Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
File Number 333-117449
PROSPECTUS
----------
262,818 Shares
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.
Common Stock
(Par Value $.01 per Share)
This Prospectus relates to 262,818 shares of our common stock that may be
sold from time to time by the selling stockholders listed on page 13.
Information on the selling stockholders and the times and manner in which they
may offer and sell shares of our common stock under this Prospectus is described
under the sections entitled "Selling Stockholders" and "Plan of Distribution" in
this Prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of these
shares by the selling stockholders.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under
the symbol "CBL". The last reported sale price of our common stock on the New
York Stock Exchange on September 13, 2004 was $61.35 per share.
Our principal executive offices are located at the CBL Center, 2030
Hamilton Place Blvd., Suite 500, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421-6000 and our
telephone number is (423) 855-0001.
Investing in our common stock involves certain risks. See "Risk Factors"
commencing on page 5 of this Prospectus.
----------------------------------------------------------
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
----------------------------------------------------------
The date of this Prospectus is September 15, 2004.
1
You should rely only on information contained in or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus. Neither we nor the selling stockholders have
authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making
an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You
should not assume that the information provided by the Prospectus is accurate as
of any date other than the date on the front of this Prospectus.
----------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION.............................................2
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE............................3
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION...........................................4
RISK FACTORS...............................................................5
CBL & ASSOCIATES PROPERTIES, INC..........................................12
USE OF PROCEEDS...........................................................13
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS......................................................13
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION......................................................14
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS.........................................15
LEGAL MATTERS.............................................................33
EXPERTS...................................................................34
INDEMNIFICATION...........................................................34
----------------------------------------------------------
WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance with those
requirements we file reports and other information with the SEC. The reports and
other information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of this material can be obtained by mail from the
Public Reference Section of the SEC at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. You may obtain
additional information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room by
2
calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a Web site
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other materials that are filed through the SEC Electronic Data Gathering,
Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) system. In addition, our common stock and Series
B and Series C preferred stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and we
are required to file reports, proxy and information statements and other
information with the New York Stock Exchange. These documents can be inspected
at the principal office of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New
York, New York 10005.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 covering
the securities offered by this Prospectus. You should be aware that this
Prospectus does not contain all of the information contained or incorporated by
reference in that registration statement and its exhibits and schedules,
particular portions of which have been omitted as permitted by the SEC rules.
For further information about our company and our securities, we refer you to
the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules. You may inspect and
obtain the registration statement, including exhibits, schedules, reports and
other information filed by us with the SEC, as described in the preceding
paragraph. Statements contained in this Prospectus concerning the contents of
any document we refer you to are not necessarily complete and in each instance
we refer you to the applicable document filed with the SEC for more complete
information.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
We have filed the documents listed below with the SEC under the Exchange
Act and they are incorporated herein by reference: (i) Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as amended by Amendment No. 1
thereto on Form 10-K/A; (ii) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended March 31, 2004; (iii) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended June 30, 2004; (iv) Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 22,
2004; (v) Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 9, 2004; (vi) Current Report
on Form 8-K filed on August 30, 2004, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto on
Form 8-K/A filed on September 13, 2004; (vii) Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on September 2, 2004; and (viii) the description of our common stock contained
in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated October 25, 1993.
Any document which we file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to termination
of this offering of securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
into, and to be part of, this Prospectus from the date of filing of each such
document.
Any statement contained in this Prospectus or in a document incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus will, to the extent
applicable, be deemed to be modified, superseded or replaced by later statements
included in supplements or amendments to this Prospectus or in subsequently
filed documents which are in, or deemed to be incorporated by reference in, this
Prospectus.
3
We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial
owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral
request of any such person, a copy of any or all documents incorporated by
reference herein (other than exhibits thereto, unless such exhibits are
specifically incorporated by reference into such documents). Such requests
should be addressed to our Director of Investor Relations, CBL Center, 2030
Hamilton Place Blvd., Suite 500, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421-6000, (telephone
number (423) 855-0001).
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Prospectus and those documents incorporated by reference herein may
include certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E
of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain
assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, are
generally identifiable by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "expect,"
"anticipate," "seek," "estimate," "believe," "plan," "intend," "predict,"
"project," or the negative of these words, or other similar words or terms.
Forward-looking statements made by us are based on our estimates, projections,
beliefs and assumptions at the time of the statements and are not guarantees of
future performance.
Factors which could materially and adversely affect us include, but are not
limited to, changes in economic conditions generally and the real estate market
specifically, legislative/regulatory changes including changes to laws governing
the taxation of real estate investment trusts, which we call "REITs,"
availability and costs of debt and equity capital, interest rate fluctuations,
competition, supply and demand for properties in our current and proposed market
areas, accounting principles, policies and guidelines applicable to REITs,
environmental risks, tenant bankruptcies, shifts in customer demands, changes in
operating expenses, including employee wages, benefits and training, and the
other matters described under the heading "Risk Factors" below. All of these
factors should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements
included or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
Given these uncertainties, prospective purchasers of our common stock are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements included or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, whether as
a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of the factors
referred to above, the future events discussed in forward-looking statements
included or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus may not occur and
actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from that
anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.
4
RISK FACTORS
Before you consider investing in our common stock, you should be aware that
there are risks in making this investment. You should carefully consider these
risk factors, together with all of the information included or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, before you decide to invest in our common stock.
Risks of Expansion and Development Activities
---------------------------------------------
We intend to pursue development and expansion activities as opportunities
arise. In connection with any development or expansion, we will incur various
risks including the risk that development or expansion opportunities explored by
us may be abandoned and the risk that construction costs of a project may exceed
original estimates, possibly making the project not profitable. Other risks
include the risk that we may not be able to refinance construction loans which
are generally with full recourse to us, the risk that occupancy rates and rents
at a completed project will not meet projections and will be insufficient to
make the project profitable; and the risk that we will not be able to obtain
anchor, mortgage lender and property partner approvals for certain expansion
activities. In the event of an unsuccessful development project, our loss could
exceed our investment in the project.
We have in the past elected not to proceed with certain development
projects and anticipate that we will do so again from time to time in the
future. If we elect not to proceed with a development opportunity, the
development costs ordinarily will be charged against income for the then-current
period. Any such charge could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations for the period in which the charge is taken.
General Factors Affecting Investments in Shopping Center Properties; Effect of
Economic and Real Estate Conditions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A shopping center's revenues and value may be adversely affected by a
number of factors, including:
o The national and regional economic climates
o Local real estate conditions (such as an oversupply of retail space)
o Perceptions by retailers or shoppers of the safety, convenience and
attractiveness of the shopping center
o The willingness and ability of the shopping center's owner to provide
capable management and maintenance services.
In addition, other factors may adversely affect a shopping center's value
without affecting its current revenues, including:
5
o Changes in governmental regulations, zoning or tax laws
o Potential environmental or other legal liabilities
o Availability of financing
o Changes in interest rate levels
There are numerous shopping facilities that compete with our properties in
attracting retailers to lease space. In addition, retailers at our properties
face continued competition from:
o Discount shopping centers
o Outlet malls
o Wholesale clubs
o Direct mail
o Telemarketing
o Television shopping networks
o Shopping via the Internet
Competition could adversely affect revenues and funds available for
distribution.
Geographic Concentration
------------------------
Our properties are located principally in the southeastern and midwestern
United States. Our properties located in the southeastern United States
accounted for approximately 62.4% of our total revenues from all properties for
the six months ended June 30, 2004 and currently include 38 malls, 17 associated
centers and 42 community centers. Our properties located in the midwestern
United States accounted for approximately 23.3% of our total revenues from all
properties for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and currently include 17
malls, three associated centers and five community centers. Our results of
operations and funds available for distribution to stockholders therefore will
be subject generally to economic conditions in the southeastern and midwestern
United States. We will continue to look for opportunities to geographically
diversify our portfolio in order to minimize dependency on any particular
region; however, the expansion of the portfolio through both acquisitions and
developments is contingent on many factors including consumer demands,
competition and economic conditions.
Third-Party Interests in Certain Properties
-------------------------------------------
We own partial, non-controlling interests in five regional malls, one
associated center, 43 community centers and one mall that is currently under
construction. We manage all of these properties except for Governor's Square
Mall, Governor's Plaza and Kentucky Oaks Mall. A property manager affiliated
with the managing general partner performs the property management services for
these three properties.
Where we serve as managing general partner of the partnerships that own our
properties, we may have certain fiduciary responsibilities to the other partners
in those partnerships. In certain cases, the approval or consent of the other
6
partners is required before we may sell, finance, expand or make other
significant changes in the operations of such properties. To the extent such
approvals or consents are required, we may experience difficulty in, or may be
prevented from, implementing our plans with respect to expansion, development,
financing or other similar transactions with respect to such properties.
With respect to Governor's Square Mall, Governor's Plaza and Kentucky Oaks
Mall, we do not have day-to-day operational control or control over certain
major decisions, including the timing and amount of distributions, which could
result in decisions by the managing general partner that do not fully reflect
our interests. This includes decisions relating to the requirements that we must
satisfy in order to maintain our status as a REIT for tax purposes. However,
decisions relating to sales, expansion and disposition of all or substantially
all of the assets and financings are subject to approval by our operating
partnership.
We have generally agreed not to sell an acquired property for a number of
years if such sale would trigger adverse tax consequences for the seller.
Dependence on Key Tenants
-------------------------
In the six months ended June 30, 2004, no tenant accounted for more than 5%
of revenues except for Limited Brands, Inc. which maintains 200 stores in our
malls and accounted for approximately 5.4% of our total revenues. The loss or
bankruptcy of this key tenant could negatively affect our financial position and
results of operations.
Dependence on Significant Markets
---------------------------------
Our properties located in the Nashville, Tennessee area accounted for 7% of
our revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2004. No other market accounted
for more than 4% of our revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2004. Our
financial position and results of operations will therefore be affected by the
results experienced at properties located in the Nashville, Tennessee area.
Rising Interest Rates and Other Factors Could Adversely Affect Our Stock Price
and Borrowing Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any significant increase in market interest rates from their current levels
could lead holders of our securities to seek higher yields through other
investments, which could adversely affect the market price of our stock. One of
the factors that may influence the price of our stock in public markets is the
annual distribution rate we pay as compared with the yields on alternative
investments. Numerous other factors, such as governmental regulatory action and
tax laws, could have a significant impact on the future market price of our
stock. In addition, increases in market interest rates could result in increased
borrowing costs for us, which may adversely affect our cash flow and the amounts
available for distributions to our stockholders.
Dependence on Management
------------------------
Certain of the operating partnership's lines of credit are conditioned
7
upon the operating partnership continuing to be managed by certain members
of its current senior management and by such members of senior management
continuing to own a significant direct or indirect equity interest in the
operating partnership (including any shares of our common stock and preferred
stock owned by such members of senior management).
Conflict of Interest: Retained Property Interests
-------------------------------------------------
Our predecessor company, CBL & Associates, Inc., owns interests in
outparcels at certain of our malls and a minority interest in one mall, the
majority interest of which is owned by a third party. Certain members of Charles
B. Lebovitz's family and his father's estate continue to own four community and
neighborhood centers and one tract of vacant land. The properties retained by
our predecessor company and the properties owned by the Lebovitz family are
managed and leased by our management company, CBL & Associates Management, Inc.,
which receives a fee for its services.
Conflict of Interest: Tax Consequences of Sales of Properties
-------------------------------------------------------------
Since certain of our properties had unrealized gain attributable to the
difference between the fair market value and adjusted tax basis in such
properties immediately prior to their contribution to the operating partnership,
the sale of any such properties, or a significant reduction in the debt
encumbering such properties, could cause adverse tax consequences to the members
of our senior management who owned interests in our predecessor entities. As a
result, members of our senior management might not favor a sale of a property or
a significant reduction in debt even though such a sale or reduction could be
beneficial to us and the operating partnership. Our Bylaws provide that any
decision relating to the potential sale of any property that would result in a
disproportionately higher taxable income for members of our senior management
than for us and our stockholders, or that would result in a significant
reduction in such property's debt, must be made by a majority of the independent
directors of our Board of Directors. The operating partnership is required, in
the case of such a sale, to distribute to its partners, at a minimum, all of the
net cash proceeds from such sale up to an amount reasonably believed necessary
to enable members of our senior management to pay any income tax liability
arising from such sale.
Conflicts of Interest: Policies of Board of Directors
-----------------------------------------------------
Certain entities owned in whole or in part by members of our senior
management may continue to perform services for, or transact business with, us
and the operating partnership. This includes the construction company which
built or renovated most of our properties. Certain of our executive officers
collectively have a significant but non-controlling interest in this
construction company and Charles B. Lebovitz serves as a director of the
construction company. Furthermore, certain property tenants are affiliated with
members of our senior management. Our Bylaws provide that any contract or
transaction between us or the operating partnership and one or more of our
directors or officers, or between us or the operating partnership and any other
entity in which one or more of our directors or officers are directors or
officers, or have a financial interest, must be approved by a majority of our
8
independent directors or stockholders after the material facts of the
relationship or interest of the contract or transaction are disclosed or are
known to them.
Adverse Legislative or Regulatory Tax Changes
---------------------------------------------
The federal income tax laws governing REITs or the administrative
interpretations of those laws may be modified, amended or repealed and new laws
or interpretations enacted. Any of those new laws or interpretations may take
effect retroactively and could adversely affect us or you as a shareholder.
Recently enacted legislation reduces individual tax rates applicable to certain
corporate dividends. REIT dividends generally would not be eligible for the
reduced rates because a REIT's income generally is not subject to corporate
level tax. As a result, investment in non-REIT corporations may be relatively
more attractive than investments in REITs. This could adversely affect the
market price of our common stock.
Federal Tax Consequences: REIT Classification
---------------------------------------------
We intend to continue to operate so as to qualify as a REIT under the
Internal Revenue Code. Although we believe that we are organized and operate in
such a manner, no assurance can be given that we currently qualify and in the
future will continue to qualify as a REIT. Such qualification involves the
application of highly technical and complex Internal Revenue Code provisions for
which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations. The
determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within
our control may affect our ability to qualify. In addition, no assurance can be
given that legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or court
decisions will not significantly change the tax laws with respect to
qualification or its corresponding federal income tax consequences.
If in any taxable year we were to fail to qualify as a REIT, we would not
be allowed a deduction for distributions to stockholders in computing our
taxable income and we would be subject to federal income tax on our taxable
income at regular corporate rates. Unless entitled to relief under certain
statutory provisions, we also would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for
the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost.
As a result, the funds available for distribution to our stockholders would be
reduced for each of the years involved. We currently intend to operate in a
manner designed to qualify as a REIT. However, it is possible that future
economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations may cause our Board of
Directors, with the consent of a majority of our stockholders, to revoke the
REIT election. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Federal Tax Consequences: Limits on Ownership Necessary to Maintain REIT
Qualification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To maintain our status as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, not more
than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or
indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Internal Revenue
Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year. Our
Certificate of Incorporation generally prohibits ownership of more than 6% of
the outstanding shares of our capital stock by any single stockholder determined
by vote, value or number of shares (other than Charles Lebovitz, David Jacobs,
Richard Jacobs and their affiliates under the Internal Revenue Code's
attribution rules).
9
Federal Tax Consequences: Effect of Distribution Requirements
-------------------------------------------------------------
To maintain our status as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, we
generally will be required each year to distribute to our stockholders at least
90% of our taxable income after certain adjustments. However, to the extent that
we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or distribute at least 90% but
less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, as adjusted, we will be subject to
tax on the undistributed amount at ordinary and capital gains corporate tax
rates, as the case may be. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible
excise tax on the amount, if any, by which certain distributions paid by us
during each calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income
for such calendar year, 95% of our capital gain net income for the calendar year
and any amount of such income that was not distributed in prior years. In the
case of property acquisitions, including our initial formation, where individual
properties are contributed to our operating partnership for operating
partnership units, we have assumed the tax basis and depreciation schedules of
the entities contributing properties. The relatively low tax basis of such
contributed properties may have the effect of increasing the cash amounts we are
required to distribute as dividends, thereby potentially limiting the amount of
cash we might otherwise have been able to retain for use in growing our
business. This low tax basis may also have the effect of reducing or eliminating
the portion of distributions made by us that are treated as a non-taxable return
of capital.
Environmental Matters
---------------------
Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, a
current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the costs
of removal or remediation of petroleum, certain hazardous or toxic substances
on, under or in such real estate. Such laws typically impose such liability
without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for,
the presence of such substances. The costs of remediation or removal of such
substances may be substantial. The presence of such substances, or the failure
to promptly remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner's or
operator's ability to lease or sell such real estate or to borrow using such
real estate as collateral. Persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of
hazardous or toxic substances may also be liable for the costs of removal or
remediation of such substances at the disposal or treatment facility, regardless
of whether such facility is owned or operated by such person. Certain laws also
impose requirements on conditions and activities that may affect the environment
or the impact of the environment on human health. Failure to comply with such
requirements could result in the imposition of monetary penalties (in addition
to the costs to achieve compliance) and potential liabilities to third parties.
Among other things, certain laws require abatement or removal of friable and
certain non-friable asbestos-containing materials in the event of demolition or
certain renovations or remodeling. Certain laws regarding asbestos-containing
materials require building owners and lessees, among other things, to notify and
train certain employees working in areas known or presumed to contain
asbestos-containing materials. Certain laws also impose liability for release of
asbestos-containing materials into the air and third parties may seek recovery
from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury or property
damage associated with asbestos-containing materials. In connection with the
ownership and operation of properties, we may be potentially liable for all or a
portion of such costs or claims.
10
All of our properties (but not properties for which we hold an option to
purchase but do not yet own) have been subject to Phase I environmental
assessments or updates of existing Phase I environmental assessments within
approximately the last nine years. Such assessments generally consisted of a
visual inspection of the properties, review of federal and state environmental
databases and certain information regarding historic uses of the property and
adjacent areas and the preparation and issuance of written reports. Some of the
properties contain, or contained, underground storage tanks used for storing
petroleum products or wastes typically associated with automobile service or
other operations conducted at the properties. Certain properties contain, or
contained, dry-cleaning establishments utilizing solvents. Where believed to be
warranted, samplings of building materials or subsurface investigations were
undertaken. At certain properties, where warranted by the conditions, we have
developed and implemented an operations and maintenance program that establishes
operating procedures with respect to asbestos-containing materials. The costs
associated with the development and implementation for such programs were not
material.
We believe that our properties are in compliance in all material respects
with all federal, state and local ordinances and regulations regarding the
handling, discharge and emission of hazardous or toxic substances. We have not
been notified by any governmental authority, and are not otherwise aware, of any
material noncompliance, liability or claim relating to hazardous or toxic
substances in connection with any of our present or former properties. We have
not recorded in our financial statements any material liability in connection
with environmental matters. Nevertheless, it is possible that the environmental
assessments available to us do not reveal all potential environmental
liabilities. It is also possible that subsequent investigations will identify
material contamination, that adverse environmental conditions have arisen
subsequent to the performance of the environmental assessments, or that there
are material environmental liabilities of which management is unaware. Moreover,
no assurances can be given that (i) future laws, ordinances or regulations will
not impose any material environmental liability or (ii) the current
environmental condition of the properties has not been or will not be affected
by tenants and occupants of the properties, by the condition of properties in
the vicinity of the properties or by third parties unrelated to us, the
operating partnership or the relevant property's partnership. The existence of
any such environmental liability could have an adverse effect on our results of
operations, cash flow and the funds available to us to pay dividends.
Recent Events and Tenant Bankruptcies May Adversely Affect the Retail Climate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A significant portion of our earnings are derived from tenant occupancy and
retail sales during the holiday season. The deterioration recently experienced
in the national economy and the events related to the ongoing war against
terrorism have negatively affected the retail climate. In addition, a number of
local, regional and national retailers have closed locations or filed for
bankruptcy within the last three years. We are unable to determine what effect
these developments may have on our future earnings.
11
Our Insurance Coverage May Change in the Future and not Include Coverage for
Acts of Terrorism
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The property and liability insurance policies on our properties currently
do not exclude loss resulting from acts of terrorism, whether foreign or
domestic. The cost of property and liability insurance policies that do not
exclude coverage for acts of terrorism has risen significantly post-September
11, 2001. As a result, many companies within our industry are agreeing to
exclude this coverage from their policies where possible. We are unable at this
time to predict whether we will continue our policy coverage as currently
structured when our policies are up for renewal on December 31, 2004.
CBL & ASSOCIATES PROPERTIES, INC.
We are a self-managed, self-administered, fully integrated real estate
company. We own, operate, market, manage, lease, expand, develop, redevelop,
acquire and finance regional malls and community and neighborhood shopping
centers. Our shopping center properties are located primarily in the Southeast
and Midwest, as well as in select markets in other regions of the United States.
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. We are
one of the largest mall REITs in the United States based on our total assets. We
currently own controlling interests in a portfolio of properties, consisting of
62 regional malls, five of which are currently being expanded, 25 associated
centers, each of which is part of a regional shopping mall complex and one of
which is currently being expanded, 13 community centers, one of which is
currently being expanded, and our corporate office building. We also own
non-controlling interests in five regional malls, one associated center and 43
community centers. Additionally, we currently have under construction one
regional mall, which is owned in a joint venture, one open-air center and one
community center. We also own options to acquire certain shopping center
development sites.
We conduct substantially all of our business through our operating
partnership, CBL & Associates Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited
partnership. We currently own an indirect controlling interest in the operating
partnership, and one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, CBL Holdings I, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, is its sole general partner. To comply with certain
technical requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
applicable to REITs, our property management and development activities, sales
of peripheral land and maintenance operations are carried out through a separate
management company, CBL & Associates Management, Inc. Currently, our operating
partnership owns 100% of both the common stock and the preferred stock of the
management company.
In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT for federal income tax
purposes, we must distribute each year at least 90% of our taxable income,
computed without regard to net capital gains or the dividends-paid deduction.
We were organized on July 13, 1993 as a Delaware corporation to acquire
substantially all of the real estate properties owned by our predecessor
company, CBL & Associates, Inc., and its affiliates. Our principal executive
offices are located at CBL Center, 2030 Hamilton Place Blvd., Suite 500,
12
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421-6000, and our telephone number is (423) 855-0001.
Our Web site can be found at www.cblproperties.com. The information contained in
our Web site is not part of this Prospectus.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale by the selling stockholders
of any of the shares of common stock covered by this Prospectus.
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
We are registering all 262,818 shares covered by this Prospectus on behalf
of the selling stockholders named in the table below and their respective
pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest. We are
registering the shares in order to permit the selling stockholders to publicly
offer these shares for resale from time to time. The selling stockholders may
sell all, some or none of the shares covered by this Prospectus. See "Plan of
Distribution." None of the selling stockholders has had any material
relationship with us within the past three years other than as a result of the
acquisition and ownership of these shares or other securities of ours.
The table below, which is based on information that we received from the
selling stockholders and/or their counsel, lists the names of each selling
stockholder, the aggregate number of shares of common stock beneficially owned
by each selling stockholder as of September 14, 2004, and the aggregate number
of shares of common stock that each selling stockholder may offer and sell
pursuant to this Prospectus. Because each selling stockholder may offer all or a
portion of the shares of common stock offered by this Prospectus at any time and
from time to time after the date hereof, no estimate can be made of the number
of shares that each selling stockholder may retain upon completion of this
offering. However, assuming all of the shares offered by this Prospectus are
sold by the selling stockholders then, unless otherwise noted in the footnotes
to the table below, after completion of this offering, none of the selling
stockholders will own more than one percent of the shares of common stock
outstanding.
Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
(excluding shares Number of Shares
Name of Selling Stockholder offered hereby) Offered Hereby
--------------------------- --------------- --------------
Robert T. Samuels 0 165,455
Roger E. Benjamin Revocable Trust 0 69,000
Lois Becher Revocable Trust 0 21,863
Perlick Holdings, LLC 0 6,500
---------
Total Shares Offered 262,818
=========
13
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We are registering the shares on behalf of the selling stockholders
pursuant to registration rights agreements between us and the selling
stockholders, dated August 27, 1998. The shares may be offered and sold by the
selling stockholders, or by purchasers, transferees, donees, pledgees or other
successors in interest, directly or through brokers, dealers, agents or
underwriters who may receive compensation in the form of discounts, commissions
or similar selling expenses paid by the selling stockholders or by a purchaser
of the shares on whose behalf such broker-dealer may act as agent. Sales and
transfers of the shares may be effected from time to time in one or more
transactions, in private or public transactions, on the NYSE, in the
over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions or otherwise, at a fixed
price or prices that may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale, at negotiated prices, without consideration or by any other legally
available means. Any or all of the shares may be sold from time to time by means
of:
(a) a block trade, in which a broker or dealer attempts to sell the shares
as agent but may position and resell a portion of the shares as principal to
facilitate the transaction;
(b) purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and the subsequent sale by
such broker or dealer for its account pursuant to this Prospectus;
(c) ordinary brokerage transactions (which may include long or short sales)
and transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers;
(d) the writing (sale) of put or call options on the shares;
(e) the pledging of the shares as collateral to secure loans, credit or
other financing arrangements and subsequent foreclosure, the disposition of the
shares by the Lender thereunder; and
(f) any other legally available means.
To the extent required with respect to a particular offer or sale of the
shares, we will file a prospectus supplement pursuant to Section 424(b)(3) of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which will accompany this Prospectus, to
disclose:
(a) the number of shares to be sold;
(b) the purchase price;
(c) the name of any broker, dealer or agent effecting the sale or transfer
and the amount of any applicable discounts, commissions or similar selling
expenses; and
(d) any other relevant information.
14
The selling stockholders may transfer the shares by means of gifts,
donations and contributions. Subject to certain limitations under rules
promulgated under the Securities Act, this Prospectus may be used by the
recipients of such gifts, donations and contributions to offer and sell the
shares received by them, directly or through brokers, dealers or agents and in
private or public transactions.
In connection with distributions of the shares or otherwise, the selling
stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with brokers, dealers or other
financial institutions. In connection with such transactions, brokers, dealers
or other financial institutions may engage in short sales of our common stock in
the course of hedging the positions they assume with the selling stockholders.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the selling stockholders also may
sell the shares short and redeliver the shares to close out such short
positions.
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers who participate in the
distribution of the shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning
of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act and any discounts, commissions or similar
selling expenses they receive and any profit on the resale of the shares
purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts
under the Securities Act. As a result, we have informed the selling stockholders
that Regulation M, promulgated under the Exchange Act, may apply to sales by the
selling stockholders in the market. The selling stockholders may agree to
indemnify any broker, dealer or agent that participates in transactions
involving the sale of the shares against certain liabilities, including
liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
The aggregate net proceeds to the selling stockholders from the sale of the
shares will be the purchase price of such shares less any discounts, concessions
or commissions. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of any shares by
the selling stockholders. We will pay all expenses reasonably related to the
registration of the shares for sale by the selling stockholders in connection
with this offering, but we will not pay any expenses incurred by the selling
stockholders in connection with brokerage fees or underwriting commissions, fees
and expenses of attorneys, accountants or other advisors, or income or transfer
taxes.
The selling stockholders are acting independently of us in making decisions
with respect to the timing, price, manner and size of each sale. We have not
engaged any broker, dealer or agent in connection with the sale of the shares,
and there is no assurance that the selling stockholders will sell any or all of
the shares. In connection with the offer and sale of the shares, we have agreed
to make available to the selling stockholders copies of this Prospectus and any
applicable prospectus supplement and have informed the selling stockholders of
the need to deliver copies of this Prospectus and any applicable prospectus
supplement to purchasers prior to any sale to them.
The shares covered by this Prospectus may become qualified for sale under
Section 4(1) of the Securities Act or Rule 144 promulgated thereunder, whereupon
they may be sold pursuant to such provisions rather than pursuant to this
Prospectus.
15
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations is
based on current law, is for general information only and is not tax advice. The
tax treatment of a holder of any of the offered securities will depend on the
holder's particular situation, and this discussion does not attempt to address
all aspects of federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to holders
of the offered securities in light of their personal investment or tax
circumstances, or to certain types of stockholders (including insurance
companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions or broker-dealers,
foreign corporations and persons who are not citizens or residents of the United
States), except to the extent discussed in this section. This summary assumes
that the stockholder holds the stock as a capital asset. Current law may change,
possibly with retroactive effect.
Each prospective purchaser of the offered securities is advised to consult
his or her own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences to the
purchaser of the purchase, ownership and sale of the offered securities and of
our election to be taxed as a REIT, including the federal, state, local, foreign
and other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership, sale and election and of
potential changes in applicable tax laws. In particular, foreign investors
should consult their own tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of an
investment in our company, including the possibility of United States income tax
withholding on our distributions.
Taxation of CBL
---------------
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the
Internal Revenue Code and applicable Treasury Regulations, which set forth the
requirements for qualifying as a REIT, commencing with our taxable year ended
December 31, 1993. We believe that, commencing with our taxable year ended
December 31, 1993, we have been organized and have operated, and are operating,
in such a manner so as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Internal
Revenue Code. We intend to continue to operate in such a manner, but we may not
operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified for taxation as a REIT.
Our qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet,
through actual operating results, certain distribution levels, a specified
diversity of stock ownership and the various other qualification tests imposed
under the Internal Revenue Code as discussed below. Accordingly, the actual
results of our operations for any particular taxable year may not satisfy these
requirements. Further, the anticipated income tax treatment described in this
Prospectus may be changed, perhaps retroactively, by legislative, administrative
or judicial action at any time. For a discussion of the tax consequences of the
failure to qualify as a REIT, see "Federal Income Tax Considerations--Failure to
Qualify" below. The sections of the Internal Revenue Code relating to
qualification and operation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. The
following sets forth the material aspects of the Internal Revenue Code sections
that govern the federal income tax treatment of a REIT. This summary is
qualified in its entirety by the applicable Internal Revenue Code provisions and
Treasury Regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations of the
applicable Internal Revenue Code provisions and Treasury Regulations. Willkie
Farr & Gallagher LLP has acted as our special tax counsel in connection with our
election to be taxed as a REIT. While our tax counsel will render an opinion
regarding the accuracy of the statements set forth under this discussion of
Federal Income Tax Considerations, these statements are based upon our
representation that we have qualified, and will operate in a manner so as to
continue to qualify, to be treated as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.
Our tax counsel will not render an opinion regarding our tax status as a REIT in
connection with this Prospectus.
16
For as long as we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be
subject to federal corporate income taxes on our income that is currently
distributed to stockholders. The REIT requirements generally allow a REIT to
deduct dividends paid to its stockholders. This treatment substantially
eliminates the "double taxation" (once at the corporate level and again at the
stockholder level) that generally results from investment in a corporation.
Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to federal
income tax as follows:
First, we will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed
"real estate investment trust taxable income," including undistributed net
capital gains. However, we can elect to "pass through" any of our taxes paid on
our undistributed net capital gains income to our stockholders on a proportional
basis.
Second, under certain circumstances, we may be subject to the "alternative
minimum tax" on our items of tax preference, if any.
Third, if we have (1) net income from the sale or other disposition of
"foreclosure property" that is held primarily for sale to customers in the
ordinary course of business or (2) other non-qualifying net income from
foreclosure property, such amounts will be subject to tax at the highest
corporate rate on that income. Foreclosure property means property acquired by
reason of a default on a lease or an indebtedness held by a REIT.
Fourth, if we have net income from "prohibited transactions," which are, in
general, certain sales or other dispositions of property, held primarily for
sale to customers in the ordinary course of business other than sales of
foreclosure property and sales that qualify for a statutory safe harbor, that
income will be subject to a 100% tax.
Fifth, if we should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95%
gross income test, as discussed below, and have nonetheless maintained our
qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements have been met, we
will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount equal to the greater of (1) the
excess of (a) 90% of our gross income less (b) the amount of our gross income
that is qualifying income for purposes of the 95% test or (2) the excess of (a)
75% of our gross income less (b) the amount of our gross income that is
qualifying income for purposes of the 75% test, multiplied by a fraction
intended to reflect our profitability.
Sixth, if we should fail to distribute with respect to each calendar year
at least the sum of (1) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for that year, (2) 95%
of our REIT capital gain net income for the year, and (3) any undistributed
taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the
excess of that required distribution over the amounts actually distributed.
17
Seventh, if we acquire in the future any asset from a "C" corporation in a
carryover basis transaction, or if we held assets beginning on the first day of
the first taxable year for which we qualified as a REIT, and we subsequently
recognize gain on the disposition of the asset during the 10-year period
beginning on the date on which we either acquired the asset or first qualified
as a REIT, then the excess of (a) the fair market value of the asset as of the
beginning of the period, over (b) our adjusted basis in the asset as of the
beginning of the period will generally be subject to tax at the highest regular
corporate rate. A "C" corporation means a corporation subject to full
corporate-level tax.
Eighth, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2000, if we receive
non-arm's-length income as a result of services provided by a taxable REIT
subsidiary to our tenants, or if we receive certain other non-arm's-length
income from a taxable REIT subsidiary, we will be subject to a 100% tax on the
amount of the non-arm's-length income.
REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION
Organizational Requirements
---------------------------
In order to remain qualified as a REIT, we must continue to meet certain
requirements, discussed below, relating to our organization and sources of
income, the nature of our assets and distributions of income to our
stockholders.
The Internal Revenue Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or
association (1) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors, (2) the
beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares, or by
transferable certificates of beneficial interest, (3) that would be taxable as a
domestic corporation but for its compliance with the REIT requirements, (4) that
is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to certain
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, (5) the beneficial ownership of which
is held by 100 or more persons, (6) during the last half of each taxable year,
not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which has been owned,
directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals and (7) that meets certain
other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets. The
REIT requirements provide that conditions (1) to (4), inclusive, must be met
during the entire taxable year, and that condition (5) must be met during at
least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of
a taxable year of less than 12 months. For purposes of condition (6), certain
tax-exempt entities are generally treated as individuals. However, a pension
trust generally will not be considered an individual for purposes of condition
(6). Instead, beneficiaries of the pension trust will be treated as holding
stock of a REIT in proportion to their actuarial interests in the trust.
We have satisfied the requirements of conditions (1) through (4) and (7),
and we believe that the requirements of conditions (5) and (6) have been and are
currently satisfied. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides for
restrictions regarding transfer of our shares in order to assist us in
continuing to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in conditions
(5) and (6) above.
We currently have three "qualified REIT subsidiaries," CBL Holdings I,
Inc., CBL Holdings II, Inc. and CBL/North Haven, Inc., and we may have
additional qualified REIT subsidiaries in the future. A corporation will qualify
18
as a qualified REIT subsidiary of the Company if we own directly or through
disregarded entities 100% of its stock and it is not a taxable REIT subsidiary.
A corporation that is a qualified REIT subsidiary will not be treated as a
separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities and items of income,
deduction, and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary will be treated as assets,
liabilities and items of the REIT. Thus, in applying these requirements, the
separate existence of our qualified REIT subsidiaries will be ignored, and all
assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction, and credit of these
subsidiaries will be treated as our assets, liabilities and items.
In the case of a REIT that is a direct or indirect partner in a
partnership, Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own
its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and will be deemed to
be entitled to the income of the partnership attributable to that share. In
addition, the character of the assets and gross income of the partnership will
retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of the REIT
requirements, including satisfying the gross income tests and the asset tests
described below. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets, liabilities and
items of income of the operating partnership and the property partnerships will
be treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income for purposes of
applying the requirements described in this section, provided that the operating
partnership and property partnerships are treated as partnerships for federal
income tax purposes.
Finally, a corporation may not elect to become a REIT unless its taxable
year is the calendar year. Our taxable year is the calendar year.
Income Tests
------------
In order for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT, there are two
gross income requirements that must be satisfied annually. First, at least 75%
of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, for
each taxable year must consist of defined types of income derived directly or
indirectly from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real
property, including "rents from real property," as described below, and, in
certain circumstances, interest, or from certain types of temporary investments.
Second, at least 95% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited
transactions, for each taxable year must be derived from real property
investments of the aforementioned types, dividends, other types of interest,
gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities that do not constitute
dealer property, or any combination of the foregoing. Dividends that we receive
on our indirect ownership interest in the management company, as well as
interest that we receive on our loan to the management company and other
interest income that is not secured by real estate, generally will be includable
under the 95% test but not under the 75% test.
Rents received or deemed to be received by us will qualify as "rents from
real property" for purposes of the gross income tests only if several conditions
are met:
First, the amount of rent must not be based, in whole or in part, on the
income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued
generally will not be excluded from the term "rents from real property" solely
by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or
sales.
19
Second, rents received from a tenant will not qualify as rents from real
property if the REIT, or a direct or indirect owner of 10% or more of the REIT,
owns, directly or constructively, 10% or more of the tenant, except that for tax
years beginning after December 31, 2000, rents received from a taxable REIT
subsidiary under certain circumstances qualify as rents from real property even
if we own more than a 10% interest in the subsidiary.
Third, if rent attributable to personal property leased in connection with
a lease of real property is greater than 15% of the total rent received under
the lease, then the portion of rent attributable to the personal property will
not qualify as rents from real property.
Fourth, a REIT may provide services to its tenants and the income will
qualify as rents from real property if the services are of a type that a tax
exempt organization can provide to its tenants without causing its rental income
to be unrelated business taxable income under the Internal Revenue Code.
Services that would give rise to unrelated business taxable income if provided
by a tax exempt organization must be provided either by the management company
which is a taxable REIT subsidiary or by an independent contractor who is
adequately compensated and from whom the REIT does not derive any income;
otherwise, all of the rent received from the tenant for whom the services are
provided will fail to qualify as rents from real property if the services income
exceeds a de minimis amount. However, rents will not be disqualified if a REIT
provides de minimis impermissible services. For this purpose, services provided
to tenants of a property are considered de minimis where income derived from the
services rendered equals 1% or less of all income derived from the property,
with the threshold determined on a property-by-property basis. For purposes of
the 1% threshold, the amount treated as received for any service may not be less
than 150% of the direct cost incurred in furnishing or rendering the service.
Also note, however, that receipts for services furnished, whether or not
rendered by an independent contractor, which are not customarily provided to
tenants in properties of a similar class in the geographic market in which our
property is located will in no event qualify as rents from real property.
Substantially all of our income is derived from our partnership interest in
the operating partnership. The operating partnership's real estate investments,
including those held through the property partnerships, give rise to income that
enables us to satisfy all of the income tests described above. The operating
partnership's income is largely derived from its interests, both direct and
indirect, in the properties, which income, for the most part, qualifies as
"rents from real property" for purposes of the 75% and the 95% gross income
tests. The operating partnership also derives dividend income from its interest
in the management company.
None of us, the operating partnership or any of the property partnerships
currently under existing leases, nor will any of them in the future in
connection with new leases, (1) charge rent for any property that is based in
whole or in part on the income or profits of any person (except by reason of
being based on a percentage of receipts or sales, as described above) other than
relatively minor amounts that, either singly or when combined with other
non-qualifying income, do not affect compliance with the above tests; (2) rent
any property to a tenant of which we, or an owner of 10% or more of our stock,
directly or indirectly, own 10% or more, other than under leases with CBL &
Associates, Inc., certain of our affiliates and officers and certain affiliates
20
of those persons that produce a relatively minor amount of non-qualifying
income and that we believe will not, either singly or when combined with other
non-qualifying income, exceed the limits on non-qualifying income; (3) derive
rent attributable to personal property leased in connection with property that
exceeds 15% of the total rents other than relatively minor amounts that, either
singly or when combined with other non-qualifying income, do not affect
compliance with the above tests; or (4) directly perform any services that would
give rise to income derived from services that give rise to "unrelated business
taxable income" as defined in Section 512(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and
none of them will in the future enter into new leases that would, either singly
or in the aggregate, result in our disqualification as a REIT.
We have obtained from the IRS a ruling that direct performance of the
services and the undertaking of the activities described above by the management
company with respect to properties owned by us or by the operating partnership
or the property partnerships, and the management company's other services to
third parties, will not cause the amounts received directly or through
partnerships by us from the rental of our properties and of properties of the
partnerships to be treated as something other than rents from real property for
purposes of the Internal Revenue Code.
The management company receives fees in exchange for the performance of
certain management and administrative services. These fees do not accrue to us,
but we receive dividends and interest from the management company, which qualify
under the 95% gross income test. We believe that the aggregate amount of any
non-qualifying income in any taxable year will not exceed the limits on
non-qualifying income under the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
For purposes of the gross income tests, the term "interest" generally does
not include any amount received or accrued, directly or indirectly, if the
determination of the amount depends in whole or in part on the income or profits
of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be
excluded from the term "interest" solely by reason of being based on a fixed
percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. Although the operating
partnership or the property owners may advance money from time to time to
tenants for the purpose of financing tenant improvements, we and the operating
partnership do not intend to charge interest in any transaction that will depend
in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person or to make loans that
are not secured by mortgages of real estate in amounts that could jeopardize our
compliance with the 5% asset test described below.
Any net income derived from a prohibited transaction is subject to a 100%
tax. We believe that no asset owned by us, the operating partnership or the
property partnerships is held for sale to customers, and that the sale of any
property will not be in the ordinary course of our business, or that of the
operating partnership or the relevant property partnership. Whether property is
held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or
business and, therefore, is subject to the 100% tax, depends on the facts and
circumstances in effect from time to time, including those related to a
particular property. We and the operating partnership will attempt to comply
with the terms of safe-harbor provisions in the Internal Revenue Code
prescribing when asset sales will not be characterized as prohibited
transactions. We may not always be able to comply with the safe-harbor
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or avoid owning property that may be
characterized as property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary
course of business.
21
If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% and 95% gross income tests for
any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for that year if we are
entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. These
relief provisions generally will be available if our failure to meet those tests
is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, we attach a schedule of our
sources of income to our return and any incorrect information on the schedule
was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. It is not possible to state
whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief
provisions. As discussed above in "--Taxation of CBL," even if these relief
provisions apply, a tax would be imposed with respect to the excess net income.
In addition to the two income tests described above, we were subject to a
third income test for our taxable years before 1998. Under this test, short-term
gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities, gain from
prohibited transactions and gain on the sale or other disposition of real
property held for less than four years, apart from involuntary conversions and
sales of foreclosure property, were required to represent less than 30% of our
gross income, including gross income from prohibited transactions, for each of
these taxable years.
Asset Tests
-----------
In order for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we, at the close
of each quarter of our taxable year, must also satisfy three tests relating to
the nature of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets
must be represented by real estate assets. Real estate assets for the purpose of
this asset test include (1) our allocable share of real estate assets held by
partnerships in which we own an interest or held by qualified REIT subsidiaries
and (2) stock or debt instruments held for not more than one year purchased with
the proceeds of our stock offering or long-term (at least five years) debt
offering, cash items and government securities. Second, although the remaining
25% of our assets generally may be invested without restriction, securities in
this class may not exceed either (1) 5% of the value of our total assets as to
any one issuer or (2) 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one
issuer.
In addition to the asset tests described above, we are prohibited, in
taxable years beginning after December 31, 2000, from owning more than 10% of
the value of the outstanding debt and equity securities of any subsidiary other
than a qualified REIT subsidiary, subject to an exception. The exception is that
we and a subsidiary may make a joint election for the subsidiary to be treated
as a "taxable REIT subsidiary." A taxable REIT subsidiary is a corporation other
than a REIT in which we directly or indirectly hold stock, and that has made a
joint election with us to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. A taxable
REIT subsidiary also includes any corporation other than a REIT with respect to
which a taxable REIT subsidiary in which we own an interest owns securities,
other than certain "straight debt" securities, possessing more than 35% of the
total voting power or value of the outstanding securities of such corporation.
The securities of a taxable REIT subsidiary are not subject to the 10% value
test and the 10% voting securities test and are also exempt from the 5% asset
test. However, no more than 20% of the total value of a REIT's assets can be
represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. The
management company is a taxable REIT subsidiary.
22
It should be noted that the 20% value limitation must be satisfied at the
end of any quarter in which we increase our interest in the management company.
In this respect, if any partner of the operating partnership exercises its
option to exchange interests in the operating partnership for shares of common
stock (or we otherwise acquire additional interests in the operating
partnership), we will thereby increase our proportionate (indirect) ownership
interest in the management company, thus requiring us to recalculate our ability
to meet the 20% test in any quarter in which the exchange option is exercised.
Although we plan to take steps to ensure that we satisfy the 20% value test for
any quarter with respect to which retesting is to occur, these steps may not
always be successful or may require a reduction in the operating partnership's
overall interest in the management company.
The rules regarding taxable REIT subsidiaries contain provisions generally
intended to insure that transactions between a REIT and its taxable REIT
subsidiary occur at arm's length and on commercially reasonable terms. These
requirements include a provision that prevents a taxable REIT subsidiary from
deducting interest on direct or indirect indebtedness to its parent REIT if,
under a specified series of tests, the taxable REIT subsidiary is considered to
have an excessive interest expense level or debt to equity ratio. In some cases,
a 100% tax is imposed on the REIT with respect to certain items attributable to
any of its rental, service or other agreements with its taxable REIT subsidiary
that are not on arm's-length terms.
We believe that we are in compliance with the asset tests. Substantially
all of our investments are in properties that are qualifying real estate assets.
After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we
will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the
end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If the
failure to satisfy the asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or
other property during a quarter, including an increase of our interest in the
management company, the failure can be cured by disposition of sufficient
nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We intend
to maintain adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance
with the asset tests and to take such other actions within 30 days after the
close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance.
Annual Distribution Requirements
--------------------------------
In order to remain qualified as a REIT, we are required to distribute
dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders in an amount
at least equal to (A) the sum of (1) 90% (95% for taxable years beginning before
January 1, 2001) of our real estate investment trust taxable income, computed
without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain, and (2)
90% (95% for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2001) of the after tax
net income, if any, from foreclosure property, minus (B) the sum of certain
items of noncash income. In addition, if we dispose of any asset with built-in
gain during the ten-year period beginning on the date we acquired the property
from a "C" corporation or became a REIT, we will be required, according to
guidance issued by the IRS, to distribute at least 90% (95% for taxable years
beginning before January 1, 2001) of the after tax built-in gain, if any,
recognized on the disposition of the asset. These distributions must be paid in
the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if
declared before we timely file our tax return for the year and if paid on or
before the first regular dividend payment after the declaration.
23
To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or
distribute at least 90% but less than 100% of our real estate investment trust
taxable income, as adjusted, we will be subject to tax on the undistributed
amount at ordinary and capital gains corporate tax rates, as the case may be.
If we so choose, we may retain, rather than distribute, our net long-term
capital gains and pay the tax on those gains. In this case, our stockholders
would include their proportionate share of the undistributed long-term capital
gains in income. However, our stockholders would then be deemed to have paid
their share of the tax, which would be credited or refunded to them. In
addition, our stockholders would be able to increase their basis in our shares
they hold by the amount of the undistributed long-term capital gains, less the
amount of capital gains tax we paid, included in the stockholders' long-term
capital gains.
Furthermore, if we should fail to distribute during each calendar year at
least the sum of (1) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for the year, (2) 95% of
our REIT capital gain income for the year and (3) any undistributed taxable
income from prior periods, we would be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess
of the required distribution over the amounts actually distributed. We intend to
make timely distributions sufficient to satisfy all annual distribution
requirements.
Our taxable income consists substantially of our distributive share of the
income of the operating partnership. We expect that our taxable income will be
less than the cash flow we receive from the operating partnership, due to the
allowance of depreciation and other non-cash charges in computing REIT taxable
income. Accordingly, we anticipate that we will generally have sufficient cash
or liquid assets to enable us to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement.
It is possible that, from time to time, we may experience timing
differences between (1) the actual receipt of income and actual payment of
deductible expenses and (2) the inclusion of the income and deduction of the
expenses in arriving at our taxable income. Further, it is possible that, from
time to time, we may be allocated a share of net capital gain attributable to
the sale of depreciated property which exceeds our allocable share of cash
attributable to that sale. In these cases, we may have less cash available for
distribution than is necessary to meet our annual 90% distribution requirement.
To meet the 90% distribution requirement, we may find it appropriate to arrange
for short-term or possibly long-term borrowings or to pay distributions in the
form of taxable stock dividends. Any borrowings for the purpose of making
distributions to stockholders are required to be arranged through the operating
partnership.
Under certain circumstances, we may be able to rectify a failure to meet
the distribution requirement for a year by paying "deficiency dividends" to
stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for
dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, we may be able to avoid being taxed
on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends; however, we will be required to
pay penalties and interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction
taken for deficiency dividends.
24
Under applicable Treasury Regulations, we must maintain certain records and
request certain information from our stockholders designed to disclose the
actual ownership of our stock. We have complied with these requirements.
FAILURE TO QUALIFY
------------------
If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and the
relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to tax, including any
applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate
rates. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify
will not be deductible by us; nor will we be required to make any such
distributions. In this event, to the extent of current and accumulated earnings
and profits, all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as ordinary
income, and, subject to certain limitations of the Internal Revenue Code,
corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
Unless we are entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we will
also be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years
following the year in which our qualification was lost. It is not possible to
state whether, in all circumstances, we would be entitled to statutory relief.
TAXATION OF U.S. STOCKHOLDERS
-----------------------------
As used in this section, the term "U.S. stockholder" means a holder of our
common or preferred stock that for United States federal income tax purposes is
(1) a citizen or resident of the United States, (2) a corporation, partnership
or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States
or of any political subdivision of the United States, (3) an estate the income
of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its
source, (4) a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise
primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United
States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the
trust or (5) a person or entity otherwise subject to U.S. federal income
taxation on a net income basis. For any taxable year for which we qualify for
taxation as a REIT, amounts distributed to taxable U.S. stockholders will be
taxed as follows.
Distributions Generally
-----------------------
Distributions to U.S. stockholders, other than capital gain dividends
discussed below, will constitute dividends to those holders up to the amount of
our current or accumulated earnings and profits and are taxable to the
stockholders as ordinary income. These distributions are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction for corporations. In addition, these distributions
generally will not be eligible for treatment as "qualified dividend income." See
"--New Legislation." To the extent that we make distributions in excess of our
current or accumulated earnings and profits, the distributions will first be
treated as a tax-free return of capital, reducing the tax basis in the U.S.
stockholder's shares, and distributions in excess of the U.S. stockholder's tax
basis in its shares are taxable as capital gain realized from the sale of the
shares. Dividends declared by us in October, November or December of any year
payable to a U.S. stockholder of record on a specified date in any of these
months will be treated as both paid by us and received by the U.S. stockholder
on December 31 of the year, provided that we actually paid the dividend during
January of the following calendar year. U.S. stockholders may not include on
their own income tax returns any of our tax losses.
25
We will be treated as having sufficient earnings and profits to treat as a
dividend any distribution we make up to the amount required to be distributed in
order to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax discussed in "--Taxation of CBL"
above. As a result, our stockholders may be required to treat certain
distributions that would otherwise result in a tax-free return of capital as
taxable dividends. Moreover, any deficiency dividend will be treated as a
dividend--an ordinary dividend or a capital gain dividend, as the case may
be--regardless of our earnings and profits for the year in which the
distribution is made.
Capital Gain Dividends
----------------------
Dividends to U.S. stockholders that we properly designate as capital gain
dividends will be treated as long-term capital gain, to the extent they do not
exceed our actual net capital gain, for the taxable year without regard to the
period for which the stockholder has held his stock. As described in "--New
Legislation" below, these gains may be taxable to non-corporate U.S.
stockholders at a 15% or 25% rate. Capital gain dividends are not eligible for
the dividends-received deduction for corporations; however, corporate
stockholders may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain
dividends as ordinary income. If we elect to retain capital gains rather than
distribute them, a U.S. stockholder will be deemed to receive a capital gain
dividend equal to the amount of its proportionate share of the retained capital
gains. In this case, a U.S. stockholder will receive certain tax credits and
basis adjustments reflecting the deemed distribution and deemed payment of taxes
by the U.S. stockholder.
Passive Activity Loss and Investment Interest Limitations
---------------------------------------------------------
Our distributions and gain from the disposition of our common or preferred
stock will not be treated as passive activity income and, therefore, U.S.
stockholders may not be able to apply any passive losses against that income.
Our dividends, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, will
generally be treated as investment income for purposes of the investment
interest limitation. Net capital gain from the disposition of our common or
preferred stock and capital gains generally will be eliminated from investment
income unless the taxpayer elects to have the gain taxed at ordinary income
rates.
Certain Dispositions of Our Common or Preferred Stock
-----------------------------------------------------
A U.S. stockholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or exchange of
offered securities to the extent of the difference between the amount realized
on the sale or exchange and the holder's adjusted tax basis in such securities.
The gain or loss generally will constitute long-term capital gain or loss if the
holder held the securities for more than one year. Losses incurred on the sale
or exchange of offered securities held for six months or less will be deemed
long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received by
the U.S. stockholder with respect to the securities.
26
TREATMENT OF TAX-EXEMPT STOCKHOLDERS
------------------------------------
Our distributions to a stockholder that is a tax-exempt entity generally
should not constitute unrelated business taxable income, provided that the
tax-exempt entity has not financed the acquisition of our common or preferred
stock with "acquisition indebtedness" within the meaning of the Internal Revenue
Code and that the offered securities are not otherwise used in an unrelated
trade or business of the tax-exempt entity. If we were to be a "pension-held
REIT" (which we do not expect to be the case) and were to meet certain other
requirements, certain pension trusts owning more than 10% of our equity
interests could be required to report a portion of any dividends they receive
from us as unrelated business taxable income. A REIT is not a "pension held
REIT" if it is able to satisfy the "not closely held" requirement without
relying on the "look-through" exception with respect to certain trusts.
SPECIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR FOREIGN STOCKHOLDERS
---------------------------------------------------
The rules governing United States income taxation of non-resident alien
individuals, foreign corporations, foreign partnerships and foreign trusts and
estates, which we refer to collectively as "non-U.S. stockholders," are complex,
and the following discussion is intended only as a summary of these rules.
Prospective non-U.S. stockholders should consult with their own tax advisors to
determine the impact of federal, state and local income tax laws on an
investment in the company, including any reporting requirements.
In general, a non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to regular United States
income tax with respect to its investment in our company if the investment is
effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholder's conduct of a trade or
business in the United States. A corporate non-U.S. stockholder that receives
income that is, or is treated as, effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business may also be subject to the branch profits tax under Section 884 of the
Internal Revenue Code, which is payable in addition to regular United States
corporate income tax.
The following discussion will apply to non-U.S. stockholders whose investment in
our company is not effectively connected, as discussed above.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A distribution that we make that is not attributable to gain from our sale
or exchange of a United States real property interest and that we do not
designate as a capital gain dividend will be treated as an ordinary income
dividend to the extent that it is made out of current or accumulated earnings
and profits. Generally, unless the dividend is effectively connected with the
non-U.S. stockholder's conduct of a United States trade or business, the
dividend will be subject to a United States withholding tax equal to 30% of the
gross amount of the dividend unless this withholding is reduced by an applicable
tax treaty. A distribution of cash in excess of our earnings and profits will be
treated first as a nontaxable return of capital that will reduce a non-U.S.
stockholder's basis in its shares, but not below zero, and then as gain from the
disposition of such shares, the tax treatment of which is described under the
rules discussed below with respect to disposition of the shares. A distribution
in excess of our earnings and profits will be subject to 30% dividend
withholding if at the time of the distribution it cannot be determined whether
the distribution will be in an amount in excess of our current and accumulated
earnings and profits. If it is subsequently determined that the distribution is,
27
in fact, in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, the
non-U.S. stockholder may seek a refund from the IRS. We expect to withhold
United States income tax at the rate of 30% on the gross amount of any
distributions made to a non-U.S. stockholder unless (1) a lower tax treaty rate
applies and the required form evidencing eligibility for that reduced rate is
filed with us or (2) the non-U.S. stockholder files IRS Form W-8ECI with us
claiming that the distribution is effectively connected income.
For any year in which we qualify as a REIT, our distributions that are
attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property
interest will be taxed to a non-U.S. stockholder in accordance with the Foreign
Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, which we call "FIRPTA." Under
FIRPTA, distributions of this kind are taxed to a non-U.S. stockholder as if the
distributions were gains effectively connected with a United States trade or
business. Accordingly, a non-U.S. stockholder will be taxed at the normal
capital gain rates applicable to a U.S. stockholder, subject to any applicable
alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of
nonresident alien individuals. Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be
subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a foreign corporate
stockholder that is not entitled to a treaty exemption. We will be required to
withhold from distributions to non-U.S. stockholders, and remit to the IRS, 35%
of the amount of any distribution that could be designated as capital gain
dividends. This amount is creditable against the non-U.S. stockholder's tax
liability. It should be noted that the 35% withholding tax rate on capital gain
dividends is higher than the maximum rate on long-term capital gains of
individuals. Capital gain dividends not attributable to gain on the sale or
exchange of United States real property interests are not subject to United
States taxation if there is no requirement of withholding.
Tax treaties may reduce our withholding obligations. If the amount of tax
we withheld with respect to a distribution to a non-U.S. stockholder exceeds the
stockholder's United States liability with respect to the distribution, the
non-U.S. stockholder may file for a refund of the excess from the IRS.
If the offered securities fail to constitute a United States real property
interest within the meaning of FIRPTA, a sale of the offered securities by a
non-U.S. stockholder generally will not be subject to United States taxation
unless (1) investment in the offered securities is effectively connected with
the non-U.S. stockholder's United States trade or business, in which case, as
discussed above, the non-U.S. stockholder would be subject to the same treatment
as U.S. stockholders on the gain, (2) investment in the offered securities is
attributable to a permanent establishment that the non-U.S. stockholder
maintains in the United States if that is required by an applicable income tax
treaty as a condition for subjecting the non-U.S. stockholder to U.S. taxation
on a net income basis, in which case the same treatment would apply to the
non-U.S. stockholder as to U.S. stockholders with respect to the gain or (3) the
non-U.S. stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the
United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and who has a tax
home in the United States, in which case the nonresident alien individual will
be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's capital gains.
The offered securities will not constitute a United States real property
interest if we are a domestically controlled REIT. A domestically
28
controlled REIT is a real estate investment trust in which at all times
during a specified testing period less than 50% in value of its shares is held
directly or indirectly by non-U.S. stockholders. We believe we are a
domestically controlled REIT, and therefore that the sale of the offered
securities will not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. However, because we are
publicly traded, we may not continue to be a domestically controlled REIT.
If we did not constitute a domestically controlled REIT, whether a non-U.S.
stockholder's sale of offered securities would be subject to tax under FIRPTA as
sale of a United States real property interest would depend on whether the
offered securities are "regularly traded," as defined by applicable Treasury
Regulations, on an established securities market (e.g., the New York Stock
Exchange, on which the offered securities will be listed) and on the size of the
selling stockholder's interest in our company. If the offered securities are
regularly traded (which we believe they will be) only selling stockholders who
owned more than 5% of our stock, at any time during the last 5 years prior to
the stock sale, are subject to tax under FIRPTA. If the gain on the sale of the
offered securities were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S.
stockholder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with
respect to the gain, and subject to applicable alternative minimum tax or a
special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. In
any event, a purchaser of offered securities from a non-U.S. stockholder will
not be required under FIRPTA to withhold on the purchase price if the purchased
offered securities are regularly traded on an established securities market or
if we are a domestically controlled REIT. Otherwise, under FIRPTA, the purchaser
of offered securities may be required to withhold 10% of the purchase price and
remit that amount to the IRS.
INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX
-------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Stockholders
-----------------
Under certain circumstances, U.S. stockholders may be subject to backup
withholding on payments made with respect to, or on cash proceeds of a sale or
exchange of, offered securities. Backup withholding will apply only if the
holder (1) fails to furnish its taxpayer identification number, which, for an
individual, would be his social security number, (2) furnishes an incorrect
taxpayer identification number, (3) is notified by the IRS that it has failed to
report properly payments of interest and dividends or (4) under certain
circumstances fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that it has furnished
a correct taxpayer identification number and has not been notified by the IRS
that it is subject to backup withholding for failure to report interest and
dividend payments. Backup withholding generally will not apply with respect to
payments made to certain exempt recipients, such as corporations and tax-exempt
organizations. U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding
their qualification for exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for
obtaining this exemption.
Non-U.S. Stockholders
---------------------
Proceeds from a disposition of the offered securities will not be subject
to information reporting and backup withholding if the beneficial owner of the
offered securities is a non-U.S. stockholder. However, if the proceeds of a
disposition are paid by or through a United States office of a broker, the
29
payment may be subject to backup withholding or information reporting if
the broker cannot document that the beneficial owner is a non-U.S. person. In
order to document the status of a non-U.S. stockholder, a broker may require the
beneficial owner of the offered securities to provide it with a completed,
executed IRS Form W-8BEN, certifying under penalty of perjury to the beneficial
owner's non-U.S. status.
Refunds
-------
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the amount of any
backup withholding with respect to a payment to a stockholder will be allowed as
a credit against any United States federal income tax liability of the
stockholder. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be
obtained, provided that the required information is furnished to the United
States.
NEW LEGISLATION
---------------
The maximum tax rate of non-corporate taxpayers for (i) capital gains,
including "capital gain dividends," has generally been reduced from 20% to 15%
(although, certain capital gain dividends may be taxed at a 25% rate) and (ii)
"qualified dividend income" has generally been reduced from 35% to 15%. In
general, dividends payable by REITs are not eligible for the reduced tax rate on
corporate dividends. However, under certain limited circumstances, our dividends
may qualify as "qualified dividend income," such as if our dividends are
attributable to dividends received from taxable corporations (such as our
taxable REIT subsidiaries) or to income that was subject to tax at the
corporate/REIT level. The currently applicable provisions of the United States
federal income tax laws relating to the 15% tax rate are currently scheduled to
"sunset" or revert back to the provisions of prior law effective for taxable
years beginning after December 31, 2008, at which time the capital gains tax
rate will be increased to 20% and the rate applicable to dividends will be
increased to the tax rate then applicable to ordinary income.
STATE AND LOCAL TAXATION
------------------------
We and our stockholders may be subject to state or local taxation in
various state or local jurisdictions, including those in which we or they
transact business or reside. The state and local tax treatment of us and our
stockholders may not conform to the federal income tax consequences discussed
above. Consequently, prospective stockholders should consult their own tax
advisors regarding the effect of state and local tax laws on an investment in
our company.
TAX ASPECTS OF THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP
----------------------------------------
The following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax
considerations applicable solely to our investment in the operating partnership
through CBL Holdings I and CBL Holdings II and represents the view of Willkie
Farr & Gallagher LLP. The discussion does not cover state or local tax laws or
any federal tax laws other than income tax laws.
30
Income Taxation of the Operating Partnership and Its Partners
-------------------------------------------------------------
Partners, Not the Operating Partnership, Subject to Tax. A partnership is
not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes. Rather, we will be
required to take into account our allocable share of the operating partnership's
income, gains, losses, deductions and credits for any taxable year of the
operating partnership ending within or with our taxable year, without regard to
whether we have received or will receive any direct or indirect distribution
from the operating partnership.
Operating Partnership Allocations. Although a partnership agreement will
generally determine the allocation of income and losses among partners, these
allocations will be disregarded for tax purposes under Section 704(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code if they do not comply with the provisions of that section
and the Treasury Regulations promulgated under that section.
If an allocation is not recognized for federal income tax purposes, the
item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the
partners' interests in the partnership, which will be determined by taking into
account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement
of the partners with respect to the item. The operating partnership's
allocations of taxable income and loss, and those of the property partnerships,
are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated under that section.
Tax Allocations with Respect to Contributed Properties. Under Section
704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, income, gain, loss and deduction
attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a
partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership must be allocated for
federal income tax purposes in a manner such that the contributor is charged
with, or benefits from, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss that is generally
equal to the difference between the fair market value of the contributed
property at the time of contribution and the adjusted tax basis of the property
at that time. The partnership agreement for the operating partnership requires
allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to contributed
property to be made by the operating partnership in a manner that is consistent
with Section 704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The allocation methods proposed to be applied by the operating partnership
are described below.
Basis in Operating Partnership Interest. Our adjusted tax basis in our
indirect partnership interest in the operating partnership generally (1) will be
equal to the amount of cash and the basis of any other property that we
contribute to the operating partnership, (2) will be increased by (a) our
allocable share of the operating partnership's income and (b) our allocable
share of certain indebtedness of the operating partnership and of the property
partnerships and (3) will be reduced, but not below zero, by our allocable share
of (a) the operating partnership's loss and (b) the amount of cash distributed
directly or indirectly to us, and by constructive distributions resulting from a
reduction in our share of certain indebtedness of the operating partnership and
of the property partnerships. With respect to increases in our adjusted tax
31
basis in our indirect partnership interest in the operating partnership
resulting from certain indebtedness of the operating partnership, Section 752 of
the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated under that section
provide that a partner may include its share of partnership liabilities in its
adjusted tax basis of its interest in the partnership to the extent the partner
bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the liability. Generally, a
partnership's non-recourse debt is shared proportionately by the partners.
However, if a partner guarantees partnership debt or is personally liable for
all or any portion of the debt, the partner will be deemed to bear the economic
risk of loss for the amount of the debt for which it is personally liable. Thus,
the partner may include that amount in its adjusted tax basis of its interest in
the partnership.
By virtue of our status as the sole stockholder of CBL Holdings I, which is
the sole general partner of the operating partnership, we will be deemed to bear
the economic risk of loss with respect to indebtedness of the operating
partnership that is not nonrecourse debt as defined in the Internal Revenue
Code. As a result, our adjusted tax basis in our indirect partnership interest
in the operating partnership may exceed our proportionate share of the total
indebtedness of the operating partnership.
If the allocation of our distributive share of the operating partnership's
loss would reduce the adjusted tax basis of our partnership interest in the
operating partnership below zero, the recognition of the loss will be deferred
until the recognition of the loss would not reduce our adjusted tax basis below
zero. To the extent that the operating partnership's distributions, or any
decrease in our share of the nonrecourse indebtedness of the operating
partnership or of a property partnership, would reduce our adjusted tax basis
below zero, such distributions and constructive distributions will normally be
characterized as capital gain, and if our partnership interest in the operating
partnership has been held for longer than the long-term capital gain holding
period (currently, one year), the distributions and constructive distributions
will constitute long-term capital gain. Each decrease in our share of the
nonrecourse indebtedness of the operating partnership or of a property
partnership is considered a constructive cash distribution to us.
Depreciation Deductions Available to the Operating Partnership. The
operating partnership was formed in 1993 principally by way of contributions of
certain properties or appreciated interests in property partnerships owning
properties. Accordingly, the operating partnership's depreciation deductions
attributable to the properties will be based on the contributing partners'
depreciation schedules and in some cases on new schedules under which the
property will be depreciated on depreciation schedules of up to 40 years, using,
initially, the adjusted basis of the contributed assets in the hands of the
contributing partners. The operating partnership has estimated that the
aggregate, adjusted basis of its assets was approximately $430 million as of the
date of the formation.
Section 704(c) Allocations. Section 704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
requires that depreciation as well as gain and loss be allocated in a manner so
as to take into account the variation between the fair market value and tax
basis of the property contributed by a partner to a partnership. See
"--Operating Partnership Allocations" for more information about these
allocations. Applicable Treasury Regulations provide a choice of several methods
of taking these differences between value and tax basis into account.
32
Sale of the Operating Partnership's Property
--------------------------------------------
Generally, any gain realized by the operating partnership on the sale of
property held by the operating partnership or a property partnership or on the
sale of a partnership interest in a property partnership will be capital gain,
except for any portion of the gain that is treated as depreciation or cost
recovery recapture. Any unrealized gain attributable to the excess of the fair
market value of the properties over their adjusted tax bases at the time of
contribution to the operating partnership must, when recognized by the operating
partnership, generally be allocated to the limited partners, including CBL &
Associates, Inc., under Section 704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury
Regulations promulgated under that section.
In the event of the disposition of any of the properties which have
pre-contribution gain, all income attributable to the undepreciated gain will be
allocated to the limited partners of the operating partnership, including to us,
and we generally will be allocated only our share of capital gains attributable
to depreciation deductions we enjoyed and appreciation, if any, occurring since
the acquisition of our interest in the operating partnership. Any decision
relating to the potential sale of any property that would result in recognition
of gain of this kind will be made by the independent directors on our Board of
Directors. The operating partnership will be required in this case to distribute
to its partners all of the net cash proceeds from the sale up to an amount
reasonably believed necessary to enable the limited partners, including us, to
pay any income tax liability arising from the sale.
Our share of any gain realized by the operating partnership on the sale of
any property held by the operating partnership or property partnership as
inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary
course of the operating partnership's or property partnership's trade or
business will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject
to a 100% penalty tax. For more information about the penalty tax, see
"--Requirements for Qualification--Income Tests" above. Prohibited transaction
income of this kind will also have an adverse effect upon our ability to satisfy
the gross income tests for REIT status. See "--Requirements for
Qualification--Income Tests" above for more information about these tests. Under
existing law, whether property is held as inventory or primarily for sale to
customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business is a question of fact
that depends on all the facts and circumstances with respect to the particular
transaction. The operating partnership and the property partnerships intend to
hold their properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to
engage in the business of acquiring, developing, owning and operating the
properties and other shopping centers and to make occasional sales of the
properties, including peripheral land, that are consistent with the operating
partnership's and the property partnerships' investment objectives.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the issuance of the shares and certain tax matters will be
passed upon for us by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, New York, New York. Certain
other matters will be passed upon for us by Shumacker Witt Gaither & Whitaker,
P.C., Chattanooga, Tennessee. Certain members of Shumacker Witt Gaither &
Whitaker, P.C. serve as our assistant secretaries.
33
EXPERTS
Our consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by
reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on September 13, 2004 have
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by
reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Our consolidated financial statement schedules, incorporated in this
prospectus by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended
December 31, 2003, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is
incorporated herein by reference and have been so incorporated in reliance upon
the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The separate statements of certain revenues and certain operating expenses
of Monroeville Mall and Greenbrier Mall for the year ended December 31, 2003,
incorporated in this prospectus by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K
filed on September 2, 2004, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which
are incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance
upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The combined statement of certain revenues and certain operating expenses
of the Faison Properties for the year ended December 31, 2002, incorporated in
this prospectus by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July
9, 2004, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein
by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
INDEMNIFICATION
The Company is a Delaware corporation. In its Certificate of Incorporation,
the Company has adopted the provisions of Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware
General Corporation Law (the "Delaware Law"), which enables a corporation in its
original certificate of incorporation or an amendment thereto to eliminate or
limit the personal liability of a director for monetary damages for breach of
the director's fiduciary duty, except (i) for any breach of the director's duty
of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or omissions
not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation
of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the Delaware Law (providing for
liability of directors for unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock
purchases or redemptions) or (iv) for any transaction from which a director
derived an improper personal benefit.
34
The Company has also adopted indemnification provisions pursuant to Section
145 of the Delaware Law, which provides that a corporation may indemnify any
persons, including officers and directors, who are, or are threatened to be
made, parties to any threatened, pending or completed legal action, suit or
proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other
than an action by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact
that such person was an officer, director, employee or agent of the corporation,
or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may
include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with
such action, suit or proceeding, provided such officer, director, employee or
agent acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the corporation's best interests and, with respect to criminal
proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. A
Delaware corporation may indemnify officers or directors in an action by or in
the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except that no
indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or
director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or
director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action
referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him against expenses
(including attorneys' fees) that such officer or director actually and
reasonably incurred.
The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of the
Company's officers and directors. The indemnification agreements require, among
other things, that the Company indemnify its officers and directors to the
fullest extent permitted by law, and advance to the officers and directors all
related expenses, subject to reimbursement if it is subsequently determined that
indemnification is not permitted. The Company is also required to indemnify and
advance all expenses incurred by officers and directors seeking to enforce their
rights under the indemnification agreements, and to cover officers and directors
under the Company's directors' and officers' liability insurance, provided that
such insurance is commercially available at reasonable expense. Although the
indemnification agreements offer substantially the same scope of coverage
afforded by provisions in the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws, they
provide greater assurance to directors and officers that indemnification will be
available, because as a contract, they cannot be modified unilaterally in the
future by the Board of Directors or by the shareholders to eliminate the rights
they provide.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") may be permitted to directors,
officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of
the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
35