Skip to main content

FRANKLIN STREET PROPERTIES CORP MA

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 11, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About 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 11, 2025

FSP$0.43+1.4%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-26.

0001558370-24-001708

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-11.

0001558370-25-000806

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The 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 87 previous paragraphs and 92 current paragraphs.

69 unchanged; 15 reworded; 3 added; 0 removed; 3 previous and 5 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 12 previous and 12 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 (3)

Current report

If we do not repay a portion of our indebtedness by March 31, 2025, our interest costs will increase.

Current report

The terms of the BofA Term Loan and the BMO Term Loan provide that if, as of March 31, 2025, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the BMO Term Loan, the BofA Term Loan and the Senior Notes exceeds $200 million, then the spread over SOFR or the base rate, as applicable, will permanently increase by 100 basis points, from 300 basis points to 400 basis points in the case of SOFR, and from 200 basis points to 300 basis points in the case of the base rate. The terms of the Senior Notes provide that if, as of March 31, 2025, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the BMO Term Loan, the BofA Term Loan and the Senior Notes exceeds $200 million, then the per annum interest rates applicable to the Series A Notes and the Series B Notes will permanently increase by 1.00% from 8.00% per annum to 9.00% per annum.

Current report

We currently have approximately $250.3 million of indebtedness outstanding under the BMO Term Loan, the BofA Term Loan and the Senior Notes. Therefore, if we do not repay approximately $50.3 million of our indebtedness by March 31, 2025, the interest rate on each of our BMO Term Loan, the BofA Term Loan and the Senior Rates will permanently increase by 1%. An increase in our interest costs would adversely affect our cash flow and could adversely affect our capacity to pay principal and interest on our debt and our ability to make distributions to stockholders. In addition, increased interest rates on our outstanding indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to incur new debt or to refinance our existing debt when it matures.
Reworded paragraphs (15)

Previous wording

There can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance the BofA Term Loan, the BMO Term Loan, the Series A Notes or the Series B Notes (each as defined in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations) upon their respective maturities, or that any such refinancings would be on terms as favorable as the terms of the BofA Term Loan, the BMO Term Loan, the Series A Notes, or the Series B Notes, or that we will be able to otherwise obtain funds by selling assets or raising equity to make required payments on the BofA Term Loan, the BMO Term Loan, the Series A Notes or the Series B Notes. If we are unable to refinance the BofA Term Loan, the BMO Term Loan, the Series A Notes or the Series B Notes at maturity or meet our payment obligations, the amount of our distributable cash flow and our financial condition would be adversely affected.

Current wording

Each of the BofA Term Loan, the BMO Term Loan, the Series A Notes or the Series B Notes (each as defined in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations) matures on April 1, 2026. There can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance this indebtedness at maturity, or if we were able to do so, that any such refinancings would be on terms as favorable as the terms currently applicable to the BofA Term Loan, the BMO Term Loan, the Series A Notes, or the Series B Notes, and we may not be able to otherwise obtain

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023 and February 21, 2024, we had $90 million and $67 million, respectively, outstanding under the BofA Term Loan. Interest on the BofA Term Loan bears interest at variable rates based on a spread over SOFR and includes a 5.00% floor on SOFR.

Current wording

As of each of December 31, 2024 and February 6, 2025, we had $55.6 million outstanding under the BofA Term Loan. Interest on the BofA Term Loan bears interest at variable rates based on a spread over SOFR and includes a 5.00% floor on SOFR.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023 and February 21, 2024, we had $115 million and $86 million, respectively, outstanding under the BMO Term Loan. Interest on the BMO Term Loan bears interest at variable rates based on a spread over SOFR and includes a 5.00% floor on SOFR.

Current wording

As of each of December 31, 2024 and February 6, 2025, we had $71.1 million outstanding under the BMO Term Loan. Interest on the BMO Term Loan bears interest at variable rates based on a spread over SOFR and includes a 5.00% floor on SOFR.

Previous wording

During 2023, the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate target several times, most recently increasing it by 25 basis points on July 26, 2023, to a range of 5.25% to 5.50%. If interest rates continue to increase, then the interest costs on our unhedged variable rate debt will also increase, which could adversely affect our cash flow, our ability to pay principal and interest on our debt and our ability to make distributions to stockholders. In addition, rising interest rates could limit our ability to incur new debt or to refinance existing debt when it matures. From time to time, we may enter into interest rate swap agreements and other interest rate hedging contracts, including swaps, caps and floors. While these agreements are intended to lessen the impact of rising interest rates on us, they also expose us to the risks that the other parties to the agreements will not perform, we could incur significant costs associated with the settlement of the agreements, the agreements will be unenforceable and the underlying transactions will fail to qualify as highly-effective cash flow hedges. In addition, increases in interest rates could decrease the amount third parties are willing to pay for our assets, thereby limiting our ability to change our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions, to incur new debt or refinance existing debt when it matures.

Current wording

principal and interest on our debt and our ability to make distributions to stockholders. In addition, rising interest rates could limit our ability to incur new debt or to refinance existing debt when it matures. From time to time, we may enter into interest rate swap agreements and other interest rate hedging contracts, including swaps, caps and floors. While these agreements are intended to lessen the impact of rising interest rates on us, they also expose us to the risks that the other parties to the agreements will not perform, we could incur significant costs associated with the settlement of the agreements, the agreements will be unenforceable and the underlying transactions will fail to qualify as highly-effective cash flow hedges. In addition, increases in interest rates could decrease the amount third parties are willing to pay for our assets, thereby limiting our ability to change our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions, to incur new debt or refinance existing debt when it matures.

Previous wording

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted our properties and operating results and continues to present material uncertainty and risk with respect to the performance of our properties and our financial results. Considerable uncertainty still surrounds the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential effects on the population, including the spread of more contagious variants of the virus, and on the commercial real estate market and our business. Many of our tenants still do not fully occupy the space that they lease. Any ongoing negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect us and/or our tenants due to, among other factors: the potential negative impact to the businesses of our tenants, the impact of work-from-home and return-to-work policies, the potential negative impact to leasing efforts and occupancy at our properties, uncertainty regarding future rent collection levels or requests for rent concessions from our tenants, the occurrence of a default under any of our debt agreements, the potential for increased borrowing costs, negative impacts on our ability to refinance existing indebtedness or to secure new sources of capital on favorable terms, fluctuations in our level of dividends, increased costs of operations, making more difficult our ability to complete required capital expenditures in a timely manner and on budget, decreases in values of our real estate assets, changes in law and/or regulation, and uncertainty regarding government and regulatory policy.

Current wording

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted our properties and operating results and continues to present material uncertainty and risk with respect to the performance of our properties and our financial results. Considerable uncertainty still surrounds the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential effects on the population, including the spread of more contagious variants of the virus, and on the commercial real estate market and our business. Many of our tenants still do not fully occupy the space that they lease. Any ongoing negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect us and/or our tenants due to, among other factors: the potential negative impact to the businesses of our tenants, the impact of work-from-home and return-to-work policies, the potential negative impact to leasing efforts and occupancy at our properties, uncertainty regarding future rent collection levels or requests for rent concessions from our tenants, the occurrence of a default under any of our debt agreements, the potential for increased borrowing costs, negative impacts on our ability to refinance existing indebtedness or to secure new sources of capital on

Previous wording

Although recent indicators suggest that economic activity has expanded at a modest pace, the global economy continues to experience significant disruptions and uncertainty as a result of various factors, including geopolitical events such as the wars between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, in the Gaza Strip and ongoing conflicts in various other parts of the Middle East, increasing tensions with China, the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing supply chain difficulties. Because economic conditions directly affect the demand for office space, our primary income producing asset, broad economic market conditions in the United States, including uncertainty over interest rates, slower growth, stock market volatility or recession fears, could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and financial condition. Economic conditions may be affected by numerous other factors, including but not limited to, inflation and employment levels, energy prices, uncertainty about government fiscal, monetary, trade and tax policies, changes in currency exchange rates, the regulatory environment and the availability of credit. Future economic factors also may negatively affect the demand for office space, real estate values, occupancy levels and property income.

Current wording

Although recent indicators suggest that economic activity has expanded at a modest pace, the global economy continues to experience significant disruptions and uncertainty as a result of various factors, including geopolitical events such as the wars and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, increasing tensions with China and Iran, the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing supply chain difficulties. Because economic conditions directly affect the demand for office space, our primary income producing asset, broad economic market conditions in the United States, including uncertainty over interest rates, slower growth, stock market volatility or recession fears, could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and financial condition. Economic conditions may be affected by numerous other factors, including but not limited to, inflation and employment levels, energy prices, uncertainty about government fiscal, monetary, trade and tax policies, changes in currency exchange rates, the regulatory environment and the availability of credit. Future economic factors also may negatively affect the demand for office space, real estate values, occupancy levels and property income.

Previous wording

A substantial portion of our revenue is generated by the rental income of our real properties and the Sponsored REIT Loan. If our properties do not provide us with a steady rental income or we do not collect interest income from the Sponsored REIT Loan, our revenues will decrease, which may cause us to incur operating losses in the future and reduce the cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

Current wording

A substantial portion of our revenue is generated by the rental income of our real properties. If our properties do not provide us with a steady rental income, our revenues will decrease, which may cause us to incur operating losses in the future. In addition, if our properties do not provide us with rental income or we do not collect interest income from the Sponsored REIT Loan, it will reduce the cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

Previous wording

An investment in us is subject to the risks incidental to the ownership, development, redevelopment and operation of real estate-related assets. These risks include the fact that real estate investments are generally illiquid,

Current wording

An investment in us is subject to the risks incidental to the ownership, development, redevelopment and operation of real estate-related assets. These risks include the fact that real estate investments are generally illiquid, which may affect our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions, as well as the risks normally associated with:

Previous wording

When leases expire, we may incur expenses and may not be able to re-lease the space on the same terms. While we cannot predict when existing vacant space in properties will be leased, if existing tenants with expiring leases will renew their leases or what the terms and conditions of the lease renewals will be, we expect to renew or sign new leases at current market rates for locations in which the buildings are located, which in some cases may be below the expiring rates. Certain leases provide tenants the right to terminate early if they pay a fee. If we are unable to re-lease space promptly, if the terms are significantly less favorable than anticipated or if the costs are higher, we may have to reduce distributions to our stockholders. Typical lease terms range from five to ten years, so up to approximately 20% of our rental revenue from commercial properties could be expected to expire each year.

Current wording

at current market rates for locations in which the buildings are located, which in some cases may be below the expiring rates. Certain leases provide tenants the right to terminate early if they pay a fee. If we are unable to re-lease space promptly, if the terms are significantly less favorable than anticipated or if the costs are higher, we may have to reduce distributions to our stockholders. Typical lease terms range from five to ten years, so up to approximately 20% of our rental revenue from commercial properties could be expected to expire each year.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, approximately 19% and 13% of our tenants as a percentage of the total rentable square feet operated in the energy services industry and the information technology and computer services industry, respectively. An economic downturn in these or any industry in which a high concentration of our tenants operate or in which a significant number of our tenants currently or may in the future operate, could negatively impact the financial condition of such tenants and cause them to fail to make timely rental payments or default on lease obligations, fail to renew their leases or renew their leases on terms less favorable to us, become bankrupt or insolvent, or otherwise become unable to satisfy their obligations to us, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, approximately 25% of our tenants as a percentage of the total rentable square feet operated in the energy services industry. An economic downturn in these or any industry in which a high concentration of our tenants operate or in which a significant number of our tenants currently or may in the future operate, could negatively impact the financial condition of such tenants and cause them to fail to make timely rental payments or default on lease obligations, fail to renew their leases or renew their leases on terms less favorable to us, become bankrupt or insolvent, or otherwise become unable to satisfy their obligations to us, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

The properties in our portfolio as of December 31, 2023, by aggregate square footage, are distributed geographically as follows: South — 41.0%, West — 37.0.%, Midwest — 16.8% and East — 5.2%. However, within certain of those regions, we hold a larger concentration of our properties in Denver, Colorado — 37.0%, Houston, Texas — 20.6%, Dallas, Texas — 17.6%, and Minneapolis, Minnesota — 13.1%. We are likely to face risks to the extent that any of these areas in which we hold a larger concentration of our properties suffer deteriorating economic conditions. As the Dallas, Denver and Houston metropolitan areas have a significant presence in the energy sector, a prolonged period of low oil or natural gas prices, or other factors negatively impacting the energy industry, could have an adverse impact on our ability to maintain the occupancy of our properties in those areas or could cause us to lease space at rates below current in-place rents, or at rates below the rates we have leased space in those areas in the prior year. In addition, factors negatively impacting the energy industry could reduce the market values of our properties in those areas, which could reduce our net asset value and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, or cause a decline in the value of our common stock.

Current wording

The properties in our portfolio as of December 31, 2024, by aggregate square footage, are distributed geographically as follows: West — 42.6%, South — 38.0% and Midwest — 19.4%. However, within certain of those regions, we hold a larger concentration of our properties in Denver, Colorado — 42.6%, Houston, Texas — 23.7%, Minneapolis, Minnesota — 15.1%, and Dallas, Texas — 14.3%. We are likely to face risks to the extent that any of these areas in which we hold a larger concentration of our properties suffer deteriorating economic conditions. As the Dallas, Denver and Houston metropolitan areas have a significant presence in the energy sector, a prolonged period of low oil or natural gas prices, or other factors negatively impacting the energy industry, could have an adverse impact on our ability to maintain the occupancy of our properties in those areas or could cause us to lease space at rates below current in-place rents, or at rates below the rates we have leased space in those areas in the prior year. In addition, factors negatively impacting the energy industry could reduce the market values of our properties in those areas, which could reduce our net asset value and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, or cause a decline in the value of our common stock.

Previous wording

We have significant investments in markets that may be the targets of actual or threatened terrorism attacks in the future. As a result, some tenants in these markets may choose to relocate their businesses to other markets or to lower-profile office buildings within these markets that may be perceived to be less likely targets of future terrorist activity. This could result in an overall decrease in the demand for office space in these markets generally or in our properties in particular, which could increase vacancies in our properties or necessitate that we lease our properties on less favorable terms or both. In addition, future terrorist attacks in these markets could directly or indirectly damage our properties, both physically and financially, or cause losses that materially exceed our insurance coverage. As a result of

Current wording

We have significant investments in markets that may be the targets of actual or threatened terrorism attacks in the future. As a result, some tenants in these markets may choose to relocate their businesses to other markets or to lower-profile office buildings within these markets that may be perceived to be less likely targets of future terrorist activity. This could result in an overall decrease in the demand for office space in these markets generally or in our properties in particular, which could increase vacancies in our properties or necessitate that we lease our properties on less favorable terms or both. In addition, future terrorist attacks in these markets could directly or indirectly damage our properties, both physically and financially, or cause losses that materially exceed our insurance coverage. As a result of the foregoing, our ability to generate revenues and the value of our properties could decline materially. See also “We may lose capital investment or anticipated profits if an uninsured event occurs.”

Previous wording

Because our real estate occupancy levels, rental rates and property disposition levels can fluctuate, there is no predictable recurring level of revenue from such activities and changes in interest rates or in the mix of our fixed and variable rate debt can cause our interest costs to fluctuate. As a result of these fluctuations, the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders may fluctuate, which may result in our not being able to maintain or grow dividend levels, including special dividends, in the future. In 2022, we adopted a variable quarterly dividend policy, which replaced our previous regularly quarterly dividend policy. Under this dividend policy, our Board of Directors determines quarterly dividends based upon a variety of factors, including our estimates of our annual taxable income and the amount that we are required to distribute annually in the aggregate to enable us to continue to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In addition, the BofA Term Loan, the BMO Term Loan, the Series A Notes and the Series B Notes include restrictions on our ability to make quarterly dividend distributions that exceed $0.01 per share of our common stock; provided, however, that notwithstanding such restrictions, we are permitted to make dividend distributions based on our good faith estimate of projected or estimated taxable income or otherwise as necessary to retain our status as a REIT, to meet the distribution requirements of Section 857 of the Internal Revenue Code or to eliminate any income or excise taxes to which we would otherwise be subject.

Current wording

Because our real estate occupancy levels, rental rates and property disposition levels can fluctuate, there is no predictable recurring level of revenue from such activities and changes in interest rates or in the mix of our fixed and variable rate debt can cause our interest costs to fluctuate. As a result of these fluctuations, the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders may fluctuate, which may result in our not being able to maintain or grow dividend levels, including special dividends, in the future. In 2022, we adopted a variable quarterly dividend policy, which replaced our previous regular quarterly dividend policy. Under this dividend policy, our Board of Directors determines quarterly dividends based upon a variety of factors, including our estimates of our annual taxable income and the amount that we are required to distribute annually in the aggregate to enable us to continue to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In addition, the BofA Term Loan, the BMO Term Loan, the Series A Notes and the Series B Notes include restrictions on our ability to make quarterly dividend distributions that exceed $0.01 per share of our common stock; provided, however, that notwithstanding such restrictions, we are permitted to make dividend distributions based

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we owned 17 properties. Some or all of these properties may decline in value. To the extent our real properties decline in value, our stockholders could lose some or all of the value of their investments. The value of our common stock may be adversely affected if the real properties held by us decline in value since these real properties represent the majority of the tangible assets held by us. Moreover, if we are forced to sell or lease the real property held by us below its initial purchase price or its carrying costs, respectively, or if we are forced to lease real property at below market rates because of the condition of the property or general economic or local market conditions, our results of operations would be adversely affected and such negative results of operations may result in lower dividends being paid to holders of our common stock.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we owned 14 properties. Some or all of these properties may decline in value. To the extent our real properties decline in value, our stockholders could lose some or all of the value of their investments. The value of our common stock may be adversely affected if the real properties held by us decline in value since these real properties represent the majority of the tangible assets held by us. Moreover, if we are forced to sell or lease the real property held by us below its initial purchase price or its carrying costs, respectively, or if we are forced to lease real property at below market rates because of the condition of the property or general economic or local market conditions, our results of operations would be adversely affected and such negative results of operations may result in lower dividends being paid to holders of our common stock.

Previous wording

The market prices for our common stock may fluctuate with changes in market and economic conditions, including the market perception of real estate investment trusts, or REITs, in general, and changes in our financial condition and results of operations. Such fluctuations may depress the market price of our common stock independent of

Current wording

The market prices for our common stock may fluctuate with changes in market and economic conditions, including the market perception of real estate investment trusts, or REITs, in general, and changes in our financial condition and results of operations. Such fluctuations may depress the market price of our common stock independent of the financial performance of FSP Corp. The market conditions for REIT stocks generally could affect the market price of our common stock.
Rearranged current paragraphs (5)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

funds by selling assets or raising equity to make required payments on the BofA Term Loan, the BMO Term Loan, the Series A Notes or the Series B Notes. If we are unable to refinance or repay the BofA Term Loan, the BMO Term Loan, the Series A Notes or the Series B Notes at maturity or otherwise meet our payment obligations, we would be in default under the terms of the applicable indebtedness and our operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

During 2024, the Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate target three times, most recently decreasing it by 25 basis points on December 18, 2024, to a range of 4.25% to 4.50%. If interest rates increase, then the interest costs on our unhedged variable rate debt will also increase, which could adversely affect our cash flow, our ability to pay

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

favorable terms, fluctuations in our level of dividends, increased costs of operations, making more difficult our ability to complete required capital expenditures in a timely manner and on budget, decreases in values of our real estate assets, changes in law and/or regulation, and uncertainty regarding government and regulatory policy.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

When leases expire, we may incur expenses and may not be able to re-lease the space on the same terms. While we cannot predict when existing vacant space in properties will be leased, if existing tenants with expiring leases will renew their leases or what the terms and conditions of the lease renewals will be, we expect to renew or sign new leases

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

on our good faith estimate of projected or estimated taxable income or otherwise as necessary to retain our status as a REIT, to meet the distribution requirements of Section 857 of the Internal Revenue Code or to eliminate any income or excise taxes to which we would otherwise be subject.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (3)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

which may affect our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions, as well as the risks normally associated with:

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

the foregoing, our ability to generate revenues and the value of our properties could decline materially. See also “We may lose capital investment or anticipated profits if an uninsured event occurs.”

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

the financial performance of FSP Corp. The market conditions for REIT stocks generally could affect the market price of our common stock.