sv11
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2010
Registration Statement No. 333-      
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
Form S-11
FOR REGISTRATION
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
OF SECURITIES OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE COMPANIES
 
 
 
 
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Governing Instruments)
 
 
 
 
2100 Rexford Road, Suite 414
Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 496-2500
(Address, Including Zip Code and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
 
 
 
 
Ted W. Rollins
Chief Executive Officer
2100 Rexford Road, Suite 414
Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 496-2500
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
 
 
 
 
Copies to:
 
         
Paul S. Ware
J. Andrew Robison
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
1819 Fifth Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 521-8000
  Jonathan Golden
Arnall Golden Gregory LLP
171 17th Street NW
Suite 2100
Atlanta, GA 30363-1031
(404) 873-8500
  J. Gerard Cummins
Bartholomew A. Sheehan III
Sidley Austin LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
(212) 839-5300
 
 
 
 
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
If any of the Securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, check the following box.  o
 
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o
 
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o
 
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o
 
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, check the following box.  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer o
  Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer þ
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o
 
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
                     
Title of Securities
    Proposed Maximum
    Amount of
to be Registered     Aggregate Offering (1)(2)     Registration Fee (1)
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
    $ 385,250,000       $ 27,468.33  
                     
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
(2) Includes the offering price of shares of common stock that may be purchased by the underwriters upon the exercise of their overallotment option.
 
 
 
 
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
 


Table of Contents

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
 
Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus dated May 14, 2010
 
PROSPECTUS
 
(CAMPUS CREST LOGO)
 
           Shares
 
Campus Crest Communities, Inc.
 
Common Stock
 
 
Campus Crest Communities, Inc. is a self-managed, self-administered, vertically-integrated developer, builder, owner and manager of high-quality, purpose-built student housing. Prior to this offering, our business was conducted through Campus Crest Group, LLC, which is wholly-owned and controlled by Ted W. Rollins, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, and Michael S. Hartnett, our co-chairman and chief investment officer, and certain members of their families. Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, we will own interests in 27 student housing properties containing approximately 13,580 beds. As of February 28, 2010, our properties had an average age of approximately 1.7 years.
 
This is our initial public offering. We are offering           shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share. We expect the initial public offering price of our common stock to be between $      and $      per share. Currently, no public market exists for our common stock. We expect to apply to have our common stock listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘‘     .”
 
Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, Ted W. Rollins, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, and Michael S. Hartnett, our co-chairman and chief investment officer, will own indirectly an aggregate of           units of limited partnership interests in our operating partnership which, on a fully-diluted basis, will represent approximately     % of our outstanding common stock.
 
We are organized as a Maryland corporation and intend to elect and qualify to be taxed as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2010. Subject to certain exceptions described in this prospectus, upon completion of this offering, our charter will provide that no person may own, or be deemed to own, more than 9.8% by vote or value, whichever is more restrictive, of either our outstanding common stock or our outstanding capital stock in the aggregate.
 
Investing in our common stock involves significant risks. You should read the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 22 of this prospectus for a discussion of the risks that you should consider before investing in our common stock.
 
                 
    Per
   
    Share   Total
 
Public offering price
  $                $             
Underwriting discount
  $       $    
Proceeds, before expenses, to us
  $       $  
 
The underwriters may purchase up to an additional           shares of our common stock at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus to cover overallotments, if any.
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
The underwriters expect to deliver the common stock on or about          , 2010.
 
 
 
 
RAYMOND JAMES
 
 
The date of this prospectus is          , 2010


Table of Contents


 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
         
    Page
 
    1  
    22  
    52  
    54  
    57  
    59  
    60  
    62  
    67  
    92  
    102  
    140  
    159  
    160  
    164  
    170  
    175  
    181  
    188  
    190  
    195  
    216  
    218  
    222  
    222  
    222  
    F-1  
 EX-23.2
 EX-23.4
 
 
 
 
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with any additional or different information. If anyone provides you with additional or different information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus or such other date as specified herein. Our business, financial condition, liquidity, funds from operations, or “FFO,” results of operations and prospects may have changed since such dates.
 
Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to (i) Campus Crest Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Campus Crest Communities Operating Partnership, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, through which we will conduct substantially all of our business, which we refer to as “our operating partnership,” except where it is clear from the context that the term means only the


i


Table of Contents

issuer of the common stock, Campus Crest Communities, Inc., and (ii) with respect to the period prior to the completion of this offering, the business of our predecessor entities through which Campus Crest Group, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company, or “Campus Crest Group,” carried out the development, construction, ownership and management of the properties that we will own interests in upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions; references to “predecessor entities” refer to one or more of the joint venture arrangements that owned our properties and the entities through which Campus Crest Group carried out our business; references to “MXT Capital” refer to MXT Capital, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which is wholly-owned and controlled by Ted W. Rollins, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, and Michael S. Hartnett, our co-chairman and chief investment officer, and certain members of their families, and is the sole owner of Campus Crest Group; references to the “Ricker Group” refer to Carl H. Ricker, Jr. and the vehicles through which Mr. Ricker or an affiliated party held interests in our predecessor entities; references to “HSRE” refer to Harrison Street Real Estate Capital and its affiliates that held interests in our predecessor entities; references to “common stock” refer to shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, in Campus Crest Communities, Inc.; and references to “OP units” refer to limited partnership units in our operating partnership that are exchangeable, subsequent to the one-year anniversary of the completion of this offering, for cash or, at our option, common stock on a one-for-one basis. Unless otherwise indicated, the information contained in this prospectus assumes that (a) the common stock to be sold in this offering is sold at $      per share, the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and (b) the underwriters’ overallotment option is not exercised.
 
 
Industry and Market Data
 
We use market data, industry forecasts and projections throughout this prospectus. We have obtained portions of this information from a market study prepared for us by Michael Gallis & Associates (“MGA”), a North Carolina-based strategic planning and design firm, in connection with this offering. The forecasts and projections are based on MGA’s experience and data published by the U.S. Department of Education and other sources, and there is no assurance that any of the projections will be accurate. We believe that the study is reliable, but we have not independently verified the information in the study nor have we ascertained any underlying assumptions relied upon therein. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding the industry data presented herein, estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors.”


ii


Table of Contents

 
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
This summary highlights selected information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. It is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before making a decision to invest in our common stock. This prospectus includes information regarding our business and detailed financial data, as well as information about the common stock we are offering. You should read this prospectus in its entirety, including “Risk Factors” and the financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, before deciding to purchase our common stock.
 
Our Company
 
Campus Crest Communities, Inc. is a self-managed, self-administered, vertically-integrated developer, builder, owner and manager of high-quality, purpose-built student housing. Prior to this offering, our business was conducted through Campus Crest Group, which is wholly-owned and controlled by Ted W. Rollins, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, and Michael S. Hartnett, our co-chairman and chief investment officer, and certain members of their families. We intend to elect and qualify to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or “REIT,” for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2010.
 
We believe that we are one of the largest vertically-integrated developers, builders, owners and managers of high-quality, purpose-built student housing properties in the United States based on beds owned and under management. Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, we will own interests in 27 recently built student housing properties. These properties are located in 11 states, contain approximately 5,048 apartment units and 13,580 beds, and had an average age of 1.7 years as of February 28, 2010. Twenty-one of these properties, containing approximately 3,920 apartment units and 10,528 beds, will be wholly-owned, and six of these properties, containing approximately 1,128 apartment units and 3,052 beds, will be owned through a joint venture with HSRE, in which we will have a 49.9% interest. Three of these joint venture properties are under construction, with completion and occupancy expected for the 2010-2011 academic year. As of February 28, 2010, the average occupancy for our 24 operating properties was approximately 85% and the average monthly rental revenue per occupied bed was approximately $459. Our properties are primarily located in medium-sized college and university markets, which we believe are underserved and are experiencing enrollment growth.
 
We were formed to continue and expand the student housing business of Campus Crest Group, which has been engaged in this business since 2004. All of our properties have been developed, built and managed by Campus Crest Group. All of our properties operate under The Grove® brand and have, in general, been based upon a common prototypical building design. We believe that the use of this prototypical building design, which we have built approximately 410 times, allows us to efficiently deliver a uniform and proven student housing product in multiple markets. Furthermore, we believe that our brand and associated lifestyle are effective differentiators that create higher visibility and appeal for our properties within their markets.
 
In addition to our existing properties, we actively seek new development opportunities. We expect that, subject to completion of this offering, we will acquire land and commence building properties for our own account on five identified sites that we have under contract, with completion targeted for the 2011-2012 academic year. For each of these five sites, we have conducted significant pre-development activities and are in the process of obtaining the necessary zoning and site plan approvals. In total, we have identified over 200 markets and approximately 80 specific sites within these markets as potential future development opportunities, and our current business plan contemplates the development of approximately five to seven new student housing properties per year. No assurance can be given that we will not adjust our business plan


1


Table of Contents

as it relates to development, or that any particular development opportunity will be undertaken or completed in accordance with our current expectations.
 
Our company is led by our co-founders Ted W. Rollins and Michael S. Hartnett, each of whom has over 20 years of real estate investment and operating experience, including the development and management of over 13,000 student housing beds. They are supported by over 400 full and part time employees who carry out our development, construction, property management and asset management activities.
 
Our principal executive offices are located at 2100 Rexford Road, Suite 414, Charlotte, NC 28211. Our telephone number is (704) 496-2500. Our website is located at www.gogrove.com. The information on our website is not part of this prospectus. We have included our website address only as an inactive textual reference and do not intend this to be an active link to our website.
 
Market Opportunity
 
We believe that attractive investment opportunities exist in the student housing market due to various factors impacting the supply, demand and profit potential of this market in the United States. These factors include:
 
Significant and Sustainable Growth in College Enrollments. Based on information from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau, college enrollments are projected to grow at a faster rate than the overall population through 2017. This growth is expected to be driven primarily by: (i) the significant growth of the college-aged population in the U.S. fueled by the Echo Boom generation (i.e., the children of the Baby Boomers), (ii) an increase in the percentage of graduating high school students choosing to enroll in college and (iii) a trend toward longer college enrollments.
 
Outsourcing Pressure Due to Institutional Budgetary Constraints. We believe that budget shortfalls and funding constraints at colleges and universities have reduced the availability of capital to build new student housing supply commensurate with enrollment increases. Thus, colleges and universities are increasingly relying on private developers to offer on-campus and off-campus student housing options to support enrollment growth.
 
Obsolescence of Existing Dormitory-Style Student Housing. Increasingly, on-campus, dormitory-style student housing facilities are becoming obsolete and are in need of significant renovation or replacement. Traditional dormitory-style housing typically consists of shared rooms, communal bathroom facilities and limited (if any) amenities and parking. We believe that such facilities do not meet the needs and preferences of modern-day college students, who generally have a higher standard of living and an increased focus on privacy, amenities and other lifestyle considerations than previous generations of students.
 
Highly Fragmented Ownership with Diminishing Competition and Costs. The student housing industry is highly fragmented, which provides opportunities for consolidation. Moreover, the recent economic environment has reduced the availability of construction financing, which has restricted the number of new competitors entering the industry and created opportunities for well-capitalized firms specializing in student housing. Meanwhile, as competition has become constrained, excess capacity in the residential and commercial construction markets has lowered material and labor costs for firms able to access capital for new projects.
 
Availability of Attractive, Long-Term Financing through Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Despite tightening credit markets, stabilized student housing properties continue generally to


2


Table of Contents

have access to long-term debt financing through Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or Freddie Mac, and Federal National Mortgage Association, or Fannie Mae.
 
Our Competitive Strengths
 
We believe that we distinguish ourselves from other developers, builders, owners and managers of student housing properties through the following competitive strengths:
 
Experienced Management Team with Demonstrated Track Record. Our senior executive officers have an average of 16 years of real estate investment, advisory and management experience. Our management team has overseen the financing, development, construction and management of student housing properties with an aggregate cost of approximately $500 million and has grown our business to approximately 13,580 beds (including 1,544 beds under development with completion and occupancy expected for the 2010-2011 academic year) since its inception in 2004.
 
Modern, Well-Located Portfolio. The average age of our student housing properties is approximately 1.7 years as of February 28, 2010, and all of our properties offer student-tenants bed-bath parity (private bathrooms) and a variety of modern amenities. In addition, our properties are located in close proximity to, or on, the campuses of the schools from which they draw student-tenants, with an average distance to campus of approximately 0.6 miles, thereby offering the “best of both worlds”—amenity-rich, apartment-style living and near, or on, campus convenience.
 
Attractive, Branded Properties. All of our properties operate under The Grove® brand, and use the federally registered trademark, The Grove® or The Grove—Fully Loaded College Living®, to identify and promote the properties. All of our properties offer our student-tenants private bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, full furnishings, full kitchens with modern appliances, washers and dryers inside each unit, state-of-the-art technology, ample parking, and a broad array of other on-site amenities, such as resort-style swimming pools, tanning booths, basketball and volleyball courts, game rooms, coffee bars and community clubhouses with regularly planned social activities. We strive to offer not just an apartment but an entire lifestyle and community experience designed to appeal to the modern-day college student. We believe that The Grove® experience, coupled with our focused branding and marketing initiatives, differentiates our properties from those of our competitors.
 
Proven and Scalable Business Model. We believe that our vertically-integrated business model provides a competitive advantage, enabling us to deliver properties economically while maintaining consistent quality in buildings and amenities. We believe that our use of a prototypical building design and volume purchasing, as well as our established relationships with student-housing focused regional subcontractors, provide us with an ability to achieve economies that may not be available to many competitors. We continue to refine our processes and systems in an effort to reduce costs and improve quality, having overseen the construction of the same prototypical residential building approximately 410 times during the last six years.
 
Focus on Underserved College Markets. We generally focus on medium-sized college and university markets. While total enrollments in these markets are generally lower than enrollments in larger educational markets, the overall market dynamics are often more favorable. For example, the enrollment growth rates in these markets often tend to be higher than in the larger educational markets. Moreover, the supply of competitive alternative housing stock, both multi-family apartments and purpose-built student housing, often tends to be lower in these markets.


3


Table of Contents

Conservative Capitalization. Upon the completion of this offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, we will have total consolidated indebtedness of approximately $132.3 million, resulting in a debt to total market capitalization ratio of approximately     %. In addition, upon completion of this offering, we expect to obtain a  -year, $      million senior secured revolving credit facility, providing us with the capability to fund identified future growth opportunities.
 
Our Business and Growth Strategies
 
Our objective is to maximize total returns to our stockholders through the pursuit of the following business and growth strategies:
 
Utilize Our Vertically-Integrated Platform. Our vertically-integrated platform performs each key function in the student housing value chain: project development, project construction, property management and asset management. Our vertically-integrated platform allows us to become familiar with every facet of our student housing properties. We believe that the ongoing feedback and accountability facilitated by our vertically-integrated platform allow us to improve efficiency, reduce costs, control project timing and enhance the overall quality of our properties.
 
Target Attractive Markets. Prior to investing in a market, we conduct extensive due diligence to assess the market’s attractiveness (e.g., demographics and student population trends), as well as the available supply of on- and off-campus housing alternatives. We utilize a proprietary underwriting model with over 60 inputs to evaluate the relative attractiveness of each market, which we then use to prioritize development opportunities. While our market strategy considers a variety of factors, we generally focus on markets where: (i) total student enrollment exceeds 8,000, (ii) a majority of the student population resides off-campus and (iii) sites that are in close proximity to campus can be purchased or leased at a reasonable cost. Our due diligence process and investment criteria are designed to identify markets in which we can operate successfully and profitably.
 
Optimize Our Properties and Brand Value. A key element of our strategy is to optimize the student lifestyle experience at our properties and strengthen the value of our brand, The Grove®, through a consistent set of operating principles. We strive to offer properties that are designed to meet the unique needs of student-tenants, and to offer a variety of social activities and other programs that build a sense of community at our properties. We believe that our focus on enhancing student lifestyle and promoting a sense of community at our properties drives improved occupancy and allows us to charge premium rents.
 
Development Growth. We believe that our vertically-integrated platform, our proprietary underwriting model and our construction and general contracting experience will allow us to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns through the development and construction of high-quality student housing properties. For these reasons, among others, we anticipate that in-house development will remain the primary driver of our growth. We expect that, subject to completion of this offering, we will acquire land and commence building properties for our own account on five sites that we have under contract, with completion targeted for the 2011-2012 academic year. Additionally, our current business plan contemplates the development of approximately five to seven new student housing properties per year from our identified pipeline of opportunities. No assurance can be given that we will not adjust our business plan as it relates to development, or that any particular development opportunity will be undertaken or completed in accordance with our current expectations.


4


Table of Contents

Acquisition Growth. We may also seek to grow by acquiring student housing properties from third parties. Generally, we anticipate that any properties acquired from third parties would meet our investment criteria for development properties and fit into our overall strategy in terms of property quality, proximity to campus, bed-bath parity and availability of amenities. However, we may also seek to make opportunistic acquisitions of properties that we believe we can purchase at attractive pricing, reposition and operate successfully.
 
Summary Risk Factors
 
An investment in our common stock involves various risks. You should carefully consider the matters discussed in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 22 of this prospectus before making a decision to invest in our common stock. Some of the risks include the following:
 
  •   Developing properties will expose us to additional risks beyond those associated with owning and operating student housing properties, and could materially and adversely affect us.
 
  •   We rely on our relationships with the colleges and universities from which our properties draw student-tenants and the policies and reputations of these schools; any deterioration in our relationships with such schools or changes in the schools’ admissions or residency policies or reputations could materially and adversely affect us.
 
  •   Our results of operations are subject to risks inherent in the student housing industry, such as an annual leasing cycle and limited leasing period, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
  •   Competition from other student housing properties, including on-campus housing and traditional multi-family housing located in close proximity to the colleges and universities from which we draw student-tenants, may reduce the demand for our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
  •   Our success depends on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed, and their departure could materially and adversely affect us.
 
  •   Adverse economic conditions and dislocation in the credit markets have had a material and adverse effect on us and may continue to materially and adversely affect us.
 
  •   The current economic environment could reduce enrollment and limit the demand for our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
  •   In the past we have experienced significant losses and negative cash flows from operations; if these trends continue, we could be materially and adversely affected.
 
  •   If we are unable to acquire properties on favorable terms, our future growth could be materially and adversely affected.
 
  •   Our strategy of investing in properties located in medium-sized college and university markets may not be successful, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
  •   Our indebtedness exposes us to a risk of default and will reduce our free cash flow, which could materially and adversely affect us.


5


Table of Contents

 
  •   Joint venture investments could be materially and adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority, our reliance on our co-venturers’ financial condition and disputes between our co-venturers and us.
 
  •   Our management team has not previously operated a REIT, and this inexperience could materially and adversely affect us.
 
  •   Our performance and the value of our properties are subject to risks associated with real estate and with the real estate industry, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
  •   Provisions of our charter allow our board of directors to authorize the issuance of additional securities, which may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us through a transaction that our stockholders believe to be in their best interest.
 
  •   Provisions of Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, which, in turn, may negatively affect our stockholders’ ability to realize a premium over the market price of our common stock.
 
  •   The ownership limitations in our charter may restrict or prevent you from engaging in certain transfers of our common stock, which may delay or prevent a change in control of us that our stockholders believe to be in their best interest.
 
  •   We may not be able to make our initial distributions or maintain our initial, or any subsequent, distribution rate.
 
  •   A public market for our common stock may never develop and your ability to sell your shares of our common stock may be limited.
 
  •   Common stock eligible for future sale may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
  •   Future offerings of debt or equity securities ranking senior to our common stock may limit our operating and financial flexibility and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
  •   We have not obtained appraisals of our properties in connection with this offering and the price we pay to our existing investors for their interests in our predecessor entities may exceed our properties’ market value.
 
  •   Our failure to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT could have a material and adverse effect on us and the market price of our common stock.
 
  •   To qualify and remain qualified as a REIT, we will likely rely on the availability of equity and debt capital to fund our business.
 
  •   Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forgo otherwise attractive investment opportunities, which could materially and adversely affect us.


6


Table of Contents

 
Our Properties
 
The following table presents certain summary information about the 21 properties that we will own 100% interests in and the six joint venture properties that we will own 49.9% interests in upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions. All properties were developed and built by us.
 
                                                         
                                Occupancy
             
                    Fall 2009
    Distance to
    as of
             
            Year
      Overall
    Campus
    February 28,
    Number
    Number
 
   
City
  State   Opened   Primary University Served   Enrollment     (miles)     2010     of Units     of Beds  
 
    Wholly-Owned Properties                                                
1
  Asheville   NC   2005   University of NC - Asheville     3,695       0.1       94 %     154       448  
2
  Carrollton   GA   2006   University of West Georgia     11,500       0.1       97 %     168       492  
3
  Las Cruces   NM   2006   New Mexico State University     18,497       0.4       84 %     168       492  
4
  Milledgeville   GA   2006   Georgia College & State University     6,633       0.1       98 %     168       492  
5
  Abilene   TX   2007   Abilene Christian University     4,838       0.5       75 %     192       504  
6
  Ellensburg   WA   2007   Central Washington University     10,187       0.5       99 %     192       504  
7
  Greeley   CO   2007   University of Northern Colorado     12,711       1.0       74 %     192       504  
8
  Jacksonville   AL   2007   Jacksonville State University     9,351       0.2       80 %     192       504  
9
  Mobile—Phase I (1)   AL   2007   University of South Alabama     14,522       On-Campus       93 %     192       504  
10
  Mobile—Phase II (1)   AL   2008   University of South Alabama     14,522       On-Campus       96 %     192       504  
11
  Nacogdoches   TX   2007   Stephen F. Austin University     12,845       0.4       96 %     196       522  
12
  Cheney   WA   2008   Eastern Washington University     11,302       0.5       97 %     192       512  
13
  Jonesboro   AR   2008   Arkansas State University     12,156       0.2       73 %     192       504  
14
  Lubbock   TX   2008   Texas Tech University     30,049       2.1       79 %     192       504  
15
  Stephenville   TX   2008   Tarleton State University     8,598       0.8       97 %     192       504  
16
  Troy   AL   2008   Troy University     6,679       0.4       94 %     192       514  
17
  Waco   TX   2008   Baylor University     14,614       0.8       89 %     192       504  
18
  Wichita   KS   2008   Wichita State University     14,823       1.1       79 %     192       504  
19
  Wichita Falls   TX   2008   Midwestern State University     6,341       1.2       65 %     192       504  
20
  Murfreesboro   TN   2009   Middle Tennessee State     25,188       0.8       90 %     186       504  
21
  San Marcos   TX   2009   Texas State University     30,816       1.7       98 %     192       504  
                                                         
Sub Total of Wholly Owned Properties
    13,327 (2)     0.6 (2)     88 % (2)     3,920       10,528  
                                         
 


7


Table of Contents

                                                             
                            Occupancy
       
                    Fall 2009
  Distance to
  as of
       
            Year
      Overall
  Campus
  February 28,
  Number
  Number
    City   State   Opened   Primary University Served   Enrollment   (miles)   2010   of Units   of Beds
 
        Joint Venture Properties — 49.9% Ownership Interest                                        
  22     Lawrence (3)   KS   2009   University of Kansas     29,242       1.6       64 %     172       500  
  23     Moscow (1)   ID   2009   University of Idaho     11,957       0.5       45 %     192       504  
  24     San Angelo   TX   2009   Angelo State University     6,387       0.3       86 %     192       504  
  25     Conway (4)   AR   2010   University of Central Arkansas     11,781       0.4       NA       180       504  
  26     Huntsville (4)   TX   2010   Sam Houston State University     16,772       0.2       NA       192       504  
  27     Statesboro (4)   GA   2010   Georgia Southern University     19,086       0.7       NA       200       536  
                                                             
Sub Total of Joint Venture Properties
    15,871 (2)     0.6 (2)     65 % (2)     1,128       3,052  
                                         
Total Properties
    13,892 (2)     0.6 (2)     85 % (2)     5,048       13,580  
                                         
 
 
(1) Property subject to a ground lease.
 
(2) Average.
 
(3) Occupancy based on 300 beds available for the 2009-2010 academic year; the property has been expanded and now has a total of 500 beds available for the 2010-2011 academic year.
 
(4) Property currently under construction, with completion and occupancy expected for the 2010-2011 academic year.
 
Our Financing Strategy
 
Upon the completion of this offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, we will have total consolidated indebtedness of approximately $132.3 million. At such time, we intend to enter into a  -year, $      million senior secured revolving credit facility, which we will use to fund identified future growth opportunities, including the five properties that we expect to commence building immediately after completion of this offering.
 
We generally intend to limit our ratio of debt to total market capitalization to not greater than     %, although our charter places no limit on the amount of indebtedness that we may incur and we may exceed this level from time to time. We intend to finance our long-term growth with common and preferred equity issuances and debt financing having staggered maturities. Our debt may include mortgage debt secured by our properties, as well as unsecured debt, and such debt may require us to pay fixed or floating rates of interest. We will seek to utilize Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae long-term debt financing for stabilized properties to the extent possible. In addition to our three joint venture properties currently under construction, we may also seek in the future to finance development projects through unconsolidated joint ventures with third parties.
 
Structure and Formation
 
We were formed as a Maryland corporation on March 1, 2010. Our operating partnership was formed as a Delaware limited partnership on March 4, 2010. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Campus Crest Communities GP, LLC, we are the sole general partner of our operating partnership, and we will conduct substantially all of our business through our operating partnership. Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, we will own a     % limited partnership interest in our operating partnership. MXT Capital, which is wholly-owned and controlled by Ted W. Rollins, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, and Michael S. Hartnett, our co-chairman and chief investment officer, and certain members of their families, will own a  % limited partnership interest in our operating partnership. The Ricker Group, which owned interests in our predecessor entities prior to the consummation of our formation transactions, will in the aggregate own a     % limited partnership interest in our operating

8


Table of Contents

partnership. Certain third-party investors, who owned interests in our predecessor entities prior to the consummation of our formation transactions, will in the aggregate own a     % limited partnership interest in our operating partnership.
 
Certain of our officers and directors will own restricted common stock, representing approximately     % of our common stock outstanding after completion of this offering.
 
Formation Transactions
 
Prior to our formation transactions, all of the interests in our properties were owned by Campus Crest Group and third-party investors, including the Ricker Group and HSRE.
 
Concurrently with this offering, we will engage in the following formation transactions, which are designed to:
 
  •   consolidate the ownership of our properties and the student housing business of Campus Crest Group into our operating partnership and its wholly-owned subsidiaries;
 
  •   facilitate this offering; and
 
  •   enable us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2010.
 
Set forth below is an overview of our formation transactions:
 
  •   Pursuant to the terms of a contribution agreement, MXT Capital will contribute to our operating partnership its student housing business and interests in the predecessor entities in exchange for     OP units, representing a     % limited partnership interest in our operating partnership.
 
The contribution agreement states that MXT Capital will provide us with certain representations and warranties with respect to its ownership interests being contributed to our operating partnership and certain other matters, and that MXT Capital will indemnify us with respect to losses resulting from breaches of its representations, warranties and covenants and for any real estate transfer or mortgage recording tax liabilities that we may incur; these indemnification obligations generally are subject to a $250,000 deductible and capped at an amount equal to the aggregate consideration received by MXT Capital pursuant to the contribution agreement (other than the tax liability indemnity, which is not subject to either the deductible or the cap) and are limited to claims brought within eighteen months from the completion of this offering.
 
  •   Campus Crest Group will distribute to MXT Capital its interests in two parcels of land consisting of 20.2 acres, with associated indebtedness of approximately $1.9 million, on which we have decided not to build student housing properties; MXT Capital has agreed not to build student housing properties on these parcels in the future.
 
  •   Campus Crest Group will distribute to MXT Capital its interest in an entity that will own a minority interest in a 1999 Pilatus PC-12 single-engine turboprop airplane. Upon completion of this offering, we will lease this aircraft on payment terms structured to equal our pro rata carrying and operating costs of the aircraft based on our actual usage.
 
  •   Pursuant to the terms of a contribution agreement, the Ricker Group will contribute to our operating partnership its interests in the predecessor entities and the entire ownership


9


Table of Contents

  interest in the entities that own fee interests in certain properties that were subject to ground leases with the Ricker Group prior to the completion of our formation transactions in exchange for approximately $26.7 million and 266,667 OP units, representing a     % limited partnership interest in our operating partnership.
 
The contribution agreement states that the Ricker Group will provide us with certain representations and warranties with respect to its ownership interests being contributed to our operating partnership and certain other matters, and that the Ricker Group will indemnify us with respect to losses resulting from breaches of its representations, warranties and covenants; these indemnification obligations generally are subject to a $250,000 deductible and capped at an amount equal to the aggregate consideration received by the Ricker Group pursuant to the contribution agreement and are limited to claims brought within eighteen months from the completion of this offering.
 
  •   Pursuant to the terms of contribution agreements and purchase and sale agreements, certain third-party investors will contribute to our operating partnership all of their interests in the predecessor entities in exchange for approximately $10.7 million and 53,000 OP units, representing a     % limited partnership interest in our operating partnership. Under the terms of these agreements, these third-party investors will also provide us with certain limited representations and warranties with respect to their ownership interests being contributed to our operating partnership and will indemnify us for any losses resulting from breaches of their representations, warranties and covenants.
 
  •   In exchange for approximately $28.6 million, HSRE will sell to our operating partnership (i) all of its interests in each of The Grove at Milledgeville and The Grove at San Marcos, with the result that we will own a 100% interest in each of these properties and (ii) a 49.8% interest in a joint venture that will own 100% of each of The Grove at Conway, The Grove at Huntsville, The Grove at Lawrence, The Grove at Moscow, The Grove at San Angelo and The Grove at Statesboro, with the result that we will own a 49.9% interest in these properties.
 
The number of OP units and cash amounts to be received by the parties specified above have been fixed and are not subject to change based upon the public offering price of the common stock to be sold in this offering or any other factor.
 
As a result of our formation transactions:
 
  •   we will own approximately     % of the outstanding OP units, MXT Capital will own approximately     % of the outstanding OP units, the Ricker Group will own approximately     % of the outstanding OP units and certain third-party investors will own, in the aggregate, approximately     % of the outstanding OP units;
 
  •   our operating partnership will own 100% interests in 21 of our properties;
 
  •   our operating partnership will own an indirect 49.9% interest in The Grove at Conway, The Grove at Huntsville, The Grove at Lawrence, The Grove at Moscow, The Grove at San Angelo and The Grove at Statesboro; and
 
  •   we will own each of the entities through which Campus Crest Group conducted its student housing activities.


10


Table of Contents

 
Consequences of this Offering and Our Formation Transactions
 
The following diagram depicts the ownership structure of our company, our operating partnership, certain subsidiaries through which we will conduct our development, construction, property management and asset management activities, and our joint venture with HSRE, upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions:
 
(DIAGRAM)


11


Table of Contents

 
Benefits to Related Parties
 
In connection with this offering and our formation transactions, MXT Capital, the Ricker Group and certain of our executive officers, members of our management team and members of our board of directors will receive material financial and other benefits, as described below. Each of Ted W. Rollins, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, and Michael S. Hartnett, our co-chairman and chief investment officer, will, through his respective ownership of MXT Capital, be entitled to participate in the benefits realized by MXT Capital in connection with our formation transactions. In addition, Carl H. Ricker, Jr. will, through his ownership in the Ricker Group, be entitled to participate in the benefits realized by the Ricker Group in connection with our formation transactions. For a more detailed discussion of these benefits, see “Management” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”
 
  •   Our operating partnership will issue to MXT Capital          OP units in exchange for MXT Capital’s contribution to our operating partnership of the interests owned by MXT Capital in the predecessor entities and its student housing business.
 
  •   MXT Capital will enter into a tax protection agreement with us. Pursuant to the tax protection agreement, we will agree not to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of any of our properties for a period of           years, or the tax protection period, in a transaction that would cause MXT Capital or its members to realize taxable gain that was “built-in,” or the built-in gain, to such properties at the time of their contribution to our operating partnership. All of our properties will have such built-in gain. If we sell one or more of our properties during the tax protection period, we will be required to pay to MXT Capital an amount equal to the federal, state and local taxes imposed on the built-in gain allocated to it or its members, with the amount of such taxes being computed based on the highest applicable federal, state and local marginal tax rates, as well as any “grossed up” taxes imposed on such payments. Consequently, our ability to sell or dispose of our properties will be substantially restricted by this obligation to make payments to MXT Capital during the tax protection period if we sell a property.
 
The tax protection agreement will also require us to maintain a minimum level of indebtedness of $      throughout the tax protection period in order to allow a sufficient amount of debt to be allocable to MXT Capital and its members to avoid certain adverse tax consequences. If we fail to maintain such minimum indebtedness throughout the tax protection period, and as a consequence MXT Capital or its members incur federal, state or local tax liabilities, we will be required to make indemnifying payments to them, computed in the manner described in the preceding paragraph.
 
  •   We will enter into a registration rights agreement with MXT Capital pursuant to which we will agree, among other things, to register the resale of any common stock that may be exchanged for the OP units issued in our formation transactions. This agreement requires us to seek to register all common stock that may be exchanged for OP units effective as of that date which is 12 months following completion of this offering on a shelf registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the “Securities Act.”
 
  •   MXT Capital will receive Campus Crest Group’s interests in two parcels of land consisting of 20.2 acres, with associated indebtedness of approximately $1.9 million, on which we have decided not to build student housing properties.
 
  •   We will pay the Ricker Group approximately $26.7 million of the net proceeds from this offering and our operating partnership will issue to the Ricker Group 266,667 OP units in exchange for the Ricker Group’s contribution to our operating partnership of the interests


12


Table of Contents

  owned by the Ricker Group in the predecessor entities and in the entities that have entered into ground leases with us relating to eight properties.
 
  •   Approximately $6.0 million of the net proceeds from this offering will be used to repay indebtedness owed by us to RHR, LLC, an entity owned by MXT Capital and the Ricker Group; RHR, LLC will, in turn, immediately repay an equal amount of indebtedness owed by it to an unaffiliated third party on substantially the same terms and conditions as the loan from RHR, LLC to us.
 
  •   Approximately $4.0 million of the net proceeds from this offering will be used to repay our indebtedness to Capital Bank, an entity in which the Ricker Group has an ownership interest and of which Carl H. Ricker, Jr. is a director.
 
  •   Each of Ted W. Rollins, Michael S. Hartnett and Carl H. Ricker, Jr. will be released from certain personal guarantees with respect to mortgage and construction indebtedness with aggregate principal amounts of $      million, $      million and $      million, respectively, and from personal guarantees with respect to the RHR, LLC and Capital Bank indebtedness described above.
 
  •   Indebtedness incurred by two entities through which MXT Capital conducts aspects of its business will be repaid by MXT Capital. MXT Capital will receive $4.5 million of the net proceeds from this offering, which it will immediately use to make capital contributions to these entities. These entities will, in turn, immediately use the capital contributions received from MXT Capital solely to repay indebtedness.
 
  •   Our executive officers and certain members of our management team will receive material benefits, including:
 
  •   a grant of 216,000 shares of restricted common stock pursuant to the Campus Crest Communities, Inc. 2010 Incentive Award Plan, or the “2010 Incentive Award Plan” (including 100,000 shares of restricted common stock granted in exchange for awards outstanding under Campus Crest Group’s deferred compensation plan);
 
  •   employment agreements providing for salary, bonus and other benefits, including severance upon a termination of employment under certain circumstances, as described under “Management—Employment Agreements;”
 
  •   indemnification by us for certain liabilities and expenses incurred as a result of actions brought, or threatened to be brought, against them as officers; and
 
  •   upon the completion of this offering we have agreed to pay to Donald L. Bobbitt, Jr., an executive vice president and our chief financial officer, and Howard J. Weissman, a senior vice president and our corporate controller, cash bonuses of $200,000 and $125,000, respectively.
 
  •   Each of our non-employee directors will receive material benefits, including:
 
  •   annual and per-meeting fees described under “Management—Director Compensation;” and
 
  •   indemnification by us for certain liabilities and expenses incurred as a result of actions brought, or threatened to be brought, against him as a director.


13


Table of Contents

 
Restrictions on Ownership of Our Capital Stock
 
Our charter, subject to certain exceptions and after the application of certain attribution rules, prohibits any person from directly or indirectly owning more than 9.8% by vote or value, whichever is more restrictive, of either our outstanding common stock or our outstanding capital stock in the aggregate, which we refer to in this prospectus collectively as the stock ownership limits. Our charter also prohibits any person from directly or indirectly owning any class of our capital stock if such ownership would result in us being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the “Internal Revenue Code,” or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT.
 
Our charter generally provides that any capital stock owned or transferred in violation of the foregoing restrictions will be deemed to be transferred to a charitable trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary, and the purported owner or transferee will acquire no rights in such stock. If the foregoing is ineffective for any reason to prevent a violation of these restrictions, then our charter provides that the transfer of such shares will be void.
 
No person may transfer our capital stock or any interest in our capital stock if the transfer would result in our capital stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons on or after the first day of our second taxable year. Our charter provides that any attempt to transfer our capital stock in violation of this minimum will be void.
 
Lock-up Agreements
 
We, each of our executive officers and directors, MXT Capital and Carl H. Ricker, Jr. have agreed with the underwriters not to offer, sell or otherwise dispose of any common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock (including OP units) or any rights to acquire common stock for a period of one year after the date of this prospectus, without the prior written consent of Raymond James & Associates, Inc., the representative of the underwriters, subject to limited exceptions.
 
Our Distribution Policy
 
We generally need to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year (subject to certain adjustments) to our stockholders in order to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. We intend to pay regular quarterly cash distributions to holders of our common stock, however, the amount of such distributions, if any, will be authorized by our board of directors based upon a variety of factors, such as our actual financial condition, cash flows, liquidity, FFO, results of operations, prospects, economic conditions or other factors.
 
Our Tax Status
 
In connection with this offering, we intend to elect to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856 through 859 of the Internal Revenue Code commencing with our taxable year ending on December 31, 2010. Our qualification as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Internal Revenue Code relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our distribution levels and the diversity of ownership of our stock. We believe that we will be organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code and that our intended manner of operation will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.


14


Table of Contents

As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and generally will be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which we lost our REIT qualification. Accordingly, our failure to qualify as a REIT could materially and adversely affect us, including our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future. Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to some U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income or property and the income of our taxable REIT subsidiaries will be subject to taxation at normal corporate rates. See “Federal Income Tax Considerations.”


15


Table of Contents

SUMMARY SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
You should read the following summary selected historical and pro forma financial information in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the audited historical combined financial statements of our Predecessor (as defined below) and notes thereto, and our unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The summary selected historical and pro forma financial information contained in this section is not intended to replace the audited and unaudited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
Our “Predecessor” shall mean certain entities and their consolidated subsidiaries controlled by Campus Crest Group, LLC, which carried out the development, construction, ownership and management of the properties that we will own interests in upon completion of this offering, including its interests in two joint ventures with HSRE.
 
The summary selected historical combined statement of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the summary selected historical combined balance sheet information for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 have been derived from the audited historical combined financial statements of our Predecessor, included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary selected pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the summary selected pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2009 have been derived from our unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
The summary selected pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations and balance sheet information set forth below has been adjusted to reflect our formation transactions, the sale of the common stock offered hereby, the receipt of the estimated net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and other estimated offering expenses payable by us, and the use of the estimated net proceeds as described under “Use of Proceeds.” The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009 is presented as if this offering, the use of net proceeds therefrom and our formation transactions all had occurred on December 31, 2009 for the purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet information and on January 1, 2009 for the purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations.
 
The summary selected historical combined and pro forma condensed consolidated financial information set forth below and the financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus do not necessarily reflect what our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows would have been if we had operated as a stand-alone company during all periods presented, and, accordingly, such information should not be relied upon as an indicator of our future performance, financial condition or liquidity.
 


16


Table of Contents

                                 
    Pro Forma Campus
                   
    Crest Communities,
    Historical Campus Crest Communities
 
    Inc.     Predecessor  
    Year Ended
                   
    December 31,
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2009     2008     2007  
    (unaudited)     (in thousands)  
 
Revenues:
                               
Student housing leasing
  $ 45,021     $ 43,708     $ 30,813     $ 15,598  
Student housing services
    2,289       2,265       798       110  
Development, construction and management services
    24,540       60,711       2,505        
                                 
Total revenues
    71,850       106,684       34,116       15,708  
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Student housing operations
    23,707       23,155       14,890       7,470  
Development, construction and management services
    24,847       60,200       2,147        
General and administrative
    6,450       5,617       5,422       3,467  
Ground leases
    264       264       224       40  
Write-off of pre-development costs
    1,211       1,211       203        
Depreciation and amortization
    18,598       18,371       13,573       5,765  
                                 
Total operating expenses
    75,077       108,818       36,459       16,742  
Equity in loss of uncombined entities
    (565 )     (59 )            
                                 
Operating loss
    (3,792 )     (2,193 )     (2,343 )     (1,034 )
Nonoperating income (expenses):
                               
Interest expense
    (8,646 )     (15,871 )     (14,946 )     (6,583 )
Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives
    90       797       (8,758 )     (2,115 )
Income taxes
    (73 )                  
Other income (expense)
    44       44       (50 )     100  
                                 
Total nonoperating expenses
    (8,585 )     (15,030 )     (23,754 )     (8,598 )
                                 
Net loss
    (12,377 )     (17,223 )     (26,097 )     (9,632 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (864 )     (10,486 )     (870 )     (2,083 )
                                 
Net loss attributable to Predecessor
  $ (11,513 )   $ (6,737 )   $ (25,227 )   $ (7,549 )
                                 
 

17


Table of Contents

                         
    Pro Forma
             
    Campus Crest
    Historical Campus Crest
 
    Communities, Inc.     Communities Predecessor  
    As of
             
    December 31,
    As of December 31,  
    2009     2009     2008  
    (unaudited)     (in thousands)  
 
Student housing properties
  $ 368,229     $ 347,157     $ 326,217  
Accumulated depreciation
    (38,999 )     (38,999 )     (20,794 )
Development in process
    3,300       3,300       15,742  
                         
Investment in real estate, net
    332,530       311,458       321,165  
Other assets
    48,272       20,338       20,990  
                         
Total assets
  $ 380,802     $ 331,796     $ 342,155  
                         
Mortgage and construction loans
  $ 132,304     $ 329,102     $ 322,426  
Lines of credit and other debt
          14,070       9,237  
Other liabilities
    26,764       31,340       32,606  
                         
Total liabilities
    159,068       374,512       364,269  
                         
Equity
                       
Owners’ equity (deficit)
    271,754       (50,090 )     (42,502 )
Noncontrolling interest
    (50,020 )     7,374       20,388  
                         
Total equity
    221,734       (42,716 )     (22,114 )
                         
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 380,802     $ 331,796     $ 342,155  
                         
                         
Other Data:
                       
      Pro Forma
Campus Crest
Communities, Inc.
                 
                         
      Year Ended
December 31,
2009
                 
                         
      (unaudited)                  
Funds from operations (“FFO”) (1):
                       
Net loss
  $ (11,513 )                
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (864 )                
Real estate related depreciation and amortization
    18,432                  
Equity portion of real estate related depreciation and amortization on equity investees
    355                  
                         
FFO
  $ 6,410                  
                         
 

18


Table of Contents

                         
    Historical Campus Crest Communities
    Predecessor
    As of December 31,
    2009   2008   2007
 
Cash flow information:
                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operations
  $ 4,353     $ 1,264     $ (1,209 )
Net cash used in investing
    (23,552 )     (148,385 )     (113,043 )
Net cash provided by financing
    11,060       144,781       126,061  
                         
Selected Property Information:
                       
                         
                As of December 31,            
    2009   2008   2007
 
Units
    4,476       3,542       1,814  
Beds
    12,036       9,520       4,966  
Occupancy
    84 %     78 %     91 %
 
 
(1) FFO is used by industry analysts and investors as a supplemental operating performance measure for REITs. We calculate FFO in accordance with the definition that was adopted by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or “NAREIT.” FFO, as defined by NAREIT, represents net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, excluding extraordinary items as defined under GAAP and gains or losses from sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets, plus specified non-cash items, such as real estate asset depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. We use FFO as a supplemental performance measure because, in excluding real estate-related depreciation and amortization and gains and losses from property dispositions, it provides a performance measure that, when compared year over year, captures trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating expenses. We also believe that, as a widely recognized measure of the performance of equity REITs, FFO will be used by investors as a basis to compare our operating performance with that of other REITs. However, because FFO excludes depreciation and amortization and captures neither the changes in the value of our properties that result from use or market conditions nor the level of capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, all of which have real economic effects and could materially and adversely impact our results from operations, the utility of FFO as a measure of our performance is limited. While FFO is a relevant and widely used measure of operating performance of equity REITs, other equity REITs may use different methodologies for calculating FFO and, accordingly, FFO as disclosed by such other REITs may not be comparable to FFO published herein. Therefore, we believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our historical operating results, FFO should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in the combined financial statements and the other financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of the properties’ financial performance or to cash flow from operating activities (computed in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of our liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to pay dividends or make distributions.

19


Table of Contents

 
THE OFFERING
 
Common stock offered by us                 shares(1)
 
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering
                shares(1)(2)
 
Common stock and OP units to be outstanding after this offering
                shares/units(1)(2)(3)
 
Use of proceeds We will contribute the net proceeds from this offering to our operating partnership, which will use the proceeds as follows:
 
•  approximately $215.8 million to reduce outstanding mortgage and construction loan indebtedness and pay associated costs;
 
•  approximately $4.0 million to repay unsecured indebtedness to Capital Bank;
 
•  approximately $6.0 million to repay unsecured indebtedness to RHR, LLC; RHR, LLC will, in turn, immediately repay an equal amount of indebtedness owed by it to an unaffiliated third party on substantially the same terms and conditions as the loan from RHR, LLC to us;
 
•  approximately $4.5 million will be paid to MXT Capital, which will immediately use such amount to make capital contributions to certain entities that will, in turn, immediately use the capital contributions solely to repay indebtedness;
 
•  approximately $28.6 million to acquire interests in our properties from HSRE and satisfy associated obligations to HSRE;
 
•  approximately $26.7 million to acquire interests in our properties from the Ricker Group (in addition to 266,667 OP units);
 
•  approximately $10.7 million to acquire interests in our properties from certain third-party investors (in addition to 53,000 OP units); and
 
•  approximately $      million for working capital and general corporate purposes.
 
Ownership and transfer restrictions Our charter, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits any person from directly or indirectly owning more than 9.8% by vote or value, whichever is more restrictive, of either our outstanding common stock or our outstanding capital stock in the aggregate. See “Description of Capital Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”


20


Table of Contents

 
Risk factors Investing in our common stock involves significant risks. You should carefully read and consider the information set forth under “Risk Factors” and all other information in this prospectus before investing in our common stock.
 
Proposed New York Stock Exchange symbol
“          ”
 
 
(1) Excludes           shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option.
 
(2) Includes the grant of 100,000 shares of restricted common stock to certain of our executive officers and certain members of our management team in exchange for awards outstanding under Campus Crest Group’s deferred compensation plan and a grant of 116,000 shares of restricted common stock to certain of our executive officers and certain members of our management team.
 
(3) Includes the issuance of an aggregate of           OP units to MXT Capital, the Ricker Group and certain third-party investors in connection with our formation transactions.


21


Table of Contents

 
RISK FACTORS
 
Investment in our common stock involves significant risks. You should therefore carefully consider the material risks of an investment in our common stock that are discussed in this section, as well as the other information contained in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. The occurrence of any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, per share trading price and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and pay dividends or distributions to you and could cause you to lose all or a significant part of your investment. Some statements in this prospectus, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
 
Risks Related to Our Business and Properties
 
Developing properties will expose us to additional risks beyond those associated with owning and operating student housing properties, and could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Our future growth will depend, in part, upon our ability to successfully complete the three properties that we are currently building and the five identified sites that we have under contract and expect to commence building upon completion of this offering and to successfully identify and plan additional development opportunities. Our development activities may be adversely affected by:
 
  •   abandonment of development opportunities after expending significant cash and other resources to determine feasibility, requiring us to expense costs incurred in connection with the abandoned project;
 
  •   construction costs of a project exceeding our original estimates;
 
  •   failure to complete development projects on schedule or in conformity with building plans and specifications;
 
  •   lower than anticipated occupancy and rental rates at a newly completed property, which rates may not be sufficient to make the property profitable;
 
  •   the lack of available construction financing on favorable terms or at all;
 
  •   the lack of available permanent financing upon completion of a property financed through construction loans, on expected terms or at all;
 
  •   failure to complete lease-up as anticipated;
 
  •   failure to obtain, or delays in obtaining, necessary zoning, land use, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations;
 
  •   liability for injuries and accidents occurring during the construction process and for environmental liabilities including those that may result from off-site disposal of construction materials; and
 
  •   strikes, inclement weather, government regulations and other conditions beyond our control that delay construction or otherwise increase the cost of development.


22


Table of Contents

 
Our development activities may be adversely affected by circumstances beyond our control, including: work stoppages; labor disputes; shortages of qualified trades people, such as carpenters, roofers, electricians and plumbers; changes in laws relating to union organizing activity; lack of adequate utility infrastructure and services; our reliance on local subcontractors, who may not be adequately capitalized or insured; and shortages, delay in availability, or fluctuations in prices of, building materials. Any of these circumstances could give rise to delays in the start or completion of, or could increase the cost of, developing one or more of our properties. If we are unable to recover these increased costs by raising our lease rates, our financial performance and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Additionally, due to the amount of time required for planning, constructing and leasing of development properties, we may not realize a significant cash return for several years. If any of the above events occur, the development of properties may hinder our growth and have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. In addition, new development activities, regardless of whether or not they are ultimately successful, typically require substantial time and attention from management.
 
Maintaining our development capabilities involves significant expense, including compensation expense for our development personnel and related overhead. To the extent we cease or limit our development activity, this expense will not be offset by revenues from our development activity.
 
Our properties located in Conway, Arkansas, Huntsville, Texas and Statesboro, Georgia are currently under construction and subject to the risks described above. Upon completion, in aggregate, these properties will comprise approximately 11.4% of our total available beds.
 
In the event we do not complete the construction of these properties by the beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year, the student-tenants with whom we have signed leases may require us to provide them with alternative housing. We have not made any arrangements for such alternative housing and we would likely incur significant expenses in the event we are obligated to provide such housing. If construction is not completed prior to the beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year, these student-tenants may also attempt to break their leases and our occupancy at, and rental revenue from, these properties for the 2010-2011 academic year may suffer, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
In addition, 12 of our properties are subject to liens or claims for materials or labor relating to disputes with subcontractors or other parties that were involved in the development and construction process. We have recorded a liability of approximately $2.6 million related to these liens and claims as of December 31, 2009. There can be no assurance that we will not be required to pay amounts greater than our currently recorded liabilities in order to obtain the release of the liens or settle these claims. Further, we may not be able to obtain long-term financing for these properties until the liens are released.
 
We expect that, subject to completion of this offering, we will acquire land and commence building properties for our own account on five identified sites that we have under contract, with completion targeted for the 2011-2012 academic year. For each of these five sites, we have conducted significant pre-development activities and are in the process of obtaining the necessary zoning and site plan approvals. These and any other developments will be subject to the development risks described above with regard to the three properties that are currently under development.
 
We may develop properties in geographic regions within the United States in which we do not currently operate. To the extent we choose to develop properties in new geographic regions, we will not possess the same level of familiarity with development in these markets, which could


23


Table of Contents

adversely affect our ability to develop such properties successfully or at all or to achieve expected performance, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We rely on our relationships with the colleges and universities from which our properties draw student-tenants and the policies and reputations of these schools; any deterioration in our relationships with such schools or changes in the schools’ admissions or residency policies or reputations could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We rely on our relationships with colleges and universities for referrals of prospective student-tenants or for mailing lists of prospective student-tenants and their parents. Many of these schools own and operate on-campus student housing which compete with our properties for student-tenants. The failure to maintain good relationships with these schools could therefore have a material adverse effect on us. If schools refuse to provide us with referrals or to make lists of prospective student-tenants and their parents available to us or increase the cost of these lists, the lack of such referrals, lists or increased cost could have a material adverse effect on us.
 
Changes in admission and housing policies could adversely affect us. For example, if a school reduces the number of student admissions or requires that a certain class of students (e.g., freshman) live in on-campus housing, the demand for beds at our properties may be reduced and our occupancy rates may decline. While we may engage in marketing efforts to compensate for any such policy changes, we may not be able to effect such marketing efforts prior to the commencement of the annual lease-up period, or our additional marketing efforts may not be successful, which could reduce the demand for our properties and materially and adversely affect us.
 
It is also important that the schools from which our properties draw student-tenants maintain good reputations and are able to attract the desired number of incoming students. Any degradation in a school’s reputation could inhibit its ability to attract students and reduce the demand for our properties.
 
Our results of operations are subject to risks inherent in the student housing industry, such as an annual leasing cycle and limited leasing period; which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We generally lease our properties for 11.5-month terms. Therefore, our properties must be entirely re-leased each year, exposing us to more leasing risk than property lessors that lease their properties for longer terms. Student housing properties are also typically leased during a limited leasing period that generally begins in January and ends in August of each year. We are therefore highly dependent on the effectiveness of our marketing and leasing efforts and personnel during this leasing period. We will be subject to heightened leasing risk at properties under development and at properties we may acquire in the future due to our lack of experience leasing such properties. Any significant difficulty in leasing our properties would adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions on our common stock and would likely have a negative impact on the trading price of our common stock.
 
Additionally, student-tenants may be more likely to default on their lease obligations during the summer months, which could further reduce our revenues during this period. Although we typically require a student-tenant’s lease obligations to be guaranteed by a parent, we may have to spend considerable effort and expense in pursuing payment upon a defaulted lease, and our efforts may not be successful.
 
Competition from other student housing properties, including on-campus housing and traditional multi-family housing located in close proximity to the colleges and universities


24


Table of Contents

from which we draw student-tenants may reduce the demand for our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Our properties compete with properties owned by universities, colleges, national and regional student housing businesses and local real estate concerns. On-campus student housing has inherent advantages over off-campus student housing (such as the majority of our properties), due to its physical location on the campus and integration into the academic community, which may cause student-tenants to prefer on-campus housing to off-campus housing. Additionally, colleges and universities may have financial advantages that allow them to provide student housing on more attractive terms than we are able to. For example, colleges and universities can generally avoid real estate taxes and borrow funds at lower interest rates than private, for-profit real estate concerns, such as us.
 
There are a number of student housing properties that are located near or in the same general vicinity of many of our properties and that compete directly with our properties. Such competing student housing properties may be newer, located closer to campus, charge less rent, possess more attractive amenities, offer more services or offer shorter lease terms or more flexible lease terms than our properties. Competing properties could reduce demand for our properties and materially and adversely affect us.
 
Revenue at a particular property could also be adversely affected by a number of other factors, including the construction of new on-campus and off-campus housing, decreases in the general levels of rents for housing at competing properties, decreases in the number of students enrolled at one or more of the colleges or universities from which the property draws student-tenants and other general economic conditions.
 
Although we believe no participant in the student housing industry holds a dominant market share, we will compete with larger national companies, colleges and universities that have greater resources and superior access to capital. Furthermore, we believe that a number of other large national companies with substantial financial and marketing resources may be potential entrants in the student housing business. The activities of any of these companies, colleges or universities could cause an increase in competition for student-tenants and for the acquisition, development and management of other student housing properties, which could reduce the demand for our properties.
 
Our success depends on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed, and their departure could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We are dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, particularly those of Ted W. Rollins, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, and Michael S. Hartnett, our co-chairman and chief investment officer. These individuals have extensive experience in our business, including sourcing attractive investment opportunities, development activities, financing activities, university relations and leasing. Messrs. Rollins and Hartnett have directed the operations of our predecessor entities and each has over 20 years of experience in providing service-enriched housing and approximately seven years of student housing experience. The loss of the services of either Mr. Rollins or Mr. Hartnett could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Adverse economic conditions and dislocation in the credit markets have had a material and adverse effect on us and may continue to materially and adversely affect us.
 
We have recently experienced unprecedented levels of volatility in the capital markets, a reduction in the availability of credit and intense recessionary pressures, which have had an adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to borrow funds. For example, lenders


25


Table of Contents

are generally imposing more stringent lending standards and applying more conservative valuations to properties. This has limited the amount of indebtedness we have been able to obtain, and has impeded our ability to develop new properties and to replace construction financing with permanent financing. If these conditions continue, our business and our growth strategy may be materially and adversely affected.
 
The challenging economic environment may continue to adversely affect us by, among other things, limiting or eliminating our access to financing, which would adversely affect our ability to develop and refinance properties and pursue acquisition opportunities. Significantly more stringent lending standards and higher interest rates may reduce our returns on investment and increase our interest expense, which could adversely affect our financial performance and liquidity. Additionally, the limited amount of financing currently available may reduce the value of our properties, limit our ability to borrow against such properties and, should we choose to sell a property, impair our ability to dispose of such property at an attractive price or at all, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
The current economic environment could reduce enrollment and limit the demand for our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
A continuation of ongoing economic conditions that adversely affect household disposable income, such as high unemployment levels, weak business conditions, reduced access to credit, increasing tax rates and high fuel and energy costs, could reduce overall student leasing or cause student-tenants to shift their leasing practices as students may determine to forego college or live at home and commute to college.
 
In addition, as a result of general economic weakness, many students may be unable to obtain student loans on favorable terms. If student loans are not available or their costs are prohibitively high, enrollment numbers for schools from which we draw student-tenants may decrease, resulting in a decrease in the demand for, and consequently the occupancy rates at and rental revenue from, our properties. Accordingly, the continuation or deterioration of current economic conditions could materially and adversely affect us.
 
In the past we have experienced significant losses and negative cash flows from operations; if these trends continue, we could be materially and adversely affected.
 
We have recently incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations. These results have had a negative impact on our financial condition. Although we anticipate that upon the completion of this offering and our formation transactions we will be adequately capitalized and be able to resume our historical levels of development activity, there can be no assurance that our business will become profitable in the future and additional losses and negative cash flows from operations will not be incurred. If these trends continue in the future, our financial performance, liquidity and our ability to operate our business as a going concern could be materially and adversely affected.
 
If we are unable to acquire properties on favorable terms, our future growth could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Our future growth will depend, in part, upon our ability to acquire new properties on favorable terms. Acquisition opportunities may not be available to us on terms that we deem acceptable, and we may be unsuccessful in consummating acquisition opportunities. Our ability


26


Table of Contents

to acquire properties on favorable terms and successfully operate them may be adversely affected by:
 
  •   an inability to obtain financing on attractive terms or at all;
 
  •   competition from other real estate investors;
 
  •   increased purchase prices and decreased expected yields due to competition from other potential acquirers;
 
  •   the need to make significant and unexpected capital expenditures to improve or renovate acquired properties;
 
  •   an inability to quickly and efficiently integrate acquisitions, particularly any acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into our existing operations;
 
  •   market conditions may result in higher than expected vacancy rates and lower than expected rental rates at acquired properties; and
 
  •   acquisition of properties subject to liabilities but without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, to the sellers, or with liabilities that are unknown to us, such as liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination, claims by tenants, vendors or other persons dealing with the former owners of our properties.
 
Our failure to identify and consummate property acquisitions on attractive terms or the failure of any acquired properties to meet our expectations could materially and adversely affect our future growth.
 
Our strategy of investing in properties located in medium-sized college and university markets may not be successful, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Our business strategy involves investing in properties located in medium-sized college and university markets, which are smaller than larger educational markets. Larger educational markets, such as Boston, Massachusetts or Washington, D.C., often have multiple colleges and universities that have larger enrollments than schools located in medium-sized college and university markets and attract students nationally and internationally. The colleges and universities that our properties draw student-tenants from typically have smaller enrollments than schools in larger educational markets and tend to attract students from within the region in which the school is located. If the schools in our markets experience reduced enrollment, for example due to adverse economic conditions, or are unable to attract sufficient students to achieve a desired class size, the pool of prospective student-tenants for our properties will be reduced. This could have the result of reducing our occupancy and lowering the revenue from our properties, which could materially and adversely affect our financial performance and liquidity.
 
Our indebtedness exposes us to a risk of default and will reduce our free cash flow, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Upon completion of this offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, our total consolidated indebtedness will be approximately $132.3 million. We also expect to incur significant additional indebtedness in connection with the development activities that we expect to undertake upon completion of this offering. Our debt service obligations will expose us to the risk of default and reduce cash available to invest in our business or pay distributions that are necessary to qualify and remain qualified as a REIT. Although we intend to limit the sum of the


27


Table of Contents

outstanding principal amount of our consolidated indebtedness to not more than     % of our total market capitalization, our board of directors may modify or eliminate this limitation at any time without the approval of our stockholders. Furthermore, our charter does not contain any limitation on the amount of indebtedness that we may incur. In the future we may incur substantial indebtedness in connection with the development or acquisition of additional properties.
 
In addition, the tax protection agreement will require us to maintain a minimum level of indebtedness of $      throughout the tax protection period in order to allow a sufficient amount of debt to be allocable to MXT Capital and its members to avoid certain adverse tax consequences. If we fail to maintain such minimum indebtedness throughout the tax protection period, and as a consequence MXT Capital or its members incur federal, state or local tax liabilities, we would be required to make indemnifying payments to them, which would inhibit our ability to reduce our indebtedness below the amount required to be maintained.
 
Our indebtedness and the limitations imposed on us by our indebtedness could have significant adverse consequences, including the following:
 
  •   we may be unable to borrow additional funds as needed or on favorable terms;
 
  •   we may be unable to refinance our indebtedness at maturity or the refinancing terms may be less favorable than the terms of the indebtedness being refinanced;
 
  •   we may be forced to dispose of one or more of our properties, possibly on disadvantageous terms;
 
  •   we may default on our payment or other obligations as a result of insufficient cash flow or otherwise, which may result in a cross-default on our other obligations, and the lenders or mortgagees may foreclose on our properties that secure their loans and receive an assignment of rents and leases;
 
  •   to the extent that we incur unhedged floating rate debt, we will have exposure to interest rate risk; and
 
  •   foreclosures could create taxable income without accompanying cash proceeds, a circumstance which could hinder our ability to meet the distribution requirements necessary to enable us to qualify and remain qualified for taxation as a REIT.
 
Compliance with the provisions our debt agreements, including the financial and other covenants, such as the maintenance of specified financial ratios, could limit our flexibility and a default under these agreements could result in a requirement that we repay indebtedness, which could severely affect our liquidity and increase our financing costs, which could materially and adversely affect us. We are currently not in compliance with certain covenants under the loan documentation relating to various lending arrangements to which we are party. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Consents or Waivers Under our Loan Documents.” We have obtained waivers for these covenant violations and intend to repay a substantial portion of our outstanding indebtedness with a portion of the net proceeds from this offering; upon completion of this offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, we expect to be in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. However, if we do not complete this offering, we would need to access alternative capital resources to meet our cash requirements, and there is no assurance that we would be successful in doing so. An inability to refinance maturing indebtedness or obtain


28


Table of Contents

alternative financing would have a material adverse affect on our business and financial condition.
 
Joint venture investments could be materially and adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority, our reliance on our co-venturers’ financial condition and disputes between our co-venturers and us.
 
Our properties located in Lawrence, Kansas, Moscow, Idaho, San Angelo and Huntsville, Texas, Conway, Arkansas and Statesboro, Georgia, comprising approximately 22.5% of our beds, will be held in a joint venture with HSRE. Additionally, we anticipate that we will enter into other joint ventures in the future. We may not have a controlling interest in a joint venture and may share responsibility with our co-venturer for managing the property held by the joint venture. Under such circumstances, we may not have sole decision-making authority regarding the joint venture’s property. Investments in joint ventures, under certain circumstances, involve risks not present when we invest in a property without the involvement of a third party. For example, our co-venturer may have economic or other business interests or goals which are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, and may be in a position to take actions contrary to our preferences, policies or objectives. Additionally, it is possible that our co-venturer might become bankrupt, fail to fund its share of required capital contributions or block or delay decisions that we believe are necessary. Such investments may also have the potential risk of impasses on decisions, such as sales, because neither we nor our co-venturers may have full control over the joint venture. Disputes between us and our co-venturer may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and divert the attention of our officers and directors from other aspects of our business. Consequently, actions by or disputes with our co-venturers might result in subjecting properties owned by the joint venture vehicle to additional risk. In addition, we may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of our third-party co-venturers. Any of foregoing factors could materially and adversely affect our joint-venture investments.
 
Our management team has not previously operated a REIT, and this inexperience could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Our management team has not operated a business that has sought to qualify for taxation as a REIT or in compliance with the numerous technical restrictions and limitations set forth in the Internal Revenue Code applicable to REITs. In addition, managing a portfolio of assets under the REIT requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may limit the types of investments we are able to make or the activities that we may undertake. We may not be able to operate a REIT as profitably as a more experienced management team.
 
Our investment in properties subject to ground leases exposes us to the potential loss of such properties upon the expiration or termination of the ground leases, and the realization of such loss could materially and adversely affect us. Our properties at the University of South Alabama are also subject to a right of first refusal that may inhibit our ability to sell them.
 
Our properties located on the campus of the University of South Alabama are subject to ground leases with affiliates of the university. We have another property located in Moscow, Idaho which is also subject to a ground lease. In addition, we may invest in additional properties that are subject to ground leases. As the lessee under a ground lease, we are exposed to the possibility of losing our leasehold interest in the land on which our buildings are located. A ground lease may not be renewed upon the expiration of its current term or terminated by the lessor pursuant to the terms of the lease if we do not meet our obligations thereunder.
 
In the event of an uncured default under either of our existing ground leases, the lessor may terminate our leasehold interest in the land on which our buildings are located. Any termination


29


Table of Contents

of our existing ground leases, unless in conjunction with the exercise of a purchase option, would also result in termination of our management agreement relating to the property. If we lose the leasehold interest in any of our properties, we could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Our properties located at the University of South Alabama are also subject to a right of first refusal pursuant to which the ground lessor entity related to the university has a right to purchase our leasehold interest in the relevant property in the event we decide to accept an offer to sell either property to a third party. This may inhibit our ability to sell these properties. Further, our right to transfer one of the on-campus properties is subject to the consent of the ground lessor, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.
 
We may face risks associated with purchasing undeveloped land, and the occurrence of any of these risks could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We typically do not hold land for future development. We do, however, enter into purchase and sale agreements for undeveloped land from time to time in anticipation of obtaining construction financing and commencing development activities. A delay in obtaining construction financing may result in a delay in closing the acquisition of undeveloped land pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement. This may require us to pay to the seller of the land additional money in the form of an earnest money deposit, which may not be refundable or applicable against the purchase price.
 
It is possible that we will purchase property for development based on an erroneous estimate of the demand for student housing in the relevant market. This could result in us paying a purchase price for a property that ultimately proves to be in excess of such property’s value. As a result, we may acquire land for development at a cost that we may not be able to recover fully or on which we cannot build and develop a profitable student housing property. Real estate markets are highly uncertain and the value of such undeveloped land may fluctuate as a result of changing market conditions. Carrying costs can be significant and can result in losses or reduced margins. As a result, we may incur impairments on any land we acquire.
 
We may incur losses on interest rate swap and hedging arrangements, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We may in the future enter into agreements to reduce the risks associated with increases in interest rates. Although these agreements may partially protect against rising interest rates, they also may reduce the benefits to us if interest rates decline. If an arrangement is not indexed to the same rate as the indebtedness that is hedged, we may be exposed to losses to the extent the rate governing the indebtedness and the rate governing the hedging arrangement change independently of each other. Finally, nonperformance by the other party to the arrangement may subject us to increased credit risks. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Our inability to pass-through increases in taxes or other real estate costs to our student-tenants could materially and adversely affect our financial performance and liquidity.
 
We generally are not able to pass through to our student-tenants under existing leases increases in taxes, including real estate and income taxes, or other real estate related costs, such as insurance or maintenance. Consequently, unless we are able to off-set any such increases with sufficient revenues, our financial performance and liquidity may be materially and adversely affected by any such increases.


30


Table of Contents

The prior performance of our predecessor entities may not be indicative of our future performance.
 
All of our properties have been acquired or developed by our predecessor entities within the past six years and have limited operating histories. Consequently, the historical operating results of our properties and the financial data set forth in this prospectus may not be indicative of our future performance. The operating performance of the properties may decline and we could be materially and adversely affected.
 
As a result of operating as a public company, we will incur significant increased costs and our management will be required to devote substantial time to new compliance requirements, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We have never operated as a public company. As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses, as well as expend significant management time, relating to various requirements applicable to public companies that were not applicable to our predecessor as a closely held private company. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,” the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act,” and the New York Stock Exchange, or the “NYSE,” rules impose numerous requirements relating to a public company’s corporate governance and disclosure obligations. Compliance with these requirements will require us to hire additional employees, adopt new policies, procedures and controls, and cause us to incur significant costs. For example, we will be required to have specified board committees, adopt internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, and file annual, quarterly and other reports and information with the SEC. If we identify any issues in complying with requirements applicable to public companies, we would likely incur additional costs remediating those issues and such costs could be significant, and the existence of those issues could materially and adversely affect us, our reputation or investor perception of us. It could also make it more difficult and expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we could be required to accept reduced policy limits and insurance coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it could become more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers. Any of the foregoing costs or factors could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We will be subject to the requirements of Section 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which may be costly and challenging.
 
Our management will be required to deliver a report that assesses the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as of December 31 subsequent to the year in which the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part becomes effective. Internal controls are intended to allow management or employees in the normal course of performing their functions to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. There is a deficiency in internal controls when their design or operation does not permit such prevention or detection. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires our independent registered public accounting firm to deliver an attestation report on the operating effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting in conjunction with their opinion on our audited financial statements as of the same date.
 
Substantial work on our part is required to implement appropriate processes, document the system of internal control over key processes, assess their design, remediate any deficiencies identified and test their operation. This process is expected to be both costly and challenging. Our Predecessor had not previously prepared consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the financial statements of some of the entities that are included in our Predecessor’s financial


31


Table of Contents

statements were not individually audited. Consequently, it was necessary to consolidate numerous financial statements, some of which were unaudited, in anticipation of the audit of our Predecessor’s financial statements. In the course of such audit, it became necessary to prepare and record a number of adjustments to account balances that were identified as a result of the audit process itself. As a closely held private company our Predecessor has not been required to operate in compliance with the foregoing requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will be required to hire additional staff, and design and implement additional controls in order to comply with these requirements. We intend to bring our operations into compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act within one year following the completion of this offering as required, and comply with the other mandates of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, but there can be no assurance that such compliance will be achieved or maintained.
 
We cannot give any assurances that we will successfully remediate any material weaknesses identified in connection with our compliance with the provisions of Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The existence of any material weakness would preclude a conclusion by management and our registered independent public accounting firm that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting. Our management may be required to devote significant time and incur significant expense to remediate any material weaknesses that may be discovered and may not be able to remediate any material weaknesses in a timely manner. The existence of a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting could also result in errors in our financial statements that could require us to restate our financial statements, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and cause stockholders to lose confidence in our reported financial information, all of which could lead to a decline in the trading price of our common stock.
 
Reporting of on-campus crime statistics required of colleges and universities may negatively impact our properties.
 
Federal and state laws require colleges and universities to publish and distribute reports of on-campus crime statistics, which may result in negative publicity and media coverage associated with crimes occurring in the vicinity of, or on the premises of, our on-campus properties. Reports of crime or other negative publicity regarding the safety of the students residing on, or near, our properties may have an adverse effect on both our on-campus and off-campus properties.
 
We may be subject to liabilities from litigation which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We may become involved in legal proceedings, including consumer, employment, tort or commercial litigation that, if decided adversely to or settled by us and not adequately covered by insurance, could result in liabilities that could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Risks Related to the Real Estate Industry
 
Our performance and the value of our properties are subject to risks associated with real estate and with the real estate industry, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Our ability to make distributions to our stockholders depends on our ability to generate cash revenues in excess of our expenses, including expenses associated with our development activities, indebtedness and capital expenditure requirements. The occurrence of certain events and conditions that are generally applicable to owners and operators of real estate, many of which are beyond our control, could materially and adversely affect us. These events and conditions include:
 
  •   adverse national, regional and local economic conditions;


32


Table of Contents

 
  •   rising interest rates;
 
  •   oversupply of student housing in our markets, increased competition for student-tenants or reduction in demand for student housing;
 
  •   inability to collect rent from student-tenants;
 
  •   vacancies at our properties or an inability to lease our properties on favorable terms;
 
  •   inability to finance property development and acquisitions on favorable terms;
 
  •   increased operating costs, including insurance premiums, utilities and real estate taxes;
 
  •   the need for capital expenditures at our properties;
 
  •   costs of complying with changes in governmental regulations;
 
  •   the relative illiquidity of real estate investments; and
 
  •   civil unrest, acts of God, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters, which may result in uninsured losses, and acts of war or terrorism.
 
In addition, periods of economic slowdown or recession, such as the one the global economy is currently experiencing, rising interest rates or declining demand for real estate, or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in a general decline in occupancy rates and rental revenue or an increased incidence of defaults under our existing leases, which could impair the value of our properties or reduce our cash flow.
 
Illiquidity of real estate investments could significantly impede our ability to sell our properties or otherwise respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
From time to time, we may determine that it is in our best interest to sell one or more of our properties. However, because real estate investments are relatively illiquid, we may encounter difficulty in finding a buyer in a timely manner should we desire to sell one of our properties, especially if market conditions are poor at such time. Selling real estate has been difficult recently, since the availability of credit has become more limited, as lending standards have become more stringent. As a result, potential buyers have experienced difficulty in obtaining financing necessary to purchase a property. In addition, our properties are specifically designed for use as student housing, which could limit their marketability or affect their values for alternative uses. Consequently, should we desire to sell one or more of our properties, our ability to do so promptly or on terms that we deem to be acceptable may be limited, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We also may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold. We cannot assure you that we will have funds available to correct any such defects or to make any such improvements. In connection with any future property acquisitions, we may agree to provisions that materially restrict our ability to sell the property for a period of time or impose other restrictions, such as a limitation on the amount of debt that can be secured by or repaid with respect to such property.
 
In addition, in order to qualify for taxation as a REIT and to maintain such qualification, the Internal Revenue Code limits our ability to sell properties held for less than two years, which


33


Table of Contents

may cause us to incur losses thereby reducing our cash flows. These factors and any others that would impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of any of our properties or a need for liquidity could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Finally, MXT Capital will enter into a tax protection agreement with us that significantly restricts our ability to sell our properties. Pursuant to the tax protection agreement, we will agree not to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of any of our properties for the tax protection period in a transaction that would cause MXT Capital or its members to realize built-in gain to such properties at the time of their contribution to our Operating Partnership. All of our properties will have such built-in gain. If we sell one or more of our properties during the tax protection period, we will be required to pay to MXT Capital an amount equal to the federal, state and local taxes imposed on the built-in gain allocated to it or its members, with the amount of such taxes being computed based on the highest applicable federal, state and local marginal tax rates, as well as any “grossed up” taxes imposed on such payments.
 
Increases in property taxes would increase our operating costs, which could materially and adversely affect our financial performance and liquidity.
 
Each of our properties will be subject to real and personal property taxes. These taxes may increase as tax rates change and as the properties are assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. If property taxes increase, our operating costs will increase, and therefore our financial performance and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected.
 
We could incur significant costs related to government regulation and private litigation over environmental matters, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Under various environmental laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or “CERCLA,” a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for contamination resulting from the release or threatened release of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum at that property. Additionally, an entity that arranges for the disposal or treatment of a hazardous or toxic substance or petroleum at another property may be held jointly and severally liable for the cost of investigating and cleaning up such property or other affected property. Such parties are known as potentially responsible parties, or PRPs. These environmental laws often impose liability regardless of whether the PRP knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the contaminants, and the costs of any required investigation or cleanup of these substances can be substantial. PRPs may also be liable to parties who have claims for contribution in connection with any such contamination, such as other PRPs or state and federal governmental agencies. The liability is generally not limited under such laws and therefore could easily exceed the property’s value and the assets of the liable party.
 
The presence of contamination, hazardous materials or environmental issues, or the failure to remediate such conditions, at a property may expose us to third-party liability for personal injury or property damage, remediation costs or adversely affect our ability to sell, lease or develop the property or to borrow using the property as collateral, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Environmental laws also impose ongoing compliance requirements on owners and operators of real estate. Environmental laws potentially affecting us address a wide variety of matters, including, but not limited to, asbestos-containing building materials, or “ACBMs,” storage tanks, storm water and wastewater discharges, lead-based paint, radon, wetlands and hazardous wastes. Failure to comply with these laws could result in fines and penalties or expose us to third-party liability, which could materially and adversely affect us. Some of our properties may have conditions that are subject to these requirements and we could be liable for such fines or


34


Table of Contents

penalties or liable to third parties, as described below in “Business and Properties—Regulation—Environmental Matters.”
 
The conditions at some of our properties may expose us to liability and remediation costs related to environmental matters, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Certain of our properties may contain, or may have contained, ACBMs. Environmental laws require that ACBMs be properly managed and maintained, and may impose fines and penalties on building owners and operators for failure to comply with these requirements. Also, some of our properties may contain, or may have contained, or are adjacent to or near other properties that may contain or may have contained storage tanks for the storage of petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. Any of these conditions create the potential for the release of these contaminants. Third parties may be permitted by law to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury associated with exposure to these or other contaminants. Furthermore, some of our properties include regulated wetlands on undeveloped portions of such properties and mitigated wetlands on or near our properties, the existence of which can delay or impede development or require costs to be incurred to mitigate the impact of any disturbance. Absent appropriate permits, we can be held responsible for restoring wetlands and be required to pay fines and penalties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Over the past several years there have been an increasing number of lawsuits against owners and operators of properties alleging personal injury and property damage caused by the presence of mold in real estate. Mold growth can occur when excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Concern about indoor exposure to mold has been increasing as some molds have been shown to produce airborne toxins and irritants and exposure to these and other types of molds may lead to adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. Some of our properties may contain microbial matter such as mold and mildew. The presence of significant mold at any of our properties could require us to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold from the affected property and could expose us to liability from student-tenants, employees and others if property damage or health concerns arise, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
If any of our properties are not properly connected to a water or sewer system, or if the integrity of such systems are breached, microbial matter or other contamination can develop. If this were to occur, we could incur significant remedial costs and we could also be subject to private damage claims and awards, which could be material. If we become subject to claims in this regard, it could materially and adversely affect us and our insurability for such matters in the future.
 
Independent environmental consultants have conducted Phase I environmental site assessments on all of our properties. These Phase I environmental site assessments are intended to evaluate information regarding the environmental condition of the surveyed property and surrounding properties based generally on visual observations, interviews and the review of publicly available information. These assessments do not typically take into account all environmental issues including, but not limited to, testing of soil or groundwater, a comprehensive asbestos survey or an invasive inspection for the presence of lead-based paint, radon or mold contamination. As a result, these assessments may have failed to reveal all environmental conditions, liabilities, or other compliance issues affecting our properties. Material environmental conditions, liabilities, or compliance issues may have arisen after the assessments were conducted or may arise in the future.


35


Table of Contents

In addition, future laws, ordinances or regulations may impose material additional environmental liabilities. We cannot assure you that the cost of future environmental compliance or remedial measures will not affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders or that such costs or other remedial measures will not be material to us.
 
In the event we decided to sell one of our properties, the presence of hazardous substances on such property may limit our ability to sell it on favorable terms or at all, and we may incur substantial remediation costs.
 
The discovery of material environmental liabilities at one or more of our properties could subject us to unanticipated significant costs, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We may incur significant costs complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Amendments Act and similar laws, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or the “ADA,” all public accommodations must meet various federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Compliance with the ADA’s requirements may require modifications to our properties, such as the removal of access barriers or restrict our ability to renovate or develop our properties in the manner we desire. In addition, in June 2008, the Department of Justice proposed a substantial number of changes to the accessibility guidelines under the ADA. In January of 2009, President Obama suspended final publication and implementation of these regulations, pending comprehensive review by his administration. If implemented as proposed, the new guidelines could cause some of our properties to incur costly measures to become fully compliant.
 
Additional federal, state and local laws may also require us to make similar modifications or impose similar restrictions on us. For example, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, or “FHAA,” requires apartment properties first occupied after March 13, 1990 to be accessible to the handicapped.
 
We have not conducted an audit or investigation of all of our properties to determine our compliance with present requirements of the ADA, FHAA or any similar laws. Noncompliance with any of these laws could result in us incurring significant costs to make substantial modifications to our properties or in the imposition of fines or an award or damages to private litigants. We cannot predict the ultimate amount of the cost of compliance with the ADA, FHAA or other legislation. If we incur substantial costs to comply with the ADA, FHAA or any other legislation, we could be materially and adversely affected.
 
We may incur significant costs complying with other regulatory requirements, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Our properties are subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as state and local fire and life safety requirements. If we fail to comply with these various requirements, we might incur governmental fines or private damage awards. Furthermore, existing requirements could change and require us to make significant unanticipated expenditures, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Uninsured losses or losses in excess of insured limits could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We carry comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage, terrorism and rental loss insurance covering all of our properties. Our insurance includes coverage for earthquake damage to properties located in seismically active areas, windstorm damage to properties exposed to hurricanes, and terrorism insurance on all of our properties. In each case, we believe the coverage


36


Table of Contents

limits and applicable deductibles are commercially reasonable. All insurance policies are subject to coverage extensions that are typical for our business. We do not carry insurance for generally uninsured losses such as loss from riots or acts of God.
 
In the event we experience a loss which is uninsured or which exceeds our policy limits, we could lose the capital invested in the damaged property as well as the anticipated future cash flows from such property. In addition, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the property. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors might also keep us from using insurance proceeds to replace or renovate a property after it has been damaged or destroyed. Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds we receive might be inadequate to restore our economic position with respect to the damaged or destroyed property. Furthermore, in the event of a substantial loss at one or more of our properties that is covered by one or more policies, the remaining insurance under these policies, if any, could be insufficient to adequately insure our other properties. In such event, securing additional insurance policies, if possible, could be significantly more expensive than our current policies. Any loss of these types may materially and adversely affect us.
 
Future terrorist attacks in the U.S. could reduce the demand for, and the value of, our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Future terrorist attacks in the U.S., such as the attacks that occurred in New York and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001, and acts of war, or threats of the same, could reduce the demand for, and the value of, our properties. Any such event in any of the markets in which our properties are located would make it difficult for us to maintain the affected property’s occupancy or to re-lease the property at rates equal to or above historical rates, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
In addition, terrorist attacks could directly impact the value of our properties through damage, destruction, loss, or increased security costs, and the availability of insurance for such acts may be limited or prohibitively expensive. If we receive casualty proceeds, we may not be able to reinvest such proceeds profitably or at all, and we may be forced to recognize taxable gain on the affected property, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Risks Related to Our Company and Structure
 
Provisions of our charter allow our board of directors to authorize the issuance of additional securities, which may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us through a transaction that our stockholders believe to be in their best interest.
 
Upon completion of this offering, our charter will authorize our board of directors to issue up to 90,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. In addition, our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, amend our charter to increase the aggregate number of our shares or the number of shares of any class or series that we have the authority to issue and to classify or reclassify any unissued common stock or preferred stock and to set the preferences, rights and other terms of the classified or reclassified stock. As a result, our board of directors may authorize the issuance of additional stock or establish a series of common or preferred stock that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company, including through a transaction at a premium over the market price of our common stock, even if our stockholders believe that a change in control through such a transaction is in their best interest.


37


Table of Contents

Provisions of Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, which, in turn, may negatively affect our stockholders’ ability to realize a premium over the market price of our common stock.
 
Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or the “MGCL,” may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change in control under circumstances that otherwise could provide our stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price of our common stock, including:
 
  •   The Maryland Business Combination Act that, subject to limitations, prohibits certain business combinations between us and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our voting capital stock) or an affiliate of any interested stockholder for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, and thereafter imposes special appraisal rights and special stockholder voting requirements on these combinations; and
 
  •   The Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act that provides that our “control shares” (defined as shares which, when aggregated with other shares controlled by the stockholder, entitle the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of “control shares”) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.
 
By resolution of our board of directors, we have opted out of the business combination provisions of the MGCL and provided that any business combination between us and any other person is exempt from the business combination provisions of the MGCL, provided that the business combination is first approved by our board of directors (including a majority of directors who are not affiliates or associates of such persons). Pursuant to a provision in our bylaws, we have opted out of the control share provisions of the MGCL. However, our board of directors may by resolution elect to opt in to the business combination provisions of the MGCL and we may, by amendment to our bylaws, opt in to the control share provisions of the MGCL in the future.
 
Additionally, Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL permits our board of directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or bylaws, to implement certain takeover defenses, such as a classified board, some of which we do not yet have. These provisions may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us that otherwise could provide our stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price of our common stock.
 
The ownership limitations in our charter may restrict or prevent you from engaging in certain transfers of our common stock, which may delay or prevent a change in control of us that our stockholders believe to be in their best interest.
 
In order for us to qualify as a REIT for each taxable year after 2010, no more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares of our common stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the federal income tax laws to include various kinds of entities) during the last half of any taxable year. Attribution rules in the Internal Revenue Code determine if any individual or entity actually or constructively owns our common stock under this requirement. Additionally, at least 100 persons must beneficially own shares of our common stock during at least 335 days of a taxable year for each taxable year after 2010. To assist us in


38


Table of Contents

qualifying as a REIT, our charter contains a stock ownership limit which provides that, subject to certain exceptions, no person or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, more than 9.8% by vote or value, whichever is more restrictive, of either our outstanding common stock or our outstanding capital stock in the aggregate. Generally, any of our shares of common stock owned by affiliated owners will be added together for purposes of the stock ownership limit.
 
If anyone transfers shares of our stock in a way that would violate the stock ownership limit or prevent us from qualifying as a REIT under the federal income tax laws, those shares instead will be transferred to a trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary and will be either redeemed by us or sold to a person whose ownership of the shares will not violate the stock ownership limit or we will consider the transfer to be null and void from the outset, and the intended transferee of those shares will be deemed never to have owned the shares. Anyone who acquires shares of our common stock in violation of the stock ownership limit or the other restrictions on transfer in our charter bears the risk of suffering a financial loss when the shares are redeemed or sold if their market price falls between the date of purchase and the date of redemption or sale.
 
The constructive ownership rules under the Internal Revenue Code are complex and may cause stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of our stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, our stock) by an individual or entity, could, nevertheless cause that individual or entity, or another individual or entity, to own constructively in excess of 9.8% of our outstanding stock and therefore they would be subject to the stock ownership limit. Our charter, however, allows exceptions to be made to this limitation if our board of directors determines that such exceptions will not jeopardize our tax status as a REIT.
 
In addition, the stock ownership limit and the other restrictions on transfer in our charter may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a third party from acquiring control of us, whether such a transaction involved a premium price for our common stock or otherwise was in the best interest of our stockholders.
 
Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited, which could limit the recourse available in the event actions are taken that are not in the best interest of our stockholders.
 
Maryland law provides that a director has no liability in connection with the director’s management of the business and affairs of a corporation if he or she performs his or her duties in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. In addition, our charter exculpates our directors and officers from liability to us and our stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment and which is material to the cause of action. Our charter authorizes us to indemnify our directors and officers for actions taken by them in those capacities to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Our bylaws require us to indemnify each director or officer, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service to us. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs incurred by our directors and officers. As a result, we and our stockholders may have more limited rights against our directors and officers, which could limit the recourse available in the event actions are taken that are not in our stockholders’ best interest.


39


Table of Contents

Our charter contains provisions that make removal of our directors difficult, which could make it difficult for our stockholders to effect changes to our management that our stockholders believe to be in their best interest.
 
Our charter provides that a director may be removed only for cause (as defined in our charter) and then only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. Our charter also provides that vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if less than a quorum. These requirements prevent stockholders from removing directors except for cause and with a substantial affirmative vote and from replacing directors with their own nominees. As a result, a change in the management of our company that our stockholders believe is in their best interest may be delayed, deferred or prevented.
 
Our board of directors has approved very broad investment guidelines for us and will not review or approve each investment decision made by our management team.
 
Our management team is authorized to follow broad investment guidelines and, therefore, has great latitude in determining which are the proper investments for us, as well as the individual investment decisions. Our management team may make investments with lower rates of return than those anticipated under current market conditions and/or may make investments with greater risks to achieve those anticipated returns.
 
The ability of our board of directors to change some of our policies without the consent of our stockholders may lead to the adoption of policies that are not in the best interest of our stockholders.
 
Our major policies, including our policies with respect to investments, leverage, financing, growth, debt and capitalization, will be determined by our board of directors or those committees or officers to whom our board of directors may delegate such authority. Our board of directors will also establish the amount of any dividends or distributions that we may pay to our stockholders. Our board of directors or the committees or officers to which such decisions may be delegated will have the ability to amend or revise these and our other policies at any time without stockholder vote. Accordingly, our stockholders may not have control over changes in our policies, and we may adopt policies that may not prove to be in the best interests of our stockholders.
 
As a result of our formation transactions, which were not negotiated on an arm’s length basis, our existing investors will receive substantial economic benefits from this offering.
 
MXT Capital will receive           OP units for the contribution of its interests in the predecessor entities and its student housing business and $4.5 million of the net proceeds from this offering will be used for the repayment of certain indebtedness. Ted W. Rollins, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, and Michael S. Hartnett, our co-chairman and chief investment officer, by virtue of their indirect ownership in MXT Capital, and therefore the various entities that own interests in the predecessor entities, will be entitled to receive a significant portion of the benefits of this offering received by MXT Capital. MXT Capital, through Campus Crest Group, and the Ricker Group were the principal prior owners of our predecessor entities and MXT Capital played a significant role in structuring our formation. In the course of structuring our formation, MXT Capital had the ability to influence the type and level of benefits that it and our executive officers would receive from us. It also had the ability to influence the other terms of our formation transactions, including, without limitation, the representations and warranties that it made to us in our formation transactions and the indemnities that it provided to us for breaches of such representations and warranties. In addition, as a result of this offering and


40


Table of Contents

the application of the net proceeds therefrom, Mr. Rollins and Mr. Hartnett will be released from certain personal guarantees with respect to mortgage and construction indebtedness with aggregate principal amounts of $      million and $      million, respectively, and from personal guarantees with respect to the RHR, LLC and Capital Bank indebtedness, as described below. MXT Capital will also receive Campus Crest Group’s interests in two parcels of land consisting of 20.2 acres, with associated indebtedness of approximately $1.9 million, on which we have decided not to build student housing properties. In addition, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with MXT Capital pursuant to which we will agree, among other things, to register the resale of any common stock that may be exchanged for the OP units issued in our formation transactions.
 
The Ricker Group will receive approximately $26.7 million from the net proceeds from this offering and 266,667 OP units for the contribution of its interests in the predecessor entities and its interest in the entities that own fee interests in certain properties that were subject to ground leases such that our operating partnership will have, following the completion of this offering and our formation transactions, fee simple title to the real estate that is the subject of the leases. Following this transfer, none of the predecessor entities other than Campus Crest at Mobile, LLC and Campus Crest at Mobile Phase II, LLC (which own The Grove at Mobile in Mobile, AL) and Campus Crest at Moscow, LLC (which owns The Grove at Moscow in Moscow, ID) shall be subject to any ground lease. In addition, as a result of this offering and the use of the net proceeds therefrom, Mr. Ricker will be released from certain personal guarantees with respect to mortgage and construction indebtedness in the aggregate amount of $      million, and from personal guarantees with respect to the RHR, LLC and Capital Bank indebtedness described below.
 
Certain third-party investors will receive in aggregate approximately $10.7 million from the net proceeds from this offering and approximately 53,000 OP units for the contribution of their interests in the predecessor entities.
 
We will use approximately $4.0 million of the net proceeds from this offering to repay our indebtedness to Capital Bank, an entity in which the Ricker Group has an ownership interest and of which Carl H. Ricker, Jr. is a director.
 
We will use approximately $6.0 million of the net proceeds from this offering to repay indebtedness owed by us to RHR, LLC, an entity owned by MXT Capital and the Ricker Group. RHR, LLC will, in turn, immediately repay an equal amount of indebtedness owed by it to an unaffiliated third party on substantially the same terms and conditions as the loan from RHR, LLC to us.
 
Since we did not conduct arm’s length negotiations with our existing investors with respect to the terms of our formation transactions, the terms of the agreements we reached with these investors may not be as favorable to us as if they were so negotiated.
 
Members of our management and board of directors will be holders of OP units, and their interests may differ from those of our stockholders.
 
After the consummation of this offering, members of our management and board of directors will also be direct or indirect holders of OP units. As holders of OP units, they may have conflicting interests with our stockholders. For example, they may have different tax positions from our stockholders, which could influence their decisions regarding whether and when to dispose of assets, whether and when to incur new indebtedness or refinance existing indebtedness and how to structure future transactions. As a result, our management and board of directors may implement policies or make decisions that are not in the best interest of our stockholders.


41


Table of Contents

Members of our management will be beneficiaries of a tax protection agreement that will significantly restrict our ability to sell our properties and may require us to maintain indebtedness that we otherwise would not.
 
MXT Capital will enter into a tax protection agreement with us. Pursuant to the tax protection agreement, we will agree not to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of any of our properties during the tax protection period in a transaction that would cause MXT Capital or its members to realize built-in gain. All of our properties will have such built-in gain. If we sell one or more of our properties during the tax protection period, we will be required to pay to MXT Capital an amount equal to the federal, state and local taxes imposed on the built-in gain allocated to it or its members, with the amount of such taxes being computed based on the highest applicable federal, state and local marginal tax rates, as well as any “grossed up” taxes imposed on such payments. Consequently, our ability to sell or dispose of our properties will be substantially restricted by this obligation to make payments to MXT Capital during the tax protection period if we sell a property.
 
The tax protection agreement will also require us to maintain a minimum level of indebtedness of $      throughout the tax protection period in order to allow a sufficient amount of debt to be allocable to MXT Capital and its members to avoid certain adverse tax consequences. If we fail to maintain such minimum indebtedness throughout the tax protection period, and as a consequence MXT Capital or its members incur federal, state or local tax liabilities, we will be required to make indemnifying payments to them, computed in the manner described in the preceding paragraph.
 
We will enter into employment agreements with certain of our executive officers that will require us to make payments in the event such officer’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by such officer for good reason. This may make it difficult for us to effect changes to our management or limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us that would otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
 
The employment agreements that we will enter into with certain of our executive officers upon completion of this offering provide benefits under certain circumstances that could make it more difficult for us to terminate these officers. Therefore, even if we sought to replace these officers, it may not be economically viable for us to do so. Furthermore, because an acquiring company would likely seek to replace these officers with their own personnel, these employment agreements could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of our company that would otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
 
After the consummation of this offering and our formation transactions, our primary assets will be our general partner interest in our operating partnership and OP units and, as a result, we will depend on distributions from our operating partnership to pay dividends and expenses.
 
After the consummation of this offering and our formation transactions, we will be a holding company and will have no material assets other than our general partner interest and OP units. We intend to cause our operating partnership to make distributions to its limited partners, including us, in an amount sufficient to allow us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and to pay all our expenses. To the extent we need funds and our operating partnership is restricted from making distributions under applicable law, agreement or otherwise, or if our operating partnership is otherwise unable to provide such funds, the failure to make such distributions could adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.


42


Table of Contents

We operate through a partnership structure, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Our primary property-owning vehicle is our operating partnership, of which we are the sole general partner. Our acquisition of properties through our operating partnership in exchange, in part, for OP units may permit certain tax deferral advantages to the sellers of those properties. Since the properties contributed to our operating partnership may have unrealized gain attributable to the difference between the fair market value and adjusted tax basis in such properties prior to contribution, the sale of such properties could cause material and adverse tax consequences to the limited partners who contributed such properties. Although we, as the sole general partner of our operating partnership, generally have no obligation to consider the tax consequences of our actions to any limited partner, we have agreed to indemnify MXT Capital for certain tax consequences related to our properties and there can be no assurance that our operating partnership will not acquire properties in the future subject to material restrictions designed to minimize the adverse tax consequences to the limited partners who contribute such properties. Such restrictions could result in significantly reduced flexibility to manage our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
We have fiduciary duties as sole general partner of our operating partnership which may result in conflicts of interest in representing your interests as stockholders of our company.
 
After the consummation of this offering, conflicts of interest could arise in the future as a result of the relationship between us, on the one hand, and our operating partnership or any partner thereof, on the other. We, as the sole general partner of our operating partnership, will have fiduciary duties to the other limited partners in our operating partnership under Delaware law. At the same time, our directors and officers have duties to us and our stockholders under applicable Maryland law in connection with their management of us. Our duties as the sole general partner of our operating partnership may come in conflict with the duties of our directors and officers to us and our stockholders. For example, those persons holding OP units will have the right to vote on certain amendments to the partnership agreement (which require approval by a majority in interest of the limited partners, including us) and individually to approve certain amendments that would adversely affect their rights. These voting rights may be exercised in a manner that conflicts with the interests of our stockholders. We are unable to modify the rights of limited partners to receive distributions as set forth in the partnership agreement in a manner that adversely affects their rights without their consent, even though such modification might be in the best interest of our stockholders. Our partnership agreement will provide that if there is a conflict between the interests of our stockholders, on one hand, and the interests of the limited partners, on the other, we will endeavor in good faith to resolve the conflict in a manner not adverse to either our stockholders or the limited partners; provided, however, that for so long as we own a controlling interest in our operating partnership, we have agreed to resolve any conflict that cannot be resolved in a manner not adverse to either our stockholders or the limited partners in favor of our stockholders.
 
Changes in accounting rules, assumptions and/or judgments could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Accounting rules and interpretations for certain aspects of our operations are highly complex and involve significant assumptions and judgment. These complexities could lead to a delay in the preparation and public dissemination of our financial statements. Furthermore, changes in accounting rules and interpretations or in our accounting assumptions and/or judgments, such as asset impairments, could significantly impact our financial statements. Under any of these circumstances, we could be materially and adversely affected.


43


Table of Contents

Risks Related to this Offering
 
We may not be able to make an initial distribution or maintain any initial, or any subsequent, distribution rate.
 
Our ability to fund any distributions out of operating cash flow will depend, in part, upon the receipt of cash flow from our properties. If we need to fund future distributions from working capital, or if we reduce our distribution rate, our stock price may be adversely affected. To the extent that we fund any distributions from working capital, our cash available for investment in our business, including for property development and acquisition purposes, will decrease.
 
Any distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a holder to the extent that they do not exceed the adjusted basis of the holder’s shares in respect of which the distributions were made, but rather, will reduce the adjusted basis of these shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a stockholder’s shares, they will generally be included in income as capital gains. For a more complete discussion of the tax treatment of distributions to our stockholders, see “Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
 
A public market for our common stock may never develop and your ability to sell your shares of our common stock may be limited.
 
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. We intend to apply to have our common stock listed on the NYSE under the symbol ‘‘          ”. However, an active trading market for our common stock may never develop or, even if one does develop, may not be sustained. In the absence of an active trading market, an investor may be unable to liquidate an investment in shares of our common stock at a favorable price or at all. The initial public offering price has been determined by us and the representative of the underwriters. We cannot assure you that the price at which the common stock will sell in the public market after the closing of this offering will not be lower than the price at which they are sold by the underwriters.
 
Common stock eligible for future sale may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
We cannot predict the effect, if any, of future issuances of shares of our common stock or the availability of shares of our common stock for future sale on the market price of our common stock. Any sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market (including shares issued to our directors and officers), or the perception that such sales might occur, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
 
We, each of our directors and executive officers, MXT Capital and Carl H. Ricker, Jr. have agreed, with limited exceptions, that we and they will not, without the prior written consent of the representative of the underwriters, for a period of one year after the date of this prospectus (subject to extension under certain circumstances), among other things, directly or indirectly, offer to sell, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of our common stock or securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock or file a registration statement with the SEC relating to the offering of any shares of our common stock or such convertible or exchangeable securities. In addition, we have agreed with the underwriters that we will not, during the same period of time, issue any shares of our common stock in exchange for any OP units. However, the representative may, at any time, release all or any portion of the shares of common stock subject to the foregoing lock-up provisions. If these restrictions are waived, the


44


Table of Contents

affected shares of common stock may be available for sale into the market which could reduce the market price of our common stock.
 
Under our 2010 Incentive Award Plan, we have the ability to issue options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards to our executive officers, employees and non-employee directors. In connection with this offering, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 to register all shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2010 Incentive Award Plan, and once we register these shares, they can be freely sold in the public market after issuance, subject to the terms of the plan and the lock-up provisions discussed above. MXT Capital will enter into a registration rights agreement with us. Pursuant to that agreement, we will agree, among other things, to register the resale of any common stock that may be exchanged for the OP units issued in our formation transactions. This agreement requires us to seek to register all common stock that may be exchanged for OP units effective as of that date which is 12 months following completion of this offering on a shelf registration statement under the Securities Act. We also may issue from time to time common stock or cause our operating partnership to issue OP units in connection with the acquisition of properties and we may grant demand or piggyback registration rights in connection with these issuances. Registration of the sales of these shares of our common stock would facilitate their sale into the public market. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, may have the effect of reducing the market price of our common stock and impeding our ability to raise future capital. In addition, any future sales of shares of our common stock may dilute the value of our common stock.
 
The market price of our common stock may be volatile due to numerous circumstances, some of which are beyond our control.
 
Even if an active trading market develops for our common stock, the market price of our common stock may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. Our financial performance, government regulatory action, tax laws, interest rates and market conditions in general could have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock. Some of the factors that could negatively affect the market price or result in fluctuations in the market price of our common stock include:
 
  •   actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results;
 
  •   changes in our financial performance or earnings estimates;
 
  •   increases in market interest rates;
 
  •   changes in market valuations of similar companies;
 
  •   adverse market reaction to any indebtedness we incur in the future;
 
  •   additions or departures of key personnel;
 
  •   actions by our stockholders;
 
  •   speculation in the press or investment community;
 
  •   general market, economic and political conditions, including the recent economic slowdown and dislocation in the global credit markets;


45


Table of Contents

 
  •   our issuance of additional shares of common stock or other securities;
 
  •   the performance of other similar companies;
 
  •   changes in accounting principles;
 
  •   passage of legislation or other regulatory developments that adversely affect us or our industry; and
 
  •   the potential impact of the recent economic slowdown on the student housing industry and related budgets of colleges and universities.
 
Market interest rates may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
One of the factors that investors may consider in deciding whether to buy or sell our common stock will be the dividend yield on our common stock as a percentage of our stock price, relative to market interest rates. An increase in market interest rates may lead prospective purchasers of our common stock to expect a higher dividend yield in order to maintain their investment, and higher interest rates would likely increase our borrowing costs which would reduce our cash flow, cash available to service our indebtedness or invest in our business and adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. As a result, higher market interest rates could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
Future offerings of debt or equity securities ranking senior to our common stock may limit our operating and financial flexibility and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
If we decide to issue debt or equity securities in the future ranking senior to our common stock or otherwise incur indebtedness, it is possible that these securities or indebtedness will be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility and limiting our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges, including with respect to distributions, more favorable than those of our common stock and may result in dilution to owners of our common stock. Because our decision to issue debt or equity securities in any future offering or otherwise incur indebtedness will depend on then current market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings or financings, any of which could adversely affect the market price, and dilute the value of, our common stock.
 
We have not obtained appraisals of our properties in connection with this offering and the price we pay to our existing investors for their interests in our predecessor entities may exceed our properties’ market value.
 
We have not obtained appraisals of our properties in connection with this offering. The consideration we have agreed to pay to our existing investors for their interests in our predecessor entities is based upon the valuation of our business as a going concern. As a result, this consideration may exceed our properties’ individual market values.
 
The initial public offering price of our common stock was determined in consultation with the representative of the underwriters and does not necessarily bear any relationship to the book value or the market value of our properties. Factors considered in determining the initial public offering price included the valuation multiples of publicly traded companies that the representative of the underwriters believes to be comparable to us, our financial information, the history of,


46


Table of Contents

and the prospects for, our company and the industry in which we compete, an assessment of our management, its past and present operations, and the prospects for, and timing of, our future revenues, the present state of our development, and the above factors in relation to market values and various valuation measures of other companies engaged in activities similar to ours. As a result, our value, as represented by the initial public offering price of our common stock, may exceed the market value of our individual properties.
 
Purchasers of our common stock in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution.
 
The initial public offering price of our common stock is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. As of December 31, 2009, the aggregate historical combined net tangible book value of the interests and assets to be transferred to our operating partnership was approximately $      million, or $      per share of our common stock on a fully-diluted basis. The pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock after the consummation of this offering and our formation transactions will be less than the initial public offering price. You will therefore experience immediate dilution of $      per share immediately after this offering.
 
Federal Income Tax Risk Factors
 
Our failure to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT could have a material and adverse effect on us and the market price of our common stock.
 
We intend to operate in a manner that will allow us to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code. We have not requested and do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, that we qualify as a REIT, and the statements in this prospectus are not binding on the IRS or any court. If we fail to qualify or lose our qualification as a REIT, we will face serious tax consequences that would substantially reduce the funds available for distribution to our stockholders for each of the years involved because:
 
  •   we would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to stockholders in computing our taxable income and we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates;
 
  •   we also could be subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax and possibly increased state and local taxes; and
 
  •   unless we are entitled to relief under applicable statutory provisions, we could not elect to be taxed as a REIT for four taxable years following a year during which we were disqualified.
 
In addition, if we lose our qualification as a REIT, we will not be required to make distributions to stockholders, and all distributions to our stockholders will be subject to tax as regular corporate dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. This means that our U.S. individual stockholders would be taxed on our dividends at a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate currently at 15%, and our corporate stockholders generally would be entitled to the dividends received deduction with respect to such dividends, subject, in each case, to applicable limitations under the Internal Revenue Code.
 
Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Internal Revenue Code provisions and regulations promulgated thereunder for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. Even a technical or inadvertent violation could jeopardize our ability to qualify as a REIT. The complexity of these provisions and of the applicable U.S. Treasury


47


Table of Contents

Department regulations, or “Treasury Regulations,” that have been promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code is greater in the case of a REIT that, like us, holds its assets through a partnership. The determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT. In order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of requirements on a continuing basis, including requirements regarding the composition of our assets, sources of our gross income and stockholder ownership. Also, we must make distributions to stockholders aggregating annually at least 90% of our net taxable income, excluding net capital gains.
 
As a result of these factors, our failure to qualify as a REIT could materially and adversely affect us and the market price of our common stock.
 
To qualify and remain qualified as a REIT, we will likely rely on the availability of equity and debt capital to fund our business.
 
To qualify and remain qualified as a REIT, we generally must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our net taxable income each year, excluding net capital gains, and we will be subject to regular corporate income taxes to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our net taxable income each year. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which distributions paid by us in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income and 100% of our undistributed income from prior years. Because of REIT distribution requirements, we may be unable to fund capital expenditures, such as our developments, future acquisitions or property upgrades or renovations from operating cash flow. Therefore, we may be dependent on the public equity and debt capital markets and private lenders to fund our growth and other capital expenditures. However, we may not be able to obtain this capital on favorable terms or at all. Our access to third-party sources of capital depends, in part, on:
 
  •   general market conditions;
 
  •   our current debt levels and the number of properties subject to encumbrances;
 
  •   our current performance and the market’s perception of our growth potential;
 
  •   our cash flow and cash dividends; and
 
  •   the market price of our common stock.
 
If we cannot obtain capital from third-party sources, we may not be able to acquire or develop properties when strategic opportunities exist, satisfy our debt service obligations or make the cash distributions to our stockholders, including those necessary to qualify or maintain our qualification as a REIT, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that have a material and adverse affect on our financial performance and liquidity.
 
Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. Any of these taxes would cause our operating costs to increase, and therefore our financial performance and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected.
 
In particular, various services provided at our properties are not permitted to be provided directly by our Operating Partnership, but must be provided through “taxable REIT subsidiaries”


48


Table of Contents

that are treated as fully taxable corporations. Although we do not anticipate this to be the case, it is possible that the income that is derived by, and subject to corporate income tax in the hands of, such taxable REIT subsidiaries may be significant.
 
To qualify or remain qualified as a REIT, we may be forced to limit the activities of our taxable REIT subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
To qualify or remain qualified as a REIT, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may consist of the securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries, or “TRS.” Certain of our activities, such as our third-party development, construction, management and leasing services, must be conducted through our TRSs for us to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT. In addition, certain non-customary services must be provided by a TRS or an independent contractor. If the revenues from such activities create a risk that the value of our TRSs, based on revenues or otherwise, approaches the 25% threshold, we will be forced to curtail such activities or take other steps to remain under the 25% threshold. Since the 25% threshold is based on value, it is possible that the IRS could successfully contend that the value of our TRSs exceeds the 25% threshold even if our TRSs account for less than 25% of our consolidated revenues, income or cash flow. After our formation transactions, our third-party services will be performed by our TRSs. Consequently, income earned from our third-party services and non-customary services will be subject to regular federal income taxation and state and local income taxation where applicable, thus reducing the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
 
A TRS is not permitted to directly or indirectly operate or manage a “hotel, motel or other establishment more than one-half of the dwelling units in which are used on a transient basis.” We have been advised by counsel that the proposed method of operating our TRSs will not be considered to constitute such an activity. Future Treasury Regulations or other guidance interpreting the applicable provisions might adopt a different approach, or the IRS might disagree with the conclusion of our counsel. In such event we might be forced to change our method of operating our TRSs, or one or more of the TRSs could fail to qualify as a TRS, which could cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT. Any of the foregoing circumstances could materially and adversely affect us.
 
If our operating partnership failed to qualify as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, we would cease to qualify as a REIT and we could be materially and adversely affected.
 
We believe that our operating partnership will qualify to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As a partnership, our operating partnership will not be subject to federal income tax on its income. Instead, each of its partners, including us, will be required to pay tax on its allocable share of our operating partnership’s income. No assurance can be provided, however, that the IRS, will not challenge its status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If the IRS were successful in treating our operating partnership as a corporation for tax purposes, we would fail to meet the gross income tests and certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs and, accordingly, cease to qualify as a REIT. Also, the failure of the our operating partnership to qualify as a partnership would cause it to become subject to federal state and corporate income tax, which would reduce significantly the amount of cash available for debt service and for distribution to its partners, including us.
 
Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividends, which could materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
The maximum tax rate applicable to income from “qualified dividends” payable to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates has been reduced by legislation to 15% (through


49


Table of Contents

the end of 2010). Dividends payable by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for the reduced rates. Although this does not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends payable by REITs, the more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends could cause investors who are individuals, trusts and estates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could materially and adversely affect the market price of the stock of REITs, including shares of our common stock.
 
We may in the future choose to pay dividends in our own stock, in which case you may be required to pay income taxes in excess of the cash dividends you receive.
 
We may in the future distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash and shares of our common stock at the election of each stockholder. Under Revenue Procedure 2010-12 (which extends guidance previously issued by the IRS in Revenue Procedure 2009-15), up to 90% of any such taxable dividend through 2011 could be payable in our stock. Taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes. As a result, stockholders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash dividends received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our common stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in stock. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our common stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock.
 
Further, while Revenue Procedure 2010-12 applies only to taxable dividends payable in cash or stock through 2011, it is unclear whether and to what extent we will be able to pay taxable dividends in cash and stock in later years. Moreover, various aspects of such a taxable cash/stock dividend are uncertain and have not yet been addressed by the IRS. No assurance can be given that the IRS will not impose additional requirements in the future with respect to taxable cash/stock dividends, including on a retroactive basis, or assert that the requirements for such taxable cash/stock dividends have not been met.
 
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities, which could materially and adversely affect our financial performance and liquidity.
 
The REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code substantially limit our ability to hedge our liabilities. Any income from a hedging transaction we enter into to manage risk of interest rate changes with respect to borrowings made or to be made to acquire or carry real estate assets generally does not constitute “gross income” for purposes of the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, if certain requirements are met. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of the gross income tests. As a result, we might have to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because a domestic TRS would be subject to tax on gains or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than we would otherwise want to bear. In addition, losses in our TRSs will generally not provide any tax benefit, except for being carried forward against future taxable income in the respective TRS. These increased costs could materially and adversely affect our financial performance and liquidity.


50


Table of Contents

Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forgo otherwise attractive investment opportunities, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
To qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we continually must satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the type and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We may be unable to pursue investments that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source-of-income, asset-diversification or distribution requirements for qualifying as a REIT. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make certain attractive investments, which could materially and adversely affect us.
 
The ability of our board of directors to revoke our REIT election without stockholder approval may cause adverse consequences to our stockholders.
 
Our charter provides that our board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without the approval of our stockholders, if it determines that it is no longer in our best interests to continue to qualify as a REIT. If we cease to qualify as a REIT, we would become subject to federal income tax on our taxable income and would no longer be required to distribute most of our taxable income to our stockholders, which may have adverse consequences on the total return to our stockholders.
 
New legislation, regulation or administrative or judicial action, in each instance potentially with retroactive effect, could make it more difficult or impossible for us to qualify as a REIT.
 
The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of REITs may be modified, possibly with retroactive effect, by legislative, regulation, administrative or judicial action at any time, which could affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an investment in our common stock. The U.S. federal income tax rules that affect REITs are under constant review by persons involved in the legislative process, the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department, which results in statutory changes as well as frequent revisions to regulations and interpretations. Revisions in U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could cause us to change our investments and commitments, which could also affect the tax considerations of an investment in our common stock.


51


Table of Contents

 
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “approximately,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “plan” or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, discuss future expectations, describe future plans and strategies, contain financial and operating projections or state other forward-looking information. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future events, actions, plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, our actual results and performance could differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, liquidity, results of operations, FFO and prospects include, but are not limited to:
 
  •   the factors discussed in this prospectus, including those set forth under the section titled “Risk Factors;”
 
  •   the performance of the student housing industry in general;
 
  •   decreased occupancy or rental rates at our properties resulting from competition or otherwise;
 
  •   the operating performance of our properties;
 
  •   the success of our development activities;
 
  •   changes on the admissions or housing policies of the colleges and universities from which we draw student-tenants;
 
  •   the availability of and our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;
 
  •   changes in our business and growth strategies;
 
  •   our capitalization and leverage level;
 
  •   our capital expenditures;
 
  •   the degree and nature of our competition, in terms of developing properties, consummating acquisitions and in obtaining student-tenants to fill our properties;
 
  •   volatility in the real estate industry, interest rates and spreads, the debt or equity markets, the economy generally or the local markets in which our properties are located, whether the result of market events or otherwise;
 
  •   events or circumstances which undermine confidence in the financial markets or otherwise have a broad impact on financial markets, such as the sudden instability or collapse of large financial institutions or other significant corporations, terrorist attacks, natural or man-made disasters or threatened or actual armed conflicts;
 
  •   the availability and terms of short-term and long-term financing, including financing for development activities;


52


Table of Contents

 
  •   the availability of attractive development and/or acquisition opportunities in properties that satisfy our investment criteria, including our ability to identify and consummate successful property developments and property acquisitions;
 
  •   the credit quality of our student-tenants and parental guarantors;
 
  •   changes in personnel, including the departure of key members of our senior management, and lack of availability of qualified personnel;
 
  •   unanticipated increases in financing and other costs, including a rise in interest rates;
 
  •   estimates relating to our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future and our expectations as to the form of any such distributions;
 
  •   environmental costs, uncertainties and risks, especially those related to natural disasters;
 
  •   the limitations imposed by the tax protection agreement on our ability to sell or dispose of our properties during the tax protection period;
 
  •   changes in governmental regulations, accounting treatment, tax rates and similar matters;
 
  •   legislative and regulatory changes (including changes to laws governing the taxation of REITs); and
 
  •   limitations imposed on our business and our ability to satisfy complex rules in order for us to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to qualify as TRSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to operate effectively within the limitations imposed by these rules.
 
When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this prospectus. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements, which reflect our views as of the date of this prospectus. The matters summarized under “Prospectus Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Business and Properties” and elsewhere in this prospectus could cause our actual results and performance to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, our forward-looking statements. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee future results or performance. Furthermore, except as required by law, we are under no duty to, and we do not intend to, update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


53


Table of Contents

 
USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Assuming an initial public offering price of $      per share of common stock based upon the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, we estimate we will receive gross proceeds from this offering of $      and approximately $      if the underwriters’ overallotment option is exercised in full. After deducting the underwriting discount and other estimated expenses of this offering payable by us, we expect net proceeds from this offering of approximately $      and approximately $      if the underwriters’ overallotment option is exercised in full.
 
We will contribute the net proceeds from this offering to our operating partnership. Assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option, we intend to use the net proceeds from this offering as follows:
 
  •   approximately $215.8 million to reduce outstanding mortgage and construction loan indebtedness and pay associated costs, as follows: (i) $32.5 million outstanding under our mortgage loan with Silverton Bank relating to two of our properties, which has an interest rate of 6.4% per annum and a maturity date of February 28, 2013; (ii) $15.9 million outstanding under our construction loan with Wachovia Bank relating to The Grove at Mobile-Phase II, which has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 300 basis points (with a 5.5% interest rate floor) and a maturity date of October 31, 2010; (iii) $148.4 million outstanding under our construction loan with Wachovia Bank relating to nine of our properties, which has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 280 basis points (with a 6.00% interest rate floor through October 31, 2010 with respect to approximately $136.4 million) and a maturity date of January 31, 2011; (iv) $14.0 million outstanding under our construction loan with Wachovia Bank relating to The Grove at San Marcos, which has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 250 basis points (with a 5.94% interest rate floor) and a maturity date of May 15, 2011; and (v) $5.0 million to pay costs associated with the termination of interest rate swaps and hedges relating to the repayment of this debt (based on the settlement value as of December 31, 2009);
 
  •   approximately $4.0 million to repay unsecured indebtedness owed to Capital Bank, which has an interest rate of prime plus 1.0% and a maturity date of August 5, 2010;
 
  •   approximately $6.0 million to repay unsecured indebtedness owed by us to RHR, LLC, an entity owned by MXT Capital and the Ricker Group, which has an interest rate of 12% and a maturity date of April 30, 2011; RHR, LLC will, in turn, immediately repay an equal amount of indebtedness owed by it to an unaffiliated third party on substantially the same terms and conditions as the loan from RHR, LLC to us;
 
  •   approximately $4.5 million will be paid to MXT Capital, which will immediately use such amounts to make capital contributions to certain entities that will, in turn, immediately use the capital contributions solely to repay indebtedness;
 
  •   approximately $28.6 million to acquire interests in our properties from HSRE and satisfy associated obligations to HSRE;
 
  •   approximately $26.7 million to acquire interests in our properties from the Ricker Group (in addition to 266,667 OP units);


54


Table of Contents

 
  •   approximately $10.7 million to acquire interests in our properties from certain third-party investors (in addition to 53,000 OP units); and
 
  •   approximately $      million for working capital and general corporate purposes.
 
If the underwriters’ overallotment option is exercised, we expect to use the additional net proceeds (which, if the underwriters’ overallotment is exercised in full, will be approximately $      (based upon the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus)) for working capital and general corporate purposes.
 
Pending application of any portion of the net proceeds from this offering, we will invest it in interest-bearing accounts and short-term, interest-bearing securities as is consistent with our intention to qualify for taxation as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Such investments may include, for example, obligations of the U.S. federal government and governmental agency securities, certificates of deposit and interest-bearing bank deposits.
 
The following table provides information related to the expected sources and uses of the proceeds from this offering, assuming the underwriters’ overallotment option is not exercised.
 
                     
Sources
   
Uses
 
(in thousands)     (in thousands)  
 
Gross offering proceeds (1)
  $                    $             
           
Underwriting discount
       
           
Other fees and expenses
       
           
Reduction of outstanding
mortgage and
construction loan
indebtedness and
payment of associated costs
    215.8  
           
Repayment of unsecured indebtedness
(Capital Bank and RHR,
LLC)
    10.0  
           
Payment to MXT Capital for repayment of certain indebtedness
    4.5  
           
Payment to HSRE for
interests in our properties
and associated obligations
    28.6  
           
Payment to the Ricker Group
for interests in our
properties
    26.7  
           
Payment to certain third-party
investors for interests in our
  properties
    10.7  
           
Working capital (2)
       
                     
Total Sources
  $      
Total Uses
  $    
                     


55


Table of Contents

 
(1) This amount assumes           shares of common stock are sold in this offering and will increase or decrease depending upon whether such shares are sold above or below $      per share (the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus).
 
(2) Working capital needs will be met by utilizing net proceeds from this offering and funds available under our senior secured revolving credit facility, which we expect to obtain upon completion of this offering.


56


Table of Contents

 
OUR DISTRIBUTION POLICY
 
To qualify as a REIT so that U.S. federal income tax generally does not apply to our earnings to the extent distributed to stockholders, we must, in addition to meeting other requirements, annually distribute to our stockholders an amount at least equal to (i) 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain), plus (ii) 90% of the excess of our net income from foreclosure property (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) over the tax imposed on such income by the Internal Revenue Code, less (iii) any “excess non-cash income” (as determined under the Internal Revenue Code). We are subject to income tax on income that is not distributed to our stockholders and to an excise tax to the extent that certain percentages of our income are not distributed to our stockholders by specified dates.
 
To the extent that, in respect of any calendar year, cash available for distribution to our stockholders is less than our REIT taxable income, we could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions or make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities. In addition, prior to the time we have fully invested the net proceeds from this offering, we may fund our quarterly distributions out of such net proceeds. The use of our net proceeds for distributions could be dilutive to our financial results. In addition, funding our distributions from our net proceeds may constitute a return of capital to our investors, which would have the effect of reducing each stockholder’s basis in its holdings of our common stock. We will generally not be required to make distributions with respect to activities conducted through any domestic TRS that we form following the completion of this offering. See “Federal Income Tax Considerations—Requirements for Qualification—Distribution Requirements.” The REIT distribution requirements will, however, generally apply to all taxable income allocated to us from our operating partnership. Income as computed for purposes of the foregoing tax rules will not necessarily correspond to our income as determined for financial reporting purposes.
 
Although we anticipate making quarterly distributions to our stockholders, the timing, form and amount of any distributions to our stockholders will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to:
 
  •   our actual and projected FFO, results of operations, liquidity, cash flows and financial condition;
 
  •   our business and prospects;
 
  •   our operating expenses;
 
  •   our capital expenditure requirements;
 
  •   our debt service requirements;
 
  •   restrictive covenants in our financing or other contractual arrangements;
 
  •   prohibitions or the restrictions under Maryland law;
 
  •   the timing of the investment of our capital;
 
  •   our taxable income;
 
  •   the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; and
 
  •   such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant.


57


Table of Contents

 
We intend to make distributions to our stockholders in cash to the extent that cash is available for such purpose. We may, however, in the sole discretion of our board of directors, make a distribution of assets or a taxable distribution of our stock (as part of a distribution in which stockholders may elect to receive stock or (subject to a limit measured as a percentage of the total distribution) cash).
 
We anticipate that distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income to our non-exempt stockholders, although a portion of such distributions may be designated by us as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income or may constitute a return of capital. To the extent that we decide to make distributions in excess of our earnings and profits, such excess distributions generally will be considered a return of capital.


58


Table of Contents

 
CAPITALIZATION
 
The following table sets forth the capitalization of our predecessor entities as of December 31, 2009 and our capitalization on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 2009, adjusted to reflect our formation transactions, this offering and the use of the net proceeds from this offering as described in “Use of Proceeds” and “Structure and Formation.” You should read this table in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds,” “Selected Historical and Pro Forma Financial Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the notes to our financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
                 
    Predecessor
    Pro Forma
 
    Entities as of
    as of
 
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2009 (1)(2)  
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
    (in thousands)  
 
Mortgage and construction loans
  $ 329,102     $ 132,304  
Lines of credit and other debt
    9,978        
Related party loan (3)
    4,092        
Owners’ equity (deficit):
               
Noncontrolling interest
    7,374       (50,020 )
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 90,000,000 shares
authorized,          shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis
          223  
Additional paid in capital
          271,531  
Owners’ equity (deficit)
    (50,090 )      
                 
Total owners’ equity (deficit)
    (42,716 )     221,734  
                 
Total capitalization
  $ 300,456     $ 354,038  
                 
 
 
(1) Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $      per share, the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) each $1.00 of additional paid in capital, owners’ equity (deficit), total owners’ equity (deficit) and total capitalization by approximately $      , assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us. The as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. Does not include (i) any shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to the underwriters’ overallotment option to purchase up to an additional           shares of common stock, (ii) 216,000 shares of restricted common stock granted to certain of our executive officers and certain members of our management team under our 2010 Incentive Award Plan, and (iii)           OP units issued as part of our formation transactions.
 
(2) Assumes           shares are sold in this offering at $      per share (the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus).
 
(3) Represents the proceeds from sale of The Grove at Milledgeville to HSRE, which we intend to repurchase and therefore have accounted for as a financing arrangement.


59


Table of Contents

 
DILUTION
 
Purchasers of our common stock in this offering will experience an immediate and substantial dilution of net tangible book value of their common stock from the assumed initial public offering price based on the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. At December 31, 2009, we had a tangible net book value of approximately $      million or $      per share of common stock assuming the issuance of the OP units in our formation transactions and the exchange of the OP units into shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. After giving effect to the sale of the shares of our common stock offered hereby, the deduction of underwriting discounts and other estimated offering and related expenses, the receipt by us of the net proceeds from this offering and the use of these net proceeds by us as described under “Use of Proceeds” and the consummation of our formation transactions, the pro forma net tangible book value at December 31, 2009 would have been $      million or $      per share of common stock. This amount represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $      per share to existing holders of our common stock and an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value of $      per share from the assumed initial public offering price of $      per share, which is the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, to purchasers of common stock in this offering. The following table illustrates this per share dilution(1):
 
                         
Assumed initial public offering price per share based on the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus
                  $             
Net tangible book value per share before our formation transactions and this offering (2)
                                
Decrease in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to our formation transactions but before this offering (3)
                                     
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering (4)
                       
Net increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to our formation transactions and this offering
                       
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after our formation transactions and this offering
                       
Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to purchasers of common stock in this offering
                       
 
 
(1) The calculations above assume that the initial public offering price of our common stock is at the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
 
(2) Net tangible book value per share before our formation transactions and this offering is determined by dividing the net book value of our tangible assets by the number of shares of common stock held by continuing investors.
 
(3) Decrease in net tangible book value per share attributable to our formation transactions, but before this offering, is determined by dividing the difference between the pro forma net tangible book value, excluding net offering proceeds, and our net tangible book value before our formation transactions and this offering by the number of shares of common stock to be issued in this offering.
 
(4) Represents increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering, adjusted to spread the negative net tangible book value existing before this offering among purchasers of common stock in this offering. This amount is calculated after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses of this offering payable by us.
 
A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $      per share based on the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus would


60


Table of Contents

increase (decrease) our pro forma net tangible book value attributable to this offering by $      per share, decrease the pro forma net tangible book value per share after our formation transactions and this offering and increases the dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to purchasers of common stock in this offering by $      per share, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option), and after deducting estimated underwriting discount and estimated expenses of this offering payable by us.


61


Table of Contents

 
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
You should read the following selected historical and pro forma financial information in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the audited historical combined financial statements of our Predecessor (as defined below) and notes thereto, and our unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The selected historical and pro forma financial information contained in this section is not intended to replace the audited and unaudited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
Our “Predecessor” shall mean certain entities and their consolidated subsidiaries controlled by Campus Crest Group, LLC, and its consolidated subsidiaries, which carried out the development, construction, ownership and management of the properties that we will own interests in upon completion of this offering, including its interests in two joint ventures with HSRE.
 
The selected historical combined statements of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the selected historical combined balance sheet information for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 have been derived from the audited historical combined financial statements of our Predecessor, included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected historical combined statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the selected historical combined balance sheet data for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 have been derived from the unaudited combined financial statements of our Predecessor, not included in this prospectus. The selected pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the selected pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2009 have been derived from our unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
The selected pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations data is presented as if this offering and our formation transactions had occurred on January 1, 2009, and the selected pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet data is presented as if this offering and our formation transactions had occurred on December 31, 2009. The pro forma unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the effects of our formation transactions, the sale of the common stock offered hereby, the receipt of the estimated net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and other estimated offering expenses payable by us, and the use of the estimated net proceeds as described under “Use of Proceeds.” The selected historical combined and pro forma condensed consolidated financial information set forth below and the financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus do not necessarily reflect what our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows would have been if we had operated as a stand-alone company during all periods presented, and, accordingly, such information should not be relied upon as an indicator of our future performance, financial condition or liquidity.
 


62


Table of Contents

                                                 
    Pro Forma
       
    Campus Crest
                               
    Communities, Inc.                                
    Year Ended
    Historical Campus Crest Communities Predecessor  
    December 31,
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
    (unaudited)                       (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
    (in thousands)  
 
Revenues:
                                               
Student housing leasing
  $ 45,021     $ 43,708     $ 30,813     $ 15,598     $ 5,335     $ 1,034  
Student housing services
    2,289       2,265       798       110       115       156  
Development, construction and management services
    24,540       60,711       2,505                    
                                                 
Total revenues
    71,850       106,684       34,116       15,708       5,450       1,190  
                                                 
Operating expenses:
                                               
Student housing operations
    23,707       23,155       14,890       7,470       2,149       528  
Development, construction and management services
    24,847       60,200       2,147                    
General and administrative
    6,450       5,617       5,422       3,467       1,747       459  
Ground leases
    264       264       224       40              
Write-off of pre-development costs
    1,211       1,211       203                    
Depreciation and amortization
    18,598       18,371       13,573       5,765       1,708       529  
                                                 
Total operating expenses
    75,077       108,818       36,459       16,742       5,604       1,516  
Equity in loss of uncombined entities
    (565 )     (59 )                        
                                                 
Operating loss
    (3,792 )     (2,193 )     (2,343 )     (1,034 )     (154 )     (326 )
Nonoperating income (expense):
                                               
Interest expense
    (8,646 )     (15,871 )     (14,946 )     (6,583 )     (1,954 )     (223 )
Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives
    90       797       (8,758 )     (2,115 )            
Income taxes
    (73 )                              
Other income (expense)
    44       44       (50 )     100       110        
                                                 
Total nonoperating expenses
    (8,585 )     (15,030 )     (23,754 )     (8,598 )     (1,844 )     (223 )
                                                 
Net loss
    (12,377 )     (17,223 )     (26,097 )     (9,632 )     (1,998 )     (549 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (864 )     (10,486 )     (870 )     (2,083 )     1,078       (192 )
                                                 
Net loss attributable to Predecessor
  $ (11,513 )   $ (6,737 )   $ (25,227 )   $ (7,549 )   $ (3,076 )   $ (357 )
                                                 
 

63


Table of Contents

                                                 
    Pro Forma Campus
       
    Crest Communities,
                               
    Inc.                                
    Year Ended
    Historical Campus Crest Communities Predecessor  
    December 31,
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
    (unaudited)                 (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
    (in thousands)  
 
Student housing properties
  $ 368,229     $ 347,157     $ 326,217     $ 182,788     $ 48,775     $ 12,691  
Accumulated depreciation
    (38,999 )     (38,999 )     (20,794 )     (7,752 )     (2,066 )     (506 )
Development in process
    3,300       3,300       15,742       18,929       25,667       15,827  
                                                 
Investment in real estate, net
    332,530       311,458       321,165       193,965       72,376       28,012  
Other assets
    48,272       20,338       20,990       19,939       5,269       1,721  
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 380,802     $ 331,796     $ 342,155     $ 213,904     $ 77,645     $ 29,733  
                                                 
                                                 
Mortgage and construction loans
  $ 132,304     $ 329,102     $ 322,426     $ 166,905     $ 65,560     $ 21,784  
Lines of credit and other debt
          14,070       9,237       6,579       771       419  
Other liabilities
    26,764       31,340       32,606       25,533       6,370       4,455  
                                                 
Total liabilities
    159,068       374,512       364,269       199,017       72,701       26,658  
                                                 
Equity
                                               
Owners’ equity (deficit)
    271,754       (50,090 )     (42,502 )     (14,589 )     (4,974 )     (383 )
Noncontrolling interest
    (50,020 )     7,374       20,388       29,476       9,918       3,458  
                                                 
Total equity
    221,734       (42,716 )     (22,114 )     14,887       4,944       3,075  
                                                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 380,802     $ 331,796     $ 342,155     $ 213,904     $ 77,645     $ 29,733  
                                                 

64


Table of Contents

Other Data:
 
                                                 
    Pro Forma
       
    Campus Crest
                               
    Communities, Inc.     Historical Campus Crest Communities Predecessor  
    Year Ended
    Year Ended December 31,  
    December 31, 2009     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
    (unaudited)     (unaudited and in thousands)  
 
Funds from operations (“FFO”) (1):
                                               
Net loss
  $ (11,513 )   $ (6,737 )   $ (25,227 )   $ (7,549 )   $ (3,076 )   $ (357 )
Noncontrolling interest
    (864 )     (10,486 )     (870 )     (2,083 )     1,078       (192 )
Real estate related depreciation and amortization
    18,432       18,205       13,042       5,721       1,696       521  
Equity portion of real estate related depreciation and amortization on equity investees
    355       52                          
                                                 
FFO
  $ 6,410     $ 1,034     $ (13,055 )   $ (3,911 )   $ (302 )   $ (28 )
                                                 
                                                 
FFO
  $ 6,410     $ 1,034     $ (13,055 )   $ (3,911 )   $ (302 )   $ (28 )
                                                 
Elimination of change in fair value of interest rate derivatives
    (90 )     (3,480 )     7,414       2,115              
Elimination of development cost write-off
    1,211       1,211       203                    
                                                 
Funds from operations adjusted (“FFOA”) (2)
  $ 7,531     $ (1,235 )   $ (5,438 )   $ (1,796 )   $ (302 )   $ (28 )
                                                 
 
                                     
    Historical Campus Crest Communities Predecessor
    As of December 31,
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005
                      (unaudited)     (unaudited)
    (in thousands)
 
Cash flow information:
                                   
Net cash provided by (used in) operations
  $ 4,353     $ 1,264     $ (1,209 )   $ 395     $4,394
Net cash used in investing
    (23,552 )     (148,385 )     (113,043 )     (48,328 )   (28,036)
Net cash provided by financing
    11,060       144,781       126,061       48,607     24,381
 
Selected Property Information:
 
                                         
    As of December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
 
Units
    4,476       3,542       1,814       658       154  
Beds
    12,036       9,520       4,966       1,924       448  
Occupancy
    84 %     78 %     91 %     92 %     73 %
 
 
(1) FFO is used by industry analysts and investors as a supplemental operating performance measure for REITs. We calculate FFO in accordance with the definition that was adopted by the Board of Governors of NAREIT. FFO, as defined by NAREIT, represents net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, excluding extraordinary items as defined under GAAP and gains or losses from sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets, plus specified non-cash items, such as real estate asset depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. We


65


Table of Contents

use FFO as a supplemental performance measure because, in excluding real estate-related depreciation and amortization and gains and losses from property dispositions, it provides a performance measure that, when compared year over year, captures trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating expenses. We also believe that, as a widely recognized measure of the performance of equity REITs, FFO will be used by investors as a basis to compare our operating performance with that of other REITs. However, because FFO excludes depreciation and amortization and captures neither the changes in the value of our properties that result from use or market conditions nor the level of capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, all of which have real economic effects and could materially and adversely impact our results of operations, the utility of FFO as a measure of our performance is limited. While FFO is a relevant and widely used measure of operating performance of equity REITs, other equity REITs may use different methodologies for calculating FFO and, accordingly, FFO as disclosed by such other REITs may not be comparable to FFO published herein. Therefore, we believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our historical operating results, FFO should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in the combined financial statements and the other financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of the properties’ financial performance or to cash flow from operating activities (computed in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of our liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to pay dividends or make distributions.
 
(2) When considering our FFO, we believe it is also a meaningful measure of our performance to adjust FFO to exclude the change in fair value of interest rate derivatives and the write-off of development costs. Excluding the change in fair value of interest rate derivatives and development cost write-offs adjusts FFO to be more reflective of operating results prior to capital replacement or expansion, debt amortization of principal or other commitments and contingencies. This measure is referred to herein as “FFOA.”


66


Table of Contents

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with “Selected Historical and Pro Forma Financial Information,” “Structure and Formation,” our pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes and the historical combined financial statements and related notes of our Predecessor. Where appropriate, the following discussion includes an analysis of the effects of our formation transactions and this offering. These effects are reflected in the pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements located elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion also analyzes the effects of certain matters that may occur following the completion of this offering.
 
Overview
 
Our Company
 
We are a self-managed, self-administered, vertically-integrated developer, builder, owner and manager of high-quality, purpose-built student housing. We believe that we are one of the largest vertically-integrated developers, builders, owners and managers of high-quality, purpose-built student housing properties in the United States based on beds owned and under management.
 
We were formed as a Maryland corporation on March 1, 2010 and our operating partnership, of which we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Campus Crest Communities GP, LLC, are the sole general partner, was formed as a Delaware limited partnership on March 4, 2010. As of the date of this prospectus, we have a single stockholder, MXT Capital. Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, we will own a     % limited partnership interest in our operating partnership.
 
Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, we will own interests in 27 recently built student housing properties containing approximately 5,048 apartment units and 13,580 beds. Twenty-one of these properties, containing approximately 3,920 apartment units and 10,528 beds, will be wholly-owned, and six of these properties, containing approximately 1,128 apartment units and 3,052 beds, will be owned through a joint venture with HSRE, in which we will have a 49.9% interest. Three of these joint venture properties are under construction, with completion and occupancy expected for the 2010-2011 academic year. All of our communities contain modern apartment units with many resort-style amenities.
 
We derive substantially all of our revenue from student housing leasing, student housing services, construction and development services and management services. As of February 28, 2010, the average occupancy for our 24 operating properties was approximately 85%. Our properties are primarily located in medium-sized college and university markets, which we believe are underserved and are experiencing enrollment growth.
 
Following this offering, we intend to pay regular quarterly distributions to our common stockholders in amounts that meet or exceed the requirements for our qualification as a REIT. Although we currently anticipate making distributions to our common stockholders in cash to the extent cash is available for such purpose, we may, in the sole discretion of our board of directors, make a distribution of capital or of assets or a taxable distribution of our stock (as part of a distribution in which stockholders may elect to receive stock or, subject to a limit measured as a percentage of the total distribution, cash). See “Our Distribution Policy.”


67


Table of Contents

Our Business Segments
 
Management evaluates operating performance through the analysis of results of operations of two distinct business segments: (i) student housing operations and (ii) development, construction and management services. Management evaluates each segment’s performance by net operating income, which we define as operating income before depreciation and amortization. The accounting policies of our reportable business segments are described in more detail in the summary of significant accounting policies footnote to the combined financial statements of our Predecessor. Intercompany fees are reflected at the contractually stipulated amounts, as adjusted to reflect our proportionate ownership of unconsolidated entities.
 
Student Housing Operations
 
Our student housing operations are comprised of leasing and ancillary revenues from our student housing properties. We opened our first student housing property in Asheville, North Carolina in 2005 for the 2005-2006 academic year. We subsequently opened three additional properties in 2006 for the 2006-2007 academic year, six additional properties in 2007 for the 2007-2008 academic year and nine additional properties in 2008 for the 2008-2009 academic year. In 2009, we opened one additional property that was combined by our Predecessor and four additional properties that were owned by a joint venture in which we have a noncontrolling interest. Due to the continuous opening of new properties in consecutive years and annual lease terms that do not coincide with our reported fiscal years, the comparison of our consolidated financial results from year to year may not provide a meaningful measure of our operating performance. For this reason, we divide the results of operations in our student housing operations segment between new property operations and “same-store” operations, which we believe provides a more meaningful indicator of comparative historical performance.
 
Development, Construction and Management Services
 
Development and Construction Services. In addition to our wholly-owned properties, all of which were developed and built by us, we also provide development and construction services to uncombined joint ventures in which we have an ownership interest. We act as a general contractor on all of our construction projects. When building properties for our own account (i.e., for entities that are combined in our financial statements), construction revenues and expenses are eliminated for accounting purposes and construction costs are ultimately reflected as capital additions. Thus, building properties for our own account does not typically generate any revenues or expenses in our development, construction and management services segment on a combined basis. Alternatively, when performing these services for uncombined joint ventures, we recognize construction revenues based on the costs that have been contractually agreed to with the joint venture for the construction of the property and expenses based on the actual costs incurred. Construction revenues are recognized using the percentage of completion method, as determined by construction costs incurred relative to total estimated construction costs, as adjusted to eliminate our proportionate ownership of each entity. Actual construction costs are expensed as incurred and are likewise adjusted to eliminate our proportionate ownership of each entity. Operating income generated by our development and construction activities generally reflects the development fee and construction fee income that is realized by providing these services to uncombined joint ventures (i.e., the “spread” between the contractual cost of construction and the actual cost of construction).
 
Management Services. In addition to our wholly-owned properties, all of which are managed by us, we also provide management services to uncombined joint ventures in which we have an ownership interest. We recognize management fees from these entities as earned in accordance


68


Table of Contents

with the property management agreement with these entities, as adjusted to eliminate our proportionate ownership of each entity.
 
Our Relationship With HSRE
 
We have entered into two joint venture arrangements with HSRE. On March 26, 2010, we entered into an agreement for the formation of a third joint venture arrangement with HSRE that is contingent upon the receipt of certain lender consents described below. Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, however, we will be party only to one joint venture arrangement relating to six properties, in which we will have a 49.9% interest and which will be accounted for as an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture.
 
HSRE I. Our first joint venture with HSRE, HSRE-Campus Crest I, LLC, which we refer to as HSRE I, indirectly owns 100% interests in the following seven properties: The Grove at Conway, The Grove at Huntsville, The Grove at Lawrence, The Grove at Moscow, The Grove at San Angelo, The Grove at San Marcos and The Grove at Statesboro. We own a 0.1% interest in HSRE I and HSRE owns the remaining 99.9% (prior to the March 2010 transactions described below, we owned a 10% interest in HSRE I and HSRE owned the remaining 90%).
 
In general, we are responsible for the day-to-day management of HSRE I’s business and affairs, provided that major decisions must be approved by us and HSRE. In addition to distributions to which we are entitled as an investor in HSRE I, we receive or have in the past received fees for providing services to the properties held by HSRE I pursuant to development and construction agreements and property management agreements. We have granted to an entity related to HSRE I a right of first opportunity with respect to certain development or acquisition opportunities identified by us. This right of first opportunity will terminate at such time as HSRE shall have funded at least $40 million of equity to HSRE I and/or certain related ventures. As of May 14, 2010, HSRE has funded approximately $35 million of the $40 million right of first opportunity. HSRE I will dissolve upon the disposition of substantially all of its assets or the occurrence of certain events specified in the agreement between us and HSRE.
 
HSRE II. Our second joint venture with HSRE, HSRE-Campus Crest II, LLC, which we refer to as HSRE II, indirectly owns a 100% interest in The Grove at Milledgeville. In November 2009, an entity in which we hold a 50% interest sold a 100% interest in The Grove at Milledgeville to HSRE II, and retained an ownership interest in HSRE II of 10%. Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, HSRE II will be dissolved, and we will own 100% of The Grove at Milledgeville.
 
HSRE III. On March 26, 2010, we entered into an agreement with HSRE to form a third joint venture, HSRE-Campus Crest III, LLC, which we refer to as HSRE III, predicated upon the receipt of certain lender consents described below. HSRE III currently does not own any assets and will indirectly acquire a 100% interest in The Grove at Carrollton, subject to receiving certain lender consents relating to indebtedness secured by The Grove at Carrollton. If these consents are obtained, upon HSRE III’s acquisition of The Grove at Carrollton, we will own a 0.1% interest in HSRE III and HSRE will own the remaining 99.9%. Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, HSRE III will be dissolved, and we will own 100% of The Grove at Carrollton.
 
March 2010 Transactions. In March 2010, we consummated the following transactions with HSRE, for which we received cash proceeds of approximately $2.25 million:
 
  •   the sale of a 9.9% interest in HSRE I to HSRE; and


69


Table of Contents

 
  •   the pre-payment by HSRE to us of management fees relating to the following properties: The Grove at Carrollton, The Grove at Conway, The Grove at Huntsville, The Grove at Lawrence, The Grove at Milledgeville, The Grove at Moscow, The Grove at San Angelo, The Grove at San Marcos and The Grove at Statesboro.
 
In addition, we agreed to sell a 9.9% interest in HSRE II to HSRE and a 100% interest in The Grove at Carrollton to HSRE III, which will result in aggregate cash proceeds to us of approximately $1.7 million; although neither of the foregoing transactions has been consummated and both are subject to receiving certain lender consents relating to indebtedness secured by the respective properties.
 
Post-Offering Transactions. Upon completion of this offering, we have agreed to consummate the following transactions:
 
  •   Purchase a 49.8% interest in HSRE I from HSRE;
 
  •   Purchase a 50.1% interest in The Grove at San Marcos from HSRE I, with the result that we will own 100% of The Grove at San Marcos;
 
  •   Purchase HSRE’s entire interest in HSRE II, with the result that we will own 100% of The Grove at Milledgeville;
 
  •   Purchase a 99.9% interest in HSRE III from HSRE, with the result that we will own 100% of The Grove at Carrollton; and
 
  •   Repay to HSRE the pre-paid management fees relating to the following properties: The Grove at Carrollton, The Grove at Conway, The Grove at Huntsville, The Grove at Lawrence, The Grove at Milledgeville, The Grove at Moscow, The Grove at San Angelo, The Grove at San Marcos and The Grove at Statesboro.
 
The foregoing will result in a payment to HSRE out of the net proceeds from this offering, subject to certain adjustments, of approximately $28.6 million, an amount that does not include the sale and subsequent repurchase of an interest in HSRE II to HSRE and an interest in The Grove at Carrollton to HSRE III, both of which are subject to receiving certain lender consents relating to indebtedness secured by the respective properties that have not yet been obtained.
 
Upon completion of the foregoing transactions, we will own:
 
  •   a 49.9% interest in HSRE I, which will own 100% interests in the following six properties: The Grove at Conway, The Grove at Huntsville, The Grove at Lawrence, The Grove at Moscow, The Grove at San Angelo and The Grove at Statesboro; and
 
  •   100% interests in The Grove at Carrollton, The Grove at Milledgeville and The Grove at San Marcos.
 
Income Taxation
 
In connection with this offering, we intend to elect to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856 through 859 of the Internal Revenue Code commencing with our taxable year ending on December 31, 2010. Our qualification as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Internal Revenue Code relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our distribution levels and the diversity of ownership of our stock. We


70


Table of Contents

believe that we will be organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code and that our intended manner of operation will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.
 
As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our REIT taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and may be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which we lost our REIT qualification. Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to some U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income or property.
 
Factors Expected to Affect Our Operating Results
 
Unique Leasing Characteristics
 
Student housing properties are typically leased by the bed on an individual lease liability basis, unlike multi-family housing where leasing is by the unit. Individual lease liability limits each student-tenant’s liability to his or her own rent without liability for a roommate’s rent. A parent or guardian is required to execute each lease as a guarantor unless the student-tenant provides adequate proof of income. The number of lease contracts that we administer is therefore equivalent to the number of beds occupied rather than the number of units.
 
Due to our predominantly private bedroom accommodations, the high level of student-oriented amenities offered at our properties and the individual lease liability for our student-tenants and their parents, we believe that we typically command higher per-unit and per-square foot rental rates than many multi-family properties located in the markets in which we operate. We are also typically able to charge higher rental rates than on-campus student housing, which generally offers fewer amenities.
 
Unlike traditional multi-family housing, most of our leases commence and terminate on the same dates. In the case of our typical 11.5-month leases (which provide for 12 equal monthly payments), these dates coincide with the commencement of the fall academic term and typically terminate at the completion of the last subsequent summer school session. As such, we must re-lease each property in its entirety each year, resulting in significant turnover in our tenant population from year to year. As a result, we are highly dependent upon the effectiveness of our marketing and leasing efforts during the annual leasing season that typically begins in January and ends in August of each year. Our properties’ occupancy rates are therefore typically stable during the August to July academic year, but are susceptible to fluctuation at the commencement of each new academic year, which may be greater than the fluctuation in occupancy rates experienced by traditional multi-family properties.
 
Properties Under Construction
 
Three of our properties are currently under construction: The Grove at Conway (Conway, Arkansas), The Grove at Huntsville (Huntsville, Texas) and The Grove at Statesboro (Statesboro, Georgia). Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, these properties will be owned through an unconsolidated joint venture in which we will have a 49.9% interest. Our results of operations and our ability to make contemplated distribution payments to stockholders will, to some extent, be dependent upon the results of operations, cash flows and distributions from these properties. These results cannot be predicted with certainty. The financial results of these properties in 2010 will be contingent upon a number of factors, including the completion of their construction on budget and in time for commencement of the 2010-2011 academic year and


71


Table of Contents

their successful lease-up at the anticipated monthly rental rate per bed. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Properties—Developing properties will expose us to additional risks beyond those associated with owning and operating student housing properties, and could materially and adversely affect us.” The following table sets forth certain information about our properties under construction as of March 31, 2010, which information should be considered when determining the rental revenues that may be generated at these properties for the 2010-2011 academic year and their impact on our results of operations:
 
                                                     
                                Distance
       
                    % Leased
    Total
    to
       
              Leased
    as of March 31,
    Student
    Campus
       
Property
  University   Beds     Beds     2010     Enrollment     (miles)        
 
Conway, AR
  University of
Central Arkansas
    504       268       53.2 %     11,781       0.4          
Huntsville, TX
  Sam Houston State University     504       504       100.0 %     16,772       0.2          
Statesboro, GA
  Georgia Southern
University
    536       307       57.3 %     19,086       0.7          
                                                     
Total
        1,544       1,079       69.9 % (1)     15,880 (1)     0.4 (1)        
                                                     
 
 
(1) Average.
 
Occupancy at these properties during the 2010-2011 academic year, beyond the number of leased beds indicated above, cannot be predicted with certainty at this time. In the event we do not complete the construction of these properties by the beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year, the student-tenants with whom we have signed leases may require us to provide them with alternative housing. We have not made any arrangements for such alternative housing, and we would likely incur significant expenses in the event we are obligated to provide such housing. If construction is not completed prior to the beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year, these student-tenants may also attempt to break their leases and our occupancy at, and rental revenue from, these properties for the 2010-2011 academic year may decline. For a further discussion of the competitive market for each of these properties, see the specific property description under “Business and Properties—Our Properties.”
 
Development and Construction Services
 
The amount and timing of revenues from development and construction services will typically be contingent upon the number and size of development projects that we are able to successfully structure and finance in our current and future uncombined joint ventures.
 
Results of Operations
 
We have not had any corporate activity since our formation, other than the issuance of one share of common stock to MXT Capital in connection with our initial capitalization and activities in preparation for this offering. Accordingly, we believe that a discussion of our results of operations would not be meaningful, and we have therefore set forth a discussion regarding the historical results of operations of our Predecessor only. The historical results of operations presented below should be reviewed along with the pro forma financial information contained elsewhere in this prospectus, which includes adjustments related to the effects of the repayment of certain indebtedness and the completion of this offering and our formation transactions.


72


Table of Contents

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008
 
As of December 31, 2009, our property portfolio consisted of 20 combined properties, containing approximately 3,728 apartment units and 10,024 beds, four operating properties held in uncombined joint ventures, containing approximately 748 apartment units and 2,012 beds, and three properties under construction and held in uncombined joint ventures, containing approximately 572 apartment units and 1,544 beds. In November 2009, we sold The Grove at Milledgeville to HSRE II, an affiliate of HSRE, and we retained an indirect ownership interest of 5%. Since we intend to repurchase a 10% ownership interest in The Grove at Milledgeville, we have not accounted for this transaction as a sale for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, The Grove at Milledgeville has been combined for the full year ended December 31, 2009.
 
The following table presents our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, including the amount and percentage change in these results between the periods:
 
                                 
    December 31,
    December 31,
    Change
    Change
 
    2009     2008     ($)     (%)  
          (in thousands)        
 
Revenues:
                               
Student housing leasing
  $ 43,708     $ 30,813     $ 12,895       41.8 %
Student housing service
    2,265       798       1,467       183.8 %
Development, construction and management services
    60,711       2,505       58,206       2,323.6 %
                                 
Total revenues
    106,684       34,116       72,568       212.7 %
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Student housing operations
    23,115       14,890       8,225       55.2 %
Development, construction and management services
    60,200       2,147       58,053       2,703.9 %
General and administrative
    5,617       5,422       195       3.6 %
Ground leases
    264       224       40       17.9 %
Write-off of pre-development costs
    1,211       203       1,008       496.6 %
Depreciation and amortization
    18,371       13,573       4,798       35.3 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    108,818       36,459       72,359       198.5 %
Equity in loss of uncombined entities
    (59 )           (59 )     N/A  
                                 
Operating income loss
    (2,193 )     (2,343 )     150       (6.4 )%
Nonoperating income (expenses):
                               
Interest expense
    (15,871 )     (14,946 )     (925 )     6.2 %
Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives
    797       (8,758 )     9,555       (109.1 )%
Other income (expense)
    44       (50 )     94       (188.0 )%
                                 
Total nonoperating expenses
    (15,030 )     (23,754 )     8,724       (36.7 )%
                                 
Net loss
    (17,223 )     (26,097 )     8,874       (34.0 )%
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (10,486 )     (870 )     (9,616 )     1,105.3 %
                                 
Net loss attributable to Predecessor
  $ (6,737 )   $ (25,227 )   $ 18,490       (73.3 )%
                                 


73


Table of Contents

Student Housing Operations
 
Revenues (which include student housing leasing and student housing service revenues) and operating expenses in the student housing operations segment increased by approximately $14.4 million and approximately $8.2 million, respectively, in 2009 as compared to 2008. These increases were primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of operations in 2009 for the nine properties opened in 2008, whereas the 2008 results included only five months of operations for eight of these properties and four months of operations for the remaining property.
 
New Property Operations. In August and September of 2008, we opened nine new properties that were developed by us. These properties contributed approximately $20.5 million of revenues and approximately $10.8 million of operating expenses in 2009 as compared to approximately $7.3 million of revenues and approximately $3.5 million of operating expenses in 2008. The average occupancy at these properties was approximately 84.9% for the five months ended December 31, 2009, as compared to approximately 72.6% for the five months ended December 31, 2008.
 
In August of 2009, we opened five new properties that were developed by us. As of December 31, 2009, four of these properties were owned by an uncombined joint venture in which we had a 10% ownership interest, while the remaining property, The Grove at Murfreesboro, was reflected in our combined operating results. The Grove at Murfreesboro contributed approximately $1.1 million of revenues and approximately $0.5 million of operating expenses in 2009 as compared to no contribution to revenues and operating expenses in 2008. The other four properties that opened in 2009 are discussed further below under the heading “— Equity in Loss of Uncombined Entities.”
 
“Same-Store” Property Operations. We had ten properties that were operating for the full year during both 2009 and 2008. These properties contributed approximately $24.3 million of revenues and approximately $11.8 million of operating expenses in 2009 as compared to approximately $24.3 million of revenues and approximately $11.4 million of operating expenses in 2008. Average occupancy at our “same-store” properties decreased to approximately 86.4% in 2009 as compared to approximately 86.5% in 2008, and average monthly revenue per occupied bed increased to approximately $473 in 2009 as compared to approximately $472 in 2008. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to increases in marketing, administration, taxes and insurance costs, which were partially offset by decreases in utilities and professional fees.
 
Development, Construction and Management Services
 
Revenues and operating expenses in the development, construction and management services segment increased by approximately $58.2 million and approximately $58.1 million, respectively, in 2009 as compared to 2008. Our development, construction and management services segment recognizes revenues and operating expenses for development, construction and management services provided to uncombined joint ventures in which we have an ownership interest. We eliminate revenue and related expenses on such transactions with our uncombined joint ventures to the extent of our ownership interest. During 2009, we completed the construction of four properties owned by uncombined joint ventures and also commenced construction of three additional properties owned by uncombined joint ventures, which are scheduled to be completed for the 2010-2011 academic year. The significant increases in development, construction and management services revenues and operating expenses were primarily due to our development, construction and management activities related to these new properties.
 
We expect to continue generating development, construction and management services revenues and expenses in 2010 as we complete the three properties that are currently under


74


Table of Contents

construction. Following completion of these properties, our ability to generate revenues and expenses related to development and construction projects will depend upon our ability to enter into and provide services to unconsolidated joint ventures as well as our proportionate ownership of any such joint ventures. We intend to commence building five additional student housing properties for our own account upon completion of this offering, which will be included in our consolidated financial statements and will not generate development, construction and management services revenues and operating expenses for us on a consolidated basis.
 
General and Administrative
 
General and administrative expenses increased from approximately $5.4 million in 2008 to approximately $5.6 million in 2009. This increase was primarily due to increased payroll expense partially offset by a decrease in corporate travel and other administrative costs. We anticipate that general and administrative expenses will increase in 2010 as a result of the incremental costs associated with being a public company.
 
Ground Leases
 
Ground lease expense increased from approximately $0.2 million in 2008 to approximately $0.3 million in 2009, primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of expense in 2009 for the ground lease relating to Phase II of our Mobile property, which commenced in 2008. We currently are party to ground leases relating to two of our combined properties, Mobile Phase I and Mobile Phase II, both on the campus of the University of South Alabama. We expect ground lease expense to remain relatively flat in 2010, unless we enter into additional ground leases with respect to future development properties.
 
Write-off of Pre-Development Costs
 
Write-off of pre-development costs increased from approximately $0.2 million in 2008 to approximately $1.2 million in 2009 as a result of events that occurred in 2009 which led management to conclude that several pre-development projects would not result in either the acquisition of a site or commencement of construction.
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
Depreciation and amortization increased from approximately $13.6 million in 2008 to approximately $18.4 million in 2009. This increase was primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of depreciation and amortization in 2009 for the nine properties opened in 2008. We expect depreciation and amortization to increase in 2010 due to the full year impact of depreciation and amortization for The Grove at Murfreesboro and the inclusion of The Grove at San Marcos in our consolidated results for a part of 2010.
 
Equity in Loss of Uncombined Entities
 
Equity in loss of uncombined entities, which represents our share of the net loss from our joint ventures in which we have a noncontrolling interest, increased from approximately $0 in 2008 to a loss of approximately $0.1 million in 2009. This increase was primarily due to a loss from our joint venture with HSRE, which owned four properties that commenced operations in 2009.


75


Table of Contents

Nonoperating Income (Expenses)
 
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased from approximately $14.9 million in 2008 to approximately $15.9 million in 2009. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the outstanding principal balance on the construction loan related to our 2008 property deliveries, which was partially offset by a decrease in interest rates.
 
Change in Fair Value of Interest Rate Derivatives. Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives increased from a loss of approximately $8.8 million in 2008 to a gain of approximately $0.8 million in 2009. This increase was primarily due to the increase in the fair value, or mark-to-market value, of our interest rate swaps, which was partially offset by higher monthly net cash settlement costs on these instruments in 2009.
 
Other Income / (Expense). Other income, net was approximately $0.1 million in 2009 as compared with other expense, net of approximately $0.1 million in 2008. Other income increased primarily as a result of higher interest income earned on invested cash balances.
 
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
 
As of December 31, 2008, our property portfolio consisted of 20 combined properties, containing approximately 3,728 apartment units and 10,024 beds (including one property, The Grove at Murfreesboro, that was under construction), and three properties under construction and held in uncombined joint ventures, containing approximately 576 apartment units and 1,512 beds. These figures exclude The Grove at Lawrence, which commenced construction in early 2009.


76


Table of Contents

The following table presents our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, including the amount and percentage change in these results between the periods:
 
                                 
    December 31,
    December 31,
    Change
    Change
 
    2008     2007     ($)     (%)  
          (in thousands)        
 
Revenues:
                               
Student housing leasing
  $ 30,813     $ 15,598     $ 15,215       97.5 %
Student housing service
    798       110       688       625.5 %
Development, construction and management services
    2,505             2,505       N/A  
                                 
Total revenues
    34,116       15,708       18,408       117.2 %
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Student housing operations
    14,890       7,470       7,420       99.3 %
Development, construction and management services
    2,147             2,147       N/A  
General and administrative
    5,422       3,467       1,955       56.4 %
Ground leases
    224       40       184       460.0 %
Write-off of pre-development costs
    203             203       N/A  
Depreciation and amortization
    13,573       5,765       7,808       135.4 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    36,459       16,742       19,717       117.8 %
                                 
Operating income (loss)
    (2,343 )     (1,034 )     (1,309 )     126.6 %
Nonoperating income (expenses):
                               
Interest expense
    (14,946 )     (6,583 )     (8,363 )     127.0 %
Change in fair value of interest rate derivative
    (8,758 )     (2,115 )     (6,643 )     314.1 %
Other income (expense)
    (50 )     100       (150 )     (150.0 )%
                                 
Total nonoperating expenses
    (23,754 )     (8,598 )     (15,156 )     176.3 %
                                 
Net loss
    (26,097 )     (9,632 )     (16,465 )     170.9 %
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (870 )     (2,083 )     1,213       (58.2 )%
                                 
Net loss attributable to Predecessor
  $ (25,227 )   $ (7,549 )   $ (17,678 )     234.2 %
                                 
 
Student Housing Operations
 
Revenues (which include student housing leasing and student housing service revenues) and operating expenses in the student housing operations segment increased by approximately $15.9 million and approximately $7.4 million, respectively, in 2008 as compared to 2007. These increases were primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of operations in 2008 for the six properties opened in 2007, whereas the 2007 results included only five months of operations for five of these properties and four months of operations for the remaining property.
 
New Property Operations. In August and September of 2007, we opened six new properties that were developed by us. These properties contributed approximately $14.8 million of revenues and approximately $7.0 million of operating expenses in 2008 as compared to approximately $6.6 million of revenues and approximately $2.6 million of operating expenses in 2007. The average occupancy at these properties was approximately 80.7% for the five months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to approximately 95.7% for the five months ended December 31, 2007.


77


Table of Contents

In August and September of 2008, we opened nine new properties that were developed by us and reflected in our 2008 combined operating results. These properties contributed approximately $7.3 million of revenues and approximately $3.5 million of operating expenses in 2008 as compared to no contribution to revenues and operating expenses in 2007.
 
“Same-Store” Property Operations. We had four properties that were operating for the full year during both 2008 and 2007. These properties contributed approximately $9.5 million of revenues and approximately $4.4 million of operating expenses in 2008 as compared to approximately $9.1 million of revenues and approximately $4.8 million of operating expenses in 2007. Average occupancy at our “same-store” properties decreased to approximately 87.0% in 2008 as compared to approximately 87.9% in 2007, while average monthly revenue per occupied bed increased to approximately $474 in 2008 as compared to approximately $448 in 2007. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to decreases in administration and maintenance costs, which were partially offset by increases in utilities costs, taxes and insurance.
 
Development, Construction and Management Services
 
Revenues and operating expenses in the development, construction and management services segment increased by approximately $2.5 million and approximately $2.1 million, respectively, in 2008 as compared to 2007. Our development, construction and management services segment recognizes revenues and operating expenses for development, construction and management services provided to uncombined joint ventures in which we have an ownership interest. We eliminate revenue and related expenses on such transactions with our uncombined real estate ventures to the extent of our ownership interest. During 2008 and the early part of 2009, we commenced the construction of four properties owned by uncombined joint ventures, which were completed in 2009. The increases in development, construction and management services revenues and operating expenses were primarily due to our development, construction and management activities relating to these new properties. During 2007 we had no material construction and development services revenues or operating expenses related to uncombined joint ventures.
 
General and Administrative
 
General and administrative expenses increased from $3.5 million in 2007 to approximately $5.4 million in 2008. This increase was primarily due to an increase in payroll, travel and associated overhead expenses related to the increase in the size and scope of our business.
 
Ground Leases
 
Ground lease expense increased from less than $0.1 million in 2007 to approximately $0.2 million in 2008, primarily due to the new ground lease executed in 2008 for the land at The Grove at Mobile Phase II.
 
Write-off of Pre-Development Costs
 
Write-off of pre-development costs increased from $0 in 2007 to approximately $0.2 million in 2008 as a result of events that occurred in 2008 which led management to conclude that several pre-development projects would not result in either the acquisition of a site or commencement of construction.


78


Table of Contents

Depreciation and Amortization
 
Depreciation and amortization increased from approximately $5.8 million in 2007 to approximately $13.6 million in 2008. This increase was primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of depreciation and amortization in 2008 for the six properties opened in 2007, as well as the inclusion of partial year depreciation and amortization in 2008 for the nine properties that opened in the fall of 2008.
 
Nonoperating Income (Expenses)
 
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased from approximately $6.6 million in 2007 to approximately $14.9 million in 2008. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the outstanding principal balance on mortgage and construction loans, which was partially offset by a decrease in interest rates throughout 2008.
 
Change in Fair Value of Interest Rate Derivatives: Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives decreased from approximately $(2.1) million in 2007 to approximately $(8.8) million in 2008. This fluctuation was primarily due to the change in the fair value, or mark-to-market value, of our interest rate swaps, due to a decrease in interest rates throughout 2008.
 
Other Income / (Expense). Other income, net was approximately $0.1 million in 2007 as compared with other expense, net of approximately $0.1 million in 2008. Other income decreased in 2008 primarily as a result of lower interest income earned on invested cash balances.
 
Cash Flows
 
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008
 
Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $4.4 million in 2009 as compared to approximately $1.3 million in 2008, an increase of approximately $3.1 million. Changes in working capital accounts provided approximately $2.7 million in 2009 as compared to approximately $4.3 million in 2008, an increased use of approximately $1.6 million. This change was driven by increased investment in our platform infrastructure as a result of the growth in our business from 2008 to 2009.
 
Investing Activities
 
Net cash used in investing activities totaled approximately $23.6 million in 2009 as compared to approximately $148.4 million in 2008, a decrease of approximately $124.8 million. This decrease was primarily due to significantly curtailed development and construction activity related to combined properties in 2009 as compared to 2008. Investing activities in 2009 related primarily to the completed construction of The Grove at Murfreesboro as well as investments in our joint ventures. Investing activities in 2008 related primarily to the construction activity related to the nine combined properties that were opened in the fall of 2008.
 
Financing Activities
 
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled approximately $11.1 million in 2009 as compared to approximately $144.8 million in 2008, a decrease of approximately $133.7 million. This decrease was primarily due to significantly less development and construction activity related to combined properties and correspondingly lower debt financing activity. Financing activities in 2009 included borrowings to fund the construction of The Grove at Murfreesboro and


79


Table of Contents

borrowings to fund other debt repayment. Financing activities in 2008 included borrowings to fund the construction activity of the nine new properties opened in 2008 and borrowings to repay construction financing on the six properties opened in 2007.
 
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
 
Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $1.3 million in 2008 as compared to approximately $1.2 million used in operating activities in 2007, representing an increase in cash provided of approximately $2.5 million. Changes in working capital accounts provided approximately $4.3 million in 2008 while approximately $0.7 million was used by working capital accounts in 2007, representing an increase in cash provided of approximately $5.0 million. This change was primarily due to the increase in the number of operating properties in 2008 as compared to 2007.
 
Investing Activities
 
Net cash used in investing activities totaled approximately $148.4 million in 2008 as compared to approximately $113.0 million in 2007, an increase of approximately $35.4 million. This increase was primarily due to increased development and construction activity in 2008 as compared to 2007. Investing activities in 2008 related primarily to the completed construction of the nine combined properties that were opened in the fall of 2008. Investing activities in 2007 related primarily to the completed construction of the six combined properties that were opened in 2007 as well as the commencement of construction on the nine combined properties that were opened in 2008.
 
Financing Activities
 
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled approximately $144.8 million in 2008 as compared to approximately $126.1 million in 2007, an increase of approximately $18.7 million. This increase was primarily due to increased development and construction activity and correspondingly higher debt financing activity. Financing activities in 2008 included borrowings to fund the completed construction of the nine new properties opened in the fall of 2008 and borrowings to repay construction financing on the six properties opened in the fall of 2007. Financing activities in 2007 included borrowings to fund the construction of six new properties opened in the fall of 2007 and borrowings to fund the commencement of construction on the nine new properties opened in the fall of 2008.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
As a REIT, we generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding any net capital gain, in order for corporate income tax not to apply to earnings that we distribute. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we distribute to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal income tax laws. We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and to avoid


80


Table of Contents

paying corporate tax on undistributed income. We may need to obtain financing to meet our distribution requirements because:
 
  •   our income may not be matched by our related expenses at the time the income is considered received for purposes of determining taxable income; and
 
  •   non-deductible capital expenditures, creation of reserves or debt service requirements may reduce available cash but not taxable income.
 
In these circumstances, we may be forced to obtain third-party financing on terms we might otherwise find unfavorable, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain such financing. Alternatively, if we are unable or unwilling to obtain third-party financing on the available terms, we could choose to pay a portion of our distributions in stock instead of cash.
 
Upon completion of this offering, the application of the net proceeds therefrom and our formation transactions, we will have approximately $132.3 million of total consolidated indebtedness, representing an initial debt-to-total market capitalization ratio of approximately     % based on the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. We define our debt-to-total market capitalization ratio as our total outstanding consolidated indebtedness divided by the sum of the market value of our outstanding common stock and preferred stock (which may decrease, thereby increasing our debt to total market capitalization ratio), including shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units that we may issue to our officers and directors under our 2010 Incentive Award Plan, plus the aggregate value of OP units, plus the book value of our total consolidated indebtedness (excluding indebtedness encumbering our current and future joint venture properties). We also will have outstanding approximately $14.3 million of accounts payable and accrued expenses. As of December 31, 2009, on a pro forma basis, our pro rata share of indebtedness encumbering properties held in unconsolidated joint ventures was approximately $22.7 million.
 
Principal Capital Resources
 
Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we expect to enter into a     -year, $      million senior secured revolving credit facility. Borrowings under our revolving credit facility are expected to accrue interest at an annual rate of     %. We expect that our operating partnership will be the borrower under our revolving credit facility and that the facility will be secured by           of our wholly-owned properties. We may use our revolving credit facility to fund development activities, potential property acquisitions and working capital requirements. The availability of borrowings under our revolving credit facility and our ability to encumber certain unencumbered assets will depend on, among other things, compliance with applicable restrictions and covenants. No assurances can be given that we will obtain such revolving credit facility or, if we do, what the amount and terms will be. Our failure to obtain such a facility on favorable terms could adversely impact our ability to execute our business strategy. In the future, we may seek to increase the amount of our credit facility, negotiate additional credit facilities or issue corporate debt instruments.
 
In addition to borrowings under our revolving credit facility, we may also use non-recourse mortgage financing to make acquisitions or refinance short-term borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We may also seek to raise additional capital through the issuance of our common stock, preferred stock, OP units and debt or other securities or through property dispositions or joint venture transactions. Any debt incurred or issued by us may be secured or unsecured, long-term or short-term, fixed or variable interest rate and may be subject to such other terms as we deem prudent. Our ability to access the lending and capital markets will be dependent on a number of factors, including general market conditions for REITs, our historical and anticipated


81


Table of Contents

financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and FFO and market perceptions about our company and our competitors.
 
We derive the majority of our cash flow from operations from student-tenants who lease beds from us at our properties. Therefore, our ability to generate cash flow from operations is dependent on the rents that we are able to charge and collect from our tenants. General economic downturns or downturns in the markets in which we own properties may adversely affect the ability of our student-tenants to meet their lease obligations to us. In that event, our cash flow from operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Short-Term Liquidity Needs
 
The nature of our business, coupled with the requirement imposed by REIT rules that we distribute a substantial majority of our REIT taxable income on an annual basis in order for us to qualify as a REIT, will cause us to have substantial liquidity needs. Our short-term liquidity needs consist primarily of funds necessary to pay operating expenses associated with our properties, recurring capital expenditures, development costs, interest expense, scheduled debt service payments and expected distribution payments (including distributions to persons who hold OP units). We expect to meet our short-term liquidity needs through cash flow from operations and, to the extent necessary, borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Assuming completion of this offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, we expect that cash flow from operations and borrowings under our anticipated revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements for at least the next twelve months. In the event that we do not complete this offering, we would likely reduce our capital expenditures and development plans and pursue alternative financing arrangements, that may include selling operating properties, as necessary in order to meet our cash requirements for the next twelve months.
 
Recurring Capital Expenditures
 
Our properties require periodic investments of capital for general maintenance and improvements. Our historical recurring capital expenditures at our combined properties are set forth below:
 
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Total Beds as of January 1 (1)
    9,520       4,966       1,924  
Total Recurring Capital Expenditures
  $ 183,513     $ 261,048     $ 134,877  
Average Per Bed
  $ 19     $ 53     $ 70  
 
 
(1) Total number of beds is as of January 1 of the year indicated. Our combined properties that commenced operations during the year indicated are not included, as they did not require material recurring capital expenditures.
 
Capital expenditures associated with newly acquired or developed properties are typically capitalized as part of their acquisition price or development budget, so that such properties typically begin to require recurring capital expenditures only following their first year of ownership.
 
Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, we estimate that we will incur approximately $14 of maintenance capital expenditures per bed during 2010 to maintain the existing portfolio of student housing properties.
 
Additionally, we are required by certain of our lenders to contribute amounts to reserves for capital repairs and improvements at certain mortgaged properties. These annual contributions may exceed the amount of capital expenditures actually incurred in such year at such properties.


82


Table of Contents

Development Expenditures
 
Our development activities have historically required us to fund pre-development expenditures such as architectural fees, engineering fees and earnest deposits. Because the closing of a development project’s financing is often subject to various delays, we cannot always predict accurately the liquidity needs of these activities. We frequently incur these pre-development expenditures before a financing commitment has been obtained and, accordingly, bear the risk of the loss of these pre-development expenditures if financing cannot ultimately be arranged on acceptable terms.
 
We expect that, subject to completion of this offering, we will acquire land and commence building properties for our own account on five identified sites that we have under contract, with completion targeted for the 2011-2012 academic year. For each of these five sites we have conducted significant pre-development activities and are in the process of obtaining the necessary zoning and site plan approvals. No assurance can be given that we will complete construction of these five properties in accordance with our current expectations. We expect to finance the construction of these five properties through internally generated cash flows and collateralized financing. However, we may not be able to obtain financing on terms that are acceptable to us.
 
Long-Term Liquidity Needs
 
Our long-term liquidity needs consist primarily of funds necessary to pay for long-term development activities, non-recurring capital expenditures, potential acquisitions of properties and payments of debt at maturity. We do not expect that we will have sufficient funds on hand to cover all of our long-term liquidity needs. We will therefore seek to satisfy these needs through cash flow from operations, additional long-term secured and unsecured debt, including borrowings under our revolving credit facility, the issuance of debt securities, the issuance of equity securities and equity-related securities (including OP units), property dispositions and joint venture transactions. We believe that we will have access to these sources of capital to fund our long-term liquidity requirements, but, as a new public company, we cannot make any assurance that this will be the case, especially in difficult market conditions.
 
We have identified over 200 markets and approximately 80 specific sites within these markets as potential future development opportunities, and our current business plan contemplates the development of approximately five to seven new student housing properties per year. No assurance can be given that we will not adjust our business plan as it relates to development, or that any particular development opportunity will be undertaken or completed in accordance with our current expectations.


83


Table of Contents

Commitments
 
The following table summarizes amounts due as of December 31, 2009, in connection with the contractual obligations described below (including future interest payments):
 
                                         
          Less than
    1-3
          More than 5
 
Contractual Obligations
  Total     1 Year     Years     3-5 Years     Years  
    (in thousands)  
 
Long-Term Debt Obligations(1)
  $ 343,172     $ 172,315     $ 6,744     $ 105,547     $ 58,566  
Operating Lease Obligations
    11,279       457       1,006       1,128       8,688  
Purchase Obligations (2)
    21,520       21,520                    
Other Long-Term Liabilities
    6,049       4,424       1,625              
                                         
Total
  $ 382,020     $ 198,716     $ 9,375     $ 106,675     $ 67,254  
                                         
 
 
(1) We have a commitment from a lender to extend the maturity date of approximately $148.4 million of these obligations to January 31, 2011.
 
(2) Obligations relate to subcontracts executed by Campus Crest Construction, LLC, to complete projects under construction at December 31, 2009.
 
Long-Term Indebtedness to Be Outstanding Following this Offering
 
Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, we will have total consolidated indebtedness of approximately $132.3 million. The following table summarizes our consolidated indebtedness to be outstanding following the completion of this offering and our formation transactions.
         
    Total  
    (in thousands)  
 
2010
  $  
2011
    85  
2012
    643  
2013
    72,213  
2014
    797  
Thereafter
    58,566  
         
Total
  $ 132,304  
         
 
Following this offering, the pro forma weighted average annual interest rate on our total long-term indebtedness as of December 31, 2009 will be approximately 6.23%, and all of our outstanding indebtedness will be fixed rate except for anticipated borrowings under our revolving credit facility. After completion of this offering and our formation transactions, and based upon an offering price of our common stock equal to the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, our ratio of debt to total market capitalization will be approximately     % (     % if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), excluding indebtedness encumbering our current and future joint venture properties. However, we expect to incur additional indebtedness, consistent with our financing policy, in connection with our development activities following this offering. For further information concerning our long-term indebtedness, see “Policies with Respect to Certain Activities—Financing Policies.”


84


Table of Contents

Consents or Waivers Under our Loan Documents
 
At December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010, we were not in compliance with covenants relating to (a) unresolved liens and claims for materials or labor, and (b) debt service coverage under our construction loan with Wachovia Bank relating to nine of our properties. On May 7, 2010, we received a commitment (i) allowing us until August 31, 2010 to bond over and/or cause to be released from all remaining unresolved liens (ii) waiving our non-compliance with the debt service coverage covenant as of December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010 and substituting a debt yield covenant in lieu of a debt service covenant and (iii) committing to extend the maturity of the construction loan to January 31, 2011. We have agreed with the lender to execute the extension as described in the commitment on or before June 1, 2010. We intend to repay the indebtedness under this credit facility in full with a portion of the net proceeds from this offering.
 
At December 31, 2009, we were not in compliance with the covenant relating to unresolved liens and claims for materials or labor under our construction loan with Wachovia Bank relating to The Grove at Moscow, The Grove at San Angelo and The Grove at San Marcos. On May 12, 2010, the lender under this construction loan acknowledged and consented to our proposal for the repayment of a portion of the outstanding amount of this loan relating to The Grove at San Marcos and satisfaction of the liens and claims with a portion of the net proceeds from this offering, and waived our non-compliance with the covenant.
 
We were not in compliance with covenants under our mortgage loan with Silverton Bank relating to The Grove at Abilene, The Grove at Ellensburg, The Grove at Greeley, The Grove at Jacksonville, The Grove at Mobile—Phase I and The Grove at Nacogdoches for the borrowing quarters ending October 31, 2009, January 31, 2010 and April 30, 2010 as a result of non-compliance with the debt service coverage covenant and debt yield percentage covenant set forth in the loan documents. Additionally, based on current operating projections, we do not expect to satisfy either covenant through the end of 2010. On April 9, 2010, we received a waiver of non-compliance with these covenants from the lender under this mortgage loan for the borrowing quarters ending October 31, 2009 and January 31, 2010. On May 13, 2010, we received a waiver of non-compliance with the covenants from the lender under this mortgage loan for the borrowing quarter ending April 30, 2010. We have also obtained a forward waiver of non-compliance for the borrowing quarters ending July 31, 2010, October 31, 2010 and January 31, 2011. We intend to repay the portion of the outstanding amount of this loan relating to two of the properties securing the loan with a portion of the net proceeds from this offering.
 
Upon the completion of this offering and the application of a portion of the net proceeds therefrom to reduce outstanding indebtedness, as described above, we expect to be in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. However, if we do not complete this offering we would need to access alternative capital resources, and there is no assurance that we would be successful in doing so. An inability to refinance maturing indebtedness or obtain alternative financing would have a material adverse affect on our business and financial condition.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
HSRE Joint Venture
 
As discussed above, we have entered into two joint venture arrangements with HSRE. On March 26, 2010, we entered into an agreement for the formation of a third joint venture arrangement with HSRE that is contingent upon the receipt of certain lender consents. Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, however, we will be party only to one joint venture arrangement relating to six properties, in which we will have a 49.9% interest and which will be accounted for as an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture. We use the joint venture arrangement to finance certain of our properties, including three that are currently under construction, and we may seek to finance future investment activities through additional unconsolidated joint ventures with third parties. As of December 31, 2009, on a pro rata basis,


85


Table of Contents

our share of indebtedness encumbering properties held in this unconsolidated joint venture was approximately $22.7 million.
 
Funds From Operations (FFO)
 
FFO is used by industry analysts and investors as a supplemental operating performance measure for REITs. We calculate FFO in accordance with the definition that was adopted by the Board of Governors of NAREIT. FFO, as defined by NAREIT, represents net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding extraordinary items as defined under GAAP and gains or losses from sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets, plus specified non-cash items, such as real estate asset depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures.
 
We use FFO as a supplemental performance measure because, in excluding real estate-related depreciation and amortization and gains and losses from property dispositions, it provides a performance measure that, when compared year over year, captures trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating expenses. We also believe that, as a widely recognized measure of the performance of equity REITs, FFO will be used by investors as a basis to compare our operating performance with that of other REITs. However, because FFO excludes depreciation and amortization and captures neither the changes in the value of our properties that result from use or market conditions nor the level of capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, all of which have real economic effects and could materially and adversely impact our results of operations, the utility of FFO as a measure of our performance is limited.
 
While FFO is a relevant and widely used measure of operating performance of equity REITs, other equity REITs may use different methodologies for calculating FFO and, accordingly, FFO as disclosed by such other REITs may not be comparable to FFO published herein. Therefore, we believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our historical operating results, FFO should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in the combined financial statements and the other financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of our properties’ financial performance or to cash flow from operating activities (computed in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of our liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to pay dividends or make distributions.
 
The following table presents a reconciliation of our FFO to our net loss for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
 
                                 
    Pro Forma
                   
    For Year
    Year Ended December 31,  
    Ended 2009     2009     2008     2007  
    (in thousands)  
 
Net loss
  $ (11,513 )   $ (6,737 )   $ (25,227 )   $ (7,549 )
Noncontrolling interest
    (864 )     (10,486 )     (870 )     (2,083 )
Real estate related depreciation and amortization
    18,432       18,205       13,042       5,721  
Equity portion of real estate related depreciation and amortization on equity investee
    355       52              
                                 
Funds from operations (“FFO”)
  $ 6,410     $ 1,034     $ (13,055 )   $ (3,911 )
                                 
 
In addition to FFO, we believe it is also a meaningful measure of our performance to adjust FFO to exclude the change in fair value of interest rate derivatives and the write-off of


86


Table of Contents

development costs. Excluding the change in fair value of interest rate derivatives and development cost write-offs adjusts FFO to be more reflective of operating results prior to capital replacement or expansion, debt service obligations or other commitments and contingencies. This measure is referred to herein as FFOA.
 
                                 
    Pro Forma
                   
    For Year
    Year Ended December 31,  
    Ended 2009     2009     2008     2007  
    (in thousands)  
 
FFO
  $ 6,410     $ 1,034     $ (13,055 )   $ (3,911 )
Elimination of change in fair value of interest rate derivatives
    (90 )     (3,480 )     7,414       2,115  
Elimination of development cost write-off
    1,211       1,211       203        
                                 
Funds from operations adjusted (“FFOA”)
  $ 7,531     $ (1,235 )   $ (5,438 )   $ (1,796 )
                                 
 
Inflation
 
Our leases do not typically provide for rent escalations. However, they typically do not have terms that extend beyond 12 months. Accordingly, although on a short-term basis we would be required to bear the impact of rising costs resulting from inflation, we have the opportunity to raise rental rates at least annually to offset such rising costs. However, a weak economic environment or declining student enrollment at our principal colleges and universities may limit our ability to raise rental rates.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Following this offering, all of our outstanding indebtedness will have a fixed rate of interest except for our new     -year, $      million senior secured revolving credit facility           that we expect to enter into upon completion of this offering, which will bear interest at a rate of     %.
 
We may in the future use derivative financial instruments to manage, or hedge, interest rate risks related to such variable rate borrowings. We do not, and do not expect to, use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes, and we expect to enter into contracts only with major financial institutions.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Set forth below is a summary of the accounting policies that management believes are critical to the preparation of the historical combined financial statements included in this prospectus. Certain of these accounting policies are particularly important for an understanding of the financial position and results of operations presented in the historical combined financial statements included in this prospectus. These policies require the application of judgment and assumptions by management and, as a result, are subject to a degree of uncertainty. Actual results could differ as a result of such judgment and assumptions.
 
Our historical combined financial statements include the accounts of all investments, which include joint ventures in which we have a controlling interest, and the combined subsidiaries of the Predecessor. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted, or “GAAP,” in the United States, or “U.S.,” requires management to make estimates and assumptions combined that affect amounts reported in our historical combined financial statements and related notes. In preparing these combined financial statements,


87


Table of Contents

management has utilized all available information, including its past history, industry standards and the current economic environment, among other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the historical combined financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. Our estimates may not be ultimately realized. Application of the critical accounting policies below involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results will differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies in similar businesses may utilize different estimation policies and methodologies, which may impact the comparability of our results of operations and financial condition to those companies.
 
Valuation of Investment in Real Estate
 
Investment in real estate is recorded at historical cost. Pre-development expenditures include items such as entitlement costs, architectural fees and deposits associated with the pursuit of partially-owned and wholly-owned development projects. These costs are capitalized until such time that management believes it is probable that a contract will be executed and/or construction will commence. Management evaluates the status of projects where we have not yet acquired the target property or where we have not yet commenced construction on a periodic basis and writes off any pre-development costs related to projects whose current status indicates the commencement of construction is not probable. Such write-offs are included within operating expenses in the accompanying combined statements of operations.
 
Management assesses whether there has been impairment in the value of our investment in real estate whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of investment in real estate is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of a student housing property to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the property. Impairment is recognized when estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the property. The estimation of expected future cash flows is inherently uncertain and relies on assumptions regarding current and future economics and market conditions. If such conditions change, then an adjustment to the carrying value of our long-lived assets could occur in the future period in which conditions change. To the extent that a property is impaired, the excess of the carrying amount of the property over its estimated fair value is charged to operating earnings. Fair value is determined based upon the discounted cash flows of the property, quoted market prices or independent appraisals, as considered necessary.
 
Under the equity method, investments are initially recognized in the balance sheet at cost and are subsequently adjusted to reflect our proportionate share of net earnings or losses of the entity, distributions received, contributions, and certain other adjustments, as appropriate. When circumstances indicate there may have been a loss in value of an equity method investment, we evaluate the investment for impairment by estimating our ability to recover the investment from future expected discounted cash flows. If we determine the loss in value is other than temporary, we recognize an impairment charge to reflect the investment at fair value.
 
Student Housing Revenue
 
Students are required to execute lease contracts with payment schedules that vary from annual to monthly payments. We recognize revenues and related lease incentives on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease contracts. Generally, each executed contract is required to be accompanied by a signed parental guaranty. Amounts received in advance of the occupancy period are recorded as deferred revenues and included in other liabilities on the accompanying combined balance sheets. Service revenue is recognized when earned.


88


Table of Contents

Development, Construction and Management Services
 
Development and construction service revenue is recognized using the percentage of completion method, as determined by construction costs incurred relative to total estimated construction costs. Any changes in significant judgments and/or estimates used in determining construction and development revenue could significantly change the timing or amount of construction and development revenue recognized.
 
Development and construction service revenues are recognized for contracts with entities we do not combine. For projects where the revenue is based on a fixed price, any cost overruns incurred during construction, as compared to the original budget, will reduce the net profit ultimately recognized on those projects. Profit derived from these projects is eliminated to the extent of the predecessor entities’ ownership interest in the uncombined entity. Any incentive fees, net of the impact of our ownership interest if the entity is an uncombined entity, are recognized when the project is complete and performance has been agreed upon by all parties, or when performance has been verified by an independent third party. When total development or construction costs at completion exceed the fixed price set forth within the related contract, such cost overruns are recorded as an additional investment in the uncombined entity.
 
Management fees, net of elimination to the extent of our ownership in uncombined entities, are recognized when earned in accordance with each management contract for entities we do not combine. Incentive management fees are recognized when the incentive criteria are met.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
Allowances for student receivables are established when management determines that collections of such receivables are doubtful. Balances are considered past due when payment is not received on the contractual due date. When management has determined receivables are uncollectible, they are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.
 
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
In certain instances, interest rate swap agreements used to manage floating interest rate exposure are executed with respect to amounts borrowed, or forecasted to be borrowed, under credit facilities. These contracts effectively exchange existing or forecasted obligations to pay interest based on floating rates for obligations to pay interest based on fixed rates. All derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the combined balance sheet at their respective fair values. Our derivatives have not met the requirements for hedge accounting treatment; therefore, all gains and losses related to derivative instruments are recorded in the combined statements of operations.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Financial instruments consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, investments, student receivables, accounts payable, mortgages, construction notes payable and lines of credit. The carrying value of cash, cash equivalents, investments, student receivables and accounts payable are representative of their respective fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair values of mortgages, construction notes payable and lines of credit are determined by comparing current borrowing rates and risk spreads offered in the market to the stated interest rates and spreads on our current mortgages, construction notes payable and lines of credit.


89


Table of Contents

The fair value of the interest rate swaps is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of the derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivative, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, implied volatilities and the creditworthiness of the swap counterparties.
 
On January 1, 2008, we adopted guidance for accounting for fair value measurements of financial assets and financial liabilities and for fair value measurements of nonfinancial items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the combined financial statements on a recurring basis. On January 1, 2009, we adopted guidance for fair value measurement related to nonfinancial items that are recognized and disclosed at fair value in the combined financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
 
  Level 1 — Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
 
  Level 2 — Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
 
  Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which the Predecessor makes its own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability.
 
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received when selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety has been determined is based on the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or “FASB,” issued new accounting guidance which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary (previously referred to as minority interest). It also requires that a retained noncontrolling interest upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary be initially measured at its fair value. We are required to report any noncontrolling interests as a separate component of equity and present any net income allocable to noncontrolling interests and net income attributable to the Predecessor separately in the combined statements of operations. As required, we adopted this new guidance beginning January 1, 2009. As a result of the adoption, the former minority interest classification was eliminated and related amounts are now reflected as a component of equity. Additionally, during 2009, noncontrolling interests were attributed the full amount of their portion of any net losses. Previously, they were only allocated losses up to their remaining investment balance. It requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. All other requirements are applied prospectively.


90


Table of Contents

In March 2008, the FASB issued new accounting guidance requiring enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The Predecessor adopted the new guidance beginning January 1, 2009. The adoption did not have a significant effect on our combined financial statements.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance requiring disclosure of the fair value of all financial instruments (recognized or unrecognized) when practicable to do so. These fair value disclosures must be presented together with the related carrying amount of the financial instruments in a manner that clearly distinguishes between assets and liabilities and indicates how the carrying amounts relate to the amounts reported on the balance sheet. The new guidance is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption did not have a material impact on our combined financial statements.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance regarding subsequent events. The new guidance sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. The Predecessor adopted this guidance during 2009 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our combined financial statements.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance changing the consolidation analysis for VIEs and requiring a qualitative analysis to determine the primary beneficiary. The determination of the primary beneficiary of a VIE is based on whether the entity has the power to direct matters which most significantly impact the activities of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive benefits, of the VIE which could potentially be significant to the VIE. It requires additional disclosures for VIEs, including disclosures about a reporting entity’s involvement with VIEs, how a reporting entity’s involvement with a VIE affects the reporting entity’s financial statements, and significant judgments and assumptions made by the reporting entity to determine whether it must combine the VIE. It is effective for us beginning on January 1, 2010. We are currently evaluating what impact, if any, its adoption will have on our combined financial statements.


91


Table of Contents

 
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
 
The following information is derived from a market study prepared for us by Michael Gallis & Associates (“MGA”), a North Carolina-based strategic planning and design firm, in connection with this offering. The forecasts and projections are based on MGA’s experience and data published by the U.S. Department of Education and other sources, and there is no assurance that any of the projections will be accurate. We believe that the study is reliable, but we have not independently verified the information in the study nor have we ascertained any underlying assumptions relied upon therein. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding the industry data presented herein, estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors.”
 
Understanding Student Housing
 
Student housing is broadly defined to include housing designed to accommodate students enrolled in either full-time or part-time post-secondary, public and private four-year colleges and universities, including those that offer advanced degrees. The student housing market generally does not seek to address the housing needs of students enrolled in two-year community colleges and technical colleges, as these institutions do not generate sufficient and consistent demand for student housing.
 
The student housing market is a specialized segment of the residential real estate market. The residential real estate market is comprised of single-family and multi-family products. The single-family market is primarily a for-sale market, although single-family dwellings can also be offered for rent, particularly as housing market conditions deteriorate and the ability to sell houses declines. The multi-family market can be divided into the for-sale market (i.e., condominiums) and the for-rent market (i.e., apartments), with the latter category generally considered as a crossover with commercial real estate, in that such properties are constructed as income-generating properties, similar to retail, office or industrial properties. Both single-family for-rent and multi-family apartments compete directly with student housing.
 
Overall, the student housing market has certain unique characteristics that distinguish it from other segments of the housing market. First, student housing is aimed only at those persons enrolled in college and not at the general population of renters. Second, the leasing cycle for student housing properties is defined by the academic calendar, which results in a finite leasing window and relatively low month-to-month turnover following the start of the academic year. Finally, student housing properties are designed to accommodate and appeal to the college lifestyle, which is significantly different from the lifestyle of a typical multi-family renter.
 
There are two major types of student housing properties: on-campus and off-campus. On-campus housing is generally owned and operated by educational institutions and is located on school property near or adjacent to classroom buildings and other campus facilities. Off-campus housing is generally owned and operated by private investors and is located in close proximity to campus (i.e., generally within a two-mile radius of the campus).
 
Purpose-built student housing refers to off-campus housing that is specifically designed and constructed as student housing with a view towards accommodating the unique characteristics of the student-tenant. While purpose-built student housing is classified as a multi-family housing product, it is significantly different from and more specialized than traditional multi-family housing products, which are offered to the broader pool of multi-family renters. Key features of


92


Table of Contents

purpose-built student housing that differentiate such properties from traditional multi-family apartments include:
 
  •   “By the bed” lease terms and rental rates (as opposed to “by the unit” apartment leases),
 
  •   Bed/bath parity with private en suite baths,
 
  •   Fully furnished units,
 
  •   Bundled pricing, which typically includes utilities, cable and Internet,
 
  •   Enhanced security features, including keyed bedroom locks and gated entrances,
 
  •   Resort-style amenities (e.g., oversized pools, volleyball / basketball courts, clubhouses, etc.); and
 
  •   Active residence life and student support programs
 
Student Housing Demand Drivers
 
We believe that increasing demand for student housing will be driven primarily by four factors: population and enrollment growth, changing student preferences, institutional considerations and economic factors.
 
Population and Enrollment Growth
 
The primary driver of demand for student housing is college enrollment growth, which is in turn driven by population growth, family formation, birth rate and college attendance rates. College enrollment growth has been increasing steadily since the early 1990s as the “Echo Boom” generation started to reach college age. The Echo Boom generation is comprised of children of the Baby Boomers. The term “Baby Boomer” generally refers to individuals born in the U.S. between 1946 and 1964, a period of time during which there was a dramatic increase in births (i.e., a “baby boom”), and the term “Echo Boomers” refers to the children of Baby Boomers born between the mid-1970s and the end of the century. While the Echo Boomers can be considered to have started to turn 18 in the early 1990s through roughly 2020, as the graph below shows, the main period is estimated to be between approximately 1996 and 2012.


93


Table of Contents

U.S. Population Turning 18 (1960-2020)
 
(CHART)
 
Another major driver of college enrollments is the increasing percentage of graduating high school students attending college. Following the original Baby Boom, the U.S. birth rate declined significantly and reached a trough in the mid-1970s. Despite this decline in birth rate and the corresponding decline in the number of people turning 18 through the 1980s and early 1990s, college enrollments actually continued to increase during this period, as a higher percentage of 18 to 24 year-olds went to college. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the share of 18 to 24 year-old high school graduates choosing to attend college increased from 31.8% in 1980 to 46.1% in 2007, a trend which is expected to continue.
 
As of 2008, an estimated 18.7 million students were enrolled in colleges and universities, representing an increase of 28.9% from 10 years earlier. The Department of Education projects that college enrollments in the U.S. will further increase to 20.4 million by 2017, representing a total increase of 1.7 million students, or 9.1%, over the 2008 enrollment estimates.


94


Table of Contents

College Enrollments (1957-2012)
 
(CHART)
 
Several other trends are also expected to influence college enrollments and the demand for student housing, including an increase in the percentage of full-time (versus part-time) enrollments and a trend toward longer enrollments.
 
Full-time Undergraduate Enrollments as % of Total Undergraduate Enrollments (2000-2016)
 
(CHART)
 
As illustrated below, only 29% of students that enrolled in public colleges in 2000 graduated within four years, and 55% graduated within six years. This trend toward longer time to degree


95


Table of Contents

completion has led to an increase in overall college enrollments and a corresponding increase in demand for student housing.
 
Time to Completion of Undergraduate Degree (Based on Enrollments in 2000)
 
(CHART)
 
Changing Student Preferences
 
We believe that other major factors driving the growth of the student housing market are the evolving preferences of student consumers and the perceived impact of student housing on the overall college experience. Modern-day college students tend to have a higher standard of living than previous generations of students, and such students are increasingly attracted to housing alternatives that offer a superior level of accommodations and amenities relative to traditional on-campus, “dormitory style” residence halls. Traditional on-campus housing alternatives have generally consisted of shared rooms, communal bathroom facilities and extremely limited (if any) amenities and parking. However, today’s college student is increasingly consumer-oriented and averse to the utilitarian and largely outdated design of traditional dormitory-style facilities. This ongoing evolution of student preferences should drive increased demand for purpose-built student housing, which is specifically designed to appeal to the modern day college student with broad amenities, enhanced privacy and a focus on improving the overall student lifestyle experience.
 
Institutional Considerations
 
While indications of overall demand trends can be measured using national statistics, student housing is ultimately a localized market with unique characteristics among individual local markets. Thus, when evaluating the attractiveness of a particular geographic market, it is important to consider the growth trends specific to the local college(s) in that market as well as the available housing stock (both on-campus and off-campus) within the market. Ultimately, institutional growth rates and their corresponding impact on student housing demand are dependent upon two important factors: student choice and institutional enrollment limits.
 
Students typically apply to more than one college in a prioritized hierarchy from a first choice institution through a sequence of descending choices. When first choice institutions are


96


Table of Contents

filled, students are forced to attend their second, third or other choice. As a result, enrollment limits and, in certain cases, the smaller increases in capacity at “first choice” institutions, are driving increasing numbers of students to enroll in schools located in alternative, medium-sized college markets. Thus, while large and established universities typically have the largest need for student housing in terms of absolute numbers, the most favorable growth characteristics are often found at schools located in medium-sized college markets.
 
Economic Factors
 
Macroeconomic variables can also play a significant role in college enrollment trends. Generally, economic expansion leads to job creation and drives the need for a more highly trained and well-educated workforce, which has been a key driver of the increase in the percentage of high school graduates choosing to enroll in college. However, college enrollments have also historically demonstrated some counter-cyclical characteristics that have yielded strong enrollment growth even during recessionary periods. During periods of high unemployment and limited job creation, more people are inclined to pursue higher education, often as a means to upgrade their employment prospects. As shown in the shaded areas below, college enrollments have consistently increased during recessionary periods.
 
Enrollment Growth and Recessions (1969-2008)
 
(CHART)
 
Economic conditions can also impact a student’s choice of college. As families come under increasing financial pressure, college-bound students are often forced to re-evaluate their options with a view toward finding more affordable educational alternatives. According to a survey referenced in US News and World Report (December 2008), out of 2,500 prospective college students nationwide, 57% indicated that they were considering a more affordable college because they were concerned about cost. As cost becomes a key consideration in the evaluation of college alternatives, students are increasingly considering schools located in alternative, medium-sized


97


Table of Contents

college markets, which can offer an attractive educational experience often for a fraction of the cost of private or flagship public institutions.
 
Change in Tuition at Public and Private Institutions (1964-2008)
 
(CHART)
 
Student Housing Supply Considerations
 
The supply of student housing has continued to decline due to several key factors, including institutional capital allocation policies and preferences, state budget cuts and other economic factors.
 
Institutional Capital Allocation
 
While colleges and universities are generally obligated to provide adequate classroom facilities and educational resources to accommodate their student bodies, these institutions are generally not required to provide housing options commensurate with enrollment levels. Similarly, college students are generally not required to live on-campus (although some smaller private colleges do have on-campus residency requirements). Due to budget cuts and capital allocation policies, institutions have increasingly limited their expenditures on the construction and renovation of on-campus housing, preferring instead to invest in programs and facilities that enhance their educational and research capabilities. As a result, a significant and increasing percentage of college students satisfy their housing needs with off-campus, private-market alternatives.


98


Table of Contents

On-Campus Housing Capacity as a % of Undergraduate Enrollments at Public Universities
 
(CHART)
 
On-campus housing capacity is a measure of the amount of dormitory space available relative to the total number of students enrolled. As seen in the above chart, on-campus student housing capacity at public universities has declined since 1990. As of 2004, U.S. public universities had, on average, capacity to provide housing to only 24.8% of their undergraduate populations. This trend is expected to continue as state budget deficits increase and the financial ability of institutions to invest in new housing capacity remains constrained.


99


Table of Contents

Dorm Capacity at Four-Year Schools, Top 15 States by Enrollment in (000s) (2004)
 
                                 
    Undergraduate
    Dorm
    Capacity as %
    Capacity
 
State
  Enrollment     Capacity     Enrollment     Shortfall  
 
California
    480.5       92.7       19 %     387.8  
Texas
    391.7       77.9       20 %     313.8  
Florida
    310.7       36.8       12 %     273.8  
New York
    287       77.9       27 %     209.1  
Michigan
    221.5       70.2       32 %     151.3  
Ohio
    217.2       54.2       25 %     163  
Pennsylvania
    211.3       70.5       33 %     140.8  
Indiana
    163.3       38.7       24 %     124.6  
Georgia
    160.6       36.2       23 %     124.4  
North Carolina
    150       50.5       34 %     99.5  
Illinois
    149.4       45.3       30 %     104.1  
Virginia
    140.4       54.2       39 %     86.2  
Louisiana
    131.8       26.5       20 %     105.3  
Wisconsin
    128.1       35.9       28 %     92.2  
Colorado
    124.2       25.3       20 %     98.9  
                                 
Total
    3,267.7       792.8       24 %     2,474.9  
                                 
 
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, RREEF Research.
 
Educational Budget Cuts
 
As state deficits increase, governments face difficult budget choices that often result in educational budget cuts. Budget cuts limit the ability of public institutions to invest in non-core assets such as on-campus student housing, thereby shifting the burden of providing student housing to the private sector. In the recent recessionary period, 38 states cut their educational budgets, while only 11 states increased their funding of higher education. Even well-funded private institutions are coping with budgetary pressures, as they seek to recoup significant endowment losses through reduced spending. As educational budgets continue to come under pressure and as student housing slips further down the list of spending priorities, the supply of suitable on-campus student housing is expected to continue to decline despite significantly increased enrollments.


100


Table of Contents

% Change in Total Higher Education Funding by State (FY 2009 to FY 2010)
 
(CHART)
 
Other Economic Factors
 
As on-campus housing stock continues to decline in relation to enrollments, students are increasingly reliant on private-sector development to satisfy housing needs. However, funding for new development projects has become increasingly constrained amid the current economic environment. Refinancing initiatives have also been difficult as banks continuously look to reduce their exposure to commercial real estate loans. Together, these factors create a material restriction on the available supply of student housing, while demand for such housing continues to increase.
 
The Future of Student Housing
 
While the current accelerated growth in enrollments is projected to stabilize by 2016, as the Echo Boomer phase of population growth completes its cycle, college and university enrollments are nevertheless projected to continue rising over the next four decades throughout the first half of the century. Colleges and universities will have to find new ways to supply student housing as the supply of on-campus housing becomes obsolete and institutions are unable to fund the replacement of these beds. This should provide opportunities for private development and ownership of high-quality, purpose-built student housing.


101


Table of Contents

 
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
 
Our Company
 
Campus Crest Communities, Inc. is a self-managed, self-administered, vertically-integrated developer, builder, owner and manager of high-quality, purpose-built student housing. Prior to this offering, our business was conducted through Campus Crest Group, which is wholly-owned and controlled by Ted W. Rollins, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, and Michael S. Hartnett, our co-chairman and chief investment officer, and certain members of their families. We intend to elect and qualify to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2010.
 
We believe that we are one of the largest vertically-integrated developers, builders, owners and managers of high-quality, purpose-built student housing properties in the United States based on beds owned and under management. Upon completion of this offering and our formation transactions, we will own interests in 27 recently built student housing properties. These properties are located in 11 states, contain approximately 5,048 apartment units and 13,580 beds, and had an average age of 1.7 years as of February 28, 2010. Twenty-one of these properties, containing approximately 3,920 apartment units and 10,528 beds, will be wholly-owned, and six of these properties, containing approximately 1,128 apartment units and 3,052 beds, will be owned through a joint venture with HSRE, in which we will have a 49.9% interest. Three of these joint venture properties are under construction, with completion and occupancy expected for the 2010-2011 academic year. As of February 28, 2010, the average occupancy for our 24 operating properties was approximately 85% and the average monthly rental revenue per occupied bed was approximately $459. Our properties are primarily located in medium-sized college and university markets, which we believe are underserved and are experiencing enrollment growth.
 
We were formed to continue and expand the student housing business of Campus Crest Group, which has been engaged in this business since 2004. All of our properties have been developed, built and managed by Campus Crest Group. All of our properties operate under The Grove® brand and have, in general, been based upon a common prototypical building design. We believe that the use of this prototypical building design, which we have built approximately 410 times, allows us to efficiently deliver a uniform and proven student housing product in multiple markets. Furthermore, we believe that our brand and associated lifestyle are effective differentiators that create higher visibility and appeal for our properties within their markets.
 
In addition to our existing properties, we actively seek new development opportunities. We expect that, subject to completion of this offering, we will acquire land and commence building properties for our own account on five identified sites that we have under contract, with completion targeted for the 2011-2012 academic year. For each of these five sites, we have conducted significant pre-development activities and are in the process of obtaining the necessary zoning and site plan approvals. In total, we have identified over 200 markets and approximately 80 specific sites within these markets as potential future development opportunities, and our current business plan contemplates the development of approximately five to seven new student housing properties per year. No assurance can be given that we will not adjust our business plan as it relates to development, or that any particular development opportunity will be undertaken or completed in accordance with our current expectations.
 
Our company is led by our co-founders Ted W. Rollins and Michael S. Hartnett, each of whom has over 20 years of real estate investment and operating experience, including the development and management of over 13,000 student housing beds. They are supported by over 400 full and part time employees who carry out our development, construction, property management and asset management activities.


102


Table of Contents

Our Competitive Strengths
 
We believe that we distinguish ourselves from other developers, builders, owners and managers of student housing properties through the followin