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Written by 7:18 pm Blog

How to Recover HIT REIT Investment Losses 

Hospitality Investors Trust (HIT REIT) Investment Losses, featured by Top Securities Fraud Attorneys, The White Law Group

HIT REIT Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection 

The White Law Group continues to investigate potential securities claims involving broker dealers who recommended Hospitality Investors Trust (HIT REIT) to investors. The White Law Group may be able to help you recover your financial losses by filing a FINRA arbitration claim against the brokerage firm that sold you the investment. 

Hospitality Investors Trust, Inc., formerly known as ARC Hospitality Trust Inc., (“HIT REIT”) is a publicly registered non-traded real estate investment trust which owns a diversified portfolio of “strategically-located hotel properties throughout North America within the select service and full-service markets of the hospitality sector,” according to its website. 

On May 19, 2021, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware to restructure its $1.3 billion unsecured debt. 

According to the filings, each share of Hospitality Investors Trust common stock outstanding is cancelled and exchanged for a right to receive contingent cash payments (CVR). Shareholders of the common stock will receive one CVR in exchange for each share of common stock. The maximum amount of payments made per CVR will not exceed $6.00 and will not be transferable, except in limited instances such as the death of the holder. 

Hospitality Investors Trust Shareholders sees a Steady Decline in Value  

Last April we reported that the REIT entered into forbearance agreements with the lenders under certain of its mortgage and mezzanine indebtedness. 

The company reportedly decided not to make required capital reserve payments to the mortgage lender in April and May 2020 which resulted in events of default under the 92-Pack Loans. The company noted that it was trying to preserve liquidity “in response to the coronavirus pandemic” and in conjunction with actions taken by the company’s franchisors temporarily suspending obligations of hotel owners to perform capital improvements and fund capital reserves, according to SEC filings. 

Prior to the bankruptcy, HIT REIT’s estimated net asset value had continued to decline, and was $8.35, as of December 31, 2019. Shares were originally sold for $25.00 each. Shares traded on CTT Auctions, a secondary market for non-traded REITs in September for $0.66 per share. 

The company claims the decrease in value was due to the sales of 20 hotels that were included in the previous NAV calculation, lower estimated sale prices for properties under contract to be sold as compared to their corresponding estimated value included in the previous NAV calculation. 

Further, HIT REIT said that lower estimates of occupancy, higher labor costs, and sales and marketing were offset by lower discount rate and capitalization rate estimates, driven by tightening market spreads and progress on its brand-mandated property improvement plans. 

Recovery of Investment Losses through FINRA Arbitration

The White Law Group is investigating potential securities fraud claims involving broker-dealers’ improper recommendation that investors purchase high-risk non-traded REIT investments, like Hospitality Investors Trust (aka HIT REIT). Many investors are not fully aware of the problems and risks associated with these investments before purchasing them. 

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are complex and inherently risky products. Compared to traditional investments, such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds, REITs are significantly more complex and often better suited for sophisticated and institutional investors. 

Brokers have an opportunity to earn high commissions—sometimes as high as 15% — on the sale of non-traded REITs. This may provide some brokers with enough incentive to make unsuitable investment recommendations. 

Non-traded REITs, like Hospitality Investors Trust often lack liquidity. Investors looking to sell these investments often have difficulty finding a buyer, and if they are able to find one can suffer significant losses on the sale. 

Broker dealers are required to perform adequate due diligence on any investment they recommend and to ensure that all recommendations are suitable for the investor. They have an obligation to make investment recommendations that are consistent with their clients’ risk tolerance, net worth, investment objectives and experience in the market.  

Firms that fail to do so, may be held responsible for any losses in a FINRA arbitration claim. 

Free Consultation with a Securities Attorney 

If you suffered losses investing in Hospitality Investors Trust (HIT REIT) The White Law Group may be able to help you. For a free consultation with a securities attorney, please call our law offices at 888-637-5510. 

The White Law Group is a national securities arbitration, securities fraud, and investor protection law firm with offices in Chicago, Illinois and Seattle, Washington. 

  

  

  

 

Tags: , Last modified: March 26, 2024