Service Properties Trust
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 26, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 26, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-28.
0000945394-24-000015
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-26.
0000945394-25-000014
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 155 previous paragraphs and 157 current paragraphs.
103 unchanged; 44 reworded; 9 added; 8 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (9)
Current report
•we may not succeed in selling properties at prices we target;
Current report
•our distributions to shareholders may remain at $0.01 per common share per quarter for an indefinite period or be
Current report
RMR is incorporating AI into some of its business workflows and processes, and challenges with properly managing its use could result in reputational harm, competitive harm, legal liability, and increased regulatory costs and could adversely affect our results of operations.
Current report
We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, subject to specified adjustments and excluding any net capital gain, in order to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT under the IRC. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement, federal corporate income tax will not apply to the earnings that we distribute, but if we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, then we will be subject to federal corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. We intend to pay distributions to our shareholders to comply with the REIT requirements of the
Current report
IRC. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we pay to our shareholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under federal tax laws.
Current report
Our quarterly cash distribution rate on our common shares is currently $0.01 per common share and future distributions may remain at this level for an indefinite period or be eliminated and the form of payment could change.
Removed paragraphs (8)
Previous report
•one of the factors that investors typically consider important in deciding whether to buy or sell our common shares is the distribution rate on our common shares relative to prevailing interest rates. If interest rates remain at elevated levels, investors may expect a higher distribution rate than we are able to pay, which may increase our cost of capital, or they may sell our common shares and seek alternative investments with higher distribution rates. Sales of our common shares may cause a decline in the market price of our common shares;
Previous report
Shareholder litigation against us or our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents may be referred to mandatory arbitration proceedings, which follow different procedures than in-court litigation and may be more restrictive to shareholders asserting claims than in-court litigation.
Previous report
Our shareholders agree, by virtue of becoming shareholders, that they are bound by our governing documents, including the arbitration provisions of our bylaws, as they may be amended from time to time. Our bylaws provide that certain actions by one or more of our shareholders against us or any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents, other than disputes, or any portion thereof, regarding the meaning, interpretation or validity of any provision of our declaration of trust or bylaws, will be referred to mandatory, binding and final arbitration proceedings if we, or any other party to such dispute, including any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents, unilaterally so demands. As a result, we and our shareholders would not be able to pursue litigation in state or federal court against us or our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents, including, for example, claims alleging violations of federal securities laws or breach of fiduciary duties or similar director or officer duties under Maryland law, if we or any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents against whom the claim is made unilaterally demands the matter be resolved by arbitration. Instead, our shareholders would be required to pursue such claims through binding and final arbitration.
Previous report
Our bylaws provide that such arbitration proceedings would be conducted in accordance with the procedures of the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, as modified in our bylaws. These procedures may provide materially more limited rights to our shareholders than litigation in a federal or state court. For example, arbitration in accordance with these procedures does not include the opportunity for a jury trial, document discovery is limited, arbitration hearings generally are not open to the public, there are no witness depositions in advance of arbitration hearings and arbitrators may have different qualifications or experiences than judges. In addition, although our bylaws’ arbitration provisions contemplate that arbitration may be brought in a representative capacity or on behalf of a class of our shareholders, the rules governing such representation or class arbitration may be different from, and less favorable to shareholders than, the rules governing representative or class action litigation in courts. Our bylaws also generally provide that each party to such an arbitration is required to bear its own costs in the arbitration, including attorneys’ fees, and that the arbitrators may not render an award that includes shifting of such costs or, in a derivative or class proceeding, award any portion of our award to any shareholder or such shareholder’s attorneys. The arbitration provisions of our bylaws may discourage our shareholders from bringing, and attorneys from agreeing to represent our shareholders wishing to bring, litigation against us or our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents. Our leases with TA and our agreements with RMR and Sonesta have similar arbitration provisions to those in our bylaws.
Previous report
We believe that the arbitration provisions in our bylaws are enforceable under both state and federal law, including with respect to federal securities laws claims. We are a Maryland real estate investment trust and Maryland courts have upheld the enforceability of arbitration bylaws. In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld agreements to arbitrate other federal statutory claims, including those that implicate important federal policies. However, some academics, legal practitioners and others are of the view that charter or bylaw provisions mandating arbitration are not enforceable with respect to federal securities laws claims. It is possible that the arbitration provisions of our bylaws may ultimately be determined to be unenforceable.
Previous report
By agreeing to the arbitration provisions of our bylaws, shareholders will not be deemed to have waived compliance by us with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Previous report
•our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders or sustain the rate of distributions may continue to be adversely affected if any of the risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K occur, including any negative impact caused by current market and economic conditions, such as high interest rates, prolonged high inflation and economic downturns or a possible recession, on our business, results of operations and liquidity;
Previous report
For these reasons, among others, our distribution rate may decline or we may cease paying distributions to our shareholders.
Reworded paragraphs (44)
Previous wording
•unfavorable market and commercial real estate industry conditions due to, among other things, high interest rates, prolonged high inflation, labor market challenges, supply chain disruptions, volatility in the public equity and debt markets and in the commercial real estate markets, generally, pandemics, geopolitical instability and tensions, economic downturns or a possible recession and other conditions beyond our control, may have a material adverse effect on our and our hotel managers’ and other operators’ and tenants’ results of operations and financial conditions and they may be unable to satisfy their obligations to us;
Current wording
•unfavorable market and commercial real estate industry conditions due to, among other things, uncertainties surrounding interest rates and inflation, supply chain disruptions, volatility in the public equity and debt markets and in the commercial real estate markets, generally, pandemics, geopolitical instability and tensions, economic downturns or a possible recession, labor market conditions and other conditions beyond our control, may have a material adverse effect on our and our hotel managers’ and other operators’ and tenants’ results of operations and financial conditions and they may be unable to satisfy their obligations to us;
Previous wording
•we have a substantial amount of debt and we are subject to risks related to our debt, including our ability to refinance maturing debt and the cost of any such refinanced debt and our ability to maintain or reduce our debt leverage levels, covenants and conditions contained in our debt agreements which may restrict our operations by increasing our interest expense and limiting our ability to make investments in our properties, sell properties securing our debt and pay distributions to our shareholders, potential downgrades to our credit ratings and other limitations on our ability to access capital at reasonable costs or at all;
Current wording
•we have a substantial amount of debt and we are subject to risks related to our debt, including the inability to refinance maturing debt and the cost of any such refinanced debt and the inability to reduce our debt leverage levels, which may remain at or above current levels for an indefinite period, covenants and conditions contained in our debt agreements which may restrict our operations by increasing our interest expense and limiting our ability to make investments in our properties, sell properties securing our debt and pay distributions to our shareholders, potential downgrades to our credit ratings and other limitations on our ability to access capital at reasonable costs or at all;
Previous wording
•we may be unable to renew our leases or lease our properties to new tenants when they expire without decreasing rents or incurring significant costs or at all;
Current wording
•we may be unable to renew our leases when they expire or lease our properties to new tenants without decreasing rents or incurring significant costs or at all;
Previous wording
•our potential future sales or acquisitions may not be successful or may not be executed on the terms or within the timing we expect as a result of competition, ongoing market and economic conditions, including capital market disruptions, high interest rates, prolonged high inflation, or otherwise;
Current wording
•our potential future sales or acquisitions may not be successful or may not be executed on the terms or within the timing we expect as a result of competition, ongoing market and economic conditions, including capital market disruptions, uncertainties surrounding interest rates and inflation, or otherwise;
Previous wording
•we are subject to risks related to the security of RMR’s or our hotel managers’ information technology;
Current wording
•we are subject to risks related to the security of RMR’s or our hotel managers’ information technology and RMR’s use of artificial intelligence, or AI;
Previous wording
•our management structure and agreements with RMR and our relationships with our related parties, including our Managing Trustees, RMR and Sonesta and others affiliated with them, may create conflicts of interest;
Current wording
•our management structure and agreements with RMR and our relationships with our related parties, including our Managing Trustees, RMR, Sonesta and others affiliated with them, may create conflicts of interest;
Previous wording
•we may change our operational, financing and investment policies without shareholder approval, and we may reduce the rate of or eliminate our distributions to shareholders or the form of payment could change.
Current wording
•we may change our operational, financing and investment policies without shareholder approval, and we may eliminate our distributions to shareholders or the form of payment could change; and
Previous wording
Our distributions to our shareholders may be reduced or eliminated and the form of payment could change.
Current wording
eliminated and the form of payment could change.
Previous wording
Our business and operations may be adversely affected by market and economic volatility experienced by the U.S. and global economies, the commercial real estate industry and/or the local economies in the markets in which our properties are located. Unfavorable economic and industry conditions may be due to, among other things, high interest rates, prolonged high inflation, labor market challenges, supply chain disruptions, volatility in the public equity and debt markets, pandemics, geopolitical instability and tensions, economic downturns or a possible recession and other conditions beyond our control. As economic conditions in the United States may affect business and leisure travel, hotel occupancy, trucking volume and demand for diesel fuel, gasoline, real estate values, occupancy levels and returns and rents, current and future economic conditions in the United States, including slower growth or a possible recession and capital market volatility or disruptions, could have a material adverse impact on our earnings and financial condition. Economic conditions may be affected by numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the pace of economic growth and/or recessionary concerns, inflation, increases in the levels of unemployment, energy prices, uncertainty about government fiscal and tax policy, geopolitical events, the regulatory environment, the availability of credit and interest rates. Current conditions may negatively impact our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders and these or other conditions may have similar impacts in the future and on our results of operations and financial condition.
Current wording
Our business and operations may be adversely affected by market and economic volatility experienced by the U.S. and global economies, the commercial real estate industry and/or the local economies in the markets in which our properties are located. Unfavorable economic and industry conditions may be due to, among other things, uncertainties surrounding interest rates and inflation, supply chain disruptions, volatility in the public equity and debt markets, pandemics, geopolitical instability and tensions, economic downturns or a possible recession, labor market conditions and other conditions beyond our control. As economic conditions in the United States may affect business and leisure travel, hotel occupancy, trucking volume and demand for diesel fuel, gasoline, real estate values, occupancy levels and returns and rents, current and future economic conditions in the United States, including slower growth or a possible recession and capital market volatility or disruptions, could have a material adverse impact on our earnings and financial condition. Economic conditions may be affected by numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the pace of economic growth and/or recessionary concerns, inflation, increases in the levels of unemployment, energy prices, uncertainty about government fiscal and tax policy, geopolitical events, the regulatory environment, the availability of credit and interest rates. Current conditions may negatively impact our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders and these or other conditions may have similar impacts in the future and on our results of operations and financial condition.
Previous wording
Our and our managers’ and other operators’ and tenants’ businesses may not return to historical levels, and they may be unable to satisfy their obligations to us.
Current wording
Our and our managers’ and other operators’ and tenants’ businesses may not improve, and they may be unable to satisfy their obligations to us.
Previous wording
As a result of market practices that arose or increased in recent years and the impacts they have had on travel and the broader economy throughout the United States, our hotels experienced significant declines in operating performance which have had a significant negative effect on our operating results and cash flow. Consumer confidence, customer demand, corporate travel and lodging demand have been and will continue to be affected by economic and market conditions, unemployment levels, perceptions of the safety of travel, the continued use of video conferencing technologies rather than in person meetings and broader macroeconomic trends and conditions. These trends, together with increasing labor costs and shortages, high interest rates, tax rates, commodity and other price inflation and supply chain challenges, may continue to negatively impact our hotel operations, the operations of our tenants and our financial results and may have an impact on the results of operations and financial condition of our tenants and result in their defaulting their obligations under our leases, including failing to pay the rent due to us. Such adverse economic conditions may also reduce overall demand for leased space, which could adversely affect our ability to maintain our current tenants or attract new tenants. At any given time, our tenants may experience a downturn in their business that may weaken the operating results and financial condition of individual properties or of their business as whole. As a result, a tenant may delay lease commencement, decline to extend a lease upon its expiration, fail to make rental payments when due, become insolvent or declare bankruptcy. We depend on our tenants to operate the properties we lease to them in a manner that generates revenues sufficient to allow them to meet their obligations to us, including their obligations to pay rent, maintain certain insurance coverage and pay real estate taxes and maintain the properties. Our tenants’ failure to successfully operate their businesses could materially and adversely affect us.
Current wording
As a result of market practices that arose or increased in recent years and the impacts they have had on travel and the broader economy throughout the United States, our hotels experienced significant declines in operating performance which have had a significant negative effect on our operating results and cash flow. Consumer confidence, customer demand, corporate travel and lodging demand have been and will continue to be affected by economic and market conditions, unemployment levels, perceptions of the safety of travel, the continued use of video conferencing technologies rather than in person meetings and broader macroeconomic trends and conditions. These trends, together with increasing labor costs and shortages, uncertainties surrounding interest rates, tax rates, commodity and other price inflation and supply chain challenges, may continue to negatively impact our hotel operations, the operations of our tenants and our financial results and may have an impact on the results of operations and financial condition of our tenants and result in their defaulting their obligations under our leases, including failing to pay the rent due to us. Such adverse economic conditions may also reduce overall demand for leased space, which could adversely affect our ability to maintain our current tenants or attract new tenants. At any given time, our tenants may experience a downturn in their business that may weaken the operating results and financial condition of individual properties or of their business as whole. As a result, a tenant may delay lease commencement, decline to extend a lease upon its expiration, fail to make rental payments when due, become insolvent or declare bankruptcy. We depend on our tenants to operate the properties we lease to them in a manner that generates revenues sufficient to allow them to meet their obligations to us, including their obligations to pay rent, maintain certain insurance coverage and pay real estate taxes and maintain the properties. Our tenants’ failure to successfully operate their businesses could materially and adversely affect us.
Previous wording
The owner’s priority returns we receive from our managed hotels are dependent upon the financial results of those hotels’ operations. Decrease demand from pandemics, public health safety concerns or otherwise may result in our managed hotels experiencing operating losses that we will need to fund. Further, we own 34% of Sonesta. If Sonesta experiences losses, or requires additional capital, Sonesta may request we fund our share through the contribution of additional capital. For more information about our agreements with Sonesta, see Notes 4, 5, and 9 to our consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Current wording
The owner’s priority returns we receive from our managed hotels are dependent upon the financial results of those hotels’ operations. The impacts of economic and market conditions, inflationary pressures, including high interest rates, unemployment levels, work from home policies, use of technologies and broader economic trends, among other things, may result in our managed hotels experiencing operating losses that we will need to fund. Further, we own 34% of Sonesta. If Sonesta experiences losses, or requires additional capital, Sonesta may request we fund our share through the contribution of additional capital. For further information about our agreements with and ownership stake of Sonesta, see Notes 4, 5 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, our consolidated debt was $5.6 billion.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, our consolidated debt was $5.8 billion.
Previous wording
We are subject to numerous risks associated with our debt, including our ability to refinance maturing debt and the cost of any refinancing, the risk that our cash flows could be insufficient for us to make required payments and risks associated with interest rates remaining high for an extended period of time. There are no limits in our organizational documents on the amount of debt we may incur, and, subject to any limitations in our debt agreements, we may incur additional debt. Our debt may increase our vulnerability to adverse market and economic conditions, limit our flexibility in planning for changes in our business and place us at a disadvantage in relation to competitors that have lower debt levels. Our debt could increase our costs of capital, limit our ability to incur additional debt in the future, and increase our exposure to floating interest rates or expose us to potential events of default (if not cured or waived) under covenants contained in debt instruments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. High interest rates have significantly increased our borrowing costs. Although we have an option to extend the maturity date of certain of our debt upon payment of a fee and meeting other conditions, the applicable conditions may not be met, and we may be required to repay or refinance our existing debt with new debt on less favorable terms. Excessive or expensive debt could reduce the available cash flow to fund, or limit our ability to obtain financing for, working capital, lease obligations, capital expenditures, refinancing, acquisitions, development or redevelopment projects or other purposes and hinder our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders.
Current wording
We are subject to numerous risks associated with our debt, including our ability to refinance maturing debt and the cost of any refinancing, the risk that our cash flows could be insufficient for us to make required payments and risks associated with high interest rates. There are no limits in our organizational documents on the amount of debt we may incur, and, subject to any limitations in our debt agreements, we may incur additional debt. Our debt may increase our vulnerability to adverse market and economic conditions, limit our flexibility in planning for changes in our business and place us at a disadvantage in relation to competitors that have lower debt levels. Our existing and future debt could limit our ability to incur additional debt and increase our exposure to floating interest rates or expose us to potential events of default (if not cured or waived) under covenants contained in debt instruments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. High interest rates have significantly increased our cost of capital. Although we have an option to extend the maturity date of certain of our debt upon payment of a fee and meeting other conditions, the applicable conditions may not be met, and we may be required to repay or refinance our existing debt with new debt at less favorable terms. Excessive or expensive debt could reduce the available cash flow to fund, or limit our ability to obtain financing for, working capital, lease obligations, capital expenditures, refinancing, acquisitions, development or redevelopment projects or other purposes and hinder our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders.
Previous wording
If we default under any of our debt obligations, we may be in default under other debt agreements of ours that have cross default provisions, including our credit agreement and our senior unsecured notes indentures and their supplements. In such case, our lenders or noteholders may demand immediate payment of any outstanding debt and could seek payment from the subsidiary guarantors under our credit agreement, seek to sell any pledged equity interests of certain subsidiaries or the mortgaged properties owned by certain pledged subsidiaries, or we could be forced to liquidate our assets for less than the values we would receive in a more orderly process.
Current wording
If we default under any of our debt obligations, we may be in default under other debt agreements of ours that have cross default provisions, including our credit agreement and our senior notes indentures and their supplements. In such case, our lenders or noteholders may demand immediate payment of any outstanding debt and could seek payment from the subsidiary guarantors under our credit agreement or certain of our senior notes, seek to sell any pledged equity interests of certain subsidiaries or the mortgaged properties owned by certain pledged subsidiaries, or we could be forced to liquidate our assets for less than the values we would receive in a more orderly process.
Previous wording
Our debt agreements include various conditions, covenants and events of default. We may not be able to satisfy all of these conditions or may default on some of these covenants for various reasons, including for reasons beyond our control. Complying with these covenants may limit our ability to take actions that may be beneficial to us and our security holders.
Current wording
Our debt agreements include various conditions, covenants and events of default. We may not be able to satisfy all of these conditions or may default on some of these covenants for various reasons, including for reasons beyond our control. If any of the covenants in these debt agreements are breached and not cured within any applicable cure period, we could be required to repay the debt immediately, even in the absence of a payment default, or be prevented from refinancing maturing debt or issuing new debt. Complying with these covenants may limit our ability to take actions that may be beneficial to us and our security holders.
Previous wording
Our credit agreement and our senior unsecured notes indentures and their supplements require us to comply with certain financial and other covenants. Our ability to comply with those covenants will depend upon the net rental income and hotel operating returns we receive from our properties, or in the case of our credit agreement, the value of properties securing the revolving credit facility. If our rents or returns decline, or the values of our properties decline, we may be unable to borrow under our revolving credit facility. If we are unable to borrow under our revolving credit facility, we may be unable to meet our obligations or grow our business by acquiring additional properties or otherwise. If we default under our credit agreement, our lenders may demand immediate payment and could seek payment from the subsidiary guarantors under our credit agreement, seek to sell any pledged equity interests of certain subsidiaries or the mortgaged properties owned by such pledged subsidiaries, or may elect not to fund future borrowings. During the continuance of any event of default under our credit agreement, we may be limited or, in some cases, prohibited from paying distributions to our shareholders. Any default under our credit agreement that results in acceleration of our obligations to repay outstanding debt or in our no longer being permitted to borrow under our revolving credit facility would likely have serious adverse consequences to us and would likely cause the value of our securities to decline.
Current wording
Our credit agreement and our senior notes indentures and their supplements require us to comply with certain financial and other covenants. These covenants may limit our operational flexibility and acquisition and disposition activity. Our ability to comply with those covenants will depend upon the net rental income and hotel operating returns we receive from our properties, or in the case of our credit agreement, the performance and value of properties securing our revolving credit facility. If our rents or returns decline, or the performance or values of our properties decline, we may be unable to borrow under our revolving credit facility. If we are unable to borrow under our revolving credit facility, we may be unable to meet our obligations or grow our business by acquiring additional properties or otherwise. If we default under our credit agreement, our lenders may demand immediate payment and could seek payment from the subsidiary guarantors under our credit agreement, seek to sell any pledged equity interests of certain subsidiaries or the mortgaged properties owned by such pledged subsidiaries, or may elect not to fund future borrowings. During the continuance of any event of default under our credit agreement, we may be limited or, in some cases, prohibited from paying distributions to our shareholders. Any default under our credit agreement that results in acceleration of our obligations to repay outstanding debt or in our no longer being permitted to borrow under our revolving credit facility would likely have serious adverse consequences to us and would likely cause the value of our securities to decline.
Previous wording
We have a substantial amount of debt that is secured by properties that we own or by a pledge of the equity interests of certain of our subsidiaries. Secured debt, including mortgage and asset backed debt, increases our risk of asset and property losses because defaults on debt secured by our assets may result in foreclosure actions initiated by lenders and ultimately our loss of the property or other assets securing any loans if we are in default under such loans. Any foreclosure on a mortgaged property or group of properties could have a material adverse effect on the overall value of our portfolio of properties and more generally on us. For tax purposes, a foreclosure of any of our properties would be treated as a sale of the property for a purchase price equal to the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax basis in the property, we would recognize taxable income on foreclosure, but would not receive any cash proceeds, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Current wording
We have a substantial amount of debt that is secured by properties that we own or by a pledge of the equity interests of certain of our subsidiaries. Secured debt, including mortgage and asset backed debt, increases our risk of asset and property losses because defaults on debt secured by our assets may result in foreclosure actions initiated by lenders and ultimately our loss of the property or other assets securing any loans for which we are in default. Any foreclosure on a mortgaged property or group of properties could have a material adverse effect on the overall value of our portfolio of properties and more generally on us. For tax purposes, a foreclosure of any of our properties would be treated as a sale of the property for a purchase price equal to the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax basis in the property, we would recognize taxable income on foreclosure, but would not receive any cash proceeds, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Previous wording
In response to significant and prolonged increases in inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve has raised interest rates multiple times since the beginning of 2022, which has significantly increased our interest expense. Although the U.S. Federal Reserve has indicated that it may lower interest rates in 2024, we cannot be sure that it will do so, and interest rates may remain at the current high levels or continue to increase. High interest rates may materially and negatively affect us in several ways, including:
Current wording
In response to significant and prolonged increases in inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates eleven times during 2022 and 2023. The U.S. Federal Reserve then paused rate increases in the fourth quarter of 2023 following the deceleration of inflationary growth, and cut interest rates three times in late 2024, and it may further reduce interest rates, increase interest rates or maintain current interest rates. Interest rates remain high compared to historical levels, and high interest rates may materially and negatively affect us in several ways, including:
Previous wording
•amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility require interest to be paid at floating interest rates. High interest rates have significantly increased our borrowing costs, which adversely affects our cost of refinancing our debts when they become due, our cash flows, our ability to pay principal and interest on our debt and our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders. Additionally, if we choose to hedge our interest rate risk, we cannot be sure that the hedge will be effective or that our hedging counterparty will meet its obligations to us;
Current wording
•amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility require interest to be paid at floating interest rates. High interest rates have significantly increased our borrowing costs, which adversely affects our cost of refinancing our fixed rate debts when they become due, our cash flows, our ability to pay principal and interest on our debt and our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders. Additionally, if we choose to hedge our interest rate risk, we cannot be sure that the hedge will be effective or that our hedging counterparty will meet its obligations to us;
Previous wording
We plan to selectively sell certain properties from time to time to reduce our leverage, fund capital expenditures and future acquisitions and strategically update, rebalance and reposition our investment portfolio. Our ability to sell properties and the prices we may receive in any such sales, may be affected by various factors. In particular, these factors could arise from, among other things:
Current wording
In the fourth quarter of 2024, we announced our plan to sell 114 extended stay and select service hotels managed by Sonesta to repay debt and reduce our capital expenditures. We also plan to selectively sell certain properties from time to time to reduce our leverage, fund capital expenditures and future acquisitions and strategically update, rebalance and reposition our investment portfolio. Our ability to sell properties and the prices we may receive in any such sales, may be affected by various factors. In particular, these factors could arise from, among other things:
Previous wording
•unfavorable local, national or international economic conditions, such as high interest rates, labor market challenges, prolonged high inflation, supply chain challenges and economic downturns or a possible recession; and
Current wording
•unfavorable local, national or international economic conditions, such as uncertainties surrounding interest rates and inflation, supply chain challenges, economic downturns or a possible recession and labor market conditions; and
Previous wording
For example, current market conditions have caused, and may continue to cause, increased capitalization rates which, together with high interest rates, have resulted in reduced commercial real estate transaction volume, and such conditions may continue or worsen. We may not succeed in selling properties and any sales may be delayed or may not occur or, if sales do occur, the terms may not meet our expectations and we may incur losses in connection with any sales. In addition, we may elect to forego or abandon property sales. If we are unable to realize proceeds from the sale of assets sufficient to allow us to reduce our leverage to a level we believe appropriate or which ratings agencies and possible financing sources believe appropriate, we may be unable to fund capital investments or future acquisitions to grow our business. In addition, we may elect to change or abandon our strategy and forego or abandon property or other asset sales.
Current wording
For example, current market conditions have caused, and may continue to cause, increased capitalization rates which, together with increased interest rates, have resulted in reduced commercial real estate transaction volume, and such conditions may continue or worsen. We may not succeed in selling properties and any sales may be delayed or may not occur or, if sales do occur, the terms may not meet our expectations and we may incur losses in connection with any sales. In addition, we may elect to forego or abandon property sales. If we are unable to realize proceeds from the sale of assets sufficient to allow us to reduce our leverage to a level we, or rating agencies or possible financing sources, believe appropriate, we may be unable to fund capital investments or future acquisitions to grow our business. In addition, we may elect to change or abandon our strategy and forego or abandon property or other asset sales.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, Sonesta operated 195 of our 221 hotels, which constituted 49.8% of our historical real estate investments, and we leased 176 travel centers to TA, which constituted approximately 28.8% of our total historical real estate investments. If either Sonesta or TA were to fail to successfully operate our properties or meet their obligations under our agreements, our income from these properties may be adversely affected. Further, if we were required to replace Sonesta or TA, we could experience significant disruptions in operations at the applicable properties, which could reduce our income and cash flows from, and the value of, those properties.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, Sonesta operated 181 of our 206 hotels, which constituted 50.0% of our historical real estate investments, and we leased 175 travel centers to TA, which constituted approximately 28.7% of our total historical real estate investments. If either Sonesta or TA were to fail to successfully operate our properties or meet their obligations under our agreements, our income from these properties may be adversely affected. Further, if we were required to replace Sonesta or TA, we could experience significant disruptions in operations at the applicable properties, which could reduce our income and cash flows from, and the value of, those properties.
Previous wording
Approximately 55.5% of our historical real estate investments as of December 31, 2023, are in our hotel properties. Our hotels are subject to operating risks common to the hotel industry, many of which are beyond our control and may impact Sonesta and our other managers, including risks associated with:
Current wording
Approximately 55.8% of our historical real estate investments as of December 31, 2024, are in our hotel properties. Our hotels are subject to operating risks common to the hotel industry, many of which are beyond our control and may impact Sonesta and our other managers, including risks associated with:
Previous wording
•increased operating costs, including wages, benefits, insurance and utilities, due to prolonged high inflation, increased minimum wages and other factors, which may not be offset in the future by increased room rates;
Current wording
•increased operating costs, including wages, benefits, insurance and utilities, due to inflation, increased minimum wages and other factors, which may not be offset in the future by increased room rates;
Previous wording
For these reasons, among others, Sonesta may be unable to pay amounts due to us under the terms of our management agreements with Sonesta. For more information about our management agreements with Sonesta, see Notes 4, 5 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Current wording
For these reasons, among others, Sonesta may be unable to pay amounts due to us under the terms of our management agreements with Sonesta. For further information about our management agreements with Sonesta, see Notes 4, 5 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Previous wording
Our results of operations depend, in part, on our ability to lease our retail properties by renewing or re-leasing expiring leases and leasing vacant space and optimizing our tenant mix. As of December 31, 2023, leases representing approximately 2.1% of our annualized minimum net lease rents will expire during 2024. As of December 31, 2023, 3.7% of the leasable square footage of our net lease properties was vacant. Current tenants may decline, or may not have the financial resources available, to renew current leases and we cannot guarantee that leases that are renewed will have terms that are as economically favorable to us as the expiring lease terms. If tenants do not renew their leases as they expire, or renew for less space, we will have to find new tenants to lease our properties and there is no guarantee that we will be able to find new tenants or that our properties will be re-leased at rental rates equal to or above the current average rental rates or that substantial rent abatements, tenant improvement allowances, early termination rights, below-market renewal options or other lease incentive payments will not be offered to attract new tenants. Unfavorable market and industry conditions, including high interest rates, prolonged high inflation, labor market challenges, supply chain challenges and economic downturns or a possible recession, may increase these risks. We may experience significant costs in connection with renewing, leasing or re-leasing our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Current wording
Our results of operations depend, in part, on our ability to lease our retail properties by renewing or re-leasing expiring leases and leasing vacant space and optimizing our tenant mix. As of December 31, 2024, leases representing approximately 2.2% of our annualized minimum net lease rents will expire during 2025. As of December 31, 2024, 3.9% of the leasable square footage of our net lease properties was vacant. Current tenants may decline, or may not have the financial resources available, to renew current leases and we cannot guarantee that leases that are renewed will have terms that are as economically favorable to us as the expiring lease terms. If tenants do not renew their leases as they expire, or renew for less space, we will have to find new tenants to lease our properties and there is no guarantee that we will be able to find new tenants or that our properties will be re-leased at rental rates equal to or above the current average rental rates or that substantial rent abatements, tenant improvement allowances, early termination rights, below-market renewal options or other lease incentive payments will not be offered to attract new tenants. Unfavorable market and industry conditions, including uncertainties surrounding interest rates and inflation, supply chain challenges, economic downturns or a possible recession and labor market conditions, may increase these risks. We may experience significant costs in connection with renewing, leasing or re-leasing our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Previous wording
The occurrence of a tenant bankruptcy could reduce the rent we receive from that tenant, and the current economic conditions, such as high interest rates, prolonged high inflation, labor market challenges, supply chain disruptions and economic downturns or a possible recession, may increase the risk of our tenants or hotel managers filing for bankruptcy. If a tenant files for bankruptcy, federal law may prohibit us from evicting that tenant based solely upon its bankruptcy, and a bankrupt tenant may be authorized to reject and terminate its lease with us. Any claims against a bankrupt tenant for unpaid future rent would be subject to statutory limitations that may be substantially less than the contractually specified rent we are owed under the lease, and any claim we have for unpaid past rent may not be paid in full. If any of our tenants or hotel managers files for bankruptcy, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights, we may be limited in our ability to replace the tenant or hotel manager and we may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-leasing or finding a replacement tenant or hotel manager.
Current wording
The occurrence of a tenant bankruptcy could reduce the rent we receive from that tenant, and the current economic conditions, such as uncertainties surrounding interest rates and inflation, supply chain disruptions, economic downturns or a possible recession and labor market conditions, may increase the risk of our tenants or hotel managers filing for bankruptcy. If a tenant files for bankruptcy, federal law may prohibit us from evicting that tenant based solely upon its bankruptcy, and a bankrupt tenant may be authorized to reject and terminate its lease with us. Any claims against a bankrupt tenant for unpaid future rent would be subject to statutory limitations that may be substantially less than the contractually specified rent we are owed under the lease, and any claim we have for unpaid past rent may not be paid in full. If any of our tenants or hotel managers files for bankruptcy, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights, we may be limited in our ability to replace the tenant or hotel manager and we may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-leasing or finding a replacement tenant or hotel manager.
Previous wording
We or our operators are generally responsible for the costs of insurance coverage for our properties and the operations conducted on them, including for casualty, liability, malpractice, fire, extended coverage and rental or business interruption loss insurance. In the future, we may acquire properties for which we are responsible for the costs of insurance. In the past few years, the costs of insurance have increased significantly, and these increased costs have had an adverse effect on us and our operators. Increased insurance costs may adversely affect our operators’ abilities to operate our properties profitably and provide us with desirable returns and our operators’ abilities to pay us rent or result in downward pressure on rents we can charge under new or renewed leases. Losses of a catastrophic nature, such as those caused by hurricanes, flooding, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes or losses as a result of outbreaks of pandemics or acts of terrorism, may be covered by insurance policies with limitations such as large deductibles or co-payments that we or an operator may not be able to pay. Insurance proceeds may not be adequate to restore an affected property to its condition prior to a loss or to compensate us for our losses, including lost revenues or other costs. Certain losses, such as losses we may incur as a result of known or unknown environmental conditions, are not covered by our insurance. Market conditions or our loss history may limit the scope of insurance or coverage available to us on economic terms. If we determine that an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occurs and if we are not able to recover amounts from our operators for certain losses, we may have to incur uninsured costs to mitigate such losses or lose all or a portion of the capital invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the property.
Current wording
We or our operators are generally responsible for the costs of insurance coverage for our properties and the operations conducted on them, including for casualty, liability, malpractice, fire, extended coverage and rental or business interruption loss insurance. In the future, we may acquire properties for which we are responsible for the costs of insurance. The costs of insurance may increase, which may have an adverse effect on us and our operators. Increased insurance costs may adversely affect our operators’ abilities to operate our properties profitably and provide us with desirable returns and our operators’ abilities to pay us rent or result in downward pressure on rents we can charge under new or renewed leases. Losses of a catastrophic nature, such as those caused by hurricanes, flooding, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes or losses as a result of outbreaks of pandemics or acts of terrorism, may be covered by insurance policies with limitations such as large deductibles or co-payments that we or an operator may not be able to pay. Insurance proceeds may not be adequate to restore an affected property to its condition prior to a loss or to compensate us for our losses, including lost revenues or other costs. Certain losses, such as losses we may incur as a result of known or unknown environmental conditions, are not covered by our insurance. Market conditions or our loss history may limit the scope of insurance or coverage available to us on economic terms. If we determine that an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occurs and if we are not able to recover amounts from our operators for certain losses, we may have to incur uninsured costs to mitigate such losses or lose all or a portion of the capital invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the property.
Previous wording
We are subject to risks and could be exposed to additional costs from adverse weather, natural disasters and adverse impacts from global climate change. For example, our properties could be severely damaged or destroyed from either singular extreme weather events (such as floods, storms and wildfires) or through long term impacts of climatic conditions (such as precipitation frequency, weather instability and rise of sea levels). Such events could also adversely impact us or the tenants of our properties if we or they are unable to operate our or their businesses due to damage resulting from such events. Insurance may not adequately cover all losses sustained by us or the tenants of our properties. If we fail to adequately prepare for such events, our revenues, results of operations and financial condition may be impacted. In addition, we may incur significant costs in preparing for possible future climate change or in response to our tenants’ requests for such investments and we may not realize desirable returns on those investments.
Current wording
We are subject to risks and could be exposed to additional costs from adverse weather, natural disasters and adverse impacts from global climate change. For example, our properties could be severely damaged or destroyed from either singular extreme weather events (such as floods, storms and wildfires) or through long-term impacts of climatic conditions (such as precipitation frequency, weather instability and rise of sea levels). We own a significant number of properties in the Southeastern United States which has been increasingly impacted by severe weather and rising sea levels in recent years. Severe weather events and climatic conditions could also adversely impact us and the tenants of our properties if we or they are unable to operate our or their businesses due to damage resulting from such events. Insurance may not adequately cover all losses sustained by us or the tenants of our properties. If we fail to adequately prepare for such events, our revenues, results of operations and financial condition may be impacted. In addition, we may incur significant costs in preparing for possible future climate change or in response to our tenants’ requests for such investments and we may not realize desirable returns on those investments.
Previous wording
Security breaches, computer viruses, attacks by hackers, online fraud schemes and similar breaches have created and can create significant system disruptions, shutdowns, fraudulent transfer of assets or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyberattack or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. The cybersecurity risks to us or our third party vendors are heightened by, among other things, the evolving nature of the threats faced, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography and new and increasingly sophisticated methods used to perpetrate illegal or fraudulent activities, including cyberattacks, email or wire fraud and other attacks exploiting security vulnerabilities in RMR’s, our hotel managers’ or other third parties’ information technology networks and systems or operations. Although much of RMR’s and Sonesta’s staff returned to their respective offices during the pandemic, flexible working arrangements have resulted in a higher extent of remote working than they experienced prior to the pandemic. This and other possible changing work practices have adversely impacted, and may in the future adversely impact, RMR’s, our hotel managers’ or other third parties’ abilities to maintain the security, proper function and availability of their respective information technology and systems since remote working by their employees could strain their respective technology resources and introduce operational risk, including heightened cybersecurity risk. Remote working environments may be less secure and more susceptible to hacking attacks, including phishing and social engineering attempts that have sought, and may seek, to exploit remote working environments. In addition, RMR’s, our hotel managers’ or other third parties’ data security, data privacy, investor reporting and business continuity processes could be impacted by a third party’s inability to perform in a remote work environment or by the failure of, or attack on, their information systems and technology. Any failure by RMR, our hotel managers or other third party vendors to maintain the security, proper function and availability of their respective information technology and systems could result in financial losses, interrupt our operations, damage our reputation, cause us to be in default of material contracts and subject us to liability claims or regulatory penalties, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.
Current wording
Security breaches, computer viruses, attacks by hackers, online fraud schemes and similar breaches have created and can create significant system disruptions, shutdowns, fraudulent transfer of assets or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyberattack or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. The cybersecurity risks to us or our third party vendors are heightened by, among other things, the evolving nature of the threats faced, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography and new and increasingly sophisticated methods used to perpetrate illegal or fraudulent activities, including cyberattacks, email or wire fraud and other attacks exploiting security vulnerabilities in RMR’s, our hotel managers’ or other third parties’ information technology networks and systems or operations. Although much of RMR’s and Sonesta’s staff work from their respective offices for a majority of the work week, flexible working arrangements have resulted in increased remote working. This and other possible changing work practices have adversely impacted, and may in the future adversely impact, RMR’s, our hotel managers’ or other third parties’ abilities to maintain the security, proper function and availability of their respective information technology and systems since remote working by their employees could strain their respective technology resources and introduce operational risk, including heightened cybersecurity risk. Remote working environments may be less secure and more susceptible to hacking attacks, including phishing and social engineering attempts that have sought, and may seek, to exploit remote working environments. In addition, RMR’s, our hotel managers’ or other third parties’ data security, data privacy, investor reporting and business continuity processes could be impacted by a third party’s inability to perform in a remote work environment or by the failure of, or attack on, their information systems and technology.
Previous wording
There continues to be increased focus from regulators, investors, tenants and other stakeholders concerning corporate sustainability. The SEC is considering climate change related regulations and certain states have enacted climate focused disclosure laws and we may incur significant costs in compliance with such rules. Some investors may use ESG factors to guide their investment strategies and, in some cases, may choose not to invest in us, or otherwise do business with us, if they believe our or RMR’s policies relating to corporate sustainability are inadequate. Third party providers of corporate sustainability ratings and reports on companies have increased in number, resulting in varied and, in some cases, inconsistent standards. In addition, the criteria by which companies’ corporate sustainability practices are assessed are evolving, which could result in greater expectations of us and RMR and cause us and RMR to undertake costly initiatives to satisfy such new criteria. Alternatively, if we or RMR elect not to or are unable to satisfy such new criteria or do not meet the criteria of a specific third party provider, some investors may conclude that our or RMR’s policies with respect to corporate sustainability are inadequate. Pursuant to RMR’s zero emissions goal, RMR has pledged to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions to net zero by 2050 with a 50% reduction commitment by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. We and RMR may face reputational damage in the event that our or their corporate sustainability procedures or standards do not meet the goals that we or RMR have set or the standards set by various constituencies. If we and RMR fail to comply with ESG related regulations and to satisfy the expectations of investors and our tenants and other stakeholders or our or RMR’s announced goals and other initiatives are not executed as planned, our and RMR’s reputation could be adversely affected, and our revenues, results of operations and ability to grow our business may be negatively impacted. In addition, we may incur significant costs in attempting to comply with regulatory requirements, ESG policies or third party expectations or demands.
Current wording
There remains a continued focus from regulators, investors, tenants and other stakeholders concerning corporate sustainability. For example, the SEC has adopted climate change related regulations and certain states have enacted climate focused disclosure laws and we may incur significant costs in compliance with such rules if and when such regulations become effective. Some investors may use ESG factors to guide their investment strategies and, in some cases, may choose not to invest in us, or otherwise do business with us, if they believe our or RMR’s policies relating to corporate sustainability are inadequate. Third party providers of corporate sustainability ratings and reports on companies have increased in number, resulting in varied and, in some cases, inconsistent standards. In addition, the criteria by which companies’ corporate sustainability practices are assessed are evolving, which could result in greater expectations of us and RMR and cause us and RMR to undertake costly initiatives to satisfy such new criteria. Alternatively, if we or RMR elect not to or are unable to satisfy such new criteria or do not meet the criteria of a specific third party provider, some investors may conclude that our or RMR’s policies with respect to corporate sustainability are inadequate. Pursuant to RMR’s zero emissions goal, RMR has pledged to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions to net zero by 2050 with a 50% reduction commitment by 2029 from a 2019 baseline. We and RMR may face reputational damage in the event that our or their corporate sustainability procedures or standards do not meet the goals that we or RMR have set or the standards set by various constituencies. If we and RMR fail to comply with ESG related regulations and to satisfy the expectations of investors and our tenants and other stakeholders or our or RMR’s announced goals and other initiatives are not executed as planned, our and RMR’s reputation could be adversely affected, and our revenues, results of operations and ability to grow our business may be negatively impacted. In addition, we may incur significant costs in attempting to comply with regulatory requirements, ESG policies or third party expectations or demands.
Previous wording
John Murray, our other Managing Trustee, Todd Hargreaves, our President and Chief Investment Officer, and Brian Donley, our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, are also officers and employees of RMR. Mr. Murray is also a director and the president and chief executive officer of Sonesta, and Mr. Donley is also the chief financial officer and treasurer of Office Properties Income Trust, or OPI, another REIT managed by RMR. Messrs. Portnoy, Murray, Hargreaves and Donley have duties to RMR, Mr. Murray has duties to Sonesta and Mr. Donley has duties to OPI, as well as to us, and we do not have their undivided attention. They and other RMR personnel may have conflicts in allocating their time and resources between us and RMR and other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide services. Some of our Independent Trustees also serve as independent trustees of other public companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services.
Current wording
John Murray, our other Managing Trustee, Todd Hargreaves, our President and Chief Investment Officer, Brian Donley, our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Jesse Abair, our Vice President, are also officers and employees of RMR. Mr. Murray is also a director and the president and chief executive officer of Sonesta, and Mr. Donley is also the chief financial officer and treasurer of Office Properties Income Trust, or OPI, another REIT managed by RMR. Messrs. Portnoy, Murray, Hargreaves, Donley and Abair have duties to RMR, Mr. Murray has duties to Sonesta and Mr. Donley has duties to OPI, as well as to us, and we do not have their undivided attention. They and other RMR personnel may have conflicts in allocating their time and resources between us and RMR and other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide services. Some of our Independent Trustees also serve as independent trustees of other public companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services.
Previous wording
In addition, we may in the future enter into additional transactions with RMR, its affiliates or entities managed by it or its subsidiaries. In addition to his investments in RMR Inc. and RMR, Mr. Portnoy holds equity investments in other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services and some of these companies have significant cross ownership interests, including, for example: as of December 31, 2023, Mr. Portnoy beneficially owned, in aggregate, 1.1% of our outstanding common shares and Mr. Portnoy is the controlling shareholder of Sonesta, and we own 34% of Sonesta’s outstanding common stock. Our executive officers also own equity investments in other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services. These multiple responsibilities, relationships and cross ownerships may give rise to conflicts of interest or the perception of such conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving us, RMR Inc., RMR, our Managing Trustees, the other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services and their related parties. Conflicts of interest or the perception of conflicts of interest could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business and the market price of our common shares and other securities and we may be subject to increased risk of litigation as a result.
Current wording
In addition, we may in the future enter into additional transactions with RMR, its affiliates or entities managed by it or its subsidiaries. In addition to his investments in RMR Inc. and RMR, Mr. Portnoy holds equity investments in other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services and some of these companies have significant cross ownership interests, including, for example: as of December 31, 2024, Mr. Portnoy beneficially owned, in aggregate, 1.2% of our outstanding common shares and Mr. Portnoy is the controlling shareholder of Sonesta, and we own 34% of Sonesta’s outstanding common stock. Our executive officers also own equity investments in other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services. These multiple responsibilities, relationships and cross ownerships may give rise to conflicts of interest or the perception of such conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving us, RMR Inc., RMR, our Managing Trustees, the other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services and their related parties. Conflicts of interest or the perception of conflicts of interest could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business and the market price of our common shares and other securities and we may be subject to increased risk of litigation as a result.
Previous wording
Sonesta managed 195 of our hotels as of December 31, 2023. Sonesta is controlled by Adam Portnoy. Mr. Portnoy, Mr. Murray and Jennifer Clark, our Secretary, are directors of Sonesta, and Mr. Murray is also Sonesta’s president and chief executive officer. Other officers and employees of Sonesta are former employees of RMR. We own 34% of Sonesta’s outstanding common stock.
Current wording
Sonesta managed 181 of our hotels as of December 31, 2024. Sonesta is controlled by Adam Portnoy. Mr. Portnoy, Mr. Murray and Jennifer Clark, our Secretary, are directors of Sonesta, and Mr. Murray is also Sonesta’s president and chief executive officer. Other officers and employees of Sonesta are former employees of RMR. We own 34% of Sonesta’s outstanding common stock.
Previous wording
Our declaration of trust and bylaws prohibit any shareholder, other than RMR and its affiliates (as defined under Maryland law) and certain persons who have been exempted by our Board of Trustees, from owning, directly and by attribution, more than 9.8% of the number or value of shares (whichever is more restrictive) of any class or series of our outstanding shares of beneficial interest, including our common shares. These provisions of our declaration of trust and bylaws are intended to, among other purposes, assist with our REIT compliance under the IRC and otherwise promote our orderly governance. However, these provisions may also inhibit acquisitions of a significant stake in us and may deter, delay or prevent a change in control of us or unsolicited acquisition proposals that a shareholder may consider favorable. Additionally, provisions contained in our declaration of trust and bylaws or under Maryland law may have a similar impact, including, for example, provisions relating to:
Current wording
Our declaration of trust and bylaws prohibit any shareholder, other than RMR and its affiliates (as defined under Maryland law) and certain persons who have been exempted by our Board of Trustees, from owning, directly and by attribution, more than 9.8% of the number or value of shares (whichever is more restrictive) of any class or series of our outstanding shares of beneficial interest, including our common shares. These restrictions in our declaration of trust and bylaws are intended to, among other purposes, assist with our REIT compliance under the IRC. Further, our bylaws contain provisions that generally prohibit shareholders from owning more than 5% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of any class or series of our outstanding shares, including our common shares. This ownership limitation in our bylaws is intended to help us preserve our ability to use our net operating losses and other tax benefits to reduce our future taxable income. We also believe these restrictions in our declaration of trust and bylaws promote good orderly governance. However, these restrictions may also inhibit acquisitions of a significant stake in us and may deter, delay or prevent a change in control of us or unsolicited acquisition proposals that a shareholder may consider favorable. Additionally, provisions contained in our declaration of trust and bylaws or under Maryland law may have a similar impact, including, for example, provisions relating to:
Previous wording
Our bylaws currently provide that, unless the dispute has been referred to binding arbitration, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland will be the sole and exclusive forum for: (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (2) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents to us or our shareholders; (3) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents arising pursuant to Maryland law, our declaration of trust or bylaws brought by or on behalf of a shareholder, either on such shareholder’s own behalf, on our behalf or on behalf of any series or class of shares of beneficial interest of ours or by our shareholders against us or any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents, including any disputes, claims or controversies relating to the meaning, interpretation, effect, validity, performance or enforcement of our declaration of trust or bylaws; or (4) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Maryland. Our bylaws currently also provide that the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland will be the sole and exclusive forum for any dispute, or portion thereof, regarding the meaning, interpretation or validity of any provision of our declaration of trust or bylaws. The exclusive forum provision of our bylaws does not apply to any action for which the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland does not have jurisdiction or to a dispute that has been referred to binding arbitration in accordance with our bylaws. The exclusive forum provision of our bylaws does not establish exclusive jurisdiction in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland for claims that arise under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal securities laws if there is exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction in the federal courts. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in our shares of beneficial interest shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to these provisions of our bylaws, as they may be amended from time to time. The arbitration and exclusive forum provisions of our bylaws may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that the shareholder believes is favorable for disputes with us or our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents.
Current wording
Our bylaws currently provide that other than any action arising under the Securities Act, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland will be the sole and exclusive forum for: (1) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined under the Maryland General Corporation Law; (2) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (3) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents to us or our shareholders; (4) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents arising pursuant to Maryland law, our declaration of trust or bylaws, including any disputes, claims or controversies brought by or on behalf of a shareholder, either on such shareholder’s own behalf, on our behalf or on behalf of any series or class of shares of beneficial interest of ours or by our shareholders against us or any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents, including any disputes, claims or controversies relating to the meaning, interpretation, effect, validity, performance or enforcement of our declaration of trust or bylaws; and (5) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Maryland. Our bylaws currently also provide that the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland will be the sole and exclusive forum for any dispute, or portion thereof, regarding the meaning, interpretation or validity of any provision of our declaration of trust or bylaws. The exclusive forum provision of our bylaws does not apply to any action for which the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland does not have jurisdiction. Unless we otherwise consent in writing, the sole and exclusive forum for claims that arise under the Securities Act is the federal district courts of the United States of America, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in our shares of beneficial interest shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to these provisions of our bylaws, as they may be amended from time to time. The exclusive forum provisions of our bylaws may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that the shareholder believes is favorable for disputes with us or our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our Trustees, officers, managers or other agents.
Previous wording
We intend to continue to pay regular quarterly distributions to our shareholders; however:
Current wording
Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2024, we reduced our quarterly cash distribution rate on our common shares to $0.01 per common share in order to improve our liquidity. We intend to continue to pay regular quarterly distributions to our shareholders at this rate for an indefinite period, subject to applicable REIT tax requirements; however:
Previous wording
The Notes and the Guarantees are structurally subordinated to the payment of all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 Notes, the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes.
Current wording
The Notes and the Guarantees are structurally subordinated to the payment of all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2027 Notes, the 2029 Notes, the 2031 Notes and the 2032 Notes.
Showing the first 40 of 44 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Any failure by RMR, our hotel managers or other third party vendors to maintain the security, proper function and availability of their respective information technology and systems, or any failure by RMR, our hotel managers or other third party vendors to provide the appropriate regulatory and other notifications in a timely manner could result in financial losses, interrupt our operations, damage our reputation, cause us to be in default of material contracts and subject us to liability claims or regulatory penalties, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.