Service Properties Trust - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
OR
☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-11527
SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Maryland | 04-3262075 | |||||||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
Two Newton Place, 255 Washington Street, Suite 300, Newton, Massachusetts 02458-1634
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code 617-964-8389
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol | Name of each Exchange on which Registered | ||||||||||||
| Common Shares of Beneficial Interest | SVC | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||||||||||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | |||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C.7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the voting common shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value, or common shares, of the registrant held by non-affiliates was approximately $2.1 billion based on the $12.60 closing price per common share on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC on June 30, 2021. For purposes of this calculation, an aggregate of 2,128,655 common shares held directly by, or by affiliates of, the trustees and the executive officers of the registrant have been included in the number of common shares held by affiliates.
Number of the registrant’s common shares outstanding as of February 22, 2022: 165,092,333.
References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Company, SVC, we, us or our include Service Properties Trust and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly stated or the context indicates otherwise.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Warning Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other securities laws. Whenever we use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “will,” “may” and negatives or derivatives of these or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon our present intent, beliefs or expectations, but forward-looking statements are not guaranteed to occur and may not occur. Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K relate to various aspects of our business, including:
•The duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on us and our managers and tenants, and on our and their ability to operate throughout the pandemic and its aftermath,
•Our expectation about the ability of Sonesta Holdco Corporation and its subsidiaries, or Sonesta, to operate the hotels that have been or may be transitioned and rebranded to it,
•The likelihood and extent to which our managers and tenants will pay the contractual amounts of returns, rents or other obligations due to us,
•Our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity during the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and any resulting economic conditions,
•If and when hotel business will return to historical pre-pandemic levels,
•Potential defaults on, or non-renewal of, leases by our tenants,
•Decreased rental rates or increased vacancies,
•Our sales and acquisitions of properties,
•Our policies and plans regarding investments, financings and dispositions,
•Our ability to pay interest on and principal of our debt,
•Our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders and to sustain the amount of such distributions,
•Our ability to raise or appropriately balance the use of debt or equity capital,
•Our intent to make improvements to certain of our properties,
•Our ability to engage and retain qualified managers and tenants for our hotels and net lease properties on satisfactory terms,
•Our ability to diversify our sources of rents and returns that improve the security of our cash flows,
•The future availability of borrowings under our revolving credit facility including our discussions with our lenders regarding extending the maturity date of our revolving credit facility and obtaining additional covenant waivers,
•Our credit ratings,
•Our expectation that we benefit from our relationships with The RMR Group LLC, or RMR LLC, Sonesta and TravelCenters of America Inc., or TA,
•Our qualification for taxation as a real estate investment trust, or REIT,
•The impact of increasing labor costs and shortages and commodity and other price inflation due to supply chain challenges,
•Our belief of the competitive advantages that the scale, geographic diversity, strategic locations and the variety of service levels of our hotels gives us,
•Changes in federal or state tax laws, and
•Other matters.
Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could have a material adverse effect on our forward-looking statements and upon our business, results of operations, financial condition, funds from operations, or FFO, Normalized FFO, cash flows, liquidity and prospects include, but are not limited to:
i
•The impact of economic conditions, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the capital markets on us and our managers and tenants,
•Competition within the real estate, hotel, transportation and travel center and other industries in which our managers and tenants operate, particularly in those markets in which our properties are located,
•Compliance with, and changes to, federal, state and local laws and regulations, accounting rules, tax laws and similar matters,
•Limitations imposed on our business and our ability to satisfy complex rules in order for us to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
•Acts of terrorism, pandemics or other man-made or natural disasters beyond our control, and
•Actual and potential conflicts of interest with our related parties, including our Managing Trustees, TA, Sonesta, RMR LLC and others affiliated with them.
For example:
•Our ability to make future distributions to our shareholders and to make payments of principal and interest on our indebtedness depends upon a number of factors, including our future earnings, the capital costs we incur to acquire and maintain our properties, our working capital requirements and restrictions under our debt agreements. We may be unable to pay our debt obligations or to increase or maintain our current rate of distributions on our common shares and future distributions may be reduced or eliminated,
•Sonesta operated 261 of our 303 hotels as of December 31, 2021, many of which were transitioned to Sonesta over the past year. Transitioning hotels to another operator is disruptive to the hotels’ operations and requires significant capital investment. If Sonesta were to fail to provide quality services and amenities or to maintain a quality brand, our income from these properties may be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that Sonesta can operate the hotels as effectively or for returns at levels that could otherwise be achieved by other large well known hotel companies. Further, if we were required to replace Sonesta, we could experience significant disruptions in operations at the applicable properties, which could reduce our income and cash flows from, and the value of, those properties. We have no guarantee or security deposit under our Sonesta agreements. Accordingly, the returns we receive from our hotels managed under our Sonesta agreements are dependent upon the financial results of those hotel operations and we may continue to receive amounts from Sonesta that are less than the contractual owner's priority returns stated in our Sonesta agreements or we may be requested to fund operating losses for our Sonesta hotels. Further, we own an approximately 34% ownership interest in Sonesta. If Sonesta experiences losses, or requires additional capital, Sonesta may request we fund our share through the contribution of additional capital and if we do not fund those contributions, our equity interest in Sonesta will be diluted if Sonesta obtains those contributions from other shareholders or investors,
•We cannot be sure of the future financial performance of our properties, or regarding our managers’, tenants’ or guarantors’ future actions or their abilities or willingness to pay contracted amounts owed to us. If other operators or guarantors do not honor their obligations, we may seek to terminate our arrangements with them or other actions to enforce our rights,
•Recent improvements in lodging demand may not be sustained, may stall or could decline; further, lodging demand may fail to return to historic pre-pandemic levels,
•If general economic activity in the country declines, the operating results of certain of our properties may decline, the financial results of our managers and our tenants may suffer and these managers and tenants may be unable to pay our returns or rents. Also, depressed operating results from our properties for extended periods may result in the operators of some or all of our properties becoming unable or unwilling to meet their obligations,
•Hotel and other competitive forms of temporary lodging supply have been increasing and may affect our hotel operators’ ability to grow average daily rate, or ADR and occupancy, and ADR and occupancy could decline due to increased competition which may cause our hotel operators to become unable to pay our returns,
•If the current level of commercial activity in the country declines, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, if the price of diesel fuel increases significantly, if fuel conservation measures are increased, if freight business is directed away from trucking, if TA is unable to effectively compete or operate its business, if fuel efficiencies, the use of alternative fuels or energy sources or transportation technologies reduce the demand for products and services TA sells, if TA is unable to make substantial capital investments or for various other reasons, TA may become unable to pay current and deferred rents due to us,
ii
•Our ability to grow our business and increase our distributions depends in large part upon our ability to buy properties that generate returns or can be leased for rents which exceed our operating and capital costs. We may be unable to identify properties that we want to acquire and we may fail to reach agreement with the sellers and complete the purchases of any properties we do want to acquire. In addition, any properties we may acquire may not generate returns or rents which exceed our operating and capital costs,
•We believe that our portfolio agreements include diverse groups of properties and that this diversity may improve operating results that might be realized from a more concentrated group of properties. However, our operator concentration with respect to our hotel operations has recently increased as a result of Sonesta managing a majority of our hotels and our travel center properties continue to be concentrated with TA. As a result, our operating results may not improve,
•Market conditions may cause the process of selling properties to take longer than previously expected. We may not complete the sales of any properties we currently plan to sell, and we may determine to sell fewer properties. Also, we may sell assets at prices that are less than we expect and less than their carrying values and we may incur losses on these sales or with respect to these assets,
•Contingencies in our pending sale agreements may not be satisfied and any expected sales and any related management or lease arrangements we expect to enter may not occur, may be delayed or the terms of such transactions or arrangements may change,
•As of February 22, 2022, we had approximately $960 million of cash or cash equivalents. This statement may imply that we have sufficient working capital and liquidity to meet our obligations and fund our business and investments. However, the amounts we receive from our operators may be insufficient to operate our business profitably. Certain tenants have requested and we have granted certain rent relief and these requests could increase. In addition, our managers and tenants may not be able to fund owner's priority returns and rents due to us from operating our properties or from other resources. In the past and currently, certain of our tenants and managers have in fact not paid the minimum amounts due to us from their operations of our leased or managed properties and we may be required to fund hotel operating losses and working capital for our hotels. Further, our properties require significant funding for capital improvements and other matters. Accordingly, we may not have sufficient working capital or liquidity,
•Continued availability of borrowings under our revolving credit facility is subject to our satisfying certain financial covenants and other credit facility conditions. The ratio of income available for debt service to debt service was below the 1.5x requirement under our public debt covenants as of December 31, 2021. We are currently unable to incur additional debt while this ratio is below 1.5x. As a precautionary measure, we have fully drawn our $1.0 billion credit facility to maintain our financial flexibility. Our ability to incur additional debt may be limited for an extended period of time. Our discussions with our lenders under our revolving credit facility regarding an extension of the maturity date of that facility and additional covenant waivers may not be successful. We may not have any immediately available borrowing capacity to meet any funding needs beyond our cash on hand if our operating results and financial condition are significantly and adversely impacted by current economic conditions or otherwise. If we cannot incur additional debt and do not succeed in obtaining an extension of the maturity date under our revolving credit facility and additional covenant waivers, we may be forced to raise additional sources of capital or take other measures to maintain adequate liquidity and we may not succeed in raising any capital we may need and any capital we may obtain may be expensive,
•We expect the borrowings under our revolving credit facility to strengthen our financial position; however, we may not obtain the financial flexibility we expect due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic or for other reasons,
•We may be unable to repay our debt obligations when they become due. Also, our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility matures on July 15, 2022 and we may not be able to meet the conditions required to exercise the extension option available to us under the agreement or be able to refinance the balance with new debt. We are in discussions with our lenders regarding extending the maturity date and may need to seek additional covenant waivers, but there is no assurance we will be granted such relief,
•We intend to conduct our business activities in a manner that will afford us reasonable access to capital for investment and financing activities. However, we may not succeed in this regard and we may not have reasonable access to capital, including due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic conditions. If challenging market conditions last for a long period or worsen, our managers and tenants may experience liquidity constraints and as a result may be unable or unwilling to pay returns or rents to us and our ability to operate our business effectively may be challenged,
iii
•Hotels require significant capital investments to remain competitive. The cost of capital projects may be greater than we anticipate and operating results at our hotels may decline as a result of having rooms out of service to complete such improvements,
•Actual costs under our revolving credit facility or other floating rate debt will be higher than the stated rates because of fees and expenses associated with such debt,
•The premiums used to determine the interest rate and facility fee payable on our revolving credit facility are based on our credit ratings. Changes in our credit ratings may cause the interest and fees we pay to change,
•The business and property management agreements between us and RMR LLC have continuing 20 year terms. However, those agreements permit early termination in certain circumstances. Accordingly, we cannot be sure that these agreements will remain in effect for continuing 20 year terms,
•We expect that we will benefit from RMR LLC’s Environmental, Social and Governance, or ESG, program and initiatives. However, we may not realize the benefits we expect from such program and initiatives and we or RMR LLC may not succeed in meeting existing or future standards regarding ESG, and
•We believe that our relationships with our related parties, including RMR LLC, TA, Sonesta and others affiliated with them may benefit us and provide us with competitive advantages in operating and growing our business. However, the advantages we believe we may realize from these relationships may not materialize.
Currently unexpected results could occur due to many different circumstances, some of which are beyond our control, such as pandemics, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, war, climate change and climate related events, changes in our managers’ or tenants’ revenues or expenses, changes in our managers’ or tenants’ financial condition, the market demand for hotel rooms or the goods and services provided at our properties or changes in capital markets or the economy generally.
The information contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including under the caption “Risk Factors,” or incorporated herein or therein, identifies other important factors that could cause differences from our forward-looking statements. Our filings with the SEC are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
You should not place undue reliance upon our forward-looking statements.
Except as required by law, we do not intend to update or change any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Statement Concerning Limited Liability
The Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust establishing Service Properties Trust dated August 21, 1995, as amended and supplemented, as filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland, provides that no trustee, officer, shareholder, employee or agent of Service Properties Trust shall be held to any personal liability, jointly or severally, for any obligation of, or claim against, Service Properties Trust. All persons dealing with Service Properties Trust in any way shall look only to the assets of Service Properties Trust for the payment of any sum or the performance of any obligation.
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SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST
2021 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
Table of Contents
| Page | ||||||||
v
PART I
Item 1. Business
Our Company
We are a real estate investment trust, or REIT, formed in 1995 under the laws of the State of Maryland. As of December 31, 2021, we owned 303 hotels with 48,346 rooms or suites located in 38 states, Washington D.C., Ontario, Canada and San Juan, Puerto Rico and 788 service-oriented retail properties with 13,522,060 square feet located in 42 states. Our principal place of business is Two Newton Place, 255 Washington Street, Suite 300, Newton, Massachusetts 02458-1634, and our telephone number is (617) 964-8389.
We seek to have a geographically diverse portfolio of real estate primarily in the United States. Our principal internal growth strategy is to apply asset management strategies to aid our hotel operators in improving performance and operating income of our hotel properties. We actively manage our net lease portfolio by identifying asset recycling opportunities, monitoring the credit of our tenants and engaging in early lease renewal discussions to maintain occupancy and grow rental income. Our asset management teams also work closely with our operators to ensure our hotels and net lease properties are well maintained and that capital investments are well planned, prudent and executed efficiently in order to maximize the long term value of our properties.
Our external growth strategy is defined by our acquisition, disposition and financing policies as described below. Our investment, financing and disposition policies and business strategies are established by our Board of Trustees and may be changed by our Board of Trustees at any time without shareholder approval.
Impact of COVID-19
Since March 2020, the lodging industry and other industries in which our managers and tenants operate have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic, along with government mandates intended to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and market reactions to the pandemic. The effects of COVID-19 continue to have a significant negative impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flow. Although lodging demand improved during the year ended December 31, 2021 when compared to 2020 levels, we do not know when or if lodging business levels will return to historical pre-pandemic levels. We continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of our business. We currently expect that the recovery with respect to transient and group business will be gradual and likely inconsistent. We also currently expect the recovery of the U.S. hospitality industry to be a multi-year process and to remain uneven. In addition, consumer confidence and lodging demand will continue to be affected by unemployment, perceptions of the safety of returning to normal activities, the continued use of video conferencing technologies rather than in person meetings and broader macroeconomic trends. These trends, together with increasing labor costs and shortages and commodity and other price inflation due to supply chain challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, may continue to negatively impact our hotel operations and financial results. For more information and risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants on us and our business, see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Hotel Portfolio
As of December 31, 2021, we owned 303 hotels with 48,346 rooms or suites located in 38 states, Washington D.C., Ontario, Canada and Puerto Rico. We believe the scale, geographic diversity, strategic locations and the variety of service levels of our hotels gives us a competitive advantage. Our hotel properties are typically located in urban or high density suburban locations in the vicinity of major demand generators such as large suburban office parks, urban centers, airports, medical or educational facilities or major tourist attractions.
1
The following table summarizes the brand affiliations, service level and chain scale of our hotels, as characterized by STR Inc., or STR, a data benchmark and analytics provider for the lodging industry, under which our hotels operate as of December 31, 2021:
| Brand | Manager | Service Level | Chain Scale (1) | Number of Properties | Number of Rooms or Suites | Investment (in 000s) (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Sonesta Hotels® | Sonesta | Full Service | Upper Upscale | 17 | 5,663 | $ | 1,840,427 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sonesta ES Suites® | Sonesta | Extended Stay | Upper Midscale | 91 | 11,379 | 1,521,328 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sonesta Hotels & Resorts® | Sonesta | Full Service | Upper Upscale | 25 | 8,040 | 1,218,583 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sonesta Select® | Sonesta | Select Service | Upscale | 63 | 8,888 | 900,060 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sonesta Simply Suites® | Sonesta | Extended Stay | Midscale | 65 | 8,040 | 658,827 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hyatt Place® | Hyatt | Select Service | Upscale | 17 | 2,107 | 235,726 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Courtyard by Marriott® | Marriott | Select Service | Upscale | 13 | 1,813 | 172,301 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Radisson® Hotels & Resorts | Radisson | Full Service | Upscale | 5 | 1,149 | 159,707 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crowne Plaza® | IHG | Full Service | Upscale | 1 | 495 | 123,283 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Country Inns & Suites® by Radisson | Radisson | Full Service | Upper Midscale | 3 | 430 | 54,076 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residence Inn by Marriott® | Marriott | Extended Stay | Upscale | 3 | 342 | 46,074 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Hotels | 303 | 48,346 | $ | 6,930,392 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Chain scales are defined by STR. Chain scale segments are grouped primarily according to average room rates.
(2)Represents historical cost of our properties plus capital improvements funded by us less impairment write-downs, if any, and excludes capital improvements made from FF&E reserves funded from hotel operations that do not result in increases in our owner’s priority returns or rents.
2
Net Lease Portfolio
As of December 31, 2021, we owned 788 service-oriented retail properties with 13,522,060 square feet. As of December 31, 2021, our net lease portfolio was occupied by 174 tenants with a weighted (by annual minimum rent) lease term of 10.2 years, operating under 134 brands in 21 distinct industries. The portfolio is leased to tenants that include travel centers, quick service and casual dining restaurants, movie theaters, health and fitness centers, grocery stores, automotive parts and services and other businesses in service-oriented and necessity-based industries across 42 states.
The following table summarizes the brand affiliation and industries under which our net lease properties operate as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| Brand | Industry | No. of Buildings | Square Feet | Investment (in 000s) (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. | TravelCenters of America | Travel Centers | 134 | 3,720,693 | $ | 2,289,189 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. | Petro Stopping Centers | Travel Centers | 45 | 1,470,004 | 1,021,226 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. | AMC Theatres | Movie Theaters | 11 | 575,967 | 102,580 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. | The Great Escape | Home Goods and Leisure | 14 | 542,666 | 98,242 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. | Life Time Fitness | Health and Fitness | 3 | 420,335 | 92,617 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6. | Buehler's Fresh Foods | Grocery Stores | 5 | 502,727 | 76,536 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7. | Heartland Dental | Medical, Dental Office | 59 | 234,274 | 61,120 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8. | Norms | Restaurants-Casual Dining | 10 | 63,490 | 53,673 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9. | Express Oil Change | Automotive Equipment & Services | 23 | 83,825 | 49,724 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10. | Regal Cinemas | Movie Theaters | 6 | 266,546 | 44,476 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11. | Pizza Hut | Restaurants-Quick Service | 39 | 164,298 | 43,982 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12. | Pilot Travel Center | Travel Centers | 3 | 48,069 | 41,681 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13. | Courthouse Athletic Club | Health and Fitness | 4 | 193,659 | 39,688 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14. | Fleet Farm | General Merchandise Stores | 1 | 218,248 | 37,802 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15. | Church's Chicken | Restaurants-Quick Service | 44 | 58,401 | 35,370 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16. | Big Al's | Entertainment | 2 | 111,912 | 35,214 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17. | B&B Theatres | Movie Theaters | 4 | 261,300 | 34,369 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18. | America's Auto Auction | Automotive Dealers | 6 | 72,338 | 34,314 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19. | Burger King | Restaurants-Quick Service | 21 | 68,710 | 34,289 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20. | Hardee's | Restaurants-Quick Service | 19 | 62,792 | 31,844 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21. | Martin's | Restaurants-Quick Service | 16 | 81,909 | 31,144 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 22. | Arby's | Restaurants-Quick Service | 19 | 57,868 | 29,166 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23. | Creme de la Creme | Educational Services | 4 | 81,929 | 29,131 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 24. | Mister Car Wash | Car Washes | 5 | 41,456 | 28,658 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25. | Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits | Restaurants-Quick Service | 20 | 45,708 | 28,434 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 26. | Other (2) | Various | 271 | 4,072,936 | 726,722 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 788 | 13,522,060 | $ | 5,131,191 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Represents historical cost of our properties plus capital improvements funded by us less impairment write-downs, if any.
(2)Consists of 109 distinct brands with an average investment of $2,682 per building.
For more information about our hotel agreements and net lease portfolio, see Notes 5 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
3
Principal Management Agreement or Lease Features
As of December 31, 2021, our 303 hotels were managed by subsidiaries of Sonesta, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, or Hyatt, Radisson Hospitality, Inc., or Radisson, Marriott International, Inc., or Marriott, and InterContinental Hotels Group, plc, or IHG. Our hotel operating agreements have initial terms expiring between 2022 and 2037. Each of these agreements is for between one and 194 of our hotels. The principal features of our hotel agreements are as follows:
•Owner’s Priority Returns. Our hotel management agreements have stated owner’s priority return amounts designed to provide us a return on investment greater than our cost of capital. The owner's priority returns are generally subject to available cash flow and we are not assured we will receive them in full or at all. Owner's priority returns under our Hyatt and Radisson hotel agreements are partially supported by limited guarantees.
•Long Terms. The weighted average term remaining for our hotel agreements (weighted by our investments as of December 31, 2021) is 12.0 years, without giving effect to any renewal options our managers and tenants may have. We and Sonesta amended our management agreements covering 261 hotels effective January 1, 2022. We extended the term of the agreements for 67 Sonesta branded hotels we expect to sell to the earlier of December 31, 2022 or until the hotels are sold and we extended the term of the agreements for 194 Sonesta branded hotels to January 31, 2037.
•Pooled Agreements. Most of our hotel properties are subject to portfolio agreements. Some agreements in the portfolio are subject to cross default provisions, such that a manager’s default under one of the agreements would trigger defaults of the other agreements in that portfolio.
•All or None Renewals. Generally, manager renewal options for each portfolio agreement of our hotel properties may only be exercised on an all or none basis and not for separate properties. Our agreement with Sonesta for hotels that we expect to sell allows us to terminate the agreement with respect to individual properties as they are sold. See Notes 4 and 5 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on our properties held for sale and these agreements.
•Property Maintenance. Most of our hotel agreements require the deposit of 5% to 6.5% of annual gross hotel revenues into escrows to fund periodic renovations subject to available cash flow. We own the cash in these escrow accounts. If no escrowed cash is available, we are required to fund capital expenditures. Generally, as we fund capital expenditures, our owner’s priority return amount increases.
•Working capital. We are required to maintain working capital for each hotel and to fund the cost of certain operating supplies (for example, linen, china, glassware, silverware and uniforms). We also are responsible for funding hotel operations if at any time the funds available from working capital are insufficient to meet the financial requirements of the hotels. Generally, the working capital accounts which would otherwise be maintained by the operators for each of such hotels are maintained on a pooled basis, with operators being authorized to make withdrawals from such pooled account as otherwise contemplated with respect to working capital in accordance with the provisions of the management agreements.
•Management Fees. Base fees are generally between 3% to 5% of gross revenues, as defined in our hotel management agreements and are paid as operating expenses senior to our owner’s priority returns. Incentive management fees under our hotel management agreements are subordinate to payment of annual owner's priority returns due to us. Our hotel managers have the ability to earn incentive management fees generally based on excess cash flows after payment of hotel operating expenses, payment of base management fees, funding of the required FF&E reserve, if any, payment of our owner's priority returns, reimbursement of certain advances and in certain instances, replenishment of the security deposit or guarantee. Generally, the incentive fee would be 20% of such excess cash flow and the remaining 80% would be retained by us.
•Termination Rights. In addition to any right to terminate that may arise as a result of a default by the manager, most of our management agreements include reserved rights for us to terminate on the basis of the manager’s failure to meet certain performance-based metrics, including the level of owner’s priority return generated over a period of time. Typically, such performance-based termination rights arise in the event the operator fails to achieve these specified performance thresholds over a consecutive two or three-year period and are subject to the manager’s ability to “cure” and avoid termination by payment to us of specified deficiency amounts, or are subject to force majeure provisions. A termination fee may be payable to the hotel operator under certain circumstances if a management agreement with respect to a hotel is terminated. We have agreed in the past, and may agree in the future, to waive certain of these termination rights in exchange for consideration from a manager or its affiliates, which consideration may include amendments to the management agreements.
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In general, our 788 net lease properties are subject to “triple net” leases where the tenant is generally responsible for the payment of operating expenses and capital expenditures of the property during the lease term. Our tenants are responsible to pay us fixed annual rents on a monthly, quarterly or semi-annual basis. Our net lease tenants are responsible to maintain the properties including structural and non-structural components. Certain of our net lease properties also have future rent increases included in the leases either at a fixed amount or based on changes in the consumer price index, or CPI. Certain of our lease agreements also require payment of percentage rent to us based on increases in certain gross property revenues over threshold amounts. Certain of our net lease properties, including all our TA properties, are subject to pooling agreements and include all or none renewal options.
TA is our largest tenant. As of December 31, 2021, we leased 179 travel centers to TA under five leases that expire between 2029 and 2035; 134 of our travel centers are operated under the TravelCenters of America®, or TA®, brand name and 45 are operated under the Petro Stopping Centers®, or Petro®, brand name. As of December 31, 2021, we have invested $2.3 billion in 134 TA® branded properties with 3,720,693 square feet and $1.0 billion in 45 Petro® branded properties with 1,470,004 square feet.
Substantially all our travel centers are full service sites located at or near an interstate highway exit and offer fuel and non-fuel products and services 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Our typical travel center includes over 25 acres of land with parking for approximately 200 tractor trailers and approximately 100 cars. Our travel centers offer a broad range of products and services, including diesel fuel and gasoline, as well as nonfuel products and services such as truck repair and maintenance services, diesel exhaust fluid, one full service restaurant, one or more quick service restaurants, travel stores and various customer amenities.
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Investment and Operating Policies
Our investment objectives include increasing cash flows from operations from dependable and diverse sources in order to increase per-share distributions to our shareholders. To achieve these objectives, we seek to maintain a strong capital base of shareholders’ equity; invest in high quality properties operated by qualified operating companies; use moderate debt leverage to fund additional investments which increase cash flows from operations because of positive spreads between our cost of investment capital and investment yields; structure investments which generate a return in excess of our capital costs and provide an opportunity to participate in operating growth at our properties; when market conditions permit, refinance debt with additional equity or long term debt; and pursue diversification so that our cash flows from operations come from diverse properties and operators. Generally, we provide capital to owners and operators who wish to expand their businesses or divest their properties while continuing to operate their business. Our first investment in travel centers was structured differently than all our other investments. We acquired an operating travel centers business, reorganized the business to retain substantially all of the real estate and then distributed a tenant operating company to our shareholders. We may in the future make investments in this fashion or in a manner different from our other investments to further diversify our sources of rents and returns with the intention of improving the security of our cash flows.
Because we are a REIT, we generally may not operate our properties. We or our tenants have entered into arrangements for operation of our properties. Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the IRC, we may lease our hotels to one of our “taxable REIT subsidiaries,” as defined in Section 856(l) of the IRC, or TRSs, if the hotel is managed by a third party. As of December 31, 2021, all of our hotels were leased to our TRSs and managed by third parties. Any income realized by a TRS in excess of the rent paid to us by the subsidiary is subject to income tax at customary corporate rates. As and if the financial performance of the hotels operated for the account of our TRSs improves, these taxes may become material.
Acquisition Policies. We intend to pursue growth through the acquisition of additional properties; however, we are currently restricted under our credit agreement from making acquisitions. Generally, we prefer to purchase multiple properties in one transaction or individual properties that can be added to a pre-existing portfolio agreement because we believe a single management or lease agreement, cross default covenants and all or none renewal rights for multiple properties in diverse locations enhance the credit characteristics and the security of our investments. In implementing our acquisition strategy, we consider a range of factors relating to proposed property purchases including some or all of the following:
•Historical and projected cash flows;
•The competitive market environment and the current or potential market position of each property;
•The tax and regulatory circumstances of the market area in which the property is located;
•The availability of a qualified manager or lessee;
•The financial strength of the proposed manager or lessee;
•The property’s design, construction quality, physical condition and age and expected capital expenditures that may be needed to maintain the property or to enhance its operation;
•The size of the property;
•The location, type of property, market conditions and demographics of the area where it is located and surrounding demand generators;
•The estimated replacement cost, capital improvement requirements and proposed acquisition price of the property;
•Our weighted average long term cost of capital compared to projected returns we may realize by owning the property;
•The reputation of any operator with which the property is or may become affiliated;
•The amount and type of financial support available from the proposed manager or lessee;
•The level of services and amenities offered at the property;
•The proposed management agreement or lease terms;
•The brand under which the property operates or is expected to operate;
•The strategic fit of the property or investment with the rest of our portfolio and our own plans;
•The possibility that technological changes may affect the business operated at the property;
•Other possible uses of the property if the current use is no longer viable; and
•The existence of alternative sources, uses or needs for our capital and our debt leverage.
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In determining the competitive position of a property, we examine the proximity and convenience of the property to its expected customer base, the number and characteristics of competitive properties within the property’s market area and the existence of barriers to entry for competitive properties within that market, including site availability and zoning restrictions. While we have historically focused on the acquisition of upscale limited service, extended stay and full service hotel properties, full service travel centers and necessity based retail properties, we consider acquisitions in all segments of the hospitality and necessity based retail industries. We expect most of our acquisition efforts will focus on hotel and net lease based properties; however, we may consider acquiring other types of properties, as well. An important part of our acquisition strategy is to identify and select or create qualified, experienced and financially stable operators.
Whenever we purchase an individual property or a small number of properties, we prefer arrangements in which these properties are added to agreements covering, and operated in combination with, properties we already own, but we may not always do so. We believe portfolios of diverse groups of properties may increase the security of our cash flows and likelihood our agreements will be renewed.
We have no policies which specifically limit the percentage of our assets that may be invested in any individual property, in any one type of property, in properties managed by or leased to any one entity, in properties operated under any one brand, in properties managed by or leased to an affiliated group of entities or in securities of one or more persons.
Other Investments. We prefer wholly owned investments in fee interests. However, we may invest in leaseholds, joint ventures, mortgages and other real estate interests. We may invest or enter into real estate joint ventures if we conclude that we may benefit from the participation of co-venturers or that the opportunity to participate in the investment is contingent on the use of a joint venture structure. We may invest in participating, convertible or other types of mortgages if we conclude that we may benefit from the cash flows or appreciation in the value of the mortgaged property. Convertible mortgages are similar to equity participation because they permit lenders to either participate in increasing revenues from the property or convert some or all of that mortgage into equity ownership interests. At December 31, 2021, we owned no convertible mortgages or joint venture interests.
We have in the past considered, and may in the future consider, the possibility of entering into mergers or strategic combinations with other companies. Our principal goal of any such transactions will be to increase our cash flows from operations and to further diversify our revenue sources.
We own 8.0% of the outstanding common stock of TA and 34% of the outstanding common stock of Sonesta as of December 31, 2021. We may in the future acquire additional shares of common stock of TA and Sonesta or securities of other entities, including entities engaged in real estate activities or we may sell these shares of common stock. We may invest in the securities of other entities for the purpose of exercising control or otherwise, make loans to other persons or entities, engage in the sale of investments, offer securities in exchange for property or repurchase our securities.
We may not achieve some or all of our investment objectives.
Disposition Policies. We generally consider ourselves to be a long term owner of properties and are more interested in the long term earnings potential of our properties than selling properties for short term gains. However, we may seek to strategically sell assets from time to time as part of managing our leverage, capital recycling, highest and best use analysis, or as part of long term financing of acquisitions. During 2021, we sold seven hotels with 669 rooms for an aggregate sales price of $40.6 million and 11 net lease properties with 97,276 square feet for an aggregate sales price of $11.8 million. As of December 31, 2021, we had 67 hotels and 22 net lease properties with an aggregate carrying value of $514.3 million classified as held for sale. For more information on these disposition activities, please refer to Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We currently make decisions to dispose of properties based on factors including, but not limited to, the following:
•The property’s current and expected future performance;
•The competition and demand generators near the property;
•The proposed or expected sale price;
•The age and capital required to maintain the property;
•The strategic fit of the property with the rest of our portfolio and with our plans;
•The manager’s or tenant’s desire to operate or cease operation of the property;
•The remaining agreement term of the property, including the likelihood of a manager or tenant exercising any renewal options;
•Our intended use of the proceeds we may realize from the sale of a property;
•The existence of alternative sources, uses or needs for our capital and our debt leverage; and
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•The tax implications to us and our shareholders of any proposed disposition.
Our Board of Trustees may change our investment and operating policies at any time without a vote of, or notice to, our shareholders.
Financing Policies
To maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT under the IRC, we must distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income (excluding net capital gains). Accordingly, we generally will not be able to retain sufficient cash to fund our operations, repay our debts, invest in our properties and fund acquisitions and development or redevelopment efforts. Instead, we expect to repay our debts, invest in our properties and fund acquisitions and development or redevelopment efforts with borrowings under our revolving credit facility, proceeds from equity or debt securities we may issue (domestically or in foreign markets), including in subsidiaries, proceeds from our asset sales, or retained cash from operations that may exceed distributions paid.
We believe our capital structure provides us with financial flexibility and we have historically had access to capital markets. We may seek to obtain other lines of credit or to issue securities senior to our common shares, including preferred shares of beneficial interest and debt securities, either of which may be convertible into common shares or be accompanied by warrants to purchase common shares, or to engage in transactions which may involve a sale or other conveyance or contribution of hotel, net lease or other properties or assets to subsidiaries or to other affiliates or unaffiliated entities. We may finance acquisitions, in whole or in part, by among other possible means, exchanging properties, issuing additional common shares or other securities or assuming outstanding mortgage debt on the acquired properties. We may also place new mortgages on our existing properties as a means of financing. The proceeds from any of our financings may be used to pay distributions, to provide working capital, to refinance existing indebtedness or to finance acquisitions and expansions of existing or new properties, but our credit agreement currently requires such proceeds to be used to repay debt. For further information regarding our financing sources and activities, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Our Investment and Financing Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Although there are no limitations in our organizational documents on the amount of indebtedness we may incur, our $1.0 billion revolving credit facility and our unsecured senior notes indentures and their supplements contain financial covenants which, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness and require us to maintain certain financial ratios. We and our lenders amended our credit agreement governing our $1.0 billion revolving credit facility in 2020. As a result of the 2020 amendments, we secured a waiver of all then existing financial covenants under our credit agreement through July 15, 2022. We pledged certain equity interests of subsidiaries owning properties and we provided first mortgage liens on 74 properties owned by the pledging subsidiaries with an undepreciated book value of $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2021 to secure our obligations under the credit agreement. However, we are in discussions with our lenders regarding an extension of the maturity date of our revolving credit facility and additional covenant waivers. There is no assurance we will come to terms with our lenders or will be granted such additional covenant relief. In the future, we may decide to seek changes in the financial covenants which currently restrict our debt leverage based upon then current economic conditions, the relative availability and costs of debt versus equity capital and our need for capital to take advantage of acquisition opportunities or otherwise. We are required to maintain the ratio of income available for debt service to debt service above 1.5x under our credit agreement and public debt covenants. This ratio was 1.20x as of December 31, 2021. We are currently unable to incur additional debt while the ratio is below required covenant levels. In January 2021, we drew $972.8 million under our revolving credit facility as a precautionary measure in order to increase our cash position and preserve financial flexibility in light of continued uncertainty in the global markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. As of February 22, 2022, we remain fully drawn under our revolving credit facility. For further information regarding our financing sources and activities, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Our Investment and Financing Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Generally, we intend to manage our leverage in a way that may allow us to eventually regain “investment grade” ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; however, we cannot be sure that we will be able to regain our investment grade ratings.
Our Board of Trustees may change our financing policies at any time without a vote of, or notice to, our shareholders.
Other Information
Our Manager. The RMR Group Inc., or RMR Inc., is a holding company and substantially all of its business is conducted by its majority owned subsidiary RMR LLC. Adam D. Portnoy, the Chair of our Board of Trustees and one of our Managing Trustees, is the sole trustee, an officer and the controlling shareholder of ABP Trust, which is the controlling shareholder of
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RMR Inc., a managing director and the president and chief executive officer of RMR Inc. and an officer and employee of RMR LLC. John G. Murray, our other Managing Trustee and our President and Chief Executive Officer, also serves as an officer and employee of RMR LLC. Our day to day operations are conducted by RMR LLC. RMR LLC originates and presents investment and divestment opportunities to our Board of Trustees and provides management and administrative services to us. RMR LLC has a principal place of business at Two Newton Place, 255 Washington Street, Suite 300, Newton, Massachusetts 02458-1634, and its telephone number is (617) 796-8390. RMR LLC is an alternative asset management company that is focused on commercial real estate and related businesses. RMR LLC or its subsidiaries also acts as a manager to other publicly traded real estate companies, privately held real estate funds and real estate related operating businesses. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the executive officers of RMR LLC are: Adam Portnoy, President and Chief Executive Officer; Jennifer B. Clark, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary; Jennifer F. Francis, Executive Vice President; Matthew P. Jordan, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; John G. Murray, Executive Vice President and Jonathan M. Pertchik, Executive Vice President. Our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Brian E. Donley, and our Chief Investment Officer and Vice President, Todd Hargreaves, are Vice President and Senior Vice President of RMR LLC, respectively. Mr. Murray also serves as an officer of another company to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide management services. Mr. Portnoy, Mr. Murray and Ms. Clark also serve on the board of directors of Sonesta, and Mr. Portnoy is the chair of the board and managing director of TA. Ms. Clark also serves as an officer of TA.
Employees. We have no employees. Services which would otherwise be provided to us by employees are provided by RMR LLC and by our Managing Trustees and officers. As of December 31, 2021, RMR LLC has approximately 600 full time employees in its headquarters and regional offices located throughout the United States.
Competition. The hotel industry is highly competitive. Generally, our hotels are located in areas that include other hotels. Our hotels compete for customers based on brand affiliation, reputation, location, pricing, amenities and the ability to earn reward program points and other competitive factors. Increases in the number of hotels in a particular area could have a material adverse effect on the occupancy and daily room rates at our hotels located in that area. Agreements with the operators of our hotels sometimes restrict the right of each operator and its affiliates for periods of time to own, build, operate, franchise or manage other hotels of the same brand within various specified areas around our hotels. Under these agreements, neither the operators nor their affiliates are usually restricted from operating other brands of hotels in the market areas of any of our hotels, and after such period of time, the operators and their affiliates may also compete with our hotels by opening, managing or franchising additional hotels under the same brand name in direct competition with our hotels. As of December 31, 2021, 261 of our hotels are operated by Sonesta. Sonesta faces competition from larger, well known hotel companies. Competitive pressures from these companies and others could negatively impact Sonesta’s ability to pay our owner's priority returns. Our hotels also face competition from alternative lodging options such as home sharing services, timeshares, vacation rentals or cruise ships in our markets.
The market for net lease properties is also highly competitive. As an owner and landlord of net lease retail properties, we compete in the multi-billion dollar commercial real estate market with numerous developers and owners of properties, many of which own properties similar to ours and are in the same markets in which our properties are located. In operating and managing our portfolio, we compete for tenants based on a number of factors, including location, rental rates and flexibility. Certain of our competitors have greater economies of scale, have lower cost of capital, have access to more capital and resources and have greater name recognition than we do. If our competitors offer space at rental rates below current market rates or below the rental rates we currently charge our tenants, our tenants may not renew their leases, we might not enter into new leases with prospective tenants and we may be pressured to reduce our rental rates or to offer substantial rent abatements, tenant improvement allowances, early termination rights or below-market renewal options in order to retain tenants when their leases expire. Our tenants may also face competition from on-line retailers or service providers, which may in turn negatively impact their ability to pay rents due to us.
We have a large concentration of net lease properties in the travel center industry which is highly competitive. Although there are approximately 6,300 travel centers and truck stops in the U.S., we believe that large, long haul trucking fleets tend to purchase the large majority of their fuel at the travel centers and truck stops that are located at or near interstate highway exits. Long haul truck drivers can obtain fuel and non-fuel products and services from a variety of sources, including regional full service travel centers and fuel only truck stop chains, independently owned and operated truck stops, some large gas stations and trucking company terminals that provide fuel and services to their own trucking fleets. In addition, our travel centers compete with other truck repair and maintenance facilities, full and quick service restaurants and travel stores, and could face additional competition from state owned interstate highway rest areas, if they are commercialized. The largest competitors of TA’s travel centers are travel centers owned by Pilot Flying J Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, which we believe, together with TA, represent a majority of the market for fuel sales to long haul trucking fleets. Competitive pressure from Pilot Flying J Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, especially for large trucking fleets and long haul trucking fleets, could negatively impact TA’s ability to pay rents due to us.
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We expect to compete for property acquisition and financing opportunities with entities which may have substantially greater financial resources than us, including, without limitation, other REITs, operating companies in the hospitality industry, banks, insurance companies, pension plans and public and private partnerships. These entities may be able to accept more risk than we can prudently manage, including risks with respect to the creditworthiness of property operators and the extent of leverage used in their capital structure. Such competition may reduce the number of suitable property acquisition or financing opportunities available to us or increase the bargaining power of property owners seeking to sell or finance their properties.
Sustainability, Environmental and Climate Change Matters. Our manager, RMR LLC, periodically publishes its Sustainability Report, which summarizes the environmental, social and governance initiatives RMR LLC and its client companies, including us, employ. RMR LLC’s Sustainability Report may be accessed on the RMR Inc. website at www.rmrgroup.com/corporate-sustainability/default.aspx. The information on or accessible through RMR Inc.’s website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our business strategy incorporates a focus on sustainable approaches to operating our properties in a manner that benefits us, our shareholders, operators and the communities in which we are located. As a REIT, we are prohibited by tax law from operating our hotel properties and all of our other properties are leased to or managed by third parties. However, our asset managers encourage our managers and tenants to operate our properties in ways that improve the economic performance of their operations, while simultaneously managing energy and water consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
Our environmental sustainability and community engagement strategies are primarily implemented by our operators and focus on a complementary set of objectives, including the following:
• Responsible Investment: We seek to invest capital in our properties that both improves environmental performance and enhances asset value. During the acquisition of properties, RMR LLC assesses, among other things, environmental sustainability opportunities and climate related risks as part of the due diligence process.
• Environmental Stewardship: We seek to improve the environmental footprint of our properties, including by reducing energy consumption and water usage, especially when doing so may reduce operating costs and enhance the properties' competitive position. Although our properties are operated by third parties or are net leased and, therefore, the third-party managers and tenants oversee most of the property maintenance and improvements over the lease term, RMR LLC's asset management group proactively leverages opportunities to make our properties more environmentally friendly and efficient. Working with our operators, we have:
•initiated programs to reduce energy and water use;
•encouraged the use of alternative energy sources such as solar, battery and other energy sources;
•implemented various initiatives to encourage recycling of plastics, paper and metal or glass containers;
•when renovating hotels, used energy efficient products, including lighting, windows, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, and many appliances in extended stay hotels are ENERGY STAR® rated; and
•installed electric car charging stations at some of our hotels and travel centers.
• Climate Change Matters: We define climate change resilience as our ability to anticipate, prepare for and recover from adverse physical climate activity including increased severity of acute weather events and chronic changes to weather patterns as well as identify and plan for climate-related transitional activities such as changes in policy and market driven expectations. We routinely evaluate properties susceptible to flooding and other natural disasters. The evaluation may include implementing tenant and local agency coordination protocols, property incident response plan reviews, insurance provider assessments and the implementation of physical protection elements, such as flood protection barriers and the installation of hurricane and blizzard resistant windows and doors.
When major weather or climate-related events, such as hurricanes, floods or wildfires, occur near our properties, our manager or tenant may need to suspend operations of the impacted property until the event has ended and the property is then ready for operation. We or the operators of our properties may incur significant costs and losses as a result of these activities, both in terms of operating, preparing and repairing our properties in anticipation of, during and after a severe weather or climate-related event and in terms of potential lost business due to the interruption in operating our properties. Our insurance and our managers’ and tenants’ insurance may not adequately compensate us or them for these costs and losses. Concerns about climate change have resulted in various treaties, laws and regulations that are intended to limit carbon emissions and address other environmental concerns. These and other laws may cause energy or other costs at our hotel and net lease properties to increase. We do not expect the direct impact of these increases to be material to our results of operations, because the increased costs either would be the responsibility of our tenants or managers directly or in the longer term, passed through and paid by customers of our properties. Although we do not believe it is likely in the foreseeable future, laws enacted to mitigate climate change may make some of our buildings obsolete or cause us to
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make material investments in our properties, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition or the financial condition of our tenants or managers and their ability to pay rent or returns to us. For more information regarding climate change and other environmental matters and their possible adverse impact on us, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Ownership of real estate is subject to environmental risks and liabilities,” “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Ownership of real estate is subject to risks from adverse weather and climate events” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Impact of Climate Change” included in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Investments in Human Capital. We have no employees. We rely on our managers, including RMR LLC, to hire, train, and develop a workforce that meets the needs of our business, contributes positively to our society and helps reduce our impact on the natural environment.
Corporate Citizenship. We seek to be a responsible corporate citizen and to strengthen the communities in which we own properties. Our manager, RMR LLC, regularly encourages its employees to engage in a variety of charitable and community programs, including participation in a company-wide service day and charitable giving matching program.
Diversity & Inclusion. We value a diversity of backgrounds, experience and perspectives. Our Board is comprised of 29% women and 14% members of underrepresented communities. RMR LLC is an equal opportunity employer, with all qualified applicants receiving consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. RMR LLC is committed to racial equality and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. RMR LLC has made diversity and inclusion an important part of its hiring, retention and development programs. RMR LLC’s hiring policies support increasing diversity within its workforce. For every open position not filled by internal candidates, hiring managers are required to have at least one qualified woman or member of an underrepresented community candidate in the final round interviews before an offer is extended to fill the position. An RMR LLC manager who is a woman and/or member of an underrepresented community is required to be part of the final round interview team. In addition, RMR LLC works with strategic industry partners like Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and The Partnership Inc. for posting new positions and supporting multicultural professionals.
•Insurance. We generally have insurance coverage for our properties and the operations conducted on them, including for casualty, liability, fire, flood, earthquake, extended coverage and rental or business interruption losses. Either we purchase the insurance ourselves and our managers or tenants are required to reimburse us, or our managers or tenants buy the insurance directly and are required to list us as an insured party.
•Internet Website. Our internet website address is www.svcreit.com. Copies of our governance guidelines, our code of business conduct and ethics, or our Code of Conduct, and the charters of our audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees are posted on our website and also may be obtained free of charge by writing to our Secretary, Service Properties Trust, Two Newton Place, 255 Washington Street, Suite 300, Newton, Massachusetts 02458-1634. We also have a policy outlining procedures for handling concerns or complaints about accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and a governance hotline accessible on our website that shareholders can use to report concerns or complaints about accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters or violations or possible violations of our Code of Conduct. We make available, free of charge, through the “Investors” section of our website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after these forms are filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. Any material we file with or furnish to the SEC is also maintained on the SEC website, www.sec.gov. Security holders may send communications to our Board of Trustees or individual Trustees by writing to the party for whom the communication is intended at c/o Secretary, Service Properties Trust, Two Newton Place, 255 Washington Street, Suite 300, Newton, Massachusetts 02458-1634 or by email at secretary@svcreit.com. Our website address is included several times in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a textual reference only. The information on or accessible through our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or other documents we file with, or furnish to, the SEC. We intend to use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Those disclosures will be included on our website in the “Investors” section. Accordingly, investors should monitor our website, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts.
Segment Information. As of December 31, 2021, we had two operating segments, hotel investments and net lease investments. For more information, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following summary of material United States federal income tax considerations is based on existing law and is limited to investors who own our shares as investment assets rather than as inventory or as property used in a trade or business. The summary does not discuss all of the particular tax considerations that might be relevant to you if you are subject to special rules under federal income tax law, for example if you are:
•a bank, insurance company or other financial institution;
•a regulated investment company or REIT;
•a subchapter S corporation;
•a broker, dealer or trader in securities or foreign currencies;
•a person who marks-to-market our shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
•a U.S. shareholder (as defined below) that has a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;
•a person who acquires or owns our shares in connection with employment or other performance of services;
•a person subject to alternative minimum tax;
•a person who acquires or owns our shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, constructive sale transaction, constructive ownership transaction or conversion transaction, or as part of a “synthetic security” or other integrated financial transaction;
•a person who owns 10% or more (by vote or value, directly or constructively under the IRC) of any class of our shares;
•a U.S. expatriate;
•a non-U.S. shareholder (as defined below) whose investment in our shares is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States;
•a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during an applicable taxable year;
•a “qualified shareholder” (as defined in Section 897(k)(3)(A) of the IRC);
•a “qualified foreign pension fund” (as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the IRC) or any entity wholly owned by one or more qualified foreign pension funds;
•a person subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of their use of applicable financial statements (within the meaning of Section 451(b)(3) of the IRC); or
•except as specifically described in the following summary, a trust, estate, tax-exempt entity or foreign person.
The sections of the IRC that govern the federal income tax qualification and treatment of a REIT and its shareholders are complex. This presentation is a summary of applicable IRC provisions, related rules and regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Future legislative, judicial or administrative actions or decisions could also affect the accuracy of statements made in this summary. We have not received a ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, with respect to any matter described in this summary, and we cannot be sure that the IRS or a court will agree with all of the statements made in this summary. The IRS could, for example, take a different position from that described in this summary with respect to our acquisitions, operations, valuations, restructurings or other matters, which, if a court agreed, could result in significant tax liabilities for applicable parties. In addition, this summary is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations and does not discuss any estate, gift, state, local or foreign tax considerations. For all these reasons, we urge you and any holder of or prospective acquiror of our shares to consult with a tax advisor about the federal income tax and other tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our shares. Our intentions and beliefs described in this summary are based upon our understanding of applicable laws and regulations that are in effect as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If new laws or regulations are enacted which impact us directly or indirectly, we may change our intentions or beliefs.
Your federal income tax consequences generally will differ depending on whether or not you are a “U.S. shareholder.” For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. shareholder” is a beneficial owner of our shares that is:
•an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, including an alien individual who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States or meets the substantial presence residency test under the federal income tax laws;
•an entity treated as a corporation for 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;
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•an estate the income of which is subject to federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
•a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or, to the extent provided in Treasury regulations, a trust in existence on August 20, 1996 that has elected to be treated as a domestic trust;
whose status as a U.S. shareholder is not overridden by an applicable tax treaty. Conversely, a “non-U.S. shareholder” is a beneficial owner of our shares that is not an entity (or other arrangement) treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes and is not a U.S. shareholder.
If any entity (or other arrangement) treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes holds our shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the tax status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Any entity (or other arrangement) treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes that is a holder of our shares and the partners in such a partnership (as determined for federal income tax purposes) are urged to consult their own tax advisors about the federal income tax consequences and other tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our shares.
Taxation as a REIT
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the IRC, commencing with our 1995 taxable year. Our REIT election, assuming continuing compliance with the then applicable qualification tests, has continued and will continue in effect for subsequent taxable years. Although we cannot be sure, we believe that from and after our 1995 taxable year we have been organized and have operated, and will continue to be organized and to operate, in a manner that qualified us and will continue to qualify us to be taxed as a REIT under the IRC.
As a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on our net income distributed as dividends to our shareholders. Distributions to our shareholders generally are included in our shareholders’ income as dividends to the extent of our available current or accumulated earnings and profits. Our dividends are not generally entitled to the preferential tax rates on qualified dividend income, but a portion of our dividends may be treated as capital gain dividends or as qualified dividend income, all as explained below. In addition, for taxable years beginning before 2026 and pursuant to the deduction-without-outlay mechanism of Section 199A of the IRC, our noncorporate U.S. shareholders that meet specified holding period requirements are generally eligible for lower effective tax rates on our dividends that are not treated as capital gain dividends or as qualified dividend income. No portion of any of our dividends is eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders. Distributions in excess of our current or accumulated earnings and profits generally are treated for federal income tax purposes as returns of capital to the extent of a recipient shareholder’s basis in our shares, and will reduce this basis. Our current or accumulated earnings and profits are generally allocated first to distributions made on our preferred shares, of which there are none outstanding at this time, and thereafter to distributions made on our common shares. For all these purposes, our distributions include cash distributions, any in kind distributions of property that we might make, and deemed or constructive distributions resulting from capital market activities (such as some redemptions), as described below.
Our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, is of the opinion that we have been organized and have qualified for taxation as a REIT under the IRC for our 1995 through 2021 taxable years, and that our current and anticipated investments and plan of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the IRC. Our counsel’s opinions are conditioned upon the assumption that our leases, our declaration of trust, and all other legal documents to which we have been or are a party have been and will be complied with by all parties to those documents, upon the accuracy and completeness of the factual matters described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and upon representations made by us to our counsel as to certain factual matters relating to our organization and operations and our expected manner of operation. If this assumption or a description or representation is inaccurate or incomplete, our counsel’s opinions may be adversely affected and may not be relied upon. The opinions of our counsel are based upon the law as it exists today, but the law may change in the future, possibly with retroactive effect. Given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual determinations, and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances, neither Sullivan & Worcester LLP nor we can be sure that we will qualify as or be taxed as a REIT for any particular year. Any opinion of Sullivan & Worcester LLP as to our qualification or taxation as a REIT will be expressed as of the date issued. Our counsel will have no obligation to advise us or our shareholders of any subsequent change in the matters stated, represented or assumed, or of any subsequent change in the applicable law. Also, the opinions of our counsel are not binding on either the IRS or a court, and either could take a position different from that expressed by our counsel.
Our continued qualification and taxation as a REIT will depend upon our compliance with various qualification tests imposed under the IRC and summarized below. While we believe that we have satisfied and will satisfy these tests, our counsel does not review compliance with these tests on a continuing basis. If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any year, then we will be subject to federal income taxation as if we were a corporation taxed under subchapter C of the IRC, or a C corporation, and our shareholders will be taxed like shareholders of regular C corporations, meaning that federal income tax
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generally will be applied at both the corporate and shareholder levels. In this event, we could be subject to significant tax liabilities, and the amount of cash available for distribution to our shareholders could be reduced or eliminated.
If we continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT and meet the tests described below, then we generally will not pay federal income tax on amounts that we distribute to our shareholders. However, even if we continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may still be subject to federal tax in the following circumstances, as described below:
•We will be taxed at regular corporate income tax rates on any undistributed “real estate investment trust taxable income,” determined by including our undistributed ordinary income and net capital gains, if any.
•If we have net income from the disposition of “foreclosure property,” as described in Section 856(e) of the IRC, that is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business or other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax on this income at the highest regular corporate income tax rate.
•If we have net income from “prohibited transactions”—that is, dispositions at a gain of inventory or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business other than dispositions of foreclosure property and other than dispositions excepted by statutory safe harbors—we will be subject to tax on this income at a 100% rate.
•If we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test discussed below, due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, but nonetheless maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT because of specified cure provisions, we will be subject to tax at a 100% rate on the greater of the amount by which we fail the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, with adjustments, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability for the taxable year.
•If we fail to satisfy any of the REIT asset tests described below (other than a de minimis failure of the 5% or 10% asset tests) due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, but nonetheless maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT because of specified cure provisions, we will be subject to a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the highest regular corporate income tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets that caused us to fail the test.
•If we fail to satisfy any provision of the IRC that would result in our failure to qualify for taxation as a REIT (other than violations of the REIT gross income tests or violations of the REIT asset tests described below) due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, we may retain our qualification for taxation as a REIT but will be subject to a penalty of $50,000 for each failure.
•If we fail to distribute for any calendar year at least the sum of 85% of our REIT ordinary income for that year, 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for that year and any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the amounts actually distributed.
•If we acquire a REIT asset where our adjusted tax basis in the asset is determined by reference to the adjusted tax basis of the asset in the hands of a C corporation, under specified circumstances we may be subject to federal income taxation on all or part of the built-in gain (calculated as of the date the property ceased being owned by the C corporation) on such asset. We generally do not expect to sell assets if doing so would result in the imposition of a material built-in gains tax liability; but if and when we do sell assets that may have associated built-in gains tax exposure, then we expect to make appropriate provision for the associated tax liabilities on our financial statements.
•If we acquire a corporation in a transaction where we succeed to its tax attributes, to preserve our qualification for taxation as a REIT we must generally distribute all of the C corporation earnings and profits inherited in that acquisition, if any, no later than the end of our taxable year in which the acquisition occurs. However, if we fail to do so, relief provisions would allow us to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT provided we distribute any subsequently discovered C corporation earnings and profits and pay an interest charge in respect of the period of delayed distribution.
•Our subsidiaries that are C corporations, including our TRSs, generally will be required to pay federal corporate income tax on their earnings, and a 100% tax may be imposed on any transaction between us and one of our TRSs that does not reflect arm’s length terms.
Other countries (and, for this purpose, Puerto Rico is best thought of as a separate country) may impose taxes on our and our subsidiaries’ assets and operations within their jurisdictions. As a REIT, neither we nor our shareholders are expected to benefit from foreign tax credits arising from those taxes.
If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any year, then we will be subject to federal income tax in the same manner as a regular C corporation. Further, as a regular C corporation, distributions to our shareholders will not be deductible by us, nor
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will distributions be required under the IRC. Also, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, all distributions to our shareholders will generally be taxable as ordinary dividends potentially eligible for the preferential tax rates discussed below under the heading “—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders” and, subject to limitations in the IRC, will be potentially eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders. Finally, we will generally be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the taxable year in which the termination of our REIT status is effective. Our failure to qualify for taxation as a REIT for even one year could result in us reducing or eliminating distributions to our shareholders, or in us incurring substantial indebtedness or liquidating substantial investments in order to pay the resulting corporate-level income taxes. Relief provisions under the IRC may allow us to continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT even if we fail to comply with various REIT requirements, all as discussed in more detail below. However, it is impossible to state whether in any particular circumstance we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions.
REIT Qualification Requirements
General Requirements. Section 856(a) of the IRC defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:
(1)that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;
(2)the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;
(3)that would be taxable, but for Sections 856 through 859 of the IRC, as a domestic C corporation;
(4)that is not a financial institution or an insurance company subject to special provisions of the IRC;
(5)the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons;
(6)that is not “closely held,” meaning that during the last half of each taxable year, not more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares are owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer “individuals” (as defined in the IRC to include specified tax-exempt entities); and
(7)that meets other tests regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distributions, all as described below.
Section 856(b) of the IRC provides that conditions (1) through (4) must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. Although we cannot be sure, we believe that we have met conditions (1) through (7) during each of the requisite periods ending on or before the close of our most recently completed taxable year, and that we will continue to meet these conditions in our current and future taxable years. To help comply with condition (6), our declaration of trust and bylaws restrict transfers of our shares that would otherwise result in concentrated ownership positions. These restrictions, however, do not ensure that we have previously satisfied, and may not ensure that we will in all cases be able to continue to satisfy, the share ownership requirements described in condition (6). If we comply with applicable Treasury regulations to ascertain the ownership of our outstanding shares and do not know, or by exercising reasonable diligence would not have known, that we failed condition (6), then we will be treated as having met condition (6). Accordingly, we have complied and will continue to comply with these regulations, including by requesting annually from holders of significant percentages of our shares information regarding the ownership of our shares. Under our declaration of trust and bylaws, our shareholders are required to respond to these requests for information. A shareholder that fails or refuses to comply with the request is required by Treasury regulations to submit a statement with its federal income tax return disclosing its actual ownership of our shares and other information.
For purposes of condition (6), an “individual” generally includes a natural person, a supplemental unemployment compensation benefit plan, a private foundation, or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes, but does not include a qualified pension plan or profit-sharing trust. As a result, REIT shares owned by an entity that is not an “individual” are considered to be owned by the direct and indirect owners of the entity that are individuals (as so defined), rather than to be owned by the entity itself. Similarly, REIT shares held by a qualified pension plan or profit-sharing trust are treated as held directly by the individual beneficiaries in proportion to their actuarial interests in such plan or trust. Consequently, five or fewer such trusts could own more than 50% of the interests in an entity without jeopardizing that entity’s qualification for taxation as a REIT.
The IRC provides that we will not automatically fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT if we do not meet conditions (1) through (6), provided we can establish that such failure was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Each such excused failure will result in the imposition of a $50,000 penalty instead of REIT disqualification. This relief provision may apply to a failure of the applicable conditions even if the failure first occurred in a year prior to the taxable year in which the failure was discovered.
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Our Wholly Owned Subsidiaries and Our Investments Through Partnerships. Except in respect of a TRS as discussed below, Section 856(i) of the IRC provides that any corporation, 100% of whose stock is held by a REIT and its disregarded subsidiaries, is a qualified REIT subsidiary and shall not be treated as a separate corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as the REIT’s. We believe that each of our direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, other than the TRSs discussed below (and entities whose equity is owned in whole or in part by such TRSs), will be either a qualified REIT subsidiary within the meaning of Section 856(i)(2) of the IRC or a noncorporate entity that for federal income tax purposes is not treated as separate from its owner under Treasury regulations issued under Section 7701 of the IRC, each such entity referred to as a QRS. Thus, in applying all of the REIT qualification requirements described in this summary, all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of our QRSs are treated as ours, and our investment in the stock and other securities of such QRSs will be disregarded.
We have invested and may in the future invest in real estate through one or more entities that are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, Treasury regulations under the IRC provide that, for purposes of the REIT qualification requirements regarding income and assets described below, the REIT is generally deemed to own its proportionate share, based on respective capital interests, of the income and assets of the partnership (except that for purposes of the 10% value test, described below, the REIT’s proportionate share of the partnership’s assets is based on its proportionate interest in the equity and specified debt securities issued by the partnership). In addition, for these purposes, the character of the assets and items of gross income of the partnership generally remains the same in the hands of the REIT. In contrast, for purposes of the distribution requirements discussed below, we must take into account as a partner our share of the partnership’s income as determined under the general federal income tax rules governing partners and partnerships under Subchapter K of the IRC.
Subsidiary REITs. We may in the future form or acquire an entity that is intended to qualify for taxation as a REIT, and we expect that any such subsidiary would so qualify at all times during which we intend for its REIT election to remain in effect. When a subsidiary qualifies for taxation as a REIT separate and apart from its REIT parent, the subsidiary’s shares are qualifying real estate assets for purposes of the REIT parent’s 75% asset test described below. However, failure of the subsidiary to separately satisfy the various REIT qualification requirements described in this summary or that are otherwise applicable (and failure to qualify for the applicable relief provisions) would generally result in (a) the subsidiary being subject to regular U.S. corporate income tax, as described above, and (b) the REIT parent’s ownership in the subsidiary (i) ceasing to be qualifying real estate assets for purposes of the 75% asset test and (ii) becoming subject to the 5% asset test, the 10% vote test and the 10% value test generally applicable to a REIT’s ownership in corporations other than REITs and TRSs. In such a situation, the REIT parent’s own REIT qualification and taxation could be jeopardized on account of the subsidiary’s failure cascading up to the REIT parent, all as described below under the heading “—Asset Tests”. We may make protective TRS elections with respect to any subsidiary REIT that we form or acquire and may implement other protective arrangements intended to avoid a cascading REIT failure if any of our intended subsidiary REITs were not to qualify for taxation as a REIT, but we cannot be sure that such protective elections or other arrangements will be effective to avoid or mitigate the resulting adverse consequences to us.
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. As a REIT, we are permitted to own any or all of the securities of a TRS, provided that no more than 20% of the total value of our assets, at the close of each quarter, is comprised of our investments in the stock or other securities of our TRSs. Very generally, a TRS is a subsidiary corporation other than a REIT in which a REIT directly or indirectly holds stock and that has made a joint election with such REIT to be treated as a TRS. A TRS is taxed as a regular C corporation, separate and apart from any affiliated REIT. Our ownership of stock and other securities in our TRSs is exempt from the 5% asset test, the 10% vote test and the 10% value test discussed below. Among other requirements, a TRS of ours must:
(1)not directly or indirectly operate or manage a lodging facility or a health care facility; and
(2)not directly or indirectly provide to any person, under a franchise, license or otherwise, rights to any brand name under which any lodging facility or health care facility is operated, except that in limited circumstances a subfranchise, sublicense or similar right can be granted to an independent contractor to operate or manage a lodging facility or a health care facility.
In addition, any corporation (other than a REIT and other than a QRS) in which a TRS directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value of the outstanding securities is automatically a TRS (excluding, for this purpose, certain “straight debt” securities). Subject to the discussion below, we believe that we and each of our TRSs have complied with, and will continue to comply with, the requirements for TRS status at all times during which the subsidiary’s TRS election is intended to be in effect, and we believe that the same will be true for any TRS that we later form or acquire.
As discussed below, TRSs can perform services for our tenants without disqualifying the rents we receive from those tenants under the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test discussed below. Moreover, because our TRSs are taxed
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as C corporations that are separate from us, their assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit generally are not imputed to us for purposes of the REIT qualification requirements described in this summary. Therefore, our TRSs may generally conduct activities that would be treated as prohibited transactions or would give rise to nonqualified income if conducted by us directly. Additionally, while a REIT is generally limited in its ability to earn qualifying rental income from a TRS, a REIT can earn qualifying rental income from the lease of a qualified lodging facility to a TRS if an eligible independent contractor operates the facility, as discussed more fully below.
Restrictions and sanctions are imposed on TRSs and their affiliated REITs to ensure that the TRSs will be subject to an appropriate level of federal income taxation. For example, if a TRS pays interest, rent or other amounts to its affiliated REIT in an amount that exceeds what an unrelated third party would have paid in an arm’s length transaction, then the REIT generally will be subject to an excise tax equal to 100% of the excessive portion of the payment. Further, if in comparison to an arm’s length transaction, a third-party tenant has overpaid rent to the REIT in exchange for underpaying the TRS for services rendered, and if the REIT has not adequately compensated the TRS for services provided to or on behalf of the third-party tenant, then the REIT may be subject to an excise tax equal to 100% of the undercompensation to the TRS. A safe harbor exception to this excise tax applies if the TRS has been compensated at a rate at least equal to 150% of its direct cost in furnishing or rendering the service. Finally, the 100% excise tax also applies to the underpricing of services provided by a TRS to its affiliated REIT in contexts where the services are unrelated to services for REIT tenants. We cannot be sure that arrangements involving our TRSs will not result in the imposition of one or more of these restrictions or sanctions, but we do not believe that we or our TRSs are or will be subject to these impositions.
Income Tests. We must satisfy two gross income tests annually to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT. First, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year must be derived from investments relating to real property, including “rents from real property” within the meaning of Section 856(d) of the IRC, interest and gain from mortgages on real property or on interests in real property, income and gain from foreclosure property, gain from the sale or other disposition of real property (including specified ancillary personal property treated as real property under the IRC), or dividends on and gain from the sale or disposition of shares in other REITs (but excluding in all cases any gains subject to the 100% tax on prohibited transactions). When we receive new capital in exchange for our shares or in a public offering of our five-year or longer debt instruments, income attributable to the temporary investment of this new capital in stock or a debt instrument, if received or accrued within one year of our receipt of the new capital, is generally also qualifying income under the 75% gross income test. Second, at least 95% of our gross income for each taxable year must consist of income that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, other types of interest and dividends, gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, or any combination of these. Gross income from our sale of property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, income and gain from specified “hedging transactions” that are clearly and timely identified as such, and income from the repurchase or discharge of indebtedness is excluded from both the numerator and the denominator in both gross income tests. In addition, specified foreign currency gains will be excluded from gross income for purposes of one or both of the gross income tests.
In order to qualify as “rents from real property” within the meaning of Section 856(d) of the IRC, several requirements must be met:
•The amount of rent received generally must not be based on the income or profits of any person, but may be based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales.
•Rents generally do not qualify if the REIT owns 10% or more by vote or value of stock of the tenant (or 10% or more of the interests in the assets or net profits of the tenant, if the tenant is not a corporation), whether directly or after application of attribution rules. We generally do not intend to lease property to any party if rents from that property would not qualify as “rents from real property,” but application of the 10% ownership rule is dependent upon complex attribution rules and circumstances that may be beyond our control. In this regard, we already own close to, but less than, 10% of the outstanding common shares of TA, and TA has undertaken to limit its redemptions and repurchases of outstanding common shares so that we do not come to own 10% or more of its outstanding common shares. Our declaration of trust and bylaws generally disallow transfers or purported acquisitions, directly or by attribution, of our shares to the extent necessary to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT under the IRC. Nevertheless, we cannot be sure that these restrictions will be effective to prevent our qualification for taxation as a REIT from being jeopardized under the 10% affiliated tenant rule. Furthermore, we cannot be sure that we will be able to monitor and enforce these restrictions, nor will our shareholders necessarily be aware of ownership of our shares attributed to them under the IRC’s attribution rules.
•There is a limited exception to the above prohibition on earning “rents from real property” from a 10% affiliated tenant where the tenant is a TRS. If at least 90% of the leased space of a property is leased to tenants other than TRSs and 10% affiliated tenants, and if the TRS’s rent to the REIT for space at that property is substantially comparable to the rents paid by nonaffiliated tenants for comparable space at the property, then otherwise qualifying rents paid by the TRS to the REIT will not be disqualified on account of the rule prohibiting 10% affiliated tenants.
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•There is an additional exception to the above prohibition on earning “rents from real property” from a 10% affiliated tenant. For this additional exception to apply, a real property interest in a “qualified lodging facility” must be leased by the REIT to its TRS, and the facility must be operated on behalf of the TRS by a person who is an “eligible independent contractor,” all as described in Sections 856(d)(8)-(9) of the IRC. As described below, we believe our leases with our TRSs have satisfied and will continue to satisfy these requirements.
•In order for rents to qualify, a REIT generally must not manage the property or furnish or render services to the tenants of the property, except through an independent contractor from whom it derives no income or through one of its TRSs. There is an exception to this rule permitting a REIT to perform customary management and tenant services of the sort that a tax-exempt organization could perform without being considered in receipt of “unrelated business taxable income” as defined in Section 512(b)(3) of the IRC, or UBTI. In addition, a de minimis amount of noncustomary services provided to tenants will not disqualify income as “rents from real property” as long as the value of the impermissible tenant services does not exceed 1% of the gross income from the property.
•If rent attributable to personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property is 15% or less of the total rent received under the lease, then the rent attributable to personal property will qualify as “rents from real property;” if this 15% threshold is exceeded, then the rent attributable to personal property will not so qualify. The portion of rental income treated as attributable to personal property is determined according to the ratio of the fair market value of the personal property to the total fair market value of the real and personal property that is rented.
•In addition, “rents from real property” includes both charges we receive for services customarily rendered in connection with the rental of comparable real property in the same geographic area, even if the charges are separately stated, as well as charges we receive for services provided by our TRSs when the charges are not separately stated. Whether separately stated charges received by a REIT for services that are not geographically customary and provided by a TRS are included in “rents from real property” has not been addressed clearly by the IRS in published authorities; however, our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, is of the opinion that, although the matter is not free from doubt, “rents from real property” also includes charges we receive for services provided by our TRSs when the charges are separately stated, even if the services are not geographically customary. Accordingly, we believe that our revenues from TRS-provided services, whether the charges are separately stated or not, qualify as “rents from real property” because the services satisfy the geographically customary standard, because the services have been provided by a TRS, or for both reasons.
We believe that all or substantially all of our rents and related service charges have qualified and will continue to qualify as “rents from real property” for purposes of Section 856 of the IRC.
Absent the “foreclosure property” rules of Section 856(e) of the IRC, a REIT’s receipt of active, nonrental gross income from a property would not qualify under the 75% and 95% gross income tests. But as foreclosure property, the active, nonrental gross income from the property would so qualify. Foreclosure property is generally any real property, including interests in real property, and any personal property incident to such real property:
•that is acquired by a REIT as a result of the REIT having bid on such property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced such property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after there was a default or when default was imminent on a lease of such property or on indebtedness that such property secured;
•for which any related loan acquired by the REIT was acquired at a time when the default was not imminent or anticipated; and
•for which the REIT makes a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property.
Any gain that a REIT recognizes on the sale of foreclosure property held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers, plus any income it receives from foreclosure property that would not otherwise qualify under the 75% gross income test in the absence of foreclosure property treatment, reduced by expenses directly connected with the production of those items of income, would be subject to income tax at the highest regular corporate income tax rate under the foreclosure property income tax rules of Section 857(b)(4) of the IRC. Thus, if a REIT should lease foreclosure property in exchange for rent that qualifies as “rents from real property” as described above, then that rental income is not subject to the foreclosure property income tax.
Property generally ceases to be foreclosure property at the end of the third taxable year following the taxable year in which the REIT acquired the property, or longer if an extension is obtained from the IRS. However, this grace period terminates and foreclosure property ceases to be foreclosure property on the first day:
•on which a lease is entered into for the property that, by its terms, will give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test (disregarding income from foreclosure property), or any nonqualified income under the 75% gross income test is received or accrued by the REIT, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a lease entered into on or after such day;
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•on which any construction takes place on the property, other than completion of a building or any other improvement where more than 10% of the construction was completed before default became imminent and other than specifically exempted forms of maintenance or deferred maintenance; or
•which is more than 90 days after the day on which the REIT acquired the property and the property is used in a trade or business which is conducted by the REIT, other than through an independent contractor from whom the REIT itself does not derive or receive any income or a TRS.
Other than sales of foreclosure property, any gain that we realize on the sale of property held as inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business, together known as dealer gains, may be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a penalty tax at a 100% rate. The 100% tax does not apply to gains from the sale of property that is held through a TRS, although such income will be subject to tax in the hands of the TRS at regular corporate income tax rates; we may therefore utilize our TRSs in transactions in which we might otherwise recognize dealer gains. Whether property is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding each particular transaction. Sections 857(b)(6)(C) and (E) of the IRC provide safe harbors pursuant to which limited sales of real property held for at least two years and meeting specified additional requirements will not be treated as prohibited transactions. However, compliance with the safe harbors is not always achievable in practice. We attempt to structure our activities to avoid transactions that are prohibited transactions, or otherwise conduct such activities through TRSs; but, we cannot be sure whether or not the IRS might successfully assert that we are subject to the 100% penalty tax with respect to any particular transaction. Gains subject to the 100% penalty tax are excluded from the 75% and 95% gross income tests, whereas real property gains that are not dealer gains or that are exempted from the 100% penalty tax on account of the safe harbors are considered qualifying gross income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
We believe that any gain that we have recognized, or will recognize, in connection with our disposition of assets and other transactions, including through any partnerships, will generally qualify as income that satisfies the 75% and 95% gross income tests, and will not be dealer gains or subject to the 100% penalty tax. This is because our general intent has been and is to: (a) own our assets for investment (including through joint ventures) with a view to long-term income production and capital appreciation; (b) engage in the business of developing, owning, leasing and managing our existing properties and acquiring, developing, owning, leasing and managing new properties; and (c) make occasional dispositions of our assets consistent with our long-term investment objectives.
If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test in any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify for taxation as a REIT for that year if we satisfy the following requirements: (a) our failure to meet the test is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect; and (b) after we identify the failure, we file a schedule describing each item of our gross income included in the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test for that taxable year. Even if this relief provision does apply, a 100% tax is imposed upon the greater of the amount by which we failed the 75% gross income test or the amount by which we failed the 95% gross income test, with adjustments, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability for the taxable year. This relief provision may apply to a failure of the applicable income tests even if the failure first occurred in a year prior to the taxable year in which the failure was discovered.
Based on the discussion above, we believe that we have satisfied, and will continue to satisfy, the 75% and 95% gross income tests outlined above on a continuing basis beginning with our first taxable year as a REIT.
Asset Tests. At the close of each calendar quarter of each taxable year, we must also satisfy the following asset percentage tests in order to qualify for taxation as a REIT for federal income tax purposes:
•At least 75% of the value of our total assets must consist of “real estate assets,” defined as real property (including interests in real property and interests in mortgages on real property or on interests in real property), ancillary personal property to the extent that rents attributable to such personal property are treated as rents from real property in accordance with the rules described above, cash and cash items, shares in other REITs, debt instruments issued by “publicly offered REITs” as defined in Section 562(c)(2) of the IRC, government securities and temporary investments of new capital (that is, any stock or debt instrument that we hold that is attributable to any amount received by us (a) in exchange for our stock or (b) in a public offering of our five-year or longer debt instruments, but in each case only for the one-year period commencing with our receipt of the new capital).
•Not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by securities other than those securities that count favorably toward the preceding 75% asset test.
•Of the investments included in the preceding 25% asset class, the value of any one non-REIT issuer’s securities that we own may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets. In addition, we may not own more than 10% of the vote or value of any one non-REIT issuer’s outstanding securities, unless the securities are “straight debt” securities or
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otherwise excepted as discussed below. Our stock and other securities in a TRS are exempted from these 5% and 10% asset tests.
•Not more than 20% of the value of our total assets may be represented by stock or other securities of our TRSs.
•Not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by “nonqualified publicly offered REIT debt instruments” as defined in Section 856(c)(5)(L)(ii) of the IRC.
Our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, is of the opinion that, although the matter is not free from doubt, our investments in the equity or debt of a TRS of ours, to the extent that and during the period in which they qualify as temporary investments of new capital, will be treated as real estate assets, and not as securities, for purposes of the above REIT asset tests.
The above REIT asset tests must be satisfied at the close of each calendar quarter of each taxable year as a REIT. After a REIT meets the asset tests at the close of any quarter, it will not lose its qualification for taxation as a REIT in any subsequent quarter solely because of fluctuations in the values of its assets, including if the fluctuations are caused by changes in the foreign currency exchange rate used to value any foreign assets. This grandfathering rule may be of limited benefit to a REIT such as us that makes periodic acquisitions of both qualifying and nonqualifying REIT assets. When a failure to satisfy the above asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets within thirty days after the close of that quarter.
In addition, if we fail the 5% asset test, the 10% vote test or the 10% value test at the close of any quarter and we do not cure such failure within thirty days after the close of that quarter, that failure will nevertheless be excused if (a) the failure is de minimis and (b) within six months after the last day of the quarter in which we identify the failure, we either dispose of the assets causing the failure or otherwise satisfy the 5% asset test, the 10% vote test and the 10% value test. For purposes of this relief provision, the failure will be de minimis if the value of the assets causing the failure does not exceed $10,000,000. If our failure is not de minimis, or if any of the other REIT asset tests have been violated, we may nevertheless qualify for taxation as a REIT if (a) we provide the IRS with a description of each asset causing the failure, (b) the failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, (c) we pay a tax equal to the greater of (1) $50,000 or (2) the highest regular corporate income tax rate imposed on the net income generated by the assets causing the failure during the period of the failure, and (d) within six months after the last day of the quarter in which we identify the failure, we either dispose of the assets causing the failure or otherwise satisfy all of the REIT asset tests. These relief provisions may apply to a failure of the applicable asset tests even if the failure first occurred in a year prior to the taxable year in which the failure was discovered.
The IRC also provides an excepted securities safe harbor to the 10% value test that includes among other items (a) “straight debt” securities, (b) specified rental agreements in which payment is to be made in subsequent years, (c) any obligation to pay “rents from real property,” (d) securities issued by governmental entities that are not dependent in whole or in part on the profits of or payments from a nongovernmental entity, and (e) any security issued by another REIT. In addition, any debt instrument issued by an entity classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, and not otherwise excepted from the definition of a security for purposes of the above safe harbor, will not be treated as a security for purposes of the 10% value test if at least 75% of the partnership’s gross income, excluding income from prohibited transactions, is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test.
We have maintained and will continue to maintain records of the value of our assets to document our compliance with the above asset tests and intend to take actions as may be required to cure any failure to satisfy the tests within thirty days after the close of any quarter or within the six month periods described above.
Based on the discussion above, we believe that we have satisfied, and will continue to satisfy, the REIT asset tests outlined above on a continuing basis beginning with our first taxable year as a REIT.
Our Relationship with TA. As of December 31, 2021, we owned a significant percentage (but less than 10%) of the outstanding common shares of TA. Our leases with TA, TA’s articles of incorporation, and other agreements collectively contain restrictions upon the ownership of TA common shares and require TA to refrain from taking any actions that may result in any affiliation with us that would jeopardize our qualification for taxation as a REIT under the IRC. Accordingly, from and after January 31, 2007 we expect that the rental income we have received and will receive from TA and its subsidiaries has been and will be “rents from real property” under Section 856(d) of the IRC, and therefore qualifying income under the 75% and 95% gross income tests described above.
Our Relationship with Sonesta. We own (directly and indirectly through one of our TRSs) approximately 34% of the outstanding common shares of Sonesta. We have not elected to treat Sonesta as a TRS, and it is not otherwise an automatic TRS because no TRS of ours owns more than 35% of Sonesta. This structure for our Sonesta ownership permits our continued engagement of a corporate subsidiary of Sonesta to manage qualified lodging facilities leased to our TRSs, as described below in greater detail.
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Our Relationship with Our Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. We currently own hotels that we purchased to be leased to our TRSs or which are being leased to our TRSs as a result of modifications to, or expirations of, a prior lease, all as agreed to by applicable parties. For example, in connection with past lease defaults and expirations, we have terminated occupancy of some of our hotels by the defaulting or expiring tenants and immediately leased these hotels to our TRSs and entered into new third-party management agreements for these hotels. We may from time to time lease additional hotels to our TRSs.
In lease transactions involving our TRSs, our intent is for the rents paid to us by the TRS to qualify as “rents from real property” under the REIT gross income tests summarized above. In order for this to be the case, the manager operating the leased property on behalf of the applicable TRS must be an “eligible independent contractor” within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9)(A) of the IRC, and the hotels leased to the TRS must be “qualified lodging facilities” within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the IRC. Qualified lodging facilities are defined as hotels, motels or other establishments where more than half of the dwelling units are used on a transient basis, provided that legally authorized wagering or gambling activities are not conducted at or in connection with such facilities. Also included in the definition are the qualified lodging facility’s customary amenities and facilities.
For these purposes, a contractor qualifies as an “eligible independent contractor” if it is less than 35% affiliated with the REIT and, at the time the contractor enters into the agreement with the TRS to operate the qualified lodging facility, that contractor or any person related to that contractor is actively engaged in the trade or business of operating qualified lodging facilities for persons unrelated to the TRS or its affiliated REIT. For these purposes, an otherwise eligible independent contractor is not disqualified from that status on account of (a) the TRS bearing the expenses of the operation of the qualified lodging facility, (b) the TRS receiving the revenues from the operation of the qualified lodging facility, net of expenses for that operation and fees payable to the eligible independent contractor, or (c) the REIT receiving income from the eligible independent contractor pursuant to a preexisting or otherwise grandfathered lease of another property.
We have engaged as an intended eligible independent contractor a particular corporate subsidiary of Sonesta. This contractor and its affiliates are actively engaged in the trade or business of operating qualified lodging facilities for their own accounts, including pursuant to management contracts among themselves; however, this contractor and its affiliates have few if any management contracts for qualified lodging facilities with third parties other than us and our TRSs. Based on a plain reading of the statute as well as applicable legislative history, our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, is of the opinion that this intended eligible independent contractor should in fact so qualify. If the IRS or a court determines that this opinion is incorrect, then the rental income we receive from our TRSs in respect of properties managed by this particular contractor would be nonqualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, possibly jeopardizing our compliance with one or both of these gross income tests. Under those circumstances, however, we expect we would qualify for the gross income tests’ relief provision described above, and thereby would preserve our qualification for taxation as a REIT. If the relief provision were to apply to us, we would be subject to tax at a 100% rate upon the greater of the amount by which we failed the 75% gross income test or the amount by which we failed the 95% gross income test, with adjustments, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability for the taxable year; even though we have little or no nonqualifying income from other sources in a typical taxable year, imposition of this 100% tax in this circumstance would be material because to date most of the properties leased to our TRSs are managed for the TRSs by this contractor.
As explained above, we will be subject to a 100% tax on the rents paid to us by any of our TRSs if the IRS successfully asserts that those rents exceed an arm’s length rental rate. Although there is no clear precedent to distinguish for federal income tax purposes among leases, management contracts, partnerships, financings, and other contractual arrangements, we believe that our leases and our TRSs’ management agreements will be respected for purposes of the requirements of the IRC discussed above. Accordingly, we expect that the rental income from our current and future TRSs will qualify as “rents from real property,” and that the 100% tax on excessive rents from a TRS will not apply.
Annual Distribution Requirements. In order to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the IRC, we are required to make annual distributions other than capital gain dividends to our shareholders in an amount at least equal to the excess of:
(1)the sum of 90% of our “real estate investment trust taxable income” and 90% of our net income after tax, if any, from property received in foreclosure, over
(2)the amount by which our noncash income (e.g., imputed rental income or income from transactions inadvertently failing to qualify as like-kind exchanges) exceeds 5% of our “real estate investment trust taxable income.”
For these purposes, our “real estate investment trust taxable income” is as defined under Section 857 of the IRC and is computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain and will generally be reduced by specified corporate-level income taxes that we pay (e.g., taxes on built-in gains or foreclosure property income).
The IRC generally limits the deductibility of net interest expense paid or accrued on debt properly allocable to a trade or business to 30% of “adjusted taxable income,” subject to specified exceptions. Any deduction in excess of the limitation is carried forward and may be used in a subsequent year, subject to that year’s 30% limitation. Provided a taxpayer makes an
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election (which is irrevocable), the limitation on the deductibility of net interest expense does not apply to a trade or business involving real property development, redevelopment, construction, reconstruction, acquisition, conversion, rental, operation, management, leasing, or brokerage, within the meaning of Section 469(c)(7)(C) of the IRC. Treasury regulations provide that a real property trade or business includes a trade or business conducted by a REIT. We have made an election to be treated as a real property trade or business and accordingly do not expect the foregoing interest deduction limitations to apply to us or to the calculation of our “real estate investment trust taxable income.”
Distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared before we timely file our federal income tax return for the earlier taxable year and if paid on or before the first regular distribution payment after that declaration. If a dividend is declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record during one of those months and is paid during the following January, then for federal income tax purposes such dividend will be treated as having been both paid and received on December 31 of the prior taxable year to the extent of any undistributed earnings and profits.
The 90% distribution requirements may be waived by the IRS if a REIT establishes that it failed to meet them by reason of distributions previously made to meet the requirements of the 4% excise tax discussed below. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain and all of our “real estate investment trust taxable income,” as adjusted, we will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate income tax rates on undistributed amounts. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax to the extent we fail within a calendar year to make required distributions to our shareholders of 85% of our ordinary income and 95% of our capital gain net income plus the excess, if any, of the “grossed up required distribution” for the preceding calendar year over the amount treated as distributed for that preceding calendar year. For this purpose, the term “grossed up required distribution” for any calendar year is the sum of our taxable income for the calendar year without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and all amounts from earlier years that are not treated as having been distributed under the provision. We will be treated as having sufficient earnings and profits to treat as a dividend any distribution by us up to the amount required to be distributed in order to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax.
If we do not have enough cash or other liquid assets to meet our distribution requirements, or if we so choose, we may find it necessary or desirable to arrange for new debt or equity financing to provide funds for required distributions in order to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT. We cannot be sure that financing would be available for these purposes on favorable terms, or at all.
We may be able to rectify a failure to pay sufficient dividends for any year by paying “deficiency dividends” to shareholders in a later year. These deficiency dividends may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year, but an interest charge would be imposed upon us for the delay in distribution. While the payment of a deficiency dividend will apply to a prior year for purposes of our REIT distribution requirements and our dividends paid deduction, it will be treated as an additional distribution to the shareholders receiving it in the year such dividend is paid.
In addition to the other distribution requirements above, to preserve our qualification for taxation as a REIT we are required to timely distribute all C corporation earnings and profits that we inherit from acquired corporations, as described below.
Acquisitions of C Corporations
We have engaged in and may in the future engage in transactions where we acquire all of the outstanding stock of a C corporation. Upon these acquisitions, except to the extent we have made or do make an applicable TRS election, each of our acquired entities and their various wholly-owned corporate and noncorporate subsidiaries generally became or will become our QRSs. Thus, after such acquisitions, all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the acquired and then disregarded entities have been and will be treated as ours for purposes of the various REIT qualification tests described above. In addition, we generally have been and will be treated as the successor to the acquired (and then disregarded) entities’ federal income tax attributes, such as those entities’ (a) adjusted tax bases in their assets and their depreciation schedules; and (b) earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes, if any. The carryover of these attributes creates REIT implications such as built-in gains tax exposure and additional distribution requirements, as described below. However, when we make an election under Section 338(g) of the IRC with respect to corporations that we acquire, as we have done from time to time in the past, we generally will not be subject to such attribute carryovers in respect of attributes existing prior to such election.
Built-in Gains from C Corporations. Notwithstanding our qualification and taxation as a REIT, under specified circumstances we may be subject to corporate income taxation if we acquire a REIT asset where our adjusted tax basis in the asset is determined by reference to the adjusted tax basis of the asset as owned by a C corporation. For instance, we may be subject to federal income taxation on all or part of the built-in gain that was present on the last date an asset was owned by a C corporation, if we succeed to a carryover tax basis in that asset directly or indirectly from such C corporation and if we sell the asset during the five year period beginning on the day the asset ceased being owned by such C corporation. To the extent of our income and gains in a taxable year that are subject to the built-in gains tax, net of any taxes paid on such income and gains with respect to that taxable year, our taxable dividends paid in the following year will be potentially eligible for taxation to
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noncorporate U.S. shareholders at the preferential tax rates for “qualified dividends” as described below under the heading “—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders”. We generally do not expect to sell assets if doing so would result in the imposition of a material built-in gains tax liability; but if and when we do sell assets that may have associated built-in gains tax exposure, then we expect to make appropriate provision for the associated tax liabilities on our financial statements.
Earnings and Profits. Following a corporate acquisition, we must generally distribute all of the C corporation earnings and profits inherited in that transaction, if any, no later than the end of our taxable year in which the transaction occurs, in order to preserve our qualification for taxation as a REIT. However, if we fail to do so, relief provisions would allow us to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT provided we distribute any subsequently discovered C corporation earnings and profits and pay an interest charge in respect of the period of delayed distribution. C corporation earnings and profits that we inherit are, in general, specially allocated under a priority rule to the earliest possible distributions following the event causing the inheritance, and only then is the balance of our earnings and profits for the taxable year allocated among our distributions to the extent not already treated as a distribution of C corporation earnings and profits under the priority rule. The distribution of these C corporation earnings and profits is potentially eligible for taxation to noncorporate U.S. shareholders at the preferential tax rates for “qualified dividends” as described below under the heading “—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders”.
Depreciation and Federal Income Tax Treatment of Leases
Our initial tax bases in our assets will generally be our acquisition cost. We will generally depreciate our depreciable real property on a straight-line basis over forty years and our personal property over the applicable shorter periods. These depreciation schedules, and our initial tax bases, may vary for properties that we acquire through tax-free or carryover basis acquisitions, or that are the subject of cost segregation analyses.
We are entitled to depreciation deductions from our properties only if we are treated for federal income tax purposes as the owner of the properties. This means that the leases of our properties must be classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as true leases, rather than as sales or financing arrangements, and we believe this to be the case.
Like-Kind Exchanges
We have in the past disposed of properties in transactions intended to qualify as like-kind exchanges under the IRC, and may continue this practice in the future. Such like-kind exchanges are intended to result in the deferral of gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The failure of any such transaction to qualify as a like-kind exchange could subject us to U.S. federal income tax, possibly including the 100% prohibited transaction tax, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction.
Distributions to our Shareholders
As described above, we expect to make distributions to our shareholders from time to time. These distributions may include cash distributions, in kind distributions of property, and deemed or constructive distributions resulting from capital market activities. The U.S. federal income tax treatment of our distributions will vary based on the status of the recipient shareholder as more fully described below under the headings “—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders,” “—Taxation of Tax-Exempt U.S. Shareholders,” and “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders.”
Section 302 of the IRC treats a redemption of our shares for cash only as a distribution under Section 301 of the IRC, and hence taxable as a dividend to the extent of our available current or accumulated earnings and profits, unless the redemption satisfies one of the tests set forth in Section 302(b) of the IRC enabling the redemption to be treated as a sale or exchange of the shares. The redemption for cash only will be treated as a sale or exchange if it (a) is “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the surrendering shareholder’s ownership in us, (b) results in a “complete termination” of the surrendering shareholder’s entire share interest in us, or (c) is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the surrendering shareholder, all within the meaning of Section 302(b) of the IRC. In determining whether any of these tests have been met, a shareholder must generally take into account shares considered to be owned by such shareholder by reason of constructive ownership rules set forth in the IRC, as well as shares actually owned by such shareholder. In addition, if a redemption is treated as a distribution under the preceding tests, then a shareholder’s tax basis in the redeemed shares generally will be transferred to the shareholder’s remaining shares in us, if any, and if such shareholder owns no other shares in us, such basis generally may be transferred to a related person or may be lost entirely. Because the determination as to whether a shareholder will satisfy any of the tests of Section 302(b) of the IRC depends upon the facts and circumstances at the time that our shares are redeemed, we urge you to consult your own tax advisor to determine the particular tax treatment of any redemption.
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders
For noncorporate U.S. shareholders, to the extent that their total adjusted income does not exceed applicable thresholds, the maximum federal income tax rate for long-term capital gains and most corporate dividends is generally 15%. For those noncorporate U.S. shareholders whose total adjusted income exceeds the applicable thresholds, the maximum federal income tax rate for long-term capital gains and most corporate dividends is generally 20%. However, because we are not generally
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subject to federal income tax on the portion of our “real estate investment trust taxable income” distributed to our shareholders, dividends on our shares generally are not eligible for these preferential tax rates, except that any distribution of C corporation earnings and profits and taxed built-in gain items will potentially be eligible for these preferential tax rates. As a result, our ordinary dividends generally are taxed at the higher federal income tax rates applicable to ordinary income (subject to the lower effective tax rates applicable to qualified REIT dividends via the deduction-without-outlay mechanism of Section 199A of the IRC, which is generally available to our noncorporate U.S. shareholders that meet specified holding period requirements for taxable years before 2026). To summarize, the preferential federal income tax rates for long-term capital gains and for qualified dividends generally apply to:
(1)long-term capital gains, if any, recognized on the disposition of our shares;
(2)our distributions designated as long-term capital gain dividends (except to the extent attributable to real estate depreciation recapture, in which case the distributions are subject to a maximum 25% federal income tax rate)
(3)our dividends attributable to dividend income, if any, received by us from C corporations such as TRSs;
(4)our dividends attributable to earnings and profits that we inherit from C corporations; and
(5)our dividends to the extent attributable to income upon which we have paid federal corporate income tax (such as taxes on foreclosure property income or on built-in gains), net of the corporate income taxes thereon.
As long as we qualify for taxation as a REIT, a distribution to our U.S. shareholders that we do not designate as a capital gain dividend generally will be treated as an ordinary income dividend to the extent of our available current or accumulated earnings and profits (subject to the lower effective tax rates applicable to qualified REIT dividends via the deduction-without-outlay mechanism of Section 199A of the IRC, which is generally available to our noncorporate U.S. shareholders that meet specified holding period requirements for taxable years before 2026). Distributions made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits that we properly designate as capital gain dividends generally will be taxed as long-term capital gains, as discussed below, to the extent they do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year. However, corporate shareholders may be required to treat up to 20% of any capital gain dividend as ordinary income under Section 291 of the IRC.
In addition, we may elect to retain net capital gain income and treat it as constructively distributed. In that case:
(1)we will be taxed at regular corporate capital gains tax rates on retained amounts;
(2)each of our U.S. shareholders will be taxed on its designated proportionate share of our retained net capital gains as though that amount were distributed and designated as a capital gain dividend;
(3)each of our U.S. shareholders will receive a credit or refund for its designated proportionate share of the tax that we pay;
(4)each of our U.S. shareholders will increase its adjusted basis in our shares by the excess of the amount of its proportionate share of these retained net capital gains over the U.S. shareholder’s proportionate share of the tax that we pay; and
(5)both we and our corporate shareholders will make commensurate adjustments in our respective earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes.
If we elect to retain our net capital gains in this fashion, we will notify our U.S. shareholders of the relevant tax information within sixty days after the close of the affected taxable year.
If for any taxable year we designate capital gain dividends for our shareholders, then a portion of the capital gain dividends we designate will be allocated to the holders of a particular class of shares on a percentage basis equal to the ratio of the amount of the total dividends paid or made available for the year to the holders of that class of shares to the total dividends paid or made available for the year to holders of all outstanding classes of our shares. We will similarly designate the portion of any dividend that is to be taxed to noncorporate U.S. shareholders at preferential maximum rates (including any qualified dividend income and any capital gains attributable to real estate depreciation recapture that are subject to a maximum 25% federal income tax rate) so that the designations will be proportionate among all outstanding classes of our shares.
Distributions in excess of our current or accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a U.S. shareholder to the extent that they do not exceed the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in our shares, but will reduce the shareholder’s basis in such shares. To the extent that these excess distributions exceed a U.S. shareholder’s adjusted basis in such shares, they will be included in income as capital gain, with long-term gain generally taxed to noncorporate U.S. shareholders at preferential maximum rates. No U.S. shareholder may include on its federal income tax return any of our net operating losses or any of our capital losses. In addition, no portion of any of our dividends is eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders.
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If a dividend is declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record during one of those months and is paid during the following January, then for federal income tax purposes the dividend will be treated as having been both paid and received on December 31 of the prior taxable year.
A U.S. shareholder will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder’s adjusted basis in our shares that are sold or exchanged. This gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder’s holding period in our shares exceeds one year. In addition, any loss upon a sale or exchange of our shares held for six months or less will generally be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain dividends we paid on such shares during the holding period.
U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts are generally required to pay a 3.8% Medicare tax on their net investment income (including dividends on our shares (without regard to any deduction allowed by Section 199A of the IRC) and gains from the sale or other disposition of our shares), or in the case of estates and trusts on their net investment income that is not distributed, in each case to the extent that their total adjusted income exceeds applicable thresholds. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the 3.8% Medicare tax.
If a U.S. shareholder recognizes a loss upon a 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 Treasury regulations are written quite broadly, and apply to many routine and simple transactions. A reportable transaction currently includes, among other things, a sale or exchange of our shares resulting in a tax loss in excess of (a) $10 million in any single year or $20 million in a prescribed combination of taxable years in the case of our shares held by a C corporation or by a partnership with only C corporation partners or (b) $2 million in any single year or $4 million in a prescribed combination of taxable years in the case of our shares held by any other partnership or an S corporation, trust or individual, including losses that flow through pass through entities to individuals. A taxpayer discloses a reportable transaction by filing IRS Form 8886 with its federal income tax return and, in the first year of filing, a copy of Form 8886 must be sent to the IRS’s Office of Tax Shelter Analysis. The annual maximum penalty for failing to disclose a reportable transaction is generally $10,000 in the case of a natural person and $50,000 in any other case.
Noncorporate U.S. shareholders who borrow funds to finance their acquisition of our shares could be limited in the amount of deductions allowed for the interest paid on the indebtedness incurred. Under Section 163(d) of the IRC, interest paid or accrued on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry property held for investment is generally deductible only to the extent of the investor’s net investment income. A U.S. shareholder’s net investment income will include ordinary income dividend distributions received from us and, only if an appropriate election is made by the shareholder, capital gain dividend distributions and qualified dividends received from us; however, distributions treated as a nontaxable return of the shareholder’s basis will not enter into the computation of net investment income.
Taxation of Tax-Exempt U.S. Shareholders
The rules governing the federal income taxation of tax-exempt entities are complex, and the following discussion is intended only as a summary of material considerations of an investment in our shares relevant to such investors. If you are a tax-exempt shareholder, we urge you to consult your own tax advisor to determine the impact of federal, state, local and foreign tax laws, including any tax return filing and other reporting requirements, with respect to your acquisition of or investment in our shares.
We expect that shareholders that are tax-exempt pension plans, individual retirement accounts or other qualifying tax-exempt entities, and that receive (a) distributions from us, or (b) proceeds from the sale of our shares, should not have such amounts treated as UBTI, provided in each case (x) that the shareholder has not financed its acquisition of our shares with “acquisition indebtedness” within the meaning of the IRC, (y) that the shares are not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business of the tax-exempt entity, and (z) that, consistent with our present intent, we do not hold a residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit or otherwise hold mortgage assets or conduct mortgage securitization activities that generate “excess inclusion” income.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders
The rules governing the U.S. federal income taxation of non-U.S. shareholders are complex, and the following discussion is intended only as a summary of material considerations of an investment in our shares relevant to such investors. If you are a non-U.S. shareholder, we urge you to consult your own tax advisor to determine the impact of U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax laws, including any tax return filing and other reporting requirements, with respect to your acquisition of or investment in our shares.
We expect that a non-U.S. shareholder’s receipt of (a) distributions from us, and (b) proceeds from the sale of our shares, will not be treated as income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business and a non-U.S. shareholder will therefore not be subject to the often higher federal tax and withholding rates, branch profits taxes and increased reporting and filing
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requirements that apply to income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. This expectation and a number of the determinations below are predicated on our shares being listed on a U.S. national securities exchange, such as the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or Nasdaq. Each class of our shares has been listed on a U.S. national securities exchange; however, we cannot be sure that our shares will continue to be so listed in future taxable years or that any class of our shares that we may issue in the future will be so listed.
Distributions. A distribution by us to a non-U.S. shareholder that is not designated as a capital gain dividend will be treated as an ordinary income dividend to the extent that it is made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. A distribution of this type will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax and withholding at the rate of 30%, or at a lower rate if the non-U.S. shareholder has in the manner prescribed by the IRS demonstrated to the applicable withholding agent its entitlement to benefits under a tax treaty. Because we cannot determine our current and accumulated earnings and profits until the end of the taxable year, withholding at the statutory rate of 30% or applicable lower treaty rate will generally be imposed on the gross amount of any distribution to a non-U.S. shareholder that we make and do not designate as a capital gain dividend. Notwithstanding this potential withholding on distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, these excess portions of distributions are a nontaxable return of capital to the extent that they do not exceed the non-U.S. shareholder’s adjusted basis in our shares, and the nontaxable return of capital will reduce the adjusted basis in these shares. To the extent that distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits exceed the non-U.S. shareholder’s adjusted basis in our shares, the distributions will give rise to U.S. federal income tax liability only in the unlikely event that the non-U.S. shareholder would otherwise be subject to tax on any gain from the sale or exchange of these shares, as discussed below under the heading “—Dispositions of Our Shares.” A non-U.S. shareholder may seek a refund from the IRS of amounts withheld on distributions to it in excess of such shareholder’s allocable share of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.
For so long as a class of our shares is listed on a U.S. national securities exchange, capital gain dividends that we declare and pay to a non-U.S. shareholder on those shares, as well as dividends to a non-U.S. shareholder on those shares attributable to our sale or exchange of “United States real property interests” within the meaning of Section 897 of the IRC, or USRPIs, will not be subject to withholding as though those amounts were effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, and non-U.S. shareholders will not be required to file U.S. federal income tax returns or pay branch profits tax in respect of these dividends. Instead, these dividends will generally be treated as ordinary dividends and subject to withholding in the manner described above.
Tax treaties may reduce the withholding obligations on our distributions. Under some treaties, however, rates below 30% that are applicable to ordinary income dividends from U.S. corporations may not apply to ordinary income dividends from a REIT or may apply only if the REIT meets specified additional conditions. A non-U.S. shareholder must generally use an applicable IRS Form W-8, or substantially similar form, to claim tax treaty benefits. If the amount of tax withheld with respect to a distribution to a non-U.S. shareholder exceeds the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability with respect to the distribution, the non-U.S. shareholder may file for a refund of the excess from the IRS. Treasury regulations also provide special rules to determine whether, for purposes of determining the applicability of a tax treaty, our distributions to a non-U.S. shareholder that is an entity should be treated as paid to the entity or to those owning an interest in that entity, and whether the entity or its owners are entitled to benefits under the tax treaty.
If, contrary to our expectation, a class of our shares was not listed on a U.S. national securities exchange and we made a distribution on those shares that was attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of a USRPI, then a non-U.S. shareholder holding those shares would be taxed as if the distribution was gain effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States conducted by the non-U.S. shareholder. In addition, the applicable withholding agent would be required to withhold from a distribution to such a non-U.S. shareholder, and remit to the IRS, up to 21% of the maximum amount of any distribution that was or could have been designated as a capital gain dividend. The non-U.S. shareholder also would generally be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. shareholder with respect to the distribution (subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of a nonresident alien individual), would be subject to fulsome U.S. federal income tax return reporting requirements, and, in the case of a corporate non-U.S. shareholder, may owe the up to 30% branch profits tax under Section 884 of the IRC (or lower applicable tax treaty rate) in respect of these amounts.
Dispositions of Our Shares. If as expected our shares are not USRPIs, then a non-U.S. shareholder’s gain on the sale of these shares generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation or withholding. We expect that our shares will not be USRPIs because one or both of the following exemptions will be available at all times.
First, for so long as a class of our shares is listed on a U.S. national securities exchange, a non-U.S. shareholder’s gain on the sale of those shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as a sale of a USRPI. Second, our shares will not constitute USRPIs if we are a “domestically controlled” REIT. We will be a “domestically controlled” REIT if less than 50% of the value of our shares (including any future class of shares that we may issue) is held, directly or indirectly, by non-U.S. shareholders at all times during the preceding five years, after applying specified presumptions regarding the ownership of our shares as described in Section 897(h)(4)(E) of the IRC. For these purposes, we believe that the statutory ownership
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presumptions apply to validate our status as a “domestically controlled” REIT. Accordingly, we believe that we are and will remain a “domestically controlled” REIT.
If, contrary to our expectation, a gain on the sale of our shares is subject to U.S. federal income taxation (for example, because neither of the above exemptions were then available, i.e., that class of our shares were not then listed on a U.S. national securities exchange and we were not a “domestically controlled” REIT), then (a) a non-U.S. shareholder would generally be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. shareholder with respect to its gain (subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals), (b) the non-U.S. shareholder would also be subject to fulsome U.S. federal income tax return reporting requirements, and (c) a purchaser of that class of our shares from the non-U.S. shareholder may be required to withhold 15% of the purchase price paid to the non-U.S. shareholder and to remit the withheld amount to the IRS.
Information Reporting, Backup Withholding, and Foreign Account Withholding
Information reporting, backup withholding, and foreign account withholding may apply to distributions or proceeds paid to our shareholders under the circumstances discussed below. If a shareholder is subject to backup or other U.S. federal income tax withholding, then the applicable withholding agent will be required to withhold the appropriate amount with respect to a deemed or constructive distribution or a distribution in kind even though there is insufficient cash from which to satisfy the withholding obligation. To satisfy this withholding obligation, the applicable withholding agent may collect the amount of U.S. federal income tax required to be withheld by reducing to cash for remittance to the IRS a sufficient portion of the property that the shareholder would otherwise receive or own, and the shareholder may bear brokerage or other costs for this withholding procedure.
Amounts withheld under backup withholding are generally not an additional tax and may be refunded by the IRS or credited against the shareholder’s federal income tax liability, provided that such shareholder timely files for a refund or credit with the IRS. A U.S. shareholder may be subject to backup withholding when it receives distributions on our shares or proceeds upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our shares, unless the U.S. shareholder properly executes, or has previously properly executed, under penalties of perjury an IRS Form W-9 or substantially similar form that:
•provides the U.S. shareholder’s correct taxpayer identification number;
•certifies that the U.S. shareholder is exempt from backup withholding because (a) it comes within an enumerated exempt category, (b) it has not been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding, or (c) it has been notified by the IRS that it is no longer subject to backup withholding; and
•certifies that it is a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person.
If the U.S. shareholder has not provided and does not provide its correct taxpayer identification number and appropriate certifications on an IRS Form W-9 or substantially similar form, it may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS, and the applicable withholding agent may have to withhold a portion of any distributions or proceeds paid to such U.S. shareholder. Unless the U.S. shareholder has established on a properly executed IRS Form W-9 or substantially similar form that it comes within an enumerated exempt category, distributions or proceeds on our shares paid to it during the calendar year, and the amount of tax withheld, if any, will be reported to it and to the IRS.
Distributions on our shares to a non-U.S. shareholder during each calendar year and the amount of tax withheld, if any, will generally be reported to the non-U.S. shareholder and to the IRS. This information reporting requirement applies regardless of whether the non-U.S. shareholder is subject to withholding on distributions on our shares or whether the withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. Also, distributions paid to a non-U.S. shareholder on our shares will generally be subject to backup withholding, unless the non-U.S. shareholder properly certifies to the applicable withholding agent its non-U.S. shareholder status on an applicable IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form. Information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to proceeds a non-U.S. shareholder receives upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our shares, if the non-U.S. shareholder properly certifies to the applicable withholding agent its non-U.S. shareholder status on an applicable IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form. Even without having executed an applicable IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form, however, in some cases information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to proceeds that a non-U.S. shareholder receives upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our shares if the non-U.S. shareholder receives those proceeds through a broker’s foreign office.
Non-U.S. financial institutions and other non-U.S. entities are subject to diligence and reporting requirements for purposes of identifying accounts and investments held directly or indirectly by U.S. persons. The failure to comply with these additional information reporting, certification and other requirements could result in a 30% U.S. withholding tax on applicable payments to non-U.S. persons, notwithstanding any otherwise applicable provisions of an income tax treaty. In particular, a payee that is a foreign financial institution that is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements described above must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by “specified United States persons” or “United States owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the IRC and administrative
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guidance thereunder), annually report information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on applicable payments to noncompliant foreign financial institutions and account holders. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States with respect to these requirements may be subject to different rules. The foregoing withholding regime generally applies to payments of dividends on our shares. In general, to avoid withholding, any non-U.S. intermediary through which a shareholder owns our shares must establish its compliance with the foregoing regime, and a non-U.S. shareholder must provide specified documentation (usually an applicable IRS Form W-8) containing information about its identity, its status, and if required, its direct and indirect U.S. owners. Non-U.S. shareholders and shareholders who hold our shares through a non-U.S. intermediary are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding foreign account tax compliance.
Other Tax Considerations
Our tax treatment and that of our shareholders may be modified by legislative, judicial or administrative actions at any time, which actions may have retroactive effect. The rules dealing with federal income taxation are constantly under review by the U.S. Congress, the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and statutory changes, new regulations, revisions to existing regulations and revised interpretations of established concepts are issued frequently. Likewise, the rules regarding taxes other than U.S. federal income taxes may also be modified. No prediction can be made as to the likelihood of passage of new tax legislation or other provisions, or the direct or indirect effect on us and our shareholders. Revisions to tax laws and interpretations of these laws could adversely affect our ability to qualify and be taxed as a REIT, as well as the tax or other consequences of an investment in our shares. We and our shareholders may also be subject to taxation by state, local or other jurisdictions, including those in which we or our shareholders transact business or reside. These tax consequences may not be comparable to the U.S. federal income tax consequences discussed above.
ERISA PLANS, KEOGH PLANS AND INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
General Fiduciary Obligations
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or ERISA, the IRC and similar provisions to those described below under applicable foreign or state law, individually and collectively, impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries of any employee benefit plan subject to Title I of ERISA, or an ERISA Plan, or an individual retirement account or annuity, or an IRA, a Roth IRA, a tax-favored account (such as an Archer MSA, Coverdell education savings account or health savings account), a Keogh plan or other qualified retirement plan not subject to Title I of ERISA, each a Non-ERISA Plan. Under ERISA and the IRC, any person who exercises any discretionary authority or control over the administration of, or the management or disposition of the assets of, an ERISA Plan or Non-ERISA Plan, or who renders investment advice for a fee or other compensation to an ERISA Plan or Non-ERISA Plan, is generally considered to be a fiduciary of the ERISA Plan or Non-ERISA Plan.
Fiduciaries of an ERISA Plan must consider whether:
•their investment in our shares or other securities satisfies the diversification requirements of ERISA;
•the investment is prudent in light of possible limitations on the marketability of our shares;
•they have authority to acquire our shares or other securities under the applicable governing instrument and Title I of ERISA; and
•the investment is otherwise consistent with their fiduciary responsibilities.
Fiduciaries of an ERISA Plan may incur personal liability for any loss suffered by the ERISA Plan on account of a violation of their fiduciary responsibilities. In addition, these fiduciaries may be subject to a civil penalty of up to 20% of any amount recovered by the ERISA Plan on account of a violation. Fiduciaries of any Non-ERISA Plan should consider that the Non-ERISA Plan may only make investments that are authorized by the appropriate governing instrument and applicable law.
Fiduciaries considering an investment in our securities should consult their own legal advisors if they have any concern as to whether the investment is consistent with the foregoing criteria or is otherwise appropriate. The sale of our securities to an ERISA Plan or Non-ERISA Plan is in no respect a representation by us or any underwriter of the securities that the investment meets all relevant legal requirements with respect to investments by the arrangements generally or any particular arrangement, or that the investment is appropriate for arrangements generally or any particular arrangement.
Prohibited Transactions
Fiduciaries of ERISA Plans and persons making the investment decision for Non-ERISA Plans should consider the application of the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the IRC in making their investment decision. Sales and other transactions between an ERISA Plan or a Non-ERISA Plan and disqualified persons or parties in interest, as applicable, are prohibited transactions and result in adverse consequences absent an exemption. The particular facts concerning the
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sponsorship, operations and other investments of an ERISA Plan or Non-ERISA Plan may cause a wide range of persons to be treated as disqualified persons or parties in interest with respect to it. A non-exempt prohibited transaction, in addition to imposing potential personal liability upon ERISA Plan fiduciaries, may also result in the imposition of an excise tax under the IRC or a penalty under ERISA upon the disqualified person or party in interest. If the disqualified person who engages in the transaction is the individual on behalf of whom an IRA, Roth IRA or other tax-favored account is maintained (or his beneficiary), the IRA, Roth IRA or other tax-favored account may lose its tax-exempt status and its assets may be deemed to have been distributed to the individual in a taxable distribution on account of the non-exempt prohibited transaction, but no excise tax will be imposed. Fiduciaries considering an investment in our securities should consult their own legal advisors as to whether the ownership of our securities involves a non-exempt prohibited transaction.
“Plan Assets” Considerations
The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a regulation defining “plan assets.” The regulation, as subsequently modified by ERISA, generally provides that when an ERISA Plan or a Non-ERISA Plan otherwise subject to Title I of ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the IRC acquires an interest in an entity that is neither a “publicly offered security” nor a security issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the assets of the ERISA Plan or Non-ERISA Plan include both the equity interest and an undivided interest in each of the underlying assets of the entity, unless it is established either that the entity is an operating company or that equity participation in the entity by benefit plan investors is not significant. We are not an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Each class of our equity (that is, our common shares and any other class of equity that we may issue) must be analyzed separately to ascertain whether it is a publicly offered security. The regulation defines a publicly offered security as a security that is “widely held,” “freely transferable” and either part of a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act, or sold under an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, provided the securities are registered under the Exchange Act within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year of the issuer during which the offering occurred. Each class of our outstanding shares has been registered under the Exchange Act within the necessary time frame to satisfy the foregoing condition.
The regulation provides that a security is “widely held” only if it is part of a class of securities that is owned by 100 or more investors independent of the issuer and of one another. However, a security will not fail to be “widely held” because the number of independent investors falls below 100 subsequent to the initial public offering as a result of events beyond the issuer’s control. Although we cannot be sure, we believe our common shares have been and will remain widely held, and we expect the same to be true of any future class of equity that we may issue.
The regulation provides that whether a security is “freely transferable” is a factual question to be determined on the basis of all relevant facts and circumstances. The regulation further provides that, where a security is part of an offering in which the minimum investment is $10,000 or less, some restrictions on transfer ordinarily will not, alone or in combination, affect a finding that these securities are freely transferable. The restrictions on transfer enumerated in the regulation as not affecting that finding include:
•any restriction on or prohibition against any transfer or assignment that would result in a termination or reclassification for federal or state tax purposes, or would otherwise violate any state or federal law or court order;
•any requirement that advance notice of a transfer or assignment be given to the issuer and any requirement that either the transferor or transferee, or both, execute documentation setting forth representations as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer that are among those enumerated in the regulation as not affecting free transferability, including those described in the preceding clause of this sentence;
•any administrative procedure that establishes an effective date, or an event prior to which a transfer or assignment will not be effective; and
•any limitation or restriction on transfer or assignment that is not imposed by the issuer or a person acting on behalf of the issuer.
We believe that the restrictions imposed under our declaration of trust and bylaws on the transfer of shares do not result in the failure of our shares to be “freely transferable.” Furthermore, we believe that no other facts or circumstances limiting the transferability of our shares exist, other than those that are enumerated under the regulation as not affecting the free transferability of shares. In addition, we do not expect or intend to impose in the future, or to permit any person to impose on our behalf, any limitations or restrictions on transfer that would not be among the enumerated permissible limitations or restrictions.
Assuming that each class of our shares will be “widely held” and that no other facts and circumstances exist that restrict transferability of these shares, our counsel, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, is of the opinion that our shares will not fail to be “freely transferable” for purposes of the regulation due to the restrictions on transfer of our shares in our declaration of trust and
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bylaws and that under the regulation each class of our currently outstanding shares is publicly offered and our assets will not be deemed to be “plan assets” of any ERISA Plan or Non-ERISA Plan that acquires our shares in a public offering. This opinion is conditioned upon certain assumptions and representations, as discussed above under the heading “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation as a REIT.”
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Summary of Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The summary below provides an overview of many of the risks we face that are described in this section. Additional risks, beyond those summarized below, discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” or described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, may also materially and adversely impact our business, operations or financial results. Consistent with the foregoing, the risks we face include, but are not limited to, the following:
•the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting economic impact have materially adversely affected the lodging industry and other industries in which our managers and tenants operate, and may continue to do so;
•we have a high concentration of properties that are operated by Sonesta and TA, and their failure to profitably operate our properties could adversely impact our results of operations, and we could experience significant disruption to our operations if we were required to replace either Sonesta or TA;
•our earnings will be more volatile than in previous years due to most of the owner’s priority returns under our hotel agreements no longer being guaranteed by our operators’ parent companies;
•we may need additional waivers from our lenders or waivers from our note holders in order to avoid defaulting under our credit agreement or public debt agreements and the terms of our current waivers under our credit agreement impose restrictions on our ability to pay distributions and to make capital investments;
•if we default under our credit agreement, we may lose some or all of the equity interests in certain of our subsidiaries that we have pledged or face foreclosure on properties on which we have provided first mortgage liens to secure our obligations under the credit agreement;
•we may not be able to reduce our debt leverage and our debt leverage may remain at or above current levels for an indefinite period;
•we have substantial debt and may incur additional debt, and we are subject to the covenants and conditions contained in the agreements governing our debt, which may restrict our operations and ability to make investments and distributions, and if we fail to satisfy those covenants and conditions, we would be unable to incur additional indebtedness and we may need to repay outstanding debts from other sources of capital;
•we may not complete the sale of properties that we are in the process of marketing for sale, and we may determine to sell fewer than those we are currently targeting or at prices lower than we currently expect;
•changes in market interest rates, including changes resulting from the phase out of LIBOR, may adversely affect us;
•REIT distribution requirements and any limitations on our ability to access reasonably priced capital may adversely impact our ability to carry out our business plan, and we are subject to risks associated with our qualification for taxation as a REIT;
•we face significant competition and we may be unable to renew leases, lease vacant space or re-lease space as leases expire on favorable terms or at all;
•ownership of real estate is subject to environmental risks and liabilities, as well as risks from adverse weather, natural disasters and climate change and climate related events, and we may incur significant costs and invest significant amounts with respect to these matters;
•insurance may not adequately cover our losses, and insurance costs may continue to increase;
•we depend upon RMR LLC to manage our business and implement our growth strategy, and RMR LLC has broad discretion in operating our day to day business;
•any material failure, inadequacy, interruption or security breach of RMR LLC’s or our hotel managers’ information technology or systems could materially harm us;
•our management structure and agreements with RMR LLC and our relationships with our related parties, including our Managing Trustees, RMR LLC, Sonesta and TA and others affiliated with them, may create conflicts of interest;
•ownership limitations and certain provisions in our declaration of trust, bylaws and agreements, as well as certain provisions of Maryland law, may deter, delay or prevent a change in our control or unsolicited acquisition proposals;
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•our rights and the rights of our shareholders to take action against our Trustees and officers are limited, and our bylaws contain provisions that could limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a judicial forum they deem favorable for certain disputes;
•we may change our operational, financing and investment policies without shareholder approval; and
•our distributions to our shareholders may remain at $0.01 per share for an indefinite period or be eliminated and the form of payment could change.
The risks described below may not be the only risks we face but are risks we believe may be material at this time. Other risks of which we are not yet aware, or that we currently believe are not material, may also materially and adversely impact our business operations or financial results. If any of the events or circumstances described below occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations or ability to make distributions to our shareholders could be adversely impacted and the value of an investment in our securities could decline. Investors and prospective investors should consider the risks described below and the information contained under the caption “Warning Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K before deciding whether to invest in our securities.
Risks Related to Our Business
The COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting economic impact have materially adversely affected the lodging industry and other industries in which our managers and tenants operate, and may continue to do so.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial adverse impact on the global economy, including the U.S. economy, during various stages of the pandemic. Government requirements to stay in place and temporarily close businesses had a substantial negative impact on the economy. Government spending during the pandemic, and subsequent easing of the government restrictions, have since helped avert extended negative impacts to the economy and are believed to have helped foster a return to economic growth. However, the progression of the pandemic has been unpredictable, with infection rates rising and falling and new variants of the virus continuing to emerge. Those variants may have negative impacts on public health, including possibly being more transmissible, including to people who have been otherwise immunized due to natural immunity as a result of being previously infected with COVID-19 or vaccination. Variants of COVID-19 could have similar or worse impacts on the economy and public health as previous versions of COVID-19.
The lodging industry and other industries in which our managers and tenants operate have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic, along with federal, state and local government mandates intended to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and market reactions to the pandemic. The effects of COVID-19 continue to have a significant negative impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flow. Although lodging demand improved during the year ended December 31, 2021 when compared to 2020 levels, we do not know when or if lodging business levels will return to historical pre-pandemic levels. We currently expect that the recovery with respect to business transient and group business will be gradual and likely inconsistent. We also currently expect the recovery of the U.S. hospitality industry to be a multi-year process and to remain uneven. In addition, consumer confidence and lodging demand will continue to be affected by unemployment, perceptions of the safety of returning to normal activities, the continued use of video conferencing technologies rather than in person meetings and broader macroeconomic trends. These trends, together with increasing labor costs and shortages and commodity and other price inflation due to supply chain challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, may continue to negatively impact our hotel operations and financial results.
In addition, some of our tenants at our net lease retail properties had to close their businesses for certain periods of time, and experienced, and continue to experience, substantial declines in their businesses. Some of these tenants sought and received rent relief from us and we may receive additional requests for rent relief in the future. The travel centers operated by TA primarily provide goods and services to the trucking industry, and demand for trucking services in the United States generally reflects the amount of commercial activity in the U.S. economy. When the U.S. economy declines, demand for goods moved by trucks declines, and in turn demand for the products and services provided at our travel centers typically declines. Although TA has been recognized as providing services to essential businesses by various governmental authorities, there can be no assurance that such a designation will continue and that, if it does, it will enable TA to avoid adverse effects to its operations and business. TA has experienced declines in its business activity at times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the demand for e-commerce has resulted in increased trucking activity in the United States, if current economic conditions continue for a prolonged period or worsen, TA’s business may be materially and adversely affected by such continued and increasing decline in economic activities and movement of goods across the United States.
The ultimate adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or a similar health epidemic is highly uncertain and subject to change. We do not yet know the full extent of potential impacts on our business and operations, our managers’ and tenants’ businesses and operations and their ability and willingness to pay us returns or rents or the global economy as a whole. While the spread of COVID-19 may eventually be contained or mitigated, there is no guarantee that a future outbreak or any other
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widespread epidemics will not occur, or that the global economy will fully recover, either of which could materially harm our business. The COVID-19 pandemic presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows. Moreover, many risk factors set forth in this section should be interpreted as heightened risks as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If the changes in business and consumer practices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic continue and become long-term practices, our business would likely be materially and adversely impacted.
Temporary closures of businesses and stay-at-home orders and return to office delays and the resulting remote working arrangements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may result in long-term changed business practices that could negatively impact us and our business. For example, the increased adoption of and familiarity with remote work practices could result in decreased demand for in-person meetings. If that occurred, business travel may decline significantly from levels experienced prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could materially and adversely impact our hotels’ operating results and the values of our hotels if we and our hotel managers were not able to offset revenues lost from the decline in business travel. In addition, certain of our retail tenants’ businesses depend on people gathering in close proximity, including movie theaters, restaurants and fitness centers, among others. To the extent that social distancing practices that have been adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic become sustained practices, those tenants’ businesses are likely to be materially and adversely impacted, which may reduce their ability to pay us rent, increase the likelihood they will default in paying us rent and likely reduce the value of those properties.
Adverse general economic conditions in the United States would likely negatively impact our business.
Many of our properties are operated in two segments of the economy, the hotel industry and the service retail industry. The hotel and service retail industries have historically been highly sensitive to general economic conditions in the United States and in the geographic areas where our properties are located.
The performance of the hotel industry has historically been closely linked to the performance of the general economy both nationally and within local markets in the United States. The hotel industry is sensitive to business and personal discretionary spending levels. Declines in corporate travel and consumer demand due to adverse general economic conditions, such as due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a decline in U.S. gross domestic product or lower consumer confidence or government budgetary constraints may reduce the revenues and profitability of our hotels. A slowing of the U.S. economy or a new U.S. recession may lead to a significant decline in demand for the products and services offered at our hotels. We cannot predict the pace or duration of general U.S. economic cycles or cycles which may be experienced in the hotel industry. A period of general economic weakness in the United States would likely reduce the revenues and profitability of our hotels and negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
The service retail industry generally has greater resiliency during economic downturns, but certain industries in which certain of our retail tenants operate have been severely and negatively impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, our retail tenants’ businesses could be adversely impacted by changes in consumer spending or preferences. If our tenants for our service retail properties experience declines in their businesses due to competitive pressures, adverse economic conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in consumer spending or preferences, or otherwise, they may fail to pay rent due to us.
Our travel centers primarily provide goods and services to the trucking industry, and demand for trucking services in the United States generally reflects the amount of commercial activity in the U.S. economy. When the U.S. economy declines, demand for goods moved by trucks declines, and in turn demand for the products and services provided at our travel centers typically declines. These declines, when experienced, may materially and adversely affect TA’s sales and its business and, consequently, its ability to pay us rent.
Sonesta manages a majority of our hotels, and we may need to fund operating losses for these hotels or make capital contributions to Sonesta.
The owner's priority returns we receive from our hotels managed under our agreements with Sonesta are dependent upon the financial results of those hotel operations and we may continue to receive amounts from Sonesta that are less than the contractual owner's priority returns stated in those agreements or we may need to fund operating losses for our Sonesta hotels. Further, we own approximately 34.0% of Sonesta. If Sonesta experiences losses, or requires additional capital, Sonesta may request we fund our share through the contribution of additional capital. For more information about our agreements with Sonesta, see Notes 5 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We have a high concentration of properties that are operated by Sonesta or TA.
As of December 31, 2021, Sonesta operated 261 of our 303 hotels, which constituted 50.9% of our total historical real estate investments. We lease 179 travel centers to TA, which constituted approximately 27.5% of our total historical real estate investments as of December 31, 2021. If either Sonesta or TA were to fail to provide quality services and amenities or to
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maintain quality brands, our income from these properties may be adversely affected. Further, if we were required to replace Sonesta or TA, we could experience significant disruptions in operations at the applicable properties, which could reduce our income and cash flows from, and the value of, those properties.
We may not be able to sell properties, or our plan to sell may be delayed and could be changed or abandoned.
Current market conditions may cause the process of selling properties to take longer than expected and we may elect to retain properties previously marketed for sale or select additional properties for sale. Further, these sales may not occur or, if they do occur, they may be sold at prices less than previously expected and we may realize losses. Our ability to sell properties, and the sales prices may continue to be affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or the general state of the lodging industry.
Our earnings will be more volatile than in previous years due to most of the returns and rents no longer being guaranteed by our operators’ parent companies.
Historically, most of our hotel portfolio returns were guaranteed by our hotel operators’ parent companies. Due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, these security features were largely exhausted. We have no guarantee or security deposit under our agreements with Sonesta. Guarantees and security deposits historically provided us with generally consistent returns for the hotels they supported. Without the benefit of these types of security features supporting our returns, we expect our earnings to be more volatile than we have experienced historically. Also, certain of our net lease tenants, including TA, provide parent company guarantees. If these tenants do not earn sufficient income from their businesses, they may not have sufficient resources independent of these leaseholds to pay their guarantee obligations to us, particularly for those tenants, such as TA, whereby they conduct the majority of their business at properties leased from us.
We have a substantial amount of debt and we may incur additional debt, and our debt leverage may remain at or above current levels for an indefinite period.
As of December 31, 2021, our consolidated indebtedness was $7.2 billion, our consolidated net debt to total gross assets ratio was 50.3% and we were fully drawn on our $1.0 billion revolving credit facility.
We may, under certain circumstances, incur additional debt in order to ensure that we have sufficient liquidity to manage our business through the current economic conditions and any extended economic downturn or recession that may result.
We are subject to numerous risks associated with our debt, including the risk that our cash flows could be insufficient for us to make required payments on our debt. There are no limits in our organizational documents on the amount of debt we may incur, and we may incur substantial debt; however, our credit agreement and our senior unsecured notes indentures and their supplements contain certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt for so long as certain debt service ratios are not met and we are currently restricted from incurring additional debt. Our debt obligations could have important consequences to our security holders. Our incurrence of debt may increase our vulnerability to adverse economic, market and industry conditions, limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, and place us at a disadvantage in relation to competitors that have lower debt levels. Our incurrence of debt could also increase the costs to us of incurring additional debt, increase our exposure to floating interest rates or expose us to potential events of default (if not cured or waived) under covenants contained in debt instruments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Excessive debt could reduce the available cash flow to fund, or limit our ability to obtain financing for, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, construction projects, refinancing, lease obligations or other purposes and hinder our ability to make or sustain distributions to our shareholders.
We may be unable to repay our debt obligations when they become due. If we default under any of our debt obligations, we may be in default under the agreements governing other debt obligations of ours that have cross default provisions, including our credit agreement and our senior unsecured notes indentures and their supplements. In such case, our lenders or note holders may demand immediate payment of any outstanding indebtedness and could seek payment from the subsidiary guarantors under our credit agreement, seek to sell any pledged equity interests of certain subsidiaries or the mortgaged properties owned by certain pledging subsidiaries, or we could be forced to liquidate our assets for less than the values we would receive in a more orderly process.
We may need additional waivers from our lenders or waivers from our note holders in order to avoid defaulting under our credit agreement or our public debt agreements, and the terms of our current waivers under our credit agreement impose restrictions on our ability to pay distributions and make capital investments, and any future waiver or amendment may impose similar or additional restrictions.
During 2020, we obtained waivers from the lenders under our credit agreement from compliance with then existing financial covenants through July 2022. To obtain these waivers, we agreed to restrictions on our ability to pay distributions, other than as currently contemplated or to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT and to avoid the payment of certain income and excise taxes and make capital investments. Our revolving credit facility matures on July 15, 2022, and we may be
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unable to meet the conditions required to exercise the extension option provided for in our credit agreement or repay or refinance the outstanding borrowings with new debt. We are in discussions with our lenders regarding a potential extension of the existing waivers or additional covenant waivers, but we cannot assure that we will be granted any such relief. Further, we may need to seek waivers from our note holders in order to avoid failing to satisfy certain financial covenants under our debt agreements, but our note holders are not required to grant any such waivers and may determine not to do so. If we fail to receive any required waiver, we may be in default under our credit agreement and the lenders could terminate our revolving credit facility and require us to pay our then outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Any future waiver we may obtain may impose similar or additional restrictions, which may limit our ability to pay or increase distributions to our shareholders or make investments that we believe we should make and could reduce our ability to pursue business opportunities, grow our business and improve our operating results. In addition, continued availability of borrowings under our revolving credit facility is subject to our satisfying certain financial covenants and other credit facility conditions.
We may fail to comply with the terms of our credit agreement and our senior unsecured notes indentures and their supplements, which could adversely affect our business, would limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness and may prevent our making distributions to our shareholders.
Our credit agreement and our senior unsecured notes indentures and their supplements, include various conditions, covenants and events of default, including certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional debts or make distributions under certain circumstances. We may not be able to satisfy all of these conditions or may default on some of these covenants for various reasons, including for reasons beyond our control. For example, our credit agreement and our senior unsecured notes indentures and their supplements require us to maintain certain debt service ratios (to the extent not waived). Our ability to comply with those covenants will depend upon the net returns and rents we receive from our properties. If our rents or returns decline, we may be unable to borrow under our revolving credit facility. Complying with these covenants may limit our ability to take actions that may be beneficial to us and our security holders. In addition, continued availability of borrowings under our revolving credit facility is subject to our satisfying certain financial covenants and other credit facility conditions. If our operating results and financial condition are significantly negatively impacted by the current economic conditions or otherwise, we may fail to satisfy covenants and conditions under our credit agreement or fail to satisfy our public debt covenants. For example, our ratio of consolidated income available for debt service to debt service was below the 1.5x incurrence requirement under our credit agreement and our public debt covenants as of December 31, 2021, and we cannot be certain when or if this ratio will exceed 1.5x. We are currently unable to incur additional debt because this ratio is below 1.5x on a pro forma basis, but are not required to repay outstanding debt as a result of failure to comply with this financial requirement. We are currently fully drawn under our revolving credit facility and could also be required to repay our outstanding debt in the event of non-compliance with certain other requirements of our credit agreement or the agreements governing our public debt. We may therefore experience future liquidity constraints, as we are currently unable to incur additional debt under our credit agreement or otherwise for failure to comply with the requirements of our credit agreement and the agreements governing our public debt. An inability to incur additional indebtedness would require us to meet our capital needs from other sources, such as cash on hand, operating cash flow, equity financing or asset sales, which may not be available to us on attractive terms or at all and we may be unable to meet our obligations or grow our business by acquiring additional properties or otherwise.
Further, if we default under our credit agreement, our lenders may demand immediate payment and may elect not to fund future borrowings. During the continuance of any event of default under our credit agreement, we may be limited or in some cases prohibited from making distributions to our shareholders. Any default under our credit agreement that results in acceleration of our obligations to repay outstanding indebtedness or in our no longer being permitted to borrow under our revolving credit facility would likely have serious adverse consequences to us and would likely cause the value of our securities to decline.
In the future, we may obtain additional debt financing, and the covenants and conditions which apply to any such additional debt may be more restrictive than the covenants and conditions that are contained in our credit agreement or our senior unsecured notes indentures and their supplements.
Secured indebtedness exposes us to the possibility of foreclosure, which could result in the loss of our investment in certain of our subsidiaries or in a property or group of properties or other assets that secure that indebtedness.
We have pledged certain equity interests of subsidiaries owning properties to secure our obligations under our credit agreement, and have provided first mortgage liens on 74 properties owned by certain pledged subsidiaries with an undepreciated book value of $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2021, to secure our obligations, which pledges and/or mortgage liens may be removed or new ones may be added during the Waiver Period based on outstanding debt amounts, among other things.
Incurring secured indebtedness, including mortgage indebtedness, increases our risk of asset and property losses because defaults on indebtedness secured by our assets may result in foreclosure actions initiated by lenders and ultimately our loss of the property or other assets securing our obligations under our credit agreement if we default on such obligations. Any
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foreclosure on a property or group of properties could have a material adverse effect on the overall value of our portfolio of properties and more generally on us. For tax purposes, a foreclosure of any of our properties would be treated as a sale of the property for a purchase price equal to the outstanding balance of the indebtedness secured by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the indebtedness secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax basis in the property, we would recognize taxable income on foreclosure, but would not receive any cash proceeds, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Inherent risks in the hotel industry could impact Sonesta and our other managers and affect our business.
Approximately 57.5% of our historical real estate investments as of December 31, 2021, are in our hotel properties. Our hotels are subject to operating risks common to the hotel industry, many of which are beyond our control and may impact Sonesta and our other managers, including risks associated with:
•competition from other hotels in our markets, or an oversupply of hotels in our markets;
•increased operating costs, including wages, benefits, insurance and energy, due to inflation, increased minimum wages and other factors, which may not be offset in the future by increased room rates;
•increased property taxes due to many state and local governments facing budget deficits, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, or seeking to expand services, that have led many of them, and may in the future lead others to, increase assessments and/or taxes;
•changes in marketing and distribution for the industry including the ability of third party internet and other travel intermediaries to attract and retain customers;
•competition from other hotel operators or others to attract and retain qualified employees;
•competition from alternative lodging options such as home sharing services, timeshares, vacation rentals or cruise ships in our markets;
•low unemployment in the U.S. and a lack of suitable employees for certain job classifications, especially those for less skilled positions, which may drive up costs or affect service levels;
•labor strikes, disruptions or lockouts that may impact operating performance;
•dependence on demand from business and leisure travelers, which may fluctuate and be seasonal and could experience prolonged declines as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise and possible long-term changes in business and consumer practices;
•increases in energy costs, airline fares and other expenses related to travel, which may negatively affect traveling;
•decreases in demand for business and leisure travel due to terrorism, terrorism alerts and warnings, military actions, natural disasters, concerns about climate change, pandemics, including COVID-19, or other medical events;
•decreases in demand for business travel due to use of technologies that enhance interpersonal communication and interaction without the need to travel or meet in person; and
•changes in customer preferences for various types of hotels or hotel locations.
These and other factors could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and cause the value of our securities to decline.
TA’s business is subject to substantial risks, which could adversely affect us.
TA operates in highly competitive industries, including travel centers and restaurants. TA’s business is subject to a number of risks, including the following:
•competition from other travel centers or an oversupply of travel centers in our markets;
•increasing truck engine fuel efficiency or adoption of alternative fuel technologies or energy sources may decrease demand for diesel fuel and gasoline and adversely impact TA’s business;
•TA’s operating margins are narrow and are highly dependent on the gross margin per gallon on TA’s fuel sales and on its nonfuel margins;
•the trucking industry is the primary customer for TA’s goods and services. When the U.S. economy declines, demand for goods moved by trucks declines, and in turn demand for TA’s products and services typically declines;
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•TA’s indebtedness and rent obligations are substantial;
•increasing fuel prices and fuel price volatility often have various adverse impacts upon TA’s operating margins and business;
•TA’s business requires it to make substantial capital investments;
•TA’s labor costs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the global supply chain challenges that are currently negatively impacting the U.S. economy may negatively impact TA and could worsen;
•TA may experience interruptions in its fuel supplies, which may be caused by local conditions, such as a malfunction in a particular pipeline or terminal, by weather related events, such as hurricanes in the areas where petroleum or natural gas is extracted or refined, or by national or international conditions, such as government rationing, acts of terrorism, wars and the like, that materially adversely affect TA’s business;
•a lack of truck drivers or the market’s increased use of transporting goods by mean other than trucks may reduce the demand for TA’s products and services;
•TA’s business is subject to environmental liability risk and costs because its operations include fueling areas, truck repair and maintenance facilities and tanks for the storage and dispensing of petroleum products, natural gas, waste and other hazardous substances, all of which create the potential for environmental damage;
•market and government actions in response to concerns about climate change may decrease demand for TA’s major product, diesel fuel, and require TA to make significant changes to its business, which may adversely affect its business; and
•TA may incur significant costs and losses as a result of severe weather, both in terms of operating, preparing and repairing the travel centers in anticipation of, during and after a severe weather event and in terms of lost business due to the interruption in operating TA’s travel centers or decreased truck movements.
For these reasons, among others, TA may be unable to pay amounts due to us under the terms of our leases with TA. For more information about our leases with TA, see Notes 5 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We may be unable to fund capital improvements at our properties and our investments may cost more and take longer to complete than expected.
Some of our management agreements and lease arrangements require us to fund capital improvements at certain of our properties; however, our credit agreement currently limits our capital expenditures. We may not have the funds necessary, or obtain our lenders’ consent, to make necessary or desired improvements to our properties and such investments, if made, may not be sufficient to maintain or improve the financial results of our properties. Certain of our management agreements and lease arrangements require us to maintain the applicable properties in a certain required condition. If we fail to maintain these properties in the required condition, the operator may terminate the applicable management or lease agreement and hold us liable for damages. Planned capital expenditures could cost more and take longer to complete than expected as a result of labor costs and shortages and commodity and other price inflation due to supply chain challenges, among other things.
We may be unable to grow our business by acquiring additional properties, and we might encounter unanticipated difficulties and expenditures relating to our acquired properties.
Although our credit agreement currently limits our ability to make acquisitions, our long-term business plans involve the acquisition of additional properties. Our ability to make profitable acquisitions is subject to risks, including, but not limited to, risks associated with:
•competition from other investors, including publicly traded and private REITs, numerous financial institutions, developers, individuals, foreign investors and other public and private companies;
•our long-term cost of capital;
•contingencies in our acquisition agreements; and
•the availability and terms of financing.
We might encounter unanticipated difficulties and expenditures relating to our acquired properties. For example:
•notwithstanding pre-acquisition due diligence, we could acquire a property that contains undisclosed defects in design or construction or which was not properly staffed;
•the market in which an acquired property is located may experience unexpected changes that adversely affect the property’s value;
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•the occupancy of and rents or returns from properties that we acquire may decline during our ownership;
•property operating costs for our acquired properties may be higher than anticipated and our acquired properties may not yield expected returns; and
•we may acquire properties subject to unknown liabilities and without any recourse, or with limited recourse, such as liability for the cleanup of undisclosed environmental contamination or for claims by tenants, vendors or other persons related to actions taken by former owners of the properties.
For these reasons, among others, we might not realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions, and our business plan to acquire additional properties may not succeed or may cause us to experience losses.
We are limited in our ability to operate our properties and are thus dependent on our operators.
Because federal income tax laws restrict REITs and their subsidiaries from operating or managing businesses at their properties, we do not operate our hotels or net lease properties. Instead, we lease all our hotels to our subsidiaries that qualify as TRSs under the IRC and lease our other properties to operating companies. We have retained third party managers to manage our hotels that are leased to our TRSs. Our income from our properties may be adversely affected if our operators fail to provide quality services and amenities to customers. While we monitor the performance of our operators and apply asset management strategies and discipline, we have limited recourse under our management agreements and leases if we believe that our operators are not performing adequately. Any failure by our operators to fully perform the duties agreed to in our management agreements and leases could adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, our operators operate, and in some cases own or have invested in, properties that compete with our properties, which may result in conflicts of interest. As a result, our operators have made, and may in the future make, decisions regarding competing properties or our properties’ operations that may not be in our best interests and which may result in a reduction of our returns.
Changes in market interest rates, including changes resulting from the phase out of LIBOR, may adversely affect us.
Changes in market interest rates may be sudden and may significantly impede our growth. Interest rates have remained at relatively low levels on a historical basis, but the U.S. Federal Reserve recently indicated that, in light of the economic recovery and higher than anticipated inflation, it expects to raise interest rates as early as March 2022. However, the timing, number and amount of any such future interest rate increases are uncertain.
In addition, as noted in Part II, Item 7A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, LIBOR has been phased out for new contracts and is expected to be phased out for pre-existing contracts by June 30, 2023. We are required to pay interest on borrowings under our revolving credit facility at floating rates based on LIBOR, and interest we may pay on any future borrowings under our revolving credit facility may also require that we pay interest based upon LIBOR. In September 2021, we amended our credit agreement to set forth the mechanics for establishing a replacement benchmark rate under our revolving credit facility at such time as LIBOR is no longer available to calculate interest payable on amounts outstanding thereunder. We cannot be sure that any changes to the determination of interest under our credit agreement would approximate the current calculation in accordance with LIBOR. We also cannot be certain of what standard, if any, will replace LIBOR if it is phased out or transitioned, and any alternative interest rate index that may replace LIBOR may result in our paying increased interest.
Interest rate increases may materially and negatively affect us in several ways, including:
•investors may consider whether to buy or sell our common shares based upon the distribution rate on our common shares relative to the then prevailing market interest rates. If market interest rates go up, investors may expect a higher distribution rate than we are able to pay, which may increase our cost of capital, or they may sell our common shares and seek alternative investments that offer higher distribution rates. Sales of our common shares may cause a decline in the value of our common shares;
•amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility require interest to be paid at floating interest rates. When interest rates increase, our interest costs will increase, which could adversely affect our cash flows, our ability to pay principal and interest on our debt, our cost of refinancing our fixed rate debts when they become due and our ability to make or sustain distributions to our shareholders. Additionally, if we choose to hedge our interest rate risk, we cannot be sure that the hedge will be effective or that our hedging counterparty will meet its obligations to us; and
•property values are often determined, in part, based upon a capitalization of rental income formula. When market interest rates increase, property investors often demand higher capitalization rates and that causes property values to decline. Increases in interest rates could lower the value of our properties and cause the value of our securities to decline.
REIT distribution requirements and limitations on our ability to access reasonably priced capital may adversely impact our ability to carry out our business plan.
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To maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT under the IRC, we are required to satisfy distribution requirements imposed by the IRC. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—REIT Qualification Requirements—Annual Distribution Requirements” included in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Accordingly, we may not be able to retain sufficient cash to fund our operations, repay our debts, invest in our properties or fund our acquisitions or development, redevelopment or repositioning efforts. Our business strategies therefore depend, in part, upon our ability to raise additional capital at reasonable costs. The volatility in the availability of capital to businesses on a global basis in most debt and equity markets generally may limit our ability to raise reasonably priced capital. We may also be unable to raise reasonably priced capital because of reasons related to our business, market perceptions of our prospects, the terms of our indebtedness, the extent of our leverage or for reasons beyond our control, such as market conditions. Because the earnings we are permitted to retain are limited by the rules governing REIT qualification and taxation, if we are unable to raise reasonably priced capital, we may not be able to carry out our business plan.
We face significant competition.
The businesses conducted at our properties face significant competition. For example, our hotels compete with other hotels operated in our markets, and the hotel industry has in the past experienced significant growth in supply from construction in certain markets where we own hotels. Our travel center properties compete with other large, national operators of travel centers, and certain of their competitors have significantly increased the number of travel centers they operate, including as a result of new construction of travel centers. Some of our retail tenants compete with online retailers or service providers. We also compete for tenants at our retail net lease properties. Our retail net lease properties compete in the multi-billion dollar commercial real estate market with numerous developers and owners of properties, many of which own properties similar to ours and are in the same markets in which our properties are located. In operating and managing our retail net lease portfolio, we compete for tenants based on a number of factors, including location, rental rates and flexibility. Certain of our competitors have greater economies of scale, have lower cost of capital, have access to more capital and resources and have greater name recognition than we do.
We face significant competition for acquisition opportunities from other investors, including publicly traded and private REITs, numerous financial institutions, operating companies in the hospitality industry, individuals, foreign investors and other public and private companies. Some of our competitors may have greater financial and other resources than us and may be able to accept more risk than we can prudently manage, including risks with respect to the creditworthiness of property operators and the extent of leverage used in their capital structure. Because of competition for acquisitions, we may be unable to acquire desirable properties or we may pay higher prices for, and realize lower net cash flows than we hope to achieve from, acquisitions.
Substantially all of our net lease properties are leased to single tenants, which may subject us to greater risks of loss than if each of those properties had multiple tenants.
Substantially all of our net lease properties are leased to single tenants. The value of single tenant properties is materially dependent on the performance of those tenants under their respective leases. Many of our single tenant leases require that certain property level operating expenses and capital expenditures, such as real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance and repairs, including increases with respect thereto, be paid, or reimbursed to us, by our tenants. Accordingly, in addition to our not receiving rental income, a tenant default on such leases could make us responsible for paying these expenses. Because most of our net lease properties are leased to single tenants, the adverse impact of individual tenant defaults or non-renewals is likely to be greater than would be the case if our properties were leased to multiple tenants.
Our tenants may fail to successfully operate their businesses, which could adversely affect us.
Adverse economic conditions such as high unemployment levels, interest rates, tax rates, fuel and energy costs, and changes in customer demand or consumer sentiment due to COVID-19 or other factors may have an impact on the results of operations and financial condition of our tenants and result in their defaulting their obligations under our leases, including failing to pay the rent due to us. Such adverse economic conditions may also reduce overall demand for rental space, which could adversely affect our ability to maintain our current tenants and attract new tenants.
At any given time, our tenants may experience a downturn in their business that may weaken the operating results and financial condition of individual properties or of their business as whole. As a result, a tenant may delay lease commencement, decline to extend a lease upon its expiration, fail to make rental payments when due, become insolvent or declare bankruptcy. We depend on our tenants to operate the properties we lease to them in a manner that generates revenues sufficient to allow them to meet their obligations to us, including their obligations to pay rent, maintain certain insurance coverage and pay real estate taxes and maintain the properties. Our tenants’ failure to successfully operate their businesses could materially and adversely affect us.
Many of our tenants do not have credit ratings.
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The majority of our tenants are not rated by any nationally recognized credit rating organization. It is more difficult to assess the ability of a tenant that is not rated to meet its obligations than that of a rated tenant. Moreover, tenants may be rated when we enter leases with them, but their ratings may be later lowered or terminated during the term of the leases. Because we have many unrated tenants, we may experience a higher percentage of tenant defaults than landlords who have a higher percentage of highly rated tenants.
We may be unable to renew leases, lease vacant space or re-lease space as leases expire on favorable terms or at all.
Our results of operations depend, in part, on our ability to lease our retail properties by renewing or re-leasing expiring leases and leasing vacant space and optimizing our tenant mix. As of December 31, 2021, leases representing approximately 0.8% of our annualized minimum net lease rents will expire during 2022. As of December 31, 2021, 1.9% of the leasable square footage of our net lease properties was vacant. Current tenants may decline, or may not have the financial resources available, to renew current leases and we cannot guarantee that leases that are renewed will have terms that are as economically favorable to us as the expiring lease terms. If tenants do not renew their leases as they expire, or renew for less space, we will have to find new tenants to lease our properties and there is no guarantee that we will be able to find new tenants or that our properties will be re-leased at rental rates equal to or above the current average rental rates or that substantial rent abatements, tenant improvement allowances, early termination rights, below-market renewal options or other lease incentive payments will not be offered to attract new tenants. The continued existence of the COVID-19 pandemic may increase these risks. We may experience significant costs in connection with renewing, leasing or re-leasing our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Vacancies in a property could result in significant capital expenditures and illiquidity and reduce the value of the property.
The loss of a tenant may reduce the value of a property and require us to spend significant amounts of capital to renovate the property before it is suitable for a new tenant. Many of the leases we enter into or acquire are for properties that are especially suited to the particular business of our tenants. Because these properties have been designed or physically modified for a particular tenant, if the current lease is terminated or not renewed, we may be required to renovate the property at substantial costs, decrease the rent we charge or provide other concessions in order to lease the property to another tenant. We may also have difficulty selling the property due to the special purpose for which the property may have been designed or modified. This potential illiquidity may limit our ability to quickly modify our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions, including tenant demand.
Some of our net lease tenants operate the properties they lease from us under franchise or license agreements, which, if terminated or not renewed prior to the expiration of their leases with us, would likely impair their ability to pay us rent.
Some of our net lease properties are operated by our tenants under franchise or license agreements. Those franchise or license agreements may have terms that end earlier than the respective expiration dates of our related leases. In addition, a franchisee’s or licensee’s rights as a franchisee or licensee could be terminated by the franchisor or licensor, in which case our tenant may be precluded from competing with the franchisor or licensor upon that termination. A franchisor’s or licensor’s termination or refusal to renew a franchise or license agreement with our tenant would likely have a material adverse effect on the ability of the tenant to pay rent to us. In addition, we may have no notice or cure rights with respect to such a termination and have no rights to assignment of any such franchise or license agreement. This may have an adverse effect on our ability to mitigate losses that may result from a default of our leases by a terminated franchisee or licensee.
Ownership of real estate is subject to environmental risks and liabilities.
Ownership of real estate is subject to risks associated with environmental hazards. Under various laws, owners as well as operators of real estate may be required to investigate and clean up or remove hazardous substances present at or migrating from properties they own or operate and may be held liable for property damage or personal injuries that result from hazardous substances. These laws also expose us to the possibility that we may become liable to government agencies or third parties for costs and damages they incur in connection with hazardous substances. The costs and damages that may arise from environmental hazards may be substantial and are difficult to assess and estimate for numerous reasons, including uncertainty about the extent of contamination, alternative treatment methods that may be applied, the location of the property which subjects it to differing local laws and regulations and their interpretations, as well as the time it may take to remediate contamination. In addition, these laws also impose various requirements regarding the operation and maintenance of properties and recordkeeping and reporting requirements relating to environmental matters that require us or the operators of our properties to incur costs to comply with. We may incur substantial liabilities and costs for environmental matters.
Our travel centers and certain of our other properties include fueling areas, truck repair and maintenance facilities and vehicles and tanks for the storage of petroleum products and other hazardous substances, all of which create the potential for environmental contamination. As a result, the tenants of these properties regularly incur environmental costs related to monitoring, prevention and remediation. Under our net lease property leases, we are generally indemnified from all environmental liabilities arising at our respective properties during the term of the leases. Despite this indemnity, various
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federal and state laws impose environmental liabilities upon property owners, such as us, for any environmental damages arising at, or migrating from, properties they own and we cannot be sure that we will not be liable for environmental investigation and clean up at, or near, our properties. Moreover, tenants may not have sufficient resources to pay their environmental liabilities and environmental indemnity to us. The negative impact on our tenants from economic downturns, volatility in the petroleum markets, industry challenges facing the trucking and service industries and our tenants’ businesses and other factors may make it more likely that they will be unable to fulfill their indemnification obligations to us in the event that environmental claims arise at our properties. Any environmental liabilities for which we are responsible and not indemnified could adversely affect our financial condition and result in losses.
We are subject to risks associated with our hotel operators’ employment of personnel.
Our hotel operators are responsible for hiring and maintaining the labor force at each of our hotel properties. Although we do not directly employ or manage employees at our hotel properties, we are subject to many of the costs and risks associated with the hotel labor force. From time to time, hotel operations may be disrupted as a result of strikes, lockouts, public demonstrations or other negative actions and publicity. We may also incur increased legal costs and indirect labor costs as a result of contract disputes and other events. The resolution of labor disputes or renegotiated labor contracts could lead to increased labor costs, either by increases in wages or benefits or by changes in work rules. Labor costs have increased and our hotel operators have experienced labor shortages at our hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic, and these conditions may continue for an extended period. In addition, regulations in certain jurisdictions, such as increases in minimum wages, have increased our hotel operators’ labor costs. Our hotel operators may be unable to adequately staff our hotels as a result of these or other reasons, which may limit the business activity at our hotels, decreasing the quality of services provided at our hotels and damaging our and our applicable hotel operators’ reputations in the marketplace.
Bankruptcy law may adversely impact us.
The occurrence of a bankruptcy of a tenant of our net lease properties could reduce the rent we receive from that tenant. In addition, the continued existence of the COVID-19 pandemic may increase the risk of a tenant of our net lease properties filing for bankruptcy. If a tenant becomes bankrupt, federal law may prohibit us from evicting that tenant based solely upon its bankruptcy. In addition, a bankrupt tenant may be authorized to reject and terminate its lease with us. Any claims against a bankrupt tenant for unpaid future rent would be subject to statutory limitations that may be substantially less than the contractually specified rent we are owed under the lease, and any claim we have for unpaid past rent may not be paid in full. Further, if a hotel manager files for bankruptcy, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights, may be limited in our ability to replace the manager and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-leasing or finding a replacement manager.
Insurance may not adequately cover our losses, and insurance costs may continue to increase.
We or our operators are generally responsible for the costs of insurance, including for casualty, liability, malpractice, fire, extended coverage and rental or business interruption loss insurance. In the future, we may acquire properties for which we are responsible for the costs of insurance. In the past few years, the costs of insurance have increased significantly, and these increased costs have had an adverse effect on us and our operators. Increased insurance costs may adversely affect our operators’ abilities to operate our properties profitably and provide us with desirable returns and our operators’ abilities to pay us rent or result in downward pressure on rents we can charge under new or renewed leases. Losses of a catastrophic nature, such as those caused by hurricanes, flooding, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, among other things, losses as a result of outbreaks of pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, or losses from terrorism, may be covered by insurance policies with limitations such as large deductibles or co-payments that we or an operator may not be able to pay. Insurance proceeds may not be adequate to restore an affected property to its condition prior to a loss or to compensate us for our losses, including lost revenues or other costs. Certain losses, such as losses we may incur as a result of known or unknown environmental conditions, are not covered by our insurance. Market conditions or our loss history may limit the scope of insurance or coverage available to us on economic terms. If we determine that an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occurs and if we are not able to recover amounts from our operators for certain losses, we may have to incur uninsured costs to mitigate such losses or lose all or a portion of the capital invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the property.
We are subject to risks from adverse weather, natural disasters and climate change and climate related events, and we incur significant costs and invest significant amounts with respect to these matters.
We are subject to risks and could be exposed to additional costs from adverse weather, natural disasters and climate change and climate related events. For example, our properties could be severely damaged or destroyed from either singular extreme weather events (for example floods, storms and wildfires) or through long-term impacts of climatic conditions (such as precipitation frequency, weather instability and rise of sea levels). Such events could also adversely impact us or the tenants of our properties if we or they are unable to operate our or their businesses due to damage resulting from such events. If we fail to adequately prepare for such events, our revenues, results of operations and financial condition may be impacted. In addition, we
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may incur significant costs in preparing for possible future climate change or climate related events or in response to our tenants’ requests for such investments and we may not realize desirable returns on those investments.
RMR LLC and our hotel managers rely on information technology and systems in providing services to us, and any material failure, inadequacy, interruption or security breach of that technology or those systems could materially harm us.
RMR LLC and our hotel managers rely on information technology and systems, including the Internet and cloud-based infrastructures, commercially available software and their respective internally developed applications, to process, transmit, store and safeguard information and to manage or support a variety of their business processes (including managing our building systems), including financial transactions and maintenance of records, which may include personal identifying information of employees, guests, tenants and guarantors and lease data. If these systems experience material failures, inadequacies or interruptions, we could incur material costs and losses and our operations could be disrupted as a result. RMR LLC and our hotel managers take various actions, and incur significant costs, to maintain and protect the operation and security of information technology and systems, including the data maintained in those systems. However, these measures may not prevent the systems’ improper functioning or a compromise in security.
Security breaches, computer viruses, attacks by hackers, online fraud schemes and similar breaches can create significant system disruptions, shutdowns, fraudulent transfer of assets or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyberattack or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. Our cybersecurity risks are heightened by, among other things, the evolving nature of the threats faced, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography and new and increasingly sophisticated methods used to perpetrate illegal or fraudulent activities, including cyberattacks, email or wire fraud and other attacks exploiting security vulnerabilities in RMR LLC’s, our hotel managers’ or other third parties’ information technology networks and systems or operations. The COVID-19 pandemic may adversely impact RMR LLC’s ability to maintain the security, proper function and availability of information technology and systems since a continued period of remote working by its employees or individuals with whom RMR LLC works outside of its organization could strain its technology resources and introduce operational risk, including heightened cybersecurity risk. Remote working environments may be less secure and more susceptible to hacking attacks, including phishing and social engineering attempts that seek to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic. Although most of RMR LLC’s office-based employees have returned to the office, the ongoing transition to in person work arrangements, or any return to remote work in light of the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic may result in the continuation of many of the risks of offsite work arrangements. In addition, RMR LLC’s data security, data privacy, investor reporting and business continuity processes could be impacted by a third party’s inability to perform due to the COVID-19 pandemic or by the failure of, or attack on, their information systems and technology. Any failure by RMR LLC, our hotel managers or other third party vendors to maintain the security, proper function and availability of their respective information technology and systems could result in financial losses, interrupt our operations, damage our reputation, cause us to be in default of material contracts and subject us to liability claims or regulatory penalties, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.
Third party expectations relating to ESG may impose additional costs and expose us to new risks.
There is an increasing focus from certain investors and certain of our operators and other stakeholders concerning corporate responsibility, specifically related to ESG factors. Some investors may use these factors to guide their investment strategies and, in some cases, may choose not to invest in us, or otherwise do business with us, if they believe our, RMR LLC’s or our operators’ policies relating to corporate responsibility are inadequate. Third party providers of corporate responsibility ratings and reports on companies have increased in number, resulting in varied and in some cases inconsistent standards. In addition, the criteria by which companies’ corporate responsibility practices are assessed are evolving, which could result in greater expectations of us, RMR LLC and our operators and cause us, RMR LLC and our operators to undertake costly initiatives to satisfy such new criteria. Alternatively, if we, RMR LLC or are operators elect not to or are unable to satisfy such new criteria or do not meet the criteria of a specific third party provider, some investors may conclude that our or RMR LLC’s policies with respect to corporate responsibility are inadequate. We, RMR LLC and our operators may face reputational damage in the event that our or their corporate responsibility procedures or standards do not meet the standards set by various constituencies. If we, RMR LLC and are operators fail to satisfy the expectations of investors and our tenants and other stakeholders or our, RMR LLC’s or our operators initiatives are not executed as planned, our, RMR LLC’s and our operators’ reputation and financial results could be adversely affected, and our revenues, results of operations and ability to grow our business may be negatively impacted.
Market and government actions in response to concerns about global climate change and supply chain challenges may negatively impact our business.
Market and government actions in response to global climate change may result in a reduction in transient travel and demand for fossil fuels and may result in increased costs in response to market demands and government regulation. For
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instance, in response to concerns about burning fossil fuels, air and on road vehicle travel may decline, which may result in less demand for stays at our hotels and fuel at our travel centers. Further, if in response to the global supply chain challenges, there is a movement to increase onshore manufacturing and production of goods, truck transportation in the United States may decline, which may reduce the demand for products and services at our travel center properties.
Risks Related to Our Relationships with RMR LLC, Sonesta and TA.
We are dependent upon RMR LLC to manage our business and implement our growth strategy.
We have no employees. Personnel and services that we require are provided to us by RMR LLC pursuant to our management agreements with RMR LLC. Our ability to achieve our business objectives depends on RMR LLC and its ability to effectively manage our properties, to appropriately identify and complete our acquisitions and dispositions and to execute our growth strategy. Accordingly, our business is dependent upon RMR LLC’s business contacts, its ability to successfully hire, train, supervise and manage its personnel and its ability to maintain its operating systems. If we lose the services provided by RMR LLC or its key personnel, our business and growth prospects may decline. We may be unable to duplicate the quality and depth of management available to us by becoming internally managed or by hiring another manager. In the event RMR LLC is unwilling or unable to continue to provide management services to us, our cost of obtaining substitute services may be greater than the fees we pay RMR LLC under our management agreements, and as a result our expenses may increase.
RMR LLC has broad discretion in operating our day to day business.
Our manager, RMR LLC, is authorized to follow broad operating and investment guidelines and, therefore, has discretion in identifying the properties that will be appropriate investments for us, as well as our individual operating and investment decisions. Our Board of Trustees periodically reviews our operating and investment guidelines and our operating activities and investments but it does not review or approve each decision made by RMR LLC on our behalf. In addition, in conducting periodic reviews, our Board of Trustees relies primarily on information provided to it by RMR LLC. RMR LLC may exercise its discretion in a manner that results in investment returns that are substantially below expectations or that results in losses.
Our management structure and agreements and relationships with RMR LLC and RMR LLC’s and its controlling shareholder’s relationships with others may create conflicts of interest, or the perception of such conflicts, and may restrict our investment activities.
RMR LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of RMR Inc. The Chair of our Board of Trustees who is also one of our Managing Trustees, Adam Portnoy, as the sole trustee of ABP Trust, is the controlling shareholder of RMR Inc. and is a managing director and the president and chief executive officer of RMR Inc. and an officer and employee of RMR LLC. RMR LLC or its subsidiary also acts as the manager to certain other Nasdaq listed companies and private companies, as noted elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and Mr. Portnoy serves as a managing director, managing trustee, director or trustee, as applicable, of those companies, and as chair of the board of trustees or board of directors, as applicable, of certain of those companies.
John Murray, our other Managing Trustee and our President and Chief Executive Officer, Brian Donley, our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Todd Hargreaves, our Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, are also officers and employees of RMR LLC. Mr. Murray is also a managing trustee, president and chief executive officer of ILPT. Messrs. Portnoy, Murray, Donley and Hargreaves have duties to RMR LLC, and Mr. Murray has duties to ILPT, as well as to us, and we do not have their undivided attention. They and other RMR LLC personnel may have conflicts in allocating their time and resources between us and RMR LLC and other companies to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide services. Some of our Independent Trustees also serve as independent directors or independent trustees of other public companies to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide management services.
In addition, we may in the future enter into additional transactions with RMR LLC, its affiliates or entities managed by it or its subsidiaries. In addition to his investments in RMR Inc. and RMR LLC, Mr. Portnoy holds equity investments in other companies to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide management services and some of these companies have significant cross ownership interests, including, for example: as of December 31, 2021, Mr. Portnoy beneficially owned, in aggregate, 1.1% of our outstanding common shares, 4.4% of TA’s outstanding common shares (including through RMR LLC) and Mr. Portnoy is the controlling shareholder of Sonesta, and we own approximately 8.0% of TA’s outstanding shares of common stock and approximately 34.0% of Sonesta’s outstanding common stock. Our executive officers may also own equity investments in other companies to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide management services. These multiple responsibilities, relationships and cross ownerships may give rise to conflicts of interest or the perception of such conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving us, RMR Inc., RMR LLC, our Managing Trustees, the other companies to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide management services and their related parties. Conflicts of interest or the perception of conflicts of interest could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business and the market price of our common shares and other securities and we may be subject to increased risk of litigation as a result.
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In our management agreements with RMR LLC, we acknowledge that RMR LLC may engage in other activities or businesses and act as the manager to any other person or entity (including other REITs) even though such person or entity has investment policies and objectives similar to our policies and objectives and we are not entitled to preferential treatment in receiving information, recommendations and other services from RMR LLC. Accordingly, we may lose investment opportunities to, and may compete for tenants with, other businesses managed by RMR LLC or its subsidiaries. We cannot be sure that our Code of Conduct or our Governance Guidelines, or other procedural protections we adopt will be sufficient to enable us to identify, adequately address or mitigate actual or alleged conflicts of interest or ensure that our transactions with related persons are made on terms that are at least as favorable to us as those that would have been obtained with an unrelated person.
Our management agreements with RMR LLC were not negotiated on an arm’s length basis and their fee and expense structure may not create proper incentives for RMR LLC, which may increase the risk of an investment in our common shares.
As a result of our relationships with RMR LLC and its current and former controlling shareholder(s), our management agreements with RMR LLC were not negotiated on an arm’s length basis between unrelated parties, and therefore, while such agreements were negotiated with the use of a special committee and disinterested Trustees, the terms, including the fees payable to RMR LLC, may be different from those negotiated on an arm’s length basis between unrelated parties. Our property management fees are calculated based on rents we receive and construction supervision fees for construction at our properties overseen and managed by RMR LLC, and our base business management fee is calculated based upon the lower of the historical costs of our real estate investments and our market capitalization. We pay RMR LLC substantial base management fees regardless of our financial results. These fee arrangements could incentivize RMR LLC to pursue acquisitions, capital transactions, tenancies and construction projects or to avoid disposing of our assets in order to increase or maintain its management fees and might reduce RMR LLC’s incentive to devote its time and effort to seeking investments that provide attractive returns for us. If we do not effectively manage our investment, disposition and capital transactions and leasing, construction and other property management activities, we may pay increased management fees without proportional benefits to us. In addition, we are obligated under our management agreements to reimburse RMR LLC for employment and related expenses of RMR LLC’s employees assigned to work exclusively or partly at our properties, our share of the wages, benefits and other related costs of RMR LLC’s centralized accounting personnel and our share of RMR LLC’s costs for providing our internal audit function. We are also required to pay for third party costs incurred with respect to us. Our obligation to reimburse RMR LLC for certain of its costs and to pay third party costs may reduce RMR LLC’s incentive to efficiently manage those costs, which may increase our costs.
The termination of our management agreements with RMR LLC may require us to pay a substantial termination fee, including in the case of a termination for unsatisfactory performance, which may limit our ability to end our relationship with RMR LLC.
The terms of our management agreements with RMR LLC automatically extend on December 31 of each year so that such terms thereafter end on the 20th anniversary of the date of the extension. We have the right to terminate these agreements: (1) at any time on 60 days’ written notice for convenience, (2) immediately upon written notice for cause, as defined in the agreements, (3) on written notice given within 60 days after the end of any applicable calendar year for a performance reason, as defined in the agreements, and (4) by written notice during the 12 months following a manager change of control, as defined in the agreements. However, if we terminate a management agreement for convenience, or if RMR LLC terminates a management agreement with us for good reason, as defined in such agreement, we are obligated to pay RMR LLC a termination fee in an amount equal to the sum of the present values of the monthly future fees, as defined in the applicable agreement, payable to RMR LLC for the term that was remaining before such termination, which, depending on the time of termination, would be between 19 and 20 years. Additionally, if we terminate a management agreement for a performance reason, as defined in the agreement, we are obligated to pay RMR LLC the termination fee calculated as described above, but assuming a remaining term of 10 years. These provisions substantially increase the cost to us of terminating the management agreements without cause, which may limit our ability to end our relationship with RMR LLC as our manager. The payment of the termination fee could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, including our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders.
Our management arrangements with RMR LLC may discourage a change of control of us.
Our management agreements with RMR LLC have continuing 20 year terms that renew annually. As noted in the preceding risk factor, if we terminate either of these management agreements other than for cause or upon a change of control of our manager, we are obligated to pay RMR LLC a substantial termination fee. For these reasons, our management agreements with RMR LLC may discourage a change of control of us, including a change of control which might result in payment of a premium for our common shares.
Our business dealings with Sonesta and TA comprise a significant part of our business and operations and they may create conflicts of interest or the perception of such conflicts of interest.
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Sonesta managed 261 of our hotels as of December 31, 2021. Sonesta is controlled by Adam Portnoy. Mr. Portnoy, Mr. Murray and Jennifer Clark, our Secretary, are directors of Sonesta. Sonesta’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer are also officers of RMR LLC, and other officers and employees of Sonesta are former employees of RMR LLC. We own approximately 34.0% of Sonesta’s outstanding common stock.
TA is our former 100.0% owned subsidiary and our largest tenant, and we are TA’s largest shareholder and landlord. TA was created as a separate public company in 2007 as a result of its spin-off from us. Mr. Portnoy, one of our Managing Trustees, serves as the chairman of the board of directors and a managing director of TA and, through RMR LLC, beneficially owns approximately 4.4% of TA’s outstanding common shares. Mr. Portnoy is the controlling shareholder, managing director and chief executive officer of RMR Inc., the parent of RMR LLC, which provides management services to both us and TA.
The historical and continuing relationships which we, RMR LLC and Mr. Portnoy have with Sonesta and TA could create, or appear to create, conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving us, the other companies to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide management services and their related parties. As a result of these relationships, our agreements with Sonesta and our leases with TA were not negotiated on an arm’s length basis between unrelated parties, and therefore the terms thereof may be different from those negotiated on an arm’s length basis between unrelated parties.
Conflicts of interest or the perception of conflicts of interest could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business and the market price of our common shares and other securities and we may be subject to increased risk of litigation as a result.
We may not realize the benefits we expect from our investment in Sonesta.
We own approximately 34.0% of Sonesta’s outstanding common stock. Risks that we have identified elsewhere in this Risk Factors section, particularly those relating to the hotel industry, are applicable to our ownership of Sonesta common stock. In addition, Sonesta is a private company that is majority owned by Adam Portnoy, one of our Managing Trustees, and his affiliates. We have a minority ownership interest in Sonesta, and are therefore limited in our ability to direct or influence Sonesta’s corporate level decisions or to affect changes in Sonesta’s business, strategies, operations and management. In addition, Sonesta’s common stock is not publicly traded and our ability to sell our Sonesta shares is limited. Further, any attempt we may make to sell our Sonesta common stock may be unsuccessful and any price that we may be able to realize for our Sonesta common stock may be at a discount due to the minority ownership interest the stock represents and the absence of a trading market for Sonesta’s common stock. As a result of the foregoing, and for other possible reasons, we may not realize any of the benefits we currently expect from our ownership of Sonesta common stock, we may be prevented from selling our Sonesta common stock and we could incur losses from our ownership of Sonesta common stock, including our proportion of any operating or other losses that Sonesta may incur.
We are party to transactions with related parties that may increase the risk of allegations of conflicts of interest.
We are party to transactions with related parties, including with entities controlled by Adam Portnoy or to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide management services. Our agreements with related parties or in respect of transactions among related parties may not be on terms as favorable to us as they would have been if they had been negotiated among unrelated parties. We are subject to the risk that our shareholders or the shareholders of TA, RMR Inc. or other related parties may challenge any such related party transactions. If challenges to related party transactions were to be successful, we might not realize the benefits expected from the transactions being challenged. Moreover, any such challenge could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and growth and could adversely affect our ability to realize the benefits expected from the transactions, whether or not the allegations have merit or are substantiated.
We may be at an increased risk for dissident shareholder activities due to perceived conflicts of interest arising from our management structure and relationships.
Companies with business dealings with related persons and entities may more often be the target of dissident shareholder trustee nominations, dissident shareholder proposals and shareholder litigation alleging conflicts of interest in their business dealings. Our relationships with RMR LLC, TA, Sonesta, the other companies to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide management services, Adam Portnoy and other related persons of RMR LLC may precipitate such activities. Certain proxy advisory firms which have significant influence over the voting by shareholders of public companies have, in the past, recommended, and in the future may recommend, that shareholders vote against the election of our incumbent Trustees, vote against our say on pay vote or other management proposals or vote for shareholder proposals that we oppose. These recommendations by proxy advisory firms have affected the outcomes of past Board of Trustees elections and votes on our say on pay, and similar recommendations in the future would likely affect the outcome of future Board of Trustees elections and votes on our say on pay, which may increase shareholder activism and litigation. These activities, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs, and diversion of our management’s attention and could have a material adverse impact on our reputation and business.
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Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure
We may change our operational, financing and investment policies without shareholder approval and we may become more highly leveraged, which may increase our risk of default under our debt obligations.
Our Board of Trustees determines our operational, financing and investment policies and may amend or revise our policies, including our policies with respect to our intention to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, acquisitions, dispositions, growth, operations, indebtedness, capitalization and distributions, or approve transactions that deviate from these policies, without a vote of, or notice to, our shareholders. Policy changes could adversely affect the market price of our common shares and our ability to make or sustain distributions to our shareholders. Further, our organizational documents do not limit the amount or percentage of indebtedness, funded or otherwise, that we may incur. Our Board of Trustees may alter or eliminate our current policy on borrowing at any time without shareholder approval. If this policy changes, we could become more highly leveraged, which could result in an increase in our debt service costs. Higher leverage also increases the risk of default on our obligations. In addition, a change in our investment policies, including the manner in which we allocate our resources across our portfolio or the types of assets in which we seek to invest, may increase our exposure to interest rate risk, real estate market fluctuations and liquidity risk.
Ownership limitations and certain provisions in our declaration of trust, bylaws and agreements, as well as certain provisions of Maryland law, may deter, delay or prevent a change in our control or unsolicited acquisition proposals.
Our declaration of trust and bylaws prohibit any shareholder, other than RMR LLC and its affiliates (as defined under Maryland law) and certain persons who have been exempted by our Board of Trustees, from owning, directly and by attribution, more than 9.8% of the number or value of shares (whichever is more restrictive) of any class or series of our outstanding shares of beneficial interest, including our common shares. These provisions are intended to, among other purposes, assist with our REIT compliance under the IRC and otherwise promote our orderly governance. However, these provisions may also inhibit acquisitions of a significant stake in us and may deter, delay or prevent a change in control of us or unsolicited acquisition proposals that a shareholder may consider favorable. Additionally, provisions contained in our declaration of trust and bylaws or under Maryland law may have a similar impact, including, for example, provisions relating to:
•the current different terms of our Trustees, with a majority of our existing Trustees having terms expiring in 2022 and the remainder having terms expiring in 2023, which could delay a change of control of us (although beginning at our 2023 annual meeting of shareholders and thereafter, all of our Trustees will stand for election for one year terms);
•limitations on shareholder voting rights with respect to certain actions that are not approved by our Board of Trustees;
•the authority of our Board of Trustees, and not our shareholders, to adopt, amend or repeal our bylaws and to fill vacancies on our Board of Trustees;
•shareholder voting standards which require a supermajority of shares for approval of certain actions;
•the fact that only our Board of Trustees, or, if there are no Trustees, our officers, may call shareholder meetings and that shareholders are not entitled to act without a meeting;
•required qualifications for an individual to serve as a Trustee and a requirement that certain of our Trustees be “Managing Trustees” and other Trustees be “Independent Trustees,” as defined in our governing documents;
•limitations on the ability of our shareholders to propose nominees for election as Trustees and propose other business to be considered at a meeting of our shareholders;
•limitations on the ability of our shareholders to remove our Trustees;
•requirements that shareholders comply with regulatory requirements (including Nevada and Louisiana gaming) affecting us which could effectively limit share ownership of us, including in some cases, to 5% of our outstanding shares;
•the authority of our Board of Trustees to create and issue new classes or series of shares (including shares with voting rights and other rights and privileges that may deter a change in control) and issue additional common shares;
•restrictions on business combinations between us and an interested shareholder that have not first been approved by our Board of Trustees (including a majority of Trustees not related to the interested shareholder); and
•the authority of our Board of Trustees, without shareholder approval, to implement certain takeover defenses.
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As changes occur in the marketplace for corporate governance policies, the above provisions may change, be removed, or new ones may be added.
Certain aspects of our business may prevent shareholders from accumulating a large stake in us, from nominating or serving as our Trustees, or from taking actions to otherwise control our business.
Certain of our properties include gambling operations. Applicable state laws require that any shareholder who owns or controls 5% or more of our securities or anyone who wishes to serve as one of our Trustees must be licensed or approved by the state regulators responsible for gambling operations. These approval procedures may discourage or prevent investors from purchasing our securities, from nominating persons to serve as our Trustees or from taking other actions.
Our rights and the rights of our shareholders to take action against our Trustees and officers are limited.
Our declaration of trust limits the liability of our Trustees and officers to us and our shareholders for money damages to the maximum extent permitted under Maryland law. Under current Maryland law, our Trustees and officers will not have any liability to us and our shareholders for money damages other than liability resulting from:
•actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; or
•active and deliberate dishonesty by the Trustee or officer that was established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action adjudicated.
Our declaration of trust and indemnification agreements require us to indemnify, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, any present or former Trustee or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding by reason of his or her service in these and certain other capacities. In addition, we may be obligated to pay or reimburse the expenses incurred by our present and former Trustees and officers without requiring a preliminary determination of their ultimate entitlement to indemnification. As a result, we and our shareholders may have more limited rights against our present and former Trustees and officers than might otherwise exist absent the provisions in our declaration of trust and indemnification agreements or that might exist with other companies, which could limit our shareholders’ recourse in the event of actions not in their best interest.
Shareholder litigation against us or our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents may be referred to mandatory arbitration proceedings, which follow different procedures than in-court litigation and may be more restrictive to shareholders asserting claims than in-court litigation.
Our shareholders agree, by virtue of becoming shareholders, that they are bound by our governing documents, including the arbitration provisions of our bylaws, as they may be amended from time to time. Our bylaws provide that certain actions by one or more of our shareholders against us or any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents, other than disputes, or any portion thereof, regarding the meaning, interpretation or validity of any provision of our declaration of trust or bylaws, will be referred to mandatory, binding and final arbitration proceedings if we, or any other party to such dispute, including any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents unilaterally so demands. As a result, we and our shareholders would not be able to pursue litigation in state or federal court against us or our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents, including, for example, claims alleging violations of federal securities laws or breach of fiduciary duties or similar director or officer duties under Maryland law, if we or any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents against whom the claim is made unilaterally demands the matter be resolved by arbitration. Instead, our shareholders would be required to pursue such claims through binding and final arbitration.
Our bylaws provide that such arbitration proceedings would be conducted in accordance with the procedures of the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, as modified in our bylaws. These procedures may provide materially more limited rights to our shareholders than litigation in a federal or state court. For example, arbitration in accordance with these procedures does not include the opportunity for a jury trial, document discovery is limited, arbitration hearings generally are not open to the public, there are no witness depositions in advance of arbitration hearings and arbitrators may have different qualifications or experiences than judges. In addition, although our bylaws’ arbitration provisions contemplate that arbitration may be brought in a representative capacity or on behalf of a class of our shareholders, the rules governing such representation or class arbitration may be different from, and less favorable to shareholders than, the rules governing representative or class action litigation in courts. Our bylaws also generally provide that each party to such an arbitration is required to bear its own costs in the arbitration, including attorneys’ fees, and that the arbitrators may not render an award that includes shifting of such costs or, in a derivative or class proceeding, award any portion of our award to any shareholder or such shareholder’s attorneys. The arbitration provisions of our bylaws may discourage our shareholders from bringing, and attorneys from agreeing to represent our shareholders wishing to bring, litigation against us or our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents. Our leases with TA and our agreements with RMR LLC and Sonesta have similar arbitration provisions to those in our bylaws.
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We believe that the arbitration provisions in our bylaws are enforceable under both state and federal law, including with respect to federal securities laws claims. We are a Maryland real estate investment trust and Maryland courts have upheld the enforceability of arbitration bylaws. In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld agreements to arbitrate other federal statutory claims, including those that implicate important federal policies. However, some academics, legal practitioners and others are of the view that charter or bylaw provisions mandating arbitration are not enforceable with respect to federal securities laws claims. It is possible that the arbitration provisions of our bylaws may ultimately be determined to be unenforceable.
By agreeing to the arbitration provisions of our bylaws, shareholders will not be deemed to have waived compliance by us with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Our bylaws designate the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland as the sole and exclusive forum for certain actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our shareholders, which could limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a judicial forum they deem favorable for disputes with us or our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents.
Our bylaws currently provide that, unless the dispute has been referred to binding arbitration, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland will be the sole and exclusive forum for: (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (2) any action asserting a claim for breach of a duty owed by any Trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of ours to us or our shareholders; (3) any action asserting a claim against us or any Trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of ours arising pursuant to Maryland law, our declaration of trust or bylaws brought by or on behalf of a shareholder, either on his, her or its own behalf, on our behalf or on behalf of any series or class of shares of beneficial interest of ours or by our shareholders against us or any Trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of ours, including any disputes, claims or controversies relating to the meaning, interpretation, effect, validity, performance or enforcement of our declaration of trust or bylaws; or (4) any action asserting a claim against us or any Trustee, officer, manager, agent or employee of ours that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Our bylaws currently also provide that the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland will be the sole and exclusive forum for any dispute, or portion thereof, regarding the meaning, interpretation or validity of any provision of our declaration of trust or bylaws. The exclusive forum provision of our bylaws does not apply to any action for which the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland does not have jurisdiction or to a dispute that has been referred to binding arbitration in accordance with our bylaws. The exclusive forum provision of our bylaws does not establish exclusive jurisdiction in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland for claims that arise under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal securities laws if there is exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction in the federal courts. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in our shares of beneficial interest shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to these provisions of our bylaws, as they may be amended from time to time. The arbitration and exclusive forum provisions of our bylaws may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that the shareholder believes is favorable for disputes with us or our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents.
Risks Related to Our Taxation
Our failure to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT under the IRC or the loss of our other special tax statuses could have significant adverse consequences.
As a REIT, we generally do not pay federal or most state income taxes as long as we distribute all of our REIT taxable income and meet other qualifications set forth in the IRC. However, actual qualification for taxation as a REIT under the IRC depends on our satisfying complex statutory requirements, for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. We believe that we have been organized and have operated, and will continue to be organized and to operate, in a manner that qualified and will continue to qualify us to be taxed as a REIT under the IRC. However, we cannot be sure that the IRS, upon review or audit, will agree with this conclusion. Furthermore, we cannot be sure that the federal government, or any state or other taxation authority, will continue to afford favorable income tax treatment to REITs and their shareholders.
Maintaining our qualification for taxation as a REIT under the IRC will require us to continue to satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the nature of our assets, the sources of our income and the amounts we distribute to our shareholders. In order to meet these requirements, it may be necessary for us to sell or forgo attractive investments.
If we cease to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the IRC, then our ability to raise capital might be adversely affected, we will be in breach under our credit agreement, we may be subject to material amounts of federal and state income taxes, our cash available for distribution to our shareholders could be reduced, and the market price of our common shares could decline. In addition, if we lose or revoke our qualification for taxation as a REIT under the IRC for a taxable year, we will generally be prevented from requalifying for taxation as a REIT for the next four taxable years.
Similarly, under existing law and through available tax concessions, we have minimized the Canadian and Puerto Rican income taxes that we must pay. We believe that we have operated, and are operating, in compliance with the requirements of these laws and tax concessions. However, we cannot be sure that, upon review or audit, the local tax authority will agree. If the
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existing laws or concessions are unavailable to us in the future, then we may be subject to material amounts of income taxes and the market price of our common shares could decline.
Distributions to shareholders generally will not qualify for reduced tax rates applicable to “qualified dividends.”
Dividends payable by U.S. corporations to noncorporate shareholders, such as individuals, trusts and estates, are generally eligible for reduced federal income tax rates applicable to “qualified dividends.” Distributions paid by REITs generally are not treated as “qualified dividends” under the IRC and the reduced rates applicable to such dividends do not generally apply. However, for tax years beginning before 2026, REIT dividends paid to noncorporate shareholders are generally taxed at an effective tax rate lower than applicable ordinary income tax rates due to the availability of a deduction under the IRC for specified forms of income from passthrough entities. More favorable rates will nevertheless continue to apply to regular corporate “qualified” dividends, which may cause some investors to perceive that an investment in a REIT is less attractive than an investment in a non-REIT entity that pays dividends, thereby reducing the demand and market price of our common shares.
REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect us and our shareholders.
We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, subject to specified adjustments and excluding any net capital gain, in order to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT under the IRC. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement, federal corporate income tax will not apply to the earnings that we distribute, but if we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, then we will be subject to federal corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. We intend to make distributions to our shareholders to comply with the REIT requirements of the IRC. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we pay out to our shareholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under federal tax laws.
From time to time, we may generate taxable income greater than our income for financial reporting purposes prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, or differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash may occur. If we do not have other funds available in these situations, among other things, we may borrow funds on unfavorable terms, sell investments at disadvantageous prices or distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions in order to make distributions sufficient to enable us to pay out enough of our taxable income to satisfy the REIT distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax in a particular year. These alternatives could increase our costs or reduce our shareholders’ equity. Thus, compliance with the REIT distribution requirements may hinder our ability to grow, which could cause the market price of our common shares to decline.
Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT under the IRC, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flow.
Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT under the IRC, we may be subject to federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, excise taxes, state or local income, property and transfer taxes, and other taxes. Also, some jurisdictions may in the future limit or eliminate favorable income tax deductions, including the dividends paid deduction, which could increase our income tax expense. In addition, in order to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the IRC, prevent the recognition of particular types of non-cash income, or avert the imposition of a 100% tax that applies to specified gains derived by a REIT from dealer property or inventory, we may hold or dispose of some of our assets and conduct some of our operations through our TRSs or other subsidiary corporations that will be subject to corporate level income tax at regular rates. In addition, while we intend that our transactions with our TRSs will be conducted on arm’s length bases, we may be subject to a 100% excise tax on a transaction that the IRS or a court determines was not conducted at arm’s length. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our shareholders.
If arrangements involving our TRSs fail to comply as intended with the REIT qualification and taxation rules, we may fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the IRC or be subject to significant penalty taxes.
We lease most of our hotel properties to our TRSs pursuant to arrangements that, under the IRC, are intended to qualify the rents we receive from our TRSs as income that satisfies the REIT gross income tests. We also intend that our transactions with our TRSs be conducted on arm’s length bases so that we and our TRSs will not be subject to penalty taxes under the IRC applicable to mispriced transactions. While relief provisions can sometimes excuse REIT gross income test failures, significant penalty taxes may still be imposed.
For our TRS arrangements to comply as intended with the REIT qualification and taxation rules under the IRC, a number of requirements must be satisfied, including:
•our TRSs may not directly or indirectly operate or manage a lodging facility, as defined by the IRC;
•the leases to our TRSs must be respected as true leases for federal income tax purposes and not as service contracts, partnerships, joint ventures, financings or other types of arrangements;
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•the leased properties must constitute qualified lodging facilities (including customary amenities and facilities) under the IRC;
•our leased properties must be managed and operated on behalf of the TRSs by independent contractors who are less than 35% affiliated with us and who are actively engaged (or have affiliates so engaged) in the trade or business of managing and operating qualified lodging facilities for any person unrelated to us; and
•the rental and other terms of the leases must be arm’s length.
We cannot be sure that the IRS or a court will agree with our assessment that our TRS arrangements comply as intended with REIT qualification and taxation rules. If arrangements involving our TRSs fail to comply as we intended, we may fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the IRC or be subject to significant penalty taxes.
Legislative or other actions affecting REITs could materially and adversely affect us and our shareholders.
The rules dealing with U.S. federal, state, and local taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and other taxation authorities. Changes to the tax laws, with or without retroactive application, could materially and adversely affect us and our shareholders. We cannot predict how changes in the tax laws might affect us or our shareholders. New legislation, Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions could significantly and negatively affect our ability to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT or the tax consequences of such qualification to us and our shareholders.
Risks Related to Our Securities
Our quarterly cash distribution rate on our common shares is currently $0.01 per share and future distributions may remain at this level for an indefinite period or be eliminated and the form of payment could change.
During 2020, we reduced our quarterly cash distribution rate on our common shares to $0.01 per share. We currently intend to continue to make quarterly distributions to our shareholders at this rate at least through the Waiver Period, and possibly thereafter, subject to applicable REIT tax requirements. However:
•our ability to make or sustain the rate of distributions may continue to be adversely affected if any of the risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K occur, including any negative impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath on our business, results of operations and liquidity;
•our making of distributions is subject to compliance with restrictions contained in our credit agreement, including being limited to amounts required to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT and $0.01 per common share per quarter during the Waiver Period, and during the continuance of any event of default under the agreements governing our debt, we may be limited or in some cases prohibited from making distributions to our shareholders; and
•the timing and amount of any distributions will be determined at the discretion of our Board of Trustees and will depend on various factors that our Board of Trustees deems relevant, including, but not limited to, our FFO and Normalized FFO, requirements to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT, limitations in the agreements governing our debt, the availability to us of debt and equity capital, our dividend yield and to the dividend yield of other REITs, our expectation of our future capital requirements and operating performance and our expected needs for and availability of cash to pay our obligations.
For these reasons, among others, our distribution rate may not increase for an indefinite period or we may cease making distributions to our shareholders.
Further, in order to preserve liquidity, we may elect to pay distributions to our shareholders in part in a form other than cash, such as issuing additional common shares of ours to our shareholders, as permitted by the applicable tax rules.
The Notes and the Guarantees are structurally subordinated to the payment of all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 Notes and the 2027 Notes.
We are the sole obligor on our outstanding senior unsecured notes and any notes or other debt securities we may issue in the future, or, together with our outstanding senior unsecured notes, the Notes. Our subsidiaries that guarantee our 7.50% senior notes due 2025, or the 2025 Notes, and our 5.50% senior notes due 2027, or the 2027 Notes, are the sole obligor on the guarantees of such notes, or the Guarantees. The subsidiaries that guarantee the 2025 Notes and the 2027 Notes do not currently guarantee any of our other Notes. Our non-guarantor subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due on the Notes or the Guarantees, or to make any funds available therefor, whether by dividend, distribution, loan or other payments. The rights of holders of the Notes to benefit from any of the assets of our non-guarantor subsidiaries are subject to the prior satisfaction of claims of those subsidiaries’ creditors. As a result, the Notes and the Guarantees are, and, except to the extent that future Notes are guaranteed by our non-guarantor subsidiaries, will be, structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 Notes
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and the 2027 Notes, including guarantees of or pledges under other indebtedness of ours, payment obligations under lease agreements, trade payables and preferred equity. As of December 31, 2021, our non-guarantor subsidiaries had total indebtedness and other liabilities of approximately $36.7 million (including guarantees of other indebtedness and trade payables, but excluding liabilities to us or a subsidiary guarantor), which are structurally senior to the 2025 Notes and the 2027 Notes.
The Notes and the Guarantees are unsecured and effectively subordinated to all of our and the subsidiary guarantors’ existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness.
The outstanding Notes and Guarantees are not secured and any Notes we may issue in the future may not be secured. Upon any distribution to our creditors in a bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or similar proceeding relating to us or our property, the holders of our secured debt, including debt under our credit agreement (to the extent such debt remains outstanding and is still then secured), will be entitled to exercise the remedies available to a secured lender under applicable law and pursuant to the instruments governing such debt and to be paid in full, from the assets securing that secured debt before any payment may be made with respect to the Notes that are not secured by those assets. In that event, because such Notes and the Guarantees will not be secured by any of our assets, it is possible that there will be no assets from which claims of holders of such Notes can be satisfied or, if any assets remain, that the remaining assets will be insufficient to satisfy those claims in full. If the value of such remaining assets is less than the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such Notes and accrued interest and all future debt ranking equally with such Notes and the Guarantees, we will be unable to fully satisfy our obligations under such Notes. In addition, if we fail to meet our payment or other obligations under our secured debt, the holders of that secured debt would be entitled to foreclose on our assets securing that secured debt and liquidate those assets. Accordingly, we may not have sufficient funds to pay amounts due on such Notes. As a result, note holders may lose a portion or the entire value of their investment in such Notes. Further, the terms of the outstanding Notes and the Guarantees permit, and the terms of any Notes we may issue in the future may permit, us to incur additional secured indebtedness subject to compliance with certain debt ratios. The Notes and the Guarantees will be effectively subordinated to any such additional secured indebtedness. As of February 22, 2022, our secured debt included outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility of $1.0 billion, which is secured by pledges of equity in certain subsidiaries that own properties.
Federal and state statutes allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void guarantees and require holders of notes to return payments received from guarantors.
Under the federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer laws, a guarantee of the 2025 Notes and the 2027 Notes (or any future Notes that are guaranteed by our subsidiaries) could be voided, or claims in respect of a guarantee could be subordinated to all other debts of that guarantor if, among other things, the guarantor, at the time it incurred the debt evidenced by its guarantee:
•received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for the incurrence of such guarantee; and
•was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of such incurrence;
•was engaged in a business or transaction for which the guarantor’s remaining assets constituted unreasonably small capital; or
•intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature.
In addition, any payment by that guarantor pursuant to its guarantee could be voided and required to be returned to the guarantor, or to a fund for the benefit of our creditors or the creditors of the guarantor.
The measures of insolvency for purposes of these fraudulent transfer laws will vary depending upon the law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally, however, a guarantor would be considered insolvent if:
•the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was greater than the fair saleable value of all of its assets;
•the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and mature; or
•it could not pay its debts as they become due.
We cannot be sure as to what standard a court would apply in making these determinations. In addition, each Guarantee contains, and any future guarantees may contain, a provision intended to limit the guarantor’s liability to the maximum amount that it could incur without causing the incurrence of obligations under its guarantee to be a fraudulent transfer. This provision may not be effective to protect the Guarantees or any future guarantees from being voided under fraudulent transfer laws, or may eliminate the guarantor’s obligations or reduce the guarantor’s obligations to an amount that effectively makes the guarantee worthless.
There is no public market for the Notes, and one may not develop, be maintained or be liquid.
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We have not applied for listing of the Notes on any securities exchange or for quotation on any automatic dealer quotation system, and we may not do so for Notes issued in the future. We cannot be sure that the liquidity of any market that may develop for such Notes, the ability of any holder to sell such Notes or the price at which holders would be able to sell such Notes. If a market for such Notes does not develop, holders may be unable to resell such Notes for an extended period of time, if at all. If a market for such Notes does develop, it may not continue or it may not be sufficiently liquid to allow holders to resell such Notes. Consequently, holders of the Notes may not be able to liquidate their investment readily, and lenders may not readily accept such Notes as collateral for loans.
The Notes may trade at a discount from their initial issue price or principal amount, depending upon many factors, including prevailing interest rates, the ratings assigned by rating agencies, the market for similar securities and other factors, including general economic conditions and our financial condition, performance and prospects. Any decline in market prices, regardless of cause, may adversely affect the liquidity and trading markets for the Notes.
A downgrade in credit ratings could materially adversely affect the market price of the Notes and may increase our cost of capital.
The outstanding Notes are rated by two rating agencies and any Notes we may issue in the future may be rated by one or more rating agencies. These credit ratings are continually reviewed by rating agencies and may change at any time based upon, among other things, our results of operations and financial condition. In November 2021, Standard & Poor’s, or S&P, downgraded our issuer credit rating to B+. Negative changes in the ratings assigned to our debt securities could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Notes and our cost and availability of capital, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations.
Some or all of the Guarantees may be released automatically.
A subsidiary guarantor may be released from its Guarantee under certain circumstances. Such release may occur at any time upon a sale, disposition or transfer, in compliance with the provisions of the indentures and related supplements governing the 2025 Notes and the 2027 Notes, of the capital stock of such subsidiary guarantor or of substantially all of the assets of such subsidiary guarantor, or if such subsidiary guarantor becomes an Excluded Subsidiary or a Foreign Subsidiary, as such terms are defined in the applicable supplemental indenture. In addition, if the 2025 Notes and the 2027 Notes have a rating equal to or higher than Baa2 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s Investor Services, or Moody’s, or BBB (or the equivalent) by S&P and at such time no default or event of default under the indenture and related supplements governing the 2025 Notes and the 2027 Notes has occurred and is continuing, the Guarantees and all other obligations of the subsidiary guarantors under the indenture will automatically terminate and be released. Accordingly, the 2025 Notes and the 2027 Notes may not at all times be guaranteed by some or all of the subsidiaries which guaranteed the 2025 Notes or the 2027 Notes on the date they were initially issued.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
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Item 2. Properties
At December 31, 2021, we owned 303 hotels and 788 retail net lease properties. The following tables summarize certain information about our properties as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands).
| Hotels | Net Lease | All Properties | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Properties | Undepreciated Carrying Value | Depreciated Carrying Value | Number of Properties | Undepreciated Carrying Value | Depreciated Carrying Value | Total Number of Properties | Total Undepreciated Carrying Value | Total Depreciated Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Location of Properties | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Held and used | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alabama | 3 | $ | 24,112 | $ | 12,990 | 32 | $ | 128,784 | $ | 87,838 | 35 | $ | 152,896 | $ | 100,828 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alaska | — | — | — | 1 | 3,716 | 2,987 | 1 | 3,716 | 2,987 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 14 | 204,470 | 123,072 | 24 | 219,975 | 143,566 | 38 | 424,445 | 266,638 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arkansas | — | — | — | 16 | 113,168 | 60,569 | 16 | 113,168 | 60,569 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| California | 36 | 1,007,543 | 669,376 | 22 | 234,302 | 184,459 | 58 | 1,241,845 | 853,835 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Colorado | 5 | 144,296 | 100,337 | 8 | 97,114 | 75,865 | 13 | 241,410 | 176,202 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Connecticut | — | — | — | 3 | 23,881 | 11,260 | 3 | 23,881 | 11,260 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Delaware | 1 | 15,157 | 12,138 | — | — | — | 1 | 15,157 | 12,138 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 11 | 238,355 | 153,396 | 48 | 218,930 | 162,410 | 59 | 457,285 | 315,806 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 17 | 383,855 | 258,358 | 74 | 239,140 | 180,418 | 91 | 622,995 | 438,776 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hawaii | 1 | 105,737 | 60,036 | — | — | — | 1 | 105,737 | 60,036 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Idaho | — | — | — | 2 | 20,216 | 14,074 | 2 | 20,216 | 14,074 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | 10 | 407,940 | 307,276 | 54 | 238,716 | 193,907 | 64 | 646,656 | 501,183 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indiana | 2 | 25,017 | 11,748 | 43 | 202,042 | 156,921 | 45 | 227,059 | 168,669 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Iowa | 1 | 6,909 | 3,276 | 10 | 31,718 | 25,104 | 11 | 38,627 | 28,380 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kansas | 1 | 11,740 | 6,415 | 5 | 38,109 | 31,854 | 6 | 49,849 | 38,269 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kentucky | — | — | — | 13 | 68,068 | 42,390 | 13 | 68,068 | 42,390 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Louisiana | 3 | 242,782 | 179,702 | 12 | 123,601 | 71,556 | 15 | 366,383 | 251,258 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maryland | 5 | 114,555 | 69,845 | 9 | 66,799 | 39,560 | 14 | 181,354 | 109,405 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 9 | 238,466 | 165,925 | — | 1,249 | 1,249 | 9 | 239,715 | 167,174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Michigan | 8 | 67,643 | 38,258 | 52 | 102,249 | 78,569 | 60 | 169,892 | 116,827 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minnesota | 4 | 111,643 | 86,472 | 12 | 70,717 | 63,477 | 16 | 182,360 | 149,949 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mississippi | — | — | — | 5 | 29,465 | 17,101 | 5 | 29,465 | 17,101 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Missouri | 4 | 152,785 | 117,649 | 25 | 108,999 | 76,121 | 29 | 261,784 | 193,770 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 3 | 53,852 | 31,457 | 6 | 159,965 | 108,227 | 9 | 213,817 | 139,684 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nebraska | — | — | — | 5 | 43,334 | 16,224 | 5 | 43,334 | 16,224 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Hampshire | — | — | — | 1 | 6,172 | 3,624 | 1 | 6,172 | 3,624 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Jersey | 8 | 137,207 | 80,720 | 3 | 95,462 | 55,876 | 11 | 232,669 | 136,596 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Mexico | 2 | 26,907 | 12,863 | 16 | 127,956 | 69,600 | 18 | 154,863 | 82,463 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New York | 4 | 80,366 | 56,818 | 9 | 49,337 | 32,836 | 13 | 129,703 | 89,654 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | 10 | 150,878 | 102,576 | 17 | 68,259 | 49,166 | 27 | 219,137 | 151,742 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| North Dakota | — | — | — | 1 | 3,476 | 3,117 | 1 | 3,476 | 3,117 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ohio | 5 | 114,135 | 87,411 | 41 | 281,305 | 192,939 | 46 | 395,440 | 280,350 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oklahoma | 2 | 14,696 | 10,952 | 12 | 69,096 | 58,002 | 14 | 83,792 | 68,954 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oregon | 1 | 117,519 | 95,530 | 7 | 78,902 | 64,504 | 8 | 196,421 | 160,034 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pennsylvania | 8 | 133,875 | 89,411 | 28 | 180,672 | 117,767 | 36 | 314,547 | 207,178 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rhode Island | 1 | 16,320 | 7,689 | — | — | — | 1 | 16,320 | 7,689 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | 2 | 54,116 | 36,235 | 17 | 100,382 | 72,963 | 19 | 154,498 | 109,198 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tennessee | 7 | 147,908 | 75,102 | 36 | 123,837 | 88,497 | 43 | 271,745 | 163,599 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 21 | 323,428 | 175,135 | 57 | 477,329 | 293,816 | 78 | 800,757 | 468,951 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Utah | 2 | 65,302 | 31,857 | 3 | 20,168 | 8,979 | 5 | 85,470 | 40,836 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Virginia | 11 | 135,311 | 79,535 | 18 | 83,455 | 59,350 | 29 | 218,766 | 138,885 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 7 | 193,415 | 137,122 | 4 | 22,436 | 18,126 | 11 | 215,851 | 155,248 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| West Virginia | 1 | 10,314 | 5,382 | 5 | 14,887 | 11,434 | 6 | 25,201 | 16,816 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin | 2 | 45,991 | 36,170 | 4 | 13,121 | 8,078 | 6 | 59,112 | 44,248 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wyoming | — | — | — | 6 | 81,470 | 40,298 | 6 | 81,470 | 40,298 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 232 | 5,324,545 | 3,528,234 | 766 | 4,481,979 | 3,094,678 | 998 | 9,806,524 | 6,622,912 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Washington, DC | 1 | 144,521 | 135,563 | — | — | — | 1 | 144,521 | 135,563 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ontario, Canada | 2 | 53,865 | 32,673 | — | — | — | 2 | 53,865 | 32,673 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Puerto Rico | 1 | 220,723 | 152,826 | — | — | — | 1 | 220,723 | 152,826 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | 419,109 | 321,062 | — | — | — | 4 | 419,109 | 321,062 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 236 | 5,743,654 | 3,849,296 | 766 | 4,481,979 | 3,094,678 | 1,002 | 10,225,633 | 6,943,974 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Hotels | Net Lease | All Properties | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Properties | Undepreciated Carrying Value | Depreciated Carrying Value | Number of Properties | Undepreciated Carrying Value | Depreciated Carrying Value | Total Number of Properties | Total Undepreciated Carrying Value | Total Depreciated Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Location of Properties | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Held For Sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alabama | 3 | 22,521 | 18,146 | — | — | — | 3 | 22,521 | 18,146 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arkansas | — | — | — | 1 | 117 | 117 | 1 | 117 | 117 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 1 | 8,927 | 4,268 | 1 | 2,285 | 2,285 | 2 | 11,212 | 6,553 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Delaware | 1 | 11,027 | 8,680 | — | — | — | 1 | 11,027 | 8,680 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 1 | 13,120 | 10,614 | — | — | — | 1 | 13,120 | 10,614 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 4 | 65,189 | 47,558 | — | — | — | 4 | 65,189 | 47,558 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Iowa | 1 | 6,468 | 4,923 | 5 | 670 | 670 | 6 | 7,138 | 5,593 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | 3 | 33,605 | 22,553 | 5 | 1,203 | 1,203 | 8 | 34,808 | 23,756 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indiana | 1 | 4,356 | 3,796 | — | — | — | 1 | 4,356 | 3,796 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kansas | 3 | 16,727 | 9,863 | 1 | 329 | 329 | 4 | 17,056 | 10,192 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kentucky | — | — | — | 1 | 202 | 202 | 1 | 202 | 202 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Massachusetts | 4 | 51,981 | 30,249 | — | — | — | 4 | 51,981 | 30,249 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maryland | 2 | 21,232 | 16,411 | — | — | — | 2 | 21,232 | 16,411 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Michigan | 2 | 20,873 | 16,846 | 1 | 538 | 538 | 3 | 21,411 | 17,384 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minnesota | 1 | 12,353 | 9,541 | — | — | — | 1 | 12,353 | 9,541 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Missouri | 3 | 22,595 | 16,846 | — | — | — | 3 | 22,595 | 16,846 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | 1 | 5,096 | 4,108 | — | — | — | 1 | 5,096 | 4,108 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nebraska | 1 | 8,178 | 5,964 | — | — | — | 1 | 8,178 | 5,964 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Jersey | 7 | 94,843 | 74,081 | — | — | — | 7 | 94,843 | 74,081 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New York | 1 | 5,098 | 4,005 | — | — | — | 1 | 5,098 | 4,005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ohio | 5 | 51,887 | 38,969 | — | — | — | 5 | 51,887 | 38,969 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oklahoma | 1 | 12,462 | 8,996 | 1 | 117 | 117 | 2 | 12,579 | 9,113 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pennsylvania | 2 | 32,616 | 16,237 | — | — | — | 2 | 32,616 | 16,237 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rhode Island | 1 | 11,030 | 9,411 | — | — | — | 1 | 11,030 | 9,411 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | 1 | 8,414 | 3,949 | — | — | — | 1 | 8,414 | 3,949 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tennessee | 2 | 14,752 | 12,562 | 2 | 416 | 416 | 4 | 15,168 | 12,978 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 13 | 131,352 | 81,340 | 2 | 5,440 | 5,205 | 15 | 136,792 | 86,545 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vermont | 1 | 8,814 | 6,503 | — | — | — | 1 | 8,814 | 6,503 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Washington | 1 | 18,859 | 15,545 | — | — | — | 1 | 18,859 | 15,545 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin | — | — | — | 1 | 753 | 753 | 1 | 753 | 753 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wyoming | — | — | — | 1 | 500 | 500 | 1 | 500 | 500 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 67 | 714,375 | 501,964 | 22 | 12,570 | 12,335 | 89 | 726,945 | 514,299 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 303 | $ | 6,458,029 | $ | 4,351,260 | 788 | $ | 4,494,549 | $ | 3,107,013 | 1,091 | $ | 10,952,578 | $ | 7,458,273 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2021, 14 of our hotels were on land we leased partially or entirely from unrelated third parties. The average remaining term of the ground leases (including renewal options) is approximately 34 years (range of 13 to 66 years). Ground rent payable under nine of the ground leases is generally calculated as a percentage of hotel revenues. Twelve (12) of the 14 ground leases require annual minimum rents averaging $319 per year; future rents under two ground leases have been prepaid. Pursuant to the terms of our management agreements and leases, payments of ground lease obligations are generally made by our hotel managers. However, if a hotel manager did not perform obligations under a ground lease or elected not to renew any ground lease, we might have to perform obligations under the ground lease or renew the ground lease in order to protect our investment in the affected property. Any pledge, sale or transfer of our interests in a ground lease may require the consent of the applicable ground lessor and its lenders.
At December 31, 2021, 16 of our net lease properties were on land we leased partially or entirely from unrelated third parties. The average remaining term of the ground leases (including renewal options) is approximately 10 years (range of 1 year to 20 years). Ground rent payable under the ground leases is generally a fixed amount, averaging $424 per year. Payments of these ground lease obligations are made by our tenants. However, if our tenants did not perform obligations under a ground lease or elected not to renew any ground lease, we might have to perform obligations under the ground lease or renew the ground lease in order to protect our investment in the affected property. Any pledge, sale or transfer of our interests in a ground lease may require the consent of the applicable ground lessor and its lenders.
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The aggregate depreciated carrying value of our properties subject to ground leases was as follows at December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
14 hotels (1) | $ | 317,303 | |||
16 net lease (2) | 58,579 | ||||
| Total | $ | 375,882 | |||
(1)Two of these hotels with a depreciated carrying value totaling $57,538 are partially on land we lease from unrelated third parties. The leased land is generally used for parking. We believe these two hotels would be operable without the leased land.
(2)Three of these net lease properties with a depreciated carrying value totaling $26,877 are partially on land we lease from unrelated third parties. The leased land is generally used for additional parking or storm water runoff; however, certain building structures for one of these three net lease properties are located on leased land. We believe these three net lease properties would be operable without the leased land, although we would have to remove the part of the building structure that is located on the leased land and might replace that structure with a new building on land we own.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may become involved in litigation matters incidental to the ordinary course of our business. Although we are unable to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, we are currently not a party to any litigation which we expect to have a material adverse effect on our business.
On December 3, 2020, two of our subsidiaries, HPT CY TRS, Inc. and HPT TRS MRP, Inc., initiated arbitration proceedings against Marriott and several of its subsidiaries, or together, the Marriott Parties, that operated 122 of our hotels pursuant to a series of agreements. Because the Marriott Parties failed to make certain payments to us under such agreements, on October 6, 2020, we sent the Marriott Parties a notice of termination effective January 31, 2021. We transferred the branding and management of 97 of these hotels to Sonesta and sold nine hotels during 2020 and 2021. The Marriott Parties continue to manage 16 of the hotels on our behalf. The Marriott Parties challenged the efficacy of the termination, so we initiated arbitration to ensure that an orderly transfer of branding and management to Sonesta occurred and that we would own the 16 hotels the Marriott Parties continue to operate unencumbered by any Marriott contracts. The Marriott Parties also challenged the classification of certain payments made to us during 2020. On January 18, 2022, the arbitration panel declined to award us $19.9 million we had sought relating to Marriott’s application of certain working capital advances we made under the applicable management agreements, awarded us approximately $1.1 million in connection with a related claim and determined we would own the remaining 16 hotels unencumbered by Marriott contracts. We expect to pursue the sale or transition the branding and management of those 16 Marriott hotels in the second quarter of 2022.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common shares are traded on Nasdaq (symbol: SVC). As of February 22, 2022, there were 406 shareholders of record of our common shares, although there is a larger number of beneficial owners.
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Issuer purchases of equity securities. The following table provides information about our purchases of our equity securities during the quarter ended December 31, 2021:
| Maximum | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Number of | Approximate Dollar | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares Purchased | Value of Shares that | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of | Average | as Part of Publicly | May Yet Be Purchased | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Price Paid | Announced Plans | Under the Plans or | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Calendar Month | Purchased (1) | per Share | of Programs | Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 2021 | 305 | $ | 11.23 | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 305 | $ | 11.23 | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1)These common share withholdings and purchases were made to satisfy tax withholding and payment obligations of a former employee of RMR LLC in connection with the vesting of awards of our common shares. We withheld and purchased these shares at their fair market value based upon the trading price of our common shares at the close of trading on Nasdaq on the purchase date.
Our current cash distribution rate to common shareholders is $0.01 per share per quarter, or $0.04 per share per year. However, the timing, amount and form of future distributions will be determined at the discretion of our Board of Trustees and will depend upon various factors that our Board of Trustees deems relevant, including our results of operations, our financial condition, requirements to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT, limitations in our credit agreement, the availability to us of debt and equity capital, our expectations of our future capital requirements and operating performance, including our FFO and our Normalized FFO and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Trustees in its discretion. Therefore, we cannot be sure that we will continue to pay distributions in the future or that the amount of any distributions we do pay will not decrease.
Item 6. [Reserved]
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview (dollar amounts in thousands, except share amounts and per room hotel data)
We are a REIT organized under the laws of the State of Maryland. As of December 31, 2021, we owned 1,091 properties in 47 states, Washington D.C., Canada and Puerto Rico.
Business Environment and Outlook. Since March 2020, the lodging industry and other industries in which our managers and tenants operate have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic, along with government mandates intended to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and market reactions to the pandemic. The effects of COVID-19 continue to have a significant negative impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flow. Although lodging demand improved during year ended December 31, 2021 when compared to 2020 levels, we do not know when or if lodging business levels will return to historical pre-pandemic levels. We currently expect that the recovery with respect to business transient and group business will be gradual and likely inconsistent. We also currently expect the recovery of the U.S. hospitality industry to be a multi-year process. In addition, consumer confidence and lodging demand will continue to be affected by unemployment levels, perceptions of the safety of returning to normal activities, the continued use of video conferencing technologies rather than in person meetings and broader macroeconomic trends. These trends, together with increasing labor costs and shortages and commodity and other price inflation due to supply chain challenges, may continue to negatively impact our hotel operations and financial results. For more information and risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants on us and our business, see Part IV, Item 1, “Business—Impact of COVID-19” and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our manager, RMR LLC, has taken various actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants to address its operating and financial impact on us. In addition, we are continuing to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of our business.
Liquidity. To mitigate the effects of the pandemic and the increased variability in operating cash flows from our hotels, we continue to work with our hotel managers to contain costs where possible. We are prioritizing, deferring, or strategically planning capital improvements to mitigate potential disruptions to hotel results. We also continue to pay only a nominal quarterly dividend of $0.01 per common share to preserve our liquidity. As of February 22, 2022, we have $959,467 of cash or cash equivalents. We also have entered agreements to sell 45 properties with an aggregate carrying value of $352,540 for an aggregate sales price of $402,365 and have letters of intent or are in the process of marketing 43 additional properties with an aggregate carrying value of $150,962. Our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility matures on July 15, 2022 and we have $500,000 of unsecured senior notes due in August 2022. We currently expect that we will be able to either repay or extend the maturity of our debt coming due in 2022. We are currently in discussions with our lenders regarding extending the term of our revolving credit facility and obtaining additional covenant relief. We believe that our current financial resources, actions we have taken and are in the process of taking to manage our liquidity and our expectations as to the future performance of the lodging industry and the industries in which our net lease retail tenants operate will enable us to withstand the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Management agreements and leases. At December 31, 2021, we owned 303 hotels operated under six agreements. We leased all of these hotels to our wholly owned TRSs that are managed by hotel operating companies as of that date. We own 788 service-oriented properties with 174 tenants subject to “triple net” leases, where the tenants are generally responsible for the payment of operating expenses and capital expenditures. Our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) include hotel operating revenues and hotel operating expenses of our managed hotels and rental income and other operating expenses from our leased hotels and net lease properties.
Hotel agreements. During 2021 we transitioned the branding and management of 88 hotels to Sonesta from Marriott, five hotels from Hyatt and one hotel from Radisson.
On June 7, 2021, we and Hyatt amended our previous agreement for 22 hotels we own, or our Hyatt agreement. Under our Hyatt agreement, as amended, Hyatt will continue to manage 17 of the hotels we own for a 10 year term effective April 1, 2021.
On November 1, 2021, we and Radisson amended our previous agreement for nine hotels we own, or our Radisson agreement. Under our Radisson agreement, as amended, Radisson will continue to manage eight of the hotels we own for a 10 year term effective August 1, 2021.
On January 7, 2022, we amended and restated our management agreements with Sonesta effective January 1, 2022. As of December 31, 2021, we own 261 hotels that are managed by Sonesta and 67 of these hotels are expected to be sold.
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For further discussion of our hotel agreements with Hyatt, Radisson and Sonesta, see Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Hotel portfolio. As of December 31, 2021, we owned 303 hotels. In 2021, the U.S. hotel industry generally realized increases in average daily rate, or ADR, revenue per available room, or RevPAR, and occupancy compared to the corresponding 2020 periods. The following table provides a summary for all our hotels of these revenue metrics for the periods presented which we believe are key indicators of performance at our hotels.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| All Hotels | ||||||||||||||||||||
| No. of hotels | 303 | 310 | (7) | |||||||||||||||||
| No. of rooms or suites | 48,346 | 49,014 | (668) | |||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy | 53.0 | % | 42.0 | % | 11.0 | pts | ||||||||||||||
| ADR | $ | 105.36 | $ | 100.77 | 4.6 | % | ||||||||||||||
| RevPAR | $ | 55.84 | $ | 42.32 | 31.9 | % | ||||||||||||||
Comparable hotels data. We present RevPAR, ADR and occupancy for the periods presented on a comparable basis to facilitate comparisons between periods. We generally define comparable hotels as those that were owned by us and were open and operating for the entire periods being compared. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, SVC’s comparable results exclude 23 hotels that had suspended operations during part of the periods presented. The following table provides a summary of these revenue metrics for the periods presented.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Comparable Hotels | ||||||||||||||||||||
| No. of hotels | 280 | 280 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| No. of rooms or suites | 42,101 | 42,101 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy | 54.2 | % | 44.1 | % | 10.1 | pts | ||||||||||||||
| ADR | $ | 98.07 | $ | 96.84 | 1.3 | % | ||||||||||||||
| RevPAR | $ | 53.15 | $ | 42.71 | 24.4 | % | ||||||||||||||
We believe these results are primarily due to the improved lodging fundamentals in the current year periods and disruption and displacement at certain of our hotels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that negatively affected results more in 2020.
Net Lease Portfolio. As of December 31, 2021, we owned 788 service-oriented retail properties with 13,522,060 square feet and annual minimum rent of $369,733, and 174 tenants subject to “triple net” leases, where the tenants are generally responsible for payment of operating expenses and capital expenditures. Our net lease portfolio was 98.1% occupied as of December 31, 2021 with a weighted (by annual minimum rent) lease term of 10.2 years, operating under 134 brands in 21 distinct industries. TA is our largest tenant. As of December 31, 2021, we leased 179 of our travel centers to TA under five leases that expire between 2029 and 2035 and require annual minimum rents of $246,111.
Additional details of our hotel operating agreements and net lease agreements are set forth in Notes 5 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Acquisition Activities. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we acquired three net lease properties with an aggregate of 6,696 square feet for a purchase price of $7,071 excluding acquisition related costs in a single transaction. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we acquired a land parcel adjacent to a property we own in Nashville, TN for a purchase price of $7,600, excluding acquisition related costs.
Disposition Activities. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we sold 18 hotels with 2,046 rooms for an aggregate sales price of $85,787, excluding closing costs. Also during the year ended December 31, 2020, we sold 21 net lease properties with an aggregate of 1,375,483 rentable square feet for an aggregate sales price of $88,385, excluding closing costs. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold seven hotels with 669 rooms for an aggregate sales price of $40,552, excluding closing costs. Also during the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold 11 net lease properties with an aggregate of 97,276 rentable square feet for an aggregate sales price of $11,780, excluding closing costs.
In January 2022, we sold one hotel with 295 rooms for a sales price of $19,000, excluding closing costs. We have also entered into agreements to sell 45 hotels with 5,680 rooms and an aggregate carrying value of $352,540 for an aggregate sales price of $402,365, excluding closing costs and have letters of intent or are in the process of marketing 43 additional properties with an aggregate carrying value of $150,962. We currently expect the sales of these properties to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2022.
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Results of Operations (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
| For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) | % Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel operating revenues | $ | 1,104,678 | $ | 875,098 | $ | 229,580 | 26.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Rental income - hotels | 1,808 | 2,472 | (664) | (26.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Rental income - net lease portfolio | 389,094 | 387,684 | 1,410 | 0.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total rental income | 390,902 | 390,156 | 746 | 0.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel operating expenses | 1,010,737 | 682,804 | 327,933 | 48.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 15,658 | 15,208 | 450 | 3.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization - hotels | 266,641 | 263,673 | 2,968 | 1.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization - net lease portfolio | 219,324 | 235,235 | (15,911) | (6.8) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total depreciation and amortization | 485,965 | 498,908 | (12,943) | (2.6) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 53,439 | 50,668 | 2,771 | 5.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction related costs | 64,764 | 15,100 | 49,664 | n/m | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on asset impairment | 78,620 | 55,756 | 22,864 | 41.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 1,709,183 | 1,318,444 | 390,739 | 29.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate, net | 11,522 | 2,261 | 9,261 | 409.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on insurance settlement | — | 62,386 | (62,386) | (100.0) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains on equity securities, net | 22,535 | 19,882 | 2,653 | 13.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 664 | 284 | 380 | 133.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (365,721) | (306,490) | (59,231) | 19.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | (9,394) | 9,394 | (100.0) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loss before income taxes and equity losses of an investee | (544,603) | (284,261) | (260,342) | n/m | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | 941 | (17,211) | 18,152 | n/m | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in losses of an investee | (941) | (9,910) | 8,969 | n/m | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (544,603) | $ | (311,382) | $ | (233,221) | n/m | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted) | 164,566 | 164,422 | 144 | 0.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per common share: (basic and diluted) | $ | (3.31) | $ | (1.89) | $ | (1.42) | n/m | ||||||||||||||||
References to changes in the income and expense categories below relate to the comparison of consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. For a comparison of consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Part II, Item 7 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
Hotel operating revenues. The increase in hotel operating revenues is primarily a result of higher occupancies and higher average rates at certain of our hotels in the 2021 period and the greater negative impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on our hotels in the 2020 period ($258,443), partially offset by the sale of certain of our hotels since January 1, 2020 ($28,863). Additional operating statistics of our hotels are included in the tables on page 58.
Rental income - hotels. The decrease in rental income - hotels is primarily a result of the conversion of one hotel from a leased to managed property during 2020, partially offset by the conversion of five hotels from managed properties to leased properties in anticipation of sale of the properties ($700).
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Rental income - net lease portfolio. The increase in rental income - net lease portfolio is primarily the result of lower reserves for uncollectible amounts in the 2021 period ($10,562), partially offset by the sale of certain net lease properties since January 1, 2020 ($4,433) and the result of certain vacancies and lease restructurings ($4,719).
Hotel operating expenses. The increase in hotel operating expenses is primarily the result of an increase in occupancy at certain managed hotels ($80,824), an increase in management fees ($32,427), increase in property insurance ($10,196) and a decrease in the amount of guaranty and security deposit utilization under certain of our hotel management agreements ($219,823), partially offset by the sale of certain hotels since January 1, 2020 ($15,337).
Other operating expenses. The increase in other operating expenses is primarily the result of higher carrying costs at certain vacant properties.
Depreciation and amortization - hotels. The increase in depreciation and amortization - hotels is the result of an increase in depreciation expense from capital improvements made since January 1, 2020 ($7,228), partially offset by the sale of certain hotels and certain of our depreciable assets becoming fully depreciated since January 1, 2020 ($4,260).
Depreciation and amortization - net lease portfolio. The decrease in depreciation and amortization - net lease portfolio is a result of certain of our depreciable assets becoming fully depreciated since January 1, 2020 ($12,157) and the depreciation and amortization of properties that were sold since January 1, 2020 ($3,754).
General and administrative. The increase in general and administrative costs is primarily due to higher business management fees as a result of an increase in our market capitalization ($5,307), partially offset by lower professional service expenses ($2,536) in the 2021 period.
Transaction related costs. Transaction related costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 include $38,446 of working capital advances we previously funded under our agreements with Marriott, IHG and Hyatt as a result of the amounts no longer expected to be recoverable, $19,920 of hotel manager transition related costs resulting from the rebranding of 94 hotels during the period, and $6,398 of legal costs related to our arbitration proceeding with Marriott. Transaction related costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily consisted of transition related costs resulting from the rebranding of 115 hotels previously managed by IHG, Marriott and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. to Sonesta.
Loss on asset impairment. We recorded a $78,620 loss on asset impairment during the 2021 period to reduce the carrying value of 35 hotels and 26 net lease properties to their estimated fair value less costs to sell. We recorded a $55,756 loss on asset impairment during the 2020 period to reduce the carrying value of 18 hotels and 13 net lease properties to their estimated fair value less costs to sell.
Gain on sale of real estate, net. We recorded a $11,522 net gain on sale of real estate in 2021 in connection with the sales of seven hotels and eleven net lease properties and a $2,261 net gain on sale of real estate in 2020 in connection with the sales of 18 hotels and 21 net lease properties.
Gain on insurance settlement. We recorded a $62,386 gain on insurance settlement in 2020 as a result of insurance proceeds received for our leased hotel in San Juan, PR related to Hurricane Maria. Under GAAP, we were required to increase the building basis of our San Juan hotel for the amount of the insurance proceeds.
Unrealized gains on equity securities, net. Unrealized gains on equity securities, net represent the adjustment required to adjust the carrying value of our investment in shares of TA common stock to its fair value for the applicable periods.
Interest income. The increase in interest income is due to higher average cash balances during the 2021 period.
Interest expense. The increase in interest expense is due to higher average outstanding borrowings and weighted average interest rates during the 2021 period.
Loss on early extinguishment of debt. We recorded a loss of $9,394 on early extinguishment of debt, net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs, in 2020 related to our repayment of certain debt.
Income tax benefit (expense). The change in income tax benefit (expense) is primarily due to a decrease in state tax expenses during the 2021 period and a $13,850 deferred tax liability as a result of the book value tax basis difference related to the accounting of an insurance settlement we recorded in the 2020 period.
Equity in losses of an investee. Equity in losses of an investee primarily represents our proportionate share of the losses of Sonesta.
Net loss. Our net loss and our net loss per common share (basic and diluted) each increased in 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to the revenue and expense changes discussed above.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources (dollar amounts in thousands, except share amounts)
Our Managers and Tenants
As of December 31, 2021, all 303 of our hotels were managed by five hotel operating companies. Our 788 net lease properties were leased to 174 tenants as of December 31, 2021. The costs of operating and maintaining our properties are generally paid by the hotel managers as agents for us or by our tenants for their own account. Our hotel managers and tenants derive their funding for property operating expenses and for returns and rents due to us generally from property operating revenues and, to the extent that these parties themselves fund our owner's priority returns and rents, from their separate resources. As of December 31, 2021, our hotel managers included Sonesta (261 hotels), Hyatt (17 hotels), Radisson (eight hotels), Marriott (16 hotels) and IHG (one hotel). TA is our largest tenant (179 travel centers).
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a material and adverse effect on the lodging and certain service industries and on our hotel managers’ and certain of our tenants’ businesses, which has in the past reduced, and may in the future reduce, their ability or willingness to pay us our owner's priority returns or rents, may increase the likelihood they will default in paying us returns and rent and reduce the value of those properties. We continue to carefully monitor the effects and take appropriate action in response to developments with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our operators and our other stakeholders.
As of January 1, 2021, Marriott managed 105 of our hotels under agreements we had terminated in 2020 for Marriott’s failure to pay the cumulative shortfall between the payments we had received and 80% of the cumulative priority returns due to us in accordance with the agreement. We transitioned the branding and management of 88 Marriott hotels to Sonesta in February 2021 and March 2021. We sold one Marriott hotel in April 2021. We were previously in arbitration proceedings with Marriott regarding, among other things, the timing and characterization of certain payments made to us, and the validity of the timing of the termination of the Marriott agreements, including an exit hotel agreement which, if not terminated, would require us to sell the 16 hotels encumbered with a Marriott brand. We were also seeking repayment of certain working capital advances we made to Marriott during 2020. We entered an agreement with Marriott regarding the 16 hotels noted above, pursuant to which we agreed to have these hotels remain Marriott branded hotels until the arbitration was resolved. On January 18, 2022, the arbitration panel declined to award us the $19,120 we had sought relating to certain working capital advances we made to Marriott under the applicable management agreements, but awarded us approximately $1,084 in connection with a related claim and determined we would own the remaining 16 hotels unencumbered by Marriott contracts. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2021, we expensed $18,035 of working capital we previously funded under our Marriott agreement because the amount is no longer expected to be recoverable. This amount is included in transaction related costs in our consolidated statement of income (loss). We expect to sell or transition the branding and management of the remaining 16 Marriott branded hotels to Sonesta in the second quarter of 2022. For further information regarding this sale or for further discussion of the arbitration matters, see “Legal Proceedings” in Part I, Item 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
On June 7, 2021, we and Hyatt amended our Hyatt agreement. Under our Hyatt agreement, as amended, Hyatt continues to manage 17 hotels we own for a 10-year term effective April 1, 2021. Our Hyatt agreement, as amended, set our annual owner's priority return at $12,000, and Hyatt provided us with a new $30,000 limited guarantee for 75% of the aggregate annual owner's priority returns due to us beginning in 2023. Under our Hyatt agreement, as amended, a management fee of 5% of gross room revenues payable to Hyatt will be an operating cost paid senior to our owner's priority return. Hyatt may also earn a 20% incentive management fee after payment of our annual owner’s priority return and reimbursement of certain advances, if any. We agreed to fund approximately $50,000 of renovations that are expected to be completed by the end of 2022. In June 2021, we transitioned the branding and management of the remaining five hotels that Hyatt previously managed to Sonesta in June 2021.
On November 1, 2021, we and Radisson amended our Radisson agreement. Under our Radisson agreement, as amended, Radisson continues to manage eight hotels we own for a 10-year term effective August 1, 2021. Our Radisson agreement, as amended, set our annual owner's priority return at $10,200 and Radisson has provided us with a new $22,000 limited guarantee for 75% of the aggregate annual owner's priority returns beginning in 2023. Under our Radisson agreement, a management fee of 5% of gross room revenues for each hotel operated under the Country Inn & Suites brand and, as amended, a management fee of 3% of gross room revenues for each hotel managed under the Radisson Hotel brand payable to Radisson will be an operating cost paid senior to our owner's priority return. Radisson may also earn a 20% incentive management fee after payment of our annual owner's priority return and reimbursement of certain advances, if any. We also agreed to fund approximately $12,000 of renovations that are expected to be completed by the end of 2022. Also in November 2021, we transitioned the branding and management of the ninth hotel that Radisson previously managed to Sonesta.
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As of December 31, 2021, we own 261 hotels that are managed by Sonesta and 67 of these hotels are expected to be sold, or the sale hotels. In 2021 we transferred the branding and management of 94 hotels previously managed by Marriott, Hyatt and Radisson to Sonesta. We entered into management and pooling agreements with Sonesta with respect to these hotels on terms substantially consistent with our legacy management and pooling agreements with Sonesta, except that the agreements for these transitioned hotels were set to expire on December 31, 2021.
On January 7, 2022, we and Sonesta amended and restated our management agreements effective January 1, 2022. As of that date, we owned 261 hotels managed by Sonesta, including the 67 sale hotels. Among other terms, the changes to the agreements between us and Sonesta for 194 hotels, or the retained hotels, are as follows:
•The term for the retained hotels expires on January 31, 2037 and includes two 15-year renewal options.
•All retained hotels are subject to a pooling agreement that combines the management agreements for the retained hotels for purposes of calculating gross revenues, hotel operating expenses, fees and distributions and the owner’s priority return due to us.
•The owner’s priority return for the retained hotels is initially set at $325,200 annually. We have the right to terminate Sonesta’s management of specific hotels that we own if minimum performance thresholds are not met starting in 2023.
•We will renovate the retained hotels to comply with agreed upon brand standards. As we advance such funding or fund other capital expenditures, the aggregate annual owner’s priority return due to us will increase by 6% of the amounts funded.
•Trade area restrictions by hotel brand have been added to define boundaries to protect our owned hotels in response to Sonesta increasing its franchising and third-party management activities.
For the sale hotels, the term was extended to the earlier of December 31, 2022 (or until the applicable hotel has been sold) and the FF&E reserve funding requirement was removed. Our owner’s priority return will be reduced by the current owner’s priority return for a sale hotel once sold. The total owner’s priority for all the sale hotels is $84,653.
See Notes 5 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on these agreements.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we entered into rent deferral agreements for $2,792 of rent with four net lease tenants. We had $7,554 of deferred rents outstanding related to seven tenants who represent approximately 2.0% of our annualized rental income of our net lease retail portfolio as of December 31, 2021. Generally, the rent deferrals we have entered into are payable by the tenants over a 12 to 24 month period. We may receive additional similar requests in the future, and we may determine to grant additional relief in the future, which may vary from the type of relief we have granted to date, and could include more substantial relief, if we determine it prudent or appropriate to do so. In addition, if any of our tenants are unable to continue as going concerns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on economic conditions or otherwise, we will experience a reduction in rents received and we may be unable to find suitable replacement tenants for an extended period or at all and the terms of our leases with those replacement tenants may not be as favorable to us as the terms of our agreements with our existing tenants. As a result of these uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the duration and extent of the resulting economic conditions, we are unable to determine what the ultimate impact will be on our tenants and their ability and willingness to pay us rent and any additional impact this pandemic will have on our future cash flows. We reduced reserves for uncollectible amounts by $9 during the year ended December 31, 2021 and recorded reserves for uncollectible amounts of
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$9,892 during the year ended December 31, 2020. We had reserves for uncollectible rents of $15,519 and $18,230 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
We define net lease coverage as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent, or EBITDAR, divided by the annual minimum rent due to us weighted by the minimum rent of the property to total minimum rents of the net lease portfolio. EBITDAR amounts used to determine rent coverage are generally for the latest twelve month period reported based on the most recent operating information, if any, furnished by the tenant. Operating statements furnished by the tenant often are unaudited and, in certain cases, may not have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and are not independently verified by us. Tenants that do not report operating information are excluded from the coverage calculations. In instances where we do not have financial information for our portion of the measurement period from our tenants, we have calculated an implied EBITDAR for the period using industry benchmark data to more accurately reflect the current operating trends. As a result, we believe using this industry benchmark data provides a more reasonable estimated representation of recent operating results and coverage for those tenants. Our net lease properties generated coverage of 2.58x and 2.14x as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Our Operating Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal sources of funds to meet operating and capital expenses, debt service obligations and distributions to our shareholders are owner's priority returns and rents from our hotels and net lease portfolio and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We receive owner's priority returns and rents from our managers and tenants monthly. We may receive additional returns, percentage rents and our share of the operating profits of our managed hotels after payment of management fees and other deductions, if any, either monthly or quarterly, and these amounts are usually subject to annual reconciliations. We believe we have sufficient liquidity to withstand the current decline in operating cash flow, fund our capital expenditures, pay debt service obligations and make distributions to our shareholders for the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future thereafter. However, our managers and tenants may become further or increasingly unable or unwilling to pay owner's priority returns or rents to us when due as a result of economic conditions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and, as a result, our revenue, cash flow, and net income could decline. In response to the challenging operating environment posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the slowdown in U.S. economic activity experienced at times during the pandemic and the sharp decline in lodging demand beginning in March 2020, which has not recovered to pre-pandemic historical levels, we have taken steps to preserve liquidity by drawing down the remaining capacity on our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility, maintaining our quarterly distribution to our shareholders at $0.01 per share, which we expect to continue at that rate for the foreseeable future, subject to applicable REIT tax requirements, by selectively making capital expenditures, and by continuing to work with our hotel operators to reduce hotel operating expenses. We intend to use available cash in the near term predominantly to fund any operating losses at our hotels, to pay corporate expenses, including debt service, fund capital expenditures, and to pay distributions to our shareholders. As of December 31, 2021, we were not in compliance with one of our debt covenants necessary to incur additional debt, and as a result, we will not be able to incur additional debt until we satisfy that covenant. We may access equity markets or seek other sources of capital if favorable conditions exist for us in order to enhance our liquidity, reduce debt and to fund cash needs.
The following is a summary of our sources and uses of cash flows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period | $ | 91,456 | $ | 81,259 | $ | 76,003 | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in): | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating activities | 49,904 | 37,604 | 617,722 | |||||||||||||||||
| Investing activities | (101,310) | (51,807) | (2,130,044) | |||||||||||||||||
| Financing activities | 907,368 | 24,400 | 1,517,578 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period | $ | 947,418 | $ | 91,456 | $ | 81,259 | ||||||||||||||
The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the prior year period is primarily due to higher returns earned from our hotel portfolio in the 2021 period and the impact of utilizing security deposits in the 2020 period. The increase in cash flows used in investing activities in the 2021 period as compared to the prior year period is primarily due to lower proceeds during the 2021 period from property sales compared to 2020, an increase in hotel capital expenditures and a capital contribution we made to Sonesta in the 2021 period. The increase in cash provided by financing activities for the 2021 period as compared to the prior year period is primarily due to a draw down of the remaining capacity on our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility compared to net repayments of borrowings under the revolving credit facility in 2020, a decrease in net senior notes issuances and lower common share distributions compared to the 2020 period.
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We maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT under the IRC by meeting certain requirements. We lease 303 hotels to our wholly owned TRSs that are managed by hotel operating companies. As a REIT, we do not expect to pay federal income taxes on the majority of our income; however, the income realized by our TRSs in excess of the rent they pay to us is subject to U.S. federal income tax at corporate income tax rates. In addition, the income we receive from our hotels in Canada and Puerto Rico is subject to taxes in those jurisdictions and we are subject to taxes in certain states where we have properties despite our qualification for taxation as a REIT.
Our Investment and Financing Liquidity and Capital Resources
Various percentages of total sales at some of our hotels are escrowed as FF&E reserves to fund future capital improvements. During the year ended December 31, 2021, certain of our hotel managers deposited $18,385 to these accounts and spent $24,565 from the FF&E reserve escrow accounts to renovate and refurbish our hotels. As of December 31, 2021, there was $2,338 on deposit in these escrow accounts, which was held directly by us and is reflected in our consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash.
Our hotel operating agreements generally provide that, if necessary, we may provide our managers and tenants with funding for capital improvements to our hotels in excess of amounts otherwise available in escrowed FF&E reserves or when no FF&E reserves are available. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we funded $102,442 for capital improvements in excess of FF&E reserve fundings available from hotel operations to our hotels. We currently expect to fund $200,000 during 2022 for capital improvements to certain hotels using cash on hand.
Our net lease portfolio leases do not require FF&E escrow deposits. However, tenants under these leases are required to maintain the leased properties, including structural and non-structural components. Tenants under certain of our net lease portfolio leases, including TA, may request that we purchase qualifying capital improvements to the leased facilities in return for minimum rent increases or we may agree to provide allowances for tenant improvements upon execution of new leases or when renewing our existing leases. We did not fund any capital improvements to our properties that we leased to TA during the year ended December 31, 2021. Tenants are not obligated to request and we are not obligated to purchase any such improvements. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we funded $1,188 for capital improvements to our other net lease properties. As of December 31, 2021, we had $4,310 of unspent leasing-related obligations related to certain net lease tenants.
In March 2021, we funded a $25,443 capital contribution to Sonesta related to its acquisition of Red Lion Hotels Corporation using cash on hand to maintain our pro rata ownership of Sonesta.
In March 2021, we acquired a parcel of land adjacent to a property we own in Nashville, TN for a purchase price of $7,709, including acquisition related costs of $109, using cash on hand.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold seven hotels with 669 rooms for aggregate net proceeds of $39,635 and we sold 11 net lease properties with an aggregate of 97,276 rentable square feet for aggregate net proceeds of $11,502. We used the net proceeds from these sales for general business purposes. In January 2022, we sold one hotel with 295 rooms and a carrying value of $12,016 for a sales price of $19,000, excluding closing costs. We have also entered into agreements to sell 45 hotels with 5,680 rooms and an aggregate carrying value of $352,540 for an aggregate sales price of $402,365, excluding closing costs and have letters of intent or are in the process of marketing 43 additional properties with an aggregate carrying value of $150,962. The sales of these properties are subject to conditions; accordingly, we cannot provide any assurance that we will sell any of these properties and the terms of any of these properties we may sell may change. We expect to use the proceeds from the asset sales for general business purposes, which may include the repayment of debt.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we declared and paid quarterly distributions to common shareholders using cash on hand as follows:
| Declaration Date | Record Date | Paid Date | Dividend Per Common Share | Total Distributions | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 14, 2021 | January 25, 2021 | February 18, 2021 | $ | 0.01 | $ | 1,648 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| April 15, 2021 | April 26, 2021 | May 20, 2021 | 0.01 | 1,648 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 15, 2021 | July 26, 2021 | August 19, 2021 | 0.01 | 1,648 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 14, 2021 | October 25, 2021 | November 18, 2021 | 0.01 | 1,652 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 0.04 | $ | 6,596 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
On January 13, 2022, we declared a quarterly distribution to common shareholders of record on January 24, 2022 of $0.01 per share, or $1,652. We paid this amount on February 17, 2022 using cash on hand.
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In order to meet cash needs that may result from our desire or need to make distributions or pay operating or capital expenses, we maintain a $1,000,000 revolving credit facility which is governed by a credit agreement with a syndicate of institutional lenders. The maturity date of our revolving credit facility is July 15, 2022, and, subject to the payment of an extension fee and meeting certain other conditions as noted below, we have an option to extend the maturity date of this facility by two additional six-month periods. We are required to pay interest at the rate of LIBOR plus a premium, which was 235 basis points per annum, subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.50% at December 31, 2021, on the amount outstanding under our revolving credit facility. We also pay a facility fee on the total amount of lending commitments under our revolving credit facility, which was 30 basis points per annum at December 31, 2021. Both the interest rate premium and the facility fee are subject to adjustment based upon changes to our credit ratings. We can borrow, subject to meeting certain financial covenants, repay and reborrow funds available under our revolving credit facility until maturity, and no principal repayment is due until maturity. As of December 31, 2021, the annual interest rate payable on borrowings under our revolving credit facility was 2.85%. On January 19, 2021, we borrowed $972,793 under our revolving credit facility as a precautionary measure to preserve financial flexibility. As of December 31, 2021, we were fully drawn under our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility and remain fully drawn as of February 22, 2022.
We and our lenders amended our credit agreement governing our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility in 2020. Among other things, the amendments waived all of the then existing financial covenants through the end of the current agreement term, or July 15, 2022. As a result of the amendments, among other things:
•we pledged certain equity interests of subsidiaries owning properties and provided first mortgage liens on 74 properties owned by certain of the pledged subsidiaries with an undepreciated book value of $1,834,420 as of December 31, 2021 to secure our obligations under the credit agreement;
•we have the ability to fund up to $250,000 of capital expenditures per year and up to $50,000 of certain other investments per year as defined in the credit agreement;
•we agreed to certain covenants and restrictions on distributions to common shareholders, share repurchases, incurring indebtedness, and acquiring real property (in each case subject to various exceptions);
•we agreed to maintain minimum liquidity of $125,000;
•we are generally required to apply the net cash proceeds from the disposition of assets, capital markets transactions and debt refinancings to repay outstanding amounts under the credit agreement, and then to other debt maturities;
•in order to exercise the first six month extension option under the credit agreement, we would need to be in compliance with the financial covenants under the agreement calculated using pro forma projections as defined in the agreement for the quarter ending June 30, 2022, annualized, and have repaid or refinanced our $500,000 senior notes due in August 2022; and
•we may not utilize the feature in our credit agreement pursuant to which maximum aggregate borrowings may be increased to up to $2,300,000 on a combined basis in certain circumstances until we demonstrate compliance with certain covenants.
As noted above, our revolving credit facility matures on July 15, 2022 and we may be unable to meet the conditions required to exercise the extension option provided for in our credit agreement. We are in discussions with our lenders regarding a potential extension of the existing waivers or additional covenant waivers, but we cannot assure that we will be granted any such relief. We currently expect we will have enough cash to repay the amounts outstanding on our revolving credit facility using existing cash balances and proceeds we expect to receive from asset sales or other capital transactions we may complete prior to its maturity.
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Our term debt maturities (other than our revolving credit facility) as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:
| Year | Maturity | |||||||
| 2022 | $ | 500,000 | ||||||
| 2023 | 500,000 | |||||||
| 2024 | 1,175,000 | |||||||
| 2025 | 1,150,000 | |||||||
| 2026 | 800,000 | |||||||
| 2027 | 850,000 | |||||||
| 2028 | 400,000 | |||||||
| 2029 | 425,000 | |||||||
| 2030 | 400,000 | |||||||
| $ | 6,200,000 | |||||||
None of our unsecured debt obligations require principal or sinking fund payments prior to their maturity dates.
We currently expect to use cash on hand, the cash flows from our operations, borrowings under our revolving credit facility (when available), net proceeds from any asset sales and net proceeds of offerings of equity or debt securities, as allowed by our existing debt agreements, to fund our future debt maturities, operations, capital expenditures, distributions to our shareholders and other general business purposes.
When significant amounts are outstanding for an extended period of time under our revolving credit facility, or the maturities of our indebtedness approach, we currently expect to explore refinancing alternatives. Such alternatives may include incurring additional debt when permitted under our debt agreements, issuing new equity securities and the sale of properties. We have an effective shelf registration statement that allows us to issue public securities on an expedited basis, but it does not assure that there will be buyers for such securities. We may also seek to participate in joint ventures or other arrangements that may provide us additional sources of financing. Although we have not historically done so, we may also assume mortgage debt on properties we may acquire or obtain mortgage financing on our existing properties.
While we believe we will generally have access to various types of financings, including debt or equity, to fund our future acquisitions and to pay our debts and other obligations, we cannot be sure that we will be able to complete any debt or equity offerings or other types of financings or that our cost of any future public or private financings will not increase. Also, as noted above, we are currently limited in our ability to incur additional debt pursuant to our debt agreements and are currently unable to incur any additional debt while we are below the 1.5x debt service coverage ratio requirement under our public debt covenants as described below.
Our ability to complete, and the costs associated with, future debt transactions depends primarily upon credit market conditions and our then perceived creditworthiness. We have no control over market conditions. Our credit ratings depend upon evaluations by credit rating agencies of our business practices and plans, including our ability to maintain our earnings, to stagger our debt maturities and to balance our use of debt and equity capital so that our financial performance and leverage ratios afford us flexibility to withstand any reasonably anticipated adverse changes. Similarly, our ability to raise equity capital in the future will depend primarily upon equity capital market conditions and our ability to conduct our business to maintain and grow our operating cash flows. We intend to conduct our business activities in a manner which will afford us reasonable access to capital for investment and financing activities. However, as discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the continued duration and severity of the current economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are uncertain and may have various negative consequences on us and our operations including a decline in financing availability and increased costs for financing. Further, such conditions could also disrupt the capital markets generally and limit our access to financing from public sources or on favorable terms, particularly if the global financial markets experience significant disruptions.
Debt Covenants
Our debt obligations at December 31, 2021 consisted of outstanding borrowings under our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility and $6,200,000 of publicly issued term debt. Our publicly issued term debt is governed by our indentures and related supplements. These indentures and related supplements and our credit agreement contain covenants that generally restrict our ability to incur debts, including debts secured by mortgages on our properties, in excess of calculated amounts, and require us to maintain various financial ratios and our credit agreement currently restricts our ability to make certain investments and limits our distributions under certain circumstances. Our credit agreement and our unsecured senior notes, indentures and their supplements provide for acceleration of payment of all amounts outstanding upon the occurrence and continuation of certain events of default, such as, in the case of our credit agreement, a change of control of us, which includes RMR LLC ceasing to act as our business manager. As of December 31, 2021, we believe we were in compliance with all of the covenants under our
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indentures and their supplements and our credit agreement, subject to the waivers described above and except as otherwise noted above and below.
Senior Notes Indenture Covenants
The following table summarizes the results of the financial tests required by the indentures and related supplements for our senior unsecured notes as of December 31, 2021:
| Actual Results | Covenant Requirement | ||||||||||||||||
| Total debt / adjusted total assets | 56.4% | Maximum of 60% | |||||||||||||||
| Secured debt / adjusted total assets | 7.8% | Maximum of 40% | |||||||||||||||
| Consolidated income available for debt service / debt service | 1.20x | Minimum of 1.50x | |||||||||||||||
| Total unencumbered assets / unsecured debt | 176.3% | Minimum 150% | |||||||||||||||
The above consolidated income available for debt service to debt service coverage ratio as of December 31, 2021 is based on results for the year ended December 31, 2021. This ratio was 1.56x as of year-end December 31, 2020 and, as noted above, 1.20x as of December 31, 2021. We are currently unable to incur additional debt while we remain below the required covenant level.
Acceleration and Cross-Default
Neither our indentures and their supplements nor our credit agreement contain provisions for acceleration which could be triggered by a change in our debt ratings. However, under our credit agreement, our highest senior debt rating is used to determine the fees and interest rates we pay.
Our public debt indentures and their supplements contain cross default provisions to any other debt of $20,000 or more ($50,000 or more in the case of our indenture entered into in February 2016 and its supplements). Similarly, our credit agreement has cross default provisions to other indebtedness that is recourse of $25,000 or more and indebtedness that is non-recourse of $75,000 or more.
Supplemental Guarantor Information
Our $800,000 of 7.50% unsecured senior notes due 2025, or the 2025 Notes, and our $450,000 of 5.50% unsecured senior notes due 2027, or the 2027 Notes, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis and on a senior unsecured basis, by all of our subsidiaries, except for certain excluded subsidiaries, including our foreign subsidiaries and our subsidiaries pledged under our credit agreement. The notes and the guarantees will be effectively subordinated to all of our and the subsidiary guarantors' secured indebtedness, respectively, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such secured indebtedness, and will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities and any preferred equity of any of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the notes. Our remaining $4,950,000 of senior unsecured notes do not have the benefit of any guarantees.
A subsidiary guarantor's guarantee of the 2025 Notes and 2027 Notes and all other obligations of such subsidiary guarantor under the indentures governing the notes will automatically terminate and such subsidiary guarantor will automatically be released from all of its obligations under such subsidiary guarantee and such indenture under certain circumstances, including on or after the date on which (a) the notes have received a rating equal to or higher than Baa2 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s, or BBB (or the equivalent) by S&P, or if Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate the notes for reasons outside of our control, the equivalent investment grade rating from any other rating agency and (b) no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing under the indenture. Our non-guarantor subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and will have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due on these notes or the guarantees, or to make any funds available therefor, whether by dividend, distribution, loan or other payments. The rights of holders of these notes to benefit from any of the assets of our non-guarantor subsidiaries are subject to the prior satisfaction of claims of those subsidiaries' creditors and any preferred equity holders. As a result, these notes and the related guarantees will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness, guarantees and other liabilities of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee these notes, including guarantees of or pledges under other indebtedness of ours, payment obligations under lease agreements, trade payables and preferred equity.
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The following table presents summarized financial information for us and the subsidiary guarantors, on a combined basis after elimination of (i) intercompany transactions and balances among us and the subsidiary guarantors and (ii) equity in earnings from, and any investments in, any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries:
| As of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||
Real estate properties, net(1) | $ | 5,607,883 | ||||||
Intercompany balances(2) | 826,338 | |||||||
| Other assets, net | 2,074,353 | |||||||
| Indebtedness, net | $ | 7,143,022 | ||||||
| Other liabilities | 430,267 | |||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||
Revenues | $ | 1,318,080 | ||||||
Expenses | 1,920,573 | |||||||
Net loss | $ | (602,493) | ||||||
(1)Real estate properties, net as of December 31, 2021 includes $199,637 of properties owned directly by us and not included in the assets of the subsidiary guarantors.
(2)Intercompany balances represent receivables from non-guarantor subsidiaries.
Related Person Transactions
We have relationships and historical and continuing transactions with RMR LLC, RMR Inc., TA and Sonesta and others affiliated with them. For further information about these and other such relationships and related person transactions, see Notes 4, 5, 8 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are incorporated herein by reference and our other filings with the SEC, including our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or our definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. For further information about the risks that may arise as a result of these and other related person transactions and relationships, see elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Warning Concerning Forward-Looking Statements,” “Business” in Part I, Item 1 and “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We may engage in additional transactions with related persons, including businesses to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide management services.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our critical accounting policies are those that will have the most impact on the reporting of our financial condition and results of operations and those requiring significant judgments and estimates. We believe that our judgments and estimates have been and will be consistently applied and produce financial information that fairly presents our results of operations. Our most critical accounting policies involve our investments in real property. These policies affect our:
•variable interest entities, or VIEs;
•allocation of purchase prices between various asset categories and the related impact on the recognition of depreciation and amortization expenses;
•assessment of the carrying values and impairments of real estate, intangible assets and equity investments;
•classification of leases and the related impact to our financial statements; and
•income taxes.
We have determined that each of our wholly owned TRSs is a VIE, as defined under the Consolidation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification™, or the Codification. We have concluded that we must consolidate each of our wholly owned TRSs because we are the entity with the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact such VIE’s performance and we have the obligation to absorb the majority of the potential variability in gains and losses of each VIE, with the primary focus on losses, and are therefore the primary beneficiary of each VIE.
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We allocate the acquisition cost of each property investment to various property components such as land, buildings and equipment and intangibles based on their relative fair values and each component generally has a different useful life. For acquired real estate, we record building, land, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and, if applicable, the value of acquired in-place leases, the fair market value of above or below market leases and customer relationships at fair value. For transactions that qualify as business combinations we allocate the excess, if any, of the consideration over the fair value of assets acquired to goodwill. We base purchase price allocations and the determination of useful lives on our estimates and, under some circumstances, studies from independent real estate appraisers to provide market information and evaluations that are relevant to our purchase price allocations and determinations of useful lives; however, our management is ultimately responsible for the purchase price allocations and determination of useful lives.
We compute depreciation expense using the straight line method over estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for buildings and improvements, and up to 12 years for personal property. We amortize the value of intangible assets over the shorter of their estimated useful lives, or the term of the respective lease or the affected contract. We do not depreciate the allocated cost of land. Purchase price allocations and estimates of useful lives require us to make certain assumptions and estimates. Incorrect assumptions and estimates may result in inaccurate depreciation and amortization charges over future periods.
We periodically evaluate our real estate and other assets for possible impairment indicators. These indicators may include weak or declining operating profitability, cash flows or liquidity, our decision to dispose of an asset before the end of its estimated useful life or market or industry changes that could permanently reduce the value of our investments. If indicators of impairment are present, we evaluate the carrying value of the related investment by comparing it to the expected future undiscounted cash flows to be generated from that investment. If the sum of these expected future cash flows is less than the carrying value, we reduce the net carrying value of the property to its estimated fair value.
We test our indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis and on an interim basis if events or changes in circumstances between annual tests indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test requires us to determine the estimated fair value of the intangible asset. An impairment charge is recorded if the fair value is determined to be lower than the carrying value.
We periodically evaluate our equity method investments for possible indicators of other than temporary impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. These indicators may include the length of time and degree to which the market value of our investment is below our cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer, our intent and ability to be a long term holder of the investment and other considerations. If the decline in fair value is judged to be other than temporary, we may record an impairment charge to adjust the basis of the investment to its fair value.
We determine the fair value for our long lived assets and indefinite lived intangible assets by evaluating recent financial performance and projecting discounted cash flows using standard industry valuation techniques. These analyses require us to judge whether indicators of impairment exist and to estimate likely future cash flows. If we misjudge or estimate incorrectly or if future operating profitability, market or industry factors differ from our expectations, we may record an impairment charge which is inappropriate, fail to record a charge when we should have done so or the amount of such charges may be inaccurate.
Certain of our properties are leased on a triple net basis, pursuant to non-cancelable, fixed term, operating leases. Each time we enter a new lease or materially modify an existing lease we evaluate its classification as either a finance or operating lease. The classification of a lease as finance, sales-type, direct financing or operating affects the carrying value of a property, as well as our recognition of rental payments as revenue. These evaluations require us to make estimates of, among other things, the remaining useful life and market value of a leased property, appropriate present value discount rates and future cash flows. Incorrect assumptions or estimates may result in misclassification of our leases. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the impact to our accounting for leases due to recent accounting pronouncements.
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We account for income taxes in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the Codification. Under this Topic, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We establish valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are expected to be realized when necessary. We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the IRC and are generally not subject to federal and state income taxation on our operating income provided we distribute our taxable income to our shareholders and meet certain organization and operating requirements. Despite our qualification for taxation as a REIT, we are subject to income tax in Canada, Puerto Rico and in certain states. Further, we lease our managed hotels to our wholly owned TRSs that, unlike most of our subsidiaries, file a separate consolidated tax return and are subject to federal, state and foreign income tax. Our consolidated income tax provision (or benefit) includes the income tax provision (or benefit) related to the operations of the TRSs and state and foreign income taxes incurred by us despite our qualification for taxation as a REIT. The Income Taxes Topic also prescribes how we should recognize, measure and present in our financial statements uncertain tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in a tax return. Tax benefits are recognized only to the extent that it is “more likely than not” that a particular tax position will be sustained upon examination or audit. To the extent the “more likely than not” standard has been satisfied, the benefit associated with a tax position is measured as the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Tax returns filed for the 2018 through 2021 tax years are subject to examination by taxing authorities. We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in our financial statements as a component of general and administrative expense.
These accounting policies involve significant judgments made based upon our experience and the experience of our management and our Board of Trustees, including judgments about current valuations, ultimate realizable value, estimated useful lives, salvage or residual value, the ability and willingness of our tenants and operators to perform their obligations to us, and the current and likely future operating and competitive environments in which our properties operate. In the future, we may need to revise our carrying value assessments to incorporate information which is not now known, and such revisions could increase or decrease our depreciation expense related to properties we own, result in the classification of our leases as other than operating leases or decrease the carrying values of our assets.
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Property and Operating Statistics (dollar amounts in thousands)
As of December 31, 2021, we owned and managed a diverse portfolio of hotels and net lease properties across the United States and in Puerto Rico and Canada with 145 distinct brands across 22 industries.
Hotel Portfolio
The following tables summarize the operating statistics, including ADR, occupancy and RevPAR reported to us by our hotel managers or tenants by hotel brand for the periods indicated. All operating data presented are based upon the operating results provided by our hotel managers and tenants for the indicated periods. We have not independently verified our managers’ or tenants’ operating data.
| Comparable Hotels* | No. of Hotels | No. of Rooms or Suites | Occupancy | ADR | RevPAR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service Level | Year Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sonesta (1) | Full Service | 18 | 6,110 | 47.6 | % | 35.5 | % | 12.1 pts | $ | 116.07 | $ | 117.10 | (0.9) | % | $ | 55.25 | $ | 41.57 | 32.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Sonesta (1) | Full Service | 8 | 2,362 | 32.3 | % | 25.5 | % | 6.8 pts | 159.20 | 142.73 | 11.5 | % | 51.42 | 36.40 | 41.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Radisson Hotel | Full Service | 4 | 969 | 52.8 | % | 34.9 | % | 17.9 pts | 106.26 | 102.80 | 3.4 | % | 56.11 | 35.88 | 56.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crowne Plaza | Full Service | 1 | 495 | 46.6 | % | 29.6 | % | 17.0 pts | 111.83 | 111.50 | 0.3 | % | 52.11 | 33.00 | 57.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Country Inn and Suites | Full Service | 1 | 84 | 51.5 | % | 40.0 | % | 11.5 pts | 87.47 | 83.33 | 5.0 | % | 45.05 | 33.33 | 35.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full Service Total/Average | 32 | 10,020 | 44.4 | % | 32.9 | % | 11.5 pts | 121.91 | 119.73 | 1.8 | % | 54.13 | 39.39 | 37.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sonesta Select (1) | Select Service | 63 | 8,888 | 37.2 | % | 30.9 | % | 6.3 pts | 100.94 | 107.61 | (6.2) | % | 37.55 | 33.25 | 12.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hyatt Place | Select Service | 17 | 2,107 | 60.7 | % | 45.1 | % | 15.6 pts | 101.76 | 92.88 | 9.6 | % | 61.77 | 41.89 | 47.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Courtyard | Select Service | 13 | 1,813 | 50.7 | % | 30.0 | % | 20.7 pts | 103.14 | 92.68 | 11.3 | % | 52.29 | 27.80 | 88.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Select Service Total/Average | 93 | 12,808 | 43.0 | % | 33.1 | % | 9.9 pts | 101.50 | 102.40 | (0.9) | % | 43.65 | 33.89 | 28.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sonesta ES Suites (1) | Extended Stay | 90 | 11,233 | 65.9 | % | 53.7 | % | 12.2 pts | 100.09 | 102.18 | (2.0) | % | 65.96 | 54.87 | 20.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sonesta Simply Suites (1) | Extended Stay | 62 | 7,698 | 68.6 | % | 62.8 | % | 5.8 pts | 71.06 | 69.52 | 2.2 | % | 48.75 | 43.66 | 11.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residence Inn | Extended Stay | 3 | 342 | 57.2 | % | 42.0 | % | 15.2 pts | 110.01 | 104.26 | 5.5 | % | 62.93 | 43.79 | 43.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Extended Stay Total/Average | 155 | 19,273 | 66.8 | % | 57.2 | % | 9.6 pts | 88.40 | 87.85 | 0.6 | % | 59.05 | 50.25 | 17.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparable Hotels Total/Average | 280 | 42,101 | 54.2 | % | 44.1 | % | 10.1 pts | $ | 98.07 | $ | 96.84 | 1.3 | % | $ | 53.15 | $ | 42.71 | 24.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
*We generally define comparable hotels as those that were owned by us and were open and operating for the entire periods being compared. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, our comparable results excluded 23 hotels that had suspended operations during part of the periods presented.
| All Hotels* | No. of Hotels | No. of Rooms or Suites | Occupancy | ADR | RevPAR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service Level | Year Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sonesta (1) | Full Service | 25 | 8,040 | 47.3 | % | 33.3 | % | 14.0 pts | 128.25 | 122.18 | 5.0 | % | 60.66 | 40.69 | 49.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Sonesta (1) | Full Service | 17 | 5,663 | 35.7 | % | 23.7 | % | 12.0 pts | 190.02 | 170.45 | 11.5 | % | 67.84 | 40.40 | 67.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Radisson Hotel | Full Service | 5 | 1,149 | 50.4 | % | 32.1 | % | 18.3 pts | 105.23 | 108.73 | (3.2) | % | 53.04 | 34.90 | 52.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crowne Plaza | Full Service | 1 | 495 | 46.6 | % | 29.6 | % | 17.0 pts | 111.83 | 111.50 | 0.3 | % | 52.11 | 33.00 | 57.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Country Inn and Suites | Full Service | 3 | 430 | 50.0 | % | 25.9 | % | 24.1 pts | $ | 109.10 | $ | 99.25 | 9.9 | % | $ | 54.55 | $ | 25.71 | 112.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full Service Total/Average | 51 | 15,777 | 43.5 | % | 29.6 | % | 13.9 pts | 143.02 | 133.28 | 7.3 | % | 62.21 | 39.45 | 57.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sonesta Select (1) | Select Service | 63 | 8,888 | 41.8 | % | 30.9 | % | 10.9 pts | 100.94 | 107.61 | (6.2) | % | 42.19 | 33.25 | 26.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hyatt Place | Select Service | 17 | 2,107 | 63.3 | % | 45.1 | % | 18.2 pts | 101.76 | 92.88 | 9.6 | % | 64.41 | 41.89 | 53.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Courtyard | Select Service | 13 | 1,813 | 50.8 | % | 30.0 | % | 20.8 pts | 103.14 | 92.68 | 11.3 | % | 52.40 | 27.80 | 88.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Select Service Total/Average | 93 | 12,808 | 43.0 | % | 33.1 | % | 9.9 pts | 101.50 | 102.40 | (0.9) | % | 43.65 | 33.89 | 28.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sonesta ES Suites (1) | Extended Stay | 91 | 11,379 | 65.4 | % | 53.4 | % | 12.0 pts | 100.25 | 102.28 | (2.0) | % | 65.56 | 54.62 | 20.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sonesta Simply Suites (1) | Extended Stay | 65 | 8,040 | 66.9 | % | 62.2 | % | 4.7 pts | 70.58 | 69.11 | 2.1 | % | 47.22 | 42.99 | 9.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residence Inn | Extended Stay | 3 | 342 | 58.6 | % | 42.0 | % | 16.6 pts | 110.01 | 104.26 | 5.5 | % | 64.47 | 43.79 | 47.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Extended Stay Total/Average | 159 | 19,761 | 66.8 | % | 56.8 | % | 10.0 pts | 88.08 | 87.51 | 0.7 | % | 58.84 | 49.71 | 18.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Hotels Total/Average | 303 | 48,346 | 53.0 | % | 42.0 | % | 11.2 pts | $ | 105.36 | $ | 100.77 | 4.3 | % | $ | 55.84 | $ | 42.32 | 32.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
* Results of all hotels owned as of December 31, 2021. Excludes the results of hotels sold during the periods presented.
(1)Includes operator data for periods prior to when certain hotels were managed by Sonesta.
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Net Lease Portfolio
As of December 31, 2021, our net lease properties were 98.1% occupied and we had 30 properties available for lease. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we entered into lease renewals for 828,452 rentable square feet (30 properties) at weighted (by rentable square feet) average rents that were 2.7% below prior rents for the same space. The weighted (by rentable square feet) average lease term for these leases was 13.1 years. Also during the year ended December 31, 2021, we entered into new leases for an aggregate of 185,288 rentable square feet (12 properties) at weighted (by rentable square feet) average rents that were 27.4% below prior rents for the same space. The weighted (by rentable square feet) average lease term for these leases was 13.1 years.
As of December 31, 2021, our net lease tenants operated across more than 134 brands. The following table identifies the top ten brands based on annualized minimum rent.
| Brand | No. of Buildings | Investment (1) | Percent of Total Investment | Annualized Minimum Rent (2) | Percent of Total Annualized Minimum Rent (2) | Coverage (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. | TravelCenters of America | 134 | $ | 2,289,189 | 44.6 | % | $ | 168,012 | 45.4 | % | 2.26x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. | Petro Stopping Centers | 45 | 1,021,226 | 19.9 | % | 78,099 | 21.1 | % | 1.99x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. | AMC Theatres | 11 | 102,580 | 2.0 | % | 7,751 | 2.1 | % | 0.18x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. | The Great Escape | 14 | 98,242 | 1.9 | % | 7,140 | 1.9 | % | 7.79x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. | Life Time Fitness | 3 | 92,617 | 1.8 | % | 5,770 | 1.6 | % | 1.24x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6. | Buehler's Fresh Foods | 5 | 76,536 | 1.5 | % | 5,657 | 1.5 | % | 5.90x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7. | Heartland Dental | 59 | 61,120 | 1.2 | % | 4,561 | 1.2 | % | 4.36x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8. | Norms | 10 | 53,673 | 1.0 | % | 1,584 | 0.4 | % | 0.47x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9. | Express Oil Change | 23 | 49,724 | 1.0 | % | 3,717 | 1.0 | % | 4.34x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10. | Regal Cinemas | 6 | 44,476 | 0.9 | % | 3,658 | 1.0 | % | 0.17x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11. | Other (4) | 478 | 1,241,808 | 24.2 | % | 83,784 | 22.8 | % | 3.39x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 788 | $ | 5,131,191 | 100.0 | % | $ | 369,733 | 100.0 | % | 2.58x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Represents historical cost of our properties plus capital improvements funded by us less impairment write-downs, if any.
(2)Each of the leases in our net lease portfolio provides for payment to us of minimum rent. Certain of these minimum payment amounts are secured by full or limited guarantees. Annualized minimum rent amounts represent cash rent amounts due to us and exclude adjustments, if any, to record scheduled rent changes under certain of our leases, the deferred rent obligations payable to us under our leases with TA, and the estimated future payments to us under our TA leases for the cost of removing underground storage tanks at our travel centers on a straight line basis, or any reimbursement of expenses paid by us.
(3)See page 64 for our definition of coverage.
(4)Consists of 124 distinct brands with an average investment of $10,140 and average annual minimum rent of $676.
As of December 31, 2021, our top ten net lease tenants based on our investments are listed below.
| Tenant | Brand Affiliation | No. of Buildings | Investment (1) | Percent of Total Investment | Annualized Minimum Rent (2) | Percent of Total Annualized Minimum Rent (2) | Coverage (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. | TravelCenters of America | TravelCenters of America / Petro Stopping Centers | 179 | $ | 3,310,415 | 64.5 | % | $ | 246,110 | 66.6 | % | 2.18x | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. | American Multi-Cinema, Inc. | AMC Theatres | 11 | 102,580 | 2.0 | % | 7,751 | 2.1 | % | 0.18x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. | Universal Pool Co., Inc. | The Great Escape | 14 | 98,242 | 1.9 | % | 7,140 | 1.9 | % | 7.79x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. | Healthy Way of Life II, LLC | Life Time Fitness | 3 | 92,617 | 1.8 | % | 5,770 | 1.6 | % | 1.24x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. | Styx Acquisition, LLC | Buehler's Fresh Foods | 5 | 76,536 | 1.5 | % | 5,657 | 1.5 | % | 5.90x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6. | Professional Resource Development, Inc. | Heartland Dental | 59 | 61,120 | 1.2 | % | 4,561 | 1.2 | % | 4.36x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7. | Norms Restaurants, LLC | Norms | 10 | 53,673 | 1.0 | % | 1,584 | 0.4 | % | 0.47x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8. | Express Oil Change, L.L.C. | Express Oil Change | 23 | 49,724 | 1.0 | % | 3,717 | 1.0 | % | 4.34x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9. | Regal Cinemas, Inc. | Regal Cinemas | 6 | 44,476 | 0.9 | % | 3,658 | 1 | % | 0.17x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10. | Pilot Travel Centers LLC | Pilot Travel Center | 3 | 41,681 | 0.8 | % | 3,183 | 0.9 | % | 4.03x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal, top 10 | 313 | 3,931,064 | 76.6 | % | 289,131 | 78.2 | % | 2.37x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11. | Other (5) | Various | 475 | 1,200,127 | 23.4 | % | 80,602 | 21.8 | % | 3.35x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 788 | $ | 5,131,191 | 100.0 | % | $ | 369,733 | 100.0 | % | 2.58x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Represents historical cost of our net lease properties plus capital improvements funded by us less impairment write-downs, if any.
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(2)Each of our leases provides for payment to us of minimum rent. Certain of these minimum payment amounts are secured by full or limited guarantees. Annualized minimum rent amounts represent cash rent amounts due to us and exclude adjustments, if any, to record scheduled rent changes under certain of our leases, the deferred rent obligations payable to us under our leases with TA, and the estimated future payments to us under our TA leases for the cost of removing underground storage tanks at our travel centers on a straight line basis, or any reimbursement of expenses paid by us.
(3)See page 64 for our definition of coverage.
(4)TA is our largest tenant. We lease 179 travel centers (134 under the TravelCenters of America brand and 45 under the Petro Stopping Centers brand) to a subsidiary of TA under master leases that expire in 2029, 2031, 2032, 2033 and 2035, respectively. TA has two renewal options for 15 years each for all of the travel centers. In addition to the payment of our minimum rent, the TA leases provide for payment to us of percentage rent based on increases in total non-fuel revenues over base levels (3.5% of non-fuel revenues above threshold amounts defined in the agreements). TA’s remaining deferred rent obligation of $22,018 as of December 31, 2021 is being paid in quarterly installments of $4,404 through January 31, 2023.
(5)Consists of 164 tenants with an average investment of $7,318 and average annual minimum rent of $491.
As of December 31, 2021, our net lease tenants operated across 21 distinct industries within the service-oriented retail sector of the U.S. economy.
| Industry | No. of Buildings (1) | Investment (1) | Percent of Total Investment | Annualized Minimum Rent (2) | Percent of Total Annualized Minimum Rent (2) | Coverage (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Travel Centers | 182 | $ | 3,352,096 | 65.3% | $ | 249,293 | 67.5 | % | 2.20x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurants-Quick Service | 227 | 301,528 | 5.9% | 20,365 | 5.5 | % | 2.92x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurants-Casual Dining | 53 | 192,170 | 3.7% | 9,642 | 2.6 | % | 2.00x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Movie Theaters | 22 | 190,725 | 3.7% | 14,008 | 3.8 | % | 0.23x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Health and Fitness | 13 | 185,458 | 3.6% | 10,964 | 3.0 | % | 1.45x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grocery Stores | 19 | 129,219 | 2.5% | 9,180 | 2.5 | % | 5.38x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home Goods and Leisure | 20 | 118,899 | 2.3% | 9,041 | 2.4 | % | 7.79x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Medical, Dental Office | 71 | 118,098 | 2.3% | 9,355 | 2.5 | % | 4.19x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automotive Equipment & Services | 64 | 98,473 | 1.9% | 7,126 | 1.9 | % | 3.19x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Entertainment | 4 | 61,436 | 1.2% | 4,343 | 1.2 | % | 2.18x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automotive Dealers | 8 | 60,119 | 1.2% | 5,080 | 1.4 | % | 6.16x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General Merchandise Stores | 5 | 56,321 | 1.1% | 3,892 | 1.1 | % | 3.24x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Educational Services | 9 | 55,647 | 1.1% | 4,376 | 1.2 | % | 1.42x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous Manufacturing | 7 | 32,873 | 0.6% | 2,445 | 0.7 | % | 15.54x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Building Materials | 27 | 31,317 | 0.6% | 2,610 | 0.7 | % | 4.20x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Car Washes | 5 | 28,658 | 0.6% | 2,128 | 0.6 | % | 1.89x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Drug Stores and Pharmacies | 7 | 19,251 | 0.4% | 1,258 | 0.3 | % | 1.95x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sporting Goods | 3 | 17,595 | 0.3% | 1,081 | 0.2 | % | 5.12x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Legal Services | 5 | 11,362 | 0.2% | 1,119 | 0.2 | % | -2.75x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dollar Stores | 3 | 2,971 | 0.1% | 186 | 0.1 | % | 3.09x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 4 | 10,419 | 0.2% | 2,241 | 0.6 | % | 2.52x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vacant | 30 | 56,556 | 1.1% | — | — | % | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 788 | $ | 5,131,191 | 100.0% | $ | 369,733 | 100.0 | % | 2.58x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Represents historical cost of our net lease properties plus capital improvements funded by us less impairment write-downs, if any.
(2)Each of the leases in our net lease portfolio provides for payment to us of minimum rent, respectively. Certain of these minimum payment amounts are secured by full or limited guarantees. Annualized minimum rent amounts represent cash rent amounts due to us and exclude adjustments, if any, to record scheduled rent changes under certain of our leases, the deferred rent obligations payable to us under our leases with TA, and the estimated future payments to us under our TA leases for the cost of removing underground storage tanks at our travel centers on a straight line basis, or any reimbursement of expenses paid by us.
(3)See page 64 for our definition of coverage.
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As of December 31, 2021, lease expirations at our net lease properties by year are as follows.
| Percent of Total | Cumulative % of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Square | Annualized Minimum | Annualized Minimum | Total Minimum | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year(1) | Feet | Rent Expiring | Rent Expiring | Rent Expiring | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 384,823 | 2,939 | 0.8% | 0.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 317,732 | 2,902 | 0.8% | 1.6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 779,371 | 11,639 | 3.1% | 4.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 434,358 | 8,903 | 2.4% | 7.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 1,077,985 | 11,970 | 3.2% | 10.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2027 | 976,451 | 13,347 | 3.6% | 13.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2028 | 562,490 | 9,712 | 2.6% | 16.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2029 | 1,324,129 | 47,806 | 12.9% | 29.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2030 | 138,590 | 4,160 | 1.1% | 30.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2031 | 1,313,222 | 48,782 | 13.2% | 43.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2032 | 1,266,322 | 53,390 | 14.4% | 58.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2033 | 1,146,326 | 52,267 | 14.3% | 72.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2034 | 115,646 | 4,057 | 1.1% | 73.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2035 | 2,234,644 | 80,285 | 21.7% | 95.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2036 | 552,708 | 6,878 | 1.9% | 97.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2037 | 3,030 | 70 | 0.0% | 97.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2038 | 44,484 | 1,048 | 0.3% | 97.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2039 | 134,901 | 3,209 | 0.9% | 98.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2040 | 115,142 | 2,441 | 0.7% | 99.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2041 | 223,043 | 2,189 | 0.6% | 99.6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2042 | 57,499 | 155 | 0.0% | 99.6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2043 | — | — | 0.0% | 99.6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2044 | — | — | 0.0% | 99.6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2045 | 63,489 | 1,584 | 0.4% | 100.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 13,266,385 | $ | 369,733 | 100.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)The year of lease expiration is pursuant to contract terms.
As of December 31, 2021, shown below is the list of our top ten states where our net lease properties are located. No other state represents more than 2% of our net lease annual minimum rents.
| Percent of Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Square | Annualized Minimum | Annualized Minimum | ||||||||||||||||||
| State | Feet | Rent | Rent | |||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 1,205,393 | $ | 32,399 | 8.8% | ||||||||||||||||
| Ohio | 1,302,273 | 26,241 | 7.1% | |||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | 1,016,187 | 26,108 | 7.1% | |||||||||||||||||
| California | 399,045 | 21,774 | 5.9% | |||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 597,248 | 20,180 | 5.5% | |||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 538,130 | 16,117 | 4.4% | |||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 476,651 | 16,865 | 4.6% | |||||||||||||||||
| Indiana | 637,239 | 16,994 | 4.6% | |||||||||||||||||
| Pennsylvania | 543,959 | 15,534 | 4.2% | |||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 190,262 | 9,625 | 2.6% | |||||||||||||||||
| Other | 6,615,673 | 167,896 | 45.2% | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | 13,522,060 | $ | 369,733 | 100.0% | ||||||||||||||||
Seasonality
Our hotels and travel centers have historically experienced seasonal differences typical of their industries with higher revenues in the second and third quarters of calendar years compared with the first and fourth quarters. Most of our leases require our tenants to make the substantial portion of our rent payments to us in equal amounts throughout the year. The return payments to us under certain of our management agreements depend exclusively upon earnings at these properties and, accordingly, our income and cash flows from these properties reflect the seasonality of the hotel industry. The COVID-19 pandemic and current economic conditions have significantly altered the seasonal aspects of our business and may continue to do so, including negatively affecting the historical increased business we typically experienced in the second and third quarters.
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Impact of Climate Change
Concerns about climate change have resulted in various treaties, laws and regulations that are intended to limit carbon emissions and address other environmental concerns. These and other laws may cause energy or other costs at our properties to increase. We do not expect the direct impact of these increases to be material to our results of operations, because the increased costs either would be the responsibility of our tenants or managers directly or in the longer term, passed through and paid by customers of our properties. Although we do not believe it is likely in the foreseeable future, laws enacted to mitigate climate change may make some of our buildings obsolete or cause us to make material investments in our properties, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition or the financial condition of our tenants or managers and their ability to pay rent or returns to us.
We are environmentally conscious and aware of the impact our properties have on the environment. We and our tenants and managers have implemented numerous initiatives to encourage recycling of plastics, paper and metal or glass containers; we have programs to encourage reduced water and energy use at a hotel guest’s option by not laundering towels and linens every day and monitoring lights and thermostats when rooms are not in use. When we renovate our hotels we generally use energy efficient products including but not limited to lighting, windows and HVAC equipment and many of the appliances in our extended stay hotels are Energy Star rated. We or our tenants or managers have also installed car battery charging stations at some of the properties in our portfolio to accommodate environmentally aware customers.
In an effort to reduce the effects of any increased energy costs in the future, we continuously study ways to improve the energy efficiency at all of our properties. Our property manager, RMR LLC, is a member of the Energy Star program, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that is focused on promoting energy efficiency at commercial properties through its “Energy Star” partner program, and a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting energy efficiency at commercial properties through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED®, green building program.
Some observers believe severe weather in different parts of the world over the last few years is evidence of global climate change. Severe weather may have an adverse effect on certain properties we own. Rising sea levels could cause flooding at some of our properties, which may have an adverse effect on individual properties we own. We mitigate these risks by procuring, or requiring our managers or tenants to procure, insurance coverage we believe adequate to protect us from material damages and losses resulting from the consequences of losses caused by climate change. However, we cannot be sure that our mitigation efforts will be sufficient or that future storms, rising sea levels or other changes that may occur due to future climate change could not have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We present certain “non-GAAP financial measures” within the meaning of the applicable SEC rules, including FFO and Normalized FFO. These measures do not represent cash generated by operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered alternatives to net income (loss) as indicators of our operating performance or as measures of our liquidity. These measures should be considered in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). We consider these non-GAAP measures to be appropriate supplemental measures of operating performance for a REIT, along with net income (loss). We believe these measures provide useful information to investors because by excluding the effects of certain historical amounts, such as depreciation and amortization expense, they may facilitate a comparison of our operating performance between periods and with other REITs.
Funds From Operations and Normalized Funds From Operations
We calculate FFO and Normalized FFO as shown below. FFO is calculated on the basis defined by The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, which is net income (loss), calculated in accordance with GAAP, excluding any gain or loss on sale of properties and loss on impairment of real estate assets, if any, plus real estate depreciation and amortization, less any unrealized gains and losses on equity securities, as well as adjustments to reflect our share of FFO attributable to an investee and certain other adjustments currently not applicable to us. In calculating Normalized FFO, we adjust for the items shown below. FFO and Normalized FFO are among the factors considered by our Board of Trustees when determining the amount of distributions to our shareholders. Other factors include, but are not limited to, requirements to satisfy our REIT distribution requirements, limitations in our credit agreement and public debt covenants, the availability to us of debt and equity capital, our distribution rate as a percentage of the trading price of our common shares, or dividend yield, and to the dividend yield of other REITs, our expectation of our future capital requirements and operating performance and our expected needs for and availability of cash to pay our obligations. Other real estate companies and REITs may calculate FFO and Normalized FFO differently than we do.
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Our calculations of FFO and Normalized FFO for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 and reconciliations of net income (loss) available for common shareholders, the most directly comparable financial measure under GAAP reported in our consolidated financial statements, to those amounts appear in the following table (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts).
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (544,603) | $ | (311,382) | $ | 259,750 | ||||||||||||||
| Add (Less): | Depreciation and amortization expense | 485,965 | 498,908 | 428,448 | ||||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of real estate, net (1) | (11,522) | (2,261) | (159,535) | |||||||||||||||||
Loss on asset impairment (2) | 78,620 | 55,756 | 39,296 | |||||||||||||||||
Unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities, net (3) | (22,535) | (19,882) | 40,461 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjustments to reflect our share of FFO attributable to an investee (4) | 2,605 | (61) | — | |||||||||||||||||
| FFO | (11,470) | 221,078 | 608,420 | |||||||||||||||||
| Add (Less): | Transaction related costs (5) | 64,764 | 15,100 | 1,795 | ||||||||||||||||
Loss on early extinguishment of debt (6) | — | 9,394 | 8,451 | |||||||||||||||||
Loss contingency (7) | — | 3,962 | 1,997 | |||||||||||||||||
Gain on insurance settlement, net of tax (8) | — | (48,536) | — | |||||||||||||||||
Adjustments to reflect our share of Normalized FFO attributable to an investee (4) | 2,270 | 964 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Normalized FFO | $ | 55,564 | $ | 201,962 | $ | 620,663 | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding (basic) | 164,566 | $ | 164,422 | $ | 164,312 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) (9) | 164,566 | $ | 164,422 | $ | 164,340 | |||||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted per common share amounts: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (3.31) | $ | (1.89) | $ | 1.58 | ||||||||||||||
| FFO | $ | (0.07) | $ | 1.34 | $ | 3.70 | ||||||||||||||
| Normalized FFO | $ | 0.34 | $ | 1.23 | $ | 3.78 | ||||||||||||||
| Distributions declared per share | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.57 | $ | 2.15 | ||||||||||||||
(1)We recorded a $11,522 net gain on sales of seven hotels and eleven net lease properties during the year ended December 31, 2021. We recorded a $2,261 net gain on sales of 18 hotels and 21 net lease properties during the year ended December 31, 2020. We recorded a $159,535 gain on sale of real estate during the year ended December 31, 2019 in connection with the sales of 20 travel centers.
(2)We recorded a $78,620 loss on asset impairment during the year ended December 31, 2021 to reduce the carrying value of 35 hotels and 26 net lease properties to their estimated fair value. We recorded a $55,756 loss on asset impairment during the year ended December 31, 2020 to reduce the carrying value of 18 hotels and 13 net lease properties to their estimated fair value. We recorded a $39,296 loss on asset impairment during the year ended December 31, 2019 to reduce the carrying value of 19 net lease properties to their estimated fair value less costs to sell and two hotels to their estimated fair value.
(3)Unrealized gains and losses on equity securities, net represent the adjustment required to adjust the carrying value of our investments in TA common shares to their fair value.
(4)Represents our proportionate share of our equity investment in Sonesta during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
(5)Transaction related costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 include $38,446 of working capital advances we previously funded under our agreements with Marriott, IHG and Hyatt as a result of the amounts no longer expected to be recoverable, $19,920 of hotel manager transition related costs resulting from the rebranding of 94 hotels to Sonesta during the period, and $6,398 of legal costs related to our arbitration proceeding with Marriott. Transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 include $15,100 of hotel manager transition related costs resulting from the rebranding of 115 hotels to Sonesta during the periods. Transaction related costs for the year ended December 31, 2019 represents costs related to our exploration of possible financing transactions.
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(6)We recorded a loss of $9,394 loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of unamortized discount and deferred financing costs, relating to the repurchase of certain of our senior notes during the year ended December 31, 2020. We recorded a $8,451 loss on early extinguishment of debt in the year ended December 31, 2019 related to the termination of a term loan commitment we arranged in connection with the acquisition of a net lease portfolio.
(7)Hotel operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 include a $3,962 loss contingency related to a litigation matter at certain hotels. We recorded a $1,997 loss contingency during the year ended December 31, 2019 for an expected settlement of a historical pension withdrawal liability for a hotel we rebranded.
(8)We recorded a $62,386 gain on insurance settlement during the year ended December 31, 2020 for insurance proceeds received for our then leased hotel in San Juan, PR related to Hurricane Maria. Under GAAP, we were required to increase the building basis of our San Juan hotel for the amount of the insurance proceeds. We also recorded a $13,850 deferred tax liability as a result of the book value to tax basis difference related to this accounting during the year ended December 31, 2020.
(9)Represents weighted average common shares adjusted to reflect the potential dilution of unvested share awards.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (dollar amounts in thousands)
We are exposed to risks associated with market changes in interest rates. We manage our exposure to this market risk by monitoring available financing alternatives. Other than as described below, we do not currently foresee any significant changes in our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates or in how we manage this exposure in the near future.
Fixed Rate Debt
At December 31, 2021, our outstanding publicly tradable debt consisted of thirteen issues of fixed rate, senior notes:
| Principal Balance | Annual Interest Rate | Annual Interest Expense | Maturity | Interest Payments Due | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 500,000 | 5.000 | % | $ | 25,000 | 2022 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||
| 500,000 | 4.500 | % | 22,500 | 2023 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 350,000 | 4.650 | % | 16,275 | 2024 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 825,000 | 4.350 | % | 35,888 | 2024 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 350,000 | 4.500 | % | 15,750 | 2025 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 800,000 | 7.500 | % | 60,000 | 2025 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 350,000 | 5.250 | % | 18,375 | 2026 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 450,000 | 4.750 | % | 21,375 | 2026 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 400,000 | 4.950 | % | 19,800 | 2027 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 450,000 | 5.500 | % | 24,750 | 2027 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 400,000 | 3.950 | % | 15,800 | 2028 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 425,000 | 4.950 | % | 21,038 | 2029 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 400,000 | 4.375 | % | 17,500 | 2030 | Semi-Annually | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 6,200,000 | $ | 314,051 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
No principal repayments are due under these notes until maturity. Because these notes require interest at fixed rates, changes in market interest rates during the term of these debts will not affect our interest obligations. If these notes were refinanced at interest rates which are one percentage point higher than the rates shown above, our per annum interest cost would increase by approximately $62,000. Changes in market interest rates would affect the fair value of our fixed rate debt obligations; increases in market interest rates decrease the fair value of our fixed rate debt while decreases in market interest rates increase the fair value of our fixed rate debt. Based on the balances outstanding at December 31, 2021 and discounted cash flows analyses through the respective maturity dates, and assuming no other changes in factors that may affect the fair value of our fixed rate debt obligations, a hypothetical immediate one percentage point change in interest rates would change the fair value of those debt obligations by approximately $219,241.
Each of these fixed rate unsecured debt arrangements allows us to make repayments earlier than the stated maturity date. We are generally allowed to make prepayments only at a premium equal to a make whole amount, as defined, which is generally designed to preserve a stated yield to the noteholder. Also, we have in the past repurchased and retired some of our outstanding debts and we may do so again in the future. These prepayment rights and our ability to repurchase and retire outstanding debt may afford us opportunities to mitigate the risks of refinancing our debts at their maturities at higher rates by refinancing prior to maturity.
Floating Rate Debt
At December 31, 2021, our floating rate debt consisted of $1,000,000 outstanding under our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility. The maturity date of our revolving credit facility is July 15, 2022, and, subject to our meeting certain conditions, including our payment of an extension fee, we have an option to extend the stated maturity date of the facility by two additional six month periods. No principal repayments are required under our revolving credit facility prior to maturity and repayments may be made and redrawn subject to conditions at any time without penalty. Borrowings under our revolving credit facility are in U.S. dollars and require annual interest to be paid at the rate of LIBOR plus premiums that are subject to adjustment based upon changes to our credit ratings. Accordingly, we are vulnerable to changes in U.S. dollar based short term interest rates, specifically LIBOR and to changes in our credit ratings. In addition, upon renewal or refinancing of our revolving credit facility, we are vulnerable to increases in interest rate premiums due to market conditions or our perceived credit characteristics. Generally, a change in interest rates would not affect the value of this floating rate debt but would affect our operating results.
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The following table presents the impact a one percentage point increase in interest rates would have on our annual floating rate interest expense as of December 31, 2021:
| Impact of Increase in Interest Rates | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Per Year (1) | Outstanding Debt | Total Interest Expense Per Year | Annual Per Share Impact (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2021 | 2.85 | % | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 28,500 | $ | 0.01 | |||||||||||||||
| One percentage point increase | 3.85 | % | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 38,500 | $ | 0.02 | |||||||||||||||
(1)Weighted average based on the interest rates and the respective outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2021.
(2)Based on diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The foregoing table shows the impact of an immediate change in floating interest rates as of December 31, 2021. If interest rates were to change gradually over time, the impact would be spread over time. Our exposure to fluctuations in floating interest rates will increase or decrease in the future with increases or decreases in the outstanding amounts under our revolving credit facility or other floating rate debt, if any. Although we have no present plans to do so, we may in the future enter into hedge arrangements from time to time to mitigate our exposure to changes in interest rates.
LIBOR Phase Out
As of December 31, 2021, LIBOR has been phased out for new contracts and is expected to be phased out for pre-existing contracts by June 30, 2023. We are required to pay interest on borrowings under our credit facility at floating rates based on LIBOR and interest we may pay on future debt that we may incur may also require that we pay interest based upon LIBOR. We currently expect that, as a result of any phase out of LIBOR, the interest rates under our credit agreement will be revised as provided under the agreement or amended as necessary to provide for an interest rate that approximates the existing interest rate as calculated in accordance with LIBOR. Despite our current expectations, we cannot be sure that any changes to the determination of interest under our agreements would approximate the current calculation in accordance with LIBOR. We cannot be certain of what standard, if any, will replace LIBOR, and any alternative interest rate index that may replace LIBOR may result in our paying increased interest.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The information required by this item is included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management Report on Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Trustees regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013 Framework). Based on this assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2021, our internal control over financial reporting is effective.
80
Deloitte & Touche LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our 2021 consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. The report appears elsewhere herein.
81
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
82
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
We have a Code of Conduct that applies to our officers and Trustees, RMR Inc. and RMR LLC, senior level officers of RMR LLC, senior level officers and directors of RMR Inc. and certain other officers and employees of RMR LLC. Our Code of Conduct is posted on our website, www.svcreit.com. A printed copy of our Code of Conduct is also available free of charge to any person who requests a copy by writing to: Secretary, Service Properties Trust, Two Newton Place, 255 Washington Street, Suite 300, Newton, MA 02458-1634. We intend to satisfy the requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding disclosure of amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of our Code of Conduct that apply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, on our website.
The remainder of the information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Equity Compensation Plan Information. We may grant common shares to our officers and other employees of RMR LLC under our 2012 Equity Compensation Plan, or the 2012 Plan. In addition, each of our Trustees receives common shares as part of his or her annual compensation for serving as a Trustee and such shares are awarded under the 2012 Plan. The terms of awards made under the 2012 Plan are determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Trustees at the time of the award. The following table is as of December 31, 2021.
| Plan category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) | |||||||||||||||||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders—2012 Plan | None. | None. | 1,761,393 (1) | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders | None. | None. | None. | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | None. | None. | 1,761,393 (1) | |||||||||||||||||
(1)Consists of common shares available for issuance pursuant to the terms of the 2012 Plan. Share awards that are repurchased or forfeited will be added to the common shares available for issuance under the 2012 Plan.
Payments by us to RMR LLC employees are described in Notes 7 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The remainder of the information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement.
83
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.
Significant Tenant
TA is our former subsidiary and is the lessee of 27.5% of our real estate properties, at cost, as of December 31, 2021.
Financial information about TA may be found on the SEC’s website by entering TA’s name at http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html. Reference to TA’s financial information on this external website is presented to comply with applicable accounting regulations of the SEC. Except for such financial information contained therein as is required to be included herein under such regulations, TA’s public filings and other information located in external websites are not incorporated by reference into these financial statements. See Notes 4, 5 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information relating to our leases with TA.
84
(b) Exhibits
| Exhibit Number | Description | ||||||||||
| 3.1 | |||||||||||
| 3.2 | |||||||||||
| 3.3 | |||||||||||
| 4.1 | |||||||||||
| 4.2 | |||||||||||
| 4.3 | |||||||||||
| 4.4 | |||||||||||
| 4.5 | |||||||||||
| 4.6 | |||||||||||
| 4.7 | |||||||||||
| 4.8 | |||||||||||
| 4.9 | |||||||||||
| 4.10 | |||||||||||
| 4.11 | |||||||||||
| 4.12 | |||||||||||
| 4.13 | |||||||||||
| 4.14 | |||||||||||
| 4.15 | |||||||||||
| 4.16 | |||||||||||
| 4.17 | |||||||||||
85
| 4.18 | |||||||||||
| 4.19 | |||||||||||
| 4.20 | |||||||||||
| 4.21 | |||||||||||
| 4.22 | |||||||||||
| 4.23 | |||||||||||
| 4.24 | |||||||||||
| 4.25 | |||||||||||
| 4.26 | |||||||||||
| 4.27 | |||||||||||
| 4.28 | |||||||||||
| 8.1 | |||||||||||
| 10.1 | |||||||||||
| 10.2 | |||||||||||
| 10.3 | |||||||||||
| 10.4 | |||||||||||
| 10.5 | |||||||||||
| 10.6 | |||||||||||
| 10.7 | |||||||||||
| 10.8 | |||||||||||
| 10.9 | |||||||||||
| 10.10 | |||||||||||
86
| 10.11 | |||||||||||
| 10.12 | |||||||||||
| 10.13 | |||||||||||
| 10.14 | |||||||||||
| 10.15 | |||||||||||
| 10.16 | |||||||||||
| 10.17 | |||||||||||
| 10.18 | |||||||||||
| 10.19 | |||||||||||
| 10.20 | |||||||||||
| 10.21 | |||||||||||
| 10.22 | |||||||||||
| 10.23 | |||||||||||
| 10.24 | |||||||||||
| 10.25 | |||||||||||
| 10.26 | |||||||||||
| 10.27 | |||||||||||
| 10.28 | Representative Form of Amended and Restated Management Agreement among Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, Cambridge TRS, Inc., HPT CY TRS, Inc., HPT TRS IHG-2, Inc. and HRP TRS MRP, Inc. (Sale Hotels) (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 10, 2022). (Schedules thereto filed herewith.) (Schedule of applicable agreements filed herewith.) | ||||||||||
87
88
| 23.2 | |||||||||||
| 23.3 | Consent of Sullivan & Worcester LLP. (Contained in Exhibit 8.1.) | ||||||||||
| 31.1 | |||||||||||
| 31.2 | |||||||||||
| 32.1 | |||||||||||
| 99.1 | |||||||||||
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | ||||||||||
| 101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. (Filed herewith.) | ||||||||||
| 101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. (Filed herewith.) | ||||||||||
| 101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. (Filed herewith.) | ||||||||||
| 101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. (Filed herewith.) | ||||||||||
| 101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. (Filed herewith.) | ||||||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). | ||||||||||
(+) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
89
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
90
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Trustees and Shareholders of Service Properties Trust
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Service Properties Trust (the "Company") as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 24, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Impairment of Real Estate Properties — Refer to Notes 2 and 13 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company’s investments in real estate assets are evaluated for impairment periodically or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a real estate asset may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators may include declining tenant or resident occupancy, weak or declining profitability from the property, decreasing tenant cash flows or liquidity, the Company’s decision to dispose of an asset before the end of its estimated useful life, and legislative, market or industry changes that could permanently reduce the value of an asset. If indicators of impairment are identified for any real estate asset, the Company evaluates the recoverability of that real estate asset by comparing undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the real estate asset over the Company’s expected remaining hold period to the respective carrying amount. The Company’s undiscounted future cash flows analysis requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to expected remaining hold periods, market rents, and terminal capitalization rates.
We identified the impairment of real estate assets as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management makes to evaluate the recoverability of real estate assets. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of the significant estimates and assumptions related to expected remaining hold periods, market rents, and terminal capitalization rates within management’s undiscounted future cash flows analysis which are sensitive to future market or industry considerations.
F-1
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the undiscounted cash flows analysis for each real estate asset or group of assets with impairment indicators included the following among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s evaluation of the recoverability of real estate property assets, including the key assumptions utilized in estimating the undiscounted future cash flows.
•We evaluated the undiscounted cash flow analysis including estimates of expected remaining hold period, market rents, and terminal capitalization rates for each real estate asset or group of assets with impairment indicators by (1) evaluating the source information and assumptions used by management and (2) comparing management’s projections to external market sources and evidence obtained in other areas of our audit.
•We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s undiscounted future cash flows analysis by developing an independent expectation of future undiscounted cash flows based on third party market data and compared that independent estimate to the carrying amount of the real estate asset or group of assets with indicators of impairment. We compared our analysis of the recoverability of the real estate asset or group of assets to the Company's analysis.
•We made inquiries of management about the current status of potential transactions and about management’s judgments to understand the probability of future events that could affect the expected remaining hold period and other cash flow assumptions for the properties.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 24, 2022
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Trustees and Shareholders of Service Properties Trust
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Service Properties Trust (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021, of the Company and our report dated February 24, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 24, 2022
F-3
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Trustees and Shareholders of Service Properties Trust
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows of Service Properties Trust (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 28, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We served as the Company’s auditor from 2002 to 2020.
Boston, Massachusetts
February 28, 2020
F-4
SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
| As of December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Real estate properties: | |||||||||||
| Land | $ | 1,918,385 | $ | 2,030,440 | |||||||
| Buildings, improvements and equipment | 8,307,248 | 9,131,832 | |||||||||
| Total real estate properties, gross | 10,225,633 | 11,162,272 | |||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | (3,281,659) | (3,280,110) | |||||||||
| Total real estate properties, net | 6,943,974 | 7,882,162 | |||||||||
| Acquired real estate leases and other intangibles, net | 283,241 | 325,845 | |||||||||
| Assets held for sale | 515,518 | 13,543 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 944,043 | 73,332 | |||||||||
| Restricted cash | 3,375 | 18,124 | |||||||||
| Due from related persons | 48,168 | 55,530 | |||||||||
| Other assets, net | 414,996 | 318,783 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 9,153,315 | $ | 8,687,319 | |||||||
| LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Revolving credit facility | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 78,424 | |||||||
| Senior unsecured notes, net | 6,143,022 | 6,130,166 | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and other liabilities | 433,448 | 345,373 | |||||||||
| Due to related persons | 21,539 | 30,566 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 7,598,009 | 6,584,529 | |||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
Common shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 165,092,333 and 164,823,833 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 1,651 | 1,648 | |||||||||
| Additional paid in capital | 4,552,558 | 4,550,385 | |||||||||
| Cumulative other comprehensive income (loss) | 779 | (760) | |||||||||
| Cumulative net income available for common shareholders | 2,635,660 | 3,180,263 | |||||||||
| Cumulative common distributions | (5,635,342) | (5,628,746) | |||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 1,555,306 | 2,102,790 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 9,153,315 | $ | 8,687,319 | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands, except per share data)
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
| $ | 1,104,678 | $ | 875,098 | $ | 1,989,173 | ||||||||||||
| Rental income | 390,902 | 390,156 | 326,975 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,495,580 | 1,265,254 | 2,316,148 | ||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||
| 1,010,737 | 682,804 | 1,410,927 | |||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 15,658 | 15,208 | 8,357 | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 485,965 | 498,908 | 428,448 | ||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 53,439 | 50,668 | 54,639 | ||||||||||||||
| Transaction related costs | 64,764 | 15,100 | 1,795 | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on asset impairment | 78,620 | 55,756 | 39,296 | ||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 1,709,183 | 1,318,444 | 1,943,462 | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate, net | 11,522 | 2,261 | 159,535 | ||||||||||||||
| Dividend income | — | — | 1,752 | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on insurance settlement | — | 62,386 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net | 22,535 | 19,882 | (40,461) | ||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 664 | 284 | 2,215 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense (including amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts and premiums of $21,036, $14,870 and $11,117, respectively) | (365,721) | (306,490) | (225,126) | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | (9,394) | (8,451) | ||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of an investee | (544,603) | (284,261) | 262,150 | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | 941 | (17,211) | (2,793) | ||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings (losses) of an investee | (941) | (9,910) | 393 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | (544,603) | (311,382) | 259,750 | ||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity interest in investee’s unrealized gains (losses) | 1,539 | (760) | 91 | ||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | 1,539 | (760) | 91 | ||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | (543,064) | $ | (312,142) | $ | 259,841 | |||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic) | 164,566 | 164,422 | 164,312 | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding (diluted) | 164,566 | 164,422 | 164,340 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) available for common shareholders per common share (basic and diluted) | $ | (3.31) | $ | (1.89) | $ | 1.58 | |||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except share data)
| Additional Paid in Capital | Cumulative Net Income | Cumulative Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares | Common Shares | Cumulative Common Distributions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2018 | 164,441,709 | $ | 1,644 | $ | (5,181,323) | $ | 4,545,481 | $ | 3,231,895 | $ | (266) | $ | 2,597,431 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | 259,750 | — | 259,750 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from cumulative other comprehensive income to net income | — | — | — | — | — | 175 | 175 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in unrealized gains of investees | — | — | — | — | — | 91 | 91 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common share grants | 155,100 | 2 | — | 2,855 | — | — | 2,857 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common share repurchases | (33,775) | — | — | (807) | — | — | (807) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | — | — | (353,619) | — | — | — | (353,619) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | 164,563,034 | 1,646 | (5,534,942) | 4,547,529 | 3,491,645 | — | 2,505,878 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | — | (311,382) | — | (311,382) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in unrealized losses of investees | — | — | — | — | — | (760) | (760) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common share grants | 305,400 | 2 | — | 3,209 | — | — | 3,211 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common share repurchases and forfeitures | (44,601) | — | — | (353) | — | — | (353) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | — | — | (93,804) | — | — | — | (93,804) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | 164,823,833 | 1,648 | (5,628,746) | 4,550,385 | 3,180,263 | (760) | 2,102,790 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | — | (544,603) | — | (544,603) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in unrealized gains of investees | — | — | — | — | — | 1,539 | 1,539 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common share grants | 340,700 | 3 | — | 2,964 | — | — | 2,967 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common share repurchases and forfeitures | (72,200) | — | — | (791) | — | — | (791) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | — | — | (6,596) | — | — | — | (6,596) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | 165,092,333 | $ | 1,651 | $ | (5,635,342) | $ | 4,552,558 | $ | 2,635,660 | $ | 779 | $ | 1,555,306 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (544,603) | $ | (311,382) | $ | 259,750 | |||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 485,965 | 498,908 | 428,448 | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts and premiums as interest | 21,036 | 14,870 | 11,117 | ||||||||||||||
| Straight line rental income | 2,621 | 714 | 10,719 | ||||||||||||||
| Security deposits utilized or replenished | — | (109,162) | (23,549) | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | 9,394 | 8,451 | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on asset impairment | 78,620 | 55,756 | 39,296 | ||||||||||||||
| Unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities, net | (22,535) | (19,882) | 40,461 | ||||||||||||||
| Equity in (earnings) losses of an investee | 941 | 9,910 | (393) | ||||||||||||||
| Distribution of earnings from Affiliates Insurance Company | — | — | 2,423 | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate, net | (11,522) | (2,261) | (159,535) | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on insurance settlement | — | (62,386) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (1,688) | 13,850 | (127) | ||||||||||||||
| Other non-cash income expense, net | (2,625) | (2,558) | (614) | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Due from related persons | (5,875) | (33) | 3,272 | ||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 60,182 | (78,340) | (11,385) | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and other liabilities | (5,061) | 2,296 | 60,484 | ||||||||||||||
| Due to related persons | (5,552) | 17,910 | (51,096) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 49,904 | 37,604 | 617,722 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Real estate acquisitions and deposits | (7,709) | (7,090) | (2,713,191) | ||||||||||||||
| Real estate improvements | (95,017) | (69,082) | (150,531) | ||||||||||||||
| Hotel managers’ purchases with restricted cash | (24,565) | (153,626) | (208,241) | ||||||||||||||
| Hotel manager’s deposit of insurance proceeds into restricted cash | — | 22,488 | 25,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Net proceeds from sale of real estate | 51,412 | 167,542 | 816,450 | ||||||||||||||
| Net proceeds from sale of equity securities | — | — | 93,892 | ||||||||||||||
| Investment in Sonesta | (25,443) | (5,314) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Investment in TA | — | (7,011) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Distributions in excess of earnings from Affiliates Insurance Company | 12 | 286 | 6,577 | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (101,310) | (51,807) | (2,130,044) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes, net of discounts and premiums | — | 1,250,000 | 1,693,879 | ||||||||||||||
| Repayment of senior unsecured notes | — | (405,971) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Repayment of term loan | — | (400,000) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Borrowings under revolving credit facility | 984,027 | 1,189,094 | 1,124,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Repayments of revolving credit facility | (62,451) | (1,487,670) | (924,000) | ||||||||||||||
| Debt issuance costs | (6,822) | (26,903) | (21,882) | ||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common shares | (790) | (346) | (800) | ||||||||||||||
| Distributions to common shareholders | (6,596) | (93,804) | (353,619) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 907,368 | 24,400 | 1,517,578 | ||||||||||||||
| Increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | 855,962 | 10,197 | 5,256 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year | 91,456 | 81,259 | 76,003 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year | $ | 947,418 | $ | 91,456 | $ | 81,259 | |||||||||||
F-8
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: | |||||||||||||||||
| The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets to the amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows: | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 944,043 | $ | 73,332 | $ | 27,633 | |||||||||||
| Restricted cash | 3,375 | 18,124 | 53,626 | ||||||||||||||
| Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 947,418 | $ | 91,456 | $ | 81,259 | |||||||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information: | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | 344,043 | $ | 281,097 | $ | 191,155 | |||||||||||
| Cash paid for income taxes | 3,412 | 2,117 | 2,927 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-cash investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Real estate improvements accrued, not paid | $ | 7,777 | $ | 5,684 | $ | 13,595 | |||||||||||
| Investment in Sonesta | — | 42,000 | — | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
Note 1. Organization
Service Properties Trust, or we, us or our, is a real estate investment trust, or REIT, organized on February 7, 1995 under the laws of the State of Maryland, which invests in hotels and net lease service-oriented retail properties. At December 31, 2021, we owned, directly and through subsidiaries, 303 hotels and 788 net lease properties.
At December 31, 2021, our 303 hotels were managed by subsidiaries of the following companies: Sonesta Holdco Corporation, or Sonesta, (261 hotels), Hyatt Hotels Corporation, or Hyatt (17 hotels), Radisson Hospitality, Inc., or Radisson (eight hotels), Marriott International, Inc., or Marriott (16 hotels) and InterContinental Hotels Group, plc, or IHG (one hotel). At December 31, 2021, we owned 788 net lease properties with 174 tenants, including 179 travel centers leased to TravelCenters of America Inc., or TA, our largest tenant. Hereinafter, these companies are sometimes referred to as managers and/or tenants, or collectively, operators.
Impact of COVID-19
Since March 2020, the lodging industry and certain other industries in which our managers and certain tenants operate have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic, along with federal, state and local government mandates intended to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and market reactions to the pandemic. The effects of COVID-19 continue to have a significant negative impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flow. Although lodging demand improved during the year ended December 31, 2021 when compared to 2020 levels, we do not know when or if lodging business levels will return to historical pre-pandemic levels. To mitigate the effects of the pandemic and the increased variability in operating cashflows from our hotels, we continue to work with our hotel managers to contain costs where possible. We are prioritizing, deferring, or strategically planning capital improvements to mitigate potential disruptions to hotel results. We also continue to pay only a nominal quarterly dividend of $0.01 per common share to preserve our liquidity. As of February 22, 2022, we have $959,467 of cash or cash equivalents. We also have entered agreements to sell 45 properties for an aggregate sales price of $402,365 and have letters of intent or are in the process of marketing 43 additional properties with an aggregate carrying value of $150,962. Our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility matures on July 15, 2022 and we have $500,000 of unsecured senior notes due on August 15, 2022. We currently expect we will be able to either repay or extend the maturity of our debt coming due in 2022. We believe that our current financial resources, actions we have taken and are in the process of taking and our expectations as to the future performance of the lodging industry and the industries in which our net lease retail tenants operate and our fully collateralized revolving credit facility will provide us sufficient liquidity and enable us to withstand the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. See Notes 4 and 6 for additional information regarding our asset sales and debt.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation. These consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries, all of which are 100% owned directly or indirectly by us. All intercompany transactions and balances with or among our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated.
We have determined that each of our wholly owned taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs, is a variable interest entity, or VIE, as defined under the Consolidation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification™, or the Codification. We have concluded that we must consolidate each of our wholly owned TRSs because we are the entity with the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact such VIEs’ performance and we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from each VIE that could be significant to the VIE and are, therefore, the primary beneficiary of each VIE. The assets of our TRSs were $113,705 and $118,862 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and consist primarily of amounts due from and working capital advances to certain of our hotel managers. The liabilities of our TRSs were $42,432 and $70,240 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and consist primarily of amounts payable to certain of our hotel managers. The assets of our TRSs are available to satisfy our TRSs’ obligations and we have guaranteed certain obligations of our TRSs.
Real Estate Properties. We record real estate properties at cost less impairments, if any. We record the cost of real estate acquired at the relative fair value of building, land, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and, if applicable, acquired in place leases, above or below market leases and customer relationships. We determine the fair value of each property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers, which may involve estimated cash flows that are based on a number of factors, including capitalization rates and discount rates, among others. For transactions that qualify as business combinations, we allocate the excess, if any, of the consideration over the fair value of the assets acquired to goodwill. We depreciate real estate properties on a straight line basis over estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for buildings and improvements and up to 12 years for personal property and we amortize finite lived intangible assets over the shorter of their useful lives or the term of the
F-10
associated lease. In some circumstances, we engage independent real estate appraisal firms to provide market information and evaluations which are relevant to our purchase price allocations and determination of useful lives; however, we are ultimately responsible for the purchase price allocations and determinations of useful lives.
We regularly evaluate whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that could indicate an impairment in the value of our real estate properties. These indicators may include weak or declining operating profitability, cash flows or liquidity, our decision to dispose of an asset before the end of its estimated useful life or market or industry changes that could permanently reduce the value of our investments. If there is an indication that the carrying value of a property is not recoverable, we estimate the projected undiscounted cash flows of the asset to determine if an impairment loss should be recognized. We determine the amount of an impairment loss by comparing the historical carrying value of the property to its estimated fair value. We estimate fair value by evaluating recent financial performance and projecting discounted cash flows of properties using standard industry valuation techniques. In addition to consideration of impairment upon the events or changes in circumstances described above, we regularly evaluate the remaining lives of our real estate properties. If we change estimated lives, we depreciate or amortize the carrying values of affected assets over the revised remaining lives. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded $78,620 and $55,756, respectively, of losses on asset impairment to reduce the carrying value of certain of our properties to their estimated fair values less costs to sell.
Intangible Assets and Liabilities. Intangible assets consist primarily of trademarks and tradenames, acquired above market operating leases where we are the lessor and below market ground leases for which we are the tenant or lessee. Intangible liabilities consist of acquired below market operating leases where we are the lessor and acquired above market ground leases for which we are the tenant or lessee. We include intangible assets in acquired real estate leases and other intangibles and intangible liabilities in accounts payable and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, our intangible assets and liabilities were as follows:
| As of December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||
| Tradenames and trademarks | $ | 89,375 | $ | 89,375 | |||||||
Above market operating leases, net of accumulated amortization of $64,471 and $55,220, respectively | 184,943 | 224,510 | |||||||||
Below market ground leases, net of accumulated amortization of $17,367 and $16,226, respectively | 7,746 | 8,934 | |||||||||
Other, net of accumulated amortization of $382 and $1,188, respectively | 1,177 | 3,026 | |||||||||
| $ | 283,241 | $ | 325,845 | ||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||
Below market operating leases, net of accumulated amortization of $473 and $559, respectively | $ | 1,147 | $ | 1,691 | |||||||
Above market ground leases, net of accumulated amortization of $317 and $6,180, respectively | 46 | 416 | |||||||||
| $ | 1,193 | $ | 2,107 | ||||||||
We amortize above and below market leases on a straight line basis over the term of the associated lease ( and six years on a weighted average basis for intangible liabilities and assets, respectively). For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, amortization relating to intangible assets was $41,648, $52,264 and $1,757, respectively, and amortization relating to intangible liabilities was $433, $2,403 and $441 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the weighted average amortization period for capitalized above market leases and below market lease values were 7.2 years and 4.5 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, we estimate future amortization relating to intangible assets and liabilities as follows:
| Above Market Operating Leases | Below Market Ground Leases & Other | Below Market Operating Leases | Above Market Ground Leases & Other | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | $ | 28,478 | $ | 1,256 | $ | (216) | $ | 53 | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 25,695 | 1,234 | (189) | 57 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 22,151 | 812 | (189) | 78 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 20,032 | 798 | (129) | 78 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 14,246 | 796 | (125) | 78 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Thereafter | 74,341 | 2,850 | (299) | 787 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 184,943 | $ | 7,746 | $ | (1,147) | $ | 1,131 | ||||||||||||||||
F-11
We do not amortize our indefinite lived trademarks and tradenames, but we review the assets at least annually for impairment and reassess their classification as indefinite lived assets. In addition, we regularly evaluate whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that could indicate impairment in value. We determine the amount of an impairment loss, if any, by comparing the carrying value of the intangible asset to its estimated fair value.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash. Restricted cash consists of amounts escrowed pursuant to the terms of our hotel management agreements to fund capital improvements at our hotels and proceeds from the sale of certain of our assets to be used for general business purposes pursuant to our credit agreement.
Debt Issuance Costs. Debt issuance costs consist of capitalized issuance costs related to borrowings, which are amortized to interest expense over the terms of the respective debt. Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization, for our revolving credit facility are included in other assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, debt issuance costs for our revolving credit facility were $14,879 and $8,163, respectively, and accumulated amortization of debt issuance costs for our revolving credit facility were $8,796 and $722, respectively. Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization, for our senior notes, and our historical term loan, are presented as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability in our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization, for our senior notes were $33,736 and $41,974, respectively. Future amortization of debt issuance costs to be recognized with respect to our revolving credit facility and senior notes as of December 31, 2021, are as follows:
| Future Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs | ||||||||
| 2022 | $ | 14,280 | ||||||
| 2023 | 7,667 | |||||||
| 2024 | 6,828 | |||||||
| 2025 | 4,957 | |||||||
| 2026 | 2,842 | |||||||
| Thereafter | 3,245 | |||||||
| $ | 39,819 | |||||||
Equity Method Investments. We account for our 34% non-controlling interest in Sonesta under the equity method of accounting. Sonesta is a private company and Adam D. Portnoy, one of our Managing Trustees who also serves as one of Sonesta’s directors, is the controlling shareholder. One of Sonesta’s other directors is our other Managing Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer and Sonesta’s other director serves as The RMR Group LLC, or RMR LLC’s, and The RMR Group Inc., or RMR Inc.’s, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary and as our Secretary. Certain of Sonesta’s officers are officers of RMR LLC. Certain other officers and employees of Sonesta are former employees of RMR LLC. RMR LLC also provides certain services to Sonesta.
See Notes 5 and 9 for a further discussion of our investment in and relationships with Sonesta.
Equity Securities. We record our equity securities at fair value based on their quoted market price at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of our equity securities are recorded through earnings in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. As of December 31, 2021, we owned 1,184,797 common shares of TA.
Revenue Recognition. We report hotel operating revenues for managed hotels in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). We generally recognize hotel operating revenues, consisting primarily of room and food and beverage sales, when goods and services are provided.
We report rental income for leased properties in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). We recognize rental income from operating leases on a straight line basis over the term of the lease agreements. We reduced rental income by $2,621, $714 and $10,719 during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, to record scheduled rent changes under certain of our leases, the deferred rent obligations payable to us under our leases with TA and the estimated future payments to us under our TA leases for the cost of removing underground storage tanks at our travel centers on a straight line basis. See Notes 4, 5 and 9 for further information regarding our TA leases. Due from related persons includes $20,655 and $33,902 and other assets, net, includes $26,881 and $16,264 of straight line rent receivables at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
F-12
Certain of our lease agreements require additional percentage rent if gross revenues of our properties exceed certain thresholds defined in our lease agreements. We may determine percentage rent due to us under our leases monthly, quarterly or annually, depending on the specific lease terms, and recognize it when all contingencies are met and the rent is earned. We earned percentage rental income of $7,085, $3,277 and $4,238 during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
We own all the FF&E reserve escrows for our hotels. We report deposits by our third party tenants into the escrow accounts as FF&E reserve income. We do not report the amounts which are escrowed as reserves established for the regular refurbishment of our hotels, or FF&E reserves, for our managed hotels as FF&E reserve income.
Per Common Share Amounts. We calculate basic earnings per common share by dividing allocable net income available for common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. We calculate diluted earnings per share using the more dilutive of the two class method or the treasury stock method. Unvested share awards and other potentially dilutive common shares and the related impact on earnings are considered when calculating diluted earnings per share.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates in our consolidated financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts, purchase price allocations, useful lives of real estate and impairment of long lived assets.
Segment Information. As of December 31, 2021, we had two reportable segments: hotel investments and net lease investments.
Reclassifications. Reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Income Taxes. We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and, as such, are generally not subject to federal and most state income taxation on our operating income provided we distribute our taxable income to our shareholders and meet certain organization and operating requirements. We are subject to income tax in Canada, Puerto Rico and certain states despite our qualification for taxation as a REIT. Further, we lease our managed hotels to our wholly owned TRSs that, unlike most of our subsidiaries, file a separate consolidated tax return and are subject to federal, state and foreign income taxes. Our consolidated income tax provision (or benefit) includes the income tax provision (or benefit) related to the operations of our TRSs and certain state and foreign income taxes incurred by us despite our qualification for taxation as a REIT.
The Income Taxes Topic of the Codification prescribes how we should recognize, measure and present in our consolidated financial statements uncertain tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in a tax return. Tax benefits are recognized to the extent that it is “more likely than not” that a particular tax position will be sustained upon examination or audit. To the extent the “more likely than not” standard has been satisfied, the benefit associated with a tax position is measured as the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Our tax returns filed for the 2018 through 2021 tax years are subject to examination by taxing authorities. We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as a component of general and administrative expense.
Note 3. Weighted Average Common Shares
The following table provides a reconciliation of the weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares for basic earnings per share | 164,566 | 164,422 | 164,312 | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive securities: Unvested share awards | — | — | 28 | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share | 164,566 | 164,422 | 164,340 | ||||||||||||||
F-13
Note 4. Real Estate Properties
As of December 31, 2021, we owned 303 hotels with 48,346 rooms or suites and 788 service-oriented retail properties with 13,522,060 square feet that are primarily subject to “triple net” leases, or net leases where the tenant is generally responsible for payment of operating expenses and capital expenditures of the property during the lease term. Our properties had an aggregate undepreciated carrying value of $10,741,151, including $515,518 classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2021.
Our real estate properties, at cost after impairments, consisted of land of $1,918,385, buildings and improvements of $7,871,626 and furniture, fixtures and equipment of $435,622, as of December 31, 2021; and land of $2,030,440, buildings and improvements of $8,600,239 and furniture, fixtures and equipment of $531,593, as of December 31, 2020. We funded capital improvements to certain of our properties of $103,630, $136,155 and $242,571, during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
During 2020, we completed a comprehensive rebuilding project of our San Juan, PR hotel as a result of damage sustained during Hurricane Maria in 2017. We recorded a $62,386 gain on insurance settlement during the year ended December 31, 2020 for insurance proceeds received for this damage. Under GAAP, we were required to increase the building basis of our San Juan hotel for the amount of the insurance proceeds.
At December 31, 2021, 14 of our hotels were on land we leased partially or entirely from unrelated third parties. The average remaining term of the ground leases (including renewal options) is approximately 34 years (range of 13 to 66 years). Ground rent payable under nine of the ground leases is generally calculated as a percentage of hotel revenues. Twelve (12) of the 14 ground leases require annual minimum rents averaging $319 per year; future rents under two ground leases have been prepaid. Sixteen (16) of our net lease properties are on land we leased partially or entirely from unrelated third parties. The remaining terms on the leases range from one year to 29 years with rents averaging $424 per year. Generally, payments of ground lease obligations are made by our managers or tenants. However, if a manager or tenant does not perform obligations under a ground lease or does not renew any ground lease, we might have to perform obligations under the ground lease or renew the ground lease in order to protect our investment in the affected property. Any pledge, sale or transfer of our interests in a ground lease may require the consent of the applicable ground lessor and its lenders.
F-14
Acquisitions
Our allocation of the purchase price of each of our acquisitions based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities is presented in the table below. We accounted for these transactions as acquisitions of assets.
| Acquisition Date | Location | Property Type | Rooms or Square feet | Purchase Price (1) | Land | Land Improvements | Building and Improvements | Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | Held For Sale | Intangible Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Properties acquired during the year ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/9/2021 | Nashville, TN | Net Lease | — | $ | 7,709 | $ | 7,709 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Properties acquired during the year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/12/2020 | Two states | Net Lease | 6,696 | $ | 7,071 | $ | 880 | $ | — | $ | 5,363 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 828 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Properties acquired during the year ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2/22/2019 | Washington, D.C. | Hotel | 335 | $ | 143,742 | $ | 44,972 | $ | 151 | $ | 93,412 | $ | 5,207 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5/7/2019 | Milwaukee, WI | Hotel | 198 | 30,235 | 3,442 | 1,053 | 25,132 | 608 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8/1/2019 | Southington, CT | Land | N.A. | 66 | 66 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/20/2019 | Various (2) | Net Lease | 12,372,762 | 2,482,382 | 388,057 | — | 1,201,922 | — | 604,989 | 287,414 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/9/2019 | Chicago, IL | Hotel | 261 | 55,560 | 7,723 | — | 45,059 | 2,778 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 2,711,985 | $ | 444,260 | $ | 1,204 | $ | 1,365,525 | $ | 8,593 | $ | 604,989 | $ | 287,414 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Includes acquisition related costs.
(2)On September 20, 2019, we acquired a 767 property net lease portfolio with 12.4 million rentable square feet from Spirit MTA REIT, a Maryland REIT, (NYSE: SMTA), or SMTA, located in 45 states, or the SMTA Transaction. The aggregate transaction value of the SMTA Transaction was $2,482,382, including $2,384,577 in cash consideration, $82,069 of prepayment penalties related to SMTA’s extinguishment of the mortgage debt on the portfolio and $15,736 of other capitalized acquisition costs. The properties included in the portfolio were net leased to 279 tenants operating in 23 distinct industries and 163 brands that include quick service and casual dining restaurants, movie theaters, health and fitness, grocery, automotive parts and services and other service-oriented and necessity-based industries across 45 states. We financed the SMTA Transaction with borrowings under our revolving credit facility and with cash on hand, including net proceeds from our public offerings of senior unsecured notes, as described further in Note 6. As of December 31, 2021, we had $4,310 of unspent leasing related obligations assumed as a part of the SMTA Transaction.
Dispositions
During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 we sold 18, 39 and 150 properties, respectively, for an aggregate sales price of $52,332, $174,172, and $821,212 respectively, excluding closing costs, as presented in the table below. The sales of these properties in the table below do not represent significant dispositions individually or in the aggregate nor do they represent a strategic shift. As a result, the results of the operations of these properties are included in continuing operations through the date of sale in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
| Year of Sale | Property Type | Number of Properties | Rooms or Suites/Square Feet | Gross Sales Price | Gain/ (Loss) on Sale | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Properties sold during the year ended December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Hotels | 7 | 669 | $ | 40,552 | $ | 9,590 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Net Lease | 11 | 97,276 | 11,780 | 1,932 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18 | 669 /97,276 | $ | 52,332 | $ | 11,522 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Properties sold during the year ended December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Hotels | 18 | 2,046 | $ | 85,787 | $ | 17,550 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Net Lease | 21 | 1,375,483 | 88,385 | (15,289) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 39 | 2,046/1,375,483 | $ | 174,172 | $ | 2,261 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Properties sold during the year ended December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | Net Lease | 150 | 3,314,724 | $ | 821,212 | $ | 159,535 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In January 2022, we sold one hotel with 295 rooms and a carrying value of $12,016 for a sales price of $19,000, excluding closing costs. We have also entered into agreements to sell 45 hotels with 5,680 rooms and an aggregate carrying value of $352,540 for an aggregate sales price of $402,365, excluding closing costs and have letters of intent or are in the process of marketing 43 additional properties with an aggregate carrying value of $150,962. We currently expect the sale of these properties to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2022.
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As of December 31, 2021, we had 67 hotels with 8,667 rooms with an aggregate carrying value of $503,078 classified as held for sale and 22 net lease properties with 154,206 square feet with an aggregate carrying value of $12,440 classified as held for sale. See Notes 5 and 13 for further information on these properties.
Note 5. Management Agreements and Leases
As of December 31, 2021, we owned 303 hotels included in six operating agreements and 788 service-oriented retail properties net leased to 174 tenants. We do not operate any of our properties.
Hotel agreements
Sonesta agreement. As of December 31, 2021, Sonesta operated 261 of the 303 hotels we then owned, which comprised approximately 50.9% of our total historical real estate investments, including 42 of our full-service hotels, 156 extended stay hotels, and 63 select service hotels pursuant to management agreements for each of the hotels. We are also party to pooling agreements that combine certain of our management agreements with Sonesta for purposes of calculating gross revenues, payment of hotel operating expenses, payment of fees and distributions and owner's priority returns due to us. See Notes 4 and 9 for further information regarding our relationship, agreements and transactions with Sonesta.
On February 27, 2020, we entered into a transaction agreement with Sonesta pursuant to which we and Sonesta restructured our business arrangements with respect to our hotels then managed by Sonesta as follows:
•We and Sonesta agreed to sell, rebrand or repurpose our 39 extended stay hotels then managed by Sonesta. We subsequently decided to suspend pursuing the sale of these 39 hotels based on market conditions; however, as noted below, we and Sonesta decided to sell 68 of our hotels managed by Sonesta, which includes many of these 39 hotels we had previously targeted for sale, rebranding or repurposing; we subsequently sold one of the 68 hotels in December 2021; see Note 4 for further information regarding that sale;
•The annual owner’s priority returns due for the 14 full-service hotels that Sonesta then managed and continues to manage were reduced from $99,013 to $69,013 as of that date;
•Sonesta issued to us a number of its shares of common stock representing approximately (but not more than) 34% of its outstanding shares of common stock (post-issuance) and we entered into a stockholders agreement with Sonesta, Adam Portnoy and the other stockholder of Sonesta and a registration rights agreement with Sonesta;
•We and Sonesta modified our then existing management agreements and pooling agreement so that 5% of the hotel gross revenues of each of our 14 full-service hotels then managed by Sonesta will be escrowed for future capital expenditures as FF&E reserves, subject to available cash flows after payment of the annual owner’s priority returns due to us under the management agreements;
•We and Sonesta modified the termination provisions of our then existing management agreements and pooling agreement and removed the provisions in our pooling agreement that allowed either us or Sonesta to require the marketing for sale of non-economic hotels; and
•We and Sonesta extended the initial expiration date of the then existing management agreements for our full-service hotels managed by Sonesta located in Chicago, IL and Irvine, CA to January 2037 to align with the initial expiration date for our other full-service hotels then managed by Sonesta.
We refer to the amended and restated management agreements in effect as of February 27, 2020 as the legacy management agreements and we refer to the amended and restated pooling agreement that includes those legacy management agreements as the legacy pooling agreement.
We previously leased 48 vacation units to Wyndham Destinations, Inc. (NYSE: WYND), or Destinations, at our full-service hotel located in Chicago, IL, which Sonesta began managing in November 2019 and which had previously been managed by Wyndham. Effective March 1, 2020, Sonesta commenced managing those units and those units were added to our legacy management agreement with respect to that Chicago hotel.
Between September 18, 2020 and December 15, 2020, we transferred the branding and management of 115 hotels previously managed by IHG, Marriott and Wyndham to Sonesta. In February and March 2021, we transitioned the branding and management of 88 hotels to Sonesta from Marriott. We entered into management agreements with Sonesta with respect to these hotels on terms substantially consistent with our legacy management agreements, except that the management agreements for these transitioned hotels were scheduled to expire on December 31, 2021 and automatically renew for successive one year terms unless terminated earlier. We refer to these management agreements as the conversion hotel management and pooling agreements and together with the legacy management agreements and legacy pooling agreements, as applicable, the Sonesta agreements. In June 2021, we transitioned the branding and management of five hotels to Sonesta from Hyatt and on
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November 1, 2021, we transitioned the branding and management of one additional hotel to Sonesta from Radisson. We added these hotels to our conversion hotel management and pooling agreements with Sonesta.
Our Sonesta agreements provided that we be paid a fixed annual owner’s priority return equal to 8% of our invested capital, as defined therein, if gross revenues of the hotels, after payment of hotel operating expenses and management and related fees (other than Sonesta’s incentive fee, if applicable), are sufficient to do so. Our Sonesta agreements further provide that we are paid an additional return equal to 80% of the remaining operating profits, as defined therein, after reimbursement of owner or manager advances, FF&E reserve escrows and Sonesta’s incentive fee, if applicable. We realized returns from our Sonesta hotels of $53,853 during the year ended December 31, 2021. Our Sonesta hotels generated net operating losses of $65,277 during the year ended December 31, 2020. We realized returns from our Sonesta hotels of $67,592 during the year ended December 31, 2019. We do not have any security deposits or guarantees for our Sonesta hotels. Accordingly, the returns we receive from our Sonesta hotels are limited to the hotels’ available cash flows, if any, after payment of operating expenses, including management and related fees.
Our Sonesta agreements provide that Sonesta is entitled to receive, after payment of hotel operating expenses, a base management fee equal to 3.0% of gross revenues for our full-service hotels and 5.0% of gross revenues for our extended stay and select service hotels. Additionally, Sonesta is entitled to a reservation fee equal to 1.5% of gross room revenues, as defined in our Sonesta agreements, a system fee for centralized services of 1.5% of gross revenues, a procurement and construction supervision fee equal to 3.0% of third party costs of capital expenditures managed by Sonesta and an incentive management fee equal to 20.0% of operating profits remaining after reimbursement to us and to Sonesta of certain advances, payment of our owner's priority returns and funding of FF&E reserve escrows. Sonesta’s incentive management fee, but not its other fees, is earned only after our owner's priority returns are paid. Our Sonesta agreements also provide that the costs incurred by Sonesta for advertising, marketing, promotional and public relations programs and campaigns, including “frequent stay” rewards programs, for the benefit of our Sonesta hotels are subject to reimbursement by us or are otherwise treated as hotel operating expenses, subject to our approval.
Pursuant to our Sonesta agreements, we incurred management, reservation and system fees and reimbursement costs for certain guest loyalty, marketing program and third-party reservation transmission fees of $84,926, $17,734 and $36,169 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These fees and costs are included in hotel operating expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). In addition, we recognized procurement and construction supervision fees of $2,196, $1,571 and $3,320 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, under our Sonesta agreements. These amounts have been capitalized in our consolidated balance sheets and are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related capital assets.
Our Sonesta agreements require us to fund capital expenditures that we approve at our Sonesta hotels. Commencing February 27, 2020, each of our 14 full-service hotels operated under the legacy management agreements and all the hotels operated under the conversion hotel management agreements managed by Sonesta require that 5% of the hotel gross revenues be escrowed for future capital expenditures as FF&E reserves, subject to available cash flows after payment of the annual owner's priority returns due to us. Our legacy management agreements do not require FF&E escrow deposits for 39 extended stay hotels. No FF&E escrow deposits were required during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 under our Sonesta agreements. We incurred capital expenditures for certain hotels included in our Sonesta agreements of $93,472, $62,963 and $114,081 during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We owed Sonesta $17,248, $26,096 and $15,537 for 2021 capital expenditure and reimbursements or for a previous overpayment of estimated owner's priority returns advanced at December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Sonesta owed us $4,592 for 2021 owner’s priority returns as of December 31, 2021. Amounts due from Sonesta are included in due from related persons and amounts owed to Sonesta are included in due to related persons in our consolidated balance sheets, respectively.
We are required to maintain working capital for each of our hotels managed by Sonesta and have advanced a fixed amount based on the number of rooms in each hotel to meet the cash needs for hotel operations. We had advanced $56,697 and $41,514 of initial working capital to Sonesta as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These amounts are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Any remaining working capital would be returned to us upon termination in accordance with the terms of our Sonesta agreement.
Amended and Restated Management and Pooling Agreements with Sonesta
On January 7, 2022, we and Sonesta amended and restated our management agreements effective January 1, 2022. As of that date, we owned 261 hotels managed by Sonesta and 67 of these hotels are expected to be sold, or the sale hotels. Among other things, the amendments to the agreements between us and Sonesta for 194 hotels, or the retained hotels, are as follows:
•The term for the retained hotels expires on January 31, 2037 and includes two 15-year renewal options.
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•All retained hotels are subject to a pooling agreement that combines the management agreements for the retained hotels for purposes of calculating gross revenues, hotel operating expenses, fees and distributions and the owner’s priority return due to us.
•The owner’s priority return for the retained hotels is initially set at $325,200 annually. We have the right to terminate Sonesta’s management of specific hotels that we own if minimum performance thresholds are not met starting in 2023.
•We will renovate the retained hotels to comply with agreed upon brand standards. As we advance such funding or fund other capital expenditures, the aggregate annual owner’s priority return due to us will increase by 6% of the amounts funded.
•Trade area restrictions by hotel brand have been added to define boundaries to protect our owned hotels in response to Sonesta increasing its franchising and third-party management activities.
In general, we and Sonesta may terminate a management agreement for a retained hotel for events of default, casualty and condemnation events, although Sonesta may not terminate for certain events of default. We also have the right to terminate a management agreement for a retained hotel if minimum performance thresholds are not met starting in 2023 for any three of four applicable consecutive years. We and Sonesta can terminate a management agreement due to an event of default of the other party, although Sonesta may not terminate for certain events of default. Pursuant to the management agreement, we or Sonesta may be obligated to pay the other party damages if the terminating party terminates a management agreement due to the other party’s event of default.
For the sale hotels, the term was extended to the earlier of December 31, 2022 (or until the applicable hotel has been sold) and the FF&E reserve funding requirement was removed. We can terminate a management agreement due to a Sonesta event of default. Pursuant to the management agreement, Sonesta may be obligated to pay us damages if we terminate a management agreement for a sale hotel due to Sonesta’s event of default. Our owner’s priority return will be reduced by the current owner’s priority return for a sale hotel once sold. The total owner’s priority for all the sale hotels is $84,653. The sale hotels are subject to a pooling agreement that combines the management agreements for the sale hotels for purposes of calculating gross revenues, hotel operating expenses, fees and distributions and the owner’s priority return due to us.
Accounting for Investment in Sonesta:
We account for our 34.0% non-controlling interest in Sonesta under the equity method of accounting. Our investment in Sonesta had a carrying value of $62,687 and $36,646 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. This amount is included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The cost basis of our investment in Sonesta exceeded our proportionate share of Sonesta’s total shareholders’ equity book value on the date of acquisition, February 27, 2020, by an aggregate of $8,000. As required under GAAP, we are amortizing this difference to equity in earnings of an investee over 31 years, the weighted average remaining useful life of the real estate assets and intangible assets and liabilities owned by Sonesta as of the date of our acquisition. We recorded amortization of the basis difference of $260 and $217 in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In March 2021, we funded a $25,443 capital contribution to Sonesta related to its acquisition of Red Lion Hotels Corporation to maintain our pro rata ownership. We recognized losses of $941 and $9,910 related to our investment in Sonesta for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These amounts are included in equity in earnings (losses) of an investee in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
We recorded a liability of $42,000 for the fair value of our initial investment in Sonesta, as no cash consideration was exchanged related to the modification of our management agreement with, and investment in, Sonesta. This liability for our investment in Sonesta is included in accounts payable and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet and is being amortized on a straight-line basis through January 31, 2037, as a reduction to hotel operating expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). We reduced hotel operating expenses by $2,484 and $2,070 for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, for amortization of this liability. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the unamortized balance of this liability was $37,447 and $39,930, respectively.
See Note 9 for further information regarding our relationship, agreements and transactions with Sonesta.
Hyatt agreement. On June 7, 2021, we and Hyatt amended our Hyatt agreement. Under our Hyatt agreement, as amended, Hyatt will continue to manage 17 of the hotels we own for a 10 year term effective April 1, 2021. Our amended Hyatt agreement sets our annual owner's priority return at $12,000 and Hyatt provided us with a new $30,000 limited guarantee for 75% of the aggregate annual owner's priority returns due to us beginning in 2023. Under our amended Hyatt agreement, a management fee of 5% of gross room revenues payable to Hyatt will be an operating cost paid senior to our owner's priority return. Hyatt may also earn a 20% incentive management fee after payment of our annual owner's priority returns and reimbursement of certain advances, if any. We also agreed to fund approximately $50,000 of renovations that are expected to be completed by the end of 2022. As described above, we transitioned the branding and management of the remaining five hotels that Hyatt previously managed to Sonesta in June 2021.
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We realized returns of $9,388 during the year ended December 31, 2021 and $22,037 for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, under this agreement. Hyatt had previously provided us with a guaranty, which was limited to $50,000 under the previous agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the hotels under this agreement generated cash flows that were less than the minimum rents due to us for the period and we exhausted the remaining $19,120 limited guaranty available to us to cover the shortfall. Any returns we receive from Hyatt are currently limited to the hotels’ available cash flows, if any, after payment of operating expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we expensed $3,700 of working capital we previously funded under our Hyatt agreement because the amount is no longer expected to be recoverable. This amount is included in transaction related costs in our consolidated statement of income (loss).
Radisson agreement. On November 1, 2021, we amended our Radisson agreement. Under our Radisson agreement, as amended, Radisson will continue to manage eight of the hotels we own for a 10 year term effective August 1, 2021. Our amended Radisson agreement sets our annual owner's priority returns at $10,200 and Radisson provided us with a new $22,000 limited guarantee for 75% of the aggregate annual owner's priority returns due to us beginning in 2023. Under our amended Radisson agreement, a management fee of 5% of gross room revenues for each hotel operated under the Country Inn & Suites brand and a management fee of 3% of gross room revenues for each hotel managed under the Radisson Hotel brand payable to Radisson will be an operating cost paid senior to our owner's priority returns. Radisson may also earn a 20% incentive management fee after payment of our annual owner's priority returns and reimbursement of certain advances, if any. We also agreed to fund approximately $12,000 of renovations that are expected to be completed by the end of 2022. As described above, we transitioned the management and branding of the ninth hotel that Radisson previously managed to Sonesta on November 1, 2021.
We realized returns of $11,364, $20,456 and $20,056 during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, under this agreement. Radisson had previously provided us with a guaranty, which was limited to $47,523. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the hotels under our Radisson agreement generated cash flows that were less than the minimum returns due to us and Radisson made $13,238 of guaranty payments to cover part of the shortfall and the Radisson guaranty was exhausted.
Marriott agreement. As of January 1, 2021, Marriott managed 105 of our hotels under agreements we had terminated in 2020 for Marriott’s failure to pay the cumulative shortfall between the payments we had received and 80% of the cumulative priority returns due to us in accordance with the agreement. We transitioned the branding and management of 88 Marriott managed hotels to Sonesta in February and March 2021. We sold one hotel that Marriott managed in April 2021 (see Note 4 for further information regarding this sale). As of December 31, 2021, Marriott managed 16 of our hotels. We were previously in arbitration proceedings with Marriott regarding, among other things, the timing and characterization of certain payments made to us, and the validity of the timing of the termination of the Marriott agreements, including an exit hotel agreement which, if not terminated, would require us to sell the 16 hotels encumbered with a Marriott brand. We were also seeking repayment of certain working capital advances we made to Marriott during 2020. We entered an agreement with Marriott regarding the 16 hotels noted above, pursuant to which we agreed to have these hotels remain Marriott branded hotels until the arbitration was resolved. On January 18, 2022, the arbitration panel declined to award us the $19,920 we had sought relating to certain working capital advances we made to Marriott under the applicable management agreements, but awarded us approximately $1,084 in connection with a related claim and determined we would own the remaining 16 hotels unencumbered by Marriott contracts. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2021, we expensed $18,035 of working capital we previously funded under our Marriott agreement because the amount is no longer expected to be recoverable. This amount is included in transaction related costs in our consolidated statement of income (loss). We expect to sell or transition the branding and management of the remaining 16 Marriott branded hotels to Sonesta in the second quarter of 2022.
We realized returns of $2,830 during the year ended December 31, 2021 under our Marriott agreement. Any returns we receive from Marriott are limited to the hotels’ available cash flows, if any, after payment of operating expenses. Marriott managed 122 of our hotels during years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. We realized returns of $93,593 and $190,492 during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, under our agreement with Marriott. Marriott had previously provided a limited guaranty and security deposit, which were both exhausted in 2020 to cover shortfalls between cash flows from our hotels and our minimum returns. We incurred capital expenditures for certain hotels included in our Marriott agreement of $7,394, $65,840 and $51,056 during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
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Other. Our management agreement with IHG for one hotel expires on January 31, 2026. Our IHG hotel generated net operating cash flow of $337 during the year ended December 31, 2021. Any returns we receive from IHG are limited to the hotels’ available cash flows, if any, after payment of operating expenses. IHG managed or leased 103 of our hotels during most of 2020. We terminated our agreement with IHG for failure to pay minimum returns and rents due to us during 2020 upon exhausting the security deposit we held to cover shortfalls between cash flow from our hotels and our minimum returns. We transferred the branding and management of 102 of our 103 IHG hotels to Sonesta in December 2020. We realized returns and rents of $107,888 and $205,941 during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, under our then agreement with IHG. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we expensed $16,711 of working capital we previously funded under our IHG agreement because the amount is no longer expected to be recoverable. This amount is included in transaction related costs in our consolidated statement of income (loss).
Net lease portfolio
As of December 31, 2021, we owned 788 net lease service-oriented retail properties with 13,522,060 square feet with annual minimum rent of $369,733 with a weighted (by annual minimum rents) average lease term of 10.2 years. The portfolio was 98.1% leased by 174 tenants operating under 134 brands in 21 distinct industries.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of our tenants requested rent assistance. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we entered into a rent deferral agreement for $2,792 of rent with four net lease tenants. As of December 31, 2021, we had $7,554 of deferred rents outstanding related to seven tenants we granted rent relief to pursuant to such requests who represented approximately 2.0% of our annualized rental income of our net lease retail portfolio as of December 31, 2021. These deferred rents are included in other assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets. These tenants are obligated to pay, in most cases, the deferred rent over a 24 month period. We have elected to use the FASB relief package regarding the application of lease accounting guidance to lease concessions provided as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and account for lease concessions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic outside of the existing lease modification guidance as the resulting cash flows from the modified lease are substantially the same as or less than the original lease. The deferred amounts did not impact our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2021.
We continually review receivables related to rent, straight-line rent and property operating expense reimbursements and determine collectability by taking into consideration the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area in which the property is located. The review includes an assessment of whether substantially all of the amounts due under a tenant’s lease are probable of collection. For leases that are deemed probable of collection, revenue continues to be recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For leases that are deemed not probable of collection, revenue is recorded as cash is received. We recognize all changes in the collectability assessment for an operating lease as an adjustment to rental income. We reduced reserves for uncollectible amounts by $9 during the year ended December 31, 2021 and recorded reserves for uncollectible amounts of $9,892 during the year ended December 31, 2020, We had reserves for uncollectible rents of $15,519 and $18,230 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
TA Leases
TA is our largest tenant, leasing 27.5% of our gross carrying value of real estate properties as of December 31, 2021. The number of travel centers, the terms, the annual minimum rent and the deferred rent balances owed to us by TA under our TA leases as of December 31, 2021, were as follows:
| Number of Travel Centers | Initial Term End (1) | Annual Minimum Rent | Deferred Rent (2) (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| TA No. 1 Lease | 36 | December 31, 2032 | $ | 49,707 | $ | 5,826 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TA No. 2 Lease | 36 | December 31, 2031 | 44,077 | 5,411 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| TA No. 3 Lease | 35 | December 31, 2029 | 42,409 | 5,335 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| TA No. 4 Lease | 37 | December 31, 2033 | 48,263 | 5,446 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| TA No. 5 Lease | 35 | June 30, 2035 | 61,654 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 179 | $ | 246,110 | $ | 22,018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)TA has two renewal options of 15 years each under each of our TA leases.
(2)Commencing April 1, 2019, TA is required to pay us $70,458 in 16 quarterly installments of $4,404 for deferred rent TA owes us.
(3)Represents the balance as of December 31, 2021.
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Our TA leases are “triple net” leases that require TA to pay all costs incurred in the operation of the leased travel centers, including personnel, utility, inventory, customer service and insurance expenses, real estate and personal property taxes, environmental related expenses, underground storage tank removal costs and ground lease payments at those travel centers at which we lease the property and sublease it to TA. Our TA leases generally require TA to indemnify us for certain environmental matters and for liabilities that arise during the terms of the leases from ownership or operation of the leased travel centers. In addition, TA is obligated to pay us at lease expiration an amount equal to an estimate of the cost of removing underground storage tanks on the leased properties. Our TA leases do not require FF&E escrow deposits. However, TA is required to maintain the leased travel centers, including structural and non-structural components. Under our TA leases, TA generally cannot own, franchise, finance, operate, lease or manage any travel center or similar property that is not owned by us within 75 miles in either direction along the primary interstate on which a travel center owned by us is located without our consent.
We recognized rental income from TA of $248,291, $250,573 and $262,038 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Rental income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 includes $13,237, $13,156 and $11,894, respectively, of adjustments to record the deferred rent obligations under our TA leases and the estimated future payments to us by TA for the cost of removing underground storage tanks on a straight line basis. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had receivables for current rent amounts owed to us by TA and straight line rent adjustments of $48,168 and $55,530, respectively. These amounts are included in due from related persons in our consolidated balance sheets. Beginning in January 2019, our recognition of the deferred rent obligations are recorded on a straight line basis over the new lease terms of our TA leases. Commencing on April 1, 2019, TA paid us the first of the 16 quarterly installments of approximately $4,404 each (an aggregate of $70,458) to fully satisfy and discharge its $150,000 deferred rent obligation to us that otherwise would have become due in five installments between 2024 and 2030. TA paid to us $17,616 in respect of such obligation for each of the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively and $13,200 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
On January 16, 2019, we sold to TA 20 travel center properties that TA previously leased from us for a total purchase price of $308,200. We recorded a gain of $159,535 as a result of these sales. Upon completing these sales, these travel center properties were removed from the TA leases and TA’s annual minimum rent payable to us decreased by $43,148.
In addition to the payment of annual minimum rent, our TA Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 leases provide for payment to us of percentage rent based on increases in total non-fuel revenues over base year levels (3% of non-fuel revenues above 2015 non-fuel revenues, and, beginning with the year ending December 31, 2021, an additional half percent (0.5%) of non-fuel revenues above 2019 non-fuel revenues) and our TA No. 5 lease provides for payment to us of percentage rent based on increases in total non-fuel revenues over base year levels (3% of non-fuel revenues above 2012 non-fuel revenues, and, beginning with the year ending December 31, 2020, an additional 0.5% of non-fuel revenues above 2019 non-fuel revenues). The total amount of percentage rent from TA that we recognized was $7,085, $2,764 and $4,075 during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Under our TA leases, TA may request that we fund capital improvements in return for increases in TA’s annual minimum rent according to the following formula: the annual minimum rent is increased by an amount equal to the amount funded by us multiplied by the greater of 8.5% or a benchmark U.S. Treasury interest rate plus 3.5%. TA is not obligated to request and we are not obligated to fund any such improvements. We did not fund any improvements under these leases during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 or 2019.
See Notes 4 and 9 for further information regarding our relationship with TA.
Our net lease agreements generally provide for minimum rent payments and in addition may include variable payments. Rental income from operating leases, including any payments derived by index or market-based indices, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term when we have determined that the collectability of substantially all of the lease payments is probable. Some of our leases have options to extend or terminate the lease exercisable at the option of our tenants, which are considered when determining the lease term. We recognized rental income from our other net lease properties (excluding TA) of $140,803, $137,111 and $46,861 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively, which included $10,616, $14,345 and $2,160 respectively, of adjustments to record scheduled rent changes under certain of our leases on a straight-line basis.
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Additional lease information (as lessor). As of December 31, 2021, our leases with parties other than our TRSs provide for contractual minimum rents to be paid to us during the remaining current terms as follows:
| 2022 | $ | 390,580 | |||
| 2023 | 376,064 | ||||
| 2024 | 365,787 | ||||
| 2025 | 356,248 | ||||
| 2026 | 344,503 | ||||
| Thereafter | 2,114,800 | ||||
| Total | $ | 3,947,982 | |||
Additional lease information (as lessee). As of December 31, 2021, 14 of our hotels were subject to ground leases where we are the lessee. In addition, our hotel operators enter various leases on our behalf in the normal course of business at our hotels, or our hotel operating leases. We calculated right of use assets and lease liabilities as the present value of the remaining lease payment obligations for our operating leases, which include the ground leases and hotel operating leases, over the remaining lease term using our estimated incremental borrowing rate. The right of use assets and related lease liabilities are included within other assets, net and accounts payable and other liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, our right of use assets and related lease liabilities each totaled $177,346 and $84,924, respectively, which represented our future obligations under our operating leases and are included in and , respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. Our operating leases require minimum fixed rent payments, percentage rent payments based on a percentage of hotel revenues in excess of certain thresholds, or rent payments equal to the greater of a minimum fixed rent or percentage rent. Rental expense related to our operating leases of $12,182 for the year ended December 31, 2021 is included in hotel operating expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). As of December 31, 2021, our operating leases provide for contractual minimum rent payments to third parties during the remaining lease terms, as follows:
| 2022 | $ | 15,024 | |||
| 2023 | 14,575 | ||||
| 2024 | 14,794 | ||||
| 2025 | 14,831 | ||||
| 2026 | 14,948 | ||||
| Thereafter | 263,314 | ||||
| Total lease payments | 337,486 | ||||
| Less: imputed interest | (160,140) | ||||
Present value of lease liabilities (1) | $ | 177,346 | |||
(1) The weighted average discount rate used to calculate the lease liability and the weighted average remaining term for our ground leases (assuming all extension options) and our hotel operating leases are approximately 5.27% and 22 years (range of 8 months to 66 years) and 5.67% and 42 years (range of 1 month to 52 years), respectively.
As of December 31, 2021, 16 of our net lease properties are on land we leased partially or entirely from unrelated third parties. We are not required to record right of use assets and lease liabilities for these properties as we are not the primary obligor under the leases. The average remaining term of these 16 ground leases was 10 years (range of to 20 years) with rents averaging $424 per year.
Generally, payments of ground lease obligations are made by our managers or tenants. However, if a manager or tenant did not perform obligations under a ground lease or did not renew any ground lease, we might have to perform obligations under the ground lease or renew the ground lease in order to protect our investment in the affected property.
Note 6. Indebtedness
Our principal debt obligations at December 31, 2021 were: (1) $1,000,000 of outstanding borrowings under our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility; and (2) $6,200,000 aggregate outstanding principal amount of senior unsecured notes. Our revolving credit facility is governed by a credit agreement with a syndicate of institutional lenders.
The maturity date of our revolving credit facility is July 15, 2022, and, subject to the payment of an extension fee and meeting certain other conditions noted below, we have an option to extend the maturity date of the facility for two additional six-month periods. We can borrow, repay and reborrow funds available under our revolving credit facility until maturity, and no principal repayment is due until maturity. We are required to pay interest on borrowings under our revolving credit facility at
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the rate of LIBOR plus a premium, which was 235 basis points per annum, subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.50%, as of December 31, 2021. We also pay a facility fee, which was 30 basis points per annum at December 31, 2021, on the total amount of lending commitments under our revolving credit facility. Both the interest rate premium and the facility fee are subject to adjustment based upon changes to our credit ratings. As of December 31, 2021, the annual interest rate payable on borrowings under our revolving credit facility was 2.85%. The weighted average annual interest rate for borrowings under our revolving credit facility was 2.85%, 2.36% and 3.21% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. On January 19, 2021, we borrowed $972,793 under our revolving credit facility as a precautionary measure to preserve financial flexibility. As of each of December 31, 2021 and February 22, 2022, our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility was fully drawn.
We and our lenders amended our credit agreement governing our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility in 2020. Among other things, the amendments waived all of the then existing financial covenants through the end of the current agreement term, or July 15, 2022. As a result of the amendments, among other things:
•we pledged certain equity interests of subsidiaries owning properties and provided first mortgage liens on 74 properties owned by the pledged subsidiaries with an undepreciated book value of $1,834,420 as of December 31, 2021 to secure our obligations under the credit agreement;
•we have the ability to fund up to $250,000 of capital expenditures per year and up to $50,000 of certain other investments per year as defined in the credit agreement;
•we agreed to certain covenants and restrictions on distributions to common shareholders, share repurchases, incurring indebtedness, and acquiring real property (in each case subject to various exceptions);
•we agreed to maintain minimum liquidity of $125,000;
•we are generally required to apply the net cash proceeds from the disposition of assets, capital markets transactions and debt refinancings to repay outstanding amounts under the credit agreement, and then to other debt maturities;
•in order to exercise the first six month extension option under the credit agreement, we would need to be in compliance with the financial covenants under the agreement calculated using pro forma projections as defined in the agreement for the quarter ending June 30, 2022, annualized, and have repaid or refinanced our $500,000 of 5.00% senior notes due in August 2022;
•we may not utilize the feature in our credit agreement pursuant to which maximum aggregate borrowings may be increased to up to $2,300,000 on a combined basis in certain circumstances until we demonstrate compliance with certain covenants; and
As noted above, our revolving credit facility matures on July 15, 2022 and we may be unable to meet the conditions required to exercise the extension option provided for in our credit agreement. We are in discussions with our lenders regarding a potential extension of the existing waivers or additional covenant waivers, but we cannot assure that we will be granted any such relief. We currently expect we will have enough cash to repay the amounts outstanding on our revolving credit facility using existing cash balances and proceeds we expect to receive from asset sales or other capital transactions we may complete prior to its maturity.
Our credit agreement and our unsecured senior notes indentures and their supplements provide for acceleration of payment of all amounts outstanding upon the occurrence and continuation of certain events of default, such as, in the case of our credit agreement, a change of control of us, which includes RMR LLC ceasing to act as our business manager. Our credit agreement and our unsecured senior notes indentures and their supplements also contain covenants, including those that restrict our ability to incur debts or to make distributions under certain circumstances and generally require us to maintain certain financial ratios. As of December 31, 2021, we were not in compliance with one of our debt covenants necessary to incur additional debt, and as a result, we will not be able to incur additional debt until we satisfy that covenant.
On September 18, 2019, we issued $825,000 aggregate principal amount of our 4.35% unsecured senior notes due 2024, $450,000 aggregate principal amount of our 4.75% unsecured senior notes due 2026 and $425,000 aggregate principal amount of our 4.95% unsecured senior notes due 2029. The aggregate net proceeds from these offerings were $1,680,461, after underwriting discounts and other offering expenses.
In connection with the SMTA Transaction, a syndicate of lenders committed to provide us with a one year unsecured term loan facility, under which we would be able to borrow up to $2,000,000. We terminated these commitments in September 2019 and recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $8,451 during the year ended December 31, 2019 to write off unamortized debt issuance costs. See Note 4 for further information about the SMTA Transaction.
On June 17, 2020, we issued $800,000 principal amount of our 7.50% unsecured senior notes due 2025, or the 2025 Notes. The aggregate net proceeds from this offering were $787,718, after underwriting discounts and other offering expenses. These notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries.
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On June 17, 2020, we repurchased $350,000 principal amount of our $400,000 of 4.25% senior notes due 2021 at a total cost of $355,971, excluding accrued interest pursuant to a cash tender offer. We recorded a loss of $6,970, net of discount and debt issuance costs, on early extinguishment of debt during the year ended December 31, 2020.
We repaid our $400,000 term loan, which was scheduled to mature on July 15, 2023, without penalty on November 5, 2020. As a result of the repayment, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $2,391, which represents unamortized debt issuance costs of the term loan. The weighted average annual interest rates for borrowings under our term loan were 2.74% and 3.43% during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As a result of the repayment, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $2,391, which represents unamortized debt issuance costs of the term loan.
On November 20, 2020, we issued $450,000 principal amount of our 5.50% senior notes due in 2027, or the 2027 Notes. The aggregate net proceeds from this offering were $442,232, after underwriting discounts and other offering expenses. These notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries. The subsidiaries in the guarantee pool for the 2025 Notes and the 2027 Notes may change from time to time as subsidiaries are allocated to or from the pledge pool for our credit agreement or for certain other reasons. Each subsidiary guarantor’s guarantee will automatically terminate and each subsidiary guarantor will automatically be released from all of its obligations under its guarantee and the indenture under certain circumstances, including on or after the date on which (a) the notes have received a rating equal to or higher than Baa2 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s Investors Service, or Moody’s, or BBB (or the equivalent) by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business, or S&P, or if Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate the notes for reasons outside of our control, the equivalent investment grade rating from any other rating agency and (b) no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing under the indenture governing the notes.
On December 18, 2020, we redeemed the remaining $50,000 of the 4.25% senior notes due 2021 for a redemption price equal to the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. We recorded a loss of $33, net of discounts and debt issuance costs, on extinguishment of this debt during the year ended December 31, 2020.
All of our senior notes are prepayable at any time prior to their maturity date at par plus accrued interest plus a premium equal to a make whole amount, as defined, generally designed to preserve a stated yield to the noteholder. Interest on all of our senior notes is payable semi-annually in arrears.
None of our debt obligations require sinking fund payments prior to their maturity dates.
The required principal payments due during the next five years and thereafter under all our outstanding debt at December 31, 2021 are as follows:
| 2022 | $ | 1,500,000 | |||
| 2023 | 500,000 | ||||
| 2024 | 1,175,000 | ||||
| 2025 | 1,150,000 | ||||
| 2026 | 800,000 | ||||
| Thereafter | 2,075,000 | ||||
| $ | 7,200,000 | ||||
Note 7. Shareholders' Equity
Common Share Awards
We have common shares available for issuance under the terms of our 2012 Equity Compensation Plan, or our Share Award Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we awarded 340,700 of our common shares with an aggregate market value of $3,839, 264,400 of our common shares with an aggregate market value of $2,232 and 140,100 of our common shares with an aggregate market value of $3,507, respectively, to our officers and certain other employees of our manager, RMR LLC, pursuant to our Share Award Plan. The value of the share awards was based upon the closing price of our common shares on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or Nasdaq, on the date of the award. See Note 9 for a further discussion of the awards we made to our officers and certain other employees of RMR LLC.
On June 16, 2021, in accordance with our Trustee compensation arrangements, we awarded under our Share Award Plan 7,000 of our common shares to each of our seven Trustees, valued at $13.94 per common share, the closing price of our common shares on Nasdaq, on that day.
On September 15, 2021, we awarded under our Share Award Plan an aggregate of 291,700 of our common shares, valued at $10.82 per common share, the closing price of our common shares on Nasdaq on that day, to our officers and certain other current and former officers and employees of RMR LLC.
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On February 27, 2020, in accordance with our Trustee compensation arrangements we awarded under our Share Award Plan 3,000 of our common shares each to two new Trustees who were elected to our Board of Trustees with an aggregate market value of $112. In addition, we awarded each of our Trustees 5,000 of our common shares with an aggregate market value of $378 ($54 per trustee) during the year ended December 31, 2020.
On June 14, 2019, in accordance with our Trustee compensation arrangements, we awarded under our Share Award Plan each of our then Trustees 3,000 of our common shares in 2019 with an aggregate market value of $370 ($74 per trustee) as part of their annual compensation.
The value of the share awards were based upon the closing price of our common shares on Nasdaq on the date of the awards. The shares awarded to our Trustees vest immediately.
The shares awarded to our officers and certain other employees of RMR LLC (in those capacities) vest in equal annual installments beginning on the date of award. Shares forfeited are recognized as they occur. Share awards are expensed ratably over the vesting period and the value of such share awards are included in general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
A summary of shares awarded, vested, forfeited and unvested under the terms of the Share Award Plan for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | Number of Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | Number of Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unvested shares, beginning of year | 325,900 | $ | 14.71 | 194,540 | $ | 26.59 | 164,000 | $ | 28.39 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares granted | 340,700 | $ | 11.26 | 305,400 | $ | 8.91 | 155,100 | $ | 25.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares vested | (240,470) | $ | 14.78 | (173,190) | $ | 17.76 | (122,010) | $ | 25.09 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares forfeited | (1,100) | $ | 12.96 | (850) | $ | 26.93 | (2,550) | $ | 27.49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unvested shares, end of year | 425,030 | $ | 11.93 | 325,900 | $ | 14.71 | 194,540 | $ | 26.59 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The 425,030 unvested shares as of December 31, 2021 are scheduled to vest as follows: 137,030 shares in 2022, 125,040 shares in 2023, 104,620 shares in 2024 and 58,340 shares in 2025. As of December 31, 2021, the estimated future compensation expense for the unvested shares was $4,518. The weighted average period over which the compensation expense will be recorded is approximately 22 months. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we recorded $2,964, $3,206 and $2,849, respectively, of compensation expense related to the Share Award Plan.
At December 31, 2021, 1,761,393 of our common shares remain reserved for issuance under our current Share Award Plan.
Share Repurchases
During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we repurchased our common shares from certain of our officers and certain current or former employees of RMR LLC, in satisfaction of tax withholding and payment obligations in connection with the vesting of our common shares as follows:
| Year | Aggregate Number of Shares Repurchased | Weighted Average Repurchase Price | Value | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 71,100 | $11.11 | $790 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 43,751 | $7.90 | $346 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 31,225 | $25.61 | $800 | |||||||||||||||||
Distributions
During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we paid distributions on our common shares as follows:
| Annual Per Share Distribution | Total Distribution | Characterization of Distribution | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year | Ordinary Income | Capital Gain | Return of Capital | Qualified Dividend | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | $0.04 | $6,596 | —% | — | 100.00% | —% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | $0.57 | $93,804 | —% | — | 100.00% | —% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | $2.15 | $353,620 | 44.50% | 37.93% | 17.57% | 0.50% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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On January 13, 2022, we declared a distribution of $0.01 per common share, or $1,652, which we paid on February 17, 2022, to shareholders of record on January 24, 2022.
Cumulative Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Cumulative other comprehensive income (loss) represents our share of the comprehensive loss of Sonesta. See Notes 5 and 9 for further information regarding these investments.
The following table presents changes in the amounts we recognized in cumulative other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the year ended December 31, 2021:
| Equity in | ||||||||||||||
| Unrealized Gain | ||||||||||||||
| (Loss) of Investees | Total | |||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | (760) | (760) | ||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from cumulative other comprehensive income to net income | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | (760) | (760) | ||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | 1,539 | 1,539 | ||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from cumulative other comprehensive income to net income | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 779 | $ | 779 | ||||||||||
Note 8. Business and Property Management Agreements with RMR LLC
We have no employees. The personnel and various services we require to operate our business are provided to us by RMR LLC. We have two agreements with RMR LLC to provide management services to us: (1) a business management agreement, which relates to our business generally, and (2) a property management agreement, which relates to our property level operations of our net lease portfolio, (excluding properties leased to TA), the office building component of one of our hotels and major renovation or repositioning activities at our hotels that we may request RMR LLC to manage from time to time. See Note 9 for further information regarding our relationship, agreements and transactions with RMR LLC.
Management Agreements with RMR LLC. Our management agreements with RMR LLC provide for an annual base management fee, an annual incentive management fee and property management and construction supervision fees, payable in cash, among other terms:
•Base Management Fee. The annual base management fee payable to RMR LLC by us for each applicable period is equal to the lesser of:
◦the sum of (a) 0.7% of the average aggregate historical cost of our real estate investments up to $250,000, plus (b) 0.5% of the average aggregate historical cost of our real estate investments exceeding $250,000; and
◦the sum of (a) 0.7% of the average closing price per share of our common shares on the stock exchange on which such shares are principally traded, during such period, multiplied by the average number of our common shares outstanding during such period, plus the daily weighted average of the aggregate liquidation preference of each class of our preferred shares outstanding during such period, plus the daily weighted average of the aggregate principal amount of our consolidated indebtedness during such period, or, together, our Average Market Capitalization, up to $250,000, plus (b) 0.5% of our Average Market Capitalization exceeding $250,000.
The average aggregate historical cost of our real estate investments includes our consolidated assets invested, directly or indirectly, in equity interests in or loans secured by real estate and personal property owned in connection with such real estate (including acquisition related costs and costs which may be allocated to intangibles or are unallocated), all before reserves for depreciation, amortization, impairment charges or bad debts or other similar non-cash reserves.
•Incentive Management Fee. The incentive management fee which may be earned by RMR LLC for an annual period is calculated as follows:
◦An amount, subject to a cap based on the value of our common shares outstanding, equal to 12% of the product of:
–our equity market capitalization on the last trading day of the year immediately prior to the relevant three year measurement period, and
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–the amount (expressed as a percentage) by which the total return per share, as defined in the business management agreement and further described below, of our common shareholders (i.e., share price appreciation plus dividends) exceeds the total shareholder return of the applicable market index, or the benchmark return per share, for the relevant measurement period. Effective August 1, 2021, we and RMR LLC amended our business management agreement to replace the benchmark index used in the calculation of incentive management fees. Pursuant to the amendment, for periods beginning on and after August 1, 2021, the MSCI U.S. REIT/Hotel & Resort REIT Index replaced the discontinued SNL U.S. REIT Hotel Index and will be used to calculate benchmark returns per share for purposes of determining any incentive management fee payable by us to RMR LLC. For periods prior to August 1, 2021, the SNL U.S. REIT Hotel Index will continue to be used. Accordingly, the calculation of incentive management fees for the next two measurement periods will continue to use the SNL U.S. REIT Hotel Index in calculating the benchmark returns for periods through July 31, 2021.This change of index was due to S&P Global, Inc. ceasing to publish the SNL U.S. REIT Hotel Index and we refer to the changed index as the benchmark index.
For purposes of the total return per share of our common shareholders, share price appreciation for a measurement period is determined by subtracting (1) the closing price of our common shares on Nasdaq on the last trading day of the year immediately before the first year of the applicable measurement period, or the initial share price, from (2) the average closing price of our common shares on the 10 consecutive trading days having the highest average closing prices during the final 30 trading days in the last year of the measurement period.
◦The calculation of the incentive management fee (including the determinations of our equity market capitalization, initial share price and the total return per share of our common shareholders) is subject to adjustments if we issue or repurchase our common shares, or if our common shares are forfeited, during the measurement period.
◦No incentive management fee is payable by us unless our total return per share during the measurement period is positive.
◦The measurement periods are three year periods ending with the year for which the incentive management fee is being calculated.
◦If our total return per share exceeds 12% per year in any measurement period, the benchmark return per share is adjusted to be the lesser of the total shareholder return of the applicable market index for such measurement period and 12% per year, or the adjusted benchmark return per share. In instances where the adjusted benchmark return per share applies, the incentive management fee will be reduced if our total return per share is between 200 basis points and 500 basis points below the applicable market index in any year, by a low return factor, as defined in the business management agreement, and there will be no incentive management fee paid if, in these instances, our total return per share is more than 500 basis points below the applicable market index in any year, determined on a cumulative basis (i.e., between 200 basis points and 500 basis point per year multiplied by the number of years in the measurement period and below the applicable market index).
◦The incentive management fee is subject to a cap. The cap is equal to the value of the number of our common shares which would, after issuance, represent 1.5% of the number of our common shares then outstanding multiplied by the average closing price of our common shares during the 10 consecutive trading days having the highest average closing prices during the final 30 trading days of the relevant measurement period.
◦Incentive management fees we paid to RMR LLC for any period may be subject to “clawback” if our financial statements for that period are restated due to material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirements under the securities laws as a result of the bad faith, fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence of RMR LLC and the amount of the incentive management fee we paid was greater than the amount we would have paid based on the restated financial statements.
Pursuant to our business management agreement with RMR LLC, we recognized net business management fees of $42,137, $36,830 and $41,607 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The net business management fees we recognized are included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for these periods. The net business management fees we recognized for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 reflect a reduction of $3,584 for each of those years for the amortization of the liability we recorded in connection with our former investment in RMR Inc.
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•Property Management and Construction Supervision Fees. The property management fees payable to RMR LLC by us for each applicable period are equal to 3.0% of gross collected rents and the construction supervision fees payable to RMR LLC by us for each applicable period are equal to 5.0% of construction costs for our net lease portfolio, excluding properties leased to TA, and the office building component of one of our hotels that are subject to our property management agreement with RMR LLC. On June 22, 2021, we and RMR LLC amended our property management agreement to, among other things, provide for RMR LLC’s oversight of any major capital projects and repositioning activities at our hotels, including our hotels that are managed by Sonesta, as we may request from time to time. RMR LLC will receive the same fee previously paid to Sonesta for these services, which is equal to 3% of the cost of any such major capital project or repositioning activity.
Pursuant to our property management agreement with RMR LLC, we recognized aggregate property management and construction supervision fees of $4,489, $3,575 and $1,399 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These amounts are included in other operating expenses or have been capitalized as appropriate in our consolidated financial statements. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, $3,674, $3,283 and $1,370, respectively, of property management fees were recognized as operating expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and $815, $292 and $29, respectively, were capitalized as building improvements in our consolidated balance sheets and are being depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related capital assets.
•Expense Reimbursement. We are generally responsible for all of our operating expenses, including certain expenses incurred or arranged by RMR LLC on our behalf. We are generally not responsible for payment of RMR LLC’s employment, office or administrative expenses incurred to provide management services to us, except for the employment and related expenses of RMR LLC employees assigned to work exclusively or partly at our net lease properties (excluding properties leased to TA) and the office building component of one of our hotels, our share of the wages, benefits and other related costs of RMR LLC’s centralized accounting personnel, our share of RMR LLC’s costs for providing our internal audit function, and as otherwise agreed. Our Audit Committee appoints our Director of Internal Audit and our Compensation Committee approves the costs of our internal audit function. Our property level operating expenses are generally incorporated into rents charged to our tenants, including certain payroll and related costs incurred by RMR LLC. We reimbursed RMR LLC $2,971, $2,618 and $620 for these expenses and costs for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We included these amounts in other operating expenses and general and administrative expense, as applicable, for these periods.
•Term. Our management agreements with RMR LLC have terms that end on December 31, 2041, and automatically extend on December 31st of each year for an additional year, so that the terms of our management agreements thereafter end on the 20th anniversary of the date of the extension.
•Termination Rights. We have the right to terminate one or both of our management agreements with RMR LLC: (i) at any time on 60 days’ written notice for convenience, (ii) immediately on written notice for cause, as defined therein, (iii) on written notice given within 60 days after the end of an applicable calendar year for a performance reason, as defined therein, and (iv) by written notice during the 12 months following a change of control of RMR LLC, as defined therein. RMR LLC has the right to terminate the management agreements for good reason, as defined therein.
•Termination Fee. If we terminate one or both of our management agreements with RMR LLC for convenience, or if RMR LLC terminates one or both of our management agreements for good reason, we have agreed to pay RMR LLC a termination fee in an amount equal to the sum of the present values of the monthly future fees, as defined therein, for the terminated management agreement(s) for the term that was remaining prior to such termination, which, depending on the time of termination would be between 19 and 20 years. If we terminate one or both of our management agreements with RMR LLC for a performance reason, we have agreed to pay RMR LLC the termination fee calculated as described above, but assuming a 10 year term was remaining prior to the termination. We are not required to pay any termination fee if we terminate our management agreements with RMR LLC for cause or as a result of a change of control of RMR LLC.
•Transition Services. RMR LLC has agreed to provide certain transition services to us for 120 days following an applicable termination by us or notice of termination by RMR LLC, including cooperating with us and using commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate the orderly transfer of the management and real estate investment services provided under our business management agreement and to facilitate the orderly transfer of the management of the managed properties under our property management agreement, as applicable.
•Vendors. Pursuant to our management agreements with RMR LLC, RMR LLC may from time to time negotiate on our behalf with certain third party vendors and suppliers for the procurement of goods and services to us. As part of this arrangement, we may enter agreements with RMR LLC and other companies to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provides management services for the purpose of obtaining more favorable terms from such vendors and suppliers.
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•Investment Opportunities. Under our business management agreement with RMR LLC, we acknowledge that RMR LLC may engage in other activities or businesses and act as the manager to any other person or entity (including other REITs) even though such person or entity has investment policies and objectives similar to ours and we are not entitled to preferential treatment in receiving information, recommendations and other services from RMR LLC.
Note 9. Related Person Transactions
We have relationships and historical and continuing transactions with TA, Sonesta, RMR LLC, RMR Inc., and others related to them, including other companies to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide management services and some of which have trustees, directors or officers who are also our Trustees or officers. RMR LLC is a majority owned subsidiary of RMR Inc. The Chair of our Board of Trustees and one of our Managing Trustees, Adam D. Portnoy, is the sole trustee of ABP Trust, which is the controlling shareholder of RMR Inc., and is a managing director and the president and chief executive officer of RMR Inc. and an officer and employee of RMR LLC. John G. Murray, our other Managing Trustee and our President and Chief Executive Officer, also serves as an officer and employee of RMR LLC. In addition, each of our other officers serves as an officer of RMR LLC. Some of our Independent Trustees also serve as independent trustees or independent directors of other public companies to which RMR LLC or its subsidiaries provide management services. Adam Portnoy serves as chair of the boards and as a managing director or managing trustee of these public companies. Other officers of RMR LLC, including Mr. Murray and certain of our other officers, serve as managing trustees, managing directors or officers of certain of these companies.
Our Manager, RMR LLC. We have two agreements with RMR LLC to provide management services to us: (1) a business management agreement, which relates to our business generally, and (2) a property management agreement, which relates to our property level operations of certain net lease properties and the office building component of one of our hotels and major renovation or repositioning activities at our hotels that we may request RMR LLC to manage from time to time. See Note 8 for further information regarding our management agreements with RMR LLC.
Share Awards to RMR LLC Employees. As described in Note 7, we award shares to our officers and other employees of RMR LLC annually. Generally, one fifth of these awards vest on the award date and one fifth vests on each of the next four anniversaries of the award dates. In certain instances, we may accelerate the vesting of an award, such as in connection with the award holder’s retirement as an officer of us or an officer or employee of RMR LLC. These awards to RMR LLC employees are in addition to the share awards to our Managing Trustees, as Trustee compensation, and the fees we paid to RMR LLC. See Note 7 for information regarding our share awards and activity as well as certain share purchases we made in connection with share award recipients satisfying tax withholding obligations on the vesting of share awards.
RMR Inc. On July 1, 2019, we sold all the 2,503,777 shares of class A common stock of RMR Inc. we owned in an underwritten public offering at a price to the public of $40.00 per share pursuant to an underwriting agreement among us, RMR Inc., certain other REITs managed by RMR LLC that also sold their class A common stock of RMR Inc. in the offering, and the underwriters named therein. We received net proceeds of $93,568 from this sale, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and before other offering expenses.
TA. We lease 179 of our travel centers to TA under the TA leases. As of December 31, 2021, we owned 1,184,797 shares of common stock, representing approximately 8.0% of TA’s outstanding shares of common stock, which amount includes 500,797 shares of TA common stock that we purchased in an underwritten public equity offering in July 2020 at the public offering price of $14.00 per share. RMR LLC provides management services to both us and TA, and Adam D. Portnoy also serves as the chair of the board of directors and as a managing director of TA and, as of December 31, 2021, beneficially owned 658,505 shares of TA common stock (including through RMR LLC), representing approximately 4.4% of TA’s outstanding shares of common stock.
Spin-Off of TA. In connection with TA’s spin-off, we entered a transaction agreement with TA and RMR LLC, pursuant to which TA granted us a right of first refusal to purchase, lease, mortgage or otherwise finance any interest TA owns in a travel center before it sells, leases, mortgages or otherwise finances that travel center to or with another party, and TA also granted us and any other company managed by RMR LLC a right of first refusal to acquire or finance any real estate of the types in which we or they invest before TA does. TA also agreed that for so long as TA is a tenant of ours it will not permit: the acquisition by any person or group of beneficial ownership of 9.8% or more of the voting shares or the power to direct the management and policies of TA or any of its subsidiary tenants or guarantors under its leases with us; the sale of a material part of the assets of TA or any such tenant or guarantor; or the cessation of certain continuing directors constituting a majority of the board of directors of TA or any such tenant or guarantor. TA also agreed not to take any action that might reasonably be expected to have a material adverse impact on our ability to qualify as a REIT and to indemnify us for any liabilities we may incur relating to TA’s assets and business.
See Notes 4 and 5 for further information regarding our relationships, agreements and transactions with TA.
F-29
Sonesta. Sonesta is a private company of which Adam Portnoy, one of our Managing Trustees, is a director and the controlling stockholder. One of Sonesta’s other directors is our other Managing Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer and Sonesta’s other director serves as one of RMR Inc.’s managing directors, as RMR LLC’s and RMR Inc.’s executive vice president, general counsel and secretary and as our Secretary. Certain of Sonesta’s officers are officers of RMR LLC. Certain other officers and employees of Sonesta are former employees of RMR LLC. RMR LLC also provides certain services to Sonesta. As of December 31, 2021, we owned approximately 34% of Sonesta’s outstanding shares of common stock and Sonesta managed 261 of our hotels. See Notes 4 and 5 for further information regarding our relationships, agreements and transactions with Sonesta.
AIC. Until its dissolution on February 13, 2020, we, ABP Trust, TA and four other companies to which RMR LLC provides management services owned Affiliates Insurance Company, an Indiana insurance company, or AIC, in equal portions. We and the other AIC shareholders historically participated in a combined property insurance program arranged and insured or reinsured in part by AIC until June 30, 2019. We paid aggregate annual premiums, including taxes and fees, of $5,738 in connection with this insurance program for the policy year ended June 30, 2019.
In connection with AIC’s dissolution, we and each other AIC shareholder received an initial liquidating distribution of $9,000 from AIC in December 2019 and an additional liquidating distribution of approximately $286 in June 2020. We received the final distribution of $12 in December 2021.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our investment in AIC had a carrying value of $12 and $298, respectively. These amounts are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We did not recognize any income in the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and recognized income of $393 related to our investment in AIC for the year ended December 31, 2019. These amounts are presented as equity in earnings of an investee in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Our other comprehensive income (loss) includes our proportionate part of unrealized losses on securities which were owned and held for sale by AIC of $175 related to our investment in AIC for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Note 10. Income Taxes
Our provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Current: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||
| State | 680 | 3,361 | 2,327 | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign | 350 | — | 593 | ||||||||||||||
| 1,030 | 3,361 | 2,920 | |||||||||||||||
| Deferred: | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign | (1,971) | 13,850 | (127) | ||||||||||||||
| (1,971) | 13,850 | (127) | |||||||||||||||
| $ | (941) | $ | 17,211 | $ | 2,793 | ||||||||||||
A reconciliation of our effective tax rate and the current U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate is as follows:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Taxes at statutory U.S. federal income tax rate | 21.0 | % | 21.0 | % | 21.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Nontaxable income of SVC | (21.0) | % | (21.0) | % | (21.0) | % | |||||||||||
| State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit | (0.1) | % | (1.1) | % | 0.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign taxes | 0.3 | % | (4.4) | % | 0.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 0.2 | % | (5.5) | % | 0.8 | % | |||||||||||
F-30
Deferred income tax balances generally reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of certain of our assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets and the amounts used for income tax purposes and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
| As of December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets: | |||||||||||
| Tax loss carryforwards | $ | 84,551 | $ | 42,940 | |||||||
| Other | 4,844 | 3,175 | |||||||||
| 89,395 | 46,115 | ||||||||||
| Valuation allowance | (89,395) | (46,115) | |||||||||
| — | — | ||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Property basis difference | (6,263) | (6,682) | |||||||||
| Puerto Rico deferred tax gain | (12,581) | (13,850) | |||||||||
| Net deferred tax liabilities | $ | (18,844) | $ | (20,532) | |||||||
Net deferred tax liabilities are included in accounts payable and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of gross unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740-10-50:
| Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits | ||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2020 | Current Period Increase | As of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| $2,531 | $— | $2,531 | ||||||||||||
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, our consolidated TRS had a net deferred tax asset, prior to any valuation allowance, of $84,973 and $40,879, respectively, which consists primarily of the tax benefit of net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits. Because of the uncertainty surrounding our ability to realize the future benefit of these assets, we have provided a 100% valuation allowance as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our consolidated TRS had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $334,686 and $159,727, respectively, which partially expire starting in 2025. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded a deferred tax liability of $12,581 and $13,843, respectively, as a result of the book value to tax basis difference related to the accounting of an insurance settlement in 2020. See Note 4 for further information regarding this insurance settlement.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, we, excluding our subsidiaries, had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $423,852 and $333,533, respectively, of which certain losses incurred prior to 2017 partially expire starting 2027.
Note 11. Concentration
Geographic Concentration
At December 31, 2021, our 1,091 properties were located in 47 states in the United States, plus Washington, DC, Ontario, Canada and Puerto Rico. Between 6% and 11% of our properties, by investment, were located in each of California, Texas, Georgia and Illinois. Our two hotels in Ontario, Canada and our hotel in Puerto Rico represent 1.6% of our hotels, by investment, in the aggregate at December 31, 2021.
Credit Concentration
As of December 31, 2021, Sonesta operated 261 of our hotels and TA leased 179 of our net lease properties, representing 50.9% and 27.5%, respectively, of our gross real estate assets at cost. See Notes 5 and 9 for a discussion of our Sonesta and TA agreements.
F-31
Note 12. Segment Information
We aggregate our hotels and net lease portfolio into two reportable segments, hotel investments and net lease investments (previously named travel centers), based on their similar operating and economic characteristics.
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotels | Net Lease | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel operating revenues | $ | 1,104,678 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,104,678 | |||||||||||||||
| Rental income | 1,808 | 389,094 | — | 390,902 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,106,486 | 389,094 | — | 1,495,580 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel operating expenses | 1,010,737 | — | — | 1,010,737 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | — | 15,658 | 15,658 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 266,641 | 219,324 | — | 485,965 | |||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | — | — | 53,439 | 53,439 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction related costs | 64,764 | — | — | 64,764 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on asset impairment | 60,980 | 17,640 | — | 78,620 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 1,403,122 | 252,622 | 53,439 | 1,709,183 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate, net | 9,558 | 1,964 | — | 11,522 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains on equity securities | — | — | 22,535 | 22,535 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 1 | — | 663 | 664 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | — | — | (365,721) | (365,721) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in losses of an investee | (287,077) | 138,436 | (395,962) | (544,603) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | — | — | 941 | 941 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in losses of an investee | — | — | (941) | (941) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (287,077) | $ | 138,436 | $ | (395,962) | $ | (544,603) | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotels | Net Lease | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 4,487,101 | 3,580,095 | 1,086,119 | 9,153,315 | |||||||||||||||||||
F-32
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotels | Net Lease | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel operating revenues | $ | 875,098 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 875,098 | |||||||||||||||
| Rental income | 2,472 | 387,684 | — | 390,156 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 877,570 | 387,684 | — | 1,265,254 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel operating expenses | 682,804 | — | — | 682,804 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | — | 15,208 | — | 15,208 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 263,673 | 235,235 | — | 498,908 | |||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | — | — | 50,668 | 50,668 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction related costs | 15,100 | — | — | 15,100 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on asset impairment | 17,131 | 38,625 | — | 55,756 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 978,708 | 289,068 | 50,668 | 1,318,444 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate, net | 14,927 | (12,666) | — | 2,261 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on insurance settlement | 62,386 | — | — | 62,386 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized losses on equity securities, net | — | — | 19,882 | 19,882 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 6 | — | 278 | 284 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | — | — | (306,490) | (306,490) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | — | (9,394) | (9,394) | |||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of an investee | (23,819) | 85,950 | (346,392) | (284,261) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | — | — | (17,211) | (17,211) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings of an investee | — | — | (9,910) | (9,910) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (23,819) | $ | 85,950 | $ | (373,513) | $ | (311,382) | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotels | Net Lease | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 4,846,410 | $ | 3,721,418 | $ | 119,491 | $ | 8,687,319 | |||||||||||||||
F-33
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotels | Net Lease | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel operating revenues | $ | 1,989,173 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,989,173 | |||||||||||||||
| Rental income | 25,724 | 301,251 | — | 326,975 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,014,897 | 301,251 | — | 2,316,148 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel operating expenses | 1,410,927 | — | — | 1,410,927 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | — | 8,357 | — | 8,357 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 268,088 | 160,360 | — | 428,448 | |||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | — | — | 54,639 | 54,639 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction related costs | — | — | 1,795 | 1,795 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on asset impairment | 28,371 | 10,925 | — | 39,296 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 1,707,386 | 179,642 | 56,434 | 1,943,462 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate | — | 159,535 | — | 159,535 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dividend income | — | — | 1,752 | 1,752 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized losses on equity securities, net | — | — | (40,461) | (40,461) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 795 | — | 1,420 | 2,215 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | — | — | (225,126) | (225,126) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | — | (8,451) | (8,451) | |||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of an investee | 308,306 | 281,144 | (327,300) | 262,150 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | — | — | (2,793) | (2,793) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings of an investee | — | — | 393 | 393 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 308,306 | $ | 281,144 | $ | (329,700) | $ | 259,750 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotels | Net Lease | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 4,866,549 | $ | 4,042,831 | $ | 124,587 | $ | 9,033,967 | |||||||||||||||
Note 13. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
The table below presents certain of our assets carried at fair value at December 31, 2021, categorized by the level of inputs, as defined in the fair values hierarchy under GAAP, used in the valuation of each asset.
| As of December 31, 2021 | As of December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Value | Fair Value | Carrying Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in TA (Level 1) (1) | $ | 61,159 | $ | 61,159 | $ | 38,624 | $ | 38,624 | ||||||||||||||||||
Assets of properties held for sale (Level 3) (2) | $ | 515,518 | $ | 515,518 | $ | 13,543 | $ | 13,543 | ||||||||||||||||||
(1)As of both December 31, 2021 and 2020, we owned 1,184,797 shares of TA common stock, which are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets and reported at fair value based on quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs). Our historical cost basis for these shares was $24,418 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we recorded unrealized gains of $20,367 and $19,883 unrealized losses of $1,129, respectively, to adjust the carrying value of our investment in TA shares to their fair values.
F-34
(2)As of December 31, 2021, we owned 67 hotels with 8,667 rooms with an aggregate carrying value of $503,078 classified as held for sale and 22 net lease properties lease properties with 154,206 square feet with an aggregate carrying value of $12,440 classified as held for sale. These properties are recorded at their estimated fair value less costs to sell based on information derived from third party appraisals (Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy under GAAP). We recorded a $78,620 loss on asset impairment in 2021 to reduce the carrying value of certain of these properties to their estimated fair value less costs to sell. As of December 31, 2020, we owned five hotels in four states with a carrying value of $10,699 and six net lease properties located in six states with a carrying value of $2,844 classified as held for sale. These properties are recorded at their estimated fair value less costs to sell based on information derived from third party appraisals (Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy under GAAP) We recorded a $55,756 loss on asset impairment in 2020 to reduce the carrying value of these properties to their estimated fair value less costs to sell.
In addition to the assets included in the table above, our financial instruments include our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, rents receivable, revolving credit facility, term loan, senior notes and security deposits. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the fair values of these additional financial instruments approximated their carrying values in our consolidated balance sheets due to their short term nature or floating interest rates, except as follows:
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying | Fair | Carrying | Fair | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amount (1) | Value | Amount (1) | Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022 at 5.00% | $ | 499,244 | $ | 501,033 | $ | 498,032 | $ | 510,285 | |||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2023 at 4.50% | 499,761 | 505,378 | 499,596 | 505,280 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 at 4.65% | 349,105 | 347,039 | 348,700 | 347,893 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 at 4.35% | 821,017 | 821,184 | 819,546 | 819,328 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2025 at 4.50% | 347,806 | 342,493 | 347,118 | 346,462 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2025 at 7.50% | 791,340 | 867,712 | 789,006 | 926,404 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2026 at 5.25% | 345,342 | 348,537 | 344,212 | 354,996 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2026 at 4.75% | 447,126 | 439,889 | 446,515 | 448,506 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2027 at 4.95% | 396,160 | 395,862 | 395,405 | 404,328 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2027 at 5.50% | 443,383 | 461,522 | 442,370 | 491,918 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2028 at 3.95% | 393,057 | 370,562 | 391,908 | 388,146 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2029 at 4.95% | 418,895 | 407,448 | 418,102 | 430,064 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2030 at 4.375% | 390,786 | 370,836 | 389,656 | 388,292 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial liabilities | $ | 6,143,022 | $ | 6,179,495 | $ | 6,130,166 | $ | 6,361,902 | |||||||||||||||
(1)Carrying value includes unamortized discounts and premiums and certain debt issuance costs.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, we estimated the fair values of our senior notes using an average of the bid and ask price of our then outstanding issuances of senior notes (Level 2 inputs).
F-35
SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III—REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2021
(dollars in millions)
| Initial Cost to Company | Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition | Gross Amount at which Carried at Close of Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Land | Building & Improvements | Improvements | Impairment | Cost Basis Adjustment(1) | Land | Building & Improvements | Total(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel Properties | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17 Royal Sonesta | 227 | 1,118 | 405 | (9) | (9) | 227 | 1,496 | 1,723 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
22 Sonesta | 136 | 588 | 321 | (51) | (5) | 136 | 848 | 984 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
60 Sonesta ES Suites | 132 | 557 | 368 | (35) | (48) | 132 | 794 | 926 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
44 Sonesta Select | 84 | 395 | 308 | (8) | (71) | 89 | 548 | 637 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
51 Simply Suites | 68 | 341 | 105 | (17) | (18) | 66 | 395 | 461 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17 Hyatt Place | 20 | 137 | 21 | — | — | 20 | 158 | 178 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Radisson Hotel | 9 | 93 | 45 | — | — | 9 | 138 | 147 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Crowne Plaza | 17 | 69 | 30 | — | — | 17 | 99 | 116 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13 Courtyard | 13 | 64 | 63 | (14) | (23) | 12 | 68 | 80 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Country Inn and Suites | 4 | 29 | 10 | — | — | 4 | 39 | 43 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Residence Inn | 4 | 9 | 12 | (3) | (1) | 3 | 17 | 20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Lease Properties | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
134 TravelCenters of America | 568 | 939 | 463 | — | — | 575 | 1,393 | 1,968 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
45 Petro Stopping Centers | 260 | 522 | 210 | — | — | 259 | 717 | 976 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11 AMC Theatres | 30 | 55 | 1 | — | — | 30 | 56 | 86 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14 The Great Escape | 19 | 64 | — | — | — | 19 | 64 | 83 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Life Time Fitness | 17 | 56 | — | — | — | 17 | 56 | 73 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Buehler's Fresh Foods | 10 | 49 | — | — | — | 10 | 49 | 59 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
59 Heartland Dental | 11 | 37 | — | — | — | 11 | 37 | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 Norms | 23 | 24 | — | — | — | 23 | 24 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
23 Express Oil Change | 6 | 37 | — | — | — | 6 | 37 | 43 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
39 Pizza Hut | 12 | 27 | — | — | — | 12 | 27 | 39 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Flying J Travel Plaza | 6 | 32 | — | — | — | 6 | 32 | 38 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 America's Auto Auction | 7 | 23 | 4 | — | — | 7 | 27 | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 Regal Cinemas | 9 | 25 | — | — | — | 9 | 25 | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 Courthouse Athletic Club | 5 | 28 | — | — | — | 5 | 28 | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
44 Church's Chicken | 7 | 25 | — | — | — | 7 | 25 | 32 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Big Al's | 3 | 28 | — | — | — | 3 | 28 | 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21 Burger King | 9 | 22 | — | — | — | 9 | 22 | 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Fleet Farm | 3 | 27 | — | — | — | 3 | 27 | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19 Hardee's | 4 | 24 | — | — | — | 4 | 24 | 28 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 B&B Theatres | 12 | 15 | — | — | — | 12 | 15 | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16 Martin's | 7 | 20 | — | — | — | 7 | 20 | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19 Arby's | 7 | 19 | — | — | — | 7 | 19 | 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 Creme de la Creme | 7 | 18 | — | — | — | 7 | 18 | 25 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20 Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits | 8 | 17 | — | — | — | 8 | 17 | 25 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Mister Car Wash | 2 | 19 | — | — | — | 2 | 19 | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 United Supermarkets | 4 | 17 | — | — | — | 4 | 17 | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Mesa Fitness | 3 | 17 | — | — | — | 3 | 17 | 20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13 Taco Bell | 4 | 15 | — | — | — | 4 | 15 | 19 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 CarMax | 5 | 13 | — | — | — | 5 | 13 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
28 Uncle Ed's Oil Shoppe | 6 | 12 | — | — | — | 6 | 12 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Dave & Buster's | 3 | 11 | — | — | — | 3 | 11 | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Fusion Gyms | 3 | 10 | 1 | — | — | 3 | 11 | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Pike Nursery | 8 | 6 | — | — | — | 8 | 6 | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 HHI-Formtech | 3 | 10 | — | — | — | 3 | 10 | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Golden Corral | 4 | 8 | — | — | — | 4 | 8 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Rite Aid | 3 | 9 | — | — | — | 3 | 9 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Sanford's Grub & Pub | 1 | 10 | — | — | — | 1 | 10 | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Baptist Emergency Hospital | 2 | 8 | — | — | — | 2 | 8 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
S-1
| Initial Cost to Company | Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition | Gross Amount at which Carried at Close of Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Land | Building & Improvements | Improvements | Impairment | Cost Basis Adjustment(1) | Land | Building & Improvements | Total(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Eddie Merlot's | 2 | 8 | — | — | — | 2 | 8 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Fuddruckers | 4 | 6 | — | — | — | 4 | 6 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Cermak Fresh Market | 2 | 7 | — | — | — | 2 | 7 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Columbus Preparatory Academy | 1 | 8 | — | — | — | 1 | 8 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12 Core & Main | 4 | 5 | — | — | — | 4 | 5 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Lerner and Rowe | 1 | 8 | — | — | — | 1 | 8 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 Meineke Car Care Center | 3 | 6 | — | — | — | 3 | 6 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Texas Roadhouse | 3 | 6 | — | — | — | 3 | 6 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Austin's Park n' Pizza | — | 8 | — | — | — | — | 8 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Kohl's | 2 | 6 | — | — | — | 2 | 6 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 LA Fitness | 1 | 7 | — | — | — | 1 | 7 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Academy Sports + Outdoors | 1 | 6 | — | — | — | 1 | 6 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Blue Rhino | 3 | 4 | — | — | — | 3 | 4 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Columbus Arts & Tech Academy | 1 | 6 | — | — | — | 1 | 6 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Diagnostic Health | 1 | 6 | — | — | — | 1 | 6 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Krispy Kreme | 2 | 5 | — | — | — | 2 | 5 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Marcus Theaters | 2 | 5 | — | — | — | 2 | 5 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Oregano's Pizza Bistro | 1 | 6 | — | — | — | 1 | 6 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9 Sonic Drive-In | 3 | 4 | — | — | — | 3 | 4 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Axels | — | 6 | — | — | — | — | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Brookshire Brothers | 1 | 5 | — | — | — | 1 | 5 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Flying Star Cafe | 1 | 5 | — | — | — | 1 | 5 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Heytex USA | 1 | 5 | — | — | — | 1 | 5 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7 Hughes Supply | 2 | 4 | — | — | — | 2 | 4 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Jack Stack Barbeque | 1 | 5 | — | — | — | 1 | 5 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Jack's Family Restaurant | 2 | 4 | — | — | — | 2 | 4 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Wendy's | 1 | 5 | — | — | — | 1 | 5 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 10 Box | 2 | 3 | — | — | — | 2 | 3 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Adult & Pediatric Orthopedics | 1 | 4 | — | — | — | 1 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Bricktown Brewery | 1 | 4 | — | — | — | 1 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 ConForm Automotive | 2 | 3 | — | — | — | 2 | 3 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Gerber Collision & Glass | 1 | 4 | — | — | — | 1 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 HD Supply White Cap | 2 | 3 | — | — | — | 2 | 3 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Multi-Tenant | 1 | 4 | 11 | — | — | 3 | 13 | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Planet Fitness | 1 | 4 | — | — | — | 1 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 RGB Eye Associates | 1 | 4 | — | — | — | 1 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Walgreens | — | 5 | — | — | — | — | 5 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Ashley Furniture | 1 | 3 | — | — | — | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Boozman-Hof | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Caldwell Country Chevrolet | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Eriks Bike Shop | 1 | 3 | — | — | — | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Famous Dave's | 1 | 3 | — | — | — | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Focus Child Development Center | 1 | 3 | — | — | — | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Joe's Crab Shack | 1 | 3 | — | — | — | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Max & Erma's | 1 | 3 | — | — | — | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Metaldyne BSM | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Rainbow Kids Clinic | 1 | 3 | — | — | — | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Sportsman's Warehouse | 1 | 3 | — | — | — | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Anixter | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Applebee's | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Black Angus Steakhouse | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Buffalo Wild Wings | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Kerry's Car Care | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Monterey's Tex Mex | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Ojos Locos Sports Cantina | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
S-2
| Initial Cost to Company | Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition | Gross Amount at which Carried at Close of Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Land | Building & Improvements | Improvements | Impairment | Cost Basis Adjustment(1) | Land | Building & Improvements | Total(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Orscheln Farm and Home | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Rick Johnson Auto & Tire | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Slim Chickens | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Southwest Stainless, LP | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | 3 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Spoons Place | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Tractor Supply | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | 3 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 What the Buck | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | 3 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Affordable Care, Inc. | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Bridgestone Tire | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Cycle Gear | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Dollar General | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Hooters | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 KFC | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Long John Silver's | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Rally's | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Red Robin Gourmet Burgers | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Schumacher Homes | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Taco Bueno | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Bru Burger Bar | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Chicken Salad Chick | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 El Forastero | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 ERA Capital | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Howlin Concrete | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Little Caesars | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 NAPA Auto Parts | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Old Mexico Cantina | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 O'Reilly Auto Parts | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 SRS Distribution | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 The Atlanta Center for Foot & Ankle Surgery | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Touchstone Imaging | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Wings, Etc | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Bigham Cable | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Consolidated Pipe | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Del Taco | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Dunkin Donuts | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Family Dollar Stores | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Fazoli's | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Kings Wings N Things | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Off the Hook Seafood & More | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Sharks Fish & Chicken | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8 Vacant | 4 | 15 | — | — | — | 4 | 15 | 19 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 2 | 8 | 2 | — | — | 2 | 10 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 1,910 | $ | 6,006 | $ | 2,380 | $ | (137) | $ | (175) | $ | 1,919 | $ | 7,871 | $ | 9,790 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets Held for Sale | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
67 Hotels | $ | 110 | $ | 541 | $ | 84 | $ | (64) | $ | (3) | $ | 95 | $ | 506 | $ | 601 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
22 Net lease properties | 7 | 23 | — | (18) | — | 7 | 6 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total (1091 properties) | $ | 2,027 | $ | 6,570 | $ | 2,464 | $ | (219) | $ | (178) | $ | 2,021 | $ | 8,383 | $ | 10,403 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Represents reclassifications between accumulated depreciation and building & improvements made to record certain properties at fair value in accordance with GAAP.
(2)Excludes $436 of personal property classified in our consolidated balance sheets as furniture, fixtures and equipment.
S-3
SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST
SCHEDULE III—REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (Continued)
December 31, 2021
(dollars in millions)
Accumulated Depreciation(1) | Date of Construction | Date Acquired | Life on which Depreciation in Latest Income Statement is Computed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel Properties | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
60 Sonesta ES Suites | (391) | 1984 through 2000 | 1996 through 2017 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17 Royal Sonesta | (340) | 1913 through 1987 | 2005 through 2017 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
44 Sonesta Select | (312) | 1987 through 2000 | 1995 through 2003 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
22 Sonesta | (253) | 1924 through 1999 | 2005 through 2018 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
51 Simply Suites | (203) | 1996 through 2000 | 1997 through 2003 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17 Hyatt Place | (89) | 1992 through 2000 | 1997 through 2002 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Radisson Hotel | (70) | 1987 through 1990 | 1996 through 2018 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Country Inn and Suites by Radisson | (20) | 1987 through 1997 | 1996 and 2005 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Crowne Plaza | (12) | 1971 through 1988 | 2006 and 2017 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13 Courtyard | (4) | 1987 through 2000 | 1995 through 2003 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Residence | (1) | 1989 through 2002 | 1996 through 2005 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Lease Properties | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
134 TravelCenters of America | (834) | 1962 through 2017 | 2007 through 2017 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
45 Petro Stopping Centers | (418) | 1975 through 2017 | 2007 through 2017 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11 AMC Theatres | (6) | 1993 through 2008 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Buehler's Fresh Foods | (6) | 1985 through 2000 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
39 Pizza Hut | (6) | 1972 through 2006 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Life Time Fitness | (5) | 1987 through 2012 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14 The Great Escape | (5) | 1986 through 2007 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19 Arby's | (4) | 1969 through 2005 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21 Burger King | (4) | 1968 through 1985 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
44 Church's Chicken | (3) | 1668 to 1985 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 Courthouse Athletic Club | (3) | 1997 through 2001 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
23 Express Oil Change | (3) | 1970 through 2001 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19 Hardee's | (3) | 1969 through 1994 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
59 Heartland Dental | (3) | 1920 through 2005 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Multi-Tenant | (3) | 2001 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20 Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits | (3) | 1968 through 2004 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 America's Auto Auction | (2) | 1965 through 2005 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 B&B Theatres | (2) | 1998 through 2004 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Big Al’s | (2) | 2006 through 2010 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Cermak Fresh Market | (2) | 1989 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Fleet Farm | (2) | 1979 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Flying J Travel Plaza | (2) | 2001 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 HHI-Formtech | (2) | 1952 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16 Martin's | (2) | 1962 through 2003 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Mesa Fitness | (2) | 1983 through 2007 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 Norms | (2) | 1957 through 2014 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 Regal Cinemas | (2) | 2005 through 2010 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13 Taco Bell | (2) | 1982 through 2010 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
28 Uncle Ed's Oil Shoppe | (2) | 1959 through 1999 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
S-4
Accumulated Depreciation(1) | Date of Construction | Date Acquired | Life on which Depreciation in Latest Income Statement is Computed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 United Supermarkets | (2) | 1979 through 1997 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 10 Box | (1) | 1991 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Adult & Pediatric Orthopedics | (1) | 1991 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Austin's Park n' Pizza | (1) | 2003 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Axels | (1) | 1995 through 1996 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Bricktown Brewery | (1) | 1904 through 1984 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Brookshire Brothers | (1) | 1990 through 1999 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 CarMax | (1) | 2005 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Columbus Preparatory Academy | (1) | 2004 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 ConForm Automotive | (1) | 1987 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12 Core & Main | (1) | 1972 through 2001 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 Creme de la Creme | (1) | 1999 through 2008 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Dave & Buster's | (1) | 1992 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Diagnostic Health | (1) | 1985 through 1997 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Eddie Merlot's | (1) | 1997 through 2003 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Fuddruckers | (1) | 1994 through 1995 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Fusion Gyms | (1) | 1987 through 1984 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Golden Corral | (1) | 1993 through 2000 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Heytex USA | (1) | 2008 through 2016 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7 Hughes Supply | (1) | 1993 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Jack Stack Barbeque | (1) | 1983 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Joe's Crab Shack | (1) | 1997 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Kohl's | (1) | 1986 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Krispy Kreme | (1) | 2000 through 2004 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Lerner and Rowe | (1) | 1973 through 2007 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Marcus Theaters | (1) | 1999 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 Meineke Car Care Center | (1) | 1999 through 2000 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Metaldyne BSM | (1) | 1960 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Mister Car Wash | (1) | 1960 through 2002 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Oregano's Pizza Bistro | (1) | 1964 through 2006 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Pike Nursery | (1) | 1970 through 1996 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 Rite Aid | (1) | 1901 through 2000 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Sanford's Grub & Pub | (1) | 1928 through 2003 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9 Sonic Drive-In | (1) | 1987 through 2010 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Sportsman's Warehouse | (1) | 1983 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Texas Roadhouse | (1) | 2003 to 2005 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Walgreens | (1) | 1999 through 2000 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Wendy's | (1) | 1984 through 1989 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Academy Sports + Outdoors | — | 2016 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Affordable Care, Inc. | — | 2008 through 2010 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Anixter | — | 1984 through 1999 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Applebee's | — | 1996 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Ashley Furniture | — | 1973 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Baptist Emergency Hospital | — | 2013 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Bigham Cable | — | 1982 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Black Angus Steakhouse | — | 1996 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
S-5
Accumulated Depreciation(1) | Date of Construction | Date Acquired | Life on which Depreciation in Latest Income Statement is Computed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Blue Rhino | — | 2004 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Boozman-Hof | — | 1988 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Bridgestone Tire | — | 1998 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Bru Burger Bar | — | 1996 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Buffalo Wild Wings | — | 2014 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Caldwell Country Chevrolet | — | 2000 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Chicken Salad Chick | — | 1976 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Columbus Arts & Tech Academy | — | 1980 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Consolidated Pipe | — | 1987 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Cycle Gear | — | 1996 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Del Taco | — | 1992 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Dollar General | — | 2012 through 2015 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Dunkin Donuts | — | 1977 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 El Forastero | — | 1992 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 ERA Capital | — | 1999 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Eriks Bike Shop | — | 1996 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Family Dollar Stores | — | 1988 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Famous Dave's | — | 1997 through 1999 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Fazoli's | — | 1982 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Flying Star Cafe | — | 1994 through 1999 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Focus Child Development Center | — | 1965 through 1998 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Gerber Collision & Glass | — | 2001 through 2002 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 HD Supply White Cap | — | 1990 through 2001 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Hooters | — | 1997 through 1994 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Howlin Concrete | — | 1975 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Jack's Family Restaurant | — | 2008 through 2016 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Kerry's Car Care | — | 2015 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 KFC | — | 1977 through 2006 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Kings Wings N Things | — | 1997 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 LA Fitness | — | 2012 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Little Caesars | — | 1996 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Long John Silver's | — | 1972 through 1987 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Max & Erma's | — | 1990 through 2007 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Monterey's Tex Mex | — | 1979 through 1997 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 NAPA Auto Parts | — | 2001 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Off the Hook Seafood & More | — | 2007 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Ojos Locos Sports Cantina | — | 1993 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Old Mexico Cantina | — | 2007 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 O'Reilly Auto Parts | — | 2006 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Orscheln Farm and Home | — | 1977 through 1986 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Planet Fitness | — | 2007 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Rainbow Kids Clinic | — | 2011 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 Rally's | — | 1990 through 1992 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Red Robin Gourmet Burgers | — | 1995 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 RGB Eye Associates | — | 2013 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Rick Johnson Auto & Tire | — | 1993 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
S-6
Accumulated Depreciation(1) | Date of Construction | Date Acquired | Life on which Depreciation in Latest Income Statement is Computed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Schumacher Homes | — | 2014 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Sharks Fish & Chicken | — | 2014 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Slim Chickens | — | 2013 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Southwest Stainless, LP | — | 1977 through1994 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Spoons Place | — | 1998 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 SRS Distribution | — | 1975 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 Taco Bueno | — | 1991 through 2003 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 The Atlanta Center for Foot & Ankle Surgery | — | 1963 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Touchstone Imaging | — | 1992 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Tractor Supply | — | 2007 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 What the Buck | — | 1958 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Wings, Etc | — | 2014 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8 Vacant | — | 1977 through 2006 | 2019 | 10 - 40 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | (3,069) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Excludes accumulated depreciation of $213 related to personal property classified in our consolidated balance sheets as furniture, fixtures and equipment.
S-7
SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST
NOTES TO SCHEDULE III
December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands)
(A)The change in total cost of properties for the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 is as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 10,630,560 | $ | 10,716,233 | $ | 8,820,346 | |||||||||||
| Additions: acquisitions and capital expenditures | 86,016 | 99,141 | 1,983,380 | ||||||||||||||
| Dispositions | (330,091) | (145,836) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Reclassification of properties held for sale | (596,475) | (38,978) | (87,493) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at close of year | $ | 9,790,010 | $ | 10,630,560 | $ | 10,716,233 | |||||||||||
(B)The change in accumulated depreciation for the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 is as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 3,047,016 | $ | 2,851,121 | $ | 2,574,297 | |||||||||||
| Additions: depreciation expense | 298,597 | 364,636 | 305,441 | ||||||||||||||
| Dispositions | (153,699) | (143,814) | (28,617) | ||||||||||||||
| Reclassification of properties held for sale | (122,566) | (24,927) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at close of year | $ | 3,069,348 | $ | 3,047,016 | $ | 2,851,121 | |||||||||||
(C)The aggregate cost tax basis for federal income tax purposes of our real estate properties was $8,056,671 on December 31, 2021.
S-8
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Service Properties Trust | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ John G. Murray | |||||||
John G. Murray President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
Dated: February 24, 2022
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||||||||||||
| /s/ John G. Murray | Managing Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer | February 24, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| John G. Murray | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Brian E. Donley | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | February 24, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Brian E. Donley | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Laurie B. Burns | Independent Trustee | February 24, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Laurie B. Burns | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Robert E. Cramer | Independent Trustee | February 24, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Robert E. Cramer | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Donna D. Fraiche | Independent Trustee | February 24, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Donna D. Fraiche | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ John L. Harrington | Independent Trustee | February 24, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| John L. Harrington | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ William A. Lamkin | Independent Trustee | February 24, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| William A. Lamkin | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Adam D. Portnoy | Managing Trustee | February 24, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Adam D. Portnoy | ||||||||||||||