NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc.

Previous wording

•our dependence on information systems and risks associated with breaches of our data security;

Current wording

•our dependence on information systems and risks associated with breaches of our data security or our use of artificial intelligence;

Previous wording

•risks associated with holding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock, including limited voting rights, subordination to our debt and dilution upon future issuances;

Current wording

•risks associated with holding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock, including limited voting rights, subordination to our debt, lack of a rating on the Series B Preferred Stock and dilution upon future issuances;

Previous wording

Macroeconomic trends including inflation, high interest rates or recession may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Macroeconomic trends including inflation, high interest rates, recession, major bank failures or sustained financial market illiquidity may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

The U.S. Federal Reserve began rapidly raising the federal funds rate to decade-high levels in 2022 to combat inflation and restore price stability. In addition, the Federal Reserve began a quantitative tightening program in June of 2022. The combination of these actions resulted in an increase in prevailing interest rates and a flattening of the yield curve. Certain of our investments pay interest at a fixed rate, and the relative value of the fixed cash flows from these investments will decrease as prevailing interest rates rise or increase as prevailing interest rates fall, causing potentially significant changes in value. In addition, to the extent our exposure to increases in or high interest rates on any of our debt is not eliminated through interest rate swaps and interest rate protection agreements that we may utilize for hedging purposes, such increases will result in higher debt service costs which will adversely affect our cash flows. We cannot assure you that our access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings, renewals or refinancings. Such future constraints could increase our borrowing costs, which would make it more difficult or expensive to obtain additional financing or refinance existing obligations and commitments, which could slow or deter future growth.

Current wording

Certain of our investments pay interest at a fixed rate, and the relative value of the fixed cash flows from these investments will decrease as prevailing interest rates rise or increase as prevailing interest rates fall, causing potentially significant changes in value. In addition, to the extent our exposure to increases in or high interest rates on any of our debt is not eliminated through interest rate swaps and interest rate protection agreements that we may utilize for hedging purposes, such increases will result in higher debt service costs which will adversely affect our cash flows. Bank failures and other events affecting financial institutions may also contribute to volatility in global markets and diminished liquidity and credit availability in the market broadly. We cannot assure you that our access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings, renewals or refinancings. Such future constraints could increase our borrowing costs, which would make it more difficult or expensive to obtain additional financing or refinance existing obligations and commitments, which could slow or deter future growth.

Previous wording

In addition, these actions by the Federal Reserve, as well as efforts by other central banks globally to combat inflation and restore price stability and other global events, may raise the prospect or severity of a recession. The war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war add, and other international tensions or escalations of conflict may add, instability to the uncertainty driving socioeconomic forces, which may continue to have an impact on global trade and result in inflation or economic instability. Present conditions and the state of the U.S and global economies make it difficult to predict whether and/or when and to what extent a recession will occur in the near future. Should a recession occur, it could negatively impact the value of commercial and residential real estate and the value of our investments, potentially materially. Should a recession occur, there can be no guarantee that the Company’s efforts will prevent any negative impacts to the value of the Company’s investments.

Current wording

In addition, actions by the Federal Reserve, as well as efforts by other central banks globally to combat inflation and restore price stability and other global events, may raise the prospect or severity of a recession. The war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, and other international tensions or escalations of conflict may add, instability to the uncertainty driving socioeconomic forces, which may continue to have an impact on global trade and result in inflation or economic instability. Present conditions and the state of the U.S and global economies make it difficult to predict whether and/or when and to what extent a recession will occur in the near future. Should a recession occur, it could negatively impact the value of commercial and residential real estate and the value of our investments, potentially materially. Should a recession occur, there can be no guarantee that the Company’s efforts will prevent any negative impacts to the value of the Company’s investments.

Previous wording

Approximately 41.6% of our portfolio is in the SFR asset class and approximately 48.9% of the unpaid principal balance in our portfolio is located in Florida and Georgia. In the future, our investments may continue to be concentrated in terms of type of interest (i.e. fixed vs. floating), geography, asset type and sponsors, as we are not required to observe specific diversification criteria, except as may be set forth in the investment guidelines adopted by our Board. Therefore, our investments in our target assets are and could in the future be, secured by properties concentrated in a limited number of geographic locations or concentrated in certain property types that are subject to higher risk of default or foreclosure.

Current wording

Approximately 22.8% of our portfolio is in the SFR asset class and approximately 25.1% of the unpaid principal balance in our portfolio is located in Georgia and Texas. In the future, our investments may continue to be concentrated in terms of type of interest (i.e. fixed vs. floating), geography, asset type and sponsors, as we are not required to observe specific diversification criteria, except as may be set forth in the investment guidelines adopted by our Board. Therefore, our investments in our target assets are and could in the future be, secured by properties concentrated in a limited number of geographic locations or concentrated in certain property types that are subject to higher risk of default or foreclosure.

Previous wording

The illiquidity of certain of our target assets may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need or desire arises. Certain target assets such as first-lien mortgage loans, common equity investments, CMBS B-Pieces, CMBS I/O Strips, MSCR Notes, mortgage backed securities, mezzanine and other loans (including participations) and preferred equity, in particular, are relatively illiquid investments. In addition, certain of our investments may become less liquid after our investment as a result of periods of delinquencies or defaults or turbulent market conditions, which may make it more difficult for us to dispose of such assets at advantageous times or in a timely manner. Moreover, many of the loans and securities we invest in will not be registered under the relevant securities laws, resulting in prohibitions against their transfer, sale, pledge or their disposition except in transactions that are exempt from registration requirements or are otherwise in accordance with such laws. As a result, we expect many of our investments will be illiquid, and if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, for example as a result of margin calls, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have previously recorded our investments. Further, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment to the extent that we or our Manager and/or its affiliates has or could be attributed as having material, non-public information regarding such business entity. As a result, our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions may be relatively limited, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

The illiquidity of certain of our target assets may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need or desire arises. Certain target assets such as first-lien mortgage loans, common equity investments, CMBS B-Pieces, CMBS I/O Strips, promissory notes, mortgage backed securities, mezzanine and other loans (including participations) and preferred equity, in particular, are relatively illiquid investments. In addition, certain of our investments may become less liquid after our investment as a result of periods of delinquencies or defaults or turbulent market conditions, which may make it more difficult for us to dispose of such assets at advantageous times or in a timely manner. Moreover, many of the loans and securities we invest in will not be registered under the relevant securities laws, resulting in prohibitions against their transfer, sale, pledge or their disposition except in transactions that are exempt from registration requirements or are otherwise in accordance with such laws. As a result, we expect many of our investments will be illiquid, and if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, for example as a result of margin calls, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have previously recorded our investments. Further, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment to the extent that we or our Manager and/or its affiliates has or could be attributed as having material, non-public information regarding such business entity. As a result, our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions may be relatively limited, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our success depends on the availability of attractive loans and investments and our Manager’s ability to identify, structure, consummate, leverage, manage and realize returns on our loans and investments.

Current wording

Our success depends on the availability of attractive loans and investments and our Manager’s ability to identify, structure, consummate, leverage, manage, realize and redeploy returns on our loans and investments.

Previous wording

Our operating results are dependent upon the availability of attractive loans and investments, as well as our Manager’s ability to identify, structure, consummate, leverage, manage and realize returns on our loans and investments. In general, the availability of favorable investment opportunities and, consequently, our returns, will be affected by the level and volatility of interest rates, conditions in the financial markets, general economic conditions, the demand for loan and investment opportunities in our target assets and the supply of capital for such opportunities. We cannot make any assurances that our Manager will be successful in identifying and consummating loans and investments that satisfy our rate of return objectives or that such loans and investments, once made, will perform as anticipated.

Current wording

Our operating results are dependent upon the availability of attractive loans and investments, as well as our Manager’s ability to identify, structure, consummate, leverage, manage, realize and redeploy returns on our loans and investments. In general, the availability of favorable investment opportunities and, consequently, our returns, will be affected by the level and volatility of interest rates, conditions in the financial markets, general economic conditions, the demand for loan and investment opportunities in our target assets and the supply of capital for such opportunities. We cannot make any assurances that our Manager will be successful in identifying and consummating loans and investments that satisfy our rate of return objectives or that such loans and investments, once made, will perform as anticipated.

Previous wording

Congress has considered a substantial number of bills that include comprehensive or incremental approaches to ending the conservatorship, winding down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or changing their purposes, businesses or operations. U.S. government departments and agencies, including the U.S Treasury and FHFA, have also published proposals which could lead to a release or exit from conservatorship. A decision by the U.S. government to eliminate or downscale Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or to reduce government support for multifamily housing more generally may adversely affect the availability of CMBS securitizations as an investment or cause breaches in underlying loan covenants, and, as a result, may adversely affect our future growth. It may also adversely affect underlying interest rates, capital availability, development of multifamily communities and the value of multifamily assets, which may also adversely affect our future growth. In addition, reforms regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could negatively impact our ability to maintain an exclusion or exemption from the Investment Company Act.

Current wording

Congress has considered a substantial number of bills that include comprehensive or incremental approaches to ending the conservatorship, winding down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or changing their purposes, businesses or operations. U.S. government departments and agencies, including the U.S Treasury and Federal Housing Finance Agency, have also published proposals which could lead to a release or exit from conservatorship. A decision by the U.S. government to eliminate or downscale Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or to reduce government support for multifamily housing more generally may adversely affect the availability of CMBS securitizations as an investment or cause breaches in underlying loan covenants, and, as a result, may adversely affect our future growth. It may also adversely affect underlying interest rates, capital availability, development of multifamily communities and the value of multifamily assets, which may also adversely affect our future growth. In addition, reforms regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could negatively impact our ability to maintain an exclusion or exemption from the Investment Company Act.

Previous wording

As a result of past dislocation of the credit markets, the securitization market has become subject to additional regulation. In particular, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, various federal agencies have promulgated rules that require issuers in securitizations to retain at least 5% of the risk associated with the securities. While the rule as adopted generally allows the purchase of the CMBS B-Piece by a party not affiliated with the issuer to satisfy the risk retention requirement, current CMBS B-Pieces are generally not large enough to fully satisfy the 5% requirement. Accordingly, if we buy CMBS B-Pieces, we may be required to purchase larger CMBS B-Pieces, potentially reducing returns on such investments. Furthermore, any such CMBS B-Pieces purchased by us in an unaffiliated issuer generally cannot be transferred for a period of five years following the closing date of the securitization or hedged against credit risk. These restrictions may reduce our liquidity and could potentially reduce our returns on such investments. To the extent we utilize the securitization market and retain this risk of loss through subordinate interests or CMBS B-Pieces in our securitized debt transactions, these requirements could reduce our returns on these transactions. In addition, if we fail to operate in compliance with existing and future regulations, our business, reputation, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

As a result of past dislocation of the credit markets, the securitization market has become subject to additional regulation. In particular, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, various federal agencies have promulgated rules that require issuers in securitizations to retain at least 5% of the risk associated with the securities. While the rule as adopted generally allows the purchase of the CMBS B-Piece by a party not affiliated with the issuer to satisfy the risk retention requirement, current CMBS B-Pieces are generally not large enough to fully satisfy the 5% requirement. Accordingly, if we buy CMBS B-Pieces, we may be required to purchase larger CMBS B-Pieces, potentially reducing returns on such investments. Significant restrictions exist, and additional restrictions may be added in the future, regarding who may hold risk retention interests, the structure of the entities that hold risk retention interests and when and how such risk retention interests may be transferred. These restrictions may reduce our liquidity and could potentially reduce our returns on such investments. To the extent we utilize the securitization market and retain this risk of loss through subordinate interests or CMBS B-Pieces in our securitized debt transactions, these requirements could reduce our returns on these transactions. In addition, if we fail to operate in compliance with existing and future regulations, our business, reputation, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $1.3 billion of indebtedness outstanding related to our portfolio, excluding indebtedness relating to the portion of the CMBS that we do not own, but are required to consolidate pursuant to applicable accounting standards. As of December 31, 2023, we had $180.0 million of our 5.75% Notes outstanding and our OP had $36.5 million of its 7.50% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2025 (the “OP Notes”) outstanding. The indenture that governs the 5.75% Notes contains and the note purchase agreements that govern the OP Notes contain covenants that require us to, among others, maintain a maximum net debt to equity ratio, a minimum net asset value, a minimum senior DSCR and a minimum consolidated unencumbered assets ratio. The indenture and the note purchase agreements contain other customary covenants and events of default.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $795.7 million of indebtedness outstanding related to our portfolio, excluding indebtedness relating to the portion of the CMBS that we do not own, but are required to consolidate pursuant to applicable accounting standards. As of December 31, 2024, we had $180.0 million of our 5.75% Senior Unsecured Notes ("5.75% Notes") outstanding and our OP had $36.5 million of its 7.50% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2025 (the “OP Notes”) outstanding. The indenture that governs the 5.75% Notes contains and the note purchase agreements that govern the OP Notes contain covenants that require us to, among others, maintain a maximum net debt to equity ratio, a minimum net asset value, a minimum senior DSCR and a minimum consolidated unencumbered assets ratio. The indenture and the note purchase agreements contain other customary covenants and events of default.

Previous wording

We are subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties failing to meet their obligations to us under derivative contracts (whether a clearing corporation in the case of exchange-traded instruments or another third party in the case of OTC instruments), which may occur due to numerous causes, including bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, or operational failure, among others. Credit risk may also be affected by the deterioration of strength in the U.S. economy or the financial performance or condition of the counterparties. If a counterparty fails to perform its obligations to us under a derivative contract, we may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a dissolution, assignment for the benefit of creditors, liquidation, winding-up, bankruptcy, or other analogous proceeding. In the event of the insolvency of a counterparty to a derivative transaction, the derivative transaction would typically be terminated at its fair market value. If we are owed this fair market value in the termination of the derivative transaction and its claim is unsecured, we will be treated as a general creditor of such counterparty, and will not have any claim with respect to the underlying security. We may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. In addition, the business failure of a counterparty with whom we enter into a hedging transaction will most likely result in its default, which may result in the loss of potential future value and the loss of our hedge and force us to cover our commitments, if any, at the then current market price. On December 30, 2021, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a $32.5 million interest rate cap agreement at a strike rate of 2.29% to hedge the variable cash flows associated with the Company's floating rate debt. The interest rate cap terminates on June 1, 2024. On October 10, 2023, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a $63.5 million interest rate cap agreement at a strike rate of 1.50% to hedge the variable cash flows associated with the Company's floating rate debt. The interest rate cap terminates on November 6, 2024.

Current wording

OTC instruments), which may occur due to numerous causes, including bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, or operational failure, among others. Credit risk may also be affected by the deterioration of strength in the U.S. economy or the financial performance or condition of the counterparties. If a counterparty fails to perform its obligations to us under a derivative contract, we may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a dissolution, assignment for the benefit of creditors, liquidation, winding-up, bankruptcy, or other analogous proceeding. In the event of the insolvency of a counterparty to a derivative transaction, the derivative transaction would typically be terminated at its fair market value. If we are owed this fair market value in the termination of the derivative transaction and its claim is unsecured, we will be treated as a general creditor of such counterparty, and will not have any claim with respect to the underlying security. We may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. In addition, the business failure of a counterparty with whom we enter into a hedging transaction will most likely result in its default, which may result in the loss of potential future value and the loss of our hedge and force us to cover our commitments, if any, at the then current market price. On December 30, 2021, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a $32.5 million interest rate cap agreement at a strike rate of 2.29% to hedge the variable cash flows associated with the Company's floating rate debt. The interest rate cap terminates on June 1, 2025. On October 10, 2023, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a $63.5 million interest rate cap agreement at a strike rate of 1.50% to hedge the variable cash flows associated with the Company's floating rate debt. The interest rate cap terminated on November 6, 2024.

Previous wording

We have limited operating history as a standalone company and may not be able to operate our business successfully, find suitable investments, or generate sufficient revenue to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders.

Current wording

We may not be able to operate our business successfully, find suitable investments, or generate sufficient revenue to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders.

Previous wording

We were organized on June 7, 2019 and have limited operating history as a standalone company. We may not be able to operate our business successfully, find suitable investments or implement our operating policies and strategies. Our ability to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders over the long term depends on our ability both to generate sufficient cash flow to pay an attractive dividend and to achieve capital appreciation, and we may not be able to do either. Similarly, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue from operations to pay our operating expenses and make distributions to stockholders. The results of our operations will depend on several factors, including the availability of opportunities for the acquisition or origination of target assets, the level and volatility of interest rates, the availability of equity capital as well as adequate short- and long-term financing, conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions.

Current wording

We may not be able to operate our business successfully, find suitable investments or implement our operating policies and strategies. Our ability to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders over the long term depends on our ability both to generate sufficient cash flow to pay an attractive dividend and to achieve capital appreciation, and we may not be able to do either. Similarly, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue from operations to pay our operating expenses and make distributions to stockholders. The results of our operations will depend on several factors, including the availability of opportunities for the acquisition or origination of target assets, the level and volatility of interest rates, the availability of equity capital as well as adequate short- and long-term financing, conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions.

Previous wording

We are an externally managed REIT and therefore we do not have any internal management capacity and only have accounting employees. We will depend to a significant degree on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the management team and other key personnel of our Manager, including Messrs. Dondero, Mitts, McGraner, Sauter, Richards and Willmore, all of whom may be difficult to replace. We expect that our Manager will evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor our loans and investments in accordance with the terms of the Management Agreement.

Current wording

We are an externally managed REIT and therefore we do not have any internal management capacity and only have accounting employees. We will depend to a significant degree on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the management team and other key personnel of our Manager, including Messrs. Dondero, McGraner, Sauter, Richards and Willmore, all of whom may be difficult to replace. We expect that our Manager will evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor our loans and investments in accordance with the terms of the Management Agreement.

Previous wording

We are dependent on our Manager and its affiliates to manage our operations and originate, structure and manage our loans and investments. All of our investment decisions are made by our Manager, subject to general oversight by our Manager’s investment committee and our Board. Any adverse changes in the financial condition of our Manager or its affiliates, or our relationship with our Manager, could hinder our Manager’s ability to successfully manage our operations and our portfolio of loans and investments, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Current wording

Manager’s investment committee and our Board. Any adverse changes in the financial condition of our Manager or its affiliates, or our relationship with our Manager, could hinder our Manager’s ability to successfully manage our operations and our portfolio of loans and investments, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Previous wording

Our primary focus in making loans and investments generally differs from that of existing investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles that are or have been managed by affiliates of our Manager, members of our Manager’s management team, our Sponsor or affiliates of our Sponsor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results, and there can be no assurance that we will achieve comparable results of those Sponsor affiliates. In addition, investors in our securities are not acquiring an interest in any such investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles that are or have been managed by members of our Manager’s management team or our Sponsor or its affiliates. We also cannot assure you that we will replicate the historical results achieved by members of the management team, and we caution you that our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by them in prior periods.

Current wording

Our primary focus in making loans and investments generally differs from that of existing investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles that are or have been managed by affiliates of our Manager, members of our Manager’s management team, our Sponsor or affiliates of our Sponsor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results, and there can be no assurance that we will achieve comparable results of those Sponsor affiliates. In addition, investors in our securities are not acquiring an interest in any such investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles that are or have been managed by members of our Manager’s management team or our Sponsor or its affiliates. We also cannot assure you that we will replicate the historical results achieved by members of the management team, and we caution you that our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by them in prior periods. Additionally, all or a portion of the prior results may have been achieved in particular market conditions which may never be repeated.

Previous wording

Our current portfolio of investments consists SFR Loans, CMBS B-Pieces, CMBS I/O Strips, mezzanine loans, preferred equity investments, common equity investments, multifamily properties, MSCR Notes and mortgage backed securities. We currently concentrate on investments in real estate sectors where our senior management team has operating expertise, including in the multifamily, SFR, self-storage, life science, hospitality and office sectors predominantly in the top 50 MSAs. In addition, the Company targets lending or investing in properties that are stabilized or have a “light transitional” business plan, meaning a property that requires limited deferred funding to support leasing or ramp-up of operations and for which most capital expenditures are for value-add improvements. Though this is our current target portfolio, we may make adjustments to our target portfolio based on real estate market conditions and investment opportunities, and we may change our targeted investments and investment guidelines at any time without the consent of our stockholders. Any such change could result in our making investments that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the investments described in this Annual Report. These policies may change over time. A change in our targeted investments or investment guidelines, which may occur without notice to you or without your consent, may increase our exposure to interest rate risk, default risk and real estate market fluctuations, all of which could adversely affect the value of our securities and our ability to make distributions to you. We intend to disclose any changes in our investment policies in our next required periodic report.

Current wording

Our current portfolio of investments consists of senior loans (which includes SFR Loans), CMBS B-Pieces, CMBS I/O Strips, mezzanine loans, preferred equity investments, common equity investments, multifamily properties, promissory notes, revolving credit facilities and stock warrants. We currently concentrate on investments in real estate sectors where our senior management team has operating expertise, including in the multifamily, SFR, self-storage and life science sectors predominantly in the top 50 MSAs. In addition, the Company targets lending or investing in properties that are stabilized or have a “light transitional” business plan, meaning a property that requires limited deferred funding to support leasing or ramp-up of operations and for which most capital expenditures are for value-add improvements. Though this is our current target portfolio, we may make adjustments to our target portfolio based on real estate market conditions and investment opportunities, and we may change our targeted investments and investment guidelines at any time without the consent of our stockholders. Any such change could result in our making investments that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the investments described in this Annual Report. These policies may change over time. A change in our targeted investments or investment guidelines, which may occur without notice to you or without your consent, may increase our exposure to interest rate risk, default risk and real estate market fluctuations, all of which could adversely affect the value of our securities and our ability to make distributions to you. We intend to disclose any changes in our investment policies in our next required periodic report.

Previous wording

Our directors and management team serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do, or of investment funds managed by our Manager or its affiliates. Similarly, our Manager or its affiliates may have other clients with similar, different or competing investment objectives, including, among others, NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. (“NXRT”), a publicly traded multifamily REIT, VineBrook Homes Trust, Inc. (“VineBrook”), an SFR REIT, NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust (“NXDT”), a publicly traded diversified REIT, and NexPoint Hospitality Trust, Inc. (“NHT”), a publicly traded hospitality REIT listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”), each of which is also managed by members of our management team. In serving in these multiple capacities, they may have obligations to other clients or investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interest of us or our stockholders. For example, the management team of our Manager has, and will continue to have, management responsibilities for other investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles managed or sponsored by our Manager and its affiliates. Our investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of such affiliated investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles. As a result, those individuals may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among us and other investment funds or accounts advised by or affiliated with our Manager and its affiliates. Our Manager will seek to allocate investment opportunities among eligible accounts in a manner consistent with its allocation policy. However, we can offer no assurance that such opportunities will be allocated to us fairly or equitably in the short-term or over time.

Current wording

Our directors and management team serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do, or of investment funds managed by our Manager or its affiliates. Similarly, our Manager or its affiliates may have other clients with similar, different or competing investment objectives, including, among others, NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. (“NXRT”), a publicly traded multifamily REIT, VineBrook Homes Trust, Inc. (“VineBrook”), an SFR REIT and NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust (“NXDT”), a publicly traded diversified REIT, each of which is also managed by members of our management team. In serving in these multiple capacities, they may have obligations to other clients or investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interest of us or our stockholders. For example, the management team of our Manager has, and will continue to have, management responsibilities for other investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles managed or sponsored by our Manager and its affiliates. Our investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of such affiliated investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles. As a result, those individuals may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among us and other investment funds or accounts advised by or affiliated with our Manager and its affiliates. Our Manager will seek to allocate investment opportunities among eligible accounts in a manner consistent with its allocation policy. However, we can offer no assurance that such opportunities will be allocated to us fairly or equitably in the short-term or over time.

Previous wording

On February 8, 2023, UBS Securities LLC and its affiliate (collectively, “UBS”) filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York against Mr. Dondero and a number of other persons and entities, seeking to collect on $1.3 billion in judgments UBS obtained against entities that were managed indirectly by Highland (the “UBS Lawsuit”). The UBS Lawsuit does not include claims related to our business or our assets or operations. While neither our Sponsor nor our Manager are parties to the UBS Lawsuit, these proceedings could expose our Sponsor, our Manager, our affiliates, our management and/or us to negative publicity, which might adversely affect our reputation and/or investor confidence in us, and/or future debt or equity capital raising activities. In addition, the UBS Lawsuit may be both time consuming and disruptive to our operations and cause significant diversion of management attention and resources which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The Board formed an independent special committee to oversee a review of the UBS Lawsuit and its potential impact on the Company. For additional information on the independent special committee and its review of the UBS Lawsuit, see “Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Current wording

On February 8, 2023, UBS Securities LLC and its affiliate (collectively, “UBS”) filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York against Mr. Dondero and a number of other persons and entities, seeking to collect on $1.3 billion in judgments UBS obtained against entities that were managed indirectly by Highland (the “UBS Lawsuit”). On February 26, 2024, the respondents, including Mr. Dondero, filed motions to dismiss the UBS Lawsuit. A hearing was held on July 8, 2024. The court dismissed the claims against one respondent, CLO HoldCo Ltd., for lack of personal jurisdiction in a July 12, 2024 order. On August 24, 2024, UBS filed a notice of appeal for that dismissal order, which has not yet been briefed. The remaining respondents' motions to dismiss, including Mr. Dondero's, remain pending. The UBS Lawsuit does not include claims related to our business or our assets or operations. While neither our Sponsor nor our Manager are parties to the UBS Lawsuit, these proceedings could expose our Sponsor, our Manager, our affiliates, our management and/or us to negative publicity, which might adversely affect our reputation and/or investor confidence in us, and/or future debt or equity capital raising activities. In addition, the UBS Lawsuit may be both time consuming and disruptive to our operations and cause significant diversion of management attention and resources which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Currently, the maximum tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income payable to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for this reduced rate. However, U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates generally may deduct up to 20% of the ordinary dividends (e.g., dividends not designated as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income) received from a REIT for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026. To qualify for this deduction, the U.S. stockholder receiving such dividends must hold the dividend-paying REIT stock for at least 46 days (taking into account certain special holding period rules) of the 91-day period beginning 45 days before the stock becomes ex-dividend and cannot be under an obligation to make related payments with respect to a position in substantially similar or related property. Although this deduction reduces the effective U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to certain dividends paid by REITs (generally to 29.6% assuming the stockholder is subject to the 37% maximum rate), such tax rate is still higher than the tax rate applicable to corporate dividends that constitute qualified dividend income. Accordingly, investors who are individuals, trusts and estates may perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could materially and adversely affect the value of the stock of REITs, including the per share trading price of our securities. In addition, certain U.S. stockholders may be subject to a 3.8% Medicare tax on dividends payable by REITs.

Current wording

Income from "qualified dividends" payable to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is generally subject to tax at reduced rates. Currently, the maximum tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income payable to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for this reduced rate. However, U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates generally may deduct up to 20% of the ordinary dividends (e.g., dividends not designated as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income) received from a REIT for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026. To qualify for this deduction, the U.S. stockholder receiving such dividends must hold the dividend-paying REIT stock for at least 46 days (taking into account certain special holding period rules) of the 91-day period beginning 45 days before the stock becomes ex-dividend and cannot be under an obligation to make related payments with respect to a position in substantially similar or related property. Although this deduction reduces the effective U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to certain dividends paid by REITs (generally to 29.6% assuming the stockholder is subject to the 37% maximum rate), such tax rate is still higher than the tax rate applicable to corporate dividends that constitute qualified dividend income. Accordingly, investors who are individuals, trusts and estates may perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could materially and adversely affect the value of the stock of REITs, including the per share trading price of our securities. In addition, certain U.S. stockholders may be subject to a 3.8% Medicare tax on dividends payable by REITs.

Previous wording

Similarly, some of the CMBS that we acquire may have been issued with original issue discount. We will be required to report such original issue discount based on a constant yield method and will be taxed based on the assumption that all future projected payments due on such CMBS will be made. If such CMBS turns out not to be fully collectible, an offsetting loss deduction will become available only in the later year that uncollectibility is provable. Finally, in the event that any debt instruments or CMBS acquired by us are delinquent as to mandatory principal and interest payments, or in the event payments with respect to a particular debt instrument are not made when due, we may nonetheless be required to continue to recognize the unpaid interest as taxable income as it accrues, despite doubt as to its ultimate collectability. Similarly, we may be required to accrue interest income with respect to subordinate CMBS at their stated rate regardless of whether corresponding cash payments are received or are ultimately collectable. In each case, while we would in general ultimately have an offsetting loss deduction available to us when such interest was determined to be uncollectible, the utility of that deduction could depend on our having taxable income in that later year or thereafter.

Current wording

Similarly, some of the CMBS that we acquire may have been issued with original issue discount. We will be required to report such original issue discount based on a constant yield method and will be taxed based on the assumption that all future projected payments due on such CMBS will be made. If such CMBS turns out not to be fully collectible, an offsetting loss deduction will become available only in the later year that uncollectability is provable. Finally, in the event that any debt instruments or CMBS acquired by us are delinquent as to mandatory principal and interest payments, or in the event payments with respect to a particular debt instrument are not made when due, we may nonetheless be required to continue to recognize the unpaid interest as taxable income as it accrues, despite doubt as to its ultimate collectability. Similarly, we may be required to accrue interest income with respect to subordinate CMBS at their stated rate regardless of whether corresponding cash payments are received or are ultimately collectable. In each case, while we would in general ultimately have an offsetting loss deduction available to us when such interest was determined to be uncollectible, the utility of that deduction could depend on our having taxable income in that later year or thereafter.

Previous wording

Gain recognized by a non-U.S. stockholder upon the sale or exchange of our common stock generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless such stock constitutes a USRPI under FIRPTA. Our common stock will not constitute a USRPI so long as we are a “domestically-controlled” REIT. A REIT is “domestically controlled” if less than 50% of the REIT’s stock, by value, has been owned directly or indirectly by persons who are not qualifying U.S. persons during a continuous five-year period ending on the date of disposition or, if shorter, during the entire period of the REIT’s existence. We cannot assure you that we will qualify as a “domestically controlled” REIT. If we were to fail to so qualify, gain realized by foreign investors on a sale of shares of our stock would be subject to FIRPTA tax, unless the shares of our stock were traded on an established securities market and the foreign investor did not at any time during a specified testing period directly or indirectly own more than 10% of the value of our outstanding common stock.

Current wording

Gain recognized by a non-U.S. stockholder upon the sale or exchange of our common stock generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless such stock constitutes a USRPI under FIRPTA. Our common stock will not constitute a USRPI so long as we are a “domestically-controlled” REIT. A REIT is “domestically controlled” if less than 50% of the REIT’s stock, by value, has been owned directly or indirectly by persons who are not qualifying U.S. persons, including through a foreign-controlled domestic corporation, during a continuous five-year period ending on the date of disposition or, if shorter, during the entire period of the REIT’s existence. We cannot assure you that we will qualify as a “domestically controlled” REIT. If we were to fail to so qualify, gain realized by foreign investors on a sale of shares of our stock would be subject to FIRPTA tax, unless the shares of our stock were traded on an established securities market and the foreign investor did not at any time during a specified testing period directly or indirectly own more than 10% of the value of our outstanding common stock.

Previous wording

Our Sponsor is the ultimate parent of our Manager and may be deemed to beneficially own approximately 16.8% of our outstanding voting securities as of December 31, 2023. James Dondero is the sole member of the general partner of our Sponsor. As a result of this relationship, Mr. Dondero has shared voting and dispositive power with respect to shares beneficially owned by our Sponsor. In addition, Mr. Dondero has relationships with certain other holders of our common stock which may result in Mr. Dondero being deemed to have aggregate beneficial ownership of approximately 8,867,206 shares (or 51.5% of our common stock) and shared voting and dispositive power over approximately 8,765,545 shares (or 50.9% of our common stock) as of December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Our Sponsor is the ultimate parent of our Manager and may be deemed to beneficially own approximately 16.4% of our outstanding voting securities as of December 31, 2024. James Dondero is the sole member of the general partner of our Sponsor. As a result of this relationship, Mr. Dondero has shared voting and dispositive power with respect to shares beneficially owned by our Sponsor. In addition, Mr. Dondero has relationships with certain other holders of our common stock which may result in Mr. Dondero being deemed to have aggregate beneficial ownership of approximately 9,004,336 shares (or 51.6% of our common stock) and shared voting and dispositive power over approximately 8,798,896 shares (or 50.4% of our common stock) as of December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

The holders of shares of our Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock have rights and preferences generally senior to those of the holders of our common stock. The existence of these senior rights and preferences may have a negative effect on the value of shares of our common stock. These rights are more fully set forth in the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock and in the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock, and include, but are not limited to: (i) the right to receive a liquidation preference, prior to any distribution of our assets to the holders of our common stock; and (ii) for the Series A Preferred Stock, the right to convert into shares of our common stock upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock), which may be adjusted as set forth therein. In addition, the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock rank senior to our common stock with respect to priority of such dividend payments, which may limit our ability to make distributions to holders of our common stock. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock also have the right to request we redeem their shares at any time, and we may elect to pay any such redemption price in shares of our common stock, which would be dilutive to existing holders of shares of our common stock.

Current wording

The holders of shares of our Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock have rights and preferences generally senior to those of the holders of our common stock. The existence of these senior rights and preferences may have a negative effect on the value of shares of our common stock. These rights are more fully set forth in the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock and in the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock, and include, but are not limited to: (i) the right to receive a liquidation preference, prior to any distribution of our assets to the holders of our common stock; and (ii) for the Series A Preferred Stock, the right to convert into shares of our common stock upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the articles supplementary setting forth the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock), which conversion terms may be adjusted as set forth therein. In addition, the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock rank senior to our common stock with respect to priority of such dividend payments, which may limit our ability to make distributions to holders of our common stock. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock also have the right to request we redeem their shares at any time, and we may elect to pay any such redemption price in shares of our common stock, which would be dilutive to existing holders of shares of our common stock.

Previous wording

Our business is highly dependent on information technology. In the ordinary course of our business, we may store sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and that of our business partners, on our networks. The secure maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations. Despite 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, the risk of which may be heightened by the increased prevalence and use of artificial intelligence. Any such breach 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, disrupt our operations, disrupt our trading activities, or damage our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and negatively affect the market price of our securities and our ability to pay dividends to stockholders. In addition, although our Manager maintains insurance coverage that may cover certain aspects of our cyber and information security risks, such insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses, such as litigation costs or financial losses that exceed policy limits or are not covered under any of our Manager's current insurance policies.

Current wording

Our business is highly dependent on information technology. In the ordinary course of our business, we may store sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and that of our business partners, on our networks. The secure maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations. Cybersecurity incidents and cyber-attacks, ransomware attacks and social engineering attempts (including business email compromise attacks) have been occurring globally at a more frequent and severe level and will likely continue to increase in frequency in the future. Despite 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, the risk of which may be heightened by the increased prevalence and use of artificial intelligence. There can be no assurance that the measures we take to ensure the integrity of our systems will provide protection, especially because cyberattack techniques used change frequently, may persist undetected over extended periods of time and may not be mitigated in a timely manner to prevent or minimize the impact of an attack. Any such breach 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, including accidental or unauthorized disclosure of information, could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties, disrupt our operations, disrupt our trading activities, or damage our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and negatively affect the market price of our securities and our ability to pay dividends to stockholders. Further, any interruption or deterioration in the performance of third-party service providers or failures of their information systems and technology could impair the quality of our operations and could affect our reputation and hence adversely affect our business. In addition, although our Manager maintains insurance coverage that may cover certain aspects of our cyber and information security risks, such insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses, such as litigation costs or financial losses that exceed policy limits or are not covered under any of our Manager's current insurance policies.

Previous wording

Furthermore, if some of our or our Manager’s employees are required to work remotely in the future due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other pandemics or infectious diseases, or if we or our Manager allow permanent or significant remote work by any of our or its employees, there may be an increased risk of disruption to our operations because they may be utilizing residential networks and infrastructure which may not be as secure as in our office environment.

Current wording

Furthermore, if some of our or our Manager’s employees are required to work remotely in the future due to pandemics or infectious diseases, or if we or our Manager allow permanent or significant remote work by any of our or its employees, there may be an increased risk of disruption to our operations because they may be utilizing residential networks and infrastructure which may not be as secure as in our office environment.