example, if we fund a repurchase under a line of credit, we will consider actual borrowings when determining whether we are at our leverage target, but not unused borrowing capacity. If, therefore, we are at a leverage ratio in the range of 50% to 65% of our gross real estate assets and we borrow additional amounts under a line of credit, or if the value of our portfolio decreases, our leverage could exceed the range of 50% to 65%. In the event that our leverage ratio exceeds our target, regardless of the reason, we will thereafter endeavor to manage our leverage back down to our target. There is no limit on the amount we may borrow with respect to any individual property or portfolio. However, under our charter we may not incur indebtedness for money borrowed in an amount exceeding 300% of the cost of our net assets, which approximates borrowing 75% of the cost of our investments. “Net assets” is defined as our total assets other than intangibles valued at cost (prior to deducting depreciation, reserves for bad debts and other non-cash reserves) less total liabilities. However, we may borrow in excess of this amount if such excess is approved by a majority of our independent directors, and disclosed to stockholders in our next quarterly report, along with justification for such excess. Our charter prohibits us from obtaining loans from any of our directors, Starwood Capital or any of their affiliates, unless approved by a majority of our board of directors (including a majority of our independent directors) not otherwise interested in the transaction as fair, competitive and commercially reasonable and on terms and conditions not less favorable than comparable loans between unaffiliated parties under the same circumstances. Our Taxation as a REIT We believe we have operated in a manner that has allowed us to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, for federal income tax purposes, beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 2019 and intend to continue to operate in a manner that will allow us to continue to qualify as a REIT. As long as we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our net taxable income (determined without regard to our net capital gain and dividends paid deduction) that we timely distribute to our stockholders. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes, taxes imposed by foreign jurisdictions attributed to certain non-U.S. investments, taxes on our income and property, and federal income and excise taxes in certain circumstances, including on our undistributed taxable income. We have formed certain subsidiaries to function as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). In general, a TRS may perform additional services for our tenants and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate-related business other than management or operation of a lodging facility or a health care facility. The TRSs are subject to taxation at the federal, state, local and foreign levels, as applicable. We will account for applicable income taxes by utilizing the asset and liability method. As such, we will record deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences resulting from the difference between the carrying value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided if we believe it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset may not be realized. Governmental Regulations As an owner of real estate, our operations are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and regulation by U.S. and other governmental authorities, and may be subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing various requirements and restrictions, which, include among other things: (i) federal and state securities laws and regulations; (ii) federal, state and local tax laws and regulations; (iii) state and local laws relating to real property; (iv) federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances, and regulations; and (v) various laws relating to housing, including permanent and temporary rent control and stabilization laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988, among others. Compliance with the federal, state and local laws described above has not had a material, adverse effect on our business, assets, results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions, and we do not believe that our existing portfolio will require us to incur material expenditures to comply with these laws and regulations. Competition We face competition from various entities for investment opportunities in properties, including other REITs, pension funds, insurance companies, investment funds and companies, partnerships and developers. In addition to third-party competitors, other programs sponsored by the Advisor and its affiliates, particularly those with investment strategies that overlap with ours, may seek investment opportunities under Starwood Capital’s prevailing policies and procedures. Many of these entities may have greater access to capital to acquire properties than we have. In the face of this competition, we have access to our Advisor’s and Sponsor’s professionals and their industry expertise and relationships, which we believe provide us with a competitive advantage and help us source, evaluate and compete for potential investments. We believe these relationships will enable us to compete more effectively for attractive investment opportunities. However, we may not be able to achieve our business goals or expectations due to the competitive risks that we face. For
9
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker