COPT DEFENSE PROPERTIES

Previous wording

Our business may be affected by adverse economic conditions. Our business may be affected by adverse economic conditions in the United States, real estate industry as a whole or local markets in which our properties are located, including the impact of high unemployment, inflation or deflation, constrained credit and shortages of goods or services. Such conditions could potentially be triggered by geopolitical or other world events. Adverse economic conditions could increase the likelihood of tenants encountering financial difficulties, including bankruptcy, insolvency or general downturn of business, and as a result could increase the likelihood of tenants defaulting on their lease obligations to us. Such conditions could also decrease our likelihood of successfully renewing tenants at favorable terms or at all or leasing vacant space in existing properties or newly-developed properties. In addition, such conditions could disrupt the operations or profitability of our business or increase the level of risk that we may not be able to obtain new financing for development activities, refinancing of existing debt, acquisitions or other capital requirements at reasonable terms, if at all.

Current wording

Our business may be affected by adverse economic conditions. Our business may be affected by adverse economic conditions in the United States, real estate industry as a whole or local markets in which our properties are located, including the impact of high unemployment, inflation or deflation, constrained credit and shortages of goods or services. Such conditions could potentially be triggered by geopolitical or other world events. Adverse economic conditions could increase the likelihood of tenants encountering financial difficulties, including bankruptcy, insolvency or general downturn of business, and as a result could increase the likelihood of tenants defaulting on their lease obligations to us. Such conditions could also decrease our likelihood of successfully renewing tenants at favorable terms or at all or leasing vacant space in existing properties or newly-developed properties. In addition, such conditions could disrupt the operations or profitability of our business or increase the level of risk that we may not be able to obtain new financing for development activities, refinancing of existing debt, acquisitions or other capital requirements at reasonable terms, if at all, or to execute dispositions of our properties on a satisfactory time frame or on satisfactory terms, if at all.

Previous wording

We may be adversely affected by developments concerning our major tenants, including the USG and its contractors, or the defense installations or missions from which demand for our Defense/IT Portfolio’s properties is driven. As of December 31, 2023, our 10 largest tenants accounted for 63.5% of our total annualized rental revenue, the three largest of these tenants accounted for 49.6%, and the USG, our largest tenant, accounted for 35.9%. For additional information regarding our tenant concentrations, refer to the section entitled “Concentration of Operations” within the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We calculate annualized rental revenue by multiplying by 12 the sum of monthly contractual base rents (ignoring free rent then in effect and rent associated with tenant funded landlord assets) and estimated monthly expense reimbursements under active leases in our portfolio as of the date defined; with regard to properties owned through unconsolidated real estate joint ventures, we include the portion of annualized rental revenue allocable to our ownership interests.

Current wording

We may be adversely affected by developments concerning our major tenants, including the USG and its contractors, or the defense installations or missions from which demand for our Defense/IT Portfolio’s properties is driven. As of December 31, 2024, our 10 largest tenants accounted for 63.8% of our total ARR, the three largest of these tenants accounted for 50.5%, and the USG, our largest tenant, accounted for 35.9%. For additional information regarding our tenant concentrations, refer to the section entitled “Concentration of Operations” within the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We further define ARR in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, 89.8% of our annualized rental revenue was from our Defense/IT Portfolio. A reduction in government spending targeting the activities of the USG or its contractors (such as knowledge- and technology-based defense and security activities) in this portfolio’s demand drivers could adversely affect our tenants’ ability to fulfill lease obligations, renew leases or enter into new leases and limit our future growth from properties whose demand rely on such activities. In addition, uncertainty regarding the potential for future government spending for such activities could also decrease or delay leasing activity from existing or new tenants engaged in these activities. Moreover, we may face additional economic harm in the event of long-term displacement, or elimination, of government spending for defense installations or missions from which demand for our Defense/IT Portfolio’s properties is driven.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, 90.3% of our ARR was from our Defense/IT Portfolio. A temporary or permanent reduction in government spending targeting the activities of the USG or its contractors in this portfolio’s demand drivers could adversely affect our tenants’ ability to fulfill lease obligations, renew leases or enter into new leases and limit our future growth from properties whose demand rely on such activities. In addition, uncertainty regarding the potential for future government spending for such activities could also decrease or delay leasing activity from existing or new tenants engaged in these activities.

Previous wording

Our future ability to develop data center shells will be limited without additional land to do so. Since 2013, we have developed 30 data center shells in Northern Virginia totaling 5.7 million square feet for a Fortune 100 Company tenant, and we had an additional three under development totaling 643,000 square feet for that tenant as of December 31, 2023. These properties have also garnered the interest of outside investors, enabling us to raise capital by selling ownership interests through joint venture structures at favorable profit margins, and to apply the proceeds towards other development opportunities. As of December 31, 2023, we did not have additional land under control in Northern Virginia for the future development of data center shells. If we are unable to locate additional data center shell development opportunities, we may no longer be able to develop data center shells.

Current wording

Our future ability to fuel growth through data center shell development may be adversely affected should we suffer a loss of future development opportunities with our data center shell customer or are unable to locate suitable developable land. Data center shells have been a growth driver for our Defense/IT Locations strategy. Since 2013, we have developed 31 data center shells in Northern Virginia totaling 5.9 million square feet for a Fortune 100 Company cloud computing customer, and we had an additional two under development totaling 418,000 square feet for that tenant as of December 31, 2024. Historically, these properties have also garnered the interest of outside investors, enabling us to raise capital by selling ownership interests through joint venture structures at favorable profit margins, and to apply the proceeds towards other development opportunities. Our ability to continue to use data center shell development as a growth driver and possible future source of capital may be limited if our cloud computing customer no longer chooses to allocate development opportunities to us or if we are unable to acquire suitable land for development.

Previous wording

We may encounter a significant decline in the value of our real estate. The value of our real estate could be adversely affected by general economic and market conditions connected to a specific property or property type, a market or submarket, a broader economic region or the office real estate industry. Examples of such conditions include a broader economic recession, declining demand for space and decreases in market rental rates and/or market values of real estate assets. If our real estate assets significantly decline in value, it could result in our recognition of impairment losses. Moreover, a decline in the value of our real estate could adversely affect the amount of borrowings available to us and our ability, or willingness, to execute plans to sell properties.

Current wording

We may encounter a significant decline in the value of our real estate. The value of our real estate could be adversely affected by general economic and market conditions connected to a specific property or property type, a market or submarket, a broader economic region or the office real estate industry. Examples of such conditions include a broader economic recession, declining demand for space, increases in interest rates and decreases in market rental rates and/or market values of real estate assets. If our real estate assets significantly decline in value, it could result in our recognition of impairment losses. Moreover, a decline in the value of our real estate could adversely affect the amount of borrowings available to us and our ability, or willingness, to execute plans to sell properties.

Previous wording

We may be unable to successfully execute our plans to develop additional properties. Although the majority of our investments are in operating properties, we also develop and redevelop properties, including some that are not fully pre-leased. When we develop or redevelop properties, we assume a number of risks, including, but not limited to, the risk of: actual costs exceeding our budgets; conditions or events occurring that delay or preclude our ability to complete the project as originally planned or at all; projected leasing not occurring as expected or at all, or occurring at lower than expected rental rates; and not being able to obtain financing to fund property development activities.

Current wording

We may be unable to successfully execute our plans to develop additional properties. Although the majority of our investments are in operating properties, we also develop and redevelop properties, including some that are not fully pre-leased. When we develop or redevelop properties, we assume a number of risks, including, but not limited to, the risk of: actual costs exceeding our budgets; conditions or events occurring that delay or preclude our ability to complete the project as originally planned or at all; projected leasing not occurring as expected or at all, or occurring at lower than expected rental rates; and not being able to fund property development activities.

Previous wording

We may suffer adverse effects from acquisitions of commercial real estate properties. We may pursue acquisitions of existing commercial real estate properties as part of our property development and acquisition strategy. Acquisitions of commercial properties entail risks, such as the risk that we may not be in a position, or have the opportunity in the future, to make suitable property acquisitions on advantageous terms and/or that such acquisitions fail to perform as expected.

Current wording

We may suffer adverse effects from acquisitions of commercial real estate properties. We may pursue acquisitions of existing commercial real estate properties as part of our property investment strategy. Acquisitions of commercial properties entail risks, such as the risk that we may not be in a position, or have the opportunity in the future, to make suitable property acquisitions on advantageous terms and/or that such acquisitions fail to perform as expected.

Previous wording

We may be subject to possible environmental liabilities. We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws, including air and water quality, hazardous or toxic substances and health and safety. These laws can impose liability on current and prior property owners or operators for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous substances released on a property, even if the property owner was not responsible for, or even aware of, the release of the hazardous substances. Costs resulting from environmental liability could be substantial. The presence of hazardous substances on our properties may also adversely affect occupancy and our ability to sell or borrow against those properties. In addition to the costs of government claims under environmental laws, private plaintiffs may bring claims for personal injury or other reasons. Additionally, various laws impose liability for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous substances at the disposal or treatment facility; anyone who arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at such a facility is potentially liable under such laws.

Current wording

We may be subject to possible environmental liabilities. We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws, including air and water quality, hazardous or toxic substances and health and safety. These laws can impose liability on current and prior property owners or operators for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous substances released on a property, even if the property owner was not responsible for, or even aware of, the release of the hazardous substances. Uninsured costs resulting from environmental liability could be substantial. The presence of hazardous substances on our properties may also adversely affect occupancy and our ability to sell or borrow against those properties. In addition to the costs of government claims under environmental laws, private plaintiffs may bring claims for personal injury or other reasons. Additionally, various laws impose liability for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous substances at the disposal or treatment facility; anyone who arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at such a facility is potentially liable under such laws.

Previous wording

We may be adversely affected by the impact of climate-related risks. We may be adversely affected by extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, which could result in significant property damage and make it more difficult for us to obtain affordable insurance coverage in the future. Longer term, we could also face the potential for more frequent or destructive severe weather events and shifts in temperature and precipitation amounts. Such events could adversely affect our properties in a number of ways, including, but not limited to: declining demand for space; our ability to operate them effectively and profitably; their valuations; and our ability to sell them or use them as collateral for future debt.

Current wording

We may be adversely affected by the impact of climate-related risks. We may be adversely affected by extreme weather events, such as heavy rainstorms, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, which could result in significant property damage and make it more difficult for us to obtain affordable insurance coverage in the future. Longer term, we could also face the potential for more frequent or destructive severe weather events and shifts in temperature and precipitation amounts. Such events could adversely affect our properties in a number of ways, including, but not limited to: declining demand for space; our ability to operate them effectively and profitably; their valuations; and our ability to sell them or use them as collateral for future debt.

Previous wording

We may be adversely affected by legislation and regulatory changes relating to combating climate change. We may be adversely affected by legislation and regulatory changes aimed at combating climate change. For example, the State of Maryland enacted legislation that will subject our properties in the state (approximately half of our portfolio at year end) to future energy performance standards, with potential monetary penalties for failing to meet such standards, building code changes and other requirements. In order to meet these performance standards and other requirements, we expect that we will need to make additional investments in building systems for new and existing properties. Other jurisdictions in which our properties are located have also either enacted similar legislation or are considering doing so in the future. We believe that our future additional capital investments and potential fees and penalties resulting from the State of Maryland legislation, and other similar federal, state or local laws or regulations in the future, could potentially be substantial.

Current wording

We may be adversely affected by legislation and regulatory changes relating to combating climate change. We may be adversely affected by legislation and regulatory changes aimed at combating climate change. For example, the State of Maryland enacted legislation that will subject our properties in the state (approximately half of our portfolio at year end) to future energy performance standards (with potential monetary penalties for failing to meet such standards), building code changes and other requirements. In order to meet these performance standards and other requirements, we expect that we will need to make additional investments in building systems for new and existing properties. Other jurisdictions in which our properties are located have also either enacted similar legislation or are considering doing so in the future. We believe that our future additional capital investments and potential fees and penalties resulting from the State of Maryland legislation, and other similar federal, state or local laws or regulations in the future, could potentially be substantial and may not be recoverable from our tenants. Other risks and uncertainties we may encounter as a result of such laws or regulations include, but are not limited to, limited availability of equipment, contractors and services required to complete the resulting capital improvements and potential future effects of increased electrification requirements, such as increased electricity rates and power grid constraints.

Previous wording

Attacks by terrorists or foreign nations or incidents related to social unrest may adversely affect the value of our properties, our financial position and cash flows. We have significant investments in properties located in large metropolitan areas or near military installations. Attacks by terrorists or foreign nations, or incidents related to social unrest, could directly or indirectly damage our properties or cause losses that materially exceed our insurance coverage. After such an attack or incident, tenants in these areas may choose to relocate their businesses to areas of the United States that may be perceived to be less likely targets of future attacks or unrest, and fewer customers may choose to patronize businesses in these areas. This in turn would trigger a decrease in demand for space in these areas that could increase vacancies in our properties and adversely affect property rental rates and valuations.

Current wording

Attacks by terrorists or foreign nations or incidents related to social unrest may adversely affect the value of our properties, our financial position and cash flows. We have significant investments in properties located in large metropolitan areas or near military installations. Attacks by terrorists or foreign nations, or incidents related to social unrest, could directly or indirectly damage our properties or cause losses that materially exceed our insurance coverage. After such an attack or incident, tenants in these areas may choose to relocate their businesses to areas of the United States that may be perceived to be less likely targets of future attacks or unrest, and fewer customers may choose to patronize businesses in these areas. This in turn may trigger a decrease in demand for space in these areas that could increase vacancies in our properties and adversely affect property rental rates and valuations.

Previous wording

Our business could be adversely affected by a negative audit by the USG. Agencies of the USG, including the Defense Contract Audit Agency and various agency Inspectors General, routinely audit and investigate parties that provide goods and services to the USG. These agencies review such parties’ performance under contracts, cost structure, internal controls systems and policies and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards. Any costs found to be misclassified may be subject to repayment. If an audit or investigation of us were to uncover improper or illegal activities associated with our activities for the USG, we may be subject to civil or criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or prohibition from doing business with the USG. In addition, we could suffer serious reputational harm if allegations of impropriety were made against us.

Current wording

Our business could be adversely affected by a negative audit by the USG. Agencies of the USG, including the Defense Contract Audit Agency and various agency Inspectors General, routinely audit and investigate parties that provide goods and services to the USG. These agencies review such parties’ performance under contracts, cost structure, internal controls systems and policies and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards. Any costs found to be misclassified may be subject to repayment. If an audit or investigation of us were to uncover improper activities associated with our activities for the USG, we may be subject to civil or criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or prohibition from doing business with the USG. In addition, we could suffer serious reputational harm if allegations of impropriety were made against us.

Previous wording

We are dependent on external sources of capital for growth. Because COPT Defense is a REIT, it must distribute at least 90% of its annual taxable income to its shareholders. This requirement may limit the extent to which we are able to fund our investment activities using retained cash flow from operations. Therefore, our ability to fund much of these activities is dependent on our ability to externally generate capital through issuances of new debt, common shares, preferred shares, common or preferred units in CDPLP or sales of interests in properties. These capital sources may not be available on favorable terms or at all. Moreover, additional debt financing may substantially increase our leverage and subject us to covenants that restrict management’s flexibility in directing our operations. Our inability to obtain capital when needed could have a material adverse effect on our ability to expand our business and fund other cash requirements.

Current wording

We are dependent on external sources of capital for growth. Because COPT Defense is a REIT, it must distribute at least 90% of its annual taxable income to its shareholders. This requirement may limit the extent to which we are able to fund our investment activities using retained cash flow from operations. Therefore, our ability to fund much of these activities is dependent on our ability to externally generate capital through issuances of new debt, common shares, preferred shares, common or preferred units in CDPLP or sales of interests in properties. These capital sources may not be available to us on favorable terms or at all. Moreover, additional debt financing may substantially increase our leverage and subject us to covenants that restrict management’s flexibility in directing our operations. Our inability to obtain capital when needed could have a material adverse effect on our ability to expand our business and fund other cash requirements.

Previous wording

We may suffer adverse effects as a result of the indebtedness that we carry and the terms and covenants that relate to this debt. As of December 31, 2023, we had $2.4 billion in debt, the future maturities of which are set forth in Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements. Payments of principal and interest on our debt may leave us with insufficient cash to operate our properties or pay distributions to COPT Defense’s shareholders required to maintain COPT Defense’s qualification as a REIT. We are also subject to the risks that:

Current wording

We may suffer adverse effects as a result of the indebtedness that we carry and the terms and covenants that relate to this debt. As of December 31, 2024, we had $2.4 billion in debt with future maturities as set forth in Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements. Payments of principal and interest on our debt may leave us with insufficient cash to operate our properties or pay distributions to COPT Defense’s shareholders required to maintain COPT Defense’s qualification as a REIT. We are also subject to the risks that:

Previous wording

Virtually all of our unsecured debt is cross-defaulted, which means that failure to pay interest or principal on the debt above a threshold value will create a default on certain of our other debt.

Current wording

Virtually all of our unsecured debt is cross-defaulted, which means that failure to pay interest or principal on such debt above a threshold value will create a default on certain of our other debt.

Previous wording

A downgrade in our credit ratings would materially adversely affect our business and financial condition. Our Senior Notes are currently rated investment grade, with stable outlooks, by the three major rating agencies. These credit ratings are subject to ongoing evaluation by the credit rating agencies and can change. Any downgrades of our ratings or a negative outlook by the credit rating agencies would have a materially adverse impact on our cost and availability of capital and also could have a materially adverse effect on the market price of our common shares. In addition, since the variable interest rate spread and facility fees on certain of our debt, including our Revolving Credit Facility and a term loan facility, is determined based on our credit ratings, a downgrade in our credit ratings would increase the payments required on such debt.

Current wording

A downgrade in our credit ratings would materially adversely affect our business and financial condition. Our Senior Notes are currently rated investment grade, with either stable or positive outlooks, by the three major rating agencies. These credit ratings are subject to ongoing evaluation by the credit rating agencies and can change. Any downgrades of our ratings or a negative outlook by the credit rating agencies would have a materially adverse impact on our cost and availability of capital and also could have a materially adverse effect on the market price of our common shares. In addition, since the variable interest rate spread and facility fees on certain of our debt, including our Revolving Credit Facility and a term loan facility, is determined based on our credit ratings, a downgrade in our credit ratings would increase the payments required on such debt.

Previous wording

Our ability to pay distributions may be limited, and we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to pay distributions regularly. Our ability to pay distributions will depend on a number of things discussed elsewhere herein, including our ability to operate profitably and generate cash flow from our operations. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to pay distributions on a regular quarterly basis in the future. Additionally, the terms of some of our debt may limit our ability to make some types of payments and distributions in the event of certain default situations. This may limit our ability to make some types of payments, including payment of distributions on common or preferred shares, unless we meet certain financial tests or such payments or distributions are required to maintain COPT Defense’s qualification as a REIT. As a result, if we are unable to meet the applicable financial tests, we may not be able to pay distributions in one or more periods. Furthermore, any new common or preferred equity that we may issue in the future for raising capital, financing acquisitions, share-based compensation arrangements or otherwise will increase the cash required to continue to pay cash distributions at current levels.

Current wording

Our ability to pay distributions may be limited, and we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to pay distributions regularly. Our ability to pay distributions will depend on a number of things discussed elsewhere herein, including our ability to operate profitably and generate cash flow from our operations. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to pay distributions on a regular quarterly basis in the future. Additionally, the terms of some of our debt may limit our ability to make some types of payments and distributions in the event of certain default situations. This may limit our ability to make some types of payments, including payments of distributions on common or preferred shares, unless we meet certain financial tests or such payments or distributions are required to maintain COPT Defense’s qualification as a REIT. Furthermore, any new common or preferred equity that we may issue in the future for raising capital, financing acquisitions, share-based compensation arrangements or otherwise will increase the cash required to continue to pay cash distributions at current levels.

Previous wording

We may experience significant losses and harm to our financial condition if financial institutions holding our cash and cash equivalents file for bankruptcy protection. We believe that we maintain our cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions. However, we may incur significant losses and harm to our financial condition in the future if we were holding large sums of cash in any of these financial institutions at a time when they filed for bankruptcy protection.

Current wording

We may experience significant losses and harm to our financial condition if financial institutions holding our cash and cash equivalents file for bankruptcy protection or otherwise failed. We believe that we maintain our cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions. However, we may incur significant losses and harm to our financial condition in the future if we were holding large sums of cash in any of these financial institutions at a time when they filed for bankruptcy protection or otherwise failed.

Previous wording

Please refer to Item 1C for disclosure regarding our cybersecurity risk management, strategy and governance.

Current wording

Please refer to Item 1C, Cybersecurity, for disclosure regarding our cybersecurity risk management, strategy and governance.

Previous wording

We may be adversely affected by environmental, social and governance matters. Certain investors and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on environmental, social and governance matters. If our perceived commitment to environmental, social and governance matters fails to meet the expectations of investors and other stakeholders, it could adversely affect their willingness to invest in, or otherwise do business with, us.

Current wording

We may be adversely affected by environmental, social and governance matters. Certain investors and other stakeholders focus on environmental, social and governance matters. If our perceived commitment to environmental, social and governance matters fails to meet the expectations of these investors and other stakeholders, it could adversely affect their willingness to invest in, or otherwise do business with, us.

Previous wording

our ability to maintain occupancy in our properties and obtain new leases for unoccupied and new development space at favorable terms or at all;

Current wording

our ability to maintain occupancy in our properties and obtain new leases for unoccupied space at favorable terms or at all;

Previous wording

access to debt and equity capital on attractive terms or at all. Severe disruption and instability in the global financial markets or deteriorations in credit and financing conditions may affect our or our tenants’ ability to access capital necessary to fund operations, refinance debt or fund planned investments on a timely basis, and may adversely affect the valuation of financial assets and liabilities; and

Current wording

access to debt and equity capital on attractive terms or at all. Severe disruption and instability in the global financial markets or deterioration in credit and financing conditions may affect our or our tenants’ ability to access capital necessary to fund operations, refinance debt or fund planned investments on a timely basis, and may adversely affect the valuation of financial assets and liabilities; and

Previous wording

We have certain provisions or statutes that may serve to delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that would be advantageous to our shareholders from occurring. COPT Defense’s Declaration of Trust limits ownership of its common shares by any single shareholder to 9.8% of the number of the outstanding common shares or 9.8% of the value of the outstanding common shares, whichever is more restrictive. COPT Defense’s Declaration of Trust also limits ownership by any single shareholder of our common and preferred shares in the aggregate to 9.8% of the aggregate value of our outstanding common and preferred shares. We refer to these restrictions as the “Ownership Limit.” COPT Defense’s Declaration of Trust allows our Board of Trustees to exempt shareholders from the Ownership Limit. The Ownership Limit and the restrictions on ownership of our common shares may delay or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common shares or otherwise be in the best interest of our shareholders.

Current wording

We have certain provisions or statutes that may serve to delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that would be advantageous to our shareholders from occurring. COPT Defense’s Declaration of Trust limits ownership of its common shares by any single shareholder to 9.8% of the number of the outstanding common shares or 9.8% of the value of the outstanding common shares, whichever is more restrictive. COPT Defense’s Declaration of Trust also limits ownership by any single shareholder of our common and preferred shares in the aggregate to 9.8% of the aggregate value of our outstanding common and preferred shares. We refer to these restrictions as the “Ownership Limit.” COPT Defense’s Declaration of Trust allows our Board of Trustees to exempt shareholders from the Ownership Limit. These restrictions on ownership of our common shares may delay or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common shares or otherwise be in the best interest of our shareholders.

Previous wording

COPT Defense’s failure to qualify as a REIT would have adverse tax consequences, which would substantially reduce funds available to make distributions to our shareholders. We believe that COPT Defense has qualified for taxation as a REIT for federal income tax purposes since 1992. We plan for COPT Defense to continue to meet the requirements for taxation as a REIT. Many of these requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. The determination that COPT Defense is a REIT requires an analysis of various factual matters and circumstances that may not be totally within our control. For example, to qualify as a REIT, at least 95% of COPT Defense’s gross income must come from certain sources that are specified in the REIT tax laws. COPT Defense is also required to distribute to shareholders at least 90% of its annual taxable income. The fact that COPT Defense holds most of its assets through CDPLP and its subsidiaries further complicates the application of the REIT requirements. Even a technical or inadvertent mistake could jeopardize COPT Defense’s REIT status. Furthermore, Congress and the Internal Revenue Service might make changes to the tax laws and regulations and the courts might issue new rulings that make it more difficult or impossible for COPT Defense to remain qualified as a REIT.

Current wording

COPT Defense’s failure to qualify as a REIT would have adverse tax consequences, which would substantially reduce funds available to make distributions to our shareholders. We believe that COPT Defense has qualified for taxation as a REIT for federal income tax purposes since 1992. We plan for COPT Defense to continue to meet the requirements for taxation as a REIT. Many of these requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. The determination that COPT Defense is a REIT requires an analysis of various factual matters and circumstances that may not be totally within our control. For example, to qualify as a REIT, at least 95% of COPT Defense’s gross income must come from certain sources that are specified in the REIT tax laws. COPT Defense is also required to distribute to shareholders at least 90% of its annual taxable income. The fact that COPT Defense holds most of its assets through CDPLP and its subsidiaries further complicates the application of the REIT requirements. Even a technical or inadvertent mistake could jeopardize COPT Defense’s REIT status. Furthermore, Congress and the Internal Revenue Service could make changes to the tax laws and regulations and the courts could issue new rulings that make it more difficult or impossible for COPT Defense to remain qualified as a REIT.

Previous wording

We may be adversely impacted by changes in tax laws. At any time, U.S. federal tax laws or the administrative interpretations of those laws may be changed. We cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new U.S. federal tax laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be issued. In addition, while REITs generally receive certain tax advantages compared to entities taxed as C corporations, it is possible that future legislation could result in REITs having fewer tax advantages, and therefore becoming a less attractive investment alternative. As a result, changes in U.S. federal tax laws could negatively impact our operating results, financial condition and business operations, and adversely impact our shareholders.

Current wording

We may be adversely impacted by changes in tax laws. At any time, U.S. federal tax laws or the administrative interpretations of those laws may change. We cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new U.S. federal tax laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be issued. In addition, while REITs generally receive certain tax advantages compared to entities taxed as C corporations, it is possible that future legislation could result in REITs having fewer tax advantages, and therefore becoming a less attractive investment alternative. As a result, changes in U.S. federal tax laws could negatively impact our operating results, financial condition and business operations, and adversely impact our shareholders.