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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-270596
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated March 16, 2023)
$1,500,000,000
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
Common Stock
On April 1, 2022, we entered into a sales agreement (as may be amended from time to time, the “sales agreement”) with BofA Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., BTIG, LLC, Capital One Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., ING Financial Markets LLC, Jefferies LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., Raymond James & Associates, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, Truist Securities, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, or collectively, the Agents, and, as applicable, the relevant Forward Purchasers (as defined below), relating to the offer and sale of shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“common stock”), having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,500,000,000, to be made from time to time under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus through the Agents, acting as our sales agents, or, if applicable, as Forward Sellers in connection with any forward sale agreements. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we have not sold any shares of our common stock under the sales agreement, and, as a result, shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,500,000,000 remain available for offer and sale pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Sales of the shares, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions at market prices, in negotiated transactions or in transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Act, including sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange, in block transactions or by any other method permitted by law, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices subject to certain minimum prices. The applicable Agent, as our sales agent or as a Forward Seller, as applicable, will use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to solicit offers to purchase our common stock, under the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the sales agreement. We may instruct any Agent, as our sales agent or as a Forward Seller, as applicable, not to sell our common stock if the sales cannot be effected at or above the price designated by us in any placement notice. We or any of the Agents may suspend the offering of our common shares at any time upon proper notice and subject to other conditions.
We also may sell shares of common stock to each of the Agents, as principal for its own account, at a price to be agreed upon at the time of sale. If we sell shares of our common stock to any of the Agents, as principal, we will enter into a separate terms agreement with such Agent, and we will describe the terms agreement in a separate prospectus supplement or pricing supplement.
We will pay each of the Agents acting as our sales agent a commission that will not exceed, but may be lower than, 2.0% of the gross sales price per share of shares sold through it as our agent under the sales agreement. The compensation to each Agent acting as a Forward Seller will be a mutually agreed commission in the form of a reduction to the initial forward price under the related forward sale agreement that will not exceed, but may be lower than, 2.0% of the gross sales price of the borrowed shares sold through such Agent, acting as Forward Seller, during the applicable forward hedge selling period for such shares (which gross sales price will be adjusted for daily accruals based on a floating interest rate and specified amounts related to expected dividends on shares of our common stock if an “ex-dividend” date occurs during such forward hedge selling period). See “Plan of Distribution” and “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement.
None of the Agents, whether acting as our sales agent or as a Forward Seller, is required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of shares of our common stock but each will use its reasonable efforts, as our sales agent or Forward Seller, as applicable, and subject to the terms of the sales agreement, to sell the shares offered as instructed by us (if acting as our sales agent) and all the shares borrowed by the relevant Forward Purchaser pursuant to the sales agreement (if acting as Forward Seller). The offering of our common stock pursuant to the sales agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (1) the sale of all
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common stock subject to the sales agreement (including shares sold by us to or through the Agents and borrowed shares sold through the Agents, acting as Forward Sellers) or (2) termination of the sales agreement.
The sales agreement contemplates that, in addition to the issuance and sale by us of shares of our common stock to or through the Agents as our sales agents, we may enter into separate forward sale agreements (each, together with any related pricing supplement, a “forward sale agreement” and, collectively, the “forward sale agreements”), with any of, respectively, Bank of America, N.A., Bank of Montreal, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (in its capacity as an agent and affiliate of Citibank, N.A.), Credit Suisse Capital LLC, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, Jefferies LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, New York Branch, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Mizuho Markets Americas LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities EMEA plc, Royal Bank of Canada, The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Truist Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, or one of their respective affiliates (in such capacity, each, a “Forward Purchaser” and, collectively, the “Forward Purchasers”). If we enter into a forward sale agreement with any Forward Purchaser, we expect that such Forward Purchaser, acting in accordance with the mutually accepted instructions related to such forward sale agreement, will attempt to borrow and sell, through the relevant Agent, acting as agent for such Forward Purchaser, shares of our common stock to hedge such Forward Purchaser’s exposure under such forward sale agreement. We refer to an Agent, when acting as sales agent for the relevant Forward Purchaser, as, individually, a “Forward Seller” and, collectively, the “Forward Sellers”. Each Forward Purchaser will be either one of the Agents named in the first sentence of this paragraph or an affiliate of one of those Agents and, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, references herein to the “related” or “relevant” Forward Purchaser mean, with respect to any Agent, the affiliate of such Agent that is acting as Forward Purchaser or, if applicable, such Agent acting in its capacity as Forward Purchaser. We will not initially receive any proceeds from any sale of shares of our common stock borrowed by a Forward Purchaser and sold through a Forward Seller.
We currently expect to fully physically settle each forward sale agreement, if any, with the relevant Forward Purchaser on one or more dates specified by us on or prior to the maturity date of such forward sale agreement. If we elect to cash settle any forward sale agreement, we may not receive any proceeds and we may owe cash to the relevant Forward Purchaser. If we elect to net share settle any forward sale agreement, we will not receive any proceeds, and we may owe shares of our common stock to the relevant Forward Purchaser. See “Plan of Distribution”.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “DLR”. The last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on March 15, 2023 was $105.26 per share.
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement and the matters discussed in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission, nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement and the prospectus to which it relates. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Our common stock is subject to certain restrictions on ownership and transfer, which are intended to assist us in preserving our qualification as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for federal income tax purposes. See “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” in the accompanying prospectus.
| BofA Securities | Barclays | BMO Capital Markets | ||
| BTIG | Capital One Securities | Citigroup | ||
| Credit Suisse | Deutsche Bank Securities | ING | ||
| Jefferies | J.P. Morgan | KeyBanc Capital Markets | ||
| Mizuho | Morgan Stanley | MUFG | ||
| Raymond James | RBC Capital Markets | Scotiabank | ||
| TD Securities | Truist Securities | Wells Fargo Securities |
The date of this prospectus supplement is March 16, 2023.
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Prospectus Supplement
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Description of the Partnership Agreement of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | 37 | |||
Material Provisions of Maryland Law and of the Charter and Bylaws of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | 43 | |||
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You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any applicable free writing prospectus in making a decision about whether to invest in our common stock. We have not, and the Agents, Forward Sellers and Forward Purchasers have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different or additional information. If anyone provides you with different or additional information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any applicable free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate only as of their respective dates or on the date or dates which are specified in these documents. Our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. The description set forth in this prospectus supplement replaces and supplements, where inconsistent, the description of the general terms and provisions set forth in the accompanying prospectus.
The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering of the common stock in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. If you possess this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should find out about and observe these restrictions. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell the common stock and are not soliciting an offer to buy the common stock in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted or where the person making the offer or sale is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is not permitted to make such offer or sale.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of the offer and sale from time to time of shares of our common stock pursuant to the sales agreement and also adds to, changes and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, gives more general information about the securities we may offer from time to time, some of which does not apply to the common stock we are offering. To the extent any inconsistency or conflict exists between the information included in this prospectus supplement and the information included in the accompanying prospectus, the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement updates and supersedes the information in the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus supplement incorporates by reference important business and financial information about us that is not included in or delivered with this prospectus supplement.
It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the information contained in the documents identified under the heading “Incorporation by Reference.”
Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement to “we,” “us,” “our,” “our company” or “the company” refer to Digital Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Digital Realty Trust, L.P., a Maryland limited partnership, of which Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is the sole general partner. In statements regarding qualification as a REIT, such terms refer solely to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement to “our operating partnership” or “the operating partnership” refer to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. together with its consolidated subsidiaries.
All references in this prospectus supplement to: “global revolving credit facility” refer to our operating partnership’s $3.75 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility and global senior credit agreement, as amended; “Yen revolving credit facility” refer to our operating partnership’s ¥33,285,000,000 (approximately $254 million based on exchange rates at December 31, 2022) senior unsecured revolving credit facility and Yen credit agreement, as amended; “revolving credit facilities” or “global revolving credit facilities” refer to our global revolving credit facility and our Yen revolving credit facility, collectively; “our 2025 Euro term facility” refer to the €375,000,000 three-year senior unsecured term loan facility of Digital Dutch Finco B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of the operating partnership; “our 2025-27 Euro term facility” refer to the €375,000,000 three-year senior unsecured term loan facility of Digital Dutch Finco B.V.; the “Euro term facilities” refer, collectively, to our 2025 Euro term facility and our 2025-27 Euro term facility; “senior unsecured term loan facility” refer to our $740,000,000 senior unsecured term loan facility; and “term facilities” refer collectively to the Euro term facilities and the senior unsecured term loan facility.
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We make statements in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In particular, statements pertaining to our capital resources, portfolio performance, our ability to lease vacant space and space under development, leverage policy, acquisition and capital expenditure plans, rents to be received in future periods and expected rental rates on new or renewed data center space contain forward-looking statements. Likewise, all of our statements regarding anticipated market conditions, demographics and results of operations are forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “pro forma,” “estimates” or “anticipates” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases which are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions.
Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and that we may not be able to realize. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described or that they will happen at all. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:
| • | increased competition or available supply of data center space; |
| • | reduced demand for data centers or decreases in information technology spending; |
| • | decreased rental rates, increased operating costs or increased vacancy rates; |
| • | the suitability of our data centers and data center infrastructure, delays or disruptions in connectivity or availability of power, or failures or breaches of our physical or information technology or operational technology infrastructure or services; |
| • | breaches of our obligations or restrictions under our contracts with our customers; |
| • | our inability to successfully develop and lease new properties and development space, and delays or unexpected costs in development of properties; |
| • | the impact of current global and local economic, credit and market conditions; |
| • | global supply chain or procurement disruptions, or increased supply chain costs; |
| • | the impact from periods of heightened inflation on our costs, such as operating and general and administrative expenses, interest expense and real estate acquisition and construction costs; |
| • | the impact on our customers’ and our suppliers’ operations during a pandemic, such as COVID-19; |
| • | our dependence upon significant customers, bankruptcy or insolvency of a major customer or a significant number of smaller customers, or defaults on or non-renewal of leases by customers; |
| • | changes in political conditions, geopolitical turmoil, political instability, civil disturbances, restrictive governmental actions or nationalization in the countries in which we operate; |
| • | our inability to retain data center space that we lease or sublease from third parties; |
| • | information security and data privacy breaches; |
| • | difficulties managing an international business and acquiring or operating properties in foreign jurisdictions and unfamiliar metropolitan areas; |
| • | our failure to realize the intended benefits from, or disruptions to our plans and operations or unknown or contingent liabilities related to, our recent acquisitions; |
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| • | our failure to successfully integrate and operate acquired or developed properties or businesses; |
| • | difficulties in identifying properties to acquire and completing acquisitions; |
| • | risks related to joint venture investments, including as a result of our lack of control of such investments; |
| • | risks associated with using debt to fund our business activities, including re-financing and interest rate risks, our failure to repay debt when due, adverse changes in our credit ratings or our breach of covenants or other terms contained in our loan facilities and agreements; |
| • | our failure to obtain necessary debt and equity financing, and our dependence on external sources of capital; |
| • | financial market fluctuations and changes in foreign currency exchange rates; |
| • | adverse economic or real estate developments in our industry or the industry sectors that we sell to, including risks relating to decreasing real estate valuations and impairment charges and goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges; |
| • | our inability to manage our growth effectively; |
| • | losses in excess of our insurance coverage; |
| • | our inability to attract and retain talent; |
| • | environmental liabilities, risks related to natural disasters and our inability to achieve our sustainability goals; |
| • | the expected operating performance of anticipated near-term acquisitions and descriptions relating to these expectations; |
| • | our inability to comply with rules and regulations applicable to our company; |
| • | Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s failure to maintain its status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes; |
| • | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s failure to qualify as a partnership for federal income tax purposes; |
| • | restrictions on our ability to engage in certain business activities; |
| • | changes in local, state, federal and international laws and regulations, including related to taxation, real estate and zoning laws, and increases in real property tax rates; |
| • | the impact of any financial, accounting, legal or regulatory issues or litigation that may affect us; and |
| • | those additional risks and factors discussed in reports filed with the SEC by us from time to time, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recently filed reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. |
While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes. The risks included here are not exhaustive, and additional factors could adversely affect our business and financial performance, including factors and risks included in other sections of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein. Those risks continue to be relevant to our performance and financial condition. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to identify all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future results, performance or transactions, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement, in the accompanying prospectus and in our most recent Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other periodic reports (in each case, including any amendments thereto), as well as the other risks described in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
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Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
Overview
Digital Realty Trust, Inc., through its controlling interest in Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and its subsidiaries, delivers comprehensive space, power, and interconnection solutions that enable its customers and partners to connect with each other and service their own customers on a global technology and real estate platform. We are a leading global provider of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions for customers across a variety of industry verticals ranging from cloud and information technology services, social networking and communications to financial services, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and consumer products. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. operates as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and our operating partnership is the entity through which we conduct our business and own our assets.
As of December 31, 2022, our portfolio included 316 data centers, including 59 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, with approximately 50.8 million square feet, including approximately 9.2 million square feet of space under active development and approximately 3.4 million square feet of space held for future development. As of December 31, 2022, the 59 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated entities have an aggregate of approximately 38.2 million rentable square feet. The 30 parcels of developable land we own comprise approximately 842 acres. As of December 31, 2022, our portfolio, including the 59 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated entities and excluding space under active development and space held for future development, was approximately 84.7% leased.
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. was incorporated in the state of Maryland on March 9, 2004. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. was organized in the state of Maryland on July 21, 2004. Our principal executive offices are located at 5707 Southwest Parkway, Building 1, Suite 275, Austin, Texas 78735. Our telephone number is (737) 281-0101. Our website is located at www.digitalrealty.com. The information found on, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other report or document we file with or furnish to the SEC.
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Issuer | Digital Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation. |
Common stock offered | Shares of common stock with a maximum aggregate offering price of up to $1,500,000,000 are available for offer and sale pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. |
Manner of Offering | Sales of the shares, if any, may be made by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions at market prices, in negotiated transactions or in transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange, in block transactions or by any other method permitted by law, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices subject to certain minimum prices. See “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus supplement. |
| We also may sell shares of common stock to each of the Agents, as principal for its own account, at a price to be agreed upon at the time of sale. If we sell shares of our common stock to any of the Agents, as principal, we will enter into a separate terms agreement with such Agent, and we will describe the terms agreement in a separate prospectus supplement or pricing supplement. |
Use of proceeds | We intend to contribute the net proceeds from any sales of shares of our common stock to or through the Agents and the net cash proceeds from the settlement of any forward sale agreements to our operating partnership, which will subsequently use such net proceeds contributed by us to temporarily repay borrowings outstanding under our operating partnership’s global revolving credit facilities, acquire additional properties or businesses, fund development opportunities, and to provide for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including potentially for the repayment of other debt or the repurchase, redemption, or retirement of outstanding debt securities, or a combination of the foregoing. To the extent we use such net proceeds to repay borrowings outstanding under our operating partnership’s global revolving credit facilities, certain affiliates of the Agents may receive a portion of such net proceeds through the repayment of those borrowings. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement. |
| We will not initially receive any proceeds from any sale of borrowed shares of our common stock by a Forward Purchaser in connection with any forward sale agreement as a hedge of such forward sale agreement. For additional information, see “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus supplement. |
Accounting treatment of any forward sales | In the event that we enter into any forward sale agreements, before settlement of any such forward sale agreement, we expect that the |
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shares issuable upon settlement of such forward sale agreement will be reflected in our diluted income per share, diluted funds from operations per share and diluted net income (loss) per share calculations using the treasury stock method. Under this method, the number of shares of our common stock used in calculating diluted earnings per share, return on equity and dividends per share is deemed to be increased by the excess, if any, of the number of shares of our common stock that would be issued upon full physical settlement of such forward sale agreement over the number of shares of our common stock that could be purchased by us in the market (based on the average market price during the relevant forward hedge selling period specified in such forward sale agreement) using the proceeds receivable upon full physical settlement (based on the adjusted forward sale price at the end of the reporting period). Consequently, we anticipate there will be no dilutive effect on our earnings per share prior to physical or net share settlement of the forward sale agreements and subject to the occurrence of certain events, except during periods when the average market price of our common stock is above the applicable forward sale price, which is subject to adjustment based on a floating interest rate factor equal to a specified daily rate less a spread to be mutually agreed by us and the applicable Forward Purchaser, and subject to decrease by amounts related to expected dividends on our common stock during the term of the applicable forward sale agreement. However, if we decide to physically settle or net share settle any forward sale agreement, delivery of our shares on any physical settlement or net share settlement of such forward sale agreement will result in dilution to our earnings per share, return on equity and dividends per share. |
NYSE symbol | “DLR” |
Restrictions on ownership and transfer | Our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our stock that are intended to assist us in complying with the requirements for qualification as a REIT. Among other things, our charter provides that, subject to certain exceptions, no person or entity may actually or beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, more than 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of our common stock or 9.8% in value of the aggregate outstanding shares of all classes and series of our stock. See “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” in the accompanying prospectus. |
Risk factors | Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk and the purchasers of our common stock may lose their entire investment. Before deciding to invest in our common stock, please carefully read the section entitled “Risk Factors,” including the risks incorporated therein from our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other periodic reports filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference herein. |
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In addition to other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any “free writing prospectus” we authorize to be delivered to you, you should carefully consider the risks described below and incorporated herein by reference to our most recent Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K and other subsequent filings of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, in evaluating our company, our properties and our business before making a decision to invest in our common stock. These risks are not the only ones faced by us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial could also materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference also contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks faced by us described below and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference. Please refer to the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Risks Related to this Offering
Our cash available for distribution to stockholders may not be sufficient to make distributions at expected levels, and we may need to borrow in order to make such distributions; consequently, we may not be able to make such distributions in full.
If cash available for distribution generated by our assets is less than our estimate or if such cash available for distribution decreases in future periods from expected levels, our inability to make the expected distributions could result in a decrease in the market price of our common stock.
Distributions made by us will be authorized and determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion out of funds legally available therefor and will be dependent upon a number of factors, including restrictions under applicable law and our capital requirements. We may not be able to make or sustain distributions in the future. Distributions we make out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent that we decide to make distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, such distributions would generally be considered a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of the holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares. A return of capital is not taxable, but it has the effect of reducing the holder’s adjusted tax basis in its investment. To the extent that distributions exceed the adjusted tax basis of a holder’s shares, they will be treated as a gain from the sale or exchange of such stock. See “United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock” in the accompanying prospectus. If we borrow to fund distributions, our future interest costs would increase, thereby reducing our earnings and cash available for distribution from what they otherwise would have been.
We have significant outstanding indebtedness that involves significant debt service obligations, limits our operational and financial flexibility, exposes us to interest rate fluctuations and exposes us to the risk of default under our debt obligations.
As of December 31, 2022, we had a total combined indebtedness, including finance lease obligations, of approximately $16.7 billion. There are no limits on the amount of indebtedness we may incur other than limits contained in our existing debt financing agreements or future agreements that we may enter into or as may be set forth in any policy limiting the amount of indebtedness we may incur adopted by our board of directors. A substantial level of indebtedness could have adverse consequences for our business, financial condition and results of operations because it could, among other things:
| • | require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make debt service payments, thereby reducing our cash flow available to fund working capital, capital expenditures and |
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other general corporate purposes, including to make distributions on our common stock as currently contemplated or as necessary to maintain our qualification as a REIT; |
| • | require us to maintain certain debt, coverage and other financial metrics at specified levels, thereby reducing our financial flexibility; |
| • | make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations, including repaying borrowings under our global revolving credit facilities and term facilities; |
| • | increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; |
| • | expose us to increases in interest rates for our variable rate debt; |
| • | limit our ability to borrow additional funds on favorable terms or at all to expand our business or ease liquidity constraints; |
| • | limit our ability to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity on the same or more favorable terms or at all; |
| �� | limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry; |
| • | place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to competitors that have less indebtedness; |
| • | increase our risk of property losses as the result of foreclosure actions initiated by lenders in the event we should incur mortgage or other secured debt obligations and default under such obligations; and |
| • | require us to dispose of one or more of our properties at disadvantageous prices in order to service our indebtedness or to raise funds to pay such indebtedness at maturity. |
Market interest rates and other factors may affect the value of our common stock.
One of the factors that will influence the price of our common stock will be the dividend yield on our common stock relative to market interest rates. Increases in market interest rates could cause the market price of our common stock to decrease. The market price of the shares of our common stock will also depend on many other factors, which may change from time to time, including:
| • | the market for similar securities; |
| • | the attractiveness of REIT securities in comparison to the securities of other companies, taking into account, among other things, the higher tax rates imposed on dividends paid by REITs; |
| • | government action or regulation; |
| • | general economic conditions or conditions in the financial or real estate markets; and |
| • | our financial condition, performance and prospects. |
In addition, over the last several years, prices of equity securities in the U.S. trading markets have been experiencing extreme price fluctuations, and the market prices of our common stock have also fluctuated significantly during this period. As a result of these and other factors, investors who purchase our common stock in this offering may experience a decrease, which could be substantial and rapid, in the market price of our common stock, including decreases unrelated to our operating performance or prospects.
Our global revolving credit facilities and term facilities may limit our ability to pay distributions to our common stockholders.
Our global revolving credit facilities and our term facilities prohibit us from making distributions to our stockholders, or redeeming or otherwise repurchasing shares of our capital stock, including our common stock, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, except in limited circumstances including
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as necessary to enable us to maintain our qualification as a REIT and to avoid the payment of income or excise tax. Consequently, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under our global revolving credit facilities or term facilities, we may not be able to pay all or a portion of the dividends payable to the holders of our common stock.
In addition, in the event of a default under our global revolving credit facilities or term facilities, we would be unable to borrow under such facilities and any amounts that we have borrowed thereunder could become immediately due and payable. The agreements governing our future debt instruments may also include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock.
The number of shares available for future sale could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We cannot predict whether future issuances of shares of our common stock or the availability of shares for resale in the open market will decrease the market price per share of our common stock. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, the issuance of substantial additional shares or the perception that such sales or issuances might occur could materially adversely affect the market price of the shares of our common stock. In addition, future issuances of shares of our common stock may be dilutive to existing stockholders. Some of the potential share issuances that may adversely affect the market price of the shares of our common stock could include: the exchange of our operating partnership’s units for our common stock, the granting, exercise or vesting of any options, restricted stock or restricted stock units or long-term incentive units in our operating partnership granted to certain directors, executive officers and other employees under our incentive award plans, the issuance of our common stock upon conversion of our outstanding preferred stock (in connection with specified change of control transactions), the issuance of our common stock or our operating partnership’s units in connection with property, portfolio or business acquisitions and other issuances of our common stock, our securities exchangeable for or convertible into our common stock, our operating partnership’s units or our operating partnership’s securities exchangeable for or convertible into our common stock.
We have granted those persons who received units in the formation transactions related to our initial public offering certain registration rights with respect to the shares of our common stock for which their units may be redeemed or exchanged pursuant to the partnership agreement of our operating partnership. These registration rights required us to file a “shelf” registration statement covering all such shares of common stock. A shelf registration statement and a related prospectus supplement covering these shares have been filed and are currently effective.
For a discussion of potential dilution resulting from any forward sale agreement entered into as discussed in this prospectus supplement, see “—Risks Related to Forward Sale Agreements—Provisions in the forward sale agreements could result in substantial dilution to our income per share, diluted funds from operations per share and diluted net income (loss) per share or result in substantial cash payment obligations.”
The market price and trading volume of our common stock may be volatile.
The market price of our common stock may be volatile. In addition, the trading volume in our common stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. If the market price of our common stock declines significantly, you may be unable to resell your shares at or above the public offering price. We cannot assure you that the market price of our common stock will not fluctuate or decline significantly in the future.
Some of the factors that could negatively affect the market price of our common stock or result in fluctuations in the market price or trading volume of our common stock include:
| • | actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results or dividends; |
| • | changes in our funds from operations or earnings estimates; |
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| • | publication of research reports about us, the real estate industry or the technology industry; |
| • | increases in market interest rates that lead purchasers of our shares to demand a higher yield; |
| • | changes in market valuations of similar companies; |
| • | adverse market reaction to any additional debt we incur or equity or equity-linked securities we issue in the future; |
| • | additions or departures of key management personnel; |
| • | actions by institutional stockholders; |
| • | speculation in the press or investment community; |
| • | the realization of any of the other risk factors presented or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement; |
| • | any determination in the future to pay a dividend partially in shares of our own stock; and |
| • | general market and economic conditions. |
Future offerings of debt, which would be senior to our common stock upon liquidation, and/or preferred equity securities, which may be senior to our common stock for purposes of distributions or upon liquidation, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by making offerings of debt or preferred equity securities, including medium-term notes, exchangeable notes, trust preferred securities, senior or subordinated notes and preferred stock, and entering into new loan agreements. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and shares of preferred stock and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive distributions of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. Additional equity and equity-linked offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market price of our common stock, or both. Holders of our common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights or other protections against dilution. Holders of our series J cumulative redeemable preferred stock, series K cumulative redeemable preferred stock and series L cumulative redeemable preferred stock have a preference on liquidating distributions and a preference on dividend payments that could limit our ability to pay a dividend or make another distribution to the holders of our common stock. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering and to enter into new loan agreements will depend on market conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings or borrowings. Thus, our stockholders bear the risk of our future offerings or loan arrangements reducing the market price of our common stock, reducing our assets available to them upon our liquidation and diluting their stock holdings in us.
Our earnings and cash distributions will affect the market price of shares of our common stock.
To the extent that the market value of a REIT’s equity securities is based primarily upon market perception of the REIT’s growth potential and its current and potential future cash distributions, whether from operations, sales, acquisitions, development or refinancing and is secondarily based upon the value of the underlying assets, shares of our common stock may trade at prices that are higher or lower than the net asset value per share. To the extent we retain operating cash flow for investment purposes, working capital reserves or other purposes rather than distributing the cash flow to stockholders, these retained funds, while increasing the value of our underlying assets, may negatively impact the market price of our common stock. Our failure to meet market expectations with regard to future earnings and cash distributions would likely adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
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Risks Related to Any Forward Sale Agreements
Provisions in the forward sale agreements could result in substantial dilution to our diluted income per share, diluted funds from operations per share and diluted net income (loss) per share or result in substantial cash payment obligations.
Each Forward Purchaser will have the right to accelerate its forward sale agreement (with respect to all or any portion of the transaction under such forward sale agreement that the Forward Purchaser determines is affected by an event described below) and require us to settle on a date specified by such Forward Purchaser if:
| • | in such Forward Purchaser’s commercially reasonable judgment, it or its affiliate (x) is unable to hedge in a commercially reasonable manner its exposure under such forward sale agreement because insufficient shares of our common stock have been made available for borrowing by securities lenders or (y) would incur a stock loan cost in excess of a specified threshold to hedge in a commercially reasonable manner its exposure under such forward sale agreement; |
| • | we declare any dividend, issue or distribution on shares of our common stock (a) payable in cash in excess of specified amounts, (b) that constitutes an extraordinary dividend under the forward sale agreement, (c) payable in securities of another company as a result of a spin-off or similar transaction, or (d) of any other type of securities (other than our common stock), rights, warrants or other assets for payment at less than the prevailing market price; |
| • | certain ownership thresholds applicable to such Forward Purchaser and its affiliates are exceeded; |
| • | an event is announced that if consummated would result in a specified extraordinary event (including certain mergers or tender offers, as well as certain events involving our nationalization, or insolvency, or a delisting of our common stock) or the occurrence of a change in law or disruption in the Forward Purchaser’s ability to hedge its exposure under the forward sale agreement; or |
| • | certain other events of default or termination events occur, including, among others, any material misrepresentation made in connection with such forward sale agreement or our insolvency (each as more fully described in each forward sale agreement). |
A Forward Purchaser’s decision to exercise its right to accelerate the settlement of any forward sale agreement will be made irrespective of our interests, including our need for capital. In such cases, we could be required to issue and deliver shares of our common stock under the physical settlement provisions of the applicable forward sale agreement irrespective of our capital needs, which would result in dilution to our diluted income per share, diluted funds from operations per share and diluted net income (loss) per share.
We expect that any forward sale agreement will be physically settled by delivery of shares of our common stock, unless we elect to cash settle or net share settle the forward sale agreement, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Upon physical settlement or, if we so elect, net share settlement of any forward sale agreement, delivery of shares of our common stock in connection with such physical settlement or, to the extent we are obligated to deliver shares of our common stock, net share settlement will result in dilution to our earnings per share, return on investment and dividends per share.
If we elect cash settlement or net share settlement with respect to all or a portion of the shares of our common stock underlying a forward sale agreement, we expect the applicable Forward Purchaser (or an affiliate thereof) to purchase a number of shares of our common stock in secondary market transactions over an unwind period to:
| • | return shares of our common stock to securities lenders in order to unwind such Forward Purchaser’s hedge (after taking into consideration any shares of our common stock to be delivered by us to such Forward Purchaser, in the case of net share settlement); and |
| • | if applicable, in the case of net share settlement, deliver shares of our common stock to us to the extent required in settlement of such forward sale agreement. |
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In addition, the purchase of shares of our common stock in connection with a Forward Purchaser or its affiliate unwinding its hedge positions could cause the price of shares of our common stock to increase over such time (or prevent a decrease over such time), thereby increasing the amount of cash we would owe to such Forward Purchaser (or decreasing the amount of cash that the Forward Purchaser would owe us) upon a cash settlement of the relevant forward sale agreement or increasing the number of shares of our common stock we would deliver to such Forward Purchaser (or decreasing the number of shares of our common stock that such Forward Purchaser would deliver to us) upon net share settlement of the relevant forward sale agreement.
The forward sale price we expect to receive upon physical settlement of any forward sale agreement will be subject to adjustment on a daily basis based on a floating interest rate factor equal to a specified daily rate less a spread to be mutually agreed by us and the applicable Forward Purchaser, and will be decreased on certain dates based on amounts related to expected dividends on shares of our common stock during the term of such forward sale agreement. If the specified daily rate is less than the spread under such forward sale agreement on any day, the interest factor will result in a daily reduction of the forward sale price. If the weighted average price at which a Forward Purchaser (or its affiliate) is able to purchase shares during the applicable unwind period under a forward sale agreement is above the relevant forward sale price, in the case of cash settlement, we would pay the applicable Forward Purchaser under such forward sale agreement an amount in cash equal to the difference or, in the case of net share settlement, we would deliver to such Forward Purchaser a number of shares of our common stock having a value equal to the difference. Thus, we could be responsible for a potentially substantial cash payment in the case of cash settlement. If the weighted average price at which a Forward Purchaser (or its affiliate) is able to purchase shares during the applicable unwind period under a forward sale agreement is below the relevant forward sale price, in the case of cash settlement, we would be paid the difference in cash by the relevant Forward Purchaser under such forward sale agreement or, in the case of net share settlement, we would receive from such Forward Purchaser a number of shares of our common stock having a value equal to the difference. See “Plan of Distribution” for information on the forward sale agreements.
In case of our bankruptcy or insolvency, the forward sale agreements would automatically terminate, and we would not receive the expected proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock.
If we or a regulatory authority with jurisdiction over us institutes, or we consent to, a proceeding seeking a judgment in bankruptcy or insolvency or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights, or we or a regulatory authority with jurisdiction over us presents a petition for our winding-up or liquidation, or we consent to such a petition, the forward sale agreements will automatically terminate. If a forward sale agreement so terminates, we would not be obligated to deliver to the applicable Forward Purchaser any shares of our common stock not previously delivered, and such Forward Purchaser would be discharged from its obligation to pay the relevant forward sale price per share in respect of any shares of our common stock not previously settled. Therefore, to the extent that there are any shares of our common stock with respect to which such forward sale agreement has not been settled at the time of the commencement of any such bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, we would not receive the relevant forward sale price per share in respect of those shares of our common stock.
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The shares of our common stock that may be offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus include newly issued shares that may be offered and sold by us to or through the Agents, acting as our sales agents or as principals, and borrowed shares of our common stock that may be offered and sold by the Forward Purchasers through their respective Forward Sellers. We intend to contribute the net proceeds from any sales of shares of our common stock to or through the Agents and the net cash proceeds from the settlement of any forward sale agreement to our operating partnership, which will subsequently use the net proceeds received from us to temporarily repay borrowings outstanding under our operating partnership’s global revolving credit facilities, acquire additional properties or businesses, fund development opportunities, and to provide for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including potentially for the repayment of other debt or the repurchase, redemption, or retirement of outstanding debt securities, or a combination of the foregoing. As of December 31, 2022, our global revolving credit facility had a total outstanding balance of approximately $2.0 billion, excluding committed letters of credit of $97.7 million, leaving approximately $1.6 billion available for use. As of December 31, 2022, borrowings under the global revolving credit facility bore interest at an overall blended rate of 3.22 % comprised of 5.27% (U.S. dollar), 3.86% (Australian dollar), 2.64% (Euro), 5.35% (Hong Kong dollar), 4.86% (Korean won), 2.40% (Singapore dollar) and 5.53% (Canadian dollar). As of December 31, 2022, our Yen revolving credit facility had a total outstanding balance of approximately $140.7 million, leaving approximately $113.1 million available for use. As of December 31, 2022, borrowings under the Yen revolving credit facility bore an interest rate of 0.57%.
We will not initially receive any proceeds from any sale of borrowed shares of our common stock by a Forward Purchaser in connection with a forward sale agreement as a hedge of such forward sale agreement. In the event of full physical settlement of a forward sale agreement, which we expect to occur on or prior to the maturity date of the forward sale agreement, we expect to receive aggregate cash proceeds equal to the product of the forward sale price under the forward sale agreement and the number of shares of our common stock underlying the forward sale agreement, subject to the price adjustment and other provisions of the forward sale agreement. If, however, we elect to cash settle or net share settle any forward sale agreement, we would expect to receive an amount of proceeds that is significantly lower than the product set forth in the preceding sentence (in the case of any cash settlement) or will not receive any proceeds (in the case of any net share settlement), and we may owe cash (in the case of any cash settlement) or shares of our common stock (in the case of any net share settlement) to the relevant Forward Purchaser. See “Plan of Distribution.”
Certain of the Agents and Forward Purchasers are joint lead arrangers and bookrunners, and affiliates of certain of the Agents and Forward Purchasers are lenders, syndication agents, issuing banks, swing line banks and an administrative agent under our global revolving credit facilities, term facilities and mortgages and would receive a portion of the net proceeds from this offering through the repayment of those borrowings, if any, to the extent that we use any such proceeds to reduce the outstanding balance under such facility. See “Plan of Distribution.”
If we enter into a forward sale agreement with any Forward Purchaser, we expect that such Forward Purchaser, acting in accordance with the mutually accepted instructions related to such forward sale agreement, will attempt to borrow and sell, through the relevant Agent, acting as Forward Seller, shares of our common stock to hedge such Forward Purchaser’s exposure under such forward sale agreement. All of the net proceeds from the sale of any such borrowed shares will be paid to the applicable Forward Purchaser (or one or more of its affiliates). Each Forward Purchaser will be either an Agent or an affiliate of an Agent. As a result, an Agent or its affiliate will receive the net proceeds from any sale of borrowed shares of our common stock made in connection with any forward sale agreements.
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We and the operating partnership have entered into a sales agreement with BofA Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., BTIG, LLC, Capital One Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., ING Financial Markets LLC, Jefferies LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., Raymond James & Associates, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, Truist Securities, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Agents, and, Bank of America, N.A., Bank of Montreal, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (in its capacity as an agent and affiliate of Citibank, N.A.), Credit Suisse Capital LLC, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, Jefferies LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, New York Branch, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Mizuho Markets Americas LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities EMEA plc, Royal Bank of Canada, The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Truist Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association or their respective affiliates, as Forward Purchasers, relating to the offer and sale of shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,500,000,000 to be made from time to time under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus through the Agents, acting as our sales agents, or, if applicable, as Forward Sellers in connection with any forward sale agreements.
We may enter into separate forward sale agreements with any of, respectively, Bank of America, N.A., Bank of Montreal, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (in its capacity as an agent and affiliate of Citibank, N.A.), Credit Suisse Capital LLC, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, Jefferies LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, New York Branch, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Mizuho Markets Americas LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities EMEA plc, Royal Bank of Canada, The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Truist Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, or one of their respective affiliates, each as a Forward Purchaser. If we enter into a forward sale agreement with any Forward Purchaser, we expect that such Forward Purchaser, acting in accordance with the mutually accepted instructions related to such forward sale agreement, will attempt to borrow and sell, through the relevant Agent, acting as sales agent for such Forward Purchaser (i.e., as Forward Seller), shares of our common stock to hedge such Forward Purchaser’s exposure under such forward sale agreement. Only an Agent that is, or is affiliated with, a Forward Purchaser will act as a Forward Seller.
From time to time during the term of the sales agreement, we may deliver a placement notice to one of the Agents, as our sales agent or as Forward Seller, specifying the length of the selling period, the amount of common stock to be sold, any limitation on the number of shares that may be sold in any one trading day and the minimum price below which sales may not be made. Upon its acceptance of the placement notice from us, the applicable Agent, acting as our sales agent or as a Forward Seller, will use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to solicit offers to purchase our common stock, under the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the sales agreement, by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions on the NYSE, in negotiated transactions or in transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange, in block transactions or by any other method permitted by law, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices subject to certain minimum prices. We may instruct the Agents, acting as our sales agents or as Forward Sellers, not to sell our common stock if the sales cannot be effected at or above the price designated by us in any placement notice. We or any of the Agents may suspend the offering of our common shares at any time upon proper notice and subject to other conditions.
Each Agent will provide written confirmation to us no later than the opening of the trading day on the NYSE following the trading day in which our common stock is sold under the sales agreement. Each confirmation will include the number of shares of our common stock sold on the preceding day, the net proceeds to us and the compensation payable by us to the applicable Agent in connection with such sales.
We will pay each Agent a commission for its services in acting as agent in the sale of our common stock. Each Agent will be entitled to compensation in an amount up to 2.0% of the gross sales price of all of our shares of
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common stock sold through it acting as our sales agent under the sales agreement. We estimate that the total expenses for the offering, excluding compensation payable to the Agents (acting in any capacity) under the terms of the sales agreement, will not exceed $1.0 million.
Under the terms of the sales agreement, we also may sell shares of common stock to each of the Agents, as principal for its own account, at a price to be agreed upon at the time of sale. If we sell shares of our common stock to any of the Agents, as principal, we will enter into a separate terms agreement with such Agent, and we will describe the terms agreement in a separate prospectus supplement or pricing supplement.
Settlement for sales of our common stock to or through any Agent (acting as principal or as our sales agent, respectively) will occur on the second trading day following the date on which any sales are made, or on some other date that is agreed upon by us and the applicable Agent in connection with a particular transaction, in return for payment of the net proceeds to us. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.
Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will report at least quarterly the number of shares of our common stock sold to or through the Agents (including as Forward Sellers) under the sales agreement during the relevant quarterly period and the aggregate net proceeds to us in connection with such sales, together with any other information we reasonably believe is required to comply with the Securities Act and Exchange Act with respect to such sales.
In connection with the sale of common stock on our behalf, each Agent and Forward Purchaser may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and compensation of the Agents and Forward Purchasers may be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions. We have agreed to indemnify the several Agents (whether acting as our sales agent, principal or Forward Seller) and Forward Purchasers against certain liabilities in connection with this offering, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments such Agents and Forward Purchasers may be required to make because of any of those liabilities.
The offering of shares of our common stock pursuant to the sales agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (1) the sale of all common stock subject to the sales agreement (including shares sold by us to or through the Agents and borrowed shares sold through the Agents acting as Forward Sellers) or (2) termination of the sales agreement. The sales agreement may be terminated by each of the respective Agents, with respect to such Agent, or by us at any time upon one (1) business day’s notice.
If we enter into a forward sale agreement with any Forward Purchaser, we expect that such Forward Purchaser, acting in accordance with the mutually accepted instructions related to such forward sale agreement, will attempt to borrow and sell, through the relevant Agent, acting as sales agent for such Forward Purchaser (i.e., as Forward Seller), shares of our common stock to hedge such Forward Purchaser’s exposure under such forward sale agreement. No Forward Purchaser is obligated to enter into a forward sale agreement with us unless it and the relevant Forward Seller each agrees to the terms we propose for such forward sale transaction in our instructions delivered in accordance with the sales agreement (as such instructions may be modified upon mutual consent of such Forward Purchaser, Forward Seller and us).
In connection with any forward sale agreement and our instructions accepted by the relevant Forward Purchaser and Forward Seller (as such instructions may have been modified upon mutual consent of such Forward Purchaser, Forward Seller and us), such Forward Purchaser will use its commercially reasonable efforts to borrow or cause its affiliate to borrow, offer and sell through the relevant Agent as Forward Seller the applicable shares of our common stock to hedge the Forward Purchaser’s exposure under the relevant forward sale agreement, and such Agent as Forward Seller will use its commercially reasonable efforts, consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable law and regulations, to sell such shares of our common stock, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the sales agreement and forward sale agreement. Such instructions will specify the target number and maximum aggregate offering price of shares of our common stock
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to be sold by it as Forward Seller and will also specify that such Agent shall not sell such shares of common stock if the sales cannot be effected at or above a price designated by us. We or the applicable Agent or Forward Purchaser may at any time immediately suspend the offering of shares of our common stock through such Agent, as Forward Seller, upon proper notice to the other party and subject to other conditions.
Each Agent that acts as a Forward Seller will receive from us a mutually agreed commission in the form of a reduction to the initial forward price under the related forward sale agreement that will not exceed, but may be lower than, 2.0% of the gross sales price of the borrowed shares sold through such Agent, acting as Forward Seller, during the applicable forward hedge selling period for such shares (which gross sales price will be adjusted for daily accruals based on a floating interest rate and specified amounts related to expected dividends on shares of our common stock if an “ex-dividend” date occurs during such forward hedge selling period). We sometimes refer to this commission as the “forward selling commission.”
We expect that settlement between a Forward Purchaser and the relevant Agent, as Forward Seller, for sales of borrowed shares of our common stock, as well as settlement between such Agent and buyers of such shares in the market, will occur on the second business day (other than a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is scheduled to close prior to its regular weekday closing time) following the respective dates on which any such sales are made, or such other date as may be agreed upon by the relevant parties. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in escrow, trust or similar arrangement. The obligations of an Agent, acting as Forward Seller, and the relevant Forward Purchaser under the sales agreement are subject to a number of conditions, which such Agent and Forward Purchaser may waive in their sole discretion.
We currently expect to fully physically settle each forward sale agreement, if any, with the relevant Forward Purchaser on one or more dates specified by us on or prior to the maturity date of such forward sale agreement, although we will generally have the right, subject to certain exceptions, to elect cash settlement or net share settlement instead of physical settlement for any of the shares we have agreed to sell under such forward sale agreement. If we elect or are deemed to have elected to physically settle all or any portion of any forward sale agreement by delivering shares of our common stock, we will receive aggregate cash proceeds from the relevant Forward Purchaser equal to the product of (1) the then-applicable forward price per share under such forward sale agreement and (2) the number of shares of our common stock as to which we have elected or are deemed to have elected physical settlement, subject to the price adjustment and other provisions of such forward sale agreement. The initial forward price per share under each forward sale agreement will equal the product of (x) an amount equal to 100% minus the applicable forward selling commission and (y) the volume weighted average price per share at which the borrowed shares of our common stock were sold pursuant to the sales agreement by the relevant Agent, acting as Forward Seller, during the applicable forward hedge selling period for such shares to hedge the relevant Forward Purchaser’s exposure under such forward sale agreement (subject to certain adjustments to such gross sales price for daily accruals based on a floating interest rate and specified amounts related to expected dividends on shares of our common stock having an “ex-dividend” date during such forward hedge selling period). Thereafter, each forward sale agreement will provide that the forward price will be subject to adjustment on a daily basis based on a floating interest rate factor equal to the federal funds rate less a spread to be mutually agreed by us and the applicable Forward Purchaser, and will be decreased based on specified amounts related to expected dividends on shares of our common stock during the term of applicable forward sale agreement. If the federal funds rate is less than the spread on any day, the interest factor will result in a daily reduction of the applicable forward sale price. We will not initially receive any proceeds from any sale of shares of our common stock borrowed by a Forward Purchaser and sold through a Forward Seller, and all of such proceeds will be paid to the relevant Forward Purchaser (or one or more of its affiliates).
Before settlement of any forward sale agreement, we expect that the shares issuable upon settlement of the applicable forward sale agreement will be reflected in our diluted income per share, diluted funds from operations, the number of shares of our common stock used in calculating diluted earnings per share, return on equity and dividends per share is deemed to be increased by the excess, if any, of the number of shares of our common stock that would be issued upon full physical settlement of such forward sale agreement over the
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number of shares of our common stock that could be purchased by us in the market (based on the average market price during the relevant forward hedge selling period specified in such forward sale agreement) using the proceeds receivable upon full physical settlement (based on the adjusted forward sale price at the end of the reporting period). Consequently, we anticipate there will be no dilutive effect on our diluted income per share prior to physical or net share settlement of such forward sale agreements and subject to the occurrence of certain events, except during periods when the average market price of shares of our common stock is above the applicable adjusted forward sale price. However, if we decide to physically settle or net share settle any forward sale agreement, delivery of shares of our common stock to the applicable Forward Purchaser on any such physical settlement or net share settlement date of such forward sale agreement will result in dilution to our diluted income per share, diluted funds from operations per share and diluted net income (loss) per share.
Except under the circumstances described below and set forth in any forward sale agreement, we have the right to elect physical, cash or net share settlement under any forward sale agreement. Although we expect to settle any forward sale agreement entirely by delivering shares of our common stock in connection with full physical settlement, we may, subject to certain conditions, elect cash settlement or net share settlement for all or a portion of our obligations if we conclude it is in our interest to cash settle or net share settle. For example, we may conclude it is in our interest to cash settle or net share settle if we have no then-current use for all or a portion of the proceeds we would receive upon physical settlement. In addition, subject to certain conditions, we may elect to accelerate the settlement of all or a portion of the number of shares of our common stock underlying any forward sale agreement. Delivery of shares of our common stock upon physical settlement (or, if we elect net share settlement, upon such settlement to the extent we are obligated to deliver shares of our common stock) will result in dilution to our diluted income per share, diluted funds from operations per share and diluted net income (loss) per share.
If we elect cash settlement or net share settlement with respect to all or a portion of the shares of our common stock underlying a forward sale agreement, we expect the applicable Forward Purchaser (or an affiliate thereof) to purchase a number of shares of our common stock in secondary market transactions over an unwind period to:
| • | return shares of our common stock to securities lenders in order to unwind such Forward Purchaser’s hedge (after taking into consideration any shares of our common stock to be delivered by us to such Forward Purchaser, in the case of net share settlement); and, |
| • | if applicable, in the case of net share settlement, deliver shares of our common stock to us to the extent required in settlement of such forward sale agreement. |
If the weighted average price at which a Forward Purchaser (or its affiliate) is able to purchase shares during the applicable unwind period under a forward sale agreement is above the relevant forward sale price, in the case of cash settlement, we would pay the applicable Forward Purchaser under such forward sale agreement an amount in cash equal to the difference or, in the case of net share settlement, we would deliver to such Forward Purchaser a number of shares of our common stock having a value equal to the difference. Thus, we could be responsible for a potentially substantial cash payment in the case of cash settlement. If the weighted average price at which a Forward Purchaser (or its affiliate) is able to purchase shares during the applicable unwind period under a forward sale agreement is below the relevant forward sale price, in the case of cash settlement, we would be paid the difference in cash by the relevant Forward Purchaser under such forward sale agreement or, in the case of net share settlement, we would receive from such Forward Purchaser a number of shares of our common stock having a value equal to the difference.
In addition, the purchase of shares of our common stock in connection with a Forward Purchaser or its affiliate unwinding its hedge positions could cause the price of shares of our common stock to increase over time (or prevent a decrease over time), thereby increasing the amount of cash we owe to such Forward Purchaser (or decreasing the amount of cash such Forward Purchaser would owe us) upon cash settlement of the relevant forward sale agreement or increasing the number of shares of our common stock we are obligated to deliver to such Forward Purchaser (or decreasing the number of shares of our common stock such Forward Purchaser is
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obligated to deliver to us) upon net share settlement of the relevant forward sale agreement. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to any Forward Sale Agreements.”
Each Forward Purchaser will have the right to accelerate its forward sale agreement (with respect to all or any portion of the transaction under such forward sale agreement that the relevant Forward Purchaser determines is affected by such event) and require us to physically settle on a date specified by such Forward Purchaser if:
(1) in such Forward Purchaser’s commercially reasonable judgment, it or its affiliate (x) is unable to hedge in a commercially reasonable manner its exposure under such forward sale agreement because insufficient shares of our common stock have been made available for borrowing by securities lenders or (y) would incur a stock loan cost in excess of a specified threshold to hedge in a commercially reasonable manner its exposure under such forward sale agreement;
(2) we declare any dividend, issue or distribution on shares of our common stock (a) payable in cash in excess of specified amounts, (b) that constitutes an extraordinary dividend under the forward sale agreement, (c) payable in securities of another company as a result of a spin-off or similar transaction, or (d) of any other type of securities (other than our common stock), rights, warrants or other assets for payment at less than the prevailing market price;
(3) certain other events of default or termination events occur, including, among others, any material misrepresentation made in connection with such forward sale agreement or our insolvency (each as more fully described in each forward sale agreement);
(4) an event is announced that if consummated would result in a specified extraordinary event (including certain mergers or tender offers, as well as certain events involving our nationalization or insolvency or a delisting of our common stock) or the occurrence of a change in law or disruption in the Forward Purchaser’s ability to hedge its exposure under the forward sale agreement; or
(5) certain ownership thresholds applicable to the Forward Purchaser and its affiliates are exceeded.
Any Forward Purchaser’s decision to exercise its right to accelerate the settlement of the relevant forward sale agreement will be made irrespective of our interests, including our need for capital. In such cases, we could be required to issue and deliver shares of our common stock under the terms of the physical settlement provisions of the relevant forward sale agreement irrespective of our capital needs which would result in dilution to our earnings per share and return on equity. In addition, upon certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency relating to us, any forward sale agreements will terminate without further liability of any party. Following any such termination, we would not issue any shares of our common stock and we would not receive any proceeds pursuant to any forward sale agreement. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to any Forward Sale Agreements”.
The descriptions of certain provisions of the sales agreement and the forward sale agreements appearing above and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement are not complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, the terms and provisions of such sales agreement and forward sale agreements.
In the ordinary course of business, the Agents and/or their affiliates have engaged, and each of the Agents and/or their affiliates may in the future engage, in commercial banking or investment banking transactions with us and our affiliates for which they have received, and will in the future receive, customary compensation.
An affiliate of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is the administrative agent, affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. are co-sustainability structuring agents, affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are syndication agents, and affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, affiliates of TD Securities (USA) LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. are joint lead arrangers, affiliates of
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TD Securities (USA) LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Truist Securities, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are Documentation Agents, affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are issuing banks and swing line banks and affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., BMO Capital Markets, Capital One Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., ING Financial Markets LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., MUFG Securities Americas Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, Truist Securities, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are lenders, under our operating partnership’s global revolving credit facility. Therefore, such Agents and/or affiliates of such Agents may receive more than 5% of the net proceeds from this offering through the repayment of the borrowings under the global revolving credit facility.
Affiliates of Mizuho Securities USA LLC and MUFG Securities Americas Inc. are joint lead arrangers, joint bookrunners and lenders under our Yen revolving credit facility. Therefore, such Agents and/or affiliates of such Agents may receive more than 5% of the net proceeds from this offering through the repayment of the borrowings under the Yen revolving credit facility.
An affiliate of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is the administrative agent, affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are syndication agents, affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and TD Securities (USA) Inc. are joint lead arrangers, affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are joint bookrunners, affiliates of Deutsche Bank Securites, Inc., Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and TD Securities (USA) LLC are co-documentation agents and affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., ING Financial Markets LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., Raymond James & Associates, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC and Truist Securities, Inc. are lenders under our Euro term facilities. Therefore, such Agents and/or affiliates of such Agents may receive more than 5% of the net proceeds from this offering through the repayment of the borrowings under the Euro term facilities.
An affiliate of BofA Securities, Inc. is the administrative agent, an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is the syndication agent, affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC, Capital One Securities, Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC and Citigroup Global Markets are joint lead arrangers, affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC are joint bookrunners, affiliates of Capital One Securities, Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC and Citigroup Global Markets are co-documentation agents and affiliates of BofA Securities, Inc., Capital One Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., ING Financial Markets LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Mizhuo Securities USA LLC, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC and Truist Securities, Inc. are lenders under our senior unsecured term loan facility. Therefore, such Agents and/or affiliates of such Agents may receive more than 5% of the net proceeds from this offering through the repayment of the borrowings under our senior unsecured term loan facility.
Affiliates of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. are trustees under our 2.750% notes due 2024, our 2.625% notes due 2024, our 0.625% notes due 2025, our 4.250% notes due 2025, our 2.500% notes due 2026, our 1.125% notes due 2028, our 3.300% notes due 2029, our 1.500% notes due 2030, our 3.750% notes due 2030, our 1.250% notes due 2031, our 0.625% notes due 2031, our 1.000% notes due 2032 and our 1.375% notes due 2032.
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To the extent that we use the net proceeds from this offering to repay amounts we have borrowed, may borrow or re-borrow in the future under our global revolving credit facilities, term facilities or any mortgages, those lenders will receive their pro rata portion of any of the proceeds from this offering that we use to repay any such amounts. See “Use of Proceeds.”
In addition, certain of the Agents or their respective affiliates in the past have leased, currently lease and in the future may lease space from us.
In the ordinary course of its business activities, the Agents, the Forward Purchasers and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The Agents, the Forward Purchasers and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
If we enter into a forward sale agreement with any Forward Purchaser, we expect that such Forward Purchaser will attempt to borrow and sell, through the relevant Agent, acting as Forward Seller, shares of our common stock to hedge such Forward Purchaser’s exposure under such forward sale agreement. All of the net proceeds from the sale of any such borrowed shares will be paid to the applicable Forward Purchaser (or one or more of its affiliates). Each Forward Purchaser will be either an Agent or an affiliate of an Agent. As a result, an Agent or its affiliate will receive the net proceeds from any sale of borrowed shares of our common stock made in connection with any forward sale agreements.
Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us, the Agents or the Forward Purchasers that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus come are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.
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Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP, Los Angeles, California and for the Agents and the Forward Purchasers by Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston, Massachusetts. Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, will issue an opinion to us regarding certain matters of Maryland law, including the validity of the common stock offered hereby.
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The consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 have all been incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022 have all been incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. You can inspect reports and other information we file at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. In addition, we maintain a web site that contains information about us at www.digitalrealty.com. The information found on, or otherwise accessible through, our website is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other report or document we file with or furnish to the SEC.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 (File Nos. 333-270596 and 333-270596-01), of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are a part, including exhibits, schedules and amendments filed with, or incorporated by reference in, such registration statement, under the Securities Act. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information with respect to our company, reference is made to the registration statement, including the exhibits to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not necessarily complete and, where that contract or document is an exhibit to the registration statement, each statement is qualified in all respects by the exhibit to which the reference relates. The registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement, is available to you on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.
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The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” certain information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents instead of having to repeat the information in this prospectus supplement. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus the following documents (except for any document or portion thereof deemed to be “furnished” and not filed in accordance with SEC rules and regulations):
| • | the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. for the year ended December 31, 2022; |
| • | our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 22, 2022; |
| • | the Combined Current Reports on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. filed with the SEC on January 6, 2023, January 6, 2023, January 13, 2023 and March 10, 2023; and |
| • | all documents filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus supplement and prior to the termination of this offering (excluding any portions of such documents that are deemed “furnished” to the SEC pursuant to applicable rules and regulations). |
We will provide without charge to each person to whom a prospectus supplement is delivered, on written or oral request of that person, a copy of any or all of the documents we are incorporating by reference into this prospectus supplement, other than exhibits to those documents unless those exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. A written request should be addressed to Investor Relations, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., 5707 Southwest Parkway, Building 1, Suite 275, Austin, Texas 78735.
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PROSPECTUS
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Warrants and Guarantees
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Securities
We may from time to time offer, in one or more series or classes, separately or together, and in amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus, the following securities: (i) shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, (ii) shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, (iii) depositary shares representing entitlement to all rights and preferences of fractions of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s preferred stock of a specified series and represented by depositary receipts, (iv) warrants to purchase shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock or preferred stock or depositary shares and (v) debt securities of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. which may be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
This prospectus also covers delayed delivery contracts that may be issued by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. or Digital Realty Trust, L.P. under which the counterparty may be required to purchase common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. or debt securities of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (including guarantees of the debt securities by Digital Realty Trust, Inc.). Delayed delivery contracts may be issued together with the specific securities to which they relate. In addition, securities registered hereunder may be sold separately, together or as units with other securities registered hereunder.
We refer to the common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants and debt securities (together with any related guarantees) registered hereunder collectively as the “securities” in this prospectus. We will offer our securities in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of the offering of any such security.
The specific terms of each series or class of the securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and will include, as applicable: (i) in the case of common stock, any public offering price; (ii) in the case of preferred stock, the specific title and any dividend, liquidation, redemption, conversion, voting and other rights and any public offering price; (iii) in the case of depositary shares, the fractional share of preferred stock represented by each such depositary share; (iv) in the case of warrants, the duration, offering price, exercise price and detachability; and (v) in the case of debt securities and, as applicable, related guarantees, the specific terms of such debt securities and related guarantees. In addition, because Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is organized and conducts its operations so as to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the specific terms of any securities may include limitations on actual or constructive ownership and restrictions on transfer of the securities, in each case as may be appropriate to preserve Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s status as a REIT.
The securities may be offered directly by us, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. These securities also may be offered by securityholders, if so provided in a prospectus supplement hereto. We will provide specific information about any selling securityholders in one or more supplements to this prospectus. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of the securities, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. See the sections entitled “Plan of Distribution” and “About this Prospectus” for more information. No securities may be sold without delivery of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such series of securities.
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock, series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock and series L preferred stock currently trade on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbols “DLR”, “ “DLR Pr J”, “DLR Pr K”, or “DLR Pr L”, respectively.
Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 3 of this prospectus and any similar section contained in the applicable prospectus supplement for certain risk factors you should consider before investing in our securities.
Neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is March 16, 2023.
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, in an accompanying prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference herein or therein. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information or make any representation that is different. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, and this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement is correct on any date after the respective dates of this prospectus and such prospectus supplement or supplements, as applicable, even though this prospectus and such prospectus supplement or supplements are delivered or securities are sold pursuant to this prospectus and such prospectus supplement or supplements at a later date. Since the respective dates of the prospectus contained in this registration statement and any accompanying prospectus supplement, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed. We may only use this prospectus to sell the securities if it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
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This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, using a “shelf” registration process. By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell securities from time to time and in one or more offerings and the selling securityholders to be named in a supplement to this prospectus may, from time to time, sell shares of common stock in one or more offerings as described in this prospectus. Each time that we or the selling securityholders offer and sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the securities being offered and sold and the specific terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may also add, update or change information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus with respect to that offering. If there is any inconsistency between the information in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, you should rely on the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, as applicable. Before purchasing any securities, you should carefully read both this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement (and any applicable free writing prospectuses), together with the additional information described under the headings “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”
Neither we nor any selling securityholder has authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectuses prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. Neither we nor any selling securityholder will make an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement to this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on its respective cover, that the information appearing in any applicable free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date of that free writing prospectus, and that any information incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, unless we indicate otherwise. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. This prospectus incorporates by reference, and any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may contain and incorporate by reference, market data and industry statistics and forecasts that are based on independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe these sources are reliable, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information and we have not independently verified this information. In addition, the market and industry data and forecasts that may be included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any applicable free writing prospectus may involve estimates, assumptions and other risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on this information.
Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus to “we,” “us,” “our,” “our company” or “the company” refer to Digital Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Digital Realty Trust, L.P., a Maryland limited partnership, of which Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is the sole general partner. In statements regarding qualification as a REIT, such terms refer solely to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus to “our operating partnership” or “the operating partnership” refer to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. together with its consolidated subsidiaries.
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We are a leading global provider of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions for customers across a variety of industry verticals. Digital Realty Trust, L.P., a Maryland limited partnership, is the entity through which Digital Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, conducts its business of owning, acquiring, developing and operating data centers. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. operates as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. was incorporated in the state of Maryland on March 9, 2004. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. was organized in the state of Maryland on July 21, 2004. Our principal executive offices are located at 5707 Southwest Parkway, Building 1, Suite 275, Austin, Texas 78735. Our telephone number at that location is (737) 281-0101. Our website is located at www.digitalrealty.com. The information found on, or otherwise accessible through, our website is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this prospectus or any other report or document we file with or furnish to the SEC.
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Investment in any securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement involves risks. Before acquiring any offered securities pursuant to this prospectus, you should carefully consider the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any accompanying prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, the risk factors incorporated by reference to the company’s and the operating partnership’s most recent combined Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K we file after the date of this prospectus, and the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the risk factors and other information contained in the applicable prospectus supplement before acquiring any of such securities. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or a part of your investment in the offered securities.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information about issuers, such as us, who file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. The address of that website is http://www.sec.gov.
In addition, we maintain a website that contains information about us at www.digitalrealty.com. The information found on, or otherwise accessible through, this website is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this prospectus or any other report or document we file with or furnish to the SEC.
This prospectus and any prospectus supplement are part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC and do not contain all of the information in the registration statement. The full registration statement may be obtained from the SEC as provided above, or us, as provided below. Forms of the indenture and other documents establishing the terms of the offered securities are or may be filed as exhibits to the registration statement or documents incorporated by reference in the registration statement. Statements in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement about these documents are summaries and each statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the document to which it refers. You should refer to the actual documents for a more complete description of the relevant matters. You may inspect a copy of the registration statement through the SEC’s website, as provided above.
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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC’s rules allow us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, and subsequent information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede that information. Any statement contained in this prospectus or a previously filed document incorporated by reference will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or a subsequently filed document incorporated by reference modifies or replaces that statement.
This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement incorporate by reference the documents set forth below that have previously been filed with the SEC:
| • | the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. for the year ended December 31, 2022; |
| • | the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. filed with the SEC on April 22, 2022 (solely to the extent specifically incorporated by reference into the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. for the year ended December 31, 2021); |
| • | the Combined Current Reports on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. filed with the SEC on January 6, 2023, January 6, 2023, January 13, 2023 and March 10, 2023; |
| • | the description of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, contained in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on October 28, 2004 (file number 001-32336), including any amendment or reports filed for the purpose of updating this description; |
| • | the description of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, contained in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on August 4, 2017 (file number 001-32336), including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating this description; |
| • | the description of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, contained in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on March 12, 2019 (file number 001-32336), including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating this description; |
| • | the description of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, contained in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on October 9, 2019 (file number 001-32336), including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating this description; and |
| • | all documents filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the underlying securities (excluding any portions of such documents that are deemed “furnished” to the SEC pursuant to applicable rules and regulations). |
We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, on written or oral request of that person, a copy of any or all of the documents we are incorporating by reference into this prospectus, other than exhibits to those documents unless those exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. A written request should be addressed to Investor Relations, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., 5707 Southwest Parkway, Building 1, Suite 275, Austin, Texas 78735.
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The following description of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the common stock to which any prospectus supplement may relate and will apply to the common stock offered by this prospectus unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. The description of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock set forth below and in any prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s charter and bylaws.
General. The company’s charter provides that it may issue up to 392,000,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, or the common stock. As of March 13, 2023, 291,295,889 shares of the common stock were issued and outstanding, excluding:
| • | Approximately 4.3 million shares available for future issuance under our incentive award plans; |
| • | 1,807,870 shares issuable upon redemption of outstanding vested long-term incentive units (including class C profits interest units of our operating partnership, or class C units, and class D profits interest units of our operating partnership, or class D units) issued under our incentive award plans; |
| • | 257,156 shares issuable upon redemption of outstanding unvested long-term incentive units (excluding unvested class D units) issued under our incentive award plans; |
| • | 4,375,444 shares issuable upon redemption of outstanding common units; |
| • | 818,006 shares issuable upon vesting of restricted stock units; |
| • | 21,561 shares potentially issuable upon redemption of outstanding unvested class D units; |
| • | 3,542 shares potentially issuable upon redemption of unvested market performance-based restricted stock units; |
| • | 348,835 shares potentially issuable upon achievement of a performance condition for unvested class D units; |
| • | 61,634 shares potentially issuable upon achievement of a performance condition for unvested market performance-based restricted stock units; and |
| • | A maximum of 3,401,680, 3,663,324 and 5,315,484 shares of common stock potentially issuable upon conversion of the company’s series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock and series L preferred stock respectively, in each case upon the occurrence of specified change in control transactions as described in “Description of Preferred Stock” below. |
All outstanding shares of the common stock are duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of stock and to the provisions of the company’s charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of stock, holders of shares of the common stock are entitled to receive dividends on such stock if, as and when authorized by the company’s board of directors out of assets legally available therefor and declared by the company and to share ratably in the assets of the company legally available for distribution to the company’s stockholders in the event of the company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up after payment or establishment of reserves for all known debts and liabilities of the company.
Subject to the provisions of the company’s charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of stock and except as may be otherwise specified therein with respect to any class or series of common stock, each outstanding share of the common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors and, except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, the holders of such shares will possess the exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of the company’s board of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election and the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors. Directors are elected by a majority of all the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present if the election is uncontested. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present if the election is contested.
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Holders of shares of the common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund or redemption rights, have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any securities of the company and generally have no appraisal rights unless the company’s board of directors determines that appraisal rights apply, with respect to all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which stockholders would otherwise be entitled to exercise appraisal rights. Subject to the provisions of the company’s charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of stock, shares of the common stock will have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights.
Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, convert, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business unless the action is approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the corporation’s charter. Except for certain charter amendments relating to the removal of directors and the vote required for certain amendments, the company’s charter provides that these actions may be taken if declared advisable by a majority of the company’s board of directors and approved by the vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. However, Maryland law permits a corporation to transfer all or substantially all of its assets without the approval of the stockholders of the corporation to one or more persons if all of the equity interests of the person or persons are owned, directly or indirectly, by the corporation. In addition, operating assets may be held by a corporation’s subsidiaries, as in the company’s situation, and these subsidiaries may be able to transfer all or substantially all of such assets without a vote of the parent corporation’s stockholders.
The company’s charter authorizes its board of directors to reclassify any unissued shares of the common stock into other classes or series of stock and to establish the number of shares in each class or series and to set the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption for each such class or series.
Power to Increase Authorized Stock and Issue Additional Shares of the Common Stock
The company’s board of directors has the power to amend the company’s charter from time to time without stockholder approval to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of common stock, to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of the common stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of the common stock into other classes or series of stock and thereafter to cause the company to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock. The company believes these powers provide it with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs which might arise. Subject to the limited rights of holders of the company’s series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock and series L preferred stock and each other parity class or series of preferred stock, voting together as a single class, to approve certain issuances of senior classes or series of stock, the additional classes or series, as well as the common stock, will be available for issuance without further action by the company’s stockholders, unless stockholder consent is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the company’s securities may be listed or traded. Although the company’s board of directors does not intend to do so, it could authorize us to issue a class or series that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of the company that might involve a premium price for the company’s stockholders or otherwise be in their best interest.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
To assist us in complying with certain U.S. federal income tax requirements applicable to REITs, the company has adopted certain restrictions relating to the ownership and transfer of the common stock. See “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.
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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
The specific terms of a particular class or series of preferred stock will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that class or series, including a prospectus supplement providing that preferred stock may be issuable upon the exercise of warrants the company issues. The description of preferred stock set forth below and the description of the terms of a particular class or series of preferred stock set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the articles supplementary relating to that class or series.
General
The company’s charter provides that it may issue up to 110 million shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, or preferred stock. The company’s charter authorizes its board of directors to amend its charter from time to time without stockholder approval to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of preferred stock. As of March 13, 2023, 8,000,000 shares of the company’s series J preferred stock, 8,400,000 shares of the company’s series K preferred stock and 13,800,000 shares of the company’s series L preferred stock were issued and outstanding. No other shares of the company’s preferred stock are currently outstanding.
The company’s charter authorizes its board of directors to classify any unissued shares of preferred stock and to reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of any series into other classes or series of stock. Prior to the issuance of shares of each class or series, the company’s board of directors is required by the MGCL and the company’s charter to set, subject to the provisions of the company’s charter regarding the restrictions on transfers of stock, the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each such class or series. Thus, the company’s board of directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control of the company that might involve a premium price for holders of the common stock or otherwise be in their best interest.
The preferences and other terms of the preferred stock of each class or series will be fixed by the articles supplementary relating to such class or series. A prospectus supplement, relating to each class or series, will describe the terms of the preferred stock, including, where applicable, the following:
| • | the title and stated value of such preferred stock; |
| • | the number of shares of such preferred stock offered, the liquidation preference per share and the offering price of such preferred stock; |
| • | the dividend rate(s), period(s), and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to such preferred stock; |
| • | whether such preferred stock is cumulative or not and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends on such preferred stock shall accumulate; |
| • | the provision for a sinking fund, if any, for such preferred stock; |
| • | the provision for redemption, if applicable, of such preferred stock; |
| • | any listing of such preferred stock on any securities exchange; |
| • | preemptive rights, if any; |
| • | the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which such preferred stock will be converted into the common stock, including the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof); |
| • | a discussion of additional material U.S. federal income tax consequences, if any, applicable to an investment in such preferred stock; |
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| • | any limitations on actual and constructive ownership and restrictions on transfer; |
| • | the relative ranking and preferences of such preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the company; |
| • | any limitations on issuance of any class or series of preferred stock ranking senior to or on a parity with such class or series of preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the company; |
| • | any voting rights of such preferred stock; and |
| • | any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions of such preferred stock. |
Rank
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the company, rank: (i) senior to all classes or series of the common stock, and to any other class or series of the company’s stock expressly designated as ranking junior to the preferred stock; (ii) on parity with any class or series of the company’s stock expressly designated as ranking on parity with the preferred stock; and (iii) junior to any other class or series of the company’s stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the preferred stock.
Conversion Rights
The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any shares of any class or series of preferred stock are convertible into common stock will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of the common stock into which the shares of preferred stock are convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of such class or series of preferred stock, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of such class or series of preferred stock.
Power to Increase or Decrease Authorized Stock and Issue Additional Shares of Preferred Stock
The company’s board of directors has the power to amend the company’s charter from time to time without stockholder approval to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of preferred stock, to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of the company’s preferred stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of the company’s preferred stock into other classes or series of stock and thereafter to cause us to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock. Subject to the limited rights of holders of the company’s series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock and series L preferred stock and each other parity class or series of preferred stock, voting together as a single class, to approve certain issuances of senior classes or series of stock, the additional classes or series will be available for issuance without further action by the company’s stockholders, unless stockholder consent is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the company’s securities may be listed or traded. Although the company’s board of directors does not intend to do so, it could authorize the company to issue a class or series that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of the company that might involve a premium price for the company’s stockholders or otherwise be in their best interest.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
To assist the company in complying with certain U.S. federal income tax requirements applicable to REITs, the company has adopted certain restrictions relating to the ownership and transfer of the company’s series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock and series L preferred stock. The company expects to adopt similar restrictions with respect to any class or series offered pursuant to this prospectus under the articles supplementary for each such class or series. The applicable prospectus supplement will specify any additional ownership limitation relating to such class or series. See “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”
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5.250% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
General
The company’s board of directors and a duly authorized committee thereof approved articles supplementary, a copy of which has been previously filed with the SEC and which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, creating the series J preferred stock as a series of the company’s preferred stock, designated as the 5.250% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The series J preferred stock is validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
The series J preferred stock is currently listed on the NYSE as “DLR Pr J”.
Ranking
The series J preferred stock ranks, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon the company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding-up:
| • | senior to all classes or series of the common stock and to any other class or series of the company’s stock expressly designated as ranking junior to the series J preferred stock; |
| • | on parity with any class or series of the company’s stock expressly designated as ranking on parity with the series J preferred stock, including the company’s series K preferred stock and series L preferred stock; and |
| • | junior to any other class or series of the company’s stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the series J preferred stock. |
Dividend Rate and Payment Date
Holders of series J preferred stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends on the series J preferred stock from and including the date of original issue, payable quarterly in arrears on or about the last calendar day of March, June, September and December of each year, at the rate of 5.250% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual amount of $1.3125 per share). Dividends on the series J preferred stock will accrue whether or not the company has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends and whether or not such dividends are authorized or declared.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of the series J preferred stock will have the right to receive $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) up to but excluding the date of payment, before any payment is made to holders of the common stock and any other class or series of stock ranking junior to the series J preferred stock as to liquidation rights. The rights of holders of series J preferred stock to receive their liquidation preference will be subject to the proportionate rights of any other class or series of stock ranking on parity with the series J preferred stock as to liquidation.
Optional Redemption
The series J preferred stock is redeemable at the company’s option, in whole or in part at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared) up to but excluding the redemption date. However, unless full cumulative dividends on the series J preferred stock for all past dividend periods have been, or contemporaneously are, paid or an amount in cash sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart, no shares of series J preferred stock may be redeemed unless all outstanding shares of series J preferred stock are simultaneously redeemed; provided, that the foregoing restriction does not prevent the company from taking action necessary to preserve the company’s status as a REIT. Any partial redemption will be on a pro rata basis.
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Special Optional Redemption
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below), the company may, at its option, redeem the series J preferred stock, in whole or in part within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, by paying $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the date of redemption. If, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date (as defined below), the company exercises any of its redemption rights relating to the series J preferred stock (whether its optional redemption right or its special optional redemption right), the holders of series J preferred stock will not have the conversion right described below.
A “Change of Control” is when, after the original issuance of the series J preferred stock, the following have occurred and are continuing:
| • | the acquisition by any person, including any syndicate or group deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of purchases, mergers or other acquisition transactions of stock of the company entitling that person to exercise more than 50% of the total voting power of all stock of the company entitled to vote generally in the election of the company’s directors (except that such person will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition); and |
| • | following the closing of any transaction referred to in the bullet point above, neither the company nor the acquiring or surviving entity has a class of common securities (or American Depositary Receipts representing such securities) listed on the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or NASDAQ or listed or quoted on an exchange or quotation system that is a successor to the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or NASDAQ. |
No Maturity, Sinking Fund or Mandatory Redemption
The series J preferred stock has no stated maturity date and the company is not required to redeem the series J preferred stock at any time. Accordingly, the series J preferred stock will remain outstanding indefinitely, unless the company decides, at its option, to exercise its redemption right or, under circumstances where the holders of the series J preferred stock have a conversion right, such holders decide to convert the series J preferred stock into common stock. The series J preferred stock is not subject to any sinking fund.
Voting Rights
Holders of series J preferred stock generally have no voting rights. However, if the company is in arrears on dividends on the series J preferred stock for six or more quarterly periods, whether or not consecutive, holders of the series J preferred stock (voting together as a class with the holders of all other classes or series of parity preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled to vote at a special meeting called upon the written request of at least 10% of such holders or at the company’s next annual meeting of stockholders and each subsequent annual meeting of stockholders for the election of two additional directors to serve on the company’s board of directors until all unpaid dividends with respect to the series J preferred stock and any other class or series of parity preferred stock have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment. In addition, the company may not make certain material and adverse changes to the terms of the series J preferred stock without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of series J preferred stock and all other shares of any class or series ranking on parity with the series J preferred stock that are entitled to similar voting rights (voting together as a single class).
Conversion
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of series J preferred stock will have the right (unless, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, the company has provided or provides notice of its election to redeem the series J preferred stock) to convert some or all of the series J preferred stock held by such holder on the date the series J preferred stock is to be converted, which we refer to as the Change of Control Conversion Date, into a number of shares of common stock per share of series J preferred stock to be converted equal to the lesser of:
| • | the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Change of Control Conversion Date is after a record date for a series J preferred stock dividend payment and prior to the corresponding series J preferred stock dividend payment date, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividends will be included in this sum) by (ii) the Common Stock Price (as defined below); and |
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| • | 0.42521 (i.e., the Share Cap), subject to certain adjustments; |
subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration as described in the articles supplementary relating to the Series J preferred stock.
The “Common Stock Price” will be (i) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of common stock is solely cash, the amount of cash consideration per share of common stock or (ii) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by holders of common stock is other than solely cash (x) the average of the closing sale prices per share of the common stock (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices) for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the Change of Control as reported on the principal U.S. securities exchange on which the common stock is then traded, or (y) the average of the last quoted bid prices for the company’s common stock in the over-the-counter market as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or similar organization for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the Change of Control, if the common stock is not then listed for trading on a U.S. securities exchange.
If, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, the company has provided or provides a redemption notice, whether pursuant to its special optional redemption right in connection with a Change of Control or its optional redemption right, holders of series J preferred stock will not have any right to convert the series J preferred stock into shares of the common stock in connection with the Change of Control and any shares of series J preferred stock selected for redemption that have been tendered for conversion will be redeemed on the related date of redemption instead of converted on the Change of Control Conversion Date.
Except as provided above in connection with a Change of Control, the series J preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities or property.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for the series J preferred stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.
5.850% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
General
The company’s board of directors and a duly authorized committee thereof approved articles supplementary, a copy of which has been previously filed with the SEC and which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, creating the series K preferred stock as a series of DLR’s preferred stock, designated as the 5.850% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The series K preferred stock is validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
The series K preferred stock is currently listed on the NYSE as “DLR Pr K”.
Ranking
The series K preferred stock ranks, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon the company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding-up:
| • | senior to all classes or series of the common stock and to any other class or series of stock expressly designated as ranking junior to the series K preferred stock; |
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| • | on parity with any class or series of stock expressly designated as ranking on parity with the series K preferred stock, including the company’s, series J preferred stock and series L preferred stock; and |
| • | junior to any other class or series of stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the series K preferred stock. |
Dividend Rate and Payment Date
Holders of series K preferred stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends on the series K preferred stock from and including the date of original issue, payable quarterly in arrears on or about the last calendar day of March, June, September and December of each year, at the rate of 5.850% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual amount of $1.4625 per share). Dividends on the series K preferred stock will accrue whether or not the company has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends and whether or not such dividends are authorized or declared.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of the series K preferred stock will have the right to receive $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) up to but excluding the date of payment, before any payment is made to holders of the common stock and any other class or series of stock ranking junior to the series K preferred stock as to liquidation rights. The rights of holders of series K preferred stock to receive their liquidation preference will be subject to the proportionate rights of any other class or series of stock ranking on parity with the series K preferred stock as to liquidation.
Optional Redemption
The series K preferred stock may not be redeemed prior to March 13, 2024, except in limited circumstances to preserve the company’s status as a REIT and pursuant to the special optional redemption right described below. On and after March 13, 2024, the series K preferred stock will be redeemable at the company’s option, in whole or in part at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared) up to but excluding the redemption date. However, unless full cumulative dividends on the series K preferred stock for all past dividend periods have been, or contemporaneously are, paid or an amount in cash sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart, no shares of series K preferred stock may be redeemed unless all outstanding shares of series K preferred stock are simultaneously redeemed; provided, that the foregoing restriction does not prevent the company from taking action necessary to preserve its status as a REIT. Any partial redemption will be on a pro rata basis.
Special Optional Redemption
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below), the company may, at its option, redeem the series K preferred stock, in whole or in part within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, by paying $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the date of redemption. If, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date (as defined below), the company exercises any of its redemption rights relating to the series K preferred stock (whether its optional redemption right or its special optional redemption right), the holders of series K preferred stock will not have the conversion right described below.
A “Change of Control” is when, after the original issuance of the series K preferred stock, the following have occurred and are continuing:
| • | the acquisition by any person, including any syndicate or group deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of purchases, mergers or other acquisition transactions of stock of the company entitling that person to exercise more than 50% of the total voting power of all stock of the company entitled to vote generally in the election of the company’s directors (except that such person will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition); and |
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| • | following the closing of any transaction referred to in the bullet point above, neither the company nor the acquiring or surviving entity has a class of common securities (or American Depositary Receipts representing such securities) listed on the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or NASDAQ or listed or quoted on an exchange or quotation system that is a successor to the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or NASDAQ. |
No Maturity, Sinking Fund or Mandatory Redemption
The series K preferred stock has no stated maturity date and the company is not required to redeem the series K preferred stock at any time. Accordingly, the series K preferred stock will remain outstanding indefinitely, unless the company decides, at its option, to exercise its redemption right or, under circumstances where the holders of the series K preferred stock have a conversion right, such holders decide to convert the series K preferred stock into common stock. The series K preferred stock is not subject to any sinking fund.
Voting Rights
Holders of series K preferred stock generally have no voting rights. However, if the company is in arrears on dividends on the series K preferred stock for six or more quarterly periods, whether or not consecutive, holders of the series K preferred stock (voting together as a class with the holders of all other classes or series of parity preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled to vote at a special meeting called upon the written request of at least 10% of such holders or at the next annual meeting of stockholders and each subsequent annual meeting of stockholders for the election of two additional directors to serve on the company’s board until all unpaid dividends with respect to the series K preferred stock and any other class or series of parity preferred stock have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment. In addition, the company may not make certain material and adverse changes to the terms of the series K preferred stock without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of series K preferred stock and all other shares of any class or series ranking on parity with the series K preferred stock that are entitled to similar voting rights (voting together as a single class).
Conversion
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of series K preferred stock will have the right (unless, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, the company has provided or provides notice of its election to redeem the series K preferred stock) to convert some or all of the series K preferred stock held by such holder on the date the series K preferred stock is to be converted, which we refer to as the Change of Control Conversion Date, into a number of shares of common stock per share of series K preferred stock to be converted equal to the lesser of:
| • | the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Change of Control Conversion Date is after a record date for a series K preferred stock dividend payment and prior to the corresponding series K preferred stock dividend payment date, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividends will be included in this sum) by (ii) the Common Stock Price (as defined below); and |
| • | 0.43611 (i.e., the Share Cap), subject to certain adjustments; |
subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration as described in the articles supplementary relating to the Series K preferred stock.
The “Common Stock Price” will be (i) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of common stock is solely cash, the amount of cash consideration per share of common stock or (ii) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by holders of common stock is other than solely cash (x) the average of the closing sale prices per share of the common stock (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices) for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the Change of Control as reported on the principal U.S. securities exchange on which the common stock is then traded, or (y) the average of the last quoted bid prices for the company’s common stock in the over-the-counter market as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or similar organization for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the Change of Control, if the common stock is not then listed for trading on a U.S. securities exchange.
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If, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, the company has provided or provides a redemption notice, whether pursuant to its special optional redemption right in connection with a Change of Control or its optional redemption right, holders of series K preferred stock will not have any right to convert the series K preferred stock into shares of the common stock in connection with the Change of Control and any shares of series K preferred stock selected for redemption that have been tendered for conversion will be redeemed on the related date of redemption instead of converted on the Change of Control Conversion Date.
Except as provided above in connection with a Change of Control, the series K preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities or property.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for the series K preferred stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.
5.200% Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
General
The company’s board of directors and a duly authorized committee thereof approved articles supplementary, a copy of which has been previously filed with the SEC and which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, creating the series L preferred stock as a series of the company’s preferred stock, designated as the 5.200% Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The series L preferred stock is validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
The series L preferred stock is currently listed on the NYSE as “DLR Pr L”.
Ranking
The series L preferred stock ranks, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon the company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding-up:
| • | senior to all classes or series of the common stock and to any other class or series of stock expressly designated as ranking junior to the series L preferred stock; |
| • | on parity with any class or series of stock expressly designated as ranking on parity with the series L preferred stock, including the company’s series J preferred stock and series K preferred stock; and |
| • | junior to any other class or series of stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the series L preferred stock. |
Dividend Rate and Payment Date
Holders of series L preferred stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends on the series L preferred stock from and including the date of original issue, payable quarterly in arrears on or about the last calendar day of March, June, September and December of each year, at the rate of 5.200% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual amount of $1.30 per share). Dividends on the series L preferred stock will accrue whether or not the company has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends and whether or not such dividends are authorized or declared.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of the series L preferred stock will have the right to receive $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) up to but excluding the date of payment, before any payment is made to holders of the common stock and any other class or series of stock ranking junior to the series L preferred stock as to liquidation rights. The rights of holders of series L preferred stock to receive their liquidation preference will be subject to the proportionate rights of any other class or series of stock ranking on parity with the series L preferred stock as to liquidation.
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Optional Redemption
The series L preferred stock may not be redeemed prior to October 10, 2024, except in limited circumstances to preserve the company’s status as a REIT and pursuant to the special optional redemption right described below. On and after October 10, 2024, the series L preferred stock will be redeemable at the company’s option, in whole or in part at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared) up to but excluding the redemption date. However, unless full cumulative dividends on the series L preferred stock for all past dividend periods have been, or contemporaneously are, paid or an amount in cash sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart, no shares of series L preferred stock may be redeemed unless all outstanding shares of series L preferred stock are simultaneously redeemed; provided, that the foregoing restriction does not prevent the company from taking action necessary to preserve its status as a REIT. Any partial redemption will be on a pro rata basis.
Special Optional Redemption
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, (as defined below) the company may, at its option, redeem the series L preferred stock, in whole or in part within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, by paying $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the date of redemption. If, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date (as defined below), the company exercises any of its redemption rights relating to the series L preferred stock (whether its optional redemption right or its special optional redemption right), the holders of series L preferred stock will not have the conversion right described below.
A “Change of Control” is when, after the original issuance of the series L preferred stock, the following have occurred and are continuing:
| • | the acquisition by any person, including any syndicate or group deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of purchases, mergers or other acquisition transactions of stock of the company entitling that person to exercise more than 50% of the total voting power of all stock of the company entitled to vote generally in the election of the company’s directors (except that such person will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition); and |
| • | following the closing of any transaction referred to in the bullet point above, neither the company nor the acquiring or surviving entity has a class of common securities (or American Depositary Receipts representing such securities) listed on the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or NASDAQ or listed or quoted on an exchange or quotation system that is a successor to the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or NASDAQ. |
No Maturity, Sinking Fund or Mandatory Redemption
The series L preferred stock has no stated maturity date and the company is not required to redeem the series L preferred stock at any time. Accordingly, the series L preferred stock will remain outstanding indefinitely, unless the company decides, at its option, to exercise its redemption right or, under circumstances where the holders of the series L preferred stock have a conversion right, such holders decide to convert the series L preferred stock into common stock. The series L preferred stock is not subject to any sinking fund.
Voting Rights
Holders of series L preferred stock generally have no voting rights. However, if the company is in arrears on dividends on the series L preferred stock for six or more quarterly periods, whether or not consecutive, holders of the series L preferred stock (voting together as a class with the holders of all other classes or series of parity preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled to vote at a special meeting called upon the written request of at least 10% of such holders or at the next annual meeting of stockholders and each subsequent annual meeting of stockholders for the election of two additional directors to serve on the company’s board
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of directors until all unpaid dividends with respect to the series L preferred stock and any other class or series of parity preferred stock have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment. In addition, the company may not make certain material and adverse changes to the terms of the series L preferred stock without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of series L preferred stock and all other shares of any class or series ranking on parity with the series L preferred stock that are entitled to similar voting rights (voting together as a single class).
Conversion
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of series L preferred stock will have the right (unless, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, the company has provided or provides notice of its election to redeem the series L preferred stock) to convert some or all of the series L preferred stock held by such holder on the date the series L preferred stock is to be converted, which we refer to as the Change of Control Conversion Date, into a number of shares of common stock per share of series L preferred stock to be converted equal to the lesser of:
| • | the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Change of Control Conversion Date is after a record date for a series L preferred stock dividend payment and prior to the corresponding series L preferred stock dividend payment date, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividends will be included in this sum) by (ii) the Common Stock Price (as defined below); and |
| • | 0.38518 (i.e., the Share Cap), subject to certain adjustments; |
subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration as described in the articles supplementary relating to the Series L preferred stock.
The “Common Stock Price” will be (i) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of common stock is solely cash, the amount of cash consideration per share of common stock or (ii) if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by holders of common stock is other than solely cash (x) the average of the closing sale prices per share of the common stock (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices) for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the Change of Control as reported on the principal U.S. securities exchange on which the common stock is then traded, or (y) the average of the last quoted bid prices for the company’s common stock in the over-the-counter market as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or similar organization for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the Change of Control, if the common stock is not then listed for trading on a U.S. securities exchange.
If, prior to the Change of Control Conversion Date, the company has provided or provides a redemption notice, whether pursuant to its special optional redemption right in connection with a Change of Control or its optional redemption right, holders of series L preferred stock will not have any right to convert the series L preferred stock into shares of the common stock in connection with the Change of Control and any shares of series L preferred stock selected for redemption that have been tendered for conversion will be redeemed on the related date of redemption instead of converted on the Change of Control Conversion Date.
Except as provided above in connection with a Change of Control, the series L preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities or property.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for the series L preferred stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
The company may, at its option, elect to offer depositary shares rather than full shares of preferred stock. Each depositary share will represent ownership of and entitlement to all rights and preferences of a fraction of a share of preferred stock of a specified series (including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights). The applicable fraction will be specified in a prospectus supplement. The shares of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares will be deposited with a depositary named in the applicable prospectus supplement, under a deposit agreement, among the company, the depositary and the holders of the certificates evidencing depositary shares, or depositary receipts. Depositary receipts will be delivered to those persons purchasing depositary shares in the offering. The depositary will be the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the depositary shares. Holders of depositary receipts agree to be bound by the deposit agreement, which requires holders to take certain actions such as filing proof of residence and paying certain charges.
The summary of the terms of the depositary shares contained in this prospectus shall apply unless otherwise specified on a supplement to this prospectus. This summary, as modified by any supplement to this prospectus, does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the deposit agreement, the company’s charter and the form of articles supplementary for the applicable series of preferred stock.
Dividends
The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by such holders on the relevant record date, which will be the same date as the record date fixed by the company for the applicable series of preferred stock. The depositary, however, will distribute only such amount as can be distributed without attributing to any depositary share a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed will be added to and treated as part of the next sum received by the depositary for distribution to record holders of depositary receipts then outstanding.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary receipts entitled thereto, in proportion, as nearly as may be practicable, to the number of depositary shares owned by such holders on the relevant record date, unless the depositary determines (after consultation with the company) that it is not feasible to make such distribution, in which case the depositary may (with the company’s approval) adopt any other method for such distribution as it deems equitable and appropriate, including the sale of such property (at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem equitable and appropriate) and distribution of the net proceeds from such sale to such holders.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the company, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each depositary share will be entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each share of the applicable series of preferred stock as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Redemption
If the series of preferred stock represented by the applicable series of depositary shares is redeemable, such depositary shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received by the depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in part, of preferred stock held by the depositary. Whenever the company redeems any preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares representing the preferred stock so redeemed. The depositary will mail the notice of redemption promptly upon receipt of such notice from the company and not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption of the preferred stock and the depositary shares to the record holders of the depositary receipts.
Voting
Promptly upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the series of preferred stock represented by the applicable series of depositary shares are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts as of the record date for such meeting. Each
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such record holder of depositary receipts will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of shares of preferred stock represented by such record holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote such preferred stock represented by such depositary shares in accordance with such instructions, and the company will agree to take all action which may be deemed necessary by the depositary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will abstain from voting any of the preferred stock to the extent that it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary receipts.
Withdrawal of Preferred Stock
Upon surrender of depositary receipts at the principal office of the depositary and payment of any unpaid amount due the depositary, and subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, the owner of the depositary shares evidenced thereby is entitled to delivery of the number of whole shares of preferred stock and all money and other property, if any, represented by such depositary shares. Partial shares of preferred stock will not be issued. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of whole shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing such excess number of depositary shares. Holders of preferred stock thus withdrawn will not thereafter be entitled to deposit such shares under the deposit agreement or to receive depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares therefor.
Amendment and Termination of Deposit Agreement
The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between the company and the depositary. However, any amendment which materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders (other than any change in fees) of depositary shares will not be effective unless such amendment has been approved by at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. No such amendment may impair the right, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, of any owner of any depositary shares to surrender the depositary receipt evidencing such depositary shares with instructions to the depositary to deliver to the holder the preferred stock and all money and other property, if any, represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.
The deposit agreement will be permitted to be terminated by the company upon not less than 30 days prior written notice to the applicable depositary if (i) such termination is necessary to preserve the company’s status as a REIT or (ii) a majority of each series of preferred stock affected by such termination consents to such termination, whereupon such depositary will be required to deliver or make available to each holder of depositary receipts, upon surrender of the depositary receipts held by such holder, such number of whole or fractional shares of preferred stock as are represented by the depositary shares evidenced by such depositary receipts together with any other property held by such depositary with respect to such depositary receipts. The company will agree that if the deposit agreement is terminated to preserve the company’s status as a REIT, then it will use its best efforts to list the preferred stock issued upon surrender of the related depositary shares on a national securities exchange. In addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if (i) all outstanding depositary shares thereunder shall have been redeemed, (ii) there shall have been a final distribution in respect of the related preferred stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the company and such distribution shall have been distributed to the holders of depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares representing such preferred stock or (iii) each share of the related preferred stock shall have been converted into stock of the company not so represented by depositary shares.
Charges of Depositary
The company will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. The company will pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred stock and initial issuance of the depositary shares, and redemption of the preferred stock and all withdrawals of preferred stock by owners of depositary shares. Holders of depositary receipts will pay transfer, income and other taxes and governmental charges and certain other charges as are provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts. In certain circumstances, the depositary may refuse to transfer depositary shares, may withhold dividends and distributions and sell the depositary shares evidenced by such depositary receipt if such charges are not paid. The applicable prospectus supplement will include information with respect to fees and charges, if any, in connection with the deposit or substitution of the underlying securities, the receipt and distribution of dividends, the sale or exercise of rights, the withdrawal of the underlying security, and the transferring, splitting or grouping of receipts. The applicable prospectus supplement will also include information with respect to the right to collect the fees and charges, if any, against dividends received and deposited securities.
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Miscellaneous
The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary receipts all notices, reports and proxy soliciting material from the company which are delivered to the depositary and which the company is required to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock. In addition, the depositary will make available for inspection by holders of depositary receipts at the principal office of the depositary, and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable, any notices, reports and proxy soliciting material received from the company which are received by the depositary as the holder of preferred stock. The applicable prospectus supplement will include information about the rights, if any, of holders of receipts to inspect the transfer books of the depositary and the list of holders of receipts.
Neither the depositary nor the company assumes any obligation or will be subject to any liability under the deposit agreement to holders of depositary receipts other than for its negligence or willful misconduct. Neither the depositary nor the company will be liable if it is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. The obligations of the company and the depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of their duties thereunder, and they will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. The company and the depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, on information provided by holders of the depositary receipts or other persons believed in good faith to be competent to give such information and on documents believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
In the event the depositary shall receive conflicting claims, requests or instructions from any holders of depositary receipts, on the one hand, and the company, on the other hand, the depositary shall be entitled to act on such claims, requests or instructions received from the company.
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so, and the company may at any time remove the depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. Such successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice for resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $150,000,000.
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The company may issue warrants for the purchase of the common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., and may issue warrants independently or together with common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities or attached to or separate from such securities. The company will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement, and may appoint a bank or trust company as warrant agent, all as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Any warrant agent will act solely as the company’s agent in connection with the warrants and will not act for or on behalf of warrant holders.
The following sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the warrants that may be offered under this registration statement. Further terms of the warrants and applicable warrant agreements will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including, where applicable, the following:
| • | the title of such warrants; |
| • | the aggregate number of such warrants outstanding; |
| • | the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued; |
| • | the type and number of securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants; |
| • | the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such offered security; |
| • | the date, if any, on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable; |
| • | the price at which each security purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased; |
| • | the provisions, if any, for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price; |
| • | the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire; |
| • | the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants that may be exercised at any one time; |
| • | information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; |
| • | any anti-dilution protection; |
| • | a discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations; and |
| • | any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability, exercise and exchange of such warrants. |
Warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new warrant certificates of different denominations and warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise or to any dividend payments or voting rights, as applicable, as to which holders of the shares of the common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon such exercise may be entitled.
Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash such number of shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, or depository shares, at such exercise price as shall, in each case, be set forth, or be determinable as set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, warrants may be exercised at any time up to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the expiration date set forth in applicable prospectus supplement. After 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will be void.
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Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the company will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants are presented by such warrant certificate of exercise, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of warrants.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND RELATED GUARANTEES
The following is a description of the general terms and provisions of our operating partnership’s debt securities and related guarantees by Digital Realty Trust, Inc., if applicable. When our operating partnership offers to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a supplement to this prospectus, including the terms of any related guarantees by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for other securities. We will also indicate in the prospectus supplement whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities. To the extent the information contained in the prospectus supplement differs from this summary description, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.
The debt securities may be offered in the form of either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be the direct, unsecured obligations of Digital Realty Trust, L.P., and will rank equally in right of payment with all of Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The debt securities that are sold may be exchangeable for and/or convertible into common stock or any of the other securities that may be sold under this prospectus.
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., successor to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, or the trustee. We have summarized select portions of the indenture below. The summary is not complete. We have filed the indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you should read the indenture and our debt securities carefully for provisions that may be important to you. Capitalized terms used in the summary and not defined in this prospectus have the meaning specified in the indenture.
General
The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to a resolution of the company’s board of directors and set forth or determined in the manner provided in an officer’s certificate or by a supplemental indenture. The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series, including any pricing supplement.
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the indenture will designate Computershare Trust Company, N.A. as the trustee for the indenture with respect to one or more series of our operating partnership’s debt securities and related guarantees of our company, if applicable. Computershare Trust Company, N.A., or any other specified trustee, may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of our debt securities, and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to that series.
Unless otherwise specified in a supplement to this prospectus, the debt securities will be our operating partnership’s direct, unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of its other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, and may be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the company. We can issue an unlimited amount of our operating partnership’s debt securities under the indenture that may be in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will set forth in a prospectus supplement, including any pricing supplement, relating to any series of debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount and the following terms of such series of debt securities, to the extent applicable:
| • | the title of the series (which shall distinguish the debt securities of that particular series from the debt securities of any other series); |
| • | the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) at which the debt securities of the series will be issued; |
| • | any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under the indenture (except for debt securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other debt securities of the series pursuant to the indenture); |
| • | the date or dates on which the principal of the debt securities of the series is payable; |
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| • | the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum or, if applicable, the method used to determine such rate or rates (including, but not limited to, any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index) at which the debt securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which such interest, if any, shall accrue, the date or dates on which interest, if any, shall commence and be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date; |
| • | the place or places where principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities shall be payable and the method of such payment, if by wire transfer, mail or other means, and the place or places where debt securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices or demands to or upon us relating to debt securities and the indenture may be served; |
| • | if applicable, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which the debt securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option; |
| • | the obligation, if any, by us to redeem or purchase the debt securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, the currency or currencies in which and the other terms and conditions upon which debt securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; |
| • | the dates, if any, on which and the price or prices at which the debt securities of the series will be repurchased by us at the option of the holders thereof and other detailed terms and provisions of such repurchase obligations; |
| • | if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which the debt securities shall be issuable; |
| • | the forms of the debt securities of the series and whether the debt securities will be issuable as global securities; |
| • | if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities of the series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to the indenture; |
| • | the currency of denomination of the debt securities of the series, which may be in U.S. dollars or any foreign currency; |
| • | the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on, the debt securities of the series will be made; |
| • | if payments of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on, the debt securities of the series are to be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which such debt securities are denominated, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to such payments will be determined; |
| • | the manner in which the amounts of payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the debt securities of the series will be determined, if such amounts may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index; |
| • | the provisions, if any, relating to any security provided for the debt securities of the series or the guarantees, if any, thereof; |
| • | any addition to, change in or deletion from the events of default that apply to any debt securities of the series and any change in the right of the trustee or the requisite holders of such debt securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to the indenture; |
| • | any addition to or change in the covenants described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities of the series; |
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| • | the depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents, if any, with respect to the debt securities of the series, if other than as described in this prospectus or the indenture; |
| • | the provisions, if any, relating to conversion of any debt securities of the series, including if applicable, the conversion price, the conversion period, the securities or other property into which such debt securities will be convertible, provisions as to whether conversion will be mandatory, at the option of the holders thereof or at our option, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion if such debt securities are redeemed; |
| • | whether the debt securities of the series will be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and, if applicable, the subordination terms thereof; |
| • | whether the debt securities of the series are entitled to the benefits of a guarantee pursuant to the indenture, the terms of such guarantee and whether any such guarantee is made on a senior or subordinated basis and, if applicable, the subordination terms of any such guarantee; |
| • | a discussion of additional material U.S. federal income tax consequences, if any, applicable to an investment in such debt securities; and |
| • | any other terms of the debt securities of the series (which terms may supplement, modify or delete any provision of the indenture insofar as it applies to such series). |
In addition, the indenture does not limit our operating partnership’s ability to issue convertible or subordinated debt securities. Any conversion or subordination provisions of a particular series of debt securities will be set forth in the officer’s certificate or supplemental indenture related to that series of debt securities and will be described in the relevant prospectus supplement. Such terms may include provisions for conversion, either mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option, in which case the number of shares of common stock, cash or other securities to be received by the holders of debt securities would be calculated as of a time and in the manner stated in the prospectus supplement.
We may issue debt securities of our operating partnership that provide for an amount less than their stated principal amount to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you with information on the other special considerations applicable to any such debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
If we denominate the purchase price of any of our operating partnership’s debt securities in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, we will provide you with information on the restrictions, elections, specific terms and other information with respect to that issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Transfer and Exchange
Each debt security will be represented by either one or more global securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, as depositary, or a nominee (we will refer to any debt security represented by a global debt security as a “book-entry debt security”), or a certificate issued in definitive registered form (we will refer to any debt security represented by a certificated security as a “certificated debt security”) as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as set forth under the heading “Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System” below, book-entry debt securities will not be issuable in certificated form.
Certificated Debt Securities
You may transfer or exchange certificated debt securities at any office we designate for this purpose in accordance with the terms of the indenture. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with a transfer or exchange.
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You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and the right to receive the principal of, and premium and interest on, certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing those certificated debt securities and either reissuance by us of the certificate to the new holder or the issuance by us of a new certificate to the new holder.
Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System
Each global debt security representing book-entry debt securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the depositary, and registered in the name of the depositary or a nominee of the depositary.
We will require the depositary to agree to follow the following procedures with respect to book-entry debt securities.
Ownership of beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities will be limited to persons who have accounts with the depositary for the related global debt security, which we refer to as participants, or persons who may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a global debt security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal amounts of the book-entry debt securities represented by such global debt security beneficially owned by such participants. The accounts to be credited will be designated by any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the book-entry debt securities. Ownership of book-entry debt securities will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary for the related global debt security (with respect to interests of participants) and on the records of participants (with respect to interests of persons holding through participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities.
So long as the depositary for a global debt security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of that global debt security, the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the book-entry debt securities represented by such global debt security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as described below, beneficial owners of book-entry debt securities will not be entitled to have securities registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of a certificate in definitive form representing securities and will not be considered the owners or holders of those securities under the indenture. Accordingly, each person beneficially owning book-entry debt securities must rely on the procedures of the depositary for the related global debt security and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.
We understand, however, that under existing industry practice, the depositary will authorize the persons on whose behalf it holds a global debt security to exercise certain rights of holders of debt securities, and the indenture provides that we, the trustee and our respective agents will treat as the holder of a debt security the persons specified in a written statement of the depositary with respect to that global debt security for purposes of obtaining any consents or directions required to be given by holders of the debt securities pursuant to the indenture.
We will make payments of principal of, and premium and interest on, book-entry debt securities to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of the related global debt security. We, the trustee and any other agent of ours or agent of the trustee will not have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depositary, upon receipt of any payment of principal of, and premium or interest on, a global debt security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to the respective amounts of book-entry debt securities held by each participant as shown on the records of such depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities held through those participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.
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We will issue certificated debt securities in exchange for each global debt security if the depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion determine not to have the book-entry debt securities of any series represented by one or more global debt securities and, in that event, will issue certificated debt securities in exchange for the global debt securities of that series. Any certificated debt securities issued in exchange for a global debt security will be registered in such name or names as the depositary shall instruct the trustee. We expect that such instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of book-entry debt securities relating to such global debt security.
We have obtained the foregoing information concerning the depositary and the depositary’s book-entry system from sources we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.
No Protection in the Event of a Change of Control
Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions that may afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control) that could adversely affect holders of debt securities.
Covenants
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement any restrictive covenants applicable to any issue of debt securities.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of their respective assets to, or merge with or into, any other entity, provided that the following conditions are met:
| • | Digital Realty Trust, L.P. or Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as the case may be, shall be the continuing entity, or the successor entity (if other than Digital Realty Trust, L.P. or Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as the case may be) formed by or resulting from any consolidation or merger or which shall have received the transfer of assets shall expressly assume payment of the principal of and interest on all of the debt securities and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions in the indenture; |
| • | immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default under the indenture, and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and |
| • | an officer’s certificate and legal opinion covering these conditions shall be delivered to the trustee. |
Events of Default
Event of default means, with respect to any series of debt securities, any of the following:
| • | default in the payment of any interest upon any debt security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of that default for a period of 30 days (unless the entire amount of the payment is deposited by us with the trustee or with a paying agent prior to the expiration of the 30-day period); |
| • | default in the payment of principal of or premium on any debt security of that series when due and payable; |
| • | default in the performance or breach of any other covenant or warranty by us in the indenture (other than a covenant or warranty that has been included in the indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities other than that series), which default continues uncured for a period of 60 days after we receive written notice of such default from the trustee or we and the trustee receive written notice of such default from the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series as provided in the indenture; |
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| • | certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of our company; and |
| • | any other event of default provided with respect to debt securities of that series that is described in the applicable prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus. |
No event of default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence of an event of default may constitute an event of default under our bank credit agreements in existence from time to time. In addition, the occurrence of certain events of default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain of our other indebtedness outstanding from time to time.
If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by a notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal (or, if the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. In the case of an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of that series, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an event of default.
The indenture provides that the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any holder of outstanding debt securities, unless the trustee receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series.
No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:
| • | that holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to debt securities of that series, and |
| • | the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the trustee to institute the proceeding as trustee, and the trustee has not received from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with that request and has failed to institute the proceeding within 60 days. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, premium and any interest on that debt security on or after the due dates expressed in that debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment.
The indenture requires us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, to furnish to the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any default or event of default (except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt securities of that series if it in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities.
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Modification and Waiver
We may modify and amend the indenture with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modifications or amendments. We may not make any modification or amendment without the consent of the holders of each affected debt security then outstanding if that amendment will:
| • | reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment or waiver, |
| • | reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest (including default interest) on any debt security, |
| • | reduce the principal of or premium on or change the fixed maturity of any debt security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation with respect to any series of debt securities, |
| • | reduce the principal amount of discount securities payable upon acceleration of maturity, |
| • | waive a default in the payment of the principal of or premium or interest on any debt security (except a rescission of acceleration of the debt securities of any series by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration), |
| • | make the principal of or premium or interest on any debt security payable in currency other than that stated in the debt security, |
| • | make any change to certain provisions of the indenture relating to, among other things, the right of holders of debt securities to receive payment of the principal of and premium and interest on those debt securities and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and to waivers or amendments, or |
| • | waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt security. |
Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of such series waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, or premium or any interest on, any debt security of that series; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from the acceleration.
Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances
Legal Defeasance
The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of such series, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities of such series, and to maintain paying agencies and certain provisions relating to the treatment of funds held by paying agents). We will be so discharged upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. dollars, foreign government obligations, that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants to pay and discharge each installment of principal, premium and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities.
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This discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the outstanding debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred.
Defeasance of Certain Covenants
The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, upon compliance with certain conditions:
| • | we may omit to comply with the covenant described under the heading “Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” and certain other covenants set forth in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants that may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and |
| • | any omission to comply with those covenants will not constitute a default or an event of default with respect to the debt securities of that series, or covenant defeasance. |
The conditions include:
| • | depositing with the trustee money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. dollars, foreign government obligations, that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants to pay and discharge each installment of principal of, premium and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities, and |
| • | delivering to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and related covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related covenant defeasance had not occurred. |
Covenant Defeasance and Events of Default
In the event we exercise our option to effect covenant defeasance with respect to any series of debt securities and the debt securities of that series are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, the amount of money and/or U.S. government obligations or foreign government obligations on deposit with the trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the acceleration resulting from the event of default. In such a case, we would remain liable for those payments.
“Foreign Government Obligations” means, with respect to debt securities of any series that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars:
| • | direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged which are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, or |
| • | obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an agency or instrumentality of that government the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by that government which are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof. |
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Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in the application of any law other than the law of the State of New York.
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RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER
The following summary with respect to restrictions on ownership and transfer of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stock sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the company’s charter documents to which any prospectus supplement may relate. This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the company’s charter documents, as amended and supplemented from time to time, including any articles supplementary relating to any issuance of preferred stock pursuant to this prospectus. Copies of the company’s existing charter documents are filed with the SEC and are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Any amendment or supplement to the company’s charter documents relating to an issuance of securities pursuant to this prospectus shall be filed with the SEC and shall be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the applicable prospectus supplement. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”
In order for the company to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, the company’s stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities such as qualified pension plans) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made).
The company’s charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of the common stock, preferred stock and capital stock that are intended to assist the company in complying with these requirements and continuing to qualify as a REIT. The relevant sections of the company’s charter provide that, subject to the exceptions described below, no person or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% (by value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of the common stock or of any series of preferred stock, or more than 9.8% of the value of the company’s outstanding capital stock. The company refers to these restrictions as the “common stock ownership limit,” the “preferred stock ownership limit” and the “aggregate stock ownership limit,” respectively. A person or entity that becomes subject to one of the ownership limits by virtue of a violative transfer that results in a transfer to a trust, as set forth below, is referred to as a “purported beneficial transferee” if, had the violative transfer been effective, the person or entity would have been a record owner and beneficial owner or solely a beneficial owner of the common stock, any series of the company’s preferred stock, or the company’s capital stock, as applicable, or is referred to as a “purported record transferee” if, had the violative transfer been effective, the person or entity would have been solely a record owner of the common stock, any series of the company’s preferred stock, or the company’s capital stock, as applicable.
The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of the common stock or any series of the company’s preferred stock or less than 9.8% of the value of the company’s outstanding capital stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, the company’s capital stock) by an individual or entity could, nevertheless, cause that individual or entity, or another individual or entity, to own constructively more than 9.8% of the company’s outstanding common stock or a series of the company’s preferred stock or capital stock, as applicable, and thereby subject such stock to the applicable ownership limit.
The company’s board of directors may, in its sole discretion waive, prospectively or retroactively, the common stock ownership limit or aggregate stock ownership limit with respect to the beneficial ownership of a particular stockholder if it determines that such waiver will not cause any individual’s beneficial ownership of shares of the company’s capital stock to violate the aggregate stock ownership limit and that any exemption from the applicable ownership limit will not jeopardize the company’s status as a REIT.
The company’s board of directors may, in its sole discretion waive, prospectively or retroactively, the common stock ownership limit or aggregate stock ownership limit with respect to the constructive ownership of a particular stockholder if it determines that such stockholder does not and will not own, actually or constructively, an interest in a tenant of the company (or a tenant of any entity owned in whole or in part by the company) that would cause the company to own, actually or constructively, more than a 9.8% interest (as set forth in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code) in such tenant or that any such ownership would not cause the company to fail to qualify as a REIT under the Code.
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The company’s board of directors may also, in its sole discretion waive, prospectively or retroactively, the preferred stock ownership limit with respect to a particular stockholder if it determines that such waiver will not: (1) cause any individual’s beneficial ownership of shares of the company’s capital stock to violate the aggregate stock ownership limit, or (2) jeopardize the company’s status as a REIT.
As a condition of the company’s waiver, the company’s board of directors may require an opinion of counsel or IRS ruling satisfactory to the company’s board of directors, and/or representations or undertakings from the applicant with respect to preserving the company’s REIT status.
In connection with a waiver of an ownership limit or at any other time, the company’s board of directors may increase the applicable ownership limit for one or more persons and decrease the applicable ownership limit for all other persons and entities; provided, however, that the decreased ownership limit will not be effective for any person or entity whose percentage ownership in the common stock, any series of the company’s preferred stock or capital stock, as applicable, exceeds the decreased ownership limit until such time as such person or entity’s percentage ownership equals or falls below the decreased ownership limit; but any further acquisition of the company’s common, preferred or capital stock, as applicable, in excess of such percentage ownership will be in violation of the applicable ownership limit. Additionally, the new ownership limit, as applicable, may not allow five or fewer stockholders to beneficially own more than 49% in value of the company’s outstanding capital stock.
The company’s charter further prohibits:
| • | any person from beneficially or constructively owning shares of the company’s stock that would result in our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise cause the company to fail to qualify as a REIT; and |
| • | any person from transferring shares of the company’s capital stock if such transfer would result in shares of the company’s stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution). |
Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of shares of the company’s stock that will or may violate any of the foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will be required to give notice immediately to the company and provide the company with such other information as it may request in order to determine the effect of such transfer on the company’s status as a REIT. The foregoing provisions on transferability and ownership will not apply if the company’s board of directors determines that it is no longer in the company’s best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT.
Pursuant to the company’s charter, if any purported transfer of the company’s stock or any other event would otherwise result in any person violating the ownership limits or such other limit as established by the company’s board of directors or would result in the company being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then that number of shares in excess of the applicable ownership limit or causing us to be “closely held” or otherwise to fail to qualify as a REIT (rounded up to the nearest whole share) will be automatically transferred to, and held by, a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable organizations selected by the company and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. The automatic transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of the violative transfer or other event that results in the transfer to the trust. Any dividend or other distribution paid to the purported record transferee that are owed by the purported record transferee to the trust as described above, must be repaid to the trustee upon demand for distribution to the beneficiary of the trust, and the trustee may reduce the amount payable to the purported record transferee upon the sale of the shares transferred to the trustee (as described below) by the amount of any such dividends or other distributions which have not been repaid to the trustee. If the transfer to the trust as described above is not automatically effective, for any reason, to prevent a violation of the applicable ownership limit or the company’s being “closely held” or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then the company’s charter provides that the transfer of the shares in excess of the ownership limit will be void. If any transfer would result in shares of the company’s stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons, then any such purported transfer will be void and of no force or effect and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in the shares.
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Shares of the company’s stock transferred to the trustee are deemed offered for sale to the company, or the company’s designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the purported record transferee for the shares (or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares of the company’s stock at market price, the last sales price reported on the NYSE on the trading day immediately preceding the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of such shares of the company’s stock to the trust) and (2) the market price on the date the company, or its designee, accepts such offer. The company may reduce the amount payable to the purported record transferee by the amount of dividends and distributions which have been paid to the purported record transferee and are owed by the purported record transferee to the trustee. The company will pay the amount of such reduction to the trustee for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary. The company has the right to accept such offer until the trustee has sold the shares of the company’s stock held in the trust pursuant to the clauses discussed below. Upon a sale to the company, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold terminates and the trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the purported record transferee and any dividends or other distributions held by the trustee with respect to such stock will be paid to the charitable beneficiary.
If the company does not buy the shares, the trustee must, within 20 days of receiving notice from the company of the transfer of shares to the trust, sell the shares to a person or entity designated by the trustee who could own the shares without violating the common stock ownership limit or the preferred stock ownership limit, as applicable, and the aggregate stock ownership limit or such other limit as established by the company’s board of directors. After that, the trustee must distribute to the purported record transferee an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the purported record transferee or owner for the shares (or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares at market price, the last sales price reported on the NYSE on the trading day immediately preceding the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of such shares of the company’s stock to the trust) and (2) the sales proceeds (net of commissions and other expenses of sale) received by the trustee for the shares. The trustee may reduce the amount payable to the purported record transferee by the amount of dividends and distributions which have been paid to the purported record transferee and are owed by the purported record transferee to the trustee. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the purported record transferee will be immediately paid to the charitable beneficiary, together with any dividends or other distributions thereon. In addition, if prior to discovery by the company that shares of the company’s stock have been transferred to a trust, such shares of stock are sold by a purported record transferee, then such shares shall be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the trust and to the extent that the purported record transferee received an amount for or in respect of such shares that exceeds the amount that such purported record transferee was entitled to receive, such excess amount shall be paid to the trustee upon demand. The purported beneficial transferee or purported record transferee has no rights in the shares held by the trustee.
The trustee will be designated by the company and will be unaffiliated with the company and with any purported record transferee or purported beneficial transferee. Prior to the sale of any shares in excess of the common stock ownership limit, the preferred stock ownership limit or the aggregate stock ownership limit by the trust, the trustee will receive, in trust for the beneficiary, all dividends and other distributions paid by the company with respect to the shares in excess of the applicable ownership limit, and may also exercise all voting rights with respect to such shares.
Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the trust, the trustee will have the authority, at the trustee’s sole discretion:
| • | to rescind as void any vote cast by a purported record transferee prior to the company’s discovery that the shares have been transferred to the trust; and |
| • | to recast the vote in accordance with the desires of the trustee acting for the benefit of the beneficiary of the trust. |
However, if the company has already taken irreversible corporate action, then the trustee may not rescind and recast the vote.
In addition, if the company’s board of directors or other permitted designees determine in good faith that a proposed transfer would violate the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the company’s stock set forth in the company’s charter, the company’s board of directors or other permitted designees will take such action as it deems or they deem advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such transfer, including, but not limited to, causing the company to redeem shares of common stock or preferred stock, refusing to give effect to the transfer on the company’s books or instituting proceedings to enjoin the transfer.
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Any beneficial owner or constructive owner of shares of the company’s stock and any person or entity (including the stockholder of record) who is holding shares of the company’s stock for a beneficial owner must, on request, provide the company with a completed questionnaire containing the information regarding the ownership of such shares, as set forth in the applicable Treasury Regulations. In addition, any person or entity that is a beneficial owner or constructive owner of shares of the company’s stock and any person or entity (including the stockholder of record) who is holding shares of the company’s stock for a beneficial owner or constructive owner shall, on request, be required to disclose to the company in writing such information as the company may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such stockholder’s actual and constructive ownership of shares of the company’s stock on the company’s status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the common stock ownership limit, the preferred stock ownership limit and the aggregate stock ownership limit, or as otherwise permitted by the company’s board of directors.
All certificates representing shares of the company’s common stock and preferred stock bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.
These restrictions on ownership and transfer could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of the company that might involve a premium price for the company’s stock or otherwise be in the best interest of the company’s stockholders.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P.
The following is only a summary of certain terms and provisions of the Nineteenth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as amended, which we refer to as the partnership agreement, and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the partnership agreement, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Voting Rights
Under the partnership agreement, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as the operating partnership’s sole general partner, exercises exclusive and complete responsibility and discretion in the operating partnership’s day-to-day management and control, can cause the operating partnership to enter into major transactions including acquisitions, dispositions and refinancings, subject to certain limited exceptions, and may not be removed as general partner by the limited partners. The limited partners do not have voting rights relating to the operating partnership’s operation and management, except in connection with matters, as described more fully below, involving amendments to the partnership agreement and transfers of the general partner’s interest.
The limited partners expressly acknowledged that Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as the operating partnership’s general partner, is acting for the benefit of the operating partnership, its limited partners and Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders collectively. Neither Digital Realty Trust, Inc. nor its board of directors is under any obligation to give priority to the separate interests of the limited partners or Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders in deciding whether to cause the operating partnership to take or decline to take any actions. If there is a conflict between the interests of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders on one hand and the operating partnership’s limited partners on the other, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will endeavor in good faith to resolve the conflict in a manner not adverse to either Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders or the operating partnership’s limited partners; provided, however, that for so long as Digital Realty Trust, Inc. owns a controlling interest in the operating partnership, any conflict that cannot be resolved in a manner not adverse to either Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders or the operating partnership’s limited partners will be resolved in favor of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is not liable under the partnership agreement to the operating partnership or to any partner for monetary damages for losses sustained, liabilities incurred, or benefits not derived by limited partners in connection with such decisions, provided, that it has acted in good faith.
Transferability of Interests
Except in connection with a transaction described in “—Termination Transactions” below, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as general partner, may not voluntarily withdraw from, or transfer or assign all or any portion of its interest in, the operating partnership without the consent of the holders of a majority of the limited partnership interests. Any transfer of units by the limited partners, except to immediate family members, to a trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary, to a lending institution as collateral for a bona fide loan or to an affiliate or member of such limited partner, will be subject to a right of first refusal by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. All transfers must be made only to “accredited investors” as defined under Rule 501 of the Securities Act.
Amendments to the Partnership Agreement
Amendments to the partnership agreement may be proposed by Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as general partner, or by limited partners owning at least 25% of the units held by limited partners.
Generally, the partnership agreement may not be amended, modified or terminated without the approval of limited partners (other than limited partners 50% or more of whose equity is owned, directly or indirectly, by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. as general partner) holding a majority of all outstanding units held by limited partners.
As general partner, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has the power to unilaterally make certain amendments to the partnership agreement without obtaining the consent of the limited partners as may be required to:
| • | add to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s obligations as general partner or surrender any right or power granted to it as general partner for the benefit of the limited partners; |
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| • | reflect the issuance of additional units or the admission, substitution, termination or withdrawal of partners in accordance with the partnership agreement; |
| • | set forth or amend the designations, rights, powers, duties and preferences of the holders of any additional units issued in accordance with the partnership agreement; |
| • | reflect a change of an inconsequential nature that does not adversely affect the limited partners in any material respect, or cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provisions of the partnership agreement not inconsistent with law or with other provisions of the partnership agreement, or make other changes concerning matters under the partnership agreement that will not otherwise be inconsistent with the partnership agreement or law; |
| • | satisfy any requirements, conditions or guidelines of federal or state law; |
| • | reflect changes that are reasonably necessary for Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as general partner, to maintain its status as a REIT; or |
| • | modify the manner in which capital accounts are computed. |
Amendments that would, among other things, convert a limited partner’s interest into a general partner’s interest, modify the limited liability of a limited partner, alter a partner’s right to receive any distributions or allocations of profits or losses, adversely alter or modify the redemption rights or alter the protections of the limited partners in connection with termination transactions described below must be approved by each limited partner that would be adversely affected by such amendment.
In addition, without the written consent of a majority of the units held by limited partners (other than limited partners 50% or more of whose equity is owned, directly or indirectly, by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. as general partner), Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as general partner, may not do any of the following:
| • | take any action in contravention of an express prohibition or limitation contained in the partnership agreement; |
| • | perform any act that would subject a limited partner to liability as a general partner in any jurisdiction or any liability not contemplated in the partnership agreement; |
| • | enter into any contract, mortgage, loan or other agreement that prohibits or restricts, or has the effect of prohibiting or restricting, the ability of a limited partner to exercise its redemption/exchange rights explained below; |
| • | enter into or conduct any business other than in connection with its role as the operating partnership’s general partner and its operation as a REIT; |
| • | acquire an interest in real or personal property other than through the operating partnership; |
| • | withdraw from the operating partnership or transfer any portion of its general partnership interest; or |
| • | be relieved of its obligations under the partnership agreement following any permitted transfer of its general partnership interest. |
Distributions to Unitholders
The partnership agreement provides that holders of common units are entitled to receive quarterly distributions of available cash on a pro rata basis in accordance with their respective percentage interests. Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as the sole holder of the operating partnership’s series J preferred units, series K preferred units and series L preferred units receives distributions from the operating partnership with respect to such preferred units in order to make the distributions to series J preferred stockholders, series K preferred stockholders and series L preferred stockholders of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
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Redemption/Exchange Rights
Limited partners have the right to require the operating partnership to redeem part or all of their units for cash based upon the fair market value of an equivalent number of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock at the time of the redemption. Alternatively, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may elect to acquire those units in exchange for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s acquisition will be on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock dividends, issuances of stock rights, specified extraordinary distributions and similar events. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. presently anticipates that it will elect to issue shares of its common stock in exchange for units in connection with each redemption request, rather than having the operating partnership redeem the units for cash. With each redemption or exchange, Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s percentage ownership interest in the operating partnership increases. Limited partners who hold units may exercise this redemption right from time to time, in whole or in part, except when, as a consequence of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock being issued, any person’s actual or constructive stock ownership would exceed Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s ownership limits, or any other limit as provided in its charter or as otherwise determined by its board of directors.
In addition, if the number of units delivered by a limited partner for redemption would, if exchanged for common stock, exceed 9.8% of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s outstanding common stock and $50.0 million in gross value (based on a unit value equal to the trailing ten-day daily price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock) and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is eligible to file a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act, then it may also elect to redeem the units with the proceeds from a public offering or private placement of its common stock. In the event it elects this option, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may require the other limited partners also to elect whether or not to participate. If it does so, any limited partner who does not elect to participate will not be permitted to redeem units for the subsequent 12 months, subject to limited exceptions. Participating limited partners will receive on the redemption date the lesser of the cash the operating partnership would otherwise be required to pay for such units or the net proceeds per share in the public offering, but will have a limited opportunity to withdraw their units from the redemption immediately prior to the pricing of the public offering. Except as described above, a limited partner is not entitled to redeem common units, either for cash or shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock, if exchanging the common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock would violate the ownership limits set forth in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s charter.
Partnership Right to Call Limited Partner Interests
At any time a limited partner owns fewer than 20,000 units or if a limited partners owns (i) partnership units that were granted as profit interest units to such limited partner on or after September 21, 2018 and/or (ii) partnership units that were acquired by such limited partner as a result of the conversion of profits interest units that were granted to such limited partner on after September 21, 2018, then at any time following the second anniversary of the date on which such limited partner ceases to provide services to the partnership, the general partner shall have the right, but not the obligation, from time to time to redeem all outstanding units owned by such limited partner.
Issuance of Additional Common Units, Preferred Units, Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Convertible Securities
As the operating partnership’s sole general partner, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has the ability to cause the operating partnership to issue additional units representing general and limited partnership interests. These additional units may include preferred limited partnership units. In addition, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may issue additional shares of its common stock or convertible securities, but only if it causes the operating partnership to issue to it partnership interests or rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities of the operating partnership having designations, preferences and other rights, so that the economic interests of the operating partnership’s interests issued are substantially similar to the economic interests of the securities that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has issued.
Tax Matters
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is the operating partnership’s “partnership representative” for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, it has authority under the Code to handle tax audits and other proceedings on the operating partnership’s behalf. Further, as the operating partnership’s general partner, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. generally has the authority to make tax elections under the Code on the operating partnership’s behalf.
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Allocations of Net Income and Net Losses to Partners
The operating partnership’s net income will generally be allocated to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. to the extent of the accrued preferred return on its preferred units, and then to Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as general partner, and the limited partners in accordance with the respective percentage interests in the common units issued by the operating partnership. Net loss will generally be allocated to Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as general partner, and the limited partners in accordance with the respective common percentage interests in the operating partnership until the limited partner’s capital is reduced to zero and any remaining net loss would be allocated to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. However, in some cases, losses may be disproportionately allocated to partners who have guaranteed our debt. The allocations described above are subject to special allocations relating to depreciation deductions and to compliance with the provisions of Sections 704(b) and 704(c) of the Code and the associated Treasury Regulations.
In addition, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may from time to time issue long-term incentive units, which are also referred to as profits interest units, to persons who provide services to the company for such consideration or for no consideration as it may determine to be appropriate, and admit such persons as limited partners. The long-term incentive units are similar to the operating partnership’s common units in many respects and rank pari passu with the operating partnership’s common units as to the payment of regular and special periodic or other distributions except liquidating distributions. The long-term incentive units may be subject to vesting requirements. Initially, long-term incentive units do not have full parity with common units with respect to liquidating distributions. If such parity is reached, vested long-term incentive units may be converted into an equal number of common units of the operating partnership at any time, and thereafter enjoy all the rights of common units of the operating partnership, including redemption rights.
In order to achieve full parity with common units, long-term incentive units must be fully vested and the holder’s capital account balance in respect of such long-term incentive units must be equal to the capital account balance of a holder of an equivalent number of common units. The capital account balance attributable to each common unit is generally expected to be the same, in part because of the amount credited to a partner’s capital account upon their contribution of property to the operating partnership, and in part because the partnership agreement provides, in most cases, that allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction (which will adjust the partners’ capital accounts) are to be made to the common units on a proportionate basis. As a result, with respect to a number of long-term incentive units, it is possible to determine the capital account balance of an equivalent number of common units by multiplying the number of long-term incentive units by the capital account balance with respect to a common unit.
A partner’s initial capital account balance is equal to the amount the partner paid (or contributed to the operating partnership) for its units and is subject to subsequent adjustments, including with respect to the partner’s share of income, gain or loss of the operating partnership. Because a holder of long-term incentive units generally will not pay for the long-term incentive units, the initial capital account balance attributable to such long-term incentive units will be zero. However, the operating partnership is required to allocate income, gain, loss and deduction to the partners’ capital accounts in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, subject to applicable Treasury Regulations. The partnership agreement provides that holders of long-term incentive units will receive special allocations of gain in the event of a sale or “hypothetical sale” of assets of the operating partnership prior to the allocation of gain to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. or other limited partners with respect to their common units. The amount of such allocation will, to the extent of any such gain, be equal to the difference between the capital account balance of a holder of long-term incentive units attributable to such units and the capital account balance attributable to an equivalent number of common units. If and when such gain allocation is fully made, a holder of long-term incentive units will have achieved full parity with holders of common units. To the extent that, upon an actual sale or a “hypothetical sale” of the operating partnership’s assets as described above, there is not sufficient gain to allocate to a holder’s capital account with respect to long-term incentive units, or if such sale or “hypothetical sale” does not occur, such units will not achieve parity with common units.
The term “hypothetical sale” refers to circumstances that are not actual sales of the operating partnership’s assets but that require certain adjustments to the value of the operating partnership’s assets and the partners’ capital account balances. Specifically, the partnership agreement provides that, from time to time, in accordance with applicable Treasury Regulations, the operating partnership will adjust the value of its assets to equal their respective fair market values, and adjust the partners’ capital accounts, in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, as if the operating partnership sold its assets for an amount equal to their value. Times for making such adjustments generally include the liquidation of the operating partnership, the acquisition of an additional interest in the operating partnership
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by a new or existing partner in exchange for more than a de minimis capital contribution, the distribution by the operating partnership to a partner of more than a de minimis amount of partnership property as consideration for an interest in the operating partnership, in connection with the grant of an interest in the operating partnership (other than a de minimis interest) as consideration for the performance of services to or for the benefit of the operating partnership (including the grant of a long-term incentive unit), the issuance by the operating partnership of certain noncompensatory options, the acquisition of a partnership interest upon the exercise of a noncompensatory option and at such other times as may be desirable or required to comply with the Treasury Regulations.
The operating partnership may also from time to time issue class C units or class D units to persons who provide services to it for such consideration or for no consideration as it may determine to be appropriate. If all applicable performance and other vesting conditions are satisfied with respect to a class C unit or a class D unit, the class C unit or class D unit, as applicable, will be treated in the same manner as the long-term incentive units issued by the operating partnership. Class C units and class D units are not entitled to quarterly distributions prior to the satisfaction of all applicable performance conditions. In addition, the operating partnership may issue class D units that are subject to performance vesting, which generally receive quarterly per-unit distributions equal to ten percent of the distributions made with respect to an equivalent number of common units. Class C units and class D units, other than class D units that are not performance vested, are subject to the same conditions as other long-term incentive units with respect to achieving full parity with common units.
Operations
The partnership agreement provides that Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as general partner, will determine in its discretion and distribute available cash on a quarterly basis, pro rata in accordance with the partners’ percentage interests. Available cash is the operating partnership’s net operating cash flow plus the reduction of any reserves and minus principal payment on debt and capital expenditures, investments in any entity, and increase in reserves or working capital accounts and any amounts paid in redemption of limited partner interests.
The partnership agreement provides that the operating partnership will assume and pay when due, or reimburse Digital Realty Trust, Inc. for payment of all costs and expenses relating to the operating partnership’s operations, or for the operating partnership’s benefit.
Termination Transactions
The partnership agreement provides that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may not engage in any merger, consolidation or other combination with or into another person, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or any reclassification or any recapitalization or change in outstanding shares of its common stock, which we refer to as a termination transaction, unless in connection with a termination transaction:
| (i) | it obtains the consent of the holders of at least 35% of the operating partnership’s common units and long-term incentive units (including units held by it), and |
| (ii) | either: |
| (A) | all limited partners will receive, or have the right to elect to receive, for each common unit an amount of cash, securities or other property equal to the product of: |
| • | the number of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock into which each unit is then exchangeable, and |
| • | the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property paid to the holder of one share of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock in consideration of one share of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock in connection with the termination transaction, |
provided that, if, in connection with a termination transaction, a purchase, tender or exchange offer is made to and accepted by the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock, each holder of common units will receive, or will have the right to elect to receive, the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property which such holder would have received had it exercised its redemption right and received shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock in exchange for its common units immediately prior to the expiration of such purchase, tender or exchange offer and accepted such purchase, tender or exchange offer; or
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| (B) | the following conditions are met: |
| • | substantially all of the assets of the surviving entity are held directly or indirectly by the operating partnership or another limited partnership or limited liability company which is the surviving partnership of a merger, consolidation or combination of assets with the operating partnership; |
| • | the holders of common units and long-term incentive units own a percentage interest of the surviving partnership based on the relative fair market value of the operating partnership’s net assets and the other net assets of the surviving partnership immediately prior to the consummation of this transaction; |
| • | the rights, preferences and privileges of such unit holders in the surviving partnership are at least as favorable as those in effect immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction and as those applicable to any other limited partners or non-managing members of the surviving partnership; and |
| • | the limited partners may exchange their interests in the surviving partnership for either the consideration available to the limited partners pursuant to paragraph (A) in this section, or the right to redeem their common units for cash on terms equivalent to those in effect with respect to their common units immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction, or, if the ultimate controlling person of the surviving partnership has publicly traded common equity securities, shares of those common equity securities, at an exchange ratio based on the relative fair market value of those securities and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock. |
Term
The operating partnership will continue in full force and effect until December 31, 2104, or until sooner dissolved in accordance with the operating partnership’s terms or as otherwise provided by law.
Indemnification and Limitation of Liability
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the partnership agreement indemnifies Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as general partner, and its officers, directors, employees, agents and any other persons it may designate from and against any and all claims arising from the operating partnership’s operations in which any indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, unless it is established that:
| • | the act or omission of the indemnitee was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and either was committed in bad faith, constituted fraud or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; |
| • | the indemnitee actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or |
| • | in the case of any criminal proceeding, the indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. |
Similarly, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as the operating partnership’s general partner, and its officers, directors, agents or employees, are not liable or accountable to the operating partnership for losses sustained, liabilities incurred or benefits not derived as a result of errors in judgment or mistakes of fact or law or any act or omission so long as Digital Realty Trust, Inc. acted in good faith.
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MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF THE CHARTER AND BYLAWS OF DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC.
The following summary of certain provisions of Maryland law and of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s charter and bylaws does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to Maryland law and the company’s charter and bylaws, copies of which are exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”
The Company’s Board of Directors
The company’s bylaws provide that the number of directors of the company may be established by the company’s board of directors but may not be fewer than the minimum number permitted under the MGCL or more than 15. Except as may be provided by the company’s board of directors in setting the terms of any class or series of stock, any vacancy may be filled only by a vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum. Any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.
Each of the company’s directors is elected by the company’s common stockholders to serve until the next annual meeting and until their successors are duly elected and qualify. Holders of shares of the company’s common stock will have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority of the shares of the common stock will be able to elect all of the company’s directors. Additionally, in the event that the company is in arrears on dividends on the company’s series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock or series L preferred stock for six or more quarterly periods, whether or not consecutive, holders of the company’s series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock or series L preferred stock as the case may be, voting as a single class with all other series of preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will have the right to elect two additional directors to the company’s board for a limited time.
Removal of Directors
The company’s charter provides that a director may be removed only for cause (as defined in the company’s charter) and only by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. This provision, when coupled with the exclusive power of the company’s board of directors to fill vacant directorships, precludes stockholders from (1) removing incumbent directors except upon the existence of cause for removal and a substantial affirmative vote and (2) filling the vacancies created by such removal with their own nominees. In addition, any director elected to the company’s board by the holders of the company’s preferred stock may only be removed by a vote of preferred stockholders.
Business Combinations
Under the MGCL, certain “business combinations” (including a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland corporation and any interested stockholder, or an affiliate of such an interested stockholder, are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Maryland law defines an interested stockholder as any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock or an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding stock of the corporation. A person is not an interested stockholder under the statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. The company’s board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance with any terms and conditions determined by it.
After such five-year period, any such business combination must be recommended by the board of directors of such corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (1) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation and (2) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom (or with whose affiliate) the business combination is to be effected or by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder, unless, among other conditions, the corporation’s common stockholders receive a minimum price (as defined in the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.
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These provisions of the MGCL do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by a board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Pursuant to the statute, the company’s board of directors has by resolution opted out of the business combination provisions of the MGCL and, consequently, the five-year prohibition and the supermajority vote requirements will not apply to business combinations between us and any interested stockholder of the company. As a result, anyone who later becomes an interested stockholder may be able to enter into business combinations with the company that may not be in the best interest of the company’s stockholders without compliance by the company with the super-majority vote requirements and the other provisions of the statute. The company cannot assure you that its board of directors will not opt to be subject to such business combination provisions in the future.
Control Share Acquisitions
The MGCL provides that “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting rights except to the extent approved at a special meeting by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of stock in a corporation in respect of which any of the following persons is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of shares of stock of the corporation in the election of directors: (1) a person who makes or proposes to make a control share acquisition, (2) an officer of the corporation or (3) an employee of the corporation who is also a director of the corporation. “Control shares” are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other such shares of stock previously acquired by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power: (1) one-tenth or more but less than one-third, (2) one-third or more but less than a majority, or (3) a majority or more of all voting power. Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A “control share acquisition” means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses), may compel the company’s board of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the control shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders’ meeting.
If voting rights of control shares are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved or, if no such meeting is held, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders’ meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.
The control share acquisition statute does not apply (1) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (2) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.
The company’s bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of the company’s stock. The company cannot provide you any assurance that its board of directors will not amend or eliminate this provision at any time in the future.
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Subtitle 8
Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any of (1) a classified board of directors, (2) a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director, (3) a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the directors, (4) a requirement that a vacancy on the board of directors be filled only by the remaining directors and for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred, or (5) a majority requirement for the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders. Pursuant to Subtitle 8, the company has elected to provide that vacancies on its board of directors may be filled only by the remaining directors and for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred. Through provisions in the company’s charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, the company already requires a two-thirds vote for the removal of any director from the board of directors, vests in the board of directors the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships and requires, unless called by the chairman of the company’s board of directors, or the company’s president, chief executive officer or board of directors, the written request of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on any matter that may be properly considered at a meeting of stockholders to call a special meeting to act on such matter.
Amendments to the Company’s Charter and Bylaws
The company’s charter generally may be amended only if such amendment is declared advisable by the company’s board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. In the case of an amendment that would materially and adversely affect the company’s series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock or series L preferred stock, the consent of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the company’s series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock or series L preferred stock, as the case may be, voting as a single class with all other classes or series of preferred stock ranking on parity with respect to the payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon the company’s liquidation and upon which like voting rights have been conferred is also required. However, the company’s charter’s provisions regarding removal of directors and the vote required for certain amendments may be amended only if such amendment is declared advisable by the company’s board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast not less than two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. The company’s board of directors has the power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of the company’s bylaws or to make new bylaws. Additionally, a stockholder or group of up to ten stockholders who have continuously owned 3% of the company’s common stock for at least three years and who have met certain other requirements set forth in the company’s bylaws may propose amendments to the bylaws. Any such proposed amendment must be approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Transactions Outside the Ordinary Course of Business
The company may not merge with or into another company, convert to another entity, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business unless the transaction is declared advisable by the company’s board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. In the case of any such transaction that would materially and adversely affect the company’s series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock or series L preferred stock, the company will also require the consent of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the company’s series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock or series L preferred stock, as the case may be, voting as a single class with all other classes or series of preferred stock ranking on parity with respect to the payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon the company’s liquidation and upon which like voting rights have been conferred, provided, however, that if, upon the occurrence of such a transaction, series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock or series L preferred stock, as the case may be, remains outstanding with materially unchanged terms, taking into account that the company may not be the surviving entity, then the transaction will not be deemed to materially and adversely affect the company’s series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock or series L preferred stock. Furthermore, the company’s charter expressly provides that the consent of series J, series K or series L preferred stockholders is not required for a transaction if, pursuant to such a transaction, series J, series K and series L preferred stockholders receive the greater of the full trading price of the series J preferred stock, series K preferred stock or series L preferred stock, as the case may be, on the date of the transaction or the liquidation preference.
Dissolution of the Company
The dissolution of the company must be declared advisable by a majority of the company’s entire board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
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Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
The company’s bylaws provide that:
| • | with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of individuals for election to the company’s board of directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only: |
| • | pursuant to the company’s notice of the meeting; |
| • | by or at the direction of the company’s board of directors; or |
| • | by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting, at the time of giving the advance notice required by the company’s bylaws and at the time of the meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or any such other business and who has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in the company’s bylaws; and |
| • | with respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in the company’s notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting of stockholders and nominations of individuals for election to the company’s board of directors may be made only: |
| • | by or at the direction of the company’s board of directors; or |
| • | provided that the special meeting has been called in accordance with the bylaws for the purpose of electing directors, by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting, at the time of giving the advance notice required by the company’s bylaws and at the time of the meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting and in the election of each individual so nominated who has complied with the advance notice provisions set forth in the company’s bylaws. |
The advance notice procedures of the company’s bylaws provide that, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice with respect to director nominations or proposals for an annual meeting must be delivered to the company’s corporate secretary at the company’s principal executive office not earlier than the 150th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the company’s preceding year’s annual meeting. If the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered not earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific time, on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.
Proxy Access
The company’s bylaws contain proxy access provisions which permit any stockholder or group of up to 20 shareholders owning at least 3% of the company’s outstanding shares of common stock continuously for at least three years to nominate and include up to a specified number of director nominees in the company’s proxy materials for an annual meeting of shareholders. The maximum number of stockholder nominees permitted under these proxy access provisions shall not exceed 20% of the total number of directors in office as of the last day on which a stockholder nomination may be delivered.
Under such proxy access provisions, a stockholder’s written notice of nominations of individuals for election to the company’s board of directors to be included in the company’s proxy statement for an annual meeting must be delivered to the secretary of the company at the company’s principal executive offices not earlier than the 150th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on the 120th day prior to the anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders. Neither the postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting, nor the public disclosure of such postponement or adjournment, commences a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s written notice.
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Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of the Company’s Charter and Bylaws
The provisions of the company’s charter on removal of directors and the advance notice provisions of the bylaws could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of the company that might involve a premium price for holders of the company’s common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. Likewise, if the company’s board of directors were to opt in to the business combination provisions of the MGCL or the provisions of Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL not already applicable to the company, or if the provision in the bylaws opting out of the control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL were rescinded, these provisions of the MGCL could have similar anti-takeover effects.
Ownership Limit
The company’s charter provides that no person or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% (by value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of the company’s common stock or any series of preferred stock or more than 9.8% of the value of the company’s outstanding capital stock. The company refers to these restrictions as the “ownership limits.” For a fuller description of this restriction and the constructive ownership rules, see “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”
Indemnification and Limitation of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability
The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. The company’s charter contains such a provision which eliminates such liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
The MGCL requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the company’s charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or are threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:
| • | the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding, and: |
| • | was committed in bad faith; or |
| • | was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; |
| • | the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or |
| • | in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. |
However, under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification and then only for expenses. In addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation’s receipt of:
| • | a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation; and |
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| • | a written undertaking by the director or officer or on the director’s or officer’s behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer did not meet the standard of conduct. |
The company’s charter authorizes the company to obligate it and the company’s bylaws obligate it, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:
| • | any present or former director or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity; or |
| • | any individual who, while a director or officer of the company and at the company’s request, serves or has served at another corporation, REIT, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member or manager and who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity. |
The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by the company’s charter and bylaws shall vest immediately upon election of a director or officer.
The company’s charter and bylaws also permit the company to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of the company in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of the company or a predecessor of the company.
The partnership agreement provides that the company, as general partner, and the company’s officers and directors are indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law. See “Description of the Partnership Agreement of Digital Realty Trust, L.P.—Indemnification and Limitation of Liability.” The company has also entered into indemnification agreements with each of its executive officers and directors that obligate the company to indemnify them to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, officers or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Exclusive Forum
The company’s bylaws provide that, unless the company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, will be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the company, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any director or officer or other employee of the company to the company or to the stockholders of the company, (c) any action asserting a claim against the company or any director or officer or other employee of the company arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or the company’s charter or bylaws, or (d) any action asserting a claim against the company or any director or officer or other employee of the company that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
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UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations regarding our company’s election to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or a REIT, the exercise of redemption rights with respect to the common units, and the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities. Supplemental U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to holders of the securities offered by this prospectus may be provided in the prospectus supplement that relates to those securities. For purposes of this discussion, references to “we,” “our” and “us” mean only Digital Realty Trust, Inc., and do not include any of its subsidiaries, except as otherwise indicated. This summary is for general information only and is not tax advice. The information in this summary is based on:
| • | the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code; |
| • | current, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code, or the Treasury Regulations; |
| • | the legislative history of the Code; |
| • | administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS; and |
| • | court decisions; |
in each case, as of the date of this prospectus. In addition, the administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS include its practices and policies as expressed in private letter rulings that are not binding on the IRS except with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings. The sections of the Code and the corresponding Treasury Regulations that relate to qualification and taxation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. The following discussion sets forth certain material aspects of the sections of the Code that govern the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its stockholders and the holders of the operating partnership’s debt securities. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions, Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof. Potential tax reforms may result in significant changes to the rules governing U.S. federal income taxation. New legislation, Treasury Regulations, administrative interpretations and practices and/or court decisions may significantly and adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of such qualification, or the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in us, including those described in this discussion. Moreover, the law relating to the tax treatment of other entities, or an investment in other entities, could change, making an investment in such other entities more attractive relative to an investment in a REIT. Any such changes could apply retroactively to transactions preceding the date of the change. We have not requested, and do not plan to request, any rulings from the IRS that we qualify as a REIT, and the statements in this prospectus are not binding on the IRS or any court. Thus, we can provide no assurance that the tax considerations contained in this discussion will not be challenged by the IRS or will be sustained by a court if challenged by the IRS. This summary does not discuss any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences, or any tax consequences arising under any U.S. federal tax laws other than U.S. federal income tax laws, associated with the purchase, ownership or disposition of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities, or our election to be taxed as a REIT.
You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of:
| • | the exercise of redemption rights with respect to the common units; |
| • | the purchase, ownership and disposition of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities, including the U.S. federal, state, local, non-U.S. and other tax consequences; |
| • | our election to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and |
| • | potential changes in applicable tax laws. |
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Tax Consequences of the Exercise of Redemption Rights
If you are a holder of common units and you exercise your right to require our operating partnership to redeem all or part of your common units, and we elect to acquire some or all of your common units in exchange for our common stock, the exchange will be a taxable transaction. You generally will recognize gain in an amount equal to the value of our common stock that you receive, plus the amount of liabilities of the operating partnership allocable to your common units being exchanged, less your tax basis in those common units. The recognition of any loss may be subject to a number of limitations set forth in the Code. The character of any gain or loss as capital or ordinary, or any gain as recapture gain under Section 1250 of the Code, will generally depend on the nature of the assets of the operating partnership at the time of the exchange. The tax treatment of any redemption of your common units by the operating partnership in exchange for cash may be similar, depending on your circumstances.
Taxation of Our Company
General. We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2004. We believe that we have been organized and have operated in a manner that has allowed us to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code commencing with such taxable year, and we intend to continue to be organized and operate in this manner. However, qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code, including through actual operating results, asset composition, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that we have been organized and have operated, or will continue to be organized and operate, in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT. See “—Failure to Qualify” for potential tax consequences if we fail to qualify as a REIT.
Latham & Watkins LLP has acted as our tax counsel in connection with this prospectus and our election to be taxed as a REIT. Latham & Watkins LLP has rendered an opinion to us, as of the date of this prospectus, to the effect that, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2004, we have been organized and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and our proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. It must be emphasized that this opinion was based on various assumptions and representations as to factual matters, including representations made by us in a factual certificate provided by one or more of our officers. In addition, this opinion was based upon our factual representations set forth in this prospectus. Moreover, our qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code, which are discussed below, including through actual operating results, asset composition, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership, the results of which have not been and will not be reviewed by Latham & Watkins LLP. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that our actual results of operations for any particular taxable year have satisfied or will satisfy those requirements. Further, the anticipated U.S. federal income tax treatment described herein may be changed, perhaps retroactively, by legislative, administrative or judicial action at any time. Latham & Watkins LLP has no obligation to update its opinion subsequent to the date of such opinion.
Provided we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be required to pay U.S. federal corporate income taxes on our REIT taxable income that is currently distributed to our stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the “double taxation” that ordinarily results from investment in a C corporation. A C corporation is a corporation that generally is required to pay tax at the corporate level. Double taxation means taxation once at the corporate level when income is earned and once again at the stockholder level when the income is distributed. We will, however, be required to pay U.S. federal income tax as follows:
| • | First, we will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on any undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed capital gain. |
| • | Second, if we have (1) net income from the sale or other disposition of “foreclosure property” held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or (2) other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on this income. To the extent that income from foreclosure property is otherwise qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, this tax is not applicable. Subject to certain other requirements, foreclosure property generally is defined as property we acquired through foreclosure or after a default on a loan secured by the property or a lease of the property. |
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| • | Third, we will be required to pay a 100% tax on any net income from prohibited transactions. Prohibited transactions are, in general, sales or other taxable dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. |
| • | Fourth, if we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, as described below, but have otherwise maintained our qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements are met, we will be required to pay a tax equal to (1) the greater of (A) the amount by which we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test and (B) the amount by which we fail to satisfy the 95% gross income test, multiplied by (2) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability. |
| • | Fifth, if we fail to satisfy any of the asset tests (other than a de minimis failure of the 5% or 10% asset test), as described below, due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, and we nonetheless maintain our REIT qualification because of specified cure provisions, we will be required to pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets that caused us to fail such test. |
| • | Sixth, if we fail to satisfy any provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT (other than a violation of the gross income tests or certain violations of the asset tests, as described below) and the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, we may retain our REIT qualification but we will be required to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure. |
| • | Seventh, we will be required to pay a 4% excise tax to the extent we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (1) 85% of our ordinary income for the year, (2) 95% of our capital gain net income for the year, and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods. |
| • | Eighth, if we acquire any asset from a corporation that is or has been a C corporation in a transaction in which our tax basis in the asset is less than the fair market value of the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset, and we subsequently recognize gain on the disposition of the asset during the five-year period beginning on the date on which we acquired the asset, then we generally will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on this gain to the extent of the excess of (1) the fair market value of the asset over (2) our adjusted tax basis in the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset. The results described in this paragraph with respect to the recognition of gain assume that the C corporation will refrain from making an election to receive different treatment under applicable Treasury Regulations on its tax return for the year in which we acquire the asset from the C corporation. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, any gain from the sale of property we acquired in an exchange under Section 1031 (a like-kind exchange) or Section 1033 (an involuntary conversion) of the Code generally is excluded from the application of this built-in gains tax. |
| • | Ninth, our subsidiaries that are C corporations and are not qualified REIT subsidiaries (described below), including our “taxable REIT subsidiaries” (described below), generally will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on their earnings. |
| • | Tenth, we will be required to pay a 100% tax on any “redetermined rents,” “redetermined deductions,” “excess interest,” or “redetermined TRS service income,” as described below under “—Penalty Tax.” In general, redetermined rents are rents from real property that are overstated as a result of services furnished to any of our tenants by a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours. Redetermined deductions and excess interest generally represent amounts that are deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours for amounts paid to us that are in excess of the amounts that would have been deducted based on arm’s length negotiations. Redetermined TRS service income generally represents income of a taxable REIT subsidiary that is understated as a result of services provided to us or on our behalf. |
| • | Eleventh, we may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net capital gain. In that case, a stockholder would include its proportionate share of our undistributed capital gain (to the extent we make a timely designation of such gain to the stockholder) in its income, would be deemed to have paid the tax that we paid on such gain, and would be allowed a credit for its proportionate share of the tax deemed to have been paid, and an adjustment would be made to increase the tax basis of the stockholder in our capital stock. |
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| • | Twelfth, if we fail to comply with the requirement to send annual letters to our stockholders holding at least a certain percentage of our stock, as determined under applicable Treasury Regulations, requesting information regarding the actual ownership of our stock, and the failure is not due to reasonable cause or is due to willful neglect, we will be subject to a $25,000 penalty, or if the failure is intentional, a $50,000 penalty. |
We and our subsidiaries may be subject to a variety of taxes other than U.S. federal income tax, including payroll taxes and state and local income, property and other taxes on our assets and operations.
We own properties in other countries, which impose taxes on our operations within their jurisdictions. To the extent possible, consistent with our business objectives we will structure our activities to minimize our non-U.S. tax liability. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to eliminate our non-U.S. tax liability or reduce it to a specified level. Furthermore, as a REIT, both we and our stockholders will derive little or no benefit from foreign tax credits arising from those non-U.S. taxes.
Requirements for Qualification as a REIT. The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:
(1) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;
(2) that issues transferable shares or transferable certificates to evidence its beneficial ownership;
(3) that would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for Sections 856 through 860 of the Code;
(4) that is not a financial institution or an insurance company within the meaning of certain provisions of the Code;
(5) that is beneficially owned by 100 or more persons;
(6) not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals, including certain specified entities, during the last half of each taxable year; and
(7) that meets other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distributions.
The Code provides that conditions (1) to (4), inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. Conditions (5) and (6) do not apply until after the first taxable year for which an election is made to be taxed as a REIT. For purposes of condition (6), the term “individual” includes a supplemental unemployment compensation benefit plan, a private foundation or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes, but generally does not include a qualified pension plan or profit sharing trust.
We believe that we have been organized and have operated in a manner that has allowed us, and will continue to allow us, to satisfy conditions (1) through (7), inclusive, during the relevant time periods. In addition, our charter provides for restrictions regarding ownership and transfer of our shares that are intended to assist us in continuing to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. A description of the share ownership and transfer restrictions relating to our capital stock is contained in the discussion in this prospectus under the heading “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.” These restrictions, however, do not ensure that we have previously satisfied, and may not ensure that we will, in all cases, be able to continue to satisfy, the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. If we fail to satisfy these share ownership requirements, then except as provided in the next sentence, our status as a REIT will terminate. If, however, we comply with the rules contained in applicable Treasury Regulations that require us to ascertain the actual ownership of our shares and we do not know, or would not have known through the exercise of reasonable diligence, that we failed to meet the requirement described in condition (6) above, we will be treated as having met this requirement. See “—Failure to Qualify.”
In addition, we may not maintain our status as a REIT unless our taxable year is the calendar year. We have and will continue to have a calendar taxable year.
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Ownership of Interests in Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies and Qualified REIT Subsidiaries. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership (for purposes of this discussion, references to “partnership” include a limited liability company treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and references to “partner” include a member in such a limited liability company), Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership based on its interest in partnership capital, subject to special rules relating to the 10% asset test described below. Also, the REIT will be deemed to be entitled to its proportionate share of the income of that entity. The assets and gross income of the partnership retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of Section 856 of the Code, including satisfying the gross income tests and the asset tests. Thus, our pro rata share of the assets and items of income of our operating partnership, including our operating partnership’s share of these items of any partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which it owns an interest, is treated as our assets and items of income for purposes of applying the requirements described in this discussion, including the gross income and asset tests described below. A brief summary of the rules governing the U.S. federal income taxation of partnerships is set forth below in “—Tax Aspects of Our Operating Partnership and its Subsidiary Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies.”
We have control of our operating partnership and most of its subsidiary partnerships and intend to operate them in a manner consistent with the requirements for our qualification as a REIT. If we become a limited partner or non-managing member in any partnership and such entity takes or expects to take actions that could jeopardize our status as a REIT or require us to pay tax, we may be forced to dispose of our interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership could take an action which could cause us to fail a gross income or asset test, and that we would not become aware of such action in time to dispose of our interest in the partnership or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In such a case, we could fail to qualify as a REIT unless we were entitled to relief, as described below.
We may from time to time own and operate certain properties through wholly-owned subsidiaries that we intend to be treated as “qualified REIT subsidiaries” under the Code. A corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) will qualify as our qualified REIT subsidiary if we own 100% of the corporation’s outstanding stock and do not elect with the subsidiary to treat it as a “taxable REIT subsidiary,” as described below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not treated as a separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the parent REIT for all purposes under the Code, including all REIT qualification tests. Thus, in applying the U.S. federal income tax requirements described in this discussion, any qualified REIT subsidiaries we own are ignored, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of such corporations are treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not subject to U.S. federal income tax, and our ownership of the stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary will not violate the restrictions on ownership of securities, as described below under “—Asset Tests.”
Ownership of Interests in Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. We, through our operating partnership, own interests in companies that have elected, together with us, to be treated as our taxable REIT subsidiaries, and we may acquire securities in additional taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future. A taxable REIT subsidiary is a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) other than a REIT in which a REIT directly or indirectly holds stock, and that has made a joint election with such REIT to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. If a taxable REIT subsidiary owns more than 35% of the total voting power or value of the outstanding securities of another corporation, such other corporation will also be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. Other than some activities relating to lodging and health care facilities, a taxable REIT subsidiary may generally engage in any business, including the provision of customary or non-customary services to tenants of its parent REIT. A taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to U.S. federal income tax as a regular C corporation. A REIT is not treated as holding the assets of a taxable REIT subsidiary or as receiving any income that the taxable REIT subsidiary earns. Rather, the stock issued by the taxable REIT subsidiary is an asset in the hands of the REIT, and the REIT generally recognizes as income the dividends, if any, that it receives from the taxable REIT subsidiary. A REIT’s ownership of securities of a taxable REIT subsidiary is not subject to the 5% or 10% asset test described below. See “—Asset Tests.” Taxpayers are subject to a limitation on their ability to deduct net business interest generally equal to 30% of adjusted taxable income, subject to certain exceptions. See “—Annual Distribution Requirements.” While not certain, this provision may limit the ability of our taxable REIT subsidiaries to deduct interest, which could increase their taxable income.
Ownership of Interests in Subsidiary REITs. We own and may acquire direct or indirect interests in one or more entities that have elected or will elect to be taxed as REITs under the Code (each, a “Subsidiary REIT”). A Subsidiary REIT is subject to the various REIT qualification requirements and other limitations described herein that are applicable to us. If a Subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, then (i) that Subsidiary REIT would become subject to U.S. federal income tax and (ii) the Subsidiary REIT’s failure to qualify could have an adverse effect on our ability to comply with the REIT income and asset tests, and thus could impair our ability to qualify as a REIT unless we could avail ourselves of certain relief provisions.
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Income Tests. We must satisfy two gross income requirements annually to maintain our qualification as a REIT. First, in each taxable year we must derive directly or indirectly at least 75% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain hedging transactions and certain foreign currency gains) from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including “rents from real property,” dividends from other REITs and, in certain circumstances, interest, or certain types of temporary investments. Second, in each taxable year we must derive at least 95% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain hedging transactions, and certain foreign currency gains) from the real property investments described above or dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, or from any combination of the foregoing. For these purposes, the term “interest” generally does not include any amount received or accrued, directly or indirectly, if the determination of all or some of the amount depends in any way on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term “interest” solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales.
Rents we receive from a tenant will qualify as “rents from real property” for the purpose of satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if all of the following conditions are met:
| • | The amount of rent is not based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount we receive or accrue generally will not be excluded from the term “rents from real property” solely because it is based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales or if it is based on the net income of a tenant which derives substantially all of its income with respect to such property from subleasing of substantially all of such property, to the extent that the rents paid by the subtenants would qualify as rents from real property if we earned such amounts directly; |
| • | Neither we nor an actual or constructive owner of 10% or more of our capital stock actually or constructively owns 10% or more of the interests in the assets or net profits of a non-corporate tenant, or, if the tenant is a corporation, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote or 10% or more of the total value of all classes of stock of the tenant. Rents we receive from such a tenant that is a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours, however, will not be excluded from the definition of “rents from real property” as a result of this condition if at least 90% of the space at the property to which the rents relate is leased to third parties, and the rents paid by the taxable REIT subsidiary are substantially comparable to rents paid by our other tenants for comparable space. Whether rents paid by a taxable REIT subsidiary are substantially comparable to rents paid by other tenants is determined at the time the lease with the taxable REIT subsidiary is entered into, extended, and modified, if such modification increases the rents due under such lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, if a lease with a “controlled taxable REIT subsidiary” is modified and such modification results in an increase in the rents payable by such taxable REIT subsidiary, any such increase will not qualify as “rents from real property.” For purposes of this rule, a “controlled taxable REIT subsidiary” is a taxable REIT subsidiary in which the parent REIT owns stock possessing more than 50% of the voting power or more than 50% of the total value of the outstanding stock of such taxable REIT subsidiary; |
| • | Rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is not greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease. If this condition is not met, then the portion of the rent attributable to personal property will not qualify as “rents from real property.” To the extent that rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, exceeds 15% of the total rent received under the lease, we may transfer a portion of such personal property to a taxable REIT subsidiary; and |
| • | We generally may not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to our tenants, subject to a 1% de minimis exception and except as provided below. We may, however, perform services that are “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered “rendered to the occupant” of the property. Examples of these services include the provision of light, heat, or other utilities, trash removal, general maintenance of common areas, interconnection services and certain basic server services that do not require logical access to our tenants’ equipment. In addition, we may employ an independent contractor from whom we derive no revenue to |
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provide customary services to our tenants, or a taxable REIT subsidiary (which may be wholly or partially owned by us) to provide both customary and non-customary services to our tenants, without causing the rent we receive from those tenants to fail to qualify as “rents from real property.” |
We generally do not intend, and as the general partner of our operating partnership, we do not intend to permit our operating partnership, to take actions we believe will cause us to fail to satisfy the rental conditions described above. However, we may intentionally fail to satisfy some of these conditions to the extent we determine, based on the advice of our tax counsel, that the failure will not jeopardize our tax status as a REIT. In addition, with respect to the limitation on the rental of personal property, we generally have not obtained appraisals of the real property and personal property leased to tenants. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not disagree with our determinations of value.
Income we receive that is attributable to the rental of parking spaces at the properties generally will constitute rents from real property for purposes of the gross income tests if certain services provided with respect to the parking spaces are performed by independent contractors from whom we derive no revenue, either directly or indirectly, or by a taxable REIT subsidiary, and certain other conditions are met. We believe that the income we receive that is attributable to parking spaces will meet these tests and, accordingly, will constitute rents from real property for purposes of the gross income tests.
From time to time, we may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Our hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and forward contracts. Income from a hedging transaction, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction, that is clearly identified as a hedging transaction as specified in the Code will not constitute gross income under, and thus will be exempt from, the 75% and 95% gross income tests. The term “hedging transaction,” as used above, generally means (A) any transaction we enter into in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of (1) interest rate changes or fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made by us to acquire or carry real estate assets, or (2) currency fluctuations with respect to an item of qualifying income under the 75% or 95% gross income test or any property which generates such income and (B) new transactions entered into to hedge the income or loss from prior hedging transactions, where the property or indebtedness which was the subject of the prior hedging transaction was extinguished or disposed of. To the extent that we do not properly identify such transactions as hedges or we hedge with other types of financial instruments, the income from those transactions is not likely to be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our status as a REIT.
We have investments in entities located outside the United States and from time to time may invest in additional entities or properties located outside the United States, through a taxable REIT subsidiary or otherwise. These acquisitions could cause us to incur foreign currency gains or losses. Any foreign currency gains, to the extent attributable to specified items of qualifying income or gain, or specified qualifying assets, however, generally will not constitute gross income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, and therefore will be excluded from these tests.
To the extent our taxable REIT subsidiaries pay dividends or interest, our allocable share of such dividend or interest income will qualify under the 95%, but not the 75%, gross income test (except that our allocable share of such interest would also qualify under the 75% gross income test to the extent the interest is paid on a loan that is adequately secured by real property).
We will monitor the amount of the dividend and other income from our taxable REIT subsidiaries and will take actions intended to keep this income, and any other nonqualifying income, within the limitations of the gross income tests. Although we expect these actions will be sufficient to prevent a violation of the gross income tests, we cannot guarantee that such actions will in all cases prevent such a violation.
If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for the year if we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. We generally may make use of the relief provisions if:
| • | following our identification of the failure to meet the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we file a schedule with the IRS setting forth each item of our gross income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for such taxable year in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be issued; and |
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| • | our failure to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. |
It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. For example, if we fail to satisfy the gross income tests because nonqualifying income that we intentionally accrue or receive exceeds the limits on nonqualifying income, the IRS could conclude that our failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause. If these relief provisions do not apply to a particular set of circumstances, we will not qualify as a REIT. See “—Failure to Qualify” below. As discussed above in “—General,” even if these relief provisions apply, and we retain our status as a REIT, a tax would be imposed with respect to our nonqualifying income. We may not always be able to comply with the gross income tests for REIT qualification despite periodic monitoring of our income.
Prohibited Transaction Income. Any gain that we realize on the sale of property (other than any foreclosure property) held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, including our share of any such gain realized by our operating partnership, either directly or through its subsidiary partnerships, will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax, unless certain safe harbor exceptions apply. This prohibited transaction income may also adversely affect our ability to satisfy the gross income tests for qualification as a REIT. Whether property is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. As the general partner of our operating partnership, we intend to cause our operating partnership to hold its properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning its properties and to make occasional sales of the properties as are consistent with our investment objectives. We do not intend, and do not intend to permit our operating partnership or its subsidiary partnerships, to enter into any sales that are prohibited transactions. However, the IRS may successfully contend that some or all of the sales made by our operating partnership or its subsidiary partnerships are prohibited transactions. We would be required to pay the 100% penalty tax on our allocable share of the gains resulting from any such sales. The 100% penalty tax will not apply to gains from the sale of assets that are held through a taxable REIT subsidiary, but such income will be subject to regular U.S. federal corporate income tax.
Penalty Tax. Any redetermined rents, redetermined deductions, excess interest or redetermined TRS service income we generate will be subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, redetermined rents are rents from real property that are overstated as a result of any services furnished to any of our tenants by a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours, redetermined deductions and excess interest represent any amounts that are deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours for amounts paid to us that are in excess of the amounts that would have been deducted based on arm’s length negotiations, and redetermined TRS service income is income of a taxable REIT subsidiary that is understated as a result of services provided to us or on our behalf. Rents we receive will not constitute redetermined rents if they qualify for certain safe harbor provisions contained in the Code.
From time to time, our taxable REIT subsidiaries provide services to our tenants. We believe we have set, and we intend to set in the future, any fees paid to our taxable REIT subsidiaries for such services at arm’s length rates, although the fees paid may not satisfy the safe harbor provisions referenced above. These determinations are inherently factual, and the IRS has broad discretion to assert that amounts paid between related parties should be reallocated to clearly reflect their respective incomes. If the IRS successfully made such an assertion, we would be required to pay a 100% penalty tax on any overstated rents paid to us, or any excess deductions or understated income of our taxable REIT subsidiaries.
Asset Tests. At the close of each calendar quarter of our taxable year, we must also satisfy certain tests relating to the nature and diversification of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by real estate assets, cash, cash items and U.S. government securities. For purposes of this test, the term “real estate assets” generally means real property (including interests in real property and interests in mortgages on real property or on both real property and, to a limited extent, personal property), shares (or transferable certificates of beneficial interest) in other REITs, any stock or debt instrument attributable to the investment of the proceeds of a stock offering or a public offering of debt with a term of at least five years (but only for the one-year period beginning on the date the REIT receives such proceeds), debt instruments of publicly offered REITs, and personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property for which the rent attributable to personal property is not greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease.
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Second, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by securities (including securities of taxable REIT subsidiaries), other than those securities includable in the 75% asset test.
Third, of the investments included in the 25% asset class, and except for certain investments in other REITs, our qualified REIT subsidiaries and taxable REIT subsidiaries, the value of any one issuer’s securities may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets, and we may not own more than 10% of the total vote or value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. Certain types of securities we may own are disregarded as securities solely for purposes of the 10% value test, including, but not limited to, securities satisfying the “straight debt” safe harbor, securities issued by a partnership that itself would satisfy the 75% income test if it were a REIT, any loan to an individual or an estate, any obligation to pay rents from real property and any security issued by a REIT. In addition, solely for purposes of the 10% value test, the determination of our interest in the assets of a partnership in which we own an interest will be based on our proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership, excluding for this purpose certain securities described in the Code. From time to time we may own securities (including debt securities) of issuers that do not qualify as a REIT, a qualified REIT subsidiary or a taxable REIT subsidiary. We intend that our ownership of any such securities will be structured in a manner that allows us to comply with the asset tests described above.
Fourth, not more than 20% (25% for taxable years beginning after July 30, 2008 and before January 1, 2018) of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. We, through our operating partnership, own interests in companies that have elected, together with us, to be treated as our taxable REIT subsidiaries, and we may acquire securities in additional taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future. So long as each of these companies qualifies as a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours, we will not be subject to the 5% asset test, the 10% voting securities limitation or the 10% value limitation with respect to our ownership of the securities of such companies. We believe that the aggregate value of our taxable REIT subsidiaries has not exceeded, and in the future will not exceed, 20% (25% for taxable years beginning after July 30, 2008 and before January 1, 2018) of the aggregate value of our gross assets. We generally do not obtain independent appraisals to support these conclusions. In addition, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not disagree with our determinations of value.
Fifth, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by debt instruments of publicly offered REITs to the extent those debt instruments would not be real estate assets but for the inclusion of debt instruments of publicly offered REITs in the meaning of real estate assets, as described above (e.g., a debt instrument issued by a publicly offered REIT that is not secured by a mortgage on real property).
The asset tests must be satisfied at the close of each calendar quarter of our taxable year in which we (directly or through any partnership or qualified REIT subsidiary) acquire securities in the applicable issuer, and also at the close of each calendar quarter in which we increase our ownership of securities of such issuer (including as a result of an increase in our interest in any partnership that owns such securities). For example, our indirect ownership of securities of each issuer will increase as a result of our capital contributions to our operating partnership or as limited partners exercise any redemption/exchange rights. Also, after initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If we fail to satisfy an asset test because we acquire securities or other property during a quarter (including as a result of an increase in our interest in any partnership), we may cure this failure by disposing of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We believe that we have maintained, and we intend to maintain, adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests. If we fail to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests within the 30-day cure period, we would cease to qualify as a REIT unless we are eligible for certain relief provisions discussed below.
Certain relief provisions may be available to us if we discover a failure to satisfy the asset tests described above after the 30-day cure period. Under these provisions, we will be deemed to have met the 5% and 10% asset tests if the value of our nonqualifying assets (i) does not exceed the lesser of (a) 1% of the total value of our assets at the end of the applicable quarter or (b) $10,000,000, and (ii) we dispose of the nonqualifying assets or otherwise satisfy such tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury Regulations to be issued. For violations of any of the asset tests due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and that are, in the case of the 5% and 10% asset tests, in excess of the de minimis exception described above, we may avoid disqualification as a REIT after the 30-day cure period by taking
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steps including (i) the disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets, or the taking of other actions, which allow us to meet the asset tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury Regulations to be issued, (ii) paying a tax equal to the greater of (a) $50,000 or (b) the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets, and (iii) disclosing certain information to the IRS.
Although we believe we have satisfied the asset tests described above and plan to take steps to ensure that we satisfy such tests for any quarter with respect to which retesting is to occur, there can be no assurance that we will always be successful, or will not require a reduction in our operating partnership’s overall interest in an issuer (including in a taxable REIT subsidiary). If we fail to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests in a timely manner, and the relief provisions described above are not available, we would cease to qualify as a REIT.
Annual Distribution Requirements. To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders each year in an amount at least equal to the sum of:
| • | 90% of our “REIT taxable income”; and |
| • | 90% of our after-tax net income, if any, from foreclosure property; minus |
| • | the excess of the sum of certain items of non-cash income over 5% of our “REIT taxable income.” |
For these purposes, our “REIT taxable income” is computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain. In addition, for purposes of this test, non-cash income generally means income attributable to leveled stepped rents, original issue discount, cancellation of indebtedness, or a like-kind exchange that is later determined to be taxable.
In addition, our “REIT taxable income” will be reduced by any taxes we are required to pay on any gain we recognize from the disposition of any asset we acquired from a corporation that is or has been a C corporation in a transaction in which our tax basis in the asset is less than the fair market value of the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset, within the five-year period following our acquisition of such asset, as described above under “—General.”
Except as provided below, a taxpayer’s deduction for net business interest expense will generally be limited to 30% of its taxable income, as adjusted for certain items of income, gain, deduction or loss. Any business interest deduction that is disallowed due to this limitation may be carried forward to future taxable years, subject to special rules applicable to partnerships. If we or any of our subsidiary partnerships (including our operating partnership) are subject to this interest expense limitation, our REIT taxable income for a taxable year may be increased. Taxpayers that conduct certain real estate businesses may elect not to have this interest expense limitation apply to them, provided that they use an alternative depreciation system to depreciate certain property. We believe that we or any of our subsidiary partnerships that are subject to this interest expense limitation will be eligible to make this election. If such election is made, although we or such subsidiary partnership, as applicable, would not be subject to the interest expense limitation described above, depreciation deductions may be reduced and, as a result, our REIT taxable income for a taxable year may be increased.
We generally must pay, or be treated as paying, the distributions described above in the taxable year to which they relate. At our election, a distribution will be treated as paid in a taxable year if it is declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration, provided such payment is made during the 12-month period following the close of such year. These distributions are treated as received by our stockholders in the year in which they are paid. This is so even though these distributions relate to the prior year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement. In order to be taken into account for purposes of our distribution requirement, except as provided below, the amount distributed must not be preferential—i.e., every stockholder of the class of stock to which a distribution is made must be treated the same as every other stockholder of that class, and no class of stock may be treated other than according to its dividend rights as a class. This preferential dividend limitation will not apply to distributions made by us, provided we qualify as a “publicly offered REIT.” We believe that we are, and expect we will continue to be, a “publicly offered REIT.” However, Subsidiary REITs we may own from time to time may not be publicly offered REITs. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain, or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our “REIT taxable income,” as adjusted, we will be
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required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on the undistributed amount. We believe that we have made, and we intend to continue to make, timely distributions sufficient to satisfy these annual distribution requirements and to minimize our corporate tax obligations. In this regard, the partnership agreement of our operating partnership authorizes us, as the general partner of our operating partnership, to take such steps as may be necessary to cause our operating partnership to distribute to its partners an amount sufficient to permit us to meet these distribution requirements and to minimize our corporate tax obligation.
We expect that our REIT taxable income will be less than our cash flow because of depreciation and other non-cash charges included in computing REIT taxable income. Accordingly, we anticipate that we generally will have sufficient cash or liquid assets to enable us to satisfy the distribution requirements described above. However, from time to time, we may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet these distribution requirements due to timing differences between the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses, and the inclusion of income and deduction of expenses in determining our taxable income. In addition, we may decide to retain our cash, rather than distribute it, in order to repay debt or for other reasons. If these timing differences occur, we may borrow funds to pay dividends or pay dividends in the form of taxable stock distributions in order to meet the distribution requirements, while preserving our cash.
Under some circumstances, we may be able to rectify an inadvertent failure to meet the 90% distribution requirement for a year by paying “deficiency dividends” to our stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. In that case, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, subject to the 4% excise tax described below. However, we will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction claimed for deficiency dividends. While the payment of a deficiency dividend will apply to a prior year for purposes of our REIT distribution requirements, it will be treated as an additional distribution to our stockholders in the year such dividend is paid.
Furthermore, we will be required to pay a 4% excise tax to the extent we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of 85% of our ordinary income for such year, 95% of our capital gain net income for the year and any undistributed taxable income from prior periods. Any ordinary income and net capital gain on which U.S. federal corporate income tax is imposed for any year is treated as an amount distributed during that year for purposes of calculating this excise tax.
For purposes of the 90% distribution requirement and excise tax described above, dividends declared during the last three months of the taxable year, payable to stockholders of record on a specified date during such period and paid during January of the following year, will be treated as paid by us and received by our stockholders on December 31 of the year in which they are declared.
Like-Kind Exchanges. We may dispose of real property that is not held primarily for sale in transactions intended to qualify as like-kind exchanges under the Code. Such like-kind exchanges are intended to result in the deferral of gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The failure of any such transaction to qualify as a like-kind exchange could require us to pay U.S. federal income tax, possibly including the 100% prohibited transaction tax, or deficiency dividends, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction.
Tax Liabilities and Attributes Inherited in Connection with Acquisitions. From time to time, we or our operating partnership may acquire other corporations or entities and, in connection with such acquisitions, we may succeed to the historical tax attributes and liabilities of such entities. For example, if we acquire a C corporation and subsequently dispose of its assets within five years of the acquisition, we could be required to pay the built-in gain tax described above under “—General.” In addition, in order to qualify as a REIT, at the end of any taxable year, we must not have any earnings and profits accumulated in a non-REIT year. As a result, if we acquire a C corporation, we must distribute the corporation’s earnings and profits accumulated prior to the acquisition before the end of the taxable year in which we acquire the corporation. We also could be required to pay the acquired entity’s unpaid taxes even though such liabilities arose prior to the time we acquired the entity.
Moreover, we or one of our subsidiaries may from time to time acquire other REITs through a merger or acquisition. If any such REIT failed to qualify as a REIT for any of its taxable years, such REIT would be liable for (and we or our subsidiary, as applicable, as the surviving corporation in the merger or acquisition, would be obligated to pay) regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on its taxable income for such taxable years. In addition, if such REIT was a C corporation at the time of the merger or acquisition, the tax consequences described in the preceding paragraph generally would apply. If such REIT failed to
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qualify as a REIT for any of its taxable years, but qualified as a REIT at the time of such merger or acquisition, and we acquired such REIT’s assets in a transaction in which our tax basis in the assets of such REIT is determined, in whole or in part, by reference to such REIT’s tax basis in such assets, we generally would be subject to tax on the built-in gain on each asset of such REIT as described above if we were to dispose of the asset in a taxable transaction during the five-year period following such REIT’s requalification as a REIT, subject to certain exceptions. Moreover, even if such REIT qualified as a REIT at all relevant times, we would similarly be liable for other unpaid taxes (if any) of such REIT (such as the 100% tax on gains from any sales treated as “prohibited transactions” as described above under “—Prohibited Transaction Income”).
Furthermore, after our acquisition of another corporation or entity, the asset and income tests will apply to all of our assets, including the assets we acquire from such corporation or entity, and to all of our income, including the income derived from the assets we acquire from such corporation or entity. As a result, the nature of the assets that we acquire from such corporation or entity and the income we derive from those assets may have an effect on our tax status as a REIT.
Failure to Qualify. If we discover a violation of a provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT, certain specified cure provisions may be available to us. Except with respect to violations of the gross income tests and asset tests (for which the cure provisions are described above), and provided the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, these cure provisions generally impose a $50,000 penalty for each violation in lieu of a loss of REIT status. If we fail to satisfy the requirements for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, and the relief provisions do not apply, we will be required to pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify as a REIT will not be deductible by us. As a result, we anticipate that our failure to qualify as a REIT would reduce the cash available for distribution by us to our stockholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will not be required to distribute any amounts to our stockholders and all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as regular corporate dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. In such event, corporate stockholders may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. In addition, non-corporate stockholders, including individuals, may be eligible for the preferential tax rates on qualified dividend income. Non-corporate stockholders, including individuals, generally may deduct up to 20% of dividends from a REIT, other than capital gain dividends and dividends treated as qualified dividend income, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026 for purposes of determining their U.S. federal income tax (but not for purposes of the 3.8% Medicare tax), subject to certain holding period requirements and other limitations. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, such stockholders may not claim this deduction with respect to dividends paid by us. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we would also be ineligible to elect to be treated as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year for which we lose our qualification. It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to this statutory relief.
Tax Aspects of Our Operating Partnership and its Subsidiary Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies
General. All of our investments are held indirectly through our operating partnership. In addition, our operating partnership holds certain of its investments indirectly through subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies that we believe are and will continue to be treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, entities that are treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes are “pass-through” entities which are not required to pay U.S. federal income tax. Rather, partners of such partnerships are allocated their shares of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the partnership, and are potentially required to pay tax on this income, without regard to whether they receive a distribution from the partnership. We will include in our income our share of these partnership items for purposes of the various gross income tests, the computation of our REIT taxable income, and the REIT distribution requirements. Moreover, for purposes of the asset tests, we will include our pro rata share of assets held by our operating partnership, including its share of the assets of its subsidiary partnerships, based on our capital interests in each such entity. See “—Taxation of Our Company—Ownership of Interests in Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies and Qualified REIT Subsidiaries.” A disregarded entity is not treated as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a disregarded entity are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of its parent that is not a disregarded entity (e.g., our operating partnership) for all purposes under the Code, including all REIT qualification tests.
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Entity Classification. Our interests in our operating partnership and its subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies involve special tax considerations, including the possibility that the IRS might challenge the status of these entities as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For example, an entity that would otherwise be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes may nonetheless be taxable as a corporation if it is a “publicly traded partnership” and certain other requirements are met. A partnership will be treated as a publicly traded partnership if its interests are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or a substantial equivalent thereof, within the meaning of applicable Treasury Regulations. We do not anticipate that our operating partnership or any of its subsidiary partnerships will be treated as a publicly traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation. However, if any such entity were treated as a corporation, it would be required to pay an entity-level tax on its income. In this situation, the character of our assets and items of gross income would change and could prevent us from satisfying the REIT asset tests and possibly the REIT income tests. See “—Taxation of Our Company—Asset Tests” and “—Income Tests.” This, in turn, could prevent us from qualifying as a REIT. See “—Taxation of Our Company—Failure to Qualify” for a discussion of the effect of our failure to meet these tests. In addition, a change in the tax status of our operating partnership, or a subsidiary treated as a partnership or disregarded entity, to a corporation might be treated as a taxable event. If so, we might incur a tax liability without any related cash payment. We believe our operating partnership and each of its subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies are and will continue to be treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Allocations of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction. The operating partnership agreement generally provides that items of operating income will be allocated to us to the extent of the accrued preferred return on our preferred units and then to the holders of common units in proportion to the number of common units held by each such unitholder. Items of operating loss will generally be allocated first to the holders of common units in proportion to the number of common units held, and then to us with respect to our preferred units. Certain limited partners may, from time to time, guarantee debt of our operating partnership, indirectly through an agreement to make capital contributions to our operating partnership under limited circumstances. As a result of these guaranties or contribution agreements, and notwithstanding the foregoing discussion of allocations of income and loss of our operating partnership to holders of units, such limited partners could under limited circumstances be allocated a disproportionate amount of net loss upon a liquidation of our operating partnership, which net loss would have otherwise been allocable to us. In addition, the partnership agreement further provides that holders of long-term incentive units, class C units and class D units may be entitled to receive special allocations of gain in the event of a sale or hypothetical sale of assets of our operating partnership prior to the allocation of gain to holders of common units. This special allocation of gain is intended to enable the holders of long-term incentive units, class C units and class D units to convert such units into common units.
If an allocation of partnership income or loss does not comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners’ interests in the partnership. This reallocation will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item. The allocations of taxable income and loss of our operating partnership and any subsidiaries that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
Tax Allocations With Respect to the Properties. Under Section 704(c) of the Code, items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership must be allocated in a manner so that the contributing partner is charged with the unrealized gain or benefits from the unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of the unrealized gain or unrealized loss generally is equal to the difference between the fair market value or book value and the adjusted tax basis of the contributed property at the time of contribution (this difference is referred to as a book-tax difference), as adjusted from time to time. These allocations are solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners.
Appreciated property was contributed to our operating partnership in exchange for interests in our operating partnership in connection with the formation transactions. In addition, our operating partnership may, from time to time, acquire interests in property in exchange for interests in our operating partnership. In that case, the tax basis of these property interests generally will carry over to the operating partnership, notwithstanding their different book (i.e., fair market) value. The partnership agreement requires that income and loss allocations with respect to these properties be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code. Treasury Regulations issued under Section 704(c)
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of the Code provide partnerships with a choice of several methods of accounting for book-tax differences. Depending on the method we choose in connection with any particular contribution, the carryover basis of each of the contributed interests in the properties in the hands of our operating partnership (i) could cause us to be allocated lower amounts of depreciation deductions for tax purposes than would be allocated to us if any of the contributed properties were to have a tax basis equal to its respective fair market value at the time of the contribution and (ii) could cause us to be allocated taxable gain in the event of a sale of such contributed interests or properties in excess of the economic or book income allocated to us as a result of such sale, with a corresponding benefit to the other partners in our operating partnership. An allocation described in clause (ii) above might cause us or the other partners to recognize taxable income in excess of cash proceeds in the event of a sale or other disposition of property, which might adversely affect our ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. See “—Taxation of Our Company—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT” and “—Annual Distribution Requirements.”
Any property acquired by our operating partnership in a taxable transaction will initially have a tax basis equal to its fair market value, and Section 704(c) of the Code generally will not apply.
Partnership Audit Rules. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 changed the rules applicable to U.S. federal income tax audits of partnerships. Under these rules (which are generally effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017), among other changes and subject to certain exceptions, any audit adjustment to items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit of a partnership (and any partner’s distributive share thereof) is determined, and taxes, interest, or penalties attributable thereto are assessed and collected, at the partnership level. It is possible that these rules could result in partnerships in which we directly or indirectly invest, including our operating partnership, being required to pay additional taxes, interest and penalties as a result of an audit adjustment, and we, as a direct or indirect partner of these partnerships, could be required to bear the economic burden of those taxes, interest, and penalties even though we, as a REIT, may not otherwise have been required to pay additional corporate-level taxes as a result of the related audit adjustment. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors with respect to these changes and their potential impact on their investment in our capital stock.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Holders of Our Capital Stock and the Operating Partnership’s Debt Securities
The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of purchasing, owning and disposing of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities. This discussion is limited to holders who hold shares of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a holder’s particular circumstances, including the alternative minimum tax. In addition, except where specifically noted, it does not address consequences relevant to holders subject to special rules, including, without limitation:
| • | banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions; |
| • | tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations; |
| • | S corporations, partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein); |
| • | persons who hold or receive our capital stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation; |
| • | REITs or regulated investment companies; |
| • | “controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; |
| • | brokers, dealers or traders in securities; |
| • | U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States; |
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| • | persons holding our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities as part of a hedge, straddle or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated investment; |
| • | persons subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of any item of gross income with respect to our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities being taken into account in an “applicable financial statement” (as defined in the Code); |
| • | persons deemed to sell our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities under the constructive sale provisions of the Code; or |
| • | U.S. holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. |
THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED AS TAX ADVICE. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK OR THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP’S DEBT SECURITIES ARISING UNDER OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS (INCLUDING ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS), UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.
For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of shares of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as:
| • | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
| • | a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia; |
| • | an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or |
| • | a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) or (2) has a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is any beneficial owner of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities that is neither a U.S. holder nor an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, partnerships holding shares of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities and the partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them.
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock
Distributions Generally. Distributions out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as dividends and, other than with respect to capital gain dividends and certain amounts which have previously been subject to corporate level tax, as discussed below, will be taxable to our taxable U.S. holders as ordinary income when actually or constructively received. See “—Tax Rates” below. As long as we qualify as a REIT, these distributions will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of U.S. holders that are corporations or, except to the extent described in “—Tax Rates” below, the preferential rates on qualified dividend income applicable to non-corporate U.S. holders, including individuals. For purposes of determining whether distributions to holders of our capital stock are out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to our outstanding preferred stock and then to our outstanding common stock.
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To the extent that we make distributions on our capital stock in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits allocable to such stock, these distributions will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to a U.S. holder to the extent of the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares of stock. This treatment will reduce the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares by such amount, but not below zero. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and in excess of a U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares will be taxable as capital gain. Such gain will be taxable as long-term capital gain if the shares have been held for more than one year. Dividends we declare in October, November, or December of any year and which are payable to a holder of record on a specified date in any of these months will be treated as both paid by us and received by the holder on December 31 of that year, provided we actually pay the dividend on or before January 31 of the following year. U.S. holders may not include in their own income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.
U.S. holders that receive taxable stock distributions, including distributions partially payable in our capital stock and partially payable in cash, would be required to include the full amount of the distribution (i.e., the cash and the stock portion) as a dividend (subject to limited exceptions) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as described above. The amount of any distribution payable in our capital stock generally is equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of the capital stock. Depending on the circumstances of a U.S. holder, the tax on the distribution may exceed the amount of the distribution received in cash, in which case such U.S. holder would have to pay the tax using cash from other sources. If a U.S. holder sells the capital stock it received in connection with a taxable stock distribution in order to pay this tax and the proceeds of such sale are less than the amount required to be included in income with respect to the stock portion of the distribution, such U.S. holder could have a capital loss with respect to the stock sale that could not be used to offset such income. A U.S. holder that receives capital stock pursuant to such distribution generally has a tax basis in such capital stock equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of such capital stock as described above, and has a holding period in such capital stock that begins on the day immediately following the payment date for the distribution.
Capital Gain Dividends. Dividends that we properly designate as capital gain dividends will generally be taxable to our taxable U.S. holders as a gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset held for more than one year, to the extent that such gain does not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year, and may not exceed our dividends paid for the taxable year, including dividends paid the following year that are treated as paid in the current year. U.S. holders that are corporations may, however, be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income. If we properly designate any portion of a dividend as a capital gain dividend, then, except as otherwise required by law, we presently intend to allocate a portion of the total capital gain dividends paid or made available to holders of all classes of our capital stock for the year to the holders of each class of our capital stock in proportion to the amount that our total dividends, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, paid or made available to the holders of each such class of our capital stock for the year bears to the total dividends, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, paid or made available to holders of all classes of our capital stock for the year. In addition, except as otherwise required by law, we will make a similar allocation with respect to any undistributed long-term capital gains which are to be included in our stockholders’ long-term capital gains, based on the allocation of the capital gain amount which would have resulted if those undistributed long-term capital gains had been distributed as “capital gain dividends” by us to our stockholders.
Retention of Net Capital Gains. We may elect to retain, rather than distribute as a capital gain dividend, all or a portion of our net capital gains. If we make this election, we would pay tax on our retained net capital gains. In addition, to the extent we so elect, our earnings and profits (determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) would be adjusted accordingly, and a U.S. holder generally would:
| • | include its pro rata share of our undistributed capital gain in computing its long-term capital gains in its U.S. federal income tax return for its taxable year in which the last day of our taxable year falls, subject to certain limitations as to the amount that is includable; |
| • | be deemed to have paid its share of the capital gains tax imposed on us on the designated amounts included in the U.S. holder’s income as long-term capital gain; |
| • | receive a credit or refund for the amount of tax deemed paid by it; |
| • | increase the adjusted tax basis of its capital stock by the difference between the amount of includable gains and the tax deemed to have been paid by it; and |
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| • | in the case of a U.S. holder that is a corporation, appropriately adjust its earnings and profits for the retained capital gains in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be promulgated by the IRS. |
Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations. Distributions we make and gain arising from the sale or exchange of our capital stock by a U.S. holder will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, U.S. holders generally will not be able to apply any “passive losses” against this income or gain. A U.S. holder generally may elect to treat capital gain dividends, capital gains from the disposition of our capital stock and income designated as qualified dividend income, as described in “—Tax Rates” below, as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation, but in such case, the holder will be taxed at ordinary income rates on such amount. Other distributions made by us, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation.
Dispositions of Our Capital Stock. Except as described below under “Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—Redemption or Repurchase by Us,” if a U.S. holder sells or disposes of shares of our capital stock, it will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares. This gain or loss, except as provided below, will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holder has held such capital stock for more than one year. However, if a U.S. holder recognizes a loss upon the sale or other disposition of capital stock that it has held for six months or less, after applying certain holding period rules, the loss recognized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent the U.S. holder received distributions from us which were required to be treated as long-term capital gains. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Redemption or Repurchase by Us. A redemption or repurchase of shares of our capital stock will be treated under Section 302 of the Code as a distribution (and taxable as a dividend to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits as described above under “—Distributions Generally”) unless the redemption or repurchase satisfies one of the tests set forth in Section 302(b) of the Code and is therefore treated as a sale or exchange of the redeemed or repurchased shares. The redemption or repurchase generally will be treated as a sale or exchange if it:
| • | is “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the U.S. holder; |
| • | results in a “complete redemption” of the U.S. holder’s stock interest in us; or |
| • | is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the U.S. holder, |
all within the meaning of Section 302(b) of the Code.
In determining whether any of these tests has been met, shares of our capital stock, including common stock and other equity interests in us, considered to be owned by the U.S. holder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set forth in the Code, as well as shares of our capital stock actually owned by the U.S. holder, generally must be taken into account. Because the determination as to whether any of the alternative tests of Section 302(b) of the Code will be satisfied with respect to the U.S. holder depends upon the facts and circumstances at the time that the determination must be made, U.S. holders are advised to consult their tax advisors to determine such tax treatment.
If a redemption or repurchase of shares of our capital stock is treated as a distribution, the amount of the distribution will be measured by the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received. See “—Distributions Generally.” A U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the redeemed or repurchased shares generally will be transferred to the holder’s remaining shares of our capital stock, if any. If a U.S. holder owns no other shares of our capital stock, under certain circumstances, such basis may be transferred to a related person or it may be lost entirely. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of a redemption or repurchase of our capital stock.
If a redemption or repurchase of shares of our capital stock is not treated as a distribution, it will be treated as a taxable sale or exchange in the manner described under “—Dispositions of Our Capital Stock.”
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Tax Rates. The maximum tax rate for non-corporate taxpayers for (1) long-term capital gains, including certain “capital gain dividends,” generally is 20% (although depending on the characteristics of the assets which produced these gains and on designations which we may make, certain capital gain dividends may be taxed at a 25% rate) and (2) “qualified dividend income” generally is 20%. In general, dividends payable by REITs are not eligible for the reduced tax rate on qualified dividend income, except to the extent that certain holding period requirements have been met and the REIT’s dividends are attributable to dividends received from taxable corporations (such as its taxable REIT subsidiaries) or to income that was subject to tax at the corporate/REIT level (for example, if the REIT distributed taxable income that it retained and paid tax on in the prior taxable year). Capital gain dividends will only be eligible for the rates described above to the extent that they are properly designated by the REIT as “capital gain dividends.” U.S. holders that are corporations may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income. In addition, non-corporate U.S. holders, including individuals, generally may deduct up to 20% of dividends from a REIT, other than capital gain dividends and dividends treated as qualified dividend income, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026 for purposes of determining their U.S. federal income tax (but not for purposes of the 3.8% Medicare tax), subject to certain holding period requirements and other limitations.
Taxation of Tax-Exempt Holders of Our Capital Stock
Dividend income from us and gain arising upon a sale of shares of our capital stock generally should not be unrelated business taxable income, or UBTI, to a tax-exempt holder, except as described below. This income or gain will be UBTI, however, to the extent a tax-exempt holder holds its shares as “debt-financed property” within the meaning of the Code. Generally, “debt-financed property” is property the acquisition or holding of which was financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt holder.
For tax-exempt holders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations or supplemental unemployment benefit trusts exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9) or (c)(17) of the Code, respectively, income from an investment in our shares will constitute UBTI unless the organization is able to properly claim a deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for specific purposes so as to offset the income generated by its investment in our shares. These prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning these “set aside” and reserve requirements.
Notwithstanding the above, however, a portion of the dividends paid by a “pension-held REIT” may be treated as UBTI as to certain trusts that hold more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT. A REIT will not be a “pension-held REIT” if it is able to satisfy the “not closely held” requirement without relying on the “look-through” exception with respect to certain trusts or if such REIT is not “predominantly held” by “qualified trusts.” As a result of restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock contained in our charter, we do not expect to be classified as a “pension-held REIT,” and as a result, the tax treatment described above should be inapplicable to our holders. However, because our stock is (and, we anticipate, will continue to be) publicly traded, we cannot guarantee that this will always be the case.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock
The following discussion addresses the rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our capital stock by non-U.S. holders. These rules are complex, and no attempt is made herein to provide more than a brief summary of such rules. Accordingly, the discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation and does not address other federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences that may be relevant to a non-U.S. holder in light of its particular circumstances. We urge non-U.S. holders to consult their tax advisors to determine the impact of U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax laws and any applicable tax treaty on the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our capital stock, including any reporting requirements.
Distributions Generally. Distributions (including any taxable stock distributions) that are neither attributable to gains from sales or exchanges by us of United States real property interests, or USRPIs, nor designated by us as capital gain dividends (except as described below) will be treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions ordinarily will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty, unless the distributions are treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such dividends are attributable). Under certain treaties, however, lower withholding rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from a REIT. Certain certification and disclosure requirements must be satisfied for a non-U.S. holder to be exempt from withholding under the effectively connected income exemption. Dividends that are treated as effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
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business generally will not be subject to withholding but will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis at the regular rates, in the same manner as dividends paid to U.S. holders are subject to U.S. federal income tax. Any such dividends received by a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate (applicable after deducting U.S. federal income taxes paid on such effectively connected income) or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
Except as otherwise provided below, we expect to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 30% on any distributions made to a non-U.S. holder unless:
| (1) | a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. holder furnishes an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable documentation) evidencing eligibility for that reduced treaty rate; or |
| (2) | the non-U.S. holder furnishes an IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable documentation) claiming that the distribution is income effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s trade or business. |
Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a non-U.S. holder to the extent that such distributions do not exceed the adjusted tax basis of the holder’s capital stock, but rather will reduce the adjusted tax basis of such stock. To the extent that such distributions exceed the non-U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such capital stock, they generally will give rise to gain from the sale or exchange of such stock, the tax treatment of which is described below. However, such excess distributions may be treated as dividend income for certain non-U.S. holders. For withholding purposes, we expect to treat all distributions as made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. However, amounts withheld may be refundable if it is subsequently determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, provided that certain conditions are met.
Capital Gain Dividends and Distributions Attributable to a Sale or Exchange of United States Real Property Interests. Distributions to a non-U.S. holder that we properly designate as capital gain dividends, other than those arising from the disposition of a USRPI, generally should not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation, unless:
| (1) | the investment in our capital stock is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such dividends are attributable), in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. holders with respect to such gain, except that a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to a branch profits tax of up to 30%, as discussed above; or |
| (2) | the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% on the non-U.S. holder’s capital gains (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty), which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of such non-U.S. holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses. |
Pursuant to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, which is referred to as “FIRPTA,” distributions to a non-U.S. holder that are attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of USRPIs, whether or not designated as capital gain dividends, will cause the non-U.S. holder to be treated as recognizing such gain as income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. Non-U.S. holders generally would be taxed at the regular rates applicable to U.S. holders, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. We also will be required to withhold and to remit to the IRS 21% of any distribution to non-U.S. holders attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of USRPIs. Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation. The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. However, any distribution with respect to any class of stock that is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market located in the United States is not subject to FIRPTA, and therefore, not subject to the 21% U.S. withholding tax described above, if the non-U.S. holder did not own more than 10% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. Instead, such distributions generally will be treated as ordinary
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dividend distributions and subject to withholding in the manner described above with respect to ordinary dividends. In addition, distributions to certain non-U.S. publicly traded shareholders that meet certain record-keeping and other requirements (“qualified shareholders”) are exempt from FIRPTA, except to the extent owners of such qualified shareholders that are not also qualified shareholders own, actually or constructively, more than 10% of our capital stock. Furthermore, distributions to “qualified foreign pension funds” or entities all of the interests of which are held by “qualified foreign pension funds” are exempt from FIRPTA. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these rules.
Retention of Net Capital Gains. Although the law is not clear on the matter, it appears that amounts we designate as retained net capital gains in respect of our capital stock should be treated with respect to non-U.S. holders as actual distributions of capital gain dividends. Under this approach, the non-U.S. holders may be able to offset as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability their proportionate share of the tax paid by us on such retained net capital gains and to receive from the IRS a refund to the extent their proportionate share of such tax paid by us exceeds their actual U.S. federal income tax liability. If we were to designate any portion of our net capital gain as retained net capital gain, non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the taxation of such retained net capital gain.
Sale of Our Capital Stock. Except as described below under “—Redemption or Repurchase by Us,” gain realized by a non-U.S. holder upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our capital stock generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless such stock constitutes a USRPI. In general, stock of a domestic corporation that constitutes a “United States real property holding corporation,” or USRPHC, will constitute a USRPI. We believe that we are a USRPHC. Our capital stock will not, however, constitute a USRPI so long as we are a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity.” A “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” includes a REIT in which at all times during a five-year testing period less than 50% in value of its stock is held directly or indirectly by non-United States persons, subject to certain rules. For purposes of determining whether a REIT is a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity,” a person who at all applicable times holds less than 5% of a class of stock that is “regularly traded” is treated as a United States person unless the REIT has actual knowledge that such person is not a United States person. We believe, but cannot guarantee, that we are a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity.” Because our stock is (and, we anticipate, will continue to be) publicly traded, no assurance can be given that we will continue to be a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity.”
Even if we do not qualify as a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” at the time a non-U.S. holder sells our capital stock, gain realized from the sale or other taxable disposition by a non-U.S. holder of such capital stock would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI if:
| (1) | such class of capital stock is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market such as the NYSE; and |
| (2) | such non-U.S. holder owned, actually and constructively, 10% or less of such class of capital stock throughout the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or other taxable disposition or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period. |
In addition, dispositions of our capital stock by qualified shareholders are exempt from FIRPTA, except to the extent owners of such qualified shareholders that are not also qualified shareholders own, actually or constructively, more than 10% of our capital stock. Furthermore, dispositions of our capital stock by “qualified foreign pension funds” or entities all of the interests of which are held by “qualified foreign pension funds” are exempt from FIRPTA. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these rules.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, gain from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our capital stock not otherwise subject to FIRPTA will be taxable to a non-U.S. holder if either (a) the investment in our capital stock is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such gain is attributable), in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. holders with respect to such gain, except that a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such gain, as adjusted for certain items, or (b) the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to a 30% tax on the non-U.S. holder’s capital gains (or such lower rate specified by
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an applicable income tax treaty), which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of the non-U.S. holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses. In addition, even if we are a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, upon disposition of our capital stock, a non-U.S. holder may be treated as having gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of a USRPI if the non-U.S. holder (1) disposes of such stock within a 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution, any portion of which, but for the disposition, would have been treated as gain from the sale or exchange of a USRPI and (2) acquires, or enters into a contract or option to acquire, or is deemed to acquire, other shares of that stock during the 61-day period beginning with the first day of the 30-day period described in clause (1), unless such class of stock is “regularly traded” and the non-U.S. holder did not own more than 10% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution described in clause (1).
If gain on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our capital stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. holder would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return and would be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax with respect to such gain in the same manner as a taxable U.S. holder (subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals). In addition, if the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our capital stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, and if shares of the applicable class of our capital stock were not “regularly traded” on an established securities market, the purchaser of such capital stock generally would be required to withhold and remit to the IRS 15% of the purchase price.
Redemption or Repurchase by Us. A redemption or repurchase of shares of our capital stock will be treated under Section 302 of the Code as a distribution (and taxable as a dividend to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits) unless the redemption or repurchase satisfies one of the tests set forth in Section 302(b) of the Code and is therefore treated as a sale or exchange of the redeemed or repurchased shares. See “—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—Redemption or Repurchase by Us.” Qualified shareholders and their owners may be subject to different rules, and should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of such rules. If the redemption or repurchase of shares is treated as a distribution, the amount of the distribution will be measured by the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received. See “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Capital Stock—Distributions Generally” above. If the redemption or repurchase of shares is not treated as a distribution, it will be treated as a taxable sale or exchange in the manner described above under “—Sale of Our Capital Stock.”
Taxation of Holders of the Operating Partnership’s Debt Securities
The following summary describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of debt securities issued by the operating partnership. This discussion assumes the debt securities will be issued with less than a statutory de minimis amount of original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, this discussion is limited to persons purchasing the debt securities for cash at original issue and at their original “issue price” within the meaning of Section 1273 of the Code (i.e., the first price at which a substantial amount of the debt securities is sold to the public for cash).
U.S. Holders
Payments of Interest. Interest on a debt security generally will be taxable to a U.S. holder as ordinary income at the time such interest is received or accrued, in accordance with such U.S. holder’s method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition. A U.S. holder will recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a debt security. The amount of such gain or loss generally will be equal to the difference between the amount received for the debt security in cash or other property valued at fair market value (less amounts attributable to any accrued but unpaid interest, which will be taxable as interest to the extent not previously included in income) and the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the debt security. A U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in a debt security generally will be equal to the amount the U.S. holder paid for the debt security. Any gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the debt security for more than one year at the time of such sale or other taxable disposition. Otherwise, such gain or loss will be short-term capital gain or loss. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. holders, including individuals, generally will be taxable at reduced rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
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Non-U.S. Holders
Payments of Interest. Interest paid on a debt security to a non-U.S. holder that is not effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding, provided that:
| • | the non-U.S. holder does not, actually or constructively, own 10% or more of the operating partnership’s capital or profits; |
| • | the non-U.S. holder is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the operating partnership through actual or constructive stock ownership; and |
| • | either (1) the non-U.S. holder certifies in a statement provided to the applicable withholding agent under penalties of perjury that it is not a United States person and provides its name and address; (2) a securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customers’ securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and holds the debt security on behalf of the non-U.S. holder certifies to the applicable withholding agent under penalties of perjury that it, or the financial institution between it and the non-U.S. holder, has received from the non-U.S. holder a statement under penalties of perjury that such holder is not a United States person and provides the applicable withholding agent with a copy of such statement; or (3) the non-U.S. holder holds its debt security directly through a “qualified intermediary” (within the meaning of the applicable Treasury Regulations) and certain conditions are satisfied. |
If a non-U.S. holder does not satisfy the requirements above, such non-U.S. holder will be subject to withholding tax of 30%, subject to a reduction in or an exemption from withholding on such interest as a result of an applicable tax treaty. To claim such entitlement, the non-U.S. holder must provide the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable documentation) claiming a reduction in or exemption from withholding tax under the benefit of an income tax treaty between the United States and the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established.
If interest paid to a non-U.S. holder is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such interest is attributable), the non-U.S. holder will be exempt from the U.S. federal withholding tax described above. To claim the exemption, the non-U.S. holder must furnish to the applicable withholding agent a valid IRS Form W-8ECI, certifying that interest paid on a debt security is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States.
Any such effectively connected interest generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular rates. A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such effectively connected interest, as adjusted for certain items.
The certifications described above must be provided to the applicable withholding agent prior to the payment of interest and must be updated periodically. Non-U.S. holders that do not timely provide the applicable withholding agent with the required certification, but that qualify for a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under any applicable income tax treaty.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition. A non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a debt security (such amount excludes any amount allocable to accrued and unpaid interest, which generally will be treated as interest and may be subject to the rules discussed above in “—Taxation of Holders of the Operating Partnership’s Debt Securities—Non-U.S. Holders—Payments of Interest”) unless:
| • | the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such gain is attributable); or |
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| • | the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other requirements are met. |
Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular rates. A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such effectively connected gain, as adjusted for certain items.
A non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of a debt security, which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of the non-U.S. holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.
Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
U.S. Holders. A U.S. holder may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding when such holder receives payments on our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities or proceeds from the sale or other taxable disposition of such stock or debt securities (including a redemption or retirement of a debt security). Certain U.S. holders are exempt from backup withholding, including corporations and certain tax-exempt organizations. A U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding if such holder is not otherwise exempt and:
| • | the holder fails to furnish the holder’s taxpayer identification number, which for an individual is ordinarily his or her social security number; |
| • | the holder furnishes an incorrect taxpayer identification number; |
| • | the applicable withholding agent is notified by the IRS that the holder previously failed to properly report payments of interest or dividends; or |
| • | the holder fails to certify under penalties of perjury that the holder has furnished a correct taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified the holder that the holder is subject to backup withholding. |
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their qualification for an exemption from backup withholding and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption.
Non-U.S. Holders. Payments of dividends on our capital stock or interest on the operating partnership’s debt securities generally will not be subject to backup withholding, provided the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know the holder is a United States person and the holder either certifies its non-U.S. status, such as by furnishing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8ECI, or otherwise establishes an exemption. However, information returns are required to be filed with the IRS in connection with any distributions on our capital stock or interest on the operating partnership’s debt securities paid to the non-U.S. holder, regardless of whether such distributions constitute a dividend or whether any tax was actually withheld. In addition, proceeds of the sale or other taxable disposition of such stock or debt securities (including a retirement or redemption of a debt security) within the United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related brokers generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting, if the applicable withholding agent receives the certification described above and does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person, or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Proceeds of a disposition of such stock or debt securities conducted through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting.
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Copies of information returns that are filed with the IRS may also be made available under the provisions of an applicable treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Medicare Contribution Tax on Unearned Income
Certain U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or trusts are required to pay an additional 3.8% tax on, among other things, dividends on stock, interest on debt obligations, and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or debt obligations, subject to certain limitations. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of these rules on their ownership and disposition of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities.
Additional Withholding Tax on Payments Made to Foreign Accounts
Withholding taxes may be imposed under Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code (such sections commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA) on certain types of payments made to non-U.S. financial institutions and certain other non-U.S. entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on our capital stock, interest on the operating partnership’s debt securities, or (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below) gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities, in each case paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations, (2) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in clause (1) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons” or “United States owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.
Under the applicable Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of dividends on our capital stock or interest on the operating partnership’s debt securities. While withholding under FATCA would have applied also to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of stock or debt securities on or after January 1, 2019, proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued. Because we may not know the extent to which a distribution is a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the time it is made, for purposes of these withholding rules we may treat the entire distribution as a dividend.
Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of withholding under FATCA to their investment in our capital stock or the operating partnership’s debt securities.
Other Tax Consequences
State, local and non-U.S. income tax laws may differ substantially from the corresponding U.S. federal income tax laws, and this discussion does not purport to describe any aspect of the tax laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction, or any U.S. federal tax other than income tax. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the effect of state, local and non-U.S. tax laws with respect to our tax treatment as a REIT and on an investment in our capital stock or our operating partnership’s debt securities.
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If the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part is used by selling securityholders for the resale of any securities registered thereunder pursuant to a registration rights agreement to be entered into by us with such selling securityholders or otherwise, information about such selling securityholders, their beneficial ownership of the securities and their relationship with us will be set forth in a prospectus supplement, in a post-effective amendment, or in filings we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference to such registration statement.
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We, or selling securityholders, may sell the securities domestically or abroad to one or more underwriters for public offering and sale by them or may sell the securities to investors directly or through dealers or agents, or through a combination of methods. Any underwriter, dealer or agent involved in the offer and sale of the securities will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Underwriters may offer and sell the securities at: (i) a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, (ii) market prices prevailing at the time of sale, (iii) prices related to the prevailing market prices at the time of sale or (iv) negotiated prices. We also may, from time to time, authorize underwriters acting as our agents to offer and sell the securities upon the terms and conditions as are set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with the sale of securities, underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell securities to or through dealers, and the dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.
Any underwriting compensation paid by us to underwriters, dealers or agents in connection with the offering of securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us and our operating partnership, to indemnification against and contribution toward civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We will describe any indemnification agreement in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, any series of securities issued hereunder will be a new issue with no established trading market (other than the common stock, which is listed on the NYSE). If the company sells any shares of the common stock pursuant to a prospectus supplement, such shares will be listed on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. We may elect to list any other securities issued hereunder on any exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. Any underwriters or agents to or through whom such securities are sold by us or our operating partnership for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters or agents will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot assure you as to the liquidity of the trading market for any such securities.
If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by institutions or other suitable purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement, pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in the prospectus supplement. These purchasers may include, among others, commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies and educational and charitable institutions. Delayed delivery contracts will be subject to the condition that the purchase of the securities covered by the delayed delivery contracts will not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which the purchaser is subject. The underwriters and agents will not have any responsibility with respect to the validity or performance of these contracts.
To facilitate the offering of the securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involves the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than we sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover the over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.
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The underwriters, dealers and agents and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with and perform services for us and our operating partnership in the ordinary course of business.
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Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, has issued an opinion to us regarding certain matters of Maryland law, including the validity of the securities covered by this prospectus. Latham & Watkins LLP, Los Angeles, California has issued an opinion to us regarding certain matters with respect to the validity of the debt securities and guarantees covered by this prospectus and an opinion regarding certain tax matters described under “United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
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The consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
$1,500,000,000
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
| BofA Securities | Barclays | BMO Capital Markets | ||
| BTIG | Capital One Securities | Citigroup | ||
| Credit Suisse | Deutsche Bank Securities | ING | ||
| Jefferies | J.P. Morgan | KeyBanc Capital Markets | ||
| Mizuho | Morgan Stanley | MUFG | ||
| Raymond James | RBC Capital Markets | Scotiabank | ||
| TD Securities | Truist Securities | Wells Fargo Securities |