American Homes 4 Rent

Previous wording

Property taxes are a significant component of our property operating expenses. We have faced and expect to continue to face significant increases in property taxes. If property taxes, over which we have no control, continue to increase at recent rates, and if we are unable to increase rental rates to offset such increased expense, it would adversely affect our operating results, including our net operating income.

Current wording

Property taxes are a significant component of our property operating expenses. If property taxes, over which we have no control, were to increase significantly in the future, and if we are unable to increase rental rates to offset such increased expense, it would adversely affect our operating results, including our net operating income.

Previous wording

New laws and regulations could impede our ability to operate or grow our business.

Current wording

New and proposed laws and regulations restricting institutional ownership of single-family homes could impede our ability to operate or grow our business.

Previous wording

We may be subject to or impacted by new laws and regulations, including zoning requirements, affordability mandates, tariffs and immigration restrictions, that could impede our ability to operate or grow our business, including by restricting institutional ownership of single-family homes. Any such laws or regulations could impose significant costs, could require that we modify or cease existing business practices or divest properties, and could restrict the locations where we can operate our business.

Current wording

Various legislative and regulatory bodies, including at the federal, state and local level, have been focused on the shortage of residential housing in the U.S. and significant increases in the cost of housing. Some states and local jurisdictions have passed or proposed regulations (i) imposing prohibitions or limitations on corporate entities purchasing and renting single-family homes, (ii) restricting developers from selling single-family homes to corporate entities intending to rent such homes, (iii) imposing tax and financial disincentives on corporate ownership of single-family homes for rent, and (iv) imposing adverse zoning restrictions on corporate ownership of single-family homes for rent. Similar restrictions are being considered at the federal level. We expect this trend to continue given the current political climate. Any such laws or regulations could impose significant costs, could require that we suspend or limit property acquisitions or otherwise modify or cease existing business practices or divest properties, could restrict the locations where we can operate our business, and could adversely impact our tax profile, including our status as a REIT.

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, 58.0% 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.

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, 57.9% of our operating properties are located in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, Nashville, TN, Jacksonville, FL, Phoenix, AZ, 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. 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.

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 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.

Current wording

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

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.

Current wording

In the past, there has been 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

Despite protective measures we have taken, our systems and systems maintained by third-party vendors with which we do business are vulnerable to damage from any number of sources. We face cybersecurity threats, including system, network or Internet failures, cyber-attacks, ransomware and other forms of malware, computer viruses, attachment to emails, phishing attempts or other scams. These attacks may also originate from persons inside our organization and persons/vendors with access to our systems. Our information technology networks and related systems are essential to the operation of our business and our ability to perform day-to-day operations. Even the most well-protected information systems remain potentially vulnerable because the techniques used in such attempted security breaches evolve and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, and in some cases are designed not to be detected, and, in fact, may not be detected. Accordingly, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate security barriers or other preventative measures and thus it is impossible for us to entirely mitigate this risk.

Current wording

These attacks may also originate from persons inside our organization and persons/vendors with access to our systems. Our information technology networks and related systems are essential to the operation of our business and our ability to perform day-to-day operations. Even the most well-protected information systems remain potentially vulnerable because the techniques used in such attempted security breaches evolve and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, and in some cases are designed not to be detected, and, in fact, may not be detected. Accordingly, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate security barriers or other preventative measures and thus it is impossible for us to entirely mitigate this risk.

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, public disclosure of competitively sensitive information 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 Part I, “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

Our revolving credit facility, unsecured senior notes and securitizations contain financial and operating covenants that could restrict our business and investment activities.

Current wording

Our revolving credit facility and unsecured senior notes contain financial and operating covenants that could restrict our business and investment activities.

Previous wording

Our revolving credit facility, unsecured senior notes and securitizations contain financial and operating covenants, such as debt ratios, minimum liquidity, unencumbered asset value, minimum debt service coverage ratio, and other limitations that may restrict our ability to make distributions or other payments to the Company’s shareholders and the Operating Partnership’s ability to make distributions on its OP units and may restrict our investment activities. Our securitizations require, among other things, that a cash management account controlled by the lender collect all rents and cash generated by the properties securing the portfolio. Upon the occurrence of an event of default or failure to satisfy the required minimum debt yield or debt service coverage ratio, the lender may apply any excess cash as the lender elects, including prepayment of principal and amounts due under the loans. These covenants may restrict our ability to engage in transactions that we believe would otherwise be in the best interests of our shareholders. Further, such restrictions could adversely impact our ability to maintain our qualification as a REIT for tax purposes. Failure to meet our financial covenants could result from, among other things, changes in our results of operations, the incurrence of additional debt, substantial impairments in the value of our properties or changes in general economic conditions. If we violate covenants in our financing arrangements, we could be required to repay all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity at a time when we might be unable to arrange financing for such repayment on attractive terms or at all.

Current wording

Our revolving credit facility and unsecured senior notes contain financial and operating covenants, such as debt ratios, minimum liquidity, unencumbered asset value, minimum debt service coverage ratio, and other limitations that may restrict our ability to make distributions or other payments to the Company’s shareholders and the Operating Partnership’s ability to make distributions on its OP units and may restrict our investment activities. These covenants may restrict our ability to engage in transactions that we believe would otherwise be in the best interests of our shareholders. Further, such restrictions could adversely impact our ability to maintain our qualification as a REIT for tax purposes. Failure to meet our financial covenants could result from, among other things, changes in our results of operations, the incurrence of additional debt, substantial impairments in the value of our properties or changes in general economic conditions. If we violate covenants in our financing arrangements, we could be required to repay all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity at a time when we might be unable to arrange financing for such repayment on attractive terms or at all.

Previous wording

A pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or similar public health emergencies could negatively impact the global economy, disrupt financial markets and international trade, and result in varying unemployment levels, all of which could negatively impact our business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. These types of events could lead governments and other authorities around the world, including federal, state and local authorities in the United States, to impose measures intended to mitigate the issue, including restrictions on freedom of movement and business operations such as issuing guidelines, travel bans, border closings, business closures, quarantine orders, and orders not allowing the collection of rents, rent increases, or eviction of non-paying tenants.

Current wording

A pandemic and other public health emergencies could negatively impact the global economy, disrupt financial markets and international trade, and result in varying unemployment levels, all of which could negatively impact our business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. These types of events could lead governments and other authorities around the world, including federal, state and local authorities in the United States, to impose measures intended to mitigate the issue, including restrictions on freedom of movement and business operations such as issuing guidelines, travel bans, border closings, business closures, quarantine orders, and orders not allowing the collection of rents, rent increases, or eviction of non-paying tenants.

Previous wording

We have begun to utilize AI technologies in various aspects of our business. AI technologies are susceptible to errors and other malfunctions which could lead to operational challenges and reputational risks. In addition, we may be subject to increasing regulations related to our use of AI, including regulations related to privacy, data security, and intellectual property rights, which could expose us to legal risks.

Current wording

We have begun to utilize AI technologies in various aspects of our business, including applications for data analysis, software development, customer communication, employee productivity and cybersecurity monitoring. Prior to our deployment of AI technologies, such technologies are subject to an AI governance framework requiring the identification of risks associated with each use of each AI application. Based on an initial risk classification of an AI use case, a committee is convened comprising members from the business, legal, IT and cybersecurity teams, which assesses the risks and benefits of the use case and approves or disapproves the application for use within the business. Once approved, use cases are inventoried and periodically reviewed for productivity and compliance purposes. Even with this governance framework, AI technologies are susceptible to errors and other malfunctions which could lead to operational challenges and reputational risks. In addition, we may be subject to increased regulations related to our use of AI, including regulations related to privacy, data security and intellectual property rights, which could expose us to legal risks.

Previous wording

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost of removing or remediating hazardous or toxic substances on such property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. Even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination, each person covered by applicable environmental laws may be held responsible for all of the clean-up costs incurred. In addition, third parties may sue the owner or operator of a site for damages based on personal injury, natural resources or property damage or other costs, including investigation and clean-up costs, resulting from the environmental contamination. The presence of hazardous or toxic substances on one of our properties, or the failure to properly remediate a contaminated property, could give rise to a lien in favor of the government for costs it may incur to address the contamination, or otherwise adversely affect our ability to sell or lease the property or borrow using the property as collateral. Environmental laws also may impose restrictions on the manner in which properties may be used or businesses may be operated. A property owner who violates environmental laws may be subject to sanctions which may be enforced by governmental agencies or, in certain circumstances, private parties. In connection with the acquisition, development and ownership of our properties, we may be exposed to such costs. The cost of defending against environmental claims, of compliance with environmental regulatory requirements or of remediating any contaminated property could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and, consequently, amounts available for distribution to shareholders and unitholders.

Current wording

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost of removing or remediating hazardous or toxic substances on such property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. Even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination, each person covered by applicable environmental laws may be held responsible for all of the clean-up costs incurred. In addition, third parties may sue the owner or operator of a site for damages based on personal injury, natural resources or property damage or other costs, including investigation and clean-up costs, resulting from the environmental contamination. The presence of hazardous or toxic substances on one of our properties, or the failure to properly remediate a contaminated property, could give rise to a lien in favor of the government for costs it may incur to address the contamination, or otherwise adversely affect our ability to sell or lease the property or borrow using the property as collateral. Environmental laws also may impose restrictions on the manner in which properties may be used or businesses may be operated. A property owner who violates environmental laws may be subject to sanctions which may be enforced by governmental agencies or, in certain circumstances, private parties. In connection with the development, acquisition and ownership of our properties, we may be exposed to such costs. The cost of defending against environmental claims, of compliance with environmental regulatory requirements or of remediating any contaminated property could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and, consequently, amounts available for distribution to shareholders and unitholders.

Previous wording

We have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by the direct consequences of climate change, such as property damage due to increases in the frequency, duration and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods. Similarly, changes in precipitation levels could lead to increases in droughts or wildfires that could adversely impact demand for our communities. The increases in property damage due to these events have also contributed to the increases in costs we have faced in property insurance. The ongoing transition to non-carbon based energy also presents certain risks for us and our tenants, including macroeconomic risks related to high energy costs and energy shortages, among other things. In addition, changes in federal, state and local legislation and regulation based on concerns about climate change could result in delays and increased costs to complete our development projects and increased capital expenditures on our existing properties (for example, to improve their energy efficiency and/or resistance to inclement weather) without a corresponding increase in revenue, and, as a result, adversely impact our financial results and operations. We also face investor-related climate risks. Investors are increasingly taking into account environmental, social, and governance factors, including climate risks, in determining whether to invest in companies. Our reputation and investor relationships could be damaged as a result of our involvement with activities perceived to be causing or exacerbating climate change, as well as any decisions we make to continue to conduct or change our activities in response to considerations relating to climate change.

Current wording

We have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, droughts and wildfires. In addition to direct costs relating to these events, including property damage and delays in leasing or development projects, the increases in property damage due to these events have also contributed to the increases in costs we have faced in property insurance.

Previous 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.

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 15.6% of the current voting power of the Company as of December 31, 2025. Assuming the conversion of all of the Class A units held by these individuals into Class A common shares, they would own approximately 24.9% of the voting power of the Company based on the Company’s outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2025. The Hughes Family and affiliates own all of the Class B common shares and, together with the Class A common shares they own, hold 15.4% 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

The 100% tax described above may limit our ability to enter into transactions that would otherwise be beneficial to us. For example, if circumstances make it not profitable or otherwise uneconomical for us to remain in certain states or geographical markets, the 100% tax could delay our ability to exit those states or markets by selling our assets in those states or markets other than through a TRS, which could harm our operating profits and the trading price of our shares. In addition, in order to avoid the prohibited transactions tax, we may be required to limit the structures we utilize for our securitization transactions, even though the sales or structures might otherwise be beneficial to us.

Current wording

The 100% tax described above may limit our ability to enter into transactions that would otherwise be beneficial to us. For example, if circumstances make it not profitable or otherwise uneconomical for us to remain in certain states or geographical markets, the 100% tax could delay our ability to exit those states or markets by selling our assets in those states or markets other than through a TRS, which could harm our operating profits and the trading price of our shares.

Previous wording

To qualify as a REIT, we generally must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year, computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and any net capital gains, and we will be subject to corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income each year, computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which distributions paid by us in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income and 100% of our undistributed income from prior years. In order to satisfy these distribution requirements to maintain our REIT status and avoid the payment of income and excise taxes, we may need to take certain actions to raise funds if we have insufficient cash flow, such as borrowing funds, raising additional equity capital, selling a portion of our assets or finding another alternative to make distributions to our stockholders. We may be forced to take those actions even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for those actions. This situation could arise from, among other things, differences in timing between the actual receipt of cash and recognition of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or the effect of non-deductible capital expenditures or other non-deductible expenses, the creation of reserves, or required debt or amortization payments. Such actions could increase our costs and reduce the value of our common or preferred shares. These sources, however, may not be available on favorable terms or at all. Our access to third-party sources of capital depends on a number of factors, including the market’s perception of our growth potential, our current debt levels, the market price of our common or preferred shares, and our current and potential future earnings. We cannot assure you that we will have access to such capital on favorable terms at the desired times, or at all, which may cause us to curtail our investment activities and/or to dispose of assets at inopportune times, and could materially and adversely affect us and the trading price of our common or preferred shares.

Current wording

To qualify as a REIT, we generally must distribute to our shareholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year, computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and any net capital gains, and we will be subject to corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income each year, computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which distributions paid by us in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income and 100% of our undistributed income from prior years. In order to satisfy these distribution requirements to maintain our REIT status and avoid the payment of income and excise taxes, we may need to take certain actions to raise funds if we have insufficient cash flow, such as borrowing funds, raising additional equity capital, selling a portion of our assets or finding another alternative to make distributions to our shareholders. We may be forced to take those actions even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for those actions. This situation could arise from, among other things, differences in timing between the actual receipt of cash and recognition of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or the effect of non-deductible capital expenditures or other non-deductible expenses, the creation of reserves, or required debt or amortization payments. Such actions could increase our costs and reduce the value of our common or preferred shares. These sources, however, may not be available on favorable terms or at all. Our access to third-party sources of capital depends on a number of factors, including the market’s perception of our growth potential, our current debt levels, the market price of our common or preferred shares, and our current and potential future earnings. We cannot assure you that we will have access to such capital on favorable terms at the desired times, or at all, which may cause us to curtail our investment activities and/or to dispose of assets at inopportune times, and could materially and adversely affect us and the trading price of our common or preferred shares.

Previous 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.

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 ourshareholders 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.

Previous wording

The IRS, the United States Treasury Department and Congress frequently review U.S. federal income tax legislation, regulations and other guidance. We cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new U.S. federal tax laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be adopted. Any legislative action may prospectively or retroactively modify our tax treatment and, therefore, may adversely affect our taxation or our shareholders. We urge you to consult with your tax advisor with respect to the status of legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our stock. Although REITs generally receive certain tax advantages compared to entities taxed as “C” corporations, it is possible that future legislation would result in a REIT having fewer tax advantages, and it could become more advantageous for a company that invests in real estate to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a “C” corporation.

Current wording

The IRS, the United States Treasury Department and Congress frequently review U.S. federal income tax legislation, regulations and other guidance. We cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new U.S. federal tax laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be adopted. Any legislative action may prospectively or retroactively modify our tax treatment and, therefore, may adversely affect our taxation or our shareholders. We urge you to consult with your tax advisor with respect to the status of legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our shares. Although REITs generally receive certain tax advantages compared to entities taxed as “C” corporations, it is possible that future legislation would result in a REIT having fewer tax advantages, and it could become more advantageous for a company that invests in real estate to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a “C” corporation.

Previous wording

We have, and may continue to have, series of preferred shares outstanding with respect to which we have the ability to issue additional preferred shares of that series without shareholder approval (referred to as a “reopening” of the preferred shares). We may issue additional series of preferred shares in the future with the reopening feature. If we issue preferred shares in a reopening at a price that exceeds the redemption price of such preferred shares by more than ade minimis amount, those shares could be considered to be “fast-pay stock” under Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 7701(l) of the Code (the “Fast-Pay Stock Regulations”). Under the Fast-Pay Stock Regulations, if stock of a REIT is structured so that dividends paid with respect to the stock are economically (in whole or in part) a return of the stockholder’s investment (rather than a return on the stockholder’s investment), the stock is characterized as “fast-pay stock,” resulting in the adverse tax consequences described below. Under the Fast-Pay Stock Regulations, unless clearly demonstrated otherwise, our preferred shares are presumed to be fast-pay stock if they are issued for an amount that exceeds (by more than ade minimis amount, as determined under certain other Treasury Regulations) the amount at which the shareholder can be compelled to dispose of the shares (“Fast-Pay Stock”). Apart from the Fast-Pay Stock Regulations, no meaningful guidance exists regarding the determination of whether a dividend economically constitutes a return of investment for these purposes or how a taxpayer could clearly demonstrate otherwise.

Current wording

We have, and may continue to have, series of preferred shares outstanding with respect to which we have the ability to issue additional preferred shares of that series without shareholder approval (referred to as a “reopening” of the preferred shares). We may issue additional series of preferred shares in the future with the reopening feature. If we issue preferred shares in a reopening at a price that exceeds the redemption price of such preferred shares by more than ade minimis amount, those shares could be considered to be “fast-pay stock” under Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 7701(l) of the Code (the “Fast-Pay Stock Regulations”). Under the Fast-Pay Stock Regulations, if stock of a REIT is structured so that dividends paid with respect to the stock are economically (in whole or in part) a return of the shareholder’s investment (rather than a return on the shareholder’s investment), the stock is characterized as “fast-pay stock,” resulting in the adverse tax consequences described below. Under the Fast-Pay Stock Regulations, unless clearly demonstrated otherwise, our preferred shares are presumed to be fast-pay stock if they are issued for an amount that exceeds (by more than ade minimis amount, as determined under certain other Treasury Regulations) the amount at which the shareholder can be compelled to dispose of the shares (“Fast-Pay Stock”). Apart from the Fast-Pay Stock Regulations, no meaningful guidance exists regarding the determination of whether a dividend economically constitutes a return of investment for these purposes or how a taxpayer could clearly demonstrate otherwise.