Summit Hotel Properties Inc

Previous wording

•Risks related to compliance with REIT regulations

Current wording

•Risks related to compliance with REIT requirements

Previous wording

The following risk factors address the material risks concerning our business. If any of the risks discussed in this report were to occur, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operation and our ability to service our debt and make distributions to our stockholders could be materially and adversely affected and the market price per share of our stock could decline significantly. Some statements in this report, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section entitled “Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements.” The discussion of the potential effect of the following risk factors on our financial results relates to our consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

The following risk factors address the material risks concerning our business. If any of the risks discussed in this report were to occur, our business, prospects, consolidated financial condition, consolidated results of operation and our ability to service our debt and make distributions to our stockholders could be materially and adversely affected and the market price per share of our stock could decline significantly. Some statements in this report, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section entitled “Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements.” The discussion of the potential effect of the following risk factors on our financial results relates to our consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

The sale of certain lodging properties could result in significant tax liabilities unless we are able to defer the taxable gain through like-kind exchanges under Section 1031 of the IRC ("1031 Exchanges").

Current wording

The sale of certain properties could result in significant tax liabilities unless we are able to offset taxable gains through tax planning strategies under the IRC including the use of net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") or like-kind exchanges under Section 1031 of the IRC ("1031 Exchanges").

Previous wording

From time to time, we structure asset sales for possible inclusion in like-kind exchanges within the meaning of Section 1031 of the IRC. The ability to complete a like-kind exchange depends on many factors, including, among others, identifying and acquiring suitable replacement property within limited time periods, and the ownership structure of the properties being sold and acquired. Therefore, we are not always able to sell an asset as part of a like-kind exchange. When successful, a like-kind exchange enables us to defer the taxable gain on the asset sold. Our inability to defer the taxable gain resulting from the sales of certain lodging properties, could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows or the market price of our stock. Moreover, Section 1031 Exchanges now only apply to real property and do not apply to any related personal property transferred with the real property. As a result, any appreciated personal property that is transferred in connection with a Section 1031 Exchange of real property will cause gain to be recognized, and such gain is generally treated as non-qualifying income for the REIT 95% and 75% gross income tests. Any such non-qualifying income could have an adverse effect on our REIT status.

Current wording

If we generate capital gains on property sales, we may be subject to significant tax liabilities unless we have NOLs available to offset these capital gains (at December 31, 2024, our TRSs had federal net operating losses of $48.8 million which are not subject to expiration and state net operating losses of $33.6 million, which expire beginning in 2025). These NOLs may be available to offset capital gains from future property sales. However, there can be no assurance that we will continue to have NOLs or NOLs in sufficient amount in the future to offset capital gains on property sales, if and when they occur. We may also be able to defer capital gains on property sales with 1031 Exchanges. The ability to complete 1031 Exchanges depends on many factors, including, among others, identifying and acquiring suitable replacement property within limited time periods, and the ownership structure of the properties being sold and acquired. Therefore, we are not always able to sell an asset as part of a like-kind exchange. When successful, a like-kind exchange enables us to defer the taxable gain on the asset sold. Moreover, 1031 Exchanges now only apply to real property and do not apply to any related personal property transferred with the real property. As a result, any appreciated personal property that is transferred in connection with 1031 Exchanges of real property will cause gain to be recognized, and such gain is generally treated as non-qualifying income for the REIT 95% and 75% gross income tests. Any such non-qualifying income could have an adverse effect on our REIT status. Our inability to defer taxable gains from property sales using available tax planning strategies under the IRC could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows, or the market price of our stock.

Previous wording

•we may not possess the same level of familiarity with the dynamics and market conditions of any new markets that we may enter, which could result in us paying too much for lodging properties in new markets or not have the lodging properties achieve their maximum potential;

Current wording

•we may not possess the same level of familiarity with the dynamics and market conditions of any new markets that we may enter, which could result in overpaying for lodging properties in new markets or the lodging properties not achieving their maximum potential;

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, Aimbridge Hospitality or its affiliates (“Aimbridge”) managed 61 of our 100 lodging properties. Thus, a substantial portion of our revenues is generated by lodging properties managed by Aimbridge. This significant concentration of operational risk in one management company makes us more vulnerable economically than if our management was more evenly diversified among several management companies. Any adverse developments in Aimbridge's business, financial strength or ability to operate our lodging properties efficiently and effectively could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We cannot provide assurance that Aimbridge will satisfy its obligations to us or effectively and efficiently operate our lodging properties. The failure or inability of Aimbridge to satisfy its obligations to us or effectively and efficiently operate our lodging properties could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows or the market price of our stock.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, Aimbridge Hospitality or its affiliates (“Aimbridge”) managed 50 of our 97 lodging properties. Thus, a substantial portion of our revenues is generated by lodging properties managed by Aimbridge. This significant concentration of operational risk in one management company makes us more vulnerable economically than if our management was more diversified among several management companies. Any adverse developments in Aimbridge's business, financial strength or ability to operate our lodging properties efficiently and effectively could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We cannot provide assurance that Aimbridge will satisfy its obligations to us or effectively and efficiently operate our lodging properties. The failure or inability of Aimbridge to satisfy its obligations to us or effectively and efficiently operate our lodging properties could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows or the market price of our stock.

Previous wording

Our lodging properties are primarily located in the top 50 MSAs and 90% are located within the top 100 MSAs. In certain regions, we have lodging properties that are concentrated geographically, which may increase business risks based on adverse market conditions. Adverse market developments in a particular region, which themselves may become more frequent and severe due to climate change, could adversely affect lodging demand and rates. Also, adverse market developments caused by increased capacity in a region in which we are located could adversely affect rates or demand for our lodging properties due to increased competition. These conditions could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and cash generation.

Current wording

Our lodging properties are primarily located in the top 50 MSAs and 91% are located within the top 100 MSAs. In certain regions, we have lodging properties that are concentrated geographically, which may increase business risks based on adverse market conditions. Adverse market developments in a particular region, which themselves may become more frequent and severe due to climate change, could adversely affect lodging demand and rates. Also, adverse market developments caused by increased capacity in a region in which we are located could adversely affect rates or demand for our lodging properties due to increased competition. These conditions could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and cash generation.

Previous wording

Our management agreements and franchise agreements generally contain restrictive covenants and other provisions that do not provide us with flexibility to sell, refinance or rebrand a lodging property without the consent of the manager or franchisor. For example, the terms of some of these agreements may restrict our ability to sell a lodging property unless the purchaser is not a competitor of the management company or franchisor, assumes the related agreement and meets specified other conditions. In addition, our franchise agreements restrict our ability to rebrand particular lodging properties without the consent of the franchisor, which could result in significant operational disruptions and litigation if we do not obtain the consent. We could be forced to pay consent or termination fees to property managers or franchisors under these agreements as a condition to changing management or franchise brands of our lodging properties, and these fees could deter us from taking actions that would otherwise be in our best interest or could cause us to incur substantial expense.

Current wording

Certain management agreements and substantially all franchise agreements generally contain restrictive covenants and other provisions that do not provide us with flexibility to sell, refinance or rebrand a lodging property without the consent of the manager or franchisor. For example, the terms of some of these agreements may restrict our ability to sell a lodging property unless the purchaser is not a competitor of the management company or franchisor, assumes the related agreement and meets specified other conditions. In addition, our franchise agreements restrict our ability to rebrand particular lodging properties without the consent of the franchisor, which could result in significant operational disruptions and litigation if we do not obtain the consent. We could be forced to pay consent or termination fees to property managers or franchisors under these agreements as a condition to changing management or franchise brands of our lodging properties, and these fees could deter us from taking actions that would otherwise be in our best interest or could cause us to incur substantial expense.

Previous wording

We expect to continue to rely on external sources of capital, including debt and equity financing, and contributions from joint venture partners related to joint venture activities, to fund future capital needs. Part of our strategy involves the use of additional debt financing to supplement our equity capital which may include our revolving credit and term loan facilities, mortgage financing and other unsecured financing. Our ability to effectively implement and accomplish our business strategy will be affected by our ability to obtain and use additional leverage in sufficient amounts and on favorable terms. However, the capital environment is often characterized by extended periods of limited availability of both debt and equity financing, increasing financing costs, stringent credit terms and significant volatility. We may not be able to secure first mortgage financing or increase the availability under, extend the maturity of or refinance our revolving credit and term loan facilities. If we are unable to obtain needed capital on satisfactory terms or at all, we may not be able to make the investments needed to expand our business, or to meet our obligations and commitments as they mature. Our access to capital will depend upon a number of factors over which we have little or no control, including general market conditions, the market’s perception of our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions and the market price of the shares of our common stock.

Current wording

We expect to continue to rely on external sources of capital, including debt and equity financing, and contributions from joint venture partners related to joint venture activities, to fund future capital needs. Part of our strategy involves the use of debt financing to supplement our equity capital which may include our revolving credit and term loan facilities, mortgage financing and other unsecured financing. Our ability to effectively implement and accomplish our business strategy will be affected by our ability to obtain and use additional leverage in sufficient amounts and on favorable terms. However, the capital environment is often characterized by extended periods of limited availability of both debt and equity financing, increasing financing costs, stringent credit terms and significant volatility. We may not be able to secure first mortgage financing or increase the availability under, extend the maturity of or refinance our revolving credit and term loan facilities. If we are unable to obtain needed capital on satisfactory terms or at all, we may not be able to make the investments needed to expand our business, or to meet our obligations and commitments as they mature. Our access to capital will depend upon a number of factors over which we have little or no control, including general market conditions, the market’s perception of our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions and the market price of the shares of our common stock.

Previous wording

Generally, our mortgage debt carries maturity dates or call dates such that the loans become due prior to their full amortization. It may be difficult to refinance or extend the maturity of such loans on terms acceptable to us, or at all, and we may not have sufficient borrowing capacity on our 2023 Senior Credit Facility to repay any amounts that we are unable to refinance. Although we believe that we will be able to refinance or extend the maturity of these loans, or will have the capacity to repay them, if necessary, using draws under our 2023 Senior Credit Facility, there can be no assurance that our 2023 Senior Credit Facility will be available to repay such maturing debt, as draws under our 2023 Senior Credit Facility are subject to certain use restrictions and limitations based upon our unencumbered assets and certain financial covenants.

Current wording

Generally, our mortgage debt carries maturity dates or call dates such that the loans become due prior to their full amortization. It may be difficult to refinance or extend the maturity of such loans on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Furthermore, we may not have sufficient borrowing capacity on our 2023 Senior Credit Facility to repay any amounts that we are unable to refinance. We believe that we will be able to refinance or extend the maturity of these loans or will have the capacity to repay them, if necessary, using draws under our 2023 Senior Credit Facility. However, there can be no assurance that our 2023 Senior Credit Facility will be available to repay such maturing debt as draws under our 2023 Senior Credit Facility are subject to certain use restrictions and limitations based upon our unencumbered assets and certain financial covenants.

Previous wording

We have entered into six interest rate swaps having an aggregate notional amount of $600.0 million at December 31, 2023, to hedge against interest rate increases on certain of our outstanding variable-rate indebtedness. In the future, we may manage our exposure to interest rate volatility by using hedging arrangements, such as interest rate swaps, caps, and collars. Hedging arrangements involve the risk that the arrangement may fail to protect or adversely affect us because, among other things:

Current wording

We have entered into six interest rate swaps having an aggregate notional amount of $625.0 million at December 31, 2024, to hedge against interest rate increases on certain of our outstanding variable-rate indebtedness. In the future, we may manage our exposure to interest rate volatility by using hedging arrangements, such as interest rate swaps, caps, and collars. Hedging arrangements involve the risk that the arrangement may fail to protect or adversely affect us because, among other things:

Previous wording

As a result of any of the foregoing, our hedging transactions, which are intended to limit losses and exposure to interest rate volatility, could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows or the market price of our stock. At December 31, 2023, our interest rate swaps were in an asset position totaling $14.0 million (see "Part II – Item 8. –Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 8 – Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging").

Current wording

As a result of any of the foregoing, our hedging transactions, which are intended to limit losses and exposure to interest rate volatility, could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows or the market price of our stock. At December 31, 2024, our interest rate swaps were in an asset position totaling $11.6 million (see "Part II – Item 8. –Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 8 – Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging").

Previous wording

We intend to maintain comprehensive insurance on our lodging properties, including liability, fire and extended coverage, of the type and amount we believe are customarily obtained for or by owners of properties similar to our lodging properties. Various types of catastrophic losses, such as hurricanes, floods and droughts, which can be exacerbated by climate change, or other losses caused by earthquakes, acts of terrorism, data breaches, losses related to business disruption from disputes with franchisors, losses related to business disruption caused by the Pandemic, or losses from customer litigation, may not be insurable or may not be economically insurable. In the event of a substantial loss, our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover the operating loss or the full market value or replacement cost of our lost investment. Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, we could lose all or a portion of the capital we have invested in a lodging property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the lodging property. In that event, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the asset. Loan covenants, inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors might also keep us from using insurance proceeds to replace or renovate an asset after it has been damaged or destroyed. Under those circumstances, the insurance proceeds we receive might be inadequate to restore our economic position on the damaged or destroyed lodging properties.

Current wording

We intend to maintain comprehensive insurance on our lodging properties, including liability, fire and extended coverage, of the type and amount we believe are customarily obtained for or by owners of properties similar to our lodging properties. Various types of catastrophic losses, such as hurricanes, floods and droughts, which can be exacerbated by climate change, or other losses caused by earthquakes, acts of terrorism, data breaches, losses related to business disruption from disputes with franchisors, losses related to business disruption caused by infectious disease outbreaks or pandemics, or losses from customer litigation, may not be insurable or may not be economically insurable. In the event of a substantial loss, our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover the operating loss or the full market value or replacement cost of our lost investment. Also, insurance costs could increase or be limited, or insurance coverage may not be available at all in the future for our lodging properties. Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, we could lose all or a portion of the capital we have invested in a lodging property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the lodging property. In that event, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the asset. Loan covenants, inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors might also keep us from using insurance proceeds to replace or renovate an asset after it has been damaged or destroyed. Under those circumstances, the insurance proceeds we receive might be inadequate to restore our economic position on the damaged or destroyed lodging properties.

Previous wording

The lodging industry is highly competitive. Our lodging properties compete with other properties for guests in each market in which our lodging properties operate based on a number of factors, including location, convenience, brand affiliation, guestroom rates, range of services and guest amenities or accommodations offered and quality of customer service. We also compete with numerous owners and operators of vacation ownership resorts, as well as companies that offer alternative accommodations, such as Airbnb and similar organizations, which operate websites that market available furnished, privately-owned residential properties, including homes and condominiums, that can be rented on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis. Competition will often be specific to the individual markets in which our lodging properties are located and includes competition from existing and new lodging properties, including alternative accommodations. The price transparency of the lodging industry could lead to difficulty in increasing ADR as our competitors may offer guestrooms at lower rates than we can, which could result in our competitors increasing their occupancy at our expense. Competition could adversely affect our occupancy, ADR and RevPAR, and may require us to provide additional amenities or make capital improvements that we otherwise would not have to make.

Current wording

The lodging industry is highly competitive. Our lodging properties compete with other properties for guests in each market in which our lodging properties operate based on a number of factors, including location, convenience, brand affiliation, guestroom rates, range of services and guest amenities or accommodations offered and quality of customer service. We also compete with owners and operators of vacation ownership resorts, as well as companies that offer alternative accommodations, such as Airbnb and similar organizations. These organizations operate websites that market available furnished, privately-owned residential properties, including homes and condominiums, that can be rented on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis. Competition will often be specific to the individual markets in which our lodging properties are located and includes competition from existing and new lodging properties, including alternative accommodations. The price transparency of the lodging industry could lead to difficulty in increasing ADR as our competitors may offer guestrooms at lower rates than we can, which could result in our competitors increasing their occupancy at our expense. Competition could adversely affect our occupancy, ADR and RevPAR, and may require us to provide additional amenities or make capital improvements that we otherwise would not have to make.

Previous wording

Lodging properties have different economic characteristics than many other real estate assets. A typical office property owner, for example, has long-term leases with third-party tenants, which provide a relatively stable long-term stream of revenue. By contrast, our lodging properties are subject to various operating risks common to the lodging industry, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

Current wording

Lodging properties have different economic characteristics than other real estate assets with long-term leases. Our lodging properties are subject to various operating risks common to the lodging industry, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

Previous wording

Guestrooms for our lodging properties can be booked through Internet travel intermediaries, including, but not limited to Expedia.com and Booking.com, and their portfolio of companies (commonly referred to as "online travel agents" or "OTA's"). As these Internet bookings increase, these intermediaries may be able to obtain higher commissions, reduced guestroom rates or other significant contract concessions from our property management companies. Moreover, some of these Internet travel intermediaries are attempting to offer lodging property guestrooms as a commodity, by increasing the importance of price and general indicators of quality (such as “three-star downtown property”) at the expense of brand identification. These agencies hope that consumers will eventually develop brand loyalties to their reservations system rather than to the brands under which our lodging properties are franchised. If the amount of sales made through Internet intermediaries increases significantly, guestroom revenue may flatten or decrease, which could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows or the market price of our stock.

Current wording

Guestrooms for our lodging properties can be booked through Internet travel intermediaries, including, but not limited to Expedia.com and Booking.com, and their portfolio of companies (commonly referred to as "online travel agents" or "OTA's"). As these Internet bookings increase, these OTA's may be able to obtain higher commissions, reduced guestroom rates or other significant contract concessions from our property management companies. Moreover, some of these OTA's are attempting to offer lodging property guestrooms as a commodity, by increasing the importance of price and general indicators of quality (such as “three-star downtown property”) at the expense of brand identification. These OTA's hope that consumers will eventually develop brand loyalties to their reservations system rather than to the brands under which our lodging properties are franchised. If the amount of sales made through OTA's increases significantly, guestroom revenue may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows or the market price of our stock.

Previous wording

Our lodging properties are subject to various covenants and local laws and regulatory requirements, including permitting and licensing requirements which can restrict the use of our properties and increase the cost of acquisition, development and operation of our lodging properties. Our lodging properties are also subject to regulations intended to address the risk of highly infectious diseases which can restrict certain activities of our lodging properties and result in increased costs. In addition, federal and state laws and regulations, including laws such as the ADA, impose further restrictions on our operations. Under the ADA, all public accommodations must meet federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. We have not conducted a comprehensive audit or investigation of all of our properties to determine our compliance. As such, some of our lodging properties currently may be in noncompliance with the ADA. If one or more of the lodging properties in our portfolio is not in compliance with the ADA or any other regulatory requirements, we may be required to incur additional costs to bring the property into compliance and we might incur damages or governmental fines. In addition, existing requirements may change and future requirements may require us to make significant unanticipated expenditures.

Current wording

Our lodging properties are subject to various covenants and local laws and regulatory requirements, including permitting and licensing requirements which can restrict the use of our properties and increase the cost of acquisition, development and operation of our lodging properties. Our lodging properties are also subject to regulations intended to address the risk of highly infectious diseases which can restrict certain activities of our lodging properties and result in increased costs. In addition, federal and state laws and regulations, including laws such as the ADA, impose further restrictions on our operations. Under the ADA, all public accommodations must meet federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. We have not conducted a comprehensive audit or investigation of all of our properties to determine our compliance. As such, some of our lodging properties currently may be in noncompliance with the ADA. If one or more of the lodging properties in our portfolio is not in compliance with the ADA or any other regulatory requirements, we may be required to incur additional costs to bring the property into compliance and we might incur damages or governmental fines. In addition, existing requirements may change, and future requirements may require us to make significant unanticipated expenditures. These conditions could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows or the market price of our stock.

Previous wording

In addition, because we are a holding company, stockholders’ claims will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations (whether or not for borrowed money) of our Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries, including the Convertible Notes (defined below under "Part II. -Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources"). Therefore, in the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, claims of our stockholders will be satisfied only after all of our and our Operating Partnership’s and its subsidiaries’ liabilities and obligations have been paid in full.

Current wording

In addition, because we are a holding company, stockholders’ claims will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations (whether or not for borrowed money) of our Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries, including the Convertible Notes (as defined under "Part II - Item 8. –Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 6 - Debt"). Therefore, in the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, claims of our stockholders will be satisfied only after all of our and our Operating Partnership’s and its subsidiaries’ liabilities and obligations have been paid in full.

Previous wording

Sales of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock or preferred stock in the public market, or upon exchange of Common Units or exercise of any equity awards, or the perception that such sales might occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and preferred stock. As of February 9, 2024, all 15,948,628 of the Common Units are redeemable and may in the future be converted into shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis and sold into the public market. The exchange of Common Units for common stock, the vesting of any equity-based awards granted to certain directors, executive officers and other employees under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated effective May 13, 2021 (as amended and restated, the “Equity Plan”), the issuance of our common stock or Common Units in connection with lodging property, portfolio or business acquisitions and other issuances of our common stock or Common Units could have an adverse effect on the market price of the shares of our common stock.

Current wording

Sales of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock or preferred stock in the public market, or upon exchange of Common Units or exercise of any equity awards, or the perception that such sales might occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and preferred stock. As of February 13, 2025, all 14,609,276 of the Common Units are redeemable and may in the future be converted into shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis and sold into the public market. The exchange of Common Units for common stock, the vesting of any equity-based awards granted to certain directors, executive officers and other employees under the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, which was restated effective May 22, 2024 (as amended and restated, the “Equity Plan”), the issuance of our common stock or Common Units in connection with lodging property, portfolio or business acquisitions and other issuances of our common stock or Common Units could have an adverse effect on the market price of the shares of our common stock.

Previous wording

•if we fail to meet any of the required REIT qualifications.

Current wording

•if we, or any of our subsidiary REITs, fail to meet any of the required REIT qualifications.

Previous wording

Although we believe that our Operating Partnership will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not successfully challenge that position. If the IRS were to successfully contend that our Operating Partnership should be treated as a publicly traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation, we would fail to meet the 75% gross income test and certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs and, unless we qualified for certain statutory relief provisions, we would cease to qualify as a REIT. Also, our Operating Partnership would become subject to federal, state and local income tax, which would reduce significantly the amount of cash available for debt service and for distribution to us.

Current wording

Although we believe that our Operating Partnership will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not successfully challenge that position. If the IRS were to successfully contend that our Operating Partnership should be treated as a publicly traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation, we would fail to meet the 75% gross income test and certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs and, unless we qualified for certain statutory relief provisions, we would cease to qualify as a REIT. Also, our Operating Partnership would become subject to federal, state and local income tax, which would significantly reduce the amount of cash available for debt service and for distribution to us.

Previous wording

We own and may in the future own interests in entities that have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws (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 any of our subsidiary REITs were to fail to qualify as a REIT, then (i) such subsidiary REIT would become subject to U.S. federal income tax and (ii) our ownership of shares in such subsidiary REIT would cease to be a qualifying asset for purposes of the asset tests applicable to REITs. If any subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that we would fail certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs, in which event we would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we could avail ourselves of certain relief provisions. We may make “protective” TRS elections with respect to our subsidiary REITs and may implement other protective arrangements intended to avoid such an outcome if a subsidiary REIT were not to qualify as a REIT, but there can be no assurance that such “protective” election and other arrangements will be effective to avoid the resulting adverse consequences to us. Moreover, even if the “protective” TRS election was to be effective in the event of the failure of our subsidiary REIT to maintain its qualification as a REIT, such subsidiary REIT would be subject to federal income tax and we cannot assure you that we would not fail to satisfy the requirement that not more than 20 percent of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more TRSs. In this event, we would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we or such subsidiary REIT could avail ourselves or itself of certain relief provisions.

Current wording

We own and may in the future own interests in entities that have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws (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 any of our subsidiary REITs were to fail to qualify as a REIT, then (i) such subsidiary REIT would become subject to U.S. federal income tax and (ii) our ownership of shares in such subsidiary REIT would cease to be a qualifying asset for purposes of the asset tests applicable to REITs. If any subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that we would fail certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs, in which event we would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we could avail ourselves of certain relief provisions. We may make “protective” TRS elections with respect to our subsidiary REITs and may implement other protective arrangements intended to avoid such an outcome if a subsidiary REIT were not to qualify as a REIT, but there can be no assurance that such “protective” election and other arrangements will be effective to avoid the resulting adverse consequences to us. Moreover, even if the “protective” TRS election was to be effective in the event of the failure of our subsidiary REIT to maintain its qualification as a REIT, such subsidiary REIT would be subject to federal income tax and we cannot assure you that we would not fail to satisfy the requirement that not more than 20% of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more TRSs. In this event, we would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we or such subsidiary REIT could avail ourselves or itself of certain relief provisions.

Previous wording

We may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash and common stock at the election of each stockholder. Under IRS Revenue Procedure 2017-45, as a publicly offered REIT, as long as at least 20% of the total dividend is available in cash and certain other requirements are satisfied, the IRS will treat the stock distribution as a dividend (to the extent applicable rules treat such distribution as being made out of our earnings and profits). If we made a taxable dividend payable in cash and common stock, taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, stockholders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash dividends received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the common stock that it receives as a dividend to pay these taxes, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our common stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold federal income tax with respect to such dividends, including with respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in common stock. If we made a taxable dividend payable in cash and our common stock and a significant number of our stockholders decide to sell shares of our common stock to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock. We do not currently intend to pay a taxable dividend of our common stock and cash.

Current wording

We may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash and common stock at the election of each stockholder. Under IRS Revenue Procedure 2017-45, as a publicly offered REIT, as long as at least 20% of the total dividend is eligible to be paid in cash and certain other requirements are satisfied, the IRS will treat the stock distribution as a dividend (to the extent applicable rules treat such distribution as being made out of our earnings and profits). If we made a taxable dividend payable in cash and common stock, taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, stockholders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash dividends received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the common stock that it receives as a dividend to pay these taxes, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our common stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold federal income tax with respect to such dividends, including with respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in common stock. If we made a taxable dividend payable in cash and our common stock and a significant number of our stockholders decide to sell shares of our common stock to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock. We do not currently intend to pay a taxable dividend of our common stock and cash.

Previous wording

Increasing attention to and evolving expectations for environmental, social and governance ("ESG") matters may increase our costs, harm our reputation, or otherwise adversely affect our business.

Current wording

Increasing attention to and evolving expectations for corporate responsibility matters may increase our costs, harm our reputation, or otherwise adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

Additionally, our business is exposed to risks associated with efforts to mitigate or respond to climate change, including but not limited to regulatory developments and changes in market demand. For example, some state and local governments have adopted, or considered adopting, restrictions on water use or GHG emissions. Separately, the SEC has proposed disclosure requirements that would require companies to disclose a range of climate-related information, which may require us to incur substantial monitoring and compliance costs. Changes in consumer preferences, whether due to physical climate conditions or environmentally-minded travel considerations, may also result in decreased demand for lodging in certain markets where we operate. These and other risks may reduce demand for our properties or otherwise result in adverse effects on our business, consolidated financial position, and results of operations.

Current wording

Additionally, our business is exposed to risks associated with efforts to mitigate or respond to climate change, including but not limited to regulatory developments and changes in market demand. For example, some state and local governments have adopted, or considered adopting, restrictions on water use or GHG emissions. Separately, various policymakers such as in the State of California have adopted or are considering adopting requirements for the disclosure of certain climate-related information, which may require us to incur substantial monitoring and compliance costs. Changes in consumer preferences, whether due to physical climate conditions or environmentally-minded travel considerations, may also result in decreased demand for lodging in certain markets where we operate. These and other risks may reduce demand for our properties or otherwise result in adverse effects on our business, consolidated financial position, and results of operations.