Annual Statements Open main menu

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS INC - Annual Report: 2015 (Form 10-K)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


 

 

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 001-15663


 

 

American Realty Investors, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

   
Nevada 75-2847135

(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

   

1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300

Dallas, Texas

75234
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(469) 522-4200

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code

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

   
Title of Each Class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value New York Stock Exchange

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 ☒

 

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 ☒

 

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 ☒    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.

 

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.

   
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer ☐  (Do not check if smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company

 

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

 

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, 2015 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $9,793,299 based upon a total of 2,019,327 shares held as of June 30, 2015 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 18, 2016, there were 15,514,360 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. 001-09240

 

 

 
 

 

INDEX TO

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

     
   

Page

 

 

     
PART I
     
Item 1. Business 3
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 8
     
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 12
     
Item 2. Properties 12
     
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 16
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 17
 
PART II
     
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 18
     
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 19
     
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 20
     
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 31
     
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 33
     
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 71
     
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 71
     
Item 9B. Other Information 71
 
PART III
     
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 72
     
Item 11. Executive Compensation 78
     
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 79
     
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 80
     
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 82
 
PART IV
     
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 85
   
Signature Page 87

 

2
 

 

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

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

General

 

As used herein, the terms “ARL,” “the Company,” “We,” “Our,” or “Us” refer to American Realty Investors, Inc., a Nevada corporation, which was formed in 1999.

 

The Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and its common stock is listed and trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol (“ARL”). Approximately 86.7% of ARL’s stock is owned by related parties. Subsidiaries of ARL own approximately 80.9% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (“TCI”), a Nevada corporation, which has its common stock listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol (“TCI”). Accordingly, TCI’s financial results are consolidated with those of ARL. In 2012, May Realty Holdings, Inc. (“MRHI”) subsidiaries acquired more than 80% of ARL stock and as a result, ARL is included in the MRHI consolidated group for federal income tax reporting. We have no employees.

 

TCI, a subsidiary of ARL, owns approximately 81.1% of the common stock of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. (“IOT”). IOT’s financial results are consolidated with those of TCI and its subsidiaries. Shares of IOT are listed and traded on the NYSE MKT under the symbol (“IOT”).

 

ARL’s Board of Directors 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. (“Pillar”), a Nevada corporation, 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.

 

Pillar, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, Inc. (“RAI”), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is May Realty Holdings, Inc. (“MRHI”, formerly known as Realty Advisors Management, Inc.), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is 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 the Company’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.

 

Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), manages our commercial properties and provides brokerage services. Regis receives property management fees, 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.

 

On January 1, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, TCI, entered into a development agreement with Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (“UHF”) a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future. This development agreement was terminated December 31, 2013. The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years. Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.

 

3
 

 

ARL through subsidiaries invests in real estate through direct ownership, leases, and partnerships and also invests in mortgage loans on real estate. Our primary business is the acquisition, development and ownership of income-producing residential and commercial real estate. 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.

 

At December 31, 2015, our income-producing properties consisted of:

 

·

Nine commercial properties consisting of five office buildings, three retail properties and one industrial warehouse, comprising in aggregate approximately 2.2 million square feet; 

     
·

A golf course comprising approximately 96.09 acres;

     
  · 48 residential apartment communities comprising 7,983 units, excluding apartments being developed.
     

 

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, 2015:

                                 
    Apartments   Commercial  
Location   No.     Units     No.     SF  
Alabama     1       168              
Arkansas     4       678              
Colorado     2       260              
Florida     2       153       1       6,722  
Illinois                 1       306,609  
Kansas     1       320              
Louisiana     2       384              
Mississippi     8       728              
Oklahoma                        
Tennessee     4       708              
Texas-Greater Dallas-Ft Worth     12       2,122       5       1,651,017  
Texas-Greater Houston     2       416       1       94,075  
Texas-San Antonio     2       468              
Texas-Other     8       1,578              
Wisconsin                 1       122,205  
Total     48       7,983       9       2,180,628  

 

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 are in the predevelopment process on several residential apartment communities but have not yet begun construction. At December 31, 2015, and as of the day of this report, we have three 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. 

 

4
 

 

At December 31, 2015, our apartment projects in development included (dollars in thousands):

                         
Property   Location   No. of Units   Costs to Date (1)   Total
Projected
Costs (1)
 
Eagle Crossing   Dallas, TX     150   $ 5,255   $ 21,000  
Parc at Mansfield II   Mansfield, TX     99     11,323     11,797  
Terra Lago   Rowlett, TX     451     3,329     66,360  
Total         700   $ 19,907   $ 99,157  

 

(1) Costs include construction hard costs, construction soft costs and loan borrowing costs.

 

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, 2015, our investments in undeveloped and partially developed land consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

                       
Location   Date(s)
Acquired
  Acres   Cost   Primary Intended Use
                       
McKinney, TX     1997-2008     54     9,085   Mixed use
Dallas, TX     1996-2013     192     20,562   Mixed use
Kaufman County, TX     2008     25     2,547   Multi-family residential
Farmers Branch, TX     2008     240     23,429   Mixed use
Kaufman County, TX (1)     2006     2,932     46,611   Mixed use
Various     1990-2008     369     44,711   Various
Total Land Holdings           3,812   $ 146,945    

 

(1) Windmill Farms Land was acquired by a subsidiary of ARL in 2006 and 2,900 acres were subsequently sold to TCI in 2011.

  

Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financings

 

A summary of some of the significant transactions for the year ended December 31, 2015 are discussed below:

 

Purchases

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company acquired five income-producing apartment complexes from third parties in the states of Texas (3), Tennessee (1) and Alabama (1), increasing the total number of units by 990, for a combined purchase price of $82.9 million. In addition, the Company acquired six income-producing apartment complexes from related parties in the states of Texas (2), Florida (2), Tennessee (1) and Mississippi (1) increasing the total number of units by 835, for a combined purchase price of $29.3 million. The Company also purchased a commercial office building in Texas, comprised of 92,723 square feet, for $16.8 million.

 

5
 

 

Sales

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold approximately 595 acres of land located in Texas to independent third parties for a total sales price of $107.3 million. We recorded a total gain of $18.9 million from the sales. In addition we recognized $2.7 million in deferred gain from prior years land sales. In November 2015, the Company sold approximately 88 acres of land located in the U.S. Virgin Islands to an unrelated party. The sale represents most of the development land owned by the Company in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Total cash consideration for the sale was $33.9 million. We recorded a gain of $12.0 million related to the transaction.

 

In November 2015, the Company entered into a sales contract with an unrelated party. The contract was for most of the developable land owned by the Company in the Mercer Crossing Development located in Farmers Branch, Texas. In addition, TCI, IOT and RAI also sold land in this transaction. Total consideration for the sale was $75 million.  The ultimate allocation of sales proceeds to the parties involved is yet to be determined and will be complete when the final use of the land, certain development commitments are completed and the note is collected.  The agreement between TCI and the other parties related to this transaction provides for TCI to hold the subordinated note from the buyer in the amount of $50 million. At the closing, the note payable to related parties of $16.1 million was paid off. Due to an inadequate down payment from the buyer and the level of seller financing involved, the transaction is being accounted for under the deposit method. Under the deposit method, no revenue is recognized and the asset sold remains on the books until the criteria for full revenue recognition are met.

 

In addition, one income-producing apartment complex consisting of 200 units located in Ohio was foreclosed upon. The Company recorded a gain of $0.7 million related to the extinguishment of debt.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company has approximately 91 acres of land, at various locations that were sold to related parties in multiple transactions. These transactions are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Due to the related party nature of the transactions TCI has deferred the recording of the sales in accordance with ASC 360-20.

 

We continue to invest in the development of apartment projects. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, we have expended $16.7 million related to the construction or predevelopment of various apartment complexes and capitalized $0.2 million of interest costs.

 

Business Plan and Investment Policy

 

Our business objective is to maximize long-term value for our stockholders by investing in residential and commercial real estate through the acquisition, development and ownership of apartments, commercial properties, 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.

 

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.

 

6
 

 

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 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 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. 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 related parties 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 the Company.

 

7
 

 

Available Information

 

ARL maintains an Internet site at http://www.amrealtytrust.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.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

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:

 

· lack of demand for space in areas where the properties are located;

 

· inability to retain existing tenants and attract new tenants;

 

· oversupply of or reduced demand for space and changes in market rental rates;

 

· defaults by tenants or failure to pay rent on a timely basis;

 

· the need to periodically renovate and repair marketable space;

 

· physical damage to properties;

 

· economic or physical decline of the areas where properties are located; and

 

· potential risk of functional obsolescence of properties over time.

 

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.

 

8
 

 

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:

 

· construction and leasing of a property may not be completed on schedule, which could result in increased expenses and construction costs, and would result in reduced profitability for that property;

 

· construction costs may exceed original estimates due to increases in interest rates and increased cost of materials, labor or other costs, possibly making the property less profitable because of inability to increase rents to compensate for the increase in construction costs;

 

· some developments may fail to achieve expectations, possibly making them less profitable;

 

· we may be unable to obtain, or face delays in obtaining, required zoning, land-use, building, occupancy, and other governmental permits and authorizations, which could result in increased costs and could require us to abandon our activities entirely with respect to a project;

 

· we may abandon development opportunities after the initial exploration, which may result in failure to recover costs already incurred. If we determine to alter or discontinue its development efforts, future costs of the investment may be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized and we may determine the investment is impaired resulting in a loss;

 

· we may expend funds on and devote management’s time to projects which will not be completed; and

 

· occupancy rates and rents at newly-completed properties may fluctuate depending on various factors including market and economic conditions, and may result in lower than projected rental rates and reduced income from operations.

 

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:

 

· when we are able to locate a desired property, competition from other real estate investors may significantly increase the seller’s offering price;

 

· acquired properties may fail to perform as expected;

 

· the actual costs of repositioning or redeveloping acquired properties may be higher than original estimates;

 

· acquired properties may be located in new markets where we face risks associated with an incomplete knowledge or understanding of the local market, a limited number of established business relationships in the area and a relative unfamiliarity with local governmental and permitting procedures; and

 

· we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions, particularly acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into existing operations, and results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

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.

 

9
 

 

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

 

We had total indebtedness at December 31, 2015 of approximately $821.5 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 also 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:

 

· general economic conditions affecting these markets;

 

· our own financial structure and performance;

 

· the market’s opinion of real estate companies in general; and

 

· the market’s opinion of real estate companies that own similar properties.

 

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 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 terms that are detrimental to the Company.

 

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 for 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 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.

 

10
 

 

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 extinguishment 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:

 

· we may abandon a project after spending time and money determining its feasibility;

 

· construction costs may materially exceed original estimates;

 

· the revenue from a new project may not be enough to make it profitable or generate a positive cash flow;

 

· we may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms for development of a property, if at all;

 

· we may not complete construction and lease-ups on schedule, resulting in increased development or carrying costs; and

 

· we may not be able to obtain, or may be delayed in obtaining, necessary governmental permits.

 

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 real estate assets are concentrated primarily in the southwest and any deterioration in the general economic conditions of this region could have an adverse effect;

 

· changes in interest rates may make the ability to satisfy overall debt service requirements more burdensome;

 

· lack of availability of financing may render the purchase, sale or refinancing of a property more difficult or unattractive;

 

· changes in real estate and zoning laws;

 

· increases in real estate taxes and insurance costs;

 

· federal or local regulations or rent controls;

 

· acts of terrorism, and

 

· hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and other similar natural disasters.

 

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:

 

· downturns in the national, regional and local economic conditions (particularly increases in unemployment);

 

· competition from other office, apartment and commercial buildings;

 

· local real estate market conditions, such as oversupply or reduction in demand for office, apartments or other commercial space;

 

· changes in interest rates and availability of financing;

 

· vacancies, changes in market rental rates and the need to periodically repair, renovate and re-let space;

 

· increased operating costs, including insurance expense, utilities, real estate taxes, state and local taxes and heightened security costs;

 

· civil disturbances, earthquakes and other natural disasters, or terrorist acts or acts of war which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses;

 

11
 

 

· significant expenditures associated with each investment, such as debt service payments, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs which are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenues from a property;

 

· declines in the financial condition of our tenants and our ability to collect rents from our tenants; and

 

· decreases in the underlying value of our real estate.

 

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:

 

· the financial condition of our tenants may be adversely affected which may result in tenant defaults under leases due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failures or for other reasons;

 

· significant job losses within our tenants may occur, which may decrease demand for our office space, causing market rental rates and property values to be negatively impacted;

 

· our ability to borrow on terms and conditions that we find acceptable, or at all, may be limited, which could reduce our ability to pursue acquisition and development opportunities and refinance existing debt, reduce our returns from our acquisition and development activities and increase our future interest expense;

 

· reduced values of our properties may limit our ability to dispose of assets at attractive prices or to obtain debt financing secured by our properties and may reduce the availability of unsecured loans; and

 

· one or more lenders could refuse to fund their financing commitment to us or could fail and we may not be able to replace the financing commitment of any such lenders on favorable terms, or at all.

 

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.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

On December 31, 2015, our portfolio consisted of 58 income producing properties consisting of 48 apartments totaling 7,983 units, nine commercial properties consisting of five office buildings, three retail centers and one industrial warehouse; and a golf course. In addition, we own or control 3,812 acres of improved and unimproved land held for future development or sale. The average annual rental and other property revenue dollar per square foot is $9.97 for the Company’s residential apartment portfolio and $11.93 for the commercial portfolio. The table below shows information relating to those properties in which we own or have an ownership interest:

 

12
 

 

                     
Residential Apartments   Location   Units     Occupancy  
Anderson Estates   Oxford, MS     48       91.70 %
Blue Lake Villas I   Waxahachie, TX     186       98.40 %
Blue Lake Villas II   Waxahachie, TX     70       100.00 %
Breakwater Bay   Beaumont, TX     176       96.60 %
Bridgewood Ranch   Kaufman, TX     106       98.10 %
Capitol Hill   Little Rock, AR     156       94.90 %
Centennial   Oak Ridge TN     252       92.10 %
Crossing at Opelika   Opelika AL     168       98.80 %
Curtis Moore Estates   Greenwood, MS     104       82.70 %
Dakota Arms   Lubbock, TX     208       90.40 %
David Jordan Phase II   Greenwood, MS     32       81.30 %
David Jordan Phase III   Greenwood, MS     40       82.50 %
Desoto Ranch   DeSoto, TX     248       96.80 %
Falcon Lakes   Arlington, TX     248       98.80 %
Heather Creek   Mesquite, TX     200       97.50 %
Holland Lake   Weatherford TX     208       99.00 %
Lake Forest   Houston, TX     240       97.50 %
Legacy at Pleasant Grove   Texarkana, TX     208       93.80 %
Lodge at Pecan Creek   Denton, TX     192       93.20 %
Mansions of Mansfield   Mansfield, TX     208       97.10 %
Mission Oaks   San Antonio, TX     228       89.90 %
Monticello Estate   Monticello, AR     32       87.50 %
Northside on Travis   Sherman, TX     200       98.00 %
Oak Hollow   Seguin TX     160       91.30 %
Overlook @ Allensville   Sevierville TN     144       97.90 %
Parc at Clarksville   Clarksville, TN     168       96.40 %
Parc at Denham Springs   Denham Springs, LA     224       92.00 %
Parc at Maumelle   Little Rock, AR     240       95.00 %
Parc at Metro Center   Nashville, TN     144       99.30 %
Parc at Rogers   Rogers, AR     250       98.40 %
Preserve at Pecan Creek   Denton, TX     192       92.70 %
Preserve at Prairie Point   Lubbock, TX     184       96.20 %
Riverwalk Phase I   Greenville, MS     32       87.50 %
Riverwalk Phase II   Greenville, MS     72       84.70 %
Sonoma Court   Rockwall, TX     124       98.40 %
Sugar Mill   Baton Rouge, LA     160       100.00 %
Toulon   Gautier, MS     240       96.70 %
Tradewinds   Midland TX     214       95.30 %
Treehouse   Irving, TX     160       98.80 %
Villager Apts   Fort Walton FL     33       93.90 %
Villas at Park West I   Pueblo, CO     148       95.30 %
Villas at Park West II   Pueblo, CO     112       89.30 %
Vista Ridge   Tupelo MS     160       98.80 %
Vistas of Vance Jackson   San Antonio, TX     240       94.60 %
Waterford Apts   Rosenberg TX     196       93.90 %
Westwood Apts   Mary Ester FL     120       95.00 %
Whispering Pines Apts   Topeka KS     320       95.60 %
Windsong   Fort Worth, TX     188       97.30 %
                     
    Total Apartments/Average Occupancy rate     7,983       94.39 %

 

13
 

 

                     
Office Buildings   Location   SqFt     Occupancy  
600 Las Colinas   Las Colinas, TX     511,902       78.26 %
770 South Post Oak   Houston, TX     94,075       93.68 %
Browning Place (Park West I)   Farmers Branch, TX     625,264       60.50 %
Senlac (VHP)   Farmers Branch, TX     2,812       100.00 %
Stanford Center   Dallas, TX     333,234       93.54 %
    Total Office Buildings     1,567,287          
                     
Retail Centers   Location   SqFt     Occupancy  
Bridgeview Plaza   LaCrosse, WI     122,205       92.28 %
Cross County Mall   Matoon, IL     306,609       58.76 %
Fruitland Park   Fruitland Park, FL     6,722       100.00 %
    Total Retail Centers     435,536          
                     
Industrial Warehouses   Location   SqFt     Occupancy  
Thermalloy   Farmers Branch, TX     177,805       100.00 %
    Total Industrial Warehouses     177,805          
                     
    Total Commercial     2,180,628          
                     
Golf Course   Location   Acres          
Mahogany Run Golf Course   St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands     96.09          
    Total Golf Course     96.09          

 

Lease Expirations

 

The table below shows the lease expirations of the commercial properties over a nine-year period and thereafter:

                                         
Year of Lease
Expiration
  Rentable Square
Feet
Subject to
Expiring Leases
    Current
Annualized (1)
Contractual
Rent Under
Expiring Leases
    Current
Annualized (1)
Contractual
Rent Under
Expiring
Leases (P.S.F.)
    Percentage of
Total
Square Feet
    Percentage
of Gross
Rentals
 
                               
2016     317,873     $ 2,341,020     $ 7.36       17.8 %     10.3 %
2017     123,635       1,039,657       8.41       6.9 %     4.6 %
2018     248,090       2,718,074       10.96       13.9 %     12.0 %
2019     258,919       3,575,317       13.81       14.5 %     15.8 %
2020     103,550       1,767,748       17.07       5.8 %     7.8 %
2021     105,507       1,990,258       18.86       5.9 %     8.8 %
2022     165,769       4,235,995       25.55       9.3 %     18.7 %
2023     158,856       1,981,877       12.48       8.9 %     8.7 %
2024     40,322       599,950       14.88       2.3 %     2.6 %
Thereafter     121,440       2,441,745       20.11       6.8 %     10.7 %
Total     1,643,961     $ 22,691,641               92.1 %     100 %

 

(1) Represents the monthly contractual base rent and recoveries from tenants under existing leases as of December 31, 2015, multiplied by twelve. This amount reflects total rent before any rent abatements and includes expense reimbursements which may be estimates as of such date.

 

14
 

 

             
Land   Location   Acres  
2427 Valley View Ln   Farmers Branch, TX     0.31  
Audubon   Adams County, MS     48.20  
Bonneau Land   Farmers Branch, TX     8.39  
Cooks Lane   Fort Worth, TX     23.24  
Dedeaux   Gulfport, MS     10.00  
Denham Springs   Denham Springs, LA     4.38  
Gautier   Gautier, MS     3.46  
GNB   Farmers Branch, TX     45.00  
Hollywood Casino Tract II   Farmers Branch, TX     13.85  
Lacy Longhorn   Farmers Branch, TX     5.08  
Lake Shore Villas   Humble, TX     19.51  
Lubbock   Lubbock, TX     2.86  
Luna Ventures   Farmers Branch, TX     26.71  
Manhattan   Farmers Branch, TX     32.02  
McKinney 36   Collin County, TX     17.99  
McKinney Ranch   McKinney,TX     35.92  
Meloy/Portage   Kent, OH     52.95  
Minivest   Dallas, TX     0.23  
Nashville   Nashville, TN     11.87  
Nicholson Croslin   Dallas, TX     0.80  
Nicholson Mendoza   Dallas, TX     0.35  
Ocean Estates   Gulfport, MS     12.00  
Senlac   Farmers Branch, TX     8.49  
Texas Plaza   Irving, TX     10.33  
Travis Ranch   Kaufman County, TX     16.80  
Travis Ranch Retail   Kaufman County, TX     8.13  
Union Pacific Railroad   Dallas, TX     0.04  
Valley View 34 (Mercer Crossing)   Farmers Branch, TX     2.19  
Waco Swanson   Waco, TX     21.58  
Willowick   Pensacola, FL     39.78  
Windmills Farm   Kaufman County, TX     2,932.00  
    Total Land/Development     3,414.46  

 

Land Subject to Sales Contract   Location   Acres  
Dominion Tract   Dallas, TX     10.59  
Hollywood Casino Tract I   Farmers Branch, TX     15.52  
LaDue   Farmers Branch, TX     8.01  
Three Hickory   Farmers Branch, TX     6.60  
Travelers   Farmers Branch, TX     193.17  
Valwood land   Farmers Branch, TX     16.87  
Walker/Cummings   Dallas County, TX     82.59  
Whorton   Bentonville, AR     64.44  
    Total Land Subject to Sales Contract     397.79  
             
    Total Land     3,812.25  

 

15
 

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

ART and ART Midwest, Inc.

 

While the Company and all entities in which the Company has a direct or indirect equity interest are not parties to or obligated in any way for the outcome, a formerly owned entity (American Realty Trust, Inc.) and its former subsidiary (ART Midwest, Inc.) have been engaged since 1999 in litigation with Mr. David Clapper and entities related to Mr. Clapper (collectively, the “Clapper Parties”). The matter originally involved a transaction in 1998 in which ART and the Clapper Parties were to form a partnership to own eight residential apartment complexes. Through the years, a number of rulings, both for and against American Realty Trust, Inc. (“ART”) and ART Midwest, Inc., were issued. In October 2011, a ruling was issued under which the Clapper Parties received a judgment for approximately $74 million, including $26 million in actual damages and $48 million interest. The ruling was against ART and ART Midwest, Inc., but no other entity. During February 2014, the court of Appeals affirmed a portion of the judgment in favor of the Clapper Parties, but also ruled that a double counting of a significant portion of the damages had occurred and remanded the case back to the trial court to recalculate the damage award, as well as pre and post-judgment interest thereon. ART was also a significant owner of a partnership interest in the partnership that was awarded the initial damages in this matter.

 

In 2005, ART filed suit against a major national law firm over the initial transaction. That action was abated while the principal case with the Clapper Parties was pending, but the matter was recently unabated and is now moving forward. The only defendants in the litigation involving the Clapper Parties are ART and ART Midwest, Inc., which, together, had total assets and net worth, as of December 31, 2012, of approximately $10 million. In January 2012, the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding stock of ART to an unrelated party for a promissory note in the amount of $10 million. At December 31, 2012, the Company fully reserved and valued such note at zero.

 

          In August 2014, David M. Clapper and two entities related to Mr. Clapper (all, collectively, the “Clapper Parties”) filed a complaint in the U. S. District Court against the Company, its directors and certain of its officers alleging purported transactions to the detriment of the Clapper Parties and others by transferring assets, cash and diverting property. Management of the Company believes there is no basis for this action against the Company, its officers and directors, and intends to vigorously defend itself. The complaint does not allege any facts relating to the Company, except that the Company is a Nevada corporation, with its headquarters/principal place of business in Dallas, Texas.

 

            As a result of a final Memorandum Opinion and Order issued by the court on January 25, 2016 all claims against the officers and directors of the Company were dismissed.

           

          Management believes that the Company has no liability for any ultimate judgment in the proceeding involving the Clapper Parties; however, Management of the Company has serious reservations about the current collectability of the $10 million note and, accordingly, has reserved the full amount of the note.

 

Port Olpenitz

 

ARL, through a foreign subsidiary, was involved in developing a maritime harbor town on the 420 acre site of the former naval base of Olpenitz in Kappeln, Germany. Disputes with the local partner related to his mismanagement of the project resulted in his being replaced as the managing partner which was followed by a filing for bankruptcy protection in Germany to completely remove him from the project. An insolvency manager was placed in control of the project in order to protect the creditors and as of December 31, 2013, had sold the vast majority of assets (almost all land) of the project. The Company no longer has any financial responsibility for the obligations of the creditors related to the project and has claims filed for loans relating to our investment in the project. Due to the questionable collectability of these loans from the proceeds of the project, the Company has written off the unreserved balance of $5.3 million in the project. As of December 13, 2013, ARL had filed two lawsuits in Germany to recover funds invested in the project. The lawsuits are against: 1) the former German partner and his company, and 2) against the law firm in Hamburg originally hired to protect ARL’s investment in the project. At this time it is unknown how much can be recovered or how successful the litigation will be.

 

16
 

 

Dynex Capital, Inc.

 

          On July 20, 2015, the 68th Judicial District Court in Dallas County, Texas issued its Final Judgment in Cause No. DC-03-00675, styled Basic Capital Management, Inc., American Realty Trust, Inc., Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. v. Dynex Commercial, Inc. The case, which was litigated for more than a decade, had its origin with Dynex Commercial making loans to Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. (subsidiaries of Continental Mortgage & Equity Trust (“CMET”), an entity which merged into TCI in 1999 after the original suit was filed). Under the original loan commitment, $160 million in loans were to be made to the entities. The loans were conditioned on the execution of a commitment between Dynex Commercial and Basic Capital Management, Inc. (“Basic”).

 

          An original trial in 2004, which also included Dynex Capital, Inc. as a defendant, resulted in a jury awarding damages in favor of Basic for “lost opportunity,” as well as damages in favor of ART and in favor of TCI and its subsidiaries for “increased costs” and “lost opportunity.” The original Trial Court judge ignored the jury’s findings, however, and entered a “Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict” (“JNOV”) in favor of the Dynex entities (the judge held the Plaintiffs were not entitled to any damages from the Dynex entities). After numerous appeals by all parties, Dynex Capital, Inc. was ultimately dismissed from the case and the remaining claims against Dynex Commercial were remanded to the Trial Court for a new judgment consistent with the jury’s findings. The Court entered the new Final Judgment against Dynex Commercial, Inc. on July 20, 2015.

 

          The Final Judgment entered against Dynex Commercial, Inc. on July 20, 2015 awarded Basic $.256 million in damages, plus pre-judgment interest of $.192 million for a total amount of $.448 million. The Judgment awarded ART $14.2 million in damages, plus pre-judgment interest of $10.6 million for a total amount of $24.8 million. The Judgment awarded TCI $11.1 million, plus pre-judgment interest of $8.4 million for a total amount of $19.5 million. The Judgment also awarded Basic, ART, and TCI post-judgment interest at the rate of 5% per annum from April 25, 2014 until the date their respective damages are paid. Lastly, the Judgement awarded Basic, ART, and TCI $1.6 million collectively in attorneys’ fees from Dynex Commercial, Inc.

 

          The Company is reviewing the Final Judgment with counsel to determine the appropriate steps moving forward now that they have obtained this Final Judgment against Dynex Commercial, Inc.

 

The ownership of property and provision of services to the public as tenants entails an inherent risk of liability. Although the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various items of litigation incidental to and in the ordinary course of its business, in the opinion of Management, the outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operation or liquidity, unless noted otherwise above.

 

During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Report, no proceeding previously reported was terminated.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

17
 

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

ARL’s common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “ARL”. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices as reported in the consolidated reporting system of the NYSE for the quarters ended:

 

    2015     2014  
    High     Low     High     Low  
First Quarter   $ 5.90     $ 4.26     $ 10.99     $ 4.33  
Second Quarter   $ 5.95     $ 4.66     $ 9.99     $ 5.61  
Third Quarter   $ 7.49     $ 4.09     $ 7.07     $ 5.09  
Fourth Quarter   $ 7.19     $ 4.75     $ 6.40     $ 4.85  

 

On March 11, 2016, the closing market price of ARL’s common stock on the NYSE $4.11 per share, and was held by approximately 2,129 stockholders of record.

 

 ARL’s Board of Directors has established a policy that dividend declarations on common stock would be determined on an annual basis following the end of each year. In accordance with that policy, the Board determined not to pay any dividends on common stock in 2015, 2014 or 2013. Future distributions to common stockholders will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including the Company’s financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

 

Under ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 15,000,000 shares of Series A 10.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock are authorized with a par value of $2.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.00 per share, or $.25 per share quarterly, to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September, and December, when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series A Preferred Stock may be converted into common stock at 90.0% of the average daily closing price of ARL’s common stock for the prior 20 trading days. At December 31, 2015, 2,000,614 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were outstanding. Of the outstanding shares, 900,000 are held by ARL. Dividends are not paid on the shares owned by ARL.

 

Under ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 91,000 shares of Series D 9.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock are authorized with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $20.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.90 per year or $0.475 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series D Preferred Stock is reserved for the conversion of the Class A limited partner units of Ocean Beach Partners, L.P. The Class A units may be exchanged for Series D Preferred Stock at the rate of 20 Class A units for each share of Series D Preferred Stock. There are no outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock.

 

Under ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 500,000 shares of Series E 6.0% Cumulative Preferred Stock are authorized with a par value $2.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $0.60 per share or $0.15 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. There are no Series E Preferred Stock outstanding. As an instrument amendatory to ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 100,000 shares of Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock have been designated pursuant to a Certificate of Designation filed March 16, 2006, with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $80 per share, or $20 per quarter, to stockholders of record on the last day of each of March, June, September and December, when and as declared by the Board of Directors. Although the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock has been designated, no shares have been issued.

 

The Company had 135,000 shares of Series K convertible preferred stock, which were held by TCI and used as collateral on a note. The note has been paid in full and the Series K preferred stock was cancelled May 7, 2014.

 

On September 1, 2000, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to a total of 1,000,000 shares of ARL common stock. This repurchase program has no termination date. In August 2010, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the share repurchase program for up to an additional 250,000 shares of common stock which results in a total authorization under the repurchase program for up to 1,250,000 shares. There were no shares repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

 

18
 

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)  
EARNINGS DATA                                        
Rental and other property revenues   $ 104,188     $ 79,412     $ 80,750     $ 81,849     $ 73,029  
Total operating expenses     97,880       82,611       96,426       73,602       120,471  
Operating income (loss)     6,308       (3,199 )     (15,676 )     8,247       (47,442 )
Other expenses     (31,622 )     (15,511 )     (35,264 )     (20,021 )     (18,580 )
Income (loss) before gain on land sales, non-controlling interest, and taxes     (25,314 )     (18,710 )     (50,940 )     (11,774 )     (66,022 )
Gain (loss) on land sales     21,648       561       (455 )     5,475       34,206  
Income tax benefit (expense)     (517 )     20,413       40,513       (144 )     8,781  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations     (4,183 )     2,264       (10,882 )     (6,443 )     (23,035 )
Net income (loss) from discontinuing operations     896       37,909       62,606       (268 )     16,308  
Net income (loss)     (3,287 )     40,173       51,724       (6,711 )     (6,727 )
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     1,327       (9,288 )     (10,448 )     1,126       7,017  
Net income (loss) attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.     (1,960 )     30,885       41,276       (5,585 )     290  
Preferred dividend requirement     (1,216 )     (2,043 )     (2,452 )     (2,452 )     (2,456 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (3,176 )   $ 28,842     $ 38,824     $ (8,037 )   $ (2,166 )
                                         
PER SHARE DATA                                        
Earnings per share - basic                                        
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.71 )   $ (2.07 )   $ (0.67 )   $ (1.60 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     0.06       2.99       5.43       (0.02 )     1.42  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.21 )   $ 2.28     $ 3.36     $ (0.69 )   $ (0.18 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share     15,111,107       12,683,956       11,525,389       11,525,389       11,517,431  
                                         
Earnings per share - diluted                                        
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.71 )   $ (2.07 )   $ (0.67 )   $ (1.60 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     0.06       2.99       5.43       (0.02 )     1.42  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.21 )   $ 2.28     $ 3.36     $ (0.69 )   $ (0.18 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share     15,111,107       12,683,956       11,525,389       11,525,389       11,517,431  
                                         
BALANCE SHEET DATA                                        
Real estate, net   $ 853,507     $ 699,763     $ 700,294     $ 930,433     $ 1,026,630  
Notes and interest receivable, net     120,243       134,366       136,815       103,469       101,540  
Total assets     1,117,368       965,498       943,322       1,135,345       1,235,471  
Notes and interest payables     804,760       659,059       659,042       869,857       940,863  
Shareholders’ equity     176,889       179,588       134,861       85,104       95,257  
Book value per share     11.71       14.16       11.70       7.38       8.27  

 

19
 

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, principally, but not only, under the captions “Business,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We caution investors that any forward-looking statements in this report, or which management may make orally or in writing from time to time, are based on management’s beliefs and on assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. When used, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “estimate”, “project”, “should”, “will”, “result” and similar expressions which do not relate solely to historical matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance, which may be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties, and factors, that are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. We caution you that, while forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs when we make them, they are not guarantees of future performance and are impacted by actual events when they occur after we make such statements. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past forward-looking statements, which are based on results and trends at the time they are made, to anticipate future results or trends.

 

Some of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

 

· general risks affecting the real estate industry (including, without limitation, the inability to enter into or renew leases, dependence on tenants’ financial condition, and competition from other developers, owners and operators of real estate);

 

· risks associated with the availability and terms of financing and the use of debt to fund acquisitions and developments;

 

· failure to manage effectively our growth and expansion into new markets or to integrate acquisitions successfully;

 

· risks and uncertainties affecting property development and construction (including, without limitation, construction delays, cost overruns, inability to obtain necessary permits and public opposition to such activities);

 

· risks associated with downturns in the national and local economies, increases in interest rates, and volatility in the securities markets;

 

· costs of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other similar laws and regulations;

 

· potential liability for uninsured losses and environmental contamination;

 

· risks associated with our dependence on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed; and

 

· the other risk factors identified in this Form 10-K, including those described under the caption “Risk Factors.”

 

The risks included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this report, including Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Investors should also refer to our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for future periods and current reports on Form 8-K as we file them with the SEC, and to other materials we may furnish to the public from time to time through Forms 8-K or otherwise.

 

Overview

 

We are an externally advised and managed real estate investment company that owns a diverse portfolio of income-producing properties and land held for development. Our portfolio of income-producing properties includes residential apartment communities, office buildings, hotels and other commercial properties. Our investment strategy includes acquiring existing income-producing properties as well as developing new properties on land already owned or acquired for a specific development project. We acquire land primarily in urban in-fill locations or high-growth suburban markets. We are an active buyer and seller of real estate and during 2015 we acquired $129 million and sold $118 million of land and income producing properties. As of December 31, 2015, we owned 7, 983 units in 48 residential apartment communities, nine commercial properties comprising approximately $2.2 million rentable square feet, and a golf course. In addition, we own 3,812 acres of land held for development. The Company currently owns income-producing properties and land in eleven states as well as in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

20
 

 

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 interest rate construction loans that are converted to long-term, fixed rate amortizing mortgages when the development project is completed and occupancy has been stabilized. We will, from time to time, also enter into partnerships with various investors to acquire income-producing properties or land and to sell interests in certain of our wholly owned properties. When we sell assets, we may carry a portion of the sales price generally in the form of a short-term, interest bearing seller-financed note receivable. We generate operating revenues primarily by leasing apartment units to residents and leasing office, retail and industrial space to commercial tenants.

 

We have historically engaged in and may continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisition 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 our best interest.

 

Since April 30, 2011, Pillar is the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager under a contractual arrangement that is reviewed annually by our Board of Directors. 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.

 

Effective since January 1, 2011, Regis manages our commercial properties and provides brokerage services.  Regis is entitled to receive a fee for its property management and brokerage services. See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage”. The Company contracts with third-party companies to lease and manage our apartment communities. 

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We present our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts, our subsidiaries, generally all of which are wholly-owned, and all entities in which we have a controlling interest. Arrangements that are not controlled through voting or similar rights are accounted for as a Variable Interest Entity (VIE), in accordance with the provisions and guidance of ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation”, whereby we have determined that we are a primary beneficiary of the VIE and meet certain criteria of a sole general partner or managing member as identified in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 04-5, Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership when the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners have Certain Rights (“EITF 04-5”). VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders as a group lack adequate decision making ability, the obligation to absorb expected losses or residual returns of the entity, or have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests. The primary beneficiary generally is the entity that provides financial support and bears a majority of the financial risks, authorizes certain capital transactions, or makes operating decisions that materially affect the entity’s financial results. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: the amount and characteristics of our investment; the obligation or likelihood for us or other investors to provide financial support; our and the other investors’ ability to control or significantly influence key decisions for the VIE; and the similarity with and significance to the business activities of us and the other investors. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current future fair values and performance of real estate held by these VIEs and general market conditions.

 

For entities in which we have less than a controlling financial interest or entities where we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, our share of the net earnings or losses of these entities are included in consolidated net income. Our investment in Gruppa Florentina, LLC is accounted for under the equity method.

 

The Company in accordance with the VIE guidance in ASC 810 “Consolidations” consolidates 48 and 36 multifamily residential properties located throughout the United States at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, ranging from 32 units to 320 units.  Assets totaling $384.5 million  and $363.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively,  are consolidated and included in “Real estate, at cost” on the balance sheet and are all collateral for their respective mortgage notes payable, none of which are recourse to the partnership in which they are in or to the Company. 

 

21
 

 

Real Estate

 

Upon acquisitions of real estate, we assess the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets, including land, buildings, tenant improvements, “above-market” and “below-market” leases, origination costs, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities in accordance with ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations”, and allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including land at appraised value and buildings at replacement cost.

 

We assess and consider fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates, as well as available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. We also consider an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenants’ credit quality and expectations of lease renewals. Based on our acquisitions to date, our allocation to customer relationship intangible assets has been immaterial.

 

We record acquired “above-market” and “below-market” leases at their fair values (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) equal to the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (2) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.

 

Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. Factors to be considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, we include real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, we consider leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.

 

Depreciation and Impairment

 

Real estate is stated at depreciated cost. The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. Costs directly related to the development of properties are capitalized. Capitalized development costs include interest, property taxes, insurance, and other direct project costs incurred during the period of development.

 

A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. Our capitalization policy on development properties is guided by ASC Topic 835-20 “Interest – Capitalization of Interest” and ASC Topic 970 “Real Estate - General”. The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the receipt of certificates of occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization on the portion (1) substantially completed and (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and we capitalize only those costs associated with the portion under construction.

 

Management reviews its long-lived assets used in operations for impairment when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates impairment in value. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of its assets is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined by a recent appraisal, comparable based upon prices for similar assets, executed sales contract, a present value and/or a valuation technique based upon a multiple of earnings or revenue. If such impairment is present, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. If we determine that impairment has occurred, the affected assets must be reduced to their face value.

 

22
 

 

ASC Topic 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment” requires that qualifying assets and liabilities and the results of operations that have been sold, or otherwise qualify as “held for sale”, be presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented if the property operations are expected to be eliminated and we will not have significant continuing involvement following the sale. The components of the property’s net income that is reflected as discontinued operations include the net gain (or loss) upon the disposition of the property “held for sale”, operating results, depreciation and interest expense (if the property is subject to a secured loan). We generally consider assets to be “held for sale” when the transaction has been approved by our Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, and there are no known significant contingencies relating to the sale, such that the property sale within one year is considered probable. Following the classification of a property as “held for sale”, no further depreciation is recorded on the assets.

 

Any properties that are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are listed in detail in Schedule III, “Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation” are those in which we have not recognized the legal sale according to the guidance in ASC 360-20 due to various factors, disclosed in each sale transaction under Item 1 Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financing. Any sale transaction that did not meet the requirements according to ASC 360-20 to record the sale, the asset involved in the transaction, including the debt and property operations, remained on the books of the Company. We continue to charge depreciation to expense as a period costs for the property until such time as the property has been classified as held for sale in accordance with guidance reflected in ASC 360-10-45 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”.

 

Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

 

Except for ownership interests in variable interest entities, we account for our investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures under the equity method of accounting because we exercise significant influence over, but do not control, these entities. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on our balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized as an adjustment to equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate ventures over the life of the related asset. Under the equity method of accounting, our net equity is reflected within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and our share of net income or loss from the joint ventures is included within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The joint venture agreements may designate different percentage allocations among investors for profits and losses; however, our recognition of joint venture income or loss generally follows the joint venture’s distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain investment return thresholds. For ownership interests in variable interest entities, we consolidate those in which we are the primary beneficiary.

 

Recognition of Rental Income

 

Rental income for commercial property leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective lease terms. In accordance with ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations”, we recognize rental revenue of acquired in-place “above-market” and “below-market” leases at their fair values over the terms of the respective leases. On our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we include as a receivable the excess of rental income recognized over rental payments actually received pursuant to the terms of the individual commercial lease agreements.

 

Reimbursements of operating costs, as allowed under most of our commercial tenant leases, consist of amounts due from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs, and are recognized as revenue in the period in which the recoverable expenses are incurred. We record these reimbursements on a “gross” basis, since we generally are the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services from third-party suppliers, have discretion in selecting the supplier and have the credit risk with respect to paying the supplier.

 

Rental income for residential property leases is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as earned, which is not materially different than on a straight-line basis as lease terms are generally for periods of one year or less. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for all past due rents and operating expense reimbursements considered to be uncollectible.

 

Revenue Recognition on the Sale of Real Estate

 

Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sale”. The specific timing of a sale is measured against various criteria in ASC 360-20 related to the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the properties. If the sales criteria for the full accrual method are not met, we defer some or all of the gain recognition and account for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, leasing, deposit, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met.

 

23
 

 

Non-performing Notes Receivable

 

We consider a note receivable to be non-performing when the maturity date has passed without principal repayment and the borrower is not making interest payments in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

 

Interest Recognition on Notes Receivable

 

We record interest income as earned in accordance with the terms of the related loan agreements.

 

Allowance for Estimated Losses

 

We assess the collectability of notes receivable on a periodic basis, of which the assessment consists primarily of an evaluation of cash flow projections of the borrower to determine whether estimated cash flows are sufficient to repay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the note. We recognize impairments on notes receivable when it is probable that principal and interest will not be received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. The amount of the impairment to be recognized generally is based on the fair value of the partnership’s real estate that represents the primary source of loan repayment. See Note 3 “Notes and Interest Receivable” for details on our notes receivable.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

We apply the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets. These provisions define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the information used in developing fair value estimates and require disclosure of fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3 measurements), such as the reporting entity’s own data.

 

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date and includes three levels defined as follows:

     
Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices for identical and unrestricted assets or liabilities in active markets.
     
Level 2 Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
     
Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

  

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

  

Related parties

 

We apply ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations”, to evaluate business relationships. Related parties are persons or entities who have one or more of the following characteristics, which include entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, trust for the benefit of persons including principal owners of the entities and members of their immediate families, management personnel of the entity and members of their immediate families and other parties with which the entity may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the decision making of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests, or affiliates of the entity.

 

Results of Operations

 

The discussion of our results of operations is based on management’s review of operations, which is based on our segments. Our segments consist of apartments, commercial buildings, hotels, land and other. For discussion purposes, we break these segments down into the following sub-categories; same property portfolio, acquired properties, and developed properties in the lease-up phase. The same property portfolio consists of properties that were held by us for the entire period for both years being compared. The acquired property portfolio consists of properties that we acquired but have not held for the entire period for both periods being compared. Developed properties in the lease-up phase consist of completed projects that are being leased-up. As we complete each phase of the project, we lease-up that phase and include those revenues in our continued operations. Once a developed property becomes leased-up (80% or more) and is held the entire period for both years under comparison, it is considered to be included in the same property portfolio. Income producing properties that we have sold during the year are reclassified to discontinuing operations for all periods presented. The other segment consists of revenue and operating expenses related to the notes receivable and corporate entities.

 

24
 

 

The following discussion is based on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 as included in Part II, Item 8. “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”. The prior year’s property portfolios have been adjusted for subsequent sales. Continued operations relates to income producing properties that were held during those years as adjusted for sales in the subsequent years.

 

At December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, we owned or had interests in a portfolio of 58, 47, and 47 income producing properties, respectively. The total property portfolio represents all income-producing properties held as of December 31 for the year presented. Sales subsequent to year end represent properties that were held as of yearend for the years presented, but sold in subsequent years. Continued operations represents all properties that have not been reclassed to discontinued operations as of December 31, 2015 for the year presented. The table below shows the number of income producing properties held by year.

 

    2015     2014     2013  
                         
Continued operations     58       46       43  
Sales subsequent to year end           1       4  
Total property portfolio     58       47       47  

 

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2015 to the same year ended 2014:

  

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, we reported a net loss applicable to common shares of ($3.2) million or ($0.21) per diluted earnings per share, as compared to a net income applicable to common shares of $28.8 million or $2.28 per diluted earnings per share for the same year ended 2014. The current year net loss applicable to common shares of ($3.2) million includes gain on land sales of $21.6 million, provisions on the impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets of $5.3 million and net income from discontinued operations of $0.9 million, as compared to the prior year net income applicable to common shares of $28.8 million, which includes a gain on land sales of $0.6 million, and net income from discontinued operations of $37.9 million.

 

Revenues

 

Rental and other property revenues were $104.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $24.8 million, as compared to the prior year revenues of $79.4 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $14.7 million, an increase in the commercial portfolio of $10.1 million. The increase in the apartment and commercial portfolios is mainly due to the acquisition of new properties. Our apartment portfolio continues to excel in the current economic conditions with occupancies averaging over 94% and increasing rental rates. We have been able to surpass expectations due to the high-quality product offered, strength of our management team and our commitment to our tenants. The increase in the commercial segment is also due to a high rise in the occupancy rate of the commercial complexes, in 2015 the average occupancy rate was over 86%. Our commercial portfolio is performing significantly better than in previous periods and we anticipate that it will continue to improve as the Company has been successful in attracting high-quality tenants and expects to continue to see the benefits of those new leases in the future. We continue to work aggressively to attract new tenants and strive for continuous improvement of our properties in order to maintain our existing tenants.

 

Expenses

 

Property operating expenses were $54.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $11.9 million, as compared to the prior year operating expenses of $42.1 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $7.4 million, an increase in the commercial portfolio of $4.7 million. Within the apartment portfolio there was an increase of $5.9 million in the acquired properties portfolio, and an increase $1.5 million in the same property portfolio. Within the commercial portfolio there was an increase of $3.6 million in the acquired properties portfolio and an increase of $1.1 million in the same store properties. The increase in the apartment portfolio was due to the acquisition of new properties throughout the year. The increase in the commercial portfolio was due to an acquisition of a property within the year and an increase in real estate taxes.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $21.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $3.8 million as compared to prior year depreciation of $17.6 million. Within the apartment and commercial portfolios, the majority of this change is due to the acquisition of new properties and an increase in tenant improvements and repairs projects.

 

25
 

 

General and administrative expenses were $6.9 million dollars for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents a decrease of $3.4 million, as compared to the prior year general and administrative expenses of $10.3 million. The majority of this change is due to decreases in legal expenses and franchise taxes in the current year.

 

The provision for impairment of notes receivable, investment in real estate partnerships, and real estate assets was $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. There was no provision for impairment expense in the prior year. For the year ended the Company provided an impairment of $5.3 million for the golf course and related assets located in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  This impairment relates to the decision to sell the development parcels in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the resultant decrease in the estimated fair value of the remaining assets.

 

Net income fee was $0.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents a decrease of $3.2 million, as compared to the prior year net income fee of $3.7 million. The net income fee paid to Pillar is calculated at 7.5% of net income.

 

Advisory fees were $9.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $0.9 million, as compared to the prior year advisory fees of $8.9 million. Advisory fees are computed based on a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value.

 

Other income (expense)

 

Interest income was $16.7 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2015. This represents a decrease of $3.4 million, as compared to the prior year interest income of $20.1 million dollars. The majority of this decrease is due to the recognition of uncollectable interest in the prior year on notes receivable.

  

Other income was $4.1 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $2.7 million as compared to the prior year other income of $1.4 million. The increase is primarily due to a property with a negotiated settlement of a debt with the lender.

 

Mortgage and loan interest expense was $47.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $9.5 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $38.0 million. This change by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $2.0 million, an increase in the commercial portfolio of $0.9 million, and an increase in the other portfolio of $6.6 million. Within the apartment and commercial portfolios, the majority of the increase is due to the acquisition of new properties, offset by loan refinancings at lower rates. Within the other portfolio, the majority of the increase is due to incurring new mezzanine debt obligations.

 

Loan charges and prepayment penalties were $5.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $2.1 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $2.9 million. This change is mainly due to refinancing and prepayment penalties made on some of our existing loans.

 

Litigation settlement expenses were $0.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $3.9 million, as compared to the prior year credit of $3.6 million. This variance is due to the settlement of a debt resulting in a gain of $3.5 million in the prior year.

 

Gain on land sales was $21.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. In the current year we sold approximately 595 acres of land in eleven transactions for a sales price of $107.3 million and recorded a gain of $18.9 million. In addition, we recognized $2.7 million in deferred gain from prior years land sales.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

Prior to January 1, 2015, we applied the provisions of ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”, which requires that long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale be measured at the lesser of (1) book value or (2) fair value less cost to sell. In addition, it requires that one accounting model be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions.

 

Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”, which changes the criteria of ASC 360 related to determining which disposals qualify to be accounted for as discontinued operations and modifies related reporting and disclosure requirements.

 

26
 

 

Disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that have a major effect on a company’s operations and financial results will be presented as discontinued operations. Companies will be required to expand their disclosures about discontinued operations to provide more information on the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the discontinued operations. The new standard was effective January 1, 2015. Adoption of this standard will result in substantially fewer of the Company’s dispositions meeting the discontinued operations criteria.

 

Amounts included in discontinued operations represent the residual amounts from sales classified as discontinued operations prior to January1, 2015. There were no sales in 2015 that qualified as discontinued operations.

 

Discontinued operations prior to January 2015 relate to properties that were either sold or held for sale as of the respective year end. The gains on sale of the properties sold are also included in the discontinued operations for those years as shown in the table below (dollars in thousands):

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Revenues:                
Rental and other property revenues   $ 355     $ 5,612  
      355       5,612  
Expenses:                
Property operating expenses     (345 )     2,350  
Depreciation           751  
General and administrative     99       451  
Total operating expenses   $ (246 )   $ 3,552  
                 
Other income (expense):                
Other income (expense)     45       (507 )
Mortgage and loan interest     (2 )     (3,204 )
Loan charges and prepayment penalties           (1,656 )
Litigation settlement           (250 )
Total other expenses   $ 43     $ (5,617 )
                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and taxes     644       (3,557 )
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate from discontinued operations     735       61,879  
Income tax benefit (expense)     (483 )     (20,413 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations   $ 896     $ 37,909  

 

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2014 to the same year ended 2013:

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, we reported net income applicable to common shares of $28.8 million or $2.50 per diluted earnings per share, as compared to a net income applicable to common shares of $38.8 million or $3.36 per diluted earnings per share for the same year ended 2013. The current year net income applicable to common shares of $28.8 million includes gain on land sales of $0.6 million and net income from discontinued operations of $37.9 million, as compared to the prior year net income applicable to common shares of $38.8 million, which includes a loss on land sales of $0.5 million, provisions on the impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets of $19.0 million, and net income from discontinued operations of $62.6 million.

 

27
 

 

Revenues

  

Rental and other property revenues were $79.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $1.4 million, as compared to the prior year revenues of $80.8 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $2.5 million, offset by a decrease in the commercial portfolio of $3.8 million and a decrease in the other portfolio of $0.1 million. Our apartment portfolio continues to excel in the current economic conditions with occupancies averaging over 94% and increasing rental rates. We have been able to surpass expectations due to the high-quality product offered, strength of our management team and our commitment to our tenants. The decrease in the commercial segment is due to a lease termination fee received in the prior year. Our commercial portfolio expects to improve as the Company has been diligent in our actions to re-lease vacant space and has been successful in attracting high-quality tenants and expects to see the benefits of those new leases over the next twelve months. We continue to work aggressively to attract new tenants and strive for continuous improvement of our properties in order to maintain our existing tenants.

 

Expenses

 

Property operating expenses were $42.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents an increase of $2.8 million, as compared to the prior year operating expenses of $39.3 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $1.3 million, and an increase in the commercial portfolio of $1.5 million. Within the apartment portfolio, the majority of the increase was due to tax refunds received for several properties in the prior year, an increase in the current year real estate taxes, as well as some non-recurring repair projects completed in the current year. In the commercial segment, the increase is due to an increase in occupancy as well as tax refunds received in the prior year.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $17.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents an increase of $1.6 million as compared to prior year depreciation of $16.0 million. The majority of this change is in the commercial portfolio related to an increase in tenant improvements.

 

General and administrative expenses were $10.3 million dollars for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents an increase of $2.4 million, as compared to the prior year general and administrative expenses of $7.9 million. The majority of this change is in the other portfolio due to professional fees and franchise taxes.

 

There was no provision for impairment of notes receivable, investment in real estate partnerships, and real estate assets for the year ended December 31, 2014. This was a decrease of $19.0 million as compared to the prior year expense of $19.0 million. In the prior year impairment was recorded as an additional loss in the commercial and land portfolios. In our commercial portfolio, an impairment reserve of $9.6 million was taken to adjust for the appraised value of the building. In our land portfolio, an impairment reserve of $7.5 million was taken due to a potential sale of land at a value lower than book basis as well as disposal of another property due to bankruptcy. The remaining $1.9 million was related to provisions for losses taken on our notes receivable.

 

Net income fee was $3.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $0.4 million, as compared to the prior year net income fee of $4.1 million. The net income fee paid to Pillar is calculated at 7.5% of net income.

 

Advisory fees were $8.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $1.3 million, as compared to the prior year advisory fees of $10.2 million. Advisory fees are computed based on a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value.

 

Other income (expense)

 

Interest income was $20.1 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2014. This represents an increase of $0.7 million, as compared to the prior year interest income of $19.4 million dollars. The majority of this increase is due to the purchase of new notes from UHF.

 

Other income was $1.4 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $8.8 million as compared to the prior year other income of $10.2 million. The decrease is primarily due to the December 30, 2013 Mercer/Travelers land mortgage note buyout, which was paid off at a discounted rate, as well as income recognized in the prior year relating to a released contingency on a sold commercial property.

  

Mortgage and loan interest expense was $35.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $0.8 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $36.2 million. This change by segment, is a decrease in the apartment portfolio of $1.0 million and a decrease in the land portfolio of $1.8 million, offset by an increase in the other portfolio of $1.9 million and an increase in the commercial portfolio of $0.1 million. Within the apartment portfolio, the majority of the decrease is due to the refinances closed with long-term, low interest rates. The decrease in the land portfolio relates to principal payments made during the prior years, thereby requiring less future interest to be paid on debt obligations. Within the other portfolio, the majority of the increase is due to the securing of a new loan in the current year, offset by a decrease in the interest owed to our Advisor.

 

28
 

  

Loan charges and prepayment penalties were $2.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $2.7 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $5.6 million. There were fewer refinances completed in the current year than in the prior year.

 

Litigation settlement expenses were a credit of $3.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $23.9 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $20.3 million. The majority of the credit to the current year litigation expense is due to the settlement with the lender relating to a commercial property in which the balance in the amount of $3.5 million was forgiven. Matters were settled in the prior year in order to avoid future litigation and legal expenses.

 

Gain on land sales was $0.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. In the current year we sold 76.3 acres of land in six transactions for a sales price of $8.1 million and recorded a gain of $0.6 million.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

Discontinued operations relates to properties that were either sold or held for sale as of the respective year end. Included in discontinued operations are a total of 5 and 15 income-producing properties as of 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 2014 we sold three apartment complexes and two commercial properties. In 2013, we sold 11 apartment complexes and four commercial properties, the operations related to these properties sold are reclassed to prior years discontinued operations. The gains on sale of the properties sold were also included in discontinued operations for those years as shown in the table below (dollars in thousands):

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2014     2013  
Revenues:                
Rental and other property revenues   $ 5,612     $ 34,922  
      5,612       34,922  
Expenses:                
Property operating expenses     2,350       16,479  
Depreciation     751       5,563  
General and administrative     451       966  
Total operating expenses   $ 3,552     $ 23,008  
                 
Other income (expense):                
Other income (expense)     (507 )     45  
Mortgage and loan interest     (3,204 )     (11,097 )
Loan charges and prepayment penalties     (1,656 )     (3,246 )
Litigation settlement     (250 )     (250 )
Total other expenses   $ (5,617 )   $ (14,548 )
                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and taxes     (3,557 )     (2,634 )
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate from discontinued operations     61,879       98,951  
Income tax benefit (expense)     (20,413 )     (33,711 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations   $ 37,909     $ 62,606  

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our principal liquidity needs are:

· fund normal recurring expenses;

 

 

 

 

 

29 
 

 

 

 

 

· meet debt service and principal repayment obligations including balloon payments on maturing debt;

 

· fund capital expenditures, including tenant improvements and leasing costs;

 

· fund development costs not covered under construction loans; and

 

· fund possible property acquisitions.

 

Our principal sources of cash have been and will continue to be:

 

· property operations;

 

· proceeds from land and income-producing property sales;

 

· collection of mortgage notes receivable;

 

· collections of receivables from related companies;

 

· refinancing of existing debt; and

 

· additional borrowings, including mortgage notes payable, and lines of credit.

 

It is important to realize that the current status of the banking industry has had a significant effect on our industry. The banks’ willingness and/or ability to originate loans affects our ability to buy and sell property, and refinance existing debt. We are unable to foresee the extent and length of this down-turn. A continued and extended decline could materially impact our cash flows. We draw on multiple financing sources to fund our long-term capital needs. We generally fund our development projects with construction loans, which are converted to traditional mortgages upon completion of the project.

 

We may also issue additional equity securities, including common stock and preferred stock. Management anticipates that our cash at December 31, 2015, along with cash that will be generated in 2016 from property operations, may not be sufficient to meet all of our cash requirements. Management intends to selectively sell land and income producing assets, refinance or extend real estate debt and seek additional borrowings secured by real estate to meet its liquidity requirements. Although the past cannot predict the future, historically, management has been successful at refinancing and extending a portion of the Company’s current maturity obligations and selling assets as necessary to meet current obligations.

 

Management reviews the carrying values of ARL’s properties and mortgage notes receivable at least annually and whenever events or a change in circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. Impairment is considered to exist if, in the case of a property, the future cash flow from the property (undiscounted and without interest) is less than the carrying amount of the property. The property review generally includes: (1) selective property inspections, (2) a review of the property’s current rents compared to market rents, (3) a review of the property’s expenses, (4) a review of maintenance requirements, (5) a review of the property’s cash flow, (6) discussions with the manager of the property, and (7) a review of properties in the surrounding area. For notes receivable, impairment is considered to exist if it is probable that all amounts due under the terms of the note will not be collected. If impairment is found to exist, a provision for loss is recorded by a charge against earnings to the extent that the investment in the note exceeds management’s estimate of the fair value of the collateral securing such note. The mortgage note receivable review includes an evaluation of the collateral property securing each note.

 

 Cash Flow Summary

 

The following summary discussion of our cash flows is based on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Part II, Item 8. “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and is not meant to be an all-inclusive discussion of the changes in our cash flows for the periods presented below (dollars in thousands):

 

    2015     2014     Variance  
                         
Net cash used in operating activities   $ (34,509 )   $ (37,968 )   $ 3,459  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   $ (130,348 )   $ 38,485     $ (168,833 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   $ 167,790     $ (4,655 )   $ 172,445  

 

The primary use of cash for operations is daily operating costs, general and administrative expenses, advisory fees and land holding costs. Our primary source of cash from operating activities is from rental income on properties.

 

Our primary cash outlays for investing activities are for construction and development, acquisition of land and income producing properties, and capital improvements to existing properties. Our primary sources of cash from investing activities are from the proceeds on the sale of land and income-producing properties. We received more proceeds from land sales in the current period than in the prior period. In addition, we acquired 11 residential properties and one commercial property.

 

30
 

 

Our primary sources of cash from financing activities are from proceeds on notes payables. Our primary cash outlays are for recurring debt payments and payments on maturing notes payable. The proceeds from new financings in the current period allowed us to pay down more debt, as compared to the prior period. Additionally, proceeds from land sales were used to retire debt obligations.

 

Equity Investments.     

 

ARL has from time to time purchased shares of IOT and TCI. The Company may purchase additional equity securities of IOT and TCI through open market and negotiated transactions to the extent ARL’s liquidity permits.

 

Equity securities of TCI held by ARL (and of IOT held by TCI) may be deemed “restricted securities” under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”). Accordingly, ARL may be unable to sell such equity securities other than in a registered public offering or pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act for a one-year period after they are acquired. Such restrictions may reduce ARL’s ability to realize the full fair value of such investments if ARL attempted to dispose of such securities in a short period of time.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

We have contractual obligations and commitments primarily with regards to the payment of mortgages. The following table aggregates our expected contractual obligations and commitments and includes items not accrued, per GAAP, through the term of the obligation such as interest expense and operating leases. Our aggregate obligations subsequent to December 31, 2014 are shown in the table below (dollars in thousands):

 

    Total     2016     2017     2018-2020     Thereafter  
Long-term debt obligation(1)   $ 1,267,424     $ 131,834     $ 64,169     $ 290,736     $ 780,685  
Capital lease obligation                              
Operating lease obligation     18,059       278       284       887       16,610  
Purchase obligation                              
Other long-term debt liabilities reflected on the Registrant’s Balance Sheet under GAAP                              
Total   $ 1,285,483     $ 132,112     $ 64,453     $ 291,623     $ 797,295  

 

(1) ARL’s long-term debt may contain financial covenants that, if certain thresholds are not met, could allow the lender to accelerate principal payments or cause the note to become due immediately.

 

Environmental Matters

 

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, ARL may be potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including governmental fines and injuries to persons and property) where property-level managers have arranged for the removal, disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, certain environmental laws impose liability for release of asbestos-containing materials into the air, and third parties may seek recovery for personal injury associated with such materials.

 

Management is not aware of any environmental liability relating to the above matters that would have a material adverse effect on ARL’s business, assets or results of operations.

 

Inflation

 

The effects of inflation on ARL’s operations are not quantifiable. Revenues from property operations tend to fluctuate proportionately with inflationary increases and decreases in housing costs. Fluctuations in the rate of inflation also affect the sales values of properties and the ultimate gains to be realized from property sales. To the extent that inflation affects interest rates, earnings from short-term investments and the cost of new financings as well as the cost of variable interest rate debt will be affected.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

ARL’s primary market risk exposure consists of changes in interest rates on borrowings under our debt instruments that bear interest at variable rates that fluctuate with market interest rates and maturing debt that has to be refinanced. ARL’s future operations, cash flow and fair values of financial instruments are also partially dependent on the then existing market interest rates and market equity prices.

 

31
 

 

As of December 31, 2015, our $821.5 million debt portfolio consisted of approximately $780.4 million of fixed-rate debt and approximately $41.1 million of variable-rate debt with interest rates ranging from 4.75% to 6.50%. Our overall weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was 4.66% and 4.88%, respectively.  

 

ARL’s interest rate sensitivity position is managed by the capital markets department. Interest rate sensitivity is the relationship between changes in market interest rates and the fair value of market rate sensitive assets and liabilities. ARL’s earnings are affected as changes in short-term interest rates affect its cost of variable-rate debt and maturing fixed-rate debt.

 

If market interest rates for variable-rate debt average 100 basis points more in 2016 than they did during 2015, ARL’s interest expense would increase and net income would decrease by $0.4 million. This amount is determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on ARL’s borrowing cost. The analysis does not consider the effects of the reduced level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment. Further, in the event of a change of such magnitude, management would likely take actions to further mitigate its exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the sensitivity analysis assumes no change in ARL’s financial structure.

 

The following table contains only those exposures that existed at December 31, 2015. Anticipation of exposures of risk on positions that could possibly arise was not considered. ARL’s ultimate interest rate risk and its effect on operations will depend on future capital market exposures, which cannot be anticipated with a probable assurance level (dollars are in thousands):

 

    2016     2017     2018     2019     2020     Thereafter     Total  
Assets                                                        
Market securities at fair value   $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Note Receivable                                                        
Variable interest rate - fair value                                                        
Instrument’s maturities                                          
Instrument’s amortization                                          
Interest                                          
Average Rate     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %        
                                                         
Fixed interest rate - fair value   $     $     $     $     $     $     $ 129,059  
Instrument’s maturities     26,047       12,314       14,310       496       5,907       69,985       129,059  
Instrument’s amortization                                          
Interest     12,582       11,335       10,809       9,156       8,429       100,779       153,090  
Average Rate     9.75 %     11.00 %     11.92 %     11.99 %     11.11 %     12.00 %        
                                                         
    2016     2017     2018     2019     2020     Thereafter     Total  
Notes Payable                                                        
Variable interest rate - fair value                                                   $ 41,064  
Instrument’s maturities   $ 1,290     $ 2,178     $     $     $     $     $ 3,468  
Instrument’s amortization     34,878       2,718                               37,596  
Interest     1,015       106                               1,121  
Average Rate     5.68 %     6.19 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %        
                                                         
Fixed interest rate - fair value                                                   $ 780,446  
Instrument’s maturities   $ 18,377     $ 8,536     $ 29,594     $ 20,313     $ 115,495     $ 36,150     $ 228,465  
Instrument’s amortization     41,989       17,803       14,296       14,310       11,875       451,708       551,981  
Interest     34,285       32,828       31,546       29,424       23,883       292,827       444,793  
Average Rate     6.85 %     6.92 %     6.39 %     6.52 %     5.68 %     3.72 %        

 

32
 

 

ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

     
 

Page

Financial Statements    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 35  
Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2015 and 2014 36  
Consolidated Statements of Operations—Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 37  
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity—Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 38  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 39  
Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) —Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 40  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 41  
     
Financial Statement Schedules    
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation 65  
Schedule IV—Mortgage Loan Receivables on Real Estate 69  

 

All other schedules are omitted because they are not required, are not applicable, or the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto.

  

33
 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of and 

Stockholders of American Realty Investors, Inc. 

Dallas, Texas

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Realty Investors, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. American Realty Investors, Inc.’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

As described in Note 16, American Realty Investors, Inc.’s management intends to sell land and income producing properties and refinance or extend debt secured by real estate to meet the Company’s liquidity needs.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Realty Investors, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. Schedules III and IV are presented for the purpose of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and are not a required part of the basic consolidated financial statements. These schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state, in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

 

Farmer, Fuqua & Huff, PC

 

Richardson, Texas 

March 30, 2016

 

34
 

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    (dollars in thousands, except share
and par value amounts)
 
Assets                
Real estate, at cost   $ 954,390     $ 810,214  
Real estate subject to sales contracts at cost, net of depreciation ($0 in 2015 and $2,300 in 2014)     49,155       19,026  
Less accumulated depreciation     (150,038 )     (129,477 )
Total real estate     853,507       699,763  
Notes and interest receivable                
Performing (including $125,915 in 2015 and $139,466 in 2014 from related parties)     137,280       149,484  
Non-performing           3,161  
Less allowance for estimated losses (including $15,537 in 2015 and $15,537 in 2014 from related parties)     (17,037 )     (18,279 )
Total notes and interest receivable     120,243       134,366  
Cash and cash equivalents     15,232       12,299  
Restricted cash     45,711       49,266  
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees     8,365       4,279  
Receivable from related party     28,147       21,414  
Other assets     46,163       44,111  
Total assets   $ 1,117,368     $ 965,498  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                
Liabilities:                
Notes and interest payable   $ 797,962     $ 638,891  
Notes related to assets held for sale     376       1,552  
Notes related to assets subject to sales contracts     6,422       18,616  
Deferred revenue (including $70,892 in 2015 and $72,564 in 2014 from sales to related parties)     91,336       74,409  
Accounts payable and other liabilities (including $7,236 in 2015 and $11,024 in 2014 to related parties)     44,383       52,442  
      940,479       785,910  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:                
                 
Preferred stock, Series A: $2.00 par value, authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,000,614 and 2,461,252 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively (liquidation preference $10 per share), including 900,000 shares in 2015 and 2014 held by ARL.     2,205       3,126  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 15,930,145 and 14,443,404 shares and outstanding 15,514,360 and 14,027,619 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively; including 140,000 shares held by TCI (consolidated) in 2015 and 2014.     156       141  
Treasury stock at cost; 415,785 shares in 2015 and 2014, and 140,000 shares held by TCI (consolidated) as of 2015 and 2014.     (6,395 )     (6,395 )
Paid-in capital     109,861       108,378  
Retained earnings     17,130       19,090  
Total American Realty Investors, Inc. shareholders’ equity     122,957       124,340  
Non-controlling interest     53,932       55,248  
Total equity     176,889       179,588  
Total liabilities and equity   $ 1,117,368     $ 965,498  
             

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

35
 

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)  
Revenues:                        
Rental and other property revenues (including $726, $701 and $670 for the year ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties)   $ 104,188     $ 79,412     $ 80,750  
                         
Expenses:                        
Property operating expenses (including $770, $645 and $699 for the year ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties)     54,002       42,124       39,318  
Depreciation     21,418       17,593       15,954  
General and administrative (including $3,855, $3,628 and $3,646 for the year ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties)     6,893       10,282       7,919  
Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets     5,300             18,980  
Net income fee to related party     492       3,669       4,089  
Advisory fee to related party     9,775       8,943       10,166  
Total operating expenses     97,880       82,611       96,426  
                         
Operating income (loss)     6,308       (3,199 )     (15,676 )
                         
Other income (expense):                        
Interest income (including $15,859, $19,029 and $19,110 for the year ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties)     16,674       20,054       19,445  
Other income     4,106       1,415       10,163  
Mortgage and loan interest (including $3,774, $3,660 and $3,927 for the year ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties)     (47,512 )     (37,972 )     (39,110 )
Loan charges and prepayment penalties     (4,965 )     (2,854 )     (5,557 )
Loss on the sale of investments     (1 )     (92 )     (283 )
Earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees     428       347       391  
Litigation settlement     (352 )     3,591       (20,313 )
Total other expenses     (31,622 )     (15,511 )     (35,264 )
Loss before gain (loss) on land sales, non-controlling interest, and taxes     (25,314 )     (18,710 )     (50,940 )
Gain (loss) on land sales     21,648       561       (455 )
Loss from continuing operations before tax     (3,666 )     (18,149 )     (51,395 )
Income tax benefit (expense)     (517 )     20,413       40,513  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations     (4,183 )     2,264       (10,882 )
                         
Discontinued operations:                        
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     644       (3,557 )     (2,634 )
Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations     735       61,879       98,951  
Income tax benefit (expense) from discontinued operations     (483 )     (20,413 )     (33,711 )
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations     896       37,909       62,606  
Net income (loss)     (3,287 )     40,173       51,724  
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests     1,327       (9,288 )     (10,448 )
Net income (loss) attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.     (1,960 )     30,885       41,276  
Preferred dividend requirement     (1,216 )     (2,043 )     (2,452 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (3,176 )   $ 28,842     $ 38,824  
                         
Earnings per share - basic                        
Loss from continuing operations   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.71 )   $ (2.07 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     0.06       2.99       5.43  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.21 )   $ 2.28     $ 3.36  
                         
Earnings per share - diluted                        
Loss from continuing operations   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.71 )   $ (2.07 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     0.06       2.99       5.43  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.21 )   $ 2.28     $ 3.36  
                         
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share     15,111,107       12,683,956       11,525,389  
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share     15,111,107       12,683,956       11,525,389  
                         
Amounts attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.                        
Loss from continuing operations   $ (2,856 )   $ (7,024 )   $ (21,330 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     896       37,909       62,606  
Net income (loss)   $ (1,960 )   $ 30,885     $ 41,276  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

36
 

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2015 
(dollars in thousands)

 

                                                    Accumulated        
                                                    Other        
    Total     Comprehensive     Preferred     Common Stock     Treasury     Paid-in     Retained     Comprehensive     Non-
    Capital     Loss     Stock     Shares     Amount     Stock     Capital     Earnings     Income (Loss)     Interest  
Balance, December 31, 2012   $ 85,104     $ (144,151 )   $ 4,908       11,941,174     $ 115     $ (6,395 )   $ 105,700     $ (53,071 )   $ (786 )   $ 34,633  
Net income (loss)     51,724       51,724                                     41,276             10,448  
Distribution to non-controlling interests     (345 )                                   (330 )                 (15 )
Sale of controlling interest     56                                     56                    
Sale of non-controlling interests     774       (786 )                                         786       (12 )
Series A preferred stock cash dividend ($1.00 per share)     (2,452 )                                   (2,452 )                  
Balance, December 31, 2013   $ 134,861     $ (93,213 )   $ 4,908       11,941,174     $ 115     $ (6,395 )   $ 102,974     $ (11,795 )   $     $ 45,054  
Net income (loss)     40,173       40,173                                     30,885             9,288  
Distribution to non-controlling interests     (333 )                                   (302 )                 (31 )
Sale of non-controlling interests     (289 )                                   (289 )                  
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock     7,219             (1,782 )     2,502,230       26             8,038                   937  
Series A preferred stock cash dividend ($1.00 per share)     (2,043 )                                   (2,043 )                  
Balance, December 31, 2014   $ 179,588     $ (53,040 )   $ 3,126       14,443,404     $ 141     $ (6,395 )   $ 108,378     $ 19,090     $     $ 55,248  
Net income (loss)     (3,287 )     (3,287 )                                   (1,960 )           (1,327 )
Contributions from non-controlling interest     11                                                       11  
Assumption of non-controlling interests     (470 )                                   (470 )                  
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock     2,263             (921 )     1,486,741       15             3,169                    
Series A preferred stock cash dividend ($1.00 per share)     (1,216 )                                   (1,216 )                  
Balance, December 31, 2015   $ 176,889     $ (56,327 )   $ 2,205       15,930,145     $ 156     $ (6,395 )   $ 109,861     $ 17,130     $     $ 53,932  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

37
 

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Cash Flow From Operating Activities:                        
Net income (loss)   $ (3,287 )   $ 40,173     $ 51,724  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) applicable to common shares to net cash used in operating activities:                        
(Gain) loss on sale of land     (21,648 )     (561 )     455  
Gain on sale of income producing properties     (735 )     (61,879 )     (98,951 )
Depreciation and amortization     21,418       18,345       21,518  
Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets     5,300             18,980  
Amortization of deferred borrowing costs     2,842       4,017       1,442  
(Earnings) losses from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees     1,327       54       (391 )
(Increase) decrease in assets:                        
Accrued interest receivable     (1,242 )     10,095       (12,895 )
Other assets     2,683       2,034       (2,242 )
Prepaid expense     (13,851 )     (2,071 )     (1,722 )
Escrow     (1,261 )     (17,232 )     3,532  
Earnest money     (1,193 )     180       (535 )
Rent receivables     (2,168 )     (1,384 )     3,807  
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:                        
Accrued interest payable     (255 )     157       (5,116 )
Related party payables     (11,027)     (7,329 )     (25,008 )
Other liabilities     (11,412)     (22,567 )     3,240  
Net cash used in operating activities     (34,509 )     (37,968 )     (42,162 )
                         
Cash Flow From Investing Activities:                        
Proceeds from notes receivables     14,744       27,767       2,855  
Origination of notes receivables     (18,055 )     (34,092 )     (21,202 )
Acquisition of land held for development           (5,936 )     (83 )
Acquisition of income producing properties     (207,313 )     (78,557 )      
Proceeds from sale of income producing properties           132,917       259,115  
Proceeds from sale of land     108,356       8,391       14,806  
Investment in unconsolidated real estate entities     4,086       (544 )     4,770  
Improvement of land held for development     (6,158 )     (3,137 )     (399 )
Improvement of income producing properties     (8,955 )     (5,019 )     (7,681 )
Acquisition of non-controlling interest                 (75 )
Sale of non-controlling interest     (336 )     (289 )     774  
Sale of controlling interest                 50  
Construction and development of new properties     (16,717 )     (3,016 )     (1,153 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (130,348 )     38,485       251,777  
                         
Cash Flow From Financing Activities:                        
Proceeds from notes payable     412,326       183,766       203,885  
Recurring amortization of principal on notes payable     (26,668 )     (22,243 )     (18,232 )
Payments on maturing notes payable     (195,549 )     (163,494 )     (390,941 )
Debt assumption by buyer     (16,688 )            
Deferred financing costs     (6,734 )     (6,959 )     1,837  
Stock-secured borrowings           (568 )     (411 )
Distributions to non-controlling interests     11       (333 )     (263 )
Preferred stock dividends - Series A     (1,216 )     (2,043 )     (2,452 )
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock     2,308       7,219        
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     167,790       (4,655 )     (206,577 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     2,933       (4,138 )     3,038  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     12,299       16,437       13,399  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 15,232     $ 12,299     $ 16,437  
                         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                        
Cash paid for interest   $ 44,672     $ 37,158     $ 44,240  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

38
 

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Years Ended December 31,

 

    2015     2014     2013  
    (dollars in thousands)  
                         
Net income (loss)   $ (3,287 )   $ 40,173     $ 51,724  
Other comprehensive loss                        
Unrealized income (loss) on foreign currency translation                 786  
Total other comprehensive loss                 786  
Comprehensive income (loss)     (3,287 )     40,173       52,510  
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     1,327       (9,288 )     (10,448 )
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.   $ (1,960 )   $ 30,885     $ 42,062  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

39
 

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of American Realty Investors, Inc. (“ARL”) and consolidated entities have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the most significant of which are described in Note 1. “Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The data presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are as of December 31 of each year and for the year then ended, unless otherwise indicated. Dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share amounts.

 

Certain balances for 2014 and 2013 have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation.

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
   

Organization and business.   

 

The Company, a Nevada corporation that was formed in 1999, is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol (“ARL”). Approximately 86.7% of ARL’s stock is owned by related party entities. ARL subsidiaries own approximately 80.9% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (“TCI”), a Nevada corporation, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol (“TCI”).

 

TCI, a subsidiary of ARL, owns approximately 81.1% of the common stock of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. (“IOT”). Effective July 17, 2009, IOT’s financial results were consolidated with those of ARL and TCI and their subsidiaries. IOT’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange Euronext (“NYSE MKT”) under the symbol (“IOT”).

 

ARL’s Board of Directors 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. (“Pillar”), a Nevada corporation, 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.

 

Since April 30, 2011, Pillar, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, Inc. (“RAI”), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is May Realty Holdings, Inc. (“MRHI”, formerly known as Realty Advisors Management, Inc. “RAMI”, effective August 7, 2014), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is 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 the Company’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. 

 

Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial and provides brokerage services. Regis receives property 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. 

 

On January 1, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, TCI, entered into a development agreement with Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (“UHF”) a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future. This development agreement was terminated December 31, 2013. The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years. Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.

 

Our primary business is the acquisition, development and ownership of income-producing residential 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, and leasing office, industrial and retail space to various for-profit businesses as well as certain local, state and federal agencies. We also generate revenues from gains on sales of income-producing properties and land. At December 31, 2015, we owned 48 residential apartment communities comprising of 7,983 units, nine commercial properties comprising an aggregate of approximately 2.2 million rentable square feet, and an investment in 3,812 acres of undeveloped and partially developed land, and a golf course comprising of approximately 96 acres.

 

 40

 

 

Basis of presentation.    The Company presents its financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts, our subsidiaries, generally all of which are wholly-owned, and all entities in which we have a controlling interest. Arrangements that are not controlled through voting or similar rights are accounted for as a Variable Interest Entity (VIE), in accordance with the provisions and guidance of ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation”, whereby we have determined that we are a primary beneficiary of the VIE and meet certain criteria of a sole general partner or managing member as identified in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 04-5, Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership when the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners have Certain Rights (“EITF 04-5”). VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders as a group lack adequate decision making ability, the obligation to absorb expected losses or residual returns of the entity, or have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests. The primary beneficiary generally is the entity that provides financial support and bears a majority of the financial risks, authorizes certain capital transactions, or makes operating decisions that materially affect the entity’s financial results. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: the amount and characteristics of our investment; the obligation or likelihood for us or other investors to provide financial support; our and the other investors’ ability to control or significantly influence key decisions for the VIE; and the similarity with and significance to the business activities of us and the other investors. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current future fair values and performance of real estate held by these VIEs and general market conditions.

 

For entities in which we have less than a controlling financial interest or entities where it is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, our share of the net earnings or losses of these entities is included in consolidated net income. Our investment in Gruppa Florentina, LLC is accounted for under the equity method. Our investments in LK-Four Hickory, LLC was accounted for under the equity method until January 17, 2012, when the investment was sold.

 

The Company in accordance with the VIE guidance in ASC 810 “Consolidations” consolidates 48 and 36 multifamily residential properties located throughout the United States at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, ranging from 32 units to 320 units.  Assets totaling $384.5 million  and $363.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively,  are consolidated and included in “Real estate, at cost” on the balance sheet and are all collateral for their respective mortgage notes payable, none of which are recourse to the partnership in which they are in or to the Company. 

 

Real estate, depreciation, and impairment.    Real estate assets are stated at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value, if deemed impaired. Major replacements and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the properties (buildings and improvements—10-40 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment—5-10 years). We continually evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of its real estate assets using the methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment,” Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment of its existing real estate assets held for investment include significant declines in property operating profits, annually recurring property operating losses and other significant adverse changes in general market conditions that are considered permanent in nature. Under ASC Topic 360, a real estate asset held for investment is not considered impaired if the undiscounted, estimated future cash flows of an asset (both the annual estimated cash flow from future operations and the estimated cash flow from the theoretical sale of the asset) over its estimated holding period are in excess of the asset’s net book value at the balance sheet date. If any real estate asset held for investment is considered impaired, a loss is provided to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value.

  

Any properties that are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are listed in detail in Schedule III, “Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation” are those in which we have not recognized the legal sale according to the guidance in ASC 360-20 due to various factors, disclosed in each sale transaction under Item 1 Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financing. Any sale transaction where the guidance reflects that a sale had not occurred, the asset involved in the transaction, including the debt and property operations, remained on the books of the Company. We continue to charge depreciation to expense as a period costs for the property until such time as the property has been classified as held for sale in accordance with guidance reflected in ASC 360-10-45 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”.

 

 41

 

 

Real estate held for sale.    We periodically classify real estate assets as held for sale. An asset is classified as held for sale after the approval of the Company’s board of directors and after an active program to sell the asset has commenced. Upon the classification of a real estate asset as held for sale, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to the lower of its net book value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell the asset. Subsequent to the classification of assets as held for sale, no further depreciation expense is recorded. Real estate assets held for sale are stated separately on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Upon a decision to no longer market as an asset for sale, the asset is classified as an operating asset and depreciation expense is reinstated. The operating results of real estate assets held for sale and sold are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying statements of operations. Income from discontinued operations includes the revenues and expenses, including depreciation and interest expense, associated with the assets. This classification of operating results as discontinued operations applies retroactively for all periods presented. Additionally, gains and losses on assets designated as held for sale are classified as part of discontinued operations.

 

Cost capitalization.     The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. Costs directly related to planning, developing, initial leasing and constructing a property are capitalized and classified as Real Estate in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Capitalized development costs include interest, property taxes, insurance, and other direct project costs incurred during the period of development.

 

A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. Our capitalization policy on development properties is guided by ASC Topic 835-20 “Interest – Capitalization of Interest” and ASC Topic 970 “Real Estate - General”. The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the receipt of certificates of occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization on the portion (1) substantially completed and (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and we capitalize only those costs associated with the portion under construction.

 

We capitalize leasing costs which include commissions paid to outside brokers, legal costs incurred to negotiate and document a lease agreement and any internal costs that may be applicable. We allocate these costs to individual tenant leases and amortize them over the related lease term.

 

Fair value measurement.    We apply the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets. These provisions define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the information used in developing fair value estimates and require disclosure of fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3 measurements), such as the reporting entity’s own data.

 

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date and includes three levels defined as follows:

     
 Level  1 Unadjusted quoted prices for identical and unrestricted assets or liabilities in active markets.
     
Level 2 Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and
    inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or
    indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
     
Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

 

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Related parties. We apply ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations”, to evaluate business relationships. Related parties are persons or entities who have one or more of the following characteristics, which include entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, trust for the benefit of persons including principal owners of the entities and members of their immediate families, management personnel of the entity and members of their immediate families and other parties with which the entity may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the decision making of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests, or affiliates of the entity.

 

Recognition of revenue.    Our revenues, which are composed largely of rental income, include rents reported on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”, we recognize rental revenue of acquired in-place “above-” and “below-market” leases at their fair values over the terms of the respective leases.

 

 42

 

 

Reimbursements of operating costs, as allowed under most of our commercial tenant leases, consist of amounts due from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs, and are recognized as revenue in the period in which the recoverable expenses are incurred. We record these reimbursements on a “gross” basis, since we generally are the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services from third-party suppliers, have discretion in selecting the supplier and have the credit risk with respect to paying the supplier.

 

Rental income for residential property leases is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as earned, which is not materially different than on a straight-line basis as lease terms are generally for periods of one year or less. For hotel properties, revenues for room sales and guest services are recognized as rooms are occupied and services are rendered. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for all past due rents and operating expense reimbursements considered to be uncollectible.

 

Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate assets are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sale”. The specific timing of a sale is measured against various criteria in ASC 360-20 related to the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the properties. If the sales criteria for the full accrual method are not met, the Company defers some or all of the gain recognition and accounts for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, leasing, deposit, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met.

 

Foreign currency translation.    Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities of subsidiaries with local functional currencies are translated to United States dollars at year-end exchange rates. The effects of translation are recorded in the cumulative translation component of shareholders’ equity. Subsidiaries with a United States dollar functional currency re-measure monetary assets and liabilities at year-end exchange rates and non-monetary assets and liabilities at historical exchange rates. The effects of re-measurement are included in income. Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated at average exchange rates.

 

Non-performing notes receivable.    ARL considers a note receivable to be non-performing when the maturity date has passed without principal repayment and the borrower is not making interest payments in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

 

Interest recognition on notes receivable.     We record interest income as earned in accordance with the terms of the related loan agreements.

 

Allowance for estimated losses.    We assess the collectability of notes receivable on a periodic basis, of which the assessment consists primarily of an evaluation of cash flow projections of the borrower to determine whether estimated cash flows are sufficient to repay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the note. We recognize impairments on notes receivable when it is probable that principal and interest will not be received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. The amount of the impairment to be recognized generally is based on the fair value of the partnership’s real estate that represents the primary source of loan repayment. See Note 3 “Notes and Interest Receivable” for details on our notes receivable.

 

Cash equivalents.    For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash consists of cash reserved primarily for specific uses such as insurance, property taxes and replacement reserves.

 

Concentration of credit risk. The Company maintains its cash balances at commercial banks and through investment companies, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company maintained balances in excess of the insured amount.

 

Earnings per share.    Income (loss) per share is presented in accordance with ASC 620 “Earnings per Share”. Income (loss) per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each year.

 

Use of estimates.    In the preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP, it is necessary for management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expense for the year ended. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Income taxes.   The Company is a “C” corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For tax periods ending before August 31, 2012, the Company filed an annual consolidated income tax return with TCI and IOT and their subsidiaries. ARL was the common parent for the consolidated group. After that date, the Company and the rest of the ARL group joined the MRHI consolidated group for tax purposes. The income tax expense (benefit) for the 2012 tax period in the accompanying financial statement was calculated under a tax sharing and compensating agreement between ARL, TCI and IOT. That agreement continued until August 31, 2012, at which time a new tax sharing and compensating agreement was entered into by ARL, TCI, IOT and MRHI for the remainder of 2012 and subsequent years. The agreement specifies the manner in which the group will share the consolidated tax liability and also how certain tax attributes are to be treated among members of the group.

 

 43

 

 

Recent accounting pronouncements.  

 

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”, which changes the criteria for determining which disposals qualify to be accounted for as discontinued operations and modifies related reporting and disclosure requirements.

 

Disposals representing a strategic shift in operations, such as a change in a major line of business, a major geographical area or major equity investment, that have a major effect on a company’s operations and financial results will be presented as discontinued operations. If the disposal does qualify as a discontinued operation under ASU 2014-08, the Company will be required to expand their disclosures about discontinued operations to provide more information on the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the disposed component.

 

The classification of operating results as discontinued operations are applied retroactively for all periods presented. The new standard was effective January 1, 2015. We adopted ASU 2014-08 as of January 1, 2015 and believe future sales of our individual operating properties will no longer qualify as discontinued operations. Adoption of this standard has resulted in substantially fewer of the Company’s dispositions meeting the discontinued operations criteria. See Note 8 below.

 

In May 2014, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” was issued. This new guidance established a new single comprehensive revenue recognition model and provides for enhanced disclosures. Under the new policy, the nature, timing and amount of revenue recognized for certain transactions could differ from those recognized under existing accounting guidance. This new standard does not affect revenue recognized under lease contracts. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance has on its financial position and results of operations, if any.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”).  ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. Prior to the issuance of the standard, debt issuance costs were required to be presented in the balance sheet as an asset. The Company has adopted this standard effective June 30, 2015. The accompanying financials have been reclassified to reflect the adoption.

 

In February 2016, Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), “Leases” was issued. This new guidance establishes a new model for accounting for leases and provides for enhanced disclosures. ASU 2016-02 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance, if any, on its financial position and results of operations.

 

NOTE 2. REAL ESTATE
   

A summary of our real estate owned as of the end of the year is listed below (dollars in thousands):

 

      2015       2014  
                 
Apartments   $ 622,761     $ 455,602  
Apartments under construction     18,230       1,512  
Commercial properties     215,609       193,197  
Land held for development     97,790       159,903  
Real estate held for sale            
Real estate subject to sales contract     49,155       21,326  
Total real estate, at cost, less impairment     1,003,545       831,540  
Less accumulated deprecation     (150,038 )     (131,777 )
Total real estate, net of depreciation   $ 853,507     $ 699,763  

 

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Significant betterments are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gains or losses reflected in net income or loss for the period.

 

 44

 

 

Depreciation is computed on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

   
Land improvements 25 to 40 years
Buildings and improvements 10 to 40 years
Tenant improvements Shorter of useful life or terms of related lease
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 3 to 7 years

 

Provision for Impairment Losses

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company provided an impairment of $5.3 million for the golf course and related assets located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This impairment relates to the decision to sell the development parcels in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the resultant decrease in the estimated fair value of the remaining assets. There was no provision for impairment  for the year ended December 31, 2014.  In 2013, impairment was recorded as an additional loss in the commercial portfolio of $9.6 million, the land portfolio of $1.6 million and the remaining $7.8 million was related to a provision for losses taken on our notes receivable. A recent appraisal done during the refinance of an office building in Dallas, Texas, resulted in a fair value lower than book basis. The impairment in our land portfolio was due to a potential sale of land at a value lower than the book basis as well as a disposal of another property due to bankruptcy.

 

Fair Value Measurement

 

The Company applies the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets. The Company is required to assess the fair value of its consolidated real estate assets with indicators of impairment. The value of impaired real estate assets is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analyses on the expected cash flow of each asset, as well as the income capitalization approach, which considers prevailing market capitalization rates, analyses of recent comparable sales transactions, information from actual sales negotiations and bona fide purchase offers received from third parties. The methods used to measure fair value may produce an amount that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future values. Furthermore, although the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

 

The fair value measurements used in these evaluations are considered to be Level 2 and 3 valuations within the fair value hierarchy in the accounting rules, as there are significant observable (Level 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3). Examples of Level 2 inputs the Company utilizes in its fair value calculations are appraisals and bona fide purchase offers from third parties. Examples of Level 3 inputs the Company utilizes in its fair value calculations are discount rates, market capitalization rates, expected lease rental rates, timing of new leases, an estimate of future sales prices and comparable sales prices of similar assets, if available. All of the impairment charges outlined above were recorded in the statements of operations, either in continuing operations or discontinued operations. 

 

            Fair Value Measurements Using (dollars in thousands):  
December 31, 2015     Fair Value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
                           
  Commercial     $ 3,000     $     $ ---     $ 3,000  

 

A commercial property (golf course) with a carrying value of approximately $8.3 million was written down to its fair value of $3.0 million resulting in an impairment charge of $5.3 million. The method used to determine fair value was an analysis of the discounted cash flow of the asset.

There was no provision for impairment for the year ended December 31, 2014

            Fair Value Measurements Using (dollars in thousands):  
December 31, 2013     Fair Value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
                           
  Land     $ 4,899     $     $ 4,899     $ ---  
  Commercial     $ 26,194     $     $ 26,194     $  

 

 45

 

 

Land with a carrying amount of $6.5 million was written down to its fair value of $4.9 million resulting in an impairment charge of $1.6 million in 2013. Level 2 inputs used to determine the fair values above included third party appraisals and taking the debt balance on the collateralized acres plus the book value of the uncollateralized acres.

 

      A commercial building with a carrying amount of $35.8 million was written down to its fair value of $26.2 million resulting in an impairment charge of $9.6 million in 2013.  The Level 2 input used to determine the fair value above was a third party appraisal.

The following is a brief description of the more significant property acquisitions and sales in 2015:

 

Purchases

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company acquired five income-producing apartment complexes from third parties in the states of Texas (3), Tennessee (1) and Alabama (1), increasing the total number of units by 990, for a combined purchase price of $82.9 million. In addition, the Company acquired six income-producing apartment complexes from related parties in the states of Texas (2) Florida (2), Tennessee (1) and Mississippi (1) increasing the total number of units by 835, for a combined purchase price of $29.3 million. The Company also purchased a commercial office building in Texas, comprised of 92,723 square feet, for $16.8 million.

 

Sales

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold approximately 595 acres of land located in Texas to independent third parties for a total sales price of $107.3 million. We recorded a total gain of $18.9 million from the sales. In addition we recognized $2.7 million in deferred gain from prior years land sales. In November 2015, the Company sold approximately 88 acres of land located in the U.S. Virgin Islands to an unrelated party. The sales represents most of the development land owned by the Company in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Total cash consideration for the sale was $33.9 million. We recorded a gain of $12.0 million related to the transaction.

 

In November 2015, the Company entered into a sales contract with an unrelated party. The contract was for most of the developable land owned by the Company in the Mercer Crossing Development located in Farmers Branch, Texas. In addition, TCI, IOT and RAI also sold land in this transaction. Total consideration for the sale was $75 million.  The ultimate allocation of sales proceeds to the parties involved is yet to be determined and will be complete when the final use of the land, certain development commitments are completed and the note is collected.  The agreement between TCI and the other parties related to this transaction provides for TCI to hold the subordinated note from the buyer in the amount of $50 million. At the closing, the note payable to related parties of $16.1 million was paid off. Due to an inadequate down payment from the buyer and the level of seller financing involved, the transaction is being accounted for under the deposit method. Under the deposit method, no revenue is recognized and the asset sold remains on the books until the criteria for full revenue recognition is met.

 

In addition, one income-producing apartment complex consisting of 200 units located in Ohio was foreclosed upon. The Company recorded a gain of $0.7 million related to the extinguishment of debt.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company has approximately 91acres of land, at various locations that were sold to related parties in multiple transactions. These transactions are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Due to the related party nature of the transactions TCI has deferred the recording of the sales in accordance with ASC 360-20.

 

NOTE 3. NOTES AND INTEREST RECEIVABLE
   

A portion of our assets are invested in mortgage notes receivable, principally secured by real estate. We may originate mortgage loans in conjunction with providing purchase money financing of property sales. Notes receivable are generally collateralized by real estate or interests in real estate and personal guarantees of the borrower and, unless noted otherwise, are so secured. Management intends to service and hold for investment the mortgage notes in our portfolio. A majority of the notes receivable provide for principal to be paid at maturity (dollars in thousands).

 

 46

 

 

    Maturity   Interest          
Borrower   Date   Rate   Amount   Security
Performing loans:                  
H198, LLC (Las Vegas Land)   01/20   12.00%     5,907   Secured
Leman Development, Ltd (2)   N/A   0.00%     1,500   Unsecured
One Realco Corporation (1,2)   01/17   3.00%     7,000   Unsecured
Realty Advisors Management, Inc. (1)   12/16   2.28%     20,387   Unsecured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Cliffs of El Dorado) (1)   12/32   12.00%     2,097   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Echo Station) (1)   12/32   12.00%     1,481   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Inwood on the Park) (1)   12/32   12.00%     5,059   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Kensington Park) (1)   12/32   12.00%     3,933   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas) (1)   12/32   12.00%     2,000   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas) (1)   12/32   12.00%     9,100   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon) (1)   12/32   12.00%     2,653   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon) (1)   12/32   12.00%     4,640   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Ranch) (1)   12/32   12.00%     1,953   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Ranch) (1)   12/32   12.00%     6,000   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Parkside Crossing) (1)   12/32   12.00%     2,272   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock Phase I) (1)   12/32   12.00%     2,485   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock Phase II) (1)   12/32   12.00%     2,555   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Sendero Ridge) (1)   12/32   12.00%     4,491   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Sendero Ridge) (1)   12/32   12.00%     4,812   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Timbers of Terrell) (1)   12/32   12.00%     1,323   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Tivoli) (1)   12/32   12.00%     7,966   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Trails at White Rock) (1)   12/32   12.00%     3,815   Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)   06/17   12.00%     1,261   Unsecured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)   12/17   12.00%     1,207   Unsecured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)   12/18   12.00%     3,994   Unsecured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)   12/18   12.00%     6,407   Unsecured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)   12/15   12.00%     2,665   Unsecured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)   12/16   12.00%     3,657   Unsecured
Other related party notes   Various   Various         1,349   Various secured interests
Other related party notes   Various   Various         1,420   Various unsecured interests
Other non-related party notes   Various   Various         3,166   Various secured interests
Other non-related party notes   Various   Various         503   Various unsecured interests
Accrued interest             8,222    
Total Performing           $ 137,280    
                   
Allowance for estimated losses             (17,037 )  
Total           $ 120,243    

 

(1) Related party notes
(2) An allowance was taken for estimated losses at full value of note.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the obligors on $118 million or 91.4% of the mortgage notes receivable portfolio were due from related parties. The Company recognized $10.9 million of interest income from these related party notes receivables.

 

47
 

 

As of December 31, 2015 none of the mortgage notes receivable portfolio were non-performing.

The Company has various notes receivable from Unified Housing foundation, Inc. (“UHF”). UHF is determined to be a related party due to our significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable. Payments are due from surplus cash flow from operations, sale or refinancing of the underlying properties. These notes are cross collateralized to the extent that any surplus cash available from any of the properties underlying these notes will be used to repay outstanding interest and principal for the remaining notes. Furthermore, any surplus cash available from any of the properties UHF owns, besides the properties underlying these notes, can be used to repay outstanding interest and principal for these notes. The allowance on the notes was a purchase allowance that was netted against the notes when acquired.

NOTE 4.     ALLOWANCE FOR ESTIMATED LOSSES

The allowance account for receivables was reviewed and decreased in 2015. The decrease was due to a note that was paid off, and a note that was written off, both of which were fully reserved. The decrease in 2014 was due to a note that was paid off, and a note that was written off, both of which were fully reserved. The decrease in 2013 was due to an allowance amount on a fully reserved note that was adjusted by the amount of a payment received. This decrease was offset by a reserve amount taken on a related party note receivable due to questionable recovery. The table below shows our allowance for estimated losses (dollars in thousands):

 

    2015     2014     2013  
                   
Balance January 1,   $ 18,279     $ 19,600     $ 21,704  
Increase (decrease) in provision     (1,242 )     (1,321 )     (2,104 )
Balance December 31,   $ 17,037     $ 18,279     $ 19,600  

NOTE 5.    INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND INVESTEES

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, jointly owned companies and other investees in which we have a 20% to 50% interest or otherwise exercise significant influence are carried at cost, adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of their undistributed earnings or losses, via the equity method of accounting.

Investments accounted for via the equity method consists of the following:

                         
     

 Percentage ownership as of December 31,

 
    2015     2014     2013  
                         
Gruppa Florentina, LLC(1)     20.00 %     20.00 %     20.00 %

 

(1) Other investees.

48
 

 

The market values, other than unconsolidated subsidiaries, as of the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were not determinable as there were no readily traded markets for these entities. The following is a summary of the financial position and results of operations from our investees (dollars in thousands):

 

    For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Other Investees                        
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation   $ 13,899     $ 11,647     $ 10,823  
Notes receivable     8,457       7,326       6,526  
Other assets     30,834       30,291       32,131  
Notes payable     (10,883 )     (10,429 )     (11,022 )
Other liabilities     (7,967 )     (7,192 )     (8,134 )
Shareholders’ equity/partners capital     (34,340 )     (31,643 )     (30,324 )
                         
Revenue   $ 51,650     $ 48,893     $ 46,276  
Depreciation     (1,150 )     (1,151 )     (1,166 )
Operating expenses     (47,143 )     (45,590 )     (42,330 )
Interest expense     (805 )     (901 )     (1,022 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 2,552     $ 1,251     $ 1,758  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations                  
Net income (loss)   $ 2,552     $ 1,251     $ 1,758  
                         
Company’s proportionate share of earnings (1)   $ 510     $ 250     $ 352  

 

(1) Earnings represent continued and discontinued operations

 

NOTE 6. NOTES AND INTEREST PAYABLE

 

Below is a summary of our notes and interest payable as of December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): 

                         
    Notes   Accrued        
    Payable     Interest     Total Debt  
Apartments   $ 507,498     $ 1,499     $ 508,997  
Apartment under construction     11,139             11,139  
Commercial     109,269       509       109,778  
Land held for development     44,417       116       44,533  
Real estate subject to sales contract     5,953       469       6,422  
Mezzanine financing     122,900             122,900  
Other     20,334       727       21,061  
Total   $ 821,510     $ 3,320     $ 824,830  
                         
Unamortized deferred borrowing costs     (20,070 )           (20,070 )
Total     801,440       3,320       804,760  

 

49
 

 

The following table schedules the principal payments on the notes payable for the next five years and thereafter (dollars in thousands): 

           
Year     Amount  
2016     $ 96,535  
2017       31,236  
2018       43,890  
2019       34,623  
2020       127,370  
Thereafter       487,856  
Total     $ 821,510  

Interest payable at December 31, 2015, was $3.6 million. Interest accrues at rates ranging from 2.5% to 12.0% per annum, and mature between 2016 and 2055. The mortgages were collateralized by deeds of trust on real estate having a net carrying value of $678 million.

 

During the year the Company refinanced or modified ten loans with a total principal balance of $136 million. The refinancing resulted in lower interest rates and the extension of the term of the loan.  The modifications resulted in lower interest rates.  The transactions provide for lower monthly payments over the term of the loans.

 

On May 28, 2015, the Company secured additional financing of $120.0 million from an independent third party.  At closing $84.4 million was advanced to the Company. The financing can be used for general corporate purposes, acquisition of multi-family apartment complexes and to reduce debt. The note has a term of five years at an interest rate of 30 day Libor plus 10.75%.  The note is interest only, payable monthly, with the principal due at the end of the five years. The loan is secured by various equity interests in certain residential apartments. In November 2015 the note was amended to cap the loan amount at $84.4 million in order to allow for a construction loan of $50 million on an apartment complex being developed in Rowlett, Texas. All other terms and conditions of the loan remained the same.

 

The note contains customary restrictions, representations, covenants, corporate and officer guarantees, events of default and require the Company to meet certain financial covenants. The Company believes it is in compliance with these financial covenants at December 31, 2015.

 

Simultaneous with the closing of the above financing, the Company amended its existing financing of $40.0 million from an independent third party.  The note has a term of five years at an interest rate of 12.0%.  The note is interest only for the first year with quarterly principal payments due of $0.5 million starting April 1, 2015.  As of December 31, 2015, the outstanding balance on the loan was $38.5 million. The loan is secured by various equity interests in residential apartments and can be prepaid at a penalty rate of 4% for year 1 with the penalty declining by 1% each year thereafter. The note contains customary restrictions, representations, covenants, corporate and officer guarantees, events of default and require the Company to meet certain financial covenants. The Company believes it is in compliance with these financial covenants at December 31, 2015.

There are various land mortgages, secured by the property, that are in the process of a modification or extension to the original note due to expiration of the loan. We are in constant contact with these lenders, working together in order to modify the terms of these loans and we anticipate a timely resolution that is similar to the existing agreement or subsequent modification.

In conjunction with the development of various apartment projects and other developments, we drew down $9.9 million in construction loans during the twelve months ended December 31, 2015.

NOTE 7.     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND FEES

We apply ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations”, to evaluate business relationships. Related parties are persons or entities who have one or more of the following characteristics, which include entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, trust for the benefit of persons including principal owners of the entities and members of their immediate families, management personnel of the entity and members of their immediate families and other parties with which the entity may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the decision making of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests, or affiliates of the entity.

 

50
 

 

The Company has historically engaged in and may continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisition 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 our best interest.

Since April 30, 2011, Pillar, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is RAI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is MRHI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is 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 the Company’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.

Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial and provides brokerage services. Regis receives property 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”.   Regis Hotel I, LLC, managed the Company’s hotel investments. ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage its apartment properties. 

Below is a description of the related party transactions and fees between Pillar and Regis: 

Fees, expenses, and revenue paid to and/or received from our advisor:                  
                   
    2015     2014     2013  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Fees:                        
Advisory   $ 9,775     $ 8,943     $ 10,166  
Mortgage brokerage and equity refinancing     1,612       1,152       1,878  
Net income     492       3,669       4,089  
Property acquisition and sales     921       177        
    $ 12,800     $ 13,941     $ 16,133  
Other Expense:                        
Cost reimbursements   $ 3,675     $ 3,449     $ 3,466  
Interest paid (received)     (1,233 )     (1,043 )     431  
    $ 2,442     $ 2,406     $ 3,897  
Revenue:                        
Rental   $ 726     $ 701     $ 670  
                         
Fees paid to Regis and related parties:                        
                         
    2015     2014     2015  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Fees:                        
Property acquisition   $ 1,932     $ 348     $  
Property management, construction manaement and leasing commissions     717       583       474  
Real estate brokerage     1,105       2,848       4,081  
    $ 3,754     $ 3,779     $ 4,555  

The Company received rental revenue of $0.7 million in 2015, $0.7 million in 2014, and $0.7 million in 2013 from Pillar and its related parties for properties owned by the Company.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had notes and interest receivables, net of allowances, of $102.5 million and $7.9 million, respectively, due from UHF, a related party. See Part 2, Item 8. Note 3. “Notes and Interest Receivable”. During the current period, the Company recognized interest income of $10.9 million, originated $11.6 million, received principal payments of $4.7 million and received interest payments of $11.8 million from these related party notes receivables.

51
 

On January 1, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, TCI, entered into a development agreement with UHF, a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future. This development agreement was terminated December 31, 2013. The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years. Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.

 

The Company is the primary guarantor, on a $60.35 million mezzanine loan between UHF and a lender. In addition, ARL, and an officer of the Company are limited recourse guarantors of the loan. As of December 31, 2015 UHF was in compliance with the covenants to the loan agreement.

 

The Company is part of a tax sharing and compensating agreement with respect to federal income taxes between ARL, TCI and IOT and their subsidiaries that was entered into in July of 2009. The expense (benefit) in each year was calculated based on the amount of losses absorbed by taxable income multiplied by the maximum statutory tax rate of 35%.

 

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of accounts receivable from and (accounts payable) to related parties as of December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

 

    Pillar  
Related party receivable, December 31, 2014   $ 21,414  
Cash transfers     66,824  
Advisory fees     (9,775 )
Net income fee     (492 )
Cost reimbursements     (3,675 )
Interest income     1,233  
Notes receivable purchased     (18,221 )
Fees and commissions     (5,571 )
Expenses paid by Advisor     (6,302 )
Financing (mortgage payments)     (1,831 )
Sales/purchases transactions     (15,457 )
   
Related party receivable, December 31, 2015   $ 28,147  

 

Below are transactions that involve a related party: 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company has approximately 91 acres of land, at various locations that were sold to related parties in multiple transactions. These transactions are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Due to the related party nature of the transactions TCI has deferred the recording of the sales in accordance with ASC 360-20.

 

NOTE 8.    DIVIDENDS

 

ARL’s Board of Directors established a policy that dividend declarations on common stock would be determined on an annual basis following the end of each year. In accordance with that policy, no dividends on ARL’s common stock were declared for 2015, 2014, or 2013. Future distributions to common stockholders will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including the Company’s financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

 

NOTE 9.    PREFERRED STOCK

 

There are 15,000,000 shares of Series A 10.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock authorized, with a par value of $2.00 per share and liquidation preference of $10.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.00 per share or $.25 per share quarterly to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series A Preferred Stock may be converted into ARL common stock at 90.0% of the average daily closing price of ARL’s common stock for the prior 20 trading days. At December 31, 2015, 2,000,614 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were outstanding. Of the outstanding shares, 900,000 are held by ARL. Dividends are not paid on the shares owned by ARL.

 

52
 

 

Prior to July 17, 2014, RAI owned 2,451,435 shares of the outstanding Series A 10.0.0% convertible preferred stock and had accrued dividends unpaid of $15.1 million. On July 17, 2014, RAI converted 890,797 shares, including $6.3 million in accumulated dividends unpaid for these shares, into the requisite number of shares of common stock. This conversion resulted in the issuance of 2,502,230 new shares of ARL common stock. On April 9, 2015, RAI converted 460,638 shares including $2.3 million in accumulated dividends unpaid for these shares, into the requisite number of shares of common stock. This conversion resulted in the issuance of 1,486,741 new shares of ARL common stock. As of December 31, 2015, RAI owns 1,100,000 shares of the outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock and has accrued dividends unpaid of $8.6 million.

 

There are 91,000 shares of Series D 9.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock authorized, with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $20.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.90 per year or $.475 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series D Preferred Stock is reserved for the conversion of the Class A limited partner units of Ocean Beach Partners, L.P. The Class A units may be exchanged for Series D Preferred Stock at the rate of 20 Class A units for each share of Series D Preferred Stock. Between June 1, 2001 and May 31, 2006, all unexchanged Class A units are exchangeable. At December 31, 2015, no shares of Series D Preferred Stock were outstanding.

 

There are 500,000 shares of Series E 6.0% Cumulative Preferred Stock authorized, with a par value $2.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $0.60 per share or $0.15 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. At December 31, 2015, no shares of Series E Preferred Stock were outstanding.

 

100,000 shares of Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock have been designated pursuant to a Certificate of Designation filed March 16, 2006, as an instrument amendatory to ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $80 per share, or $20 per quarter, to stockholders of record on the last day of each of March, June, September and December, when and as declared by the Board of Directors. Although the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock has been designated, no shares have been issued as of December 31, 2015.

 

The Company had 135,000 shares of Series K convertible preferred stock, which were held by TCI and used as collateral on a note. The note has been paid in full and the Series K preferred stock was cancelled May 7, 2014.

 

NOTE 10.   STOCK OPTIONS

 

In January 1999, stockholders approved the Director’s Stock Option Plan (the “Director’s Plan”) which provided for options to purchase up to 40,000 shares of common stock. In December 2005, the Director’s Plan was terminated. Options granted pursuant to the Director’s Plan were immediately exercisable and expire on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date on which a Director ceases to be a Director or ten years from the date of grant. Each Independent Director was granted an option to purchase 1,000 common shares. As of December 31, 2014, there were 1,000 shares of stock options outstanding which were exercisable at $9.70 per share. These options expired unexercised January 1, 2015.

 

NOTE 11.     INCOME TAXES

 

For 2015 ARL, TCI, and IOT all had taxable income. For 2014 ARL, TCI and IOT had a combined net taxable loss and ARL recorded no current tax (benefit) or expense. For 2013 ARL consolidated with TCI and IOT had a net taxable loss resulting in a tax (benefit) to ARL. The expense (benefit) in each year was calculated based on the amount of losses absorbed by taxable income multiplied by the maximum statutory rate of 35%.

 

Current expense (benefit) is attributable to (dollars in thousands):

                         
    2015     2014     2013  
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 517     $ (1,169 )   $ (24,217 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     483       1,169       17,415  
The full 2013 tax (benefit) to ARL comes from MRHI   $ 1,000     $     $ (6,802 )

 

53
 

 

The Federal income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the corporate tax rate of 35% to the income before income taxes as follows (dollars in thousands): 

                   
    2015     2014     2013  
                         
Computed “expected” income tax (benefit) expense   $ 1,465     $ 14,061     $ 15,684  
Book to tax differences in gains on sale of property     (12,463 )     (2,350 )     (20,373 )
Book to tax differences from entities not consolidated for tax purposes     13,721       (23,900 )     (33,565 )
Book to tax differences of depreciation and amortization     (490 )     1,415       1,250  
Valuation allowance against current net operating loss benefit     20,615       20,125       17,415  
Other book to tax differences     (22,498 )     (9,351 )     17,208  
Total   $ 350     $     $ (2,381 )
                         
Alternative minimum tax   $     $     $  

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary timing differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities reflected on the financial statements and the amounts used for income tax purposes. ARL’s tax basis in its net assets differs from the amount at which its net assets are reported for financial statement purposes, principally due to the accounting for gains and losses on property sales, and depreciation on owned properties. The tax effects of temporary differences and net operating loss carry forwards that give rise to the deferred tax assets are presented below (amounts in thousands):

                         
    2015     2014     2013  
                         
Net operating losses   $ 67,112     $ 74,357     $ 88,486  
AMT credits     2,751       2,201       2,201  
Basis difference of:                        
Real estate holdings and equipment     (11,197 )     10,337       11,959  
Notes receivable     6,475       6,946       7,448  
Investments     (14,966 )     (14,950 )     (14,960 )
Notes payable     3,455       8,189       13,360  
Deferred gains     19,868       18,086       18,746  
Total   $ 73,498     $ 105,166     $ 127,240  
Deferred tax valuation allowance     (73,498 )     (105,166 )     (127,240 )
Net deferred tax asset   $     $     $  

 

At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 ARL had a net deferred tax asset due to tax deductions available to it in future years. However, as management could not determine that it was more likely than not that ARL would realize the benefit of the deferred tax asset, a 100% valuation allowance was established.

 

ARL has prior tax net operating losses and capital loss carryforwards of approximately $54.0 million expiring through the year 2033. The alternative minimum tax credit balance increased in 2015 to approximately $2.8 million. The credit has no expiration date..

 

ARL is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions; however, there are currently no audits in progress for any tax periods. Management believes ARL is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2012.

 

54
 

 

NOTE 12.    FUTURE MINIMUM RENTAL INCOME UNDER OPERATING LEASES

 

ARL’s operations include the leasing of commercial properties (office buildings, industrial warehouses and retail centers). The leases, thereon, expire at various dates through 2025. The following is a schedule of minimum future rents due to ARL under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): 

           
Year     Amount  
2016     $ 23,448  
2017       21,350  
2018       19,418  
2019       14,727  
2020       11,212  
Thereafter       24,717  
Total     $ 114,872  

 

NOTE 13.     OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

Our segments are based on management’s method of internal reporting which classifies its operations by property type. The segments are commercial, apartments, land and other. Significant differences among the accounting policies of the operating segments as compared to the Consolidated Financial Statements principally involve the calculation and allocation of administrative and other expenses. Management evaluates the performance of each of the operating segments and allocates resources to them based on their net operating income and cash flow.

 

Items of income that are not reflected in the segments are interest, other income, gain on debt extinguishment, gain on condemnation award, equity in partnerships, and gains on sale of real estate. Expenses that are not reflected in the segments are provision for losses, advisory, net income and incentive fees, general and administrative, non-controlling interests, foreign currency transaction loss and net loss from discontinued operations before gains on sale of real estate.

 

The segment labeled as “Other” consists of revenue and operating expenses related to the notes receivable and corporate debt.

 

Presented below is the operating income of each operating segment and each segment’s assets for 2015, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):

                               
    Commercial                          
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015   Properties     Apartments     Land     Other     Total  
Operating revenue   $ 30,540     $ 73,543     $     $ 105     $ 104,188  
Operating expenses     (17,761 )     (34,955 )     (1,029 )     (257 )     (54,002 )
Depreciation and amortization     (8,993 )     (12,498 )           73       (21,418 )
Mortgage and loan interest     (6,919 )     (18,767 )     (4,694 )     (17,132 )     (47,512 )
Loan charges and prepayment penalties             (4,932 )             (33 )     (4,965 )
Interest income                             16,674       16,674  
Gain on land sales                     21,648               21,648  
Segment operating income (loss)   $ (3,133 )   $ 2,391     $ 15,925     $ (570 )   $ 14,613  
Capital expenditures     8,133       506       2,621             11,260  
Assets     155,147       551,415       146,945             853,507  
                                         
Property Sales                                        
Sales price   $     $ 11,129     $ 107,298     $     $ 118,427  
Cost of sale           (10,394 )     (88,387 )           (98,781 )
Recognized prior deferred gain                 2,737             2,737  
Gain on sale   $     $ 735     $ 21,648     $     $ 22,383  

55
 

                               
    Commercial                          
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014   Properties     Apartments     Land     Other     Total  
Operating revenue   $ 20,476     $ 58,882     $ 1     $ 53     $ 79,412  
Operating expenses     (13,127 )     (27,588 )     (1,397 )     (12 )     (42,124 )
Depreciation and amortization     (7,413 )     (10,270 )           90       (17,593 )
Mortgage and loan interest     (6,026 )     (16,778 )     (4,618 )     (10,550 )     (37,972 )
Loan charges and prepayment penalties     (113 )     (2,625 )     (66 )     (50 )     (2,854 )
Interest income                       20,054       20,054  
Gain on land sales                 561             561  
Segment operating income (loss)   $ (6,203 )   $ 1,621     $ (5,519 )   $ 9,585     $ (516 )
Capital expenditures     4,874       320       2,436             7,630  
Assets     142,118       390,366       167,279             699,763  
                                         
Property Sales                                        
Sales price   $ 19,182     $ 115,273     $ 8,091     $     $ 142,546  
Cost of sale     (9,168 )     (63,408 )     (7,530 )           (80,106 )
Deferred current gain                              
Recognized prior deferred gain                              
Gain on sale   $ 10,014     $ 51,865     $ 561     $     $ 62,440  

                                         
    Commercial                                  
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013   Properties     Apartments     Land     Other     Total  
Operating revenue   $ 24,215     $ 56,369     $ 39     $ 127     $ 80,750  
Operating expenses     (11,623 )     (26,223 )     (1,431 )     (41 )     (39,318 )
Depreciation and amortization     (5,938 )     (10,188 )           172       (15,954 )
Mortgage and loan interest     (5,865 )     (18,474 )     (6,412 )     (8,359 )     (39,110 )
Loan charges and prepayment penalties     (150 )     (3,937 )     (1,080 )     (390 )     (5,557 )
Interest income                       19,445       19,445  
Loss on land sales                 (455 )           (455 )
Segment operating income (loss)   $ 639     $ (2,453 )   $ (9,339 )   $ 10,954     $ (199 )
Capital expenditures     6,964       315       387             7,666  
Assets     141,200       394,397       164,697             700,294  
                                         
Property Sales                                        
Sales price   $ 26,974     $ 239,676     $ 7,186     $     $ 273,836  
Cost of sale     (14,914 )     (152,785 )     (7,641 )           (175,340 )
Deferred current gain                              
Recognized prior deferred gain                              
Gain (loss) on sale   $ 12,060     $ 86,891     $ (455 )   $     $ 98,496  

 

56
 

 

The table below reconciles the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (dollars in in thousands):  

                   
    For Twelve Months Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Segment operating income (loss)   $ 14,613     $ (516 )   $ (199 )
Other non-segment items of income (expense)                        
General and administrative     (6,893 )     (10,282 )     (7,919 )
Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets     (5,300 )           (18,980 )
Net income fee to related party     (492 )     (3,669 )     (4,089 )
Advisory fee to related party     (9,775 )     (8,943 )     (10,166 )
Other income     4,106       1,415       10,163  
Loss on sale of investments     (1 )     (92 )     (283 )
Earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures and investees     428       347       391  
Litigation settlement     (352 )     3,591       (20,313 )
Income tax benefit (expense)     (517 )     20,413       40,513  
Gain (loss) from continuing operations   $ (4,183 )   $ 2,264     $ (10,882 )

 

SEGMENT ASSET RECONCILIATION TO TOTAL ASSETS

 

The table below reconciles the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands): 

                   
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Segment assets   $ 853,507     $ 699,763     $ 700,294  
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees     8,365       4,279       3,789  
Notes and interest receivable     120,243       134,366       136,815  
Other assets and receivables     135,253       127,090       102,424  
Total assets   $ 1,117,368     $ 965,498     $ 943,322  

 

NOTE 14.     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

Prior to January 1, 2015, we applied the provisions of ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”, which requires that long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale be measured at the lesser of (1) book value or (2) fair value less cost to sell. In addition, it requires that one accounting model be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions.

 

Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”, which changes the criteria of ASC 360 related to determining which disposals qualify to be accounted for as discontinued operations and modifies related reporting and disclosure requirements.

 

Disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that have a major effect on a company’s operations and financial results will be presented as discontinued operations. Companies will be required to expand their disclosures about discontinued operations to provide more information on the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the discontinued operations. The new standard was effective January 1, 2015. Adoption of this standard will result in substantially fewer of the Company’s dispositions meeting the discontinued operations criteria.

 

Amounts included in discontinued operations represent the residual amounts from sales classified as discontinued operations prior to January 1, 2015.

 

57
 

 

Discontinued operations relates to properties that were either sold or repositioned as held for sale as of the year ended 2014 and 2013. Income from discontinued operations relates to 5 and 19 properties that were sold or repositioned in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The following table summarizes revenue and expense information for these properties sold and held for sale (dollars in thousands): 

                   
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     2013  
Revenues:                        
Rental and other property revenues   $ 355     $ 5,612     $ 34,922  
      355       5,612       34,922  
Expenses:                        
Property operating expenses     (345 )     2,350       16,479  
Depreciation           751       5,563  
General and administrative     99       451       966  
Total operating expenses   $ (246 )   $ 3,552     $ 23,008  
                         
Other income (expense):                        
Other income (expense)     45       (507 )     45  
Mortgage and loan interest     (2 )     (3,204 )     (11,097 )
Loan charges and prepayment penalties           (1,656 )     (3,246 )
Litigation settlement           (250 )     (250 )
Total other expenses   $ 43     $ (5,617 )   $ (14,548 )
                         
Loss from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and taxes     644       (3,557 )     (2,634 )
Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations     735       61,879       98,951  
Income tax benefit (expense)     (483 )     (20,413 )     (33,711 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations   $ 896     $ 37,909     $ 62,606  

 

The Company’s application of ASC Topic 360 in 2014 and 2013 results in the presentation of the net operating results of these qualifying properties sold or held for sale during 2014 and 2013 as income from discontinued operations. The application of ASC Topic 360 does not have an impact on net income available to common shareholders. ASC Topic 360 only impacts the presentation of these properties within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

58
 

 

NOTE 15.    QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following is a tabulation of quarterly results of operations for the years 2015, 2014, and 2013. Quarterly results presented differ from those previously reported in ARL’s Form 10-Q due to the reclassification of the operations of properties sold or held for sale to discontinued operations in accordance with ASC topic 360: 

                         
          Three Months Ended 2015        
    March 31,     June 30,     September 30,     December 31,  
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)  
2015                        
Total operating revenues   $ 23,156     $ 24,241     $ 27,826     $ 28,965  
Total operating expenses     21,155       20,388       25,741       30,596  
Operating income (loss)     2,001       3,853       2,085       (1,631 )
Other expense     (2,338 )     (5,139 )     (11,152 )     (12,993 )
Loss before gain on land sales, non-contolling interest, and taxes     (337 )     (1,286 )     (9,067 )     (14,624 )
Gain (loss) on land sales     2,876       3,027       1,958       13,787  
Income tax benefit (expense)     103       (12 )     274       (882 )
Net income (loss) from continued operations     2,642       1,729       (6,835 )     (1,719 )
Net income from discontinued operations     190       (22 )     508       220  
Net income (loss)     2,832       1,707       (6,327 )     (1,499 )
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     508       (540 )     1,164       195  
Preferred dividend requirement     (390 )     (275 )     (275 )     (276 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 2,950     $ 892     $ (5,438 )   $ (1,580 )
                                 
PER SHARE DATA                                
Earnings per share - basic                                
Loss from continued operations   $ 0.20     $ 0.06     $ (0.38 )   $ (0.12 )
Income from discontinued operations     0.01             0.03       0.01  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 0.21     $ 0.06     $ (0.35 )   $ (0.11 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share     14,027,619       15,367,320       15,514,360       15,514,360  
                                 
Earnings per share - diluted                                
Loss from continued operations   $ 0.16     $ 0.05     $ (0.38 )   $ (0.12 )
Income from discontinued operations     0.01             0.03       0.01  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 0.17     $ 0.05     $ (0.35 )   $ (0.11 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share     17,426,707       17,844,339       15,514,360       15,514,360  

                         
          Three Months Ended 2014        
    March 31,     June 30,     September 30,     December 31,  
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)  
2014                        
Total operating revenues   $ 19,159     $ 19,500     $ 19,326     $ 21,427  
Total operating expenses     18,957       19,914       18,858       24,882  
Operating income (loss)     202       (414 )     468       (3,455 )
Other expense     (2,440 )     (3,630 )     (4,274 )     (5,167 )
Loss before gain on land sales, non-contolling interest, and taxes     (2,238 )     (4,044 )     (3,806 )     (8,622 )
Gain (loss) on land sales     753       (159 )     40       (73 )
Income tax benefit     2,049       2,195       786       15,383  
Net income (loss) from continued operations     564       (2,008 )     (2,980 )     6,688  
Net income from discontinued operations     3,805       4,077       1,461       28,566  
Net income (loss)     4,369       2,069       (1,519 )     35,254  
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     (819 )     (551 )     200       (8,118 )
Preferred dividend requirement     (613 )     (613 )     (427 )     (390 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 2,937     $ 905     $ (1,746 )   $ 26,746  
                                 
PER SHARE DATA                                
Earnings per share - basic                                
Loss from continued operations   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.28 )   $ (0.24 )   $ (0.13 )
Income from discontinued operations     0.33       0.35       0.11       2.04  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 0.25     $ 0.07     $ (0.13 )   $ 1.91  
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share     11,525,389       11,525,389       13,619,647       14,027,618  
                                 
Earnings per share - diluted                                
Loss from continued operations   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.28 )   $ (0.24 )   $ (0.13 )
Income from discontinued operations     0.33       0.35       0.11       2.04  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 0.25     $ 0.07     $ (0.13 )   $ 1.91  
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share     11,525,389       11,525,389       13,619,647       14,027,618  

 

59
 

 

                         
          Three Months Ended 2013        
    March 31,     June 30,     September 30,     December 31,  
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)  
2013                        
Total operating revenues   $ 19,088     $ 19,193     $ 19,530     $ 22,939  
Total operating expenses     17,838       18,640       20,071       39,877  
Operating income (loss)     1,250       553       (541 )     (16,938 )
Other expense     (9,245 )     (5,401 )     (8,533 )     (12,085 )
Loss before gain on land sales, non-contolling interest, and taxes     (7,995 )     (4,848 )     (9,074 )     (29,023 )
Gain (loss) on land sales     (35 )           598       (1,018 )
Income tax benefit     2,807       5,352       402       31,952  
Net income (loss) from continued operations     (5,223 )     504       (8,074 )     1,911  
Net income from discontinued operations     5,212       9,940       745       46,709  
Net income (loss)     (11 )     10,444       (7,329 )     48,620  
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     385       (2,090 )     903       (9,646 )
Preferred dividend requirement     (613 )     (613 )     (613 )     (613 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (239 )   $ 7,741     $ (7,039 )   $ 38,361  
                                 
PER SHARE DATA                                
Earnings per share - basic                                
Loss from continued operations   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.68 )   $ (0.72 )
Income from discontinued operations     0.45       0.86       0.06       4.05  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.02 )   $ 0.67     $ (0.62 )   $ 3.33  
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share     11,525,389       11,525,389       11,525,389       11,525,389  
                                 
Earnings per share - diluted                                
Loss from continued operations   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.68 )   $ (0.72 )
Income from discontinued operations     0.45       0.86       0.06       4.05  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.02 )   $ 0.67     $ (0.62 )   $ 3.33  
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share     11,525,389       11,525,389       11,525,389       11,525,389  

 

NOTE 16.     COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND LIQUIDITY

 

In conjunction with its sale of Four Hickory in November 2007, the Company agreed to fund amounts to satisfy its commitment to compensate LK-Four Hickory, LLC for move-in discounts and other concessions to existing tenants at the time of sale.  The Company also has various agreements with LK-Four Hickory, LLC related to the funding of projection shortfalls, which, to date, they have not had to provide any additional funding.  In addition, related parties of the Company have active lease agreements with LK-Four Hickory, LLC and the Company has since guaranteed amounts related to certain of these leases.

 

On December 17, 2007, both Limkwang Nevada, Inc., the majority owner of LK-Four Hickory, LLC, and ARL unconditionally guaranteed the punctual payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or hereafter, including all fees and expenses incurred by the bank on collection of a $28.0 million note payable for LK-Four Hickory, LLC, which has a current outstanding balance of $21.5 million.

 

The Company’s investment in LK-Four Hickory, LLC at January 17, 2012 was sold and the Company has additional reserves for estimated potential amounts it could be looked to if various related parties are not able to meet their obligations to LK Four Hickory, LLC.  The Company will continue to evaluate these potential estimates and also the likelihood of having to fund any of these and adjust their reserves accordingly.

 

Liquidity.   Management believes that ARL will generate excess cash flow from property operations in 2016, such excess however, will not be sufficient to discharge all of ARL’s obligations as they became due. Management intends to sell land and income producing real estate, refinance real estate and obtain additional borrowings primarily secured by real estate to meet its liquidity requirements.

 

Guarantees. TCI is a primary guarantor, on a $60.35 million mezzanine loan between UHF and a lender. In addition, ARL, and an officer of the Company are limited recourse guarantors of the loan. As of December 31, 2015 UHF was in compliance with the covenants to the loan agreement.

 

Partnership Buyouts.    ARL is the limited partner in various partnerships related to the construction of residential properties. As permitted in the respective partnership agreements, ARL intends to purchase the interests of the general and any other limited partners in these partnerships subsequent to the completion of these projects. The amounts paid to buyout the nonaffiliated partners are limited to development fees earned by the nonaffiliated partners, and are set forth in the respective partnership agreements.

 

60
 

 

ART and ART Midwest, Inc.

 

While the Company and all entities in which the Company has a direct or indirect equity interest are not parties to or obligated in any way for the outcome, a formerly owned entity (American Realty Trust, Inc.) and its former subsidiary (ART Midwest, Inc.) have been engaged since 1999 in litigation with Mr. David Clapper and entities related to Mr. Clapper (collectively, the “Clapper Parties”). The matter originally involved a transaction in 1998 in which ART Midwest, Inc. was to acquire eight residential apartment complexes from the Clapper Parties. Through the years, a number of rulings, both for and against American Realty Trust, Inc. (“ART”) and ART Midwest, Inc., were issued. In October 2011, a ruling was issued under which the Clapper Parties received a judgment for approximately $74 million, including $26 million in actual damages and $48 million interest. The ruling was against ART and ART Midwest, Inc., but no other entity. During February 2014, the court of Appeals affirmed a portion of the judgment in favor of the Clapper Parties, but also ruled that a double counting of a significant portion of the damages had occurred and remanded the case back to the trial court to recalculate the damage award, as well as pre and post-judgment interest thereon. ART was also a significant owner of a partnership interest in the partnership that was awarded the initial damages in this matter.

 

In 2005, ART filed suit against a major national law firm over the initial transaction. That action has been abated, while the principle case with the Clapper Parties was pending, but it is likely that the action against the law firm will now continue in the near future. The only defendants in the litigation involving the Clapper Parties are ART and ART Midwest, Inc., which, together, had total assets and net worth, as of December 31, 2012, of approximately $10 million. In January 2012, the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding stock of ART to an unrelated party for a promissory note in the amount of $10 million. At December 31, 2012, the Company fully reserved and valued such note at zero.

 

            In August 2014, David M. Clapper and two entities related to Mr. Clapper (all, collectively, the “Clapper Parties”) filed a complaint in the U. S. District Court against the Company, its directors and certain of its officers alleging purported transactions to the detriment of the Clapper Parties and others by transferring assets, cash and diverting property. Management of the Company believes there is no basis for this action against the Company, its officers and directors, and intends to vigorously defend itself. The complaint does not allege any facts relating to the Company, except that the Company is a Nevada corporation, with its headquarters/principal place of business in Dallas, Texas.

 

            As a result of a final Memorandum Opinion and Order issued by the court on January 25, 2016 all claims against the officers and directors of the Company were dismissed.

           

          Management believes that the Company has no liability for any ultimate judgment in the proceeding involving the Clapper Parties; however, Management of the Company has serious reservations about the current collectability of the $10 million note and, accordingly, has reserved the full amount of the note.

 

Port Olpenitz

 

ARL, through a foreign subsidiary, was involved in developing a maritime harbor town on the 420 acre site of the former naval base of Olpenitz in Kappeln, Germany. Disputes with the local partner related to his mismanagement of the project resulted in his being replaced as the managing partner which was followed by a filing for bankruptcy protection in Germany to completely remove him from the project. An insolvency manager was placed in control of the project in order to protect the creditors and as of December 31, 2013, had sold the vast majority of assets (almost all land) of the project. The Company no longer has any financial responsibility for the obligations of the creditors related to the project and has claims filed for loans relating to our investment in the project. Due to the questionable collectability of these loans from the proceeds of the project, the Company has written off the unreserved balance of $5.3 million in the project. As of December 13, 2013, ARL had filed two lawsuits in Germany to recover funds invested in the project. The lawsuits are against: 1) the former German partner and his company, and 2) against the law firm in Hamburg originally hired to protect ARL’s investment in the project. At this time it is unknown how much can be recovered or how successful the litigation will be.

 

Dynex Capital, Inc.

 

On July 20, 2015, the 68th Judicial District Court in Dallas County, Texas issued its Final Judgment in Cause No. DC-03-00675, styled Basic Capital Management, Inc., American Realty Trust, Inc., Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. v. Dynex Commercial, Inc. The case, which was litigated for more than a decade, had its origin with Dynex Commercial making loans to Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. (subsidiaries of Continental Mortgage & Equity Trust (“CMET”), an entity which merged into TCI in 1999 after the original suit was filed). Under the original loan commitment, $160 million in loans were to be made to the entities. The loans were conditioned on the execution of a commitment between Dynex Commercial and Basic Capital Management, Inc. (“Basic”).

An original trial in 2004, which also included Dynex Capital, Inc. as a defendant, resulted in a jury awarding damages in favor of Basic for “lost opportunity,” as well as damages in favor of ART and in favor of TCI and its subsidiaries for “increased costs” and “lost opportunity.” The original Trial Court judge ignored the jury’s findings, however, and entered a “Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict” (“JNOV”) in favor of the Dynex entities (the judge held the Plaintiffs were not entitled to any damages from the Dynex entities). After numerous appeals by all parties, Dynex Capital, Inc. was ultimately dismissed from the case and the remaining claims against Dynex Commercial were remanded to the Trial Court for a new judgment consistent with the jury’s findings. The Court entered the new Final Judgment against Dynex Commercial, Inc. on July 20, 2015.

The Final Judgment entered against Dynex Commercial, Inc. on July 20, 2015 awarded Basic $.256 million in damages, plus pre-judgment interest of $.192 million for a total amount of $.448 million. The Judgment awarded ART $14.2 million in damages, plus pre-judgment interest of $10.6 million for a total amount of $24.8 million. The Judgment awarded TCI $11.1 million, plus pre-judgment interest of $8.4 million for a total amount of $19.5 million. The Judgment also awarded Basic, ART, and TCI post-judgment interest at the rate of 5% per annum from April 25, 2014 until the date their respective damages are paid. Lastly, the Judgement awarded Basic, ART, and TCI $1.6 million collectively in attorneys’ fees from Dynex Commercial, Inc.

The Company is reviewing the Final Judgment with counsel to determine the appropriate steps moving forward now that they have obtained this Final Judgment against Dynex Commercial, Inc.

ARL is also involved in various other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Management is of the opinion that the outcome of these lawsuits will have no material impact on ARL’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Other Litigation.     The ownership of property and provision of services to the public as tenants entails an inherent risk of liability. Although the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various items of litigation incidental to and in the ordinary course of its business, in the opinion of Management, the outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operation or liquidity, unless notes otherwise above.

 

NOTE 17.     EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Earnings per share (“EPS”) have been computed pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 260 “Earnings Per Share.” The computation of basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations, adjusted for preferred dividends, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Shares issued during the period shall be weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding.

 

As of December 31, 2015, we have 2,000,614 shares of Series A 10.0% cumulative convertible preferred stock, which are outstanding. These shares may be converted into common stock at 90% of the average daily closing price of the common stock for the prior 20 trading days. These are considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share if the effect of applying the if-converted method is dilutive. Of the outstanding 2,000,614 shares, 900,000 are held by ARL. Dividends are not paid on the shares owned by ARL.

 

Prior to July 17, 2014, RAI owned 2,451,435 shares of the outstanding Series A 10.0% convertible preferred stock and had accrued dividends unpaid of $15.1 million. On July 17, 2014, RAI converted 890,797 shares, including $6.3 million in accumulated dividends unpaid for these shares, into the requisite number of shares of common stock. This conversion resulted in the issuance of 2,502,230 new shares of ARL common stock. On April 9, 2015, RAI converted 460,638 shares including $2.3 million in accumulated dividends unpaid for these shares, into the requisite number of shares of common stock. This conversion resulted in the issuance of 1,486,741 new shares of ARL common stock. As of December 31, 2015, RAI owns 1,100,000 shares of the outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock and has accrued dividends unpaid of $8.6 million.

 

61
 

 

The Company had 135,000 shares of Series K convertible preferred stock, which were held by TCI and used as collateral on a note. The note has been paid in full and the Series K preferred stock was cancelled May 7, 2014.

Prior to January 1, 2015, the Company had 1,000 shares of stock options outstanding.  These options expired unexercised January 1, 2015.  The options are no longer included in the dilutive earnings per share calculation for the current period, but are considered in the computation for the prior periods if applying the “treasury stock” method is dilutive.

As of December 31, 2015, the Series A convertible preferred stock and the stock options were anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the EPS calculation.

 

NOTE 18.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The date to which events occurring after December 31, 2015, the date of the most recent balance sheet, have been evaluated for possible adjustment to the financial statements or disclosure is March 30, 2016, which is the date on which the financial statements were available to be issued.

 

The Company has determined that there are no subsequent events that need to be reported.

 

62
 

 

 

Schedule III

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2015

                                                                         
                      Cost Capitalized                                                
                Subsequent to   Asset   Gross Amounts of Which               Life on Which
        Initial Cost   Acquisition   Impairment   Carried at End of Year               Depreciation
                                                In Latest
                                                Statement
            Building &       Asset       Building &       Accumulated   Date of   Date   of Operation
Property/Location   Encumbrances   Land   Improvements   Improvements   Impairment   Land   Improvements   Total   Depreciation   Construction   Acquired   is Computed
    (dollars in thousands)
Properties Held for Investment Apartments                                                                        
Anderson Estates, Oxford, MS     822     378     2,683     313         378     2,996     3,373     665     2003     01/06     40 years
Blue Lake Villas I, Waxahachie, TX     10,725     526     10,784     (601 )       526     10,184     10,710     3,274     2003     01/02     40 years
Blue Lake Villas II, Waxahachie, TX     3,894     287     4,451     45         287     4,496     4,783     907     2004     01/04     40 years
Breakwater Bay, Beaumont, TX     9,427     740     10,435     63         740     10,498     11,238     2,856     2004     05/03     40 years
Bridgewood Ranch, Kaufman, TX     6,444     762     6,856     9         762     6,865     7,627     1,377     2007     04/08     40 years
Capitol Hill, Little Rock, AR     9,043     1,860     7,948     55         1,860     8,002     9,862     2,300     2003     03/03     40 years
Centennial, Oak Ridge, TN     21,061     2,570     22,588             2,570     22,588     25,159     235     2011     07/14     40 years
Curtis Moore Estates, Greenwood, MS     1,486     186     5,733     886         186     6,618     6,805     1,606     2003     01/06     40 years
Crossing at Opelika, Opelika, AL     13,790     1,579     14,215             1,579     14,215     15,794         2015     12/15     40 years
Dakota Arms, Lubbock, TX     12,514     921     12,644     231         921     12,875     13,796     3,538     2004     01/04     40 years
David Jordan Phase II, Greenwood, MS     574     51     1,521     269         51     1,790     1,841     417     1999     01/06     40 years
David Jordan Phase III, Greenwood, MS     588     83     2,115     420         83     2,535     2,618     530     2003     01/06     40 years
Desoto Ranch, DeSoto, TX     15,352     1,472     17,856     (1,130 )       1,472     16,725     18,197     4,977     2002     05/02     40 years
Falcon Lakes, Arlington, TX     12,739     1,438     15,094     (836 )       1,438     14,258     15,696     4,860     2001     10/01     40 years
Heather Creek, Mesquite, TX     11,342     1,326     12,015     69         1,326     12,084     13,410     3,321     2003     03/03     40 years
Holland Lake, Weatherford, TX     11,823     1,449     14,612             1,449     14,612     16,061     244     2004     05/14     40 years
Lake Forest, Houston, TX     12,199     335     12,267     1,553         335     13,820     14,155     3,568     2004     01/04     40 years
Legacy at Pleasant Grove, Texarkana, TX     15,009     2,005     17,892             2,005     17,892     19,897     485     2006     12/14     40 years
Lodge at Pecan Creek, Denton, TX     16,383     1,349     16,180             1,349     16,180     17,529     1,685     2011     10/05     40 years
Mansions of Mansfield, Mansfield, TX     15,604     977     17,799     54         977     17,853     18,829     3,014     2009     09/05     40 years
Mission Oaks, San Antonio, TX     14,900     1,266     16,627     212         1,266     16,839     18,105     3,659     2005     05/05     40 years
Monticello Estate, Monticello, AR     458     36     1,493     263         36     1,756     1,793     385     2001     01/06     40 years
Northside on Travis, Sherman, TX     13,319     1,301     14,560             1,301     14,560     15,861     2,305     2009     10/07     40 years
Oak Hollow, Sequin, TX     10,885     1,435     12,405               1,435     12,405     13,840     155     2011     07/14     40 years
Overlook at Allensville, Sevierville, TN     11,487     1,228     12,297                 1,228     12,297     13,524     252     2012     10/15     40 years
Parc at Clarksville, Clarksville, TN     12,869     571     14,300     118         571     14,419     14,990     2,658     2007     06/02     40 years
Parc at Denham Springs, Denham Springs, LA     18,780     1,022     20,188     8         1,022     20,195     21,218     2,506     2011     07/07     40 years
Parc at Maumelle, Little Rock, AR     15,942     1,153     17,688     542         1,153     18,230     19,383     4,252     2006     12/04     40 years
Parc at Metro Center, Nashville, TN     10,478     960     12,226     543         960     12,769     13,729     3,047     2006     05/05     40 years
Parc at Rogers, Rogers, AR     20,750     1,482     22,993     286     (3,180 )   1,482     20,100     21,582     3,823     2007     04/04     40 years
Preserve at Pecan Creek, Denton, TX     14,489     885     16,626     59         885     16,685     17,570     3,054     2008     10/05     40 years
Preserve at Prairie Pointe, Lubbock, TX     10,181     1,074     10,603     178           1,074     10,782     11,856     182     2005     04/15     40 years
Riverwalk Phase I, Greenville, MS     292     23     1,537     180         23     1,718     1,741     425     2003     01/06     40 years
Riverwalk Phase II, Greenville, MS     1,123     52     4,007     376         52     4,383     4,435     1,364     2003     01/06     40 years
Sonoma Court, Rockwall, TX     10,754     941     11,074               941     11,074     12,014     1,223     2011     07/10     40 years
Sugar Mill, Baton Rouge, LA     11,396     1,437     13,367     160         1,437     13,527     14,964     2,160     2009     08/08     40 years
Toulon, Gautier, MS     20,600     1,621     20,107     372         1,621     20,479     22,099     2,262     2011     09/09     40 years
Tradewinds, Midland, TX     15,601     3,542     19,939                 3,542     19,939     23,481     249     2015     06/15     40 years
Treehouse, Irving, TX     5,642     312     2,807     286         312     3,093     3,405     831     1974     05/04     40 years
Villager, Ft. Walton, FL     753     156     1,408                 156     1,408     1,564     21     1972     06/15     40 years
Villas at Park West I, Pueblo, CO     10,565     1,171     10,453               1,171     10,453     11,624     283     2005     12/14     40 years
Villas at Park West II, Pueblo, CO     9,554     1,463     13,060             1,463     13,060     14,523     354     2010     12/14     40 years
Vista Ridge, Tupelo, MS     10,786     1,339     13,398                 1,339     13,398     14,737     501     2009     10/15     40 years
Vistas of Vance Jackson, San Antonio, TX     15,310     1,265     16,540     189         1,265     16,728     17,993     4,308     2004     01/04     40 years
Waterford, Roseberg, TX     16,069     2,349     20,880                 2,349     20,880     23,229     261     2013     06/14     40 years
Westwood, Mary Ester, FL     4,244     692     6,650                 692     6,650     7,343     97     1972     06/15     40 years
Whispering Pines, Topeka, KS     8,720     289     4,831     1,274           289     6,105     6,393     5,674     1974     04/15     40 years
Windsong, Fort Worth, TX     10,734     790     11,526     69         790     11,595     12,385     3,429     2002     07/03     40 years
Total Apartments Held for Investment   $ 507,498   $ 50,150   $ 569,276   $ 6,515   $ (3,180 ) $ 50,150   $ 572,611   $ 622,761   $ 89,576                  
                                                                         
Apartments Under Construction                                                                        
Parc at Mansfield, Mansfield, TX     9,544     543         10,457         543     10,457     11,001             12/14    
Terra Lago, Rowlett, TX     136     (1,142 )         3,329           (1,142 )   3,329     2,186               11/15    
Eagle Crossing, Dallas, TX     1,459     4,380           663           4,380     663     5,043               11/15    
Total Apartments Under Construction   $ 11,139   $ 3,781   $   $ 14,449   $   $ 3,781   $ 14,449   $ 18,230   $                  

 

63
 

 

Schedule III

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2015

                                                                         
                      Cost Capitalized                                                
                Subsequent to   Asset   Gross Amounts of Which               Life on Which
        Initial Cost   Acquisition   Impairment   Carried at End of Year               Depreciation
                                                In Latest
                                                Statement
            Building &       Asset       Building &       Accumulated   Date of   Date   of Operation
Property/Location   Encumbrances   Land   Improvements   Improvements   Impairment   Land   Improvements   Total   Depreciation   Construction   Acquired   is Computed
    (dollars in thousands)
Commercial                                                                        
600 Las Colinas, Las Colinas, TX     39,836     5,751     51,759     15,149         5,751     66,908     72,659     20,869     1984     08/05     40 years
770 South Post Oak, Houston, TX     12,700     1,755     15,834     26           1,755     15,860     17,615     233     1970     07/15     40 years
Bridgeview Plaza, LaCrosse, WI     5,813             976             976     976     437     1979     03/03     40 years
Browning Place (Park West I), Farmers Branch, TX     22,459     5,096     45,868     13,228         5,096     59,096     64,192     18,754     1984     04/05     40 years
Cross County Mall, Matoon, IL         608     4,891     8,549         608     13,440     14,048     12,165     1971     08/79     40 years
Mahogany Run Golf Course, US Virgin Islands     43     7,168     5,942     5     (5,300 )   7,168     647     7,815     173     1981     11/14     40 years
Fruitland Plaza, Fruitland Park, FL         23         77         23     77     100     37         05/92     40 years
Senlac VHP, Farmers Branch, TX         622         142         622     142     765     128         08/05     40 years
Stanford Center, Dallas, TX     28,000     3,878     34,862     6,447     (9,600 )   3,878     31,709     35,587     7,464         06/08     40 years
Thermalloy, Farmers Branch, TX     42     791     1,061               791     1,061     1,852     201         05/08     40 years
Total Commercial Held for Investment   $ 108,893   $ 25,693   $ 160,217   $ 44,600   $ (14,900 ) $ 25,693   $ 189,916   $ 215,609   $ 60,462                  
                                                                         
                                                                         
Land                                                                        
2427 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch, TX         76                   76         76             07/12    
Audubon, Adams County, MS         519         297         815         815             03/07    
Bonneau Land, Farmers Branch, TX         1,309                 1,309         1,309             12/14    
Cooks Lane, Fort Worth, TX     604     1,094                 1,094         1,094             06/04    
Dedeaux, Gulfport, MS         1,612         46     (38 )   1,620         1,620             10/06    
Denham Springs, Denham Springs, LA     234     339                 339         339             08/08    
Gautier Land, Gautier, MS         202                 202         202             07/98    
GNB Land, Farmers Branch, TX     8,695     4,385         32         4,418         4,418             07/06    
Hollywood Casino Land Tract II, Farmers Branch, TX     2,814     3,192         1,024         4,217         4,217             03/08    
Lacy Longhorn Land, Farmers Branch, TX         1,169         (760 )       408         408             06/04    
Lake Shore Villas, Humble, TX         81         3         84         84             03/02    
Lubbock Land, Lubbock, TX         234                 234         234             01/04    
Luna Ventures, Farmers Branch TX         2,934                 2,934         2,934             04/08    
Mandahl Bay Land         667                 667         667             01/05    
Manhattan Land, Farmers Branch, TX         4,799         5,703         10,502         10,502             02/00    
McKinney 36, Collin County, TX     1,523     1,564         123     (46 )   1,641         1,641             01/98    
McKinney Ranch Land, McKinney, TX         8,537         271     (1,363 )   7,445         7,445             12/05    
Meloy/Portage Land, Kent OH     1,160     5,119             (1,069 )   4,050         4,050             02/04    
Minivest Land, Dallas, TX         7                 7         7             04/13    
Mira Lago, Farmers Branch, TX         59         8         68         68             05/01    
Nakash, Malden, MO         113         (10 )       103         103             01/93    
Nashville, Nashville, TN         1,256         (271 )       986         986             06/02    
Nicholson Croslin, Dallas, TX         184         (118 )       66         66             10/98    
Nicholson Mendoza, Dallas, TX         80         (51 )       29         29             10/98    
Ocean Estates, Gulfport, MS         1,418         390         1,808         1,808             10/07    
Senlac Land Tract II, Farmers Branch, TX         656                 656         656             08/05    
Sugar Mill Land, Baton Rouge, LA     178     445         242         687         687             08/13    
Texas Plaza Land, Irving, TX         1,738             (238 )   1,500         1,500             12/06    
Travis Ranch Land, Kaufman County, TX     757     1,030                 1,030         1,030             08/08    
Travis Ranch Retail, Kaufman City, TX         1,517                 1,517         1,517             08/08    
Union Pacific Railroad Land, Dallas, TX         130                 130         130             03/04    
Valley View 34 (Mercer Crossing), Farmers Branch, TX         1,173         (945 )       228         228             08/08    
Waco Swanson, Waco, TX         173                 173         173             08/06    
Willowick Land, Pensacola, FL         137                 137         137             01/95    
Windmill Farms Land, Kaufman County, TX     26,732     50,428         17,192     (21,009 )   46,611         46,611             11/11    
Total Land Held for Investment   $ 42,698   $ 98,377   $   $ 23,176   $ (23,763 ) $ 97,790   $   $ 97,790   $                  

 

64
 

 

Schedule III

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2015

                                                                         
                Cost Capitalized                                
                Subsequent to   Asset   Gross Amounts of Which               Life on Which
        Initial Cost   Acquisition   Impairment   Carried at End of Year               Depreciation
                                                In Latest
                                                Statement
            Building &       Asset       Building &       Accumulated   Date of   Date   of Operation
Property/Location   Encumbrances   Land   Improvements   Improvements   Impairment   Land   Improvements   Total   Depreciation   Construction   Acquired   is Computed
    (dollars in thousands)
Corporate Departments/Investments/Misc.                                                                        
TCI - Corporate     130,170                                                
ARI - Corporate     13,064                                              
Total Corporate Debt   $ 143,234       $   $   $   $   $   $   $                  
                                                                         
Total Properties Held for Investment/Corporate Debt   $ 813,462   $ 178,001   $ 729,492   $ 88,740   $ (41,843 ) $ 177,414   $ 776,976   $ 954,391   $ 150,038                  
                                                                         
Properties Held for Sale                                                                        
Commercial                                                                        
Dunes Plaza, Michigan City, IN     376                                     1978     03/92     40 years
Total Commercial Held for Sale   $ 376   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $                  
                                                                         
Total Properties Held for Sale   $ 376   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $                  
                                                                         
Properties Subject to Sales Contract Apartments                                                                        
                                                                         
                                                                   
Total Apartments Subject to Sales Contract   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $                  
                                                                         
Commercial                                                                        
                                                                         
                                                                   
Total Commercial Subject to Sales Contract   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $                  
                                                                         
Land                                                                        
Dominion Tract, Dallas, TX   $ 3,419   $ 2,440   $   $ (304 )   (133 ) $ 2,003   $   $ 2,003   $         03/99    
Hollywood Casino Tract I, Farmers Branch, TX     1,502     3,350         (866 )   (176 ) $ 2,308       $ 2,308             06/02    
LaDue Land, Farmers Branch, TX         1,845               $ 1,845       $ 1,845             07/98    
Three Hickory Land, Farmers Branch, TX         1,202               $ 1,202       $ 1,202             03/14    
Travelers Land, Farmers Branch, TX       21,511         4       $ 21,515       $ 21,515             11/06    
Travelers Land, Farmers Branch, TX         6,891         (4,978 )     $ 1,913       $ 1,913             11/06    
Valwood Land, Farmers Branch, TX         3,332               $ 3,332       $ 3,332               03/14      
Walker Land, Dallas County, TX         19,167         (5,993 )     $ 13,174       $ 13,174             09/06    
Whorton Land, Bentonville, AR      1,032     4,291         568     (2,997 ) $ 1,862       $ 1,862             06/05    
Total Land Subject to Sales Contract   $ 5,953   $ 64,028   $   $ (11,568 ) $ (3,305 ) $ 49,155   $   $ 49,155   $                  
                                                                         
Total Properties Subject to Sales Contract   $ 5,953   $ 64,028   $   $ (11,568 ) $ (3,305 ) $ 49,155   $   $ 49,155   $                  
                                                                         
Land Sold                                                                        
Pioneer Crossing Tract I, Austin, TX   $ 1,744                                                                  
Red Cross Land   $ (25 ) $   $   $       $   $   $   $            
Total Land Subject to Sales Contract   $ 1,719   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $
                                                                         
TOTAL: Real Estate   $ 821,510   $ 242,029   $ 729,492   $ 77,172   $ (45,149 ) $ 226,569   $ 776,976   $ 1,003,545   $ 150,038                  

 

65
 

 

SCHEDULE II

(Continued)

 

REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

As of December 31,

                         
    2015     2014     2013  
    (dollars in thousansds)  
Reconciliation of Real Estate                        
Balance at January 1,   $ 831,540     $ 848,062     $ 1,111,299  
Additions                        
Acquisitions, improvements and construction     216,090       75,945       (22,346 )
Deductions                        
Sale of real estate     (38,785 )     (92,467 )     (229,661 )
Asset impairments     (5,300 )           (11,230 )
Balance at December 31,   $ 1,003,545     $ 831,540     $ 848,062  
                         
Reconciliation of Accumulated Depreciation                        
Balance at January 1,   $ 131,777     $ 147,768     $ 180,866  
Additions                        
Depreciation     20,386       18,077       21,816  
Deductions                        
Sale of real estate     (2,125 )     (34,068 )     (54,914 )
Balance at December 31,   $ 150,038     $ 131,777     $ 147,768  

 

66
 

 

SCHEDULE IV

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

MORTGAGE LOANS

December 31, 2015

                             
Description   Interest
Rate
  Final
Maturity
Date
  Periodic Payment Terms   Prior Liens   Face Amount
of Mortgage
  Carrying
Amount of
Mortgage
  Principal or
Loans Subject
to Delinquent
Principal or
Interest
                (dollars in thousands)    
                           
Christine Tunney   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     49   48  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Compton Partners   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     289   289  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
David Monier   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     97   97  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Earl Samson III   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     96   96  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Edward Samson III   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     96   96  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
H198, LLC   12.00%   01/20           5,907   5,907    
Las Vegas Land                            
Hammon Operating Corporation   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     193   193  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Harold Wolfe   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     193   193  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Herrick Partners   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     91   91  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Mary Anna MacLean   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     193   193  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Michael Monier   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     304   304  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Michale Witte   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     96   96  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Palmer Brown Madden   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     96   96  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Richard Schmaltz   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     203   203  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Robert Baylis   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     193   193  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Sherman Bull   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     193   193  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Cliffs of El Dorado/UH of McKinney,LLC)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   12,663   2,469   2,097  
100% Interest in UH of Mckinney, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Echo Station)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   9,719   1,809   1,481  
100% Interest in UH of Temple, LLC                            

 

67
 

 

SCHEDULE IV

(Continued)

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

MORTGAGE LOANS 

December 31, 2015

                             
Description   Interest
Rate
  Final
Maturity
Date
  Periodic Payment Terms   Prior Liens   Face Amount
of Mortgage
  Carrying
Amount of
Mortgage
  Principal or
Loans Subject
to Delinquent
Principal or
Interest
                (dollars in thousands)    
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Inwood on the Park/UH of Inwood,LLC)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   22,227   5,462   5,059  
100% Interest in UH of Inwood, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Kensington Park/UH of Kensington,LLC)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   18,723   4,310   3,933  
100% Interest in UH of Kensington, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas/HFS of Humble,LLC)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   15,756   8,836   6,368  
Interest in Unified Housing Foundation Inc.                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas/HFS of Humble,LLC)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   15,965   2,959   2,732  
100% Interest in HFS of Humble, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   13,621   9,216   7,293  
100% Interest in UH of Austin, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Ranch)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   18,641   12,335   7,953  
100% Interest in UH of Vista Ridge, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Parkside Crossing)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   11,544   2,772   2,272  
100% Interest in UH of Parkside Crossing, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock I)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   15,640   2,794   2,485  
100% Interest in UH of Harvest Hill I, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock II)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   14,026   2,843   2,555  
100% Interest in UH of Harvest Hill, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Sendero Ridge)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   22,984   12,663   9,303  
100% Interest in UH of Sendero Ridge, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Timbers of Terrell)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   7,294   1,702   1,323  
100% Interest in UH of Terrell, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Tivoli)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   10,398   12,761   7,966  
100% Interest in UH of Tivoli, LLC                            
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Trails at White Rock)   12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   21,712   4,245   3,815  
100% Interest in UH of Harvest Hill III, LLC                            
William H. Ingram   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     96   96  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
William S. Urkiel   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     97   97  
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                          
Willingham Revocable Trust   10.00%   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.     96   96  
                             
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                            
Various related party notes   various   various   Excess cash flow       1,349   1,349    
Various non-related party notes   various   various         496   496  

 

68
 

 

SCHEDULE IV

(Continued)

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

MORTGAGE LOANS 

December 31, 2015

                               
Description   Interest
Rate
  Final
Maturity
Date
  Periodic Payment Terms   Prior Liens   Face Amount
of Mortgage
  Carrying
Amount of
Mortgage
  Principal or
Loans Subject
to Delinquent
Principal or
Interest
                (dollars in thousands)    
                           
Leman Development, Ltd. (1)   0.00%   N/A         1,500     1,500  
One Realco Corporation (1)   3.00%   01/17   Interest and principal due at maturity.     10,000     7,000  
Realty Advisors Management, Inc.   2.28%   12/16   Interest only paid quarterly.     20,387     20,387  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.
(Lakeshore Villas/HFS of Humble, LLC)
  12.00%   12/32   Excess cash flow   15,965   2,189     2,000  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.   12.00%   12/15   Excess cash flow       2,665     2,665  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.   12.00%   12/16   Excess cash flow       3,657     3,657  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.   12.00%   12/17   Excess cash flow       1,207     1,207  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.   12.00%   06/17   Excess cash flow       1,261     1,261  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.   12.00%   12/18   Excess cash flow       3,994     3,994    
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.   12.00%   12/18   Excess cash flow       6,407     6,407    
Various related party notes   various   various   Excess cash flow     1,420     1,420  
Various non-related party notes   various   various           503     503    
                        $ 129,059    
                Accrued interest     8,221    
                Allowance for estimated losses     (17,037 )   
                        $ 120,243    

 

(1) Fully reserved

 

69
 

 

SCHEDULE IV

(Continued)

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

MORTGAGE LOANS

As of December 31,

                         
    2015     2014     2013  
    (dollars in thousands)  
                         
Balance at January 1,   $ 152,645     $ 156,415     $ 125,173  
Additions                        
New mortgage loans     18,055       32,380        
Funding of existing loans                 22,445  
Increase (decrease) of interest receivable on mortgage loans     11,130       (10,097 )     13,267  
Deductions                        
Amounts received     (16,486 )     (25,492 )     (3,327 )
Non-cash reductions     (28,064 )     (561 )     (1,143 )
                         
Balance at December 31,   $ 137,280     $ 152,645     $ 156,415  

 

70
 

 

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e)) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting. These limitations include the possibility of human error, the circumvention of overriding of the system and reasonable resource constraints. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on management’s assessments and those criteria, management has concluded that Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial report. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

In preparation for management’s report on internal control over financial reporting, we documented and tested the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not applicable.

 

 71

 

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Directors

 

The affairs of ARL are managed by a Board of Directors. The Directors are elected at the annual meeting of stockholders or are appointed by the incumbent Board and serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until a successor has been elected or appointed.

 

It is the Board’s objective that a majority of the Board consists of independent directors. For a Director to be considered independent, the Board must determine that the Director does not have any direct or indirect material relationship with ARL. The Board has established guidelines to assist it in determining director independence which conform to, or are more exacting than, the independence requirements in the New York Stock Exchange listing rules. The independence guidelines are set forth in ARL’s “Corporate Governance Guidelines”. The text of this document has been posted on ARL’s Internet website at http://www.amrealtytrust.com and is available in print to any shareholder who requests it. In addition to applying these guidelines, the Board will consider all relevant facts and circumstances in making an independence determination.

 

ARL has adopted a code of conduct that applies to all Directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer. Stockholders may find our code of conduct on our website by going to our website address at http://www.amrealtytrust.com. We will post any amendments to the code of conduct, as well as any waivers that are required to be disclosed by the rules of the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange, on our website.

 

Our Board of Directors has adopted charters for our Audit, Compensation, and Governance and Nominating Committees of the Board of Directors. Stockholders may find these documents on our website by going to the website address at http://www.amrealtytrust.com. You may also obtain a printed copy of the materials referred to by contacting us at the following address:

 

American Realty Investors, Inc. 

Attn: Investor Relations 

1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800 

Dallas, Texas 75234 

Telephone: 469-522-4200

 

All members of the Audit Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee must be independent directors. Members of the Audit Committee must also satisfy additional independence requirements, which provide (i) that they may not accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or compensatory fee from ARL or any of its subsidiaries other than their Director’s compensation (other than in their capacity as a member of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors, or any other committee of the Board), and (ii) no member of the Audit Committee may be an “affiliated person” of ARL or any of its subsidiaries, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The current Directors of ARL are listed below, together with their ages, terms of service, all positions and offices with ARL and its advisor Pillar, their principal occupations, business experience, and directorships with other companies during the last five years or more. The designation “affiliated”, when used below with respect to a Director, means that the Director is an officer, director, or employee of Pillar, an officer of the Company, or an officer or director of a related party of the Company. The designation “independent,” when used below with respect to a Director, means that the Director is neither an officer of the Company nor a director, officer, or employee of Pillar (but may be a director of the Company), although the Company may have certain business or professional relationships with such Director as discussed in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence”.

 

HENRY A. BUTLER: Age 65, Director (Affiliated) (since July 2003) and Chairman of the Board since May 2009.

 

Mr. Butler is Vice President Land Sales for Pillar Income Asset Management, LLC (since April 2011), and its predecessor, Prime Income Asset Management, LLC (July 2003 to April 2011). Mr. Butler is Chairman of the Board (since May 28, 2009) and a Director (since July 2003) of the Company. He is also Chairman of the Board (since May 2009) and a Director (since December 2001) of TCI and Chairman of the Board (since May 2011) and a Director (since February 2011) of IOT.

 

ROBERT A. JAKUSZEWSKI: Age 53, Director (Independent) (since November 2005).

 

Mr. Jakuszewski is currently (since April 2015) a Territory Manager for Artesa Labs; he was a Medical Specialist (from January 2014 to April 2015) for VAYA Pharma, Inc.; Senior Medical Liaison (January 2013 to July 2013) for Vein Clinics of America, and Vice President of Sales and Marketing (September 1998 to December 2012) of New Horizon Communications, Inc. Mr. Jakuszewski has been a Director of the Company since his election on November 22, 2005. He is also a director of TCI (since November 2005) and a Director of IOT (since March 2004).

 

 72

 

 

SHARON HUNT, Age 73, Director (Independent) (since October 2011).

 

Ms. Hunt is a licensed Realtor in Arkansas with Keystone Realty. Ms. Hunt has been a Director of the Company since her election on October 25, 2011 and previously (February 2004 to January 2011). She is also a Director of TCI (since October 2011) and previously (February 2004 to January 2011), and a Director of IOT (since October, 2011).

 

TED R. MUNSELLE: Age 60, Director (Independent) (since February 2004).

 

Mr. Munselle is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since October 1998) of Landmark Nurseries, Inc. On February 17, 2012, he was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors for Spindletop Oil & Gas Company and as Chairman of their Audit Committee. Spindletop’s stock is traded on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) market. He is a certified public accountant (since 1980). Mr. Munselle has been a Director of the Company since his election on February 20, 2004. He is also a Director of TCI (since February 2004) and a Director of IOT (since May 2009). Mr. Munselle is qualified as an Audit Committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC regulations and the Board of Directors of ARL has determined that he has accounting and related financial management expertise within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE.

 

Board Meetings and Committees

 

The Board of Directors held five meetings during 2015. For such year, no incumbent Director attended fewer than 100% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of meetings held by the Board during the period for which he/she had been a Director and (2) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he/she served during the periods that he/she served. Under ARL’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, each Director is expected to dedicate sufficient time, energy and attention to ensure the diligent performance of his or her duties, including by attending meetings of the stockholders of the Company, the Board and Committees of which he is a member. The Board of Directors has standing Audit, Compensation, and Governance and Nominating Committees.

 

Audit Committee.    The current Audit Committee was formed on February 19, 2004, and its function is to review ARL’s operating and accounting procedures. The charter of the Audit Committee has also been adopted by the Board. The charter of the Audit Committee was adopted on February 19, 2004 and is available on the company’s investor relations website (www.amrealtytrust.com). The Audit Committee is an “audit committee” for purposes of Section 3(a) (58) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The current members of the Audit Committee, all of whom are independent within the meaning of the SEC Regulations, the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., and ARL’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, are Messrs. Jakuszewski and Munselle (Chairman) and Ms. Hunt. Mr. Ted R. Munselle, a member of the Committee, is qualified as an Audit Committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC Regulations, and the Board has determined that he has accounting and related financial management expertise within the meaning of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. All of the members of the Audit Committee meet the experience requirements of the listing standards of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The Audit Committee met five times during 2015.

 

Governance and Nominating Committee.    The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for developing and implementing policies and practices relating to corporate governance, including reviewing and monitoring implementation of ARL’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. In addition, the Committee develops and reviews background information on candidates for the Board and makes recommendations to the Board regarding such candidates. The Committee also prepares and supervises the Board’s annual review of director independence and the Board’s performance self-evaluation. The Charter of the Governance and Nominating Committee was adopted on March 22, 2004. The current members of the Committee are Messrs. Jakuszewski (Chairman), and Munselle and Ms. Hunt. The Governance and Nominating Committee met two times during 2015.

 

Compensation Committee.    The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the policies of the Company relating to compensation to be paid by the Company to the Company’s principal executive officer and any other officers designated by the Board and make recommendations to the Board with respect to such policies, produce necessary reports and executive compensation for inclusion in the Company’s Proxy Statement in accordance with applicable rules and regulations and to monitor the development and implementation of succession plans for the principal executive officers and other key executives and make recommendations to the Board with respect to such plans. The charter of the Compensation Committee was adopted on March 22, 2004, and is available on the Company’s Investor Relations website (www.amrealtytrust.com). The current members of the Compensation Committee are Ms. Hunt (Chairman) and Messrs. Jakuszewski and Munselle. All of the members of the Compensation Committee are independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Compensation Committee is to be comprised of at least two directors who are independent of Management and the Company. The Compensation Committee met two times during 2015.

 

 73

 

 

The members of the Board of Directors on the date of this Report and the Committees of the Board on which they serve are identified below: 

             
    Audit Committee   Governance and
Nominating Committee
  Compensation Committee
Sharon Hunt   X   X   Chair
Robert A. Jakuszewski   X   Chair   X
Ted R. Munselle   Chair   X   X
Henry A. Butler            

  

Presiding Director

 

In March 2004, the Board created a new position of presiding director, whose primary responsibility is to preside over periodic executive sessions of the Board in which Management directors and other members of Management do not participate. The presiding director also advises the Chairman of the Board and, as appropriate, Committee Chairs with respect to agendas and information needs relating to Board and Committee meetings, provides advice with respect to the selection of Committee Chairs and performs other duties that the Board may from time to time delegate to assist the Board in fulfillment of its responsibilities.

 

Following the annual meeting of stockholders held December 2015 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the full Board met and re-appointed Ted R. Munselle as Presiding Director, to serve in such position until the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders to be held following the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.  

 

Determination of Director’s Independence

 

In February 2004, the Board adopted its Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Guidelines adopted by the Board meet or exceed the new listing standards adopted during that year by the New York Stock Exchange. The full text of the Guidelines can be found on the Company’s Investor Relations website (www.amrealtytrust.com).

 

Pursuant to the Guidelines, the Board undertook its annual review of director independence in February 2015, and during this review, the Board considered transactions and relationships between each director or any member of his or her immediate family and ARL and its subsidiaries and related parties, including those reported under Certain Relationships and Related Transactions below. The Board also examined transactions and relationships between directors or their related parties and members of ARL’s senior management or their related parties. As provided in the Guidelines, the purpose of such review was to determine whether such relationships or transactions were inconsistent with the determination that the director is independent.

 

As a result of this review, the Board affirmatively determined of the then directors, Messrs. Munselle and Jakuszewski and Ms. Hunt are each independent of the Company and its Management under the standards set forth in the Corporate Governance Guidelines.

 

Executive Officers

 

Executive officers of the Company are listed below, all except one of whom are employed by Pillar. Mr. Bertcher is employed by New Concept Energy, Inc (“NCE”). None of the executive officers receive any direct remuneration from the Company nor do any hold any options granted by the Company. Their positions with the Company are not subject to a vote of stockholders. In addition to the following executive officers, the Company has several vice presidents and assistant secretaries who are not listed herein. The ages, terms of service and all positions and offices with the Company, Pillar, other related entities, other principal occupations, business experience and directorships with other publicly held companies during the last five years or more are set forth below. No family relationships exist among any of the executive officers or directors of the Company.

 

DANIEL J. MOOS, 65

 

President (since April 2007) and Chief Executive Officer (since March 2010) of the Company, ARL, IOT, Prime Income Asset Management Inc (March 2007 to April 2011) and Pillar (since April, 2011).

 

GENE S. BERTCHER, 67

 

Executive Vice President (since February 2008), Chief Financial Officer (since October 2009), and Treasurer (since October 2013) of the Company, TCI and IOT. Mr. Bertcher is also Chief Executive Officer (since December 2006), Chief Financial Officer (since November 1989) and a Director (since June 1999) of New Concept Energy, Inc. (“NCE”), a Nevada corporation which has its common stock listed on the American Stock Exchange. Mr. Bertcher has been employed by NCE since November 1989. He is a Certified Public Accountant (since 1973).

 

 74

 

 

LOUIS J. CORNA, 68

 

Executive Vice President—General Counsel/Tax Counsel and Secretary (since February 2004) of the Company, TCI and IOT. Executive Vice President—Tax (since April 2011) of Pillar. Mr. Corna was also a Director and Vice President (June 2004 to December 2010) and Secretary (January 2005 to December 2010) of First Equity Properties, Inc., a Nevada corporation with securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.

 

Code of Ethics

 

ARL has adopted a code of ethics entitled “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” that applies to all directors, officers, and employees (including those of the contractual Advisor to ARL). In addition, ARL has adopted a code of ethics entitled “Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers” that applies to the principal executive officer, president, principal financial officer, chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, and controller. The text of these documents has been posted on ARL’s internet website at http://www.amrealtytrust.com and are available in print to any stockholder who requests them.

 

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Under the securities laws of the United States, ARL’s Directors, executive officers, and any persons holding more than 10% of ARL’s shares of common stock are required to report their ownership and any changes in that ownership to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). Specific due dates for these reports have been established and ARL is required to report any failure to file by these dates. All of these filing requirements were satisfied by ARL’s directors and executive officers and 10% holders during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. In making these statements, ARL has relied on the written representations of its incumbent Directors and executive officers and its 10% holders and copies of the reports that they have filed with the Commission.

 

The Advisor

 

Pillar has been ARL’s Advisor and Cash Manager since April 30, 2011.  Although the Board of Directors is directly responsible for managing the affairs of ARL, and for setting the policies which guide it, the day-to-day operations of ARL are performed by Pillar, as the contractual advisor, under the supervision of the Board.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities and arranging debt and equity financing for the Company with third party lenders and investors.  Additionally, Pillar serves as a consultant to the Board with regard to their decisions in connection with ARL’s business plan and investment policy.  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 and as such, employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Pillar is a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is RAI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is MRHI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust.  

 

The May Trust is a Trust, the beneficiaries of which are the children of Gene E. Phillips. Mr. Phillips is not an officer, manager or Director of Pillar, Realty Advisors, LLC, RAI, MRHI or ARL, nor is he a Trustee of the May Trust.

 

Under the Advisory Agreement, Pillar is required to annually formulate and submit, for Board approval, a budget and business plan containing a twelve-month forecast of operations and cash flow, a general plan for asset sales and purchases, lending, foreclosure and borrowing activity, and other investments. Pillar is required to report quarterly to the Board on ARL’s performance against the business plan. In addition, all transactions require prior Board approval, unless they are explicitly provided for in the approved business plan or are made pursuant to authority expressly delegated to Pillar by the Board.

 

The Advisory Agreement also requires prior Board approval for the retention of all consultants and third party professionals, other than legal counsel. The Advisory Agreement provides that Pillar shall be deemed to be in a fiduciary relationship to the ARL stockholders; contains a broad standard governing Pillar’s liability for losses incurred by ARL; and contains guidelines for Pillar’s allocation of investment opportunities as among itself, ARL and other entities it advises. Pillar is a company of which Messrs. Moos, Bertcher and Corna serve as executive officers.

 

The Advisory Agreement with Pillar provides for Pillar to be responsible for the day-to-day operations of ARL and for Pillar to receive, as compensation for basic management and advisory services, a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value (total assets less allowance for amortization, depreciation or depletion and valuation reserves).

 

 75

 

 

In addition to base compensation, Pillar receives the following forms of additional compensation:

 

(1) an annual net income fee equal to 7.5% of ARL’s net income as an incentive for successful investment and management of the Company’s assets;

 

(2) an annual incentive sales fee to encourage periodic sales of appreciated real property at optimum value equal to 10.0% of the amount, if any, by which the aggregate sales consideration for all real estate sold by ARL during such fiscal year exceeds the sum of:

 

(a) the cost of each such property as originally recorded in ARL’s books for tax purposes (without deduction for depreciation, amortization or reserve for losses);

 

(b) capital improvements made to such assets during the period owned; and

 

(c) all closing costs (including real estate commissions) incurred in the sale of such real estate; provided however, no incentive fee shall be paid unless (a) such real estate sold in such fiscal year, in the aggregate, has produced an 8.0% simple annual return on the net investment including capital improvements, calculated over the holding period before depreciation and inclusive of operating income and sales consideration, and (b) the aggregate net operating income from all real estate owned for each of the prior and current fiscal years shall be at least 5.0% higher in the current fiscal year than in the prior fiscal year;

 

(3) an acquisition commission, from an unaffiliated party of any existing mortgage or loan, for supervising the acquisition, purchase or long-term lease of real estate equal to the lesser of:

 

(a) up to 1.0% of the cost of acquisition, inclusive of commissions, if any, paid to non-affiliated brokers; or

 

(b) the compensation customarily charged in arm’s-length transactions by others rendering similar property acquisition services as an ongoing public activity in the same geographical location and for comparable property, provided that the aggregate purchase price of each property (including acquisition fees and real estate brokerage commissions) may not exceed such property’s appraised value at acquisition;

 

(4) a construction fee equal to 6.0% of the so-called “hard costs” only of any costs of construction on a completed basis, based upon amounts set forth as approved on any architect’s certificate issued in connection with such construction, which fee is payable at such time as the applicable architect certifies other costs for payment to third parties. The phrase “hard costs” means all actual costs of construction paid to contractors, subcontractors and third parties for materials or labor performed as part of the construction but does not include items generally regarded as “soft costs,” which are consulting fees, attorneys’ fees, architectural fees, permit fees and fees of other professionals; and

 

(5) reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by the advisor in the performance of advisory services.

  

The Advisory Agreement also provides that Pillar receive the following forms of compensation: 

 

(1) a mortgage or loan acquisition fee with respect to the acquisition or purchase from an unaffiliated party of any existing mortgage loan by ARL equal to the lesser of:

  

(a) 1.0% of the amount of the mortgage or loan purchased; or

  

(b) a brokerage or commitment fee which is reasonable and fair under the circumstances. Such fee will not be paid in connection with the origination or funding of any mortgage loan by ARL; and

  

(2) a mortgage brokerage and equity refinancing fee for obtaining loans or refinancing on properties equal to the lesser of:

 

(a) 1.0% of the amount of the loan or the amount refinanced; or

 

(b) a brokerage or refinancing fee which is reasonable and fair under the circumstances; provided, however, that no such fee shall be paid on loans from Pillar without the approval of ARL’s Board of Directors. No fee shall be paid on loan extensions.

 

Under the ARL Advisory Agreement, all or a portion of the annual advisory fee must be refunded by the Advisor if the operating expenses of ARL (as defined in the Advisory Agreement) exceed certain limits specified in the Advisory Agreement based on the book value, net asset value, and net income of ARL during the fiscal year.

 

 76

 

 

The ARL Advisory Agreement requires Pillar to pay to ARL one-half of any compensation received from third parties with respect to the origination, placement or brokerage of any loan made by ARL; provided, however, that the compensation retained by Pillar shall not exceed the lesser of (1) 2.0% of the amount of the loan commitment or (2) a loan brokerage and commitment fee which is reasonable and fair under the circumstances.

 

The ARL Advisory Agreement further provides that Pillar shall bear the cost of certain expenses of its employees, excluding fees paid to ARL’s Directors; rent and other office expenses of both Pillar and ARL (unless ARL maintains office space separate from that of Pillar); costs not directly identifiable to ARL’s assets, liabilities, operations, business or financial affairs; and miscellaneous administrative expenses relating to the performance by Pillar of its duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

If and to the extent that ARL shall request Pillar, or any director, officer, partner, or employee of Pillar, to render services for ARL other than those required to be rendered by the Advisory Agreement, Pillar separately would be compensated for such additional services on terms to be agreed upon between such party and ARL from time to time. As discussed below, under “Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage,” 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 properties and provides brokerage services under similar terms as the previous agreements with Triad and Regis Realty I.

 

ARL entered into a Cash Management Agreement with Pillar on April 30, 2011, to further define the administration of the Company’s day-to-day investment operations, relationship contacts, flow of funds and deposit and borrowing of funds. Under the Cash Management Agreement, all funds of the Company are delivered to Pillar which has a deposit liability to the Company and is responsible for payment of all payables and investment of all excess funds which earn interest at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 1.0% per annum, as set quarterly on the first day of each calendar quarter. Borrowings for the benefit of the Company bear the same interest rate. The term of the Cash Management Agreement is coterminous with the Advisory Agreement, and is automatically renewed each year unless terminated with the Advisory Agreement. ARL’s management believes that the terms of the Advisory Agreement are at least as fair as could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

 

Situations may develop in which the interests of ARL are in conflict with those of one or more directors or officers in their individual capacities, or of Pillar, or of their respective related parties. In addition to services performed for ARL, as described above, Pillar actively provides similar services as agent for, and advisor to, other real estate enterprises, including persons and entities involved in real estate development and financing, including TCI and IOT. The Advisory Agreement provides that Pillar may also serve as advisor to other entities.

 

As Advisor, Pillar is a fiduciary of ARL’s public investors. In determining to which entity a particular investment opportunity will be allocated, Pillar will consider the respective investment objectives of each entity and the appropriateness of a particular investment in light of each such entity’s existing mortgage note and real estate portfolios and business plan. To the extent any particular investment opportunity is appropriate to more than one such entity, such investment opportunity will be allocated to the entity that has had funds available for investment for the longest period of time, or, if appropriate, the investment may be shared among various entities. See Part III, Item 13 “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.”

 

The terms of TCI’s Advisory and Cash Management Agreements with Pillar are substantially the same as those of ARL’s Advisory and Cash Management Agreements.

 

Pillar may assign the Advisory Agreement only with the prior consent of ARL.

 

 77

 

 

The principal executive officers and directors of Pillar are set forth below: 

     
Name   Officer(s)
Daniel J. Moos   President, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer
Gene S. Bertcher   Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
Louis J. Corna   Executive Vice President, Secretary, Tax Counsel, General Legal Counsel
Mickey N. Phillips   Director
Ryan T. Phillips   Director

  

Property Management

 

Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial properties for a fee of 3.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the commercial properties it manages, and leasing commissions of 6.0% or less in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement.

 

ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage our apartment properties for a fee of 6.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the residential properties under their management.

 

Real Estate Brokerage

 

Regis provides real estate brokerage services to ARL and receives brokerage commissions of 3% or less of transaction amounts.

 

Regis also provides real estate brokerage services to TCI under terms which differ from ARL. TCI’s brokerage agreement is computed on a sliding scale as listed below:

 

(1) maximum fee of 4.5% on the first $2.0 million of any purchase or sale transaction of which no more than 3.5% is to be paid to Regis;

 

(2) maximum fee of 3.5% on transaction amounts between $2.0 million-$5.0 million of which no more than 3.0% is to be paid to Regis;

 

(3) maximum fee of 2.5% on transaction amounts between $5.0 million-$10.0 million of which no more than 2.0% is to be paid to Regis; and

 

(4) a maximum fee of 2.0% on transaction amounts in excess of $10.0 million of which no more than 1.5% is to be paid to Regis.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

ARL has no employees, payroll, or benefit plans, and pays no compensation to its executive officers. The Directors and executive officers of ARL, who are also officers or employees of Pillar, ARL’s advisor, are compensated by Pillar. Such affiliated Directors and executive officers perform a variety of services for Pillar and the amount of their compensation is determined solely by Pillar. Pillar does not allocate the cash compensation of its officers among the various entities for which it serves as advisor. See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” for a more detailed discussion of compensation payable to Pillar by ARL.

 

The only remuneration paid by ARL is to those directors who are not officers or employees of Pillar or its related companies. The Independent Directors (1) review the business plan of ARL to determine that it is in the best interest of ARL’s stockholders, (2) review the advisory contract, (3) supervise the performance of the advisor and review the reasonableness of the compensation paid to the advisor in terms of the nature and quality of services performed, (4) review the reasonableness of the total fees and expenses of ARL and (5) select, when necessary, a qualified independent real estate appraiser to appraise properties acquired.

 

Effective February 2011 each non-affiliated Director is entitled to receive an annual retainer of $20,000, with the Chairman of the Audit Committee to receive a one-time annual fee of $500. Directors who are also employees of the Company or its advisor receive no additional compensation for service as a Director.

 

During 2015, $60,500 was paid to non-employee Directors in total Directors’ fees. The fees paid to the directors are as follows: Sharon Hunt, $20,000, Robert A. Jakuszewski, $20,000, and Ted R. Munselle, $20,500.

 

 78

 

In January 1999, stockholders approved the Director’s Stock Option Plan (the “Director’s Plan”) which provides for options to purchase up to 40,000 shares of common stock. Options granted pursuant to the Director’s Plan are immediately exercisable and expire on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date on which a Director ceases to be a Director or ten years from the date of grant. On January 1, 2003, 2004, 2005 total options granted were 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000, respectively. In December 2005, the Director’s Plan was terminated. As of December 31, 2014, there were 1,000 shares of stock options outstanding which were exercisable at $9.70 per share. These options expired unexercised January 1, 2015.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2015 regarding compensation plans under which equity securities of ARL are authorized for issuance.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

 

The following table sets forth the ownership of ARL’s common stock both beneficially and of record, both individually and in the aggregate, for those persons or entities known by ARL to be the owner of more than 5.0% of the shares of ARL’s common stock as of the close of business on March 18, 2016.  

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner   Amount and Nature
of Beneficial Ownership*
    Approximate
Percent of
Class **
 
             
Prime Stock Holdings, Inc.     1,459,828 (1)     9.41 %
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800                
Dallas, Texas 75234                
                 
Realty Advisors, Inc.     13,292,037 (1)(2)(3)     85.68 %
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800                
Dallas, Texas 75234                
                 
Realty Advisors LLC     9,303,066 (1)(2)     59.96 %
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800                
Dallas, Texas 75234                
                 
Ryan T. Phillips     13,319,639 (1)(2)(3)     85.85 %
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800                
Dallas, Texas 75234                

 

 

* “Beneficial Ownership” means the sole or shared power to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security or investment power with respect to a security, or any combination thereof.

** Percentages are based upon 15,514,360 shares outstanding as of March 18, 2016.

(1) Includes 1,459,828 shares owned by Prime Stock Holdings, Inc. (PSH), formerly One Realco Stock Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Realty Advisors, LLC(“RALLC”), over which each of the directors of PSH, Mickey Ned Phillips and Ryan T. Phillips, may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as directors of PSH. The directors of PSH disclaim beneficial ownership of such.

(2) Includes 7,843,238 shares owned directly by RALLC (“RALLC”), over which each of the managers, Gene S. Bertcher and Daniel J. Moos, may be deemed to be beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as managers of RALLC. The managers of RALLC disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.

(3) Includes 3,988,971 shares owned directly by Realty Advisors, Inc. (“RAI”) over which each of the directors and officers of RAI may be deemed beneficial owners, all of which disclaim beneficial ownership.

 

 79

 

 

Security Ownership of Management.    The following table sets forth the ownership of shares of ARL’s common stock, both beneficially and of record, both individually in the aggregate, for the Directors and executive officers of ARL, as of the close of business on March 18, 2016.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner   Amount and
Nature
of Beneficial
Ownership*
    Approximate
Percent of
Class **
 
Gene S. Bertcher     13,521,251 (1)(2)(3)(4)     87.15 %
Henry A. Butler     229,214 (3)     1.48 %
Louis J. Corna     13,521,251 (1)(2)(3)(4)     87.15 %
Robert A. Jakuszewski     229,214 (3)     1.48 %
Daniel J. Moos     13,526,251 (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)     87.19 %
Ted R. Munselle     229,214 (3)     1.48 %
Sharon Hunt     229,214 (3)     1.48 %
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (7 persons)     13,526,251 (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)     87.19 %

 

 

* “Beneficial Ownership” means the sole or shared power to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security or investment power with respect to a security, or any combination thereof.

** Percentages are based upon 15,514,360 shares outstanding as of March 18, 2016.

(1) Includes 7,843,238 shares owned direct by RALLC, over which the managers and executive offices of RALLC may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as managers and executive officers of RALLC; the managers and executive officers of RALLC disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares. Also includes 3,988,971 shares owned direct by RAI, over which the executive officers of RAI may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions; the executive officers of RAI disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.

(2) Includes 1,459,828 shares owned by (PSH), over which the executive officers of PSH may be deemed the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as executive officers of PSH; the executive officers of PSH disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.

(3) Includes 229,214 shares owned by Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (“TCI”), over which the directors and executive officers of TCI may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as directors and executive officers of TCI; the directors and executive officers of TCI disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.

(4) Includes 3,988,971 shares owned by RAI, over which the executive officers of RAI may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as executive of RAI; the executive officers of RAI disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.

(5) Daniel J. Moos owns directly 5,000 shares.

  

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

Policies with Respect to Certain Activities

 

Article 11 of ARL’s Articles of Incorporation provides that ARL shall not, directly or indirectly, contract or engage in any transaction with (1) any director, officer or employee of ARL, (2) any director, officer or employee of the advisor, (3) the advisor, or (4) any affiliate or associate (as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of any of the aforementioned persons, unless (a) the material facts as to the relationship among or financial interest of the relevant individuals or persons and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed to or are known by ARL’s Board of Directors or the appropriate committee thereof and (b) ARL’s Board of Directors or committee thereof determines that such contract or transaction is fair to ARL and simultaneously authorizes or ratifies such contract or transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of independent directors of ARL entitled to vote thereon.

 

Article 11 defines an “Independent Director” (for purposes of that Article) as one who is neither an officer or employee of ARL, nor a director, officer or employee of ARL’s advisor. This definition predates ARL’s director independence guidelines adopted in February 2004.

 

ARL’s policy is to have such contracts or transactions approved or ratified by a majority of the disinterested Directors with full knowledge of the character of such transactions, as being fair and reasonable to the stockholders at the time of such approval or ratification under the circumstances then prevailing. Such Directors also consider the fairness of such transactions to ARL. Management believes that, to date, such transactions have represented the best investments available at the time and they were at least as advantageous to ARL as other investments that could have been obtained.

 

80
 

 

ARL may enter into future transactions with entities, the officers, directors, or stockholders of which are also officers, directors, or stockholders of ARL, if such transactions would be beneficial to the operations of ARL and consistent with ARL’s then-current investment objectives and policies, subject to approval by a majority of disinterested Directors as discussed above.

 

ARL does not prohibit its officers, directors, stockholders, or related parties from engaging in business activities of the types conducted by ARL.

 

Certain Business Relationships

 

Pillar has been ARL’s Advisor and Cash Manager since April 30, 2011.  Although the Board of Directors is directly responsible for managing the affairs of ARL, and for setting the policies which guide it, the day-to-day operations of ARL are performed by Pillar, as the contractual advisor, under the supervision of the Board.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities and arranging debt and equity financing for the Company with third party lenders and investors.  Additionally, Pillar serves as a consultant to the Board with regard to their decisions in connection with ARL’s business plan and investment policy.  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 and as such, employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Pillar is a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is RAI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is MRHI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust.  

 

All of ARL’s directors also serve as Directors of TCI and IOT. The executive officers of ARL also serve as executive officers of TCI and IOT. As such, they owe fiduciary duties to that entity as well as to Pillar under applicable law. TCI has the same relationship with Pillar, as does ARL. Mr. Bertcher is an officer, director and employee of NCE and as such also owes fiduciary duties to NCE as well as ARL, TCI and IOT under applicable law.

 

Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial properties for a fee of 3.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the commercial properties it manages, and leasing commissions of 6.0% or less in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement.

 

ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage our apartment properties for a fee of 6.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the residential properties under their management.

 

At December 31, 2015, ARL owned approximately 80.9% of TCI’s outstanding common stock and through its interest in TCI approximately 81.1% of IOT’s outstanding common stock.

 

The Company is part of a tax sharing and compensating agreement with respect to federal income taxes between ARL, TCI and IOT and their subsidiaries. The expense (benefit) in each year was calculated based on the amount of losses absorbed by taxable income multiplied by the maximum statutory tax rate of 35%.

 

The Company’s subsidiary, TCI, has a development agreement with Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (“UHF”) a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future. The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years. Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.

 

TCI is the primary guarantor, on a $60.35 million mezzanine loan between UHF and a lender. In addition, ARL, and an officer of the Company are limited recourse guarantors of the loan. As of December 31, 2015 UHF was in compliance with the covenants to the loan agreement.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

The Company has historically engaged in and may continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisition 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 interest of our company.

 

In 2015, the Company paid advisory fees of $9.8 million, net income fees of $0.5 million, mortgage brokerage and equity refinancing fees of $1.6 million, cost reimbursements of $3.7 million and received interest of $1.2 million from Pillar.

 

81
 

 

The Company paid property management fees, construction management fees and leasing commissions of $0.7 million to Regis in 2015.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had notes and interest receivables, net of allowances, of $102.5 million and $7.9 million, respectively, due from UHF, a related party. See Part 2, Item 8. Note 3. “Notes and Interest Receivable”. During the current period, the Company recognized interest income of $10.9 million, originated $11.6 million, received principal payments of $4.7 million and received interest payments of $11.8 million from these related party notes receivables.

 

Below are transactions that involve a related party:

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company has approximately 91 acres of land, at various locations that were sold to related parties in multiple transactions. These transactions are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Due to the related party nature of the transactions TCI has deferred the recording of the sales in accordance with ASC 360-20.

 

Operating Relationships

 

The Company received rental revenue of $0.7 million in 2015, $0.7 million in 2014, and $0.7 million in 2013 from Pillar and its related parties for properties owned by the Company.

 

Advances and Loans

 

From time to time, ARL and its related parties have made advances to each other, which generally have not had specific repayment terms, did not bear interest, are unsecured, and have been reflected in ARL’s financial statements as other assets or other liabilities. ARL and the advisor charge interest on the outstanding balance of funds advanced to or from ARL. The interest rate, set at the beginning of each quarter, is the prime rate plus 1% on the average daily cash balances advanced. At December 31, 2015, Pillar owes ARL $28.1 million.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees for professional services rendered to ARL for the years 2015 and 2014 by ARL’s principal accounting firms, Farmer, Fuqua and Huff, L.P., BDO Seidman, LLP and Swalm & Associates, PC:

 

    2015     2014  
Type of Fee   Farmer, Fuqua
& Huff
    BDO
Seidman
    Swalm &
Associates
    Farmer, Fuqua
& Huff
    BDO
Seidman
    Swalm &
Associates
 
Audit Fees   $ 821,100 (1)   $     $ 54,263 (3)   $ 801,219 (4)   $     $ 54,356 (6)
Tax Fees     83,708 (2)     8,890             61,075 (5)     10,250        
                                           
Total   $ 904,808     $ 8,890     $ 54,263     $ 862,294     $ 10,250     $ 54,356  

  

 

(1) Includes $552,663 TCI

(2) Includes $50,141 TCI

(3) All IOT

(4) Includes $591,118 TCI

(5) Includes $39,383 TCI

(6) All IOT

  

The audit fees for 2015 and 2014 were for professional services rendered for the audits and reviews of the consolidated financial statements of ARL and its subsidiaries. Tax fees for 2015 and 2014 were for services related to federal and state tax compliance and advice.

  

All services rendered by the principal auditors are permissible under applicable laws and regulations and were pre-approved by either the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee, as required by law. The fees paid to the principal auditors for the services described in the above table fall under the categories listed below:

 

Audit Fees.    These are fees for professional services performed by the principal auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company’s 10-Q filings and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filing or engagements.

 

Audit-Related Fees.    These are fees for assurance and related services performed by the principal auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements. These services include attestations by the principal auditor that are not required by statute or regulation and consulting on financial accounting/reporting standards.

 

82
 

 

Tax Fees.    These are fees for professional services performed by the principal auditor with respect to tax compliance, tax planning, tax consultation, returns preparation, and review of returns. The review of tax returns includes the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

All Other Fees.    These are fees for other permissible work performed by the principal auditor that do not meet the above category descriptions.

 

These services are actively monitored (as to both spending level and work content) by the Audit Committee to maintain the appropriate objectivity and independence in the principal auditor’s core work, which is the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

The Audit Committee has established policies and procedures for the approval and pre-approval of audit services and permitted non-audit services. The Audit Committee has the responsibility to engage and terminate ARL’s independent auditors, to pre-approve their performance of audit services and permitted non-audit services, to approve all audit and non-audit fees, and to set guidelines for permitted non-audit services and fees. All the fees for 2015 and 2014 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee or were within the pre-approved guidelines for permitted non-audit services and fees established by the Audit Committee, and there were no instances of waiver of approved requirements or guidelines during the same periods.

 

83
 

 

Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOX Act”) and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the independent auditor. The purpose of the provisions of the SOX Act and the SEC rules for the Audit Committee role in retaining the independent auditor is two-fold. First, the authority and responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the auditors should be with directors who are independent of management. Second, any non-audit work performed by the auditors should be reviewed and approved by these same independent directors to ensure that any non-audit services performed by the auditor do not impair the independence of the independent auditor. To implement the provisions of the SOX Act, the SEC issued rules specifying the types of services that an independent may not provide to its audit client, and governing the Audit Committee’s administration of the engagement of the independent auditor. As part of this responsibility, the Audit Committee is required to pre-approve the audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor in order to assure that they do not impair the auditor’s independence. Accordingly, the Audit Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy of audit and non-audit services (the “Policy”), which sets forth the procedures and conditions pursuant to which services to be performed by the independent auditor are to be pre-approved. Consistent with the SEC rules establishing two different approaches to pre-approving non-prohibited services, the Policy of the Audit Committee covers pre-approval of audit services, audit-related services, international administration tax services, non-U.S. income tax compliance services, pension and benefit plan consulting and compliance services, and U.S. tax compliance and planning. At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Audit Committee will evaluate other known potential engagements of the independent auditor, including the scope of work proposed to be performed and the proposed fees, and approve or reject each service, taking into account whether services are permissible under applicable law and the possible impact of each non-audit service on the independent auditor’s independence from management. Typically, in addition to the generally pre-approved services, other services would include due diligence for an acquisition that may or may not have been known at the beginning of the year. The Audit Committee has also delegated to any member of the Audit Committee designated by the Board or the financial expert member of the Audit Committee responsibilities to pre-approve services to be performed by the independent auditor not exceeding $25,000 in value or cost per engagement of audit and non-audit services, and such authority may only be exercised when the Audit Committee is not in session.

 

84
 

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

 

1. Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2015 and 2014

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations—Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity—Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

2. Financial Statement Schedules

 

Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

 

Schedule IV—Mortgage Loan Receivables on Real Estate

 

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or because the required information is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

 

3. Incorporated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Financial Statements of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Item 8. of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015).

 

Consolidated Financial Statements of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Item 8. of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015).

  

(b) Exhibits.

  

The following documents are filed as Exhibits to this Report: 

     

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

     
  3.1   Certificate of Restatement of Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 3, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
     
  3.2   Certificate of Correction of Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 29, 2000 (incorporate by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
     
  3.3   Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock dated August 26, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
     
  3.4   Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock dated October 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
     
  3.5   By-laws of American Realty Investors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on December 30, 1999).

 

85
 

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

  4.1   Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Relative Participating or Optional or Other Special Rights, and Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof of Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated June 11, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).
     
  4.2   Certificate of Withdrawal of Preferred Stock, Decreasing the Number of Authorized Shares of and Eliminating Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock, dated June 18, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).
     
  4.3   Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated February 3, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).
     
  4.4   Certificate of Designation for Nevada Profit Corporations designating the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock as filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on March 16, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Registrant current report on Form 8-K for event of March 16, 2006).
     
10.1   Advisory Agreement between American Realty Investors, Inc. and Pillar Income Asset Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 30, 2011).
     
10.2   Second Amendment to Modification of Stipulation of Settlement dated October 17, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated February 24, 2002).
     
14.0   Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.0 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).
     
21.1*   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
     
31.1*   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer.
     
31.2*   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial Officer.
     
32.1*   Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

* Filed herewith.

 

86
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: March 30, 2016 

     
  American Realty Investors, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Gene S. Bertcher
    Executive Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.  

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ Henry A. Butler   Chairman of the Board and Director   March 30, 2016
Henry A. Butler        
         
/s ROBERT A. JAKUSZEWSKI   Director   March 30, 2016
Robert A. Jakuszewski        
         
/s/ SHARON HUNT   Director   March 30, 2016
Sharon Hunt        
         
/s/ Ted R. Munselle   Director   March 30, 2016
Ted R. Munselle        
         
/s/ Daniel J. Moos  

President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

  March 30, 2016
Daniel J. Moos  
         
/s/ Gene S. Bertcher  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  March 30, 2016
Gene S. Bertcher  

 

87
 

 

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

   
  3.1 Certificate of Restatement of Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 3, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
   
  3.2 Certificate of Correction of Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 29, 2000 (incorporate by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
   
  3.3 Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock dated August 26, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
   
  3.4 Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock dated October 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
   
  3.5 By-laws of American Realty Investors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on December 30, 1999).
   
  4.1 Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Relative Participating or Optional or Other Special Rights, and Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof of Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated June 11, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).
   
  4.2 Certificate of Withdrawal of Preferred Stock, Decreasing the Number of Authorized Shares of and Eliminating Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock, dated June 18, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).
   
  4.3 Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated February 3, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).
   
  4.4 Certificate of Designation for Nevada Profit Corporations designating the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock as filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on March 16, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Registrant current report on Form 8-K for event of March 16, 2006).
   
10.1 Advisory Agreement between American Realty Investors, Inc. and Pillar Income Asset Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.0 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 30, 2011).
   
10.2 Second Amendment to Modification of Stipulation of Settlement dated October 17, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated February 24, 2002).
   
14.0 Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.0 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).
   
21.1 * Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
   
31.1 * Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer.
   
31.2 * Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial Officer.
   
32.1 * Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

* Filed herewith.

 

88