SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DATED SEPTEMBER 4, 2007

 

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)

Registration No. 333-132095

 

Prospectus Supplement

(To Prospectus dated February 28, 2006)

 

$     

 

 

     % Notes due 2017

 

 

The notes have the following terms:

 

 

 

 

 

Investing in the notes involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-3 of this prospectus supplement and on page 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

The price of the notes will also include accrued interest, if any, from September   , 2007 if settlement occurs on that date.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the notes in book-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company against payment in New York, New York on or about September   , 2007.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

 

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

 

 

 

 

 

The date of this prospectus supplement is September   , 2007.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any “free writing prospectus” we may authorize to be delivered to you. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, the securities only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. You should not assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any free writing prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. This prospectus supplement adds, updates and changes information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated by reference. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs or varies from the information contained in the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference, the information in this prospectus supplement shall control.

 

In this prospectus supplement, the words “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer to National Retail Properties, Inc. and its subsidiaries and joint ventures, unless the context indicates otherwise.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the documents that are incorporated by reference, that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Also, when we use any of the words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guaranteed and are based on our present intentions and on our present expectations and assumptions. These statements, intentions, expectations and assumptions involve risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those we anticipate or project, such as:

 

 

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as events described or implied in such statements may not occur. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Issuer		National Retail Properties, Inc.
Notes Offered		$      aggregate principal amount.
Maturity		The notes will mature on October 15, 2017, unless previously redeemed in accordance with their terms prior to such date.
Interest Rate and Payment Dates		The notes will bear interest at a rate of     % per year. Interest will be payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15, commencing April 15, 2008.
Optional Redemption		We may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at the redemption price, including any “Make-Whole Amounts,” described under “Description of Notes — Optional Redemption,” plus any interest that is due and unpaid on the date we redeem the notes.
Covenants		We will issue the notes under an indenture with U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee. The indenture will, among other things, restrict our ability, and the ability of our subsidiaries, to:
		• incur debt without meeting certain financial tests; and
		• secure debt with our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries.
		For more details, see the section “Description of Notes — Certain Covenants.”
Use of Proceeds		We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering of notes to repay borrowings under our credit facility, to fund future property acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement.
Ranking of Notes		The notes are our senior obligations and will rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured indebtedness from time to time

		outstanding. However, the notes will be subordinated to all of our secured indebtedness (to the extent of the assets securing the same). As of June 30, 2007, we had $835.0 million of senior unsecured indebtedness and $57.5 million of secured debt. The notes will also be effectively subordinated to all liabilities of our subsidiaries (to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries).
Ratings		The notes are expected to be rated “Baa3” by Moody’s Investor Services, “BBB-” by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group and “BBB-” by Fitch Ratings. A rating assigned to the notes reflects the applicable rating agency’s assessment of the likelihood that the holders of the notes will receive the payments of interest and principal required to be made. A rating reflects only the view of a rating agency and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the notes. Any rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency if it decides the circumstances warrant that change.
Sinking Fund		The notes will not have the benefit of a sinking fund.
Risk Factors		You should read carefully the “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-3 of this prospectus supplement, as well as the risk factors relating to our business that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, for certain considerations relevant to an investment in the notes.

RISK FACTORS

 

In addition to the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, you should carefully review the following considerations in determining whether to purchase the notes.

 

A credit rating of the notes is not a recommendation to buy or hold the notes and may be lowered or withdrawn at any time.

 

The notes are expected to be rated “Baa3” by Moody’s Investors Service, “BBB-” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, and “BBB-” by Fitch Ratings. A rating assigned to the notes reflects the applicable rating agency’s assessment of the likelihood that the holders of the notes will receive the payments of interest and principal required to be made. A rating reflects only the view of a rating agency and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the notes. Any rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency if it decides the circumstances warrant that change.

 

We may incur additional debt and may not be able to repay our obligations under the notes.

 

It is our current policy to maintain a ratio of total indebtedness to total assets (before accumulated depreciation) of not more than 60%. However, this policy is subject to reevaluation and modification by the board of directors without the approval of our security holders. If the board of directors modifies this policy to permit a higher degree of leverage and we incur additional indebtedness, debt service requirements would increase accordingly. Such an increase could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, as well as our ability to pay principal and interest on the notes. In addition, increased leverage could increase the risk that we may default on our other debt obligations.

 

We are subject to the risks associated with debt financing. These risks include our possible inability to generate cash through our operating activities sufficient to meet our required payments of principal and interest and that rising interest rates may cause the rate on our variable rate indebtedness to rise. In addition, we may not be able to repay or refinance existing indebtedness, which generally will not have been fully amortized at maturity, on favorable terms. In the event that we are unable to refinance our indebtedness on acceptable terms, we may be forced to resort to alternatives that may adversely affect our ability to generate cash to pay our debt service obligations, including payments on the notes, such as disposing of properties on disadvantageous terms (which may also result in losses) and accepting financing on unfavorable terms.

 

The effective subordination of the notes may limit our ability to satisfy our obligations under the notes.

 

The notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured indebtedness. However, the notes will be subordinated to all of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. As of June 30, 2007, we had outstanding $57.5 million of secured indebtedness. The provisions of the indenture governing the notes do not prohibit us from incurring additional secured indebtedness in the future, provided that certain conditions are satisfied. Consequently, in the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding with respect to us, the holders of any secured indebtedness will be entitled to proceed directly against the collateral that secures such secured indebtedness. Therefore, such collateral will not be available for satisfaction of any amounts owed under our unsecured indebtedness, including the notes, until such secured indebtedness is satisfied in full. The notes will also be effectively subordinated to all liabilities of our subsidiaries (to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries). See “Description of Notes — Ranking.”

 

There is currently no trading market for the notes, and an active liquid trading market for the notes may not develop or, if it develops, be maintained.

 

The notes are a new issue of securities, and there is currently no existing trading market for the notes. We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange or for quotation of the notes on any automated dealer quotation system. Although the underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a

market in the notes, they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. Accordingly, an active public trading market may not develop for the notes and, even if one develops, may not be maintained. If an active public trading market for the notes does not develop or is not maintained, the market price and liquidity of the notes is likely to be adversely affected and holders may not be able to sell their notes at desired times and prices or at all. If any of the notes are traded after their purchase, they may trade at a discount from their purchase price.

 

The liquidity of the trading market, if any, and future trading prices of the notes will depend on many factors, including, among other things, the market price of our common stock, prevailing interest rates, our financial condition, results of operations, business, prospects and credit quality relative to our competitors, the market for similar securities and the overall securities market, and may be adversely affected by unfavorable changes in any of these factors, some of which are beyond our control.

 

Recent disruptions in the financial markets could affect our ability to obtain debt financing on reasonable terms and have other adverse effects on us.

 

The United States credit markets have recently experienced significant dislocations and liquidity disruptions which have caused the spreads on prospective debt financings to widen considerably. These circumstances have materially impacted liquidity in the debt markets, making financing terms for borrowers less attractive, and in certain cases have resulted in the unavailability of certain types of debt financing. Continued uncertainty in the credit markets may negatively impact our ability to access additional debt financing at reasonable terms, which may negatively affect our ability to make acquisitions. A prolonged downturn in the credit markets may cause us to seek alternative sources of potentially less attractive financing, and may require us to adjust our business plan accordingly. In addition, these factors may make it more difficult for us to sell properties or may adversely affect the price we receive for properties that we do sell, as prospective buyers may experience increased costs of debt financing or difficulties in obtaining debt financing. These events in the credit markets have also had an adverse effect on other financial markets in the United States, which may make it more difficult or costly for us to raise capital through the issuance of our common stock or preferred stock. These disruptions in the financial markets may have other adverse effects on us or the economy generally.

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $      million, after deducting the underwriting discount and other estimated expenses of this offering payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay all of our outstanding borrowings under our credit facility, which, as of September 3, 2007, were $142.1 million. Borrowings under the credit facility accrued interest at a rate of 6.12%, as of June 30, 2007. The credit facility expires on May 9, 2009. Affiliates of Banc of America Securities LLC, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and several of the other underwriters are lenders under our credit facility and will receive their proportionate share of the amount repaid under the credit facility with the net proceeds from this offering. In addition, we intend to use the remainder of the net proceeds from this offering to fund future property acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. Pending application of the net proceeds, we will invest the net proceeds in short-term income-producing investments.

 

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND
COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

 

The following table sets forth our historical ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

For the purposes of computing these ratios, earnings have been calculated by adding fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest) to income (loss) before taxes and extraordinary items. Fixed charges consist of interest costs, whether expensed or capitalized, and the amortization of debt expense and discount or premium relating to any indebtedness, whether expensed or capitalized.

 

DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

 

The following description of the particular terms of the notes offered hereby supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, the description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities set forth in the accompanying prospectus under “Description of Debt Securities,” to which reference is hereby made.

 

General

 

The notes constitute a separate series of debt securities (which are more fully described in the accompanying prospectus) to be issued under an Indenture, dated as of March 25, 1998 (the “Original Indenture”), as supplemented by Supplemental Indenture No. 8 dated as of September   , 2007 (the “Supplemental Indenture” and together with the Original Indenture, the “Indenture”), between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee (the “Trustee”). The form of the Indenture has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part and is available for inspection at our offices or at the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. The Indenture is subject to, and governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The statements made hereunder relating to the Indenture and the notes to be issued thereunder are summaries of certain provisions thereof, do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the Indenture and the notes. You should carefully read the Indenture and the notes as they, and not this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, govern your rights as a noteholder. All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Indenture.

 

The notes will initially be limited to an aggregate principal amount of $      million. We may re-open this series of the notes in the future to issue additional identical notes. The notes will only be issued in fully registered form in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.

 

Ranking

 

The notes will be direct, senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The notes will be effectively subordinated to our mortgages and other secured indebtedness and to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. Accordingly, such indebtedness must be satisfied in full before holders of the notes will be able to realize any value from encumbered or indirectly-held properties.

 

As of June 30, 2007, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the offering and the application of the proceeds therefrom, we would have had approximately $      million of indebtedness, of which approximately $57.5 million would have been secured by 21 of our properties with a book value of $74.6 million, and certain equity investments in mortgage residual interests. We may incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, subject to the provisions described below under “— Certain Covenants — Limitations on Incurrence of Indebtedness.”

 

Principal and Interest

 

The notes will bear interest at     % per annum and will mature on October 15, 2017. The notes will bear interest from September   , 2007 or from the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date (as defined below) to which interest has been paid, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing April 15, 2008 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), to the persons in whose name the applicable notes are registered in the Security Register on the preceding April 15 or October 15 (whether or not a Business Day, as defined below), as the case may be (each, a “Regular Record Date”). Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

If any Interest Payment Date or Stated Maturity falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the required payment shall be made on the next Business Day as if it were made on the date such payment was due and no

interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be. “Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banks in the City of New York or in the City of Charlotte are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

 

The principal of and interest on the notes will be payable at the corporate trust office of the agent of the Trustee (the “Paying Agent”), currently located at 60 Livingston Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55107, provided that, at our option, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as it appears in the Security Register or by wire transfer of funds to such Person at an account maintained within the United States.

 

Optional Redemption

 

We may redeem the notes at any time at our option, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus accrued interest thereon to the redemption date and (ii) the Make-Whole Amount, if any, with respect to such notes (the “Redemption Price”).

 

If notice has been given as provided in the Indenture and funds for the redemption of any notes called for redemption shall have been made available on the redemption date referred to in such notice, such notes will cease to bear interest on the date fixed for such redemption specified in such notice and the only right of the Holders of the notes will be to receive payment of the Redemption Price.

 

Notice of any optional redemption of any notes will be given to Holders at their addresses, as shown in the Security Register, not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption. The notice of redemption will specify, among other items, the Redemption Price and the principal amount of the notes held by such Holder to be redeemed.

 

If we redeem less than all the notes, we will notify the Trustee at least 45 days prior to the giving of the redemption notice (or such shorter period as is satisfactory to the Trustee) of the aggregate principal amount of notes to be redeemed and their redemption date. The Trustee shall select, in such manner as it shall deem fair and appropriate, notes to be redeemed in whole or in part. Notes may be redeemed in part in the minimum authorized denomination for notes or in any integral multiple thereof.

 

“Make-Whole Amount” means, in connection with any optional redemption or accelerated payment of any note, the excess, if any, of (i) the aggregate present value as of the date of such redemption or accelerated payment of each dollar of principal being redeemed or paid and the amount of interest (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption or accelerated payment) that would have been payable in respect of such dollar if such redemption or accelerated payment had not been made, determined by discounting, on a semi-annual basis, such principal and interest at the Reinvestment Rate (determined on the third Business Day preceding the date such notice of redemption is given or declaration of acceleration is made) from the respective dates on which such principal and interest would have been payable if such redemption or accelerated payment had not been made, over (ii) the aggregate principal amount of the notes being redeemed or paid.

 

“Reinvestment Rate” means           percent (          ) plus the arithmetic mean of the yields under the respective headings “This Week” and “Last Week” published in the Statistical Release under the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities” for the maturity (rounded to the nearest month) corresponding to the remaining life to maturity, as of the payment date of the principal being redeemed or paid. If no maturity exactly corresponds to such maturity, yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to such maturity shall be calculated pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence and the Reinvestment Rate shall be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight-line basis, rounding in each of such relevant periods to the nearest month. For such purposes of calculating the Reinvestment Rate, the most recent Statistical Release published prior to the date of determination of the Make-Whole Amount shall be used.

 

“Statistical Release” means the statistical release designated “H.15(519)” or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded

United States government securities adjusted to constant maturities or, if such statistical release is not published at the time of any determination of the Make-Whole Amount, then such other reasonably comparable index as we shall designate.

 

Certain Covenants

 

Limitations on Incurrence of Indebtedness.  We will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, incur any Indebtedness (as defined below) if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness and the application of the proceeds thereof, the aggregate principal amount of all of our outstanding Indebtedness and our Subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) is greater than 60% of the sum of (without duplication) (i) our Total Assets (as defined below) and those of our Subsidiaries, as of the end of the calendar quarter covered in our Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as the case may be, most recently filed with the SEC (or, if such filing is not permitted under the Exchange Act, with the Trustee) prior to the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness and (ii) the purchase price of any real estate assets or mortgages receivable acquired, and the amount of any securities offering proceeds received (to the extent that such proceeds were not used to acquire real estate assets or mortgages receivable or used to reduce Indebtedness), by us or any Subsidiary since the end of such calendar quarter, including those proceeds obtained in connection with the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness.

 

In addition to the foregoing limitation on the incurrence of Indebtedness, we will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, incur any Indebtedness secured by any Encumbrance (as defined below) upon any of our properties or any Subsidiary if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness and the application of the proceeds thereof, the aggregate principal amount of all of our outstanding Indebtedness and our Subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) which is secured by any Encumbrance on our properties or any Subsidiary is greater than 40% of the sum of (without duplication) (i) our Total Assets, and those of our Subsidiaries, as of the end of the calendar quarter covered in our Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as the case may be, most recently filed with the SEC (or, if such filing is not permitted under the Exchange Act, with the Trustee) prior to the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness and (ii) the purchase price of any real estate assets or mortgages receivable acquired, and the amount of any securities offering proceeds received (to the extent that such proceeds were not used to acquire real estate assets or mortgages receivable or used to reduce Indebtedness), by us or any Subsidiary since the end of such calendar quarter, including those proceeds obtained in connection with the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness.

 

We and our Subsidiaries will not at any time own Total Unencumbered Assets (as defined below) equal to less than 150% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Unsecured Indebtedness (as defined below) on a consolidated basis.

 

In addition to the foregoing limitations on the incurrence of Indebtedness, we will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, incur any Indebtedness if the ratio of Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service (as defined below) to the Annual Debt Service Charge (as defined below) for the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended prior to the date on which such additional Indebtedness is to be incurred shall have been less than 1.5:1 on a pro forma basis after giving effect thereto and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, and calculated on the assumption that (i) such Indebtedness and any other Indebtedness incurred by us and our Subsidiaries since the first day of such four-quarter period and the application of the proceeds therefrom, including to refinance other Indebtedness, had occurred at the beginning of such period; (ii) the repayment or retirement of any other Indebtedness by us and our Subsidiaries since the first day of such four-quarter period had been repaid or retired at the beginning of such period (except that, in making such computation, the amount of Indebtedness under any revolving credit facility shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during such period); (iii) in the case of Acquired Indebtedness (as defined below) or Indebtedness incurred in connection with any acquisition since the first day of such four-quarter period, the related acquisition had occurred as of the first day of such period with the appropriate adjustments with respect to such acquisition being included in such pro forma calculation; and

(iv) in the case of any acquisition or disposition by us or our Subsidiaries of any asset or group of assets since the first day of such four-quarter period, whether by merger, stock purchase or sale, or asset purchase or sale, such acquisition or disposition or any related repayment of Indebtedness had occurred as of the first day of such period with the appropriate adjustments with respect to such acquisition or disposition being included in such pro forma calculation.

 

Provision of Financial Information.  Whether or not we are subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, we will, within 15 days after each of the respective dates by which we would have been required to file annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents with the SEC if we were so subject, (1) transmit by mail to all Holders, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register, without cost to such Holders, copies of the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents which we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, if we were subject to such Sections, and (2) file with the Trustee copies of the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents which we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, if we were subject to such Sections, and (3) promptly upon written request and payment of the reasonable cost of duplication and delivery, supply copies of such documents to any prospective Holder.

 

Waiver of Certain Covenants.  We may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition of the foregoing covenants, and with any other term, provision or condition with respect to the notes, as the case may be (except any such term, provision or condition which could not be amended without the consent of all Holders of notes), if before or after the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all of the outstanding notes, as the case may be, by act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such covenant or condition. Except to the extent so expressly waived, and until such waiver shall become effective, our obligations and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

 

As used herein, and in the Indenture:

 

“Acquired Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of a Person (i) existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary or (ii) assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person, in each case, other than Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Subsidiary or such acquisition. Acquired Indebtedness shall be deemed to be incurred on the date of the related acquisition of assets from any Person or the date the acquired Person becomes a Subsidiary.

 

“Annual Debt Service Charge” for any period means the aggregate interest expense for such period in respect of, and the amortization during such period of any original issue discount of, Indebtedness of us and our Subsidiaries and the amount of dividends which are payable during such period in respect of any Disqualified Stock.

 

“Capital Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any capital stock (including preferred stock), shares, interests, participations or other ownership interests (however designated) of such Person and any rights (other than debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for corporate stock), warrants or options to purchase any thereof.

 

“Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service” for any period means Earnings from Operations (as defined below) of ours and our Subsidiaries plus amounts which have been deducted, and minus amounts which have been added, for the following (without duplication): (i) interest on Indebtedness of us and our Subsidiaries, (ii) provision for taxes of us and our Subsidiaries based on income, (iii) amortization of debt discount, (iv) provisions for gains and losses on properties and property depreciation and amortization, (v) the effect of any noncash charge resulting from a change in accounting principles in determining Earnings from Operations for such period and (vi) amortization of deferred charges.

 

“Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which by the terms of such Capital Stock (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable or exercisable), upon the happening of any event or otherwise (i) matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (other than Capital Stock which is redeemable solely in exchange for common stock), (ii) is convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Indebtedness

or Disqualified Stock or (iii) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part (other than Capital Stock which is redeemable solely in exchange for Capital Stock which is not Disqualified Stock or the redemption price of which may, at the option of such Person, be paid in Capital Stock which is not Disqualified Stock), in each case on or prior to the Stated Maturity of the notes.

 

“Earnings from Operations” for any period means net earnings excluding gains and losses on sales of investments, extraordinary items and property valuation losses, net as reflected in the financial statements of us and our Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Encumbrance” means any mortgage, lien, charge, pledge or security interest of any kind.

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as used in the United States applied on a consistent basis as in effect from time to time; provided that solely for purposes of any calculation required by the financial covenants contained in the Indenture, “GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles as used in the United States on the date of the Indenture, applied on a consistent basis.

 

“Indebtedness” of us or our Subsidiaries means any indebtedness of us or our Subsidiaries, whether or not contingent, in respect of (i) borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments whether or not such indebtedness is secured by any Encumbrance existing on property owned by us or any Subsidiary of ours, (ii) indebtedness for borrowed money of a Person other than us or our Subsidiaries which is secured by any Encumbrance existing on property owned by us or our Subsidiaries, to the extent of the lesser of (x) the amount of indebtedness so secured and (y) the fair market value (as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors) of the property subject to such Encumbrance, (iii) the reimbursement obligations, contingent or otherwise, in connection with any letters of credit actually issued or amounts representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or services, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable, or all conditional sale obligations or obligations under any title retention agreement, (iv) the principal amount of all obligations of us or our Subsidiaries with respect to redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock, or (v) any lease of property by us or any Subsidiary as lessee which is reflected on our consolidated balance sheet as a capitalized lease in accordance with GAAP, and also includes, to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation by us or our Subsidiaries to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise (other than for purposes of collection in the ordinary course of business), Indebtedness of another Person (other than us or our Subsidiaries) (it being understood that Indebtedness shall be deemed to be incurred by us or our Subsidiaries whenever we or such Subsidiary shall create, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect thereof).

 

“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other entity of which a majority of (i) the voting power of the voting equity securities or (ii) the outstanding equity interests of which are owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “voting equity securities” means equity securities having voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of security has such voting power by reason of any contingency.

 

“Total Assets” as of any date means the sum of (i) the Undepreciated Real Estate Assets and (ii) all other assets of us and our Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding accounts receivable and intangibles).

 

“Total Unencumbered Assets” means the sum of (i) those Undepreciated Real Estate Assets not subject to an Encumbrance for borrowed money and (ii) all other assets of us and our Subsidiaries not subject to an Encumbrance for borrowed money determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding accounts receivable and intangibles).

 

“Undepreciated Real Estate Assets” as of any date means the cost (original cost plus capital improvements) of real estate assets of us and our Subsidiaries on such date, before depreciation and amortization, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Unsecured Indebtedness” means Indebtedness which is not secured by any Encumbrance upon any of our properties or those of any Subsidiary.

See “Description of Debt Securities — Certain Covenants” in the accompanying prospectus for a description of additional covenants applicable to us.

 

Events of Default

 

The Indenture provides that the following events are “Events of Default” with respect to the notes:

 

 

If an Event of Default specified in the last bullet point above, relating to us or any Significant Subsidiary occurs, the principal amount of and the Make-Whole Amount on all outstanding notes shall become due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or of the Holders.

 

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

 

The provisions of Article XIV of the Indenture relating to defeasance and covenant defeasance, which are described under “Description of Debt Securities — Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” in the accompanying prospectus, will apply to the notes. Each of the covenants described under “— Certain Covenants” in this prospectus supplement and “Description of Debt Securities — Certain Covenants” in the accompanying prospectus will be subject to covenant defeasance.

 

The Trustee

 

U.S. Bank National Association is the trustee under the Indenture and is a lender under our credit facility. Certain of its other affiliates have engaged and in the future may engage in joint investments, investment banking transactions and in general financing and commercial banking transactions with, and the provision of services to, us and our affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

Ratings

 

The ratings currently assigned to certain of our long-term senior unsecured debt and expected to be assigned to the notes are as follows: Moody’s Investor Service: Baa3, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group: BBB− and Fitch Ratings: BBB−.

 

A rating assigned to our debt reflects the applicable rating agency’s assessment of the likelihood that the holders of such debt will receive the payments of interest and principal required to be made. A rating reflects only the view of a rating agency and is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold the notes or any other debt of ours. Any rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency if it decides the circumstances warrant that change.

 

Book-Entry System

 

The notes will be issued in the form of one or more fully registered global notes (“Global Securities”) which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), and registered in the name of DTC’s nominee, Cede & Co. Except under the circumstances described below, the notes will not be issuable in definitive form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual notes represented thereby, a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC or by DTC or any nominee of DTC to a successor depository or any nominee of such successor.

 

DTC has advised us of the following information regarding DTC: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants (“Participants”) deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among its Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in its Participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants of DTC (“Direct Participants”) include securities brokers and dealers (including the underwriters), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its Direct Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC System is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant of DTC, either directly or indirectly (“Indirect Participants”). The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file with the SEC.

 

Purchases of Global Securities under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the securities on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Global Security (“Beneficial Owner”) is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants’ records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the Global Securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in Global Securities, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the Global Securities is discontinued.

 

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Global Securities deposited by Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of Global Securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. effect no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Global Securities; DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such Global Securities are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial

Owners. The Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

 

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

 

Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will consent or vote with respect to the Global Securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts the Global Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy). Principal and interest payments on the Global Securities will be made to Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit Direct Participants’ accounts, upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from us or the Trustee, on payable date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC, the Trustee or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of principal and interest to Cede & Co. is our responsibility or the responsibility of the Trustee, disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants shall be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners shall be the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.

 

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the Global Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to us or the Trustee. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, definitive certificates are required to be printed and delivered.

 

We may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event, definitive certificates will be printed and delivered. Notes so issued in definitive form will be issued as registered notes in denominations that are integral multiples of $1,000.

 

The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.

 

Same-Day Settlement and Payment

 

All payments of principal and interest in respect of the notes will be made by us in immediately available funds.

 

The notes will trade in DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System until maturity or until the notes are issued in certificated form, and secondary market trading activity in the notes will therefore be required by DTC to settle in immediately available funds. No assurance can be given as to the effect, if any, of settlement in immediately available funds on trading activity in the notes.

 

Governing Law

 

The Indenture will be governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

No Personal Liability

 

No past, present or future shareholder, employee, officer or director of ours or any successor thereof shall have any liability for any obligation, covenant or agreement of ours contained under the notes or the Indenture. Each Holder of notes by accepting such notes waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issue of the notes.

 

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

The following is a general discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to initial beneficial owners of the notes who purchase notes at their issue price and who hold the notes as capital assets. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), income tax regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and other applicable authorities, all as in effect as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address all the tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular holder or to holders subject to special treatment under the Code, such as financial institutions, brokers, dealers in securities and commodities, insurance companies, U.S. expatriates, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, persons that are, or that hold their notes through, partnerships or other pass-through entities, or persons that hold notes as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, synthetic security or constructive sale transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Except as specifically provided below with respect to Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below), the discussion is limited to holders of notes that are U.S. Holders (as defined below). Prospective holders should consult their own tax advisors as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of acquiring, owning and disposing of the notes, as well as the effects of state, local and non-U.S. tax laws. This discussion is a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the accompanying prospectus (including the discussion in the prospectus under the heading “Federal Income Tax Considerations”).

 

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a note that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is

 

 

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes is a holder of a note, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such partners and partnerships are urged to consult with their own tax advisors.

 

A “Non-U.S. Holder” means any beneficial owner of a note that is not a U.S. Holder or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

U.S. Holders

 

Interest on the Notes.  A U.S. Holder generally will be required to include interest earned on the notes as ordinary income when received or accrued in accordance with the U.S. Holder’s regular method of tax accounting. In general, if the terms of a debt instrument entitle a holder to receive payments, other than certain fixed periodic interest payments, that, in aggregate, exceed the issue price of the instrument, the debt instrument may be treated as issued with “original issue discount,” in which case the holder would be required regardless of its regular method of tax accounting to accrue interest income using a constant yield method over the term of the instrument. The notes are not expected to be issued with original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Sale, Exchange or Redemption of the Notes.  Upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a note, a U.S. Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference (if any) between the amount realized (other than amounts attributable to accrued but unpaid stated interest, which will be taxable as ordinary income) and such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the note. The U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a note generally will be the purchase price for the note. Such gain or loss shall be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the note was held for more than one year. Long-term capital gain recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders generally will be subject to a preferential tax rate. In this regard, the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 extended the 15% maximum federal income tax rate on net long-term capital gains recognized by domestic non-corporate taxpayers to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011. Subject to limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be used to offset a U.S. Holder’s ordinary income.

 

Non-U.S. Holders

 

The rules governing the United States federal income taxation of Non-U.S. Holders are complex and no attempt will be made herein to provide more than a summary of such rules. Prospective Non-U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the impact of federal, state and local laws with regard to the notes.

 

Interest on the Notes.  A Non-U.S. Holder generally, but subject to the rules described below under “— Information Reporting and Backup Withholding,” will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on payments of interest on a note, provided that:

 

 

 

 

A Non-U.S. Holder that is not exempt from tax under these rules generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax withholding at a rate of 30% unless:

 

 

Except to the extent provided by an applicable tax treaty, interest on a note that is effectively connected with the conduct by a Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the U.S. generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis at the rates applicable to U.S. persons. A Non-U.S. Holder that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax subject to reduction under an applicable tax treaty) on any “effectively connected” interest on the notes. If interest is subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis in accordance with the rules described in the preceding sentence, payments of such interest will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax so long as the Non-U.S. Holder provides us or the paying agent with an IRS Form W-8ECI. To claim the benefit of an income tax treaty, the Non-U.S. Holder must timely provide the appropriate, properly executed IRS forms.

 

Sale, Exchange or Redemption of the Notes.  A Non-U.S. Holder generally, but subject to the rules described below under “— Information Reporting and Backup Withholding,” will not be subject to U.S. federal

income or withholding tax on gain from the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a note unless:

 

 

Except to the extent provided by an applicable tax treaty, gain from the sale or disposition of a note that is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the U.S. generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis at the rates applicable to U.S. persons. A Non-U.S. Holder that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax (subject to reduction under an applicable tax treaty) on any “effectively connected” gain on the notes. If such gains are realized by a Non-U.S. Holder who is an individual present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year, then such individual generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (subject to reduction under an applicable tax treaty) on the amount by which capital gains from U.S. sources (including gains from the sale or other disposition of the notes) exceed capital losses allocable to U.S. sources. To claim the benefit of an income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder must timely provide the appropriate, properly executed IRS forms.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

U.S. Holders.  In general, information reporting will apply to a U.S. Holder (other than an “exempt recipient,” including a corporation and certain other persons who, when required, demonstrate their exempt status) with respect to:

 

 

In addition, “backup withholding” at the applicable statutory rate may apply to such amounts if a U.S. Holder fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise comply with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.

 

Non-U.S. Holders.  Payments to a Non-U.S. Holder of interest on a note generally will be reported to the IRS and to the Non-U.S. Holder. Copies of applicable IRS information returns may be made available, under the provisions of a specific tax treaty or agreement, to the tax authorities of the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides. Additional information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to payments of interest with respect to which either the requisite certification that the Non-U.S. Holder is not a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as described under the heading “Non-U.S. Holders — Interest on the Notes” above, has been received or an exemption has otherwise been established provided that neither we nor our paying agent have actual knowledge or reason to know that the Non-U.S. Holder is a U.S. person that is not an exempt recipient or that the conditions of any other exemption are not, in fact, satisfied.

 

As a general matter, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to a payment of the proceeds of a sale of a note effected at a foreign office of a foreign broker. Information reporting (but not backup withholding) will apply, however, to a payment of the proceeds of a sale of a note by a foreign office of a broker that:

 

 

 

unless the broker has documentary evidence in its records that the holder or beneficial owner is a Non-U.S. Holder and certain other conditions are met, or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Payment of the proceeds of a sale of a note effected at a U.S. office of a broker is subject to both backup withholding and information reporting unless the holder certifies under penalty of perjury that the holder is a Non-U.S. Holder, or otherwise establishes an exemption; provided that, in either case, neither we nor any withholding agent knows or has reason to know that the holder is a U.S. person or that the conditions of any other exemptions are in fact not satisfied.

 

Any backup withholding is not an additional tax and may be refunded or credited against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely provided to the IRS.

 

UNDERWRITING

 

Banc of America Securities LLC and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers of the offering and as representatives of the underwriters named below.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement, dated the date of this prospectus supplement, each underwriter named below has agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the principal amount of the notes set forth opposite the underwriter’s name.

 

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the notes included in this offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters must purchase all of the notes if they purchase any of the notes.

 

The underwriters have advised us that they propose to offer some of the notes directly to the public at the public offering price appearing on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and some of the notes to certain dealers at the public offering price less a concession not to exceed     % of the principal amount of the notes. The underwriters may allow, and dealers may reallow, a concession not to exceed     % of the principal amount of the notes on sales to other dealers. After the initial offering, the public offering price and concessions to dealers may be changed.

 

Each underwriter has represented, warranted and agreed that:

 

 

The following table shows the underwriting discount that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering.

 

 

In connection with the offering, Banc of America Securities LLC and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, on behalf of the underwriters, may purchase and sell notes in the open market. These transactions may include over-allotment, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Over-allotment involves syndicate sales of notes in excess of the principal amount of notes to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the notes in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of notes made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes while the offering is in progress.

 

The underwriters also may impose penalty bids. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when Banc of America Securities LLC and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, in covering syndicate short positions or making stabilizing purchases, repurchase notes originally sold by that syndicate member.

 

Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes. They may also cause the price of the notes to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct these transactions in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time.

 

We estimate that our total expenses for this offering (excluding the underwriting discount) will be $500,000.

 

The notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or on any automated dealer quotation system. The underwriters may make a market in the notes after completion of the offering, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the notes or that an active public market for the notes will develop. If an active public market for the notes does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the notes may be adversely affected.

 

We expect to deliver the notes against payment for the notes on or about the date specified on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, which will be the fourth business day following the date of the pricing of the notes. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to a trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade notes on the date of pricing will be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes initially will settle in T+4, to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

 

Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings with us from time to time in the ordinary course of their business. We intend to use a portion of the net proceeds of this offering to reduce borrowings under our $300.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility. Affiliates of Banc of America Securities LLC, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BB&T Capital Markets, Comerica Securities, Inc., PNC Capital Markets LLC and Fifth Third Securities, Inc., are lenders under our credit facility and will receive their proportionate share of the amount repaid under the credit facility with the net proceeds of this offering.

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters.

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of those liabilities.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, Washington, D.C., as our securities and tax counsel. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Hunton & Williams LLP.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of National Retail Properties, Inc. at December 31, 2006, and for the year then ended, appearing in National Retail Properties, Inc. Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2006 (including schedules appearing therein), and National Retail Properties, Inc.’s management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 included therein, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The consolidated financial statements of National Retail Properties, Inc. as of December 31, 2005 and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2005 and the 2005 and 2004 financial information included in the schedules to the consolidated financial statements have been incorporated by reference herein, and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filing number is 001-11290. You may read and copy any document that we have filed at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Our filings are available to the public at the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov and at our Internet site at http://www.nnnreit.com. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “NNN.” You may inspect our reports, proxy statements and other information at the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement (of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is a part) on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to our securities. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, certain parts of which are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

We are incorporating by reference the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information we incorporate by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, except for any information superseded by information in this prospectus supplement. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, which we have filed with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

All documents that we file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus supplement but before we terminate the offering of our securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and will be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus from the date we file that document. Any information in that document that is meant to supersede or modify any existing statement in this prospectus supplement will so supersede or modify the statement as appropriate.

 

You may request a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, except the exhibits to such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such documents), at no cost, by writing or telephoning our offices at the following address:

 

National Retail Properties, Inc.

450 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900

Orlando, Florida 32801

Attention: Kevin B. Habicht

(telephone number (407) 265-7348)

PROSPECTUS

 

Commercial Net Lease Realty, Inc.

 

 

Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares,

Common Stock and Warrants

 

 

 

 

We, Commercial Net Lease Realty, Inc., may from time to time offer, in one or more series, separately or together, the following:

 

 

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “NNN.”

 

We will offer our securities in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time we offer such securities.

 

When we sell a particular series of securities, we will prepare a prospectus supplement describing the offering and the terms of that series of securities. Such terms may include limitations on direct or beneficial ownership and restrictions on transfer of our securities being offered that we believe are appropriate to preserve our status as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes.

 

We may offer our securities directly, through agents we may designate from time to time, or to or through underwriters or dealers. If any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of our securities, their names and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them will be set forth or will be calculable from the information set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. None of our securities may be sold without delivery of the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such class or series of the securities.

 

 

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

 

 

The date of this prospectus is February 28, 2006.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may sell:

 

 

either separately or in units, in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of those securities. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

The registration statement that contains this prospectus (including the exhibits to the registration statement) contains additional information about Commercial Net Lease Realty, Inc. and the securities offered under this prospectus. That registration statement can be read at the SEC’s Internet site or at the SEC offices mentioned under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. You may read and copy any document that we have filed at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Our filings are available to the public at the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “NNN.” You may inspect our reports, proxy statements and other information at the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement (of which this prospectus is a part) on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to our securities. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, certain parts of which are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

We are incorporating by reference the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information we incorporate by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, which we have filed with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

 

 

All documents that we file after the date of this prospectus but before we terminate the offering of our securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and will be part of the prospectus from the date we file that document. Any information in that document that is meant to supersede or modify any existing statement in this prospectus will so supersede or modify the statement as appropriate.

 

You may request a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, except the exhibits to such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such documents), at no cost, by writing or telephoning our offices at the following address:

 

Commercial Net Lease Realty, Inc.

450 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900

Orlando, Florida 32801

Attention: Kevin B. Habicht

(telephone number: (407) 265-7348)

 

COMMERCIAL NET LEASE REALTY

 

We are a fully integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes, formed in 1984. Our operations are divided into two primary business segments: (i) investment assets, including real estate assets, structured finance investments and mortgage residual interests, and (ii) inventory real estate assets (“Inventory Assets”). The real estate investment assets and structured finance investments (included in mortgages and notes receivable on the balance sheet), are operated through us and our wholly owned qualified REIT subsidiaries. We directly and indirectly, through investment interests, acquire, own, invest in, manage and develop primarily retail properties that are generally leased to established tenants under long-term commercial net leases (“Investment Properties”). As of December 31, 2005, we owned 524 Investment Properties, with an aggregate gross leasable area of 9,227,000 square feet, located in 41 states and leased to established tenants, including Academy, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Susser (Circle K), CVS, Eckerd, OfficeMax, The Sports Authority and the United States of America. In addition to the Investment Properties, as of December 31, 2005, we had $27,805,000 and $55,184,000 in structured finance investments and mortgage residual interest assets, respectively.

 

The Inventory Assets are operated through our wholly owned qualified REIT subsidiaries as well as our taxable REIT subsidiaries and their majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries (the “TRS”). The TRS, directly and indirectly, through investment interests, owns real estate primarily for the purpose of selling the real estate to purchasers who are looking for replacement like-kind exchange property or to other purchasers with different investment objectives (“Inventory Properties”). The TRS develops Inventory Properties (“Development Properties”) and also acquires existing Inventory Properties (“Exchange Properties”). As of December 31, 2005, the TRS owned 17 Development Properties (one completed, 12 under construction, and four land parcels) and 46 Exchange Properties.

 

Our address and phone number are:

 

Commercial Net Lease Realty, Inc.

450 S. Orange Avenue

Suite 900

Orlando, Florida 32801

(407) 265-7348

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of securities for one or more of the following:

 

 

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

 

 

 

* Prior to 2002, we did not have preferred dividends.

 

For the purposes of computing these ratios, earnings have been calculated by adding fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest) to income before taxes and extraordinary items. Fixed charges consist of interest costs, whether expensed or capitalized, and amortization of debt expense and discount or premium relating to any indebtedness, whether expensed or capitalized. The ratios of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends were computed by dividing our earnings by fixed charges and preferred dividends.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

The following is a general description of the debt securities that we may offer from time to time. The particular terms of the debt securities being offered and the extent to which such general provisions may apply are set forth in the Indenture (as defined in the following paragraph) or will be set forth in one or more indenture supplements and described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Therefore, you should read both the applicable prospectus supplement and the description of the debt securities set forth in this prospectus for a description of the terms of any series of our debt securities.

 

General

 

Our debt securities will be secured or unsecured direct obligations and may be senior or subordinated to our other indebtedness. Our debt securities will be issued under the Indenture, dated as of March 25, 1998, between us and Wachovia Bank, National Association (successor to First Union National Bank, a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States of America), as trustee (the “Indenture”). The Indenture is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The Indenture is, and any supplement thereto will be, subject to, and governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. Any statements made in this prospectus that relate to the Indenture and our debt securities are only summaries of those provisions and are not meant to replace or modify those provisions. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this prospectus shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Indenture.

 

The Indenture permits:

 

 

We may, but need not, designate more than one trustee in connection with the Indenture, each with respect to one or more series of debt securities. Any trustee under the Indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities, and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to such series. If two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of debt securities, each of those trustees will be considered a trustee of a trust under the Indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee. Unless this prospectus states otherwise, a trustee will only be permitted to take action with respect to the one or more series of debt securities for which it is trustee under the Indenture.

 

The following summaries set forth certain general terms and provisions of the Indenture and our debt securities. The prospectus supplement relating to the series of debt securities being offered will contain further terms of the debt securities of that series, including the following specific terms:

 

(1) the title of the debt securities;

 

(2) the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities and any limit on the aggregate principal amount;

 

(3) the percentage of the principal amount at which the debt securities will be issued and, if applicable, the portion of the principal amount that is payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities that is convertible into shares of our common stock or other equity securities, or the method by which any such portion shall be determined;

 

(4) if such debt securities are convertible into equity, any limitation to the ownership or transferability of shares of our common stock or other equity securities into which such debt securities are convertible in connection with the preservation of our status as a REIT;

 

(5) the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, on which the principal of such debt securities will be payable;

 

(6) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable), or the method by which such rate or rates shall be determined, at which such debt securities will bear interest, if any;

 

(7) the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, from which any interest will accrue, the interest payment dates, the record dates for interest payment, the persons to whom interest shall be payable, and how interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;

 

(8) the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the debt securities will be payable, where the debt securities may be surrendered for conversion or registration of transfer or exchange, and where notices or demands to or upon us in respect to the debt securities and the applicable indenture may be served;

 

(9) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which the debt securities may be redeemed, as a whole or in part, at our option, if we have such an option;

 

(10) our obligation, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a holder of the debt securities, and the periods, the prices, and other terms and conditions of such redemption, repayment or purchase;

 

(11) if other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currencies, including terms and conditions, in which the debt securities are denominated and payable, which may be a foreign currency or units of two or more foreign currencies or a composite currency or currencies;

 

(12) whether the amount of payments of principal (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the debt securities may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which index, formula or method may, but need not be, based on a currency, currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies) and the manner in which any amounts shall be determined;

 

(13) any additions to, modifications of or deletions from the terms of the debt securities with respect to the events of default or covenants set forth in the applicable indenture;

 

(14) whether the debt securities will be issued in certificated or book-entry form;

 

(15) whether the debt securities will be in registered or bearer form or both and, if and to the extent in registered form, the denominations of the debt securities if other than $1,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 and, if and to the extent in bearer form, the denominations and their terms and conditions;

 

(16) the applicability (or modification), if any, of the defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions described in this prospectus or in the applicable indenture;

 

(17) the terms (and the class), if any, upon which such debt securities may be convertible into shares of our common stock or other equity securities and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion will be effected, including, without limitation, the initial conversion price or rate and the conversion period;

 

(18) whether and under what circumstances we will pay additional amounts on the debt securities in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt securities in lieu of making a payment;

 

(19) the provisions, if any, relating to the security provided for the debt securities; and

 

(20) any other terms of the debt securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable indenture.

 

Certain of our debt securities may provide that if the maturity date is accelerated, we will be required to pay less than the entire principal amount. These securities are referred to as original issue discount securities. The prospectus supplement relating to these securities will describe any material U.S. federal income tax, accounting and other considerations that apply.

 

Except as may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, our debt securities will not contain any provisions that would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or that would afford holders of our debt securities protection in the event of:

 

(1) a highly leveraged or similar action involving us, or

 

(2) a change of control of us.

 

However, the requirements for an entity to qualify as a REIT include certain restrictions on ownership and transfers of our shares of common stock and other equity securities. These restrictions may act to prevent or hinder a change of control. See “Description of Common Stock — Restrictions on Ownership.” Provided below is a general description of the events of default and covenants contained in the Indenture. You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for information on any variances from this general description.

 

Denominations, Interest, Registration and Transfer

 

Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, our debt securities of any series will be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on any series of debt securities will be payable at the applicable trustee’s corporate trust office, the address of which will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will retain the option to make interest payments by check, mailed to the address of the person entitled to the interest as it appears in the applicable register for such debt securities. We can also pay by wire transfer of funds to that person at an account maintained within the United States.

 

Any interest not paid or otherwise provided for when due with respect to a debt security will not be payable to the holder in whose name the debt security is registered on the date we have specified as the date a registered holder of the debt security as of that date would be entitled to receive the interest payment due (the record date). Instead, the interest may be paid to the person in whose name such debt security is registered at the close of business on the date the trustee has set as the date on which a registered holder as of that date would be entitled to receive the defaulted interest payment (the special record date). Notice of the payment will be given to the holder of that debt security not less than 10 days before the special record date. It may also be paid at any time in any other lawful manner, all as more completely described in the Indenture. If interest is not paid within 30 days of the due date, the trustee or holders of not less than 25% of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may accelerate the securities. See “— Events of Default, Notice and Waiver.”

 

Subject to certain limitations applicable to debt securities issued in book-entry form, our debt securities of any series:

 

 

Every debt security surrendered for conversion, registration of transfer or exchange must be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of any debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with the registration or exchange. We may at any time change transfer agents or approve a change in the location through which any transfer agent acts. However, we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for such series. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to any series of debt securities.

 

Neither we nor any trustee will be required:

 

 

Merger, Consolidation or Sale

 

The Indenture provides that we may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, or merge with or into, any other corporation. Those transactions are permitted if:

 

 

Certain Covenants

 

Existence.  Except as permitted under “— Merger, Consolidation or Sale,” the Indenture requires that we do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect our corporate existence, rights (by articles of incorporation, bylaws or statute) and franchises. We may, however, dispose of any right or franchise if we determine that the right or franchise is no longer desirable in the conduct of our business.

 

Maintenance of Properties.  As required in the Indenture, we will maintain, keep in good condition and make all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements of our, or our subsidiaries’ properties that we deem necessary so that the business carried on in connection with those properties may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times. We, or our subsidiaries may, however, sell or otherwise dispose for value our properties in the ordinary course of business.

 

Insurance.  We, and our subsidiaries, will maintain the customary policies of insurance with responsible companies, taking into consideration prevailing market conditions and availability, for all of our properties and operations.

 

Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.  We will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged (or, if applicable, cause to be transferred to bond or other security), before the same shall become delinquent,

 

 

We will not however, pay or discharge (or transfer to bond or other security) or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

 

Provision of Financial Information.  Whether or not we are subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Indenture requires that we, within 15 days after each of the respective dates by which we would have been required to file annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents with the SEC if we were so subject,

 

 

Additional Covenants.  If we make any additional covenants with respect to any series of debt securities we will describe those covenants in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Events of Default, Notice and Waiver

 

The Indenture provides that the following events are “Events of Default” with respect to any series of debt securities issued:

 

 

The term “Significant Subsidiary” means each of our significant subsidiaries (as defined in Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933) that, in general, meets any of the following tests:

 

(i) our investments in the subsidiary or advances to it exceed 10% of our total assets; or

 

(ii) our proportionate share of the subsidiary’s total assets exceeds 10% of our total assets; or

 

(iii) our equity in the income from the subsidiary’s continuing operations exceeds 10% of our income.

 

If an Event of Default for any series of our outstanding debt securities occurs and is continuing, then the applicable trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, where applicable such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms) of all of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately by written notice to us (and to the applicable trustee if given by the holders). However, at any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made, the holders of a majority of the principal amount of debt securities of that series (or of each series of debt securities then outstanding under the Indenture, as the case may be) can rescind and annul the declaration and its consequences if:

 

 

The Indenture also provides that the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of any series (or of each series of debt securities then outstanding under the Indenture, as the case may be) may waive any past default with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default:

 

 

The Indenture provides that the trustee is required to give notice to the holders of the debt securities within 90 days of a default under the indenture unless such default shall have been cured or waived. However, the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any such series of debt securities of any default with respect to that series (except a default in the payment of the principal, any premium or interest on any debt security of that series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of any debt security of that series) if specified responsible officers of the trustee consider such withholding to be in the interest of the holders.

 

The Indenture provides that no holder of our debt securities of any series may institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the Indenture or for any remedy, except in the case of the failure of the applicable trustee, for 60 days, to act after it has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an event of default from the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series, as well as an offer of reasonable indemnity. This provision will not prevent, however, any holder of debt securities from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the debt securities held by that holder at the respective due dates.

 

Subject to provisions in the Indenture relating to its duties in case of default, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any holders of any series of debt securities then outstanding under the Indenture, unless those holders have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or of each series of debt securities then outstanding under the Indenture, as the case may be) shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon the trustee. However, the trustee may refuse to follow any direction which is in conflict with any law or the Indenture, which may involve such trustee in personal liability or which may be unduly prejudicial to the holders of debt securities of such series not involved.

 

Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, we are required to deliver to each trustee under the Indenture a certificate, signed by one of several specified officers, stating whether such officer has knowledge of any default under the Indenture and, if so, specifying the nature and status of each such default.

 

Modification of the Indenture

 

Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made only with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of all of our outstanding debt securities issued which are affected by such modification or amendment. The following modifications or amendments will not be effective against a holder without its consent:

 

 

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of each series may, on behalf of all holders of debt securities of that series, waive, insofar as that series is concerned, our compliance with certain of our covenants in the Indenture, including those described in “— Certain Covenants.”

 

We, and the trustee may modify or amend the Indenture without the consent of any holder of debt securities for any of the following purposes:

 

 

 

The Indenture provides that in determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities of a series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of holders of the debt securities,

 

 

Meetings of the Holders of Debt Securities

 

The Indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the holders of an issued series of debt securities. A meeting may be called at any time by the trustee and also, upon our request, or the request of holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, in any such case upon notice given as provided in the Indenture. Except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each debt security affected by certain modifications and amendments of the Indenture, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. However, except as referred to above, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened. Such resolution must be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of the holders of that specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of holders of debt securities of any series duly held in accordance with the Indenture will be binding on all holders of debt securities of that series. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at any reconvened meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series. However, if any action is to be taken at such meeting with respect to a consent or waiver which may be given by the holders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, the persons holding or representing such specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series will constitute a quorum.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions described above, if any action is to be taken at a meeting of holders of debt securities of any series with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that the Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities affected thereby, or of the holders of such series and one or more additional series:

 

 

 

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and that either have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year (or scheduled for redemption within one year) by irrevocably depositing with the trustee, in trust, funds in such currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such debt securities are payable in an amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on such debt securities in respect of principal (and premium, if any) and interest to the date of such deposit (if such debt securities have become due and payable) or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case may be.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may elect either:

 

 

Such a trust may only be established if, among other things, we have delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel (as specified in the Indenture) confirming that:

 

 

The opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance, must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law occurring after the date of the Indenture. In the event of such defeasance, the holders of such debt securities would thereafter be able to look only to such trust fund for payment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest.

 

“Government Obligations” means securities that are:

 

 

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, if after we have deposited funds and/or Government Obligations to effect defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series,

 

 

A conversion event is the cessation of use of:

 

 

Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, all payments of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on any debt security that is payable in a foreign currency that ceases to be used by its government of issuance shall be made in U.S. dollars.

 

In the event we effect covenant defeasance with respect to any debt securities and such debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, other than the event of default described in the fourth clause under “— Events of Default, Notice and Waiver” with respect to the specified sections in the Indenture (which sections would no longer be applicable to such debt securities) or the ninth clause with respect to any other covenants as to which there has been covenant defeasance, the amount in such currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such debt securities are payable and Government Obligations on deposit with the applicable trustee, will be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from such event of default. In any such event, we would remain liable to make payments of such amounts due at the time of acceleration.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting such defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions described above, with respect to the debt securities of or within a particular series.

 

Convertible Debt Securities

 

The terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities are convertible into shares of our common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Such terms will include:

 

 

 

Reference is made to the section captioned “Description of Common Stock” for a general description of shares of our common stock to be acquired upon the conversion of debt securities, including a description of certain restrictions on the ownership of shares of our common stock.

 

Book-Entry Debt Securities

 

The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such series. Global securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such series.

 

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

 

The following is a general description of the preferred stock that we may offer from time to time. The particular terms of the preferred stock being offered and the extent to which such general provisions may apply will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The statements below describing our preferred stock are in all respects subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of our articles of incorporation and our bylaws.

 

Our authorized capital stock consists of 190,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 205,000,000 shares of excess stock, par value $0.01 per share, issuable in exchange for capital stock as described below under “Description of Common Stock — Restrictions on Ownership.” As of December 31, 2005, we had 1,781,589 shares of 9% Non-Voting Series A Preferred Stock outstanding, all of which was issued in connection with our merger with Captec Net Lease Realty, Inc. in December 2001, and we had 10,000 shares of 6.70% Non-Voting Series B Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock outstanding.

 

General

 

Under our articles of incorporation, our Board of Directors may from time to time establish and issue one or more series of preferred stock without stockholder approval. Our Board of Directors may, subject to the express provisions of any other series of preferred stock then outstanding, alter the designation, classify or reclassify any unissued preferred stock by setting or changing the number, designation, preference, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption of such series. The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power, dividend rights and other rights of holders of common stock. Preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.

 

The prospectus supplement relating to any preferred stock offered under it will contain the specific terms, including:

 

 

 

Rank

 

Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, our preferred stock, of a particular series, being issued will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, rank:

 

 

The term “equity securities” does not include convertible debt securities.

 

Dividends

 

Holders of preferred stock of each series will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, out of our assets legally available for payment, cash dividends (or dividends in kind or in other property if expressly permitted and described in the applicable prospectus supplement) at such rates and on such dates as will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each such dividend shall be payable to holders of record as they appear on our share transfer books on such record dates as shall be fixed by our Board of Directors.

 

Dividends on any series of preferred stock may be cumulative or non-cumulative, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dividends, if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. If our Board of Directors fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of preferred stock for which dividends are noncumulative, then the holders of such series of preferred stock will have no right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period ending on such dividend payment date. We will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for such period, whether or not dividends on such series are declared payable on any future dividend payment date.

 

If preferred stock of any series is outstanding, we will not pay or declare a full dividend on a series of parity or junior preferred stock or common stock unless:

 

 

If dividends are not paid in full (or if a sum sufficient has not been set aside for full payment), then dividends for both that series and any parity series will be declared pro rata. Therefore, the amount of dividends declared per share of both series will maintain the same ratio that accrued dividends per share of each series bear to each other. Accrued dividends will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such shares of preferred stock do not have a cumulative dividend. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable for any dividend payment or payments on preferred stock of such series which may be in arrears.

 

Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless we have paid, or declared and set apart a sum sufficient to pay the then current dividend (including dividend payments in arrears if dividends are cumulative) for a series of preferred stock, we will not declare dividends (other than in common stock or preferred stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation) or pay or set aside for payment or declare or make any other distribution upon shares of the common stock, junior stock or parity stock as to dividends or upon liquidation. Additionally, we shall not redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) any shares of common stock, junior stock or parity stock as to dividends or upon liquidation. However, we may convert or exchange those shares into junior stock as to dividends and upon liquidation.

 

Redemption

 

If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, any series of our preferred stock will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at our option, in whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in such prospectus supplement.

 

The prospectus supplement relating to a series of our preferred stock that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify:

 

 

If the redemption price for our preferred stock of any series is payable only from the net proceeds of the issuance of our capital stock, the terms of such preferred stock may provide that, if we have not issued capital stock or to the extent the net proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate redemption price then due, such preferred stock shall automatically and mandatorily be converted into the applicable class or series of our capital stock pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

We cannot redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of a series of preferred stock unless:

 

 

The foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of preferred stock of such series to preserve our REIT status or pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding preferred stock of such series.

 

If fewer than all of our outstanding preferred stock of any series are to be redeemed, we will determine the number of shares to be redeemed. We may redeem the shares on a pro rata basis from the holders of record of those shares in proportion to the number of those shares held or for which redemption is requested by the holder (with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares) or by lot in a manner we determine.

 

Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of record of preferred stock of any series to be redeemed at the address shown on our share transfer books. Each notice shall state:

 

 

 

If fewer than all of the preferred stock of any series are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to each holder shall also specify the number of shares of preferred stock to be redeemed from each holder. If notice of redemption of any preferred stock has been given and if we have set aside the funds necessary for such redemption in trust for the benefit of the holders of any of our preferred stock so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date dividends will cease to accrue on the preferred stock, and all rights of the holders of the redeemable shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price.

 

Liquidation Preference

 

Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, then, before any distribution or payment will be made to the holders of any shares of common stock or any other class or series of preferred stock ranking junior to the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us, the holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets legally available for distribution to stockholders liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share (set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement), plus an amount equal to all dividends accrued and unpaid (which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend). After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all our outstanding preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or series of our capital stock ranking on a parity with the preferred stock in the distribution of assets, then the holders of the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of capital stock shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.

 

If liquidating distributions shall have been made in full to all holders of preferred stock, our remaining assets will be distributed among the holders of any other classes or series of capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, according to their respective rights and preferences and in each case according to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, our consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or business, shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us.

 

Voting Rights

 

Holders of preferred stock will not have any voting rights, except as set forth below or as otherwise from time to time required by law or as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Unless provided otherwise for any series of preferred stock, so long as any shares of preferred stock remain outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of each series of preferred stock outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (such series voting separately as a class),

 

 

However, with respect to the occurrence of any of the Events set forth above, so long as the preferred stock remains outstanding with the terms materially unchanged, taking into account that upon the occurrence of an Event, we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such Event shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of preferred stock. Further,

 

 

shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.

 

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of preferred stock of such series shall have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.

 

Conversion Rights

 

The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any series of preferred stock is convertible into shares of our common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Such terms will include:

 

 

Restrictions on Ownership

 

As discussed below under “Description of Common Stock — Restrictions on Ownership,” for us to qualify as a REIT under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), not more than 50% in value of our outstanding equity securities of all classes may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year. To assist us in meeting this requirement, we may take certain actions to limit the beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, by a single person of our outstanding equity securities, including any of our preferred stock. Therefore, the designating amendment for each series of preferred stock may contain provisions restricting the ownership and transfer of preferred stock.

 

Book-Entry Preferred Stock

 

The preferred stock of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such series. Global securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of preferred stock will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such series.

 

Registrar and Transfer Agent

 

The registrar and transfer agent for the preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Wachovia Bank, N.A. is the transfer agent of our existing 9% Non-Voting Series A Preferred Stock and 6.70% Non-Voting Series B Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock.

 

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

The following is a general description of the depositary shares that we may offer from time to time. The particular terms of the depositary shares being offered and the extent to which such general provisions may apply will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

General

 

We may issue receipts for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest of a share of a particular series of a class of our preferred stock, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will deposit shares of preferred stock of each series represented by depositary shares under a separate deposit agreement among us, the applicable depositary and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts. Generally, each owner of a depositary receipt will be entitled, in proportion to the fractional interest of a share of the particular series of shares of preferred stock represented by the appropriate depositary shares, to all the rights and preferences of those shares of preferred stock (including dividend, voting, conversion, redemption and liquidation rights). As of December 31, 2005, we had no depositary shares issued or outstanding.

 

The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the applicable deposit agreement. Immediately following our issuance and delivery of our preferred stock to the depositary, we will cause the preferred stock depositary to issue, on our behalf, the depositary receipts. Upon request we will provide you with copies of the applicable form of deposit agreement and depositary receipt.

 

Dividends and Other Distributions

 

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the preferred stock to the record holders of the applicable depositary receipts in proportion to the number of depositary receipts owned by such holder.

 

In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the appropriate record holders of depositary receipts. If the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution, then it may, with our approval, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds to the record holders.

 

Withdrawal of Shares

 

Generally, if a holder surrenders depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of the preferred stock depositary (unless the related depositary shares have previously been called for redemption), the holder will be entitled to receive at that office the number of whole or fractional shares of preferred stock and any money or other property represented by the depositary shares. Holders of depositary receipts will be entitled to receive whole or fractional shares of the related preferred stock on the basis of the proportion of shares of preferred stock represented by each depositary share as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Thereafter, holders of such preferred stock will not be entitled to receive depositary shares for the preferred stock. If a holder seeks to withdraw more depositary shares than are available, then the preferred stock depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing such excess number of depositary shares.

 

Redemption of Depositary Shares

 

Whenever we redeem preferred stock held by the preferred stock depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the appropriate number of depositary shares, provided we shall have paid in full to the depositary the redemption price of the preferred stock to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends (except, with respect to noncumulative shares of preferred stock, dividends for the current

dividend period only) to the date fixed for redemption. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the redemption price and any other amounts per share payable with respect to the preferred stock specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If less than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the amount redeemed will be selected by the depositary by lot.

 

After the date fixed for redemption, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be outstanding. All rights of the holders will cease, except the right to receive money or other property that the holders of the depositary shares were entitled to receive upon such redemption. Payments will be made when holders surrender their depositary receipts to the depositary.

 

Voting of the Underlying Preferred Stock

 

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of shares of preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the applicable depositary receipts. Each record holder of depositary receipts on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred stock) will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of shares of preferred stock represented by such holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will vote in accordance with such instructions, and we will agree to take all reasonable action that may be deemed necessary by the depositary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will abstain from voting to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the depositary receipts holders.

 

Liquidation Preference

 

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, each holder of a depositary receipt will be entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each share of applicable preferred stock, as set forth in the appropriate prospectus supplement.

 

Conversion of Preferred Stock

 

Our depositary shares, as such, are not convertible into shares of our common stock or any of our other securities or property. Nevertheless, if so specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the depositary receipts may be surrendered by their holders to the depositary with written instructions to the depositary to instruct us to cause conversion of the shares of represented preferred stock into whole shares of common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, and we will agree that upon receipt of such instructions and any amounts payable, we will convert the depositary shares utilizing the same procedures as those provided for delivery of shares of preferred stock to effect such conversion. If the depositary shares are to be converted in part only, one or more new depositary receipts will be issued for any depositary shares not to be converted. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued upon conversion, and if such conversion will result in a fractional share being issued, we will pay an amount in cash equal to the value of the fractional interest based upon the closing price of the common stock on the last business day prior to the conversion.

 

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

 

We and the depositary may, at any time, agree to amend the form of depositary receipt and any provision of the deposit agreement. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary receipts will not be effective unless that amendment has been approved by the existing holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares.

 

We may terminate the deposit agreement upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice to the preferred stock depositary if:

 

 

whereupon the depositary will deliver or make available to each holder of depositary receipts, upon surrender of the depositary receipts held by such holder, such number of whole or fractional shares of preferred stock as are represented by the depositary shares evidenced by such depositary receipts.

 

In addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:

 

 

Charges of Preferred Stock Depositary

 

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the deposit agreement. In addition, we will pay the fees and expenses of the depositary in connection with the performance of its duties under the deposit agreement. However, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of depositary receipts will pay the fees and expenses of the depositary for any duties requested by such holders to be performed which are outside of those expressly provided for in the deposit agreement.

 

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

 

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so. We may at any time remove the depositary. Any such resignation or removal will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary, which must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and, as in the case of the original preferred stock depositary, must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.

 

Miscellaneous

 

The depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts any reports and communications from us, including our annual reports and Exchange Act filings, which are received by the depositary with respect to the related preferred stock.

 

We, as well as the depositary, will not be liable if either of us is prevented from or delayed in, by law or any circumstances beyond its control, performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and those of the depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performing our respective duties in good faith and without negligence, gross negligence or willful misconduct, and neither of us will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding relating to any depositary receipts, depositary shares or shares of preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting shares of preferred stock represented by depositary receipts, holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed to be competent to give such information, and on documents believed to be genuine and signed by a proper party.

 

If the depositary shall receive conflicting claims, requests or instructions from any holders of depositary receipts, on the one hand, and us, on the other hand, the depositary shall be entitled to act on our claims, requests or instructions.

 

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

 

The following description of our common stock sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the common stock to which any prospectus supplement may relate, including a prospectus supplement providing that common stock will be issuable upon conversion of our debt securities or our preferred stock or upon the exercise of our

warrants to purchase common stock. The statements below describing the common stock are in all respects subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws.

 

General

 

Our authorized capital stock consists of 190,000,000 shares of common stock and 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock. There also is authorized 205,000,000 shares of excess stock, issuable in exchange for capital stock, as described below under “— Restrictions on Ownership.” As of December 31, 2005, we had outstanding 55,130,876 shares of common stock. All issued and outstanding shares of common stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

The holders of common stock elect all directors and are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Stockholders are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock are entitled to share pro rata in any distribution to stockholders. Holders of common stock have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights. The common stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable and will not be subject to preemptive or other similar rights.

 

Restrictions on Ownership

 

For us to qualify as a REIT, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year. The shares must be beneficially owned (without reference to any rules of attribution) 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; and certain other requirements must be satisfied. See “Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of Commercial Net Lease Realty, Inc.”

 

To ensure that five or fewer individuals do not own more than 50% in value of the outstanding common stock, our articles of incorporation provide that, subject to certain exceptions, no holder may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% in value of the outstanding capital stock. Our Board of Directors may waive this ownership limit if evidence satisfactory to us and our tax counsel is presented that such ownership will not then or in the future jeopardize our status as a REIT. As a condition of such waiver, our Board of Directors may require opinions of counsel satisfactory to it and/or an undertaking from the applicant with respect to preserving our status as a REIT.

 

This ownership limit will not be automatically removed even if the REIT provisions of the Code are changed so as to no longer contain any ownership concentration limitation or if the ownership concentration limitation is increased. In addition to preserving our status as a REIT, this ownership limit may prevent any person or small group of persons from acquiring unilateral control of us.

 

If the ownership, transfer or acquisition of shares of common stock, or change in our capital structure or other event or transaction would result in:

 

 

then the ownership, transfer or acquisition, or change in capital structure or other event or transaction that would have such effect will be void as to the purported transferee or owner, and the purported transferee or owner will not have or acquire any rights to the capital stock to the extent required to avoid such a result. Capital stock owned, transferred or proposed to be transferred in excess of the ownership limit or which would otherwise jeopardize our status as a REIT will automatically be converted to excess stock. A holder of excess stock is not entitled to distributions, voting rights, and other benefits with respect to such shares except for the right to payment of the purchase price for the shares (or, in the case of a devise or gift or similar event which results in the issuance of excess

stock, the fair market value at the time of such devise or gift or event) and the right to certain distributions upon liquidation. Any dividend or distribution paid to a proposed transferee or holder of excess stock shall be repaid to us upon demand. Excess stock shall be subject to our repurchase at our election. The purchase price of any excess stock shall be equal to the lesser of:

 

 

If the foregoing transfer restrictions are determined to be void or invalid by virtue of any legal decision, statute, rule or regulation, then the purported transferee of any excess stock may be deemed, at our option, to have acted as an agent on our behalf in acquiring such excess stock and to hold such excess stock on our behalf.

 

For purposes of our articles of incorporation, the term “person” shall mean:

 

 

but does not include an underwriter which participated in a public offering of our capital stock for a period of sixty (60) days following the purchase by such underwriter of capital stock therein, provided that the foregoing exclusions shall apply only if the ownership of such capital stock by such underwriter would not cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT by reason of being “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(a) of the Code or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT.

 

All certificates representing capital stock will bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.

 

Our articles of incorporation provide that all persons who own, directly or by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, more than 5.0% of the outstanding capital stock, or such lower percentage as may be required pursuant to regulations under the Code or as may be requested by our Board of Directors, must file a written notice with us no later than January 31 of each year with respect to the prior year containing:

 

 

In addition, each stockholder shall be required to disclose, upon demand, to us in writing such information that we may request in good faith in order to determine our status as a REIT or to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental agency.

 

The ownership limitations described above may have the effect of precluding acquisitions of control of us by a third party.

 

Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

The following summary of certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and our articles of incorporation and bylaws is not complete. You should read the Maryland General Corporation Law and our articles of incorporation and bylaws for more complete information.

 

Limitation of Liability of Directors and Officers.  Our articles of incorporation provide that, to the fullest extent that limitations on the liability of directors and officers are permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, no director or officer shall be liable to us or our stockholders for money damages. The Maryland General Corporation Law provides that we may restrict or limit the liability of directors or officers for money damages except

 

 

Indemnification of Directors and Officers.  Our articles of incorporation and bylaws permit us to indemnify any of our employees or agents. The bylaws require us to indemnify each director or officer who has been successful in defending any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service to us. We have also entered into separate indemnification agreements with certain of our directors and certain of our executive officers. The agreements require that we indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland General Corporation Law. The agreements also require us to indemnify and advance all expenses incurred by directors and officers seeking to enforce their indemnification agreements. We must also cover directors and officers under our directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. Although the form indemnification agreement offers substantially the same scope of coverage as our articles of incorporation and bylaws, the agreements provide greater assurance to the directors and officers that indemnification will be available because, as a contract, it cannot be modified unilaterally in the future by the Board of Directors or by our stockholders.

 

The Maryland General Corporation Law provides that we may indemnify directors and officers unless

 

 

Meetings of Stockholders.  Our bylaws provide for an annual meeting of stockholders to elect individuals to the Board of Directors and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. Special meetings of stockholders may be called by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or a majority of the members of the Board of Directors and shall be called by the Secretary at the request in writing of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote.

 

Our bylaws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of stockholders may be taken by unanimous written consent without a meeting. The written consent must, among other items, specify the action to be taken and be signed by each stockholder entitled to vote on the matter.

 

Transfer Agent

 

Wachovia Bank, N.A. is the transfer agent of the common stock.

 

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 

We may issue warrants for the purchase of common or preferred stock. If we offer warrants, we will describe the terms in a prospectus supplement. Warrants may be offered independently, together with other securities offered by any prospectus supplement, or through a dividend or other distribution to stockholders and may be attached to or separate from other securities. We will issue the warrants under warrant agreements to be entered into between us

and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as shall be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. A warrant agent would act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of a particular series and would not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of such warrants.

 

The following are some of the warrant terms that could be described in a prospectus supplement:

 

 

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

Introduction

 

The following are the material federal income tax consequences of the ownership of our capital stock, prepared by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, our tax counsel. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable Treasury Department regulations, administrative interpretations and court decisions as in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which may change, retroactively or prospectively, and may be subject to differing interpretations.

 

This discussion addresses only shares of our stock held as capital assets. It does not address all aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to a stockholder based upon that stockholder’s particular circumstances or to a stockholder subject to special rules, such as:

 

 

The discussion below is intended to provide only a general summary of the material federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our stock, and is not a complete analysis or description of our tax

treatment as a REIT, or of the ownership and disposition of our stock. This discussion does not address tax consequences that may vary with, or are contingent on, individual circumstances or any non-income tax or any foreign, state or local tax consequences. You are strongly urged to consult your own tax advisor to determine the particular tax consequences of these matters.

 

Taxation of Commercial Net Lease Realty, Inc.

 

General.  Since our inception, we have elected, and believe we have qualified, to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, as defined in Sections 856 through 860 of the Code. The provisions of the Code pertaining to REITs are highly technical and complex. If various conditions imposed by the Code are met, a REIT is, with limited exceptions, not taxed at the corporate level on income that is currently distributed to the REIT’s stockholders. Undistributed income is taxed at regular corporate rates and may be subject to a 4% excise tax. In addition, a REIT may be subject to the “alternative minimum tax” on its items of tax preference and is subject to income tax at the highest corporate rate on income from foreclosure property and to penalty taxes on excessive unqualified income and prohibited transactions.

 

If we fail to qualify as a REIT for any taxable year and certain relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to federal income tax (including alternative minimum tax) as an ordinary corporation on our taxable income at regular corporate rates without any deduction or adjustment for distributions to holders of common stock or preferred stock. To the extent that we would, as a consequence, be subject to tax liability for any such year, the amount of cash available for satisfaction of our liabilities and for distribution to holders of common stock or preferred stock would be reduced. Distributions to holders of common stock or preferred stock generally would be taxable as ordinary income to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits, but there can be no assurance that any such distributions would be made. Such distributions would, however, be “qualified dividend income,” which is potentially taxable at long-term capital gain rates for individual stockholders. Furthermore, subject to certain limitations of the Code, corporate stockholders might be eligible for the dividends received deduction. We would not be eligible to elect REIT status for the four subsequent taxable years, unless our failure to qualify was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and unless certain other requirements were satisfied.

 

Opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.  Based upon representations made by our officers with respect to relevant factual matters, upon the existing Code provisions, rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (including proposed regulations) and reported administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, upon Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s independent review of such documents and other information as Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP deemed relevant in the circumstances and upon the assumption that we will operate in the manner described in this prospectus, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has advised us that, in its opinion, (a) we have, for the years 1984 through 2005, met the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT and (b) our proposed method of operation will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT for 2006 and future taxable years. It must be emphasized, however, that our ability to qualify as a REIT is dependent upon our actual operating results and future actions and events and no assurance can be given that the actual results of our operations and the future actions and events will enable us to satisfy in any given year the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.

 

Requirements for Qualification as a REIT.  As discussed more fully below, the Code defines a REIT as a corporation:

 

 

 

Corporate Subsidiaries and Partnerships.  We currently have several direct corporate subsidiaries and may have additional corporate subsidiaries in the future. A corporation that is a “qualified REIT subsidiary” is not treated as a corporation separate from its parent REIT. All assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of the REIT. A qualified REIT subsidiary is a corporation, all of the capital stock of which is owned by the parent REIT, unless we and the subsidiary have jointly elected to have it treated as a “taxable REIT subsidiary” (“TRS”), in which case it is treated separately from us and will be subject to federal corporate income taxation. Thus, in applying the requirements described herein, any qualified REIT subsidiary of ours will be ignored, and all assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of such subsidiary will be treated as our assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit. We believe our direct corporate subsidiaries are qualified REIT subsidiaries, except for those which are TRSs. Accordingly, our qualified REIT subsidiaries are not subject to federal corporate income taxation, though they may be subject to state and local taxation.

 

A REIT is treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets of any partnership in which it is a partner and as earning its allocable share of the gross income of the partnership for purposes of the applicable REIT qualification tests. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets, liabilities and items of income of any partnership (or limited liability company treated as a partnership) in which we have acquired or will acquire an interest, directly or indirectly, are treated as our assets and gross income for purposes of applying the various REIT qualification requirements.

 

Ownership Tests.  More specifically, the ownership requirements that we must satisfy as a REIT are that (a) during the last half of each taxable year not more than 50% of our outstanding shares may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals and (b) there must be at least 100 stockholders on at least 335 days of such 12-month taxable year (or a proportionate number of days of a short taxable year). In order to meet these requirements, or to otherwise obtain, maintain or reestablish REIT status, and for no other purpose, our articles of incorporation empower our Board of Directors to redeem, at its option, a sufficient number of shares or to restrict the transfer thereof to bring or to maintain the ownership of our shares in conformity with the requirements of the Code. The redemption price to be paid will be fair market value as reflected in the latest quotations, or, if no quotations are available, the net asset value of the shares as determined by our Board of Directors.

 

Under our articles of incorporation, each holder of our capital stock is required, upon demand, to disclose to our Board of Directors in writing such information with respect to direct and indirect ownership of our shares as the Board of Directors deems necessary to comply with provisions of the Code applicable to us, or to comply with the requirements of any other appropriate taxing authority. Certain Treasury regulations govern the method by which we are required to demonstrate compliance with these stock ownership requirements and the failure to satisfy such regulations could subject us to substantial penalties. We have represented that we have met, and expect to meet, these stock ownership requirements for each taxable year.

 

Asset Tests.  At the end of each quarter of our taxable year, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must consist of “real estate assets,” cash and cash items (including receivables) and government securities (the “75% asset test”). The term “real estate assets” includes real property, interests in real property, leaseholds of land or improvements thereon, shares in other REITs, and any property attributable to the temporary investment of new capital (but only if such property is stock or a debt instrument and only for the one-year period beginning on the date we receive such capital). The balance of our assets generally may be invested without restriction, except that holdings of securities not within the 75% class of assets generally must not, with respect to any issuer except a TRS, exceed 5% of the value of our assets (the “5% asset test”) or 10% of the voting power or value of the issuer’s outstanding securities (the “10% asset tests”), and our combined securities holdings in TRSs cannot exceed 20% of our total assets. For purposes of the 10% asset test that relates to value, the following are not treated as securities: (i) loans to individuals and estates, (ii) securities issued by REITs, (iii) accrued obligations to pay rent; (iv) certain debt meeting the definition of “straight debt” if neither we nor a TRS that we control hold more than a de minimis amount of the issuer’s securities that do not qualify as “straight debt,” and (v) debt issued by a partnership if the partnership meets the 75% gross income test (described below) with respect to its own gross income. We have

represented that at the end of each quarter we have met, and expect in the future to continue to meet, all of these asset tests.

 

Should we fail to satisfy the 5% asset test or the 10% asset tests for any quarter of a taxable year, we nevertheless may qualify as a REIT for such year if (i) the failure is due to the ownership of assets that do not exceed the lesser of 1% of our total assets or $10 million, and (ii) the failure is corrected or we otherwise return to compliance with the tests within 6 months following the quarter in which it was discovered. In addition, should we fail to satisfy any of the asset tests other than failures addressed in the preceding sentence, we nevertheless may qualify as a REIT for such year if (i) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, (ii) we file a schedule with a description of each asset causing the failure in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Treasury, (iii) the failure is corrected or we otherwise return to compliance with the asset tests within 6 months following the quarter in which it was discovered, and (iv) we pay a tax consisting of the greater of $50,000 or a tax computed at the highest corporate rate on the amount of net income generated by the assets causing the failure from the date of failure until the assets are disposed of or we otherwise return to compliance with the asset tests. We may not qualify for the relief provisions in all circumstances.

 

Income Tests.  We currently must meet two separate tests with respect to our sources of income for each taxable year. In general, at least 75% of our gross income (excluding income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must be from rents from real property, interest on obligations secured by mortgages on real property, gains from the sale or other disposition of real property and certain other sources (the “75% gross income test”). In addition, we must derive at least 95% of our gross income (excluding income from prohibited transactions and from certain real estate liability hedges) for each taxable year from any combination of the items of income which qualify under the 75% gross income test, from dividends and interest and from gains from the sale, exchange or other disposition of certain stocks and securities (the “95% gross income test”).

 

Rents received by us will qualify as “rents from real property” in satisfying the gross income requirements described above only if several conditions are met. First, the amount of rent must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term “rents from real property” solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts of sales. Our leases provide for either fixed rent, sometimes with scheduled escalations, or a fixed minimum rent and a percentage of gross receipts in excess of some threshold. Second, the Code provides that rents received from a tenant will not qualify as “rents from real property” in satisfying the gross income tests if we, or an owner of 10% or more of our aggregate capital stock, directly or constructively own 10% or more of such tenant (referred to as a “related party tenant”). Third, if rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease, then the portion of rent attributable to such personal property will not qualify as “rents from real property.” We anticipate that none of our gross annual income will be considered attributable to rents that are based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person, and that no more than a de minimis amount of our gross annual income will be considered attributable to the rental of personal property or be derived from related party tenants. Finally, for rents received to qualify as “rents from real property,” we generally must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to tenants, other than through an “independent contractor” from whom we derive no revenue or a TRS. The “independent contractor” or TRS requirement, however, does not apply to the extent the services provided by us are “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered “rendered to the occupant.” In addition, we are currently permitted to earn up to one percent of our gross income from tenants, determined on a property-by-property basis, by furnishing services that are noncustomary or provided directly to the tenants, without causing the rental income to fail to quality as rents from real property. We will provide certain services with respect to our properties. We do not anticipate that any of these services will be (a) of a type other than those usually or customarily rendered in connection with the rental space for occupancy only or (b) of a type considered rendered to any of the occupants of our properties.

 

Should we fail to satisfy either or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may still qualify as a REIT if:

 

 

 

However, even if these two requirements were met and we were not disqualified, a penalty tax of 100% would be imposed by reference to the amount by which we failed the 75% or 95% gross income test (whichever amount is greater), multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.

 

Treatment of Structured Finance Loans.  Structured finance loans that we originate generally will not be secured by a direct interest in real property, but by ownership interests in an entity owning real property. In Revenue Procedure 2003-65, the IRS established a safe harbor under which interest from loans secured by a first priority security interest in ownership interests in a partnership or limited liability company owning real property will be treated as qualifying income for both the 75% and 95% gross income tests, and such loans will be treated as qualifying “real estate assets” for purposes of the 75% asset test, provided several requirements are satisfied. If a structured finance loan does not qualify for the Revenue Procedure 2003-65 safe harbor, the interest income from the loan will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but may not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. In addition, if the structured finance loan is not a real estate asset and does not qualify as “straight debt” or as one of certain other disregarded instruments, we will be subject to the 10% asset test relating to value with respect to such loan. We believe that our structured finance loans generally either qualify for the Revenue Procedure 2003-65 safe harbor or are treated as “real estate assets” that generate qualifying income under both the 75% and 95% gross income tests and are qualifying assets for purposes of the asset tests.

 

Tax on Prohibited Transactions.  A REIT will incur a 100% tax on net income derived from any “prohibited transaction.” A “prohibited transaction” generally is a sale or other disposition of property (other than foreclosure property) that the REIT holds primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. We believe that none of our assets are held for sale to customers and that a sale of any such asset would not be in the ordinary course of our business. Whether a REIT holds an asset “primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business” depends, however, on the facts and circumstances in effect from time to time, including those related to a particular asset. Nevertheless, we will attempt to comply with the terms of safe-harbor provisions in the Code prescribing when an asset sale will not be characterized as a prohibited transaction. We may fail to comply with such safe-harbor provisions or may own property that could be characterized as property held “primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business.”

 

Tax and Deduction Limits on Certain Transactions with Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.  A REIT will incur a 100% tax on certain transactions between a REIT and a TRS to the extent the transactions are not on an arms-length basis. In addition, under certain circumstances the interest paid by a TRS may not be deductible by the TRS. We believe that none of the transactions we have had with our TRSs will give rise to the 100% tax and that none of our TRSs will be subject to the interest deduction limits.

 

Distribution Requirements.  We must distribute annually to our stockholders ordinary income dividends in an amount equal to at least:

 

 

Real estate investment trust taxable income generally is our taxable income computed as if we were an ordinary corporation, with certain adjustments. Distributions must be made in the taxable year to which they relate or, if declared before the timely filing of our tax return for such year and paid not later than the first regular dividend payment after such declaration, in the following taxable year. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our real estate investment trust taxable income, as adjusted, we will be subject to tax thereon at regular ordinary and capital gain corporate tax rates.

 

Furthermore, if we should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of:

 

 

 

we would be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts actually distributed.

 

We have represented that we have made and intend to make distributions to stockholders that will be sufficient to meet the annual distribution requirements. Under some circumstances, however, it is possible that we may not have sufficient funds from our operations to pay cash dividends to satisfy these distribution requirements. If the cash available to us is insufficient, we might raise cash in order to make the distributions by borrowing funds, issuing new securities or selling assets. If we ultimately were unable to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement, we would (subject to certain relief provisions) fail to qualify as a REIT and, as a result, would be subject to federal income tax as an ordinary corporation without any deduction or adjustment for distributions to holders of common stock or preferred stock.

 

If we were to fail to meet the 90% distribution requirement as a result of an adjustment to our tax returns, we could maintain our qualification as a REIT by paying a “deficiency dividend” (plus a penalty and interest) within a specified period which will be permitted as a deduction in the taxable year with respect to which the adjustment is made.

 

Relief from Certain Other Failures of the REIT Qualification Provisions.  Should we fail to satisfy one or more of the requirements for REIT qualification (other than the income tests or the asset tests), we nevertheless may avoid termination of our REIT election in such year if the failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and we pay a penalty of $50,000 for each failure to satisfy the REIT qualification requirements. We may not qualify for this relief provision in all circumstances.

 

Taxation of Stockholders

 

Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders.  As used herein, the term “taxable U.S. stockholder” means a taxable holder of our common or preferred stock that for U.S. federal income tax purposes is:

 

 

If a partnership, including an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a beneficial owner of our stock, the treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, holders of depositary share receipts will be treated as if they held the equivalent fraction of the underlying preferred shares. Accordingly, the discussion below of the consequences of holding our preferred shares applies equally to holders of our depositary receipts.

 

For any taxable year in which we qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, our distributions to our taxable U.S. stockholders generally will be taxed as ordinary income. Amounts received by such taxable U.S. stockholders that we have properly designated as capital gain dividends generally will be taxed as long-term capital gain (to the extent that they do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year) without regard to the period for which the taxable U.S. stockholder has held his common stock or preferred stock. However, corporate taxable U.S. stockholders may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary

income. Such ordinary income and capital gain are not eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations. Distributions to taxable U.S. stockholders in excess of our current or accumulated earnings and profits will be considered first a tax-free return of capital, reducing the tax basis of each stockholder’s common stock or preferred stock and then, to the extent the distribution exceeds each stockholder’s basis, a gain realized from the sale of common stock or preferred stock. We will notify each taxable U.S. stockholder as to the portions of each distribution which, in our judgment, constitute ordinary income, capital gain or return of capital. Any dividend that is (a) declared by us in October, November or December of any calendar year and payable to stockholders of record on a specified date in such months and (b) actually paid by us in January of the following year, shall be deemed to have been both paid by us and received by the stockholders on December 31 of such calendar year and, as a result, will be includable in gross income of the stockholders for the taxable year which includes such December 31.

 

Taxable U.S. stockholders may not deduct on their income tax returns any net operating or net capital losses we may have. We may carry forward net operating losses for 20 years and may use such losses to reduce taxable income and the amounts that we will be required to distribute in order to remain qualified as a REIT. We may carry forward net capital losses for five years and we may use such losses to reduce capital gains. Losses not used within the relevant period expire.

 

Upon the sale or other disposition of our common stock or preferred stock, a taxable U.S. stockholder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or other disposition and the adjusted basis of the shares involved in the transaction. Such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of sale or other disposition, the shares involved have been held for more than one year. In addition, if a taxable U.S. stockholder receives a capital gain dividend with respect to a share of common stock or preferred stock which he has held for six months or less at the time of sale or other disposition, any loss recognized by the stockholder will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of the capital gain dividend that was treated as long-term capital gain.

 

Distributions from us and gain from the disposition of common stock or preferred stock will not be treated as passive activity income and, therefore, taxable U.S. stockholders will not be able to apply any passive activity losses against such income. Dividends from us (to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital or capital gain dividends) and, on an elective basis, capital gain dividends and gain from the disposition of common stock or preferred stock generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of the investment income limitation.

 

The state and local income tax treatment of us and our taxable U.S. stockholders may not conform to the federal income tax treatment described above. (For example, in most states, individual stockholders who are residents of the state will be subject to state income tax on dividends and gains on their shares in us, but the state of Delaware — unlike most, if not all, other states — also taxes nonresident stockholders of a REIT on dividends and gains from the REIT to the extent, if any, that such income is attributable to property located in Delaware.) As a result, investors should consult their own tax advisors for an explanation of how other state and local tax laws would affect their investment in common stock or preferred stock.

 

Redemption of Preferred Stock for Cash.  The treatment accorded to any redemption by us for cash (as distinguished from a sale, exchange or other disposition) of preferred stock can only be determined on the basis of particular facts as to each holder at the time of redemption. As stated above, in general a holder of preferred stock will recognize capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the amount received by the holder of preferred stock upon the redemption and such holder’s adjusted tax basis in the preferred stock redeemed (provided the preferred stock is held as a capital asset) if such redemption (i) results in a “complete termination” of the holder’s interest in all classes of our stock under Section 302(b)(3) of the Code, (ii) is “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the holder’s interest in our stock under Section 302(b)(2) of the Code (which will not be the case if only preferred stock is redeemed, since they generally do not have voting rights), or (iii) is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the holder of preferred stock under Section 302(b)(1) of the Code. In applying these tests, there must be taken into account not only the preferred stock owned by the holder, but also such holder’s ownership of our common stock and any other options (including stock purchase rights) to acquire any of the foregoing. The holder of preferred stock also must take into account any such securities (including options) which are considered to be owned by such holder by reason of the constructive ownership rules set forth in Sections 318 and 302(c) of the Code.

 

If a particular holder of preferred stock owns (actually or constructively) none of our common stock or an insubstantial percentage of our outstanding common stock, then based upon current law, it is probable that the redemption of preferred stock from such a holder would be considered “not essentially equivalent to a dividend.” However, whether a dividend is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” depends on all of the facts and circumstances, and a holder of preferred stock intending to rely on any of these tests at the time of redemption should consult the holder’s own tax advisor to determine their application to the holder’s particular situation. If the redemption does not meet any of the tests under Section 302 of the Code, then the redemption proceeds received from the preferred stock will be treated as a distribution on the preferred stock. If the redemption is taxed as a dividend, the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the preferred stock will be transferred to any other shares held by the holder. If the holder of preferred stock owns none of our other stock, under certain circumstances, such basis may be transferred to a related person, or it may be lost entirely.

 

Proposed Treasury Regulations would, if adopted, alter the method for recovering a holder’s adjusted tax basis in any of our stock redeemed in a dividend equivalent redemption. Under the Proposed Treasury Regulations, a holder would be treated as realizing a capital loss on the date of the dividend equivalent redemption equal to the adjusted tax basis of the stock redeemed, subject to adjustments. The recognition of such loss would generally be deferred until the occurrence of specified events, such as, for example, the holder’s ceasing to actually or constructively own any stock. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Treasury Regulations will be adopted, or that they will be adopted in their current form.

 

Redemption or Conversion of Preferred Stock to Common Stock.  Assuming that preferred stock will not be redeemed or converted at a time when there are distributions in arrears, in general, no gain or loss will be recognized for federal income tax purposes upon the redemption or conversion of our preferred stock at the option of the holder solely into common stock. The basis that a holder will have for tax purposes in the common stock received will be equal to the adjusted basis the holder had in the preferred stock so redeemed or converted and, provided that the preferred stock was held as a capital asset, the holding period for the common stock received will include the holding period for the preferred stock redeemed or converted. A holder, however, will generally recognize gain or loss on the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the holder’s adjusted basis in such fractional share.

 

If a redemption or conversion occurs when there is a dividend arrearage on the preferred stock and the fair market value of the common stock exceeds the issue price of the preferred stock, a portion of the common stock received might be treated as a dividend distribution taxable as ordinary income.

 

Adjustments to Conversion Price.  Under Section 305 of the Code, holders of preferred stock may be deemed to have received a constructive distribution of stock that is taxable as a dividend where the conversion ratio is adjusted to reflect a cash or property distribution with respect to the common stock into which it is convertible. An adjustment to the conversion price made pursuant to a bona fide, reasonable adjustment formula that has the effect of preventing dilution of the interest of the holders, however, will generally not be considered to result in a constructive distribution of stock. Certain of the possible adjustments provided in the preferred stock may not qualify as being pursuant to a bona fide, reasonable adjustment formula. If a nonqualifying adjustment were made, the holders of preferred stock might be deemed to have received a taxable stock dividend.

 

Current Tax Rates.  The maximum tax rate on the long-term capital gains of domestic non-corporate taxpayers is 15% for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2008. The tax rate on “qualified dividend income” is the same as the maximum capital gains rate, and is substantially lower than the maximum rate on ordinary income. Because, as a REIT, we are not generally subject to tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income or capital gains distributed to our stockholders, our distributions are not generally eligible for the tax rate on qualified dividend income. As a result, our ordinary REIT distributions are taxed at the higher tax rates applicable to ordinary income. However, the 15% rate does generally apply to:

 

 

Without legislation, the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains will increase to 20% in 2009, and qualified dividend income will no longer be taxed at a preferential rate compared to ordinary income.

 

Backup Withholding.  We will report to our stockholders and the Internal Revenue Service the amount of distributions paid during each calendar year, and the amount of tax withheld, if any. Under the backup withholding rules, a taxable U.S. stockholder may be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28% with respect to distributions paid unless such holder (i) is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact, or (ii) provides a 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 taxable U.S. stockholder that does not provide us with his correct taxpayer identification number also may be subject to penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. Any amount paid as backup withholding will be creditable against the taxable U.S. stockholder’s income tax liability. In addition, we may be required to withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to any taxable U.S. stockholders who fail to certify their non-foreign status to us.

 

Taxation of Tax-Exempt Stockholders.  Distributions by us to a stockholder that is a tax-exempt entity generally will not constitute “unrelated business taxable income” (“UBTI”) as defined in Section 512(a) of the Code, provided that the tax-exempt entity has not financed the acquisition of its shares with “acquisition indebtedness” within the meaning of the Code and the shares are not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business of the tax-exempt entity. However, qualified trusts that hold more than 10% (by value) of the shares of certain REITs may be required to treat a certain percentage of the distributions of such REITs as UBTI. The conditions which trigger this requirement do not currently exist, and we do not anticipate that they will ever exist. This requirement will apply only if (a) we would not qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes but for the application of a “look-through” exception to the five or fewer requirement applicable to shares being held by qualified trusts and (b) we are “predominantly held” by qualified trusts. A REIT is predominantly held if either (i) a single qualified trust holds more than 25% by value of the REIT interests or (ii) one or more qualified trusts, each owning more than 10% by value of the REIT interests, hold in the aggregate more than 50% of the REIT interests. The percentage of any REIT dividend treated as UBTI is equal to the ratio of (i) the UBTI earned by the REIT (treating the REIT as if it were a qualified trust and therefore subject to tax on UBTI) to (ii) the total gross income (less certain associated expenses of the REIT). A de minimis exception applies where the ratio set forth in the preceding sentence is less than 5% for any year. For these purposes, a qualified trust is any trust described in Section 401(a) of the Code and exempt from tax under Section 501(a) of the Code. The provisions requiring qualified trusts to treat a portion of REIT distributions as UBTI will not apply if we are able to satisfy the five or fewer requirements without relying upon the “look-through” exception. The existing restrictions on ownership of shares in our articles of incorporation will prevent the application of the provisions treating a portion of the REIT distributions as UBTI to tax-exempt entities purchasing shares pursuant to the offering, absent a waiver of the restrictions by our Board of Directors.

 

Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders.  The rules governing United States federal income taxation of “non-U.S. stockholders” (taxable beneficial owners of our stock that are not taxable U.S. stockholders) are complex, and no attempt will be made herein to provide more than a summary of such rules. The following discussion assumes that the income from investment in the capital stock will not be effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a United States trade or business. Prospective non-U.S. stockholders should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the impact of federal, state and local laws with regard to an investment in our capital stock, including any reporting requirements.

 

Distributions that are not attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of United States real property interests and not designated by us as capital gain dividends will be treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Such dividends ordinarily will be subject to a withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the dividend, unless an applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates that tax. A number of U.S. tax treaties that reduce the rate of withholding tax on corporate dividends do not reduce, or reduce to a lesser extent, the rate of withholding applied to dividends from a REIT. We expect to withhold U.S. income tax at the rate of 30% on the gross amount of any such distributions paid to a

non-U.S. stockholder unless (i) a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. stockholder files IRS Form W-8BEN with us and, if the capital stock is not traded on an established securities market, acquires a taxpayer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service or (ii) the non-U.S. stockholder files IRS Form W-8ECI with us claiming that the distribution is effectively connected income. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a stockholder to the extent that such distributions do not exceed the adjusted basis of the stockholder’s shares, but rather will reduce the adjusted basis of such shares. To the extent that distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits exceed the adjusted basis of a non-U.S. stockholder’s shares, such distributions will give rise to tax liability if the non-U.S. stockholder would otherwise be subject to tax on any gain from the sale or disposition of the shares, as described below. If it cannot be determined at the time a distribution is paid whether or not such distribution will be in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be subject to withholding at the rate of 30%. However, a non-U.S. stockholder may seek a refund of such amounts from the Internal Revenue Service if it is subsequently determined that such distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. We are permitted, but not required, to make reasonable estimates of the extent to which distributions exceed current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions will generally be subject to a 10% withholding tax, which may be refunded to the extent it exceeds the non-U.S. stockholder’s actual U.S. tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

 

For any year in which we qualify as a REIT, distributions that are attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of United States real property interests will be taxable to a non-U.S. stockholder as dividends of ordinary income not effectively connected to a U.S. trade or business, as described above, provided the class of stock the distributions relate to is “regularly traded” on an established securities market in the United States, and the non-U.S. stockholder does not own more than 5% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. Should these requirements not be met, however, such distributions are taxable to a non-U.S. stockholder under certain provisions of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, as amended (“FIRPTA”). These FIRPTA provisions tax such distributions to a non-U.S. stockholder as if such gain were effectively connected with a United States business. Non-U.S. stockholders would thus be taxed at the normal capital gain rates applicable to taxable U.S. stockholders (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals). Also, distributions subject to these FIRPTA provisions may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a corporate non-U.S. stockholder not entitled to treaty exemption or rate reduction. We are required by applicable Treasury Regulations to withhold 35% of any such distribution that could be designated by us as a capital gain dividend. This amount is creditable against the non-U.S. stockholder’s FIRPTA tax liability.

 

Gain recognized by a non-U.S. stockholder upon a sale of shares generally will not be taxed under FIRPTA if we are a “domestically controlled REIT,” defined generally as a REIT in which at all times during a specified testing period less than 50% in value of the stock was held directly or indirectly by foreign persons. We currently believe that we are, and expect to continue to be, a “domestically controlled REIT,” and in such case the sale of shares would not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. However, gain not subject to FIRPTA nonetheless will be taxable to a non-U.S. stockholder if (i) investment in the shares is treated as “effectively connected” with the non-U.S. stockholders’ U.S. trade or business, or (ii) the non-U.S. stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met. Effectively connected gain realized by a corporate non-U.S. stockholder may be subject to an additional 30% branch profits tax, subject to possible exemption or rate reduction under an applicable tax treaty. If the gain on the sale of shares were to be subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. stockholder would be subject to the same treatment as taxable U.S. stockholders with respect to such gain (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals), and the purchaser of the shares would be required to withhold and remit to the Internal Revenue Service 10% of the purchase price.

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may sell our securities to one or more underwriters for public offering and sale by them or may sell the offered securities to investors directly or through agents. Any such underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of the offered securities will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Underwriters may offer and sell our securities at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, related to the prevailing market prices at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. We also may, from time to time, authorize underwriters acting as our agents to offer and sell our securities upon the terms and conditions set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with the sale of our securities, underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of our securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell our securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions from the underwriters or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.

 

Any underwriting compensation we pay to underwriters or agents in connection with the offering of our securities and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the offered securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the our securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize dealers acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase our securities from us at the public offering price set forth in such prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in such prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate principal amount of securities sold pursuant to contracts shall be not less or more than, the respective amounts stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions, and other institutions, but will in all cases be subject to our approval. Contracts will not be subject to any conditions except (i) the purchase by an institution of the offered securities covered by its contracts shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which such institution is subject and (ii) if the offered securities are being sold to underwriters, we shall have sold to such underwriters the total principal amount of our securities less the principal amount thereof covered by contracts.

 

Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with and perform services for us and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

 

The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the over-the-counter market. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for any such securities.

 

If underwriters or dealers are used in the sale, until the distribution of the securities is completed, the SEC rules may limit the ability of any such underwriters and selling group members to bid for and purchase the securities. As an exception to these rules, representatives of any underwriters are permitted to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of the securities. Such transactions may consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities. If the underwriters create a short position in the securities in connection with the offerings (in other words, if they sell more securities than are set forth on the cover page of the prospectus supplement) the representatives of the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing securities in the open market. The representatives of the underwriters may also elect to reduce any short position by exercising all or part of any over-allotment option described in the prospectus supplement. The representatives of the underwriters may also impose a penalty bid on certain underwriters and selling group members. This means that if the representatives purchase securities in the open market to reduce the underwriters’ short position or to stabilize the price of the securities, they may reclaim the amount of the selling concession from the underwriters and selling group members who sold those shares as part of the offering. In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of the securities to the extent that it discourages resales of the securities. We make no representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the securities. In addition, the

representatives of any underwriters may determine not to engage in such transactions or that such transactions, once commenced, may be discontinued without notice.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of our securities will be passed upon for us by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, a limited liability partnership including professional corporations. In addition, the description of federal income tax consequences contained in this prospectus under “Federal Income Tax Considerations” is, to the extent that it constitutes matters of law, summaries of legal matters or legal conclusions, the opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements and schedules of Commercial Net Lease Realty, Inc. as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, have been incorporated by reference herein, and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Our report with respect to the consolidated financial statements refers to the implementation of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, revised December 2003, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46R).

 

$     

 

 

          % Notes due 2017

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

September   , 2007

 

 

Joint Book-Running Managers