S-3: Registration statement for specified transactions by certain issuers
Published on September 16, 1999
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 16, 1999
REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-------------------------
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
-------------------------
AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
MARYLAND 77-0404318
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
2900 EISENHOWER AVENUE, SUITE 300
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314
(703) 329-6300
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
Registrant's principal executive offices)
-------------------------------
RICHARD L. MICHAUX
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
2900 EISENHOWER AVENUE, SUITE 300
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314
(703) 329-6300
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
Copies to:
DAVID W. WATSON, P.C.
GOODWIN, PROCTER & HOAR, LLP
EXCHANGE PLACE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109
(617) 570-1000
-----------------------------
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to
time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with
dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act Registration Statement number of the earlier
effective Registration Statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the
Securities Act Registration Statement number of the earlier effective
Registration Statement for the same offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to
Rule 434, please check the following box. [ ]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
(1) This Registration Statement also relates to Rights to purchase
shares of Series E Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock
of the Registrant which are attached to all shares of Common Stock
outstanding as of, and issued subsequent to, March 10, 1998, pursuant
to the terms of the Registrant's Shareholder Rights Agreement dated
March 9, 1998. Until the occurrence of certain prescribed events,
the Rights are not exercisable, are evidenced by the certificates
for the Common Stock and will be transferred with and only with such
stock. Because no separate consideration is paid for the Rights, the
registration fee therefor is included in the fee for the Common
Stock.
(2) Estimated solely for purposes of determining the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457(c) based on the average of the high and low sales
prices on the New York Stock Exchange on September 10, 1999.
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH
DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE
REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed.
These securities may not be sold until the Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer
to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
DATED SEPTEMBER 16, 1999
PROSPECTUS
267,553 SHARES
AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
COMMON STOCK
------------------
The selling stockholders named in this prospectus are holders of
limited partnership units in Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P. The selling
stockholders may use this prospectus to offer and sell up to an aggregate of
267,553 shares of our common stock if they exercise their rights to tender
their units of limited partnership of Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P. for cash,
and we exercise our right as general partner to issue shares of common stock
to them instead of cash.
We will not receive any cash proceeds from shares that we issue to
limited partners who tender their limited partnership interests for redemption,
nor will we receive any proceeds from sales of shares by the selling
stockholders. We have agreed to bear the expenses of registering the sale of all
of the shares, with the exception of commissions, discounts and fees of
underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, taxes of any kind and any legal,
accounting and other expenses incurred by the selling stockholders.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the
Pacific Exchange under the symbol "AVB."
INVESTING IN OUR COMMON STOCK INVOLVES RISK. IN CONSIDERING WHETHER TO
INVEST, YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE MATTERS DISCUSSED UNDER "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING 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. IT IS ILLEGAL FOR ANY PERSON TO TELL YOU
OTHERWISE.
The date of this prospectus is September 16, 1999
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 that we
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of
1933. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not contain
all of the information included in the Registration Statement. For further
information, we refer you to the Registration Statement, including its exhibits.
Statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus
supplement about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other document
are not necessarily complete. If the SEC's rules and regulations require that
such agreement or document be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement,
or if we otherwise filed such agreement or document, please see such agreement
or document for a complete description of these matters.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the offered
shares. Each time a selling stockholder sells any of the offered shares, the
selling stockholder will provide you with this prospectus and a prospectus
supplement, if applicable, that will contain specific information about the
terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change
any information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information
described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at
the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC- 0330 for further information about the
public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the
SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, you may look at our SEC
filings at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), 20 Broad Street,
New York, New York 10005 and the Pacific Exchange (PCX), 301 Pine Street, San
Francisco, California 94104. Our SEC filings are available at the NYSE and the
PCX because our common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE and the PCX.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file
with them into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important
information to you by referring you to these documents. The information
incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and
information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and
supersede the information already incorporated by reference. We are
incorporating by reference the documents listed below, which we have already
filed with the SEC, and any future filings we make with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
until the selling stockholders sell all of the securities.
In addition, we are incorporating by reference the descriptions of our common
stock, and the related preferred stock purchase rights under our shareholder
rights agreement, from Registration Statements we have previously filed under
Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act, including any amendments or reports
filed for the purpose of updating these descriptions.
YOU MAY REQUEST A COPY OF ANY OF THE INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE, AS WELL AS ANY EXHIBITS WE HAVE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE AS AN EXHIBIT IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AT NO COST BY WRITING TO US AT
THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC., 2900 EISENHOWER AVENUE,
SUITE 300, ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314. TELEPHONE REQUESTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO
(703) 329-6300.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not 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 in this prospectus or the documents incorporated by
reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this
prospectus or those documents.
2
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
THIS SUMMARY ONLY HIGHLIGHTS THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION APPEARING
ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
BECAUSE THIS IS A SUMMARY, IT MAY NOT CONTAIN ALL INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT
TO YOU. YOU SHOULD READ THIS ENTIRE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER
TO INVEST IN SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES, ALL REFERENCES TO "WE," "US" OR
"OUR COMPANY" IN THIS PROSPECTUS REFER COLLECTIVELY TO AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES,
INC., A MARYLAND CORPORATION, AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE
PREDECESSOR ENTITIES FOR THE APPLICABLE PERIODS, CONSIDERED AS A SINGLE
ENTERPRISE.
--------------------
AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
- AvalonBay Communities, Inc. is a real estate investment trust
that focuses on the ownership and operation of
institutional-quality apartment communities in high
barrier-to-entry markets of the United States. These markets
include Northern and Southern California and selected states
in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest
regions of the United States.
- AvalonBay is a fully-integrated real estate organization with
in-house acquisition, development, redevelopment,
construction, reconstruction, financing, marketing, leasing
and management expertise. We believe that ownership of
institutional-quality apartment communities in markets where
new supplies of apartment homes are limited helps assure more
predictable cash flows. Combined with an emphasis on superior
service to residents, this should result in longer average
lease periods (as measured by annual turnover) and reduced
operating costs. Further, we believe that maintaining a
conservative financial strategy allows greater flexibility
in responding to changing financial market conditions and
enhances our access to cost effective capital.
- AvalonBay is a Maryland corporation that is the surviving
entity from the merger of Avalon Properties, Inc. with and
into Bay Apartment Communities, Inc. on June 4, 1998. In
connection with the merger, we changed our name to
"AvalonBay Communities, Inc." Our common stock is listed on
the NYSE and the PCX under the symbol "AVB." Our principal
executive offices are located at 2900 Eisenhower Avenue,
Suite 300, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 and our telephone
number is (703) 329-6300.
- AvalonBay elected to qualify as a real estate investment
trust for federal income tax purposes for the taxable year
ended December 31, 1994. As long as we qualify for taxation
as a real estate investment trust, we generally will not be
subject to federal income tax on that portion of our
ordinary income and capital gains that is currently
distributed to our stockholders. Even if we qualify for
taxation as a real estate investment trust, we may be
subject to state and local taxes on our income and property
and to federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed
income.
THE OFFERING
This prospectus relates to up to 267,553 shares of common stock that
the selling stockholders named herein may offer for sale if, and to the extent
that, we exercise our right to issue shares of common stock to them instead of
cash when they tender their units of limited partnership of Bay Pacific
Northwest, L.P. for redemption.
Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P. originally issued the units of limited
partnership to the selling stockholders, in connection with our acquisitions
of the Gallery Place and Verandas at Bear Creek apartment communities,
formerly owned by the selling stockholders or entities in which they held an
interest, in September 1997 and June 1998, respectively. As part of these
acquisitions, we entered into registration rights agreements with the selling
stockholders. We are registering the shares covered by this prospectus to
fulfill our contractual obligations under the registration rights agreements.
Registration of the sale of these shares of common stock, however, does not
necessarily mean that all or any portion of the shares of common stock will
be offered for sale by the selling stockholders.
3
Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P.'s partnership agreement allows
unitholders to tender their units to Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P. for cash
equal to the value of an equivalent number of shares of our common stock. In
lieu of Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P. delivering cash, however, we may, at our
option, choose to acquire any units so tendered by issuing shares of common
stock in exchange for the units. In that event, we would issue shares of
stock for the units on a one-for-one basis, except that we would pay cash in
lieu of issuing any fractional shares.
We have agreed to bear the expenses of the registration of the sale of
the shares of common stock under federal and state securities laws, but we will
not receive any proceeds from the sale of any common stock offered under this
prospectus.
TAX STATUS OF AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
AvalonBay elected to qualify as a real estate investment trust under
Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1994. As long as we qualify
for taxation as a real estate investment trust, we generally will not be subject
to federal income tax on that portion of our ordinary income and capital gains
that is currently distributed to our stockholders. Even if we qualify for
taxation as a real estate investment trust, we may be subject to state and local
taxes on our income and property and to federal income and excise taxes on our
undistributed income.
4
RISK FACTORS
BEFORE YOU INVEST IN OUR COMMON STOCK, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THERE
ARE RISKS IN MAKING SUCH AN INVESTMENT, INCLUDING THOSE DESCRIBED BELOW. YOU
SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THESE RISK FACTORS TOGETHER WITH ALL OF THE
INFORMATION INCLUDED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS BEFORE YOU
DECIDE TO PURCHASE OUR COMMON STOCK. THIS SECTION INCLUDES OR REFERS TO
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. YOU SHOULD REFER TO THE EXPLANATION OF THE
QUALIFICATIONS AND LIMITATIONS ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS DISCUSSED ON
PAGE 12.
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION RISKS COULD AFFECT OUR PROFITABILITY.
We intend to continue to develop and redevelop apartment home
communities. Our development and construction activities may be exposed to the
following risks:
- we may be unable to obtain, or suffer delays in obtaining,
necessary zoning, land-use, building, occupancy, and other
required governmental permits and authorizations, which could
result in increased costs;
- we may abandon development and redevelopment opportunities
that we have already begun to explore and, as a result, we may
fail to recover expenses already incurred in connection with
exploring such development opportunities;
- we may incur construction, reconstruction, development or
redevelopment costs for a community which exceed our original
estimates due to increased materials, labor or other costs,
and we may not be able to increase rents to compensate for
the increase in such costs;
- occupancy rates and rents at a newly completed development may
fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including market
and economic conditions and the development by competitors of
competing communities, and this may result in the community
not being profitable;
- we may not be able to obtain financing with favorable terms
for the development of a community, which may make us unable
to proceed with its development; and
- we may be unable to complete construction and lease-up of a
community on schedule, resulting in increased debt service
expense and construction or reconstruction costs.
Construction costs have been increasing in our markets, and the cost to
redevelop or reposition acquired communities has, in some cases, exceeded our
original estimates. We may experience similar cost increases in the future. If
we are not able to charge rents that will be sufficient to offset the effects of
any increases in construction costs, our profitability could be less than
anticipated.
MARKET CONDITIONS AND THE COST OF FINANCING NEW ACQUISITIONS, DEVELOPMENT AND
REDEVELOPMENT MAY LIMIT OUR GROWTH RATE.
The cost of equity and debt financing for new acquisitions, development
and redevelopment has recently increased. The increased cost of financing,
combined with increases in the sales prices of existing apartment communities,
results in a lower margin of profit on new acquisitions. While these market
conditions continue, we expect that we will acquire fewer existing apartment
communities. If the current market conditions continue for an extended period,
our current earnings growth rate may slow.
ACQUISITIONS MAY NOT YIELD ANTICIPATED RESULTS.
We may, in the future, acquire apartment communities on a select basis.
Our acquisition activities and their success may be exposed to the following
risks:
- an acquired property may fail to perform as we expected in
analyzing our investment; and
- our estimate of the costs of repositioning or redeveloping an
acquired property may prove inaccurate.
5
FAILURE TO SUCCEED IN NEW MARKETS MAY LIMIT GROWTH.
We may make selected acquisitions outside of our current market areas
from time to time, if appropriate opportunities arise. Our historical experience
in Northern and Southern California and selected states in the Mid-Atlantic,
Northeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States does not
ensure that we will be able to operate successfully in new markets. We may be
exposed to a variety of risks if we choose to enter into new markets. These
risks include, among others:
- a lack of market knowledge and understanding of the local
economies;
- an inability to obtain land for development or to identify
acquisition opportunities;
- an inability to obtain construction tradespeople;
- sudden adverse shifts in supply and demand factors;
- an unfamiliarity with local governmental and permitting
procedures; and
- the incurrence of higher operating and administrative costs
than we anticipated.
INCURRENCE OF ADDITIONAL DEBT AND RELATED ISSUANCE OF EQUITY MAY DILUTE EXISTING
STOCKHOLDERS' INTERESTS.
Future issuances of equity may dilute the interests of existing
stockholders. For example, to the extent that additional equity securities are
issued to finance future developments and acquisitions instead of incurring
additional debt, the interests of our existing stockholders could be diluted.
Our ability to execute our business strategy depends on our access to
appropriate amounts of debt financing, including unsecured lines of credit and
other forms of secured and unsecured debt, and equity financing, including
common and preferred equity, which may not be available on favorable terms or at
all.
INSUFFICIENT CASH FLOW COULD AFFECT OUR DEBT FINANCING AND CREATE REFINANCING
RISK.
We are subject to the risks normally associated with debt financing,
including the risk that our cash flow will be insufficient to meet required
payments of principal and interest. The principal outstanding balance on a
portion of our debt will not be fully amortized prior to its maturity. Although
we may be able to repay our debt by using our cashflows, we cannot assure you
that we will have sufficient cash flows available to make all required principal
payments. Therefore, we are likely to need to refinance at least a portion of
our outstanding debt as it matures. There is a risk that we may not be able to
refinance existing debt or that the terms of any refinancing will not be as
favorable as the terms of the existing debt.
RISING INTEREST RATES WOULD INCREASE INTEREST COSTS AND COULD AFFECT THE MARKET
PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
We currently have, and may in the future incur, variable interest rate
debt under credit facilities as we acquire, construct and reconstruct apartment
communities, as well as for other purposes. Accordingly, if interest rates
increase, our interest costs will also rise, unless we have made arrangements
that hedge the risk of rising interest rates. In addition, an increase in market
interest rates may lead purchasers of our common stock to demand a higher annual
yield, which could adversely affect the market price of our outstanding shares
of common stock.
BOND FINANCING COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS COULD LIMIT OUR INCOME, RESTRICT THE USE
OF COMMUNITIES AND CAUSE FAVORABLE FINANCING TO BECOME UNAVAILABLE.
We have financed some of our apartment communities with obligations
issued by local government agencies or instrumentalities because the interest
paid to the holders of this debt is generally exempt from federal income taxes.
These obligations are commonly referred to as "tax-exempt bonds." Compared to
unsecured debt, tax-exempt bonds are less cost competitive than in prior years
and, moreover, generally must be secured by communities. Since we plan to use
more unsecured debt in the future compared to prior experience, we expect that
our use of tax-exempt bonds to finance communities will decline.
6
Nevertheless, the compliance requirements for our current tax-exempt
bonds, and the requirements of any future tax-exempt bond financings, may limit
the potential income from communities that are subject to this financing. This
is because under the terms of our current tax-exempt bonds, we must comply with
restrictions on the use of the communities that we financed with these bonds,
including a requirement that we make some of the apartments available to low and
middle income households.
In addition, some of our tax-exempt bond financing documents require us
to obtain a guarantee from a financial institution of payment of the principal
of, and interest on, the bonds. The guarantee may take the form of a letter of
credit, surety bond, guarantee agreement or other additional collateral. If the
financial institution defaults in its guarantee obligations, or if we are unable
to renew the applicable guarantee or otherwise post satisfactory collateral, a
default will occur under the applicable tax-exempt bonds and the community could
be foreclosed upon.
FAILURE TO GENERATE SUFFICIENT REVENUE COULD LIMIT CASH FLOW AVAILABLE FOR
DISTRIBUTIONS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
If our communities do not generate revenues sufficient to meet our
operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, our cash
flow would decrease. This could have an adverse effect on our ability to pay
distributions to our stockholders. The factors in the following risk factor,
among others, could adversely affect the revenues generated by our apartment
communities. Significant expenditures associated with each investment such as
debt service payments, if any, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance
costs are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income
from a community. For example, if we mortgage a community to secure payment of
debt and are unable to meet the mortgage payments, we could sustain a loss as a
result of foreclosure on the community or the exercise of other remedies by the
mortgagee.
UNFAVORABLE CHANGES IN MARKET AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS COULD HURT OCCUPANCY OR
RENTAL RATES.
The market and economic conditions in Northern and Southern California
and selected states in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest and Pacific
Northwest regions of the United States may significantly affect occupancy or
rental rates at our communities in those regions. This, in turn, may
significantly affect our profitability and our ability to satisfy our financial
obligations. The risks that may affect conditions in those markets include the
following:
- plant closings, industry slowdowns and other factors that
adversely affect the local economy;
- an oversupply of, or a reduced demand for, apartment homes;
- a decline in household formation that adversely affects
occupancy or rental rates;
- the inability or unwillingness of residents to pay rent
increases; and
- rent control or rent stabilization laws, or other laws
regulating housing, on any of our communities could prevent us
from raising rents to offset increases in operating costs.
DIFFICULTY OF SELLING APARTMENT COMMUNITIES COULD LIMIT FLEXIBILITY.
Real estate in our markets can be hard to sell, especially if market
conditions are poor. This may limit our ability to change or reduce the
apartment communities in our portfolio promptly in response to changes in
economic or other conditions. In addition, federal tax laws may limit our
ability to earn a gain on the sale of communities that we have owned for
fewer than four years, and this may affect our ability to sell communities
without adversely affecting returns to our stockholders.
INCREASED COMPETITION COULD LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO LEASE APARTMENT HOMES OR
INCREASE OR MAINTAIN RENTS.
Our apartment communities compete with other housing alternatives to
attract residents, including other rental apartments, condominiums and
single-family homes that are available for rent, as well as new and existing
condominiums and single-family homes for sale. Competitive residential housing
in a particular area could adversely affect our ability to lease apartment homes
and to increase or maintain rents.
7
ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY
AFFECT OUR PROFITABILITY.
We expect that other real estate investors will compete with us to
acquire existing properties and to develop new properties. These competitors,
including insurance companies, pension and investment funds, partnerships,
investment companies and other apartment real estate investment trusts, may have
greater resources than we do. This competition could increase prices for
properties of the type we would likely pursue. As a result, we may not be able,
or have the opportunity, to make suitable investments on favorable terms in the
future. This could adversely affect our profitability.
RISK OF EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE IN CALIFORNIA MARKETS
Many of our West Coast communities are located in the general
vicinity of active earthquake faults. In July 1998, we obtained a seismic
risk analysis from an engineering firm which estimated the probable maximum
damage for each of the sixty (60) West Coast communities that we owned at
that time and for each of the five (5) West Coast communities under
development, individually and for all of those communities combined. The
seismic risk analysis was obtained for each individual community and for all
of those communities combined. To establish a probable maximum damage, the
engineers first define a severe earthquake event for the applicable
geographic area, which is an earthquake that has only a 10% likelihood of
occurring over a 50-year period. The probable maximum damage is determined as
the structural and architectural damage and business interruption loss that
has a 10% probability of being exceeded in the event of such an earthquake.
Because a significant number of our communities are located in the San
Francisco Bay Area, the engineers' analysis defined an earthquake on the
Hayward Fault with a Richter Scale magnitude of 7.1 as a severe earthquake
with a 10% probability of occurring within a 50-year period. The engineers
then established an aggregate probable maximum damage at that time of $113
million for the sixty (60) West Coast communities that we owned at that time
and the five (5) West Coast communities under development. The $113 million
probable maximum damage for those communities was a probable maximum damage
level that the engineers expected to be exceeded only 10% of the time in the
event of such a severe earthquake. The actual aggregate probable maximum
damage could be higher or lower as a result of variations in soil
classification and structural vulnerabilities. For each community, the
engineers' analysis calculated an individual probable maximum damage as a
percentage of the community's replacement cost and projected revenues. We
cannot assure you that:
- an earthquake would not cause damage or losses greater than
the probable maximum damage assessments indicate;
- future probable maximum damage levels will not be higher than
the current probable maximum damage levels for our communities
located on the West Coast; or
- future acquisitions or developments will not have probable
maximum damage assessments indicating the possibility of
greater damages or losses than currently indicated.
In August 1998, we renewed our earthquake insurance, both for
physical damage and lost revenue, with respect to all of the communities we
owned at that time and all of the communities under development. For any
single occurrence, we have in place $75,000,000 of coverage with a five
percent (5%) deductible. The five percent (5%) deductible is a minimum of
$100,000 and a maximum of $25,000,000. In addition, our general liability and
property casualty insurance provides coverage for personal liability and fire
damage. In the event that an uninsured disaster or a loss in excess of
insured limits were to occur, we could lose the capital we have invested in
the affected community, as well as anticipated future revenue from that
community. We would also continue to be obligated to repay any mortgage
indebtedness or other obligations related to the community. Any such loss
could materially and adversely affect our business and our financial
condition and results of operations.
RISKS OF PROPERTY DAMAGE AND INCREASED EXPENSES RESULTING FROM INCLEMENT
WEATHER
Our communities in the Northeast and Midwest expose us to risks
associated with inclement winter weather, including increased costs for the
removal of snow and ice as well as from delays in the construction,
reconstruction, development or redevelopment of apartment communities. In
addition, inclement weather could increase the need for maintenance and repair
of our communities. Similarly, unusually high rainfall or other inclement
weather could result in increased costs due to delays in the construction,
reconstruction, development or
8
redevelopment of apartment communities. These costs and delays could
adversely effect our financial performance.
POTENTIAL LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION
Under various federal, state and local environmental laws,
regulations and ordinances, a current or previous owner or operator of real
estate may be required (in many circumstances regardless of knowledge or
responsibility) to investigate and remediate the effects of hazardous or
toxic substances or petroleum product releases at such property, and may be
held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage
and for investigation and remediation costs incurred by such parties in
connection with the contamination, which may be substantial. The presence of
such substances (or the failure to properly remediate the contamination) may
adversely affect the owner's ability to borrow against, sell or rent the
affected property. In addition, some environmental laws create a lien on the
contaminated site in favor of the government for damages and costs it incurs
in connection with the contamination.
Certain federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances,
govern the removal, encapsulation or disturbance of asbestos containing
materials ("ACMs") when such materials are in poor condition or in the event
of reconstruction, remodeling, renovation, or demolition of a building. Such
laws may impose liability for release of ACMs and may provide for third
parties to seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for
personal injury associated with ACMs. In connection with our ownership and
operation of the communities, we may potentially be liable for such costs. We
are not aware that any ACMs were used in connection with the construction of
the communities we developed or by Avalon prior to the merger. ACMs were,
however, used in connection with the construction of several of the
communities that we have acquired. We do not anticipate that we will incur
any material liabilities in connection with the presence of ACMs at our
communities. We currently have or intend to implement an operations and
maintenance program for each of the communities at which ACMs have been
detected.
All of our stabilized operating communities, and all of the communities
that we are currently developing or redeveloping, have been subjected to a Phase
I or similar environmental assessment (which generally does not involve invasive
techniques such as soil or ground water sampling). These assessments have not
revealed any environmental conditions that we believe will have a material
adverse effect on our business, assets, financial condition or results of
operations. We are not aware of any other environmental conditions which would
have such a material adverse effect.
We are, however, aware that the migration of contamination from an
upgradient landowner near Toscana, one of our communities, has affected the
groundwater there. The upgradient landowner is undertaking remedial response
actions and we expect that the upgradient landowner will take all necessary
remediation actions. The upgradient landowner has also provided an indemnity
that runs to current and future owners of the Toscana property and upon which
we may be able to rely if we incur environmental liability arising from the
groundwater contamination. We are also aware that certain communities have
lead paint and we are undertaking or intend to undertake appropriate
remediation or management activity.
Additionally, prior to their respective initial public offerings, Bay
and Avalon had each been occasionally involved in developing, managing, leasing
and operating various properties for third parties. Consequently, each may be
considered to have been an operator of such properties and, therefore,
potentially liable for removal or remediation costs or other potential costs
which could relate to hazardous or toxic substances. We are not aware of any
material environmental liabilities with respect to properties managed or
developed by either Bay or Avalon for such third parties.
We cannot assure you that:
- the environmental assessments described above identified all
potential environmental liabilities;
- no prior owner created any material environmental
condition not known to us or the consultants who prepared the
assessments;
9
- no environmental liabilities developed since such
environmental assessments were prepared;
- the condition of land or operations in the vicinity of
our communities (such as the presence of underground storage
tanks) will not affect the environmental condition of such
communities; and
- future uses or conditions (including, without limitation,
changes in applicable environmental laws and regulations) will
not result in the imposition of environmental liability.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES MAY DISRUPT OUR OPERATIONS
Year 2000 computer issues concern the inability of computer systems to
accurately calculate, store or use data after December 31, 1999. These may cause
our computer systems, or those of our significant business partners, to process
critical financial and operational information incorrectly. We have taken action
over the past year to identify and correct these problems, and we expect to
continue such efforts until all of our important computer systems are Year 2000
compliant.
We believe that our own systems will be Year 2000 compliant by December
31, 1999. While our efforts to address our Year 2000 issues will involve
additional costs, we believe that these costs will not have a material impact on
our financial results. If we do not complete our efforts on time or if the cost
of updating or replacing our systems exceed our estimates, our Year 2000 issues
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
OUR SHARE OWNERSHIP LIMIT MAY PREVENT TAKEOVERS BENEFICIAL TO STOCKHOLDERS.
For us to maintain our qualification as a real estate investment trust
for federal income tax purposes, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding
stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals. As
defined for federal income tax purposes, the term "individuals" includes a
number of specified entities. See "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of
Your Investment" beginning on page 19. Our charter includes restrictions
regarding transfers of our stock and ownership limits that are intended to
assist us in satisfying such limitation. The ownership limits in our charter may
have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing someone from taking control
of us, even though such a change of control could involve a premium price for
our stockholders or otherwise could be in our stockholders' best interests. See
"Limits on Ownership of Stock" beginning on page 17.
FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST WOULD CAUSE US TO BE TAXED
AS A CORPORATION, WHICH WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR
DISTRIBUTION TO STOCKHOLDERS.
If we fail to qualify as a real estate investment trust for federal
income tax purposes, we will be subject to federal income tax on our taxable
income at regular corporate rates, plus any applicable alternative minimum tax.
In addition, unless we are entitled to relief under applicable statutory
provisions, we would be disqualified from treatment as a real estate investment
trust for the four taxable years following the year in which we lose our
qualification. The additional tax liability resulting from the failure to
qualify as a real estate investment trust would significantly reduce or
eliminate the amount of funds available for distribution to our stockholders.
Furthermore, we would no longer be required to make distributions to our
stockholders. See "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of Your Investment"
beginning on page 19.
We believe that we are organized and qualified as a real estate
investment trust, and intend to operate in a manner that will allow us to
continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust. However, we cannot assure
you that we are qualified as a real estate investment trust, or that we will
remain qualified in the future. This is because qualification as a real estate
investment trust involves the application of highly technical and complex
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code for which there are only limited
judicial and administrative interpretations, and involves the determination of a
variety of factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. In
addition, future legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or
court decisions may significantly change the tax laws or the application of the
tax laws with respect to qualification as a real estate investment trust for
federal income tax purposes or the federal income tax consequences of such
qualification.
10
THE ABILITY OF OUR STOCKHOLDERS TO CONTROL OUR POLICIES AND AFFECT A CHANGE OF
CONTROL OF OUR COMPANY IS LIMITED, WHICH MAY NOT BE IN OUR STOCKHOLDERS' BEST
INTERESTS
CHARTER AND BYLAW PROVISIONS
There are provisions in our charter and bylaws which may discourage a
third party from making a proposal to acquire us, even if some of our
stockholders might consider the proposal to be in their best interests. These
provisions include the following:
- Our charter authorizes our board of directors to issue up to
50 million shares of preferred stock without stockholder
approval and to establish the preferences and rights,
including voting rights, of any series of preferred stock
issued. The board of directors may issue preferred stock
without stockholder approval, which would allow the board to
issue one or more classes or series of preferred stock that
could discourage or delay a tender offer or change in control.
- To maintain our qualification as a real estate investment
trust for federal income tax purposes, not more than 50% in
value of our outstanding stock may be owned, directly or
indirectly, by five or fewer individuals at any time during
the last half of any year. Our charter generally prohibits
ownership, directly or by virtue of the attribution
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, by any single
stockholder of more than 9.8% of the issued and outstanding
shares of any class or series of our stock. In general, under
our charter, pension plans and mutual funds may actually and
beneficially own up to 15% of the outstanding shares of any
class or series of stock. Under our charter, our board of
directors may waive or modify the ownership limit for one or
more persons if it is satisfied that ownership in excess of
this limit will not jeopardize our status as a real estate
investment trust for federal income tax purposes. These
ownership limits may prevent or delay a change in control
and, as a result, could adversely affect our stockholders'
ability to realize a premium for their shares of common stock.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AGREEMENT
On March 9, 1998, we adopted a shareholder rights agreement. Under the
terms of the shareholder rights agreement, our board of directors may in effect
delay or prevent a person or group from acquiring more than 10% of the
outstanding shares of our common stock. This is because, unless our board
approves of such person's purchase, after that person acquires more than 10% of
our outstanding common stock, all other stockholders will have the right to
purchase securities from us at a price that is less than their then fair market
value. These purchases by the other stockholders would substantially reduce the
value and influence of the shares of our common stock owned by the acquiring
person. Our board of directors, however, may prevent the shareholder rights
agreement from operating in this manner. Thus, our board has significant
discretion to approve or disapprove a person's efforts to acquire a large
interest in us.
MARYLAND LAW
As a Maryland corporation, we are subject to the provisions of the
Maryland General Corporation Law. Maryland law imposes restrictions on some
business combinations and requires compliance with statutory procedures before
some mergers and acquisitions may occur. Maryland law may delay or prevent
offers to acquire us or increase the difficulty of completing any offers, even
if they are in our stockholders' best interests.
11
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, including the information incorporated by reference
into this prospectus, contains statements that are forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You can identify forward-looking
statements by the use of the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate,"
"intend," "estimate," "assume" and other similar expressions which predict or
indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical
matters. These statements include, among other things, statements regarding
our intent, belief or expectations with respect to:
- our declaration or payment of distributions;
- our potential developments or acquisitions or dispositions of
properties, assets or other public or private companies;
- the completion of apartment communities under construction,
reconstruction, development and redevelopment;
- the anticipated operating performance of our communities;
- cost, yield and earnings estimates;
- our policies regarding investments, indebtedness,
acquisitions, dispositions, financings, conflicts of interest
and other matters;
- our qualification as a real estate investment trust under the
Internal Revenue Code;
- the real estate markets in the Northern and Southern
California and markets in selected states in the Mid-Atlantic,
Northeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest regions of the United
States and in general;
- the availability of debt and equity financing;
- interest rates;
- general economic conditions;
- trends affecting our financial condition or results of
operations; and
- the implementation of our plan to address Year 2000 issues.
You should not rely on forward-looking statements because they involve
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are
beyond our control. These risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our
actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the
anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that might cause these
differences include, but are not limited to, the following:
- we may fail to secure or may abandon development
opportunities;
- construction costs of a community may exceed original
estimates;
- construction and lease-up may not be completed on schedule due
to weather conditions, unavailability of materials or other
delays, resulting in increased debt service expense and
construction costs and reduced rental revenues;
- occupancy rates and market rents may be adversely affected by
local economic and market conditions which are beyond our
control, including competition;
- financing may not be available to us, or may not be available
on favorable terms;
12
- our cash flow from operations and access to cost effective
capital may be insufficient for the development of our
pipeline and could limit our pursuit of opportunities;
- our cash flow may be insufficient to meet required payments of
principal and interest;
- our existing indebtedness may mature in an unfavorable credit
environment, preventing the indebtedness from being
refinanced, or, if refinanced, causing refinancing to occur on
terms that are not as favorable as the terms of the existing
indebtedness;
- legislative or regulatory changes, including changes to laws
governing the taxation of real estate investment trusts;
- we may experience unanticipated delays or expenses in
achieving Year 2000 compliance; and
- our business partners, including our primary bank and payroll
processor, vendors of our computer information systems or
third party service providers, may experience unanticipated
delays or expenses in achieving Year 2000 compliance.
In addition, the factors described under "Risk Factors" in this prospectus may
result in these differences. You should carefully review all of these factors,
and you should be aware that there may be other factors that could cause these
differences.
We caution you that, while forward-looking statements reflect our
estimates and beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. These
forward-looking statements were based on information, plans and estimates at the
date of this prospectus, and we do not promise to update any forward-looking
statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new
information, future events or other changes.
13
OUR COMPANY
AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
AvalonBay is a real estate investment trust that focuses on the
ownership and operation of institutional-quality apartment communities in
high barrier-to-entry markets of the United States. These markets are located
in Northern and Southern California and selected states in the Mid-Atlantic,
Northeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest regions of the country. AvalonBay is
the surviving corporation from the merger of Avalon Properties, Inc. with and
into Bay Apartment Communities, Inc. on June 4, 1998. In connection with the
merger, we changed our name from "Bay Apartment Communities, Inc." to
"AvalonBay Communities, Inc."
We believe that ownership of institutional-quality apartment
communities in markets where the new supply of apartment homes is limited
helps assure more predictable cash flows. Barriers to competitors entering
these markets, which provide constraints on supply, include a difficult and
lengthy entitlement process with local jurisdictions and dense infill
locations where the availability of zoned and entitled land is limited.
Combined with an emphasis on superior service to residents, this should
result in longer average lease periods (as measured by annual turnover) and
reduced operating costs. Further, we believe that maintaining a conservative
financial strategy allows greater flexibility in responding to changing
financial market conditions and enhances our access to cost effective capital.
As of June 30, 1999, we owned or held an ownership interest in 125
apartment communities containing 37,029 apartment homes, of which 13
communities containing 4,662 apartment homes were under reconstruction. We
also owned 12 communities with 2,710 apartment homes under construction and
rights to develop an additional 31 communities that will contain an estimated
8,939 apartment homes.
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE and the PCX under the symbol
"AVB."
We were originally incorporated under the laws of the State of
California in 1978 and were reincorporated in the State of Maryland in July
1995. On March 17, 1994, we completed the initial public offering of our common
stock. Our principal offices are located at 2900 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 300,
Alexandria, Virginia 22314 and our telephone number is (703) 329-6300. We also
maintain regional offices and administrative or speciality offices in or near
the following metropolitan areas:
- San Jose, California;
- Wilton, Connecticut;
- Boston, Massachusetts;
- Chicago, Illinois;
- Minneapolis, Minnesota;
- New York, New York;
- Newport Beach, California;
- Los Angeles, California;
- Princeton, New Jersey; and
- Seattle, Washington.
14
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
The following is a description of the material terms and provisions of
our common stock. It may not contain all the information that is important to
you and is qualified by reference to our charter and bylaws, as in effect on the
date hereof. You should read our charter and bylaws before you purchase any
shares of our common stock.
GENERAL
Under our charter, we have authority to issue 140,000,000 shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share. Under Maryland law, stockholders
generally are not responsible for our debts or obligations. As of September
1, 1999, we had 65,128,256 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Our
common stock is listed on the NYSE and the PCX under the symbol "AVB."
DIVIDENDS
Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of
stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding excess stock, which are
described below, holders of shares of our common stock will be entitled to
receive dividends on shares of common stock out of assets that we may legally
use to pay dividends, if and when they are authorized and declared by our board
of directors.
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as otherwise required by law and except as provided with
respect to any other class or series of stock, holders of common stock have
the exclusive power to vote on all matters presented to our stockholders,
including the election of directors. Holders of common stock are entitled to
one vote per share. There is no cumulative voting in the election of our
directors, which means that, subject to any rights to elect directors that
are granted to the holders of any class or series of preferred stock, a
plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is
present is sufficient to elect a director.
LIQUIDATION/DISSOLUTION RIGHTS
Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of
stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding excess stock, holders of
shares of our common stock share in the same proportion as other stockholders
in the assets that we may legally use to pay distributions in the event we are
liquidated, dissolved or our affairs are wound up after we pay or make adequate
provision for all of our known debts and liabilities.
OTHER RIGHTS
Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of
stock and to provisions of our charter regarding excess stock, all shares of our
common stock have equal dividend, distribution, liquidation and other rights,
and have no preference, appraisal or exchange rights. Furthermore, holders of
shares of our common stock have no conversion, sinking fund or redemption
rights, or preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities.
Under Maryland law, a corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend
its charter, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a
share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course
of business unless approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders holding
at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote on the matter, unless a
different percentage is set forth in the corporation's charter, which
percentage shall not in any event be less than a majority of all of the
shares entitled to vote on such matter. Our charter provides that whenever
any vote of the holders of voting stock is required to amend or repeal any
provision of the charter, then in addition to any other vote of the holders
of voting stock that is required by the charter, the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote on
such amendment or repeal, voting together as a single class, and the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
each class entitled to vote thereon as a class is required; provided,
however, that the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds
of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on such amendment or repeal,
voting together as a single class, and the affirmative vote of the holders of
not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to
vote thereon as a class, shall be required to amend or
15
repeal any of the provisions relating to the resignation or removal of
directors, vacancies on the board of directors, independent directors, the
rights and powers of AvalonBay, the board of directors and officers
(including amendments to the charter), and the limitation of liability of
directors and officers.
RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP
For us to qualify as a real estate investment trust under the
Internal Revenue Code, no more than 50% in value of our outstanding stock may
be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals during the
last half of a taxable year. To assist us in meeting this requirement, we may
take actions such as the automatic conversion of shares in excess of this
ownership restriction into shares of excess stock to limit the beneficial
ownership of our outstanding equity securities, directly or indirectly, by
one individual. See "Limits on Ownership of Stock" beginning on page 17.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AGREEMENT
We adopted a shareholder rights agreement on March 9, 1998 to help
ensure that our stockholders receive fair and equal treatment in the event of
any proposed acquisition of AvalonBay. The rights agreement may delay, defer
or prevent a change of control of AvalonBay and, therefore, could adversely
affect our stockholders' ability to realize a premium over the
then-prevailing market price for our common stock in connection with such a
transaction. The following summary of the rights agreement does not purport
to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the rights
agreement, which was previously filed with the SEC on March 11, 1998 as an
exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form 8-A.
In connection with the adoption of the rights agreement, our board of
directors declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right
for each outstanding share of common stock to stockholders of record as of the
close of business on the record date, March 10, 1998. Each right entitles its
registered holder to purchase from us a unit consisting of one one-thousandth
(1/1000) of a share of AvalonBay Series E Junior Participating Cumulative
Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a cash exercise price of $160.00
per unit, subject to adjustment.
The rights are currently not exercisable and are attached to and trade
with all shares of common stock outstanding as of, and issued subsequent to, the
record date. The rights will separate from the common stock and will become
exercisable upon the earlier of the following:
- - the close of business on the tenth calendar day following the first
public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated
persons, referred to as acquiring persons, has acquired beneficial
ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock; or
- - the close of business on the tenth business day (or such later calendar
day the board in its sole discretion may determine) following the
commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result upon
its completion in a person or group becoming the beneficial owner of
10% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock.
In the case of certain of our stockholders, referred to in the rights
agreement as "grandfathered persons," who beneficially owned 10% or more of the
outstanding shares of common stock as of March 9, 1998, the rights generally
will be distributed only if any such stockholder acquires or proposes to acquire
additional shares of our common stock. In addition, a grandfathered person
generally will become an acquiring person only if such person acquires
additional shares of common stock.
TRANSFER AGENT
The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock, and the rights
agent for the rights, is First Union National Bank, Charlotte, North Carolina.
16
LIMITS ON OWNERSHIP OF STOCK
OWNERSHIP LIMITS
Among the requirements that we must meet to qualify as a REIT under the
Internal Revenue Code is that not more than 50% in value of our outstanding
capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals
during the last half of a taxable year. Additionally, such shares of stock must
be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a
taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable
year. To protect us against the risk of losing our status as a real estate
investment trust due to a concentration of ownership among our stockholders, and
to otherwise address concerns related to concentrated ownership of capital
stock, our charter provides that no holder who is an individual may own, or be
deemed to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code, more than 9.8% of any class or series of our stock. Notwithstanding the
preceding sentence, the board of directors at its option and in its discretion
may approve such ownership by selected persons. Our board of directors does not
expect that it would waive the 9.8% ownership limit in the absence of evidence
satisfactory to the board of directors that the waiver of the limit will not
jeopardize our status as a real estate investment trust and the board of
directors also decides that such action is in our best interests. Any transfer
of shares of stock including any security convertible into shares of stock that
would create a direct or indirect ownership of shares of stock in excess of the
9.8% ownership limit or that would result in our disqualification as a real
estate investment trust, including any transfer that would (a) result in the
shares of stock being owned by fewer than 100 persons, (b) result in us being
"closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Internal Revenue Code
or (c) result in us constructively owning 10% or more of the ownership interests
in a tenant within the meaning of Section 865(a)(5) of the Internal Revenue
Code, shall be void and have no effect. In addition, if any purported transfer
of stock or any other event would otherwise result in any person violating the
ownership limit, then any such purported transfer will be void and of no force
or effect with respect to the purported transferee (the "Prohibited Transferee")
as to that number of shares in excess of the ownership limit and the Prohibited
Transferee shall acquire no right or interest (or, in the case of any event
other than a purported transfer, the person holding record title to any such
shares in excess of the ownership limit (the "Prohibited Owner") shall cease to
own any right or interest) in such excess shares.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, some types of entities, such as
pension plans described in Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and
mutual funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, will be
looked-through for purposes of the five or fewer test described above. Our
charter limits these entities to owning no more than 15% of any class or series
of our stock.
SHARES OWNED IN EXCESS OF THE OWNERSHIP LIMIT
Stock owned, or deemed to be owned, or transferred to a stockholder in
excess of the applicable ownership limit will be converted automatically into
shares of excess stock and will be transferred, by operation of law, to a trust,
the beneficiary of which shall be a qualified charitable organization selected
by us. As soon as practicable after the transfer of shares to the trust, the
trustee of the trust will be required to sell the shares of excess stock to a
person who could own the shares without violating the ownership limit and
distribute to the Prohibited Transferee an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the
price paid by the Prohibited Transferee for the shares of excess stock or (2)
the sales proceeds received by the trust for the shares of excess stock. In the
case of any excess stock resulting from any event other than a transfer, or from
a transfer for no consideration (such as a gift), the trustee will be required
to sell the excess stock to a qualified person or entity and distribute to the
Prohibited Owner an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the fair market value of
such excess stock as of the date of such event or (2) the sales proceeds
received by the trust for such excess stock. In either case, any proceeds in
excess of the amount distributable to the Prohibited Transferee or Prohibited
Owner, as applicable, will be distributed to the beneficiary of the trust.
Upon transfer of shares of excess stock, the shares shall be converted
automatically into an equal number of shares of the same class and series that
was converted into such excess stock, and such shares of excess stock will be
automatically retired and canceled and will thereupon be restored to the status
of authorized but unissued shares of excess stock. Prior to a sale of any excess
stock by the trust, the trustee will be entitled to receive in trust for the
beneficiary, all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the
excess stock. In addition, while the shares of excess stock are held in trust
they will not be entitled to vote, except when Maryland law mandates class
voting rights.
17
Any dividend or distribution paid on excess stock prior to discovery by
us that stock has been transferred in violation of the applicable ownership
limit shall be repaid to us on demand. Shares of excess stock are not treasury
stock, but rather constitute a separate class of issued and outstanding stock.
If these transfer restrictions are determined to be void or invalid by virtue of
any legal decision, statute, rule or regulation, then the intended transferee of
any excess stock may be deemed, at our option, to have acted as an agent on our
behalf in acquiring the excess stock and to hold the excess stock on behalf of
us.
RIGHT TO PURCHASE EXCESS STOCK
In addition to the foregoing transfer restrictions, we have the right,
for a period of 90 days during the time any shares of excess stock are held by
us in trust, to purchase all or any portion of the excess stock from the
original transferee-stockholder for a price per share equal to the lesser of:
(1) the price per share initially paid for the stock by the
original transferee-stockholder or, if the original
transferee-stockholder received the shares through a gift,
devise or other transaction in which the stockholder did not
give value, the average of the closing price per share for the
class of shares from which the shares of excess stock were
converted for the five consecutive trading days ending on the
date of such transfer; or
(2) the average closing price per share for the class of shares
from which the shares of excess stock were converted for the
five consecutive trading days ending on the date we elect to
purchase the shares.
The 90-day period begins on the date of the purported transfer that violated the
applicable ownership limit if the original transferee-stockholder gives notice
to us of the transfer or, if no notice is given, the date our board of directors
determines that such a transfer has been made.
GENERAL
The foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will not
apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best
interest to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust. The board
may, in its sole discretion, waive the ownership limits if evidence is presented
that the transfer of stock will not jeopardize our qualification as a real
estate investment trust and the board otherwise decides that such action is in
our best interest.
Our stockholders are required to disclose to us in writing any
information with respect to their ownership of AvalonBay stock as we may request
in order to determine our status as a real estate investment trust and to ensure
compliance with the ownership limits.
The ownership limits may have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change of control of AvalonBay.
18
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR INVESTMENT
The following is a general summary of the material federal income tax
consequences associated with an investment in our shares of common stock. The
following discussion does not exhaust all possible tax consequences and is not
tax advice. Moreover, this summary does not deal with all tax aspects or
consequences that might be relevant to you in light of your personal
circumstances; nor does it deal with particular types of stockholders that are
subject to special treatment under the Internal Revenue Code, such as insurance
companies, financial institutions and broker-dealers. The Internal Revenue Code
provisions governing the federal income tax treatment of real estate investment
trusts are highly technical and complex, and this summary is qualified in its
entirety by the applicable Internal Revenue Code provisions, rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial
interpretations thereof. The following discussion is based on current law and on
representations from us concerning our compliance with the requirements for
qualification as a real estate investment trust.
WE URGE YOU, AS A PROSPECTIVE STOCKHOLDER, TO CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX
ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIFIC FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF THE PURCHASE, HOLDING AND SALE OF OUR SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
We believe that we have been organized in conformity with the
requirements for qualification as a real estate investment trust under the
Internal Revenue Code and that our method of operation will enable us to
continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a real
estate investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code. We may not, however,
have met or continue to meet such requirements. Qualification as a real estate
investment trust depends upon us having met and continuing to meet the various
requirements imposed under the Internal Revenue Code through actual operations
and operating results. No assurance can be given that actual operations and
operating results have met or will meet these requirements.
If we have qualified and continue to qualify for taxation as a real
estate investment trust, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate
income taxes on that portion of our ordinary income or capital gain that is
currently distributed to stockholders. The real estate investment trust
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code generally allow a real estate investment
trust to deduct dividends paid to its stockholders. This deduction for dividends
paid to stockholders substantially eliminates the federal double taxation on
earnings that usually results from investments in a corporation. "Double
taxation" refers to taxation of income once at the corporate level when earned
and once again at the stockholder level when distributed. Additionally, a real
estate investment trust may elect to retain and pay taxes on a designated amount
of its net long-term capital gains, in which case the stockholders of the real
estate investment trust will include their proportionate share of the
undistributed long-term capital gains in income and receive a credit or refund
for their share of the tax paid by the real estate investment trust.
FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
If we fail to qualify for taxation as a real estate investment trust in
any taxable year and certain relief provisions of the Internal Revenue Code do
not apply, we will be subject to tax on our taxable income at regular corporate
rates, including any applicable alternative minimum tax. Distributions to
stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify will not be deductible by
us nor will they be required to be made. In such event, to the extent of current
or accumulated earnings and profits, all distributions to stockholders will be
dividends, taxable as ordinary income, and, subject to 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 also will be disqualified from taxation as a real
estate investment trust for the four taxable years following the year during
which qualification was lost. It is not possible to state whether in all
circumstances we would be entitled to such statutory relief. For example, we
must derive a minimum percent of our gross income from specified sources in
order to qualify as a real estate investment trust. If we fail to satisfy these
gross income tests because nonqualifying income that we intentionally incur
exceeds the limit on such income, the Internal Revenue Service could conclude
that our failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause, which is
a condition to qualification for relief from the four-year disqualification
rule.
19
TAXATION OF UNITED STATES STOCKHOLDERS AND POTENTIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR
INVESTMENT IN SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
When we refer to a United States stockholder, we mean a holder of shares
of common stock that is for federal income tax purposes:
- an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United
States;
- a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
or
- a partnership, trust or estate treated as a domestic
partnership, trust or estate.
For any taxable year for which we qualify for taxation as a real estate
investment trust, amounts distributed to taxable United States stockholders will
be taxed as follows.
DISTRIBUTIONS GENERALLY. Distributions other than capital gain
dividends to United States stockholders will be taxable as dividends to the
extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined for
federal income tax purposes. Such dividends will be taxable to the stockholders
as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction
for corporations. To the extent that we make a distribution to a United States
stockholder in excess of current or accumulated earnings and profits, the
distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital with respect
to the shares, reducing the United States stockholder's tax basis in the shares,
and the distribution in excess of a United States stockholder's tax basis in the
shares will be taxable as gain realized from the sale of the shares. Dividends
declared by us in October, November or December of any year payable to a
stockholder of record on a specified date in any such month shall be treated as
both paid by us and received by the stockholder on December 31 of the year,
provided that the dividend is actually paid by us during January of the
following calendar year. United States stockholders may not include on their own
federal income tax returns any of our tax losses.
CAPITAL GAIN DIVIDENDS. Dividends to United States stockholders that
are properly designated by us as capital gain dividends will be treated as
long-term capital gains, to the extent they do not exceed our actual net capital
gains, for the taxable year without regard to the period for which the
stockholder has held his shares of common stock. However, corporate stockholders
may be required to treat up to 20% of particular capital gain dividends as
ordinary income. Capital gain dividends are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction for corporations.
RETAINED CAPITAL GAINS. A real estate investment trust may elect to
retain, rather than distribute, its net long-term capital gains received during
the year. To the extent designated by the real estate investment trust in a
notice to its stockholders, the real estate investment trust will pay the income
tax on such gains and the real estate investment trust stockholders must include
their proportionate share of the undistributed long-term capital gains so
designated in income. Each real estate investment trust stockholder will be
deemed to have paid his share of the tax paid by the real estate investment
trust, which will be credited or refunded to the stockholder. The basis of each
stockholder's real estate investment trust shares will be increased by his
proportionate amount of the undistributed long-term capital gains, net of the
tax paid by the real estate investment trust, included in such stockholder's
long-term capital gains.
PASSIVE ACTIVITY LOSS AND INVESTMENT INTEREST LIMITATIONS.
Distributions, including deemed distributions of undistributed long-term capital
gains, from us and gain from the disposition of shares of common stock will not
be treated as passive activity income, and therefore stockholders may not be
able to apply any passive losses against such income. Dividends from us, to the
extent they do not constitute a return of capital, will generally be treated as
investment income for purposes of the investment income limitation on the
deductibility of investment interest. However, net capital gain from the
disposition of shares of common stock or capital gain dividends, including
deemed distributions of undistributed long-term capital gains, generally will be
excluded from investment income.
SALE OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK. Upon the sale or exchange of shares of
common stock, a United States stockholder will generally recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale and the tax
basis of the shares of common stock sold or exchanged. Assuming such shares are
held as a capital
20
asset, such gain or loss will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares
have been held for more than one year. However, any loss recognized by a United
States stockholder on the sale of shares of common stock held for not more than
six months and with respect to which capital gains were required to be included
in such stockholder's income will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the
extent of the amount of such capital gains so included.
TREATMENT OF TAX-EXEMPT STOCKHOLDERS. Distributions, including deemed
distributions of undistributed long-term capital gains, from us to a tax-exempt
employee pension trust or other domestic tax-exempt stockholder generally will
not constitute unrelated business taxable income unless the stockholder has
borrowed to acquire or carry his shares of common stock. However, some qualified
trusts that hold more than 10% by value of the shares of a particular real
estate investment trust may be required to treat a specified percentage of these
distributions, including deemed distributions of undistributed long-term capital
gains, as unrelated business taxable income.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Under the backup withholding rules, a United States stockholder may be
subject to backup withholding at the rate of 31% with respect to dividends paid
on, and gross proceeds from the sale of, shares of common stock unless such
stockholder (1) is a corporation or comes within other specific exempt
categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact or (2) provides a correct
taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup
withholding and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup
withholding rules. A United States stockholder who does not provide us with his
current taxpayer identification number may be subject to penalties imposed by
the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Any amount paid as backup
withholding will be creditable against the stockholder's income tax liability.
We will report to stockholders and the Internal Revenue Service the
amount of any reportable payments, including any dividends paid, and any amount
withheld with respect to shares of common stock during the calendar year.
STATE AND LOCAL TAX
AvalonBay and our stockholders may be subject to state and local tax in
various states and localities, including those in which we or our stockholders
transact business, own property or reside. The tax treatment of us and our
stockholders in such jurisdictions may differ from the federal income tax
treatment described above. CONSEQUENTLY, AS A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR, YOU SHOULD
CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE EFFECT OF STATE AND LOCAL TAX LAWS
ON AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.
21
REGISTRATION RIGHTS OF THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The following is a summary of the material terms and provisions of the
registration rights agreements that we entered into in connection with our
acquisition of the Gallery Place community in September 1997 and our acquisition
of the Verandas at Bear Creek community in June 1998, both of which were
formerly owned by partnerships in which the selling stockholders were limited
partners. The important terms of both registration rights agreements are the
same. This summary may not contain all the information that is important to you.
You may obtain complete information by referring to the registration rights
agreements, which are exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this
prospectus is a part.
In connection with our acquisitions of the two communities, we agreed
to file Registration Statements covering the sales by the selling stockholders
of the shares of common stock that they may receive in exchange for their units
of limited partnership of Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P. We also agreed to use
reasonable efforts to cause the SEC to declare the Registration Statements
effective and to keep the Registration Statements continuously effective until
specified dates.
The registration rights agreements allow us to suspend use of this
prospectus in some circumstances. Any shares of common stock sold by the selling
stockholders pursuant to this prospectus will no longer be entitled to the
benefits of the registration rights agreement.
The registration rights agreements require that we bear expenses of
registering the sale of the shares of common stock. We also agreed to indemnify
the following persons against all losses, claims, damages, actions, liabilities,
costs and expenses arising under the securities laws in connection with the
Registration Statement or this prospectus, subject to limitations specified in
the registration rights agreements:
(1) the selling stockholders;
(2) any person who holds a direct or indirect ownership interest
in a selling stockholder or who controls a selling
stockholder; and
(3) the officers, directors, agents, representatives and
affiliates of the selling stockholders and the other persons
listed above.
In addition, the selling stockholders agreed to indemnify us, any person who
controls our company and our and their officers, directors, employees, agents,
representatives and affiliates against all losses, claims, damages, actions,
liabilities, costs and expenses arising under the securities laws if they result
from written information furnished to us by the selling stockholders for use in
the Registration Statement or this prospectus.
THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth the number of shares of common stock and
units of limited partnership interest in Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P.
beneficially owned by the selling stockholders as of July 26, 1999, the number
of shares of common stock covered by this prospectus and the total number of
shares of common stock and units of limited partnership which the selling
stockholders will beneficially own upon completion of this offering. This table
assumes that the selling stockholders exchange for shares of common stock all of
the units issued by Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P. to them in connection with our
acquisitions of direct or indirect interests in Gallery Place and Verandas Bear
Creek from the selling stockholders, and that the selling stockholders offer for
sale all of those shares of common stock.
The shares of common stock offered by this prospectus will be
offered from time to time by the selling stockholders named below, or by any
of their pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest. The
amounts set forth below are based upon information provided to us by
representatives of the selling stockholders, as of recent dates, or on our
records, and are accurate to the best of our knowledge. It is possible,
however, that the selling stockholders may acquire or dispose of additional
shares of common stock or units from time to time after the date of this
prospectus.
22
- -------------------------------
(1) Includes shares of common stock that may be issued in exchange for
units of limited partnership of partnerships other than Bay Pacific
Northwest, L.P. beneficially held as of July 26, 1999. Does not include
fractional units.
(2) All units of limited partnership listed in this column may be
exchanged, under circumstances set forth in the partnership agreement
of Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P., for an equal number of shares of common
stock. Does not include fractional units. Does not include shares of
common stock that may be issued in exchange for units of limited
partnership of partnerships other than Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P.
beneficially held. All information is as of July 26, 1999.
(3) Assumes that all shares of common stock issuable upon redemption of the
units of limited partnership interest will be sold by the selling
stockholders. The total number of shares of common stock outstanding
used in calculating such percentage (a) is based on the total number
of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 26, 1999 (65,091,400
shares) and (b) assumes that none of the remaining units of limited
partnership interest held by other persons will be exchanged for
shares of common stock.
(4) Includes 80,992 shares of common stock that may be issued in exchange
for an equal number of limited partnership units held in Avalon
DownREIT V, L.P.
(5) Includes 13,858 shares of common stock that may be issued in exchange
for an equal number of limited partnership units held in Avalon
DownREIT V, L.P.
(6) Includes 23,257 shares of common stock that may be issued in exchange
for an equal number of limited partnership units held in Avalon
DownREIT V, L.P.
(7) Includes 103,330 shares of common stock that may be issued in exchange
for an equal number of limited partnership units held in Avalon
DownREIT V, L.P.
23
In the case of each selling stockholder, the percentage of our
shares of common stock that will be held by such selling stockholder
(assuming all remaining units of limited partnership interest held by such
person are presented for redemption and are exchanged for shares of common
stock) after completion of this offering will be less than one percent (1%).
With the exception Max L. Gardner, none of the Selling Stockholders
has had a material relationship with AvalonBay within the past three (3)
years. Mr. Gardner served as AvalonBay's Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer from December 1995 through June 1998 and its Senior Vice
President--Merger Integration from June 1998 through March 1999. In addition,
Mr. Gardner served as a director of AvalonBay from May 1996 through June 1998.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any of the proceeds of sales by the selling
stockholders of any of their shares of common stock. We are paying the fees and
expenses associated with registering the sales of these shares.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
This prospectus relates to the possible offer and sale from time to
time of up to an aggregate of 267,553 shares of common stock by the selling
stockholders, or any of their pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors
in interest. If the selling stockholders present units to Bay Pacific Northwest,
L.P. for redemption, we may, at our election, acquire such units in exchange for
shares of common stock in accordance with the terms of Bay Pacific Northwest,
L.P.'s partnership agreement. We are registering the sale of the shares of
common stock pursuant to our obligations under the registration rights
agreements, but the registration of the sale of the shares of common stock does
not necessarily mean that any of the shares of common stock will be offered or
sold by the selling stockholders.
The distribution of the shares of common stock may be effected from
time to time in one or more underwritten transactions at a fixed price or
prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any
underwritten offering may be on a "best efforts" or a "firm commitment" basis.
In connection with any underwritten offering, underwriters or agents may receive
compensation in the form of discounts, commissions or concessions from the
selling stockholders. Underwriters may sell the shares of common stock to or
through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions
from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents.
The selling stockholders and any underwriters, dealers or agents
that participate in the distribution of the shares of common stock may be
deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any profit on the
sale of the shares of common stock by them and any discounts, commissions or
concessions received by any underwriters, dealers or agents might be deemed
to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. At any
time a particular offer of shares of common stock is made by the selling
stockholders, a prospectus supplement, if required, will be distributed that
will, where applicable:
- identify any underwriter, dealer or agent;
- describe any compensation in the form of discounts,
concessions, commissions or otherwise received by each
underwriter, dealer or agent and in the aggregate to all
underwriters, dealers and agents;
- identify the amounts underwritten;
- identify the nature of the underwriter's obligation to take
the shares of common stock; and
- provide any other required information.
The sale of shares of common stock by the selling stockholders may also
be effected by selling shares of common stock directly to purchasers or to or
through broker-dealers. In connection with any such sale, any such broker-dealer
may act as agent for the selling stockholders or may purchase from the selling
stockholders all or a
24
portion of the shares of common stock as principal, and may be made pursuant
to any of the methods described below. Such sales may be made on the NYSE,
the PCX or other exchanges on which the shares of common stock are then
traded, in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions or
otherwise at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the
then-current market prices or at prices otherwise negotiated.
Shares of common stock may also be sold in one or more of the following
transactions:
- block transactions in which a broker-dealer may sell all or a
portion of such shares as agent but may position and resell
all or a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the
transaction;
- purchases by any such broker-dealer as principal and resale by
such broker-dealer for its own account pursuant to any
supplement to this prospectus;
- a special offering, an exchange distribution or a secondary
distribution in accordance with applicable NYSE, the PCX or
other stock exchange rules;
- ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which any
such broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
- sales "at the market" to or through a market maker or into an
existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise, for such
shares; and
- sales in other ways not involving market makers or established
trading markets, including direct sales to purchasers.
In effecting sales, broker-dealers engaged by the selling stockholders
may arrange for other broker-dealers to participate. Broker-dealers will receive
commissions or other compensation from the selling stockholders in amounts to be
negotiated immediately prior to the sale that will not exceed those customary in
the types of transactions involved. Broker-dealers may also receive compensation
from purchasers of the shares of common stock which is not expected to exceed
that customary in the types of transactions involved.
To comply with applicable state securities laws, the shares of common
stock will be sold, if necessary, in such jurisdictions only through registered
or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, shares of common stock may not be
sold in some states unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in
the state or an exemption from such registration or qualification requirement is
available and is complied with.
All expenses relating to the offering and sale of the shares of common
stock will be paid by us, with the exception of commissions, discounts and fees
of underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, taxes of any kind and any legal,
accounting and other expenses incurred by the selling stockholders. We have
agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against some losses, claims,
damages, actions, liabilities, costs and expenses, including liabilities under
the Securities Act. See "Registration Rights of the Selling
Stockholders."
VALIDITY OF THE COMMON STOCK
The validity of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus
will be passed upon for us by Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP, Boston,
Massachusetts.
EXPERTS
The financial statements and schedules incorporated by reference in
this prospectus and elsewhere in this Registration Statement have been audited
by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants and
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants. The periods covered
by these audits are indicated in the individual accountants' reports. These
audited financial statements are incorporated in this prospectus by reference in
reliance on the reports of Arthur Andersen LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
given on the authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing.
25
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus,
incorporated herein by reference or contained in a prospectus supplement.
Neither we nor the selling stockholders have authorized anyone else to provide
you with different or additional information. The selling stockholders are not
making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not
permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, or
incorporated herein by reference, or in any prospectus supplement is accurate as
of any date other than the date on the front of those documents.
-------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth the estimated fees and expenses payable by us
in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities registered
hereby:
- ----------------------------------
(1) All amounts except the registration fee are estimated.
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Subject to certain limited exceptions, AvalonBay's charter and bylaws
limit the liability of its directors and officers to AvalonBay and its
stockholders for money damages for any breach of any duty owed by such director
or officer to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law. Maryland law
generally permits the liability of directors and officers to a corporation or
its stockholders for money damages to be limited, except (a) to the extent that
it is proved that the director or officer actually received an improper benefit
or profit; or (b) if a judgment or other final adjudication is entered in a
proceeding based on a finding that the director's or officer's action or failure
to act was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to
the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding. This provision does not limit
the ability of AvalonBay or its stockholders to obtain other relief, such as an
injunction or rescission.
AvalonBay's charter and bylaws also require it to indemnify its
directors, officers and certain other parties to the fullest extent permitted
from time to time by Maryland law. Maryland law permits a corporation to
indemnify its directors, officers and certain other parties against judgments,
penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them
in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of
their service to or at the request of the corporation, unless it is established
that (a) the act or omission was committed in bad faith or was the result of
active and deliberate dishonesty; (b) the indemnified party actually received an
improper personal benefit; or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the
indemnified party had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was
unlawful.
Pursuant to the authority granted in AvalonBay's charter and bylaws,
AvalonBay has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors. The
indemnification agreements require, among other matters, that AvalonBay
indemnify its directors to the fullest extent permitted by law and advance to
such directors all related expenses, subject to reimbursement if it is
subsequently determined that indemnification is not permitted. AvalonBay must
also indemnify and advance all expenses incurred by such directors seeking to
enforce their rights under the indemnification agreements and cover such
directors under AvalonBay's directors' and officers' liability insurance.
The foregoing provisions and agreements could reduce the legal remedies
available to AvalonBay and its stockholders against AvalonBay's directors and
officers.
II-1
- ----------------------------------
* Filed herewith
II-2
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales
are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by
Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the
Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a
fundamental change in the information set forth in
the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of
securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high
end of the estimated maximum offering range may be
reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the
aggregate, the changes in volume and price
represent no more than a 20 percent change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
"Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the
effective Registration Statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to
the plan of distribution not previously disclosed
in the Registration Statement or any material
change to such information in the Registration
Statement;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do
not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in
periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by
the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement;
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
new Registration Statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of
such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof; and
(3) To remove from registration by means of a
post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new
Registration Statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under 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 SEC such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by
a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in
the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
II-3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Alexandria, Commonwealth of Virginia, on this 16th
day of September, 1999.
AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
By: /s/ RICHARD L. MICHAUX
-------------------------------------
Richard L. Michaux
President and Chief Executive Officer
KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints each of Gilbert M. Meyer, Richard L. Michaux and
Thomas J. Sargeant as such person's true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent
with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person in such
person's name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement
(or any Registration Statement for the same offering that is to be effective
upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933), and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection
therewith, with the SEC, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that any said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute or
substitutes of any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
II-4
EXHIBIT INDEX
- ----------------------------------
* Filed herewith