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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

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(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
    ACT OF 1934

                              For the quarter ended

                               JUNESEPTEMBER 30, 1999
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                                       OR

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

    For the transition period from _________________________________ to ________________________________


                         Commission file number 0-26304


                         SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.
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             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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            Maryland                                             52-1891908
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  (State or Other Jurisdiction                                (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization)                            Identification No.)


                   903 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente, CA 92673
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               (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)


       Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (949) 369-4000

         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 X No

         As of August 13,November 10, 1999, there were 37,931,72637,942,227 shares of Common Stock
outstanding.

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                         SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.

                          QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
                               JUNESEPTEMBER 30, 1999

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                         PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page ---- ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998........................1998......................................................... 3 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 and 1998.............................................................1998......................................... 4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 and 1998.............................................................1998......................................... 5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................................................Statements.................................... 6 SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC. ("LESSEE") Consolidated Balance Sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998........................1998......................................................... 12 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 and 1998.............................................................1998......................................... 13 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 and 1998.............................................................1998......................................... 14 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................................................Statements.................................... 15 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS................................................... 18OPERATIONS...................................... 19 ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK............................ 26RISK.............................................................. 27 PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..................................................................... 27PROCEEDINGS........................................................ 28 ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.....................................................................INFORMATION........................................................ 28 ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K...................................................... 368-K......................................... 37 SIGNATURES .................................................................................... 37...................................................................... 38
2 3 PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
JuneSeptember 30, December 31, 1999 1998 -------------------------------------------- ------------- (Unaudited) ASSETS: Investments in hotel properties, net $874,801,000 $840,974,000$ 874,288,000 $ 840,974,000 Other real estate investment properties, net 20,201,00020,450,000 17,027,000 Cash and cash equivalents 1,930,0006,031,000 859,000 Restricted cash 1,408,0001,174,000 2,853,000 Rent receivable - Lessee 12,060,00013,755,000 7,498,000 Other assets, net 6,499,0006,713,000 6,425,000 ------------ ------------ $916,899,000 $875,636,000 ============------------- ------------- $ 922,411,000 $ 875,636,000 ============= ============= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Revolving line of credit $305,000,000 $274,500,000$ 300,100,000 $ 274,500,000 Notes payable 136,909,000143,997,000 104,969,000 Accounts payable and other accrued expenses 12,980,00011,815,000 18,921,000 Dividends payable to preferred stockholders 498,000 503,000 ------------ ------------ 455,387,000------------- ------------- 456,410,000 398,893,000 ------------ ------------------------- ------------- Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)6) Minority interest 23,909,00024,089,000 25,493,000 Stockholders' equity: 7.9% Class A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 authorized; 250,000 issued and outstanding as of JuneSeptember 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998 (liquidation preference $100 per share aggregating $25,000,000) 3,000 3,000 Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 authorized; 37,929,47737,942,227 and 37,572,263 issued and outstanding as of JuneSeptember 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively 380,000 376,000 Additional paid-in capital 483,242,000483,363,000 479,848,000 Distributions in excess of earnings (46,022,000)(41,834,000) (28,977,000) ------------ ------------ 437,603,000------------- ------------- 441,912,000 451,250,000 ------------ ------------ $916,899,000 $875,636,000 ============ ============------------- ------------- $ 922,411,000 $ 875,636,000 ============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 3 4 SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, JuneSeptember 30, ---------------------------- ----------------------------- 1999 1998 1999 1998 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------------------- REVENUES: Lease revenue - Lessee $ 25,136,00029,086,000 $ 24,775,00028,907,000 $ 49,898,00078,984,000 $ 48,462,00077,369,000 Interest and other income 228,000 83,000 358,000 140,000251,000 135,000 609,000 275,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ 25,364,000 24,858,000 50,256,000 48,602,00029,337,000 29,042,000 79,593,000 77,644,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ EXPENSES: Real estate related depreciation and amortization 10,292,000 8,993,000 20,281,000 16,912,00010,897,000 9,326,000 31,178,000 26,238,000 Interest expense and amortization of financing costs 7,176,000 5,513,000 13,645,000 10,108,0009,434,000 6,948,000 23,079,000 17,056,000 Real estate and personal property taxes and insurance 2,986,000 2,883,000 6,078,000 5,662,0003,033,000 2,773,000 9,111,000 8,435,000 General and administrative 1,558,000 871,000 2,906,000 2,374,000725,000 1,604,000 3,631,000 3,978,000 Transaction costs 2,222,000337,000 -- 2,222,0002,559,000 -- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total expenses 24,234,000 18,260,000 45,132,000 35,056,00024,426,000 20,651,000 69,558,000 55,707,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Income before gaingains/(losses) on dispositiondispositions of hotel propertyproperties and minority interest 1,130,000 6,598,000 5,124,000 13,546,000 Gain4,911,000 8,391,000 10,035,000 21,937,000 Gain/(losses) on dispositiondispositions of hotel propertyproperties -- --(3,574,000) 490,000 --(3,574,000) Minority interest (31,000) (324,000) (243,000) (675,000)(230,000) (232,000) (473,000) (907,000) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ NET INCOME 1,099,000 6,274,000 5,371,000 12,871,0004,681,000 4,585,000 10,052,000 17,456,000 Distributions on preferred shares (492,000) (492,000) (979,000) (979,000)(493,000) (498,000) (1,472,000) (1,477,000) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS $ 607,0004,188,000 $ 5,782,0004,087,000 $ 4,392,0008,580,000 $ 11,892,00015,979,000 ============ ============ ============ ============ EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 5) Basic $ 0.020.11 $ 0.150.11 $ 0.120.23 $ 0.330.43 ============ ============ ============ ============ Diluted $ 0.020.11 $ 0.150.11 $ 0.120.23 $ 0.320.43 ============ ============ ============ ============ DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE -- $ 0.285 $ 0.275 $ 0.57 $ 0.550.835 ============ ============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 4 5 SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 ------------- ------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 5,371,00010,052,000 $ 12,871,00017,456,000 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Minority interest 243,000 675,000473,000 907,000 Depreciation and amortization 20,281,000 17,016,00031,178,000 26,238,000 Amortization of financing costs 1,180,000 1,079,000 Gain1,945,000 1,648,000 (Gain)/losses on dispositiondispositions of hotel propertyproperties (490,000) --3,574,000 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Rent receivable - Lessee (4,562,000) (4,611,000)(6,257,000) (6,858,000) Other assets, net 2,944,000 (494,000)3,916,000 (82,000) Accounts payable and other accrued expenses 769,000 1,697,000(396,000) 4,441,000 ------------- ------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 25,736,000 28,233,00040,421,000 47,324,000 ------------- ------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisitions, improvements and additions to hotel properties (68,272,000) (145,626,000)(78,470,000) (201,004,000) Acquisitions, improvements and additions to other real estate investments (3,488,000)properties (3,923,000) -- Proceeds from sale of hotel property 4,000,000 --47,238,000 Restricted cash 1,445,000 (184,000)1,679,000 (515,000) Payments received on notes receivable 100,000 23,000145,000 5,510,000 ------------- ------------- Net cash used in investing activities (66,215,000) (145,787,000)(76,569,000) (148,771,000) ------------- ------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 2,725,000 69,713,0002,756,000 69,854,000 Payment of deferred financing costs -- (1,283,000)(1,918,000) (2,811,000) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 34,500,000 137,000,000167,100,000 Principal payments on revolving line of credit (4,000,000) (53,000,000)(8,900,000) (83,000,000) Borrowings on notes payable 42,423,00049,883,000 -- Principal payments on notes payable (10,483,000) (16,698,000)(10,855,000) (17,133,000) Distributions to common stockholders (21,437,000) (19,396,000)(29,719,000) Distributions to minority interests (1,194,000) (1,195,000)(1,477,000) (1,772,000) Distributions to preferred stockholders (984,000) (979,000)(1,232,000) (1,401,000) ------------- ------------- Net cash provided by financing activities 41,550,000 114,162,00041,320,000 101,118,000 ------------- ------------- Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1,071,000 (3,392,000)5,172,000 (329,000) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 859,000 3,584,000 ------------- ------------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1,930,0006,031,000 $ 192,0003,255,000 ============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 5 6 SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 1. ORGANIZATION, RELATIONSHIP WITH LESSEE AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Organization: Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company" or "Sunstone"), was formed in September 1994 and commenced operations as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") on August 15, 1995. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Company had a 94.8% interest in Sunstone Hotel Investors, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership") which also commenced operations in August 1995. The Company conducts all of its business through and is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Company's portfolio included 5859 hotel properties, primarily located in the western United States, all of which are leased to Sunstone Hotel Properties, Inc. (the "Lessee") under operating leases (the "Percentage Leases") that provide for the payment of base and percentage rent. The Lessee is owned by Robert A. Alter, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company (80%), and Charles L. Biederman, Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of the Company (20%). The Lessee has entered into a management agreement pursuant to which all of the hotels are managed by Sunstone Hotel Management, Inc. (the "Management Company"), of which Mr. Alter is the sole shareholder. Relationship with Lessee: The Company must rely solely on the Lessee to generate sufficient cash flow from the operation of the hotels to enable the Lessee to meet its substantial rent obligation to the Company under the Percentage Leases. The Lessee has incurred significant losses from its inception in 1995. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's stockholder's deficit amounted to $9.6$10.9 million. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's rent payable to the Company amounted to $12.1$13.8 million. Also at JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's current liabilities exceeded its current assets by $9.0$10.2 million. The ability of the Lessee to fund its daily operations and continue to remain current on its substantial rent obligation to the Company is a result of the original terms under the Percentage Leases, for the payment of rent to the Company, which allow monthly base rent to be paid in arrears and monthly percentage rent to be paid within 45 days after the respective month end. The Company's management will continue to evaluate the financial condition of the Lessee and continue to evaluate other factors regarding the relationship between the Company and the Lessee. Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the Operating Partnership. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared without audit in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading when read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for prior quarters of 1999. The financial information presented herein reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results 6 7 SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 1. ORGANIZATION, RELATIONSHIP WITH LESSEE AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (continued) for the interim periods presented. The results for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ended December 31, 1999. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates made in preparing the consolidated financial statements include the collectibility of rent receivable, the recoverability of long-lived assets and the outcome of claims, litigation and other contingencies (see Note 8)Notes 2 and 6); actual results could differ materially from those estimates in the near term. Seasonality: The hotel industry is seasonal in nature. Seasonal variations in occupancy at the Company's hotels may cause quarterly fluctuations in the Company's lease revenues. Reclassifications: Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. 2. ACQUISITION OF SUNSTONE On April 5, 1999, the Company received a merger offer from SHP Acquisition, LLC ("SHP"), certain management personnel of the Lessee and Westbrook Funds III. The Lessee leases and operates all of the Company's hotels and is owned by Robert A. Alter, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Charles L. Biederman, Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of the Company. Westbrook Partners LLC is a New York based real estate opportunity fund, which is a 9.6% stockholder in the Company, whose managing principal, Paul Kazilionis, is a director of the Company. The original offer to purchase was for all the common stock of the Company at $9.50 to $10.00 in cash per share. Upon receiving the SHP merger offer, the Company formed the Special Committee of the Board of Directors, comprised of all the independent members of the Board of Directors, to study the proposal and consider the Company's alternatives. The Special Committee was advised by Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Altheimer & Gray. Upon the recommendation of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and the approval of the Board of Directors, Sunstone entered into a merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement" or the "Merger") as of July 12, 1999 with SHP, an affiliate of Westbrook Partners LLC and certain members of Sunstone's senior management. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement each share of common stock of the Company will be exchanged for $10.35 in cash, as suchsubject to adjustments which management currently anticipates will increase the merger consideration to approximately $10.39 per share. The adjustments provide that common stockholders will be paid a proportionate share of $2.5 million, or approximately $0.06 per share. The Merger Agreement also provides for a possible decrease in the event certain transaction expenses, consent payments or other payments exceed amounts specified in the Merger Agreement. Management currently anticipates that these adjustments will result in a decrease of approximately $0.02 per share. The net result of all the adjustments is currently anticipated to increase the merger consideration by approximately $0.04 per share to approximately $10.39 per share. The actual amount mayof the adjustments will not be adjusted.determined until shortly prior to the closing of the Merger. Minority interests in the Operating Partnership can elect to receive the same consideration per Unit or an equity interest in the acquiring entity. 7 8 SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) The Merger Agreement is subject to the vote of the Company's common stockholders and minority interests,interests. In October 1999, the Company filed a Definitive Proxy Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and mailed proxy materials to stockholders of records as well asof October 15, 1999. On November 17, 1999, the Company will hold a special meeting of stockholder to vote on the Merger. The Merger Agreement is also subject to certain other conditions, including the receipt of consents from certain major franchisors of Sunstone's hotels and the closing of SHP's financing. SHP has received a commitment for debt financing for the transaction, which is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 1999. 7 8 The Merger Agreement provides for a breakup fee and expenses of up to $25.0 million to be paid to SHP in the event that the Company wishes to accept a superior proposal to acquire the Company. Under such circumstances, the Company has the right to purchase all the shares of the Lessee and the Management Company, for a total amount of $30.0 million in cash. As required by the Merger Agreement, the Company will not pay a distribution to stockholders or minority interests at any time prior to the closing of the Merger. However, the aggregate purchase price will be increased by an amount equal to 50% of any increase in the Company's cash balance, adjusted as specified in the Merger Agreement, between June 30, 1999 and five business days prior to the closing of the Merger, but not less than $0.06 per share. The aggregate purchase price also is subject to a possible price reduction in connection with certain contingent payments. In conjunction with this transaction,the Merger, the Company has incurred and expensed $2.2$2.6 million in costs primarily for legal and accounting services.services through September 30, 1999. Significant additional transaction costs will be incurred by the Company if the Merger is consummated. Such significant additional transaction costs have not been accrued in the accompanying financial statements of the Company. 3. INVESTMENTS IN HOTEL PROPERTIES On July 15, 1999, the Company opened the newly built Courtyard by Marriott in Lynnwood, Washington, located approximately 15 miles north of downtown Seattle. The 164-room hotel includes a limited number of suites, as well as, a restaurant, lobby lounge, pool, fitness room, business center and approximately 1,500 square feet of meeting space. The hotel was developed by the Company for a cost of approximately $10.0 million and was financed in part with proceeds from a $7.7 million promissory note and Building Loan Agreement, both dated June 28, 1999. This financing is secured by a first deed of trust and requires monthly interest only payments at either the Prime Rate plus .25% or LIBOR plus 2.5% per year, but not less than 7% per year and matures June 28, 2000. The Company has the option to extend the maturity date for up to one year. As of September 30, 1999, $7.5 million was disbursed to the Company under such promissory note and Building Loan Agreement. During the secondthird quarter of 1999, the Company completed the acquisition of two newly built properties, the 121-room Residence Inn by Marriott in San Diego and the 154-room Hilton Garden Inn in Sacramento, for a total of $28.0 million. Both properties were acquired under the terms of definitive purchase agreements which were entered into during the fourth quarter of 1997 with third party developers. Additionally, the Companyalso completed, or was in the process of completing, substantial renovations at seven of the hotel properties, and in connection with such renovations, the Company incurred costs of approximately $15.7 million during the second quarter of 1999.$6.8 million. 4. REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT Borrowings under the Credit Facility accrue interest at LIBOR plus a margin that is based on the leverage of the Company. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Company had $305.0$300.1 million outstanding under its Credit Facility with an actual borrowing rate of LIBOR plus 2.0%.Facility. Borrowing base and loan-to-value limits, as well as other financial performance covenants restrict the availability of borrowings under the Credit Facility.Facility and, as of September 30, 1999, the Company could not borrow any additional amounts. The Company's total liabilities as defined under the terms of the Credit Facility are restricted by a leverage covenant ("Leverage Covenant") which allows the Company to borrow funds when the lesser of (i) 50% of the cost basis of the hotels or (ii) 50% of the cost basis of hotels owned for no more than six full fiscal quarters plus a valuation based on the net operating income ("NOI") for hotels owned longer than six fiscal quarters exceeds the Company's total liabilities. Effective July 1, 1999, the eleven remaining hotels that were acquired in connection with the acquisition of Kahler Realty Corporation in October of 1997 (the "Kahler Hotels") lost their cost consideration and arewere required to be valued based on their respective NOI. As a result of such change, the Company iswas not in compliance with the Leverage Covenant which, if not modified byCovenant. On September 1,22, 1999, will cause the Company to be in default under the Credit Facility. In addition, the Company's borrowing base at June 30, 1999 does not support the current level of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility andwas amended providing the Company cannot currently borrow any additional amounts under the Credit Facility. As a result, the Company will be required to re-margin the Credit Facility and repay approximately $4.9 million during the third quarter of 1999. The Company has entered into negotiations with the Credit Facility lenders for relief with respect to the Leverage Covenant. While no agreement has been executed, the Company has received a proposal from the co-agent banks under the Credit Facility to modify the terms of the Credit Facility to allowThis amendment allows the Kahler Hotels to be valued at their cost basis for an additional two quarters, for a total of eight quarters. In exchange for such modification, the lenders will requirerequired a modification fee of approximately $1.0 million, an increase in the borrowing rate to LIBOR plus 2.75%, effective July 1, 1999, limitations on expenditures for new acquisitions and renovations and maintenance of minimum liquidity and possibly other requirements and restrictions.liquidity. Additionally, in the event the Merger does not close, 8 9 SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 4. REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT (continued) the lenders will require the Company to secure the Credit Facility with the hotel properties and pay additional fees and further increase the borrowing rate. The Credit Facility term expires on July 1, 2000. During the first quarter of 1999, theThe Company requested a one-year extension of the term to July 1, 2001 which the lenders have denied. As a result, the Company is evaluating possible means of meeting near-term debt service requirements and improving liquidity through refinancing existing indebtedness, issuing additional equity securities and divesting certain hotel assets. The Company also has also modified its capital 8 9 expenditures and renovation programs. As previously discussed, the Company will not pay a distribution to stockholders or minority interests at any time prior to the closing of the Merger.Merger (Note 2). However, the Company anticipates that the distributions already made during 1999 are sufficient to satisfy the federal income tax requirements with respect to distributions in order for the Company to continue to qualify as a REIT. No assurances can be made regarding the availability or terms of additional sources of capital for the Company in the future and no assurances can be given regarding the Company's ability to successfully refinance the maturity of existing indebtedness, including, without limitation, the Credit Facility. No assurances can be given regarding the Company's success in securing an amendment to the Credit Facility whereby an existing breach of the Leverage Covenant would be remedied. If the Merger does not close and the Company is unable to secure additional sources of financing in the future, or is unable to successfully refinance existing indebtedness, or is unable to obtain amendments to the Credit Facility, no assurance can be made that the Company will be able to meet its financial obligations as they come due without substantial disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business, restructuring of debt or revisions of the Company's operations. Additionally, no assurances can be given that the lack of future financing sources would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. 5. NOTES PAYABLE On May 11, 1999, the Company repaid a $6.1 million promissory note with proceeds from a $16.1 million promissory note dated May 7, 1999 that requires monthly interest only payments at LIBOR plus 2.25%, matures October 30, 1999 and is secured by hotel properties with a net book value of $24.3 million at June 30, 1999. On May 28, 1999, the Company acquired the newly built 121-room Residence Inn by Marriott in San Diego and the 154-room Hilton Garden Inn in Sacramento. These acquisitions were financed with proceeds from a $20.8 million promissory note dated May 27, 1999 that requires monthly interest only payments at either the Prime Rate plus .50% or LIBOR plus 2.0%, matures May 27, 2001 and is secured by the two hotel properties with a net book value of $27.9 million at June 30, 1999. 6. EQUITY On May 17, 1999, the Company issued 277,513 shares of its common stock under the Company's Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan provides for the issuance of common stock at a price based on the twelve day trading period subsequent to acceptance and subject to certain thresholds and discounts as set by the Company. The issuance price of the shares sold was $9.08 per share, resulting in proceeds of approximately $2.5 million. 9 10 SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 7.5. EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share.
Three Months Ended SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, JuneSeptember 30, ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- 1999 1998 1999 1998 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Numerator: Net income $ 1,099,0004,681,000 $ 6,274,0004,585,000 $ 5,371,00010,052,000 $ 12,871,00017,456,000 Distributions on preferred shares (492,000) (492,000) (979,000) (979,000)(493,000) (498,000) (1,472,000) (1,477,000) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share: Income available to common stockholders after effect of dilutive securities $ 607,0004,188,000 $ 5,782,0004,087,000 $ 4,392,0008,580,000 $ 11,892,00015,979,000 ============ ============ ============ ============ Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares outstanding 37,782,576 37,530,453 37,689,914 36,491,40937,937,481 37,547,460 37,772,436 36,843,426 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options 15,000 137,545 7,500 153,95624,761 -- 13,254 102,637 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions 37,797,576 37,667,998 37,697,414 36,645,36537,962,242 37,547,460 37,785,690 36,946,063 ============ ============ ============ ============ Basic earnings per share $ 0.020.11 $ 0.150.11 $ 0.120.23 $ 0.330.43 ============ ============ ============ ============ Diluted earnings per share $ 0.020.11 $ 0.150.11 $ 0.120.23 $ 0.320.43 ============ ============ ============ ============
The computation of diluted earnings per share does not assume the conversion of the 7.9% Class A Convertible Preferred Stock because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Additionally, the computation of diluted earnings per share does not assume the conversion of the Operating Partnership units because such conversion would not have any impact on diluted earnings per share. 10 11 SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 8.6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES In connection with the Merger, eight lawsuitsEight substantially similar purported class actions have been filed namingconcerning the Company, certain directorsMerger (Note 2). Five of these actions were filed in Maryland state court and officersthe remaining three were filed in California state court. By agreement of the Companyparties, the five Maryland state court actions have been stayed pending resolution of the three parallel actions pending in California state court. The parties have agreed to consolidate the California actions under the first case filed in California for all purposes, and a proposed consolidation is currently being negotiated among the parties. The plaintiffs therein have indicated that they intend to file a consolidated amended complaint shortly in the superior Court of the State of California, County of Orange. Each of the actions is brought on behalf of a purported class of all our stockholders other parties asthan the named defendants. The factual basis allegedcomplaints, each of which was filed prior to underlie all eight lawsuits are essentially identical. Substantively, they assertexecution of the Merger Agreement, allege that Robert A. Alter, Charles L. Biederman and Paul Kazilionis,certain members of our Board, in conjunction with Westbrook Partners LLC (and other purported Westbrook affiliated entities), SHP and the Lessee,Acquisition, have offeredbreached their fiduciary duties by negotiating a proposed acquisition of Sunstone for an unfair buyout price for the outstanding sharesprice. In addition to certain members of the Company. Plaintiffs in eachBoard of these lawsuitsDirectors, the complaints purport to allege claims against SHP Acquisition, Westbrook Fund I, Westbrook Co-Invest I and Lessee. Each of the complaints purports to seek both injunctive relief and damages on behalf ofmonetary damages. At the purported class based upon these allegations.November 5, 1999 case evaluation conference in the three consolidated California cases, the lead plaintiffs' attorney advised the Court that they believed the price was fair and were not disputing the transaction. Plantiffs' attorneys informed the Court that the only remaining issue to be addressed is the attorney's fees, if any, to be paid to the plaintiffs' counsel. Management is unable to determine whether these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. The Company intends to defend the actionslawsuits vigorously. No amounts related to these lawsuits or contingent amounts related to the proposed acquisitionMerger have been accrued in the accompanying financial statements. 9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On July 15, 1999, the Company opened the newly built Courtyard by Marriott in Lynnwood, Washington, located approximately 15 miles north of downtown Seattle. The 164-room hotel includes a limited number of suites, as well as, a restaurant, lobby lounge, pool, fitness room, business center and approximately 1,500 square feet of meeting space. The hotel was developed by the Company for a cost of $10.0 million and was financed in part with proceeds from a $7.7 million promissory note and Building Loan Agreement, both dated June 28, 1999. This financing is secured by a first deed of trust and requires monthly interest only payments at either the Prime Rate plus .25% or LIBOR plus 2.5% per year, but not less than 7% per year and matures June 28, 2000. The Company has the option to extend the maturity date for up to one year. Subsequent to June 30, 1999, $4.2 million was disbursed to the Company under such Building Loan Agreement. 11 12 SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
JuneSeptember 30, December 31, 1999 1998 ------------- ------------ ------------- (Unaudited) ASSETS: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,412,0006,489,000 $ 3,639,000 Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $196,000$1,313,000 and $388,000, respectively 11,221,00011,888,000 10,771,000 Due from affiliates, net 751,0003,179,000 164,000 Inventories 1,817,0001,948,000 1,824,000 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,104,0001,173,000 640,000 ------------ ------------ 21,305,00024,677,000 17,038,000 Management agreements, net 304,000276,000 366,000 Property and equipment, net 137,000179,000 154,000 Other assets 503,000411,000 420,000 ------------ ------------ $ 22,249,00025,543,000 $ 17,978,000 ============ ============ LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT: Current liabilities Rent payable - Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. $ 12,060,00013,755,000 $ 7,498,000 Accounts payable 7,079,0009,594,000 8,811,000 Accrued payroll and employee benefits 6,467,0006,714,000 6,697,000 Sales taxes payable 2,406,0002,647,000 1,915,000 Due to affiliates, net 168,000 -- Stockholder line of credit 650,000 650,000 Other liabilities 1,435,0001,490,000 1,295,000 ------------ ------------ 30,265,00034,850,000 26,866,000 Long-term liability Accrued pension liability 1,568,0001,575,000 1,603,000 ------------ ------------ 31,833,00036,425,000 28,469,000 ------------ ------------ Commitments and contingencies (Note 5) Stockholders' deficit Common stock, no par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 125 shares issued and outstanding 498,000 498,000 Accumulated deficit (Note 2) (9,515,000)(10,813,000) (10,422,000) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (567,000) (567,000) ------------ ------------ (9,584,000)(10,882,000) (10,491,000) ------------ ------------ $ 22,249,00025,543,000 $ 17,978,000 ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 12 13 \ SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, JuneSeptember 30, ----------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- 1999 1998 1999 1998 ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------------------ ------------- ------------- ------------- REVENUES: Room $53,209,000 $51,840,000 $105,860,000 $ 99,750,00060,035,000 $ 58,535,000 $ 165,895,000 $ 158,285,000 Food and beverage 8,519,000 11,239,000 17,491,000 21,232,0008,286,000 10,267,000 25,777,000 31,499,000 Other 6,514,000 8,166,000 13,208,000 15,358,000 ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------6,518,000 7,911,000 19,726,000 23,269,000 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Total revenues 68,242,000 71,245,000 136,559,000 136,340,000 ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------74,839,000 76,713,000 211,398,000 213,053,000 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- EXPENSES: Room 11,833,000 12,994,000 23,575,000 24,372,00012,842,000 13,127,000 36,417,000 37,499,000 Food and beverage 6,714,000 9,386,000 13,650,000 17,926,0006,538,000 8,516,000 20,188,000 26,442,000 Other 3,931,000 4,496,000 7,789,000 8,890,0004,303,000 4,884,000 12,092,000 13,774,000 Advertising and promotion 5,677,000 5,160,000 11,068,000 9,898,0005,854,000 5,606,000 16,922,000 15,504,000 Repairs and maintenance 2,706,000 3,006,000 5,106,000 5,581,0002,863,000 3,008,000 7,969,000 8,589,000 Utilities 2,161,000 2,785,000 4,751,000 5,214,0003,155,000 3,236,000 7,906,000 8,450,000 Franchise costs 2,181,000 1,839,000 4,225,000 3,257,0003,331,000 2,136,000 7,556,000 5,393,000 Management and accounting fees to related party 1,415,000 311,000 2,813,000 1,545,000326,000 329,000 2,031,000 937,000 Rent expense - Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. 25,136,000 24,775,000 49,898,000 48,462,00029,086,000 28,907,000 78,984,000 77,369,000 General and administrative 6,357,000 6,423,000 12,777,000 13,117,000 ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------8,947,000 6,713,000 21,724,000 20,767,000 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Total expenses 68,111,000 71,175,000 135,652,000 138,262,000 ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------77,245,000 76,462,000 211,789,000 214,724,000 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 131,000(2,406,000) $ 70,000251,000 $ 907,000 $(1,922,000) =========== =========== ============ ============(391,000) $ (1,671,000) ============= ============= ============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 13 14 SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, -------------------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 ----------- ----------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss)loss $ 907,000 $(1,922,000)(391,000) $(1,671,000) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Gain on sale of sewage treatment plant -- (141,000) Bad debt expense -- 86,000925,000 310,000 Depreciation 41,000 94,00048,000 11,000 Amortization 127,000 169,00090,000 267,000 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables, net (450,000) (847,000)(2,042,000) (4,051,000) Due from affiliates, net (587,000) 557,000(3,015,000) (42,000) Inventories 7,000 (32,000)(124,000) 190,000 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (529,000) (431,000)(533,000) (492,000) Other assets (83,000)9,000 -- Rent payable - Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. 4,562,000 4,811,0006,257,000 6,858,000 Accounts payable (1,732,000) 652,000783,000 (1,564,000) Customer deposits -- (182,000) Accrued payroll and employee benefits (230,000) 780,00017,000 (286,000) Sales taxes payable 491,000 896,000 Due to affiliates, net 168,000 --732,000 803,000 Accrued pension liability (35,000) 13,000(28,000) (20,000) Other liabilities 140,000 (336,000)195,000 (520,000) ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 2,797,000 4,490,0002,923,000 (530,000) ----------- ----------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of property and equipment (24,000) (83,000)(73,000) (59,000) Net proceeds from sale of sewage treatment plant -- 525,000 Proceeds from Lessor upon execution of certain leases -- 708,000816,000 ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (24,000) 625,000(73,000) 1,282,000 ----------- ----------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from stockholder line of credit 1,450,000 -- Payments on stockholder line of credit (1,450,000) -- Payments on capital lease obligation -- (27,000) ----------- ----------- Net cash used infrom financing activities -- (27,000)-- ----------- ----------- Net change in cash and cash equivalents 2,773,000 5,088,0002,850,000 752,000 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 3,639,000 4,352,000 ----------- ----------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 6,412,0006,489,000 $ 9,440,0005,104,000 =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 14 15 SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Sunstone Hotel Properties, Inc. (the "Lessee") was incorporated in Colorado in October 1994 and commenced operations effective with the completion of an initial public stock offering by Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (the "Lessor") on August 15, 1995. The Lessee leases hotel properties, which are primarily located in the western United States, from the Lessor pursuant to long-term leases (the "Percentage Leases"). The Lessee operates 100% of the hotel properties owned by the Lessor. The Lessee is owned by Robert A. Alter, Chairman and President of the Lessor (80%), and Charles L. Biederman, Director and Executive Vice President of the Lessor (20%). At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee leased 5859 hotel properties from the Lessor. Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Lessee and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The interim consolidated financial statements of the Lessee have been prepared without audit in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The Lessee believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading when read in conjunction with the Lessee's audited consolidated financial statements included in the Lessor's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for prior quarters of 1999. The financial information presented herein reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ended December 31, 1999. Seasonality: The hotel industry is seasonal in nature. Seasonal variations in hotel occupancy may cause quarterly fluctuations in the Lessee's revenues. Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates include estimates related to claims, legal actions and other similar contingencies (see Note 5) and actual results could differ materially from those estimates in the near term. Reclassifications: Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. 15 16 SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 2. STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee had net incomelosses of $131,000$2.4 million and $907,000, respectively; however, the$391,000, respectively. The Lessee has incurred significant losses from its inception in 1995. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's stockholders' deficit amounted to $9.6$10.9 million. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's rent payable to the Lessor amounted to $12.1$13.8 million. Also at JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's current liabilities exceeded its current assets by $9.0$10.2 million. The ability of the Lessee to fund its daily operations and continue to remain current on its substantial rent obligation to the Lessor is a result of the original terms under the Percentage Leases, for the payment of rent to the Lessor, which allow monthly base rent to be paid in arrears and monthly percentage rent to be paid within 45 days after the respective month end. 3. PERCENTAGE LEASE AGREEMENTS At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, all rent payments due the Lessor are current. Under the terms of the Percentage Leases, base rent is payable to the Lessor in arrears and percentage rent is payable 45 days after the end of each respective month. As such and as of JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the $12.1$13.8 million due the Lessor consists of percentage rent for the months of MayAugust and JuneSeptember 1999 and base rent for the month of JuneSeptember 1999. Certain Percentage Leases, as amended, allow for the abatement of base rent related to rooms taken out of service during major renovations. The Lessor abated $110,000$0 and $391,000 of base rent during the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999, respectively. No rent was abated during the three and sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 1998. 4. CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES Sunstone Hotel Management, Inc. (the "Management Company"), a company wholly owned by Robert A. Alter, Chairman of the Lessee, provides management and accounting services to the Lessee pursuant to the terms of a management agreement. The agreement has a one year term and is automatically renewed. Management fees are computed on an individual hotel basis and range from 1% to 2% of gross revenues. Accounting fees are computed as a fixed amount per room on an individual hotel basis and range from $8.50 to $11.50 per room per month. During the three months ended September 30, 1999, the Management Company agreed to abate management fees for the quarter ended September 30, 1999 which amounted to $1.2 million and sixto refund to the Lessee management fees totaling $900,000 that were already paid by the Lessee. The Management Company also agreed to abate and refund management fees totaling $1.1 million that were incurred and paid related to the three months ended June 30, 1999. Accordingly at September 30, 1999, $1.1 million and $2.2the Lessee has recorded in due from affiliates $2.0 million in management fees were incurred, respectively, and duringthat are to be refunded by the Management Company. After this abatement of management fees, the net management fees expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 totaled $1.1 million. During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1998, $0$1.2 million and $937,000$2.3 million, respectively, in management fees were incurred, respectively.abated by the Management Company. During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999, $307,000$326,000 and $622,000,$948,000 in accounting fees were incurred, respectively, and during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1998, $311,000$329,000 and $608,000$937,000 in accounting fees were incurred, respectively. Amounts due to affiliates represents management and accounting fees payable to the Management Company reduced by reimbursements due from the Management Company for certain expenses paid by the Lessee on behalf of the Management Company and certain salaries and other expenses incurred by the Lessee and allocated to the Management Company. Reimbursements from the Management Company, which are recorded as a reduction of the related general and administrative expenses, totaled $240,000 and $288,000, respectively, during the three and six months ended June 30, 1999. Upon the execution of each Percentage Lease, the Lessor assigns certain hotel operating assets and liabilities to the Lessee at the Lessor's net book value. The Lessee records all such hotel operating assets and liabilities at the Lessor's costscost with a corresponding net amount payable to or receivable from the Lessor, depending on whether net assets or liabilities were assigned. The Lessor also reimburses the Lessee for costs it incurs related to the Lessor's renovation of hotels. 16 17 SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 4. CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES (continued) Amounts due from affiliates primarily includes (i) abated management fees to be refunded by the Management Company; (ii) reimbursements due from the Management Company for certain expenses paid by the Lessee on behalf of the Management Company; (iii) certain salaries and other expenses incurred by the Lessee and allocated to the Management Company; and (iv) reimbursements from the Lessor reduced by the amountamounts due to the Lessor for net hotel operating assets assigned by the Lessor to the Lessee upon the execution of each Percentage Lease. 16 17 SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 4. CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES (continued) TheReimbursements of expenses from the Management Company, which are recorded as a reduction of the related general and administrative expenses, totaled $298,000 and $586,000, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 1999. At September 30, 1999, the Lessee hashad a $1.5 million line of credit with its primary stockholder. The line of credit bears interest at the prime rate plus 0.25%, is unsecured and has a maturity date of December 29, 1999. The line is to be used exclusively for general short-term working capital needs. In January 1999, an additional $800,000 was drawn on the stockholder line of credit by the Lessee for working capital needs. In February 1999, the Lessee paid down the line of credit by $650,000, plus related unpaid accrued interest. In June 1999, an additional $650,000 was drawn and $800,000 was paid down on the stockholder line of credit. Interest incurred on the line of credit during the three months and sixnine months ended March 31,September 30, 1999 totaled $14,000$5,000 and $31,000$36,000, respectively. On February 15, 1999, the Lessee began leasing office space from the Lessor when it moved its corporate facilities into a building owned by the Lessor. 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES On April 5, 1999, the Lessor received an acquisitiona merger offer from SHP Acquisition, LLC ("SHP"), formed by Robert A. Alter, certain management personnel of the Lessee and Westbrook Funds III. Westbrook Partners LLC is a New York based real estate opportunity fund, an affiliate of which isthe Lessee and a 9.6% stockholder in the Lessor, whose managing principal, Paul Kazilionis, is a director of the Lessor. Upon receiving the SHP merger offer, the Lessor formed the Special Committee of the Board of Directors, comprised of all the independent members of theits Board of Directors, to study the proposal and consider the Lessor's alternatives. The Special Committee was advised by Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Altheimer & Gray. Upon the recommendation of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of the Lessor and the approval of the Board of Directors, the Lessor entered into a merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement" or the "Merger") as of July 12, 1999 with SHP, an affiliate of Westbrook Partners LLC and certain members of the Lessor's senior management. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement each share of common stock of the Lessor will be exchanged for $10.35 in cash, as such amount may be adjusted.specified in the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement is subject to the vote of the Lessor's common stockholders and minority interests, as well as certain other conditions, including the receipt of consents from certain major franchisors of the Lessor's hotels and the closing of SHP's financing. On November 17, 1999, the Lessor will hold a special meeting of its stockholders to vote on the Merger. SHP has received a commitment for debt financing for the transaction, which is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 1999. The Merger Agreement provides for a breakup fee and certain expenses of up to $25.0 million to be paid to SHP in the event that the Lessor wishes to accept a superior proposal to acquire the Lessor.proposal. Under such circumstances, the Lessor has the right to purchase all the shares of the Lessee and the Management Company, for a total amount of $30.0 million in cash. As required by the Merger Agreement, the Lessor will not pay a distribution to stockholders or minority interests at any time prior to the closing of the Merger. However, the aggregate purchase price will be increased by an amount equal to 50% of any increase in the Lessor's cash balance, adjusted as specified in the Merger Agreement, between June 30, 1999 and five business days prior to the closing of the Merger, but not less than $0.06 per share. The aggregate purchase price also is subject to a possible price reduction in connection with certain contingent payments.17 18 SUNSTONE HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued) In connection with the Merger, eight lawsuits have been filed naming the Lessor, certain directors and officers of the Lessor and other parties including the Lessee and its shareholders as defendants. The factual basis alleged to underlie all eight lawsuits are essentially identical. Substantively, they assert that Robert A. Alter, Charles L. Biederman and Paul Kazilionis, in conjunction with Westbrook Partners, LLC (and other purported Westbrook affiliated entities), SHP Acquisition and the Lessee, have offered an unfair buyout price for the outstanding shares of the Lessor. Plaintiffs in each of these lawsuits purport to seek both injunctive relief and damages on behalf of the purported class based upon these allegations. Management is unable to determine whether these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Lessee's financial position or results of operations. The Lessee intends to defend the actions vigorously. No amounts related to these lawsuits or the proposed acquisitionMerger have been accrued in the accompanying financial statements. The Lessee is involved from time to time in various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe that the resolution of such matters will have a material adverse effect on the Lessee's financial position or results of operations when resolved. 1718 1819 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Forward-Looking Statements When used throughout this report, the words "believes", "anticipates" and "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to the many risks and uncertainties which affect the Company's business, and actual results could differ materially from those projected and forecasted. These uncertainties, which include competition within the lodging industry, the balance between supply and demand for hotel rooms, the Company's continued ability to execute acquisitions and renovations, the effect of economic conditions, the availability of capital to finance planned growth, the Year 2000 Issue, and the liquidity of the Lessee, are described but are not limited to those disclosed in this report. These and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are discussed under the heading "Risk Factors". Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The Company also undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect any future events or circumstances. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included elsewhere in this report, as well as the information presented in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for prior quarters of 1999. GENERAL Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (the "Company" or "Sunstone") is a self-administered, equity real estate investment trust ("REIT") that through its 94.8% ownership interest in Sunstone Hotel Investors, LP (the "Operating Partnership"), owns and leases luxury, upscale and mid-price hotels located primarily in the Pacific and Mountain regions of the western United States. The hotels operate primarily under national franchises that are among the most respected and widely recognized in the lodging industry, including brands affiliated with Marriott International, Inc., Bass Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels Corporation and Promus Hotel Corporation. As of August 13,November 10, 1999, the Company's portfolio consisted of 59 hotels with a total of 10,525 rooms. The majority of the Company's hotel portfolio consists of luxury, upscale and mid-price full-service hotels and upscale extended-stay properties (approximately 78.0%) with the remainder of the Company's portfolio consisting of mid-price limited service properties. ACQUISITION OF SUNSTONE On April 5, 1999, the Company received a merger offer from SHP Acquisition, LLC ("SHP"), certain management personnel of the Lessee and Westbrook Funds III. The Lessee leases and operates all of the Company's hotels and is owned by Robert A. Alter, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Charles L. Biederman, Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of the Company. Westbrook Partners LLC is a New York based real estate opportunity fund, which is a 9.6% stockholder in the Company, whose managing principal, Paul Kazilionis, is a director of the Company. The original offer to purchase was for all the common stock of the Company at $9.50 to $10.00 in cash per share. Upon receiving the SHP merger offer, the Company formed the Special Committee of the Board of Directors, comprised of all the independent members of the Board of Directors, to study the proposal and consider the Company's alternatives. The Special Committee was advised by Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Altheimer & Gray. Upon the recommendation of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and the approval of the Board of Directors, Sunstone entered into a merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement" or the "Merger") as of July 12, 1999 with SHP, an affiliate of Westbrook Partners LLC and certain members of Sunstone's senior management. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement each share of common stock of the Company will be exchanged for $10.35 in cash, as suchsubject to adjustments which management currently anticipates will increase the merger consideration to approximately $10.39 per share. The adjustments provide that common stockholders will be paid a proportionate share of $2.5 million, or approximately $0.06 per share. The Merger Agreement also provides for a possible decrease in the event certain transaction expenses, consent payments or other payments exceed amounts specified in the Merger Agreement. Management currently anticipates that these adjustments will result in a decrease of approximately $0.02 per share. The net result of all the adjustments is currently anticipated to increase the merger consideration by approximately $0.04 per 19 20 share to approximately $10.39 per share. The actual amount mayof the adjustments will not be adjusted.determined until shortly prior to the closing of the Merger. Minority interests in the Operating Partnership can elect to receive the same consideration per Unit or an equity interest in the acquiring entity. 18 19 The Merger Agreement is subject to the vote of the Company's common stockholders and minority interests,interests. In October 1999, the Company filed a Definitive Proxy Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and mailed proxy materials to stockholders of record as well asof October 15, 1999. On November 17, 1999, the Company will hold a special meeting of stockholders to vote on the Merger. The Merger Agreement is also subject to certain other conditions, including the receipt of consents from certain major franchisors of Sunstone's hotels and the closing of SHP's financing. SHP has received a commitment for debt financing for the transaction, which is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 1999. The Merger Agreement provides for a breakup fee and expenses of up to $25.0 million to be paid to SHP in the event that the Company wishes to accept a superior proposal to acquire the Company. Under such circumstances, the Company has the right to purchase all the shares of the Lessee and Sunstone Hotel Management, Inc., the management company, for a total amount of $30.0 million in cash. As required by the Merger Agreement, the Company will not pay a distribution to stockholders or minority interests at any time prior to the closing of the Merger. However, the aggregate purchase price will be increased by an amount equal to 50% of any increase in the Company's cash balance, adjusted as specified in the Merger Agreement, between June 30, 1999 and five business days prior to the closing of the Merger, but not less than $0.06 per share. The aggregate purchase price also is subject to a possible price reduction in connection with certain contingent payments. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Comparison of the Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 to 1998 and SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 to 1998 Revenues increased to $25.4$29.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 from $24.9$29.0 million for the secondthird quarter of 1998. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999, revenues increased to $50.3$79.6 million from $48.6$77.6 million for the corresponding period of 1998. The increase in revenues is primarily attributable to an increased inventory of renovated rooms available for occupancy during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 in comparison to the corresponding periods of 1998. The revenue increases achieved due to the completion of renovation activities were partially offset by the disposition of certain non-core hotels during 1998 and the first quarter of 1999. The Company owned fewer hotels during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 in comparison to the corresponding periods of 1998. Revenue per available room ("REVPAR") increases for continuously owned hotels also contributed to the revenue increases. On a same-unit-sales basis for the entire hotel portfolio, REVPAR increased 4.7%1.1% to $57.34$61.91 for the secondthird quarter of 1999 from $54.78$61.25 for the secondthird quarter of 1998. The 4.7%1.1% growth in REVPAR was driven by an increase in the average daily rate ("ADR") to $84.77$85.40 from $82.09 and an increase in occupancy to 67.6% from 66.7%.$84.52. REVPAR for the non-renovation hotels increased by 1.4%2.5%. Non-renovation hotels include 4448 of the Company's 5859 hotels owned as of JuneSeptember 30, 1999 which were not under renovation in either the secondthird quarter of 1998 or 1999. The 1.4%2.5% growth in REVPAR was driven by an increase in the ADR to $84.58$87.32 from $82.76$87.24 and a decreasean increase in occupancy to 70.1%75.6% from 70.6%73.9%. During the secondthird quarter of 1999, certain of the Company's hotel markets were negatively impacted by new supply or decreased demand. Specifically, the Seattle and Pueblo hotel markets, as well as Arizona had significant new supply come on-line. Also, the Seattle hotel market experiencedcontinued to experience less than anticipated demand during the secondthird quarter. On-going supply/demand imbalances in these markets may continue to negatively impact certain of the Company's hotels in the near-term. 1920 2021 The following table summarizes average occupancy rate, ADR and REVPAR, on a same-unit-sales basis, for the Company's hotels owned during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999.1999 and 1998. SUMMARY OPERATING DATA
Three Months Ended SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, JuneSeptember 30, ------------------ ------------------------------------------ ---------------------- 1999 1998 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- ------------- --------- --------- --------- SAME-UNIT-SALES ANALYSIS ALL HOTELS(1): Occupancy 67.6% 66.7% 66.6% 65.4%72.5% 72.5% 68.6% 67.9% ADR $84.77 $82.09 $85.82 $83.00$ 85.40 $ 84.52 $ 85.66 $ 83.56 REVPAR $57.34 $54.78 $57.16 $54.30$ 61.91 $ 61.25 $ 58.80 $ 56.70 REVPAR growth 4.7% 5.3%1.1% 3.7% NON-RENOVATION HOTELS(1): Occupancy 75.6% 73.9% 71.3% 70.1% 70.6% 68.7% 67.8% ADR $84.58 $82.76 $82.86 $81.06$ 87.32 $ 87.24 $ 84.63 $ 83.51 REVPAR $59.27 $58.46 $56.92 $54.96$ 66.05 $ 64.46 $ 60.36 $ 58.54 REVPAR growth 1.4% 3.6%2.5% 3.1% RENOVATION HOTELS(2): Occupancy 62.4% 58.2% 62.6% 60.8%62.9% 68.1% 62.7% 62.9% ADR $85.21 $80.33 $92.00 $87.15$ 78.37 $ 75.53 $ 88.25 $ 83.68 REVPAR $53.21 $46.79 $57.63 $53.03$ 49.29 $ 51.47 $ 55.34 $ 52.60 REVPAR growth 13.7% 8.7%(4.2%) 5.2%
- ---------------------------------- (1) Excludes the Hampton Inn located in Arcadia, California which was sold during the first quarter of 1999. (2) Includes seven hotels undergoing renovation in the secondthird quarter of 1999 and sevenfour hotels undergoing renovation in the secondthird quarter of 1998. Real estate related depreciation and amortization increased $1.3$1.6 million and $3.4$5.0 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999, respectively, over the corresponding periods of 1998. These increases are consistent with the net increase in investments in hotel and other real estate properties. Also contributing to the increases is depreciation of renovations completed at the hotel properties during 1998 and the first quarterhalf of 1999. Interest expense and amortization of financing costcosts increased $1.7$2.5 million to $7.2$9.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 from $5.5$6.9 million for the corresponding quarter of 1998. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999, interest expense and amortization of financing costs increased $3.5$6.0 million to $13.6$23.1 million from $10.1$17.1 million for the corresponding period of 1998. These increases are attributable to higher average borrowings outstanding, increased borrowing rate, effective July 1, 1999, due to the amendment to the Credit Facility, and reduced interest capitalized related to hotels undergoing major renovations for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 in comparison to the corresponding periods of 1998. During the three and six month periods ended June 30, 1999, the Company incurred increased generalGeneral and administrative expenses. Forexpenses decreased to $725,000 for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 general and administrative expenses increased tofrom $1.6 million from $871,000 for the corresponding quarter of 1998. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999, general and administrative expenses increaseddecreased to $2.9$3.6 million from $2.4$4.0 million for the corresponding period of 1998. These increasesThe decreases are primarily attributable to due diligence costs incurred in the third quarter of 1998 and not incurred in the third quarter of 1999. During the third quarter of 1998, the Company incurred and expensed by the Company for pre-opening activities$553,000 of costs related to three newly built hotels: the Residence Inn by Marriott in San Diego, California, the Hilton Garden Inn in Sacramento, California and the Courtyard by Marriott in Lynnwood, Washington. 20termination of a significant hotel portfolio acquisition that was under consideration. 21 2122 As previously discussed, the Company has entered into a Merger Agreement to be acquired by SHP. In conjunction with this transaction, the Company has incurred and expensed $2.2$337,000 and $2.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1999, respectively. These costs were primarily for legal and accounting services. During the first quarter of 1999, the Company disposed of the 129-room Hampton Inn located in Arcadia, California, for $8.5 million and recognized a $490,000 gain. As a result of the above factors, and despiteincome available to common stockholders increased to $4.2 million for the modest increases in revenues and REVPAR,three months ended September 30, 1999 from $4.1 million for the third quarter of 1998, while diluted earnings per share remained at $0.11 per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 1999, income available to common stockholders decreased 89.5% to $607,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1999$8.6 million from $5.8$16.0 million for the secondthird quarter of 1998, while diluted earnings per share decreased to $0.02$0.23 from $0.15$0.43 per share, an 86.7% decrease. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, income available to common stockholders decreased 63.0% to $4.4 million from $11.9 million for the second quarter of 1998, while diluted earnings per share decreased to $0.12 from $0.32 per share, a 62.5% decrease. (See discussion of Funds from Operations in "Liquidity and Capital Resources.")share. Seasonality and Regional Focus The Company currently focuses its acquisition efforts principally on the Pacific and Mountain regions which collectively comprise the western United States. The geographic distribution of the hotels, which are located in eight states as of August 13,November 10, 1999, reflects the Company's belief that a certain amount of geographic distribution helps to insulate the Company's hotel portfolio from local market fluctuations and off-peak seasonal operations that are typical for the hotel industry. The Company has also sought to increase its geographic distribution by focusing on major metropolitan areas. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Distributions. As previously discussed, the Company has entered into a Merger Agreement to be acquired by SHP. As required by the Merger Agreement, the Company will not pay a distribution to stockholders or minority interests at any time prior to the closing of the Merger. Accordingly, the Company did not declare a dividend for the secondthird quarter of 1999. Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities. The Company's principal source of cash to fund operating expenses and distributions is cash flow provided by rent paid by the Lessee. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee failed to achieve the hotel revenues contemplated in the budget and subsequent forecasts provided to the Company. As a result, rent paid by the Lessee was less than anticipated. The Lessee's obligations under the Percentage Leases are largely unsecured and the Lessee's ability to make rent payments to the Company under the terms of the Percentage Leases are substantially dependent on the Lessee's ability to generate sufficient cash flow from the operations of the hotels. (See discussion of the Lessee's stockholders' deficit in the following section, "The Lessee"). The Company is required under the Percentage Leases to make available to the Lessee for repair, replacement and refurbishment of furniture, fixtures and equipment an amount equal to 4% of room revenue per quarter on a cumulative basis. These funds are intended to maintain the hotels in a competitive condition. In the event the Merger does not close, the Company anticipates that cash flow from operations for the second halffourth quarter of 1999 will be insufficient to fund capital expenditures required under the Percentage Leases, operating expenses and distributions at the level prior to entering into the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, it may be necessary for the Company to defer or reduce the scope of capital expenditures, sell hotel properties or reduce distributions in the event the Merger does not close. Cash and cash equivalents as of JuneSeptember 30, 1999 were $1.9$6.0 million, as compared to $859,000 at December 31, 1998. Net cash provided by operating activities for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 was $25.7$40.4 million. 2122 2223 Cash Flows from Investing and Financing Activities. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Company invested $68.3$78.5 million in hotel properties and $3.5$3.9 million in other real estate investments. These investments were primarily funded with borrowings from the Company's $350.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the "Credit Facility") from its lenders (led by Bank One of Arizona, N.A., as the agent bank) and promissory notes secured by certain hotel properties. Borrowings under the Credit Facility accrue interest at LIBOR plus a margin that is based on the leverage of the Company. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Company had $305.0$300.1 million outstanding under its Credit Facility with an actual borrowing rate of LIBOR plus 2.0%.Facility. Borrowing base and loan-to-value limits, as well as other financial performance covenants restrict the availability of borrowings under the Credit Facility.Facility and, as of November 10, 1999, the Company cannot borrow any additional amounts. The Company's total liabilities as defined under the terms of the Credit Facility are restricted by a leverage covenant ("Leverage Covenant") which allows the Company to borrow funds when the lesser of (i) 50% of the cost basis of the hotels or (ii) 50% of the cost basis of hotels owned for no more than six full fiscal quarters plus a valuation based on the net operating income ("NOI") for hotels owned longer than six fiscal quarters exceeds the Company's total liabilities. Effective July 1, 1999, the eleven remaining hotels that were acquired in connection with the acquisition of Kahler Realty Corporation in October of 1997 (the "Kahler Hotels") lost their cost consideration and arewere required to be valued based on their respective NOI. As a result of such change, the Company iswas not in compliance with the Leverage Covenant which, if not modified byCovenant. On September 1,22, 1999, will cause the Company to be in default under the Credit Facility. In addition, the Company's borrowing base at June 30, 1999 does not support the current level of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility andwas amended providing the Company cannot currently borrow any additional amounts under the Credit Facility. As a result, the Company will be required to re-margin the Credit Facility and repay approximately $4.9 million during the third quarter of 1999. The Company has entered into negotiations with the Credit Facility lenders for relief with respect to the Leverage Covenant. While no agreement has been executed, the Company has received a proposal from the co-agent banks under the Credit Facility to modify the terms of the Credit Facility to allowThe amendment allows the Kahler Hotels to be valued at their cost basis for an additional two quarters, for a total of eight quarters. In exchange for such modification, the lenders will requirerequired a modification fee of approximately $1.0 million, an increase in the borrowing rate to LIBOR plus 2.75%, effective July 1, 1999, limitations on expenditures for new acquisitions and renovations and maintenance of minimum liquidity and possibly other requirements and restrictions.liquidity. Additionally, in the event the Merger does not close, the lenders will require the Company to secure the Credit Facility with the hotel properties and pay additional fees and further increase the borrowing rate. The Credit Facility term expires on July 1, 2000. During the first quarter of 1999, theThe Company requested a one-year extension of the term to July 1, 2001 which the lenders have denied. As a result, the Company is evaluating possible means of meeting near-term debt service requirements and improving liquidity through refinancing existing indebtedness, issuing additional equity securities and divesting certain hotel assets. The Company also has also modified its capital expenditures and renovation programs. As previously discussed, the Company will not pay a distribution to stockholders or minority interests at any time prior to the closing of the Merger. However, the Company anticipates that the distributions already made during 1999 are sufficient to satisfy the federal income tax requirements with respect to distributions in order for the Company to continue to qualify as a REIT. No assurances can be made regarding the availability or terms of additional sources of capital for the Company in the future and no assurances can be given regarding the Company's ability to successfully refinance the maturity of existing indebtedness, including, without limitation, the Credit Facility. No assurances can be given regarding the Company's success in securing an amendment to the Credit Facility whereby an existing breach of the Leverage Covenant would be remedied. If the Merger does not close and the Company is unable to secure additional sources of financing in the future, or is unable to successfully refinance existing indebtedness, or is unable to obtain amendments to the Credit Facility, no assurance can be made that the Company will be able to meet its financial obligations as they come due without substantial disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business, restructuring of debt or revisions of the Company's operations. Additionally, no assurances can be given that the lack of future financing sources would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. 22 23 During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Company invested approximately $31.9$38.6 million renovating hotels. During this period there were tentwelve hotels that were undergoing significant renovation activities. As previously discussed and in an effort to improve the Company's near-term liquidity, the Company has modified its capital expenditure and renovation programs such that future investments in hotels will be made to prevent or address guest satisfaction issues and to maintain the hotels in a competitive condition. The Company estimates it will invest an additional $19.1$10.6 million throughduring the balancefourth quarter of 1999 to complete the renovation of those hotels currently under renovation and to maintain the competitive condition of the hotel portfolio. The Company has selectively developed luxury and upscale hotels in markets where management believes room demand and other competitive factors justify new construction. During the second quarter of 1999, the Company completed the acquisition of two newly built hotel properties, the 121-room Residence Inn by Marriott in San Diego and the 154-room Hilton Garden Inn in Sacramento, for a total of $28.0 million. Both hotels were acquired under the terms 23 24 of definitive purchase agreements which were entered into during the fourth quarter of 1997 with third party developers. The acquisition of the two hotels was financed, in part, with proceeds from a $20.8 million promissory note dated May 27, 1999 that requires monthly interest only payments at either the Prime Rate plus .50% or LIBOR plus 2.0%, matures May 27, 2001 and is secured by the two hotel properties. On July 15, 1999, the Company opened the newly built Courtyard by Marriott in Lynwood, Washington, located approximately 15 miles north of downtown Seattle. The 164-room hotel includes a limited number of suites, as well as a restaurant, lobby lounge, pool, fitness room, business center and approximately 1,500 square feet of meeting space. The hotel was developed by the Company for a cost of $10.0 million and was financed in part with proceeds from a $7.7 million promissory note and Building Loan Agreement, both dated June 28, 1999. This financing is secured by a first deed of trust and requires monthly interest only payments at either the Prime Rate plus .25% or LIBOR plus 2.5% per year, but not less than 7% per year and matures June 28, 2000. The Company has the option to extend the maturity date for up to one year. During JulyAs of September 30 1999, approximately $4.2$7.5 million was disbursed to the Company under such building Loan Agreement. On May 11, 1999, the Company repaid a $6.1 million promissory note with proceeds from a $16.1 million promissory note dated May 7, 1999 that requires monthly interest only payments at LIBOR plus 2.25%, matures October 30, 1999 and is secured by certain hotel properties. In the event the Merger does not close, the Company will seek to extend or refinance this note, which matured on October 30, 1999. Additionally, on May 17, 1999, the Company issued 277,513 shares of its common stock under the Company's Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan provides for the issuance of common stock at a price based on the twelve day trading period subsequent to acceptance and subject to certain thresholds and discounts as set by the Company. The issuance price of the shares sold was $9.08 per share, resulting in proceeds of approximately $2.5 million. 2324 2425 Funds From Operations ("FFO") Management believes that funds from operations ("FFO") is a useful measure of financial performance of an equity REIT, such as the Company. FFO (as defined in the footnote below) for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 decreased by 12.5%8.9% and 9.3%9.1%, respectively, over the corresponding periods of 1998.
Three Months Ended SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, JuneSeptember 30, --------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- 1999 1998 1999 1998 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net Income $ 1,099,0004,681,000 $ 6,274,0004,585,000 $ 5,371,00010,052,000 $ 12,871,00017,456,000 Add (subtract): Real estate related depreciation and amortization 10,292,000 8,993,000 20,281,000 16,912,000 Gain10,897,000 9,326,000 31,178,000 26,238,000 (Gain)/losses on dispositiondispositions of hotel propertyproperties -- --3,574,000 (490,000) --3,574,000 Minority interest 31,000 324,000 243,000 675,000230,000 232,000 473,000 907,000 Transaction Costs 2,222,000337,000 -- 2,222,0002,559,000 -- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Funds from operations $ 13,644,00016,145,000 $ 15,591,00017,717,000 $ 27,627,00043,772,000 $ 30,458,00048,175,000 ============ ============ ============ ============
- -------------------- Management and industry analysts generally consider Funds From Operations to be an appropriate measure of the performance of an equity REIT. The White Paper on Funds From Operations (the "FFO White Paper") approved by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") defines Funds From Operations as net income or loss (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains or losses from debt restructuring and sales of property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. The Company computes Funds From Operations in accordance with standards established by NAREIT, adjusted for minority interest and nonrecurring transaction costs, which may not be comparable to Funds From Operations reported by other REITs that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than the Company. The Company's computation of FFO does not reflect the revisions made to the FFO White Paper in October 1999, which are effective beginning January 1, 2000. Funds From Operations should be considered in conjunction with net income and cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities as presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Funds From Operations should not be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indication of the Company's financial performance or to cash flow from operating, investing or financing activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of the Company's liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund the Company's cash needs, including its ability to make cash distributions. Funds From Operations may include funds that may not be available for management's discretionary use due to the requirements to conserve funds for capital expenditures and property acquisitions and other commitments. The Lessee For a discussion of the Lessee's revenue operations and a comparison of the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1999 to 1998, see "Results of Operations" of the Company. Additionally, the Lessee has incurred significant losses from its inception in 1995. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's stockholders' deficit amounted to $9.6$10.9 million. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's rent payable to the Company amounted to $12.1$13.8 million. Also at JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's current liabilities exceeded its current assets by $9.0$10.2 million. The ability of the Lessee to fund its daily operations and continue to remain current on its substantial rent obligation to the Company is a result of the original terms under the Percentage Leases, for the payment of rent to the Company, which allow monthly base rent to be paid in arrears and monthly percentage rent to be paid within 45 days after the respective month end. 2425 2526 YEAR 2000 ISSUE The term "Year 2000 Issue" is a general term used to describe the complications that may be caused by existing computer hardware and software that were designed by the respective manufacturers without consideration of the upcoming change in the century. Many computer systems recognize calendar years by the last two digits in the date code field. Beginning in the year 2000, these date code fields will need to accept four digit entries to distinguish twenty-first century dates from twentieth century dates. If not corrected, computer systems may fail or create erroneous results causing disruptions of operations. The Company's in-house computer systems environment is limited to software and hardware developed by third parties. All of the Company's computer systems, consisting of financial reporting and accounting systems only, were installed in the last two years and management believes such systems are Year 2000 compliant. However, the Company's business is heavily dependent upon the efforts of the Lessee and third parties with whom the Lessee conducts significant business. The Lessee relies on information technology ("IT") systems and other systems and facilities such as PBX switches, elevators, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, security, fire and life safety and other environmental systems ("embedded systems") to conduct its business. Both the IT and the embedded systems are subject to the Year 2000 Issue which, if not remedied in time, could have an impact on the operations of the Lessee. The Lessee also may be exposed to risk from third parties with whom the Lessee interacts who fail to adequately address their own Year 2000 issues. Such third parties include franchisors, vendors, suppliers and significant customers. To mitigate and minimize the number and seriousness of any disruptions caused by the Year 2000 Issue, the Company and the Lessee have developed and adopted a Year 2000 Compliance Program (the "Compliance Program") which involves the following four phases: assessment, which includes development of an action plan and inventorying of hotel systems, remediation, testing and implementation. With the assistance of outside consultants, site surveys have been performed and all hotel systems have been identified and inventoried and include information such as the manufacturer or vendor who performed the installation or currently services or maintains each system. The Lessee has completed contacting these vendors to obtain certification relating to their Year 2000 compliance testing. In addition, all parties for building systems that service leased premises, or a facility within leased premises are located and are operated and controlled by or interact with a software program will be identified and contacted. It should be noted that due to the complexity of some of the systems, in many cases, the only way to determine the potential impact of the systems would be to verify the Year 2000 effect with the particular vendor. The assessment phase was completed in February 1999. Status of Progress in Becoming Year 2000 Compliant, Including Timetable for Completion of Each Remaining Phase - Hotel and Lessee Systems: Based on the results of the site assessments, the identified IT and embedded systems will be replaced or upgraded. The system upgrades will be prioritized according to their critical importance. Life safety systems and emergency services will take priority in accordance with the steps laid out in the Compliance Program. The various vendors associated with any system replacements or upgrades have been contacted to determine their readiness to deal with these system enhancements. Performance of certain testing by the vendors may be required in several cases to ensure Year 2000 compliance. Certain vendors, manufacturers, service personnel, consultants, contractors, lessees and lessors will be requested to prepare a letter certifying and warranting that all systems, utilities and services containing time and date-related coding and internal programs, shall continue without interruption beyond December 31, 1999. The implementation will be monitored and managed on a real-time basis to ensure a smooth upgrade of the systems. Completion of the implementation and testing phases for all significant systems was achieved in July 1999, withand all remediated systems to behave been fully tested and implemented by September 30, 1999, with 100% completion targeted for October 31,evaluated as of November 10, 1999. 2526 2627 Nature and Level of Importance of Third Party Systems and Their Exposure to the Year 2000: The Lessee is in the process ofhas completed surveying its vendors and service providers that are critical to the Lessee's business to determine whether they are Year 2000 compliant. The Lessee expects that these surveys will be completed by the endcompliant, and as of the third quarter of 1999, but cannot guarantee that all vendors or service providers will respond to the survey, and therefore the Lessee may not be able to determine Year 2000 compliance of those vendors or service providers. By the end of the third quarter of 1999, the Lessee will determinehas determined the extent to which the Lessee will be able to replace those vendors not in compliance. There may be instances in which the Lessee will have no alternative but to remain with non-compliant vendors or service providers. The inability of vendors to complete their Year 2000 resolution process in a timely fashion could materially impact the Company and the Lessee. The effect of compliance by vendors is not determinable. Cost of Addressing Year 2000 Issues: The Company estimates that total cost for the Year 2000 compliance review, evaluation, assessment and remediation efforts should not exceed $1.0 million and will be funded by the Company through its operating cash flows. To date, the costs incurred to address the Year 2000 issue consist primarily of services provided by outside consultants for onsite system surveys and the replacement and upgrade of hardware and software and total $250,000.$555,000. Of these costs, $163,000 related to consulting services was expensed by the Company in the first quarter of 1999, with the balance related to hardware and software purchases capitalized as of JuneSeptember 30, 1999. Risks Presented by Year 2000 Issues: Management of the Company and the Lessee believe they have an effective plan in place to resolve the Year 2000 Issue in a timely manner. As noted above, the Lessee has not yet completed all necessary phases of the Year 2000 program. In the event that the Lessee does not complete any additional phases, the Lessee may encounter system failures associated with third-party vendors such as disruptions in passenger transportation or transportation systems generally, loss of utility and telecommunications services, the loss or disruption of hotel reservations made on centralized reservation systems and errors or failures in financial transactions or payment processing systems such as credit cards. These disruptions could adversely affect the Company and the Lessee, their businesses and their financial conditions. The Company and the Lessee cannot predict the actual effects of the Year 2000 Issue on their businesses, such effects depend on numerous uncertainties such as whether significant third parties have properly and timely addressed the Year 2000 Issue, and whether broad-based or systemic economic failures may occur. Due to the general uncertainty inherent in the Year 2000 Issue and the Company's and Lessee's dependence on third parties, Management is unable to determine at this time whether the consequences of Year 2000 failures will have a material impact. Contingency Plan: The Lessee is in the process of developing its contingency plan for the systems operated anand maintained by the Lessee and the hotels. This is necessary in order to provide for the most likely worst case scenarios regarding Year 2000 compliance. The contingency plan is expected to be completed in 1999. ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 for detailed disclosure about quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk which have not materially changed since December 31, 1998. 2627 2728 PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS DuringEight substantially similar purported class actions have been filed concerning the quarter ended June 30, 1999 and in connection with the acquisition of Sunstone, eight lawsuits were filed (five in Maryland and three in California).proposed merger. (See discussion of proposed acquisition in Part I, Item 2, "Liquidity and Capital Resources.") The causesFive of action alleged, parties sued, courts in which the lawsuitsthese actions were filed and dates when the actions were instituted are as follows: o Augusto Belloco v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Robert A. Alter, Charles L. Biederman, H. Raymond Bingham, C. Robert Enever, Laurence S. Geller, Fredric H. Gould, David Lambert, Paul D. Kazilionis, Edward Sondker and Westbrook Partners, Baltimore City Circuit Court,in Maryland Case No. 24-C-99-001601 (breach of fiduciary duty); Complaint filed on April 7, 1999. o Lee Brenin v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Robert A. Alter, Charles L. Biederman, Paul Kazilionis, Fredric H. Gould, H. Raymond, Bingham, Laurence S. Geller, C. Robert Enever, David Lambert and Edward H. Sondker, Montgomery County Circuit Court, Maryland, Case No. 198629-V (breach of fiduciary duty); Complaint filed April 7, 1999. o Rongelap Resettlement Trust Fund v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Robert A. Alter, Carles L. Biederman, R. Terrence Crowley, Sam Marshall, Edward H. Sondker, Laurence S. Geller, H. Raymond Bingham, Fredric H. Gould, David E. Lambert, C. Robert Enever, Paul D. Kazilionis, Westbrook Partners and Sunstone Hotel Properties, Inc., Montgomery County Circuit Court, Maryland, Case No. 198654-V (breach of fiduciary duty; misrepresentation); Complaint filed April 7, 1999. o Charles Branch v. Robert A. Alter, Fredric H. Gould, Paul D. Kazilionis, David Lambert, C. Robert Enever, Edward H. Sondker, Charles L. Biederman, H. Raymond Bingham, Laurence S. Geller and Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Baltimore County Circuit Court, Maryland, Case No. 03-C-99-003422 (breach of fiduciary duty); Complaint filed on April 8, 1999. o Judith Muti v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Robert A. Alter, Charles L. Biederman, H. Raymond Bingham, C. Robert Enever, Laurence S. Geller, Fredric H. Gould, David Lambert, Paul D. Kazilionis, Edward Sondker and Westbrook Partners, Baltimore City Circuit Court, Maryland, Case No. 24-C-99-001810 (breach of fiduciary duty); Complaint filed on April 21, 1999. o Tom Yuan v. Robert A. Alter, Fredric H. Gould, Paul Kazilionis, C. Robert Enever, Edward H. Sondker, David Lambert, Charles L. Biederman, H. Raymond Bingham, Laurence S. Geller, Westbrook Real Estate Fund I, LP, Westbrook Real Estate Co-Investment Partnership I, LP, SHP Acquisition, LLC, Sunstone Hotel Properties, Inc. and Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Orange County Superior Court, California, Case No. CV 807886 (breach of fiduciary duty; misrepresentation); Complaint filed on April 8, 1999. o Edward Mittleman v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Robert A. Alter, Charles L. Biederman, R. Terrence Crowley, Sam Marshall, Edward H. Sondker, Laurence S. Geller, H. Raymond Bingham, Fredric H. Gould, David E. Lambert, C. Robert Enever, Paul D. Kazilionis, Westbrook Partners, LLC, Sunston Hotel Properties, Inc., Orange County Superior Court, California, Case No. CV 808099 (breach of fiduciary duty; misrepresentation); Complaint filed on April 14, 1999. o William Buie and Anita Smith v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., SHP Acquisition, LLC, Robert A. Alter, Charles L. Biederman, H. Raymond Bingham, C. Robert Enever, M.A. Ferrucci, Laurence S. Geller, Frederic H. Gould, David E. Lambert, Edward H. Sondker and Paul Kazilonis, Orange County Superior Court, California, Case No. CV 808233 (breach of fiduciary duty; misrepresentation); Complaint filed on April 16, 1999. 27 28 The factual basis alleged to underlie all eight lawsuits are essentially identical. Substantively, they assert that Robert A. Alter, Charles L. Biederman and Paul Kazilionis, in conjunction with Westbrook Partners, LLC (and other purported Westbrook affiliated entities), SHP Acquisitionstate court and the Lessee, have offered an unfair buyout price for the outstanding sharesremaining three were filed in California state court. By agreement of the Company. The other directors and officers sued are alleged toparties, the five Maryland state court actions have breached their fiduciary duties by going along with or assisting the management group of SHP Acquisition in perpetrating this purported "scheme." Plaintiffs assert that defendants are in possession of material nonpublic information concerning the Company's financial condition and prospects, and that the proposed acquisition is designed to deny future benefits to members of the purported "class." Plaintiffs in each of these lawsuits purport to seek both injunctive relief and damages on behalf of the purported class based upon these allegations. Procedurally, plaintiffs' counsel have agreed to stay the Maryland actionsbeen stayed pending a resolution of the three parallel actions pending in California actions.state court. The parties have agreed to consolidate the California actions under the first case filed in California case (Yuan);for all purposes, and a proposed consolidation order is currently being negotiated among the parties. The plaintiffs therein have indicated that they intend to file a consolidated amended complaint shortly in the superior Court of the State of California, County of Orange. The five suits that have been brought in Maryland are: (i) Belloco v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. et al., Baltimore County Circuit Court, Case No. 24-C-99-001601, (filed April 7, 1999); (ii) Brenin v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. et al., Montgomery County Circuit Court, Case No. 198629-V (filed April 7, 1999); (iii) Rongelap Resettlement Trust Fund v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, inc. et al., Montgomery County Circuit Court, Case No. 198654-V, filed (April 7, 1999); (iv) Branch v. Alter, et al., Baltimore County Circuit Court, Case No. 03-C-99-003422, (filed April 8, 1999); and (v) Multi v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., et al., Circuit Court of Baltimore City, (filed April 21, 1999). The three suits that have been brought in California are: (i) Yuan v. Alter et al., Orange County Superior Court, Case No. CV 807886 (filed April 8, 1999) (per letter from plaintiff's lawyer); (ii) Mittleman v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., et al., Orange County Superior Court, Case No. CV 808099 (summons issued April 14, 1999); and (iii) Buie and Smith v. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., et al., Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 808233 (filed April 26, 1999). Each of the actions is brought on behalf of a purported class of all our stockholders other than the named defendants. The complaints, each of which was filed prior to execution of the Merger Agreement, allege that certain members of our Board, in conjunction with SHP Acquisition, have breached their fiduciary duties by negotiating a proposed acquisition of Sunstone for an unfair price. In addition to certain members of the Board of Directors, the complaints purport to allege claims against SHP Acquisition, Westbrook Fund I, Westbrook Co-Invest I and Lessee. Each of the complaints purports to seek injunctive relief and monetary damages. At the November 5, 1999 case evaluation conference in the three consolidated California cases, the lead plaintiffs' attorney advised the Court that they believed the price was fair and were not disputing the transaction. Plantiffs' attorneys informed the Court that the only remaining issue to be addressed is the attorneys fees, if any, to be paid to the plaintiffs' counsel. The Company intends to defend the lawsuits vigorously. Among other things, the Company believes that it engaged in a process of evaluating SHP's bid that was fair and that satisfied the Company's and the Board's duties to the Company's shareholders, including, as part of that process, the evaluation of competing expressions of interest and offers from other interested or potentially interested third parties. ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION RISK FACTORS LIQUIDITY Our hotels generate cash flow in the form of rent we receive from the Lessee, the entity that leases and operates our hotels. The Lessee's rent is tied to hotel operating performance and consists of base rent and rent that is a percentage of certain hotel revenues. In addition, historically we have had access to cash available from the Credit Facility with a maximum commitment of $350.0 million with the actual availability based on our assets and financial performance. We also have been able to raise cash by issuing equity securities in the public markets. We use these three sources of cash -- from 28 29 hotel operations, from borrowings and from sales of stock -- to fund our acquisition of hotels, renovation of hotels, recurring capital expenditures, operating expenses and the payment of dividends to our shareholders. Our ability to access the Credit Facility has been restricted by the performance of our non-compliance withhotels and the Leverage Covenants under the Credit Facility as described in Liquidity and Capital Resources. Finally, because of the recent conditions in the capital markets, it is currently difficult for many companies, especially REITs, to raise capital by issuing debt or equity securities. No assurances can be made regarding the availability or terms of additional sources of capital for the Company in the future and no assurances can be given regarding the Company's success in securing an amendment to the Credit Facility whereby an existing breach of the Leverage Covenant would be remedied.future. If the Merger does not close and the Company is unable to secure additional sources of financing in the future or is unable to successfully refinance existing indebtedness, or is unable to obtain amendments to the Credit Facility, no assurance can be made that the Company will be able to meet its financial obligations as they come due without substantial disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business, restructuring of debt or revisions of the Company's and Lessee's operations. Additionally, no assurances can be given that the lack of future financing sources would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. TOTAL DEPENDENCE ON THE LESSEE AND PAYMENTS UNDER THE PERCENTAGE LEASES Because of our status as a REIT, we are prohibited from operating hotels and must lease them to the Lessee or other third parties. Our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders depends on our Lessee's ability to generate sufficient revenue to pay percentage rent required under the Percentage Leases. The Lessee was chosen because Messrs. Alter and Biederman, who own the Lessee, were involved in the management of certain hotels contributed as part of our initial public offering ("IPO") in 1995. The Lessee has incurred significant losses since its inception in 1995. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's stockholders' deficit amounted to $9.6$10.2 million. At JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's rent payable to the Company amounted to $12.1$13.8 million. Also at JuneSeptember 30, 1999, the Lessee's current liabilities exceeded its current assets by $9.0$10.9 million. The ability of the Lessee to fund its daily operations and continue to remain current on its substantial rent obligation to the 28 29 Company is a result of the original terms under the Percentage Leases, for the payment of rent to the Company, which allow monthly base rent to be paid in arrears and monthly percentage rent to be paid within 45 days after the respective month-end. There can be no assurances, however, that the Lessee will continue to make its rent payments in a timely fashion. According to the Lessee, the losses are due to several factors, including: o the substantial number of renovations we undertook adversely affected occupancy rates and revenues at the hotels; o renovations caused greater revenue losses than expected; and o poorer performance at certain hotels than expected. There can be no assurance that the Lessee will generate adequate operating cash flows to meet its obligations. Other than its cash flow generated by operating the hotels, the Lessee has no financial resources or other assets to pay its operating obligations or its rent under the Percentage Leases. Messrs. Alter and Biederman have pledged a subordinated interest in 481,955 Units to secure the Lessee's obligations under the Percentage Leases. However, if the Lessee defaults under the Percentage Leases, the value of these Units and other assets of the Lessee will be insufficient to satisfy our claims against the Lessee. RISKS RELATED TO DEVELOPMENT AND RENOVATION OF HOTELS Our growth strategy of acquiring hotels needing substantial renovation or redevelopment affecting the Company's results of operations and financial condition include the following: o We may continue to incur significant renovation and construction cost overruns and time delays due to: - labor shortages; 29 30 - changes in the scope of a project; - requirements imposed by local building inspectors; - discovery of defects in the building once renovation has begun; and - compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which may require expensive modifications to existing hotels to bring them into compliance. o We may purchase a hotel or contract to acquire a hotel (after a third party completes construction) when market conditions are favorable but then face deteriorated local demand for hotel rooms when the hotel is available for occupancy resulting in revenues that are less than projected; o We may complete our renovation after significant delays reducing the amount of revenues expected to be received during the delay period; and o We may spend more than budgeted for a renovation project reducing our anticipated return on the investment. 29 30 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND CERTAIN OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS The relationship among Mr. Alter and Mr. Biederman, the Lessee, the Management Company and us creates several inherent conflicts of interest that may result in decisions being made by our management that are not in the best interests of our stockholders. The most significant conflicts of interest include the following: o As owners of SHP Acquisition LLC, Messrs. Alter and Biederman have several conflicts of interest arising from the Merger proposed with us including the following: o Mr. Alter, our President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of our Board of Directors, will serve as chief executive officer of SHP Acquisition immediately after consummation of the Merger and, through his affiliates, will hold significant equity in SHP Acquisition and will be entitled to receive a disproportionate amount of the profits from SHP Acquisition after certain other members of SHP Acquisition have received a specified return on their investment; o Mr. Alter has entered into a five-year employment agreement with SHP Acquisition (to serve as its chief executive officer), which will provide for, among other things, an annual salary of $500,000 and a bonus of up to $920,000; o Mr. Biederman, the Vice Chairman of our Board of Directors, has entered into a five-year employment agreement with SHP Acquisition, which will provide for, among other things, an annual salary of $200,000 and a bonus of up to $80,000, will hold equity in SHP Acquisition through his affiliates and will be entitled to receive a disproportionate amount of the profits from SHP Acquisition after certain other members of SHP Acquisition have received a specified return on their investment; o In connection with the sale of Lessee and the Management Company to SHP Acquisition, which sale will be completed immediately prior to the Merger, Messrs. Alter and Biederman (or their affiliates) will receive, as the stockholders of the Lessee and the Management Company, in addition to the equity in SHP Acquisition referred to above, an aggregate amount of $8.45 million in cash (of which Mr. Alter will receive $3 million), and as well as the release of certain personal guarantees and indemnities and the termination of certain obligations to us; o As the owners of the Lessee, Mr. Alter and Mr. Biederman will benefit from any profits the Lessee may generate from the operation of the hotels and retain for itself, even though under the Unit Purchase Agreement, Messrs. Alter and Biederman have agreed to reinvest the Lessee's profits (net of tax liabilities) in additional units or retain the profits as security for future rent payments. 30 31 o As the owner of the Management Company, Mr. Alter is entitled to the profits of the Management Company, which receives from the Lessee management fees (1% to 2% of gross revenues of the hotels) and reimbursements for certain accounting expenses. o The Percentage Leases generally require us to pay a termination fee to the Lessee if we elect to sell a hotel and not replace it with a Percentage Lease for another hotel. As a result, our decisions about which hotels to sell may be influenced by the conflict of interest of Messrs. Alter and Biederman who, as owners of the Lessee, would benefit from the termination fee. o In connection with our IPO, Messrs. Alter and Biederman contributed tax free certain hotels that had a tax basis less than their fair market value. Significant taxable gains that would arise if we were to sell these hotels would be specifically allocated to Messrs. Alter and Biederman. Further, in order to prevent adverse tax consequences to Messrs. Alter and Biederman, we must maintain mortgage debt at certain minimum levels. Because of these conflicts, our decisions concerning whether to sell certain hotels or to incur or repay debt will be influenced by the tax consequences for Messrs. Alter and Biederman. o We did not negotiate the Percentage Leases on an arm's length basis with the Lessee. The base rent, percentage rent and the economic terms of each Percentage Lease are determined by us and approved by the Lessee based on historical financial data and projected operating and financial data for each hotel. See "Total Dependence on the Lessee and Payments under the Percentage Leases." 30 31 RELIANCE ON MR. ALTER AND OTHER KEY PERSONNEL Our success depends in large part upon our ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. Further, because our sole source of operating revenue is base and percentage rent paid by the Lessee, our success is also dependent on the Lessee's management's ability to effectively operate the hotels. Competition for qualified employees for us and the Lessee is extremely intense and there is no assurance that we or the Lessee can attract and retain qualified employees. In particular, we substantially rely on the hotel and real estate knowledge and experience and continuing services of Mr. Robert Alter, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. Our inability (or the Lessee's) to attract and retain qualified employees could negatively affect our ability to generate revenues and pay distributions to our shareholders. INVESTMENT CONCENTRATION IN SINGLE INDUSTRY Our investment strategy is to focus exclusively on acquiring and owning hotels. This strategy concentrates all our investment in a single industry and therefore does not diversify our sources of revenues. As a result, a downturn in the hotel industry will have a greater impact on our revenues and funds from operations than if we had a diversified portfolio of properties. In addition, because we have focused on the western United States and in the luxury, upscale and mid-price segments of the hotel industry, economic or other conditions that affect this geographic region or these segments may disproportionately impact us. FAILURE TO REALIZE BENEFITS OF RECENT ACQUISITIONS We have grown rapidly since our IPO. This growth has required us, and, to a greater extent, the Lessee to develop scaleable operating systems, develop construction management procedures and systems and other procedures and systems to operate our multi-state hotel portfolio. If we, or the Lessee, fail to effectively integrate the acquired hotels into our operating systems, then we will not achieve the expected benefits of the acquisition. The revenues generated by the hotels we acquire are used to pay the debt service on the funds we borrow to fund these acquisitions. If the acquired hotels do not generate sufficient cash flow to fund debt service on the money borrowed to purchase those hotels, we will be required to service the debt with cash flows from other hotels which might adversely affect our cash available for other purposes, including distributions to our shareholders. Further, as discussed under Liquidity and Capital Resources, the failure of acquired hotels to generate sufficient net operating income may cause non-compliance with financial covenants in our Credit Facility. 31 32 FAILURE TO MAINTAIN REIT STATUS We intend to operate so as to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As long as we qualify for taxation as a REIT, with certain exceptions, we will not be taxed at the corporate level on our taxable income that is distributed to our shareholders. A REIT is subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements, including requirements as to the nature of its income and assets, distribution requirements, diversity of stock ownership requirements and record-keeping requirements. We intend to satisfy all of these requirements for treatment as a REIT. It is possible that we may fail to satisfy one or more of these requirements. Failure to qualify as a REIT would render us subject to tax on our income at regular corporate rates and we could not deduct distributions to our shareholders. Unless entitled to relief under certain Internal Revenue Code provisions, we also would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and property. In order for us to be taxed as a REIT, the Partnership must be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If the Partnership were to be taxable as a corporation, because our ownership interest in the Partnership constitutes more than 10% of the Partnership's voting securities and exceeds 5% of the value of our assets, we would cease to qualify as a REIT. The imposition of corporate income tax on us and the Partnership would substantially reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our shareholders. 31 32 OWNERSHIP LIMITATION In order for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (which includes certain entities). Furthermore, if any shareholder or group of shareholders of the Lessee owns, actually or constructively, 10% or more of our stock we would likely lose our REIT status. To protect our REIT qualification, our Articles of Incorporation prohibit direct or indirect ownership of more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of our stock by any person or group. Generally, the capital stock owned by affiliated owners will be aggregated for purposes of this ownership limitation. Subject to certain exceptions, any stock subject to a purported transfer that would prevent us from continuing to qualify as a REIT will be designated as "Shares-in-Trust" and transferred automatically to a trust effective on the day before the purported transfer of such stock. The record holder of the common or preferred stock that are designated as Shares-in-Trust will be required to submit such number of shares of stock to the trust and the beneficiary of the trust will be one or more charitable organizations that are named by us. INABILITY TO RETAIN EARNINGS In order to qualify as a REIT, we generally are required each year to distribute to our shareholders at least 95% of our net taxable income (excluding any net capital gain). In addition, we are subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which certain distributions paid by us with respect to any calendar year are less than the sum of (i) 85% of our ordinary income, (ii) 95% of our capital gain net income for that year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods. We intend to continue to make distributions to our shareholders to comply with the 95% distribution requirement and to avoid the nondeductible excise tax. Differences in timing between taxable income and cash available for distribution to our shareholders due to the seasonality of the hospitality industry could require us to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the 95% distribution requirement and to avoid the nondeductible excise tax. THE COMPANY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE ITS EXTERNAL GROWTH RATE Our growth strategy has been to acquire underperforming and undercapitalized hotels located in strong markets where we believe significant barriers to entry exist. We then seek to improve the hotels' financial performance by renovating, redeveloping, and repositioning the hotels and requiring the Lessee to implement a focused sales and marketing program. The current conditions in the equity and debt capital markets limit our ability to access new capital on favorable terms. Because of the reasons discussed under "Risk Factors - Liquidity," we do not have access on acceptable terms to additional capital to fund acquisitions of additional hotels. Therefore, we do not currently anticipate acquiring any additional hotel assets for the remainder of 1999. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our external growth rate will equal or exceed our recent historical external growth rate. 32 33 ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS Various federal, state and local laws subject property owners or operators to liability for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous substances released on property. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of the hazardous substances. The presence of or the failure to properly remediate hazardous substances may adversely affect occupancy of a contaminated hotel property, the ability to operate hotels, and our ability to sell or borrow against contaminated properties. In addition to the costs associated with investigation and remediation actions brought by governmental agencies, the presence of hazardous waste on a property could result in personal injury or similar claims or lawsuits. Various laws also impose, on persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances, liability for the cost of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances at the disposal or treatment facility. These laws often impose liability whether or not the person arranging for the disposal ever owned or operated the disposal facility. The obligation to pay for these costs or our inability to pay for such costs, could adversely affect our operating costs and the value of our properties. 32 33 Phase I environmental site assessments have been obtained on all of our owned properties. The purpose of Phase I environmental site assessments is to identify potential sources of contamination for which an owner may be responsible and to assess the status of environmental regulatory compliance. None of the environmental site assessments revealed any environmental condition, liability or compliance concern that we believe would have a material adverse affect on our business, assets or results of operations. Nor are we aware of any such condition, liability or concern by any other means. However, it is possible that the environmental site assessments relating to any one of the properties did not reveal all environmental conditions, liabilities or compliance concerns that arose at a property before or after the related review was completed. REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT RISKS IN GENERAL Each of our hotels are subject to a variety of risks associated with real estate ownership. Some of these risks include: o Changes in national and local economic conditions; o Changes in interest rates; o Changes in costs of, or terms of, loans from lenders; o Changes in environmental laws; o The ongoing requirement to make capital improvements, repairs or maintenance; o Changes in the tax rates or laws; o The continuing requirement to pay operating expenses; o Changes in governmental requirements or zoning laws; o Occurrences beyond the control of an owner, such as natural disasters like earthquakes and weather, civil unrest or so-called "acts of God;" o The possibility of unexpected, uninsured or under-insured losses; and o Condemnation by a government agency seeking to use a property for a public purpose. 33 34 Risks such as those listed above, and other risks which may occur from time to time, may adversely affect our profit from the property because they cause increased costs, expenses, liabilities, restrictions and operational delays. Such risks may also affect the price we may obtain on a sale of a property or whether the property can be sold at all. UNINSURED AND UNDER-INSURED LOSSES We carry comprehensive policies of insurance for our hotels which include liability for personal injury, property damage, fire and extended coverage. We believe the coverage we carry is typical and customary for owners of hotels such as ours. Even though we carry the insurance referenced above, certain losses may be uninsurable by virtue of the type or amount of loss. Losses which result from catastrophes, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods or so-called "acts of God," may fall within that category. More than half of our hotels are located in California and the Pacific northwest, an area which is subject to a high degree of seismic activity and risk. Although we carry earthquake insurance for our hotels, there is no assurance that such insurance will be available in the future under terms and amounts which are sufficient to provide adequate protection. It also could be possible that the current insurance coverage we carry would not be sufficient to pay the full market value or replacement cost of an affected hotel with a resulting loss of our entire investment. Therefore, a possibility does exist for substantial uninsured or under-insured losses as a result of an earthquake. 33 34 Other factors also affect whether a loss is uninsured or under-insured and may include inflation, changes in law or environmental contamination. Such factors may affect whether insurance proceeds received by us are adequate to restore our entire investment in the property. Factors such as these may also make it impractical to use insurance proceeds to replace or repair our property after it has been damaged or destroyed. BECAUSE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS ARE ILLIQUID, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SELL PROPERTIES WHEN APPROPRIATE Real estate investments generally cannot be sold quickly. We may not be able to vary our portfolio promptly in response to economic or other conditions. Further, in order to cure our non-compliance with the financial covenants in our Credit Facility, we may need to sell assets and use the proceeds to pay down the outstanding balance. This inability to quickly sell our assets on favorable terms could adversely affect our financial condition and ability to service debt and make distributions to our shareholders. OUR EARNINGS AND CASH DISTRIBUTIONS WILL AFFECT THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR PUBLICLY TRADED SECURITIES We believe that the market value of a REIT's equity securities is based primarily upon the market's perception of the REIT's growth potential and its current and potential future cash distributions, and is secondarily based upon the real estate market value of the underlying assets. For that reason, REIT shares may trade at prices that are higher or lower than the net asset value per share. In particular, if we reduce or suspend our distributions to stockholders, which we are doing pending closing of the Merger with SHP as evidenced by our failure to pay a dividend for the quarter ended June 30, 1999;1999 the price of our shares may decline. YEAR 2000 ISSUE The term "Year 2000 Issue" is a general term used to describe the complications that may be caused by existing computer hardware and software that were designed by the respective manufacturers without consideration of the upcoming change in the century. Many computer systems recognize calendar years by the last two digits in the date code field. Beginning in the year 2000, these date code fields will need to accept four digit entries to distinguish twenty-first century dates from twentieth century dates. If not corrected, computer systems may fail or create erroneous results which could have significant negative operational and financial consequences. We have adopted a Year 2000 Compliance Program (the "Compliance Program") to minimize disruptions to our business which could be caused by computer system error or failure. These computerized systems include information and non-information technology systems and applications, as well as, financial and operational reporting systems. For discussion of the Company's and the Lessee's efforts to address the Year 2000 issue and the related Compliance Program see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Year 2000 Issue." 34 35 There can be no assurances that our Compliance Program will be properly and timely completed, and failure to do so could have a material adverse effect our business operations and financial condition. We cannot predict the actual effects of the Year 2000 Issue on our business operations and financial condition. The actual effects may be impacted by: (i) whether significant third parties properly and timely address the Year 2000 Issue; and (ii) whether broad-based or systemic economic failures may occur. We are also unable to predict the severity and duration of any such failures, which could include disruptions in passenger transportation or transportation systems generally, loss of utility and telecommunications services, the loss or disruption of hotel reservations made on centralized reservation systems and errors or failures in financial transactions or payment processing systems such as credit cards. Due to the general uncertainty inherent in the Year 2000 Issue and our dependence on third parties, we are unable to determine at this time whether the consequences of Year 2000 failures will have a material impact on us. Our Compliance Program is expected to significantly reduce the level of uncertainty about the Year 2000 Issue and we believe that the possibility of significant interruptions of normal operations should be reduced. MARKET INTEREST RATES MAY HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE VALUE OF OUR PUBLICLY TRADED SECURITIES One of the factors that investors consider important in deciding whether to buy or sell shares of a REIT is the distribution rate on such shares (as a percentage of the price of such shares) relative to market interest rates. If market interest rates go up, prospective purchasers of REIT shares may expect a higher distribution rate. Higher interest rates 34 35 would not, however, result in more funds for us to distribute and, in fact, would likely increase our borrowing costs and potentially decrease funds available for distribution. Thus, the higher market interest rates could cause the market price of our publicly traded securities to go down. HOTEL INDUSTRY RISKS Operating Risks. In addition to the investment risks associated with investing all of our resources in the hotel industry, we face operating risks associated with hotels. These risks include, among others, the following: o Competition for customers at our hotels from other hotels, many of which are owned by competitors who have significantly greater financial resources and marketing power and therefore compete with our hotels; o The risk of loss of market share in areas in which overbuilding occurs and adversely affects occupancy, ADR and REVPAR; o Erosion of operating margins arising from an increase in operating costs due to inflation or other factors that may exceed increases in REVPAR; o Dependence on demand for our accommodations from both business travelers, commercial travelers and tourism, each of which may be affected in different markets by different economic factors; o Strikes and other labor disturbances by the Lessee's employees which would seriously disrupt the Lessee's ability to provide services to hotel guests; o The deterioration of economic conditions either generally or in particular markets in which our hotels are located causing a reduction in demand for our accommodations. The Lessee's operating results at our hotels are directly affected by the factors described above and a significant decrease in operating revenues by the Lessee will adversely affect the Lessee's ability to make payments of rent under the percentage leases. Any reduction in such rent will reduce our cash and could adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. Seasonality of Hotel Business and Our Hotels. The hotel industry in general is seasonal with certain periods generating greater revenues than others. In particular, our revenues are greater in the second and the third quarters than in the first and the fourth quarters. In addition, winter weather in the markets in which our hotels operate can severely impact the operating results of particular hotels. The Lessee's revenues can vary significantly from quarter to quarter. It is possible that the significant fluctuation of revenues in a particular quarter due to weather or other factors could cause us to earn less percentage rent than we had originally anticipated which could have an adverse effect on our ability to make distributions to our shareholders. 35 36 Increased Competition from Overbuilding. The hotel industry has historically experienced cycles of overbuilding in certain geographic markets and product segments. This overbuilding increases competition for hotel guests, resulting in lower occupancies and lower ADRs thereby reducing revenues of the hotels effected by the increased competition. While our investment strategy is to acquire underperforming hotels in markets where we believe there are significant barriers to entry, we can give no assurance that the current hotel development activities, particularly in the limited service segment, will not create additional significant competition for our hotels. This increased competition would reduce the revenues generated by the Lessee at the effected hotel, thus reducing percentage rent we receive and therefore potentially adversely effecting our distributions to our shareholders. Impact of Increased Operating Costs and Capital Expenditures. Our hotels need to be periodically renovated and furniture, fixtures and equipment replaced in order to remain competitive in their markets and to comply with the terms of franchise agreements under which our hotels are operated. Under our Percentage Leases, we are obligated to make available to the Lessee for periodic refurbishment of furniture, fixtures and equipment an amount equal to four percent (4%) 35 36 of the room revenues of each hotel. Our ability to fund these and other capital expenditures including periodic replacement of furniture, fixtures and equipment will depend in part on the financial performance of the Lessee and our hotels. If these expenditures exceed our estimates, then the increased costs would adversely effect the cash available for other purposes such as making distributions to our stockholders. Alternatively, if we fail to make these expenditures, we may adversely effect the competitive position of the hotels and have an adverse effect on occupancy rates, ADRs and REVPAR. In certain instances, our failure to make certain capital expenditures may constitute a default under the applicable franchise agreement. RISKS OF OPERATING UNDER FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS Of our 59 hotels, 57 are operated under franchise agreements with national franchisors. The Lessee is the franchisee and is responsible for complying with the franchise agreements. Under these arrangements, a franchisor provides marketing service and room reservations and certain other operating assistance, but requires the Lessee to pay significant fees as well as maintain the hotel in a certain condition. If the Lessee fails to maintain these required standards or we fail to make required capital expenditures (or to fund the Lessee's expenditures) then there may be a termination of the franchise agreement and possible liability for damages. If the Lessee were to lose a franchise on a particular hotel, it could have a material adverse effect upon the operation, financing or value of that hotel due to the loss of the franchise name, marketing support and centralized reservation system. In addition, adverse publicity affecting a franchisor could reduce the revenues we receive from the hotels subject to such franchise. Any loss of revenues by the Lessee at a hotel because of loss of the franchise agreement would adversely effect the Lessee's ability to pay rent and could effect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. OUR DEGREE OF LEVERAGE COULD LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FINANCING Our Articles of Incorporation limits consolidated indebtedness to 50% of our investment in hotel properties, at cost on a consolidated basis, after giving effect to our use of proceeds from the indebtedness. As of JuneSeptember 30, 1999, our ratio of debt to total investment in hotel properties and other real estate investments was approximately 45%. Our Credit Facility has further restrictions on the amount of Company indebtedness. The degree of leverage could have important consequences to our stockholders, including, effecting our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, development or other general corporate purposes including the payment of distributions and could make us more vulnerable to a downturn in business or the economy. Further, increases in our cost of borrowing will reduce the cash available to make distributions to our stockholders 36 37 ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule (b) Report on Form 8-K: (1) Current report on Form 8-K dated April 8,July 13, 1999 with disclosure under ItemItems 5 and 7 regarding an offer fromthe Company entering into a merger agreement to be acquired by SHP Acquisition, LLC, formed by Robert A. Alter, certain management personnel of Sunstone Hotel Properties, Inc. and an affiliate of Westbrook Funds III to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the CompanyPartners for a price of $9.50 to $10.00$10.35 per share. (2) Current report on Form 8-K8-K/A dated July 13, 1999 with disclosure under Item 5 regarding the Company and SHP Acquisition LLC and SHP Investors Sub, Inc. entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 12, 1999 providing for the merger of the Buyer with and into the Company. 367 incorporating certain exhibits. 37 3738 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, in the City of San Clemente, State of California, on August 13,November 10, 1999. SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC. By: /s/ Robert A. Alter --------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert A. Alter President, Secretary and Chairman of the Board of Directors By: /s/ R. Terrence Crowley --------------------------------------------------------------------- R. Terrence Crowley Chief Operating Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 37 38 39 EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------- ----------- 27 Financial Data Schedule