualified stockholder” who holds REIT stock directly (or indirectly through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to U.S. tax under FIRPTA with respect to that REIT stock and thus will not be subject to withholding rules under FIRPTA. If a foreign investor in a “qualified stockholder” directly or indirectly, whether or not by reason of such investor’s ownership interest in the “qualified stockholder,” holds more than 10% of the stock of the REIT, then a portion of the REIT stock held by the “qualified stockholder” (based on the foreign investor’s percentage ownership of the “qualified stockholder”) will be treated as a USRPI in the hands of the “qualified stockholder” and will be subject to FIRPTA.

A “qualified stockholder” is a foreign person that (i) either is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that includes an exchange of information program and whose principal class of interests is listed and regularly traded on one or more recognized stock exchanges (as defined in such comprehensive income tax treaty), or is a foreign partnership that is created or organized under foreign law as a limited partnership in a jurisdiction that has an agreement for the exchange of information with respect to taxes with the United States and has a class of limited partnership units representing greater than 50% of the value of all the partnership units that is regularly traded on the NYSE or NASDAQ markets, (ii) is a “qualified collective investment vehicle” (defined below), and (iii) maintains records on the identity of each person who, at any time during the foreign person’s taxable year, is the direct owner of 5% or more of the class of interests or units (as applicable) described in (i), above.

A “qualified collective investment vehicle” is a foreign person that (i) would be eligible for a reduced rate of withholding under the comprehensive income tax treaty described above, even if such entity holds more than 10% of the stock of such REIT, (ii) is publicly traded, is treated as a partnership under the Code, is a withholding foreign partnership, and would be treated as a U.S. real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”) if it were a domestic corporation, or (iii) is designated as such by the Secretary of the Treasury and is either (a) fiscally transparent within the meaning of section 894 of the Code, or (b) required to include dividends in its gross income, but is entitled to a deduction for distributions to its investors.

Qualified Foreign Pension Funds. Any distribution to a “qualified foreign pension fund” or an entity all of the interests of which are held by a “qualified foreign pension fund” who holds REIT stock directly (or indirectly through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to U.S. tax under FIRPTA and thus will not be subject to the withholding rules under FIRPTA.

A qualified foreign pension fund is any trust, corporation, or other organization or arrangement (A) that is created or organized under the law of a country other than the United States, (B) that is established to provide

 

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retirement or pension benefits to participants or beneficiaries that are current or former employees (or persons designated by such employees) of one or more employers in consideration for services rendered, (C) that does not have a single participant or beneficiary with a right to more than 5% of its assets or income, (D) that is subject to government regulation and provides annual information reporting about its beneficiaries to the relevant tax authorities in the country in which it is established or operates, and (E) with respect to which, under the laws of the country in which it is established or operates, (i) contributions to such organization or arrangement that would otherwise be subject to tax under such laws are deductible or excluded from the gross income of such entity or taxed at a reduced rate, or (ii) taxation of any investment income of such organization or arrangement is deferred or such income is taxed at a reduced rate.

Undistributed Capital Gain. Although the law is not entirely clear on the matter, it appears that amounts designated by us as undistributed capital gains in respect of our shares held by non-U.S. stockholders generally should be treated in the same manner as actual distributions by us of capital gain dividends. Under this approach, the non-U.S. stockholder would be able to offset as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability resulting therefrom their proportionate share of the tax paid by us on the undistributed capital gains treated as long-term capital gains to the non-U.S. stockholder, and generally receive from the IRS a refund to the extent their proportionate share of the tax paid by us were to exceed the non-U.S. stockholder’s actual U.S. federal income tax liability on such long-term capital gain. If we were to designate any portion of our net capital gain as undistributed capital gain, a non-U.S. stockholder should consult its tax advisors regarding taxation of such undistributed capital gain.

Dispositions of Our Shares. Unless our shares constitute a USRPI, a sale of our shares by a non-U.S. stockholder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation under FIRPTA.

Generally, subject to the discussion below regarding dispositions by “qualified stockholders” and “qualified foreign pension funds,” with respect to any particular stockholder, our shares will constitute a USRPI only if each of the following three statements is true:

 

    Fifty percent or more of our assets on any of certain testing dates during a prescribed testing period consist of interests in real property located within the United States, excluding for this purpose, interests in real property solely in a capacity as creditor (which we expect to be the case);

 

    We are not a “domestically-controlled qualified investment entity.” A domestically-controlled qualified investment entity includes a REIT, less than 50% of the value of which is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. stockholders at all times during a specified testing period. Although we believe that we are and will remain a domestically-controlled REIT, because our shares are publicly traded we cannot make any assurance that we are or will remain a domestically-controlled qualified investment entity; and

 

    Either (a) our shares are not “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market; or (b) our shares are “regularly traded” on an established securities market and the selling non-U.S. stockholder has held over 10% of our outstanding shares any time during the five-year period ending on the date of the sale.

A sale of our shares by a “qualified stockholder” or a “qualified pension fund” that holds our shares directly (or indirectly through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation under FIRPTA. However, if a foreign investor in a “qualified stockholder” directly or indirectly, whether or not by reason of such investor’s ownership interest in the “qualified stockholder,” holds more than 10% of the stock of the REIT, then a portion of the REIT stock held by the “qualified stockholder” (based on the foreign investor’s percentage ownership of the “qualified stockholder”) will be treated as a USRPI in the hands of the “qualified stockholder” and will be subject to FIRPTA.

Specific wash sales rules applicable to sales of shares in a domestically-controlled qualified investment entity could result in gain recognition, taxable under FIRPTA, upon the sale of our shares even if we are a

 

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domestically-controlled qualified investment entity. These rules would apply if a non-U.S. stockholder (1) disposes of our shares within a 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution, any portion of which, but for the disposition, would have been taxable to such non-U.S. stockholder as gain from the sale or exchange of a USRPI, and (2) acquires, or enters into a contract or option to acquire, other shares during the 61-day period that begins 30 days prior to such ex-dividend date.

If gain on the sale of our shares was subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. stockholder would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return and would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to such gain, subject to the applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of non-resident alien individuals, and the purchaser of the shares could be required to withhold 15% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the IRS.

Gain from the sale of our shares that would not otherwise be subject to FIRPTA will nonetheless be taxable in the United States to a non-U.S. stockholder as follows: (1) if the non-U.S. stockholder’s investment in our shares is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. stockholder, the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to such gain, or (2) if the non-U.S. stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a “tax home” in the United States, the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual’s capital gain.

Legislation Relating to Payments to Certain Foreign Entities. FATCA imposes a 30% withholding tax on certain types of payments made to “foreign financial institutions” and certain other non-U.S. entities unless certain due diligence, reporting, withholding, and certification obligations requirements are satisfied. Investors are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding this legislation. See “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax Applicable to Stockholders—Non-U.S. Stockholders—Withholding on Payments to Certain Foreign Entities.”

Redemption of Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares. See discussion above under “—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders—Redemption of Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares.” If the redemption does not meet any of the tests described in “—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders—Redemption of Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares,” then the redemption proceeds received from our shares will be treated as a distribution on our shares as described under “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders—Distributions Generally.” If a redemption of shares of is not treated as a distribution taxable as a dividend, it will be treated as a taxable sale or exchange in the manner described under “Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders—Dispositions of Our Shares.”

Conversion of Our Preferred Stock into Common Stock. Except as provided below, a non-U.S. stockholder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the conversion of our shares of preferred stock into our shares of common stock, provided our shares of preferred stock do not constitute a USRPI. Even if our shares of preferred stock do constitute a USRPI, provided our shares of common stock also constitutes a USRPI, a non-U.S. stockholder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon a conversion of our shares of preferred stock into our shares of common stock provided certain reporting requirements are satisfied. Except as provided below, a non-U.S. stockholder’s basis and holding period in the common stock received upon conversion will be the same as those of the converted shares of preferred stock (but the basis will be reduced by the portion of adjusted tax basis allocated to any fractional share of common stock exchanged for cash). Any common stock received in a conversion that is attributable to accumulated and unpaid dividends on the converted preferred stock will be treated as a distribution on our shares as described under “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders—Ordinary Income Dividends.” Cash received upon conversion in lieu of a fractional share of common stock generally will be treated as a payment in a taxable exchange for such fractional share of common stock as described under “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders—Dispositions of Our Shares.” Non-U.S. stockholders should consult with their tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of any transaction by which such holder exchanges shares of common stock received on a conversion of shares of preferred stock for cash or other property.

 

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax Applicable to Stockholders

U.S. Stockholders—Generally

In general, information reporting requirements will apply to payments of distributions on our shares and payments of the proceeds of the sale of our shares to some U.S. stockholders, unless an exception applies. Further, the payor will be required to withhold backup withholding tax on such payments (currently at the rate of 28%) if:

 

  1. the payee fails to furnish a taxpayer identification number, or TIN, to the payor or to establish an exemption from backup withholding;

 

  2. the IRS notifies the payor that the TIN furnished by the payee is incorrect;

 

  3. there has been a notified payee under-reporting with respect to interest, dividends or original issue discount described in Section 3406(c) of the Code; or

 

  4. there has been a failure of the payee to certify under the penalty of perjury that the payee is not subject to backup withholding under the Code.

Some stockholders may be exempt from backup withholding. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a stockholder will be allowed as a credit against the stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the stockholder to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.

U.S. Stockholders—Legislation Relating To Foreign Accounts

Under FATCA certain payments made to “foreign financial institutions” and “non-financial foreign entities” may be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%. U.S. stockholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this legislation on their ownership and disposition of their shares. See “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax Applicable to Stockholders—Non-U.S. Stockholders—Withholding on Payments to Certain Foreign Entities.”

Non-U.S. Stockholders—Generally

Generally, information reporting will apply to payments of distributions on our shares, and backup withholding, currently at a rate of 28%, may apply, unless the payee certifies that it is not a U.S. person or otherwise establishes an exemption.

The proceeds from a disposition by a non-U.S. stockholder of shares to or through a foreign office of a broker generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, if the broker is a U.S. person, a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income from all sources for specified periods is from activities that are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, a foreign partnership if partners who hold more than 50% of the interest in the partnership are U.S. persons, or a foreign partnership that is engaged in the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, then information reporting generally will apply as though the payment were made through a U.S. office of a U.S. or foreign broker. Generally, backup withholding does not apply in such a case.

Generally, non-U.S. stockholders will satisfy the information reporting requirements by providing a proper IRS withholding certificate (such as the Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E). In the absence of a proper withholding certificate, applicable Treasury Regulations provide presumptions regarding the status of holders of our shares when payments to the holders cannot be reliably associated with appropriate documentation provided to the payor. If a non-U.S. stockholder fails to comply with the information reporting requirement, payments to such person may be subject to the full withholding tax even if such person might have been eligible for a reduced rate of withholding or no withholding under an applicable income tax treaty. Any payment subject to a withholding

 

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tax will not be again subject to backup withholding. Because the application of these Treasury Regulations varies depending on the holder’s particular circumstances, a non-U.S. stockholder is advised to consult its tax advisor regarding the information reporting requirements applicable to it.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts that we withhold under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or credited against the non-U.S. stockholder’s federal income tax liability if certain required information is furnished to the IRS. Non-U.S. stockholders should consult their tax advisors regarding application of backup withholding in their particular circumstances and the availability of and procedure for obtaining an exemption from backup withholding under current Treasury Regulations.

Non-U.S. Stockholders—Withholding on Payments to Certain Foreign Entities

FATCA imposes a 30% withholding tax on certain types of payments to “foreign financial institutions” and certain non-U.S. entities unless certain due diligence, reporting, withholding, and certification obligation requirements are satisfied.

The Treasury Department and the IRS have issued final regulations under FATCA. As a general matter, FATCA imposes a 30% withholding tax on dividends on, and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our shares if paid to a foreign entity unless either (i) the foreign entity is a “foreign financial institution” that undertakes certain due diligence, reporting, withholding, and certification obligations, or in the case of a foreign financial institution that is a resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement to implement FATCA, the entity complies with the diligence and reporting requirements of such agreement, (ii) the foreign entity is not a “foreign financial institution” and identifies certain of its U.S. investors, or (iii) the foreign entity otherwise is exempted under FATCA. Under the delayed effective dates provided for in the regulations, the required withholding would not begin until January 1, 2019 with respect to gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our shares.

If withholding is required under FATCA on a payment related to our shares, investors that otherwise would not be subject to withholding (or that otherwise would be entitled to a reduced rate of withholding) generally will be required to seek a refund or credit from the IRS to obtain the benefit of such exemption or reduction (provided that such benefit is available). Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect of FATCA in their particular circumstances.

Taxation of Holders of Our Warrants

Holders will not generally recognize gain or loss upon the exercise of a warrant. A holder’s basis in the preferred stock, depositary shares representing preferred stock or common stock, as the case may be, received upon the exercise of the warrant will be equal to the sum of the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the warrant and the exercise price paid. A holder’s holding period in the preferred stock, depositary shares representing preferred stock or common stock, as the case may be, received upon the exercise of the warrant will not include the period during which the warrant was held by the holder. Upon the expiration of a warrant, a holder will recognize a capital loss in an amount equal to his or her adjusted tax basis in the warrant. Upon the sale or exchange of a warrant to a person other than us, a holder will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or exchange and the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the warrant. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the warrant was held for more than one year. Upon the sale of the warrant to us, the IRS may argue that a holder should recognize ordinary income on the sale. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors as to the consequences of a sale of a warrant to us.

Treatment of Depositary Shares

Owners of depositary shares will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if they are owners of the preferred stock represented by such depositary shares. Accordingly, such owners will be entitled to take into

 

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account, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, income and deductions to which they would be entitled if they were holders of such preferred stock. In addition, (i) no gain or loss will be recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the withdrawal of preferred stock to an exchange owner of depositary shares, (ii) the tax basis of each share of preferred stock to an exchanging owner of depositary shares will, upon such exchange, be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the depositary shares exchanged therefor, and (iii) the holding period for preferred stock in the hands of an exchanging owner of depositary shares will include the period during which such person owned such depositary shares.

Other Tax Consequences

Legislative or other actions affecting REITs

The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of REITs may be modified, possibly with retroactive effect, by legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time. The REIT rules are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department which may result in statutory changes as well as revisions to regulations and interpretations. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “TCJA”) significantly changed the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to businesses and their owners, including REITs and their shareholders. Technical corrections or other amendments to the TCJA or administrative guidance interpreting the TCJA may be forthcoming at any time. We cannot predict the long-term effect of the TCJA or any future law changes on REITs or their shareholders. Investors should consult with their tax advisors regarding the effect of potential changes to the federal tax laws and on an investment in our shares.

State, Local and Foreign Taxes

We may be required to pay tax in various state or local jurisdictions, including those in which we transact business, and our stockholders may be required to pay tax in various state or local jurisdictions, including those in which they reside. Our state and local tax treatment may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax consequences discussed above. In addition, a stockholder’s state and local tax treatment may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax consequences discussed above. Consequently, investors should consult with their tax advisors regarding the effect of state and local tax laws on an investment in our shares.

Tax Shelter Reporting

If a holder recognizes a loss as a result of a transaction with respect to our shares of at least (i) for a holder that is an individual, S corporation, trust or a partnership with at least one non-corporate partner, $2 million or more in a single taxable year or $4.0 million or more in a combination of taxable years, or (ii) for a holder that is either a corporation or a partnership with only corporate partners, $10 million or more in a single taxable year or $20 million or more in a combination of taxable years, such holder may be required to file a disclosure statement with the IRS on IRS Form 8886. Direct stockholders of portfolio securities are in many cases exempt from this reporting requirement, but stockholders of a REIT currently are not excepted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Investors should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

Legislative or Other Actions Affecting REITs—Changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

The TCJA was passed by Congress on December 20, 2017 and signed into law by President Trump on December 22, 2017. The TCJA significantly changed the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to businesses and their owners, including REITs and their stockholders. Technical corrections or other amendments to the TCJA or administrative guidance interpreting the TCJA may be forthcoming at any time. We cannot predict the long-term effect of the TCJA or any future law changes on REITs or their stockholders. Below is a brief summary of the key changes in TCJA that directly impact REITs and their stockholders with respect to an

 

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investment in REITs. The changes described below are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, unless otherwise noted. Investors should consult with their tax advisors regarding the effect of the TCJA on their particular circumstances (including the impact of other changes enacted as part of the TCJA that do not directly relate to REITs and thus are not discussed here).

Income Tax Rates. Under the TCJA, the corporate income tax rate is reduced from a maximum marginal rate of 35% to a flat 21% rate, a 40% reduction. The reduced corporate income tax rate, which is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, will apply to income earned by taxable REIT subsidiaries.

The TJCA also reduces the highest marginal income tax rate applicable to individuals to 37% (excluding the 3.8% Medicare tax on net investment income), a 6.6% reduction. Individuals continue to pay a maximum 20% rate on long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income. However, the TCJA also will allow individuals to deduct 20% of their dividends from REITs, excluding capital gain dividends and qualified dividend income (which continue to be subject to the 20% rate). As a result, dividend income received by an individual shareholder in a REIT will be subject to a maximum effective federal income tax rate of 29.6%, compared with the previous maximum effective rate of 39.6% (plus, in each case, the 3.8% Medicare tax on net investment income). The income tax rate changes applicable to individuals apply for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities described in this prospectus from time to time, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to market prices, at a fixed price or prices subject to change or at negotiated prices, by a variety of methods including the following:

 

    on the New York Stock Exchange (including through at-the-market offerings);

 

    in the over-the-counter market;

 

    in privately negotiated transactions;

 

    through broker/dealers, who may act as agents or principals;

 

    through one or more underwriters on a firm commitment or best-efforts basis;

 

    in a block trade in which a broker/dealer will attempt to sell a block of shares of common stock as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

 

    through put or call option transactions relating to the shares of common stock;

 

    directly to one or more purchasers;

 

    through agents; or

 

    in any combination of the above.

We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act, with respect to any resale of the securities. To the extent required, a prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any sale of securities we are offering hereunder. Direct sales may be arranged by a securities broker-dealer or other financial intermediary.

To the extent required, the applicable prospectus supplement will name any underwriter involved in a sale of securities. Underwriters may offer and sell securities at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or from time to time at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to market prices, or at negotiated prices. Underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us from sales of securities in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may be involved in any at-the-market offering of securities by or on our behalf.

Underwriters may sell securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions (which may be changed from time to time) from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of any underwriters to purchase securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the securities if any are purchased.

To the extent required, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth whether or not underwriters may over-allot or effect transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the securities at levels above those that might otherwise prevail in the open market, including, for example, by entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions or imposing penalty bids.

To the extent required, we will name any agent involved in a sale of securities, as well as any commissions payable by us to such agent, in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the

 

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applicable prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

If we utilize a dealer in the sale of the securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus, we will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale.

Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in a sale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act. We may have agreements with underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to reimburse them for certain expenses.

Underwriters or agents and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us or our affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

Some or all of the securities may be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters that purchase the securities for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We make no assurance as to the liquidity of or the trading markets for any securities.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters related to the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus will be and have been passed upon for us by Hogan Lovells US LLP, Washington, D.C. Hogan Lovells US LLP, Washington, D.C., has delivered an opinion as to our status as a REIT. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

EXPERTS

The financial statements of Brixmor Property Group Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years then ended, and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and the effectiveness of Brixmor Property Group Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements of Brixmor Operating Partnership LP and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years then ended, and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and the effectiveness of Brixmor Operating Partnership LP and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of Brixmor Property Group Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014 (including schedules appearing therein) appearing in Brixmor Property Group Inc.’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2016, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of Brixmor Operating Partnership LP for the year ended December 31, 2014 (including schedules appearing therein) appearing in Brixmor Operating Partnership LP’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2016, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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BRIXMOR PROPERTY GROUP, INC.

2,471,851 Shares of Common Stock

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

offered to stockholders

and other interested investors

solely in connection with the

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT

AND DIRECT STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

January 9, 2018