American Homes 4 Rent

Previous wording

Inflation has significantly increased since the start of 2021 and continues to remain at elevated levels compared to years prior to 2021. Inflationary pressures have increased our direct and indirect operating and development costs, including for labor at the corporate, property management and development levels, third-party contractors and vendors, building materials, insurance, transportation and taxes. Although our leases permit some price increases to be charged back to our tenants, such as with increased energy prices, to the extent we are unable to offset these cost increases through higher rents or other measures, our operating results will be adversely affected. Our residents may also be adversely impacted by higher cost of living expenses, including food, energy and transportation, which may increase our rate of tenant defaults and harm our operating results.

Current wording

We have experienced periods of high inflation since the start of 2021 and inflation continues to remain at elevated levels compared to years prior to 2021. Inflationary pressures increase our direct and indirect operating and development costs, including for labor at the corporate, property management and development levels, third-party contractors and vendors, building materials, insurance, transportation and taxes. Although our leases permit some price increases to be charged back to our tenants, such as with increased energy prices, to the extent we are unable to offset inflationary cost increases through higher rents or other measures, our operating results will be adversely affected. Our residents may also be adversely impacted by higher cost of living expenses, including food, energy and transportation, which may increase our rate of tenant defaults and harm our operating results.

Previous wording

Our investments are, and are expected to continue to be, concentrated in single-family properties. In addition, our strategy is to concentrate our properties in select geographic markets that we believe favor future growth in rents and valuations. For example, 58.4% of our properties are located in Atlanta, GA, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, Charlotte, NC, Phoenix, AZ, Nashville, TN, Jacksonville, FL, Indianapolis, IN, Tampa, FL, Houston, TX and Raleigh, NC. A downturn or slowdown in the rental demand for single-family housing generally, or in our target markets specifically, caused by adverse economic, regulatory or environmental conditions, or other events, would have a greater impact on our operating results than if we had more diversified investments. Similarly, given our geographic concentrations, a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flood or wildfire in one of our key markets could have a significant negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Our investments are, and are expected to continue to be, concentrated in single-family properties. In addition, our strategy is to concentrate our properties in select geographic markets that we believe favor future growth in rents and valuations. For example, 58.0% of our operating properties are located in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, Nashville, TN, Phoenix, AZ, Jacksonville, FL, Indianapolis, IN, Tampa, FL, Las Vegas, NV and Houston, TX. A downturn or slowdown in the rental demand for single-family housing generally, or in our target markets specifically, caused by adverse economic, regulatory or environmental conditions, or other events, would have a greater impact on our operating results than if we had more diversified investments.

Previous wording

Nearly all of our properties acquired through traditional channels require some level of renovation immediately upon their acquisition or in the future following expiration of a lease or otherwise. We may acquire properties that we plan to renovate extensively. We also may acquire properties that we expect to be in good condition only to discover unforeseen defects that require extensive renovation and capital expenditures. To the extent properties are leased to existing tenants, renovations may be postponed until the tenant vacates the premises, and we will pay the costs of renovating. In addition, from time to time, in order to reposition properties in the rental market, we will be required to make ongoing capital improvements and replacements and perform significant renovations and repairs that tenant deposits and insurance may not cover. Our properties also have infrastructure and appliances of varying ages and conditions. We routinely retain independent contractors and trade professionals to perform repair work and are exposed to all risks inherent in property renovation and maintenance, including potential cost overruns, increases in labor and materials costs, delays by contractors, delays in receiving work permits, certificates of occupancy and poor workmanship. Supply chain issues and labor force issues have increased these risks. If our assumptions regarding the costs or timing of renovation and maintenance across our properties prove to be materially inaccurate, our operating results may be adversely affected.

Current wording

Nearly all of our properties acquired through traditional channels require some level of renovation immediately upon their acquisition or in the future following expiration of a lease or otherwise. We may acquire properties that we plan to renovate extensively. We also may acquire properties that we expect to be in good condition only to discover unforeseen defects that require extensive renovation and capital expenditures. To the extent properties are leased to existing tenants, renovations may be postponed until the tenant vacates the premises, and we will pay the costs of renovating. In addition, from time to time, in order to reposition properties in the rental market, we will be required to make ongoing capital improvements and replacements and perform significant renovations and repairs that tenant deposits and insurance may not cover. Our properties also have infrastructure and appliances of varying ages and conditions. We routinely retain independent contractors and trade professionals to perform repair work and are exposed to all risks inherent in property renovation and maintenance, including potential cost overruns, increases in labor and materials costs, delays by contractors, delays in receiving work permits and certificates of occupancy and poor workmanship. Supply chain issues and labor force issues increase these risks. If our assumptions regarding the costs or timing of renovation and maintenance across our properties prove to be materially inaccurate, our operating results may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We face significant competition for acquisition opportunities in our target markets from other large real estate investors, including developers and private equity firms, some of which may have greater financial resources and a lower cost of capital than we do. We also compete with private home buyers and small-scale investors. Several REITs and other funds have deployed, and others may in the future deploy, significant amounts of capital to purchase single-family homes and may have investment objectives that compete with ours, including in our target markets. This activity has adversely impacted our level of purchases in certain of our target markets. As more well-capitalized companies pursue our business strategy, we expect competition will continue to intensify. As a result, the purchase price of potential acquisitions may be significantly elevated, or we may be unable to acquire properties on desirable terms or at all.

Current wording

We face significant competition for acquisition opportunities in our target markets from other large real estate investors, including developers and private equity firms, some of which may have greater financial resources and a lower cost of capital than we do. We also compete with private home buyers and small-scale investors. Several REITs and other funds have deployed, and others may in the future deploy, significant amounts of capital to purchase single-family homes and may have investment objectives that compete with ours, including in our target markets. This activity has adversely impacted our level of purchases in certain of our target markets. If more well-capitalized companies pursue our business strategy, competition may intensify and the purchase price of potential acquisitions may be significantly elevated, or we may be unable to acquire properties on desirable terms or at all.

Previous wording

There is strong competition among homebuilders for land that is suitable for residential development. The future availability of finished and partially finished developed lots and undeveloped land that meet our internal criteria depends on a number of factors outside our control, including land availability in general, competition with other homebuilders and land buyers for desirable property, inflation in land prices, zoning, allowable housing density, and other regulatory requirements. Should suitable lots or land become less available in our target markets, the number of homes we could build and lease could be reduced or we may need to expand to potentially less desirable areas, and the cost of land could increase, perhaps substantially, which could adversely impact our growth and results of operations.

Current wording

There is strong competition among homebuilders for land that is suitable for residential development. The future availability of finished and partially finished developed lots and undeveloped land that meet our internal criteria depends on a number of factors outside our control, including land availability, competition with other homebuilders and land buyers for desirable property, inflation in land prices, zoning, allowable housing density, and other regulatory requirements. Should suitable lots or land become less available in our target markets, the number of homes we could build and lease could be reduced or we may need to expand to potentially less desirable areas, and the cost of land could increase, perhaps substantially, which could adversely impact our growth and results of operations.

Previous wording

We attempt to ensure that our properties are adequately insured to cover casualty losses. However, many of the policies covering casualty losses may be subject to substantial deductibles and carveouts, and we will be self-insured up to the amount of the deductibles and carveouts. Our wholly-owned captive insurance company, American Dream Insurance, LLC, provides general liability insurance coverage for losses below the deductible under our third-party liability insurance policy, and we may increase our utilization of our captive insurance company for additional insurance coverage over time. If we experience a loss and our captive insurance company is required to pay under its insurance policies, we would ultimately record the loss to the extent of the required payment. Therefore, insurance coverage provided by our captive insurance company should not be considered the equivalent of third-party insurance, but rather as a modified form of self-insurance. There are also some losses, including losses from floods, windstorms, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, acts of war, acts of terrorism or riots, that may not always be insured against or that are not generally fully insured against because it is not practical to do so. In addition, changes in the cost or availability of insurance could expose us to greater uninsured or self-insured casualty losses. If we incur a casualty loss that is not fully covered by third-party insurance, the value of our assets will be reduced by the amount of any such uninsured or self-insured loss, and we could experience a significant loss of capital invested and potential revenues in these properties and could potentially remain obligated under any recourse debt associated with the property. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors might also keep us from using insurance proceeds to replace or renovate a property 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 property. Any such losses could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, cash flows and ability to make distributions. In addition, we may have no source of funding to repair or reconstruct the damaged property, and we cannot assure you that any such sources of funding will be available to us for such purposes in the future.

Current wording

We attempt to adequately insure our properties to cover casualty losses. However, many of the policies covering casualty losses may be subject to substantial deductibles and carveouts, and we will be self-insured up to the amount of the deductibles and carveouts. Our wholly-owned captive insurance company, American Dream Insurance, LLC, provides general liability insurance coverage for losses below the deductible under our third-party liability insurance policy, and we may increase our utilization of our captive insurance company for additional insurance coverage over time. If we experience a loss and our captive insurance company is required to pay under its insurance policies, we would ultimately record the loss to the extent of the required payment. Therefore, insurance coverage provided by our captive insurance company should not be considered the equivalent of third-party insurance, but rather as a modified form of self-insurance. There are also certain losses, including losses from floods, windstorms, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, acts of war, acts of terrorism or riots, that may not be fully insured or insured at all due to the impracticability or limitations of coverage. In addition, changes in the cost or availability of insurance could expose us to greater uninsured or self-insured casualty losses. If we incur a casualty loss that is not fully covered by third-party insurance, the value of our assets will be reduced by the amount of any such uninsured or self-insured loss, and we could experience a significant loss of capital invested and potential revenues in these properties and could potentially remain obligated under any recourse debt associated with the property. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors might also keep us from using insurance proceeds to replace or renovate a property 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 property. Any such losses could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, cash flows and ability to make distributions. In addition, we may have no source of funding to repair or reconstruct the damaged property, and we cannot assure you that any such sources of funding will be available to us for such purposes in the future.

Previous wording

Contingent or unknown liabilities could adversely affect our financial condition, cash flows and operating results.

Current wording

Contingent or unknown liabilities associated with our property acquisitions could adversely affect our financial condition, cash flows and operating results.

Previous wording

We have been and we expect we will in the future be subject to third party attempts to gain unauthorized access to our systems in order to disrupt operations, corrupt data or steal confidential information, including information regarding our residents, prospective tenants, and employees. Information security risks have generally increased in recent years due to the rise in new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. In the ordinary course of our business we acquire and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our prospective and current tenants, our employees and third-party service providers in our branch offices and on our networks and website. The secure processing and maintenance of this information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Notwithstanding our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions.

Current wording

We have been and we expect we will in the future be subject to third party attempts to gain unauthorized access to our systems and systems maintained by third-party vendors with which we do business in order to disrupt operations, corrupt data or steal confidential information, including information regarding our residents, prospective tenants, and employees. Information security risks have generally increased in recent years due to the rise in new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. In the ordinary course of our business we acquire and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our prospective and current tenants, our employees and third-party service providers in our branch offices and on our networks and website, or the networks of our third-party vendors. The secure processing and maintenance of this information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Notwithstanding our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions.

Previous wording

Although we have implemented a variety of security measures intended to protect the confidentiality and security of this information (refer to Item 1C. “Cybersecurity” in this report for more information about our cybersecurity risk management and governance) and also maintain cyber risk insurance to provide some coverage for certain risks arising out of data and network breaches, there can be no assurance that these measures will prevent a cybersecurity incident or that our cyber risk insurance coverage will be sufficient in the event of a cyber-attack. Any such cybersecurity incident could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties, the loss of our residents, disruption to our operations and the services we provide to residents or damage our reputation, any of which could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.

Current wording

Although we have implemented a variety of security measures intended to protect the confidentiality and security of this information (refer to Item 1C. “Cybersecurity” in this report for more information about our cybersecurity risk management and governance) and also maintain cyber risk insurance to provide some coverage for certain risks arising out of data and network breaches, there can be no assurance that these measures will prevent a cybersecurity incident or that our cyber risk insurance coverage will be sufficient in the event of a cyber-attack. Any such cybersecurity incident could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties, the loss of our residents, disruption to our operations and the services we provide to residents, public disclosure of competitively sensitive information or damage our reputation, any of which could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.

Previous wording

Although none of the cyber-attacks and incidents we have identified to date has had a material impact on our business or operations, we expect to continue to identify cyber-attacks and cybersecurity incidents on our systems and those of third parties, and we cannot predict the potential impact of future cyber-attacks and cybersecurity incidents on our business. The occurrence of any substantial future cyber-attacks and cybersecurity incidents could materially impact our business, which could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.

Current wording

Although none of the cyber-attacks and incidents we have identified to date has had a material impact on our business or operations, we expect to continue to identify cyber-attacks and cybersecurity incidents on our systems and the systems of our third-party vendors, and we cannot predict the potential impact of future cyber-attacks and cybersecurity incidents on our business. The occurrence of any substantial future cyber-attacks and cybersecurity incidents could materially impact our business, which could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.

Previous wording

Recent significant increases in interest rates could adversely impact us and our tenants.

Current wording

Elevated interest rates could adversely impact us and our tenants.

Previous wording

Since 2022, interest rates have been at relatively high levels compared to recent years. This has increased our cost of new debt or preferred capital, increased the borrowing costs under our credit facility, and has impacted the relative attractiveness of the dividend yield on our common shares. Increases in our cost of capital impact our assessment of the yields we consider appropriate to support pursuing property acquisition and development opportunities and thus can impact our external growth prospects. The degree and pace of these changes have had and may continue to have adverse macroeconomic effects that have and may continue to have adverse impacts on our tenants, including as a result of economic recession, increased unemployment, and increased financing costs. For more information on interest rate risk, see Part II, “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Interest Rate Risk.”

Current wording

Since 2022, interest rates have been at relatively high levels compared to recent years. This has increased our cost of new debt or preferred capital, increased the borrowing costs under our credit facility, and has impacted the relative attractiveness of the dividend yield on our common shares. Increases in our cost of capital impact our assessment of the yields we consider appropriate to support pursuing property acquisition and development opportunities and thus can impact our external growth prospects. The degree and pace of these changes have had and may continue to have adverse macroeconomic effects that have and may continue to have adverse impacts on our tenants, including as a result of economic recession, increased unemployment or underemployment, slowing wage growth, decreasing purchasing power due to inflation, and increased financing costs. For more information on interest rate risk, see Part II, “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Interest Rate Risk.”

Previous wording

As landlord of numerous properties, we are involved regularly in evicting tenants who are not paying their rent or are otherwise in material violation of their lease. Eviction activities impose legal and managerial expenses that raise our costs. The eviction process is typically subject to legal barriers, mandatory “cure” policies and other sources of expense and delay, each of which may delay our ability to gain possession and stabilize the property. Additionally, landlord-tenant laws may impose legal duties to assist tenants in relocating to new housing, or restrict the landlord’s ability to recover certain costs or charge tenants for damage caused by them. Because such laws vary by state and locality, we and any regional and local property managers we hire will need to take all appropriate steps to comply with all applicable landlord tenant laws, and we will need to incur supervisory and legal expenses to ensure such compliance. To the extent that we do not comply with state or local laws, we may be subjected to civil litigation filed by individuals, in class actions or by state or local law enforcement. We may be required to pay our adversaries’ litigation fees and expenses if judgment is entered against us in such litigation, or if we settle such litigation. Furthermore, rent control laws or other regulations that may limit our ability to increase rental rates may affect our rental income. If rent controls unexpectedly became applicable to certain of our properties, our revenue from and the value of such properties could be adversely affected. We believe these types of measures will continue given increasing political support.

Current wording

As the landlord of numerous properties, we may evict tenants who are not paying their rent or are otherwise in material violation of their lease. Eviction activities impose legal and managerial expenses that raise our costs. The eviction process is typically subject to legal barriers, mandatory “cure” policies and other sources of expense and delay, each of which may delay our ability to gain possession and stabilize the property. Additionally, landlord-tenant laws may impose legal duties to assist tenants in relocating to new housing, or restrict the landlord’s ability to recover certain costs or charge tenants for damage caused by them. Because such laws vary by state and locality, we and any regional and local property managers we hire will need to take all appropriate steps to comply with all applicable landlord tenant laws, and we will need to incur supervisory and legal expenses to ensure such compliance. To the extent that we do not comply with state or local laws, we may be subjected to civil litigation filed by individuals, in class actions or by state or local law enforcement. We may be required to pay our adversaries’ litigation fees and expenses if judgment is entered against us in such litigation, or if we settle such litigation. Furthermore, rent control laws or other regulations that may limit our ability to increase rental rates may affect our rental income. If rent controls unexpectedly became applicable to certain of our properties, our revenue from and the value of such properties could be adversely affected. We believe these types of measures will continue given increasing political support.

Previous wording

A common shares on a one for one basis for every 49 partnership units converted, and Class A units in the Operating Partnership, which are nonvoting. This structure was put in place when the Company was organized to provide voting rights to holders of units in the Operating Partnership corresponding with their equity ownership. All members of the Company’s senior management, trustees and their affiliates collectively hold Class A common shares or Class B common shares that represent approximately 19.5% of the current voting power of the Company as of December 31, 2023. Assuming the conversion of all of the Class A units held by these individuals into Class A common shares, they would own approximately 28.6% of the voting power of the Company based on the Company’s outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2023. The Hughes Family and affiliates own all of the Class B common shares and, together with the Class A common shares they own, hold 19.3% of the voting power of the Company. Our senior management, trustees and affiliates have and are expected to continue to have the ability to significantly influence all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s shareholders, including electing trustees, changing the Company’s charter documents and approving extraordinary transactions, such as mergers. Their interest in such matters may differ from other shareholders and may also make it more difficult for another party to acquire or control the Company with their votes.

Current wording

Members of the Company’s senior management, trustees and their affiliates collectively hold significant amounts of the Company’s Class A common shares, entitled to one vote each, and Class B common shares, entitled to 50 votes each and which convert into Class A common shares on a one for one basis for every 49 partnership units converted, and Class A units in the Operating Partnership, which are nonvoting. This structure was put in place when the Company was organized to provide voting rights to holders of units in the Operating Partnership corresponding with their equity ownership. All members of the Company’s senior management, trustees and their affiliates collectively hold Class A common shares or Class B common shares that represent approximately 19.3% of the current voting power of the Company as of December 31, 2024. Assuming the conversion of all of the Class A units held by these individuals into Class A common shares, they would own approximately 28.3% of the voting power of the Company based on the Company’s outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2024. The Hughes Family and affiliates own all of the Class B common shares and, together with the Class A common shares they own, hold 19.1% of the voting power of the Company. Our senior management, trustees and affiliates have and are expected to continue to have the ability to significantly influence all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s shareholders, including electing trustees, changing the Company’s charter documents and approving extraordinary transactions, such as mergers. Their interest in such matters may differ from other shareholders and may also make it more difficult for another party to acquire or control the Company with their votes.

Previous wording

From time to time we may dispose of real properties in transactions that are intended to qualify as tax-deferred exchanges under Section 1031 of the Code (“Section 1031 Exchanges”). It is possible that the qualification of a transaction as a Section 1031 Exchange could be successfully challenged and determined to be currently taxable. In such cases, our taxable income would increase as would the amount of distributions we are required to make to satisfy our REIT distribution requirements and to avoid the imposition of an entity-level tax. This could increase the dividend income to our stockholders by reducing any return of capital they receive. In some circumstances, we may be required to pay additional dividends or, in lieu of that, corporate income tax, possibly including interest and penalties. As a result, we may be required to borrow in order to pay additional dividends or taxes, and the payment of such taxes could cause us to have less cash available to distribute to our shareholders. If a Section 1031 Exchange were later to be determined to be taxable, we may be required to amend our tax returns for the applicable year in question, including any reports we distributed to our shareholders. It is possible that legislation could be enacted that could modify or repeal the laws with respect to Section 1031 Exchanges, which could make it more difficult or not possible for us to dispose of real properties on a tax-deferred basis.

Current wording

We have in the past and may from time to time in the future dispose of real properties in transactions that are intended to qualify as tax-deferred exchanges under Section 1031 of the Code (“Section 1031 Exchanges”). It is possible that the qualification of a transaction as a Section 1031 Exchange could be successfully challenged and determined to be currently taxable. In such cases, our taxable income would increase as would the amount of distributions we are required to make to satisfy our REIT distribution requirements and to avoid the imposition of an entity-level tax. This could increase the dividend income to our stockholders by reducing any return of capital they receive. In some circumstances, we may be required to pay additional dividends or, in lieu of that, corporate income tax, possibly including interest and penalties. As a result, we may be required to borrow in order to pay additional dividends or taxes, and the payment of such taxes could cause us to have less cash available to distribute to our shareholders. If a Section 1031 Exchange were later to be determined to be taxable, we may be required to amend our tax returns for the applicable year in question, including any reports we distributed to our shareholders. It is possible that legislation could be enacted that could modify or repeal the laws with respect to Section 1031 Exchanges, which could make it more difficult or not possible for us to dispose of real properties on a tax-deferred basis.