AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS INC - Annual Report: 2011 (Form 10-K)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

OR

Commission File Number 001-15663

American Realty Investors, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(469) 522-4200

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

NONE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the shares of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the closing price at which the common equity was last sold which was the sales price of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of June 30, 2011 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $3,956,131 based upon a total of 1,515,759 shares held as of June 30, 2011 by persons believed to be non-affiliates of the Registrant. The basis of the calculation does not constitute a determination by the Registrant as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, such calculation, if made as of a date within sixty days of this filing, would yield a different value.

As of March 22, 2012, there were 11,525,389 shares of common stock outstanding.

Documents Incorporated By Reference:

Consolidated Financial Statements of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc.; Commission File No. 001-14784

Consolidated Financial Statements of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc.; Commission File No. 1-9240

Table of Contents

INDEX TO

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

2

Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain Statements in this Form 10-K are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words “estimate,” “plan,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this Report and in the documents incorporated herein by reference. The Company disclaims any intention or obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although we believe that our expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our goals will be achieved. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ from estimates or projections contained in any forward-looking statements are described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors”.

PART I

General

As used herein, the terms “ARL,” “the Company,” “We,” “Our,” or “Us” refer to American Realty Investors, Inc., a Nevada corporation, individually or together with its subsidiaries. ARL is a “C” corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. ARL was organized in 1999. In August 2000, the Company acquired American Realty Trust, Inc., a Georgia corporation (“ART”) and National Realty L.P.; a Delaware limited partnership (“NRLP”). ART was the successor to a District of Columbia business trust organized in 1961. The business trust was merged into ART in 1988. NRLP was organized in 1987 and subsequently acquired all of the assets and assumed all of the liabilities of several public and private limited partnerships. NRLP also owned a portfolio of real estate and mortgage loan investments.

The Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol (“ARL”). Approximately 87.4% of ARL’s stock is owned by affiliated entities. ARL subsidiaries own approximately 82.7% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“TCI”) whose common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol (“TCI”). ARL has consolidated TCI’s accounts and operations since March 2003.

On July 17, 2009, TCI, a subsidiary of ARL, acquired from Syntek West, Inc., (“SWI”), 2,518,934 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share of IOT at an aggregate price of $17,884,431 (approximately $7.10 per share), the full amount of which was paid by TCI through an assumption of an aggregate amount of indebtedness of $17,884,431 on the outstanding balance owed by SWI to IOT. The 2,518,934 shares of IOT common stock acquired by TCI constituted approximately 60.4% of the issued and outstanding common stock of IOT. TCI had owned for several years an aggregate of 1,037,184 shares of common stock of IOT (approximately 25% of the issued and outstanding stock). After giving effect to the transaction on July 17, 2009, TCI owned an aggregate of 3,556,118 shares of IOT common stock which constituted over 80% of the shares of common stock of IOT outstanding. As of December 31, 2011, TCI owned 82.6% of the outstanding IOT common shares. Shares of IOT are traded on the American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) under the symbol (“IOT”).

With TCI’s acquisition of the additional shares on July 17, 2009, which increased the aggregate ownership to in excess of 80%, beginning in July 2009, IOT’s results of operations are now consolidated with those of TCI for tax and financial reporting purposes. At the time of the acquisition, the historical accounting value of IOT’s assets was $112 million and liabilities were $43 million. In that the shares of IOT acquired by TCI were from a related party, the values recorded by TCI are IOT’s historical accounting values at the date of transfer. The Company’s fair valuation of IOT’s assets and liabilities at the acquisition date approximated IOT’s book value.

3

Table of Contents

The net difference between the purchase price and historical accounting basis of the assets and liabilities acquired was $26.9 million and has been reflected by TCI as deferred income. The deferred income will be recognized upon the sale of the land that IOT held on its books as of the date of sale, to an independent third party.

ARL’s Board of Directors represents the Company’s shareholders and is responsible for directing the overall affairs of ARL and for setting the strategic policies that guide the Company. As of April 30, 2011, the Board of Directors delegated the day-to-day management of the Company to Pillar Income Asset Management, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Pillar”), under a written Advisory Agreement that is reviewed annually by ARL’s Board of Directors. The directors of ARL are also directors of TCI and IOT. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of ARL also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of TCI and IOT. The officers of ARL also serve as officers of TCI, IOT and Pillar.

Prior to April 30, 2011, the Company’s contractual Advisor and Cash Manager was Prime Income Asset Management, LLC (“Prime”). Effective April 30, 2011, Pillar, a Nevada corporation, the sole stockholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, Inc., a Nevada corporation, the sole stockholder of which is Realty Advisors Management, Inc., a Nevada corporation which is owned 100% by a Trust known as the May Trust, became the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager. Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities. Pillar also arranges, for ARL’s benefit, debt and equity financing with third party lenders and investors. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT. As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—The Advisor”. ARL has no employees. Employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.

Prior to December 31, 2010, Triad Realty Services, L.P. (“Triad”), an affiliate of Prime, provided management services for our commercial properties. Triad subcontracted the property-level management and leasing of our commercial properties (office buildings, shopping centers and industrial warehouses) to Regis Realty I, LLC (“Regis I”). Regis Hotel I, LLC, another Prime affiliate, managed the Company’s hotel investments. Effective January 1, 2011, Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial and hotel properties, and provides brokerage services under similar terms as the previous agreements with Triad and Regis Realty I. Regis receives property and construction management fees and leasing commissions in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement. Regis is also entitled to receive real estate brokerage commissions in accordance with the terms of a non-exclusive brokerage agreement. See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage”. ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage its apartment properties.

Our primary business is the acquisition, development and ownership of income-producing residential, hotel and commercial real estate properties. In addition, we opportunistically acquire land for future development in in-fill or high-growth suburban markets. From time to time and when we believe it appropriate to do so, we will also sell land and income-producing properties. We generate revenues by leasing apartment units to residents; leasing office, industrial and retail space to various for-profit businesses as well as certain local, state and federal agencies; and renting hotel rooms to guests. We also generate revenues from gains on sales of income-producing properties and land. At December 31, 2011, our income-producing properties consisted of:

4

Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the location of our real estate held for investment (income-producing properties only) by asset type as of December 31, 2011:

We finance our acquisitions primarily through operating cash flow, proceeds from the sale of land and income-producing properties and debt financing primarily in the form of property-specific, first-lien mortgage loans from commercial banks and institutional lenders. We finance our development projects principally with short-term, variable-rate construction loans that are refinanced with the proceeds of long-term, fixed-rate amortizing mortgages when the development has been completed and occupancy has been stabilized. When we sell properties, we may carry a portion of the sales price generally in the form of a short-term, interest bearing seller-financed note receivable, secured by the property being sold. We may also from time to time enter into partnerships or joint ventures with various investors to acquire land or income-producing properties or to sell interests in certain of our properties.

We join with various third-party development companies to construct residential apartment communities. We completed construction on five construction projects in 2011 and are in the predevelopment process on several residential apartment communities, scheduled for construction in 2012. At December 31, 2011, we had no apartment projects in development. The third-party developer typically holds a general partner as well as a limited partner interest in a limited partnership formed for the purpose of building a single property while we generally take a limited partner interest in the limited partnership. We may contribute land to the partnership as part of our equity contribution or we may contribute the necessary funds to the partnership to acquire the land. We are required to fund all required equity contributions while the third-party developer is responsible for obtaining construction financing, hiring a general contractor and for the overall management, successful completion and delivery of the project. We generally bear all the economic risks and rewards of ownership in these partnerships and therefore include these partnerships in our consolidated financial statements. The third-party developer is paid a developer fee typically equal to a percentage of the construction costs. When the project reaches stabilized occupancy, we acquire the third-party developer’s partnership interests in exchange for any remaining unpaid developer fees.

5

Table of Contents

A maritime harbor town is being constructed on the 420 acre site of the former naval base of Olpenitz between the mouth of the River Schlei and the Baltic Sea in the state of Schleswig-Holstein in North Germany. The project is located less than 30 miles from the Danish border. The town will comprise a marina offering several thousand moorings, premium vacation homes each with their own landing stage as well as exclusive hotels, restaurants, shops and a range of leisure activities from sailing to golfing to cross country skiing. At the current time over 50 lots in Phase One, of an initial 180, have been sold and are in various stages of construction.

We have made investments in a number of large tracts of undeveloped and partially developed land and intend to a) continue to improve these tracts of land for our own development purposes or b) make the improvements necessary to ready the land for sale to other developers.

At December 31, 2011, our investments in undeveloped and partially developed land consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financings

A summary of some of the significant transactions for the year ended December 31, 2011 are discussed below:

On January 4, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of 18.84 acres of land known as Archon land located in Las Colinas, Texas to FRE Real Estate, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $5.5 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $4.0 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain of $0.1 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

The Company had a 75.0% limited partner interest in Woodmont TCI Group X, LP, a partnership that owned 7.19 acres of land known as Galleria West Lofts land located in Dallas, Texas. The partnership was consolidated in accordance with ASC 810. On January 4, 2011 the partnership transferred ownership of the property to the existing lender and there was no gain or loss recorded on the transfer.

The Company had a 75.0% limited partner interest in Woodmont TCI Group XI, LP, a partnership that owned 1.97 acres of land known as Galleria West Hotel land located in Dallas, Texas. The partnership was consolidated in accordance with ASC 810. On January 4, 2011 the partnership transferred ownership of the property to the existing lender and there was no gain or loss recorded on the transfer.

On January 4, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of 9.96 acres of land known as Limestone Canyon II land located in Austin, Texas to FRE Real Estate, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $0.6 million. We recorded a gain on sale of $0.2 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

6

Table of Contents

On January 4, 2011, we recognized the January 3, 2011 sale of 72.14 acres of land known as Manhattan land located in Farmers Branch, Texas to ABCLD Income, LLC, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $4.1 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $2.4 million secured by the property. We recorded the sale when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On January 4, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of Teleport Blvd., a 6,833 square foot building and 3.70 acres of land located in Irving, Texas, to FRE Real Estate, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $0.7 million. We recorded a gain on sale of $0.4 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On January 4, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of Westgrove Air Plaza, a 79,652 square foot building located in Addison, Texas, to FRE Real Estate, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $4.5 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $2.3 million secured by the property. When ownership transferred to the existing lender, we recorded a gain on sale of $3.3 million.

On February 1, 2011, we recognized the July 30, 2009 sale of five land parcels totaling 21.99 acres located in Dallas County, Texas to One Realco Land Holdings, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $5.9 million. These land parcels were known as Bonneau land, Dalho land, HSM Cummings land, JHL Connell land and Walnut Hill land. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $5.9 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $3.0 million when the buyer subsequently sold the land to a third party.

The Company had a 75.0% limited partner interest in Woodmont TCI Group XIII, LP, a partnership that owned 8.91 acres of land known as Las Colinas Station land located in Irving, Texas. The partnership was consolidated in accordance with ASC 810. On February 4, 2011 the partnership transferred ownership of the property to the existing lender and there was no gain or loss recorded on the transfer.

The Company had a 75.0% limited partner interest in Woodmont TCI Group IX, LP, a partnership that owned 15.0 acres of land known as Galleria East Center Retail land located in Dallas, Texas. The partnership was consolidated in accordance with ASC 810. On February 4, 2011 the partnership transferred ownership of the property to the existing lender and there was no gain or loss recorded on the transfer.

On February 28, 2011, we refinanced the existing mortgage on Vistas of Vance Jackson apartments, a 240-unit complex located in San Antonio, Texas, for a new mortgage of $16.1 million. We received $0.1 million in cash after paying off the existing mortgage of $15.4 million and $0.6 million in closing costs. The note accrues interest at 4.80% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly based upon a 40-year amortization schedule, maturing on March 1, 2051.

On March 1, 2011, we recognized the July 30, 2009 sale of 6.54 acres of land known as Chase Oaks land located in Plano, Texas to One Realco Land Holdings, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $1.5 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $1.8 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $1.1 million when the buyer subsequently sold the land to a third party.

On March 22, 2011, we sold our investment in Cross County National Associates, LP to ABC Land Real Estate, LLC and ABC Land & Development, Inc., both related parties under common control, for a sales price of $9.5 million. This entity owns a 307,266 square foot retail center known as Cross County Mall located in Mattoon, Illinois. We provided $0.3 million in seller-financing with a five-year note receivable. The note accrues interest at 6% and is payable at maturity on March 22, 2016. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $9.2 million, secured by the property. We have deferred the recognition of the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement, inadequate initial investment and questionable recovery of investment cost.

On March 23, 2011, we sold 82.20 acres of land known as Denton Coonrod land located in Denton, Texas and 23.24 acres of land known as Cooks Lane land located in Tarrant County, Texas to Cross County National Associates, LP, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $2.9 million. We provided $1.6 million

7

Table of Contents

in seller-financing with a five-year note receivable. The note accrues interest at 6% and is payable at maturity on March 23, 2016. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $1.3 million, secured by the property. We have deferred the recognition of the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement, inadequate initial investment and questionable recovery of investment cost. On January 3, 2012, ownership of Denton Coonrod land was transferred to the existing lender to satisfy the debt secured by the property and partial credit against debt related to another property. Any impairment necessary related to the inability to recover our original investment has been realized in 2011 and the sale that was deferred will be recognized in the first quarter of 2012 when ownership transferred to a third party.

On March 23, 2011, we sold our investment in TCI Courtyard, Inc. to One Realco Corporation, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $11.2 million. This entity owns Quail Hollow at the Lakes apartments, a 200-unit complex located in Holland, Ohio. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $11.2 million secured by the property. We have deferred the recognition of the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement, inadequate initial investment and questionable recovery of investment cost.

On March 23, 2011, we sold our membership interest in 1340 Poydras Corp. to ABCLD Real Estate, LLC, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $23.5 million. This entity owns a 378,895 square foot building located in New Orleans, Louisiana known as Amoco. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $19.5 million secured by the property. This transaction was rescinded as of the original transaction date and ownership transferred back to TCI.

On March 30, 2011, we sold six parcels, comprising approximately 195.52 acres of undeveloped land known as Dominion land, Hollywood Casino land, Stanley Tools land and Wilmer 88 land, all located in Dallas County, Texas, and Creekside land and Crowley land, both located in Fort Worth, Texas, to T Sorrento, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $16.6 million. We provided $9.3 million in seller-financing with a five-year note receivable. The note accrues interest at 6% and is payable at maturity on March 30, 2016. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $7.3 million, secured by the property. We have deferred the recognition of the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement, inadequate initial investment and questionable recovery of investment cost. On April 5, 2011, we recognized the sale of Creekside land, Crowley land and Wilmer 88 land when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On April 1, 2011, we sold of 6.80 acres of land known as Travis Ranch land located in Kaufman, Texas, to Kelly Lot Development, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $0.8 million. There was no gain or loss recorded on the sale of the land parcel.

On April 5, 2011, we recognized the July 30, 2009 sale of five land parcels, comprising approximately 30.18 acres of land known as Keenan Bridge land, Thompson land, Thompson II land, Tomlin land and Pac Trust land located in Dallas County, Texas, to One Realco Land Holdings, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $6.0 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $6.0 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $2.1 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On April 5, 2011, we recognized the July 30, 2009 sale of 13.22 acres of land known as Hackberry land located in Irving, Texas to One Realco Land Holdings, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $3.9 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $3.9 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $2.4 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On April 5, 2011, we recognized the July 30, 2009 sale of 14.43 acres of land known as Fortune Drive land located in Irving, Texas to One Realco Land Holdings, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales

8

Table of Contents

price of $1.7 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $1.1 million secured by the property. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.4 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On April 5, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of 10.69 acres of land known as Temple land, located in Irving, Texas to FRE Real Estate, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $0.4 million. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.1 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On April 5, 2011, we recognized the March 23, 2011 sale of our investment in Palmer Lane Golf, Inc. to One Realco Corporation, a related party under common control, for $13.8 million. This entity owns 376.25 acres of land known as Pioneer Crossing land located in Austin, Texas. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage, secured by the property, of $13.8 million. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.1 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

The Company had a 75.0% limited partner interest in Woodmont TCI Group III, LP, a partnership that owned 5.87 acres of land known as Polo Estates at Bent Tree land located in Dallas, Texas. The partnership was consolidated in accordance with ASC 810. On April 5, 2011 the partnership transferred ownership of the property to the existing lender and we recorded a gain on sale of $3.0 million.

On April 5, 2011, we recognized the March 30, 2011 sale of 87.62 acres of land known as Wilmer 88 land located in Dallas, Texas, 24.91 acres of land known as Crowley land located in Dallas, Texas and 30.07 acres of land known as Creekside land located in Fort Worth, Texas to T Sorrento, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $4.4 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $2.4 million secured by the property. We recorded a loss on sale of $2.0 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On April 28, 2011, we refinanced the existing mortgage on Mariposa Villas apartments, a 216-unit complex located in Dallas, Texas, for a new mortgage of $12.4 million. We paid off the existing mortgage of $11.8 million and $0.6 million in closing costs. The note accrues interest at 3.90% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly based upon a 40-year amortization schedule, maturing on May 1, 2051.

On April 28, 2011, we refinanced the existing mortgage on Verandas at City View apartments, a 314-unit complex located in Fort Worth, Texas, for a new mortgage of $18.5 million. We paid off the existing mortgage of $17.3 million and $1.2 million in closing costs. The note accrues interest at 4.20% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly based upon a 40-year amortization schedule, maturing on May 1, 2051.

On May 31, 2011, we refinanced the existing mortgage on Stonebridge at City Park apartments, a 240-unit complex located in Houston, Texas, for a new mortgage of $14.6 million. We paid off the existing mortgage of $13.9 million and $0.7 million in closing costs. The note accrues interest at 3.90% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly based upon a 40-year amortization schedule, maturing on June 1, 2051.

On June 7, 2011, we recognized the September 15, 2011 sale of our investment in Pacific Center, LLC to ABC Land and Development, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $2.5 million. This entity owns the Piccadilly University Hotel, a 190-room hotel, located in Fresno, California. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $2.5 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $3.6 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On June 7, 2011, we recognized the June 2, 2011 sale of Alpenloan, a 28,594 square foot building and 8.16 acres of land, located in Dallas, Texas to One Realco Retail, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $0.4 million. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.9 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

9

Table of Contents

On June 7, 2011, we recognized the June 2, 2011 sale of 5.34 acres of land known as Archon land located in Irving, Texas and 1.31 acres of land known as Ackerley land located in Dallas, Texas to One Realco Retail, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $0.7 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $0.7 million secured by the property. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.7 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On June 7, 2011, we recognized the December 22, 2010 sale of Fenton Center, a 707,559 square foot building and 4.70 acres of land located in Dallas, Texas to ABCLD Properties, LLC, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $67.0 million. We recorded a loss on sale of $8.3 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On June 7, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of 27.11 acres of land known as Kinwest land located in Irving, Texas to Fenton Real Estate, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $4.1 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $4.0 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $1.1 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On June 7, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of 20.85 acres of land known as McKinney Ranch land located in McKinney, Texas to Fenton Real Estate, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $5.4 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $5.4 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $0.8 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On June 7, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of 109.85 acres of land known as Payne North land located in Irving, Texas to FRE Real Estate, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $14.1 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $12.0 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $4.6 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On June 7, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of 97.28 acres of land known as Pioneer Crossing land located in Austin, Texas to FRE Real Estate, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $1.4 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $1.4 million secured by the property. We recorded a loss on sale of $1.8 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On June 7, 2011, we recognized the June 2, 2011 sale of 3.98 acres of land known as Senlac land located in Farmers Branch, Texas to One Realco Retail, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $0.5 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $0.5 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $0.1 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender for a credit against the loan balance.

On July 1, 2011, we sold 12.72 acres of land known as Centurion 12 land located in Fort Worth, Texas for a sales price of $1.1 million. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.3 million on the land parcel.

On July 1, 2011, we sold 48.62 acres of land known as Walker Cummings land located in Farmers Branch, Texas, to Realty Advisors, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $0.1 million, resulting in a loss on sale of $4.3 million. The loss resulted from this flood plain parcel being segregated from the Mercer Crossing land portfolio and the determination that it was worth less than the average cost of the acreage assigned to it as a part of the whole portfolio.

On July 5, 2011, we recognized the September 21, 2010 sale of a warehouse and 13.0 acres of land with a 29,784 square foot storage warehouse known as Eagle Crest located in Farmers Branch, Texas, to Warren Road Farm, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $3.8 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $2.4 million secured by the property. When ownership transferred to the existing lender, we recorded a gain on sale of $1.2 million.

10

Table of Contents

On July 5, 2011, we recognized the March 28, 2011 sale of One Hickory Center, a 97,361 square-foot office building and Two Hickory Center, a 96,539 square-foot office building, both located in Dallas, Texas, to ABCLD Real Estate, LLC, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $19.5 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $19.4 million secured by the property. When ownership transferred to the existing lender, we recorded a gain on sale of $6.0 million.

On July 5, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of 6.6 acres of land known as Three Hickory land located in Farmers Branch, Texas, to Fenton Real Estate, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $1.3 million. There was no gain or loss recorded when ownership transferred to the existing lender.

On July 5, 2011, we recognized the September 21, 2010 sale of 245.95 acres of land known as Windmill Farms-Harlan land located in Kaufman County, Texas, to Warren Road Farm, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $6.7 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $5.5 million secured by the property. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.4 million when ownership transferred to the existing lender.

On July 12, 2011, we recognized the July 12, 2010 sale of our investment in Pioneer Crossing Hotels, LLC to One Realco Corporation, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $17.2 million. This entity owns the Piccadilly Airport Hotel, a 85-room hotel, the Piccadilly Inn Express Hotel, a 78-room hotel, and the Piccadilly Shaw Hotel, a 194-room hotel, all located in Fresno, California. In addition, we sold a $10.1 million intercompany receivable. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $27.3 million, secured by the property, but did not assume the obligation of ARL’s guarantee on the loan. ARL recognized the sale upon transfer of ownership to the lender for credit against the loan. A lawsuit was filed, prior to the transfer of ownership to the lender, against the Company with regard to certain guaranties on these loans for amounts owed of $30.2 million. The Company is vigorously defending the lawsuit and has taken a reserve in the amount of the gain the company would have recognized upon the ownership transfer to a third party. We believe this reserve is in excess of the potential deficiency.

On August 2, 2011, we recognized the March 23, 2011 sale of 10.08 acres of land known as Centura land located in Dallas, Texas, to ABCLD Real Estate, LLC, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $13.0 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $7.2 million secured by the property. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.6 million when ownership transferred to the existing lender.

On August 2, 2011, we recognized the April 25, 2011 sale of seven land parcels, comprising approximately 2,713.68 acres of undeveloped land known as Diplomat land, Kaufman Cogen land, Kaufman Stagliano land, Kaufman Taylor land, Payne South land, Senlac VHP land and Valley Ranch land located in Dallas County, Texas, to ABCLD Real Estate, LLC, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $24.0 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $8.1 million secured by the property. We recorded a loss on sale of $3.5 million when ownership transferred to the existing lender.

On August 2, 2011, we recognized the March 23, 2011 sale of Parkway North, a 69,009 square-foot office building located in Dallas, Texas, to ABCLD Real Estate, LLC, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $4.7 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $2.9 million secured by the property. We recorded a loss on sale of $1.4 million when ownership transferred to the existing lender.

On August 2, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of Signature Athletic Club, a 58,910 square-foot office building located in Dallas, Texas, to ABCLD Real Estate, LLC, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $2.1 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $1.3 million secured by the property. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.4 million when ownership transferred to the existing lender.

The Company had a 75.0% limited partner interest in Woodmont TCI Group XII, LP, a partnership that owned 16.81 acres of land known as Las Colinas Village land located in Irving, Texas. The partnership was consolidated in accordance with ASC 810. On August 2, 2011 the partnership transferred ownership of the property to the existing lender and we recorded a gain on sale of $11.1 million.

11

Table of Contents

On August 5, 2011, we sold our 30% limited partner interest in a partnership that owned a 120-unit apartment complex known as Westwood apartments, located in Mary Ester, Florida, to Liberty Bankers Life Insurance Company, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $7.1 million. We received $5.1 million in cash, and the existing mortgage of $1.8 million, secured by the property, was paid in full. The property was sold to a related party; therefore the gain of $7.6 million was deferred and will be recognized upon sale to a third party.

On August 31, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of Cooley Building, a 27,041 square-foot office building, located in Dallas, Texas, to ABCLD Properties, LLC and ABCLD Income, LLC, both are related parties under common control, for a sales price of $2.8 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $2.6 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $1.2 million on the sale when ownership transferred to a third party.

On August 31, 2011, we sold 100% of our membership interests in TCI Luna Ventures, LLC to ABCLD Income, LLC, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $2.0 million. This entity owns 26.71 acres of undeveloped land located in Dallas, Texas, known as Luna Ventures land. We provided $0.9 million in seller-financing with a five-year note receivable. The note accrues interest at 6% and is payable at maturity on August 31, 2016. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $1.1 million, secured by the property. We have deferred the recognition of the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement, inadequate initial investment and questionable recovery of investment cost.

On September 1, 2011, we sold seven land parcels, comprising approximately 107.73 acres of undeveloped land located in Austin, Texas, Dallas County, Texas, Denton County, Texas and Tarrant County, Texas, known as Andrew B land, Andrew C land, DeSoto Ranch land, Mansfield land, Pioneer Crossing land, Senlac land and Sheffield land, to TCI Luna Ventures, LLC, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $10.6 million. We provided $6.4 million in seller-financing with a five-year note receivable. The note accrues interest at 6% and is payable at maturity on September 1, 2016. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $4.2 million, secured by the property. We have deferred the recognition of the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement, inadequate initial investment and questionable recovery of investment cost. In the first quarter of 2012, ownership of the Andrew B land and DeSoto Ranch land was transferred to the existing lender to satisfy a portion of the multi-tract collateral debt.

On September 21, 2011, we sold our investment in TCI Dedeaux Road, Inc. to One Realco Corporation, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $1,000. This entity owns 9.97 acres of undeveloped land located in Gulfport, Mississippi, known as Dedeaux land. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $2.0 million, secured by the property. We have deferred the recognition of the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement, inadequate initial investment and questionable recovery of investment cost.

On September 27, 2011, we sold a 256-unit apartment complex known as Spyglass apartments, located in Dallas, Texas, for a sales price of $21.6 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $15.5 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $6.7 million on the apartment sale.

On October 11, 2011, we recognized the March 11, 2011 sale of our 100% investment in ART Hawthorne, Inc. (“ART Hawthorne”) to ABC Land & Development, Inc. ART Hawthorne was the managing general partner in Hawthorn Lakes Associates, Ltd (“Hawthorn”), a partnership that owns the 344,975 square-foot Expo Building called the Denver Merchandise Mart located in Denver, Colorado. In a settlement agreement, ART Hawthorne transferred its managing general partner interest to Woodhaven-Hawthorne, Inc. in exchange for a 1.00% Class B limited partner interest and a release of ART Hawthorn and any ARL related party obligations under the loan guaranty. EQK Holdings, Inc., an ARL subsidiary, still holds a 99.00% limited partner interest in Hawthorn. Due to the release of all guarantees and any future obligations to the Partnership, from the Company, we no longer consolidate the Hawthorn partnership. The release of any obligations and the recognition of the sale of our general partner interest resulted in a gain of $11.9 million on the sale of our investment.

12

Table of Contents

On October 12, 2011, we recognized the January 26, 2011 sale of Willowbrook Village, a 179,741 square foot retail shopping center located in Coldwater, Michigan, to TX LTS Investments, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $7.8 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $5.6 million, secured by the property. We recorded a loss on sale of $2.5 million when ownership transferred to the existing lender.

The Company had a 75.0% limited partner interest in Woodmont TCI Group VIII, LP, a partnership that owned 7.37 acres of land known as Keller Springs Lofts land located in Addison, Texas. The partnership was consolidated in accordance with ASC 810. On October 20, 2011, the partnership sold the property for a sales price of $4.2 million. We recorded a loss on sale of $2.1 million on the land parcel.

On October 27, 2011, we recognized the April 1, 2011 sale of our investment in ART Collection, Inc. to One Realco Corporation, related party under common control, for a sales price of $16.8 million. This entity owns 257.52 acres of land known as Pioneer Crossing located in Austin, Texas. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $12.0 million secured by the property. A settlement agreement was reached with the existing lender pertaining to the real estate note made by a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. ARL has a liability of $3.0 million owed to the lender. The note accrues interest at prime+2.0% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly based upon a 20-year amortization schedule. The note matures on November 1, 2014, at which time the unpaid balance shall be due and payable. We recognized gain of $3.6 million on the sale.

On November 1, 2011, we acquired 100% of the membership interest in Bridgeview Plaza, LLC. On September 21, 2010, we sold our investment in EQK Bridgeview Plaza, Inc. to Warren Road Farm, Inc. (“WRF”), a related party under common control, for a sales price of $8.3 million to be paid via an assumption of debt of $6.2 million and seller-financing of $2.1 million. On October 4, 2010, WRF filed a voluntary petition seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code. The approved bankruptcy plan was effective November 1, 2011, whereby TCI, for its contribution to the plan, was given 100% equity ownership in the entity. During the period of time that WRF owned the equity interest, it had also acquired 2900 acres of land known as Windmill Farms land located in Kaufman, TX, previously held by ARL, for a sales price of $64.5 million. ARL provided $33.8 million in seller-financing with a five-year note receivable. The note accrues interest at 6.0% and is payable at maturity on September 21, 2015. WRF assumed the existing mortgage of $30.7 million, secured by the property.

On November 2, 2011, we recognized the September 3, 2004 sale of Addison Hanger I, a 25,102 square foot industrial warehouse and Addison Hanger II, a 24,000 square foot industrial warehouse located in Addison, Texas, for a sales price of $4.5 million. At the time of the sale, TCI entered into a 10-year triple-net lease with the buyer. Therefore, this transaction was accounted for under the financing method and the properties continued to be consolidated. As of November 12, 2011, the lease with the buyer was terminated. Due to ongoing litigation related to the lease, TCI has deferred the gain recognition until the matter is resolved.

On November 30, 2011, we recognized the March 23, 2011 sale of 23.24 acres of land known as Cooks Lane land located in Tarrant County, Texas to Cross County National Associates, LP, a related party under common control, for a sales price of $1.1 million. The existing mortgage of $0.5 million, secured by the property, was paid in full. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.6 million on the land parcel.

On December 6, 2011, we recognized the December 23, 2010 sale of 257.05 acres of land known as Mercer Crossing land located in Farmers Branch, Texas to Fenton Real Estate, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $28.4 million. The buyer assumed the existing mortgage of $40.5 million secured by the property. We recorded a gain on sale of $14.8 million when ownership of the property transferred to the existing lender.

On December 21, 2011, we sold 17.07 acres of land known as Lamar Parmer Lane land located in Austin, Texas for a sales price of $1.4 million. The existing mortgage of $1.3 million, secured by the property, was paid in full. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.8 million on the land parcel.

13

Table of Contents

On December 28, 2011, we sold 100% of our common stock of Centura-Ewing, Inc. and Garden Centura, Inc. to Realty Advisors Management, Inc., a related party under common control, for a sales price of $20.4 million. These entities own a 1% general manager partnership interest and a 4% limited partnership interest in Garden Centura L.P., which owns a 412,215 square foot office building known as Centura Tower located in Dallas, Texas. Centura-Ewing, Inc. has an option to purchase the remaining 95% limited partner interest in Garden Centura, L.P. TCI received a 5-year promissory note for the full sales price. Interest at 30 day LIBOR plus 2% is due quarterly with the principal due at maturity on December 28, 2016. We recorded a gain on sale of $0.3 million when the stock was subsequently sold to an unrelated party.

In December 2010, there were various commercial and land holdings sold to FRE Real Estate, Inc. a related party under common control. During the first three months of 2011, many of these transactions were rescinded as of the original transaction date and were subsequently sold to related parties under the same ownership as FRE Real Estate, Inc. and disclosed in the transactions above. As of December 31, 2011, there is one commercial building, Thermalloy, that remains in FRE Real Estate, Inc. We have deferred the recognition of the sales in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement, inadequate initial investment and questionable recovery of investment cost.

The properties that we have sold to a related party under common control and have deferred the recognition of the sale are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These properties were sold to a related party in order to help facilitate an appropriate debt or organizational restructure and may or may not be transferred back to the seller upon resolution. These properties have mortgages that are secured by the property and many have corporate guarantees. According to the loan documents, we are currently in default on these mortgages primarily due to lack of payment although we are actively involved in discussions with every lender in order to settle or cure the default situation. We have reviewed each asset and taken impairment to the extent we feel the value of the property was less than our current basis.

We continue to invest in the development of apartments and various projects. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, we have expended $47.3 million on construction and development and capitalized $3.6 million of interest costs.

In reviewing the impairment reserves for our real estate holdings, there were reserves still remaining on properties that were no longer owned by the consolidated entities of $11.0 million that were adjusted for in the second quarter of 2011.

Business Plan and Investment Policy

Our business objective is to maximize long-term value for our stockholders by investing in commercial real estate through the acquisition, development and ownership of apartments, commercial properties, hotels, and land. We intend to achieve this objective through acquiring and developing properties in multiple markets and operating as an industry-leading landlord. We believe this objective will provide the benefits of enhanced investment opportunities, economies of scale and risk diversification, both in terms of geographic market and real estate product type. We believe our objective will also result in continuing access to favorably priced debt and equity capital. In pursuing our business objective, we seek to achieve a combination of internal and external growth while maintaining a strong balance sheet and employing a strategy of financial flexibility. We maximize the value of our apartments and commercial properties by maintaining high occupancy levels while charging competitive rental rates, controlling costs and focusing on tenant retention. We also pursue attractive development opportunities either directly or in partnership with other investors.

For our portfolio of commercial properties, we generate increased operating cash flow through annual contractual increases in rental rates under existing leases. We also seek to identify best practices within our industry and across our business units in order to enhance cost savings and gain operating efficiencies. We employ capital improvement and preventive maintenance programs specifically designed to reduce operating costs and increase the long-term value of our real estate investments.

14

Table of Contents

We seek to acquire properties consistent with our business objectives and strategies. We execute our acquisition strategy by purchasing properties which management believes will create stockholder value over the long-term. We will also sell properties when management believes value has been maximized or when a property is no longer considered an investment to be held long-term.

We are continuously in various stages of discussions and negotiations with respect to development, acquisition, and disposition projects. The consummation of any current or future development, acquisition, or disposition, if any, and the pace at which any may be completed cannot be assured or predicted.

Substantially all of our properties are owned by subsidiary companies, many of which are single-asset entities. This ownership structure permits greater access to financing for individual properties and permits flexibility in negotiating a sale of either the asset or the equity interests in the entity owning the asset. From time-to-time, our subsidiaries have invested in joint ventures with other investors, creating the possibility of risks that do not exist with properties solely owned by an ARL subsidiary. In those instances where other investors are involved, those other investors may have business, economic, or other objectives that are inconsistent with our objectives, which may in turn require us to make investment decisions different from those if we were the sole owner.

Real estate generally cannot be sold quickly. We may not be able to promptly dispose of properties in response to economic or other conditions. To offset this challenge, selective dispositions have been a part of our strategy to maintain an efficient investment portfolio and to provide additional sources of capital. We finance acquisitions through mortgages, internally generated funds, and, to a lesser extent, property sales. Those sources provide the bulk of funds for future acquisitions. We may purchase properties by assuming existing loans secured by the acquired property. When properties are acquired in such a manner, we customarily seek to refinance the asset in order to properly leverage the asset in a manner consistent with our investment objectives.

Our businesses are not generally seasonal with regard to real estate investments. Our investment strategy seeks both current income and capital appreciation. Our plan of operation is to continue, to the extent our liquidity permits, to make equity investments in income-producing real estate such as hotels, apartments, and commercial properties. We may also invest in the debt or equity securities of real estate-related entities. We intend to pursue higher risk, higher reward investments, such as improved and unimproved land where we can obtain reasonably-priced financing for substantially all of a property’s purchase price. We intend to continue the development of apartment properties in selected markets in Texas and in other locations where we believe adequate levels of demand exist. We intend to pursue sales opportunities for properties in stabilized real estate markets where we believe our properties’ value has been maximized. We also intend to be an opportunistic seller of properties in markets where demand exceeds current supply. Although we no longer actively seek to fund or purchase mortgage loans, we may, in selected instances, originate mortgage loans or we may provide purchase money financing in conjunction with a property sale.

Our Board of Directors has broad authority under our governing documents to make all types of investments, and we may devote available resources to particular investments or types of investments without restriction on the amount or percentage of assets that may be allocated to a single investment or to any particular type of investment, and without limit on the percentage of securities of any one issuer that may be acquired. Investment objectives and policies may be changed at any time by the Board without stockholder approval.

The specific composition from time-to-time of our real estate portfolio owned by ARL directly and through our subsidiaries depends largely on the judgment of management to changing investment opportunities and the level of risk associated with specific investments or types of investments. We intend to maintain a real estate portfolio that is diversified by both location and type of property.

Competition

The real estate business is highly competitive and we compete with numerous companies engaged in real estate activities (including certain entities described in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”), some of which have greater financial resources than ARL. We

15

Table of Contents

believe that success against such competition is dependent upon the geographic location of a property, the performance of property-level managers in areas such as leasing and marketing, collection of rents and control of operating expenses, the amount of new construction in the area and the maintenance and appearance of the property. Additional competitive factors include ease of access to a property, the adequacy of related facilities such as parking and other amenities, and sensitivity to market conditions in determining rent levels. With respect to apartments, competition is also based upon the design and mix of the units and the ability to provide a community atmosphere for the residents. With respect to hotels, competition is also based upon the market served, i.e., transient, commercial, or group users. We believe that beyond general economic circumstances and trends, the degree to which properties are renovated or new properties are developed in the competing submarket are also competitive factors. See also Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors”.

To the extent that ARL seeks to sell any of its properties, the sales prices for the properties may be affected by competition from other real estate owners and financial institutions also attempting to sell properties in areas where ARL’s properties are located, as well as aggressive buyers attempting to dominate or penetrate a particular market.

As described above and in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, the officers and directors of ARL serve as officers and directors of TCI and IOT. TCI and IOT have business objectives similar to those of ARL. ARL’s officers and directors owe fiduciary duties to both IOT and TCI as well as to ARL under applicable law. In determining whether a particular investment opportunity will be allocated to ARL, IOT, or TCI, management considers the respective investment objectives of each Company and the appropriateness of a particular investment in light of each Company’s existing real estate and mortgage notes receivable portfolio. To the extent that any particular investment opportunity is appropriate to more than one of the entities, the investment opportunity may be allocated to the entity which has had funds available for investment for the longest period of time, or, if appropriate, the investment may be shared among all three or two of the entities.

In addition, as described in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, ARL competes with affiliates of Pillar having similar investment objectives related to the acquisition, development, disposition, leasing and financing of real estate and real estate-related investments. In resolving any potential conflicts of interest which may arise, Pillar has informed ARL that it intends to exercise its best judgment as to what is fair and reasonable under the circumstances in accordance with applicable law.

We have historically engaged in and will continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisitions and dispositions. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s length basis due to the absence of free market forces that naturally exist in business dealings between two or more unrelated entities. Related party transactions may not always be favorable to our business and may include terms, conditions and agreements that are not necessarily beneficial to or in the best interests of our company.

Available Information

ARL maintains an Internet site at http://www.americanrealtyinvest.com. Available through the website, free of charge, are Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, reports filed pursuant to Section 16, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, we have posted the charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Governance and Nominating Committee, as well as the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines on Director Independence, and other information on the website. These charters and principles are not incorporated in this report by reference. We will also provide a copy of these documents free of charge to stockholders upon written request. The Company issues Annual Reports containing audited financial statements to its common shareholders.

16

Table of Contents

An investment in our securities involves various risks. All investors should carefully consider the following risk factors in conjunction with the other information in this report before trading our securities.

Risk Factors Related to our Business

Adverse events concerning our existing tenants or negative market conditions affecting our existing tenants could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract new tenants, release space, collect rent or renew leases, and thus could adversely affect cash flow from operations and inhibit growth.

Cash flow from operations depends in part on the ability to lease space to tenants on economically favorable terms. We could be adversely affected by various facts and events over which the Company has limited or no control, such as:

At any time, any tenant may experience a downturn in its business that may weaken its financial condition. As a result, a tenant may delay lease commencement, fail to make rental payments when due, decline to extend a lease upon its expiration, become insolvent or declare bankruptcy. Any tenant bankruptcy or insolvency, leasing delay or failure to make rental payments when due could result in the termination of the tenant’s lease and material losses to the Company.

If tenants do not renew their leases as they expire, we may not be able to rent the space. Furthermore, leases that are renewed, and some new leases for space that is re-let, may have terms that are less economically favorable than expiring lease terms, or may require us to incur significant costs, such as renovations, tenant improvements or lease transaction costs. Any of these events could adversely affect cash flow from operations and our ability to make distributions to shareholders and service indebtedness. A significant portion of the costs of owning property, such as real estate taxes, insurance, and debt service payments, are not necessarily reduced when circumstances cause a decrease in rental income from the properties.

We may not be able to compete successfully with other entities that operate in our industry.

We experience a great deal of competition in attracting tenants for the properties and in locating land to develop and properties to acquire.

In our effort to lease properties, we compete for tenants with a broad spectrum of other landlords in each of the markets. These competitors include, among others, publicly-held REITs, privately-held entities, individual property owners and tenants who wish to sublease their space. Some of these competitors may be able to offer prospective tenants more attractive financial terms than we are able to offer.

If the availability of land or high quality properties in our markets diminishes, operating results could be adversely affected.

17

Table of Contents

We may experience increased operating costs which could adversely affect our financial results and the value of our properties.

Our properties are subject to increases in operating expenses such as insurance, cleaning, electricity, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, administrative costs and other costs associated with security, landscaping, repairs, and maintenance of the properties. While some current tenants are obligated by their leases to reimburse us for a portion of these costs, there is no assurance that these tenants will make such payments or agree to pay these costs upon renewal or new tenants will agree to pay these costs. If operating expenses increase in our markets, we may not be able to increase rents or reimbursements in all of these markets to offset the increased expenses, without at the same time decreasing occupancy rates. If this occurs, our ability to make distributions to shareholders and service indebtedness could be adversely affected.

Our ability to achieve growth in operating income depends in part on its ability to develop additional properties.

We intend to continue to develop properties where warranted by market conditions. We have a number of ongoing development and land projects being readied for commencement.

Additionally, general construction and development activities include the following risks:

We face risks associated with property acquisitions.

We acquire individual properties and various portfolios of properties and intend to continue to do so. Acquisition activities are subject to the following risks:

18

Table of Contents

We may acquire properties subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities. However, if an unknown liability was later asserted against the acquired properties, we might be required to pay substantial sums to settle it, which could adversely affect cash flow.

Many of our properties are concentrated in our primary markets and the Company may suffer economic harm as a result of adverse conditions in those markets.

Our properties are located principally in specific geographic areas in the southwestern, southeastern, and mid-western United States. The Company’s overall performance is largely dependent on economic conditions in those regions.

We are leveraged and may not be able to meet our debt service obligations.

We had total indebtedness at December 31, 2011 of approximately $923.9 million. Substantially all assets have been pledged to secure debt. These borrowings increase the risk of loss because they represent a prior claim on assets and most require fixed payments regardless of profitability. Our leveraged position makes us vulnerable to declines in the general economy and may limit the Company’s ability to pursue other business opportunities in the future.

We may not be able to access financial markets to obtain capital on a timely basis, or on acceptable terms.

We rely on proceeds from property dispositions and third party capital sources for a portion of our capital needs, including capital for acquisitions and development. The public debt and equity markets are among the sources upon which the Company relies. There is no guarantee that we will be able to access these markets or any other source of capital. The ability to access the public debt and equity markets depends on a variety of factors, including:

We may suffer adverse effects as a result of terms and covenants relating to the Company’s indebtedness.

Required payments on our indebtedness generally are not reduced if the economic performance of the portfolio declines. If the economic performance declines, net income, cash flow from operations and cash available for distribution to stockholders may be reduced. If payments on debt cannot be made, we could sustain a loss or suffer judgments, or in the case of mortgages, suffer foreclosures by mortgagees. Further, some obligations contain cross-default and/or cross-acceleration provisions, which means that a default on one obligation may constitute a default on other obligations.

We anticipate only a small portion of the principal of our debt will be repaid prior to maturity. Therefore, we are likely to refinance a portion of our outstanding debt as it matures. There is a risk that we may not be able

19

Table of Contents

to refinance existing debt or the terms of any refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of the maturing debt. If principal balances due at maturity cannot be refinanced, extended, or repaid with proceeds from other sources, such as the proceeds of sales of assets or new equity capital, cash flow may not be sufficient to repay all maturing debt in years when significant “balloon” payments come due.

Our credit facilities and unsecured debt contain customary restrictions, requirements and other limitations on the ability to incur indebtedness, including total debt to asset ratios, secured debt to total asset ratios, debt service coverage ratios, and minimum ratios of unencumbered assets to unsecured debt. Our continued ability to borrow is subject to compliance with financial and other covenants. In addition, failure to comply with such covenants could cause a default under credit facilities, and we may then be required to repay such debt with capital from other sources. Under those circumstances, other sources of capital may not be available, or be available only on unattractive terms.

Our degree of leverage could limit our ability to obtain additional financing or affect the market price of our common stock.

The degree of leverage could affect our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, development or other general corporate purposes. The degree of leverage could also make us more vulnerable to a downturn in business or the general economy.

An increase in interest rates would increase interest costs on variable rate debt and could adversely impact the ability to refinance existing debt.

We currently have, and may incur more, indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates. Accordingly, if interest rates increase, so will the interest costs, which could adversely affect cash flow and the ability to pay principal and interest on our debt and the ability to make distributions to shareholders. Further, rising interest rates could limit our ability to refinance existing debt when it matures.

Unbudgeted capital expenditures or cost overruns could adversely affect business operations and cash flow.

If capital expenditures for ongoing or planned development projects or renovations exceed expectations, the additional cost of these expenditures could have an adverse effect on business operations and cash flow. In addition, we might not have access to funds on a timely basis to pay the unexpected expenditures.

Construction costs are funded in large part through construction financing, which the Company may guarantee. The Company’s obligation to pay interest on this financing continues until the rental project is completed, leased-up and permanent financing is obtained, or the for sale project is sold, or the construction loan is otherwise paid. Unexpected delays in completion of one or more ongoing projects could also have a significant adverse impact on business operations and cash flow.

We may need to sell properties from time to time for cash flow purposes.

Because of the lack of liquidity of real estate investments generally, our ability to respond to changing circumstances may be limited. Real estate investments generally cannot be sold quickly. In the event that we must sell assets to generate cash flow, we cannot predict whether there will be a market for those assets in the time period desired, or whether we will be able to sell the assets at a price that will allow the Company to fully recoup its investment. We may not be able to realize the full potential value of the assets and may incur costs related to the early pay-off of the debt secured by such assets.

We intend to devote resources to the development of new projects.

We plan to continue developing new projects as opportunities arise in the future. Development and construction activities entail a number of risks, including but not limited to the following:

20

Table of Contents

The overall business is subject to all of the risks associated with the real estate industry.

We are subject to all risks incident to investment in real estate, many of which relate to the general lack of liquidity of real estate investments, including, but not limited to:

Our performance and value are subject to risks associated with our real estate assets and with the real estate industry.

Our economic performance and the value of our real estate assets, and consequently the value of our securities, are subject to the risk that if our properties do not generate revenues sufficient to meet our operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, our cash flow will be adversely affected. The following factors, among others, may adversely affect the income generated by our properties:

21

Table of Contents

Adverse economic and geopolitical conditions and dislocations in the credit markets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, and financial condition.

Our business may be affected by market and economic challenges experienced by the U.S. economy or real estate industry as a whole or by the local economic conditions in the markets in which our properties are located, including the current dislocations in the credit markets and general global economic recession. These current conditions, or similar conditions existing in the future, may adversely affect our results of operations, and financial condition as a result of the following, among other potential consequences:

Real estate investments are illiquid, and the Company may not be able to sell properties if and when it is appropriate to do so.

Real estate generally cannot be sold quickly. We may not be able to dispose of properties promptly in response to economic or other conditions. In addition, provisions of the Internal Revenue Code may limit our ability to sell properties (without incurring significant tax costs) in some situations when it may be otherwise economically advantageous to do so, thereby adversely affecting returns to stockholders and adversely impacting our ability to meet our obligations.

Not applicable.

22

Table of Contents

On December 31, 2011, our portfolio consisted of 68 income producing properties consisting of 50 apartments, 17 commercial properties, and one hotel. The apartments have a total of 9,317 units. The commercial properties consist of 11 office buildings, one industrial warehouse, four retail centers and one parking garage. The hotel has a total of 161 rooms. The average annual dollar per square foot for the Company’s apartment/residential portfolio is $11.68 and $9.20 for the commercial portfolio. In addition, we own or control 5,315 acres of improved and unimproved land held for future development or sale. The table below shows information relating to those properties.

23

Table of Contents

24

Table of Contents

Lease Expirations

The table below shows the lease expirations of the commercial properties over a ten-year period (dollars in thousands):

25

Table of Contents